Fri 31 Jul

Had a hard time getting up to exercise today - less motivation than usual. Not sure why, but I was able to overcome it and do my thing anyway. Just weird to be so unenthusiastic.

Am looking forward to Door Co weekend. Didn't help though to look at weather forecast for showers and thunderstorms tomorrow when I'm hoping to go hiking. Maybe the weatherman will be wrong. Maybe we'll pick some cherries.

I mentioned your comments on the credit card to Michael. I think it's a good idea to have one and use it very responsibly as a way of boosting your credit rating.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c raisin bran, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 148 g strawberries, 1/4 medium cantaloupe, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, 1/4 med cantaloupe, slice Kwikery multigrain bread, 56 g oven roasted chicken lunchmeat



Exercise:

5:05-5:50 am Power Shaping DVD

Thurs 30 Jul

Grandma is 91 today! I was thinking yesterday that I hope if I make it to 91, I want to celebrate by hiking in Europe or New Zealand or some other such active and exciting pursuit. I hope I'm able to continue to be active as long as I'm alive. I realize that I'm at the age now where I don't dare stop being active, even for a year or two, or it will be intensely difficult to get back to my current fitness level. I may change off on what types of fitness activities I do over the years, but I need to be conscious of all muscle groups and include cardio, strength and flexibility in the mix. If the payoff is still being able to go hiking or be otherwise active at 91, it will all be worth it.

Lunch with Grandma and her sisters was very nice. Michael is ducking out of the pizza supper to go to a party, but he's going to Door Co with us to celebrate this weekend so I let him off by having him call her to wish her Happy Birthday.

Grandma was especially glad to hear from you. She's looking forward to seeing you - I think it will motivate her not to let herself feel too frail to go.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 158 g strawberries, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Raspberry iced tea (two 16 oz glasses), small grilled shrimp and spinach salad, cup of tomato basil soup, focaccia breadstick, few bites of chocolate sundae
4:00 pm Oreo double stuff cookie
6:15 pm 2 slices medium thin crust Supreme Pizza Hut pizza
7:30 pm Culver's hot fudge sundae w/chocolate-covered strawberry ice cream

Wed 29 Jul

I like the fact that today feels like Friday to me because I only have half-days to work for the next two days. Hope Grandma's birthday goes well, and the Door Co trip is fun for all. Starting to really look forward to our Richmond visit too, especially getting to see you and get a real feel for your new environment. Will we be able to see your office inside, or just the outside?

Nummers! Great Dane after hiking for West African Peanut Stew, Caesar salad, and a beer bread roll with a glass of Strongbow!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 158 g strawberries, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:15 am Strawberry scone, coffee
12:15 pm Peach, heel of tomato
3:30 pm Slice Kwikery multigrain bread, 57 g oven roasted chicken breast lunchmeat
6:30 pm Pkg Trader Joe's Omega trail mix
7:45 pm 12 oz Strongbow cider, bowl peanut stew, Romaine lettuce w/shredded parmesan, beer bread roll w/1/2 pat butter




Exercise:

5:05-5:45 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights 2 video
5:35-7:35 pm Hiking Rib Mt w/tower

Tues 28 Jul

Looks to be a beautiful day today. Hopefully we'll get out hiking after work. It's always nice to look forward to that.

Did a ...of Steel video this morning that didn't seem familiar. Don't know if I've done that one before. Felt like I was trying to learn the aerobics routine from scratch.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 159 g strawberries, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, 188 g strawberries, peach, outrageous peach coffee cake
3:15 pm 9 mini-Oreo cookies
5:50 pm 1 pkg Trader Joe's Omega trail mix
8:45 pm Morningstar Farms Mushroom Lover's burger, wheat bun, 1 tbl ketchup, slice tomato, 1/2 c sliced cucumbers, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Thighs of Steel 2000 video
5:45-7:50 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Mon 27 Jul

Nice to have a short week ahead with Grandma's birthday lunch on Thursday afternoon and Door Co trip starting Friday afternoon. Also, I finally figured out how to download pictures to my iPod, so I took it to the choir party yesterday and will take it to work today if it has charged enough.

Wow, I love fresh fruit high season. Need to go get more strawberries and cantaloupe today, and we haven't had a new watermelon in a week or so. Going to have to break down and pay Stevens Point prices for soy milk soon. Maybe I can stop into Woodman's in Appleton on the way home from Door Co Sunday.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 160 g strawberries, peach, slice Kwikery multigrain toast, 1 tbl nutella
2:30 pm Handi-Snacks chocolate sugar-free pudding cup, 1 LifeSaver, 5 Switzers licorice bites
5:00 pm 1 Snickers bite-size mini
6:15 pm Grilled chicken leg, 2 tbl Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Vidalia Onion barbecue sauce, 1/2 c Vigo yellow rice, 1/2 c broccoli, 12 oz skim milk
7:30 pm Piece outrageous (peach) coffee cake


Exercise:

5:05-6:05 am Kathy Smith Weights 2

Sun 26 Jul

I'd be glad to pick up the Aldi's drink mixes for you. Any favorite flavors? I don't think they have too huge a choice, but I believe there are a few. Your omelette sounded delicious the other day. Are there any good farmers' markets close to you?

Yesterday was a bad day for nutrition witb too much sitting around followed by too much eating. It's odd that on the days when I am the least active, I seem to get the hungriest. I was really hungry when we went to Pete's graduation party but I hadn't done much besides laundry and reading about 4-5 weeks of newspapers all day. I've now gotten two nights of good long sleep so I'm a little more caught up. Hopefully I can just slip right back on track with healthy eating and exercising.

We do have a fair amount of eating out scheduled by the end of the week with Grandma's birthday and Door Co weekend, but if I can get our two hiking nights in early in the week and maybe squeeze in a hike at Peninsula while we're there, it shouldn't be too bad. Eating out doesn't have to mean eating like a pig (if I can just remember that at the time!)


Food:

7:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 1/2 c blueberries
12:00 pm 4 oz ham, 2/3 c au gratin potatoes, 1/2 c carrots, cranberry bar w/dollop whipped topping, 8 oz orange juice, coffee
2:30 pm 42 g coconut M&Ms
6:00 pm Mike's Light Lemonade, brat, bun, 1 tbl pickle relish, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/4 c baked beans, 1 c fruit salad, 1 c green salad w/peaches, pecans, craisins, 2/3 c chicken fried rice, apple pie, small piece chocolate snack cake



Exercise:

6:40-7:30 am Brutal ballet DVD
4:40-5:45 pm Walk to choir party
8:20-9:20 pm Walk home

Sat 25 Jul

Sent your usage details for the past month to your email. I had not stored my logon info for Sprint and I haven't had reason to go online for some time, so I had to dust off the cobwebs and figure out how to get on to the account. We switched so I am account manager so we could get the County employee discount for the whole account, so Dad's logon info only accesses his own phone info now.

As to the monitor situation, now that you're a working woman, you can probably buy what you would most like to use within reason. If the situation can hold out til you get a couple of paychecks under your belt, all the better. You really seemed to like the dual monitor setup, though maybe the novelty has worn off? The frugality in me would suggest just replacing the one that's going bad now and replacing the other when necessary, but I don't know if there are any issues with interaction between the monitors; do they have to be the same kind?

It was nice to sleep in til 7:30 this morning and not have much beyond the standard weekend chores impending. I did manage to arrange details for Grandma's birthday lunch next Thursday. I'm taking her, Leone, and Jeanette to Applebee's for a long lunch. We'll take her to Pizza Hut in the evening and then to Door Co for Fri-Sun. Figured that at age 91, going places and doing things is better than presents you'll probably never use.

Caught up on all the Stevens Point Journals that have accumulated since the day we left on vacation. BTW, your name was in the paper this past Friday. UW-Madison released the names of all the local graduates.

Too many sweets today, not enough exercise.

Food:

8:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 153 g strawberries, 1 Oreo double stuff (package in the basement bought by Michael's friends - I stole one!)
9:30 am Peach
11:30 am 1 c blueberries
1:00 pm 1 slice Kwikery multigrain bread, 56 g oven roasted chicken breast lunchmeat, 1 Oreo double stuff ( I asked permission for this one!)
1;30 pm 1 oz tortilla chips
4:30 pm Large bun, 4 oz hot beef, 1 c fruit salad, 1/2 c potato salad, 2 pc broccoli, 2 egg rolls, small piece cherry cheesecake, chocolate chip cookie
5:30 pm Brownie
7:00 pm 42 g coconut M&Ms

Fri 24 Jul

This week went by fairly quickly. Hope the clouds clear later today so we can hike this evening; I'd really like to get out. If not, then at least I hope tomorrow is nice so we can go earlier before Peter Irwin's graduation party. I enjoyed my rest day yesterday but I don't seem to sleep as well without working my muscles somehow. Just walking to and from my hair appointment didn't quite do it.

Glad to hear you've found a good running route you seem to enjoy. Hope you have a great weekend! Have you found some folks to hang out with since Keaton is weekending with his mom?


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 163 g strawberries, 1/4 medium cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, piece cornbread, peach
2:45 pm 9 mini-Oreo cookies
4:30 pm 1 indiv pkg Trader Joe's trail mix
6:45 pm 14 oz cherry ale, 1 small hot pretzel
7:30 pm 4 oz shredded jerk pork, 1 tbl pineapple salsa, 5 fried plantains, 1/2 c green beans
9:00 pm Culver's raspberry sundae



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Jane Fonda Weights 1 video
4:30-6:30 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower (including rain for part of the hike)

Thurs 23 Jul

Felt wonderful to get a full eight hours' sleep last night. Been running on short rations for too long. Looks like a lovely day today, but can't hike tonight as I have a hair appointment at 6 pm. Hopefully we'll get out either tomorrow night or Saturday daytime (or both). I also need to make contacts today to switch some ministry dates at Newman for vacations.

Finally got around to repainting my toenails this morning in a rush. They had become downright disreputable.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 medium cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, pc cornbread, peach
2:30 pm Tootsie Roll midgie, Fiber One Oats & Peanut Butter bar, 1 LifeSaver, Lightly Salted rice cake
4:45 pm 153 g strawberries
5:15 pm Chicken thigh, 1/3 c roesti potatoes, 1/2 c sliced cucumbers, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, 3/4 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries


Exercise:

5:45-6:00 pm Walk to hair appt
8:00-8:20 pm Walk home

Wed 22 Jul

Worked through lunch today because I had to take a client to a psychiatric appointment at 11:30 and by the time I took her back to the far end of Plover, I had just enough time to pick up a Subway sandwich and get back to the office for our weekly 1 pm staff meeting. At least I can now leave an hour earlier on Friday.

We chose to go to Harry Potter tonight rather than hike; we were both tired so we'll hike another day. I thought they did a reasonably good job with the movie. I'm anxious to talk to Michael as he didn't like the ending; I'm not sure why.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
1:00 pm 6" oven roasted chicken breast sub on honey oat 9 grain bread, spinach, tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, unsweetened iced tea
3:45 pm Handi-Snacks chocolate pudding cup, 1 LifeSaver
5:30 pm Brat, bun, 1 tbl ketchup, small portion salad w/craisins, toasted pecans, peaches, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, pc graduation cake


Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete upper body and aerobics

Tues 21 Jul

It was nice to talk with you last night, good to hear your voice. I forgot to ask how you're liking your new car. Hope it's working out for you. Glad the job seems to be going well as you get used to the new routines. Hope the soup container works for you. Barb said to be sure not to microwave it with the lid on or you will never be able to get it open. That happened to Kurt and he was unable to get his open at all.

Very nice dinner with James. Felt bad that I was getting sleepy as he didn't leave til almost 10 pm.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, peach, 1/2 c blueberries, piece graduation cake
3:30 pm 100 cal espresso cookies, 1 LifeSaver
4:45 pm Whipped cream frosting leftovers
6:15 pm 12 oz diet Coke, grilled chicken thigh, 1 tbl Sweet Baby Ray's, pc cornbread, 1/2 c Roesti potatoes, salad w/craisins, peaches, toasted pecans, spritz balsamic viniagrette, banana bar w/cream cheese frosting



Exercise:

5:00-5:55 am Winsor Accelerated Pilates video
10:00-10:20 am Walk to Copps

Mon 20 Jul

The party's over.... and I think it went very well. Weather was beautiful, lots of people came and seemed to have a good time, there was plenty of food, and I believe Michael enjoyed himself with his friends.

Hiking tonight and Wednesday is the plan so far for this week. James will come back to visit on Tuesday evening for dinner; he stayed quite a while at the party yesterday visiting with Mary Hofer and with me. I need a haircut on Thursday.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 159 g strawberries
12:00 pm 1 c fruit salad, chocolate soy shake, piece of graduation cake
2:30 pm Half a small brownie, small banana bar w/cream cheese frosting. 12 oz diet ginger ale
8:45 pm 1 c bean casserole, green salad w/mandarin orange pieces and almonds and light dressing, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Power Shaping DVD
6:00-8:00 pm Hiking Rib Mt w/tower

Sun 19 Jul

On the home stretch now for the grad party - hope everything that needs to get done, gets done. I also hadn't counted on dad's class reunion last night. It was nicely done this time, just a get-together at Rudy's at the new Holiday Inn. Free hors d'ouevres, purchase your own drinks at the bar, no cover charge. We stayed awhile and chatted, long enough for one drink and some food. Hartmans were there, Eagons, some others dad knew. I think I had done about as much as I could yesterday anyway.


Food:

8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 158 g strawberries
11:45 am 2 crepes, extra large sliced banana, coffee
pm diet soda, pc chocolate cake w/whipped cream icing, 2"x2" banana bar w/cream cheese frosting, 2 skewers w/grilled veggies & 1.5 oz tenderloin steak each, 1/2 c bean casserole, 3/4 c fruit salad, 1 Mike's Light Hard Lemonade, 1 mini eclair


Exercise:

7:00-7:50 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 18 Jul

Today needs to be a work day to get ready for the party. We got some things started, especially last night. I have assembled some picture boards of Michael-through-the-ages, and the dining room table is cleared, the living room is pretty well picked up and vacuumed. Plenty more to do, and I need to start food prep today. Sure wish you could be with us!

Took some time out this afternoon to attend the memorial for Greg Chelcun. It was done in the SPASH auditorium and was a combination of remembrances, performances, and video clips of shows he directed. Very nicely done. Kayla and John Zach participated in the singing.

Glad to hear you have some good cooking going on your end. Lentil soup sounds yummy!


Food:

7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, peach, apricot
12:15 pm Licked chocolate frosting bowl, slice Trader Joe's multigrain bread, 55 g chicken breast deli meat, 1/2 c blueberries, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
3:15 pm 4 oz hamburger, bun, 1 tbl ketchup
5:45 pm Licked cream cheese frosting bowl
8:00 pm Long Island Iced Tea, 1 chicken wing plain, 3 meatballs w/BBQ sauce, 1/4 c black bean/corn salsa, 2 cucumber slices

Fri 17 Jul

Week is going by fast, particularly when I think of everything I need to get done before the grad party Sunday. Tonight and Saturday will need to be busy days.

Decided that we will take Grandma to Door Co for a weekend to celebrate her 91st birthday. Her birthday is on a Thursday, so I'm going to try to organize a lunch with the three sisters at Applebee's for the actual day and we would go to Door Co Fri-Sun.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 148 g strawberries, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
9:00 am Small slice peach upside down cake
11:45 am 1 Lg pc spicy crab sushi, 3 sm pcs tuna sushi, 1/2 c tempura vegetables, 2 oz beef, 1/2 c mushrooms, stir fry sauce, 2 crab rangoons
2:45 pm 1 LifeSaver, 5 Switzers black licorice bites
7:00 pm 3/4 c hash browns, 1/2 c chopped veggies, 1 oz mozzarella cheese, 1 pc raisin toast, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, peach



Exercise:

5:15-6:05 am Kathy Smith Weights disc 2
3:00-3:20 pm Walk

Thurs 16 Jul

Have fun driving your new car to work for the first time today. Hope it handles well and gives you pleasure, even though you may rather be biking or taking a bus. You'll like the convenience of being able to run errands when you need to rather than waiting for the convenience of others. Did you get your microwave yet?


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 151 g strawberries, 1/2 c raspberries, coffee
12:00 pm Chicken breast and thigh with Dave Marie's sauce, 1/2 c potato salad, dinner roll w/1/2 pat butter, peach
3:00 pm 1 LifeSaver, 90 cal Quaker dark chocolate cherry granola bar
6:30 pm 1 pkg Trader Joe's trail mix
8:30 pm 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, 3/4 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries



Exercise:

1:00 pm 10 min walk to and from home visit
3:30-3:50 pm Walk
5:40-7:40 pm Hiking Rib with tower

Wed 15 Jul

Didn't really want to get up this morning, but glad I did. I got my exercise in and now I can sleep in tomorrow for an extra hour. It definitely is getting slightly less light in the mornings when I get up. I suppose I have to accept that we're on the down side of the sun cycle again.

Congratulations, car owner! If you can latch onto a camera, take a pic of car (and apartment, too) and send us photos. I just emailed you the hotel info for our visit. I wanted to get reservations now before things might book up and there would be less choice.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 c raspberries, 1 c blueberries
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake,slice Trader Joe's multigrain bread, 1.95 oz sliced turkey, peach
2:30 pm 5 bites Switzer's black licorice, 3 French madeline cookies(100 cal)
6:00 pm 3.05 oz grilled boneless pork chop, 1 tbl barbecue sauce, 1 c sauteed zucchini/summer squash in 1/2 tbl butter,
1/4 c cous cous, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:15 pm 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, 3/4 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries




Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights, class 2
3:00-3:20 pm Walk

Tues 14 Jul

I'm taking Bill Pyke to lunch today to celebrate his birthday - we do this for each other's birthdays every year. I'll get to hear about his latest travels and give him the scoop on France. My 160 best pictures are in a gallery on Facebook now - peruse at leisure if you get a chance. I'm working on putting them out on Picasa also so non-Facebook users can see them.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1 c blueberries, 1/2 c raspberries, coffee
11:45 am Kemps Singles cottage cheese w/fresh chives, slice Trader Joe's multigrain toast, 1 tbl nutella, peach, 1 square Genepi filled chocolate
2:30 pm 1/4 c cinnamon almonds, 3 LifeSavers
7:00 pm 1 c casserole (1/2 c garden rotini, 1/2 c veggies(peppers, onions, broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash), 1.5 oz chicken, 1 oz mozzarella cheese), 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, small piece peach crisp



Exercise:

5:10-6:05 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video
2:00-2:20 pm Walk

Mon 13 Jul

Good luck with starting your new job today! I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers regularly, hoping you really find the job to be what you were hoping for. It's exciting to enter the working world.

Thinking of you - you're probably done now with your first day of work and off buying a car! Hope that goes well also, and that you find a microwave you like. So many exciting things all in one day. Maybe you'll even have internet when you get home!

Glad to have you back online again, but sorry the car wasn't ready. Hopefully Keaton doesn't mind chauffeuring you for a few days yet. I did get your comment on Saturday, and I have to say I agree with you. As much as I'm not happy with the decision Michael made, especially not using protection and risking pregnancy, I was most unhappy with her mom's Victorian attitude.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 160 g strawberries, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain bread, 1 tbl peanut butter, peach
2:30 pm 1/4 c cinnamon almonds
5:00 pm Plum, Iced green tea
9:15 pm Kemps Cottage Cheese single w/fresh chives, serving whole grain Wheat Thins, peach



Exercise:

5:15-6:05 am Jane Fonda Complete upper body and aerobics sections
2:55-3:15 pm Walk
6:20-8:20 pm Hiking Rib plus tower

Sun 12 Jul

Thinking of you this morning and hoping all is well, or at least getting better steadily. Need to stay home and clean the house this afternoon to get ready for the grad party.

Got the couch yesterday. Jenna and her parents were there finishing the final cleaning. They actually did clean the blinds, slat by slat. Good for them. I think I did the lion's share of the main area cleaning, so I don't feel guilty that they had the finish work to do. Jenna said she is heading to the D.C. area, so maybe you will connect sometime.


Food:

8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 151 g strawberries, medium peach
12:00 pm 2 eggs, 2/3 c hash browns, 1 c veggies, 1 oz mozzarella cheese, coffee
4:00 pm 1 c blueberries, large glass iced green tea



Exercise:

6:55-7:45 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 11 Jul

Sorry I didn't get to the Hotwire thing last night; I will do it next and post it here. Last night turned out to be quite stressful. Michael's 15-year-old girlfriend's mother called us over for a conference. Apparently Michael and Steph slept together once. She has been overcome with guilt and talked to her mom who called Michael and us to discuss it. She is very severe and was being very hard on Steph for having lost her virginity that can't ever be reclaimed, and then spoke of how hard this is for Steph to resolve and live with herself. I had to speak up on the need to move on after a serious mistake and forgive yourself for being human and fallible to hopefully get her mom to back off on the the "ruined forever" theme. She will be grounded a long time and they will not be allowed to spend unsupervised time together but I advocated for telephone contact at least a couple of times a week so they can work things out together rather than have her isolated on her own. Michael was remorseful at the scene, but since he had lied to us about the situation even on the way to the conference, I don't know what to believe about his feelings.

She called Michael hours later, then called me to say she was worried that he would hurt himself. I talked to him also about the need to move on and make his life positive, but he seems to sometimes think that an extreme quick reaction will make everything better. I think the danger point is past today, and he is working on painting with dad. When the mail/keys come, he will come with us to Madison. I want him to keep busy with family for several days, and I will restrict his "friends" time somewhat since he has had fairly unlimited rec time when not working with dad.

I'm open to any suggestions that might occur to you, being closer to the whole high-school age issues. I do understand that your own plate is plenty full with moving issues, so don't feel obligated, but if anything comes to mind, I'm listening.

Airfare is a little more expensive today, just under $200/person from CWA, but American Airlines has better times at the same price. I can get us in to Richmond at noon 8/15 and our flight out on 8/22 doesn't leave til noon. I've got the seats on hold for 24 hours to talk one more time with Grandma, then we'll book.

Hotels: I like the look of the Wingate on hotels.com. It's on 13991 N Gayton Rd, 1/2 mile from Short Pump Town Center. It has a good included breakfast, pool/hot tub/fitness center which are nice if we're there for several days. I can get a 3-star downtown hotel for $69 through Hotwire but I don't know if it has breakfast. Wingate is $84.30/night average but Hotwire always has a few additional fees so it might be a similar cost. Hotwire also has a 3-star for $49/night in Richmond West/Glen Allen, again ? breakfast. What do you think?

Talked to Grandma - flights are booked. Will email you copy of itinerary. Keys arrived. Must shower so we can go to Madtown.


Food:

9:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c skim milk, 151 g strawberries
12:00 pm 2 slices Trader Joe's multigrain bread, 2 oz Mesquite Turkey lunchmeat, peach
1:00 pm 1/4 c cinnamon almonds
3:00 pm Bottle of Ramune
5:30 pm 3 crepes filled with mixed berry sour cream filling, 10 oz fresh squeezed OJ
8:15 pm 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk

Fri 10 Jul

First week back from vacation went by pretty fast, but it was really hard to get up to exercise this morning. Hopefully that routine will seem more normal next week.

Seems to be cooling down a bit; changed clothes at lunch to something with longer sleeves and jean capris. We could use some rain - would be nice to have a gentle but steady all-nighter. Will possibly drive down to get couch tomorrow if the keys come; otherwise we'll have to squeeze it in next weekend.

The new "Italian" place in the old Country Kitchen building is no great shakes. Gravy on the garlic mashed potatoes? For the most part, cafeteria-type fare.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c skim milk, 161 g strawberries, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Trader Joe's multigrain bread, 1 tbl nutella, large plum
2:30 pm 2 LifeSavers, 2 lightly salted rice cakes
7:30 pm 3 oz chicken marsala, 1 breadstick w/dipping oil, iceberg lettuce salad w/1 tsp raspberry viniagrette, 2 bite garlic mashed potatoes w/chicken gravy
9:00 pm 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, 1 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries



Exercise:

5:05-6:00 am Step plus weights DVD

Thurs 9 Jul

Nice to have a "skip morning exercise" day to sleep an extra hour. I enjoy the weekly day off.

Got to get the invitations for Michael's grad party in the mail by tonight. We chose Sun, Jul 19 so people need time to set the date aside. Figured that a Sun evening would allow those who had weekend plans to get back in town. Wish you could be with us.

Ah, the joys of moving! Sorry to hear about the utility glitches. You think you have everything set up and some stupid detail gets in the way. Hope you're settling in well otherwise and getting to know your new surroundings.

Got our case of Georgia peaches from the itinerant truck today, courtesy of Mary Hofer standing in line for us. Can't wait for some to ripen.

We used up your shredded mozzarella in the casserole tonight. I think Michael had some of the strawberry/banana yogurt for lunch.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 141 g strawberries, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain toast, 1 tbl nutella, 1/4 large cantaloupe
2:30 pm 1/2 serving gummies, 1 French butter cookie, 3 madeline cookies from France (100 cal serving), 1 LifeSaver
5:30 pm 12 oz diet Dr. Pepper
6:45 pm Casserole (1 c garden rotini. 1.5 oz ground chuck, 1/8 c onions/peppers, 1/4 c marinara sauce, 1 oz mozzarella cheese), 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1 c diced watermelon

Wed 8 Jul

Hey Hon, sorry this move was so stressful. Wish I could have been there to help. Hopefully the worst is over now and you can settle in gradually and learn to like your new home. It's always a little harder when the first few days were tough. Sending big hugs....

I'm tentatively looking at the week between Sat, Aug 15-Sat, Aug 22 to visit you. For kicks, I looked at flight costs. If I can talk Grandma into flying, we could get flights on United out of CWA for $180/person RT. Let me know if the dates would work for you. If she agrees to fly, we'd get in early afternoon on Sat and leave the following week early AM.


Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c skim milk, 158 g strawberries, coffee
12:45 pm 1/3 footlong roasted chicken Subway on honey oat bread w/tomatoes, lettuce, and green pepper
1:30 pm 2 small squares milk chocolate
2:45 pm .85 serving 100% whole grain Wheat Thins, Handi-Snacks sugar-free chocolate pudding cup, 1 LifeSaver, 1/2 serving gummies
6:15 pm 1/4 c Planter's trail mix
9:15 pm 3.35 oz ground round, bun, 2 slices tomato, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 1/2 c Kemps vanilla ice cream, 1/2 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Kathy Smith Workout with Weights, disc 1
5:45-7:30 pm Hiking Rib plus tower

Tues 7 Jul

Hope your moving-in experience got better when your friends got off from work. I sincerely hope you had multiple helpers to get you unloaded and settled. Wish I could have been there to lend a hand.

If the US Postal Service is quick enough to get your key to us by the weekend, we'll probably go Saturday to pick up the sofa. I'll try to call the landlord during business hours this week to find out how they want to handle key dropoff. If you just want to let me know their name/number, you won't have to include the move-out sheet with the key. Up to you.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c skim milk, 161 g strawberries, coffee
11:30 am 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain toast, 1 tbl pb, 153 g strawberries, blueberry soy shake
1:30 pm 2 large gummies
4:30 pm 4 100% whole grain Wheat Thins
6:00 pm 1 pc garlic naan, 2.5 oz ground chuck, 1/3 c Trader Joe's marinara sauce, 1/8 c chopped red onion, 1/4 c shredded mozzarella, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, 1/2 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries



Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Jane Fonda Low-Impact Aerobics video

Mon 6 Jul

Ah, back to routine. Up at 4:45 to do a Pilates mat, finding some muscles that have had too long a vacation. It will be interesting to see what awaits me at the office. It was interesting to run into Linda Weitz on Saturday and to exchange greetings with Jim Canales at County Market yesterday. This morning I was a bit nostalgic for seeing some of my old DD clients that had regular July meetings, but the conversation with Linda and seeing Jim were enough to keep that nostalgia in its rightful place.

Hope your trip was safe and reasonably uneventful. Please wait for your help for the heavy unloading and find smaller tasks you can do during the day while they are at work. The heavy moving will go much faster with many hands. Enjoy your time to get to know your new surroundings, both in the apartment and the neighborhood/city. Take some walks around the neighborhood to locate things like a convenience store, a good grocery store, etc. Enjoy!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c skim milk, 151 g strawberries, coffee
11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, 175 g strawberries, 110 g blueberry scone
2:45 pm 2 lightly salted rice cakes
8:45 pm 33 g Tuscan Pane bread, 57 g sliced turkey, 2 small tomato slices, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, small wedge watermelon


Exercise:

5:05-6:05 am Pilates mat
6:00-7:45 pm Hiking at Rib plus tower

Sun 5 Jul

Got up for brutal ballet as usual. Still wondering why you called at 6:25 am but didn't answer when I called back and didn't leave a message. Let me know what was up when you get a chance. I've been thinking of you and wishing you well regularly as you drive to Richmond.


Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1/2 c skim milk, 155 g strawberries
8:30 am 3 squares Genepi filled chocolate
12:00 pm 2 crepes, 1/2 c blueberries in light glaze, sprinkling powdered sugar, coffee, 3 oz OJ, 1/3 pancake
6;15 pm 3 oz ground round, bun, 1/8 c sauteed onions in olive oil Pam, 2 small tomato slices, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 c potato salad, 2 watermelon wedges, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 2/3 c vanilla ice cream, 1/2 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c blueberries



Exercise:

6:55-7:45 am Brutal ballet DVD
3:10-5:55 pm Walk

Sat 4 Jul

Nice to be back home, but not totally ready to get back to routine yet. Did get the laundry done and some things put away, but still have things to get out of the suitcases. Enjoyed some reading to relax. Didn't feel like going to Riverfront or fireworks; too soon after vacation to really feel like it's a holiday weekend.

Had a nice chat with Linda Weitz at Copps, catching up on each other's work/family. Cantored at Newman. Otherwise uneventful.

Food:

6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's 9 grain cereal, 1.5 oz milk
8:30 am 20 g Genepi liquer-filled chocolate
9:30 am 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain toast, 1 tbl nutella
2:30 pm 4.55 oz ground chuck, bun, slice Kraft fat-free cheese food, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 c potato salad, 1/3 c Grillin' Beans, 2 small wedges watermelon, 12 oz Minute Maid Light orange tangerine drink
6:30 pm 12 oz diet Dr Pepper, 157 g strawberries
8:00 pm 1 c fried rice
9:00 pm Small peppermint ice cream cup