The Boys of Summer Meet the Field of Dreams

If there's one thing my father-in-law and his brother Joe loved (besides their wives and kids, that is) it was baseball! Uncle Joe coached baseball for decades. And I have more than a handful of pictures like this where the brothers are at Witter Field to "watch" an Assumption High School baseball game. Surely not there to supervise my hubby and his coaching skills, right?

Today, when I saw Uncle Joe was dressed in that same red Rapids baseball jacket as he lay in his coffin, I lost it. Another boy of summer has moved on to the Field of Dreams.

It was surreal to have almost a repeat of 2 weeks ago when we laid his wife – Aunt Janice – to rest. At her funeral it was nice to see dozens of Austin relatives we hadn't seen for quite some time. Today it was more of a "this is not how we should be getting together again" vibe. Lots of tears.

Still it was a nice service. Jim did the readings again and both he and Clay were pallbearers. Casey drove over from Minneapolis as well (Carter had sleet going on down in Dubuque to prevent his travels).

So after the sad stuff, we were blessed with some smiling time with our big sweetie grandpup Rey – and the humans Casey and Clay too.

I unfortunately had to finish my work day with some meetings. But I could hear three of the four brown-eyed bandits talking and laughing down the hall in the livingroom.

That, my friends, are the moments we need to cherish. Those are the memories that make us one day say, like today, "Remember that time we did this with Uncle Joe..."

I might just have to step and tell November "Move over, Gratitude Month. There are things happening every month that make us grateful."

Hug your loved ones!

Take the Darn Trip!

Not sure how Merriam-Webster defines regret. But I define it as that "was gonna" pain in your heart and low in your gut.

As in, I "was gonna" call that friend. I "was gonna" make time to meet up for coffee. I "was gonna" take a trip to see that friend or family member. But suddenly they're gone. And I didn't. 

I'm here to tell you. Take the damn trip!

This spring, I traveled with three of my sisters down to St. Louis to celebrate Easter and, more importantly, our Uncle Charlie's 90th birthday. Our dad's last living sibling. 

Just a great time with him, Aunt Sally, and our fun-loving cousins. They've lived there for decades and often came "up north" for family events, but I hadn't ever made it down there. So glad I did.

When I heard the news yesterday morning that Uncle Charlie passed away (yes, the same type of news Jim and I have gotten 3 out of the past 4 Tuesday mornings!), my heartache was sadness. Not regret. 

Because I took the trip!

I am sure Grandma Minnie was rejoicing as she welcomed her baby boy to heaven so her family of 9 kids was complete. But on earth, we are facing the end of an era with sadness. We still have 3 amazing aunts married to those crazy but caring Hedberg men, but that's it. The OG Hedbergs on my family tree are gone.

This has become quite the tough and emotional holiday season.

But I am so glad I took the trip. I can say with relief, "I'm so glad I got to see him this year and spend time with him on his birthday."

So if you're thinking about someone you want to re-connect with, visit in person, or just call. Do it. There's no guarantee you can do it tomorrow.

Life of a Show Girl (the Twins' Era)

Someone asked me how long my twin sister and I have been "performing" (using term loosely) songs and dances. I think this is the earliest documentation I could find. No date on the photo but I'm guessing we were 2 1/2 or 3 1/2. (I'm the chub-ster on the right.) And yes, based on the very short dresses my sisters were wearing in the dead of winter, it was the '70s folks!

Here we are with a group of cousins singing to Grandpa and Grandma Johnson as part of a family Christmas. This has been quite the long-standing tradition! 

Then throughout childhood, we sang at church things, 4-H things, bridal showers and baby showers (our mom would make up the lyrics), and for nursing residents. That pretty much went by the wayside after high school graduation, but we resurrected it in 2000 in the form of an "opening act" at each of our sister weekends.

So yeah, we're not shy and it's always fun to make people smile! Too bad we're not making billions like that other show girl...

But if you are a fan of hers, there's something in Wisconsin Rapids worth checking out!

Every year the South Wood County Historical Museum hosts a Christmas Tree walk with beautifully and uniquely decorated trees throughout the large home.

This year, some creative Swifties paid homage to her latest album. Cute.

Look closer and you can see the "garland" mimics her trademark friendship bracelets. And, you can grab one off the tree for yourself!

Look even more closely and you'll see song lyrics from multiple albums that tie into winter or Christmas. Great job, ladies!

There are at least two dozen other trees to see – plus decorated mantels, wreaths, rooms. All for a free-will offering for the museum. Check it out this season! 

You might just start singing and dancing yourself!

It's Beginning to FEEL a Lot Like Christmas

What a Christmas weekend! I mean, 3 weeks ahead of time. After Carter and Mamie arrived Friday night, we headed out early Saturday morning for my Hedberg family Christmas. Unlike last year, it was clear roads and pretty much smooth sailing over to Lake Elmo, Minnesota!

After a great meal – mostly provided by our amazing next generation – we had our annual program, which I hope never dies in this next generation. Usually each R family has to (or offers to) do a number of some sort. Late Friday, my twin and I texted through a routine that would leave most of our micro-families off the hook.

We did a "Broadway production" or way OFF Broadway of "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." And via text at few hours before, we worked out a short song and dance. Let me know if you want the video link!

Rayna talked true love with her Christmas Gnomes!'

Romey and her kids played and sung Feliz Navidad with their foreign exchange student Bianca.

Renell's multigenerational family was totally into Alvin and the Chipmunks... with Kazoos!

Then Beth's son Nils (right) decided he really needed to sing "We Wish You A Very Christmas" with RoAnn's granddaughter Khloe or just by himself. Either way, it was so entertaining!

Brother Ron had words of inspiration with song lyrics to back up our memories.

Rachel showed off her teacher skills by reading through a book about winter and pre-Christmas.

I love that now our No. 1 son and his wife are in Minneapolis, they can attend my random MN/WI family gatherings!

Also was grateful for these 2 GREAT-nieces!

As for my niece Caryn. I've known her since I was 10+ years old. If she just happened to break her middle finger. I am the last person to say she shouldn't take advantage of that "signal" in her holiday (or realistic) greetings!
 

It's beginning to FEEL like Christmas, indeed!

TGIP

 TGIP?? Thank Goodness it's Paid time off!

A productive day off since I had to add "something" to the cookies I already made for our exchange tomorrow. Turns out some pretzel rods dipped in Almond Bark can fill the plate! I'll confess – too easy to really count!

Later, I cobbled together a chocolate-peppermint trifle that I hope sustains a 3-hour drive in the morning. If not, we'll just arrive with the ingredients in tact -- whether they're beautiful or not!

Now, we just wait for the kiddos to arrive "home" at a decent enough time for us all to hit the road in the morning.

Super Cold

 

It's definitely a Midwestern thing where we are obsessed with weather forecasts from Thanksgiving to Easter. So we all knew we'd have the coldest morning of "fall" today, but we sort of had to document it to compete to see who had it worse.

Frankly, I didn't want to compete with my Up North counterparts because -7 degrees is low enough for me. I was just happy my car started fine in the nice garage and I made it to work safely. And when the temperature was twice as high – at 8 above – during lunchtime I ran to get gas so I wouldn't have a "low fuel" light come on after work when it was likely plunging back to the negatives.

I went straight from work to St. Vincent's to shoot hoops – pictures of the middle school girls, that is. I think today was their first game, but I prefer to take pictures early in the season so I can "skip" the games when it's snowing or just icy out. Apparently, I had an exception today for the COLD.

Speaking of cold, the "Cold Moon" was shining brightly tonight.

I don't know if this is the "what seems to be common SUPER moon," but it was a super Cold Moon on a super Cold Night so I think this one fits the bill. Ha.

And these are the highlights of my day. I have quite the basketful of "low-lights" but I am still processing those. Thank goodness I have tomorrow off with total focus on my upcoming family Christmas on Saturday. 

Step aside, Old Man Winter and Work Stuff, I have Christmas on the brain! 

Non-Trad Holiday Lights

At the end of a pretty busy workday, I was looking forward to seeing some Christmas lights to calm me on the commute home. I did see plenty in Stevens Point, but it was the non-traditional holiday lights that caught my attention.

And yes, caused several moments where I pulled over to the edge of the road and capture them. Enjoy and see God's handiwork – even in the toughest of times for some people...

And 5 minutes later, we're in winter darkness mode. Still, the beauty of a sunset (any time of year) just gives me pause to remember God is huge, my problems/moments of angst are little, and we need to figure out how to take a deep breath and appreciate it.

The "holiday light show" was perfect timing for me. Hope you feel the same!

What We Hoped Wouldn't Happen

I have especially felt grief during every holiday season (Easter to Christmas) since my dad died more than a decade ago. And have been more acutely aware of the pain of loss since Mom's passing last year. Simultaneously, one of my sisters has been grieving the loss of her husband on top of that.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

But for my cousins-in-law, they got a double blow this holiday season.

Last Tuesday we laid Aunt Janice Austin to rest. And this morning, Uncle Joe closed his eyes and decided to join her. So heartbreaking for their family. These are the "kids" hubby grew up with, spending countless hours at their house being boisterous boys who either played nice or tried to prove who was the most talented with a baseball bat! 

They were like a second set of parents. And nothing hurts more for these boys (and their families) than becoming an "orphan" in 2 weeks' time. 

In peak holiday season.

I pray for all of you who are hurting, missing, grieving someone this holiday season. And well, throughout the year. Focus on the memories. They will reflect the love of your relationship and the blessing that they were part of your life.

Easier said than done. But let's try! 💔 

The Countdown Begins

Hello, December! Advent is here and we are officially counting down to Christmas. 

That's the only nice thing I can say about today. Since it was cold and the snow was back. Just not a ton of it this time.

And well, it's Monday. After 5 days away from my work desk, let's just say I had digging out to do – unrelated to the weather.

Did have a nice adjustment at the chiropractor after work. And now I am going to quickly catch up on the last two weeks of The Voice before tonight's live-ish episode. 

And I'll have to be sure I have snow brush in the car and maybe emergency snacks for the morning commute! 

Have a good week and a thoughtful Advent season, everyone!

Snowy Advent Prep

After all those over-the-top forecasts on Saturday, we ended up with about 5 inches of snow in the Rapids area. A nice backdrop to the Christmas decorations I already have in place as Advent begins.

Since hubby was up at the crack of dawn removing snow here and at his dad's, I had no issues getting to church this morning.

Of course, I had to take a few record-keeping photos before I left.

Our wreath is in a new locale this year. When we got it delivered, we realized we didn't want to pound a nail hole in our brand-new siding. Duh! Looks quite festive on the deck.

As the sun was rising, I tried to catch in our solar lighthouse. My mind saw it better than it turned out, but oh well.

After church, it was a quick day with the kiddos who understandably wanted to get on the road so they could get back to Dubuque in daylight. Especially since they got twice as much snow as we did.

Then it was just trying to relax and watch football. The Vikings are sucking and my fantasy football team is logging its first loss. So yes, before 6 p.m. I am throwing in the surrender towel and going in the basement to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie or two.

This is how I do my snowy Advent prep. May we all have a blessed season!

Fa-La-La-La-Love!

Despite the fact Old Man Winter is trying to dump 10 inches of snow on us, it's been a really nice 2 days.

It's Cranberry Classic weekend, which means hubby (who is on the committee) was tied to Assumption High School yesterday and today for the annual basketball tournament. I shot pictures in the morning Friday then Carter, Mamie and I headed out to Black Fridays-ville.

I mean if you count buying raffle tickets to win Christmas trees and lawn ornaments! Locals, be sure you check out the Feztival of Trees put on by our local Shriners running through December 10. So many gorgeous (gift-filled) trees and wreaths you could win!

Last year, Carter and I sat on Santa's lap. This year, we sacrificed Mamie. Not sure what she wished for but Carter is still mad he didn't grant him his Vikings' Superbowl win wish from last time!

From there we went shopping in Stevens Point-Plover area to find Carter's gift. Success! 

Ate nearby at Chili's and enjoyed the fantabulous Nashville Hot chicken strips. Leftover box number 2 added the fridge!

Went to boys game last night and shot pictures of the varsity girls today before heading home in the snow. Unlike last time, it's sticking more to the roads than the trees. Ick.

Played some Five Crowns cards with the kids. By the third round I had 52 points (bad) and they each sat at zero. Then momma rallied all the way to the last hand when kings were also wild! That was fun.

When the basketball game was done we met Clay out to eat at the new BBQ Shack Bar and Grill (formerly Danny K's). 

Great visit and food. Wow. My oversized BBQ brisket sandwich means, you guessed it, leftover box #3 added to the fridge!

Now we're home safely, relaxing, and not really looking forward to tomorrow's snow removal! 

Stay safe out there!

Full Strength Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving! Well this sums it up nicely. Now I don't have to have a super-long blog. I can just say I am grateful for everything. And every person in my life, too.

Grateful this morning that I got the tree up and decorated. And that Aunt Janice's Grape Salad recipe was a yummy success. We definitely use the word "salad" loosely in the Midwest. But hey, it does have healthy fruit – even though it looks like a trifle wannabe.

Grateful this afternoon and evening that Carter and Mamie made it home and joined us at sister-in-law Sherry's house. Great food and amazing entertainment via our great-niece and great-nephew! I wish I had an ounce of their energy!

Our is staying for the weekend so I might get to all the Cranberry classic games if I can spend time with them! Plus there's something silly like a big ol' snowstorm. Gah.

Be careful out there! Hope you all found moments of gratitude today! 

What We Say vs What We Do

The thing about funerals is we see friends and relatives we haven't seen in forever – most likely since the last funeral – and we always say, "We need to get together for a happy occasion!" But no one organizes it. So we don't. And then it's the next funeral.

I think all families (including my own) are guilty of this.

But I will say it was great today to see dozens of Austins at Aunt Janice's funeral. She'd love the Snoopy popcorn tin above, by the way. 

Jim was a pallbearer and the reader. He does so good. I should marry that man. 💜

Truly, though, it was a very nice mass. I think I've said before that I don't always feel a personal connection at Catholic funeral services vs Lutheran or non-denominational. No offense whatsoever, they may have different delivery rules. But this new priest in town did amazing and told us afterward he will always try to get to know the person, the family, and the memories so he can deliver a personalized message for all those grieving. He did great!

With the combination of the visitation time and lunch, it really was great to catch up with the aunts, uncles and cousins. And heartbreaking at the same time that Jim's mom had her funeral on this exact date 3 years ago. 

The good news, though, is these two Austin wives are laying side by side in the mausoleum -- without their husbands there to supervise. So nobody better sneak in and place a case of Buckhorn Beer between them or there'll be trouble. According to reliable sources today, that is!

After the gathering I finished out my work day from home. And now am off the rest of the week! Time to get a little WICKED!

This evening, I had planned to meet a friend at the show but she found out her daughter had purchased them tickets for later in the weekend. So I just went in. And since I was so early, I caught the 6 p.m. 3-D show by happenstance. Not a fan. It was darker (lightwise not evil wise) and didn't add much to it. So don't pay extra for that if you don't have to.

Still the plot and music was stirring like the Broadway presentation – with quite a few extra cinematic effects obviously. I think I equally loved parts 1 and 2 because you need them both the complete the Broadway story. But if I had to lean toward a better one, I'd say the first. Much more emotion (and humor) as the anti-friendship formed into a friendship. 

Feel blessed that I could see the full production on stage a few times. Now I can just continue to sing the songs to the enjoyment (or annoyance) of the others in the house! Since it's Thanksgiving, I'm not only defying gravity, I am grateful that because I knew you – all my readers, that is – I have been changed for good!

[If you know, you know]

Weekend Wins and Losses

A mix of wins and losses over the weekend, that's for sure!

Saturday morning started with a win when I got to join the St. Philip's church group for a private showing of Soul on Fire – a full box of Kleenex tearfully inspiring movie!

The story in a nutshell: A tragic accident leaves 9-year-old John O'Leary with burns covering 100% of his body. He soon embarks on a miraculous road to recovery with support from family, the community, and baseball announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for the gift of life, John becomes a motivational speaker who inspires millions of people to make the world a better place.

Lots of tears. But you can't go wrong with popcorn for breakfast!

From there I headed to another fundraiser for the Best Christmas Ever organization – this one held at Ryder's Roadhouse. I was hoping my raffle basket luck from the previous weekend would spill over. But I was a loser.

I did have a win with those new Hershey's Snickerdoodle kisses I discovered. Instead of flat cookies, roll the Snickerdoodle dough in a ball and roll that in cinnamon-sugar and place in mini muffin pan. When the come out, immediately insert an upside-down kiss into the center and press down. It will melt itself into place just enough.

And also.... so yummy!! Winning.

Sunday was all Loser-ville...

Even though I purpled up for church and wore the Vikings bracelet my niece Kenlee made me, nothing could help my team at Lambeau. Uff da. My plan was to go to BINGO and watch the game later. I skipped that ugliness altogether!

And BINGO was no better. Had about 200 there and someone actually did win the progressive coverall jackpot of $4,400! 

That someone was not me. Nor anyone I knew. The closest I came was 3 space left on 3 of my 15 cards! Close does not count in BINGO. Loser.

My win today was that we had Book Club after work. We went to that new Tex Mex Rodeo Grill that I've gone to twice already on girls nights. Yummy food and great company. The book we discussed was really good too. If you get a chance, read The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club. You may need a tissue at times for this one, too. I listened through audible and enjoyed the Irish accent of the reader as well as the unique storyline.

Now it's time to see if any of my favorites on The Voice can win their knockout rounds and move on! And see if my undefeated fantasy football team can pull off a come-from-behind-win!

Hope you have more wins than losses this week!