Tues 30 Oct

Looking out on a tranquil Lake Superior from the window of our lodge room. Looks to be another lovely, if a bit cool, day. We will breakfast in the hotel dining room, then head out for a morning hike. I wanted to eat at The Pie Place last night but it is only open for breakfast and lunch this time of year. We will go there for lunch after our hike. In the afternoon we will likely choose another short hike, then return to change into regular clothes. Food: 8:15 am. 2 eggs, 2 pc bacon, 2 pancakes w/ 1/2 c pecans, coffee

Mon 29 Oct

Off to the North Shore as soon as Dad gets his dentist appointment out of the way. Was able to get up at the normal time and get my exercise in which is always nice before a long day in the car. I'm encouraged by how well my knee feels today. Maybe it took catching a cold to focus my attention elsewhere. God bless 12-hour Sudafed for being able to breathe all night. Nice drive on a beautiful sunny day. Lunch at the Sputh Shore Brewery in Ashland was delicious. Arrived at the lodge around 3:30 pm. Our room is cosy with a lovely view of the lake. Headed out right away to Grand Marais lest shops be closed when we arrived. Puttered a bit in the Ben Franklin which carries everything from Nordic sweaters for $300 to Halloween candy. Walked down the street to find that the restaurant I had been hoping to try closed at 3:00 pm, but we can try to get there tomorrow for lunch. Ate at the Gunflint Tavern which was quite satisfactory. Quiet evening reading in the room. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 153 g blackberries, 103 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am. 5 oz broiled whitefish, bun, sliced tomato, lettuce, garlic aioli, sweet potato fries 5:45 pm. Wild mushroom ravioli, mixed greens salad, shiitake mushroom dressing, 12 oz Bell's Oberon Ale, 1/2 oc chocolate cake Exercise: 4:40-5:50 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 28 Oct

Think I'm coming down with a cold so fed on Cold-Eze yesterday and will probably still do some today. Will also try to drink more water. Would prefer not to get drippy if it's all the same. Knee still won't allow full participation in the ballet DVD, but it's getting better. Plies are just a bit short of full grand plies, and the second set of jumps I had to do at half time. Not too bad. Will run to PCH to visit Grandma as soon as the game is over. Trick or treat doesn't start til 4 pm this year so I should have time for a short visit before I need to come back and give out candy. Damn! The cold has caught hold in spite of numerous zinc lozenges. The worst of it hit during choir, and there was only one other quiet second soprano and a part-time newbie besides me to carry the entire soprano line. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 171 g blackberries, 100 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am Crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, coffee 1:30 pm Fun size M&M peanuts 5:45 pm Slice harvest vegetable quiche, 12 oz skim milk 8:15 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 6:35-7:25 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 27 Oct

Pet peeve of the day: Buying a lovely box of blackberries which says on the package that it contains 170 g, then measuring them on my food scale at 144 g for the whole package. I thought the packs I bought did not look as full as they should have. Knee is gamey again this morning so I will need to see how it progresses during the day. Tonight is the Moon Walk WI for which we are signed up to do 12 miles. Granted it's on level ground, but I won't push it if the knee isn't working properly. Decided to test the knee by walking to the Farmer's Market and back. Dad is working on Leone's tub surround, so I got to carry all the purchases (beets, cabbages, carrots, peppers) home. Jury is still undecided about 12 miles later today. Tonight we will try the frozen tamales from the Mexican lady at the Green Bay Farmer's Market. Two chicken tamales should be good fodder for a 12-mile walk which I am determined to at least try. Discretion required that I turn around at the 4-mile marker rather than go on to the 6-mile turnaround. My knee is glad I did. Food: 7:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 144 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Bowl vegetable soup, slice Double Protein toast, 1 tbl Jif 1:30 pm .55 oz Reese's PB cup 2:15 pm 1.5 oz Abergele portabella mushroom cheese 3:00 pm Nestle fat free cocoa 5:00 pm 2 chicken tamales, 12 oz skim milk During walk: 6 choc-covered pretzels, 2 large apple slices w/caramel, 1 pc string cheese, few pretzel thins, pumpkin cake w/cream cheese frosting, 2 Halloween Oreos 9:00 pm 1.5 oz Fulton's pumpkin cream liqueur Exercise: 10:25-11:15 am Walk to Farmer's Market, around, and back 5:35-8:35 pm 8 mi Moon Walk WI

Fri 26 Oct

Trying to psych up for what I expect to be a very busy day. Nice that we're invited to Hartmans for dinner tonight so something to look forward to when I'm spending the afternoon trying to get my whiniest client to complete three application forms in between his tirades. Maybe it won't be as bad as I fear. Just hope my breakfast client shows up as she hasn't touched base this week. Decided to challenge my knee recovery which is coming along quite well and do a step DVD this morning. The more challenging part was the constant movement, slightly more than the average aerobic DVD, so it was more of a stamina thing. The knee held up well, though I didn't do any of the hops on that side. I voted today! Food: 6:45 am 114 g strawberries, large banana, 1 scoop protein powder (Vitamix smoothie), coffee 8:30 am Mushroom/Swiss/onion omelet, 2 slices wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Double Protein bread, 1 tbl Jif, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 3:30 pm 2 apple cinnamon pizzelles 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Victoria Johnson step DVD w/weight segment

Thurs 25 Oct

Had a pretty good time at the conference but ate like a bad girl. Coupled with too much sitting in the car and at the conference, not good. Only had one cocktail with the Kinky and diet Squirt, but indulged in some of the candy that the vendors gave away and had way too many goodies at the breakfast buffet. At least I got back early enough for Dad and I to hike at Rib yesterday afternoon. We split a 12" margarita pizza at the Dane, so supper wasn't too bad. At 4:15, the cookies in the reception area called my name. Dammit. Went to see Sue in her new location. She sold the Hair Co and is just working on her own, renting a chair at A Cut Above. She loves the freedom of not running the business. And I love not being blonde any more. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g strawberries, coffee 12:45 pm Vanilla soy shake, English muffin, 1 tbl Jif, 1 c vegetable soup 2:15 pm Butterfinger fun size candy bar 4:15 pm Kwik Trip chocolate chip cookie 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm Half beef sandwich w/red & green peppers & mozzarella on pretzel roll, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 23 Oct

Got up at 4:30 but didn't get to exercise today as I have to leave at 6:00 to pick up coworkers and drive to the Dells. Not much hope for any movement later with sitting through a conference and an evening with coworkers for dinner and hotel. Hoping to hike tomorrow when we get home though. Food: 5:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 129 g strawberries, coffee

Mon 22 Oct

The rest of October is bound to fly by. I go to a conference at Chula Vista tomorrow and Wed with coworkers, Saturday is the Moon Walk WI, Sunday I cantor and it's Trick Or Treat day, and Mon through Wed next week Dad and I are going up to the North Shore. I feel like I'm sprinting toward November. I'm having fresh strawberries for breakfast in late October in Wisconsin. Somehow it just doesn't seem right. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 167 g strawberries, coffee 11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice whole wheat bread, 1 tbl Jif, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), 2 oatmeal raisin cookies 2:45 pm 1 pc espresso chocolate 5:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 3 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 5 spears roasted asparagus, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 21 Oct

I was disappointed not to have a sunny, warmer day yesterday as the weather guys had sort of promised for this weekend. It does look like the sun is shining today, though. Perhaps I can get out for an afternoon walk. I managed one grand plie today and a couple fairly close ones before backing off to demis, but I only got through one set of jumps before the twinges told me to stop. Went hiking at Rib this afternoon to celebrate the beautiful fall weather. Made it to the top of the tower and down the hiking trails, but my knee is feeling it. I don't think I exacerbated the injury, but I certainly stressed the healing knee a bit. Food: 7:45 am Morning bun, 1/4 large cantaloupe, yellow kiwi, coffee 12:30 pm 2 eggs over easy (sort of), 3 strips bacon, 1 slice French toast, 1/2 tbl whipped butter, 1/2 tbl pancake syrup, coffee 5:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm Roundy's plain 0% Greek yogurt, 2/3 c pumpkin spice granola, 1 lg chocolate white chip cookie Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD 2:25-4:40 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Sat 20 Oct

Slept in til 8 am today for the first time in quite awhile, at least at home. Think I may have slept til 8 once or twice on vacation. At any rate, I'm feeling really rested. Empty bowls today. Already have the sheets done in the wash machine, but I may wait til after my shower to see if it's warm enough to hang them outside. I WILL go through everything on the table today and deal with anything that needs attention. I did get to the bank yesterday to get Grandma's money transferred from a CD to pay the County Home, though I haven't yet written them the check. Used the last of the raspberries this morning so likely no more til the next Costco run. They're too expensive in the stores. Maybe I'll occasionally make a morning Vitamix smoothie with frozen berries. Nice to talk with Tom Pease a bit at Empty Bowls and to hear a couple of his songs before we left, including Banana Slug. Have a huge vat of vegetable soup on the stove with farmer's market cabbage, leeks, parsnips, as well as onions, celery, carrots, canned tomatoes, and kale and herbs from my herb garden. I will need to freeze some as we will tire of it long before we dent the huge pot. Wish you could have been with us for dinner. The mega-veggie soup was yummy! Made Vitamix fruit smoothies to accompany. Food: 8:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 108 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Bowl pork sausage stew, breadstick, 4 cookies, Minute Maid juice 2:30 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel 4:00 pm 1 pc chocolates 6:45 pm Large bowl veggie soup, Vitamix fruit smoothie (red grapes, banana, frozen mixed berries, plain Greek yogurt)

Fri 19 Oct

TGIF! I get done about an hour early today because of long days Mon & Tues, but I need to take care of some of Grandma's finances that I have been letting slide. I need to get to the bank to transfer money from her CD to pay Portage Co Home over $8000 and put some money on account for her to get her hair care done. I have been ignoring bills on the table for far too long also and absolutely need to take care of them today or tomorrow. Breakfast with my client today. This was an exhausting week. Glad it's over. Ahh, Friday night with cheese fries and a really good movie. Nice way to top off the week. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, 91 g raspberries, coffee 8:15 am Omelette w/mushrooms, Swiss cheese, onions, 2 slices wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, cinnamon scone, SweeTango apple 4:30 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:30 pm 12 g venison jerky, 4 cheese fries, large honey crisp apple, 12 oz Capitol Oktoberfest beer Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am The Firm Bootcamp DVD

Thurs 18 Oct

Really is nice now that Fitbit has partnered with SparkPeople. I only need to enter my food and fitness minutes once and both sites share the information. I get the benefits of SparkPeople with it's articles and better food tracker and Fitbit reminding me all day of how many steps I have (or haven't) taken and how that affects how many calories I should eat. And my latest replacement Fitbit has been working beautifully! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g raspberries, coffee 9:30 am .75 oz Reese's peanut butter cup 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, cinnamon scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 6:30 pm 3.5 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c purple potatoes, 1/2 c parsnips, 1/2 tbl butter, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am Denise Austin Power Zone DVD

Wed 17 Oct

The week goes on.... Enjoyed Chuck's birthday party last night, just a quiet get-together for a few people. We walked there and back and the evening was absolutely lovely. We would like to take advantage of more of these nice fall evenings just to walk the neighborhoods if we don't have time to hike. Was able to do the Burn It Up at close to full intensity today. Lacked a little stamina on the floor section that is always tough, not so much because of the knee as because I had a couple weeks off from this routine. Knee was a little fatigued on occasion but I believe it is continuing to get better. OMG, the Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur is delicious! Wow, supper was also amazing! My coworker gave us fresh venison steaks so I seared them in a little butter, sauteed some portabellas & onions, baked a squash, and roasted some small farmer's market sweet potatoes. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 99 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm 4 oz boneless chicken breast, 1 oz cheddar cheese, 1/4 c broccoli, bun 3:30 pm Small Kit Kat fun size 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 2 oz pumpkin spice cream liqueur 7:00 pm 3.45 oz venison steak, 1/2 c roasted sweet potato, 1/2 c baked squash, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/3 c portabella mushrooms, 1 tbl chopped onion, 1/4 tbl butter, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 16 Oct

Knee is a bit stiff this morning after last night's hike. When we hike with Barb, we tend to keep a somewhat faster pace even though she is most willing to slow down if I need it. The new route works better for me and also shortens it enough to accommodate the lessening light. It is darkening by the time we finish, but since we come down on the paved path, there are no roots and rocks to avoid and we can't lose the path. Busy morning taking a depressed client to be admitted to the hospital. Invited to the McReichl's tonight to wish Chuck a happy completion to his 70th year. OK, so Deb's message was confusing and she really meant Chuck was finishing his 70's, ergo turning 80 tomorrow. And my homemade card was just wrong. OK. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 c extra large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 9:30 am 1 sm square dark chocolate bar 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, blueberry scone, SweeTango apple 4:00 pm Emerald 100 cal cocoa roast almonds 5:30 pm 4 oz red wine, 2 oz Hallowine, 2 3" turkey subs, kettle chips 7:30 pm Jello sugar free double chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video 5:00-5:15 pm Walk to Reichls 7:15-7:30 pm Walk home

Mon 15 Oct

Today should be a better exercise day. Yesterday I was pretty much a slug except for morning ballet which counts very low on the calorie-burn scales. Hoping to hike the short loop with Barb tonight. Yay! Supposedly my Fitbit is now synched to my SparkPeople account so I should only need to enter my food on one of the sites for it to appear in both places. We'll see.... Made it - did the hike and the knee is still functional and not too uncomfortable. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, blueberry scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:45 pm 1 c butternut squash soup, 1.4 oz portabella mushroom cheese, SweeTango apple, Woodchuck pumpkin cider Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 5:25-6:50 pm Hiking Rib Mt, abbreviated version

Sun 14 Oct

Renewal Sunday at Newman today. Fr. Tom has been pushing for everyone to come so I expect the crowd will be larger than usual. At some point, they have Fr. Mark coming to do a presentation on Bible history but I don't remember when. I think it's an evening thing. Sure enjoyed spending time with you on Saturday. I'm glad you're close enough geographically to make that possible most months. Knee would still not do grand plies today, but closer to a passe. Making use of a couple of my pumpkin purchases already. Made pancakes for lunch and having a cup of the herbal pumpkin tea with mine. Nummy fall supper w/Costco chicken, mashed sweet potato, and sauteed eggplant in panko/parmesan. Food: 8:00 am Morning bun, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe, 100 g raspberries, coffee 11:15 pm 2 butterscotch krispie treats, 1/2 pumpkin donut, coffee 12:45 pm 2 1/2 pumpkin pancakes w/margarine & maple syrup, 2 slices turkey bacon, pumpkin herbal tea 3:00 pm 1 pc artisan dark chocolate w/elderberry 5:00 pm 3.6 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c sauteed eggplant slices w/seasoned panko parmesan, 1/2 c mashed sweet potato, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 6:55-7:45 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 13 Oct

Took a little longer to get started today than anticipated, but I will have my sheets washed and perhaps another load in the dryer and the last load in the washer before I leave. We will head down to Baraboo first, walk around a bit and get a good crepe from the French crepe man, then head down to Madison. Food: 8:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe

Fri 12 Oct

Today inertia won out and I did not get up to exercise. Felt nice to get a little extra sleep, but there is the guilt.... Hopefully I will find the energy to make up for it later today. Breakfast with my client today who left me two phone messages yesterday reminding me not to eat at home. Going to try to do a half hike today! I'm excited. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 8:15 am Omelette w/cubed ham & American cheese, 2 tbl hash browns, 1 slice homemade whole wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, cinnamon scone 4:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:45 pm 4 oz meatloaf w/BBQ sauce, 1/2 c onion haystack straws, 1 c green beans, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 8 oz filtered wheat beer Exercise: 4:50-6:20 pm Hiking Rib, shortened version

Thurs 11 Oct

Knee is getting progressively better. It works pretty well now in a straight plane, or side to side without twisting. I still can't bend it far enough to do the quad stretch, but it's getting closer. I also didn't feel discomfort in bed last night which allowed for better rest. Loving the butternut squash soup! Great warm-up for lunch. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, 1 c butternut squash soup, cinnamon scone 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 1 c cheese tortellini, 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1 tbl chopped onion, 1/8 c chopped red pepper, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c roasted beets, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Jane Fonda Fat Burner's video

Wed 10 Oct

Scale continues to climb upward even though I think I'm still eating pretty well and doing my best to exercise and move, even when the knee is gimpy. I hope this is temporary. We had my (belated) birthday lunch with my coworkers today at El Ranchito. I tried a new dish, Puerco w/Salsa Verde. It consisted of chunks of roasted pork in a salsa verde sauce to be eaten wrapped in tortillas. Unfortunately it was not particularly attractive on the plate, being a bunch of chunks swimming in a thin green liquid. Tasted quite good, though. My car is at the shop, replacing the starter and possibly the cable. Will be nice to have a car that starts again. In the meantime, they gave me a Corolla as a loaner. Got a nice pot of butternut squash soup simmering on the stove. Used a couple of recipes as a base and added my own touches. Hope it turns out yummy! It did, it did turn out yummy! And the immersion blender makes the puree work so easy! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 12:00 pm Chips & salsa, 5 oz roast pork, salsa verde sauce, 3 homemade corn tortillas, 1/3 c refried beans w/cheese 1:00 pm Small piece applesauce cake 4:45 pm Green tea w/mint 5:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:00 pm Bowl butternut squash soup, blueberry scone, 5 oz pinot grigio Exercise: 4:45-5:25 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights 5:25-5:35 am Aerobic warm up and beginning of Brand New Butt

Tues 9 Oct

I know I have a busy schedule at work today, but it's better than time on your hands. Looking at taking a mini-vac to the North Shore Oct 29-31, hoping not to encounter snow. Living Social had a good deal at the Lutsen Resort so we're gonna go for it. I missed the North Shore in spring because Dad was too busy at Karlens and our usual fall hike would have happened right around the time of our big vacation. It will be nice to get up there once this year. Thinking about buzzing down to Madison this Saturday afternoon to evening. We're going to Baraboo for the Faire on the Square, probably around lunch time, and would head to Madison afterward. Hoping I can motivate (and keep my knee sufficiently functional) to hike at Devil's Lake before the Faire. What is your schedule like this Saturday? Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 12:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, blueberry scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 2:30 pm 7.8 g Van de Walles dark chocolate 6:30 pm 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/8 c chopped onion, 1/4 c chopped red pepper, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1 c whole wheat spaghetti, 1 tbl grated parmesan, 12 oz skim milk 8:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 8 Oct

Slept well last night. Always nice when you get up feeling well rested. Joe Biden's son is visiting the local Democratic headquarters this evening between 5:00-5:45 pm. Not sure if I'll wander over there. Nope, going to Ranchitos for a margarita after work with coworkers won out over Biden's son. Margaritas were much more fun than politics! We all ordered dinner and they brought us each a piece of tres leches cake on the house. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 77 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, cinnamon scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 3:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:45 pm Chips/salsa/queso fundido, pollo poblana conqueso, 1/2 c refried beans w/cheese, 3 homemade corn tortillas, small piece tres leches cake Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 7 Oct

We had a very nice little mini-weekend in Green Bay/Door Co. Got to Green Bay in time to check in and do the requisite wine tasting at Captain's Walk. I like their wine tasting guide sheet in that it describes each wine and also gives residual sweetness and alcohol content for each wine. I wish all wineries did that. We had a bottle of champagne in our room and had a glass before dinner and took one along to the restaurant as well. Had Irish stew at St. Brendan's. They served a mound of mashed potatoes in the middle that must have been at least 1 1/2 cups, most of which stayed on the plate, but the lamb was tender, the gravy delicious, and lots of root veggies. Ordered dessert as it is usually good there, but the apple crisp was really mediocre. Should have had the sense not to eat it all, but didn't. St. Brendan's does a nice little breakfast with modest-sized made-to-order omelets and homemade cranberry scones. We then walked to the nearby Farmer's Market and got some more fall veggies. The tamale lady was there, so I now have a dozen homemade tamales in my freezer, 6 chicken and 6 pork. Hoping they will be yummy. Forecast had been for cloudy, chilly, drizzly day but the sun dominated the morning. Some clouds as we drove in to Door Co, but enough sunshine to make the peak color come to life. It did cloud over and we had a couple of minor sprinkles later in the afternoon, but nothing overwhelming. Bought some good Honey Crisps to supplement our remaining Galas. Today we need to visit Grandma, and I'd like to find time to roast beets and squash before choir. Knee was gimpy yesterday, though not as bad as Thursday. I was limping more after walking to the Farmer's Market which may have been a bit much for it. As the day progressed, I would be worse after periods of sitting. Today it seems better but I couldn't manage more than a demi-plie during the ballet DVD and I couldn't bend the right knee all the way to passe. Not a fun Packer game to watch. Did manage to roast my beets and a butternut squash. Food: 7:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 76 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, cinnamon scone, large honey crisp apple 2:30 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel 4:30 pm 5 satellite wafers 5:00 pm 4 oz chicken hardwood sausage, 2/3 c butternut squash, 3/4 c roasted beets, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD, modified for gimpiness

Fri 5 Oct

My knee is surprisingly significantly better today. I was dreading getting up to exercise and almost took a bye, then decided late to get up and do the Crunch Pilates which is only 42 min and a little more gentle on the knees. I was glad that I did as it always helps to work it gently. Breakfast with my client this morning. I hope she wants to go to Ranchitos. I could go for machaca. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, med banana, coffee Exercise: 5:05-5:45 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Thurs 4 Oct

Knee is complaining today after last night's hike, though I'm not certain it isn't more due to the weather change upcoming. Shall need to be a tad careful with it while still making sure to keep it exercised. Was interesting to do the Power Shaping DVD again after quite a long hiatus. Multiple repetitions with light 4 lb weights leave my arms noticing the work. Went up to Wausau AT&T tonight to consider an iPhone 4 since mine keeps buzzing intermittently. They were all sold out of the 4s they had in stock, but the clerk did a hard restart on mine (something neither of us had heard of). If it stops the buzzing, I won't need to replace the current phone. Food: 6:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 10:15 am 100 cal pack cocoa-dusted almonds 12:30 pm Peach soy shake, 2 slices Jarlsberg lite, 2 sm slices cranberry oat bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm Grilled cheese sandwich w/sliced tomato & pesto, 1 c green beans, 4 oz Oktoberfest beer Exercise: 4:45-5:30 am Power Shaping DVD

Wed 3 Oct

Today I finish the 10-week weight loss challenge at work and not only did I not meet the modest 6-lb goal, I'm afraid I'm going to finish worse than I started due to the breakdown at Rocky's last night. Lots of sodium in that pizza slice makes the scale higher than usual today. I plan to keep weighing myself weekly at work in addition to the home scale to keep working back down again even without the formal challenge motivator. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 1 Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 12:15 pm Hamburger, bun, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, 3 French fries 3:00 pm 1 Wintergreen LifeSaver 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 8:15 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, Yoplait chocolate raspberry parfait Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD 5:10-7:10 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Tues 2 Oct

Planning a walk along the river this evening if it's as sunny and nice as predicted. There should be opportunities to view nice color there. We're planning to hike at Rib tomorrow evening with Barb, so I want to see more trees! We're also thinking about Fri night at St. Brendan's in Green Bay, then day-tripping into Door Co on Saturday for some leaf-viewing and apple-buying. Skipping a ladies' birthday lunch today in favor of a nap when I'm done eating. Good girl: long walk after work even when we were tired. Bad girl: Stopped at Rocky's and consumed Super Slice for energy to get home. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 102 g local raspberries, coffee 11:30 am Blueberry soy shake, 108 g cranberry orange scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 2:30 pm 100 cal pack cocoa dusted almonds 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:00 pm Super Extra Cheesy Sausage Mushroom slice, chocolate Starlite mint Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video 5:20-7:00 pm Walk around river and Northpoint Dr 7:30-8:00 pm Walk home from Rocky's

Mon 1 Oct

I have to admit I'm tempted by Woot's Bleeding Heart Liberal sweatshirt, but I've been buying too many shirts again lately. I would be proud to proclaim my political leanings. Only one more evening of on-call. I have had two calls, both just around 9 pm before I went to bed and both quickly managed. This has so far been a good week. Food: 6:45 pm 1/2 chocolate chip brioche, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 86 g raspberries, coffee 9:00 am 1" square mint brownie 11:00 am .5 oz baked tortilla chips, 2 tbl spinach dip 12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, 106 g cranberry orange scone, med pear 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm Grilled chicken thigh, large cob grilled corn, 2/3 c grilled purple potatoes/onions/green peppers, 2 tsp olive oil, 12 oz skim milk, Jello dark chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video