Good Black Friday

Today turned into more of a Good Friday than the traditional Black Friday. That's because it was a rare but treasured day with my grown son. 💜

Since Jim had to work the Cranberry Classic basketball tournament all day, we were on our own. I did take pictures of the Assumption JV girls game in the early morning while Carter was still asleep. But once he was awake, I headed home. 

Our first stop for today's adventure was the Fez-tival of Trees hosted by the Masons. You can buy raffle tickets to win trees (and every amazing item on them and beneath them) plus some wreaths too. 

And as a bonus we could see Santa! Apparently he really does know me because he said he's heard I don't keep my room very clean. And knowing my office (aka my Oh my God room), he's right about that.

Then when Carter asked him for a Vikings' Superbowl victory, he literally "Ho-ho-ho"-ed. 

Naturally I was grateful one of the volunteers suggested taking a picture of both of us with Santa. That was priceless for me. 

We were also entertained by our friend Craig on the keyboards. Aways a treat!

So get there if you can in the next week or so. It's just south of the Firefighters' Memorial Park and boat landing. Bring a non-perishable food item, too!

From there, we did some shopping in Rapids and the Plover-Stevens Point area, wrapping up with a visit to Feltz Dairy Farm for some goodies – including King Cone ice cream!

Got home and watched a little Black Friday Football before meeting Jim in town for supper at Ida's. He had to get back to the tournament so we headed home and watched some TV together before our yawning took over! 

Still smiling, of course, because I can't treasure days like these enough!

Hope you found plenty of reasons to smile and feel grateful today, too.

Hooping it Up -- Not Really

While I could've spend a second day seeing four games like this. I felt more like this... 

The end result was that I decided I could get by without photographing hoops games today and maybe get a few things done. Had a little non-holiday shopping to do – plus a few potential holiday things to look for. Also got a few things done around the house and got at least one Hallmark movie in.

As for the Cranberry Classic, I watched our Lady Royals take the girls championship – from my recliner. But did go to school and see the exciting boys game (top photo) as they vied for 3rd place. It was the most exciting 3rd place game ever, if you ask me. And we ended up beating Nekoosa in the last seconds by 2 points. Hope this is a sign of an exciting season!

As for me, I might have to continue my close to home routine on Sunday, too. More to do.

Plus, Mother Nature's dandruff is flaring up. And I'm not quite sure what she has in mind for us. Be careful out there!

Royal Blue Friday

Today was more like Assumption Royal Blue Friday with no Black Friday shopping in sight.

I ended up going to all 4 Royals hoops games today and taking pictures. Jim was there all day since he's on the tournament committee. Both JV and Varsity girls won and will play for their championships Saturday. The Assumption boys JV won, but the varsity squad lost. They're playing back-to-back Saturday afternoon.

I tried to be smart this year and came home after each game to edit and upload photos. I did not come home between the boys games, though, because there was only one game in between. So I just finished up JV boys now and I'm pretty sure the Sand Man will not allow me to stay up to do Varsity boys. It was pretty fun to see all the hoops action, though. Especially all my 8th-graders who are now playing high school hoops. Time flies! And seeing college kids return as spectators while they're home for the holidays. 

Here's the line-up of Saturday games. I'll guarantee you'll spend a lot less money than shopping – and will probably have more fun. Go, Royals!

Black Friday 2.0

If one day could feel as long as a week, it was a today. We left for the church by 9 a.m. and visitation before my mother-in-law's funeral was 9:30-11 before the funeral.

It was a steady stream of visitors – a few pointing out that this is new, but sad, take on the term Black Friday. The grieving part of me agrees. But the spiritual part of my heart is thinking just like these bright flowers delivered to my house, we are celebrating a vibrant life well-lived.

That's what we'll cling to in coming days.

That and the outpouring of support – especially those who can to uplift us with hugs in person. Besides friends, neighbors, and relatives, Jim had a dozen high school and college buddies there and I had 5 of my 7 siblings. We feel so blessed!

After a delicious lunch at the church, our immediate family went to the Forest Hill Mausoleum to lay Donna to rest. Got home about 3 p.m. and just rested. 

Tonight we distracted ourselves with watching Assumption hoops – Jim from the couch and me from court-side taking some pictures. I think our minds and hearts just needed a break. We'll certainly need some energy stored up as we continue to navigate this unfamiliar path of grief.

Thanks again for your love and support. Count your blessings – and hug them if you can!

50 Shades of Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches, I think every Friday in November should be some shade of a Black Friday.  Something akin to a paint chip card (or today's gloomy rain clouds).

Three Fridays out, I guess it's #333333 Grey Friday. And since our friend has a Christmas Open House at her shop, it seems only right that I get into the #333333 spirit! 

Went to Rustic Redefined after work and fell in love with all fall and winter clothes. This is unique stuff you won't find anywhere else. And I love it! I decided to treat myself to one item – figuring I better pick something I can wear to work. So I tried on four things and purchased... one. Seriously! But I might be back on #222222 Gray Friday! (P.S. Open house is Saturday too from 10-3.)

Hubby and I got into the holiday spirit after I got home from shopping. I mean the overeating part. What could you possibly have been thinking? Anyway, I picked up cajun fish fries at The Fallback (formerly Double Down, formerly Wildhorse Saloon). It was super tasty and we stuffed ourselves! We don't need to do that more than once a week, that's for sure!

Now he's flipping channels from the confines of his surgery recovery chair (aka recliner) and I'm DVRing one Hallmark movie and about to dive into another.

Happy #333333 Gray Friday! 

A Black Friday Special

I had today off and still set an alarm. Not to get to any door buster sales – but to be sure to make it to my 9 a.m. deep-tissue massage in time. I know how to have a day off!

Hubby was gone all day to the high school for the Cranberry Classic hoops tournament. He's on the committee so he'll be there all day tomorrow too.

While he was gone, I took advantage of a Black Friday special – having Carter to myself all day. We finished up cookies for cookie back tomorrow. And browsed our way around Stevens Point and Plover. Picked up a few things for Christmas. Mainly it was just nice hanging out.

Got home just as it was turning dark. His girlfriend drove up and got here around 7:30 p.m. We played a game we can't wait to introduce to the family tomorrow. And are hitting the hay now so we can it the road early for Up North cookie bake fun.

Hope you had a great post-Thanksgiving day. And that you're still grateful for what you had yesterday. I know I am!

Whirlpool Wonderland

One of the thrills of home ownership is asking Santa for shiny new appliances and he actually delivers. Another legitimate joy of home ownership is replacing an appliance before you HAVE to. And when Santa makes both Christmas wishes come true, it's a wonderful life.

Meet Mr. Whirlpool dishwasher. He's been living at our house longer than we have and, folks, that's coming up on 20 years. Oh if Mr. Whirlpool could talk!

Hubby and I have actually had conversations over the past couple of years about replacing it before it came down to some emergency flood in the house or something worse. Yet, we just haven't. We pushed or luck and this time, the kitchen gods smiled on us.

I think I've mentioned how this pandemic forces us to spend more time at home, which leads to really looking at your home, which leads to a home improvement project. Or two or three. Remember my new nightlight the other day? Well home improvement project number 2 arrived today via Santa's Best Buy sleigh...

Meet Mr. Bosch, hailing from Black Friday Land. He literally moved in the moment Mr. Whirlpool moved out. It was seamless. 

Mr. Whirlpool was getting a little noisy in his older years, but oh so reliable. How will this new guy stack up? 

From our first interaction, we agree Mr. Bosch is neat and clean, but pretty sophisticated. We'll have to spend some time getting to know him, especially since we're from different generations. (Us and Mr. Bosch – not me and my mister.) We're pretty confident we'll like him. And, knock on wood, he doesn't cause any problems. In fact, Mr. Bosch is so quiet, we might forget he's even here. 

Thank you, Santa! It's good to be on the nice list.

Hooping It Up on Black Friday

My Black Friday looked more Royal Blue than Black this year.  No shopping for this girl. Nothing I needed, honest! So I spent much of the day and evening at the school for the annual Cranberry Classic holiday hoops tourney.

Our Lady Royals teams found success. Both JV and Varsity will be vying for championships on Saturday. Our boys teams both lost in close ones – the Varsity game went into overtime even! They'll play for third place in their brackets tomorrow.

I managed to get pictures at three of our games today. But opted to spend time with Mr. College in the late afternoon instead of going to all of the Assumption JV boys game.

Carter and I ended up visiting longtime babysitters Jon and Audrey, who run a tree farm and are selling their Christmas trees and wreaths right now.

He's outgrown his sitter!

We also did a little shopping at a shoe place but he couldn't find an exact replacement for his dying Nikes so neither of us got anything. We grabbed a yummy dinner at Jennings where we both had our favorite Pineapple Express burger. Yup, the tasty one with peanut butter and sriracha on it. So good!

I dropped Carter off at home so he could go out with friends and I went to the last basketball game of the evening.

Typically, I'd be getting up early tomorrow and hitting the road to the annual Cookie Bake and Exchange at my twin sister's. But due to yet another snowstorm on the horizon, I opted not to chance it and travel. Eventually, she had to cancel anyway because the forecast seems to pretty firm that's it's going to be  a winter storm.

So Black Friday is followed by White Saturday, I guess. Maybe I'll be stuck home and save even more money!

It May be Monday...

I love this saying. It's right on the money. Any time you can end a week – or day even – with pie and shopping, you're winning.

Work-wise, I'm thankful for a short week. As in tomorrow is my Friday. Health-wise, though, it's already been a long week.

I have nagging, dry cough that's been keeping me up at night. And hubby, too, by default. Last night, I got out of bed at 11 p.m. so I could give him some peace. Figured I try to sleep in the recliner. Maybe sitting up a little would ease the cough. It kind of did, but I couldn't fall asleep. Who knew the teeny tiny ticking of the kitchen clock could echo through the living room like the Vikings' gjallarhorn! Finally, at 1:22 a.m. (because I was counting sheep and minutes), I went back to bed. Slept with a cough drop in my mouth and that helped. I know. Not smart.

Tonight I am armed with some nighttime anti sniffling, sneezy, coughing, so you can rest medicine. That'll kick in shortly so I can get some sleep (hubby too).

And try to fit four days of work into one tomorrow. Who's with me?! We got this!

Think pie and shopping. Pie and shopping.

Red, Green, Blue, and Purple Friday

The only Black part of my Black Friday was my mood when I woke up with a very sore back. It sort of "went out" last night before dinner and I can't figure what I did. But those of you with chronic back problems know it doesn't take much, does it?

But I quickly changed my Black mood into some Red and Green with a little Hallmark action on the big screen while icing. It was great multi-tasking!

Turned that into Navy Blue and Royal Blue when I went to Assumption and watched some of the Cranberry Classic basketball tournament. Hubby is on the organizing committee for the annual event so he is there all day today and Saturday.

I watched Nekoosa play and took picture of one of my friend's daughters. They go to our church and it's always fun to see these perfectly sweet girls act like tough guys on the court. Good time. I stayed for the Royals varsity girls game after that. Didn't take any pictures of that. Just wanted to enjoy the victory as a spectator.

Went home after that for another round of icing the back before Mr. College and I went out for Lupper – you now, lunch and supper combined.

Went down the road to Sportsmen's where he had some hot and spicy burger and I had chicken strips with hot and spicy raspberry habanero dipping sauce. We are two peas in a spicy pod!

Went across the street after that to visit the tree lot run by Carter's former babysitters. Yes, they have some purple trees this year! First time they've ever had anything but green and they chose purple. We must really be their favorite Viking fans in the whole wide world!

And no, we didn't buy this one. Yet. We don't have room really. Our new TV might make it hard to fit our skinny tree the way it is. But I am SKOL-fully tempted to find space!

Dropped Carter off at home and went back into town for the Royals boys game. Their first of the season and against very tough Milwaukee team that comes up for the tournament each year. Boys lost but hopefully they'll come away with a win tomorrow. I came away with a win – some cranberry raffle basket!

After the game, I picked up some pain relief for my back and a few items for tomorrow. I don't get what all the hub-bub about Black Friday is. It's still Friday and there wasn't a line in sight! Gotta shop smart, people!

And by smart I mean buy what you need. And yes, I did need those Viking cupcakes they had. I'll eat those while contemplating that tree purchase.

Black Friday Hoopla

For awhile I thought I'd see tumbleweeds blowing through our office today. Quite the skeleton crew for Black Friday. Well, for Thanksgiving Weekend.

Since I am low person on the totem pole and haven't even earned a day off, I had to work. And about half dozen others in our department. In fact, it was pretty spacious throughout the building. I didn't mind so much that I was missing out on Black Friday deals. What I did mind was missing out on this...

Nothing black about that Friday temperature! Just sunny and light! Oh, it would have been a nice day to oh, let's see, go for a run, put up Christmas decorations outside, maybe bond with Mr. Deck Chair if I was desperate. But we'll never know. I missed out.

And I missed the first few Assumption teams playing at the Cranberry Classic tournament at Assumption High School. I did not see either girls team since they played in the afternoon. But I did get to the boys JV game and saw all of our varsity boys game later. Both JV teams won. The girls varsity lost by 2 and the boys varsity won.

It was my first time shooting basketball with my "new" camera. I'll still call it new as long as I am doing something new with it. Got a few photos to work out. But plenty to learn on that front. At least it works in the gym lighting and it can do some action. With such a big crowd for the tournament, I couldn't exactly move around for new angles.

Since this is just the kickoff to the season, I am guessing I'll get lots more chances to practice.

Tomorrow I'll be Up North for the Cookie Bake. I am hoping the girls can capture a win finally and that the boys will see continued success.

Hoping this crazy Black Friday weather will continue, too. Is that too much to ask?

Black Berries

Black Friday always marks the start of the basketball season for the Assumption Royals. The 32nd Cranberry Classic hoops tournament started this morning and runs through Saturday night.

This is the second year hubby has been on the event committee, which means he spends both days at Assumption and is none the wiser about my Black Friday shopping. Just kidding. He's the only one who shopped today and got himself a recliner. He's needed one for a long time, I guess. We just have to figure out the space configuration in the living room! Anyone need a big ol' love seat chair?

Although I was busy with my own fun (aka errands o'plenty and some fun I'll share another time), I did make it to school to see the girls varsity game at 1:30 p.m. and went back for our boys game at 8 p.m.

This will be an especially interesting season for the Lady Royals, who lost 8 (yes, 8) seniors from their state championship team. Oh, and the head coach. So this is sort of a rebuilding year but at the same time a chance to see what talent has been lying hidden on the bench. A week ago they played a non-conference game against a La Crosse team and lost by 40 or 50 points. A discouraging start.

Today they kept pace with a Loyal team that was tough for our seasoned team to beat last year. Not sure how many seniors they lost, but I recognized some key players from last year. We were within 1 point of them at halftime and fell some 10 points behind as the second half progressed. Our girls didn't give up, though. Not even with less than 8 seconds left and down by 2. They inbounded and got it to one of my favorite young ladies. She shot the 3 and made it.

There was much rejoicing. And that's putting it mildly. Will be interesting to see how they grow this year.

Our boys team lost 3 seniors – one starter and two sometime starters. At least they still have some height and experience going for them. Their first game of the tourney was against a very non-local team from University School of Milwaukee. Quite a road trip on a holiday weekend! They brought a nice coach bus and a supply of 3-pointers.

It was kind of crazy how accurate they were on the 3s. Our boys would trail, catch up and trail again. At one point late in the second half we were down by 12 points at least. Then we had a successful dunk and a spark was lit. The guys played with renewed energy and purpose and, after scoring with 2 seconds left, they pulled out a 2-point victory!

What an exciting game for Assumption sports. A great way to christen our brand new gym floor as well. Looking forward to some fun and frenzied action on the court this winter.

Of course, I won't really have an excuse to go shopping on other game days. More money for popcorn, I guess.

Go Royals!

Football, Food and Family

Hosting Thanksgiving is not that stressful when you think about the nice rubdown and time in the sauna. Not stressful for humans anyway.

Actually, the day went smoothly. Got up early to get turkey breasts in the oven. Found my blaze-orange hat and took a walk. Watched the Vikings lose to the Lions in a close one. Took Turkey breasts out of oven, sliced them and put slices into the crockpot.

Everything else had to wait until later. Even then, it wasn't too stressful. Got the corn, mashed potatoes and gravy all done about the same time. Jim's sister brought buns, our brother-in-law made rice pudding, Jim's mom brought coleslaw and her famously yummy dressing.

Good stuff followed shortly by a food coma.

We were so full, I almost forgot to serve the pie!

It was a nice, but small gathering. Jim's parents, sister and her husband, their son Colin and his fiance Amy. Oh, and Carter, too. Casey had to work yesterday and has to work early for Black Friday so that just wasn't going to work for him to make it home. Clay has a DJ gig of sots in Fargo.

While the numbers at the Kids' Tables are dwindling, Carter and Colin definitely did their part!

After the guests left, Carter and I did a little pre-Black Friday shopping at ShopKo and Wal-Mart. Now he's got a few high school friends over and my coma is about to set in, big time

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thank you, God, for blessing the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us.

White Friday

If you look closely, you'll see we awakened to a White Friday instead of Black Friday. Just enough to stick on the grass, the trees, the deck and Carter's car. Otherwise the roads were fine when I ventured out a little after 8 a.m.

I was a on mission today. Big list of things to do and places to go, knowing I'll be out of town tomorrow and much of Sunday.

First stop was Wal-Mart. Yes, again. I had to return the FitBit and get the more expensive model since the one I grabbed last night is the just the basic one and has no display. For me, the point of having one is so I can look at it and see where I'm at for the day. I don't want to have to sync it to my phone and then see how many steps I've got. Amazingly, the parking lot was pretty empty and the store was, likewise. Had no line for customer service and easily got my purchases so I could make it to a 9 a.m. basketball game.

This weekend is the Cranberry Classic tournament at Assumption. Jim is on the organizing committee so he was there all day today and will be tomorrow, too. I wanted to see the JV girls play so I could see Allie Cat again. Don't know if my schedule will allow me to get to too many of the JV games. Usually just varsity. So it was good to see them win!

After that I had to stop at the local "fitness store" to buy a treadmill. We both had scoped it out this month and knew they'd have a deal on Black Friday. So that will be delivered Monday. Between the FitBit and the treadmill, you think I can start keeping up with my Pumpkin Spice diet? How about the eggnog one around the corner?

Let's hope so.

Came home and got all my Cookie Bake stuff together, then ran to GNC with Carter for their BF sale, involving protein shake deals for our muscle man. Came home and proceeded to sit at the computer the rest of the day working on a freelance deadline. Got that done about 6 so I had time to make something for the Cookie Bake lunch tomorrow before heading to another basketball game.

This time it was the varsity boys in their first game of the season, albeit non-conference. They did great against Nekoosa and came away with a 20-point victory. Let's keep it rollin' this season! That would be exciting.

Got home about 10 p.m. and I know I should pack so I can be on the road by 8 a.m., but I have run out of steam. I'll have to see if this new-fangled FitBit measures packing as cardio. Then I'll know it was worth the money!

Hope your black or white or grey Friday measured up to YOUR expectations!

Count Your Dressing, er Blessings

In the tradition that is Thanksgiving, I stuffed myself to the point of no return. Then still had room for pie, of course. Now even my fingers are full and I am having a difficult time typing.

This is why I also declared it "National Stretchy Pants Day." No one should feel uncomfortable just for following tradition. Especially anyone in hubby's family who can't stop at just one helping of his mom's tasty dressing. So bad for me, but so good!

Before the turkey and our tummies were stuffed, though, we had a small Thanksgiving celebration of our own. The three of us drove over to Winnebago to spend some time with my nephew Tony, who otherwise would have to spend the holiday without family. Since we weren't sure how the weather would play out today, we didn't let him know we were coming. He was very grateful for the surprise. We were grateful to see him with a smile on his face and talking about plans for a future when his "time" is done. God, bless him!

From there we came back to Rapids and went straight to Jim's sister's house. We hosted Turkey Day last year so Sherry took a turn this year. Casey made it home from Eau Claire, too, so we had 9 of us. Plenty of good food and visiting. Since the crowd numbered 4 Viking fans, 2 Bear fans, 2 Packer fans and one undecided, we decided to split up and go home before the Bears-Packer game. Ha.

The beauty of having a Packer game going on is that Carter and I could run into town for the pre-Black Friday sales and had no crowds. Actually, was just stopping at Wal-Mart to get a FitBit but took him with in case he found anything else I could add to his Christmas pile. He found a few things, naturally.

Ran into our neighbor girl (Carter's age) who was working there and she told us that the crowd was pretty crazy when the sale started at 6 p.m. And by crazy she means a lot of people and a knife-wielding woman who refused to leave the store. Not kidding. Ironic that I was in prison and Wal-Mart today and the first seemed safer!

Since the crowds were low, we headed over to ShopKo, too, where Carter found a few more things. I went to a certain hoodie rack 3 times and finally had the willpower to walk away empty-handed, reminding myself I was not shopping for ME – except for the FitBit, of course. At least Carter's present from Santa (and his helper) is done now.

Came home and still have plenty of the evening left to get comfy in my stretchy pants and digest that dressing.

Oh, and count my blessings! Don't count calories, just blessings.

Hope you found much to be thankful for today. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

Black and Blue Friday

For Black Friday today, I slept in until it was no longer black out. Then slept a little more.

When I finally did go shopping, it was 11 a.m. or so. And it was not for any special deals. I needed to pick up a few items for tomorrow's potluck lunch at the Cookie Bake and a few things for home. Even at that LATE hour, it was still quite the overcrowded adventure!

I am glad I did not brave any crowds last night or today before sunrise. Not worth it. Plus, I don't even know what's on my shopping list this year!

For the blue part of my Black & Blue Friday, I enjoyed some Royal Blue time watching the Assumption basketball teams play in our annual Cranberry Classic hoops tournament. I went to the girls varsity game at 1 p.m. and saw them beat Nekoosa. Tonight, I watched the boys varsity team pull off a victory, too.

I'm kind of excited. I love basketball season!

In between games, I made a salad for lunch tomorrow, did some laundry, packed for the trip and squeezed in one Hallmark Christmas movie! (Of course!)

Now it's early to bed, early to rise so I can graze another day and expand my thighs!

TGIBF

TGIBF?? Am I really thankful it's Black Friday?? Well, yes, for a variety of reasons...

Holiday: Naturally I love that my company gives us the day after Thanksgiving off so we can enjoy an extended weekend with family, friends and a disgruntled shopper or two.

Deal or No Deal (the Brown version): OK, we weren't planning to shop on Brown Thursday or Black Friday, but we took the bait. Last night after our dinner guests left, Jim, Carter and I ventured to Wal-Mart to witness the strange humanity that encompasses the hunt for the "DEAL"! Jim suggested we just hang around and watch. I wasn't in that mood after the long day and I wasn't dying for any deal. Carter did have something on his list so we got that without too much trouble or waiting and got the heck out of there unscathed.

Deal or No Deal (the Black version): As is tradition, we drew names among us adults in Jim's family. There were a few items that were Black Friday and Grey (?) Saturday deals. He got his taken care of this morning and I got mine done this afternoon. No craziness involved with that at all. And we can cross that off our list. I must confess, though, I did set my alarm...

Deal or No Deal (Caving to Pressure :: Part 1): OK, so I got up by 6:30 a.m. to be at the cell phone store by 6:45 a.m. for their 7 a.m. opening. I got there with my long underwear, boots and coat but did not have to wait outside. They opened early! So I got to wait in line -- and be all toasty and over-warm -- inside! After much discussion and/or debate, Mr. and Mrs. Claus decided to add Carter to our smartphone plan. We were going to wait until it was closer to his birthday in May since we would want him to have a reliable phone when he gets his driver's license. But the big DEAL today allowed me to get his phone for "free" (ha) with a few extras thrown in, plus a reduced amount for his monthly charge, etc. So I caved to pressure. And it gets worse...

Caving to Pressure (Part II): Once you have a phone activated, you really can't sit around and not use it for a month. If we waited 'til Christmas, we'd be so close to that 30-day trial period, it wouldn't be smart or prudent consumer move in case something was wrong. This is what I told Mr. and Mrs. Claus. So we caved and gave it to him today. I put his phone on a chair and called it and said, "Hey, Carter, isn't that your phone ringing?" He's like, "No, not mine." I said, "Are you sure? Look at it!" So he picks it up with a big smile and answers the only number programmed in there, of course -- mine! -- and I say "Merry Christmas!" I actually got a free-will hug out of that one!

Cranberry Classic: We didn't just go sauntering about spending money all day. Honest. This weekend every year is the Cranberry Classic basketball tournament at Assumption. So while Carter plopped down on the couch to figure out his new "toy" all day, Jim and I had to work concession 10:30-12:30. We stayed for the girls' varsity game after that. Our defending state champions won quite handily, thank you very much. I don't always get to see much of the tourney because Carter and I are usually heading Up North for the cookie bake. But since he had to work tonight, we will leave in the morning.

All Work, No Play? No Way: While Carter was working at the golf course restaurant washing dishes, Jim and I were there in one of the banquet halls for a 40th wedding anniversary party. We just had to have Carter come find us when he was done working and see if we were done playing.Since it wss 10, we were definitely done.

Family: I am still riding a high of having all three of our boys together last night for the first time in 2 years. It warmed my heart and will carry me through the Thanksgiving weekend and beyond. As I mentioned, I also get to see MY side of the family this weekend, too. We'll head up to my twin's house -- Hedberg Cookie Bake Headquarters -- tomorrow and leave Dad home alone for his "Jimmy Weekend." It's our annual tradition. And he hasn't once over the years complained that he was too lonely. Nothing black about his weekend outlook!

Pitch Black: Finally, it is only fitting on this particular "black" Friday that I express how thankful I am to a higher power and some very special people who saved me in my darkest (probably pitch black) hours 15 years ago on this date. I have been blessed with second chances and people who have supported me on a sometimes rocky journey to where I am today. I am blessed beyond measure and so thankful God (not me) is in charge of my life!

I love it "on the light side."

Round Trip

Carter and I just got back from a 500-mile Round Trip. And by round, I mean a trip where we ate enough fatty food to make us round in no time!

The first miles came early Black Friday. Well, not early like most hard-core BF shoppers refer to as early! I slept in until 7 a.m. and attempted to get my shopping partner up and out of bed. Of course, Carter changed his tune from the previous evening. He groggily asked which stores were we going to, then said, "Oh, we can go there any time." And rolled over and went back to sleep.

This was the only snow we had to contend with in the Rapids area. So I made my way to 2 stores in Stevens Point -- JoAnn's and Dunham's Sports -- got in and out with no problems and got the items I needed. Well, wanted and sort of needed.

Got home and loaded up the vehicle with our suitcases and treats for the Cookie Bake. We stopped at school to take in game 1 of the Cranberry Classic Basketball Tournament. Got to see our girls JV (with Carter's classmates) win against Marshfield Columbus.

Then we hit the road, stopping first in Rudolph, then in Luck, then at my parents, then Grantsburg, then to Romey's, and finally to Raylene's for the night. Each mile north we saw more and more snow. Yuck.

Saturday dawned cold -- as in single digits or close to zero. The Cookie Bake "party" started about a 11 a.m. and carried on a good 8 or 9 hours!

 New this year we had a distinguished panel of judges to taste test and determine the best cookies! From right, Carter, my grand-nephew Anthony and his friend Jared.

It didn't take long for Romey to try to bribe the judges. Didn't work.

They had quite a task, too! Look at the variety! With 11 participants, that was a lot to sample. Trust me, they only got a few "leftovers." But after judging the entries with a 1-5 grading system for both taste and presentation (this is serious business), they determined a winner.

Your blogger/photographer got 3rd place... Romey the briber got 2nd... and RoAnn, who may or may not have bribed them, got 1st!

First prize was very important because the boys, er judges, had been taking pictures of us with their phones and using a Fat Booth app that made us all look hideously blimp-ish... which could happen after a Cookie Bake anyway! They also could "age" our mugshots, too. We're doing that on our own. So as the winner, RoAnn got to have her picture deleted with a promise of no future use. The rest of us have to wonder if and when our fat faces will show up on the Internet.

Dang. Shoulda tried the bribery route!

Of course, some people got gifts or prizes anyway. Raylene got a cute towel and gift bags from Romey and RoAnn who are trying to show their non-Fat Booth, skinny chin faces. Ha. My sisters always make me laugh.

 

Holiday clothing is not mandatory, but encouraged. Romey had blinking earrings and here Renell shows off her blinking snowflake and her sassy shirt with 3 reindeer: Prancer, Dasher and VIXEN.

Game time! Ashley and Angie wait to start "In a Pickle," a fun new game.

Renell, Sara and her fiance, my nephew David, wait their turns.

In the other room was a close battle of "Sequence." Note the snow-covered field in the background!

Afternoon capped off with a noisy game of "Pit" followed by a quieter game of "What's Yours Like?"

Had a great time and it was so good to see everyone who could make it!

Carter and I stayed another night then made our way home in the busy traffic today, with one major pit stop at the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire. Got some gifts taken care of there. Got home in the late afternoon and am ready for bed right now!

Just have to finish unpacking and try to keep away from 11 dozen cookies!

Giving Thanks

I made this little graphic for my Facebook page to illustrate that I may be thankful for many things, but most importantly, I am thankful for the people in my life. Family and friends I hold dear.

Of course, I don't have photos of everyone so this is the tip of the iceberg. That's what's so amazing! I can't believe I would ever have a bad day or anything to complain about when I have all these people in my life and my heart... plus my church family, my school family, my sports family, my work family, etc.

Lucky me!

Today I also have to give thanks for a perfect Thanksgiving Day! Oh not perfect in the mind of a mighty hunter who wants snow to track deer, but perfect for a sun-worshipper like me!

The temps were 60-ish again so after I got my salad made for dinner and my last Christmas Cookie Bake items made, I went for a 3-mile run in shorts and short sleeves, then relaxed in a lawn chair for half an hour in the sun.

Oh yes I did!

That's my kind of Thanksgiving! Especially when I've learned my family in northern Wisconsin and in Minnesota have 2 inches of snow or so. Keep it! (And please be gone when we drive up there tomorrow!)

The day was capped off by a great meal at Jim's parents. His sister and her family were there and Casey was home from college to join us. I am still so full I can't imagine having to eat until Sunday. But of course, I will. I saw a cute cartoon today that said, "It's the holiday season: Don't forget to set your scales back 10 pounds tonight!" No kidding.

Right now, as I digest and blog, Carter is feverishly cleaning the basement in hopes we'll buy a ping-pong table on Black Friday. I can tell you right now, I am not going to any store tonight to get nearly trampled like last year. And I may set an alarm, but not before 6 a.m. And there will be no ping-pong table purchased on Black Friday.

But I certainly won't tell him that until he's got the basement cleaned! Ha.

I am also thankful today for my wisdom. Maybe manipulative wisdom, but it's getting some cleaning out of a teenager. Can't beat that for a finale to a beautiful day.

Thank the Lord!

Orange Friday

While many people (maybe me) are already getting excited for Black Friday and all of its Spend To Save possibilities, in Wisconsin, that excitement is surpassed by the preceding Friday -- that's Orange Friday for those unfamiliar with the annual gun-deer hunt!

And it's TODAY.

My hubby does not hunt. And I do not come from a family who hunted. But as someone traveling a hundred miles a day on a country road or two, I fully support their efforts!

Funny thing is, we see so many deer on our commute, I am always stumped when I hear how challenging hunting is. But now I get it. All week we've seen dozens of deer eating in the fields by the road on our way home. Tonight, not a single one. Zip. Zilch. Zero.

They are onto us.

I guess if they start seeing blaze orange in stores and hear about Hunter's Widow events, they know something is up. And they scatter.

I do hope that you hunters have a safe and successful 9 days. And please do your part to keep the roads clear!!

Deer don't pay attention to "Deer Crossing" signs anymore than we do. I tell you, though, when we were in New England, they take that very seriously. Among the "Moose Crossing" signs were a few strongly advising drivers to pay attention in order to save their lives.

I guess banging into this big fella would smart a bit!

 

This is our friend we saw along the Ausable River in upstate New York on the last full day of our trip.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we were continually warned to be on the lookout. And as the passenger, I kept my camera handy and kept looking!

On that particular day, we were taking pictures of the river and learned of a moose upriver. So we drove up and stopped with all the other motorists to take pictures. He seems far away. But he really wasn't once we moved up the road a bit.

See? He's just across the stream!!

 

...Eating his lunch!

When I zoomed in closer, I see he's got a battle wound... maybe from a hunter (they have a gun season like we do for deer), maybe from a car or maybe from Rocky or Bullwinkle.

Either way, if I saw something this big when I was out hunting, I'd probably just shoot it. With a camera, that is. And move on.

To see what's at the next crossing.