Whoa, Black Betty

I've been watching my odometer this week because I knew at some point Black Betty – my Honda HRV – was about to reach 6 figures. Wish my paycheck would!

This morning when I got to work, she was officially at 99,999. I had to get gas on the way home and that was exactly one mile away apparently, so I could take a picture.

In my mind she's still a new car. Because when I hit a deer on the interstate and totaled my Honda Accord in June of 2020, the 2019 was still "new" since people were concentrating on surviving a pandemic, not going anywhere, and not buying cars.

It was the "newest" vehicle I ever had in my life. And the HRV is totally a Robyn-sized SUV.

A 2019 model but less than 3,000 off the lot. I remember hubby saying, "Well this should last you 'til retirement." Now I'm like, dang reliable Hondas. 100K miles is nothing. I'll have to work forever! Grr.

I treated her to a car wash on her special day. I mean we almost hit 50 degrees today. I know with the massive meltdown, she'll get all splashed up and dirty again, but it was the least I could do. She's got my back and keeps me going places!

Who's got your back today? Maybe give them a special nod of thanks!

Today's Space Invasion

I love that my company planned today's space invasion culprit to be the sun – and warm temperatures! We're going to get spoiled. Please don't let us down, weather forecaster dudes and Mother Nature!

I had to get gas to make it from work to my chiropractor. All I could think was "tell me it's 55 degrees in Wisconsin without actually telling me." This is definitely it. Also, I'm glad I went through the cleansing line on Sunday!

I didn't get a lot of time to enjoy the nice weather since I had work after work (after my spinal but not attitude adjustment) and then had to edit photos from the Assumption boys' regional win last night to advance to round 2 AT HOME on Friday. We haven't been in this position for quite some time so it's exciting.

As for today's space invasion fun... there was cake and we could dress like our favorite space movie or TV or whatever character. I had nothing. I wasn't creative. But tomorrow we can dress as our favorite planet... and this Atari-era girl is going with an anti-planet Space Invaders t-shirt that says "Don't invade my space."

Dang I miss that game and the rolly-polly ball to shoot the enemies!

Also dang. I guess this is the week I continue to age myself.

Get out and enjoy our spring weather this week – even if it's only temporary!

Tell Me it's Finally Above Freezing

This is my "Tell me it's above freezing in Wisconsin winter without telling me the temperature" photo. 

I knew on the way to work that on the way OUT of work, I'd have to get gas or risk the Low Fuel light humiliation. That's when I realized we actually had a surge from sub-zero a few days ago to 40 degrees ABOVE zero.

Now you see the evidence! 😀

It was a whirlwind of a day. Got to work early to get work done but then stayed late to help wrap presents for the family our Marketing Dept "adopted" through Operation Boot Straps. Also where I confirmed I am a bit of a gift wrapping perfectionist with advice from my mother in the back of my mind. In the best possible way.

I'll admit when our new hire on the writing team volunteered to help – but didn't know how to wrap a present – I was a bit surprised and challenged but realized quickly I could teach a class on how to wrap presents! So that's my post-retirement plan.

Which based on current work stress I sure hope falls in 4 years, 192 days, and 1 hour. Not that I'm counting down or anything!

After work and wrapping, I sort of sped (don't tell the officers) to Gordie's on Rapids' west side for our monthly Girls Night Out at 5:30. I was slightly late. By the time I got my food, I got a few bites and had to box it up to head to choir practice.

We're singing Sunday, Christmas Eve (2 songs) and January 4. So this was a longer practice since the next 2 Wednesdays are holidays. I am sure we have it down and will entertain the large audience of church choir fans. Ha.

Hubby also had his Christmas practice at his church. Based on our post-work schedules I think I'll see him late Thursday night. We can't ignore that hockey photos have also sneaked into the schedule!

Embrace the "warmth," people!

Oh, Boys!

We had a two-day whirlwind celebrating boys who have grown up to become handsome, successful men. Pretty fun! 

Friday's fun revolved around these dudes. In late May of 2018, these 4 moved into a lovely college house in Platteville. And the following weekend Carter, Jack, Josh, and Johnny invited their parents down so they could show it off.

We parents didn't quite get over it. But we also couldn't quite get over how cool this friendship was and what fun and amazing guys they turned out to be.

Fast forward to yesterday. Josh (left recently got married), it was Jack's wedding day, Johnny's getting married in October, and Carter was a groomsman for Jack and will be an usher for Johnny. Love that they made lifelong friends.

It turned out to be a beautiful day for an outdoor ceremony at Koehler-Andre State Park near Sheybogan.

An our favorite groomsman cleaned up pretty good in his brand new suit! 

We hadn't seen them in a month so it was good to reconnect with Carter and Mamie.

They always look good together. It was a fun evening a dinner and dancing. Got to dance with both of my brown-eyed bandits. 💜💜

We stayed at the Harbor View Inn in Port Washington. And it did indeed have a view of the harbor.

Took a walk around and found my boat – Foxy Lady – of course! 

This morning we hit the road at a decent time so we could make a side stop on the way home. A cemetery in the town of Maple Grove where Jim located the grave of his 4-greats-grandfather. If you're into genealogy at all, you'd understand. Very cool.

Got home around 1 p.m. and I did some speed trifling. Whipped this one together for our nephew's "25 years of racing" party faster than he finishes a feature race!

Utilized his Reffner Blue with a touch of red race car colors. And topped with some stickers from my scrapbooking supplies.

Look at him in his early years on a go-kart.

And how tiny that kart looks now! Another boy all grown up! He's come so far and has become such a  wonderful man, husband and father. The years pass much too quickly. It was a very nice get-together.

From there we ran home for a few minutes to gather layers. Yes, it's getting down to the 50s tonight, to go over to our friends Joe and Michelle's for a fire. There were several of us couples that hadn't gotten together all summer. The guys had for golf, and most of us girls had for golf as well. But not all together to just hang out.

The relaxing and laughing was long overdue. Including some talk among boys who are technically men now, but don't always show it. Ha. Which only made for more laughs.

It just happened to be a summer where it was either 90 degrees and you didn't need or want the warmth of a fire. Or it was rainy. Tonight felt like fall. But it was a good feeling. 

I still hope to relax with no plans tomorrow except for maybe some time with Mr. Deck Chair. He's been so neglected with my busy schedule. 

Summer Scratch 'n' Sniff

I took a lunchtime walk with my friend Jenny and her lilac blooms were heaven scent! As I shared a photo of them, I said, "You can smell this picture, can't you?" That's when I thought that lilacs would be a great adult Scratch 'n' Sniff sticker! 

Sorry if you're too young to remember this staple of all our school notebooks in the '80s! It was entertaining and pretty amazing! 

As it turns out, my thought was not unique. There is actually a company called Everything Smells that has a lilac sticker! I might have to look into that now that I found it. 

Today was quite the summer reveal in Wisconsin. I thought yesterday was a nice golf day...

...But today – with our high of 86 – it would have been a nice afternoon to ride a boat after work. If you were the type of person who has one.

Instead, just like trying to keep up with salt accumulation on the car in the winter, I made a pointless attempt to keep up with washing the yellow-green pollen on my car. after work. It may last a day. Or maybe two. Meanwhile...

I created this very IMPORTANT POLL: Yes it's 85 degrees out but Spring Sports are not over, so...

• Keep the winter clothing in the backseat (👍)
• Remove and trust Mother Nature this once (🤣)

Thank you for your participation.

So far, the results reflect a resounding anti-trust issue with Mother Nature! So I'll give it time. And, so far it is not interfering with space for my golf pull-cart and clubs! 🏌

Be careful in this heat and careful, too, for the wicked weather which may or may not interfere with Tuesday afternoon tee time! Again... Mother Nature trust issues.

Disappearing Act

I've been losing my identity bit by tiny bit lately. Well at least Black Betty has. 

At first I laid blame to the prisoners forced to make license plates. But I realized they may have been provided with inferior materials. Because mine is not the only WI plate I've seen peeling away in the wind (and aggressive car washes). 

My concern has been that the APR flew off somewhere. And while I did renew plates for Jim, Carter and me – and ordered replacement stickers – last month, mine never came. Theirs did. I was mainly concerned about getting pulled over without any proof but an email that I am legitimately renewed.

Since nothing arrived in the mail during my long weekend, I just went to the Stevens Point DMV, a mere 8 minutes from work, at lunch yesterday. I thought I was applying for a replacement plate to my "800 topaz" one. 

But BAM! They issued me new plates and new stickers on the spot. My clever son says that must stand for Bad Ass Mom. Damn right!

Then tonight on my way home from work, I was behind this guy. Part of me wanted to run up to him and tell him this can be remedied in less than 45 minutes at the DMV. The other part of me wonder which "shift" was working on these plates behind bars. 

In the end, I guess I don't care. It's just a relief to feel "legal" again!

Inching Toward Real Spring

I feel bad for the robins and other birds who thought it was spring a few weeks ago. After the lovely snow and ice storms, I was relieved to see a survivor in our yard tonight. Have they not learned their lesson that April is the earliest month to return – and May is even safer?

The human side of me was just thrilled that we were inching closer to 60 degrees. My friend Marigene and I took a walk after I got home from work and I even wore short sleeves. The madness!

But since I knew tomorrow was going to be a hair warmer, I took my car to a "manual" car wash so I could hang my car mats and give them a good power wash. So much salt on my driver mat. And so nice to get rid of that. 

For now.

I mean you never know in Wisconsin. And there could be rain on Saturday – or ice. It's too soon to tell. But for $3, I can handle re-doing today's wash and vacuum again! 

My preference, however, would be to keep inching toward real spring – and stay there!

Winter Sports of Sorts

Winter Sports are full speed ahead now that Christmas break is over. So if I miss a blog there's a 95% chance it's because I was already up way past my bedtime editing photos.

Such was the case yesterday.

I first have to report that my Extreme Hooking paid off and I finished that blanket. Yay me! I don't know if I'd push myself to get one done in just two days again. But it did prove I have the cardio stamina to do so.

After work yesterday, I shot the 7th- and 8th-grade Lady Royals basketball games. They don't have a ton of home game so I figured since the weather was OK and the roads were decent enough, I might as well check that off my Winter Sports list.

I can't believe that some of the "baby sisters" of seniors I took pictures of years ago are already in middle school. Somebody here is getting old!

Today was a busy work day. About 3 p.m. I realized it was 39 degrees out! I had no idea we were in for such a thaw before we begin a deep freeze in 48 hours. So I told hubby, "I'm going to run into town to get my car washed. I should be back in 25 minutes or so."

He's like, "You think you're the only one getting their car washed today?"

I responded that I had the upper hand since it was mid-afternoon and people had to work.

Boy was I wrong.

Since the closest Kwik Trip had a line around the building, I headed to the new on off Lincoln Street since that has 2 bays and surely the line would be quicker. Wrong again.

You can't tell but after this line goes straight, cars turn right toward the wash. My hour in the car allowed me to make a serious dent in my current audio book. And made me realize I was too hasty in a judgmental comment a few months back. So I posted:

Dear Wisconsin Rapids: I apologize that a few months back when I saw new construction I sarcastically said, "Like we need another flippin' car wash in this town?!" The answer is yes. We surely do. #WarmSpell #DontBeSalty

 Shame on me, right?

Well at least I got done just in time to get home, grab my camera and head to the boys game with hubby. It was a close game agains Wausau Newman, but we pulled ahead in the last 5 minutes thanks to their foul trouble. So night to get another win. They're not dominating like our Lady Royals, but they are on a hot streak so we'll take it.

Of course this means I have plenty of photos to edit tonight. But guess what? No alarm tomorrow.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the mild weather before the Arctic Tundra visits!

Making Tracks

If you are entering the new year wondering what tracks you left behind in 2024 and what tracks you might leave in 2025, I get it. And a recent walk in a typical Wisconsin winter's day showed me a thing or two.

First of all, as in usual life, there are a lot of turkeys out there! Somehow they survive Thanksgiving and then just wander around like free birds and no care in the world. I just hope they don't intersect with my windshield.

Winter is also a sign that some bunny we care about is out there and about. Love the fact they just hop along no matter what the world is throwing at us human types.

Then there are dog prints. We love our neighbor dogs so much we're just glad to see footprints in the snow (versus random piles in our yard, that is).

And finally, my favorite tracks... well that's my new tires after 78k plus miles on my original ones! I'm stopping better on our Wisconsin winter roads AND not shaking from a mis-alignment. 

No matter what my original New Year's resolution, I think I'll make these memorable tracks all year!

Oh, Christmas Trees... and More Trees

If I was lacking in holiday spirit in any way, that's no longer the truth. My oldest sister Rayna came for a visit yesterday and today and we fa-la-la'd to our hearts' content.

On Friday afternoon we went to the Shriners Fez-tival of Trees (where Carter and I went last week).

And, yes, we got to hang out with Santa again. I think we convinced him we've been good girls this year so maybe we'll get what we asked for come Christmas.

If you haven't made it there, there's still one day left to view the gorgeous trees and wreaths and enter for your chance to win. I runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Masonic Center near the Firefighters' Memorial Park and boat landing on 2nd Avenue.

For dinner, the three of us went to The Ridges for fish fries. They just happened to have R decorations so the R sisters had to take a selfie. It's what we do!

After that, we went home and watched the Merry Gentlemen movie on Netflix (ooh-la-la) and then let Jim beat us in two games of 3-to-13. We couldn't hog all the weekend fun to ourselves!

This morning, he set his alarm and we went to the Cookie Walk at St. Lawrence Church. If you've never done one, you put whatever you want in your container and then pay for it by the pound. Can you believe this is exactly one pound? That's all it takes. No wonder I put on so many over the holidays!

After that, I went to a funeral visitation for one our church members whose son and daughter (and granddaughters) I've also befriended and known for quite some time. Since Roger was one of the few Vikings fans in my church, I made sure to wear purple in his honor. 💜💛💜

When I got home, Rayna and I headed back into town to check out the 8th Annual Christmas Tree Walk at our South Wood County Historical Museum. I've attended this many times and when I posted pictures of it last year, she definitely wanted to see it in person.

It's an amazing display. Every room in the museum has multiple themed trees and decorations that volunteers provide. They're all so different and so beautiful. Enjoy just a few...

Creative use of dried fruit!

The island themed decorators made each of these Hawaiian shirt ornaments from paper, too. So tempted to try that! Cool.

The blue Starry Night room was fantastic!!

Like I said, so many different types of themes! 

An upside down tree. Why not?

Part of the Veterans' tree.

Ideas for homemade ornaments.

God, bless us, everyone!

Oh and this event runs from noon-4 p.m. Sunday and Monday, then 5-8 p.m. December 13, and noon-4 p.m. December 14 and 15. Free will offering. So worth the visit!

Rayna hit the road after that. And, since it was in the high 40s out I (and everyone else in town) thought today would be a good day for a car wash! Lines everywhere. But my car needed it since we had that one day of crappy snow and, thus, salt.

Late this afternoon, Jim and I wrapped up our holiday weekend with a Christmas concert by the  Wisconsin Rapids Area Community Choir. It's about 60 members and I knew about 10 – including several from my church choir. Excellent show for a full house! 

Now that we're home at a decent time, there may be a chance for more spirit a la Hallmark! 🎄🎅

Hope you're all finding ways to enjoy the season as well!