Build Me Up, Buttercup, Exchange Program

We have many of our marketing coworkers from the Nashville office in town the next two days. So we had a bit of a cultural exchange – most of it involving food, naturally!

Jillian on our team introduced us to OMG Goo Goo Clusters – Nashville's Official Candy – and Moon Pies. And we, in turn, gave her a bit of cheesy exchange at the Feltz Farm and Dairy Store – home of Buttercup the cow (above).

Got to see a few regular cows and cute babies (yes, I know they are called calves in real life).

Plus a unique "How now, brown cow?" moment!

Naturally, we got the photo op! We not only posed by Buttercup, but our Nashville guest is going home with a "cow hat," toy tractors for her kiddos, and I believe some cheese.

I, on the other hand, bought my favorite String Cheese Whips (always so good) and with a twist of cultural exchange-ness...

OMG! Cannot wait to grill or air fry these!! If you like a little spice in your life, try anything Nashville Hot. I'm obsessed. I mean I have a bottle of Nashville Hot Ranch in my fridge, for hot sake!

Oh, and of course we all got King Cone ice cream! I think tomorrow is filled with more meetings than fun for us, but I'll let you in on any cultural secrets. They've been delicious so far!

How Great Thou Aunt

The best part about being an auntie is that you get to watch your little nieces and nephews grow up – then they have littles of their own and you get to watch it again!

Was excited to learn a few weeks ago that my nephew Travis and his family were going to be in my neck of the woods today on their way south. Not many family members come through here, that's for sure. So it was a treat. Of course I was happy to see Travis and Michelle but my great-nieces Kenlee and Khloe (above) kind of steal my heart! 💖

Since they were spending the night in nearby Plover, I thought I'd treat them to some time at our friends' store – Feltz's Dairy Store – where they can see cows through the store window and do some fun farm-like activities.

Since 2-year-old Khloe just learned to sing Old MacDonald, she was thrilled that was what was playing on the little merry-go-round. She bravely held onto Jake the cow so she could do actions while singing!

And Kenlee fed the bigger cow that they could also pretend to milk!

And then there was Buttercup, the biggest cow. A must-see must-photo opportunity. It burned off a little energy after their long drive anyway. If you haven't checked this place out, do so. Once school lets out, they also have a fun outdoor play area opening up. Shop local – entertain yourself locally.

From there we hopped over to Chili's since we figured they'd have something for every aged appetite! Good food. Good visit. And good reminder I better get in shape if we ever ever have grandchildren. I couldn't keep up. And this was in a restaurant! Ha.

Loved every minute of it. Seeing the grown-up dad version of the kiddo I saw the day he was born also melts my heart.

Treasure family time. Always!

A Good Cup of Joe

Some sports news today: Dallas Stars' Joe Pavelski says he's done after 1,533 games and 18 NHL seasons. 

Pavelski, who just wrapped up his fifth season with the Dallas Stars (a team I usually don't acknowledge as a Minnesota North Stars fan), turns 40 next month. The Wisconsin native, whose 74 playoff goals are the most for a U.S.-born player and were the most among active players, was at the end of his contract with the Stars. 

While Joe is no Mr. Zamboni in my eyes, ha, he grew up just down the road in Plover and I go through his hometown every day on my work commute.

Plus, he made my birthday pretty special last summer when he was a VIP guest at the U.S. Senior Open at SentryWorld. Love that he took his son out for a round to share the experience. Exactly what you'd expect when you hear the term "Midwest Nice." 

Of course, there's also a banner that hangs where my Assumption-Pacelli Co-op team plays each winter. So I'll still keep him in mind. Just fun to have interactions with people who are famous but don't act like it.

That's good Wisconsin roots, right? Good luck, Joe! I think you're skating in the right direction. 🏒👪

Old School Clubbin'

When I say we went old school clubbin' tonight. I mean it was with old friends from school and it was at a supper club. But it felt like we were living it up!

Can't remember whose phone the bartender used, but I think he could've taken a better picture of our group. Still... we look pretty good! Five couples and each one had at least one distinguished member of the Assumption High School Class of 1981. The other four of us were just happy to sit at the cool kids table!

It's been a minute since we all got together so it somewhat chaotic at the dinner table. But we made it simple. Guys on one side, girls on the other. So we wouldn't have to cross-talk to visit! Getting wiser as we get older. And we all had a super delicious dinner. 

The Sky Club in Plover never disappoints.

Great to see everyone! Those of us heading back towards Rapids way, stopped O'so Brewery on the way back. 

They have this painted on the wall there. I always take a pictures because it describes me succinctly And now it's on a Wisconsin-shaped tin. I didn't buy it but... I do drive by there every work day so I could at some point!

Got home plenty early for us old, er old school, folks. Clubbin' ain't for sissies!

Holiday Happy Hour

I haven't shared a parking lot sunset picture in awhile. You're welcome. The good news is that this was taken at 5:02 p.m. The days are getting longer!

This parking lot is in front of the O'so Brewery in Plover, where I relaxed after work.

Due to how busy my department is in December, we postponed our holiday happy hour and finally had our Christmas gathering today. I haven't visited O'so before, but I like how they think...

OMG. This so me! I can't believe I walked out of there with buying a t-shirt. In my mind I was thinking I could make my own t-shirt with my Cricut. We'll see. It's too perfect for me not to do something with their motto!

We were allowed to have a plus-one at this party since it was so informal. Hubby didn't join me but Carter and Mamie stopped in since they were in the neighborhood picking up his new spectacles. There was plenty of pizza, etc, to go around. 

A couple of the people in my department have known Carter since he was in grade school because they also worked with us in Iola back then.

Yup. Carter's now taller than the grownups! They were happy to see their little boy though.

I waited until I won a prize and then came home. Even though it felt like either a holiday or a Friday night, I do have to get up for work in the morning. 

Sweet dreams from wacky, offensive, unique me!

Their Own Beat

Saw these cranes marching to their own beat when I was out getting steps on this lovely 48-degree day. I didn't understand what they were singing, but that's been the nature of my day.

It didn't take 10 minutes into the Grammys before I realized I'm old. I shouldn't say I blame my age. Maybe I blame Sirius radio since it gives me permission to listen to my Eighties music over anything new. 

Either way, I don't get it. So I'll blog and go back to the TV and switch it to Bridgerton. Then I'll be the one singing. Uff da!

Other than the "music" it was a quiet day. Went to church. Then my friend Cindy and I checked out the Stevens Point area art fair. It was held in the former ShopKo building in Plover, which has totally been transformed into a hip space. Check it out sometime. Brewery, coffee shop and more.

Since we were "in the neighborhood" legitimately, we treated ourselves to a cool treat. King Cone is open in Plover but not the other locations yet. So don't get too excited, Rapids friends. You seriously can work it into any minor road trip that way. Guilt free.

That's my kind of jam.