Marked "Safe" from Bizarre Weather

I shouldn't have joked so much about the wind last night, because it got serious later. And bizarre. So we actually reached our high temperature of the day – yes 59 degrees on December 15 – at 10 p.m. The same time this was going on...

A tornado warning was issued but as you can see where I circled on the map, we're just off the line of the path. because storms always follow lines exactly, right? 

We still were awake a lot during the night just in case. And the wind howled constantly. I've heard people say a tornado sounds like a freight train coming, so I had to question when the wind got loud if it was just a loud howl or train howl. Thankfully, just crazy strong winds here.

And thankfully we didn't loser power or trees or anything. Bizarre again because neighbors across the street, next to us, and just down the street all had trees go down. It was quite a mess around the region and general path of that storm – including two confirmed tornadoes further northwest of here near Neillsville and a Stanley and a ton of damage even close by with power out for some 5,000 in Wisconsin Rapids today and Port Edwards calling off school since they had downed power lines, too. 

Uff da.

I had to run down to Nekoosa school after work and these trees were across the street from each other near the school....

Isn't that nuts?

Then God blesses us with a beautiful sunset on my way home tonight to make up for it all.

Works for me but certainly not all those dealing with damage. My prayers go out to you. Stay safe!

Super White Christmas

It's not so much the snow making it white outside as it is the fog! Couldn't even see the neighbor's house today. I hope they were behaving.

I was such a weird weather day which, of course, is not unusual for Wisconsin any time of year. But this one is whacko. Just days after that lovely winter storm we thankfully survived, today's temperature reached 57 degrees (or close to it). So depending on your weather source, it appears we broke a record for high temperature today – possibly as much as 10 degrees. Crazy.

But we couldn't get out and enjoy it.

Was hoping for a nice walk at lunch but I didn't think I had bright enough clothing to keep myself out of danger. The fog was thick and stayed. All day long. And into this evening. Dang.

I was going to join some girlfriends for Girls' Night Out but I made it less than a mile and turned around and came home. In any area where there wasn't a street light, I couldn't see in front of me. Nothing was breaking through the fog. Better safe than sorry.

Of course, fog isn't the only advisory we're dealing with. It was thundering a bit ago and we may be in a storm watch. For sure, though, we're in a high wind warning area. Most of the state is, I think. So we'll sit tight at home and hope the only thing the wind blows away is the fog.

Be careful out there!

 

A Hallmark Moment

Not to brag but... I'm gonna. We started celebrating Christmas in our department – a few activities here and there over the next 10 days since we can't meet in person. So today was trivia. More specifically...

That's right. Hallmark Holiday Movie trivia. I should be embarrassed I won with such a lame (to some, not me) topic. But I would have been more embarrassed if I hadn't won! All this time invested only to lose? Not for me.

Not that I'm competitive. Ha.

It was a serious of two Hallmark movies names – one real, one fake – and we just had to pick the real ones. I won't lie and say I got a perfect score because I didn't. I fell for a very close-to-real title. But I am glad I dove into my 2021 DVR'd selections to help with several titles.

And the grand prize? I don't know. It's in the mail, I guess. But I'll just cherish my dorky bragging rights for now.

I better get to my recliner and start "studying" for next year!

Oh, Christmas Trees

Happy St. Lucia Day! In honor of the Scandinavian holiday, I figured I better share something festive. So I give you a tour of the 5th Annual Christmas Tree Walk at our museum. My friend Cindy and I managed to get there yesterday afternoon – on their last day – and would highly recommend making it an annual activity!

Each room on both floors had a variety of trees and theme areas set up. Kudos to the designers of the 20 unique and creatively gorgeous trees! 

Come on it and take the tour with us!

First we were in awe of this old house. Can you imagine how gorgeous it was decorated back in the day? They certainly did a fine job with creative touches on every surface!

Even had Jack Frost designing winterscapes on the windows.

This one was called "Over There" and featured decorations symbolizing the World Wars.

I mean, this is a museum after all.

This "phone tree" is appropriately called "Hello Christmas." Love the antique phone desk.

And the antique telephones nestled in the tree. Very cool.

The "Peacock Holiday Fantasy" tree was gorgeous. 

Not something I'd ever think to do, but the blues and feathers were so pretty!

We had an "It's a Wonderful Life" room, too. Loved it!

Now this is how you do a Christmas village!

Welcome to Bedford Falls!

There were angels hanging from the ceiling. What a neat idea for using the cutout snowflakes!

Of course the old school room part of the museum had to get a bit decorated.

Love the big peppermint sticks and old primers on the desks.

The "Christmas Blessings to our Troops" tree courtesy of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Loved the "Angels Among Us" tree since my oldest sister also decorates with angels!

A huge variety of angels.

And why haven't I thought to do this with any of my seashells before?

It's the "Peace, Love, and Belly Rubs" tree, of course! 

"I'll be Gnome for Christmas!"

A Viking gnome for sure!

Santa fun in the toy room!

Now isn't this a clever idea with a watering can, "icicles" and mirror for ice?

How to set up for a holiday wedding!

Here's a pretty and pretty interesting bouquet or centerpiece.

It's made up of antique broaches and probably and old clip-on earring or two. So unique!

Pink and feathers belong to Christmas. Who knew?

I think it's pretty. Not going to happen in my house, but still pretty to look at here!

The Christmas goose is in for a surprise.

Love this idea of the old Christmas hymns made into ornaments. You can always print out things that "look" old, too, to make this work.

Had to take a picture of the Irish Christmas tree in honor of my ailing Irish brother-in-law.

Hope these Celtic decorations and ...

this Irish angel send you good luck in the hospital, Mr. Delaney!

A little Whoville Christmas action. 

I like the idea of the lights inside a Santa bag. So many creative things going on!

Son of a nutcracker! There's a lot of nutcrackers!

Very neat to see the huge variety.

Not sure if it's one person's collection but it's impressive!

Love the "Choose Hope" tree!

And this "Puttin on the Ritz" tree totally brings out the museum qualities.

The dress on the mannequin and the "pearls" hanging on the tree. Very vintage!

And that completes our tour today, folks. Thanks for visiting. And be sure to check your calendar next year for the 6th annual event at the South Wood County Historical Museum!