Stretching Our Boundaries

Remember in 1988 when Tom Hanks wished to be "BIG"? Turns out you don't even need a magical Zoltar machine to make your wish come true!

If you time it right as the sun lowers in the sky, you can stretch your 5-foot-2-inch frame to 6 feet easily. And look at those long legs going on for miles!! 

Sorry, Zoltar and fake fortune-tellers, but you've been replaced by nature.

Also, once again, I am completely admitting to being a dork. We just happen to be in the midst of a "steps challenge" at work so I am out and about much more than my usual lazy ass is used to. So I start noticing weird things like shadows. And which cows at the neighboring farm acknowledge me when I say "good morning."

You know, the important things!

It's interesting that when my sister Rayna headed out from here yesterday she was going to enjoy an overnight stay in Wisconsin Dells, less than an hour from here. On the way there she visited Roche Cri State Park down the road, which we haven't done in ages. And this morning enjoyed a boat tour of the Upper Dells. I really want to do that!

Sometimes we get so stuck in our routines, we forget to stretch our boundaries – even just a little – and take advantage of some pretty cool things close to home! Also, some dorky things. But a lot are pretty neat! 

Go forth – and stretch your boundaries!

Red, White and Confused

When you have a holiday on a Thursday followed by a day off on Friday, I wasn't sure if today was Monday or what. It seemed like we just had the weekend.

So glad it's not quite over!

Yesterday's excitement was random shopping for things for a raffle basket. Plus, I finally replaced the broken/non-working solar lights on our deck posts.

I'm pretty jazzed about the new look! How does that song go – Spend big money at Menard's!

Today we trekked down to the Dells to see our nephew Colin race.

It was 80 or so degrees but felt so much warmer up in the metal bleachers. I had to take a break in the shade after awhile.

Of course, as soon as the sun went down, it was time to throw on a sweatshirt. Happens every time down there. Colin's race did not go too well. It was a 100-lapper and I think he exited the track with 70 to go. Something got knocked loose when he got knocked around a bit on the track. It happens. Just bummed he couldn't finish.

At least we got a nice sunset (top photo) out of it. And a variety of fireworks shows on our way home. 

And... tomorrow still ISN'T Monday! Yay!

When They Come Over to the Dark Side

It helps to have the waterpark capital of the world less than 50 miles down the road. Sometimes it even lures my family over the border and over to the dark side. Which for them is, well, Packers country. C'mon. You know it had to be said.

So I jumped at the chance to see my SKOL sister RoAnn and her son and his family while they had a brief spring break getaway in Wisconsin Dells. Headed down after work to meet them at Buffalo Phil's for dinner. A pretty cool joint next to the Great Wolf Lodge, where your food and drinks arrive at your booth via a train. And sometimes the train even hauls a bubble machine. In addition to all the fake taxidermy stuffed animals, they have a bunch of Star Wars figures (like Darth above) decorating the place. Just an odd mix but it caters to kids of all ages, I'm guessing. 

Including us, of course.

Naturally, my first order of business was snuggle time with the newest member of our family – my great-niece Khloe.

Seven months old and simply adorable. And tired!

She was out before our food arrived!

Is it too early to ask Santa for grandkids? Just checking.

Big sister Kenlee loved the train delivery method – and especially the bubble machine.

Pretty sure she hasn't taken off the "wolf ears" headband since they checked into the lodge yesterday.

After dinner we went back to their hotel and got to catch up for awhile. 

I realized I hadn't seen them since my aunt's funeral in November. I was way overdue for Minnesota hugs!! Good thing I'll see more family this weekend for my mom's birthday

But for the rest of my MN family: You're free to come to the dark side anytime. I'll protect you!

Ye Olde Southern Rock

Some times when the opportunity presents itself, you just gotta go on a little adventure. We headed down south tonight to hear some southern rock. And by south, I just mean Wisconsin Dells. With a stop at Mo's Bar north of Adams for dinner.

Our destination was the Crystal Grand Music Theatre to see the Marshall Tucker Band. For their 50th anniversary tour! Not only was the band's music classic, but so were its members. The band was led by original vocalist Doug Gray. His voice isn't as strong but the musicians were phenomenal. When's the last time you saw or heard a flute in a rock band?!

We had great seats for our friends Mark, Lisa, Jim and me. Second row!

We got to hear their biggest hits "Heard it in a Love Song," "Can't you See," and the closer "Fire on the Mountain," but there were a few I wasn't familiar with. I mean the band is on their 50th anniversary tour and I'm only on my 50-something tour around the sun!

You could tell they love what the do. And we just loved having a Friday night double-date night.

Got home just in time to turn into a pumpkin, too. 

Have a good weekend, y'all!

The Saturday Groove

When you kick off your Saturday with a dance recital, you know it's going to put you in a good groove, er mood. Maybe both.

My friend Cindy and I went to the Variations recital put on by members of Dance with Pam. They had a few themes like Clue (above), a memorial salute, and some Lion King tunes. Pretty entertaining and between Cindy and I, we knew about a dozen of the dancers. So it was nice to be able to capture a photo or two (hundred, that is).

After the recital, Jim and I went down to Wisconsin Dells. My nieces Caryn and Beth and their families (plus a friend and his) were staying at a waterpark this weekend before heading back to school Monday. (Minnesota schools are different that way.) Since the Dells are only an hour away, it's pretty convenient to go see out-of-town or -state guests there.

They had just gotten out of one of the pools, so the eight kiddos on hand were pretty hyped up. Great to see them all and celebrate two birthdays as well. My niece Caryn turns something tomorrow. And her girl Makayla turned 7 today.

Pretty sure I haven't been able to spend an actual birthday with my first-born niece since she was a child. January 4th is about as close as I've gotten in decades. Kind of a blessing!

Love those girls and their families. Definitely kept me in my great groove for the day.

(That and the Titans de-throning the Patriots. Wow. Didn't see that coming.)

Keep on dancing!

It's a Royal Blue Thing

There seems to be some good luck about the color Royal Blue – when it comes to basketball anyway.

One of our former Lady Royals is attending the University of Dubuque and it turns out the Spartans sport some Royal Blue like Assumption. So when we heard Elle was playing hoops in Wisconsin Dells, we donned some Royal apparel and headed down there to cheer her on. We picked up her boyfriend's baby sister on the way so she could enjoy the game, too.

The Spartans were playing Northland College from up by Ashland, I think. So the Dells was a sort of halfway point between them. Or at least a place with a decent fieldhouse.

This was only the third game of the season and, as a freshman, Elle hadn't had much playing time at all. But last night she not only played a lot more minutes, we got to see her score her first college bucket and two more in the form of free throws. Sweet! They won 95-75 so that was fun to see, too.

She was all smiles after the game and grateful for the surprise appearance. Her parents and grandfather were there, too, so that made for a decent-sized fan club anyway. She appreciated it.

And yes, you're correct, we don't stay home much. But if we have a free night and can bring a smile to someone's face, why not do so? Plus, as you can see, she's got a super beautiful smile that we have missed so that alone made the trip worth it.

The Long Way Home

Normally it doesn't take 10 hours to get home from Platteville – even with a few stops. I guess it depends on how long the stops are. To wrap up our extended Anniversary Birthday July 4th Week, we ate and played our way north.

First stop: Lake Wisconsin Country Club in Prairie du Sac.

Nice course that doesn't seem to be a tough play. But the greens are tricky tricky. Heck, hitting a fairway was tricky for this old lady! Since it was our 17th anniversary on July 1, I had to get a shot at the 17th hole for the scrapbook!

Second stop: The Mixing Bowl bakery and ice cream shoppe in Sauk Prairie.

Normally soft serve isn't my No. 1 choice,  but when it's homemade and served in a homemade brownie bowl,  you become a fan rather quickly.

Third stop: Outlet Mall in Wisconsin Dells.

Had nothing to get. This was a time waster until the supper club opened – the surprise destination hubby had planned.

Fourth stop: Ishnala Supper Club on Mirror Lake outside the Dells.

Jim saw this as a highly recommended supper club on the Travel Wisconsin TV show. Lived up to its reputation.  Beautiful scenery,  neat atmosphere, and delicious food. Oh, and Wisconsin's best old-fashioneds.

Jim enjoyed the real thing and for dessert, we shared a piece of brandy old-fashioned cheesecake,  served with an anniversary candle for each of us to blow out!

Yum! As good as it looks!

Fifth and final stop: Blue Jay Drive.

Unpacking, laundry and apologizing to the cat, who left a few "piles" by the way. Hitting the sack early since we need to remember how to set alarms again. I realize we've only been gone since Saturday, but it feels like a week.

That must mean it was something good!!

Rain Dates

When the weatherman calls for 100 percent rain – and he's actually right – there's only one thing to do: Spend the day inside. With a friend.

My childhood (and beyond) friend Julie and I try to get together a few times a year since we live less than 2 hours apart (she's just south of Madison). And we're both at the empty nest stage in life where we should have free time. Still, it usually takes some major schedule coordination to pull it off.

Today, she was on standby based on Mr. Forecaster. Since he was correct, that postponed a senior photo shoot indefinitely – freeing up my day. So we agreed to meet at a halfway point for lunch: Monk's Bar and Grill in Wisconsin Dells.

Thankfully it wasn't super busy so we could enjoy a nearly 3-hour visit! So very good to see her!

Today, for my Gratitude Month Blessing Photo Challenge, I am grateful for my lifelong friend. She's been there for me through awkward junior high years to handling life at 50! Lucky to have this Luck girl by my side always!

Not sure if we'll have another rain date soon, but we'll have our snow date in February at Camp Crop-A-Lot. Then we have 3 days instead of 3 hours of quality time.

Feeling blessed beyond words. Hope you found a spot of sunshine in your rainy day, too!

Getting My Clicks In

Normally I shoot for 10,000 steps a day. But 10,000 clicks? Well, yes, a little far-fetched. But I have taken 1,100 photos since Friday night. In case you were wondering why I was too busy to blog.

It was just a booked up weekend. But in a fun and productive way!

Yesterday went something like this...

Left the house at 8 a.m. to go over to Standing Rock Park for the Stevens Point cross country invitational. Shot pictures of our middle school and high school runners. See above in my Royal Blue shirt (and pony tail). Proof I am on the job.

It is a beautiful and insane meet. Twenty-two schools so hundreds and hundreds of runners! Was a fun challenge finding our Royal Blue runners in the crowd when other schools – Auburndale, Amherst, Merrill, John Muir, etc – wear the same color! Since I know the route from when Carter ran there, I knew where to stand to get pictures. And sometimes that meant running to them. Well, jogging.

Still, I left there with almost 8,000 steps!

Went straight from there to a senior photo shoot at 1 p.m.

Again, I have proof! Ha! We did not get to finish since our last location had a wedding there (which I didn't know about). So we'll finish another weekend.

Went home and had 60 minutes to bake a cake for a church potluck today, visit with a neighbor that stopped by, and change into Colin Reffner Racing gear. Jim got home from his parents (anniversary day) and we headed down to Wisconsin Dells.

Saw lots of standing water on the way and it turns out the race track had had quite a bit, too.

The water in the infield doesn't matter. They were concerned about "seepage" at the bottom of the track (bottom of photo in Turn 1). So they were drilling holes and stuff to drain it more. Racing started two hours late. At least.

Colin qualified with the fastest time so he got to carry the flag during the National Anthem. So that was awesome. And he finished 6th in the race, which had so many cautions and crashes, it lasted a long time.

And it was chilly. Despite my sunburned face from earlier in the day, we were cool with the breeze blowing and temps in the mid-50s. And just the fact it was 11 p.m.

Got home after midnight. Got up for 8 a.m. church. Had service projects we did in the community as part of God's Work, Our Hands. Did not have to do any physical labor. I was one of two photographers so I went to four of the sights to shoot pictures. After that, we had a lunch.

I stopped home to change clothes, watch a bit of the Vikings game since it was on TV here with the Packers playing tonight. Then I had a senior photo shoot from 2-5 p.m. Went very well. Gorgeous weather today!

After that, I got myself a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard for supper! Came home, uploaded all the sports pictures from the weekend and now I'm going to watch TV and/or read. Am not going to got through the senior pictures until tomorrow. My recliner is calling me.

And Mr. Deck Chair refuses to talk to me after I stood him up today! There will hopefully be more opportunities!

So That Was Hot

That about sums up the day. We spent most of the day down in Wisconsin Dells at the speedway watching our nephew Colin in a championship race. Good thing there was no butter nearby or we would have been popping like popcorn!

Was really, really warm. Well, I guess since it got up to 90 degrees, it was hot.

And here's my hot date!

Don't you dare tell him I took a picture of him! He won't take me to the races again this year.

Oh wait, they are pretty much done now. Colin was racing in the Tundra Series, which was 6 races at different tracks this summer. The wrap-up championship races were today. Colin was not quite in contention points-wise to win the overall championship but he did have enough points that he almost – this close – got the rookie of the year. Shoot.

He did well today, though. Fought his way up to 5th and just got passed with a few laps to go. Finishing 6th was not a bad way to conclude the season. He said he was hot and his car was not liking the heat either. I can only imagine! Uff da.

Got home and I had some work to do. That helped me finally quit sweating. Now it's 10 o'clock and I really need to shower before going to bed.

Or my hot date is over.

Southern Soaking

Apparently all that rain earlier this week did a number on Adams County, just to the south of us in Wood County. I happened to drive through there today on my way to and from a work conference in Wisconsin Dells.

Heading down south on Highway 13 at 7 in the morning, I was not camera ready. But I remembered for later and I snapped some pictures on the way back in midafternoon. Sorry these are blurry but I was just holding my camera phone with the window down, snapping pictures at 55 mph with my eyes on the road. Seriously, eyes on the road. Saw way too many dead skunks!

A look at the southern (from here) soaking...

Luckily the driveway is still usable at this place.

Roadside fields full of water.

Ditches full, too!

Not sure where there was water they were pumping from and why it was being dumped into one of the already full ditches.

Road was completely covered with water on the way south this morning. Looks like – from the afternoon view – the warmer temps are drying it out a bit.

Thank goodness only the sign, not my actual ice cream stop, is threatened by high water.

Ironically, they are selling "lake property." Do ditches count?

Now that I am home safely, I'll have to start paying closer attention to the creek in our backyard. If I see ducks, a water pump or a new real estate sign, then I'll know to get out the umbrella and sandbags.

T Time

The tough part about living in central Wisconsin is that I am still 4 hours from "home." The great part is that it is close to just about everything else (except, obviously, not Lake Superior). So when a friends or family travel for work or pleasure, sometimes they land "close" by on the map!

This week my nephew Tim and his family are in the area, so to speak. They drove from Rapid City, SD, to Wisconsin Dells to stay at a resort with an indoor water park and all that good stuff. Haven't seen them in at least a year. Since the Dells are only an hour away, I hit the road right after work to visit Tim, Tawnie and their 4 T's: Tyler, Tyson, Trey and Teegan.

Or, as I like to call them, my sweet little pumpkins!

They were all dressed in matching Halloween shirts, which I am sure my sister (Grandma RoAnn) and brother-in-law got a kick out of during their visit. They left late this afternoon to go back to Minnesota so there wasn't much of a break before more "company" arrived for T Time at the condo. In other words, no time for naps.

But, they were still more sweet pumpkin than little monster! Here Tyler is doing rabbit ears behind Tyson. So adorable!

And little Trey is holding up a remote-control snake that Grandma (who hates snakes more than anything) apparently bought them. I think they had their hearts set on scaring me but I was a good sport.

 I even let it kiss my cheek for a photo. Yep, Tyler thought that was funny. What a brave old aunt!

And my typically bald little great-niece Teegan finally has hair! And she's walking and talking and trying to put on her sparkly Skechers! She's a sweetie. And she holds her own against those 3 big brothers!

Trying to get all 6 pairs of eyes looking at me AND smiling was next to impossible. I don't envy portrait photographers. Love that Dad is just hanging onto a wriggling Teegan and Trey is looking up to be sure Tyler isn't doing rabbit ears on him. Too cute.

Was a short but sweet visit. When it was bedtime, I figured I better head home and dodge the deer.

Hopefully I won't have such a long wait before my next T Time!