A Challenging Moment in Time

When one of my nephews turned 40 earlier this month I realized, holy crap, high school was quite some time ago!

A clear memory for me – besides his birth on Elvis' birthday – was the space shuttle Challenger tragedy. 40 years ago today.

It was mostly a big deal to watch in school because there was a nontypical-astronaut teacher on board – Christa McAuliffe. I mean she was from New Hampshire, I believe, so no ties with Luck, Wisconsin. Yet there were some TV's on at school in the library and few other places.

I happened to be in typing class (yes, it was a thing) when the launch was happening. Then suddenly another teacher came in and told our instructor Mr. Lake something. Since we were approaching the end of class, he let us know. In a choked up voice because, well, it was a fellow teacher that gave her life.

I remember I had study hall the next hour and was grateful so I could watch the repetitive footage in the library. It still didn't seem real because it looked like one part of the shuttle was separating from the shuttle like it was supposed to.

I think it really did take the eyewitnesses a few minutes to realize what they'd just seen as well.

Up to that point, I sort of remembered to TV footage of John Hinkley Jr.'s assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan. But even then, after knowing my mom's account of JFK's assassination, it failed in comparison in terms of hype and memorability.

But 40 years later, I'd like to think positive moments in history were part of vivid memories, but instead we have weird things like 9/11, Covid, January 6th, and now... ICE in Minnesota. No political commentary here. Just praying for many nieces and nephews and family in the Metro.

It is, indeed, another Challenge-ing moment in time.

Our Own Happy

Saw this today and I liked it. Because today was my first happy-ish day of 2026. After being sick and then having no energy for a few weeks, I'm finally feeling good.

And that makes me happy. Unfortunately, the other half is battling something, but I hope I don't catch. I'll just pray he recovers and it disappears from our household germs file.

I was also feeling good today because I got a much-overdue deep tissue massage at the end of the day. My neck and upper back were screaming for it. I will have to try to get into my regular guy soon. He knows how tough I am. LOL.

Tonight I had to get a few groceries and gas on my way home. Still so cold in single digits and the wind took my breath away.

So I only went to a little bit of basketball tonight. Took pictures of the boys JV second half (they beat Stratford) and first half of the varsity game. We had a slight lead at halftime but ended up losing by 2 stinkin' points. That's a heartbreaker. 

I'll mess with my pictures tomorrow. My feet and fingers are still cold. But my bed is warming up and I'm HAPPY about that, too!

Choose your happy this week!

Finally Something Positive

After starting the day at -14 degrees, we reached the level playing field of ZERO degrees at noon, and have inched our way into the positives.

Isn't that great to have something positive? And on a Monday, no less?

I did get out a bit after work and I'll tell you right now, it doesn't feel very positive out there. But the weather app doesn't lie. So I'll take its word for it.

I did get to see some friends I hadn't seen in awhile. So in the end, that was where the positives were.

That's what warmed my heart! 

Hope you find something / someone to warm you this week!

Flew the Warm Nest

15 degrees below zero with a "feels like" temp of 25 below was not enough to cancel church this morning. So I bundled up and headed out. The only reason I flew the coop, er warm nest, was so I could sing with the rest of the choir and what I expected to be a handful of brave souls in attendance.

Turns out, we had a big crowd. I know part of that was because we had our Annual Meeting immediately following the service – and we needed a quorum. We had it! Nothing controversial this year. And more importantly, I didn't get talked into serving on a committee or something in the last minute. It's hard to say no in front of a crowd, you know.

Did a little grocery shopping on my way home (as long as I was out). Then we pretty much lazed about watching the NFL Championship games.

I am not a Patriot fan but I am glad they beat the Broncos. We Viking fans have no love or respect for their coach Sean Payton after "BountyGate" years ago! Grrr.

Now it's halftime of the Rams-Seahawks game. Jim and I can't decide if we should be rooting for or against Darnold – or former quarterback. He had the talent with us. But now I'm thinking I should pin some blame on our offensive line for not giving him time to make throws like he is with the Seahawks. 

Not going to overthink it. Just hope for a close, interesting game.

 

Heat Misers

At one time during our childhoods, I think each of the kids in my family perfected the art of hogging all the heat!

It was a simple task really. A large furnace grate was on the floor between the dining room and living room. Just hunker yourself down on that when the heat was blowing and it felt gloriously warm. Though the rest of the house wasn't feeling it. 

I can't even count how many times I was yelled at to "Get off the furnace!"

But dang, the house was big and that was the heat source. Looking back, I suppose I could've warn long underwear and an extra sweatshirt in the house during those winter days that felt much like our current Deep Freeze.

But then I wouldn't have had to fight for the seat on the furnace register! Where's the fun in that?

I hope you all stayed warm today. We didn't have anywhere to go, thankfully, so I finished my girl baby blanket and started on my boy one. All while listening to an audio. So I was technically multi-tasking AND productive.

It's still going to be below zero when I wake up for church choir in the morning. I don't recall us ever canceling church because of the cold. So I better set an alarm and plan on it.

Stay warm and safe and be careful out there!

Well Something's Freezing Over

Laughed at this a few days ago as we knew "it" was coming. The Deep Freeze. The Polar Vortex. Whatever you want to call it.

And this is what wake-up temps looked like here. 22 Below with "feels like" of 45 degrees below stinkin' zero. Wow. 

Thank you, God, for a roof over my head and heat. And a job that has me working from home on Fridays! It all worked in my favor today, that's for sure. We did not venture out at all. Well, hubby went to the mailbox but that was a quick trip!

Tonight I made some comfort-ish food.

My first attempt making homemade Chicken Pot Pie. I should've taken the picture before I broke off some of the crust accidentally!

Anyway, it wasn't so bad for my first attempt. Only a few things I'd tweak for the next time, if Jim ever wants it again. And we do have some leftovers so we'll see how it holds up on Day 2. Otherwise, I'm not feeling like venturing out tomorrow either. Might have to get inventive!

Full disclosure: I can do that with trifles. But nothing to do with cooking, that's for darn sure.

Hope you stayed warm today. This isn't over. Bundle up and keep thinking safety first!

Love is Baby Soft

Us "girls" of a certain age remember begging for Love's Baby Soft perfumefor our birthdays and Christmas. Did I ever get it? No. Because the ads talked about how innocence is sexy. Not Mother Hedberg approved, that's for sure.

But apparently it is back on the shelves if you or your BFF want some now! 

Why was this on my mind this week? You're probably scared to find out. Don't blame you!

So I started crocheting this baby blanket the other day. Was halfway done and was not satisfied that the yarn – even though called Blanket Yarn – was soft enough for a baby. It just seemed too stiff.

So off to Herrschners I went at lunchtime on Tuesday. Love that the store is a few minutes from work. Found just the soft "Baby Blanket Frosting" yarn I needed in my life!

Now I'm cruising along with the Lilac Lounge color scheme and it IS baby soft! Sometimes it pays to make that special trip. This crocheter will be happier.

And so, I'm sure, will the baby! Cannot wait!

By the way, the perfume is allegedly available at Wal-Mart and Amazon if you're interested!