Burgers & Fries

Carter requested Burgers & Fries for his classroom birthday treat again this year. While we (as in me) were making them last evening, we thought we should do some "how to" pics since I often get asked to describe the process. This was also a chance to use the "food" setting on my camera. I'm not kidding! It has everything!

Anyway, this is how you make the Burgers:

Grab two Nilla Wafers for the Bun. Take your Oreo apart so you have one side of the Oreo with the frosting. Put the "extra" Oreo parts in a pile and use for ice cream or some other dessert later. They are not needed for this project. (A note about frosting: If you are lucky enough to get red frosting ones, your Ketchup is automatically there. If you do orange ones around Halloween time, your Cheese is there. If you use white ones, scrape the frosting off and mix and add colored cake frosting -- either red or orange. It really goes quickly if you don't have to color your own frosting!)

Cake frosting (Pillsbury in a tub -- make it easy on yourself) will serve as the "glue" to hold this together. Put a little frosting on bottom of one of the Buns.

Place it onto the frosting side of the Oreo. Press together gently -- Oreos can break easily.

Put a little frosting on the other half of the Bun.

Press together gently. Let sit awhile for the frosting to harden a bit. This doesn't take long -- maybe 5 minutes.

Set your burgers up, Ketchup side up, then pile in a pan (shown in top photo) or display container of your choosing. Add a canister of shoestring potatoes (Potato Stix) to serve as the Fries.

Ta-Da! Lunch is served!

Full Moon

I'm not into that Twilight series, don't believe in vampires or ghosts. But I am starting to think our car is possessed by some evil spirit. And last night's full moon resurrected it...

First let me say I am pretty happy with how my camera handled the moon at 11 p.m. At least that part of the story is nice and pretty.

This morning we got to sleep in a bit since hubby had a dentist appointment. Rather than take separate vehicles to work, the plan was that I would get Carter to the bus stop and Jim would pick me up on the way through to Iola.

I was on the computer and heard him get home a little before 9 a.m. By the time I got out into the garage, he had the car parked in the driveway with the hood up. And it was steaming and making boiling, growling sounds. What the ?

Needless to say we were incredulous. And a bit steamed ourselves. Jim moved it over the gravel part of the driveway and we took the CRV to work. I wisely didn't say a word on the way to work. Nothing I could say would make this situation any better.

When we got home, I did some checking under the hood to see if anything was loose or leaking. I can't tell what is going on but I can see that coolant leaked out. A lot of it. Jim still hasn't looked at it. I think he's still mad at the devil car and is purposely ignoring it. Sort of like a timeout, I guess. (I hope it doesn't retaliate!)

So I don't even know what we're doing next. Do we even trust a mechanic anymore? Is it too late to save it?

We should have a month here for this thing to get running before we have another full moon to contend with. (Right. If only it were that simple!)

Stress Avoidance Tactics

I love when people say I'm organized. I'm always thinking, "Are you kidding me? Every year my New Year's resolution is to get more organized!" (It never happens, by the way.)

I do, however, like to plan ahead. Call it my stress-avoidance tactic. Just ask my hubby, I get quite overwhelmed when I suddenly have to accomplish a huge task with seemingly no time to get it done. I hate that feeling!

So tonight when we picked Carter up at the sitter's, I asked him what he wanted me to make for his birthday treat for his classroom. It's Wednesday already so I'll have to make it tomorrow night so he can bring it to school Friday.

He gave it some thought and decided on the "Burgers & Fries" I made last year. "Are you sure you don't want something different?" I asked. He assured me that there were enough different kids in his classroom this year (there are 3 6th-grade classes at Grant), so they'd be surprised. Plus, he emphasized, everyone thought they were cool.

Alrighty then. While we're at it, what do you want for your cake on Saturday? (We're having a small family party for his birthday.) At first he said, "Surprise me." But then he narrowed it down to a Dirt Cake or a Wacky Cake (chocolate family recipe). He did have the courtesy to ask, "Well which one's more work for you?" I pretty much decided they're a wash. One requires more layers and rolling pin action and the other requires oven baking time. I didn't care. So we're going with a Dirt Cake.

I had to get some groceries tonight anyway so this wasn't going to be a big deal. However, while I hate to say anything negative about my home away from home, my quest for the Fries (shoestring potatoes) was unsuccessful at Wal-Mart. So I drove up to Walgreens. Nothing there either. My next stop was Copps and they had 2 canisters there! I bought them both, thank you very much. And only put on an extra 5 miles for this one ingredient. The things we do because we love our kids!

Of course, I missed baseball practice completely, but at least I have everything set for making treats tomorrow night.

Hubby also did some planning ahead today. He knew he had lots of meetings that would eat up his day, so I hit the snooze at 4:20 a.m. and we got out the door shortly after 5 a.m. for work today. I had no guilt about taking a 2-hour lunch break with my "hair artist." But boy am I getting tired now. I think I'll plan to get to bed early tonight so I can avoid the crankies tomorrow!

That's good planning.

Music to our Ears

This evening we enjoyed the spring Fine Arts Night at Grant Elementary School. It featured a band and orchestra program, followed by general music programs presented by each grade.

It was nice to hear Carter as part of a group -- and practice some more with my camera. I was much more satisfied with the results than the last time I tried to take program pictures inside a school gym! Here is the program at a glance:

Carter blows the trumpet while the 6th-grade band performed 3 songs.

Carter and Jacob find something funny.

Our trumpeters: Carter, Jacob and Mason.

A view of some of the band visible from our seat anyway.

During the general music part, the 6th-graders played Ode to Joy on recorders. It sounded nice.

They also did a number that combined singing and some other instruments. Couldn't get a decent view here!

They wrapped up the program with some song I was convinced I'd never get out of my head... But now I forgot it. It was a fun one, though, that the kids seemed to enjoy -- as much as 6th-graders will admit anyway!

(Psst... There may or may not be a redhead 2 people to Carter's left. Just saying.)

A Word about CARs

Did you ever notice that CAR is the root of some nasty words? InCARceration? CARcinogen? CARpal Tunnel? CARbs? It's no wonder it can be an evil part of our lives!

Well, we got the beast back today. I guess I should speak more kindly about it so our nurturing will lead to a longer life and all...

Turns out it was the alternator, which was, indeed, about the only thing not replaced last week. That mechanic said he tested it and it was fine. So who knows? It's fixed now and between that and the towing bill, I am also thankful for credit CARds! Yikes.

We really didn't have a choice since we started this major repair last week. We sort of had to finish it off. Now that we have put 6 car payments' worth of upgrades on it, we are crossing our fingers that this piece of... loveliness... will make a nice return on our investment. At least 6-12 months. That would be nice!

As a backup plan, I started practicing some alternate modes of transportation tonight. I walked over to Carter's baseball practice. That's a nice 2 1/2-mile jaunt from home. Do-able in just over a half hour. I saved gas (not really, since Coach Austin drove the equipment over there) and got steps. And almost had to walk home (I thought I lost our keys) but Coach took pity on me. Plus he knew I had important things to do -- like blog and think of bad CARma words (I know. It's not spelled that way.)

I also know that CAR can be part of some wonderful words, too. CARtoon. CARamel. CARnival. CARpe Diem!

And the best one of all... CARter :)

Royal Event

Today was the Assumption Royal Event -- their annual carnival, auction, food festival, beer tent, craft sale, you name it Event. Part of it also is a 5-mile fun run or walk.

This year we signed all 3 of us to do the walk (since it's an untimed event I figure why kill myself running it!?). The neat thing about the walk is that we can earmark our donation to a non-profit organization. If that group gets the most participants, they can earn extra money from the school, too. So it's for a good cause all around. We helped a friend's scholarship fund and they had great support -- enough to "win" the extra funds. Awesome!

When we woke up and it was pouring rain and 40-some degrees, we were not too enthused about it. Carter also had some stomach issues (starting at 5 a.m.) so he got the "get out of rainy walk free" card. As it turned out, the rain stopped for us anyway. It was a little cool and windy but not bad at all.

Afterwards, we got some good food and tried to find ways to spend money. Ha. I did get some cotton candy for Carter. He can eat that in a day or two when his stomach is all better.

I was so tired when we got home -- probably a combination of not enough sleep and a lot of fresh air -- so I relaxed with Carter awhile and we watched the Iron Man movie. We needed to refresh our memories since Iron Man 2 comes out next week. Can't wait!

After that, I ran into town to get a few things for lunches this week. While I was there, I picked up a Wii. Oh what the heck. No use fretting all week about what we're going to get him, right? Shhhh. Keep it a secret, though! And if anyone is looking for a gift idea, cash or Wal-Mart gift cards are fine. He's going to have to spring for a second controller. (Isn't that crazy they only include one? Oh well, I knew that going into this.)

I better sign off. He keeps finding reasons to come into the computer room and I don't want him seeing my blog. I've got 6 days to keep my mouth shut! Now that's a Royal Event!

Party Time

There were times today I thought the only party I'd get to was a pity party. I'm so glad things always have a way of working out.... to some extent.

We hit the road shortly after 7 a.m. so we could get Carter to that competition in Fond du Lac (about a 2-hour drive from Rapids). There were more than 120 kids in this thing -- but that covered different age groups and separate categories for boys and girls. Carter's division had 15 or so boys.

The competition went as well as we expected but not as well as Carter hoped. Without practice, a person just couldn't hop out of bed and expect to take home a trophy. Carter did OK, but not great. Not good enough to finish in the top 3 and take home a trophy. He finished sort of in the middle and was bummed and pouty -- and we couldn't cheer him up.

Stopped at Friar Tuck's to eat lunch afterwards and then popped in at the Oshkosh Outlet Mall. The "boys" were not thrilled with Bath & Body Works or Rue 21 but somehow Carter talked Daddy into buying him a football at the Nike outlet store. That might have to be Carter's birthday present....

When we got on the highway, the battery light came on. If you feel like this is deja vu all over again, it sort of is. Only worse.

It didn't stay on. And really, we weren't that concerned because the battery is brand-spankin' new. Right? But then it came back on and stayed on. We were 45 minutes into the trip home when the radio quit working. Miraculously, when Jim shut the headlights off, the radio came back on. The signs were not looking good. When I had Jim test the wipers (it was a constant drizzle today), they went very slowly. Before we knew it, various "warning lights" were coming on, then we lost all power.

We knew we were getting close to Waupaca and just hoped we could coast far enough to turn off the busy 4-lane Highway 10 and onto a side road. We did. Long story short, we got ahold of Jim's aunt and uncle (who live in Waupaca). They picked us up. We camped at their house a bit while arranging a tow to a garage and then had Jim's sister Sherry drive all the way from Rapids (45-50 minutes away) to come get us.

We got home around 5 and hope we get our car home with what we suspect will be a new alternator (the only part NOT replaced this week) on Monday.

I was totally in the cranky depths of despair, but am feeling much better now that my life is back in perspective...

We had a surprise party for a friend of ours (newspaper guy we worked with) who had a heart transplant a year ago. Yes, he's a young friend (my age) and yes, by the grace of God, this was a successful operation.

It was also great to see some other friends we'd worked with over the years we both were at the paper. We snuck across the street to see friends at another party, too. (I guess it was a party day.) After hanging out with them awhile, we decided to stop back at the heart party to say goodbye on our way home. Of course, we ran into more people and visited more. (And I survived -- even though it was past my bedtime.)

It was a good day after all. Just seeing our friend healthy made me realize how blessed he is -- and how blessed we are. Who cares about that stupid car? We're healthy and we're happy... even without any trophys.

Time to Relax: Ready, Go!

This is one of those weekends that we are fitting in many (maybe too many) things on our "free time" schedule. I feel like I have a 2-hour window now and that'll be it until Sunday afternoon sometime.

Maybe our Friday at work -- and its slow computers and "reply all" email circus -- will be the relaxing part of it all! Hope not.

After we picked up Carter at the sitter's (where he learned to drive a small tractor today since he just can't stop driving!), we had a quick bite to eat and went to soccer practice. I dropped Carter off and went to pick up a few groceries at Wal-Mart.

Found myself browsing for a birthday present. This is exactly what I do not do at Christmas. I make a list and go get what I gotta get. I cannot walk around a SuperCenter and expect the perfect gift for a 12-year-old will suddenly make itself known. (I just keep going back to the Wii cupboard and figure that's where I eventually will end up anyway. Unless I have an awakening or vision of some sort!)

When we got home, we had company -- a friend and her nephew, who is a cute little first-grader (or is it kindergarten?) who happens to worship Carter. So that was very cool that we got home in time for them to play together. I told Carter he was the same way at that age with the neighbor boy who would babysit once in awhile. A little hero worship is good for the soul (as long as they stick to looking up to good kids and not Tiger Woods).

The rest of our evening is unplanned. We have to get up early to road trip to Fond du Lac. That weekend back in February that I was gone to scrap camp, Carter participated and won a basketball competition with shooting, dribbling and passing components. The event tomorrow is the next level, regionals I think. So we'll see what happens. We aren't expecting anything great since Carter thinks he's too good to practice. But it will give me an opportunity to test out my camera!

When we get back into town, we've got something else, too, but that's a surprise for someone so I'll write about that later. I think I hear the hot tub calling me anyway...

In Focus

It took the whole ride to and from work, but I did get through the operator's manual for my new camera. Now I can zoom in on Sylvester's pretty face and take pictures! Yay!

The rest of my thoughts, though, are clearly out of focus...

Earth Day: Today is Earth day. It should be a good reminder to consider the resources we are preserving and those we are wasting. I personally find it hard to remember a time before recycling! It's second nature now so I feel guilty when I am somewhere and it is not available. Really? I can just throw my aluminum can in your garbage? That feels weird.

Tornado Awareness: I accidentally participated in a tornado drill at the high school in Iola today. The fitness center is part of the school building so we share locker room facilities. I had just finished working out and was going to the hit the showers when the alarm when off. We "grown-ups" had been warned about it and told we didn't have to participate. Well it's kind of hard not to participate when the "shelter area" is the girls locker room! As a crowd started to gather, I just clutched my towel and was glad the tornado didn't blow it away! (Also glad it was just a shelter for girls!)

Who Dat?: It is also the NFL draft day. Weird. It's usually on the weekend and hubby gets together with friends and it becomes a true "event." That's hard to do on a "school night." I have no expectations for the Vikings and their picks (and I'm not staying up late for all the action either). I already know it's going to be a circus the next few months anyway until the Wrangler-wearing grandpa makes up his mind. (By the way, Carter said the other day that if Favre does come back, they should call it the GFL instead of the NFL -- for Grandpa Football League. And I don't think that was meant as a compliment.)

Birthday Blessings: Well, we didn't win the mega Powerball last night so we both had to go to work today. After the conversation I had with the soon-to-be 12-year-old last night, I didn't think we would. We're just over a week away from his birthday so I was fishing for ideas. I told him he probably wasn't going to get a Wii because that's a pretty big gift. So what else does he want or need? Honestly, he couldn't think of anything. His bike is fine, he has a new scooter, he doesn't need clothes, he's got 2 gaming systems, he just got new cleats, he couldn't think of any movies either. "I guess I have everything." I guess you do! (But we'll still come up with something!)

Test Drive

We picked up our "restored" Honda today. It's just like having a new car! No seriously, there are so many new parts, it does seem like one... and better run like one... because it certainly cost like one (well at least several payments anyway).

So it's good to have it back so hubby and I can go our separate ways when we need to.

Tonight he went into town to help set up some stuff at the ballfield. Carter stayed home to study (which he says after he see 3 girls from his class walking in our neighborhood). I met a friend and we went to Best Buy to get a new digital camera (for me, not her).

I've had my point-and-shoot digital for 6 years now and digital cameras have come soooo far since then. So I wanted to pick up something a little more advanced with more megapixels and a better zoom. I researched and decided on a Nikon Coolpix L110. I got lucky and it was on sale even!

So now I am going to test drive it -- taking pictures in every possible scenario to be sure I'm pleased with it and want to keep it. Of course I started doing that the minute I got home and got the batteries and memory card in. Yes, I realize I should read the operator's manual first, but I don't wanna! I'll get to it.

One feature I like it the Sports setting where I can take like 15 pictures in 3 seconds or something crazy like that so I don't miss the action. Here are 2 shots from that.

Actually, the left picture was taken 2nd but I put it first so you could see how it looks when he was shooting from left to right. I realize he's not in focus the greatest either, but that's what I gotta figure out how to do. I'll get reading eventually (but it's just not as fun), then I can really test drive it... just like our "new" car.

What a great day!

What Boys Think

No offense to men and boys, but it seems to me there are a lot more women/girls who really get into reading. Who would list it as a hobby or favorite pastime. Who would say: "Reading relaxes me."

Carter was one of those boys who only read when he had to for school. But then a few years ago, he had to read books beyond school books for an Accelerated Reader program. This opened his eyes to the world of books. Sort of.

What he learned is what all of us readers have learned. Not every book tells a good story. Some are poorly written and others just don't hold subject matter of interest (to that particular reader).

It has been fun to see him connect with certain authors. And I'm serious about that. If likes a book by one, then the next 3 AR books he reads are by the same author. (I guess I do that, too, to some extent!) I give much credit to the children's authors who find a way to really connect to the mind of a pre-teen boy. Enough to know what boys think. Enough that boys are interested, entertained and known to say, "This book is the best ever! You have to read it, Mom!"

This school year has been quite the turn-around that way. Now my kid is recommending books to me! I skipped over the Diary of a Wimpy Kid selection. Entertaining, I'm sure, but not much meat. Over Spring Break, I read one called Zach's Lie, which was a story of a boy and his family in the witness protection program. Pretty interesting even for an adult to read.

Now I am reading Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Carter was first turned onto this when his class took a field trip and saw the movie version this spring. Then he read the book over Spring Break and we ordered the whole series. I am not into mythical gods and monsters, but I'm a team player so I will read it through. I can see why he likes it. The main character is a 12-year-old boy, after all. He insists that even if he doesn't get them all read by the end of the school year, he'll keep reading them this summer. I believe that. I just think it's interesting how his storyline "interests" are all over the board. That's good. He won't get bored.

Now, just to show you how those lucky authors can connect to an almost 12-year-old boy but parents can't...

Carter needs to find a news story that illustrates cause and effect and resolution. I said the volcano in Iceland is a perfect example. It caused air traffic hangups and they are using warships and other methods of transportation to resolve it. Sounds like a perfect example doesn't it?

Nope. Not as good as the Celtics' Kevin Garnett getting in a fight the other night which caused his suspension from tonight's NBA playoff game!

Duh, Mom. Of course that's what boys think about!

Swinging into Spring

You know Spring is here and the end of school is near when it's Portfolio Night. In the old days, back when we were kids, they were just called Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. Now they jazz it up with a new name so parents can't wait to go!

It actually is pretty nice. Each student basically gives their parents a tour of their "portfolio" -- samples of their school work to date. We also saw his recent science project and participated in some brain-buster activities. You know those "obvious" puzzles that are only obvious once you hear the answer. Parents were allowed to help their children but even I was stumped on one of them. (Trust me, I will lose sleep on that one but I am determined to figure it out myself!)

On a side note, this is our last grade-school teacher conference. I just can't believe it. The end is near...

After the Portfolio Extravaganza (now that sounds even more exciting yet!), we stopped home for a quick bite to eat and some homework, then headed to the first baseball practice of the year.

There is no way we are going to call this team the Bad News Bears. Remember how every year they are aligned with some MLB team? Carter's been the Tigers twice and I think the Phillies. This year, though, Coach Buttermaker, er Austin, a lifelong Cincy fan, gets his dream team. He's got the Reds! That's a sure sign this is going to be a great year, right? I hope so.

He will be aided by his trusty assistant Coach Buttermaker II, aka Mike, and lovely wife Christine (the other half of the esteemed Coaches' Wives Club). Carter now has moved up to the next age bracket. I recognized a few of the kids on the team.

In all fairness, it is unfair to judge the potential of a team by the first practice. If they are like Carter, they haven't swung a bat since last summer or played much catch. He was definitely rusty. Even Coach had to work out some rust, throwing pitches. I think both of them will be feeling it a bit tomorrow.

Eventually, we'll get into the swing of our spring schedule, too!

Chillin' with Friends

The risk of setting a tee time several days in advance is that you are somewhat bound by it -- even if you wake up to 30 degrees and frost-covered grass...

We were excited to go golfing over by Green Bay with our friends Scott and Sandy. However, when I saw the weather forecast last night and knew it would be quite chilly today, I lost a little of that enthusiasm. I wasn't going to be the one to call this off, though, so I manned up and didn't say a word.

It was pretty nippy this morning when we left the house at 8 or so. I had on a few layers, pants and a light jacket while hubby toughed it out in shorts. Whatever.

I realized, though, that my golf shoes were still in the trunk of the car, which was locked up inside the shop this weekend. So I had 3 choices -- wear my golf sandals and get cold, purple toes; or wear socks with my golf sandals and look like a dork; or just wear tennis shoes. As it turned out, I had a fourth option. Sandy's feet are the same size as mine so I borrowed a pair of her golf shoes. Yes, she has multiple pairs so no, I'm not the only one spoiled around here!

The weather did prove to be quite cool and breezy but at least it was sunny. My golf game left much to be desired, too, but hey, it was a great time. We always have fun with them and we knew if we didn't get this first outing under our belts, we'd be trying to coordinate our summer schedules forever. So it was really nice to do.

We left Carter at home alone. He had hours of reading to do anyway to finish a book by tomorrow. So that worked out, too. Got home in time to get him some supper and hear him practice trumpet. He finally got the long-awaited sheet music to Eye of the Tiger. He loves that song (even if it is from the '80s) and learned it in record time. Sometimes, that kids amazes me!

It's nice to chill out with friends but sometimes it's good to be back home, too.

Simply Saturday

Our busy Saturday Season kicked off today with the first soccer game. Now that Carter is getting older, there seems to be fewer kids/teams in his age bracket. They either outgrow soccer or move onto some other sport (or the couch).

Since Carter's thumb is still on the mend but this close to being 100%, he couldn't play goalie today. He was bummed about that but that kept him moving in all the other positions.

Here Carter races for the ball. These kids got pretty tired out. One, because it was the first game of the season and two, because his team has no extra players. So that means no subs, no breaks.

They still started off with a 2-zip lead. But the second half, the other team took advantage of the very, very, very strong winds at their backs and scored 3 unanswered goals. So the Rapids Sweepers lost 3-2.

This was coed soccer and by the end of the game, Carter was fighting back with this girl. This time he got the ball from her...

This time, though, she shoved him out of the way...

The last time he says, "This one's mine!"

Despite the loss, it was fun to watch. The skill level is better so it's a good, close game. Plus we get to know some of the kids over the years. Today, Carter's friend Nate (who he'll be playing baseball with) was on the opposing team. So at least one kid is happy!

Carter did suggest he'd feel better with a stop at DQ on the way home. How could we say no?

Plus, I was in a good and generous mood. I scored a bag full of books cheap at a garage sale this morning (that season's in full swing, too) and I finally got the CRV headlight all fixed! What a full day.

Actually, what a typical Saturday. Looks like we've got plenty more of these in store. There is an opening on June 26 (unless we do something we do something for my birthday), but then not until July 17. Good thing Sundays are a day of rest, eh?

Oh, Man!

Although we are still one year and two weeks away from official teenage years for Carter, apparently the transition to teen-hood and manhood starts early. Really early.

This has been an interesting week for Carter. Of course, I am the mother and was not witness to any of this. I was the second to last to know. You, dear reader, are the last.

Signs that manhood (as we know it) is on the horizon:

The other night while hubby was cleaning the toilet (wait, that's not the way to start talking about manhood, but I seriously love that he is man enough to do that for me, er us). Anyway, the other night, he was cleaning it and the brush broke and got stuck. He actually reached in the water to grab it, but couldn't reach it it up that hole on the bottom. (I bet there's a technical plumbing name for that but it escapes me.) So he needed someone with smaller hands to get it. (Thank god he is leaving my small hands for headlights.) He asked Carter to do it. And he did it!

For a dollar!

So being at one with the toilet is some male rite of passage, I guess. But he continued this bonding...

The next night he actually took his social studies book in the bathroom when he knew he'd "be in there awhile." When he was done, he was very proud of his multi-tasking accomplishment. "I almost got the whole chapter read!"

Yay.

Tonight, though I should be grateful this has nothing to do with toilets, was a real big deal. I was told after the fact of course that Carter drove the CRV from our next-door neighbor's and parked it in our driveway. Good lord! We're down to one vehicle and we're putting it in the hands of an 11-year-old? I guess only moms think there is a problem with this scenario because all the neighborhood dads thought it was pretty cool.

So did Carter, who by the way, isn't old enough to legally sit in the front seat to begin with. He's got 2 weeks before he can ride shotgun...

and hold my purse. Yeah, how's that for manhood?

Tax Day

The April 15th tax deadline doesn't mean much to us since we filed our taxes months ago. Until today, we hadn't spent our refund yet. But that's about to change.

We finally got the final word on the Civic. Looks like we're going to pull the trigger, get her fixed and cross our fingers for a long and healthy year, car-wise. Yes, it will take something equivalent to our generous refund to cover it, but it's still cheaper than a "new" used car. At this time, anyway.

So we will have a single vehicle to "share" until next Tuesday or Wednesday. Should be interesting. Not that we both are using both vehicles all the time, but there's just something about having that freedom to do so if we wish!

Enough about the bad stuff.

The good stuff is that my sister Romey and husband Rick are visiting us from way Up North and staying at the Austin Bed & Breakfast tonight. They arrived at the same time we got home from work. Romey has a state town clerks/treasurer meeting tomorrow just south of Rapids so this worked out nicely.

We went out to eat at Ponderosa Pines and now the guys are hanging out on the back deck with their beverages and the rest of us are inside. Romey checked out my scrapbook and now Carter is showing her pictures from his spring break. The Schwan's man just stopped by, too, so you know this day is going to end on a great note.

Nothing taxing about it!

Slump Day

Boy, it sure would be nice to win the Powerball tonight. No offense, King Cone, but there are some things even you can't fix.

I was having an obliviously happy hump day today. The sun was shining. We were breaking a heat record (well, all it took was mid-70s) so I got a nice 3-mile walk in over lunch. Things were looking bright.

Then we heard from the mechanic.

Things don't look good for the old Honda. The list of "things to do" (or fix) is getting lengthy and expensive. Some of it could be what caused the recent radiator/thermostat problem -- or could be a result of it. Either way, there are a few other things under the hood that are a mess.

We may have to decide tomorrow if we say, "Thanks for 203,000 miles of fun" and find something else (ugh) or "Fix it up and let's see how far she goes." It will depend on two things: If it crosses a certain dollar threshold or if we win the Powerball.

If we win the Powerball, I bet we can find a good used Civic somewhere with only 100,000 miles on it! Keep your fingers crossed.

Hail to the King!

The Minnesota Twins have a much deserved day off today so I was thinking of taking one from blogging, too. But somehow this has become a part of my nightly routine, much like brushing my teeth, washing my face and turning my blanket on.

I would rather not talk, er write, about work. I hate walking out of the office on a stressful note. It makes for a lovely ride home for hubby, I'm sure, and sometimes extends into the evening. Tonight, though, someone saved me from the depths of despair. His friends call him the King, but his real name is King Cone.

Yup, my favorite ice cream shop is open for the season!

The little village of Amherst falls 15 minutes into our drive home so it's a perfect place for a quick stop .... when one desperately needs something cool to help cope with stress.

I was pleasantly surprised today to see they remodeled over the winter and now have an extended selection of Cedar Crest hard ice cream -- which is the best! All my favorite choices were there -- Mint Chip, Caramel Collision, Coconut Joy... but I had to go with Blueberry Waffle Cone. That is to die for. I even convinced hubby to try it and he gave it a thumbs up, too!

So I felt much better after that. Until I started the car to run into town and the battery light came on. And stayed on. So after surviving the radiator debacle, it looks like it's time for some new juice. We'll see. When Jim started driving it to the garage, the light went off. But I suspect a car with 203,000 miles on it could use a new battery. I'm just saying.

So we'll see how expensive this week gets and see if we can keep the stress to a minimum.

Of course, the King is always there for me.

Positive Results

When I heard on the radio this morning that today is National Licorice Day, I knew it was going to be a good day. Just thinking of my Twizzlers makes me smile -- and I even enjoyed some left over from my Easter trek Up North! (Apparently I was too stressed to eat on that drive!)

The work day was normal but my afternoon and evening have been pretty nice.

Hubby had a baseball meeting so we had an early exit from work. That worked out awesome for me. Today was the Twins' home opener in their new field and it was an afternoon game. Since it was a big deal, ESPN was airing the game so I actually got to see 6 innings of it! And they won! Whoo-hoo! (By the way, Target Field looks pretty cool. I'm gonna have to get there this summer!)

When I picked up Carter at the sitters' I also picked up my garage sale profits. I don't have a ton of things on the sale, but it's nice to make a little money. Carter was quite insistent that I had agreed to that 15% figure. Heck no. So I said, "Let's just put it all in the Florida Fund." That's our little cup of "extra" money we're setting aside (when we think of it) for our summer vacation. Carter reluctantly agreed.

He then showed me his third-quarter report card -- 5 A's and a B+. "Are you sure you won't change your mind about that money?" This kid is relentless! (No on the money, but yes, we're very proud of you, Carter!)

Tonight our nephew Colin stopped over and we finished putting together a Fan Page on Facebook so we can build up a following this summer when he moves up to Super Late Models (those are the fast ones!). I had created the page and posted photos and he will provide insight for me throughout the season so we can keep his fans apprised of his activities. I am going to have a good time with this! (If you are on Facebook, just look up Colin Reffner Racing and join the fun!)

One other positive is that I found another container of Peppermint Stick ice cream in the freezer! I know. What did I do to deserve this day?! I don't know, but I'll keep doing it :)

A Master-Phil Performance

I'm not sure how it happened. I enjoy watching The Masters. I had money riding on it for my "fantasy team." And I was very curious how Tiger's return would play out. Still, I somehow missed the first 3 rounds.

It took a concerted effort, but I managed to convince my butt to sit in the couch and enjoy the final round today.

Actually, it wasn't that difficult to do. I awoke with a sore throat and a feeling of detachment -- you know, like your head is not attached to your body! This has been going on for at least a week but I have been very good about not calling attention to it or whining about it. It feels like one of those sneaky viruses that come on slowly than pop into the full-blown flu in no time. I suspect, though, it's probably just Spring allergies, which millions of people suffer through every year.

I am fortunate, it doesn't hit that often. When it does, I have sympathy for those of you who always have them year after year after year. It sucks! I hate having no energy or motivation. I would like to feel that my head is on my shoulders, not floating above me. I would like to be in a good mood for a change, too.

G-r-r.

So yes, sitting on the couch watching golf was fine by me. Since it was so gorgeous out, I did take a few 15-minute breaks to sit on the front deck. I was hoping the sun would bake out the blues. It sort of did!

And some good golf helped, too. I am always a fan of Phil Mickelson so I was happy he didn't choke and he actually pulled off the win. He's had a tough year. I am glad he has something positive happening. As always, Tiger kept it interesting. I did not want him to win, just occasionally make his usual amazing shots he pulls out of his bag of tricks. It's just fun to watch.

I did not win that fantasy challenge either. I held the lead for the first 3 rounds then changed my lineup last night. Note to self: Never mess with a good thing. My players tanked it today. And I don't care. Honest. I just want to take some drugs and introduce my head to my body ... then the pillow. Let's get it together!

'Tis the Season

Besides the Egg (Treat) Hunt, one of the activities that was a part of our Easter celebration last Saturday was an "unscramble the word" puzzle created by my mother.

She had 25 words (or 2-word phrases) associated with either Easter or Spring. I had to laugh when one of the answers was Rummage Sales. But I found out today people definitely have "spring fever" for their sales.

Carter's babysitter has multiple families contribute goods to her annual sale, always held in early April. Sometimes there's snow. Sometimes it's freezing. Sometimes it's raining. Sometimes it's even sunny. Always there are customers. Lots of them.

It was very encouraging that on the second day of the sale we saw about as much traffic and transactions as yesterday. I'm sure the nice weather both days really helped! I was just glad to see a lot of big items I brought get sold, plus most of Carter's toys I hauled over. It will be very nice to fit all my "returns" into one carload.

Of course, when I got home this afternoon and I told Carter what sold, he says, "I still get 15%, right?"

Oh, he's a sly one, isn't he? (By the way, the answer to that was, "No, not 15%.")

The rest of the day was somewhat uneventful. Went to a benefit for the family of one of Carter's classmates whose dad died of cancer last month. Very hard to look at photos of a family with a boy the same age as ours who suddenly doesn't have a father any more. We are so very blessed!

Tonight I took a run and for the first time in 100 days of having to wear my pedometer, I forgot it! So there goes 6,000 steps from that 3-mile stint that won't be registered. Oh poop. As hubby reminded me, though, as long as I know what I did, that's all that matters. True. The health program at work hasn't kicked me out yet!

Later, feeling good about not having some big items like the pool and foos tables taking up space in the basement, I rearranged the game room a bit and threw (actually discarded, yes) a few more items away. Tomorrow when I get to my Saturday chores on Sunday, it'll be all set for me to vacuum, too.

I feel like I accomplished something today! No wonder another Spring word on my mom's list was "housecleaning."

'Tis the season!

Well-Adjusted

When I rolled out of bed after a troublesome night's sleep (or lack of sleep), I was convinced I'd developed an ulcer overnight. Just a lot of little stressful things on my mind. Of course, the good news, was that the day could only go up from there....

Had my third chiropractor appointment in a week this morning. I was apparently letting the stress (or out-of-shapeness) get to me everywhere. Now I feel well-adjusted and don't have to see Mr. Back Cracker for a month. I was hoping my mind would follow suit in the well-adjusted area. And eventually, it sort of did.

It was an interesting day at work. Had to say goodbye to a long-time friend who has crossed career paths with me -- working at the same place -- 3 times in the last 20 years. Now he's moving onto the education field and I find it unlikely we'll be working "together" again. But one never knows...

I had a long day, though. But it was productive and that felt good. See, I knew it would get better! But wait, there's more...

Our NCAA pool coordinator, back from a wicked sick leave, finally tabulated our bracket results today. As expected, the Austins found their way to the basement of the main pool. But the second-chance Losers' Bracket brought money to the hands of one Mr. Carter Austin. I've never seen anyone so excited to get $11.35! He was just giddy.

Of course, this comes hours after he was trying to negotiate with me over garage sales profits. Last night he asked me if he could have 7-10% of our sales. What? He said he wants to save up for something big, but he's not sure what. He assured me this has nothing to do with a cell phone. I told him he might as well give me a hint since his birthday is coming up in 3 weeks. (And trust me, we need an idea!) Anyway, I pooh-poohed the idea of a profit share for now. We'll see how it goes. We had decent, non-snowy weather for the first day. And tomorrow morning I will help work it -- in the pleasant sunshine.

Carter wasn't the only one who got a "windfall" today. His pictures of vacation arrived in the mail -- so we're all excited about that -- plus my free Twins blanket arrived. I got it for signing up for some mailing. Hubby says sarcastically, "You can never have too many blankets. Just like you can never have enough jackets." Yes, there are too many of both in our house. But hey, who's always cold? I need them!

It was mild enough tonight that Carter could enjoy his first soccer practice of the spring season. While they were gone, I enjoyed a little run. That helped relieve any last strains of stress. Now I seriously could hit the hay. Between lack of sleep last night and fresh air tonight, I am relaxed. Perhaps even well-adjusted...

Perhaps.

Surprise! (Not Really)

I don't know why I even registered surprise this morning when hubby said it was snowing. It is early April, after all. And we're still in Wisconsin.

We actually didn't get much in the Rapids area at all -- just enough to stick to the grass. On the way to work, though, heading east, we noticed the accumulation grow -- with grass, trees, fields and fences all covered. It was actually kind of pretty. (I can say that since the roads were clear and we had no worries.)

And, that, dear friends, was the excitement for the day.

I'm serious. Pretty close. Had super busy day at work. Picked up Carter. Jim went to baseball tryouts (and still isn't home). Carter and I finally got to watch Hoosiers. (Which he enjoyed!) Then I did some more work and would really like to go to bed but I have to check my fantasy golf lineup.

Yeah, I knew that'd get your attention. I am in the ESPN Masters Challenge with Jim and another couple. So far, with my foursome garnering a -14 today, I am in the lead. But it's a very slim one so now I gotta go do some quick homework and switch things up for tomorrow. Or, maybe decide "why mess with a good thing?" and just go to bed.

I'm liking the sound of that, but there's money on the line... Ah, the things we do when there's snow on the ground and we can't golf for real! Happy Spring!

Dim and Dimmer

I am this close to turning in my Gearhead membership card. It may even be stripped away.

For the first time, after successfully changing countless headlights on our vehicles over the years and, most recently, reaching the "radiator hose connection" level, I have failed. Or at least it appears that way.

The low beams went out on the driver's side of our CRV. This was a week ago but I finally got around to buying a lovely $20 replacement bulb tonight. So I change the bulb very carefully since it's halogen, then test it. Nothing on the low beams. The high beam works, though, as before. So I decide to take it out and start from the beginning.

Now if you've changed headlight bulbs before, you know the challenges. The reason I do it (and not hubby) is because I've got the small hands to reach under some metal bar and squeeze past the battery, scraping off just a top layer of skin as I do so to get to the backside of the light. This is why I did not want to have to do it twice. And then, after doing it twice, it still did not work! Grrrrrr.

So I gave myself a timeout and then went with the next logical source of the problem. The fuse box. I now know the layout of our fuse box quite well and can use the handy dandy tool for pulling fuses out and checking them. None of the ones associated with the headlights were broken.

At this point I'm stumped. I feel kind of geeked that I worked my way around a fuse box. That's a new one for me. But I feel embarrassed that I can't figure this one out. I even went off to Google land to find a solution. It seems the only other thing could be wiring. And honey, I am not touching that!

If I have to cease being a card-carrying member of the Gearhead Club, then so be it. Wires scare me. Either someone else will have to take it from here or I'll have to get used to other drivers flipping me off for not dimming my lights!

April Showers

When you see the entire state radar covered in "green," you know there's no way we'll avoid rain. And that's OK. It's not like the grass doesn't need it. And I certainly don't have any tee times in the near future. So bring it on.

We had a thunderstorm in Iola this afternoon but it did not knock out electricity. So we had to keep on working. Dang. (Apparently there were outages overnight in that area, but we escaped that in Rapids.)

I hope the weather didn't prevent anyone from voting today. I know my sister, who is a town clerk Up North, was expecting a very busy day. We had a big race in our township, too, so we swung over there after work.

Jim spent his evening helping out with baseball tryouts for the 9- and 10-year-olds. Luckily it's indoors! The tryouts for the 11- and 12-year-olds (Carter's age group) will be Thursday. I heard Carter tell the neighbor that he is "so good" he doesn't have to try out. In reality, the coaches' kids don't need to try out -- they are making a team (if their dad is nice). Jim will still have to "work" that one Thursday and then draft his team.

I spent too much of my evening on a simple task. Carter will love me for sharing this. His left thumb is still so swollen/painful that he can't snap or button his pants. So for the last 2 days he has worn the same pair of sweatpants. Now that it's in the high 40s/low 50s, it's too chilly for shorts (in Mom's opinion). So I had just one mission: Go buy a pair or two of boys' sweatpants.

I struck out at ShopKo, where they one pair of boys' XLs on the clearance rack. As a clearance rack junkie, I know this is where they put the "end of season" items. So even though it's 49 degrees and rainy in Wisconsin (where it's never really warm consistently until June), pants are out of season. (On a side note, I did get lucky and find the Hoosiers movie, which Carter and I have been looking for for a month.)

So onto Wal-Mart... which hasn't ever let me down (yet).

Same situation there: Jeans (and other button pants), shorts and swim trunks were in abundance. This time, though, they had one pair of athletic/wind pants on the clearance rack that were Carter's size. Wasn't sure if he'd be into the light blue color but they were only 3 bucks. If he didn't like them, I'd just put them on the garage sale this weekend. I decided to look in the men's department in case they had any XS sweats. No luck. I did buy a pair of Small grey ones. If they are too big for Carter, then I'll just wear them (and burn the hole-y pair I wear 5 days a week).

So I did have some success but can't believe that the person in charge of store inventory doesn't give sweatpants a little more time on the shelf in chilly Wisconsin. Yikes.

Well, the good news is Carter liked the light blue pants so at least he can wear something clean tomorrow. Now I just have to convince him that he doesn't have to wear that Washington, D.C., hoodie every stinkin' day :)

Spring Break Scrapbook

A few words and photos from Carter on

"How I spent my Spring Break"...

My friend Harry and I played catch with the football with the U.S. Capitol building in the background.

As we were walking down the street, we happened to pass by the FBI building in D.C. We didn't see any agents going in and out of it, though.

The Visitors' Center connected to the Capitol was still worth seeing, along with the built-in museum.

We toured the Museum of U.S. History and in there we went into the musical instruments exhibit. The size of the violin in the middle is seen here compared to a hand.

The Air and Space Museum was filled with interesting and quite humorous planes.

Gift Shop Report! Harry and I goofed around with Civil War hats -- but we honestly got along fine during the trip!
We walked past the White House, which was a very worthwhile stop. No, I did not see the president, but it was cool to see the actual White House!
It was a gorgeous sight to see the cherry blossoms (which brought in an extra 3,500 visitors to the D.C. area).
The Arlington National Cemetery would not usually be called enjoyable, but it was a very worthwhile trip.

At the Arlington Cemetery, we made a walk up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and we planned to get there when they were changing the guards. (We were lucky!)

The Jamestown Glass House (not the 1600s one, but the present-day one) was cool to see how they blew air into the hot "goop," then the goop was stuck in water to cool off, then added stamps/design as shown at bottom of glass.

You better be an American!!

Next to the Jamestown Glass House some "knucklehead" grew bamboo years ago, which produces quite quickly. We broke off some bamboo to keep, but it was hard to do because it is a very strong material.

Waiting in line for the ferry that took us to our campground in Virginia, we not only went to see a pretty campsite, we saw a pretty sunset.

We toured the Naval Base in Norfolk (displayed anchors on side of visitors' building).

The largest ship in the world is shown here. The fuel lasts, on average, 25 years. And it takes 3-4 years to refuel!!! Up close, it was quite large.

On our way home, we took a lunch break and took some beautiful pictures of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

Thank you, fans of my mom's blog or me as a "visitor's blog" for taking the time to read about my trip. And I also hope all of you had a wonderful Easter. Maybe next time I'll take you with!

Thankyouverymuch!

Carter

Easter Joy

It's like nothing ever changed. Carter was the first one up and playing video games before Daddy or Mommy rolled out of bed.

I suppose we should treasure days like this. In another year he'll be a teenager and we'll have to drag him out of bed! Sadly, I can tell he is into that pre-teen mode already. There was no fanfare today about finding his Easter basket. I didn't even know he was hunting for it. I saw it on the coffee table and figured, "Oh, I guess he found it." (I am not ready to outgrow this yet!)

Didn't have much on the agenda today. Church, then lunch at home and then dinner later at the in-laws in town.

Since it was a surprisingly glorious day -- warm, sunny (but breezy) -- I decided I should probably get a walk/run in ... especially after sitting most of yesterday and eating peanut butter eggs for breakfast today (What? they're eggs, aren't they?). I did 5.25-mile loop and capitalized on the sunshine as much as possible. I call this my light interval fun -- I'd walk for a song (on my mp3 player) then run for 2, then walk 1, run 2, etc. That way, I still get plenty of running in but I don't get tired. Doesn't that sound fun?

I confess I had more fun when I got home and sat on the front deck awhile, drinking my water and hoping for tan lines!

Went over to Jim's parents at 3:30. It was a small group since Sherry was without hubby and son for the day and then only Casey joined us. We all fit around the "big table". Weird. Of course, we all ate too much. My mother-in-law makes the best dressing in the world. I am still full!

We got home early enough so I could get some more garage sale stuff together. Our sitter's sale is Friday and Saturday. I've got the CRV loaded up and really am not too motivated to be looking for more stuff tomorrow night. But I have a few things in mind. Then I'll call it quits.

Carter is excited about getting back to school tomorrow. We did not get his pictures back yet but he'll draw enough attention to himself anyway with his thumb splint thingy. Oh, I didn't mention that he survived his whole trip injury-free, then last night while waiting for Dad to pick him up, he and his friend were playing catch with the football and it jammed his thumb. So he's got a nice, fat, slightly bruised left thumb. I think Jim and the neighbors have a bet on how long they figure he'll milk this for attention.

I sometimes wonder if the reason we missed Carter was because we had no one to pick on. Maybe... but I still better go tuck in the poor boy. (While I still can!)

Hope you and yours had a blessed Easter!

MPH (Miles Per Headache)

Ironic that Carter can travel 2,540 miles in one week without any problems and I can't even make it Up North without a major headache.

I was thinking in the early part of my drive this morning that I probably hadn't made the 200-mile trek to Luck by myself for a whole lotta years. Usually Carter or Jim are with me. The advantages to going by myself, I quickly surmised, are that I can listen to whatever music I want, I can stop for as many potty breaks as my micro-bladder demands and, most importantly, I don't have the share my traditional Twizzlers with anyone!

The disadvantages, however, are that you are on your own if you have car trouble. And if that happens north of Highway 8, good luck getting a cell phone signal...

To make a long story short, the car overheated. The temperature gauge went through the roof, the car steamed or smoked and I pulled it onto the shoulder on the east side of Luck, about 190 miles into the trip!

Now if this were a movie or book, I'd make it interesting and say the car just happened to die right in front of the house where my best friend from high school grew up... Actually, that did happen. Crazy coincidence, I know. And her parents were home! We had a nice visit while I waited for the car to cool down enough to check the radiator.

I went back out and tried to add water and discovered a hose for the radiator had come off. Wasn't broken or lost, just not attached. So I reattached the radiator hose (just to keep my Gearhead Degree current) and drove into their driveway. Julie's dad then added some coolant and we let the car run a bit to be sure we were OK. Julie's mom sent me on my way with a hug and jug of water.

After the hour delay, I still made it to my parents' before half my family. That's how we roll.

Had a nice sunny day for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Since Carter had our digital camera, I brought my old-school manual one that I hope worked. We'll see when I get the pictures developed (assuming somebody still does that). Had a nice but too-short visit with the family and then hit the road shortly after 5.

I was really nervous about that drive home. I kept eyeing the temperature gauge like every 5 seconds. In the meantime, Jim knew nothing about my adventure. For the record, I had to get all the way to the south side of Rice Lake (an hour-plus from my parents') before I got a darn cell phone signal! When I talked to him, he said he'd be picking up Carter around 7:15 so they would beat me home.

I only made one stop -- to empty bladder and check the radiator hose -- so I made good time. It was so nice to be hugging my baby again! He has so much to tell us and we haven't even gotten to the pictures yet! Since the Easter bunny brought him all new bedding, he is showering right now so he'll wash that "road dust" off before getting into the new bed.

Despite the long travel day for both of us, I think it's going to be awhile before any of us claims to be tired! At least my headache's gone :)

Belated April Fools

I should know better than to speak too soon about good fortune. I had to brag yesterday about the wonderful weather and how nice a day it was for April. Then when I least expected it, Mother Nature played her joke today!

Knowing we were in for another warm day, our plans were simple. Work until noon. Go to church. Come home and change. Then go golf. We had a tee time for 3:30 at The Ridges. It was a nice plan.

Well we got out of work on time and got to church on time. Coming out of church I noticed the wind was getting wicked. But the temps were at least 70 so it didn't feel nasty out, just a bit breezy for a golf day. There was no way, though, I was going to not go!

We did notice on the radar before we left the house that rain definitely was headed our way and possibly storms. Hubby said, "We'll be lucky to get 9 in." He proved to be right (and need to point those occasions out).

Golf itself was as expected for the first time out after nearly 5 months. (I hate winter.) I had some big numbers and my putter saw a lot of extra action today. About the 4th hole, I started to get the swing of things. By the 5th hole, it was sprinkling and by the 6th, it was a steady light, light rain. By now I'm thinking two things: "Nice April Fools' joke, Mother Nature" and "I wonder if my boss with still make me take this miserable afternoon as vacation time!"

Then it stopped so I had a decent 7th and 8th holes -- not as decent as hubby, who had a few birdies on his card today! The 9th hole was looking good. I out-drove hubby by a mile and had an awesome second shot. The 3rd was a bit off-kilter but the 4th had me at the edge of the green. By the time we got up to it, the rain was in full force again and the wind was whipping it like a monsoon. I was trying to putt and the wind whipped my jacket so I couldn't see the ball, missed it, hit the green first, then the ball, and had a horrible putt!

We managed to wrap up and get inside the clubhouse in record time. By the time we were done with our dinner there, I'd dried off a bit and my toes were no longer purple. So by then I thinking I wouldn't have changed a thing ... other than a few 3-putts.

Got home tonight and made some treats to take Up North tomorrow for my family's annual Easter Egg Hunt. Looks like I'll be flying solo. Hubby has to work and Carter won't get home until late Saturday evening. Not that we're counting down or anything...

I Love the 80s

We figured it would be a pretty quiet April Fools' Day without our little prankster underfoot. But there was much loud rejoicing today, thanks to Mother Nature.

I was among the noisemakers.

Nothing says "Welcome to Spring" like watching the thermometer go up and up and just sneak past the 80-degree mark. (I love the 80s!) I have a hunch there were records set all over the state. I was reminded of my visits to Texas in the spring... A nice warm wind so you don't feel overwhelmed by the heat.

Hopefully, you were able to enjoy it -- even just a piece of it.

For my part, I took a walk/run at lunch. I jogged when I wasn't facing the sun, then walked -- slowly -- with my smile held up when I was facing the sun. Gotta soak up every bit of it. Later in the afternoon, I sat out on the back steps at work and proofed some pages. Just can't get enough of that sunshine -- especially when we know it's all gonna change in 36 hours.

For his part, hubby got out of work a little early this afternoon and went golfing with a friend. I'm not even jealous. We both took tomorrow afternoon off so we can go to 1 o'clock church, then hit the links... and pray God watches over us for both events.

No word from Camp Carter yet but I know it was supposed to be about 70 out in Virginia with our 80-degree weather headed out there tomorrow, just in time for his car ride home. We likely won't see him until Saturday night. I do have a few surprises for him (naturally!), but I won't have anything ready if I don't get off the computer! Plus, I gotta go find my clubs!

Ahhh, I love Spring when it pretends its Summer!