Goodbye 2025 – No Hard Feelings

The only festive things about this New Year's Eve is this graphic. Yesterday and today were just two old people hanging close to home – sneezing, coughing, and blowing our noses. And blowing snow. Must it snow every day?

As I mentioned, I'm a few days' behind hubby on this "fun" so he's finally improving and I am hoping to turn the corner tomorrow. Before returning to work Friday. Ugh.

I want to give some inspiring reflection on the past year (Can it end already? No hard feelings!), but I'm not feeling it. Especially after such a work-related stressful December and now feeling the crud. But my former boss (I miss her) shared this with me this morning and I think it could hit home for a lot of us who expect too much of this old year-new year transition business.

This Morning Matters More Than the Countdown
(A New Year’s Eve Morning Reflection by Levend Montgomery)

This morning is different. Not because everything has changed, but because you are standing at the edge of something finishing.

New Year’s Eve is often treated like a night to escape into noise, but it begins as a morning to stand in clarity.

Before the countdowns.
Before the reflections rush past.
Before the pressure to summarize an entire year into a sentence.

You woke up here on purpose.

You didn’t arrive at this morning untouched.

You carry a year’s worth of moments in your body.
Some strengthened you.
Some stripped things away.
Some required courage you didn’t know you possessed.

There were prayers whispered and prayers wrestled with.
Endings you accepted.
Endings you didn’t choose.
Faith that held steady.
Faith that limped.

None of it was wasted.

God is not waiting until midnight to be present.

He has already met you here.
In the quiet before the year closes.
In the ordinary hours that don’t get celebrated.

The God who carried you through the past months is not suddenly more available when the calendar turns.

Faithfulness does not operate on a clock.
This morning is not asking you to evaluate the year.
It’s asking you to stand honestly inside it.

You don’t need a final verdict on success or failure.
You don’t need to rush into resolutions.
You don’t need to tidy up every loose end.

Some things take longer than a year to make sense of.
Some growth only becomes visible in hindsight.

There is wisdom in beginning the last day slowly.

Slow enough to acknowledge what shaped you.
Slow enough to release what no longer needs to be carried.
Slow enough to thank God for the strength you borrowed when yours ran out.

This day is not a finish line.
It’s a handoff.

Walk through this morning grounded, not nostalgic.

Carry gratitude without romanticizing pain.
Carry hope without demanding certainty.
Carry trust without needing a full map of what comes next.

You are not closing a chapter alone.
And you are not stepping into the next one unaccompanied.

Goodbye, 2025! Whether you're ringing in the New Year with a midnight toast or a Nyquil-induced 9 p.m. bedtime, be joyous, grateful – and safe!! 

I Don't Care How Pretty You Are

I know the days are starting to get longer now, but today felt like 3 days' long! And that was without leaving the house!

We woke to about 5 inches of snow and below-zero feels. My hubby the winter hero spent the morning nose-blowing and snowblowing here and at his dad's. And I am about a day and half behind him on the winter cold/cough train. So I had absolutely no energy!

What I did accomplish was starting a trifle cookbook (well not really, but I do have 6 recipes done anyway for friends who got trifle bowls for Christmas). 

Then I switched to scrapbooking mode. It took all afternoon but I found and uploaded all my 2018 photos I want to use at Camp Crop-A-Lot in February – but since there are 392 of them they won't all fit anyway. But.... drum roll please... I ordered the prints!! What? I know. Crazy. Still have lots of prep and organizing to do once I get the photos, but this is a great start.

And for my final accomplishment of the day, I wrote a poem.

Thoughts on Winter

Dear, winter:

I don't care how pretty you are.

I still hate you.

The end.

Be careful out there, my friends!

Post-Holiday Celebration

After our Friday Christmas celebration with all the Austins, our holiday celebration continued on Saturday morning with the three boys and their special ladies.

I'm not ashamed to brag but I made a very tasty egg and spicy sausage egg bake.

And grandpup Rey was the most well-behaved and well-loved girl in the house! Love days like that.

After the house was empty, I did some yarn shopping in Point for a special project. And today was church in the morning and a different kind of celebration this afternoon.

Hubby has developed quite the cough so I went by myself to give our friend (and 20 years' former newspaper coworker) condolences since she just lost her husband to cancer. Naturally, I arrive crying and saying I totally meant to be strong for HER! Ooof. I did see a few other newspaper coworkers so that was nice to catch up, too.

Wasn't long after that our predicted snow storm made it self known. We'll see what it dumps on us tonight. Since I'm on vacation and neither one of us has any place to go on Monday, I think we'll be just fine.

If you're traveling, though, be safe out there!

A Visit From the Wisemen... and Ladies

Just a quick note to say how blessed we're feeling after spending our family Christmas this afternoon/evening. All three wise guys were home at the same time! Hallelujah! 

We also had dad-in-law here along with Jim's sister and her family. Fully house with lots of great company and some good food if I do say so myself. After how many years, I finally got Jim's mom's dressing recipe right!! Now I just have to remember everything I did for the next time! (With perfect timing, Colin and Amy got us a dish towel with that recipe on it in Donna Mae's handwriting. Very touching!)

Had to be sure to get a cousins picture with all the C's: Clay, Casey, Carter, and Colin!

Opened presents later. The must have been very good for Santa to bring cans of PBR Beer Cheese Soup in their stockings!

Finally got to give the newest Mrs. Austin the sweatshirt I had a friend pick up for me in Austin, Texas. I have a matching one that I've been waiting to wear! What are Austin "vibes"? It's an Austin thing – you'd have to be one to understand.

And I'm so grateful I am.

We had a good amount of laughs reminiscing about a lot of childhood thing to make both Emily and Mamie feel even more connected to the family. It's what Christmas is all about. 

Let the merriment continue. Well at least through breakfast on Saturday. 😁💗

Pre-Merry Christmas

We had sort of an unconventional Christmas Day – for us anyway. Since the boys (and rest of the in-laws) are coming to celebrate tomorrow, today it was just us old folks. 

I decided right away that even though Santa had stockings filled for everyone, we shouldn't have to wait until tomorrow. It's officially Christmas after all! I was thrilled Jim got us a couple's membership to our golf course again. And a gift certificate to one of my favorite locally owned businesses. If I can adhere to some New Year's resolutions, I see some wardrobe changes courtesy of Rustic Redefined. 💗

In addition to missing the boys, but grateful we're just a day away from seeing them, we missed our angels – my mom and dad...

And Jim's mom. But these ornaments always remind us they are close in our thoughts and hearts. We did have dinner at Jim's dad's this evening, so that was nice!

Otherwise, today was also just busy – getting the house ready for company, some food prep, doing a family photo shoot (for hire) and now that I have those two trifle bowls, make them tonight for a customer.

Andes Mint Chocolate Avalanche Trifle (Does Culvers have that trademarked?).

And Peanut Butter and Chocolate Trifle – with both Nutty Buddy bars and various Reese's PB cups. I think she'll be pleased.

And Santa also brought us a Vikings victory today. Yes, we're well aware this win over the Lions helps the Packers, but we're just happy to have this one small Christmas gift with our third- maybe fourth-string QB this season! Pretty sure we'll still be in a good place for the draft! 💜💛

Be Christmas nice and let us have our joy! 😁

Hope all of you had one or many Christmas blessings go celebrate today!!

Christmas Eve

 

Our Christmas Eve is definitely more of a Silent Night vibe this year.

We both had the day off and I sang with my church at our 1 p.m. service. Then, by the time I was done, hubby was on his way to Rudolph to sing with the guitar choir there. After that, he had a little break to visit Dad before the St. Lawrence choir commitment.

While he was away, I did get all the Christmas wrapping done and two (so far) Christmas movies. 

And the big surprise of the day...

Two trifle bowls were delivered so I can deliver 2 trifles on Friday! The trifle gods really are looking out for me. And now that I have two extra bowls, I might have to start "Trifles on Demand by Robyn" in the near future.

Let's see what Santa has to say about that tonight!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

It's December 23. That means it's Christmas Eve Eve for all of us ... and Festivus for the rest of us. 

If you're not a fan of Seinfeld, you'll have to Google that one. And I was disappointed I didn't even have time to air my grievances today. Guess that's my grievance!

Had a hectic day at work because there are just so many things to wrap up before I start my holiday vacation. Couldn't quite get it all done before racing out of the office to get to my very important appointment with my hair artist. She is the gift that keeps on giving – every 6 weeks anyway!

After I got home, I finished up work and ... drum roll, please ... logged off until 2026! WHOOT!

We'll see if I can stay committed.

For fun, I visited 3 more stores to find a spare trifle bowl after I got a text from FedEx that what I ordered to be delivered by today has now been delayed until Friday night. Past my deadline for creating and delivering two. I think I found some plastic alternatives at the Dollar Tree (which has different inventory from Dollar General, by the way. Who knew?).

Must remind myself it's Christmas Eve Eve and I'm going to have let stress go. Work is done. I still have to get a few things figured out for our family Christmas Friday eve, but I'm officially switching to Hallmark Channel mode.

Where everything works out in the end. And maybe I'll even get a kiss under the mistletoe!

Oh dang, where can a girl get herself some mistletoe at this late date?! Another grievance, I guess!

Embrace the Spirit of the Season

I'm getting very close to resembling this as I realize what I failed to pick up this weekend. Getting close though.

And yes, though our WalMart supercenter had close to a million people again, I think I finally got all I needed. Plus ran into 3 friends and was able to wish them a Merry Christmas! It's like the gathering place for holiday greetings.

As a bonus today while working from home, a kind friend stopped by with a newly purchased trifle bowl for me to deliver on my promise this weekend. You know who you are and you know that I love ya!

This evening I am literally just putting piles of ingredients together for various Christmas-related dishes. 

And thankful I only have 8 more hours to work in 2025!!

Solstice Shopping and Singing

 

Happy Winter Solstice! Although officially today, I'd almost argue that yesterday and today seemed equally short when it comes to the "to do" and "tis done" lists.

Yesterday was a shopping whirlwhind. I went to the farmer's market/winter's market in Stevens Point in the morning because a new coworker was exhibiting his woodworking there – including something on my final list. 

Then I heard from the woman who successfully won a trifle of mine in a silent auction earlier this year. She'd like that plus an extra one she'll pay for. This coming weekend. Since my 2nd trifle bowl is MIA, I went to Goodwill in Point/Plover, Walmart, Kohl's and Target to see if I could find one. No luck.

Got home in early afternoon and showered (finally, ha) and got myself ready for an afternoon and evening of music.

First stop was the 4 p.m. mass at St. Philip's in Rudolph where a few of us (well hubby mainly and me by default) sang along during the service. Then it was off to Wausau to hear our friend Kat sing with STEEM and fun accompaniment by the Neenah high school symphony group.

A group of us went last year and it was so enjoyable to listen to – especially when you know one of the rockstars.

Jim's high school classmate Kat (Kathy) is pictured 3rd from the left.

Great to see/hear her solo performance. And since we've seen/heard her perform in several bands over the years, we could pick out and appreciate her beautiful voice throughout! A great concert for sure.

As a bonus, I ran into one my former co-workers at my current company. He has since moved onto TV only and is loving his gig in Salt Lake City, Utah. My work "sons" are all growing up!

Today was another day of shopping and singing.

Sang in choir and church and then went shopping to prepare (the best I could) for hosting Austin family Christmas later this week. I think I got most things. Shopping among thousands, I swear. Will have to reevaluate on Monday.

In the mean time, we got a Vikings win but I'm just hanging on for my fabulous fantasy football team to advance to our finals. We'll see if Santa grants one or both of those pending wishes or not.

Always a Hallmark Ending

First of all, I loved some of the non-required gifts at work this week. Yes we had an amazing Secret Santa reveal on Thursday, but it was like jolly holiday time all week.

The picture above was just from a team member who knows my Hallmark movie vibe. So that was awesome.

I also received plenty of relaxing holiday vibes from Cassidy,  including in the form of chocolate and a heated neck and shoulder brace. I can't wait to hit the microwave!

I did take the afternoon off to relax. 

I had a great lunch with girlfriends. Then did some shopping for the boys. Then, after wrapping, I realized I am fine to stay home tonight, not tale pictures, and actually finally watch The Voice. And now, hopefully a recorded Hallmark movie.

Stick with me. I think we can all find a happy, Hallmark ending

Tell Me it's Finally Above Freezing

This is my "Tell me it's above freezing in Wisconsin winter without telling me the temperature" photo. 

I knew on the way to work that on the way OUT of work, I'd have to get gas or risk the Low Fuel light humiliation. That's when I realized we actually had a surge from sub-zero a few days ago to 40 degrees ABOVE zero.

Now you see the evidence! 😀

It was a whirlwind of a day. Got to work early to get work done but then stayed late to help wrap presents for the family our Marketing Dept "adopted" through Operation Boot Straps. Also where I confirmed I am a bit of a gift wrapping perfectionist with advice from my mother in the back of my mind. In the best possible way.

I'll admit when our new hire on the writing team volunteered to help – but didn't know how to wrap a present – I was a bit surprised and challenged but realized quickly I could teach a class on how to wrap presents! So that's my post-retirement plan.

Which based on current work stress I sure hope falls in 4 years, 192 days, and 1 hour. Not that I'm counting down or anything!

After work and wrapping, I sort of sped (don't tell the officers) to Gordie's on Rapids' west side for our monthly Girls Night Out at 5:30. I was slightly late. By the time I got my food, I got a few bites and had to box it up to head to choir practice.

We're singing Sunday, Christmas Eve (2 songs) and January 4. So this was a longer practice since the next 2 Wednesdays are holidays. I am sure we have it down and will entertain the large audience of church choir fans. Ha.

Hubby also had his Christmas practice at his church. Based on our post-work schedules I think I'll see him late Thursday night. We can't ignore that hockey photos have also sneaked into the schedule!

Embrace the "warmth," people!

A-maize-ing Friends

Work has been full of changes and severe adjustments lately that have caused me more than a moment of stress. But then you have that one co-worker who you've known since a previous job 20+ years ago, and they can turn your day around.

I love puns and my first thought was "Boy, I wish I could share this one with my mom. She'd LOVE this!" 

It really did help me get through another day of too many meetings (the new culture I'm moving into, apparently) and too little time to write (you know, my actual job). 

Not having the easiest time adjusting to changes but I love and appreciate having "a-maize-ing" friends who have my back. 

Unfortunately, my focus right now is buying the right lottery tickets so we can both retire right now. We're so close. But that extra little bit (it doesn't have to be a billion) will push us over to the edge. Of happiness. 

Oh, Mom and Grandma J, please work your luck from heaven!!

Up in the Atmosphere

We've gotten so spoiled with the brilliant Northern Lights displays in the past 2 years that I think we sometimes forget to look up and appreciate the beauty of the stars on a cold, nearly cloudless night.

My inspiration? Book Club, of course!

Tonight 5 of us were able to meet at Ida's and discuss Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We don't always go back to the same authors time and again but it happens we read her Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising for previous discussions in years past. Plus several of us read her Daisy Jones and the Six book. She's good. What can we say?

Plus, our club is magical at picking out great books 9 out of 10 times.

I latched on to the storylines of this book for several reasons. First it was set in the early 1980s when the lead female characters were training in the NASA space program. It was around that time (which they obviously mention in the book) that Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983. I just remember how excited my sister Romey was about that because she had lived in Orlando a few years in the late 1970s and was in tune with the news there.

The second thing was that all the fictional stuff in the book came before my first memorable historic moment of childhood – when teacher Christa McAuliffe and her crew members died in the January 28, 1986, explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. 

Reading about the hype (and frankly, doubt) about women in space was interesting. But there were so many complex relationships that made the story so moving. That again, I'm listening to audio and crying in my car. 

Give it a read or a listen. I'm a pretty tough rater but I gave it a 4.5 out of 5. And if you have time, check out some of her other titles. I mean what else is there to do in the winter in the Midwest? We can stargaze and take pictures – but that lasts about 35 seconds before it's time to come in!

By the way, our January book is The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. I'm already on page 80 and riveted (in, I'll admit, a heartbreaking way).

But if you've read Atmosphere, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Be careful out there and stay warm!

Micro Temperature Multi-Tasking

 

I almost think that if it was a was a work day and we woke up to 10 below zero, we both might have stayed at home. But it was a Sunday and we both had to ding in our church choirs. So we warmed up our vehicles, and that's what we did.

And we survived just fine.

Since my one-loss fantasy football team is on bye and my real-life NFL team doesn't play until tonight, I decided to get my work secret Santa shopping completed. After I stopped home and layered up with long underwear, that is. I had gotten a few things awhile back, but today's stops included Home Depot (don't ask), Walgreens and Dollar Tree.

I should have started at Dollar Tree based on the prices of gift bags, etc. Duh me.

Got home and have watched a little bit of football while trying to wrap up a high school basketball design project – and prepare for my book to be discussed at tomorrow's Book Club meeting. 

Never underestimate the power (and sometimes stress) of multi-tasking. 

I even did my festive nails this afternoon to look like I'm 100% in the holiday spirit (whether that's true at work or not.).

At the end of the day, let's all just focus on staying warm and safe!

B-b-b-east Mode!

 

I can't recall the first 6 months of 2025 but I know today was definitely the coldest day of the second half of the year!

And wouldn't you know it, we had the guy coming over to clean out/vacuum whatever our duct work. With the heat turned off!

His giant suction machine was called Beast so we were literally in Beast Mode rather we wanted to be or not. Thankfully he got done in less than the 4 anticipated hours. I promptly took the hottest shower of my life when he left!

Today was the Rudolph Christmas celebration but with the ultra cold temps, all outdoor activities (including petting the reindeer) were canceled. Jim went up there to go to church with his guitar choir peeps and socialize after.

I stayed home and opted to buy a Powerball ticket to get us out of Wisconsin Winters...

And catch up on a cozy Hallmark movie or two. (Duh!)

After getting a Hallmark BINGO yesterday on my day off – where the prize is eating the spicy gumdrop game pieces – I had to try again. Looking good so far!

Be careful out there and stay warm!

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!