March Sadness... or March Blues Today

In one poignant photo I can sum up how the Royals' bid for state went today. But it does not tell the whole story. 

For today's sectional final, we as the 4-seed played the 3-seed Southwestern High School – coincidentally Carter's girlfriend's alma mater in Hazel Green. The game was at the halfway meeting point in Westby (some 2 hours away) and my friend Lisa and I got a ride with our friends Craig and Sara so I didn't have to drive by myself.

It was a Royal Blue versus Wildcat Blue battle. The whole gym was fans of the same color. Not the first time this has happened.

We started off the first half pretty hot and had a lead at halftime of 26-13. Probably giving us fans too much optimism. But after the halftime break, the Wildcats came back a different team. Not missing their 3's and stealing the ball from us with pumped up defense. But we still held a lead.

This was the point the game got close and our lead (as home team) was in jeopardy.

Less than a minute to go and we still had a nerve-wracking lead by one. But then they had 2 free throws at the 34 second mark and made them both. Down by 1 and we could not get that lead back. Sadly we lost 44-43.

This was the group of boys (seniors especially) I've watched and photographed since their middle school years. So much talent I knew they'd do well. And frankly, they took us further than any of Royals boys' teams has taken us since 2009.

I know in the moment of a tough loss it is hard to remember that. But I hope they do. What an amazing ride this has been.

#RoyalPride4ever

Windy Day in the One Acre Wood

I know Winnie the Pooh and Piglet made a pile of money of their portrayal of a windy and blustery day in the hundred acre wood. Today we had the same thing on our one acre wood, er yard.

I guess my pompass grass is my compass. When I was at the end of the driveway before running errands at lunch I figured the wind was blowing strong toward the west.

And then, 5 seconds later, it completely changed directions. Quite the rude awakening to our disappointing delivery of spring so far. But the winds and chill today are not the worst of it in central Wisconsin. We've seen what is coming for "spring colors" and it isn't pretty.

Gross, right? What I do know and appreciate is they are holding those sectional playoff games at 1 p.m. rather than 7 p.m. tomorrow to "beat the weather." I just wish that means we could avoid it altogether. Dang.

Be careful and be safe out there this weekend. And buy some popcorn ahead of time so you can watch movies (or NCAA hoops) while we're shut in!

Another Round of March Gladness

Driving all the way to Black River Falls for boys hoops was worth every mile.

For the first time in at least 8 years, our Royals were in the sectional semi-finals. Up against the higher seeded Cochran Fountain City. They played in BRF because it was a neutral site and much larger gymnasium.

And both sides were packed.

And both teams were playing their hearts out and driven to win. So close and so tense!

In the end, we had our happy ending! Just one more win and we're statebound! Sectional final will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Westby – scheduling it earlier in the day beat the blizzard or whatever.

Speaking of non-spring... Took forever to get home because there was a whole line of Royals fan vehicles heading back to Rapids in wet and snowy conditions – driving slowly and cautiously. 

So it's past bedtime and I have to set an alarm because it's not Friday night after all. So picture editing will have to wait.

Congrats, Royals!

Spring Chickens and Other Random Commute Photos

 If you ever saw the Disney movie Up, you know that dogs can have a single train of thought until "Squirrel!" That is me. Of course, I've said previously that my "spirit animal" is an eagle or a fox. But now I'm thinking... squirrel. I offer my commute photos from the first part of this week as evidence...

Coming home from Stevens Point on Monday, I saw a plume of smoke and drove 10 miles out of my way to follow it. The old newspaper reporter in me never dies. Took this from the Prairie Chicken Viewing/Counting Area on County Trunk F (if you know, you know). But does anyone know what was going on south of there Monday? Gas prices are rising so I didn't go any further.

And here is what I am calling a spring chicken in the neighbor's yard. Mainly, since this was taken on that fake spring day Monday, I was attempting to coax it to make spring a little more permanent. Let the record reflect that that effort failed.

I was, however, successfully treated to a glorious sunrise. I will always tap the brakes for these!

PHOTO CREDIT: JIMMY AUSTIN

My photographic failure is that hubby captured a photo of this pale guy in our front yard and I've had my camera – with mega zoom lens – on the kitchen table all week to get a nice, crisp photo of him. And he (ooops, maybe SHE) hasn't reappeared since I've been at the ready. Multiple neighbors keep on seeing IT so hopefully IT will come back.

Also I assured Jim he'd get a photo credit.

So, yeah, there's a peak inside my hamster cage (or squirrel cage) of a brain! Enjoy your perfectly NORMAL selves for the second half of the week!

OOOH, My Aching Back!

 

I'm not sure why when we get to a certain age that we can "throw our back out" with the slightest movement.

Today it was just reaching for the soap dispenser in the women's bathroom a work. So home I go to ice my back and work remotely for a few hours. Grrr.

I am grateful that at a moment's notice – or old lady's notice – that I have the option for working from home. And after alternating icing and heating, I think I'll be good to return tomorrow.

The sad news is that our fake spring really only lasted a day. Today our pathetic high degree was only in the 40s. If any of you are in charge of this, please rectify the situation!

That's it. This old lady is over and out!

So Springy!

Oh gosh. Today was a legit false spring. So close to 70 degrees and definitely snow-melting weather!

I hate that we're predicted to get a ton of snow this weekend because this bare and brown grass suits us just fine. Not pretty, but definitely pretty enough.

I was just glad that after traveling to Stevens Point for a video shoot that I got home in time to take advantage of another "fake spring" day!

Keep them coming, I say!

Bring on March Gladness

Don't forget that March Madness actually begins at the high school level with the regionals and sectionals leading up to state hoops. And when we're lucky, it turns into March Gladness.

The crazy and amazing thing Friday night was that our boys won their Regional round 2 game versus a higher seed, Blair-Taylor (which is my college territory around La Crosse).

I had a few things to do and did not travel 80-plus minutes to shoot pictures last night in Elroy when they faced the No. 1 seed. But I quickly heard through the grapevine that our boys claimed the Regional Championship!

That is so exciting. Now onto sectionals for the first time in at least 8 years.

The other part of March MADness or GLADness is always weather dependent, of course!

Today after we both sang in our respective churches, we went to a retirement party for our friend Christine. Alwasys great to see old / long time friends. When we got home, the temps were in the mid-50s so I went for a walk.

Got to chat with my friend and neighbor Cindy and my favorite four-legged creature Buddy. Then ran into golf partner and neighbor Marigene.

We literally went the extra mile, so to speak. I forget how long winters somehow stop us from seeing people! No one likes to hang out on the swing in front of the house when it's 22 degrees! You know?

When Carter called this afternoon he, of course, was having slightly warmer weather "down south" in Iowa. But we both hoped this wasn't a fake spring again. And we know, naturally, that it probably is because this is, well, the Midwest and the calendar won't acknowledge spring yet for 2 weeks.

I heard a rumor, though, that tomorrow's high temp could bring Mr. Deck Chair out of winter hibernation. Just saying.

Hope you find your March GLADness this week!