Sat 31 Oct

Yesterday was very stressful. Lunch at Oakridge was fine. Grandma's "regular" table insisted she squeeze in with them in her wheelchair. Since there wasn't room for me, I ate with David, a former client of mine who has lived there for 8 years. I took Grandma up and toured all the features of the new apartment and I think she liked it. Then we went down to the assessment meeting, and bottom line, learned that she isn't yet appropriate for assisted living because she needs two people every time she transfers. Marcia had led me to believe that wouldn't be a problem, but it is contrary to their licensure. They could have done it occasionally, but she is not even able to stand on her feet now without two people hanging on. I think she is so fearful that she can't begin to understand how to balance herself. Getting her in and out of the car was a major deal that required the assistance of several people. I don't hold high hopes that the situation will improve since she's no longer eligible for physical therapy, so the only way she'll get out of the nursing home is if the shingles pain disappears and she decides she wants to be more independent again. I can't even take her out of the facility for visits often because it's so difficult. I could never get her to the bathroom on my own.

I was really bummed when I got her back to the nursing home and came home. Dad and I returned the Depends I had bought on sale but I didn't feel like doing much else. We got a fish fry at Olympic and when we got home around 7 pm, the power went out from the excessive winds so I just went to bed and got a good sleep.

This morning I just got through the runaround with UPS and finally connected with a helpful woman at Overstock.com to cancel the shipment of the memory foam mattress I had ordered for her. Hopefully they'll be able to intercept the delivery so someone at Oakridge doesn't sign for the shipment and we can't return it. Got to get laundry going, take a shower, then head over to Oakridge to finish clearing out the old apartment and cleaning it. They'll give me a little extra time on clearing out the new place. I want to be back home today by 3:30 pm so I can be ready for the trick-or-treaters at 4:00. At least that gives me a deadline to be done with the work for today.

Got most of the old apartment emptied and cleaned; taking a break to change laundry loads and put a ham in the oven. Took advantage of guest lunch passes at Oakridge and had a decent lunch there while we were working.



Food:

7:00 am Serving Trader Joe's microwaveable steel cut oatmeal, 2 tbl raisins, 2 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, tea
8:45 am Slice Tastefully Simple Bountiful Beer Bread
12:30 pm 1 c egg noodles, 1 c beef stroganoff, 3 large broccoli spears, plain sugar cookie, 8 oz skim milk, coffee
1:45 pm Slice Tastefully Simple Boountiful Beer bread
3:15 pm Chocolate-bottom leaf cookie, 12 oz diet A&W root beer
5:30 pm Fun-size Kit Kat, fun-size mint 3 Musketeers
6:15 pm 2.5 oz ham, 1/2 c sweet potato casserole, 1/2 c peas, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
6:45 pm Fun-size Snickers - all right, enough candy already!
9:30 pm 4 Milk Duds - oh, well, it is Halloween

Exercise:

10:10-10:20 am Jogging in place

Fri 30 Oct

Today I take Grandma over to Oakridge to see her new apartment and to have their assessment to figure out how much they will charge for her care. She has to go back to the nursing home then while they figure out what they need to do to gear up for her care, but I hope she'll be able to move very soon.

I just read an article that they are making progress on treatments/prevention for macular degeneration. I sincerely hope they get effective treatments in place before it starts to affect me, and by the time you and Michael age into the danger zone, perhaps it will be a thing of the past.

What will Halloween be like in Richmond? I don't suppose it will be anything like Madison, after all, no other place is like Madison. What are your plans? We'll have trick-or-treaters from 4-7 pm on Saturday. No other plans yet.



Food:
7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit
11:45 am Small salmon croquette, 1 tbl tartar sauce, 1.2 c green peas w/pearl onions, dinner roll w/1/2 Promise cup, 1/2 c rice blend, 8 oz skim milk, coffee, slice pumpkin pie w/Redi-Whip
3:00 pm 6-8 M&M peanuts
4:30 pm Small piece lightly sweetened apple cake
5:30 pm 1 tbl apple cream cheese ball w/2 graham pretzels, thin pretzel stick w/garlic dip, Brach's mini-pumpkin
6:45 pm 4 oz fried fish, 1/2 large baked potato, 1/2 tbl butter, 1/2 tbl sour cream, slice homemade bread, cup clam chowder




Exercise:

5:20-6:10 am Jane Fonda Weights 1 video

Thurs 29 Oct

Wow, it's amazing how much better I feel and how much better I rested last night having Grandma's new apartment ready. Can't imagine the overwhelming sense of relief when I get the old one cleaned out and vacated and the house ready for Michael and friends. I may just float up into the stratosphere!

I read today that eating a large bowl of shredded wheat or bran flakes or eating about 10 slices of whole wheat bread can give you enough concentration of naturally-occurring LSD to get a little high. If this gets out to the teenagers, we may have an overflow on our sewage system!

Started out the day well, but feeling cranky now. Oh, well.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, slice Trader Joe's multigrain bread, 54 g oven roasted chicken breast, 2 sm tomato slices, large banana
2:30 pm Small pumpkin bar w/cream cheese frosting, iced molasses cookie
6:00 pm 1 garlic naan, 3.4 oz ground chuck, 1 tbl onions, 1/4 c Newman's Own Garden spaghetti sauce, 1/4 c shredded parmesan, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1 Halloween Oreo

Wed 28 Oct

Muscles are still sore, still a lot of work to do before everyone is moved and happy. Sigh.

Feeling better that we have Grandma's new apartment pretty much set up. Dad had a good idea for the bed; we're going to use one high end as a headboard and one low end as a footboard for both Grandma's and Michael's beds. Since they aren't going to stack, they don't have to be even, and this will look more like a regular bed. We'll swap one end of each bed tomorrow. Got lots of steps in making trips between the old apartment and the new.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Kaiser roll, 3 oz roast beef, 1 oz Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato slice, BBQ sauce, 2/3 c fruit salad, iced molasses cookie
3:00 pm 1 Rolo
4:30 pm 1 Abdallah chocolate creme
5:00 pm 1 enchilada, Healthy Harvest Summer Strawberry applesauce cup, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:30 pm 8 pc candy corn




Exercise:

5:10-6:05 am Jane Fonda Complete upper body and aerobics

Tues 27 Oct

Mary is sick so voice is canceled for tonight - I told her she turned 50 (on Saturday) and just fell apart! This gives me a little extra time to work at the apartment, so I really hope we can get the key today. I'd like to get bed, table, chair and desk set up at least. I may wait til Michael can help Dad move the dresser unless we can borrow the dolly to just roll it down the hall. As soon as I get the new place set up, it should be easier to just pack up and clear out the old place. Then I can get back to work on the house. Oh joy!

Just a thought because I know you're conserving finances in prep for possible return to school. Would you like to come home for Thanksgiving and be with family if I paid for the plane tickets? You could maybe catch the same flight as Keaton and we'd pick you up in Madison. I hate to think of you being all by yourself over the long holiday weekend while we're all missing you here.

Glad you have somewhere homey to be for the holiday, though we'll still be missing you. I didn't realize you don't have Friday off, but that will make the weekend less long and drawn out.

Making enchiladas with green chile enchilada sauce tonight. May be a bit weird eating green enchiladas.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:15 pm Chocolate soy shake, Trader Joe's small whole wheat pita, 53 g oven roasted chicken breast, 204 g fresh pineapple
1:00 pm Abdallah chocolate-covered marshmallow caramel
2:45 pm 1/4 c pumpkin spice trail mix
3:15 pm 2 12-oz fountain diet Cokes
5:30 pm 1 green enchilada, cup Healthy Harvest strawberry applesauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
9:00 pm 1 Halloween Oreo



Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Pilates Crunch DVD

Mon 26 Oct

Taking a deep breath before diving into this eventful week. Hopefully we'll have the key to Grandma's new apartment tonight so we can start moving some things over. I'm going to suggest to her that we let her use your old twin bed, the match to Michael's, and have her buy a box spring/mattress set so it is at a comfortable height for her. It would take up far less proportion of her new smaller room than the white bed, and she has often complained that the white bed is too high. I checked out Michael's bed with just a mattress and I fear that would be too low, but we should be able to get a compromise here somehow.

Thanks for the heads-up on the bed; maybe I'll use the frame from Michael's half and let him use the bottom half. The wood frame would just look a little nicer than a metal frame since it's in the center of the room. I'm looking into a memory foam mattress for her.

Switched out the tall frame onto Michael's bed - hope he doesn't find it too odious. Still don't have the key to the new place so we weren't able to move anything over tonight. Set up the new TV in Grandma's nursing home room; she's having some trouble with the world's easiest remote, but in her favor, she was pretty tired.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, small Trader Joe's whole wheat pita, 53 g oven roasted chicken breast, 180 g pineapple, Abdallah chocolate-covered cherry
1:45 pm 1/4 c pumpkin spice trail mix, 1 LifeSaver
5:15 pm 3.6 oz ground chuck, Arnold's 100 cal wheat sandwich thin, 1 tsp ketchup, 1/2 c green beans, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:00 pm 14 g peanut M&Ms



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Kathy Smith Weights 2 DVD

Sun 25 Oct

Lovely getaway is history, back to hard-workin' reality. Hope to go to Grandma's apartment after church today, strip the bed, run a load of laundry, and find out what things have already accumulated there that can be tossed out. There are partially eaten packages of cookies in the cupboards and 4 bags of mostly accumulated candy and snacks that are already getting old. Fortunately I went through the junk mail and tossed most of that several weeks ago, but I did leave some things on the reader to still sort through. We bought a 19" flat screen TV yesterday which will take up significantly less room and will hopefully have speakers adequate to hear in her room. She can't see the screen of the other TV and it would take up a lot of room in the new studio apartment. This way I hope to put the desk with the reader in that corner and just perch the TV on the end, or if that doesn't work, I may be able to put the desk/reader in the entrance hall and put her dining table in the corner with the TV on it, leaving a place to sit for visitors or a place she can eat a bowl of cereal if she doesn't want to go down to breakfast.

Don't know if I'll have any additional time before choir to work at the house, but we put in a couple of hours Thursday night before we left. The apartment switch has to move ahead in priority as I need to vacate the old apartment by this upcoming weekend, and I want to have the new place set up with her things when she comes over Friday for her assessment.

I'm really tired. Spent the afternoon at the apartment packing stuff out of cupboards and running a couple of loads of laundry. Haven't touched my own laundry yet this weekend - suppose I should go get a load or two together. Also really banged the knuckle of my left pinky finger - it's still stiff.

So tired.....

Food:

8:15 am Raisin croissant pastry, 1 string cheese, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am 2 crepes, 2/3 c blueberries in light glaze, 1 tsp powdered sugar, 8 oz OJ, coffee
2:45 pm 1 square chocolate, 5-6 coconut M&Ms
4:15 pm 10 g Indian corn
4:45 pm 1 serving Chicken Romagnola (pasta w/artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and a cajun sauce), 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 2 Halloween Oreos
8:25 pm Jello Sugar-Free Creme Brulee Rice pudding cup



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 24 Oct

Started the day in absolute decadence! Dad got up and went into the shower while I was doing my stretches so I couldn't get in the shower right away as I had expected. Since I was awake and had some time alone, I turned on the lights to write in the blog and my eyes fell on the box of chocolates. I couldn't resist... I had an Abdallah turtle to start the day! Bad Mommy!

Food:

7:15 am. Abdallah turtle
9:00 am 3/4 omelette w/2 eggs, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, Swiss cheese, 1/2 large croissant, 1 tsp orange marmalade, 3/4 c hash browns, small grilled tomato, 6 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee
3:15 pm 3 oz chicken breast, 1/2 c sweet potatoes, mushroom ragout sauce, 1 c roasted acorn squash soup, 3"x4" piece gingerbread pear tart
5:30 pm 2 pc Abdallah chocolates
6:30 pm Small indiv bag Lite Kettle Corn

Fri 23 Oct

Looking forward to our overnight in Mpls tonight. Got up and did my exercise like a good girl even though it's a vacation day. I took my regular day off yesterday so I couldn't skip today. I hope we'll do a workout in the Sofitel's beautiful facility this evening too, but I'll most likely do cardio on the elliptical there so I did my ball/band strength routine this morning.

What a nice day so far! We had pumpkin pancakes at the Highland Grill for lunch after driving into town in a pretty thick snow that melted as it fell so it didn't hamper driving. Bummed around Barnes and Noble for a bit then checked in to the hotel to relax. Had a box of Abdallah chocolates waiting for us in the room as part of the special room deal. They also gave me a free drink ticket for being an A-card holder. Dad took a short nap while I perused a magazine, then we went to the primo workout room and did an hour on the ellipticals. When we got back to the room, there was a little plate of fancy pastries waiting for us!

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c skim milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
10:00 am. 16 oz pumpkin spice cappucino
1:00 pm. Pumpkin pancakes, 2tbl real maple syrup, 1/3 c almond whipped cream, coffee
3:30 pm. 3 pc Abdallah chocolates (chocolate caramel, English toffee, dark chocolate-covered orange peel)
5:15 pm. Half each of small white chocolate eclair, opera cake, raspberry tartlet
5:45 pm. 5 oz champagne, 1/8 c popcorn, 1/8 c cheese crackers
7:00 pm. 4 oz champagne, 1 c French onion soup w/bread & Gruyere, 1/2 c Belgian endives salad w/creamy dressing, Bleu cheese, 3 oz broiled salmon, 2" bread round, tbl carmelized onions, 1/2 c mixed vegetables, 4" small fruit tart w/blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, orange slices



Exercise:

5:20-6:10 am Ball/band DVD Level 2
4:00-5:00 pm. Elliptical cross-country program

Thurs 22 Oct

Last work day of the week for us since we have tomorrow to go to Mpls. I'm glad we scheduled this time since next week will be hectic with cleaning out Grandma's apartment while trying to finish getting her house ready for the boys. We spent a couple of hours at the house last night and maybe will again tonight if I can find the oomph. I woke up this morning thinking about things to do at the apartment. It will be so nice when everyone is settled.

Confirmed with Grandma and Oakridge that she will move to apt 511 in Assisted Living around the beginning of November. I will need to take her there on Fri, Oct 30 so she can have lunch with her old cronies and have an onsite assessment. She will return to PCHCC and will move to the apartment as soon as feasible thereafter, hopefully some time the following week. I'll try to get her stuff moved over during the week so she can see the apartment with her own furniture ready to go.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/4 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 c skim milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
11:30 am Blueberry soy shake, slice multigrain bread, 1 tbl PB, 225 g fresh pineapple
2:30 pm 1/4 c pumpkin spice trail mix, 1 Hershey's milk chocolate toffee nugget
5:45 pm 4.3 oz rotisserie chicken, 1/2 c Stove Top stuffing, 1/2 c acorn squash (margarine, brown sugar, cinnamon), 1/8 lemon Jello pudding pie, 12 oz skim milk

Wed 21 Oct

Anticipating another busy day, and I'd like to get in some time cleaning at the house as well as the apartment soon. Sigh, so much to do, so little time.

Thank you so much for the offer of help with Grandma. I think we'll be able to manage, but I'll keep you in mind if we are floundering. I think I may have her convinced to move back to Oakridge in Assisted Living as soon as Nov 1. This gives us motivation to get everything moved, and as long as it's within the building, it should be doable. I looked at the studio apartments there and we'll need to get rid of the couch and at least one chair. Some things can go to the house for Michael and the guys. She'll have one big room with her bed and dresser, a chair and her TV. We'll make sure she has a nice walker, and possibly a wheelchair for outings.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, multigrain toast, 1 tbl peanut butter, medium banana
2:30 pm 1/4 c pumpkin spice trail mix
5:30 pm Fingerful Cool Whip Lite (a weak moment!)
6:15 pm Macaroni and cheese, Musselman's Totally Fruit peach sauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:45 pm 1/8 lemon creme Jello pie




Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Jane Fonda Weights 2 video

Tues 20 Oct

Looking ahead in the forecast, it appears yesterday's beautiful weather was a one-day wonder. Glad we were able to enjoy it while it was here. Looks like rain in the forecast for most of the rest of the week and cooler temperatures again.

The nursing home is calling a meeting today to discuss Grandma's (lack of) progress. Apparently they're running into some issues with Medicare who only pays for rehab, not long term care. If she's not showing an urge to cooperate and benefit from therapy, they won't be able to call it rehab much longer. I told her yesterday it's time for her to make a decision about what she wants. I'm hoping it's a strong wake-up call and she will want to get back into the mainstream of life, but I'm really not sure what she wants at this point. I'll keep you posted.

Grandma update: She has not been able to make sufficient progress in therapy to meet Medicare guidelines even though the therapists feel she has really been trying. Her body just isn't cooperating. As of Thursday, she is off the therapy (Medicare-paid) track and into private pay, just taking care of you status. We will give up the Oakridge apartment Nov 1. Oakridge has said they could meet her needs, even with help transferring and personal care assistance, in the assisted living section. I'm going to talk to her probably tomorrow to see how she feels about going back there soon in that capacity. It would be more expensive than the apartment but about $2000 per month less than the nursing home. She may stay a little while longer in the nursing home to get stabilized on a pain medicine regimen that works for her, but Oakridge has offered us the use of one of the empty studio apartments in Assisted Living to store all her stuff until she moves at no charge. I'm hoping it will motivate her to go back to the apartment life sooner.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
10:00 am Werther's caramel chocolate disc
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, small carrot wheat muffin, 205 g fresh pineapple
2:15 pm 1/4 c pumpkin spice trail mix
5:45 pm 2.6 oz tenderloin steak, 2/3 c baked sweet potato, 1/2 tbl soft margarine, serving Green Giant Teriyaki Vegetables, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 2 Halloween Oreos



Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Jane Fonda Low-Impact Aerobics video

Mon 19 Oct

Looking forward to a 4-day work week since we're going to Mpls on Friday. Hope to get over to Grandma's again maybe one or two weeknights. Even an hour or two makes some progress. Continuing to find interesting photos and memorabilia.

An unexpectedly beautiful day - highs climbed to 68 according to my car. Led to an unplanned hike at Rib, truncated to fit the declining light, and a nice light dinner at the Dane. A lovely Monday after all. And Dad said the local temps this evening here were warmer than Richmond!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 87 g strawberries, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
11:00 am Cherry pecan scone, coffee
12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1/4 small cantaloupe
4:30 pm Molasses cookie
7:00 pm Bowl West African Chicken Peanut Stew, half a Gourmet Grilled Cheese w/tomato slice and pesto, 10 oz Oktoberfest beer, 1 fried plantain



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Step/weights video
5:15-6:30 pm Hiking Rib (from partway up) w/tower

Sun 18 Oct

Nice sunshine today, temps breaking 50 finally. A reprieve.

Tried a simple new crock pot recipe, but it was nothing great. Just chicken breasts (I used thighs) straight from the freezer, 2 cans black beans, 1 jar salsa, and 1/2 c brown rice. If I made it again, I'd add some water as the rice didn't really have enough liquid to cook thoroughly.


Food:

8:15 am Slice ctanberry bread, 161 g strawberries, coffee
12:00 pm Egg beaters, mushrooms, spinach, 3 tomato slices, wedge cantaloupe, wedge honeydew, toasted English muffin w/butter, 1 tub orange marmalade, coffee
3:00 pm 2 molasses cookies
5:15 pm Serving of chicken/black beans/salsa/brown rice, Healthy Harvest peach sauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, slice cranberry pudding pie



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 17 Oct

I have your tentative visit days marked on the calendar. Are you thinking you'd rent a car in Madison? If not, we'll surely come down to fetch you when you're ready. I'm already excited. Hopefully we'll still talk to you by phone on actual holidays - we'll certainly miss having you with us, but will eagerly anticipate some time with you in January to have our own holidays.

Barb came with us to Empty Bowls; it was fun. First year Grandma hasn't come along.

I was a bad girl this afternoon. I baked a loaf of Wilbern's cranberry nut bread and it tasted so good to me that I ate 3 big pieces! I kept supper to just sushi, but the guilt remains (along with the memory of how excellent it tasted to me!)


Food:

7:45 am 1 c Corn Flakes With a Touch of Honey, 1/2 c skim milk, 161 g strawberries, coffee
11:45 am 1/8 c butternut squash soup, 1/8 c smoked salmon chowder, 1 c chicken paprikash soup, breadstick, vitamin water, 2 cookies (pumpkin and cherry chocolate chip)
12:30 pm Pumpkin cookie
3:00 pm Large slice cranberry walnut bread
3:45 pm Large slice cranberry walnut bread
4:30 pm Large slice cranberry walnut bread
7:15 pm 4 pc Golden Armor roll, 4 pc sweet potato tempura roll

Fri 16 Oct

Harder to get excited about a Friday when the plan is to clean at Grandma's after work. Planning First Nighters last week or an overnight in Minneapolis next week is more fun.

Have you made any decision yet on the PS3 question? Michael has also expressed an interest in the PS3, and I was thinking of broaching the subject to Grandma that she could get you each one (or contribute toward said purchases) for Christmas. It would give her something she could do that would be the same for each of you and take care of her gift-giving in one fell swoop. Let me know what you think and whether it is important to get the 80g or the 160g.

Go ahead and research the laptop so we have all the options on the table. I still haven't broached the subject to Grandma and we will need to figure out gifts also. I'd prefer to get you things you need/want. As for holidays, I understand the reluctance to be part of the crazy throngs in the airports on the actual weekends. I haven't actually seen what you wrote to Dad, but he said you were thinking about early January? We don't have any conflicts on our calendar, so we could do our celebration then without difficulty. What kind of timeframe are you thinking about? We'll be delighted to have you here as much as we can! Can't wait to hug you. Turkey dinner just won't be the same without you.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
8:30 am 1 mini chocolate chip cookie
11:45 am Bill's Junior Beef w/mushrooms, 2 pickle slices, water
2:30 pm Handi-Snacks Sugar Free vanilla pudding cup, 2 Life Savers
4:30 pm 10 g Indian Corn
5:00 pm 4 cheese fries, lg apple, 6 lg baby carrots, 3 green pepper strips, 8 oz Leinie's Berry Weiss
9:15 pm 8 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Thurs 15 Oct

I've had several days in the last week where I slightly exceeded my calorie limit again. I had done so well last week with 6 out of 7 days in range, but I guess I need to be more conscientious again. I'm worried that I'll slip back into the patterns that caused me to regain the weight I had lost last time if I'm not staying on top of the game. I really would like to never regain it this time. The danger I remember is that you can "get away with" eating a bit more, exercising a bit less for quite a while before you start noticing weight gain once you've been following a good regimen for awhile, and before you realize you're slipping, you've reestablished the old bad habits. The ongoing tracking is helpful for making me see the "slips" before they get out of hand.

As of supper, I'm within the low end of my calories and I've met my protein for the day. I could still have a small snack if needed after my hair appointment and stay in the range.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
11:30 am Blueberry soy shake, 1 c sirloin noodle soup, pear
2:30 pm 1 pkg Cinna-Crisps
3:30 pm Act II popcorn ball, 1 LifeSaver
5:45 pm 4 oz Grandessa Caribbean Lime Shrimp, 1/2 c Creamy Garlic shells, Healthy Harvest Peach Medley sauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:15 pm 1/3 c skim milk, 2 tbl Bellagio sipping chocolate

Wed 14 Oct

Wow, what a busy day! Haven't had a chance to write here til after 5 pm. Dentist at 7:15 am, steady consecutive appointments all morning, grabbed soup and banana bread and milk at Kwik Trip which I ate in the waiting room of the doctor's office with Grandma, attended two of her appointments, more work and finally home. Whew! Got Grandma the okay to have them stop grinding up her meats and try regular pre-meal nausea medicine to hopefully get her eating regularly again.

Massage later this evening should make life all better again.


Food:

6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe
12:45 pm 1 c sirloin noodle soup, 1/2 large slice banana bread, 16 oz skim milk
2:45 pm Sugar-free Jello cappucino pudding cup
5:15 pm Spoonful Cool Whip Lite
6:15 pm 4 oz ground round, 1/2 c garden vegetable spaghetti sauce, 1/4 c chopped onion, 1/4 c chopped green pepper, 2 tbl fresh-grated parmesan, 1 c whole wheat spaghetti noodles, 1/2 c acorn squash (w/brown sugar and margarine), 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 2 Halloween Oreos


Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Kathy Smith Weights 1 DVD

Tues 13 Oct

Survived the first snowfall without feeling too sad at the passing of the warm weather. Besides there's still hope for "Indian summer" to come. Most of the trees still have their leaves and color is still beautiful here. In fact much of the state has yet to hit peak, though Portage County is somehow ahead of the game.

Shaved my legs this morning so Mary doesn't have to deal with Sasquatch when she does my massage tomorrow.

Feeling tired, almost groggy today. Opened a new Door Co coffee this morning and have been feeling off since my first cup. Hope I'm not allergic to something in the flavoring. Was hungry this morning at work which is unusual. Hopefully not getting sick.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
9:45 am Piece chocolate zucchini cake, 1/2 c popcorn, 1 LifeSaver
12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice whole wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella, med pear
3:30 pm 1 Dove Promise
5:30 pm 1 c chili, 1 tbl sour cream, 1/4 c shredded cheddar, 1 Grands reduced-fat biscuit, 1 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:15-6:10 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video

Mon 12 Oct

Weather forecast doesn't look conducive to hiking this week. Any of the days we might have available are supposed to rain, snow, or both. We could get up to an inch today. I have made the switchover to real jackets and gloves, sweaters, and corduroys. It's winter, folks.

I'd trade for your weather any day if I could still live here in Wisconsin to enjoy it. I like the area but hate the cold. But my chocolate soy shake tastes good warmed up and I scheduled a massage with Mary on Wed evening to loosen those tight cold muscles. It's not so bad.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
9:30 am Apple tart w/Reddi-Whip
11:30 am Chocolate soy shake, slice whole wheat bread, 57 g ham, red pear
3:30 pm Lightly salted rice cake, 1/2 c popcorn
6:15 pm 3.5 oz burgundy spoon roast, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c acorn squash (w/butter, brown sugar, cinnamon), 1/2 c homemade applesauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 pc Jello turtle pudding pie



Exercise:

5:05-6:15 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout

Sun 11 Oct

Wow, some Sundays it's harder than others to get through brutal ballet. I guess I need to remember the weeks that it's easier.

I've been meaning to ask you, do you ever hear anything from Jenna in DC? I wonder how she's doing on her own.



Food:

8:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe
12:00 pm 2 eggs, 3 strips bacon, 80% of 2 large pancakes, 1 tsp butter, 1 tbl syrup, coffee
4:45 pm 10 g Indian Corn
5:45 pm 1 c chili, 1 tbl sour cream, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, 10 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1 Grands Reduced Fat biscuit, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1 peanut butter cookie



Exercise:

7:30-8:20 am Brutal Ballet DVD

Sat 10 Oct

It was a long, sedentary morning, but I finally caught up on all the old newspapers I have been stockpiling while falling behind on local news. Hopefully now I'll read them as they come in. Got to get busy with shower, laundry, and cleaning at Grandma's.

Worked hard, very tired.


Food:

7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 lg cantaloupe, coffee
11:30 am Strawberry/vanilla soy shake, slice whole wheat bread, 60 g ham, red pear, 2 Halloween Oreos
1:30 pm Aldi's 90 cal Cinna-Crisps
3:00 pm Large banana
7:30 pm 12 oz mango margarita, chips and salsa, 2 cheese enchiladas, 1/4 c shrimp, 1/4 c shredded lettuce

Fri 9 Oct

First Nighters tonight with Kurt and Barb should be fun. Having sushi for lunch at Matsu Ya with former CCPC coworkers. Nothing specific on the schedule tomorrow, so sleep in, laundry, and cleaning at Grandma's. Maybe Sat PM church again so I can sleep on Sun, too?

Was "entertained" by very large centipede crawling on the basement ceiling while I tried to concentrate on Pilates this morning. A little too high to guarantee I could get it with a shoe so not worth trying.

First Nighters was fun. Nice to spend the evening with Kurt and Barb.


Food:

7:00 am Piece rhubarb church coffeecake, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
9:45 am 2 c popcorn
12:30 pm 4 pc California roll, 3 pork Gyoza, 3.5 oz teriyaki salmon fillet, 1/2 c white rice, hot tea, fish broth soup, half iceberg salad w/soy ginger dressing
2:45 pm Knuspi wafer
6:15 pm Pumpernickell roll w/honey butter, watercress salad w/1/8 c beets, 5 oz pork tenderloin w/apple glaze, 3 slices apple, 1/3 c mashed potatoes, 3 small carrots, 5 oz red wine, small piece apple strudel w/brandy sauce, coffee




Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Pilates mat

Thurs 8 Oct

I didn't mind getting up to exercise on a Thursday, my usual sleep-in day, since I had taken Tues and Wed mornings off. It actually felt good. Also good to do some work with weights. Hiking is great, but my other muscles want some attention, too!

Swine flu paranoia is well underway. The county executive declared Portage County in a state of emergency for 6 months til flu season ends. We all received a formal policy with a sign-and-return acknowledgement form to stay home if you have fever over 100.4 and sore throat or other symptoms. You can't return til you've been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. If you don't comply voluntarily, your supervisor can send you home. If you don't have sick leave sufficient to cover the time off, you can borrow up to 40 hours from future sick accrual.



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, 2.35 oz ham, slice whole wheat bread, red pear
2:00 pm 3 c popcorn, 22 pc Indian corn
6:00 pm 2.95 oz tenderloin steak, 1/2 c rosemary potatoes, 1/2 c sliced beets, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:15 pm Piece rhubarb church coffeecake




Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights 1

Wed 7 Oct

Per usual, the end of the year is flying by. Maybe there are just more "mile marker" activities so you notice as you progress from one to the next. We just finished the Moon Walk, Empty Bowls happens next Saturday, Halloween soon, etc. Hope things are going well for you in Richmond.

Decided to take my sleep-in day today as we got back later from the Moon Walk last night. We plan to hike tonight, so Thursday would otherwise not have any planned exercise, so I'll get up tomorrow to do my usual Wed weight training. Either Thurs or Fri, I'll choose Pilates as my strength training so I don't overload muscle groups two successive days.

Seems like such a short time ago I was complaining about things being too slow at work. Now it's a whirlwind and I would kill for a day to myself. Not gonna happen, though.

Grandma was sleeping so soundly when I stopped in to visit that it took two aides to help me wake her up! Once awake, she was fine and glad to visit. Progress in getting stronger is really slow though.

Tonight may have been the last RIb hike of the season, though hopefully we'll get a sunny day or two yet that will extend the daylight enough for one or two more. It's pretty dark by the time we make the descent, especially at the end. It's just not as enjoyable walking in the road in the dark.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2.35 oz ham, med pear
3:00 pm Knuspi wafer cookie, 1 LifeSaver
4:45 pm 1/2 c Maple & Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners
7:45 pm 1 c beef stew, 10 oz light vanilla soy milk, 2 Halloween Oreos


Exercise:

5:15-7:15 pm Hiking Rib plus tower

Tues 6 Oct

Decided not to get up this morning to do aerobics when the alarm went off because my legs were sore when I did my stretching. I plan to do Walk Wisconsin for 8 miles tonight, rain or shine, so I thought perhaps it would be enough aerobics for one day. I don't like pushing muscles when they feel sore for fear of injury.

Moon Walk Wisconsin was a bit soggy and a lot windy. Moon failed to show.



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 light vanilla soy milk, large peach, coffee
12:15 pm Chocolate soy shake, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1.6 oz Swiss cheese, slice apple pie
3:00 pm 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, 8 oz root beer
6:00 pm 3.75 oz beef tenderloin, salad, 1/4 c chopped tomatoes, 1/4 c sliced chopped cucumber, 3 sprays raspberry viniagrette, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
7:45 pm Pumpkin cake w/cream cheese frosting
8:30 pm Extra small banana, 1 tbl Hershey's syrup, 1/4 c trail mix
9:15 pm 1 Halloween Oreo


Exercise:

6:45-9:15 pm Moon Walk Wisconsin 8 mile walk (stiff wind, drizzle)

Mon 5 Oct

Hoping to hike tonight, and Moon Walk Wisconsin tomorrow, then Rib again Wed or Thurs with Barb. Hopefully weather and energy stores will hold up.

It was quite dark on the way back down Rib tonight; had to abandon the trail for the road at the midway point. Watching a little of the Packer game before giving in to need for sleep.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Square, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, large peach, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice whole wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella, med apple, 1/2 pc Jello turtle pudding pie
2:15 pm Oatmeal raisin cookie
4:45 pm 1/2 c Maple & Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners
8:15 pm 1 c beef stew, 10 oz light vanilla soy milk, 2 Halloween Oreos




Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Power Shaping DVD
5:30-7:25 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Sun 4 Oct

Really feels weird being home and not going to church on Sun morning. Because Grandma is still at PCH and not ready to get out and about, Dad just came to church when I cantored last night and Michael has promised to go at 6 pm tonight, so I don't have a need to go twice. We're planning to skip choir tonight since this is Dan's last night in town. Thought I'd cook a nice dinner here so we can all relax. He'll be partied out from two nights of class reunioning. Assuming he hasn't made plans to do something with old friends....


Food:

8:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, large peach, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, 1 slice whole wheat toast, 1 tbl PB, large banana
3:15 pm 22 pc Indian Corn (tis the season!)
6:45 pm Beef stew, 1/2 c homemade applesauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/6 turtle pudding pie



Exercise:

7:15-8:05 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 3 Oct

Missing you this morning; would love to be able to sit and enjoy a cup of tea together. Maybe someday they'll figure out apparition so we can just spend an hour together some Saturday morning catching up, then get back to our lives. I wish!

Hope things are going well for you these days. Looks like you have very nice weather coming up for the week - high of 81 today but 70s and sunny for the upcoming week. We had to break down and turn on the heat last night, though I still keep the bedroom window open for sleeping since we have good, warm covers. I had good intentions of trying to start running but somehow didn't get past looking at the program. Went out one day before I had the website and did a walk/run that was very encouraging but haven't made time since.

I cantor tonight for Mass and have some new music. Psalm is new and a bit challenging so I need to look it over once more; I worked on it with Mary on Tues night but Deb called because she was worried. Best I don't screw it up. I'd like to try out my aebleskiver pan today if I can squeeze in the time, and maybe bake an apple pie while I'm in the kitchen. I really want to spend some significant time cleaning at Grandma's house, too.

11:15 am Pie baked, aebleskiver done (and yummy they are!) Aebelskiver are like a little spherical pancake w/a dab of chopped apple inside. Recipe says they're 45 cal each just rolled in sugar. They were fun to make and got easier and prettier as I went along.


Food:

7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, herbal tea
10:30 am 4 aebleskiver, pieces of pie crust
11:45 am 2.75 oz ham, 8 oz OJ, 1 aebleskiver
2:45 pm 1/6 apple pie, 1/2 c light vanilla ice cream
6:15 pm Noodles & Co small Thai curry soup w/shrimp, small Caesar salad (no dressing)

Fri 2 Oct

Today is the birthday of the girl who lived across the street from me and walked to school with me when I was a child. Funny how you never forget such things.

Dan is in town for the weekend for his class reunion then off to Milwaukee for work obligations next week. Today is his birthday so we get to celebrate with him.

Undermotivated afternoon at work, but I made it to the end.

Took Dan out to Hilltop, followed by Culver's for his birthday. He was hungry for a good old-fashioned Wisconsin fish fry.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe
9:15 am 1 crepe, 1/2 banana, coffee
11:45 am 1.5 oz ham, 1 slice Hawaiian bread, chocolate soy shake
2:30 pm 1 LifeSaver, 1 Reese's miniature, Fit & Active Cinna-swirls
4:15 pm 2 Halloween Oreos
5:30 pm 4 1.5 oz pieces fried cod, 3/4 c brew fries, 1/4 c cole slaw, 3/8 c tartar sauce, 12 oz Oktoberfest beer
6:45 pm 3/4 c chocolate custard w/oreo pieces, chocolate flakes, mini M&Ms and chocolate lava



Exercise:

5:15-6:05 am Ball/band workout DVD level 2

Thurs 1 Oct

I was pretty freaked yesterday when I found out I'd been hanging out with someone who was then diagnosed with swine flu; I was probably with her when she was at the height of contagion. I feel better after our hike last night was better than expected. My legs were tired as they had been most of the week, but it felt like post-exercise tired more than not-feeling-well tired. I feel better this morning than I did yesterday also. I will not get sick!

Wow, late getting to lunch and feeling that low-blood-sugar wooziness!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 174 g strawberries, coffee
12:15 pm 1 oz Sun Chips
1:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1 slice Hawaiian bread, 2.15 oz roast beef, 74 g cherry tomatoes, 1/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners
4:45 pm 6 oz hot apple cider
6:00 pm 3.6 oz ham, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 c homemade applesauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk