Just Breathe... But Indoors Only

 

It's insane that wildfires from Way Up North, Minnesota, can impact us here down in central Wisconsin. But we can see it. And probably worse, we can smell it!

It's just enough haze to think you're about to drive into a thick fog. Crazy. 

But as for Duluth... our neighbor's brother who lives up there took this photo. Crazy. 

Our favorite new Duluth residents, Carter and Mamie, can no longer see the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee" from their apartment. And they can't escape the smoke smell. It's outdoors, indoors, everywhere. I'm just grateful neither one of them has any respiratory issues.

Hubby and I are planning to go up there next weekend. His first time "seeing" Duluth might not be what I built it up to be!

I did manage to get out for a walk at lunch and realized the smoky haze was not blocking our view from everything...

I could still see this wild daisy where I swear the flies were lining up to create a smiley face for me!

And of course, there is always something purple on my route!

Or a more "artistic" purple! 

The only downside for me is that they canceled golf league tonight, citing "outdoor conditions." Probably a combination of the 90-degree heat and the air quality advisories. There's nothing boring about Wisconsin summers!

Be smart and be safe, my friends!

Kickin' It In Gear

I'm sharing a picture from Sweden when we were there during World Cup soccer time. It seems everyone on the planet is super engaged in "futbol" – not to be confused with America's "football."

I've paid some attention to the World Cup this year – as our host country should. But when it came evident that Argentina was going to rock it, I joined the bandwagon.

My nephew David's wife was born in Argentina and their three children are Argentina fans whether they want to be or not. They have the Messi jerseys and I am sure they were tuned in this afternoon when Argentina won to advance to the championship game.

No matter the sport, it feels good to support any hard-working team trying to claim a championship. I mean, unless it's the Packers in our version of FOOTBALL!

Sorry, not sorry.

Take time to enjoy what should be an interesting championship game!

Made For Each Other

Some things just go together. Peas and carrots (thank you, Forrest Gump). Popcorn and butter. Robyn and ice cream. Oh, and chocolate and peanut butter!

I didn't realize there's a "peanut butter and chocolate day" next week when I began planning for my trifle today. But no, I'm not making another one next week! I already felt guilty like I was cheating on my coworkers because this one was not going to the office. 

But it traveled to Rudolph for a night of music and laughing with friends we'll be performing with in the near future. I'll fill you on that later. For now, the recipe I cobbled together this time... 

For the bottom cake layer, I tore apart one container of those "brownie bites" you can buy at most grocery store bakery areas. (I used a second container for the other cake layer later.) Also around the bottom, I cut Reese's Thins in half to border the outside.

Next layer is the pudding layer. I mixed two packages of white chocolate pudding with 4 cups of milk, then added in a heaping tablespoon of PB2 powder (basically powered peanut butter that goes great in smoothies, too). Only use half the pudding to start since you'll have another pudding layer!

Third layer is the crunchy layer. I diced up a package of Little Debbie Nutty Buddy bars. Made the perfect amount for the two crunchy layers. I refrigerate for a few hours so the Nutty Buddies dice up nicely – no mush.

Repeat first 3 layers. The top layer is just Cool Whip and some mini Reese's cups. You can embellish with whatever you want. There are so many peanut butter and chocolate treats out there!

As predicted, it was a hit and I brought home just enough to have trifle for breakfast. Gotta get that protein in first thing, right?

Happy Trifle Tuesday!

Shut Up!

Thanks to AI probably, my favorite "It's so hot it's madness" cartoon is now a bit more 3-D-ish. Still makes me laugh. 

Despite dripping in sweat.

I went outside two times today. Once mid-morning to water my hopelessly fried flower baskets. And then after work to get a few trifle ingredients and supplies for a family reunion. I really thought the chocolate would melt before that 8-minute commute home. 

Oooof. Car just couldn't cool off.

Turns out our 92-degree high in Rapids was 10 degrees "warmer" than average. And you know I love summer. I'm 100% solar powered. But dang, this is gross.

On the flip side, the A/C is so cool in the house I had my little space heater running in my office today. 

Yes, I am officially at the age where my body doesn't know what it needs or what it wants or what to do with it when I got it!

Just breathe, stay hydrated, and be safe my friends. I promise not to whine about the weather tomorrow. (Honest... it's Trifle Tuesday!)

Red, Hot, and Blue

 

America's colors – at least in the Midwest – are red hot this weekend! When we teed off for couples golf league at 5:40 p.m. it was 93 degrees. When we got done after 8 p.m., it was still in the 80s. Crazy. Thankfully there was a bit of a breeze.

I guess I didn't bother checking the forecast. But it was quite warm at 11 a.m. when Mr. Deck Chair and I were enjoying a bowl of lightly salted watermelon! We didn't last long!

The blue part of the forecast was Saturdays activities. We had a "Something Blue Before I Do" bridal shower for one of the sweet girls who grew up calling Jim and I Mr. And Mrs. Awesome.

Ellie requested everyone wear blue to the shower. There are definitely and endless amount of shades of blue! I brought this dress out of retirement. I had to stop wearing it when I realized every wedding, grad party, or celebration I scrapped for two years straight I was wearing this same dress! Now it seems new again.

The other blue yesterday was the waters of Lake Arrowhead where the Shermalot Water Ski Show Team was performing. I can't believe I haven't made it down there before now. And state competition it this week! If you've never seen a ski show, it's worth checking out – just down the road at Red Sands Beach on Lake Wazeecha. Oh and it's FREE! I'll be out of town next weekend but do hope to catch some of the jump competition, etc, they do on Thursday and Friday.

Oh and one funny thing... the show host was wearing this shirt so I immediately had to text it to Carter. He said he's see a few around town. Might have to get one when we go up there in a few weeks. 

Unless it's cool and I need a new "I'm cold" hoodie. Can't have too many of them!

Fried-Day

Do not for a minute think that is me with a great idea for a friend or family self-absorbient object.

I was just trying to tell everyone the joy I had in Taco John's Mexi Rolls – a favorite i've loved since the 1990s. Not kidding.

And sadly, that is the excitement of my day! I had a normal work day with meetings, etc. Nothing earth-shattering. But I was able to sit outside with Mr. Deck Chair a few minutes to soak up some sun!

But later the clouds were super sporadic, which meant nothing consistent with our deck time or my chair time!

Here's to a mostly sunny weekend!

New Thursday Habits

While working from home, I've realized the Downtown Farmers Market on Thursdays can add something to my "happy." Mainly, these gorgeous flower bouquets for a mere $12. I bought a bouquet 2 weeks ago and I bought a new variety today!

And while I should, I don't feel a pressure to keep these flowers alive and flourishing.

I think if I keep cutting once a day and adding fresh water we're good. But that's the extent of my "gardening skills."

Please don't judge me because I can't wait to see what those green bulbs bloom into!