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!

Swinging Through Emotions Like Tarzan

Not gonna lie. There was a lot of stress this week (mostly work-related). But then you realize there are much bigger problems that, by the grace of God, we are not dealing with.

My lunch break today consisted of going to a funeral for a neighbor lady we usually saw a minimum of once a day walking her dog past our house. I was immediately brought to tears when her grieving husband told us "I just loved her so much! Make sure you two hug each other when you get home!" Uff da. Throw in a How Great Thou Art and Josh Groban's You Raise Me Up, and I was emotional toast the rest of the day. 

A while later and channel-surfing hubby finds Tarzan playing on one of the Disney channels. "Little Carter" loved this movie (I'm sure we've seen it 100 times) and had the soundtrack memorized. Plus I've already decided our mother-son dance at his wedding (if he ever gets married) will be Phil Collins' You'll Be In My Heart. So yes, add some more emotion for the mama missing her (now 27) toddler!

How do we cope? Like any Wisconsinite, we head to a Friday Fish Fry!

And witness a gorgeous sunset, too! I can see now that slowing down to 15 mph is still too fast for a crisp photo, but you get the point.

We went to The Ridges and my Haddock Au Gratin was 100% as delicious as it looks! I didn't even need the Ranch to dip my fries in – they tasted amazing dipped into that extra au gratin sauce!

And it wasn't just the food that shifted my mood. We literally ran into about 20 people we know. Lots of people enjoying fish, that's for sure. And great to catch up with a few friends I haven't seen in awhile. Apparently, we gotta get out more!

Have a good weekend, everyone. Hug your loved ones and especially yourself if you need it!

Choose Your Luck

Being from Luck, Wisconsin, I have had the occasion to be "in Luck." It doesn't always equate to a lucky streak, though.

Case in point, last evening. I stopped at the library on the way to choir practice to see if maybe they'd have our December book for Book Club. Then, there it was – on the Lucky Day shelf! Whoot!

But then when I got back to my car, I thought, did I just use up my luck on that book and those lottery tickets I just bought won't win me anything? The answer is yes, that's exactly what happened. Dang.

I did have a fortunate – I won't call it lucky – turn of events after that, though. 

When I got to practice, I got a text from hubby that he was going to the Springsteen movie he wanted to see. I did, too, so I replied, "Darn choir practice!" But then only 2 other people showed up besides me and the director so he said, "You might as well go join Jimmy at the movie!"

And since the theater is like 5 blocks from my church, I only missed the first 5-10 minutes.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is a biographical drama which focuses on the making of the 1982 album Nebraska. I mean I knew older songs like Born to Run, etc., but I honestly didn't fall into fandom with him until I was in high school and his 1984 Born in the U.S.A. album became the first vinyl record I bought!

So while I liked the movie, I didn't honestly love it. Unfortunately, it was pretty darn depressing. So in essence, it successfully reflected a dark period of his life with an alcoholic and abusive father, but there wasn't a balance of lighter moments like we've experienced in Bohemian Rhapsody or the Rocketman Elton John story. 

Wow. I just realized I'm coming off as a cynical movie critic! See it if you love The Boss because you'll love and respect him even more.

And I'll let you know in 14 days or less if I give my book thumbs up!

Talk Turkey To Me

I'm sure I've mentioned a time or two that our Marketing Department (of which I'm a member) has an official Fun Committee. Every month it's something fun, crazy, or inspiring. They never disappoint.

Today we had the opportunity to gather, eat Arbuckle's pizza and Sweet Juanjo's cookies, while coloring thank you/gratitude cards for whoever we wanted to.

I did one card and was completely transfixed over this box of cookies! Such talent and creativity. I see these everywhere, at every craft & vendor show, and have no clue how they do them. But the creative side of me is jealous I don't know how!

I mean I did pick up quite a few cake decorating skills in that period of my childhood/teenhood when Mom was taking a community class on that and going nuts with it. So fun.

But I also should recognize at my age that I'd probably need to wear my readers to make those tiny, straight lines. I mean part of me says I want to learn this, but do I NEED to? I absolutely do not need another hobby. Of any kind.

Guess I'll just enjoy eating them and tasting that heavenly sweet frosting. So amazing! And yes, I'm in awe of all of you who can do this.

They Just Had to Be Right

When I saw this advisory yesterday, I was hoping that if I just ignored it, it would go away.

It did partially.

Woke up and there wasn't much happening in Wisconsin Rapids. But as I got closer to work in Stevens Point, it was coming down in that annoying slushy way! Darn weather dudes just had to be right!

It was pretty until you had to drive in it. Lunchtime views showed some accumulation. On and off the road.

But yes, pretty when you have a wildlife reserve across the street from work!

Meanwhile hubby texted me a picture of the back yard. Nothing happening. I was OK with that, knowing I'd eventually have a good stretch of road in go-home commute that would be dry!

Beyond the unwelcome weather, today was just a long day. Found out first thing one of Jim's aunts died during the night. Aunt Janice was a spitfire! And I mean that in the nicest way. She loved everything Snoopy and Peanuts and Milwaukee Brewers. Over the years we've traded recipes and Robyn Carr books! She'll be missed.

Hug your loved ones. And be careful out there!

Oh that Gratitude Thing

Lucky you. I not only wrote the church newsletter column for October, but November (Gratitude Month) too! So here you go...

Gratitude as a Way of Life

As much as I love summer and bonding with Mr. Deck Chair and my golf clubs, when the fall leaves start changing color I immediately pause and think, “I see what you did there, God. Thanks!”

Now, as the last of the leaves fall in November and we move toward Thanksgiving, gratitude naturally comes to mind. We pause to count our blessings—family, friends, food, and the many ways God sustains us. But Christian gratitude should run deeper than a single season or holiday. It’s not just something we feel once a year; it’s a way of seeing the world, shaped by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

But does that come second nature to us? Not for me. But I am working on 365 daily gratitude!

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Notice that Paul doesn’t say for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. I believe this means that gratitude is not so much a denial of hardship—it’s a declaration of trust. Even when life feels uncertain or heavy, we give thanks because we know that God remains faithful, walking beside us through every season. (Note: See any “Footprints” plaque from the last 4 decades.)

This November, many of us will gather around tables—some full and noisy, others more quiet and reflective. Some of us may feel the joy of reunion, while others may feel the ache of absence. Just remember that wherever we find ourselves, God meets us there. Gratitude grows not from perfection, but from presence—the presence of Christ, who joins us in every joy and every sorrow.

One of the gifts of having faithful friends and a strong church family is that together we help one another remember this truth. When one of us struggles to see the blessings, another can gently remind us of God’s goodness. When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice together. Gratitude shared becomes gratitude multiplied.

So this month, let’s practice noticing. Let’s pause to see the small mercies: the gorgeous leaves, the crisp morning air, the laughter of a child, the quiet calm during worship. Each of these moments is a reminder that God is near, that love is stronger than despair, and that grace continues to abound.

May our hearts be filled with thanksgiving—not just for what we have, but for who we are as a grateful family in Christ.

That Odd Mix of Summer, Turkey Day and Christmas

What a strange seasonal weekend! Saturday dawned with summer-like temperatures and I was excited for some time with Mr. Deck Chair! 

Beware of roadside turkeys first!

Then in the mean time, there was shopping for Christmas cookie exchange ingredients – and supporting our community's Best Christmas Ever endeavor for families in need.That turned out to be fun. 

I convinced the Grinch that no one could silence me from spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear!

And he reminded me, "Does your husband know you're sitting on another man's lap?" LOL.  Also, he didn't care if I was good this year or not. So kids got a free pass in that department!

They had a good 100+ raffle baskets and your friend Lady Luck won two of them! Including some Tupperware EZ Speedy mixer thing that more than covers the cost of raffle tickets I purchased.

Then last night we re-joined AHS classmates (plus) to hear our friend Lance Black sing. This was at 17sixteen, the way former Baker Street Grill. He was amazing as always and it was great to see friends!

Today was literally both of us singing in our respective church choirs and watching football. Because, guess what, the weather turned quite November-ish again – despite the sun. So we stayed inside.

P.S. I did sneak one Hallmark Christmas movie in yesterday... and I'm pretty sure I can get another one in tonight!

TGIF-ish

Weirdly after a day at work – working from home – I am exhausted! How does this happen? I don't know but it is 100% logical.

And I laugh because the only situation is me and a lunchtime line for meds! At some point, I will see the newest event! And, if not, I'll just continue to say YOU'RE TURN!

If not, I'll just put myself to sleep tonight. If you know, you really know! 

Finally My Turn

When the Northern Lights were already showing themselves at Lake Wazeecha at just 6:30 last night, I knew it was finally my turn to see them and, cross my fingers, capture an image or two.

Around 8 p.m. I headed over the Buena Vista Prairie Chicken Meadow – along with dozen other vehicles – for an open field / unobstructed view. I was amazed I could see the colors with the naked eye. But putting my phone camera on Night mode, I was able to capture more of the depth and vividness.

Red and Green colors like a Hallmark Christmas movie! Ha. Just glorious! But very cold out so I didn't linger for long!

No Northern Lights here tonight but...

But those Western Lights were exceptionally gorgeous on my commute home. Wow!!

Got home in time for hubby and I to go to "dinner and a show" tonight at Assumption High School. 

Opening night for Sister Act included a delicious dinner with 3 couples from the Smits family – how fun – then the musical!

Everything was amazing from the set design (wow) to the talented singers. So entertaining! They have shows Friday and Saturday, too. Highly recommend going. Although dinner was only available tonight.

I might actually get 8 hours of sleep tonight since I don't have to keep checking for those lights. Sure appreciate their beauty and uniqueness though! 

Northern Lights Envy is a Thing

I was so frustrated with our cloud cover on Bluejay Drive last night. I literally stepped outside every few hours to hopefully catch sight of the Northern Lights.

Especially after viewing stunning photos from family Up North in Wisconsin and from the Twin Cities on up in Minnesota (like my niece's photo above). So lucky! So envious.

And I'm not kidding that there were clouds at 9 p.m., 10 p.m., and 2 a.m. But I could see something was hiding behind them!

Then.... shout out to Mr. Tiny Bladder for awakening my body at 5 a.m. I look out the bathroom window and see... stars! Holy crap! No clouds.

So I run out the front door and onto the driveway in my slippers and PJ's and finally caught a beautiful view above our tree line!

It was a brilliant pink! And because I was not exactly dressed to hop in the car and find an unobstructed view in an open field somewhere, I don't know if our pinks were attached to any greens like other photos I viewed. 

In retrospect, I should have. Because I didn't fall back asleep anyway for my 6:20 alarm.

So tonight I caught colors early...

As in sunset colors on my drive home from work. But because the Northern Lights are supposed to be visible like everywhere tonight, I will try again. Between sunset and choir practice. Then between choir practice and realistic bedtime.

Good luck to all of us Northern Lights dorks! 📷

Tuesday Randomness

Tuesday mornings are hard after being home and away from the office Friday through Monday. Add in cold air temps and darkness – and I wonder why I live here and why I can't win a lottery that equals early retirement. Ugh.

Of course, seeing that my Swedish Chef Mafia fantasy football team won again to remain the only undefeated status in our two Marketing Department leagues gives me reason to smile. I've got injuries and a very shallowly qualified bench so this status could change any week. Still it's kind of a fun as a "girl" to be kicking ass!

This Tuesday in particular also meant it was Veterans Day, so thank you to all of you who have served! Something I don't take for granted because I know I am too selfish to ever consider putting my life on the line for anything other than my hubby, kids and family. God bless you all!

This Tuesday in particular was also our monthly Girls' Night Out. We had 8 of us tonight at Ida's. So nice to catch up. And no, we're not girls anymore. Our conversations are around health issues and grand-babies and challenging Millennials at work (ha). As always, though, good food and great company!

I'm excited that this Tuesday also calls for a great chance to see the Northern Lights! 

Unfortunately, we have a cloud cover here in Wood County, Wisconsin. As of 8 p.m. failed photo shoot. I'll try again later. Or tomorrow night. 

Happy Tuesday to you all – and let's hit Hump Day with some attitude (and energy, please!).

Eating Humble Fry Pie

When I had my holiday shopping treat of the coconut cream Amish fry pie for "breakfast" this morning, I had no idea I'd be eating some humble pie later on today.

I keep my life schedule organized on the calendar on my phone. But also put everything (I thought) on our kitchen calendar too. And urge (well, nag) hubby to do the same.

For as often as I've been checking the calendar to confirm we are indeed still in early autumn, I can't believe a completely empty Monday square didn't alarm me. At one point I checked the school sports calendar today thinking maybe I had another middle school hoops or game or something. Nope.

Did I check my phone though? Nope. I must have brain freeze!

At 4 p.m. my phone dings that I have my 6-week appointment with my hair artist at 4:30 p.m.! Whoa. THAT'S what I was missing. Or almost missed.

Since working at home on Mondays is a very casual dress environment, the first thing I said to Jim was, "Well I guess I do have to wear adult clothes today!" I quickly changed out of my warm and cozy "casual wear" and headed into town.

The first bonus was sitting under the dryer for 15 minutes and finally feeling warmed up!

The second bonus is that Miss Sarah does a fabulous job in front and back. Maybe I should have appointments at 6 a.m. so I can walk around all day with great hair and a "toss, toss" attitude! But I'd probably forget to set my alarm.

Whew. Crisis averted. (Hair artists are hard to get appointments with, seriously!) So I already have my Dec. 22 appointment on the kitchen calendar. In orange "alert" Sharpee. 

Now if only I could convince Mother Nature and Old Man Winter to look at their calendars!

One of These Seasons Doesn't Belong

Mr. Deck Chair and I are headed to couples' therapy after what he had to endure during the night while I was sleeping. I mean I honestly wouldn't have known the white stuff was a possibility until I had Up North sisters text me asking if it was snowing here yet. I guess it was on some Wisconsin or Minnesota weather dude's radar. Just not mine.

But sure enough there was a late-night deck shot and one this morning when the sun wasn't even up. Both shots so ugly if you ask me. It it is time one of these seasons stepped aside for a minute (or month!).

Naturally, I was like, maybe I could take some picture so this juxtaposition (oh my high school English teacher would be proud of that!)

So the park above and my church yard here were great photo ops to show that again, one of these seasons doesn't belong.

I honestly didn't pay much attention to the white stuff since I had church then BINGO. But apparently even a high of 30 degrees (below freezing in my mind) means the snow can melt if the sun is out. Either way, it's fine with me since the roads were clear all day.

I just hoped the "Nordic Fever" would blanket our Vikings with good vibes today. Ugh. I don't have a defensive reason for our loss since I was getting scoring updates at BINGO. 

But dang, I wish my fave NFL team could align with my currently undefeated fantasy team! Who knows? When I said one of these seasons doesn't belong, maybe football and BINGO don't mix. Then again... that means one of us deserves a big WIN!!

Very soon, please.

Looks Like Christmas-ish

There are certain people who cannot resist mint chocolate – especially during Christmas season and, well, during St. Patrick's/Shamrock Shake time either. Me. I am those people!

Today, since I was actually home on a Saturday with no solid plans, I checked out some holiday expo that was being held at the Hotel Mead. Well it was HUGE this year with 80+ vendors spread out all over the first floor of the hotel, filling conference/banquet rooms and the lobby. I ran into so many people I knew, too, making it the best social hour (er, 90+ minutes) ever!

I had no real agenda or shopping list in mind (rookie mistake) but I found plenty to buy – including the homemade mint-chocolate bark pictured. Also, Millers' Amish farm had Coconut Creme fry pies as their featured flavor of the day. I bought 2 for the "deal" and said I didn't plan on sharing them! I did buy some fresh garlic beef sticks for hubby (possibly to appease my guilt) and a few stocking stuffers, but not really that much. 

Still it really got me in the mood for the upcoming season. I may have to turn on Hallmark tonight!

When I got home, Jim and I went up to Stevens Point to visit an old newspaper friend we very much keep in touch with – who just had some back/neck fusion type surgery. Great to see Scottie, but wow, I would not do well being in a neck brace for 12 weeks! So many hugs and prayers, my friend.

Got home and decided to work on our family Christmas card because Walgreens has a 70% off deal until 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT! Well, that's been interesting. I asked the boys for pictures of them and their ladies. I didn't think I had to point out "from 2025" but Mr. Smooth had a nice picture from early 2024 in Raleigh, N.C. Nope. Mom says no. Follow the basic rules of family Christmas cards everywhere. Also, while I think he and his girl are super photogenic, people can be hyper-sensitive so I am respecting that.

And sending them the bill if they can't agree on something well before midnight for this discount!

You're right, that is pretty Grinch-y. Maybe I will just head to the basement for a 2-hour Hallmark timeout. 

Looks and feels like the Christmas-y thing to do! Embrace the season, my friends.

Chillin' With The Boys (and old men)

When I woke up to this temperature on Thursday morning it did not surprise me when I checked the school sports calendar that the first basketball games were already happening.

So I had hubby charge my camera battery and after work I headed to St. Vincent's for 7th- and 8th-grade Royals hoops versus Stratford. Interesting that our 7th-grade team had one boy on the bench and our 8th-grade team, well, I think there were 17 on our roster. Wow!

And the Stratford Tigers sneaked by with wins in both games.

I think that's because my favorite Stratford High School graduate is celebrating a birthday this weekend! Yup, last week my dad would have been 98 (that really wouldn't have happened) so that means this week my father-in-law (a young 10 years younger) turns 88! We took him out to Anchor Bay tonight and they gave him a red velvet cupcake with a candle AND singing by everyone in the restaurant!

We also had more celebratory calories when we went to his place afterward. He really is the sweetest, kindest man. I am so lucky I still have him to call "Dad."

Hug your loved ones. Hard!