Red Hawk Sky at Night

It was a pretty sunset tonight as the Rapids Redhawks baseball team got a pretty nice win over Pittsville.

And it was for a pretty nice cause, too. Tonight's fundraiser was for the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship – operated by my friend Steen's family. Great to see her and the rest and great to see a good turnout.

I got a few decent photos of the victory. But it's way past my bedtime so I better call it a night. A red sky at night for delight. Or Redhawk sky, that is!

Make Tracks Tomorrow

If you're not doing anything pressing in the morning, set your alarm for a good cause. Even though Assumption is not holding their Royal Event (thanks, COVID), we are still having the 5K.

Tomorrow. Saturday. October 2. Behind the high school.

What I love about the Tracks for Tina walk is that not only is it good exercise, it benefits the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship – organized by her cousins (who are friends of ours). Even though you had to register early to get a fabulous t-shirt designed by yours truly, you still can register onsite and get a goody bag. (Plus, there are a few extra t-shirts if you're early.)

The schedule is:

• 8-8:45 a.m. Registration
• 9 a.m. Walk
• 10 a.m. Get on with the rest of your day and feel good about yourself!

That's it. Hope to see you there!

Family Bonding

Got to spend my day with a few of my "other" families. They are far more important than the Royal Wedding, so we had to turn down our invitation to that. Please forgive us, Harry and Megs. Hubby had to coach a double-header in Stevens Point and I had my own full schedule here.

Today was the Assumption Royal Event 5K that I told you about last month. It's a fundraiser that my BFF organizes for her cousin Tina Livernash's Memorial Scholarship. I help on the committee with design work and race day registration. Oh and photography.

Not sure who these girls are but it's fun to see them wearing "my" shirts!

While it was a good time with the Livernash family, we had our own family there, too. Our nephew Colin was actually the overall winner! Not racing stock car today, but he's got wheels! Way to go. Wow.

After the race, I went home, changed clothes and headed down to Nekoosa for a baby shower for our neighbor's son and daughter-in-law.

My friend Cindy is glowing as the grandmother-to-be, isn't she? And don't you love the shirts from the parents-to-be? Hers says "Preggers" and his says "The Man Behind the Bump." Besides the wonderful presents, they're all pretty darn excited about what this summer's going to bring! Since Isaac used to babysit Carter once in awhile, I am confident he'll be a good daddy.

After the shower, it was baseball time. Not the Assumption Royals. Twins are hosting the Brewers this weekend so that means it's on TV here in central Wisconsin Our friends Mike and Christine came over with their Brew Crew and it was too much blue karma in the house. Twins blew it.

Still it was great to see our old friends and talk silly for a few hours!

Was reminded this afternoon that it was five years ago today that I last saw my dad alive. He wasn't looking the greatest, as you can see, but I had hopes he'd last longer than another week. Was blessed with the opportunity to say goodbye. We don't always get that.

That's why days like today are important. Spend time with people who matter when you have the chance.

I am certainly blessed to have many "second families" around here. Thank you!

Run, Walk, Move... for a Good Cause

I know you're here looking for photos of today's highlights at the ballpark. But, first, it's my duty to urge you to support an important cause.

This week is the deadline to sign up for the annual Tracks for Tina 5K held in conjunction with Assumption's Royal Event. This year the event is May 18-20 and the fun run/walk falls on Saturday, May 19.

The event is near and dear to me because it is a fundraiser for the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship, which was started by my BFF and her family. Tina – who is Christine's cousin – was an Assumption grad who was brutally murdered on April 17, 1994.  The crime remains unsolved.  Her memory lives on in the scholarship as it helps young students realize their dreams of a solid education.

In addition to the 5K registration, you can just donate to the scholarship fund. But wouldn't a pleasant walk with friends and family be more enjoyable? Plus, if you get your registration to the school by this Monday, you can get a lovely t-shirt like the one above... designed by yours truly. Otherwise, you still register even on the day of the event, but wouldn't you like a nice shirt?

To download an application and get the other details, visit: https://creativesoulutions.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/runregister20182.pdf

Thanks in advance for your support. We'll see you on race day!

By the way, both baseball and softball beat their opponents from Rib Lake. Haven't gone through photos. But maybe I'll have them at the Royal Event... I can be very persuasive, can't I?

Royal pride all around!

For a Good Cause

Register today for the 2017 Tracks for Tina 5K to benefit the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship!

Once again this will be held in conjunction with the Assumption Royal Event the weekend of May 19-21! Register by May 1 to get a cool T-shirt designed by yours truly. (This poster gives a little clue as to the design.) If you want to register, let me know and I will email you a form!

This cause is near and dear to me because my BFF Christine created this scholarship and event to honor her cousin Tina, who was murdered on April 17, 1994. The crime remains unsolved. Although it has been 20-plus years, she is never far from the thoughts of family, friends and other loved ones. I never got the chance to know her since I moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1995, but I am an "adopted" member of the Livernash family. And feel blessed to say so.

Consider supporting this event. I will be helping with pre-race activities, then jetting up north for a bridal shower for my future niece. So even if you can't walk or run it either, doesn't mean you can't register or donate to the cause. A lot needy kids get scholarships each year.

Help Tina's legacy as a lively, loving, caring Royal live on.

Making Tracks

Had a busy day today, which I guess is normal for us, isn't it?

Got up early (for a Saturday) and to the high school by 8 a.m. to help with the Tracks for Tina 5K that is part of Assumption's Royal Event weekend. The run/walk is the fundraiser for my BFF's family, who created a scholarship a few years back in the name of her cousin Tina, who graduated from Assumption in 1992 and was murdered in 1994.

I usually design the t-shirt (above) and help out with race-day registration and anything else needed. Last year and this year I took pictures (surprise) for the event Facebook page, too. All 3 of us registered to run or walk it today but only Jim actually walked it while Carter and I did a little behind the scenes work. 

Later, after the family was done "thanking" their many sponsors by patronizing their places of business (read: adult drinking establishments), we joined the group for lunch at Tamarack's Pub, which I think was called Cheers when I first moved to town!

It was nice to spend a little time with my bestie Christine, who I just NEVER see since she lives out of town during the week. So it was great to see her and her wonderful family, who I consider an extension of my own!

Hubby and I also "made tracks" with a mini roadtrip down to Nekoosa to watch a little Assumption softball. I forgot that even though I've been to a few games this season, he hasn't because typically the baseball team is playing at the same time. It was a gorgeous day to be at the ballpark – or anywhere outside – that's for sure!

Had some freelance work to do this afternoon (indoors, pooh), but managed some sun time and a walk later with the neighbor. Even enjoyed a neighborly campfire tonight since it seems spring has finally arrived!

Will it last? Who knows? We'll take what we can get when we get it. We still have one more day of Royal Event festivities, though, so I hope the nice weather gets some track-tion.

Cupid's Not the Only One Working

My Valentine's Day is depicted by a robot because I sort of felt like one. After taking yesterday "off" to work my way around central and eastern Wisconsin, I had to stay put today... And address my list of things to do.

Had to get those pesky "Saturday chores" out of the way first. Too bad I don't really have a robot to do that! Then it was time to lock myself in my office and take care of some freelance design projects. Had quite the variety today. One was for an event, one for a magazine and one was a t-shirt design. Fun stuff!

Got it mostly done in time to visit with our friend Pete, who was in town from Denver visiting family. Pete graduated from Assumption with Jim and he and his wife were the ones who hosted us for our Colorado vacation back in 2014. We were supposed to see them this past fall to see The Who in Minneapolis. Now we'll see them in early May for the rescheduled concert – if things stay on schedule. We're crossing our fingers.

After Pete left, it was time to drag the teenager into my To Do List. It seems we have a dozen scholarship applications staring us in the face. And by us, I mean he does but I am the nagging co-pilot. He's got 2 essays down and 4 more to go... basically in the next week. We got the putzy stuff done today. I can't tell you how easy it is to do everything online compared to when I had to apply. Yes, computers were invented back then but we didn't use them as word processors then. Had to neatly write my applications and essays or type them.

Man, this senior year is making me feel like a senior!

Thank goodness for Valentine's Day. Love and hugs always make us feel younger, don't they? And they soften the robotic side, too, which I need once in awhile!

Hope you were able to give or receive love in some form today!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Right Track

 

Our Royal Event activities continued today with our Tracks for Tina 5K that I mentioned last week. Now I can show you my t-shirt design. Ta-da!

I was happy with it and even happier that we had so many people signed up to get one. We were a bit nervous when just two days ago the forecast still called for Saturday morning rain and storms. Somehow that switched to a nice, very warm day with no rain at all. Yet. It's coming tonight and tomorrow instead so tomorrow's activities will be impacted. Glad the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship 5K survived unscathed.

We did more than survive. Tracks for Tina is on the right "Track." We had probably 20 more participants than last year. Getting close to 100 between walkers and runners, which is so awesome for this very personal and important fundraising effort.

Before the race, I helped with setup and did registration. Since I was also assisting with timing/results at the end, I wasn't able to run or walk it, but I got a few photos anyway.

Here is the group taking off at the sound of the start signal.

Hey, I know this handsome man coming down the finishing shoot!

After the race, the distribution of goody bags, the awarding of medals and cleanup, it was time to thank our many sponsors. Well, 3 at least. We made our rounds to several establishments – the Square Bar, Danny K's Pub & Grille, and Bulldogs Bar to express our appreciation.

When the 20 of us – family and friends – got to Anchor Bay later, we had a long, long wait to eat our lunch. After some maneuvering, they got us seated and fed. Good food. Good friends. Good times.

By the time I got home, I needed a nap. I rested a bit but didn't sleep. Finally found enough umption in my gumption to clean / organize my office a bit. I am starting to see the surface of the desk. Ha. Threw some stuff, recycled some and have a Goodwill box going. This is more than an hour process. But I had no energy to go longer.

Will hit the sack early tonight since we have some more work to do at the Royal Event tomorrow. It's mainly a eat and shop and eat and drink and play and eat. Did I mention food? Stop by the German booth for some good Black Forest Torte or something like that. There are two desserts and both are yummy. Though I am sure I will find my way to the cheesecake booth.

Did I mention the diet starts Monday?

Eventually, I'll be on the right track!

Making Tracks

I just finished the final T-shirt design for the Assumption Royal Event 5K Fun Run / Walk in support of the Tina Livernash Memorial Scholarship. This is actually the original logo I created for the event. This year, I incorporated some elements of that, but you'll have to show up at the race to see it!

How's that for incentive?

The race (if you want it timed) takes place soon – Saturday, May 16, at Assumption High School. This is part of the 3-day annual fundraiser that includes everything from bands and dunk tanks to the 5K and kids game to raffles, beer, cheese curds and cheesecake. It's a great place to be ALL weekend!

The 5K, though, is special. I didn't just get involved with it because I do design work in my "free" time. Tina is a cousin of my BFF Christine. She started the scholarship a few years ago with a variety of fundraisers. The opportunity to hold the 5K in Tina's name was a perfect match because both Christine and Tina are Assumption graduates.

Tina was murdered on April 17, 1994. The crime remains unsolved. Although it has been 21 years now, she is never far from her family's thoughts. They keep her memory and positive attitude alive through this scholarship. It's important to me because it's important to my friend and her family (my "extended family").

And it's one of those reminders (again) of how blessed I am that I have not endured such a violent and tragic loss. Praise the Lord.

If you happen to be in the area that weekend, stop in and take a walk with us.  Here are a few more details – or check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tracksfortina.

Thank you for your support.

Making Tracks

It was only 33 degrees out when hubby and I rolled out of bed at sunrise. He was driving to Eau Claire for Casey's graduation and would be fine with any temperature. I was driving to the school and hoping the chilly temps wouldn't scare people away from our fundraising 5K.

It didn't.

In fact we had more than a dozen people signing up on site. And the temperatures warmed up to comfortable walking and running weather. It was a beautiful, crisp morning for a walk to honor the memory of Tina Livernash AND make a difference in students' lives through her scholarship fund!

I did not do the actual walk (or run), but ran around helping so my friend and organizer Christine could do it with her (and Tina's) family. Since all my design work was done ahead of time, I helped with registration, photographing the event and distributing post-race goody bags and water.

A few photos...

First year with the option for a timed event. Had 25 runners do that and some 50 walkers.

I don't know these people but thought it was adorable. A family that runs together stays together!

And the finish!

We did it! Nice work, Christine and family!

After the event, I came home, uploaded photos on the Tracks for Tina website, did some design work for a baseball project, then made my way down to the Port Edwards villagewide garage sale.

As God is my witness, I did not stop at any sales. I went straight to our German fundraiser sale and picked up my leftover stuff. It was tempting, though! I guess we sold nearly $700 worth of "great buys" and that all will go toward the trip fund. Another "Yay!" today.

When I got home after 4, the Weather Channel said it was 60 degrees out. It must have been the wind, but I was not feeling the spring warmth. I sat out on Mr. Deck Chair and had to throw a sweatshirt over me when the sun sneaked behind a cloud. But I am not a quitter!

About the time Jim got home from Eau Claire, probably 20 minutes later, it was time for me and now purple toes to head inside. Tomorrow, Mr. Deck Chair, we may get another chance.

Not that Sunday will be a day of rest. But more on that tomorrow.

For now, I have to get my creative juices flowing for another little project... or make some popcorn for supper, get comfy and catch up on Glee.

Me thinks I'll be making tracks for the couch.

Honorable Discharge

Looks like our son with be discharged from his primary education experience with some honors.

Basically, we've got a 3-day 8th-grade graduation extravaganza going on -- breakfast today, field trip to the Kalahari indoor water park at the Dells tomorrow, then half a day of school Monday with an official graduation ceremony that night.

This morning, we attended an 8th Grade Honors Breakfast for Carter and his classmates.We helped ourselves to a continental breakfast in the school cafeteria, then it was on to the good stuff. Turns out they call it an Honors Breakfast for a reason. The 8th-graders were getting honored with various scholarships and awards.

I think just about every student received some sort of Catholic Education tuition grant from their home parish. Carter received two scholarships from Jim's church so that was unexpected and quite nice. Carter thought that was pretty cool but that wasn't the end of it.

Miss Thomas, the band director, gave out three special awards -- one was for playing solos and taking music outside of the school into their home parish, another was a jazz-related one and the final one was called the "Director's Award" for a student exhibiting leadership skills, always helpful, going above and beyond what is required and doing whatever is needed to help the band excel. Guess who got that one?

He was so excited about that! He honestly couldn't stop smiling! And why should he? That one really says a lot about his character and his commitment. We are very proud of him.We're not necessarily going to get a bumper sticker that says "Proud parent of a band student" ... but we could. And it would be completely accurate.

Besides the obvious, I am really glad they hold this Honors Breakfast for the "graduating" 8th-graders each year. What a great way to honor the class and their hard work during middle school while giving them a boost of confidence as they enter high school.

Now if they could just do something for us parents who are not ready for the next big step!