Well Shake My Shamrocks

I forgot to mention one of the highlights of Camp Crop-a-Lot. Every year the event falls on the weekend of my friend Becky's birthday. She's one of the coordinators so for her, there's no place she'd rather be to celebrate.

As a bonus, her husband always delivers her a cake, balloons, and a Shamrock Shake. Make that a 4-pack – because he's been bringing one for me for the last 10 years! So that was a nice surprise that I hoped would happen.

Either way, it put me in a minty mood.

So this week's work birthday trifle – yes, the 3rd week of trifling in a row – will include a wee bit of Shamrock flavor with chocolate.

Here's my game-changing ingredient. Instead of adding mint extract to pudding mix, one of these bad boys from Kwik Trip is 2 cups. And blends perfectly with a package of instant White Chocolate pudding. It's Shamrock-a-licious! A perfect pudding layer for what I will now have to call my Shamrock Trifle when I "assemble" it tomorrow night.

Follow me for more Trifle Tips! ☘😋

Raw Deal

This Polar Vortex is like a fat man in a bakery. He's gotta touch 'em all. All the states, that is. 

Poor hubby had this for temperatures "down South" in San Antonio. That's so crazy. Even though the trip is for work, he certainly deserved a bit of a break from winter. Wow. This can be over already!

On the flip side, when Carter texted he had a Shamrock Shake for lunch (cold be darned), he admitted, "I am my mother's son!" Love it. And oh that sounds good! 

I should've thought of that when I was grocery shopping after work. Yup, I'm two sleeps away from Camp Crop-A-Lot so I had to get the essentials – food items I signed up to bring, snacks and drinks for myself, and oh, just a trifle to share for dessert on Friday. 

Just the usual.

Most of my other "scrap" has been set to go for weeks. But tonight after choir, I'll take inventory again just to be sure. I'd hate to have all this time then forget the real essentials!

Bundle up and stay warm – no matter what state you're in. Be careful!

For Your Enjoy-Mint

So it turns out my sun-seeking sister Sylvester is also my Shamrock Shake sister! I couldn't eat all of it on Valentine's Day, so I put it in the freezer and we both enjoyed the slightly thawed version Friday night.

Which served as my inspiration Saturday morning when I made a Thin Mint Magic trifle! As usual, I never make a trifle the same as previously. I just FIND the ingredients. In this case, the cake layers didn't involve me baking. I happened to see a big frosted mint brownie pan at Festival Foods and grabbed it. Next layer is white chocolate pudding with a bit of mint extract and green food coloring. Then comes a layer of crushed Thin Mints. Repeat and add Cool Whip to the top and sprinkle Andes Mint chips on top. 

And yes, it was as tasty as it sounds!

I brought it to Rudolph for the pot luck after church – featuring the guitar choir – last night.

Besides great music and fun with friends, we were treated to this gorgeous sunset out the back door of the Welcome Center.

Today I sang in my own church choir and was treated to an early moon view this afternoon during a short walk. It was finally above freezing again after a few days of cold, "normal" winter. 

And our brain-washed Wisconsin minds are thinking... it's 36 degrees. Maybe we should grill out for supper! The brats in our fridge are yelling, "Yes, please!"

Hope you found some sources of enjoy-MINT this weekend!

Shakin' Things Up

Just like Wal-Mart wasted no time switching up from Valentine's Day merch to Easter (and those darn good peanut eggs), Mickey D's followed suit. Thankfully, they didn't skip past St. Patty's Day.

It just happened that Carter had errands to run in to town during his lunch hour. So he did the right thing at McDonald's and ordered a small Shamrock Shake for his mama. Yep. I may have the best son ever. Just sayin'.

Will that be my ONE for the season? We'll see. It was a small after all.

I did my best to work it off after work. We'll also see if that worked! I came home and sorted through pictures from last night's girls games against Manawa. Both JV and varsity dominated. Then I decided to watch some Olympics and never made it to the boys game tonight. But they won. By a lot. Yay! 

So not to shake things up too much, I'll probably head back to my recliner per usual and catch some "live" women's figure skating. Since it's not for the medal tonight, I will also not shake up my bedtime either! 

Shake me if I become too predictable!

The Luck of the Non-Irish

Happy St. Patrick's Day! My hubby is about an eighth Irish, I believe. So that counts! As a 100 percent Scandi-hoovian and zero percent Irish, my only luck is that I'm from Luck. 

How do you find Luck on St. Patrick's Day? You might need GoogleMaps, but it's there. Think northwest Wisconsin. Nope, not Eau Claire area. Keep going!

The town, er village, was so big we have two water towers. Actually the one up top is the newer one, but this one is still standing on the north end of Main Street. (As of Sunday anyway, when we drove by.)

Our high school yearbook was the Horseshoe. Our newspaper was the Cloverleaf. And our mascot was... not a leprechaun. Definitely not a leprechaun. Too many Scandi-hoovians in the area! They went with the bland cardinal for a mascot. At least it's red and pretty.

Hopefully, it's Luck-y too!

Of course, in true Irish poser fashion, I celebrated wearing green today (and I do have green eyes), wore shamrock sunglasses during work Zoom meetings, and sucked down a Shamrock Shake after work! Now Jim is gone to indoor golf league and this little leprechaun from Luck might just start watching a new series on Netflix.

Who's lucky now?

Well Shake My Fat... Tuesday

Cheers! It's Mardi Gras somewhere! I don't always observe Fat Tuesday, but when I do, you can bet I give it the same grand-scale effort as my Fat Monday and Fat Wednesday! 

Today, for example, I put on my Mardi Gras mask and beads for our morning staff meeting. After 347 days in the home office, you find ways to have fun with Zoom! Of course, I made it clear that I earned all those beads by 8:30 a.m. by showing people ... typos in their work. What were YOU thinking?

Rest of the day was comparatively boring. But after my trigger-point, deep-tissue shoulder and back therapy after work, I knew I had to take action.

A Shamrock Shake is one way to put the FAT in Fat Tuesday! Not as thick and tasty as I recalled. And no, it's not COVID-related loss of taste. It just wasn't the triple-thick mint magic of days gone by. And why was there no cherry on top? I mean I always threw it away, but keep something consistent from year to year.

Don't worry friends, I powered through it. Lent and pre-Lent is all about sacrifice.

I also sacrificed, er spent, two hours of time tonight in a church council meeting. I only gripe because it interferes with basketball playoffs. (Sorry, Jesus.)

I couldn't watch our Assumption boys play their first regional game – and last game of the season as it turns out – in person because my meeting was exactly the same time. I did sneak a peek on my phone and saw they were basically tied or close to it right up to the end. Port Edwards won by 3 points. Grr. Sorry, boys. 

So now I'll finish my second day in a row of fake holiday celebrating with a hot, epsom salt bath. Don't want my muscles waking up with any post-Mardi Gras regrets tomorrow. My tummy will have that covered.

Hope you all found a way to shake up your Fat Tuesday!

Well Shake My Shamrocks

Some companies can save you 15 percent on car insurance. Kwik Trip, though, can save you nearly 50 percent on calories when you choose their mint-flavored milk over McD's Shamrock Shake.

Thank you, KT!

Grabbed this on my way home from Wausau tonight when I wisely decided to gas up instead of waiting for subzero temps in the morning. It is only 350 calories (ha) compared to 680 calories for a Shamrock Shake of the same size.

Does it taste as good?

While it does bill itself as a "Pint o' Gold," it doesn't quite reach that ranking for me. Tastes like a completely melted Shamrock Shake would. So not too bad. But it's missing some secret ingredient that must be in those extra 330 calories.

Oh... that's right. Sugar! A non-Keto friendly shake has 111 carbs (82 grams sugar) versus this milk from a green cow, which has 37 carbs (34 grams sugar).

Either way, it's really not that healthy for me. But this mint freak chose the lesser of two evils.

Thanks for visiting Robyn's Justification Station. See you next time!

Tale of Two Kitties

It was my last day to peek in on my grand-niece Mischief and feed her on the way home from work. Today she was so content with my scratchin's and lovin's that she again ALMOST sat still for a picture.

In fact, since was hovering behind right behind on the back of the couch, I thought I'd get a selfie with her...

And just like that she's crawling across my face! And that is why she is appropriately named Mischief. God bless my nephew Tony as he tries to keep us with her when he gets home!

Meanwhile, when I got home later after Good Friday church and Easter shopping, Sylvester decided to sit on my lap. Well, I was accidentally the only human home. But she sat so still, I had to take a comparison shot...

Definitely a mature, poised princess, right? I guess I should appreciate her more!

I'll tell ya who I do appreciate...

A teenager who delivers a Shamrock Shake to his mama! As Julie Andrews sings: These are a few of my favorite things!

He definitely but the good in my Good Friday. And I guess I can give a little credit to my furry friends, too. Who knew the day would come when Carter would be the most cooperative for a photo??

Easter miracles, folks! They're out there.

Shakin' My Shamrocks

We didn't have to wait until St. Patrick's Day to start shakin' our shamrocks. Just needed a classic country concert.

I'm not that into country but I do remember a lot of the stars of the '70s and '80s when I didn't have a choice. Ha. That includes Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. When our friends asked if we wanted to go to the concert with them in two other couples, we said sure. It was close by – in Rapids – and I do recall the songs Broken Lady (Grammy winner) and All the Gold in California.

Was thinking I wouldn't know anything else but I did recognize several and these brothers put on a very entertaining show. Much more interactive that some previous acts we've seen here. So that was a bonus! Plus they had some interesting stories of friends who inspired them – from Elvis to Patrick Swayze. Yep, you read that right!

We weren't supposed to take pictures so I waited until the concert was over and got Larry and Rudy, but brother Steve was off stage already.

Of course, there's that encore... Gotta tell you, Larry's voice was amazing. Very clear and pleasant vocal range. You wouldn't know they've been performing for 60 years.

Final salute to our sold-out crowd.

You'd think today's entertainment would pale in comparison. But it's St. Patrick's Day so there's gotta be some shenanigans going on...

Is that not a fitting name for me? For the record, I did not have a Shamrock Shake today – though College Boy texted me he was getting one... and I was tempted. Instead I donned some green and enjoyed the morning my girlfriends at book club. Then did some freelance work. Then went for a run (walk/run) and pretended I was having my own Shamrock Shakin' 5K.

It was beautiful out! I mean almost 50. So yes, by Midwestern standards... a McPerfect St. Patty's Day.

Tomorrow is supposed to be nice, too. So I will probably crack open some windows and actually get some cleaning done. Unless the leprechauns sneak into tonight and do it.

That would definitely be me lucky day!

Keep Calm

Am I a spoiled princess? Some days.

This afternoon when I was slaving away at work – as usual – I got a call from the front desk that I had a visitor. Was not expecting anyone so I had no idea who it could be.

When I got to the lobby and saw my nephew Tony standing there I thought maybe something was wrong. Until he turned my way and I saw the Shamrock Shake in his hand!

For ME??

Yup. A nice belated Valentine's Day treat! I gave him a quick office tour and introduced him to my "team" – then quickly let him go on his way so I could drink the shake before it melted!

Oh, that hit the spot. And it was perfect that he waited until after Valentine's Day so it was officially Shamrock Shake Season. Plus, he knew I'd be going to kickboxing tonight to work it off. I had quite a workout but I don't think it justified the minty calories.

And I don't care. Shamrock Shakes are still way healthier than Thin Mints. Been eating a ton of those and still haven't seen any Thin results!

Scam.

Enjoy the season!

Making a Point

To keep my vow to be accountable, I will share the latest news from my Weight Watchers program.

I had my 6-week weigh-in this morning and am down 11 pounds! I didn't think I'd even have a loss this week after my Camp Crop-A-Lot weekend. But I think I was too busy scrapping that I didn't have time to snack between meals. The only major "off the wagon" meal was Saturday night with the family. So not so bad.

What have I learned?

Well, even though Oprah says she loves bread and can eat it every day with WW, I don't. I don't love it and I don't eat it that often to begin with so that isn't a perk for me. What I have discovered, though, is that you honest-to-goodness can eat anything you want. Just enjoy in moderation. Such simple advice I've never followed!

If I want King Cone or a DQ Blizzard, I have to try to plan for it and adjust my daily Smart Point budget accordingly. I say TRY to plan because life it about unexpected pleasures, too. If I eat something heavy on the points, I can't beat myself up. Just enjoy it and try again tomorrow.

The key to any successful program is realistic expectations and a realistic approach to meeting your goals. Every plan out there touts it as "not a diet, but a lifestyle change." Well, if I have to work out every single day and can never have ice cream or carrot cake, that's not gonna last. I can't "maintain" that lifestyle. And my downfall is that if I am deprived of something, I will want it more. And I when I get it, there is no moderation in sight!

So I am realistically eating things I normally eat and just paying attention so that I don't go overboard. And if I do, try not to go overboard several days in a row!

I have also learned that there is some good food out there that is not bad for you. I am thankful I have at least 4 co-workers on the program that serve as a support network of sorts, sharing low-point snack ideas among other things. I also have people supporting me by helping me say no.

No less than 3 people shared this info graphic with me:

I get the point. There are a LOT of points (and not very Smart ones) in Shamrock Shakes. I thought I might just have to settle for the DQ Grasshopper Mousse Blizzard, but even a medium has more than a thousand calories. Not kidding.

I see why they call them Smart Points. Mindless eating will get you every time. But using your mind to make Smart choices will get you closer to goal.

Now I just have to stick with it longer than any other "lifestyle changes" I've tried to adopt in the past. Right?

Well, Shake My Shamrocks

I am 100% Scandi-hoovian but since I live with two Irishmen, can speak blarney with the best o' them and can shake my shamrocks without shame, I celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

And by celebrate, I merely mean I make it a point to partake in something green – of the mint variety, not vegetables.

I worked at home office today and did not wear a spot of green. By late afternoon, though, I told hubby I planned to have a Shamrock Shake (and designed the sign above to honor it) or an Arby's Andes Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake for supper. He was going to run a errand in town and said that would be out of his way.

I took that to mean I better go get me own. So after I was done with work, I went to Arby's, which has my vote now for best mint effort – as you can see from the photo up top! Came home and enjoyed that while watching The Voice. Was just getting done when Jim got home.

With an Andes Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake.

Well, shake my shamrocks! He went out of his way for me! Wow, I couldn't drink another sip after I was done with mine. But I'll see if it freezes well and I can celebrate again tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'll keep calm and kiss my favorite Irishman!

Predica-MINT

Well, shake my shamrocks! I've got a new item to add to my Mint Bucket List.

I'm so lucky to have a reliable Mint Network that always has my back. Now if I could just get them to exercise for me, too, so I can enjoy all these sweet suggestions!

Today, a few people posted the photo above about the new Grasshopper Mousse Pie Blizzard at Dairy Queen. I wish I had looked at the Mint Alerts before I left work since I ran errands and drove right past the DQ in Stevens Point.

Of course, that was right after I stopped at Shippy Shoes and bought a new pair of running shoes, courtesy of Santa. But my illogical logic is that I plan to run off the ice cream so why not stop? Next time.

And that's why my forward progress is baby steps. Like tiny little shamrock-lovin' leprechaun steps.

It's somewhat of a predica-MINT for a mint freak possessing no willpower. On the other hand, my new running shoes will be around for a long time now – and this minty mousse business is a li-mint-ed time offer.

You know how I thrive on deadlines.

This One Time at Scrap Camp...

Groggily find myself back in the land of reality after spending another fun weekend at Camp Crop-A-Lot!

For the past couple of years my BFF from high school has joined me to work on scrapbooks for her graduating daughters. Since Julie's youngest is done with school this June, I'll have to assign a project so she'll come back next year. It's always so nice to visit in person and give Luck some representation in central Wisconsin!

My main scrapping focus of the weekend was Carter's high school albums. His 9th-10th grade scrapbook is officially done. Yay! Got started on his 11th-12th grade one, too, and am just wrapping up his State Cross Country pages. Finished off almost 40 pages for the weekend and I am close to current with his albums.

Don't ask about my "annual family albums." I think I last worked as far as June of 2012. Once Carter graduates, I'll have to go back and make up for lost time. Or just scrapbook more often!

But nothing can compare to Camp Crop-A-Lot. Each year, we "earn" tickets to increase our chances at winning fabulous prizes. You can earn them in a variety of ways from conquering layout challenges to participating in games to dressing up to match the year's theme.

This year we were the Seasons of Change since the scrapbooking company Creative Memories has undergone so many transitions in the past year. Each attendee was assigned a season to represent in team games and a fashion parade. I was assigned spring. At first I was thinking rain or flowers or baseball spring training. Then I thought, "What is really my favorite part about this time of year??"

I think you knew the answer to that one, didn't you? Apparently, you are what you eat!

When I texted the picture to Jim, who had just informed me that my blood/glucose test results came in the mail and they are normal, I said: "Remember, the doctor says I normal." He replied: "Does our insurance cover second opinions?"

My creativity is underrated sometimes.

I did have my Shamrock Shake costume all set before camp. But then, as a bonus, my friend Becky's hubby came bearing gifts Saturday afternoon for her upcoming birthday – and a minty green gift for ME! Perfect timing. I got to carry it last night in our fashion parade and tied for the best costume win.

Honestly, just getting a Shamrock Shake is a win-win, isn't it?

Speaking of winning... While I was gone, Carter participated in Solo and Ensembles. He had 3 ensembles. His trio got a first. His brass ensemble got a starred first and is going to state. Carter also did a duet but had to leave right after to go to work. His duet partner told him they got a second and that really bummed Carter out. Wasn't until late Friday night after Carter got home from work that his partner told him he had been joking and they are going to state! What a stinker.

So when I got home tonight, the guys were having steak to celebrate. I didn't have any. After Camp Eat-A-Lot, I am usually full for a few days. A Shamrock Shake probably wouldn't even tempt me.

But don't let that stop you from gifting one to me if you had already planned on it...

On Your Best Behavior

My Thursday was 5:40 a.m. UBC class, then off to work, followed by secret shopping for Saturday, then off to back-to-back meetings. Somewhere in there I sneaked in a drive-thru visit and got my first Shamrock Shake of the season... finally!! I am home now and ready to drop.

I will not gripe about it, though.

Each item on my schedule made me a better person.

The workout helped me physically and emotionally. Work helped me mentally and financially (didn't win the Powerball last night). My secret shopping merely made me a better wife and mom – even though I don't need material things to show my guys love on Valentine's Day.

But the meetings were the most important. By taking time to help others, I am helping myself. There's a phrase that goes something like "You can't share the perfume of happiness without getting some on yourself." It's true. I might complain about time commitments, but in the end, knowing that my help – along with other dedicated folks – is making someone's life a teeny bit better makes mine better, too.

I like the message in that photo. Basically, actions speak louder than words.

You know me. I always have plenty of words to say. Now it's time to act on them! You can give it a try, too. It's amazing really – you can give and receive at the same time.

What a blessing.

Monday Minutes

A few minutes from my Monday...

Shame-rock Shake: What use is a network that gives me sneak previews to Shamrock Shake season when I don't get to McDonald's?? Still haven't had my first one yet! How can I be too busy? I feel like I am letting the team down. Will have to rectify that soon!

Work It, Baby: Our cardio kickboxing teacher is back after having shoulder surgery two weeks ago. No worries, it's not going to happen to me unless I am doing this for 30 more years like he has. He worked us hard tonight and it felt great to sweat off the weekend sloth!

Came across this cartoon today and it reminded me why I stress that it really takes courage to do an exercise class – in public!! Yikes.

Athletic Supporters: There is no such thing as "extra money," but this is also a reminder to set some aside if you have to and invest in proper exercise gear! I don't slouch when it comes to my running shoes. I don't need the injuries. And some days my spendy sports bra works harder than anyone! Amen.

Old Grammy: I was like an old grammy last night and went to bed without even tuning in the Grammys. I think I learned all I needed to know online today. It's always interesting that some of my '80s icons are still making appearances (perhaps displaying too much) and / or singing, too. Props to Annie Lennox and Prince. Madonna... well, she may need to save her pennies to buy something to cover her assets. Just this old grammy's opinion!

Speaking of grammy-like behavior. It's bedtime for me. That 5 a.m. exercise alarm comes way too early!!!

MVP Network

There are a lot of different networks out there. For professionals, I am part of LinkedIn. For social networks, I am on Facebook, Twitter and, obviously, Blogger. But my favorite is my Mint Network.

As soon as February hits, I need to rely on the eyes, ears and taste buds of other Mint Freaks like myself who can't wait for Shamrock Shakes.

Tonight, hubby and I and a handful of other friends watched a double-header basketball game between Rapids (public high school) and Stevens Point (whose boys are ranked No. 1 in the state) – mainly to see our friends' daughter play.

Despite a dual loss for Rapids and major bleacher butt (and back), I came away with some MVP (Most Valuable Piece) of information. Shamrock Shakes are coming to town tomorrow. This according to a friend who heard it from her daughter who heard it from another friend.

Oh this is no ordinary network!

Then, just to dispel a rumor from a weak link in the chain of communication who "thought" we had to wait until Monday, I had it confirmed from our newest network member (whose daughter works at McDonald's in town) that Saturday is the day.

Whew. That's a lot of work. Good thing word travels much faster now thanks to all those other, less important networks!

Mint Freaks live to see another Shamrock Season!

Irish Blessing?

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Or as I like to call it, Shamrock Shake Day! (Even though I didn't have one.)

The weird thing about St. Patrick's Day is everyone seems to acknowledge it -- even if they are 100 percent Scandi-hoovian like me. My husband, and consequently my son, have a wee bit of Irish in them. They both would have appreciated a true Irish Blessing if I was home.... Woke up with absolutely no voice.

Squeaked my way through the first half of the day. Then managed to make myself heard by midafternoon. Will keep drinking (that's what we do on St. Patty's Day, isn't it?) to keep my throat lubricated. I will skip the green beer, though, and stick with water. Lots of it. Just glad the hard part of the day is over.

As luck would have it -- and some luck is fitting today -- we wrapped up conference meetings and such at 5:35 p.m. Why do I know the exact time? Those of you who know me well can guess.

"Ohmigosh I have time to sit outside before the sun sets!"

Although the temps have been nice since my arrival (according to my phone's weather app), I was only outside to board the cab at the airport and disembark at the hotel. Knowing I had about 20 minutes before the sun set tonight, or at least the pool area with chairs closed, I didn't waste any time.

I didn't bother trying to get up to my room to change. I carried my purse and two bags with stuff and just plopped down on a chair in the sunshine. At least I had short sleeves on. But still long pants and shoes. Who cares? I was sitting in the sun and it was 82 degrees. Despite winds at a constant 20 mph, I braved the windchill just fine.

We'll see if maybe that was a cure for what ails me. Knowing our schedule the next two days, that little dose is pretty much gonna have to do it. Sadly.

Ah well. That's why they call it work. After hearing the winter-storm weather reports for back in Wisconsin, I'll take it.

It's like my personal Shamrock Shake blessing!

Sa-weeeet!

You know what's sweet? Sugar!! And other things...

Like winning the first round of playoffs for boys basketball! Carter played Pep Band tonight and hubby and I went to watch him and the game, of course. For this first regional matchup we played Northland Lutheran. I'm always torn when we play the Lutherans.

Not really. But is sounds virtuous to support my denomination, right?

I cheered for our Royals as always -- and they needed it to pull away for the victory. Which they did, big time! Now it's off to Round 2 on Friday night. Haven't heard who our opponent will be. (By the way, our girls claimed the conference championship over the weekend, so it's a fun time to be a Royals fan.)

You know what else is sweet? Mint chocolate!

I had to pen a Dear John letter today...

Dear Shamrock Shake: Sorry, but you've been replaced in my heart (and tummy) by the Arby's Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake this year. No hard feelings, right?

They are soooo good. And they really need a label that says: "Enjoy in Moderation." (Not that I would necessarily listen.)

You know what else is sweet? Sugar! (And I mean it this time).

Occasionally, when people want to get rid of extra food (like Halloween candy) they set it on the tables in the breakroom at work. Today, I just could not walk by when I spotted an old childhood favorite.

Pixie Stix!!!

I was joking that I could give up caffeine and just replace it with a sugar rush. But after having a "stick," I am here to tell you I could not handle that switch. Uff da. Pure sugar. And somewhat tart. Wow. How did I down these as a kid??

And no. I have no plans to give up caffeine. Ever. Especially not with sugar. I will also attempt to enjoy in moderation!

You know what's NOT sweet? Our Winter!!

Another Polar Vortex on the way (I lost count) and the local news station had this to report tonight: Approaching the record for number of subzero days in Wausau. Through February 25th we have had 51 days with subzero temperatures in Wausau. The record number for November through March is a tie at 53 days from the winters of 1947-48 and 1958-59. It looks like we will break it quite easily by the weekend.

Please, Mr. Weatherman, I would like to enjoy winter in moderation, too.

That would be sa-weeet!

Finding Enjoy-Mint

In recent years, our company added some paid holidays. Now, shortly after many of us take a "Christmas break," we get Martin Luther King Day off in January and Presidents' Day in February. Who doesn't love a long weekend in winter??

I'd rather swap these days for May Day and Flag Day so I could golf. But I won't complain. Especially since the Friday before the Monday off, we get dismissed from the asylum early -- at 3 p.m.

Although, it was a busy week to get things done in order to be "out" on Monday, it was worth it.

I was out the door right on time!

For some reason today I started craving a Shamrock Shake. When I looked at the calendar and realized St. Patty's Day is exactly 2 months away, I knew I was craving much too soon. Dang.

Fortunately, things have a way of working out when it comes to me and my enjoy-mint of cool treats.

As I hit the road in Iola, my BFF happened to call and she was en route to Rapids from Appleton. When I realized we'd both hit Plover around the same time, a plan quickly formed in my mind. "Meet me at SweetFrog," I said.

Sweet what?

Once in a great while during the King Cone "off season," I frequent SweetFrog -- home to some delicious frozen yogurt. At SweetFrog, you take a cup and fill it with as many flavors as you want, then choose from roughly 48 toppings. Then you hand it to the cashier and she charges based on the weight of your treat.

I went with a combination of Irish Mint, topped with a bit of Brownie Batter and then Cake flavor on top -- with a just a few cheesecake bits for sprinkles.

How sweet to sit down and have a treat with my friend! Not only did Christine and I have a nice visit, we both survived some brain freeze not caused by the Polar Vortex for a change.

Now that's enjoy-mint! Hope my long holiday weekend has a few other treats in store.

That's where you come in, McDonald's. It's time to go GREEN!