Ditto Day with Extra

While today's schedule was pretty similar to yesterday's, I had some extra fun – and sadness – at church today. Today was our last day of "work" for Dave, our choir director of 14+ years. And as a grand finale, we sang Handel's Messiah (aka The Hallelujah Chorus)!

Not to sound like a choir geek, but this has been one of my favorites to sing since I was a freshman in high school which (check history books) was long before some of you were even born! It was a staple in our high school choir Christmas concerts. Then fast forward 30-some years and I learned it was a "grand finale" as well in the Assumption Golden Mass right before Christmas break. I've never joined them on stage, but I know my soprano part to sing from the seats.

This is the You Tube link to the service. Fast forward to 01:24 in the service for our performance. I'm the short one far left in the front row. I was ready to cry by the last 4 notes. I love that song. And we'll all miss our director! We had a nice pot luck brunch after church. 

Then this afternoon we had two graduation parties this afternoon. One found us a Lake Arrowhead and the other was just a mile-plus away. I came home before hubby because I needed to search through 5 years of softball images for a few "particular photos" before playoffs on Tuesday. Found 'em!

Side note! It was summer-like today!! Still 74 degrees at 8 p.m. I'll take it. Tomorrow I'll have time to actually relax and enjoy. Gotta love 3-day weekends no matter the serious reason for them!

Hope you're taking time to relax and convince Mother Nature this is how we launch summer in Wisconsin!

Holiday Weekending Close to Home

We didn't have plans to leave town for the long weekend. And that was before the spike in gas prices over the past month or so. 

But in the end, that worked in our favor. 

We have just enough going on anyway to keep us busy and entertained – with time for naps.

This morning, we both ran our errands. Then early this afternoon we hopped over the Lake Wazeecha for a graduation party. Filled up on the taco bar and then came home to nap before heading to the next party at the Ridges in the late afternoon.

I'm kind of so full it's almost painful. And I haven't even had cake yet!

Tomorrow we'll repeat the same pattern. Only this time, I'll be starting with a brunch at church before the Assumption graduation parties. I better pace myself! Or none of those "new" smaller pants I bought at Goodwill will fit me come Tuesday when I return to work! 

For those camping or holiday-cationing somewhere where you're spending lots of time outdoors, I hope you stayed warm enough today. It was cloudy and cool here, but Mother Nature is turning up the thermostat tomorrow. YAY!

I mean the forecast for Memorial Day is 82 degrees, no graduation parties, and total dedication to Mr. Deck Chair 2.0. Bring it on!

Enjoy your weekend!

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!

Mild Memorial Day

With the temps in the low 70s and winds a mild pace, we had an enjoyable (and tolerable) day at the race track.

Today our nephew Colin raced close by – in the Midwest Truck Series at Golden Sands Speedway.  A mere 15 minutes from home.

After starting in the back part of the pack and getting hit and moving to the far back, we were excited to see him pull out a 13th-place finish. 

Plus, the weather was just pleasant. Some Memorial Days it's pouring rain and other times. it's 80+ degrees. So this was pleasant. We certainly wanted him to finish better, but were happy to see him not giving up the fight.

That was pretty much the excitement (and relaxation) of our holiday day off. Maybe we'll get a few more chances to lay back this week!

Memorial Day Weekend "Weeds"

My mission every Memorial Day Weekend is that I'll buy hanging flower baskets and try my darndest not to turn them into weeds by the end of the summer. Says me and my 2 black thumbs!

With so many people talking about their spring planting, I thought I was one of the few who actually wait until Memorial Day Weekend to purchase their flowers. I was so wrong. 

By mid-morning, the parking lot was pretty much full. And by the time I picked out just 5 hanging baskets that could handle full sun exposure to survive, I was 10th in line!

Then out of the blue, an angel appeared. A friend of ours I didn't know worked there in her post-retirement years. She whispered, "Robyn, there's no line at Customer Service." I'm sure that literally saved me a good half hour.

I weed-whacked around the front bricks when I got home then hung our fading Reds and Twins flags and our hanging flower baskets. We should be set for the summer. Except for a few other spots I think could use some color. 

After that, it was graduation party time and more.

While hubby went to church in Rudolph, I went to a grad party for the son of a co-worker who also spent a lot of time in the hockey "media" platform the last few years. From there, I met Jim and the 2 oldest boys and Becca for a pizza dinner at B's Tap.

Casey and our grand-dog Rey are in town for the weekend. I hope Rey lives to be 50 because she's the best pup ever!

After dinner, we went our separate ways and Jim and I headed to the Grand Rapids Lions Club where there was a combined graduation party for 6 of the Royals graduates. Quite the special group of girls. And of course we saw a bajillion people we know. Fun evening!

Now I just hope the weather dudes are correct in that it's just going to be in the low 40s – not some freezing temperatures. I want my flowers to survive.

But, of course, selfishly I won't no judgment I turned on my electric mattress pad. Again.

Memorial Daze

This has been a crazy week – and it's only Wednesday. Monday – a holiday – was a bit of a blur as we went to Golden Sands to watch our nephew Colin race. And the feature got rained out.

Looking at these clouds, it was obvious something was headed to the track. But they got 30 laps in for the Trickle 99 before the heavens opened up and we all bailed.

Not sure if they'll reschedule that particular race so we can pretend Colin won, right?

Memorial Day was also kind of tough because it was the 11-year anniversary of my dad's death – and it was Memorial Day that year, too! My twin sister Raylene shared this picture of Dad entertaining her while Mom fixed something on my dress on baptism day. Now that they're both in heaven together, I sure hope they aren't worried about us twinsies!

Tuesday was the return to the office after several days. I love, love my team and co-workers but it's not always emotionally stable to receive their love in return. (Thankfully the lovely gift from my writing team was delivered on Saturday!)

I got this adorable purple "pocket hug" – which I'm going to have to rely on my hooker friends to figure out how to crochet and teach me! Such a sweet sentiment.

Speaking of purple, my Mad Town Girls (as I call them) sent me a care package through inter-office mail from our Madison office with every purple candy they could find. So sweet. Literally!

Then unrelated to any sorrow, it just happens that I finally won the Survivor pool in our department! This wonderful hand-crafted trophy plu$ $ome ca$h!

My friend Nancy wasn't thrilled to hand it over. But hey, give it 365 days and things may change! (P.S. I have yet to watch an episode!)

Last night I was disappointed that my golf outing at SentryWorld in Stevens Point was rained out. But it wasn't raining at Robinson Park in Wisconsin Rapids, so I got to see this home-run celebration as our Lady Royals softball team moves unto the sectional final Thursday!

The only bummer was that our "temporary pet" for the weekend had to return home last night. The good news is that his human momma had a successful surgery so now he can cheer her up while she recovers and conquers her next challenges.

Today ushered in a few more expressions of sympathy from work friends, but also this good news...

My sister Rachel is moving from the Surgical Care Unit to the Physical Rehabilitation area of Regions Hospital! I can't comprehend how long the past 2 months have been for her as she's gotten to this point, but she'll definitely need your prayers for strength as she tackles this serious uphill climb to return strength to all her limbs and move forward.

Thanks so much for all of you who have been praying for both my mom and sister. The power of prayer has carried our family so far. I'll admit I'm pretty weak without it. Thank you!

Unofficial Start of Summer for Sure

There's no doubt Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer! I don't care if it's back in the 70s again next week. Right now, it's summer. And I'm loving it.

Also, if you notice the time on the TV – 10:19 a.m. was when I was enjoying my morning coffee. When I say I'm sleeping in on my day off, I'm not messing around.

Finally think I'm caught up on sleep. Finally unpacked and have my work bag reorganized. And finally killed off nearly 200 work emails. I KNOW it's supposed to be a holiday, but I had to do it. Or there wouldn't be enough caffeine for tomorrow morning's re-entry into the real work world!

I did treat myself to some fun. My friend Marigene went golfing in the mid-afternoon. Jim had already gone this morning with buddies before having baseball practice.

I was sporting my new truckin' hat from our customer. Definitely not wearing it golfing again. Not a true trucker hat with ventilation. Instead, it was a bit hot. Like my golf game!

Just kidding. Only checking to see if you were still with me.

Got home to hubby grilling steak and brats – not something we had at any grad parties this weekend. I think we're now rested and fortified for the short week ahead. Hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend, too.

Hello, Summer! You're welcome to stick around.

Holiday Weekend Party Circuit :: Part 2

From the archives... 7 years ago today, this young man graduated from high school! I texted the picture to Carter and he commented that he looks like a baby compared to now. I said, "But you ARE my baby!" Time flies!

Today was round 2 of graduation parties. After church, we had 4, starting at noon-ish. I went to one first for a graduate from our church, then I went home and got hubby and we went to one for one of his senior baseball players, then onto another one for one of his players (and friends of ours, of course), then onto a party for one of our favorite little girls-now graduate.

I joked that Jim and his buddy Craig were walking billboards for Wisconsin. Craig's shirt says: "Call me old fashioned." Jim's says: "Life happens. Beer helps."

We wrapped up the night honoring our sweet Miss Ava. Wanted to cry when we saw this picture she's holding up. She's always little Ava to us – even though she's taller than us – and we're Mr. and Mrs. Awesome to her.  Amazing girl and amazing family. 

Another fun day for sure. And perfect weather. 

Tomorrow will be much of the same – just weather-wise. There's a zero percent chance of an alarm for me and 100 percent chance of bonding with Mr. Deck Chair. It is a holiday, after all.

Holiday Weekend Party Circuit :: Part 1

Graduation weekend started last night without me. I got a sub to shoot pictures of the ceremony since I was getting home late. But got to catch up on the details today as we started the party circuit.

That was after I slept 11 hours – I needed it – finally got the car washed and, oh yeah, found myself listening to country music on Sirius. What is happening to me?!

Today marks 10 years since my dad passed so it was good to have full day of fun to distract me. First grad party was at 1 p.m., followed by a 50th birthday party for my BFF's baby bro...

That wasn't meant to make you feel old, my beautiful friend!

Then it was off to a 5-for-1 party for some of the Royal boys (4 who play baseball). That was followed by a round of golf at 6:10.  You know you're golfing late, when the sprinklers on the greens start coming on right after you hole out.

Made for a pretty picture. Much prettier than my game. But still it was fun!

It was about 80 degrees still even at twilight golf time. I didn't mind it.

Of course we did break a sweat. I'll blame the temps, not the fact we swung a lot.

Had this artsy shot, too, with Craig hitting out of the sand with the cool U.S. flags instead of standard golf flags on each hole. Absolutely love that!

After golf, the four of us headed down to Hooziel's on the Lake to hear our friend Todd's band Rising Phoenix.

Always a phenomenal show! And we got home at the stroke of midnight so we can sleep and enjoy round 2 of the party circuit.

At some point I need to unpack. Guess that'll be a Monday thing. Hope y'all are enjoying this gorgeous summer weather this weekend! Be careful out there!

Self-Heating and Cooling

Who needs a weather app when you have a cat who lets you know when it's hot. Today she traded in her heated bathroom floor (where she spends a good 19 hours a day) for the cooler kitchen floor. If she does that or presses her body against the north wall in the living room, then you know it's pretty stinkin' warm out.

And it was today. Totally fitting for Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer!

And, since the temperature got up to 87 degrees, it was totally fitting we were at the rack track cheering on #87 – our nephew Colin.

It was a very, very warm afternoon at Golden Sands Speedway. A ton of people were there for the holiday races. Colin had a much better outing than when saw him in Kaukauna a few weeks ago. Today he finished 2nd in the heat race and 6th int the 99-lap feature.

And Colin's adorable kiddos were there, too, so I got to see my sweet little great-niece...

And great-nephew! Some day they'll know how cool all of this was when they were little!

And it was good spend a special day in a special way.

Hugs to you who've lost a loved one to war. And thanks to you who served or are still serving. You're a blessing!

Par-sistance Pays

Not sure what weather app we were looking at, but we sure didn't expect rain today. Just sunny and 80 degrees with a 100% chance of golf and 2 graduation parties.

We were sort of wrong there.

We had a tee time at noon to play at TriCity with son #2. I was raining when we got there and then there was thunder and the warning sirens going off. So we had to call that outing off.

But not before I got a father-son picture. I think Clay is in the running the John Daly of Wisconsin Rapids! Fun stuff.

Since we didn't golf, we headed to grad parties for our friends' son Dane from Lincoln High School and then to our friends' son Aaron from Assumption High School. Mother Nature threw intermittent rain and wind our way but it got steadily nicer through the afternoon. And we had really nice visits with friends.

On our way home around 6, we thought we'd swing back over to TriCity and see if we could squeeze in 9 holes before sunset. And we did. And saw the beautiful sunset above. 

At least something was pretty. My golf swing sure wasn't. But I haven't swung since last September-ish, I didn't expect any miracles. Just needed to shank off the cobwebs. 

Just a nice Sunday evening date. And we're home in time to get 8 hours of sleep tonight! Three-day weekends are awesome until they're booked and there's no recliner nap time for Jim or Mr. Deck Chair nap time for me. We'll get a third shot at that tomorrow.

Hope your weekend is going well. Be safe!

 

Catch-Up Day

Happy Memorial Day. Well I guess it's weird to say "happy" when it's a holiday honoring those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. Maybe just say have good Memorial Day. And you determine what's good about it.

For me it was good to have day with nothing on the calendar. I could catch up on a few things. Got a walk in this morning. Felt much more like spring-almost-summer-time walking around the lake this morning than yesterday! Could it be on the last day of May, we're getting somewhere with Mother Nature?

I type that as I hear thunder outside – which thankfully held off until baseball practice was over and our supper of grilled kabobs was done. 

My other achievement today, besides getting to watch my Twins win on TV and baking banana bread for the in-laws, was finally getting my hanging flower baskets. Most greenhouses have a depleted supply this late in the game, but I had some colorful luck at The Home Depot. And yes, there's plenty of purple to go around!

Now I'm trusting Mother Nature to cooperate!

Hope you had a good holiday weekend.

Masks and Hats Off!

I can identify with the feeling of jubilation the graduates felt today after walking the stage, receiving their diplomas, and whipping their mortarboards into the air because they're free! Of high school, anyway. And frankly survived the strangest senior on record. #thanksCovid

That's how I've begun to feel with my face mask. A lot of places don't mandate them indoors now if you're fully vaccinated. I've noticed in the stores and gas stations that I'm the only one still wearing one. Probably out of habit now since I'm assuming, er hoping, most people are vaccinated.

I'm not completely throwing caution to the wind, but I'd like to throw one of my half dozen masks up in the air! It certainly does feel great to see people again and actually hug them!! Missed that so much.

Tonight hubby and I decided to go down to a bar in the town of Rome, where a friend (high school classmate of Jim's) was playing outdoors with his band Rising Phoenix. The way Hoozels on the Lake is set up now, they have a ginormous outdoor patio, tented area and bar area – all for summer weather and outdoor entertainment. I think everyone had the same idea to just GET OUT this weekend, because we can! 

We ended up seeing no less than 2 dozen people we knew so it turned out to be a great night. And the rockin' music was just a bonus.

Of course, I won't have a voice tomorrow after trying to talk over the loud band and visit, but it'll be worth it. I may just toss a mask yet.

Enjoy your long weekend!

Kickoff to Summer or Winter?

Yes, we had snow this morning. Yes, this weekend traditionally kicks off summer. Yes, I wore a winter coat to shoot photos tonight.

And duh, we live in Wisconsin.

Freeze warnings and frost advisories have been issued for much of the area for the second night in a row. And oh goody, record low temps are possible when the air temps could drop into the upper 20s to low 30s.

Who's glad they aren't camping this weekend?

It wasn't as chilly at baseball and soccer as I expected since we did have sunshine. And it was especially comfortable – albeit in a light winter coat – when the wind wasn't blowing. Pretty pathetic weather if you ask me!

I'll cross my fingers that it will be nice for graduations this weekend and possible recreational activities involving swinging clubs and cursing! Now THAT's the sound of summer!

Have fun and be safe.

Memory Day

I guess for the rest of my life I'll think of and miss my dad around Memorial Day weekend. I feel bad for people who lose someone around traditional family holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. That is way worse. 

But then, either way we've lost someone so that's hard any day of the year.

It's hard to believe it's been 8 years since Dad's been gone. It was 5:27 p.m. on 5/27 of unlucky '13. And it was Memorial Day that year. The perfect exit for someone who loved his country and loved the flag.

I say he's gone, but he never really left us. I mean all 8 of us kids have his charm, his stubborness, his strong work ethic, his sense of humor, his love for the flag and for polkas, and his need to have an answer for everything... why else do we call ourselves LeRoy 1, LeRoy 2, Le Roy 3, etc?

Eight years seems like a lifetime ago some days and other days, I cry like it's a fresh pain in my heart. 

As we enter Memorial Day weekend and what it really stands for, think about it. We are honoring the memory of countless thousands who gave their lives for this country, leaving countless thousands of loved ones to mourn them... to miss them... to cry for them... no matter how much time has passed.

As usual, I'll remind you to hug your loved ones – especially your parents. Some days it might not feel like it, but you're lucky to have them!

Seven-Year Ache

Seems strange that this pandemic quarantine business feels like 612 days long already. But 7 years can fly by in a blink of an eye. I miss my dad!

Especially when I see pictures of him from a million years ago (aka when I was a baby). In the photo above, he's having fun with my twin sister while I'm laid across Mom's lap like she needs to spank me. Or, on closer inspection, she might be fixing something for the back of my outfit that she sewed for our baptism. 

Pretty typical Dad is trying to bring levity to the situation! While I thought I inherited that trait solely from him, I also recognize that the quieter, clever humor comes from Mom. It's no wonder we talked for our usual hour on the phone when I called her tonight. We're both so funny we just keep cracking each other up! (Hey, find an audience and capitalize on it!)

OK. Part of that was true. Long conversation, a few laughs, and just a lot of chitchat. She's a sharp cookie for 88! But this quarantine is making her lonely, too. Glad much of my family nearby has been able to pop in for visits – even through masks or window screens or parking lot chats. Thank you!

One thing I learned quickly after losing Dad was appreciating that Mom is still here. I haven't seen her since before Christmas and I miss her. Told her I would hopefully get up there in early June. We both want to see if all the Memorial Day Weekend activities cause a virus spike north of Highway 8. So we'll play it by ear. Hopefully I can just park a lawn chair outside her window and talk.

In the meantime, she's just a phone call away (call your mother, kids!) and Dad, well, he's around everywhere. He wasn't much of a conversationist on the phone when he was alive. But now we have great talks. Maybe it's because I get the last word in now. Who knows? 

Don't know where I get that from, do you, Dad? 

Keep those angels on their toes! Enjoy some heavenly birthday cake and ice cream for me!

Upside Down

This butterfly has no problem dealing with his world when it's turned upside down. He seems to prefer it! I do, too, when my "Monday" is actually on a Tuesday. God bless the occasional 3-day weekend!

Another warm and humid day – by May standards – but I didn't really notice from the confines of my office! It was a busy day and it flew. Just like this butterfly down the road.

And I did stop to smell the flowers. Glad to see I'm not the only one who likes lilacs!

I'm also not the only one who enjoys 4-day work weeks. I mean, really, tomorrow is Hump Day already?! Nice.

Just remember, when your world seems to be flipped on its backend, there are things to be grateful for! Heck, I can almost see the weekend from here!