2026 Vibes

Every time I shoot graduation ceremony pictures at Assumption it hits me different for different reasons. A lot of times it's the kids. And sometimes it's the date.

Obviously, tonight my first concern was for the janitor who will have to get those streamers off the ceiling beams and fans! Crazy kids.

While I adore many of the graduates, just the words "class of 2026" are jolting for me.

That means our baby, who graduated from Assumption in 2016, will have a 10-year class reunion this year! Wow. That also means his mama, who graduated from Luck in 1986, will have 40-year class reunion this year. Ugh. Why did I start this conversation????

I think I'll go back to editing and uploading pictures. Part of me wanted to go down memory lane. The other part said... ewww. Just stop. LOL.

I hope to post the ceremony pictures tonight yet! Go Royals!

Gateway to Summer? I Think Not

Unofficially, many of us think of Memorial Day Weekend as the "kickoff" to summer. But if we wake up to 42 degrees the day before the weekend begins... I claim false advertising.

Most of us "office workers" are smart enough to know we have to dress in layers. If it's cold outside, will it be chilly in the office or will the heat be cranked? One never knows. Because well, like most offices, it's not consistent.

Today I knew to dress in some warm layers because I was going to be walking across the street from my office to give a bit of a walking tour about SentryWorld. Could we have driven over? Yes. But now I have my 10,000+ steps for the day. It's all about priorities.

And I was quite warm by the time we returned!

Do you know what else warms us on the inside? Special time spent with old friends who know every good, bad, and ugly thing about you and still love you to pieces.

I got to reconnect with friends tonight that I've known for almost 30 years. About how long I've been in Wisconsin Rapids. Some I see often. Others not so much. But boy, nothing warms you from the belly out like unapologetic laughter over other people's comments and stories. And firm, loving hugs!

Seriously, exactly what I needed in my current mostly stressed state of mind.

Thank you, God, for placing people in my life who enrich my soul and my attitude. And if you could do the same for Mother Nature, I'd owe you a big one!

Mom Vibes

Before I get into my blog ... I picked up these unusual and gorgeous roses after work for a friend who's had some rough emotional times over the past several days. If you love them like I do, get to Metro Market in Plover. I don't do endorsements, but I'm just sharing because I couldn't stop staring. So pretty!

I did have flowers on the mind already today because we're closing in on the anniversary death of my mother, who loved flowers – and could keep them alive!

So today I dressed in homage to Mom. Purple shirt (her favorite color) and my "new" floral pants from Goodwill! The crocheted necklace I'm wearing is one I found in her jewelry box while we were cleaning out her apartment. 10-to-1 odds it was something she got at a thrift store or garage sale! Oh, I am my mother's daughter, ha. 

Still, it worked.

(Sorry I took it in a restroom at work. Needed a full-length mirror!)

Two years ago today was a Monday. I had spent the weekend Up North visiting Mom in the hospital and had no idea when she beat me at cards that it would be the last time she'd be the winner. And the last time I'd get an "I love you" and hug goodbye.

She was 100% interactive and alert. 

Three days later, though, when I raced back up there on May 22, she was unresponsive and my "I love you" and hug goodbye were one-sided. She passed away by the time I got back to Wisconsin Rapids that evening.

May and June are tough. Because sandwiched in between Mother's Day and Father's Day are the anniversaries of my parents' deaths. Then throw in Memorial Day. I recently mentioned Dad was quite a patriot and respected the flag so much... and he actually died on a Memorial Day. 

Uff da. 

Just reminds me that Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas aren't the only holidays that can hit hard for those who grieve. 

If you're not an adult orphan yet (and lucky you), please don't waste time on grudges or silly misunderstandings that might come between you and your parents. Embrace them, treasure them, and thank them for being there.

So many of us wish we could do the same!

And We All Fall Down

After getting delayed on my commute by at least 20 minutes today just trying to navigate through Plover, I was reminded in the back of mind about a Michael Douglas movie where he totally lost it in a traffic jam. I get you, man.

With some quick research, thank you Google, I realized it was called Falling Down and released in 1993. They labeled it "The adventures of an ordinary man at war with the everyday world." That's most of us every day, isn't it?

I'm not sure why I went to see it in the theater other than there were few entertainment options then. Plus I was single and some guy probably promised me popcorn. Ha.

In the movie, his character is desperately trying to get to the birthday party of his daughter (living with his ex-wife) and basically has a breakdown and leaves his car in a traffic jam in Los Angeles and decides to walk. 

While I do need my steps, I was in no mood to get out and walk – first it was still 10 miles to work. And secondly, the temps dropped down to just a high of like 52 today. I will cope with my impatience in my heated driver's seat, thank you.

But it probably did fuel my attitude for day where I was pretty impatient with some people who had no time to acknowledge or appreciate my offer to help, etc. Some days are like that. Are our mid-50s the age we lose our filter to NOT get defensive about things like that? I think so. 

And I hate that and I regret that.

But am I ready (well, mature enough) to extend an olive branch? Knowing my luck, it would blow away in these cold spring winds.

Lord, help me!

WWW (What's With the Wind)?

I haven't been living under a rock. Though I try to most of time. But what's with the wind? I swear it's been like windy all the time going on 3+ years.

I just stumbled across a forecast for "marginal" (thankfully) chances of hail and strong wind tonight. Can I just go to bed one night safe in the knowledge I'll have electricity in the morning? No one wants to see me in the office without my hair curled. It was bad enough I showed up at Book Club tonight with my Monday work-from-home unwashed and randomly braided hair!

I didn't even know how to apologize.

But since our book was about witches, I sort of fit in. Yep from wind to brooms and witches, I guess it all ties together.

This month's discussion was on How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy's Guide to Silencing Women by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. I've told you several times our books run quite the gamut. We rotate who chooses the book each month so it often is something we'd never personally choose – but also opens our eyes and minds to subjects we didn't know we'd benefit from learning about.

In this book, which I considered a little more like a history book than a novel, the authors unravel the grim yet absurdly bureaucratic process of identifying, accusing, trying, and executing women as witches. There was possibly a little too much detail for this "fainting goat" about how they were burned at the stake and what happened to their bodies in the process. But otherwise, interesting! If that's an area of interest for you, check it out!

Of course, as we cackled in our coven we call a book club, I think we were in agreement not to let any of our husbands or kids read this.

Like the weatherman says: Safety first!

Be careful out there!

Soggy Sunday

Today was the extreme opposite of our sunny and 85-degree Saturday. It was rain all day and maybe a high of 55. Welcome to "spring" in Wisconsin!

So we did indoor things. Went to church. And I plunked down on the recliner under a fuzzy blanket and watched golf and the Twins-Brewers game (yay, Twins)... and perhaps napped here and there. Not a bad life. Ha.

Tonight we went to a meeting at TriCity golf course for our upcoming couples league. That should be fun again this summer as long as it's nothing like today's weather!

Now I have time to watch at least one mindless rom-com before going to bed. Look at me being so agile with Mother Nature's moods! Hope we all can do the same in the coming days!

Happy Satur-Dane

I don't know my father's thoughts on Danes. His only remark one time (as a 50/50 Swede and Norwegian) was about "goofy Finlanders."

Today I spent the day in a historic building called Danes Hall in Waupaca. Apparently lots of Danes settled in this town 45 minutes away. First time at the hall. An impressive facility that can accommodate a ceremony and reception on the third floor, an area to relax for appetizers on the second floor, and a popular bar in the bottom floor known as The Cellar. 

Every time I swear off shooting wedding photos, I cave to another request. This time to one of hubby's cousin's kids who lives on the East Coast but wanted something close to the bride's hometown in Waupaca.

Today was sunny and 84 degrees – the warmest day this year – but sun is not always a photographer's friend. So I did take most of the pictures inside the nice venue but took a few dozen outside with the couple. 

Although I am the cheapest photographer around, I still want to prove my worth and deliver good photos.

What I liked about this one is that I framed an angel on their shoulders to represent Grandma Batch, who is my mother-in-law's sister. Both are gone now. For the bride, I think/hope this picture means a lot! I know it will to Uncle Richard, who tearfully hugged me while commenting, "This is so hard to experience without Batch. She'd be so happy."

Sometimes in the chaos of all things weddings, we might forget how much the occasion means beyond the immediate family and friends. It's good to remember the feelings of grandparents who were overjoyed for the first times to be called Grandpa and Grandma. These "young people" are the world to them! 

Just pointing that out since I have several brides planning in 2026 and 2027 and I knew your grandparents who have gone. Also, I know for 99.9% certainty that y'all have better things to do than read my blog! LOL. Well, I did my part!

#hugyourfamily

A Patriotic PTO

Some of us of a certain age can appreciate the 250th "birthday of the USA" because we there to celebrate the 200th... the Bicentennial!

This picture may appear again this year... but my twin and I sang some song related to the Christian flag rather than the USA flag that day, and I have no idea. Other than.... look how cute we were!

First on my agenda today... I had to participate in America's REAL favorite pastime. Sorry, not baseball, but golf!

I took the day off and my friend and neighbor Marigene and I took our "pets" for a walk! That worked out great! #SoMuchRustToShakeOff

Afterward, I headed to my destination of flower shopping. My hair artist clued me into a place last week that was amazing. An Amish farm/greenhouse that no only had impressive blooming flowers, but special displays and very helpful staff.

I did have a few other stops, but I think I was privileged to finally get everything to present a nice 'Merica front deck presence.... 

For now, just know 'Lene and I are not going to perform any songs about it!

Hidden Talents

My first hidden talent today was learning that I am a "good bleeder"... this is after a simple finger prick that turned into a good half hour of "bleeding out" (in my dramatic opinion) and hoping not to faint just to test our cholesterol and all that jazz for a work health program.

Thankfully some old friends had my back and I survived mostly unscathed except for a little down time on a couch in a lactation room (all these things exist in today's corporate America) and some stomach upheaval. 

Still waiting for my gold star for being such a great and generous bleeder!

After work, it was a bee line to Robinson Park for Senior Night for our Lady Royals. Every time I think I'm 100% aging out of this school, I think of the current squad that moves my heart with their hearts of dedication and hard work for Assumption. Congrats, Ari and my R sister. I will miss the heck out of you!

After that, I was able to finally stop at soccer a bit so I could get some pictures to Mr. Yearbook. That was a little bit more affirming that we are getting old and don't know most of these "young kids" anymore. Still, was fun to see.

Then, while I was editing and uploading photos tonight I hear some very young voices and realize we are watching our youngest next-door neighbors for a spell because of a sort of family emergency. Their hidden talents: Endless energy!

I realize we really don't have any toys around here any more. But we may have turned them into zombies by the time they left. Side note: I'd give anything for the energy of a 3-year-old. Wow. 

Good thing I don't have to set an alarm tomorrow! 

A Wee Bit of Wednesday Wisdom

If you quickly read it as "Life is meant to be a cycle of stress and survival," then we're on the same page.

And that's not good.

So I guess it's NOT meant to be that. Ope.

When we had our weekly team meeting at work today I was confident to report that my current workload was at a manageable level. Then later, as I was "preparing for the next thing," I realized that's going to change any day now.

You'd think by now, some 30+ years into my career, that managing change would come easier. I mean I'm not at the "Get off my lawn!" stage, but I do find some changes a bit challenging to manage.

I must remember the key message above: Pause. Look up.

Sometimes we just need a minute to see how God is going to help us handle a situation or if He has total confidence we've got this! I'm convinced that short pause can lead to just the 60 seconds we need to breathe and reassess.

And if you're wondering if God follows you around all day with messages...

This was a banner hanging at church during choir practice tonight! I guess there's no such thing as "coincidences," is there? 

Change is here to stay. Embrace it. And if you can't handle it, someone up above will have your back! 

Monday :: Part 2

Well I wasn't intending on having my Tuesday play out like a Monday... but I set my Monday "work from home" alarm so I got up when I should've been halfway to work already.

Then there was road construction and a detour.

Before I left work, though, I was going to be wife of the year and finally pick up Buffalo Wild Wings on the way home – since hubby hinted I drive by there every day (not really) and never bring it home – then remembered halfway home that he golfs on Tuesday nights. Good thing he is not opposed to leftovers.

But the sticking point was...

I feel like I got the best car wash ever on Sunday and when I saw the dust storm, I probably said out loud, "Are you effing kidding me?" to my audience of no one in the car. Ugh.

When I got home, I followed Taylor Swift's advice to shake it off.

I grabbed a t-shirt and took a walk...

It was still windy (obviously) but not dusty. Also, the t-shirt brought back a lot of great memories! 

So it turns out that only about 30% of people hoping to see Denali – the biggest mountain on the planet as far as I'm concerned – actually get to see it. And my sister Renell and I did when we were there about 5 years ago.

The day we were actually in Denali National Park, we did not see it. We're like, how can we not see it if it so huge? We see all these mountains, but that's not it? No, said Mr. Park Ranger, you'll definitely know her when you see her.

And when we did see her the next day, it was like wow, she is three times the height of these "normal" mountains and impressive as heck. 

Today's life lesson: So if you're experiencing a Monday repeat, just remember, there could be something great lurking in the clouds, just waiting to reveal itself!

May we all be part of that 30% Club!

Monday Monday

Monday, Monday (Bah, da, bah da-da, da)

So good to me (Bah, da, bah da-da, da)

Monday mornin' (Bah, da, bah da-da, da), it was all I hoped it would be.

Maybe I captured the robin with a worm but if not, I'm thrilled to participate in Monday madness – and fun!

Funny how you take a day off on a Friday – and come Monday, it's like you are almost punished for a day off. So much work that piled up in one day. 

Anyway... I hope that you fellow mothers are still feeling the love from "Mother's Day Weekend". 

And, if you have a new audio book in your recent "listened to and enjoyed it," please let me know before my week's commute begins.

Motherhood Blessings

It's a bit early in the day for a blog, but since I couldn't deliver yesterday I felt compelled to write early. Plus, I'm it's not even 5 p.m. and I can't wait to go to bed tonight!

It was a special Mother's Day weekend for a handful of reasons. First, we were headed to a wedding where both our baby boy and his girlfriend were walking down the aisle – just not together. Then there was the fact there was going to be quite the UW-Platteville alumni contingent there – so some of the "boys" we considered our "kids" were there.

So the Readers' Digest condensed version (for those of you who even know what I'm referring to) is this: Carter and his now girlfriend Mamie met while working for Potosi Brewery and Halayna also worked there. They became fast friends. Then Halayna met Mamie's brother Amon the they became ... a fast couple. LOL. So the wedding this weekend was a combo of (Carter's girlfriend's) family and college friends. 

So celebrating the new Redfearns went a little bit like this...

Halayna's little sister wanted to be a REAL bridesmaid, not a junior bridesmaid and she wanted to walk with Carter. Heck, I'd choose him too! Side note: She's a little fireball and pretty much danced all night!

Mamie was one of the two maids of honor – and did a million thing beyond that role including sewing any alterations to anyone's wedding dresses. 

When you see Halayna escorted down the aisle with her big grin, this is her 100%. So when there was a point in the ceremony where they exchanged vows, we weren't surprised at how it played out. The groom did a great job, then Halayna took her turn. 

Then he said into the ceremony microphone something like: "That was so good!"

Then Halayna started giggling – also captured on the microphone – and we all thought "this is so them to a tee!"

During the ceremony, Carter had to hang onto the "flower girls" – their two Corgis. And at the end, those ladies led the way out!

If you couldn't tell by hair flying, it was crazy windy outside. So I guess I take no shame in my hair in this picture with hubby. I was just happy Jim an I coordinated and I coul fit perfectly into my "back up dress" from Casey's wedding 2+ years ago. 

Of course, spending any time of my Mother's Day WEEKEND with my baby makes all the difference in the world! I don't think kids comprehend this like us moms do.

And the kids... oh they just continue to be "matched" so perfectly! What a joy to spend some time with them and for me, selfishly, get to get out on the dance floor with the other "housemate" moms. That was fun. Also great to see and visit with a bunch of Mamie's family who we've come to know over the past 6+ years.

This morning was interesting because it was Mother's Day and I got to see and say goodbye to my baby... but at a hotel. Still, I wouldn't trade any Mother's Day WEEKEND experience with him! That was great!

I've been spoiled for more than a decade with the tradition Jim makes me Eggs Benedict for breakfast on Mother's Day. Pretty much the only day indulge. It took a few towns but on the way from Mineral Point to home, we found the Golden Eagle Cafe (or something) in Barneveld and we stopped and I could indulge in my tradition.

So yum!

When we got home, I hoped the rest of the day would be filled with spring-like thinks like flowers, but it really has been cold and windy. So I'll take my motherhood blessings I've gathered this weekend and run with it!

Hope all my mom friends and those in mother-type roles had the best weekend ever!

Voice of God: Take a Day Off Already!

I may have been the voice of God streaming down with lights from the clouds – or just my maximized stress levels – but my mind got the message to take the day off today. Shout out to Mental Health Awareness Month!

Slept in to make up for many sleep-deprived nights this week. That was a good start. Had to be sure I was up and showered in time to go to my one-hour deep tissue massage. Priorities!

Then it was a crap-ton of errands and special shopping...

As in let me check out some area greenhouses for hanging flower baskets! I visited Ella's on the recommendation of a friend.

I guess these "cone" type holders are a trend this year but my hanging baskets aren't very elevated so that didn't speak to me. I had to bypass those.

What did speak to me was that ONE hanging basket could take up the back of my vehicle for the very reasonable price of $36.

Fits perfectly in the front deck galvanized tin. Now I'll have to figure out the rest of my color scheme for the front facing part of the deck another day! Isn't that crazy amazing? I realize quite a few people I know were hopping around at Amish greenhouses today, too. So I'll have to check things out Sunday or Monday.

Another buy... and keep this under your hats so we don't offend Mr. Deck Chair...

I'm NOT exactly replacing Mr. Deck Chair. He just has new friends... who happen to have places built in for phones and water bottles.

Also, I thought these would match well with our new siding from last summer. Close but not quite the same. However, I'm glad I snapped the photo because holy crap, our deck needs attention this $ummer! Gah.

I did get some steps in after "work hours" but then remembered one of our favorite book club books was being featured on Netflix only starting today – in a remarkable movie starring Sally Field. So good!! Don't be intimidated that this is about an octopus that talks to a human. That's not what's happening. He may have thoughts, but humans can't hear those.

In the end, he just realizes (just like in the book), "Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures." 

Great Kleenix-filled way to wrap up that Godsend of a day off!

We Can All Be Rock Stars

Happy Thursday. The first thing I want to say – especially with any of you with some self-doubt at work – there is always someone on your team who thinks you're a rock star.

It's true!

The other morning when I was in desperate need for caffeine and they had no sugar-free Red Bull left in stock in our work cafeteria, I was sorta forced to try a sugar-free Rock Star for the first time. Not the same. But...

By sheer coincidence, someone on our team had left me a random "you're a rock star" type gift and I had a little uplifting trophy to accompany my energy drink. In a very unplanned way, it made for the best day!

I'm trying to keep that attitude positive this week as I deal with really inconsequential things like how will our church choir sing the Hallelujah Chorus during Memorial Day weekend? How can I take a mental health day on Friday when there is so much urgent work to do? How can I celebrate other people?

I think I found a way. For me this evening (after a ladies' golf league meeting), it was capturing photos of K.C. pitching successfully while at another ballpark his sister A.C. was pitching to their 10-run victory in softball. I adore their parents so this was cool for me.

I want both the baseball and softball teams to embrace that rock star status today. 

But I also hope that any of you who feel "undervalued" at work – to use my words a few weeks ago – to feel like you matter. But mostly, to feel like you're a rock star.

Pretty sure most of us are!

Team Steps Challenge

We're having a companywide steps challenge at work in May. It started Tuesday but I didn't realize until today that my FitBit is no synched up with the new version of the work app. Darn technology.

Hopefully I got everything reset and reconnected so I didn't lose all of yesterday's steps and today's. Our Writers Assembling team needs me! 

This after for what was intended as fun, a small group of us from Marketing took a short walk across the street in Schmeeckle Reserve – this amazing 280-acre conservancy area technically on the campus of UW-Stevens Point.

I say "intended" fun because is turned out to be sunny.... but in the 40s and windy. B-r-r-r-r! (Side note: Hubby wore long underwear to golf league tonight!)

The fun part was coming across a small herd of what I could only call "domesticated city deer." 

I mean this dude (I shouldn't assume a dude just because he was very busy chewing on his snack with his mouth open, sorry) just looked at me and I was 5 feet away. No flinching or need to run away from a crazy camera lady!

And yes, my Up North brothers-in-law and nephews would be ashamed of me not knowing the difference between male and female deer. But this one looked like Rudolph's girlfriend Clarice. I obviously follow a different outdoors learning guide.

Anyway, it made for a fun little jaunt to get steps!

And now I better log off because I still need 145 steps to get to 10,000 today. Can't let the team down!

P.S. You know me. I am NOT at all competitive!

Happy Five-o of May-o

When I see this, I'm hoping there's a spicy queso dip ahead or maybe buffalo chicken! What's your favorite dip?

Of course I am that dorky photographer who takes a picture and knows I'll share it 2 months later on Cinco de Mayo. 

We had a Salsa-Guac Showdown at work again this year. I only participated as a taster/voter. Did not make any this year. I would have had a pretty late start after taking track photos! But there some good entries! I have yet to warm up to the taste of guacamole, but I'll take salsa with heat any time.

After work, I met up with friends Cindy and Marigene at the movie theater to see The Devil Wears Prada 2. Loved it! Funny moments, of course, but some heartwarming ones as well. No spoilers! If you liked the first one 20 years ago, go see it!

Now I've got to get reading. I picked a book for my June book for Book Club called The Correspondent. It already reminds me of my mom – the most prolific letter and card writer of all time! Should be good.

Enjoy the non-holiday!

Temporarily in Bloom

I was so excited to take a bunch of these pictures yesterday and even today (at lunchtime), but boy did I need a jacket to ward off the wind by the time I got to track meet at 5 p.m. I just don't know what has Mother Nature in such a foul mood!

Anyway... enjoy some blossoms from yestersday when I thought the REAL spring was here. Probably a good thing hubby reminded me of the many nights in the 30s this week so I didn't go hogwild at the flower place!

Full disclosure. I have no idea what any of those flowers are. But I like them!

What I do know is that while I was taking pictures at a track meet tonight my friend's little daughter latched onto me and picked me a handful of flowers! As someone who hopes to be a grandmother some day, I thought is was the greatest gesture leading into Mother's Day.

P.S. That's my not so subtle warning that Mother's Day is this Sunday. 💜