More Cake? Well, Sure!

The question isn't will I turn older next week. The question is whether I'll gain 5 pounds before my next birthday. Because I have the best coworkers!

OMG. Steff created the most tasty 3-layer coconut cake I've ever had the privilege of tasting! So good!

A little back story on how I fell in love with coconut cake. 

Throughout my growing up years, my mom and her sister Virginia would visit each other quite often. I felt like it was weekly. Taking turns at each other's homes. It always required some bakery items to go with the coffee, of course. Occasionally, when Mom was "hosting," she'd buy one of those Pepperidge Farm Classic Coconut Layer Cake. Could not get enough of that flavor! So good. So that was a lovely treat today!

My almost birthday twin Darcey and I felt spoiled yet again! We had to pose one more time by my ice cream light (my real twin gave me a few years ago) before I unplugged it and brought it home. 

Tomorrow's the last day in our current digs. I said loudly this afternoon, "OK, is anyone bringing treats of any kind tomorrow? Otherwise, I'm packing up my little plates and bowls." 

No response so I think the party's over. I mean I guess we're still pre-gaming!

After work, our team went to Guu's on Main in Stevens Point because our Nashville team member is with us this week and they have at least 6 flavors of deep-fried cheese curds. She was suitably impressed. Even though it's funny sometimes how we want greasy, gooey goodness to represent our state!

Go, cheese!

P.S. Unrelated to anything... my friend at work and I went to the Herrschners warehouse sale at lunch today. Holy million people but also million deals. Get there! I think it goes through Sunday.

P.S.S. It has rained all day. Apparently hubby still had golf league. Probably wearing his long underwear. Yep, mid-June and temps in the 40s and 50s. Be careful out there!

A Not-So Trifle Tuesday

How can it be only Tuesday when it's been a whirlwind week at work already? Monday was crazy because I worked from home in the morning, then had to be in the office in the early afternoon (I was accidentally a stunt double for myself plus a hand model, LOL), then back home before an end-of-day meeting.

With the caveat that I needed to log off in time for my VIP meeting with my hair artist!

I don't know how the timing all worked out to my favor, but it did! 

But in the midst of all this, Boy Wonder (aka Mr. Smooth) was going to call us at an appointed time for a "chat." This meant all kinds of scenarios in the brains of Papa and Mama Smooth – from general "catch-up" convo to marriage proposal. I mean, who knows?

We were thrilled to learn that the sentence that started with "We have news..." ended with his girlfriend securing a full-time job in the fashion industry with Maurices. Guess where their headquarters are? Way the heck up in Duluth of all places. Who knew?

So today while I was "working" I had to dedicate some time to reach out to any and all Duluth connections to guide these young professionals in their housing situation. Sketchy versus good neighborhoods, etc. Got lots of information and where to and where not to go, and a few rental bites. But we're working on it.

I say "we" though they didn't ask me and might not want my intervention. But there comes a point in life you know people in a lot of places, and if you did them good, they'll do you a solid too. So we'll see.

Tonight my one task was a birthday trifle for my supervisor, who shares a birthday with my mom. I can't ever let this NOT happen because I'm sure she's up in heaven saying, "Yes, for me, you must do a putzy, layered dessert to earn the adoration of your club / neighbors / friends / co-workers."

On it, Mom!

This one: Chocolate brownies, topped with... white chocolate pudding with peanut butter power mixed in, then... diced up Nutty Buddy bars, and the top... whipped cream with mini Reese's PB Cups on top.

I do have to call out it took me 5 stores to find the Reese's THINS these days.. Festival Foods for the win. Just needed to cut them half for one outside layer around the bowl.

I think my "be sure to make this a putzy, layered dessert" is accomplished.

Continue to guide me on these important quests, Mama! 💗

 

Bring on March Gladness

Don't forget that March Madness actually begins at the high school level with the regionals and sectionals leading up to state hoops. And when we're lucky, it turns into March Gladness.

The crazy and amazing thing Friday night was that our boys won their Regional round 2 game versus a higher seed, Blair-Taylor (which is my college territory around La Crosse).

I had a few things to do and did not travel 80-plus minutes to shoot pictures last night in Elroy when they faced the No. 1 seed. But I quickly heard through the grapevine that our boys claimed the Regional Championship!

That is so exciting. Now onto sectionals for the first time in at least 8 years.

The other part of March MADness or GLADness is always weather dependent, of course!

Today after we both sang in our respective churches, we went to a retirement party for our friend Christine. Alwasys great to see old / long time friends. When we got home, the temps were in the mid-50s so I went for a walk.

Got to chat with my friend and neighbor Cindy and my favorite four-legged creature Buddy. Then ran into golf partner and neighbor Marigene.

We literally went the extra mile, so to speak. I forget how long winters somehow stop us from seeing people! No one likes to hang out on the swing in front of the house when it's 22 degrees! You know?

When Carter called this afternoon he, of course, was having slightly warmer weather "down south" in Iowa. But we both hoped this wasn't a fake spring again. And we know, naturally, that it probably is because this is, well, the Midwest and the calendar won't acknowledge spring yet for 2 weeks.

I heard a rumor, though, that tomorrow's high temp could bring Mr. Deck Chair out of winter hibernation. Just saying.

Hope you find your March GLADness this week!

Close Encounters of the Fun Kind

The 9-foot inflatable alien lurking outside my office door probably would've scared me on any other day. But not during our annual "success week celebration" and the theme is Out of This World. That's what all of us employees are – out of this world!

So as usual, we got all out with theme-related fun.

Fun graphics. Fun food like SUN chips and MOON pies and COSMIC brownies. And games.

And this is all day one of three of in-person festivities. 

My only hope is that I will still get some actual work done and that our alien friend won't suck my brains out!

I'll keep you posted! And if you don't hear from me, well, you know what happened.

Be careful out there!

Sport Shorts

The last 48 hours have pretty much been all sports. Yes, it was SUPER Sunday yesterday. What that meant was that is was "Souper Sunday" at church with a fundraiser for the food pantry/soup kitchen.

Then, I got home in time to watch legit LIVE Olympics coverage of team figure skating.

The Quad God for the win! I mean, WOW. How fun to watch!

After that, I did pop over to what I believe is like the 44th annual SuperBowl party in our friend Chet's basement! Said hello to all and participated in some "investment opportunities" (which yielded nothing!), then came home to actually watch the game and/or flip with Olympics coverage.

Boring game if you ask me. I like the ones that are super close and down to the last second! But that's just me.

Today was a work from home day that ALMOST had me wishing for a lunch hour with Mr. Deck Chair.

Oooh this high temperature was amazing. Obviously not sit outside for endless hours, but still so refreshing!

After work, I continued on my sports quest with Lady Royals middle school hoops. Turned out we were hosting Stratford – home of all the Austin clan that I'm related to (through marriage). Didn't take me long to recognize their coach as Jim's cousin's daughter. Then, when I talked to her at halftime, she said one of the players belonged to another cousin's daughter... so granddaughter. How fun. I then had players from both teams to shoot pictures of. 

Just got done editing and uploading pictures. And since I know what happened with co-ed curling and ice dancing today, I don't need to watch the delayed Olympic coverage. Or do I?

All the time delays... I just don't know. Go USA! And Royals! And, yes, Stratford!

Hunt for Red Hot October

This week has been insanely warm for October. Record high Friday and tied for high temp today. And you know who loves that? A solar powered sister like me! Of course I had to work every day this week but I did get some outdoors time the past three days.

After work on Thursday I headed straight up to Athens with my camera for a Royals cross country meet. So behind on fall sports pix! Guess who doesn't like summer weather in autumn? Runners. Spoiler alert if you have a gag reflex!

Yup, this was the look on probably half the runners' faces right before they crossed the finish line and tossed their cookies! Not kidding. I do not know how I stayed upright since that is such a trigger for me. Uff da. Those poor runners. Both our high school and middle school girls teams took first place anyway!

Gives new meaning to "hurling" through homecoming week! Speaking of homecoming...

Finally was IN TOWN so I could attend and photograph a Royals football game! So many weddings, so little photography time. But we still managed to attend a retirement/birthday party before the game! LOL.

The Royals ended up falling to Pittsville 30-6. Still, I managed to capture a few good photos of both the game and musical entertainment. Once a Pep Band Mom always a Pep Band Mom!

Today's summer-like weather called for a summer activity. 

Mr. Fox and I have literally not been golfing for more than a month! So fun to get out for a very warm round with our friends Craig and Sara.

It also happened to be Big Cup Challenge Day so we got to play larger holes but somehow none of us could manage to take advantage of it. I was just too rusty. That's my excuse. Still... so fun to be out again like it was August!

Of course I 100% got into autumn mode at the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest! 

Seriously, holy Great Pumpkins, Charlie Brown! I feel like there were tons more arts & crafts and food vendors there than ever before. I found quickly that I was grateful there was an ATM on site, too, because I did not prepare for that. It was so hot, though...

Much like my tasty mini donuts! But productive. I had a few gift things in mind and I found what I needed. After 12,000+ steps on my pedometer between that and golfing I was ready to head home and shower!

Because, of course, our social calendar still had another appointment to go to, after all! And we wonder why time flies.

Had a special 50th anniversary party for our friends Jon and Audrey, who are more like family since they helped raise our baby boy. I mean seriously, how did they know that 30 years into their marriage when she was operating a daycare that they'd meet young Mr. Carter needing afterschool care? And that he'd work his way into their hearts and they'd find a home in ours? 

They really are like family – and we've come to know their entire family very well, too. Just special!

Sometimes I can't believe how blessed we are with the people in our lives. Even how many we've spent time with in just the past few days. It might be the hot summer temps, but I suddenly have water leaking out of my eyes.

Life is so good when you count your blessings! Just sayin'. 

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. 

Fun With The Niece-To-Be

When a Sunday drive is about 9 hours on the road, it helps that it is worth it. Hit the road at 7 a.m. to attend the bridal shower for my nephew Eric's soon-to-be wife. Due to so much road construction it ended up taking about 4 1/2 hours to get to Grantsburg. but I still got there in time to set up the welcome poster (above) that I designed and many more decorations.

My sister Romey (mother of the groom) outdid herself but is was all a wonderful theme of sunflowers, chickens (which they raise) and a tribute to the bride's mom, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.

I especially loved the center pieces because I immediately recognized the chicken salt and pepper shakers to the right of the vase as something my Grandma Flossie had. (She had hundreds in her collection!)

Bride-to-be Stephanie is in the center flanked by her daughter on the right and a foreign exchange student (left) they're hosting for the upcoming school year.

The soon-to-be mother in law and aunties!

Regarding gift opening... I was thrilled when the bride gushed over my blanket, wrapped it around her shoulders and said she loved it. Multiple times. Long live personal off-the-gift-registry gifts. Ha!

After the shower, I had a chance to visit with Dad and Mom. The gravestone finally has Mom's "end date" which was a bit jarring. As I said in my convo to them "I still don't think it's fair I'm this young to have no parents!" Every time it's refreshed grief. As one of the babies of the family, probably won't get over that. Ever. 

In the last hour or so stretch of the trip home, I noticed I was going into some very darkened skies to the east. But then I caught sight of more than one rainbow.

I actually pulled over and took a picture on the side of the road because I could see hints of purple – not always the case. Or as I say it, the IV in the ROY-G-BIV color scheme!

It did help guide my home. And to be fair, I went a completely different than I did on the way up. Still road construction, but for way fewer miles!

When I got home I learned my hubby's team – the Reds – ended the Brewers' win streak. Sorry about that. I say with fake sincerity since we all grasp for a win – even at a word scramble game at a bridal shower!

Game on!

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

Humor me and my age that your remember the commercial jingle: "Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don't. Almond Joy's got nuts. Mounds don't."

I mean it played a pivotal role in my "Coconut Dreams" trifle layers tonight. I decided that maybe some people don't like the nuts, so I bought a king-size Mounds to decorate the top. Cannot wait to dig in tomorrow!

The other layers are chocolate cake, coconut cream pudding, chopped Samoa coconut and caramel cookies, with a thin layer of my new game changer...

How fitting, right? Side note: I could just eat this whole container as is. I love coconut that much!

I'll let you know the feedback from the birthday girl and work crew, but I actually hope there's a lot left. Yes, I do love coconut that much!

For additional "work fun" today, I actually went into the office for a bit (normally Monday is all about working from home). While it officially is Melissa's birthday tomorrow, I also "created" a fake birthday for one of our interns. The other one had a legit birthday during our time this summer so I felt bad for the one who didn't get a special day. And this is their last week! So I decorated her desk too and we'll celebrate tomorrow with a two-for-one trifle! 

Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you a just super jealous you don't work with me, right?

Went to a Garden Party...

Even a girl with two black thumbs appreciates a pretty garden – and creative yard decorations. Today, since we had friends showcasing their garden/yard, I embarked on my first Garden Walk sponsored by the Wood County Master Gardeners.

I'm 99% sure I can't duplicate anything I saw today, but it was inspiring nonetheless. And it wasn't just a garden tour. It was an art tour, too, with music and beauty. Here's a photo blog of some of the highlights for me, anyway...

I was so surprised at the first stop when I saw art on display with the garden. I'm sure it's not always like that with the weird unpredictable weather, but it was such a nice touch. I really enjoyed it!

Lots of water fountains of sorts with tiny ponds. I'm not sure we're engineers enough to pull this off.

Art on the deck? Nice touch!

This place had artwork for sale with some windows painted with some sponge-painting background a la 1998 that I connect with!

Lots of American flags whether part of the gardens or in the background added a nice touch.

When I saw the first bee "bonding" with a flower, I realized it was quite smart that my bee-allergic hubby didn't accompany me.

Loved that all the featured gardens had a 2025 Garden Walk stone on display.

Our friends Les and Pam had a "geranium tree."

I learned today that this funky spiky flower is called Bee Balm. Thus, the many bee visitors "hanging out" today.

Another fountain surrounded by prettiness.

This is the Assumption Royal Blue flower. I call it that, anyway.

And oh my, the first of many purple flowers you will have the purple pride pleasure (or not) to see.

Pam's niece and friends provided live music here. A few other "acts" had sets too.

For my friends with flower gardens, you are used to this. I just loved flowers that were pretty with lots of layers.

I have loved the different possible colors of hydrangeas since Jim's aunt grew them. Never tried, but I'd love some purple ones like this in our yard somewhere!

Gorgeous window display! 

What a great idea! Make some "flower rocks" to pay tribute to your lovely granddaughters!

I want to use this idea somewhere, somehow – even without granddaughters!

Another garden with art to accompany the colors. Love it.

I was impressed with how these people didn't necessarily find relaxing/sitting places, they created them. And it was beautiful.

Say hello to my favorite gate ever created. Hands down the most creative thing I saw all day – and there were a lot.

Live music here, too. It was fun to see and hear the variety.

What I call the Popcorn Ball flower!

What the cluck? The owner Bonnie definitely has creative ways to display her artwork.

I was fascinated by these stained glass type yard ornaments on a stick. Apparently I need to get to more garden stores. They were everywhere and I could use a few to class up my messy garden areas!

And so many cool decorations. I mean why not throw in a sun dial by some purple flowers?!

And the favorite thing I hope to grow in my garden – a Rocky Rococo pizza truck! Give me the seeds, man!

Just like our nearby farmer ladies, we don't need scary scarecrows to be, well, scary!

When I saw this, I thought, dang, we could've used our mother's old kitchenware to be creative after all!

Just a cool backyard setup.

Loved the attention to detail and seeing the lights there, I was bummed to view it during the day. Inspiring, though!

As a person with a milk can in front of her house to represent parts of both my hubby's and my heritage, I appreciated this display with all the tractor wheels and various gears. Very cool.

Unlikely a real rain barrel, but with the fountain there, it caught my eye.

And speaking of catching my eye... a pond with PURPLE flowers???

Beautiful, am I right?

As I saw throughout the day, there are so many cool planters and alternative metal methods of displaying flowers. This bird and 2 matching friends were awesome.

This place had a lovely gazebo on the pond with live music as well.

Me taking pictures of what I would call a Tiger Lily but have never seen in this pretty pink color. Don't correct me. I want to pretend I know one thing about flowers.

A country girl can't resist weather vanes among flowers...

Or on top of She Sheds.

Nice garden and flag stand display.

Another purple flower. You don't say?

Ope! Another one I can't name!

I could sit here and relax, couldn't you?

Not part of the official tour, but I guess this unique tree is a Variegated Maple.

The surprise at my last stop was that they combined the garden tour with a quilt show and it somehow worked.

And to my delight... more varieties of purple flowers!

And artwork? What a cool idea!! Love this!

Most creative She Shed interior.

Who wants to sit here and spend an afternoon with me? I told the owners this was my most captivating view all day. Wow.

And idea it you have a bunch of vintage heart-shaped cookie cutters. Seriously.

Again, what I think is a Tiger Lily but I have never seen this color combo. Pretty!

I should know this one, but I still appreciate and admire it even if it escapes me right now.

So many She Sheds.

Super idea for an old "stump"!

Love this. Old door with a few quilting squares and flowers.

And a few quilts on display with a bottle tree!

What a fun few hours admiring what people with green thumbs – and apparently lots of time on their hands – can create! Could I do the same? Nope. I admit I am too lazy to put in the time it would take for that. But I am inspired nonetheless. Hope you are too! 

Thanks for joining me for the garden party!