18 minutes, no fouls, no score, all hustle

Last weekend I got to see Great Nephew Anders play basketball at Barron.  The games were 18 minutes long, no referees, no scoring, just playing ball.  It was really fun to watch and Anders did great.

It was nice to spend some time visiting with Anders' Mom Lora and his Dad, Kris.  And we were done by noon, even better.

Anders loves sports.  He's rarely without a ball in his hand.

He's a good hustler and I'm looking forward to watching more hoops with him on the court.

Charlotte

When Charlotte was born, Glenn called to tell me and somehow in the conversation he told me that Charlotte was going to be called Charli, with no e.  Somewhere in that chat, I got that it was Charlott with no e, which I thought was pretty odd.  So, I called her the Princess NoE from time to time when she was a baby.  Well, that little baby is taller than I am now!

Recently, I got to see her play a couple of games of basketball in Elmwood, WI.

Charli is tall and when she jumps, she's heads above the rest.

  

The girls are all still learning the game at this age, but it is sure fun to watch them.

They are fearless about going for the ball, but of course not many fouls are called at this level.

I'm hoping to see at least one more of Charli's games before her season is over.

Spring Valley

I made it to a non conference game that the Spring Valley girls played at Stanley-Boyd.  This is a much bigger school and just by looking at the number of players on the opposing bench, that was clear.

Our girls didn't have much of a chance but in the 2nd quarter, when they were down by about 40, they rallied and brought the score closer.  I'd say that takes a lot of heart.

#32 is my great niece Alyxis.

I'm a proud fan.

Spring Valley and Luck games are often on the same nights.

It's tricky to decide which game to attend.

Usually I go to the closest, but that means I don't see as many of Lexi's games.

Occasionally, I just stay home and watch both on live streaming.

It's really fun to be there and I'm always so impressed with how hard these high school kids work.

I'm lucky to have these kids in my life.

Life is Good.

Catching up is hard to do

Well, perhaps you have noticed, my blogging has really taken a digger.

For 11 years, I have been pretty reliable here, but lately, things have fallen to the wayside.

But...I am back!

Let's get started on Year 12 of blogging.

I'm very behind on basketball photo editing, and I have had a terrible time sitting down and devoting the time to reliving the games in slo-mo, frame by frame.  

But then, 

today, 

I got a text from my great niece Alyxis.

I needed a kick in the butt, this got me off square one.

Tonight I got one game done and uploaded.

Lexi jumps

#32 but #1 in our hearts!

These photos are from the Elmwood-Plum City game in Spring Valley on January 3, 2019.

It was an exciting game, close score the whole way, with a win to the Spring Valley Cardinals.

Tomorrow I'll get back to editing, now I am motivated,

thanks to a little encouragement from #32.

Wash

It seems like it's been a crazy two months here in Rice Lake. Washing machine problems, plumbing problems, the holidays, and whatever else has been in the way of blogging, editing photos and writing a Christmas letter.

I'm hoping to get back into my normal groove and today, the new washing machine was delivered and installed, so that's a good start.  

I've learned that I would never buy the pedestals for under a washer and dryer ever again. They are attached to the unit and one size does not fit another size. So, out the door with the broken washing machine, went a perfectly good pedestal drawer that will just go to where ever dead appliances go.  So now I have a high-low look until,the dryer croaks and has to be replaced. 

No big deal, I am only a little concerned that a cat might think they should get behind there now though. Time will tell. 

Well I hear the washing machine on its final spin for the very first time so it's time for me to go start the laundry

Milli

Each of the great nephews and great nieces, in their own way, delight me with their personalities, likes and dislikes.  I don't get to see some of the kids that often, and Milli is one of those.  She's very unique.  I remember visiting Kaija and Mike's house about 5 years ago.  4 of the kids were busy with toys and noise, and over in the corner of the living room, little Milli was quietly focused on constructing a jigsaw puzzle.  

She's the little girl that hugs back, and for a nice long hug, whenever I see her. 

I feel a special connection to her in some hard to describe way.

On Saturday, I went to watch her big sister, Charli, play basketball.  

Milli sat by me and while we had a little conversation, it was mostly just quiet.  

Off and on, Milli worked on some artwork.

Milli was prepared with her drawing supplies.

Milli started drawing a sweet scene with tree & tire swing.

It's hard to see, but an owl is in the knothole of the tree
and another little white bird is flying in just to the left of Milli's thumb.

I reminded Milli that Saturday was the very last day that she would ever be 10 years old, 

and I was glad we were spending it together.

Happy 11th birthday Milli!

Google Timeline

I like this feature in Google maps called Timeline.  

Here was my day today. 
3 basketball games, 
2 gyms, 
190 miles.