Kickin' It In Gear

I'm sharing a picture from Sweden when we were there during World Cup soccer time. It seems everyone on the planet is super engaged in "futbol" – not to be confused with America's "football."

I've paid some attention to the World Cup this year – as our host country should. But when it came evident that Argentina was going to rock it, I joined the bandwagon.

My nephew David's wife was born in Argentina and their three children are Argentina fans whether they want to be or not. They have the Messi jerseys and I am sure they were tuned in this afternoon when Argentina won to advance to the championship game.

No matter the sport, it feels good to support any hard-working team trying to claim a championship. I mean, unless it's the Packers in our version of FOOTBALL!

Sorry, not sorry.

Take time to enjoy what should be an interesting championship game!

Those Darn Bad-Luck Bowls

There are some baseball fields we just call “bowls” because they are situated at the bottom of a park ringed with banks of grass where fans could sit and watch the action from most of the sides of the field. For the longest time, the Pittsville “bowl” was our perennial nemesis, almost always knocking the Royals out of the postseason playoffs—while exhibiting highly vocal, annoying behavior from their dugout.

Somehow conferences and possibly divisions have realigned in recent years. So this season, after soundly defeating Gresham in round one of Regionals, we headed to Iola-Scandinavia. My old stomping grounds if you recall me blogging about our 100-mile round trip to work for a dozen years.

As someone with certain sports superstitions, I immediately recognized the similar “bowl” setup to P-town. That was unnerving right away.

But the game was so close. Not a runaway score by either team. We were ahead by 2 then the Thunderbirds caught up. Then we’d make a mini-surge, but they’d catch up. It came down to the last batter for the home team. And they ended up defeating us 6-5 and knocking us out of the playoffs in what was one of our better season record years of late.

For me, though, the fun was running into some of my “Iola people”!

I left the publishing house some 10 years ago now. But Cori the ticket taker who worked at the Fitness Center there remembered me!

Then I ran into Miss Mandy, one of Carter’s first daycare people in Iola. And her mother, Judy, who worked with Jim and I at Krause. Just great to get long overdue (though you didn’t realize they were overdue) hugs!

Of course I then had to check out some of our favorite haunts…

Including Carter’s favorite ice cream place Shivers. Per usual, a long summer line.

Then I took the route home through Scandinavia, which always seems like I just earned another stamp on my passport. If only! Still, all was a great reminder of how we can forge great bonds in the workplace when we work in a friendly community and we, by nature, are friendly too.

Side note: I absolutely do not miss that commute.

Side note 2: Thank you, seniors! What a great season!

And Just Like That... HEAT!

You know I am mostly solar powered. But stepping out of the car IN LONG PANTS at the softball diamond after work, I really wished I would've checked the forecast this morning!

That was a brutal few hours. Thankfully, our Lady Royals defeated Hilbert 10-1 in round one of the Regional playoffs and will advance to the next round. Still, it took quite a few minutes for me to cool down when I got home.

Side note: Hubby finally didn't need to wear long underwear to golf! That's how crazy Midwest weather changes from week to week (and day to day).

I will not need to turn my electric mattress pad on tonight... for the first time in 2026. 

Unless hubby really cranks the A/C, that is!

I never claimed to be normal. Stay hydrated and be safe out there!

March Sadness... or March Blues Today

In one poignant photo I can sum up how the Royals' bid for state went today. But it does not tell the whole story. 

For today's sectional final, we as the 4-seed played the 3-seed Southwestern High School – coincidentally Carter's girlfriend's alma mater in Hazel Green. The game was at the halfway meeting point in Westby (some 2 hours away) and my friend Lisa and I got a ride with our friends Craig and Sara so I didn't have to drive by myself.

It was a Royal Blue versus Wildcat Blue battle. The whole gym was fans of the same color. Not the first time this has happened.

We started off the first half pretty hot and had a lead at halftime of 26-13. Probably giving us fans too much optimism. But after the halftime break, the Wildcats came back a different team. Not missing their 3's and stealing the ball from us with pumped up defense. But we still held a lead.

This was the point the game got close and our lead (as home team) was in jeopardy.

Less than a minute to go and we still had a nerve-wracking lead by one. But then they had 2 free throws at the 34 second mark and made them both. Down by 1 and we could not get that lead back. Sadly we lost 44-43.

This was the group of boys (seniors especially) I've watched and photographed since their middle school years. So much talent I knew they'd do well. And frankly, they took us further than any of Royals boys' teams has taken us since 2009.

I know in the moment of a tough loss it is hard to remember that. But I hope they do. What an amazing ride this has been.

#RoyalPride4ever

Another Round of March Gladness

Driving all the way to Black River Falls for boys hoops was worth every mile.

For the first time in at least 8 years, our Royals were in the sectional semi-finals. Up against the higher seeded Cochran Fountain City. They played in BRF because it was a neutral site and much larger gymnasium.

And both sides were packed.

And both teams were playing their hearts out and driven to win. So close and so tense!

In the end, we had our happy ending! Just one more win and we're statebound! Sectional final will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Westby – scheduling it earlier in the day beat the blizzard or whatever.

Speaking of non-spring... Took forever to get home because there was a whole line of Royals fan vehicles heading back to Rapids in wet and snowy conditions – driving slowly and cautiously. 

So it's past bedtime and I have to set an alarm because it's not Friday night after all. So picture editing will have to wait.

Congrats, Royals!

Colors of February Come Full Circle

February is finally wrapping up. Thank goodness we're done with the 4th (practically) month of winter!

My week has been a whirlwind. A few highs and lows. We had a Trifle Thursday this week since the birthday boy at work actually celebrates today. While everyone raved about the taste of the Cookies and Cream Dream, I find it ugly. I reminds my of dirty slush and snow. (A common February color.) Of course, I didn't say that out loud!

Yesterday the thermometer projected into the 50s so you know what that means. Everyone to the car wash!

Other than the Valentine weekend flowers, this is probably my favorite color of February!

Today was a full day. Jim and I headed down to a bridal shower for Carter and Mamie's college friend Halayna. They are both in the wedding in May since she is marrying one of Mamie's brothers! I had Jim go with since we had more time to visit with Mamie's dad (up from Alabama) than we will at the wedding. I did shower stuff and they chit-chatted.

Since it was a mid-morning start, the theme was a "love is brewing" coffee bar. Coffee is a good color any month!

And look at that cute "bar tender"! I'd have to say he's a 100% devoted boyfriend for helping out at Mamie's friend's baby shower a few weeks back and now this bridal shower. He's a keeper! In fact the bride's 11-year-old sister insisted she not be a "junior" bridesmaid but a "real one" instead and she must walk down the aisle with Carter! Adorable.

Speaking of adorable... my girls! I don't know how Carter's mom got to be the cool mom and invited to these things, but I adore them all!!

Also adorable... the kids with the bride-to-be...

And especially adorable... Jim and Halayna... They get a picture together every few years and their smiles are genuine. Her personality is larger than life! So happy for her.

Oh and I finally got to give her the blanket I did in January to match their new sage color theme. She loved it!

Our 2 1/2 hour drive home was too wintery for our liking. It was slippery. Glad Jim was driving or this winter grandma driver probably wouldn't be home yet.

As a result of the snow and slush... my car does indeed look like a Cookies and Cream trifle! Am I right or am I right? Gross!

Of course the Assumption Royal Blue is always a fan favorite in February as the girls' playoff season is underway. But I do not like that ugly Almond-Bancroft green that defeated them tonight for the regional championship. It was quite the physical battle! All I can say is I am proud of girls who left nothing on the floor. They were 100% committed and did amazing!

And when I got home a little bit ago and saw that all my slushy icy stuff was on my car, I thought, February, you are free to move on now!

Positive Pink Vibes

As I mentioned earlier in the week, Thursday night was the Pink Out night to raise money for cancer treatment at the Royals volleyball game. 

I worked from home Thursday with my stupid lingering cough, but I think those meds finally started kicking in. I was feeling OK enough to capture photos of the volleyball match (hey, the zoom lens is like socially distancing) and, well, win a raffle basket, of course! More Royals merch. What I need know that my kid has been out of school (gasp) 9 years. WHAT? Also, they raised $3,292 for woman I told you about with stage 4 colon cancer. Nice work!

Last night I had the best night of sleep in 2+ weeks. Hardly any coughing. YAY.

Since today is Friday I was already working from home. So no special exceptions needed. Didn't cough much all day. I think and hope hubby and I are both at a turning point for the good. But I shouldn't jinx that any further! 

Since we don't have a football game tonight, we're both hanging close to home. As in sitting in recliners shortly and cheering the heck on the Brewers! Come on, guys! Even non-Brew fans want this for you!!

Hope we all wake up with something positive on our minds in the morning!

Beach Day

Spent several hours at the beach today. And didn't get into the water once! 

As I mentioned the other day, this was Wisconsin State Water Ski Show tournament weekend. And it all takes place a mile and a half away! Today was "my" team's turn to compete.

After seeing several of their Saturday evening shows this summer, I was amazed how far they've come with throwing a bunch of entertainment in with the already great skiing. They did amazing. After winning the Division 2 title a few years ago, they got bumped up into Division 1 so they're competing against some big cities like Madison. But our town of Rome crew held their own. They ended up taking 6th place. I didn't see all the competitors so I can't say why it wasn't a higher ranking. I was hoping for it, though!

Got home from there then spent the afternoon sifting through my 600 photos and editing about 240 to post online for the team. Not the best photos since the lake is small and I was getting people on the opposite shore in focus instead of our jumpers. Gah! Oh well. There were a few good ones if you want to check them out. I think this link will work even if you aren't on Facebook.

I got the pictures uploaded just in time for Jim and I to meet our friends Craig and Sara for a late-afternoon round at TriCity. I was actually exhausted before we even started. Too much eye strain, I think! Only got one par, but still it was fun of course. And the weather was pleasant. No melting!

The building is coming tomorrow to do a few finishing touches and then I'll hopefully have some "before and after" pictures to share. 

For now, I need to put in some weekend relaxation time before it's gone! Have a great week!

TGIF (Thank God In Foursomes)

My excitement for taking a day off to golf in the Royal Scramble was eclipsed by two things. One, our shotgun start was at 7 a.m. with a requirement to be there at 6:30 a.m. And two, the tee time temp was just 55 degrees. And that's generous.

Still, my friend Christine...

and her niece Allie and nephew's girlfriend Kayla were ready to make a go of it!

The temperature was so cool, there was morning mist coming off the water hazards. And speaking of water, the course was so super wet that we were getting splashed with every swing and our balls were leaving trails of water spouts behind them. It was insane. When we go done, it looked my feet had been in a bath tub for 4 hours. Not kidding.

But in between there, we had a lot of fun, lost a lot of balls, and decided that even though we were competing against many of our male counterparts on the men's team, we finished OK and with a score that we'd be proud of for 18 holes "in real life."

Jim was in the afternoon shift of golfers. I think he enjoyed warmer weather and drier conditions. In the end, we both got the same delicious meal at The Ridges.

And drum roll... our female foursome took 4th in the women's flight (what?!) sow each got a Wisconsin Rapids Rafter's baseball hat plus gift cards for Papa Murphy's and Chili's. Not bad.

Jim's foursome took a men's 5th and got free pizza and breadsticks at Goodfellas in Nekoosa.

Looks like we both pay to golf and get to eat our rewards. Not a bad day off at all!

Just Swingin' Around

I was fortunate after having meetings at work from 8 a.m. to noon, I was able to sneak on over to SentryWorld to see the final holes of the Rolex Girls Junior Championship.

When I headed over there, there were 4 golfers tied at 8-under. Then when I got there, one had jumped to 9-under and there were still 2 at 8-under. An intense finish!

Amelie Zalsman of St. Petersburg, Fla., who just finished her sophomore year of high school, captured the title and trophy with 9-under par after 54 holes. I told you these were pint-sized golfers!

Based on the early feedback, our team (marketing and SentryWorld) felt it was a success. So that's my win of the week.

Unlike my golf score at women's league tonight. But I honestly was just grateful to be swinging. My partner immediately recognized I was swinging differently and protecting my back (with good reason). But that didn't help my score.

I still was grateful to wake up this morning and feel that my rib was back in place and that each golf swing was only mildly uncomfortable and not at all painful. I count that as a win – despite my not worth mentioning final score. 

Still, I must mention I had one "spare-rib par dance" as I call it on a par-3. That'll carry me through to the next 9-hole adventure. 

I mean that AND those stretches, Doc!! I swear, I'm doing them!

Tiny But Mighty

Hey, fellow golfers. If you ever want to be humbled about your game – and your capabilities – just watch 72 of the top girls junior golfers play. It's insane.

Part of my "day at the office" included attending some of the Rolex Junior Girls Championship at SentryWorld, where, in fact, these girls blew my mind. Tiny humans driving from the men's tees and hitting it further than (gasp!) my hubby.

It's an international field but there is one Wisconsin girl we are pulling for. Go, McKenna Nelson!

Canada's Aphrodite Deng is ranked No. 2 in the world on these Rolex standings. She did not conclude day one on top, but she's fun to watch.

After lunch, I brought our writer intern over with me to capture some colorful Flower Hole pictures and write a social post. 

We collaborated and got a good one. Well, duh, you know me the Mother Hen and me the pun-ster had an influence. But I enjoyed experiencing this with the next generation of writers.

Plus, what a great (and valid) excuse to get out of the office!

If you are interested in watching these tiny but mighty golfers the next 2 days, they tee off on holes 1 and 10 between 8-10 a.m. There's no admission fee. In fact, it's mostly parents and college scouts attending, so there's no issue with parking right at SentryWorld and seeing what "could have been" if you had started golfing in middle school!

Season Enders

 

I'll admit that as a sports photographer, I often get attached to certain groups of girls that are so amazing I never want them to graduate. And more than that, I don't want the seniors' last game to end with anything other than a state championship.

So today's sectional semi-final at Pacelli was tough to take.

It was definitely a pitcher's battle today. Just 3 innings and our lineup was completely struck out. Ouch. Our pitcher returned the favor but all it took was 2 solid hits (and one being a homerun) and our opponents scored 3 runs. 

Unfortunately, in the final inning, we finally had our first batter on base thanks to a walk. Then they double-played us to the final out and our girls were eliminated from their bid for state. Like I often say, "I'm not crying, you're crying!"

Though I was.

As a sports photographer (9 years after our kiddo graduated) I'm running out of Royals we have a connection to. Now, I'm not sure when I'll need to cry again. This amazing class of 2025 certainly set the bar high throughout everything.

Unlike basketball, we should have chanted "Thank you, seniors!" at the end of today's game. For you really have been the best!

The Many Shades of Spring Sports (and Alternatives)

 

Spring sports come in all sorts of colors. Sometimes pretty umbrellas. And sometimes it's a bright yellow softball combined with Assumption Royal Blue which means there's a second round of softball playoffs after a 10-0 regionals victory last night!

Especially celebrating a playoff homerun! It made for an exciting evening. And yes, any time you see me posting photos late at night, know that I cannot stay up any later to blog about my reality TV-worthy exciting life!

Today I was all pumped for my own spring sport. Well, duh, golf. A childhood friend is in the area (visiting from Colorado) and we totally had a golf outing planned this afternoon. I took a half-day off and guess I never ran my vacation request past Mother Nature.

Stupid rain!

So we had to cancel. But didn't totally give up on reconnecting. 

Heath and I grew up about 2.5 miles apart. Which means we were together from kindergarten and our 2-room grade school (Oak Hill) years to high school graduation. Haven't seen him in 10 years when we were in Colorado on vacation, but he's heading to Luck (our hometown) for a wedding this weekend so we made sure two fellow golfers connected.

Over dinner anyway.

Don't judge me for being a hoarder. But I brought my grade-school sweatshirt with me so we could take a photo as 2 of the 6 in the last 4th-grade class at Oak Hill Elementary before all of us "country kids" had to go to school in Luck.

Yes, we're that old. And it was a hoot catching up and sharing random memories from age 5 to 18 and beyond. Bummed we couldn't golf, but I think we could chat more over sushi and hibachi chicken than on the course anyway. So it's all good.

The beauty of childhood friends (even your 1st-grade "sit together on the bus every day" boyfriend) is that you never have to pretend who you are or where you came from. Every bit of the conversation is unpretentious and real. 

Treasure those friendships when you can!

TGIMM (Thank God It's March Madness)

 

Of course I filled out a bracket at work. No cost so it's not illegal. We just have some interesting "traveling trophies."

Do I even know what I am doing? No. Does the competitive me still hope to win? Of course.

But I just pick a random upset here or there and see if it pans out – after no more than 3 seconds of picking each winner. Today Memphis lost and I had them set to win 2 more games. So I logged off and started my weekend pity party early.

And by party I mean taking a 2-mile walk with a friend and watching a few more episodes of The Crown while Jim works his church fish fry. I will watch Marquette tonight to support Wisconsin. But don't judge me if it's on mute and I am listening to an audio book.

March Madness means different things to different people. Good luck!