Flower Girl

I realized today a distinct advantage of working from home during the summer is that you can set your "lunch hour" to whatever time you want and you can use it to run into town for the farmers market. 

Today my lunch was from 9:30-10:30 a.m. I bought sour dough bread and cinnamon rolls from friend Christina and then, on a whim, bought flowers for myself. Well they were all purple and white Glads and I couldn't resist! We all deserve flowers so it was just the right thing to do! 

That pretty much brightened my mood for the rest of the work day, that's for sure.

Golf league should have been – and well, was actually fun – but I had my worst round of the summer. Still, who cares, we were up against the first-place team and we still had a summer's eve out on the course. Gotta remember that when I look at my high score!

Plus, we made it a pre-birthday celebration (er, acknowledgement) so that was fun, too.

For those keeping track of my t-shirts – I think just you, Lisa – today was one of the shirts I made when my sister Nell and I went to Alaska in June of 2021. Since all of us kids start with the letter R I had to make that part of the design. I had 2 other shirt designs, too, so I'll have to dig those up. Greatest most breath-taking trip ever! If you haven't been, go! If you are going soon... do you have room for one more?

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!

Faith to Move (or See) Mountains

Most people know I like to take pictures of sunrises and sunset and yes, even clouds. When I pulled up to a stoplight on the way home and saw this, I immediately thought, "Hey, that looks like Denali!"

If you've ever been to Alaska, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, here's the legitimate scoop from Robyn-pedia.

Denali (aka Mount McKinley) is the tallest mountain in North America, rising some 20,000 feet. I can't think of anything to compare it to, but that's huge. Yet, sometimes you can't see it.

What?! How does a massive pile of granite play hide and seek? Well, in simple terms, it's so tall, it can create its own weather pattern and therefore, clouds to hide in. I'm serious! When my sister Renell and I were in Alaska a couple years ago and touring the national park named after Denali, we didn't see it all day. And then, when we did see it the next day, we exclaimed, "How the heck could we miss THAT?"

Well, all those mountains just above the trees in this photo are pretty big mountains. They just aren't "The Big One," as they call her, in the background. Since only 30% of tourists actually see Her, we felt extremely fortunate. As for the other 70% .... I mean they don't doubt Denali exists, do they?

It's like our current family situation is filled with big mountains right now. But even though we can't see God – the real Big One – we believe He's there. Thankfully, He shows Himself to us often enough, we don't forget.

How does He make His presence known? Oh, when Mom or Rachel have good days. Or even on bad days when He puts the right medicine in the doctors' hands to fight the next mountain of infection or other steep climb.

Thanks for working hard, Big One, even when we don't see You!

Tonight I saw a special movie that further reinforced my faith in, well, having faith!

Our local theater had a special preview showing of Unsung Hero – a remarkable true story following David Smallbone as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, he and his pregnant wife set out to rebuild their lives. As the story unfolds, Helen's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. And while their own dreams are on hold, the parents discover the musical talents of their children–who, of course, go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time Grammy Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.

Wow.

Even that was the Big One peeking out from His own weather system to say, "I'm here! I've got you."

Great story, great movie, and great music, too! Spoiler alert: The mom is the Unsung Hero. Find the song and listen! And, if you need a pick-me-up or reminder of how faith can move mountains, go see the movie when it comes out this weekend. And bring tissues!

Hopefully that's the only tears I'll need to shed today. My two favorite patients had pretty stable days today. 

Thanks, Big Guy.

Close to Home

Hard to believe a year ago today was when my sister and I first laid eyes on the majestic Denali mountain. And we've never been the same. Still gives us goose bumps when we think of how big that mountain is! Crazy.

Now this summer we're just close to home. Her Friday was spent working at a lake in Minnesota somewhere and mine was watching a baseball game. Of course!

I know. A free night and I grab my camera right away. But it worked out I could watch one of our Legion teams in action. The 16U team coached by our Assumption baseball coach was playing down in Nekoosa. I knew more Nekoosa kids than Rapids kids because only one Royal – the coach's son Nolan – is on that particular team.

So I got some nice pictures and had a nice visit with another member of the Coaches' Wives Club and got to see a win. Cool! 

It's still windy and still dusty around here! So I'm going to have to figure out how to really clean my camera lenses before other photographic fun begins for the summer. 

Even though there's nothing like last year's scenery in Alaska, I bet there are plenty of photo-worthy sights to see close to home.

I'll be looking.

Saying So Long to 2021

Probably fitting that on the last day of a somewhat poopy year, we lose a favorite icon. Betty White died, just shy of her 100th birthday. And she was feisty and funny to the end. Amazing.

She's had some good quotes over time and I like this one pictured. It epitomizes why my blog is called On the Light Side. Find the humor and the light side of things and it will get you through the dark or just plain dreary times.

Like 2021. For many, anyway.

It was definitely an interesting 365 days. Some challenges, of course. And weird "new normal" things I'm not quite ready to accept as normal just yet. Working from home, for one. Is it ironic in a peculiar way or simply scary way that today marks the 666th day at home? Not even kidding. Uff da. 

Let's focus on some positives instead! Had an amazing trip to Alaska this year plus fun weekends with sisters and friends. Jim and I had a great time at the Ryder Cup and golfed together a few times, too. Mostly, we had our own golf buddies and that was fine.

Somehow, knock on wood, we stayed healthy. Our kids did, too. At least as far as avoiding the big virus. Hoping that continues in 2022.

The one thing we really appreciated in 2021 over 2020 was finally getting to see people again – and actually hug them! It took 'til July but we finally had the first gathering of my family since December of 2019. That seems so unbelievable. Will never take that freedom to socialize for granted again.

We did lose some people in our lives this year – on both sides of our family – and there were a few close calls, too, but thankfully the power of prayer worked in those instances. We also welcomed some new life into our family – again, on both sides (one great-nephew and one great-niece). How exciting that life and love prevail!

We also managed to stay up until midnight two nights this year. Just kidding. It's 11:06 p.m. and I don't think I'll make it. We did have a fun evening gathering after 4 p.m. church in Rudolph with other members of the guitar choir. Lots of food, laughter, and singing to serenade the old year out of existence and ring in the new year. 

Happy New Year!

Gratitude Challenge Day 8 :: Beauty

Today's Gratitude Challenge is almost too easy. I just have think of when I say, "Oh wow, that's beautiful," and start making a list.

Day 8: Something beautiful.

While a lot of things fill this bill, I'd say Mother Nature ranks right up there on top. Whether it's fall colors creating a beautiful scene...

Or a stunning sunset that leaves you speechless...

She owns the market on pure, unfiltered beauty. And I'm grateful for it.

Not just because I enjoy taking pictures. Even with nothing to permanently capture the image, my mind can. And I often think, well thanks, God. That was a real treat!

That's after I "oooh" and "ahhh" a bit, of course. Based on the thousands of beautiful photos I took in Alaska, too, I'd say I'm on to something with giving Mother Nature some credit. 

I may change my opinion later this week if we get snow, but for now, thanks!

#gratitudemonth

Alaska-Sized Memories

We just got home after some post-football game socializing. So I won't be going through my hundreds of photos of the Assumption loss to Iola-Scandinavia tonight. But I will share the hundreds of photos of my Alaska trip to anyone who wants to page through the Alaska-sized scrapbook that came in the mail today!

Was pretty pumped that I got it in a week and didn't even have a RUSH on the order. I won't see my sister for 4 weeks so my traveling partner Renell will have to wait to get hers. I will keep hers shrink-wrapped, but will gladly show my brag book to anyone who asks.

And really, I'm not bragging about me or my photos. It's bragging about a part of our country that is so beautiful that 97 pages of pictures don't do it justice.

Sometime tomorrow, though, I'll also have some photos of the chilly night of football. (Not kidding.) 

But for now this "wild" book makes for a good bedtime read at the stroke of midnight. #sistersRgoingwild

The Last Frontier Page

And this just in... With the creation of this map for the back cover, I am officially done with my 97-page Alaska scrapbook – with two pages to spare if Renell has more to add after "proofing."

Whew!

Of course, I haven't heard anything from Shutterfly about their usual holiday weekend sale of free extra pages – which in my case would be 77 extra pages (about a dollar each). Without the sale, I'm sitting at a $194.14. They better come through because I can knock off $77 plus 50% after that. Either way, it's done and ready to order when Shutterfly cooperates.

I'll share this page of randomness at the end...

And the fine print says:

Random fun facts about the trip.... 

Ed logged 1,186.7 miles after 8 full days in our hands. Nell did more driving and Robyn did more shooting. With camera, that is. No animals were harmed in the making of this vacay.

Only ate out 3 times (including the fresh halibut here) but ice cream and coffee were givens most days. And red licorice on road days. Otherwise had deli meat sandwiches and crunchy Cheeto's. 

Weather was like late spring. High 60s. Long pants and layers. At night, Ed's blanket kept us warm. Only time it rained a lot was Sunday. It was solstice time so typically sun shone 20 hours per day!

Lots of interesting town and river names. And license plate designs.

Yes, we played 3-13 every day. Yes, Nell won slightly more games. And yes, after 10 days, we're still talking!

Can't wait to share the whole book with you!

The Repeat Button

My Alaskan vacation is on repeat. I've put a in a hours lately trying to get my digital scrapbook done and it's wonderfully like re-living our adventures!

In my mind, I had Labor Day weekend as a self-imposed deadline since I am pretty sure they'll have one of their "unlimited extra pages for free" deals. But then Shutterfly surprised me and has the sale right now! I got 10 more pages done this evening but I'm still only on Day 5 of 10. Uff da. 

So these are pages 42 and 43. I better double-check how big my book can be. Something tells me 100. So I guess that's about 6 or 8 pages per day. Hmmm. I'm gonna make this work somehow. 

Even though they extended the current sale to Wednesday night at midnight, I don't plan to even think about trying to make that deadline. Way too many pages left and I don't want to rush creativity. Ha.

All I can say is I'm glad I already sorted through the pictures first AND that I blogged every day. It's fun hitting the repeat button and enjoying our wonder and amazement all over again!

Rain Check

Pretty much the only reason around here to set an alarm on a Saturday morning is for something fun – either a road trip Up North or a tee time. Today was supposed to be the latter.

Hubby and son #2 were heading to Waupaca to golf. And my neighbor and I were supposed to head into town to golf at 10. Nope on the first – though they went all the way there. And nope on the second – that was an armchair call to cancel. Rain check!

Dang.

Jim got back home and Sylvester hopped up on his lap and figured this was as good a place as any to sit for the day. Good plan.

While I did find myself suddenly interested in watching Olympic equestrian jumping on TV,  I knew it was just to avoid housework. Still, it was cool to see Bruce Springsteen's daughter compete. Then I did my "Saturday chores" on a Saturday for once.

Since the rain didn't let up (and still hasn't 8 hours later), I hunkered down at my computer and got some of my Alaska digital scrapbook done. It's going to take awhile. Just finished Day 3 and I'm averaging 6-8 pages per day. Still, it will be awesome. Gotta finish it this month sometime. While I need a break from the computer now, tomorrow may be another rain out from everything else.

We were also supposed to go the Wisconsin Rapids Rafter baseball game tonight. The only one this summer and of course, it's raining. Maybe they'll really have a rain delay and start later, but it's been lightning so that will delay it way past our bedtimes. Rain check!

Instead, some friends got ahold of us in time to join them for dinner INDOORS out at Anchor Bay. Was nice to see Chet, Amy and crew. Good to know you can always gather inside and eat and talk and laugh – no matter what the weather.

That also works for sitting in my recliner and reading a good book. Spoiler alert: That's where I'm headed next.

Hope the rain didn't or doesn't spoil your weekend!

Loony Birds

Since a good chunk of the state is a bit loony today after that crazy amazing Bucks game for the title last night, I thought I share some of my loony pictures from Alaska.

These are loons right off the Homer Spit shoreline around dusk – thus the dark images (sorry). I guess I only thought they hung out on little lakes! They do have a pretty good view off the Gulf of Alaska.

By the way, he pretty much gulped that fish down in one big gulp. Sort of like me with a mini frosted cupcake... or that first slice of warm banana bread... or that first huge spoonful of ice cream.

Do loons get brain freeze?

Enjoy in Moderation

Mother Nature has issues. She can't seem to hold water – or enjoy hydration in moderation. According to area forecasters, we're getting all the rain we need for the next 10 days today. We had an inch in the first hour and then there was a lighter rain and now it's pouring again. I'm sure we'll get 2 inches at least.

Unfortunately, I wasn't kidding when they predict we won't get any precipitation in the next week at least. We'll see. It always changes. I like dry and hot weather, but there are plusses to the rain – beyond farmer needs.

Since we were rained in (hubby's golf was off), I decided to get started on my Alaska digital scrapbook. I'm on my 6th page for Day One already. And that's the day we didn't do anything except land in Anchorage and walk around all afternoon.

This is gonna take me awhile. Good thing I have until Labor Day weekend, when I suspect they'll have the "unlimited free pages" sale again at Shutterfly.

In the meantime... Mother Nature, you've got a few more chances to cooperate.

Eagle Eye View

Time to share another batch of Alaska photos. This was my best surprise – a beach full of eagles, just hanging out, swooping around, pecking at fresh fish, and not minding that a curious human was close by. 

Enjoy these many, many eagle pictures captured at the Deep Creek State Recreation Area located near Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula... 

I was not kidding about the large eagle-eyed crowd, was I?

Not really fighting, but it sure looks like it!

They just needed to get out of each other's way.

You may wonder how I'm going to pick which ones actually go in scrapbook. Good question, my friends. Very good question. And this was just one hour – albeit an unusual one – of the 216 hours in Alaska! 

A good problem to have.