Check Out The View

 

As our city's main paper mill continues to be dismantled, there are fewer and fewer "towers" in "Grandpa's castle." I thought most of the big ones were down until I caught sight of this tonight after senior portrait session from down river.

For my hubby's family anyway, it will continue to be a part of their history until it's completely gone.

So crazy when we think that 20 years ago there would ever be a day people didn't need paper versions of everything. Or for our livelihood, that people would ever need an alternative news source than their newspaper on their doorstep every morning.

Unreal.

As for today, I was happy to catch this view after a rushed "beat the thunderstorm" senior portrait session. And earlier today, a nice church worship in the park that also timed out perfectly to rain happening when we were in the shelter. 

Mother Nature is fickle, but some days she allows me to do what I need to do. Thanks, lady!

What's the Big Hot Deal?

While today was the hottest day of 2025 so far in the Wisconsin Rapids area, it didn't set a record. We needed to match 96 from 1911 to hit that. It's like you're not even trying, Mother Nature.

Just kidding. She was trying very, very hard!

That high hit just before our Couples League tee time. Uff da. While hubby and I always walk with our pull carts when it's just 9 holes, today we took a cart. We didn't need to pass out or something. And a cart can hold two hydrating drinks at a time.

There were high winds the whole time. Which is nice if you like fresh breeze straight from your oven. Not kidding. Just ick. By the 7th hole, I thought we were entering the 7th circle of Hell. But nope. Not THAT hot. Just 93 with a real feel of 103.

I will say, we were playing hot though. Literally. Jim and I took the match, finishing just 3 over par. Our best score in league so far. 

We'll just take it and run with it. We are not wishing for a repeat of today's weather for any future rounds. That would be the heat-crazed brain cells talking.

Hope you all stayed hydrated and safe today. 

Happy Holiday Weekend Sunday

I'll admit the 3rd day of a 4-day holiday weekend can be pretty boring when you're just doing normal life things. So today, being it Sunday and all, I went to church.

Also mid-morning Jim, Casey, Clay and a friend went golfing. By early afternoon we were all home and I headed to a graduation party while hubby relaxed on the couch and watched golf.

When I got home, I realized the temps were close enough to 70 so I could bond with Mr. Deck Chair for a bit. He was so happy! And it turned into a gathering of 3+ neighbors by our deck. (While I tried to hide my over-exposed body!)

Tonight, after I ran an errand in town, hubby had a backyard fire going.

He had some added color thanks to our many expired, etc., strings of holiday light strings. Always looks pretty. And it's nice before the mosquito season starts, too!

Enjoy the great outdoors however you want or however you can this holiday weekend! 

Seasonal Defective Disorder

After surviving Saturday night's ice storm (a.k.a. Another of Mother Nature's Mood Swings) and being able to sing in church choir, it seemed like Sunday would be fine. But "she" just couldn't let things go.

We were able to hold an enjoyable Book Club and meal at El Mezcal last night. But as soon as we exited, the snow was coming down. And by the time I was on the home stretch, it was that fun Millennium Falcon-warp speed view. 

Not a fan.

I did get home safely but forgot how snow falls silently while we sleep.

When I woke up this morning, I thought "Yay, tomorrow is April 1st and TriCity Golf Course opens!" I mean, I have been counting down. But this view out the front squashed my dreams. 

So now I think the TBD opening date should mean "Take Bad weather Down!"

If only we had the power, right? The encouraging thing is that when I took a walk after work with my golf partner the snow was rapidly melting away. And based on the forecast – which I never know when to trust – temps will be well above freezing the rest of the week.

Not sure if there will be golf, but perhaps spring sports in the form of baseball and softball will make their debut! 

Get over you seasonal defective disorder, Mother Nature! Remember how good sunshine and warm temperatures feel!

Deja No Thank You

Since the winter storm came through on Wednesday, we had choir practice at 8:15 a.m. today before church. Little did I realize we'd have the same weather exiting church today. Mr. Deck Chair was not a fan.

Yup, all day on and off again snow and sleet. With a mix of a ton of NCAA hoops on TV. 

Later in the day, I finally decided to watch a movie on Netflix that I'd read the book on. It Ends With Us was not fun to watch but it did match the disturbing storylines of the book. I guess that means I'll have to turn my attention to a different book tonight. 

Hope you all stayed safe traveling today. Please continue to wish for spring!

What are the Odds?

The phrase Sunday-Fun Day has lots of meaning. Basically, if you're winning at BINGO, it's fun!

If not.... well...

Since our (Assumption's) progressive BINGO jackpot was well over $5,000 yesterday, I got there about noon to stand in line. A line that stretched a LONG ways down the hall. All I can say is that my "BINGO besties" saved a spot for me so it was all good.

I even brought a new "good luck' charm – my foxy spirit animal. Which a lot of veteran BINGO-ers do! 

All I can say is the 8 of us "regulars" sitting together were close to that $7,700 jackpot. But did not have any "cover all" success. Three people I do not know ended up splitting it!

Dang.

It was almost pleasant just having a normal, non-melodramatic work-from-home day today. I didn't even have any meetings to show off my St. Patty's Day green! I might have to wear it into the office tomorrow. I hate to waste any blarney or shamrock vibes!

P.S. I am 100% Scandi-hoovian, but my hubby and sons are a wee bit Irish, so I'm entitled to wear a wee bit of green once in a great while!

BING-Oh Shucks

Like the meme above illustrates, I was pretty excited to go to BINGO at Assumption today. The progressive jackpot was $4,000+ AND I had a special guest.

Thanks to peer pressure from a few of our friends, Mr. "Hard No" at BINGO came along today for what he called his first – and last – time. He did have fun visiting with the guys, but that was about it. 

One of our group of 8 won a game, but had to share winnings with other winners. The 50-50 prize was $900 and none of us won that. As for the progressive blackout jackpot, that pot is going to keep growing for the next session on March 2. 

Knowing hubby has no interest in the game, I'll just keep my mammoth winnings to myself when I surely win in March! Ha.

I still had fun. And it's always fun to have friends there, too. Being losers together is a good bonding experience!

The rest of the day was recliner time watching golf and I guess some racing. I think I fell asleep for that part. No sense doing anything too exciting. We're plunging into a deep freeze, so I'm just snuggled in my chair and counting down to bedtime at this rate.

I used to say that just because I play BINGO doesn't mean I'm old. But counting down to bedtime at 6 p.m. might count!

Bundle up and have a good week!

Not So Super Sunday

When your hometown or home team (sort of) isn't playing in the Super Bowl,  there's only three things you can hope for.

You want a close game to keep it interesting but really want the game – no matter how it goes, to match your numbers. Well as a nice Mom, added Carter to some boards. And guess who won? Not me. But my donation on his behalf did. Figures. I was on 4 participation boards and came away with not a thing.

Oh well, the third thing we hope for is at least some good commercials.

As someone who saw this original scene from When Harry Met Sally on the big screen years and years ago, I found this one highly entertaining! Which one was your favorite?

I'd comment on the halftime show but one, I don't know his music at all. And two, I was visiting with a friend who was in town so really wasn't into it. Did you like it? 

What about that score? Congrats to the Eagles for dominating. I'll admit I was not expecting that. Not like I am one to place bets on something like that. 

Or am I?

Have fun the rest of the week with not much on TV. Time to countdown to baseball! 

Jimmy for the Win

Sorry I didn't get time to blog yesterday. I was doing too much research trying to figure out if I should believe  Punxsatawney Phil's prediction of 6 more weeks of winter (boo!) or Wisconsin's own Jimmy the Groundhog (above) who says we're in for an early spring.

In the end, of course, I'll go with Jimmy for the win.

And there's actual data to back that up. 

While groundhogs across the country are asked to predict the weather without a formal education or degrees, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says some of them are accurate more than 50% of the time.  This includes Sun Prairie’s Jimmy the Groundhog, who ranked sixth in the country for most accurate Groundhog Day forecaster. Jimmy was found to be accurate 60% of the time in the past 20 years.

As for the furry forecaster in Pennsylvania? 

He may be the most iconic groundhog and the one that started it all, but he was found to only be accurate 35% of the time, placing him at 17th on the list.

Go, Wisconsin!

And was my only win of the day. I played BINGO and won diddly. And that progressive jackpot sits at over $3,000 for the next game day on February 16. Maybe the Dobber Diva Gods are just waiting for me to win a bigger pot.

I should ask Jimmy the Groundhog if he has any predictions!

So Sunday Much to Do!

 

I don't usually side with the Grinch, but if he has a way of stopping Monday from coming – or at least delay it – I'm all for it!

I did accomplish going to church this morning and breaking down sobbing as our guest choir – kids from Port Edwards high school – sang Mary, Did You know? A moving and heartfelt performance!

After that, I baked some cookies for my neighbors and upcoming family cookie exchange. While simultaneously watch the Vikings vs. Atlanta.

So amazing to capture a win versus a team we've loathed since 1998. SKOL!

This evening I have to decide if I should watch football to keep tabs of my pathetic fantasy football team or catch all my DVR'd Christmas movies. I have a feeling you know what I'm going to do!

Let's have a festive week, everyone!

Sunday Stress

While I was happy my Vikings were televised early since the Packers played mid-afternoon, I didn't welcome the stress.

I forgot how close our Central Division games can be. And was so grateful we finally have a field-goal kicker on our team who can make the shot. So we won! Beating my father-in-law's Bears in overtime. Sorry, not sorry, Johnny.

Other the stress of singing in choir and then that game, Sunday was pretty easy. 

Put a few things away for the winter – like golf clubs and cart – from the garage to the basement. And put a few boxes of leftover garage sale stuff I never did sell – so it went from garage to my trunk, destined for GoodWill.

It just wasn't warm enough to tackle much else out there. Maybe this week yet when I'm off. If not, the stuff will just stay by the wall and out of the way until spring when we either have the time to deal with it or be empowered to just get rid of it!

Hope you addressed and released all your Sunday stressors today! And if you're lucky like me, you can do it gradually during some time off this week. 

Skate-By Sunday

Naturally, I'd love to brag about a Vikings win during a Packers' bye week. But since we barely won, I made sure I adjusted the graphic above to reflect our just skating-by victory. 

I'm disappointed but at least honest.

Since the Pack was on bye, though, we got to watch the game in central Wisconsin. After our duties in church (my choir does have 2 other Vikings fans!).

While we were watching our friend Christine came over. She was in town for the weekend and was willing to visit while her Packers were not playing. We definitely did not force her to cheer for the purple. It was just great to see her, that's all!

I was supposed to have my final final senior photo shoot after the game, but that got postponed until Friday. So it was really a low-key day. I may or may not be planning a few things for my "sister getaway" this week. Since it's Tuesday-Thursday this year, we can't really call it our usual Wild Women's Weekend. But we can pretend.

Hidden message: I only have to work tomorrow (and Friday if I'm up to it) this week. Yay, me! Yay, sisterhood!

Hope you all have something to look forward to this week! 

Flying Season

It so cold, windy, and rainy today, it felt like the scene from a scary Halloween movie. Though, with gas prices inching back up, I feel like I could have had good gas mileage if I'd ridden a broom to church.

I know we need the rain. But combined with chill and wind, it was not a day to be out and about. In other words, I had to postpone a senior photo shoot. No one wants to be out in a "real feel 39 degrees" kind of day and actually smile.

So we spent the day indoors. I whipped up some cheese stuffed tortellini chili in the crockpot and did some cleaning. Vikings were on bye so I had a much more productive Sunday than usual. Even got a call from our baby so day was made!

I know it's not even 9 o'clock but it's dark and my side of the bed is fully heated and waiting for me. I might have to dive into my Halloween romance book (it's a thing, I think) called Hex and the City. I'll let you know if it's worth the ride, er read!

Hang onto your hat – and broomstick – and be careful out there!

London (jet) Bridges Falling Down

It's not often I have to set an alarm to wake up and watch the Vikings. But when I do, it better be worth it. 

And thank-SKOL-ly, today was!

Had to get up early enough to shower and get ready for church before sitting down for the 8:30 a.m. kickoff vs. The Jets in London. It was a great start and it was tough to trade the recliner for a church pew at 9:15 a.m. But witnesses can confirm I did! While I did have my phone on silent during church, I may or may not have been checking the score occasionally. We were kicking butt and I was missing it!

Raced home after to catch the 4th quarter and witness our defense saving our team that seems to be forgetting we play TWO halves. Grr. Thankfully, Aaron Rodgers could not lead his team to comeback victory. He was too close for comfort.

But in the end... we're 5-0, baby!

With an early game, it was the perfect opportunity to take advance of BINGO at Assumption. Didn't win anything but had a good time. 

This was as close as I got to winning the progressive coverall jackpot. Nobody did so that goes up to almost $2,800 in two weeks. It's already on my calendar.

That finished just in time for me to head over the funeral home at 3 p.m. for a visitation for our dear friend Dewey, who lost his battle with cancer last week. Jim was out of town at a Gene Watson concert (you probably have to Google it), so we paid our respects at different times. I found some friends to stand in line with because we have a ton of mutual friends. In fact, so many people, it took me 40 minutes to even get into the building. Obviously, Dewey was a kind, generous, and popular man – who impacted a lot of people in a special way. God, please bless his wonderful wife and family!

When I got home, I had to study a few minutes before heading out to a new type of volunteer work. I was on one of the panels interviewing young ladies (vying for a certain title) so they'd get real life experience answering questions and improving that skill before they face the real deal in a couple weeks. It was very interesting and I had a great time brushing up on those journalistic interview skills of mine! Can't wait to do it again.

For now, I need to brush up on that habit of getting 8 hours of sleep! The wind was so strong today, it blew us way closer to Monday than I was prepared for.

Be careful out there!

Our Wonder-SKOL Good Luck Charm

Thank goodness my charming SKOL sister stopped to see Mr. SKOL this weekend. We needed the good luck!

We almost didn't get to watch the Vikings game (finally on TV here) because I did some idiot thing with our TV remote. I was watching Netflix (Emily in Paris, of course) and then couldn't get back to cable. Like this was Friday night. And I've tried every thing I could think of – plus numerous suggestions from the Google.

Nothing worked.

Finally I put out a shameless yet embarrassing plea for help. And a friend who works for our cable company said the 24/7 tech guys could help with that. For real. I never wanted to be that old lady who doesn't understand technology. So I had hubby make the call.

Wouldn't you know – by the time I got home from church, he was just finishing up on the phone with the tech guy and it all worked again! Phew. It also might not have been total user error as one of the cables might need to be replaced.

Either way, we were able to watch our Vikes on CBS. Yay!

Fun to see the stadium now that we've there. And of course, super fun to see our Vikes stomp on Houston for a 3-0 start to the season! And it looks like my fantasy squad is holding its own for now, too. 

Yay for delight-SKOL Sundays!!

Sunday Non-Day

I can see why this weekend would be the one we don't acknowledge Sunday is really a Sunday. And for most of us working folk, we're pretty glad the Monday is not a typical back-to-work Monday.

So I don't feel 100% guilty that I didn't get too far with my goal to organize my "oh my god room" office. 

I also don't feel bad for taking a nice nap in the sun with Mr. Deck Chair.

Or relaxing when my BFF was in town and had time to visit.

While I have plenty on my to-do list, I'm guessing my Monday (that extra day I've been wishing for) will take care of that. If I have the ambition.

Today would've been our dear Sylvester's 20th human years birthday. We miss her so! And can definitely adopt her "naps win every time" attitude.

Enjoy your extra time this weekend!

Peace! Be Still!

After all the rain lately, it was so appropriate that today's Gospel lesson in church was about Jesus calming the storm. Both literally and metaphorically. 

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

With all the "storms" brewing in my life (and loved ones' lives) these days, am I acting like the disciples and questioning whether Jesus cares? Or do I have faith he'll get me through it?

I'll admit that a lot of times Worry steps in and Faith and Confidence are pushed aside. It's just human nature. Right?

Still, it was a much-needed reminder that God is in control. I am not. And I have a much better chance of getting from Point A to Point B if He is in the driver's seat. Why is it so hard sometimes to hand over the keys? Just gotta keep working at it. And be grateful He's in the boat with me!

On a lighter note, I could've used His driving help tonight on the golf course. Ha. Actually the drives were good -- as far as distance is concerned -- but direction is another matter. That's probably some sort of sign, too!

Still it was fun to start out my "birthday week" playing with/against our friends Sean and Michelle for Couples League. I originally captured the photo "Fun in the sun," but wouldn't you know it? We got rained on the last 2 holes!

Apparently a sign that I can't take the sunny days for granted. There's always storms around the corner. We just need to remember who to rely on to get through them.

Lord, please be our wing man this week!

New Beginnings

Pretty appropriate that our dinosaur-obsessed little boy got to drive a "dinosaur truck" from Bluejay Drive to his new home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Yup, he and Mamie arrived Friday night with the U-Haul and somehow got everything in there – including some of the big stuff (dining room table and chairs, coffee tables, etc.) that have stayed in our basement for the past two moves! We've got some space back!

Why Cedar Rapids? Well, just like their moves to Denver and Raleigh, they researched areas for things like quality of life and safety – and interesting things to do. This time, they also prioritized being able to comfortably afford the cost of living there. They've learned the hard way.

I'm just glad it's just a little over 4 hours away! Same as going Up North to see family. No biggie.

So while they moved south, I attended a dance recital at the Performing Arts Center in town. A couple of senior moms were paying me to go. And I saw a handful of other dancers I knew, too. Let's just say I took a thousand pictures and leave it at that.

From there, I went straight to Stevens Point to celebrate another new beginning – our friend Marigene's retirement party.

While Marigene is my golf partner, Dar is her real-life partner – and Jim and I just adore them both.

Looking forward to having her at my golfing beck and call during her retirement. Ha!

Stayed up super late editing dance photos and continued this morning. Pretty much a low-key day until our next new beginning for the summer: Couples Golf League at TriCity.

It's I think just a 6- or 7-week league so I'm glad our first opponents were our friends Craig and Sara. Fun to golf with people you know. There's like 22 couples signed up so there's a chance (even though between hubby and me we do know a lot of people) that we'll be playing against strangers (aka new friends) in the coming weeks. Should be fun!

Only thing is that we got home at 8 p.m. and I feel like the weekend was gone in a blink of any eye. 

I still gotta get that petition going to add a day between Sunday and Monday. Who's with me?!

Have a great week, everyone! 

Cause for Celebration

We put on quite a few miles this weekend but there was much cause for celebration everywhere we went.

Saturday morning, Jim and I were on the road to St. Paul by 8 a.m. to visit my sister Rachel. Poor girl was ecstatic to move from surgical care to the rehab/transitional care unit but we were all with Mom and only a few of us could celebrate the milestone with her – and give her a hug of sympathy, too.

She was doing good. Gaining strength and able to do a few things on her own. Granted, she can't use her left arm and hand much or even put weight on her left leg until August. Still, the therapists are working with her to gain some independence.

Never ever will I take for granted again that I can wake up, hop out of bed, use the toilet, take a shower, and brush my teeth. All things she must navigate right now with her right arm, hand, leg and foot. She's in good spirits, but can definitely use continuous prayers for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength!

We made it back home in time yesterday to attend the dinner and dance for this sweet couple – Nathan and Abigail! Not my photo but all of us "locals" know that making "The Rock" is pretty cool. I think it's been painted over no less than 600 times. Good thing it resides on the property of the groom's dad!

Had a super time dancing the night away at the Grand Rapids Lions Club shelter. Yep, all 350+ of us fit in there! It was fun and not super late. But just late enough that after the 6+ hours of traveling before the wedding, I was too exhausted to blog.

Today was more cause for celebration. 

After church – which included a tear-jerk How Great Thou Art – we went to a graduation down the road and then another at Rooted in Red for 6 Assumption girls. Perfect sunny and 70-degree weather for these parties.

We did stop home and get separate cars to go to Couples Golf League meeting at TriCity. Then hubby headed to his dad's and I went to grad party for a kiddo from my church that I took senior pictures of last year. 

Home now. It is too early to go to bed at 7 p.m. after a long weekend? Probably! I can relax awhile since the sermon today was about rest on the Sabbath. But really, if there are lots of things going on and I'm NOT IN CHARGE, that's rest!

Hope you find moments to both rest and celebrate this week!

Spring Sun-Day

We all had to take advantage of today's gorgeous weather knowing that by the end of the week today's lows will be Friday's highs. Yup 40-something for a "warm" temp at the end of the week. So let's just enjoy every minute above 70.

And we did.

Hubby had baseball practice and I had bonding time with Mr. Deck Chair.

That was pretty much the highlight of the day. Also so the Masters' final round with Scottie winning that. And wished I could be golfing somewhere that green right now. With the warm weather, I think we'll get there!

There's plenty weighing on my mind going into this week. Just praying God will take care of it.

In the meantime, sunny spring days certainly help!

Have a great week!