Dreaming of a White... Sand Beach

I think it's been established that I'm a dork. It's also been proven I like to have fun and don't care what people think. Thankfully, Mr. Deck Chair always goes along with it.

Today at work we had planned to have an Aloha celebration to get us revved up to the golf tournament we sponsor on Maui in January. By celebration, I mean a couple thousand employees wearing matching teal Aloha T-shirts and posing in a tropical photo booth – and eating cake. There's always cake for big work parties!

With the snow storm that was coming, a majority of us worked from home today. So we were asked to take pictures of what Aloha spirit in Wisconsin really looks like in December! 

You didn't have to ask me twice! Though I will admit I didn't last long in the flip-flops. 

At least it put me in a good mood. That and the fact that we didn't get nearly as much snow as they predicted. Maybe 4 inches? Light enough to shovel.

Don't worry, I put on boots and even a jacket for that! I may be silly, but I ain't stupid.

Be careful out there! Aloha! 

Santa Knows I've Been Good

Santa must know that I've been good this year. First of all, in our Secret Santa reveal today, my friend Emily had me and gave me a mini Mr. Deck Chair bird feeder! How cool is that!?

I had my friend Hannah (who sits right next to me) and she definitely knew it was me. So much for being sneaky! Still, she loved her gifts – even though the final one hasn't arrived from wherever. Hopefully I can give that to her this week yet.

When I got home after work, I was pretty excited that my other Secret Santa (OK, it's ME) had a gift delivered too.

I think I've shared before that although my hubby is an accomplished organist, I know nothing about playing the keyboard so I made up little Post-It notes to guide me while practicing choir songs. On a whim during our ride home from Minnesota Sunday, I thought I'd see if there was something out there for other novices like me. There was!

So today my little keyboard cheat-sheet, so to speak, arrived!

And I immediately could play my songs for our church choir Christmas performance! Just a random joyful moment this holiday season.

Hopefully you have a few of those, too, whether Santa agrees or not!

Sunday Non-Day

I can see why this weekend would be the one we don't acknowledge Sunday is really a Sunday. And for most of us working folk, we're pretty glad the Monday is not a typical back-to-work Monday.

So I don't feel 100% guilty that I didn't get too far with my goal to organize my "oh my god room" office. 

I also don't feel bad for taking a nice nap in the sun with Mr. Deck Chair.

Or relaxing when my BFF was in town and had time to visit.

While I have plenty on my to-do list, I'm guessing my Monday (that extra day I've been wishing for) will take care of that. If I have the ambition.

Today would've been our dear Sylvester's 20th human years birthday. We miss her so! And can definitely adopt her "naps win every time" attitude.

Enjoy your extra time this weekend!

How to Get Out of a Broody Mood

Our new neighbors are a bunch of turkeys! I mean, literally. I think there are a few broods that have taken residence down the road. Because this is not the same group I saw yesterday. They had smaller young 'uns. (If you pay me during turkey hunting season, I'll show you where!)

But there are easier ways to get rid of a brood, er broody mood.

This morning after a I finished a slightly stressful work project, I thought, "What a nice day to take an afternoon off!" So I did.

Yes, the rest of my steaming pile of work will still be there Monday, but it was just such a nice, upper 70s temperature kind of day that will be fleeting before we know it. So I logged off, took a nice lunchtime walk with my friend Jenny, then did some weeding (very tall weeds) in front of the house, rested in the sun a minute, then decided to go golfing. 

Now that my golf partner is retired, I thought there was a chance she was free! That worked out great!

So I evaporated my broody mood by splitting my time between Mr. Deck Chair and Mr. Fox. Sorry, no time for Mr. Austin today! Plus he's taking stats at the Royals' first football game of the season down in Markesan. (Don't worry, I had to Google it, too.)

Of course, coming off my best round last night, I was expecting greatness on the course. Guess that's an every-other-day kind of thing. Ugh. The good news there is that I'll be "on" for our golf scramble tomorrow! 

After our round, Marigene and I grabbed dinner at the clubhouse. This week's hot honey spiced chicken sandwich is mucho yummo! Loved it so much, I brought half of it home so I could enjoy it for another meal. 😋

Now I'm relaxing at home, taking care of a bit of laundry, and might catch up on a little Emily in Paris season 4 while crocheting a raffle basket blanket. 

And that's how to uplift your mood. Any day. Follow me here for more stress-relief hacks. 😆

Spring Sun-Day

We all had to take advantage of today's gorgeous weather knowing that by the end of the week today's lows will be Friday's highs. Yup 40-something for a "warm" temp at the end of the week. So let's just enjoy every minute above 70.

And we did.

Hubby had baseball practice and I had bonding time with Mr. Deck Chair.

That was pretty much the highlight of the day. Also so the Masters' final round with Scottie winning that. And wished I could be golfing somewhere that green right now. With the warm weather, I think we'll get there!

There's plenty weighing on my mind going into this week. Just praying God will take care of it.

In the meantime, sunny spring days certainly help!

Have a great week!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

Mother Nature's case of dandruff really got out of control while we were sleeping! Woke up to this. Wow.

I won't name any names, but somebody was not happy with this at all! Well I guess I wasn't either.

I shoveled the driveway while hubby was at church so at least I got some steps in today. Then, since it was beginning to at least LOOK like Christmas, I baked some more cookies for our upcoming exchange in a few weeks. And I put the tree up.

I mean I put the tree up. Got the lights strung, but then it was already dark. I prefer some natural light while I hang ornaments so I'll have to finish this another day.

In the meantime, I'll keep getting in the spirit via my friends at Hallmark. Might be able to knock out two movies yet this evening. I know you're on my side! 

Be careful out there!

Working From Deck, er Home

Some days I feel pretty fortunate I have the ability to work from home on Mondays and Fridays. Today was definitely one of those days!

Not only did I get to hang out with my assistant, Mr. Deck Chair, this afternoon, but this morning I got to take my "lunch break" at breakfast time and shoot some pictures at the Wisconsin State Water Ski competition at nearby Lake Wazeecha.

Our friends Joe and Michelle's son Max was skiing for the Tomahawk team at 8 a.m. Got a few cool photos of him, then headed back home to work.

Jim was gone today working at the state Legion tournament this morning and golfing in the Assumption Royal Scramble this afternoon. I could've shut the A/C off since it was quite the mild day. But instead, headed outside to warm up – checking the mailbox every 90 minutes to soak in the sun and ultimately just taking my laptop out there to work.

That was super nice! 

After work, I went to our last grad party of the summer. Ran into plenty of people I know so from there, I went straight to the Legion game. Our 17U team is playing in the state tourney. I actually sat and WATCHED their game rather than take pictures. They were ahead by 10 by the 4th inning so I grabbed some cheese curds to go and headed home at a decent time. 

I have a big travel day tomorrow but I'll fill you in on that when I get back. 

Enjoy your weekend and be safe!

To Bee or Not to Bee

So the situation on Blue Jay Drive is this. Hubby is deathly allergic to bees (as in Epi-Pen and ER) and I am mildly allergic to bees (as in I might faint, let me lay down). So the other evening, when Jim mentioned there was activity under our front deck, I came to one conclusion.

I haven't been spending enough time with Mr. Deck Chair or they'd know this is stupid, highly-trafficked area to build a nest. 

After a camera phone survey under the deck, I came to the same conclusion. They're stupid, I haven't been spending enough time with Mr. Deck Chair AND I needed to save my husband's life.

Last night, I finally removed the lattice around the deck, laid down on rocks and sprayed the hell out of that nest. 

I thought I was super hero successful until Jim said he saw some buzzing around today. So I got new supplies and waited until their "resting time" according to the can at sunset. Then sprayed the heck out of the same nest again. Maybe with a bit better aim since it was lighter out.

It kind of looks like Darth Vader visited. I hope that's a good sign that I hit the target this time. There was some buzzing, so I know a few escaped their demise. I just hope they're smart enough to move along.

It'd be nice if we could just be in charge of our OWN excitement this summer! Be careful out there!

Happy Winds, er Mon-Day

All of the severe weather traveling through Wisconsin this evening is featuring 60 mph winds. Not surprised since the wind chimes outside of my office windows have been going crazy all day. Think they're shooting for some classic rock or heavy metal melodies versus the usual tink-tinkling relaxation vibe.

We can also tell its windy by our new wind gauge. Also known as a "spinner" or something.

Jim got this pretty yard ornament from his sister for his birthday. 

And today it was spinning so fast, I was sure it was going to lifted from the ground!

Also, note in the background how much drier and browner our grass has become in one week. Uff da. Was a high of 91 today. I took a lunch break with Mr. Deck Chair but I didn't have the stamina. Ha. Sorry, dude.

I'm never one for wishing for rain, but yeah, my flowers need it. My grass needs it. And all those farmers around here need it 100 times more! I do believe it's coming this week.

And conveniently working around my golf schedule Thursday and Saturday. For now. 

I won't be selfish. 

Ok. I will. But I'll try not to mention it. 

Have a great week, everyone!

Hazy Shade of Weekend

Good grief. It's a pretty nice day/evening. I hope you have something better to do than read my blog on a Friday night. Obviously one of us needs a life. Well, maybe two of us! And I love you for it.

I'm having difficulty sleeping lately – stress related, perhaps? – so at lunch today I thought I'd "rest" with Mr. Deck Chair. Just for a minute. Good plan, but I was coughing before long and I was thinking pine pollen was so last week. Then I remembered all the air quality advisories. And even though I wasn't SEEING the smoke, it was there. 

And according to local news stations, will be here all weekend. To quote my StormTrack9 friends: We had more hazy skies today due to wildfire smoke drifting into the state. While we are expecting sun this weekend, similar levels of surface smoke will likely linger into Saturday.

This explains why my photos tonight at the Legion baseball tournament just weren't as clear as I liked. I mean, it's never the photographer. Always the smoke or dusk conditions.

I literally thought I was a failure though, and headed home in the second inning. My camera did OK despite what I was seeing in the view finder, so there will be three happy moms. Yay!

Just be careful out there this weekend. Find a way to relax without deep breaths!

About Bloomin' Time

It took awhile, but I finally had a day with no concrete plans! And even though Mr. Deck Chair was beckoning me for bonding time, I knew I had other outdoor non-fun to attend to first.

By 10 a.m. I was out there clipping weeds and hauling rock and doing some raking. And much to my sweaty pleasure... NO SNAKES!! I know! Let's celebrate!

When I was done with the hard part, I commenced to the second hard part – finding hanging baskets of flowers this late in the game. I know it's only the beginning of June, but that's late for that kind of search. I just didn't want to do it a few weeks back before I was gone a lot or when the weather was still too iffy going from cold spring temps to warm pre-summer temperatures.

Luckily, I did manage to find some left at Home Depot. Got the porch pot (above) taken care of and 5 hanging baskets out front.

I think with some water and TLC and they'll be fine. And yes, of course, you're seeing purple.

But to represent the current sports season, I got our respective flags up today, too. And yes, Jim is well aware of what the Brewers have been doing to his Reds this weekend. We're both still loyal. Though I realize I should get a matching flag with my Twins' World Series championship years, too. Both will be faded by end of summer anyway. The flags – hopefully not our playoff hopes!

The day didn't leave room for much else. Watched a little golf on TV. Hubby went golfing tonight with friends. And while I called my mom, I finally spent some time with Mr. Deck Chair.

About bloomin' time!

Light at the End (or Middle) of the Clouds

I miss Tennessee. Yes, we had a few long days of work, but we managed to balance that with fun. And none of it was in the office. Now it's back at the office this week and the reality of "much to do with little time" hits. 

A bit stressful today to be sure. But I promised myself that on this last day of May, with no plans for the evening, I'd plop myself down on Mr. Deck Chair and relax a bit while hubby was gone at golf league. 

Allegedly it was mostly sunny and 91 degrees today. Maybe even close to a record. But I sat down and not 5 minutes later it was raining on me and Mr. DC. Granted, just a few giant drops...

But rain, nonetheless. I actually just sat there in it and let it cool me off (from hot stress moments at work today) and let it pass. When I looked up at the hole in the clouds (pictured up top), I figured the Lord would grant me at least a little piece (read: PEACE) of sunshine after all.

But the real light at the end of the tunnel, er day, was this post on Facebook from a friend...

Talk about making me cry! Awwww. But at the same time, realizing that I love what I do in my FREE time and love that it brings happiness to a few others. 

So there is a light at the end of the tunnel, er partly cloudy sky, after all. Hey, it's already Hump Day. We got this, people! 

A Different Kind of Easter

Happy Easter! Or as Sylvester Cottontail says: Hoppy Easter!

Kind of a different Easter this year since we already celebrated yesterday. Jim went to his church last night and I sang with the choir at mine this morning. No special Easter basket deliveries – unless you count the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs and jelly beans I delivered to myself on Friday!

Instead our eggs looked like this...

Oh yes. With all the rain delays for The Masters, I was able to go to the driving range at TriCity with my friend Marigene while Jim golfed with some buddies. 

I figured I should be smart and warm up to the season. He's been swinging at an indoor simulator for the past month or so, so he was ready for real time golfing. Walking 9 holes with his new knees. All early reports indicate he did OK and his knees are feeling OK. Monday will be telling.

Meanwhile, we were getting Masters ready. Well Masters of the neighborhood anyway. We happened to be next to one of the Assumption golf players on the driving range and he was getting some coaching. I eavesdropped and actually found myself hitting some pretty sweet drives. Will I remember his advice when I step up to my first tee? I hope so. 

Head down. Slow down. Let the hips do the work.

When I got home I bonded with Mr. Deck Chair for a little bit before watching the final hours of The Masters – because I could! I mean, it was 69 degrees. Whoot!

I can't believe my family Up North only has patches of grass and we're here saying goodbye to our last little piles of white stuff. I feel bad for them, but the SKOL Man, Mr. Deck Chair and I love, love, love it! 

Of course, I got a little jealous when Carter called with Easter greetings tonight and it was 80 degrees out in the N.C. Wow. I'd say I need to get out there, but they're coming this way in a few weeks for a wedding he's standing up in. Don't tell Coach Austin, but I'm looking forward to that even more than baseball season starting this week!

For the record, I do thank the Easter Bunny for convincing Ol' Man Winter to take a leave of absence. Just keep hopping away, man.

Hope you had a blessed Easter with some-bunny special!

Look Who's Out of Hibernation

I came home from work today and guess who's out of hibernation? That's right. Mr. Deck Chair is back on the deck. 

I know. It's going to be down to 16 degrees tonight and we're probably getting both rain and snow this weekend. But still. He was tired of waiting.

We all are, dude. We all are.

But I am also of the mindset I could use a little hibernation myself. For some reason, I haven't had a decent night's sleep this week. Was yawning my way through the last Lenten service tonight and even choir practice. Uff da.

Pretty sure I'm going to crash early and take Mr. Deck Chair's place. Wherever he's been hiding for 5 months.

Well, I mean if I can still have my heated mattress pad on and comfy blanket there. I can give up sleep, but not some things!

Flaky Friday

It was so cold at yesterday's football game. Despite the hot streak that is our Assumption Royals this year – they won 76-0 and remain undefeated in conference play for the season! Whoa – it was frigid on the sidelines. My camera didn't like it and neither did I. 

Was winter coming early? I didn't think so.

I was astonished this morning when my family Up North was texting pictures of overnight snow. Like enough to cover the ground and then some. So I may have been a little too early with my sarcastic "haha, it's not doing anything here."

Mid-morning, the flakes arrived. It was kind of pretty seeing them pile up on the green pine branches with the colorful red-ish fall leaves in the background. But then...

No. There is something wrong with this picture! It's October 14. Stay in your lane, Ol' Man Winter!

You know who else wasn't happy?

Here's a clue.

Remember the mantra: If Mr. Deck Chair ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

At least it didn't stick around. Hubby is on his way back from Indianapolis and the last thing he needs is to drive into a winter-weather system in mid-October. 

But since it is Christmas-like and he won't be home for a couple hours, I better sign off and catch a Hallmark movie while the house – and remote – is mine! 

Stay warm, everyone!

Toad-ally Freaked

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, did it make a sound? If Robyn squeaky screams at a night visitor and no one but the cat is around to hear her, did she make a sound? Did she overreact to a frog climbing up the front door?

Not even a little. Plus, hubby is in Indianapolis for work this week so he has no idea there may have been a Drama Queen moment on Blue Jay Drive.

To be honest, I think it was Mr. Deck Chair who "squeaked" first. Then I saw it and was freaked. TOAD-ally freaked.

As much as I enjoyed a full night's sleep with no one hogging the covers, I absolutely hate being home alone when freaky, creepy-crawly things are stalking me!

And my watch cat? Totally inept. The temps are dropping down to 38 degrees tonight. There's nothing Mr. Deck Chair or I could do – or scream – to prompt her to move from her place on the heated bathroom floor.

I get it, kitty. (I say, crawling into my lonely big bed with my heated mattress pad on HIGH.).

Be careful out there!

Just Pumpkin Around

Happy October! Now today was the absolutely beautiful kind of all day that I dream about – 365 days a year. While I love summer, a steady 65 and sunny would do me just fine, too.

It was a nice day to be outside so my friend Cindy and I picked up her sister and headed to the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest down the road. We thought we were there early, but it got crowded – very crowded – in no time. Everyone looking for a cool craft (or like me, says "I can make that") or tasty food or, oh yeah, pumpkins!

When we were there, they had just started weighing things. And by things,  I mean they check out giant watermelons and squash too.

And no one said big pumpkins are pretty. They're just pretty huge!

You can use our short stature to see that they can be pretty big. And there are larger ones this this, I'm sure.

Did I mention I got to be Sylvester for a minute, too? No longer than a minute though. Trust me. No one called ME princess when I walked in the door.

But Mr. Deck Chair loves me. I gave him plenty of attention today when we soaked up what we hope aren't the last rays of the season. We'll see if we can't at least have afternoon coffee together tomorrow.

Hanging Out in the Win Column

It's been two late nights seeing the best of "fall ball" in action. Last night I watched the Lady Royals sweep Pittsville during volleyball senior night. (And their Volley for a Cure cancer awareness night.)

Tonight it was the Royals under the Friday night lights. We earned a share of the conference title last weekend with our victory over Pacelli. Tonight they needed to beat Loyal for sole ownership of the top. Did we?

I'd say pretty handily! So that's exciting! It was actually too cold for me to take pictures. Well, I could see my breath and that usually signals my camera to slow down, too. Ha. For real. So at halftime, I ditched the camera and sat in the stands to see up extend our lead. 

Temps were in the 40s but after sitting in Mr. Deck Chair this afternoon, my body wasn't ready for it. Actually had some windows open, too, while I was cleaning today. I had taken the day off for something that is now postponed to Monday, so I figured I should still get a few things done.

And sunny and low 60s felt good enough for a little deck time break. It's crazy but this is life here...

Looking forward to bundling up a few more times when the playoffs start in a few weeks. Keep it going, Royals! This is fall fun for sure!

Final Sunbathing Days

 

Sunday is a day of rest. And also the last Sunday of summer. Technically. So after church and after I posted tennis pictures from yesterday, kitty and I commenced to resting and sunbathing.

I'll share her picture but you can't pay me enough to share a picture of me on Mr. Deck Chair! Probably for the last time this season. 

I sat out listening to an audio book for a bit, then called my mom to chit-chat. She said it was so nice  when her children call. I told her I knew exactly what she meant. That message must have traveled over the plains and the mountains because lo and behold, my baby boy called tonight! And yes, Mom, it does do the heart good!

This evening I also had one of my last senior photo shoots of the season. By that time, it had clouded up and was picture perfect.

And my model was picture perfect, too! Makes the job so much easier, ha. Seriously, all my kiddos this year have been beautiful inside and out. Just neat kids. It's been a fun season.

I look forward to a few days of rest, though. They'll arrive just in time with fall colors. No rush, though, says Sylvester, me, and Mr. Deck Chair!

TGIF :: Thank God it's Finally Stopped Raining

Woke up to a little bit more than morning dew today. Unless we can measure dew in inches! 

It rained hard during the night. Really hard. At 8 a.m., we had more than 4 inches and it was still coming down. Looks like we tapped out at a little more than 4.25 at our house. And that was almost "officially" accurate. See...

The only time our little unincorporated wide spot in the road gets official mention is when Kellner gets a lot of rain or snow or heat. So there we are at 4.30 inches overnight. Wow. 

At one point I could hear Mr. Deck Chair calling Noah. I swear! 

And the other phone calls coming in were from Jim's golf partners. They were supposed to do the Assumption scramble today at the Ridges. The morning session was canceled. Unsurprisingly. But since Jim was also golfing with a different foursome in the afternoon session, he was still able to have some fun.

Meanwhile, my work day was incredibly boring compared to yesterday. But since I had no plans for the night, I bonded with Mr. Deck Chair – a cleaner Mr. Deck Chair, then watched a Cinderella musical on Prime while crocheting a baby blanket, and I might sneak in some ice cream. 

I mean speaking of princesses... Sylvester is looking at me like she needs me to give her a bowl to lick. It's the least I can do for her. Hope she like coconut and chocolate. It's a fabulous new frozen yogurt I found. 

TGIF :: Thank God it's Frozen treat Friday!