It Worked Out In My Purple Favor

Last night I blogged before I had to address the Monday Night Football situation. I mean even you Packer fans don't like the Bears so we have some solidarity there.

But I was not convinced during the first half that our very VERY young QB could rise to the occasion. I am so glad I was proven wrong. Especially since our two-week United Way campaign began at work today and the dress-up theme was favorite team.

Yup, I wore the lovely bracelet above plus my now favorite shirt...

The one Jim and I wore to a game last year! We are still hoping for one Super Bowl win in our lifetimes.

Let me just clarify. There were a few more Viking fans at work and they commented on needing a shirt like mine. We all know the pain and struggles. Then, since I went straight from work to shoot middle school football, I was wearing the shirt and a guy from the opposing team (Iola-Scandinavia in this case) asked if he could take a picture of my shirt.

Maybe creepy but I trust he's been through the same pain. Maybe Purple Power will carry us all (well some of us) through the week!

The Day that Jack Built

Do you recall a very old nursery rhyme called "The House that Jack Built"? By the end, the verse goes something like this:

This is the rooster that crowed in the morn,

That waked the priest all shaven and shorn,

That married the man all tattered and torn,

That kissed the maiden all forlorn,

That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,

That scared the dog,

That worried the cat,

That chased the rat,

That ate the malt

That lay in the house that Jack built.

That was a bit like our Saturday. Hold tight while I try to string this together...

This is the storm that caused the wind and rain...

That blew over the tree on the power line down the road that led to a 10:20 a.m.-1:30 p.m. power outage...

That postponed showers (personal, not rain) and the shotgun start from noon to 2 p.m. ...

That led to pools of water on the course...

That gave us hope despite the darkening skies and eventual lightning that let us all finish or partially finish ONE hole...

That meant an early dinner and raffle basket win for Jim – but since the coach mentioned "a moisturizer basket" I had to run up and claim it.

That led to an early evening at home in the house that Jim and Robyn own.

(I hope that sums it up! Sorry it doesn't rhyme!)

That Bloomin' Draft

I thought it quite appropriate that my lovely flowers are blooming Vikings colors in time for the NFL draft.

Though hubby has some sort of draft pool with friends each year, I normally don't pay much attention to it. But this year, it's being held in Wisconsin. So we can't ignore the hype.

Our friends who own Feltz Family Farms and Dairy Store made the news big time last fall when this was their corn maze. Pretty cool. And as someone who does marketing for a hotel, I've been paying attention for months.

Between Jim and I, we know at least a half-dozen friends who are among the 200,000 NFL fans in Green Bay. As far as we know, they haven't been squished or trampled yet! 

But as for the actual picks? Well I hope every year our Vikings will build an offensive line that can give our QB of the moment some time to throw. In my many decades of fandom, that hasn't happened yet. But like every other football FANatic, I still hold out hope.

Good luck to your teams – and enjoy our Wisconsin hospitality!

What the ... Heal?

It stinks that when I'm ready to raise a banner saying, "I only coughed 3 times today!" that hubby continues to hack away. Feeling quite helpless at this point.

We both did got to our churches this morning, but then it was pretty much hunkered down at home. I had few more scrapbooking odds and ends to take care of, but mostly it was just checking out who would be in the superbowl.

In the Eagles-Commanders game, I was actually pulling for the Commanders even though they knocked us out. Mainly because a sort of local kid – Tyler Biadasz from Amherst – plays for them. If you can believe it, Carter played against him in both middle school football and basketball. Too bad they couldn't hold on and win.

The Bills-Chiefs game is on right now. The Bills are like the Vikings in that we've been to 4 Super Bowls but have never won. But I do I want them to win this year instead of us?? Not necessarily. The only reason I am cheering for the Chiefs has nothing to do with Mahomes or the Kelsey/Swift thing. 

Linebacker Leo Chenal is from Grantsburg, Wisconsin, the town I was born in (thanks to Burnett General Hospital) and where I still have family living. He's been such a gracious super star and mentor there, it'd be cool to see him get the change to continue that at the mature age of 24!

So we'll see what the final score brings. 

And what another medicated night's sleep brings to the house. This has to evening end, right? Stay safe and healthy out there, friends!

De-decked Empty Nest

Since we were too sick last weekend to do much, today I had to de-deck the halls. And the house looks so naked right now! No wonder people can't keep up with their de-cluttering New Year's resolutions – there's suddenly space to fill!

That was pretty much my only accomplishment today.

Still, we rewarded ourselves with a little night out. Our friends' band The Antonettes was playing at Mickey's Tip-Up down the road. So we listened to them with some other friends for their first set.

They're so good and I probably yelled too much singing along. I realized I better get my voice back since I've got choir in the morning and Jim has to read at his church. So we're home and we're going to see if the Lions play as well as they did against our Vikings – and your Packers.

Tomorrow starts the CHILL. Bundle up and be careful out there!

Not Freezing Over

I had this momentary lapse of reason Monday that since the temps were sub-zero and the Norse winds were blowing...

And there was a full moon – that our Vikings had a chance to go far this year. But I guess it was just cold.

And Hell was not freezing over.

Someday.

Just like the Packers' paltry performance on Sunday, we didn't deserve to win either. But it sure would've been nice. Dang.

Guess it's time to remove the rest of my chipped purple nail polish. And find my Twins spring training gear.

Never too soon to move on the hope SOMEDAY will be our day!

Enjoy the off-season!

Crime Doesn't Pay

It was pure coincidence the Minnesota and Wisconsin State Patrols posted this photo this morning prior to Vikings-Packers Border Battle this afternoon. But it was so appropriate, too.

While I was off at church dressed in my Game Day finest, our house was being vandalized!

Yup, as I rounded the curve into our neighborhood, I immediately noticed Mr. Skol Man had a scowl on his face and disgusting headgear. Who would do such a thing in our quiet little suburban neighborhood?!

Actually, plenty of people. But I had the suspects narrowed down to one or two. And before calling in the Border Battle CSI, I got it right the first guess. 

And while I pretended to take a bite out of the cheesehead, these lips did not touch it. And being the nice neighbor that I am, I returned it intact to Mr. M. across the street – and didn't even press charges. No worries, Mike, we'll take the W instead!

I tell ya, crime doesn't pay!

We did have a fun (but nerve-wracking time) watching the game at in a purple-friendly atmosphere at our friends' Sean and Michelle's place. A few Packer fans there, too, but purple prevailed in more ways than one. 

Again, always so stinkin' close when these two teams play. I'm not going to lie that selfishly we really enjoyed it. Especially seeing our team have their first 9-game winning streak since 1975. (Yep, hubby recalls how we lost and ended that streak.) And to see our QB reach a milestone with his 14 wins during his first season with the Vikes.

Now it's onto the Lions next week. Weird to think it felt like a playoff game today when the Packers, Vikings AND Lions are already playing in the REAL ones. Thankfully we have a week to recover. And get our heartbeats back to normal! Should be a fun post-season!

Jingle Bell Rockin'

We had two reasons to rock tonight. One, our Vikings squeaked by with another win. This time over Seattle to go 13-2 for the season. 

And two, we went to an amazing Symphony on the Rocks Christmas concert with our friends Mark and Lisa up at The Grand Theater in Wausau. Great date night to kick off vacation!

The musicians were a combination of STEEM and Vic Ferrari. 

Which means we got to see and hear our good friend Kat (Jim's high school classmate) perform. She was awesome as always. A shining and shimmering silver star!

Tonight was actually a fundraiser to benefit “Blue Hearts” of Wausau, the local Law Enforcement Blue families who pulled together after the death of Detective Jason Weiland (family pictured at the concert) in the shooting tragedy of 2017. The mission of the Blue Hearts is to support local law enforcement, their families, the community they live in, and the loved ones of fallen officers nationwide.

But there was also plenty of rockin' Christmas tunes, of course. 

And some Tran Siberian Orchestra numbers they knocked out of the park. So talented! Loved it.

Kat was her usual gorgeous and beyond spectacular self! 

I took a picture of this one and told my date we could pretend this was a Vikings tribute. Close your eyes and you can just hear them chanting "SKOL!" Ha. Well WE could anyway.

That sounds like Merry Christmas to me! And a great start to the week. Hope you have some jingle rockin' in your week, too!

My Preferred Winter Whiteout

I think we can agree that there's only winter whiteout condition we like – when our teams have their white nights on the field. With just a splash of purple to make it beauti-SKOL.

Oh how I wish they would've played yesterday while we were still in Minnesota. Because besides 3 Deep flashbacks when Cris Carter and Jake Reed honored Randy Moss tonight, my favorite Minnesota Twin ever Joe Mauer was there to lead the SKOL chant and sound the gjallarhorn. That would have been a dream game!

At least it's on TV since MNF. We're leading at the half but I better get back to my recliner since I'm wearing my lucky Vikings socks and the same Vikings sweatshirt I wore in Minnesota yesterday. We can't push our luck when the Bears are actually showing some defense.

Uff da! 

Let's SKOL! 💜💛💜

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!

How November Launches

The last weekend in October or first weekend in November always begin with a starting gun. That's because it's the State Cross Country meet nearby and we have historically (since Carter was a student) had a full team or at least a few individual runners.

Yesterday I headed over to The Ridges – usually 5 minutes away but more like 30 when I need to take a shuttle. Cheered on and took pictures of our Lady Royals, who finished 4th as a team – with one of our individuals taking 5th place overall. Then stayed to take pictures of our single male runner among Division 3 teams. He was basically in the middle of the pack, but had a good run personally.

The rest of the day was editing pictures and catching some Hallmark. It 'tis the season after all!

Plus, we got an extra hour or sleep when we turned the clocks back! Yay, us!

This morning I had to read in church. It was All Saints Sunday. And I gotta tell you, it really hits different when you light a candle with newly acquired orphan status. So missing Mom and Dad right now.

So, of course to take my mind off that, I did what my mother would have loved to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I played BINGO at Assumption.

This was as close as I got on "regular" BINGO. Grrr.

And I really didn't have a prayer on cover-all. Still, I sat among friends and had a good time!

Hopefully our luck changes tonight as our boys in purple play the Sunday Night Game. 

Look Around!

I think I'm going to have to quit worrying about catching a comet and take some time to look around at ground level. The fall colors are gorgeous and, according to the local weather dudes, we're already at 50-75% of peak.

I'll have to pay attention to that in the coming days when I am outside taking pictures for other things.

Tonight we had our last football game of the season. The Royals hosted Rosholt. We have to play once in awhile on Thursday when the Rapids public high school needs to play on Friday night.

I stayed for the first quarter only because my camera isn't quite fancy enough to take great pictures in the dark. We were down by a touchdown when I left, and they've been doing better ever since. Go Royal Blue – my other favorite fall color! 💙

I'm watching the lifestream and we are tied 20-20 with 3 minutes left. Gonna have to log off and cheer loudly!!

Lucky Are We

Feeling fortunate as we end the week. A full but good Thursday and Friday.

After work, our Marketing Department got to have a little gathering at SentryWorld to celebrate 100% by our team in the recent United Way campaign. It looked like a gorgeous fall day to be out golfing. Unfortunately, the course is closed for the season. And double-unfortunately, I didn't have my clubs in the car anyway.

I was lucky, though, when it came to door prizes. Keeping my winning streak alive and got my name drawn. I picked out a little travel fan since I need "white noise" in order to sleep and I have a big trip coming up.

From there, I headed to Assumption High School for the volleyball "Pink Out" night to raise money for a 9-year-old boy named Braxton. He inspired us all to meet diversity head on and still smile.

Since the Volley for a Cause covered any type of cancer, I put my friend Jeannie's name on one ribbon (Praying for you, girl!!).

And my cousin Jeff's name on another. He just died of cancer and was laid to rest in northern Minnesota today. 

There was a lot of support and a great crowd. And opportunities to "donate" through bake sale purchases and raffle baskets.

Guess who won another basket? Yup, this lucky girl! Another one I can take up to the benefit.

And to cap off our luck, we got to see the glorious Northern Lights again from our front yard. It went from pink and green to definite red and green tones. Guessing it's a sign I should watch some Hallmark Christmas movies this weekend!

Today, I was lucky to have a half day off. Mainly because this tree outside my office window was coming down – not sure why other than it's ugly – and there was going to be a lot of noise.

Here is the tree removal tree-oh figuring out the lift situation.

Good neighbor Mike went up the lift since he is the best chain-sawer. And apparently isn't afraid of heights.

Notice he is safely strapped into the bucket.

Just too high for me!

Jim and other helper would pile up limbs as they fell. They had a good system so that no one got hurt.

I was concerned at this stage though. I came outside and hoped they measured correctly so the final trunk wouldn't fall and hit hubby.

Timber!!

Whew! Lucky! Why would I doubt them?! Thanks for all the help and hard work, guys! Glad I could celebrate with an hour-long deep-tissue massage this afternoon. Hey, it was previously planned before I knew anything about sweating lumberjacks in the front yard.

This eveing, we headed to the Homecoming football game. We lost by a ton to Auburndale. But there was a great halftime show with all the bands and even choir members leading grade school kids in some ribbon dancing to Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise. Fun.

Hoping our luck continues as we head into Saturday with a cross country meet and, you guessed it, a golf scramble! I'll keep you posted.

Have fun this weekend and appreciate your good fortune!