Raise the Rafters

It was our family preventative-health day. Carter and I had our 6-month dental cleanings and hubby had one of those fun screenings that occur once you turn 50. The good news is that we're all perfectly normal.

And you know I am the last one to judge "normal."

To celebrate, we went to the ballpark. (You thought I was going to say something about ice cream, didn't you?)

Our next-door neighbors won free tickets to a Wisconsin Rapids Rafters game and invited us along. After the rain clouds blew through, it was a nice night for baseball. The Rafters are our professional baseball team -- if you call talented college-age kids from all over the U.S. playing on one team in their own stadium "professional." I'm pretty sure it's a few levels down from a "farm team," but I don't know all that lingo.

I just know they do a good job of entertaining the crowds and, in this case, getting a sound win, 14-2, over the Alexandria Blue Anchors -- a team that any other night a lighthouse freak like me would probably cheer for!

It was a fun evening. Saw a few people we knew and Carter managed to find some people to hang around with so he wasn't forced to spend unnecessarily time with the parents. Except when he needed money.

Oh it feels so good to be needed!

Thrifty Tuesday

There's an old (as in many months) rap song about "poppin' tags" at a Thrift Shop. The singer has 20 dollars in his pocket. He doesn't care if he is dressed in pink and gator shoes or in a velour jumpsuit and house slippers. "I wear your granddad's clothes, I look incredible..."

Plus, it was only 99 cents!

I don't necessarily shop at Goodwill that often but I typically consider the option when looking for something "unique" for a costume or prop -- usually for our sister weekend Opening Act. 

 

Today, though, after Carter and I had a less-than-stellar supper at Hong Kong Buffet (he picked the place), we were on a mission to pop some tags on a Hawaiian shirt! He's invited to a luau next weekend. Yes, we can have those in Wisconsin -- even in 70-degree weather.

So he started in the Men's section looking for that and I had my own items to look for. I needed a t-shirt to closely match the color of the ones my teammates are wearing in our upcoming Dirty Girl run. It's going to be cool. I will wait until we take photos that day to show what we're doing. Hate to spoil all the surprises -- because I am sure you care.

I also was looking for and found the perfect items for this year's Opening Act. It goes without saying that that information will be secured under lock and key indefinitely.

Carter did find a Hawaiian shirt... plus some funky neck ties... plus some suspenders Grandpa Hedberg would have been jealous of! We also found this...

It was tempting to buy but I don't even want to spend money on anti-Packer stuff. It's still spending money on the Pack somehow. Not gonna do it.

Plus, I DID only have $20 in my pocket and I was not going to waste it on that. Not that neon pink suspenders are a great investment. But at least they aren't green and gold.

Depart-Mint of Corrections

I ran 3 miles today.

Not bragging. Just wanted to point that out before I confess my departure from the diet.

I mean really? Did they need to invent one more treat with Thin Mints? Like Thin Mints themselves and Thin Mint ice cream aren't enough? Wow.

My willpower failed me tonight. Actually, it didn't even show up to play. I saw this new candy bar at the store, grabbed it and put it on the checkout counter. In 1.4 seconds. No thinking allowed.

Mint Gods: 1, Diet Gods: 0.

Good thing tomorrow starts a new game! And good thing this new treat was not so irresistible I can't live without it. Not that I would turn it down if, say, it was a gift or something. I mean that would be just plain rude.

But I'll get back on track tomorrow. That's the yo-yo of living with fluff. But I have learned this and live by this: Don't beat yourself up over a treat. It is there for your enjoy-mint! Tomorrow, correct yourself. Just pay closer attention to portions -- and ignore the Girl Scouts.

I have done pretty well with this the last several months. It may sound like I have ice cream every day, but I don't. I let it be a treat instead of a staple in my diet. And I am trying to exercise in some form or fashion most days. Sometimes a run is good. Other times a walk around the neighborhood is fine. And still other times, I find lifting a spoon to my mouth works out the biceps and triceps pretty well.

It must be working somehow. I've shed a few pounds and am hoping to lose a few more. Just need that sense of commit-mint.

Er, commitment!

Uff da. I've got a ways to go.

Oom-Pa-Pa

Was pretty tired after getting home after midnight and not getting to bed until after 1:30 a.m. That is late for this old lady! I found the cure for energizing myself. And it isn't caffeine.

It's polka music!

Well, for today anyway. I put a little oom-pa-pa in my praise today by attending hubby's church, where they had a "Polka Mass." Seriously. They sing different parts of the service to the melody of polka songs. Fun and entertaining. Carter and I both enjoyed it.

The special service was followed by their annual Chicken Dinner so we had to partake in that, of course. Chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more. Good comfort food on such a chilly day! (Yes I did have the heat on for awhile!)

Felt like taking a nap when we got home, that's for sure. And sort of did. Hung out on the couch a bit watching golf and NASCAR and baseball. Then decided I better put some oom-pa-pa into my chores.

Did some general cleaning then hit my Big List. This is my summer cleaning and decluttering list I put together thinking that now that baseball is over, I should have some free time on nights and / or weekends to tackle some of these things around the house.

Today I hit the two kitchen cupboards with bowls and storage containers (and more) in them. Took everything out and only put back the containers that had covers. Or I should say, I put back ALL the containers, but did not put back all the covers. Not the ones that had nothing to go on.

And there were a few orphans.

Just a few! How many covers are missing containers? Take a guess.

If you said 35, you are right on the money. Your prize? 35 plastic covers!

I have no idea where all those containers went over the past 10 years. I suppose they are hanging out with all the socks we've lost in the dryer. I was relieved that I only had 7 Cool Whip containers, though. I expected at least a dozen.

It's just good to get those cupboards organized and useful again. The next item I got to was cleaning out expired food. I got the two cupboards done that contain cooking and baking ingredients. That was too much. Sad to throw stuff but when it's hard as a rock, it's not going to make any cookie or cake taste any better. The next time I bake, I'll have to stock up on a few things!

I decided to call it a day after all that. Didn't have any oomph left to give. I have plenty more on my Big List and, hopefully, plenty more hours to get things done.

Just need to Roll Out The Barrel and get a move on...

Socializing

Hubby and I better be careful or we might actually get a social life! Today we actually had three events going on and for once, they were ours to attend -- not just Carter's.

By sheer coincidence, we had two surprise parties -- both at 1 p.m. and both at Lake Wazeecha. Located not even 50 yards apart. Seriously.

One was for Megan, the girl next door who turned 21, and the other was for Cindy, the girl across the street who turns 55 on Monday. The 21-year-old found out about hers in advance so we ended up using that party as a decoy to really surprise Cindy.

She was very surprised. That was cool. And so were the temperatures! Not sure if it got much above 60 today. Between the chill and the wind and the occasional rain showers, I tended to gravitate to Cindy's party at the ENCLOSED shelter. I'm not a wimp with the weather. I just am not ready for fall yet!

Plus Cindy -- one of the Desperate Housewives of Blue Jay Drive -- had this awesome running cake! With super yummy frosting. Just love the design job. Very clever for my running friend.

After a few hours with the birthday crowds / neighbors, we came home for a bit. Hubby napped and I got a few groceries. Then it was off to see some other friends for a fire and food -- and beverages.

This group was our "Assumption family" who we just haven't seen this summer since all of our kids are doing different sports and camps, etc. It was so good to see everyone again. You miss people when you get used to seeing them all the time. Remember not to take that for granted.

Plus, the more you get together with people, the better chance you may have a social life to rival your teenager's.

Maybe.

Friday Fun

I am trying to blog and our cat is in the way. I cannot see the monitor through Sylvester's fluff and she is too busy "bathing" to move. So I am going to keep this short and hope I don't have too many typos.

It was a fun Friday.

Other than getting up early for work, it was all good. Got to exit early for "summer hours". Got to bond with Mr. Deck Chair awhile when we got home so I could finish the book I was reading. Then hubby and I had a date. A real movie date.

Last weekend, we watched the Bruce Willis movie RED on TV. Tonight we saw the sequel, RED 2, and it was awesome. Good action and great comedy. We both enjoyed it immensely. As a bonus, I get good, buttered popcorn for "supper."

On the way out, we got our free refill on the popcorn bucket and took that over the neighbors' across the street so we could enjoy a snack around the fire.

Had a nice evening christening their new fire pit. I will have to take a picture in the daylight. It is like a cement patio in the yard with the fire pit sunken down in the center. Very nice. The only thing it doesn't do is keep the smoke out of your eyes.

It was quite breezy tonight so the was not good for the smoke situation (Saying "I hate rabbits" didn't work either.). It did, however, keep the mosquitoes away. That and the temps in the 50s.

Yes, my friends and family in warm places, it is going to get down in the 40s at night the next few nights and only a high in the low 60s or so. Apparently we had our one week of summer and it is done now.

Good thing I've got warm fires with friends... And that four-season electric mattress pad!

Thrifty Thursday

If you are wondering why Carter doesn't have any long pants any more it's because every time he has money, it burns a hole in his pocket.

 Not quite "literally," but close enough.

Today, hubby and I worked at the home office today. But I did have a side mission in mind over "lunch hour." Carter and I both need new running shoes. Cross country practice starts in 3 weeks and he better break in a new pair by then (which does require running, by the way, Carter). I have needed new ones for a few months and now really better break in a pair before my 10K in 5 weeks (which does require running, by the way, Robyn).

We had a short list of things to accomplish on our quick trip to Plover and Stevens Point. We first dropped our old TV from the basement off at Best Buy. If you didn't know this, they take old TVs (I think under 36 inches or something) and will recycle them for you. Free of charge. Beats paying $20-$30 to have a recycling company do it.

After that, we headed next door to MC Sports to see if there was a decent deal on running shoes for Carter. Of course, he naturally gravitates to the more expensive ones. But I talked him into a reasonable pair after he tried three different ones on. He should be set. And the sales guy assured me they would be fast!

From there, we headed up to Shippy Shoes in Stevens Point. They analyzed my running gait, etc, a few years ago and got me into some Brooks Addiction shoes. When I have veered off of that brand and gotten cheaper ones, etc., I end up getting IT Band issues and other running pains. I've learned my lesson. Now I just walk in and ask for the Brooks Addiction style in my size and we're good to go. I'm a way quicker shoe shopper than Carter. But that doesn't mean my shoes were cheaper!

When the hard stuff was done, we opted to stop for lunch and I decided, at that point, I would just take a half day off -- with the half occurring n the middle of the day. So we ate lunch at the DQ Chill and Grill or is it Grill and Chill? Either way, had food and I did not, for the record, have ice cream. See, I don't have it every day!

Will power and/or empty wallet will do that for you.

Got home and got some actual work done. Jim left at 4:30 to go to Marshfield for our nephew Colin's race. There was a lot of rain that delayed a few things but last I heard at this late hour, he was holding his own in the feature race.

Carter and I went to a potluck picnic with some friends. It was in a shelter so it could go on, rain or shine. Now this is where that willpower did NOT come into play. My meal was healthy. But I also had a "healthy helping" of scrumptious dessert.

Oh well, I'm pretty sure my running shoes will just burn calories by looking at them.

For what I paid for them, they should. Right?

Tee for Two

While we could have been raising a cup of English tea to toast the new Prince George Alexander Louis, hubby and I opted for "tee" instead.

Yes, it has been officially more than a year since I graced a green with my presence. And I have no one to blame but myself. Today, since we had a rain check to cash, we opted to go after work to a little course down the road from Iola called Glen Cairn.

We never have trouble getting on there. It's not too busy. Today, since it was my first time out and I battle my stinkin' back issues, I suggested we just play 9 holes instead of 18.

While most golfers strive to get par on every hole, I am content with a par on ANY hole. And if I get one per 9 attempts, that's about my game. So today I got my par on the 3rd hole -- a par 5 no less -- so the pressure was off for me to enjoy the rest of the round.

While the course was not in the best of shape -- they quit watering some of it -- they do have some pretty areas. Purple's always good.

Waiting to tee off. It was a gorgeous and mild summer day. Just mid-70s for temps. Nothing to sweat over.

Jim tees off on a challenging hole. He ended up doing better than me by a bunch. But that is completely normal no matter how much practice I have. I finished with a 52 -- yes, for just 9 holes -- and I was completely content with that. That's pretty much what I shoot for, with those rare rounds where I get close to breaking into the 40s. That has only happened twice in my life, I think, and it's not about to again without regular playing time.

On our way home, we stopped at King Cone to celebrate. Actually, I just called it "supper."

And it goes good with "tee."

Cheers.

Relaxation Techniques

I guess I can sort recall sleeping away my summer when I was a teenager. Noon was not an unheard of wake-up time. I'm pretty sure if there was some significant noise, though, I would have awakened.

Not so with our teenager.

Today, we had a few errands for him to run in town. So he requested we call and wake him up at 9 so he could bike in while it was still cool. To prepare, he had his alarm set PLUS the phone (set on LOUD) next to his bed. I started calling at 9. No answer. Tried at 9:10. Still no answer. Tried at 9:20. No answer.

You see where this is going.

According to our Caller I.D., I called home 8 times this morning. Carter never answered.

You know what worked? Having the next-door neighbor go over to our back deck and pound on Carter's bedroom window. Good morning, sleepyhead!!

Seriously. I wonder if we can hire him for wakeup calls this summer.

So Carter did make it to town for one of the errands and forgot one, too, so we'll have to get postage stamps somewhere else. When he got home, he didn't know what to do with himself. He's so used to a full schedule. So I suggested he go for  run. Cross country is just around the corner, after all.

He actually did do a short 2-miler and was groaning about what hurt as soon as we got home. I wanted to be sympathetic but pretty much just affirmed that this was why he should start NOW. It's not like he won't have time!

Last night was pretty busy for me working on something for one of my racing nephews. So tonight was the first fully free night in quite some time. Usually, during baseball season, we'd have one free night a week to cram in everything from bill paying to grocery shopping. I took care of that already this weekend. So here I am, like Carter, not knowing what to do with myself.

I fully admit I must have an attention-deficit disorder of some kind. Unless it's a nice sunny afternoon I could spend with Mr. Deck Chair, I don't know how to relax. I feel like I should or have to be doing something. How sad is that?

So I'm blogging before 8, trying to sell a printer online and am going to teach myself to create a website. Sure, I could tackle one of my lists of things to do around the house. But then what will Carter do tomorrow?

If we can get him up, that is.

What Happens in Vegas...

Now I know why I am so annoyed with that overused phrase: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." It just doesn't fly when you're a mother!

The good news is that Carter is home safe and sound. I should focus on that rather than what may or may not have transpired since his Friday departure.

Actually, he was pretty good about showing me pictures and telling us what he saw. For example, here's a picture of a Lamborghini parked outside of their hotel.

The pictures I won't share are Carter and his buddy with the Hooters waitress -- they pretended they were fraternal twins and it was their birthday, the photos of him with random women that walked through the hotel lobby, from bachelorettes to... I'm not sure.

I told Carter, "I'm not going to post any pictures now that could come back to haunt you if you run for president some day."

He says, "I'm not running for office. I don't even like Congress."

I replied, "That's the point. You might want to change it."

Anyway, I doubt he would have forwarded me any other pictures. He did see Pete Rose (Jim's hero) but didn't get a chance to talk to him. He did, however, get to chat with several NBA players -- very tall with "big hands" -- while riding in the elevator. They were out there for summer league or something. I didn't recognize names since I only know a few from the Celtics team.

He also pointed out that if he worked at the Four Seasons Hotel, where they stayed, he could take business classes for college and they would pay for them. Oh that's nice. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Even though he already plans to go back for his 21st birthday.

With his fraternal twin, no doubt.

Did we miss him? Sure. I think Daddy's welcome home note reflects that...

Rain Check

I did not skip out on golf today because I felt like I'd been run over by a truck. Though I must admit there were many newly used muscles a-hurtin' today! Now I know why I avoid weeding and yardwork. Or realize why it should be continually, in little spurts, not all at once.

No, the reason we couldn't golf was becaue it rained. We'll need a rain check for that.

We experienced major thunder and lightining during the night, but it didn't rain. It cooled off, though, and we slept in -- right up until we had about 10 minutes to leave for church. Hubby and I actually went to church together.

They held a special mass today at Assumption High School, celebrating the life of Kylie, the young mother of 5 and AHS grad who died this spring of a stroke. They also retired her basketball jersey #22 and hung her jersey on the wall. That was followed by a lunch gathering at the Ridges with her husband and family.

When we left there, we still had plans to golf. But then it started raining. Hard and steady. And the radar did not look like it was going to let up for our 3:30 tee time. So we ended up watching the Britsh Open on TV. Even though we knew the final results/winner, it was still fun to see how it happened.

Not the same as golfing, of course, but still entertaining.

After we did some post-British Open shopping for crumpets and tea, we went to Culvers for supper and Mint Chip ice cream to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. Yes, it does exist. And here I thought it was EVERY day!

Good thing we don't have to worry about a rain check for that.

Weekend Warrior

When the weather man promised a "cool" front today, I had high expectations for comfortable weather for yard work. The cooler temps did arrive -- but not until this evening. That didn't stop me from doing what I had to do!

First thing on today's agenda was a run. That's when I discovered it was still rather warm out! I just did a 3-mile run since I just started back at it this past week. That was far enough in the heat anyway.

Got home and hit the yard work. Now here's the thing. I have not been home much at all since oh, maybe April, between my dad being sick, work and baseball, baseball and baseball. I haven't had time to give the yard and any "garden" type areas any attention. And frankly, with two black thumbs, am not entirely motivated or knowledgeable about what sort of attention to give.

Today, I just wanted to get two overgrown areas cleared of weeds. It was a lot of work. I am so made for a desk job. Cannot handle manual labor! Well, actually, the mission trip taught me I can handle it. In small doses. And wearing gloves.

The good news is, with hubby's help and a weed whacker for certain parts, I got the areas done. The bad news is that I got a blister on my finger (wearing gloves) and I am golfing tomorrow. Ouch. Will tough it out as the weekend warrior that I am.

After yard work came the much-neglected housework. Yes, I will admit, not much has been done since I've turned 45. Seriously, with the mission trip then car show, I was not available until this weekend to clean. I think the house is actually smiling now!

We'll see if I am tomorrow. I am physically exhausted and know I used muscles today that haven't been used in awhile. To help us both recover, we went out for pizza in Point and then watched the neighbor girl's team play softball in a tourney in Point. (Yes, Carter is out of town and we still find ourselves at the ballpark.)

Speaking of Carter, he is having too much fun in Vegas. He did find time to text me. But mostly, he is ogling the scenery, I am sure. Wisconsin Rapids is going to seem boring when he comes back. No more baseball and a smaller list of chores to do.

I'm sure we can still find plenty to add. I'm not so ambitious I am going to do it ALL in one weekend!

Fifteen and Free

We saw Carter off this morning to spend a weekend with a friend. In Vegas. Yup, it's a changed world. When you are 15 and free, apparently, you can jet off to Vegas for a weekend... and leave Mom and Dad behind.

It's one of those unusual situations where a friend's dad has to speak at a convention and he said his son -- Carter's friend and classmate -- could take a friend. So Carter is that said friend. A driver picked him up today and off they went to Minneapolis for their flight.

I hope he realizes he is not escaping the heat! I also hope he doesn't think he's going to "do" much out there besides hang out at the hotel pool and maybe go to the NASCAR simulator at the Stratosphere.

He's got plans, though.

I overheard him tell Daddy this morning that they were for sure going to Hooters and that he and his friend are going to flip a coin to see which one is going to pretend it's their birthday. Hmmm. How much trouble can 2 15-year-olds get into? Good thing they will only be unsupervised for that 2-hour period when the speech is being given! And good thing, according to Daddy, that the Hooters girls in Vegas aren't impressive since the really "good" girls are working elsewhere on the strip.

Yup, good thing.

Of course, I recall myself at 15 and I was looking for trouble. Our parents said we couldn't date until we were 16. The summer we turned 15 we went up to Canada on a vacation. I'm pretty sure my twin and I whined the whole way up and back, begging for permission to go to the county fair with these two boys from Cushing. I'm surprised my parents didn't just drop us off in the Canadian wilderness and make us hitch our own ride back to the States.

It's a boy-crazy, girl-crazy age. But what age isn't?

Tonight, our first childless night in awhile, hubby I went on a date. We dipped our chips in salsa at El Mezcal then dipped our toes in Lake Wazeecha on the way home. We were hoping to catch some of the state water ski championship action there but it had wrapped up for the night.

So we came home and watched The Big Lebowski movie -- and laughed like silly 15-year-olds.

'Cause we're free.

RED Hot

The baseball bats finally caught up to the record-hot temperatures -- just in time for the end of the season.

On the way up to Marshfield, we were talking about the 2-game winning streak for Rudolph (the RED team). Carter commented that that was the longest streak all year. Indeed. We had never won two in a row and I think there may have been only 4 or 5 wins.

Plus tonight.

Whoops. Spoiler alert!!

Carter's first at bat was a pop-up out. Then he hit a double and he -- and the whole team -- went "batty" after that. In a good way. Never mind the 93-degree heat. They were hitting and scoring and having fun.

I have to give some of the credit to Jim's Uncle Frank. We always seem to do better when there's an extra Austin in the crowd! It was nice he could stop by and brave the heat. He lives in Marshfield so he didn't have far to come and, thankfully, there was an almost constant breeze to make it bearable.

The boys ended up leading 18-0 by the middle of the 4th inning. Remember what I said about never counting on a big "cushion" of a lead with this team? Well, they had Carter (the non-pitcher) pitch the bottom of the 4th and they scored a few runs on him. Then they scored a few against another pitcher but we ended up winning -- by the 10-run rule after 5 innings -- by a score of 18-6.

Hurray!

What a great way to end the season!

We even found an ice cream place in Marshfield on the way home.

Hurray!

What a great way to end the season!

Ha.

Mind Over Melting Matter

This heatwave continues with today being our hottest day of the year in Rapids, topping yesterday by 2 degrees or so, reaching 96 degrees.

Did I get out of the kitchen?

No. I actually am baking banana bread right now. Not kidding. With the air on it's fine. Trust me, these bananas had to get used today before a fruit fly convention threatened to launch in my home. Whew. Avoided that.

After driving and walking (minimally) in the heat and again trying to walk/run in the hot A/C at the fitness center, neither hubby or I had ambition to make supper. There's always a way to beat the heat, though. Just mind over (melting) matter. Jim had to run errands in town so he ate at Subway.

Carter and I went over to K.I. (that's Kellner International Bar & Grill) for rib night. He had the BBQ ribs (of course) and I (not a real fan of ribs) had a delicious pizza burger. While we were eating "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" came on their sound system. Is it a meat conflict to be listening to Meatloaf while eating ribs and burgers?

Yes, I do lose sleep over the weirdest things!

Tonight, though, promises to be an 8-hour sleep night. No baseball. Did not bring any work home. I am getting my baking done. I am pondering getting some housework done, but I may just enjoy the cool air-conditioning and read a book.

Hmm... something tells me I will NOT lose sleep over that decision!

Stay safe, cool and hydrated!!

If You Can't Stand the Heat...

There's that old saying that "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Today in the Midwest (and probably everywhere) no one was leaving the kitchen because the last thing we wanted to do was step outside.

For our area anyway we have a heat advisory until Friday. It was something like 96 for a high in Rapids today and it's supposed to be warmer tomorrow. Uff da.These are the types of days my dad struggled through. He had a really hard time with heat and humidity so I am relieved he is up in heaven, sitting on a porch somewhere shooting the breeze in a nice breeze. I can picture that in an instant.

How did WE beat the heat?

Well Carter got out of the kitchen... and rode bike with a friend around the lake. But they spent most of their time at our house in the A/C. Who wouldn't?

I got out of the kitchen... and went over to the fitness center to go running. I figured it wouldn't be so bad since they had A/C going, too. Didn't seem like it once I got going. Of course, I am out of practice so that didn't help. I realized I have about 6.2 weeks before my 6.2-mile run (10K) over Labor Day weekend. So heat or no heat, I gotta get movin'!

We all got out of the kitchen tonight... to go to Carter's last game ever at Kellner Fields. Next year, he will be too old and will be moving onto bigger things. Bigger fields at least! The Blue Team lost and we didn't have enough players to begin with. Our buddy Nate agreed to play a second game and two of his teammates. So we had enough players finally -- just not enough runs. Oh well. It was a good, long run there.

Carter will have one more game Thursday (for the Red Team) and then you can stick a fork in the baseball season. It will be done!

That should be just in time for it to cool down! Figures.

Maybe Dad will at least send down a cool breeze or two.

Marathon in Athens

We have a touch of Greek in north-central Wisconsin. The cities (and I use the term loosely) of Athens and Marathon are appropriately located 26 miles apart.

Tonight,  however,  the Marathon was IN Athens.

Our Rudolph (red) team was taking on the Bluejays. We were ahead right away and even though we were up by a half-dozen runs,  I knew from experience we could never have "too big" a lead.

Unfortunately,  I was right.  We got runs. They got runs. And before we knew it, the sun was setting on the unlit field and we were tied 12-12. We pretty much had reached our time limit but we were only in the fourth inning! Definitely a marathon session in progress.

We got a run to put us up 13-12. They answered and went up 14-13. Luckily we scored in our final at bat, then held on to get a rare win (16-14)  -- under the leadership of fill-in Coach Austin, no less.

Whew. All I needed was two crabby guys on the long ride home!

Myself,  I was happy either way. Yes, my ice cream radar kicked in and I found the local ice cream shoppe. I don't have to admit we were lost when we first got to town, do I?  I mean it all worked out in the end, right?

And I needed it. Game time temperature was 88 degrees.  Unless they fudge that to draw in customers. It didn't feel like I was being mislead.

While I was waiting for hubby's burger and fries (I'm not completely selfish) I saw a sight that indicated we were not close to home.

I tried to chase them down for some Amish Cashew Crunch,  but I knew I didn't have the horsepower.

Ha. Now you know what happens after a marathon ballgame. Mama gets tired and pun-y.

And we still have 26 miles to go!

Snicker-West

I felt like I was stuck today in a crossover between a Snickers commercial (Not going anywhere for awhile?) and a Southwest Airlines one (Need to get away?).

It started out good -- as anyone who sleeps 10 hours will tell you. Got up late from my post-car show slumber, showered and we hit the road for Adams before 11:30. Carter's first game was supposed to be at 1 p.m. but they were running behind and it actually started a little before 2 p.m.

Luckily we found a spot in the shade because it was 84 and sunny and felt really hot. Just sitting, let alone playing, I'm sure. After a loss to a team from Markesan, Wis., we immediately had to play in the "big game" for 5th place. Oh boy.

The temperature was up to 87 by then so our boys were hot AND tired. Not good.

But don't let the final score of 22-14 make you think I really wanted to escape! When it was 22-1, I did.

Yes, we actually rallied in the bottom of the third inning to close the gap against Hallie, an Eau Claire area team. Coming back with 13 unanswered runs can almost make us feel proud. Almost. Let's just say no one was disappointed the game was called after 4 innings due to the time limit. Especially those of us with the air-conditioning cranked at home.

This will mark our last week of baseball for the summer. Forecast calls for highs right around 90 each day. Hopefully our bats will finally get hot and stay hot!

I still wouldn't mind a Snickers bar, though...

Showtime :: Day Three

Today was my third and final day working -- and attending with joy, of course -- the car show. Instead of being in our trailer by the book tent, I got a new outlook on things down in the heart of the swap meet. And again, right near the bathrooms. What a view.

I was sharing the vending kiosk with a church group selling nachos, pretzels and, you guessed it, ice cream. Since it was just sandwiches and drumsticks, I managed to exhibit enough self control not to eat up any of my profits. My boss should be proud. I know I am!

I got done at 1 p.m. and made my way quickly home so we could head down to Adams for Carter's baseball tournament. Basically it was like going from one huge event to another -- the second being the largest skeeter convention I have seen in some time. Good thing I sprayed down before I left home!

The tourney was for the 16U team (Carter was called up from the minors, ha) and they lost, but we play again tomorrow. Got done with enough time to stop and eat good burgers and sandwiches at Trail's End Bar & Grill. Just got home and I am really exhausted -- but I am so dedicated to you, dear readers, I am posting random car show photos one more time.

And I mean random order AND random thoughts...

Smokin' in the boys room? Or a steaming pile?

I guess bib just aren't made for closing all the way!

Fashionably cooling head gear.

Just.... Why? Really. Why?

Patriotic sun catcher.

Those feisty redheads!

Not sure how to take that...

Missile Control Center. I don't think these qualify under Wisconsin's new concealed carry law.

Notice it says "your" bird... not THE bird! Car show folks are nice.

Don't know what he's selling or buying. I just get a kick out of the walking billboards.

This is how we roll...

Size matters... when it comes to your tires anyway.

Carter took pictures of cars he wanted us to buy.... I took pictures of ones we could afford!

Of course, I found one for myself... Viking canopy included!

Not sure why I thought of our racing friends when I saw this! (OK, I do know why.)

Sitting in the hot seat.

Not the best place to sit down with your kid for a break!

After zooming in, I discovered she has the Serenity Prayer tattooed on her back. Love the prayer ... not the pain, though!

Bachelors on parade??

When you just don't know what to do with those last strands of hair on top of your head.

"Woodie station wagons??? I thought you said Woodstock!"

Again with the bib closure problems!

Did you ever watch "Grizzly Adams"? I thought of that show today for some reason.

Camo gear for the mighty swap meet hunters.

Weird eye or weird Packer fan?

Elvis may still be alive! He's aged well.

I guess when you are married long enough, you become your husband's pack mule without complaining. I obviously haven't been married THAT long! (I also like the background action of the guys eyeing up the girl. Good lord.)

Daisy Duke called. She really wants them back!

A car show is just like a time capsule... Or  Sam Elliot movie.

Don't get stuck in traffic behind some ol' blue hair!

Found extra hair somewhere and fashioned it into a Mohawk.

Two times the fun... until they are hot and bothered like the rest of us.

I wanted to complain about MY job and working on Saturday. But then I saw this guy walking into the men's bathroom with a plunger. No complaints here, I swear.

We're just going to have to sue the bib company over these wardrobe malfunctions. That's all there is to it.

I thought it was underwear as a headband. And, well, I'm still not sure.

The Swap Meet is a Safari to this mighty hunter at least.

Close the door. Elvis hasn't left the building after all.

Train 'em young.

Ageless hair trend. Better this than the mullet, I say.

Good thing God believes it's what's on the inside that counts.

Whoa. Elvis has a twin brother, too.

A nice warm fuzzy at the end of the day.

What the fork? If you don't know what to do with those old forks, make them look like you are giving someone the bird.

Oh, and there were cars, too.

New public showers added this year!

God bless America... and you.... and good night!