Happy Halloween!

Do you have exciting Halloween plans this year? I will be staying home with the pager, hoping it stops making up for past quiet weeks. Had I not been on call, we would likely have been going to Michele's for the Halloween chef's dinner with Chuck and Deb. Oh well, we're saving money and not getting drunk. We have decided that I will go with Dad next Monday to Green Bay and stay in the bar/restaurant (Kroll's) where he will have Judy's parking space while he goes to the game. They have HDTVs all over so I will watch the game there (and try to stay awake). Beer list is very limited, mostly stuff I wouldn't bother to drink. They do have diet Dr. Pepper so I'll likely drink that to stay awake. They do a tailgate party for home games, so we'll get there early enough to take advantage so Dad gets food. I suspect I'll munch free popcorn during the game, but will otherwise be full. Can't very well get up and exercise between plays in the bar though. Just got the incredibly sad news that a woman from choir who has been so excited with her first pregnancy has lost the baby. So sad when people who yearn to be parents cannot see their dreams fulfilled. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk,1/2 grapefruit, 101 g raspberries, coffee 10:00 am 1 butterscotch little pops, 10 animal crackers 12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, espresso scone, 155 g strawberries 1:15 pm .2 oz white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 6:00 pm 4.85 oz rotisserie chicken breast, 1/2 c roasted butternut squash, 4 roasted sweet potato wedges, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:40 am Jane Fonda Fat Burner's video

Wed 30 Oct

One call on the pager last night, of course just as I was getting ready to head out to Suzuki, but it was quickly resolved and I still had most of my lesson. When this week is over, no more call til the week of New Years. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 81 g raspberries, coffee 12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, cinnamon chip squash, SweeTango apple 12:45 pm .2 oz white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 3:15 pm 100 cal Snapeas 5:15 pm 5 pumpkin ravioli, 1/2 c carmelized onion & garlic pasta sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1 c broccoli, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:30 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video 5:30-5:50 am Cardio Salsa DVD 9:15-10:15 am Walk with client

Tues 29 Oct

Feeling better today, more like myself. Not quite 100%, but more typical. The rest day yesterday was beneficial. Headache appears to be gone. Deb McComas sent the menu for the Michele's Halloween chef's dinner. I'm really sorry we can't go as there are wonderful fall-themed menu items like butternut/buttercup squash soup in acorn bowls, etc. Sadly we forgot to go back and buy the "winter's worth" of squash from the vendor at the farmer's market. I would have liked to have all that squash to cook up this year. Guess we should have bought it and carried it. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g raspberries, coffee 10:00 am Chocolate muffin 12:15 pm Vanilla soy shake, small rum bundt cake, SweeTango apple, 1/2 tsp cinnamon sugar 6:15 pm 1/2 pasty, 1/2 c homemade applesauce, 4 oz IPA Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD

Mon 28 Oct

Woke up this morning with a slight headache. While I was exercising, I felt less than 100% and I knew I didn't have a lot on my schedule at work today, so I decided to take a rest day to feel more healthy. I went back to bed after exercise until about 8:15 and am enjoying a leisurely breakfast. I plan to read, maybe watch a video, just generally relax. May do some additional exercise at some point if I'm feeling too slothful. Went to see Grandma yesterday and she was really not very much with it like her usual self. She had a hard time answering questions, either not remembering some things or getting distracted in the middle of her sentences. Knowing she has the vascular dementia diagnosis is helpful to me in understanding those days and truly valuing the days like last Sunday when she is more like her old self. Read in bed most of the morning after a dip in the hot tub. I suspect this rest will be very good for me. Still resting after lunch, reading and napping. Still have a bit of a headache, though. Food: 8:30 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g raspberries, matcha, 20 cal Nestle Fat Free cocoa 11:45 am Cranberry oat scone, SweeTango apple, 1/2 tsp cinnamon sugar 2:00 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares (dry) Exercise: 4:50-5:40 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout, upper body and aerobics sections

Sun 27 Oct

Got everything on the lists shopping yesterday, and as usual, a few things not on our list. I ended up getting a very nice maroon wool short coat with hood from Costco. It's nowhere as thick as yours, but it's well cut and nice looking. The denim bluish color hat should still go well with it. Think about what time you can spend at home over the holidays so you can spend a little time with Grandma. Even though she's in hospice, I wouldn't say the "end" is inevitably soon, but this may well be her last holiday season with us. She hasn't been eating well again and is getting weaker. She has started developing some pressure sores on her bottom and the outmost curve of her spine. She just doesn't have much "oomph" left. She still has days sometimes when she talks like her old self, and I value those greatly. Trick or treaters come around this afternoon. Okay, Costco pumpkin pie passes my taste test as really quite as good as homemade. If we come down to Madison the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, I may buy another one and keep it for Thanksgiving meal. Never thought I'd say that! Pot of freshly made Moroccan 3-bean stew on the stove, sweet corn ready for the grill. Bring on the Trick or Treaters! About 290 trick or treaters later and I'm out of candy. Time for a quick bowl of bean stew and off to choir. Choir adjourned a little early to watch Packers. Nice TDs from Jordy and Micah Hyde! Probably won't stay up for much of the second half though. Food: 8:30 am Small pumpkin croissant (from Batch), 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g raspberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 med eggs, 1/4 c chopped red pepper, 1 tbl chopped cilantro, 1 tbl milk, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, small slice Costco pumpkin pie, Cool Whip Lite 3:45 pm Little box Milk Duds 6:00 pm Bowl Moroccan 3-bean stew 8:00 pm Small slice Costco pumpkin pie, Cool Whip Lite Exercise: 6:55-7:45 am Ballet DVD 7:45-8:15 am Cardio Dance DVD

Sat 26 Oct

Heading down to Madison very soon, hopefully on the road before 8 am. I want to do the Farmer's Market as this may be one of my last opportunities of the season and I like the fall produce the best. We will text you when we're in town and make lunch plans. I called ahead to TJs to save me some cereal and I have a long Costco list. Food: 7:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c frozen blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee

Fri 25 Oct

Had a real "Don't wanna!" morning today, but made myself get out of bed and just go exercise anyway. Allowed myself to choose any DVD regardless of strength or other factors, so I did a dance video that I haven't done for awhile. Was fine exercising, but had another recalcitrant time afterward. I'm fine now. Just bought a couple more Living Social activities for our November Minneapolis trip. We got a winery tour/tasting with a gourmet Italian lunch and two bottles of take-home wine for Friday lunch and a certificate for $20 toward food at a Finnish bistro in St. Paul that has pulla! (Do you remember Paula's pulla? She was Paivi's mom, and she made those marvelous slightly sweet breakfast rolls.) The Bistro menu looks very good, and very Finnish - even reindeer sausage! There were leftover fixings for root beer floats and we were invited to help ourselves, so I obliged this afternoon. Food: 6:45 am 1/2 grapefruit, 75 g strawberries, coffee 8:15 am 2 eggs over easy, 2 slices homemade wheat toast w/butter, 2 pkgs marmalade, coffee 11:45 am 1 slice New England brown bread toast, 1 tbl PB, butternut squash soup 12:45 pm .2 oz white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 2:00 pm 1/2 c New York vanilla ice cream, diet A&W 5:30 pm Aldi Fusia Szechwan Beef stir fry (w/carrots, broccoli, & rice), 8 oz skim milk, 5 oz red wine Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Cardio dance DVD 9:30-10:30 am Walk with client

Thurs 24 Oct

Busy day ahead. Tonight Dad and I are doing the first Rockman cooking class of this season. I know we'll be making butternut squash soup served in pumpkins and a duck breast salad. Other goodies will also be part of it. Yum! Had to eat lunch at my desk today. Frustrating morning as my computer is tied up with Windows updates. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g strawberries, coffee 11:30 am. 2 slices turkey, slice Jarlsberg Lite, 2 slices brown bread , kale, med banana Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD

Wed 23 Oct

I don't feel as bad today as I had expected, given that my nascent cold continued to develop throughout the day yesterday. I woke up ready to exercise this morning and got through a weights workout very well, with enough energy left over to tack on 10 min of cardio. I actually feel pretty good now. Mary Hofer and I went out for a hot drink last night after singing, celebrating my birthday even though today is hers. We will try to sneak in another date soon to celebrate hers. The bartender at Michele's made us hot chocolate with coconut rum; she did the rim of the glass with chocolate syrup and toasted coconut. Yum! Feeling a bit less chipper as the day progresses. Taking an early lunch due to an 11:45 appointment, so napped first which felt good. Got a phone call from another worker at Family Care at 4:20 pm and she talked for an hour! Don't people have lives any more? Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 147 g strawberries, coffee 11:15 am Vanilla soy shake, slice New England Brown Bread toast, 1 tbl PB, SweeTango apple, 1 tsp cinnamon sugar 4:00 pm Milky Way fun size 6:15 pm 6 oz Relax riesling, miso soup, 4 pc Canada roll, 4 pc Manhattan roll, 5 pc Kamikaze roll Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am Kathy Smith Workout with Weights DVD 5:35-5:45 am Cardio Salsa DVD 5:40-6:10 pm Walk to Tokyo Steak House 6:40-7:10 pm Walk home

Tues 22 Oct

Soreness is pretty well gone from my legs now. Wearing the old insoles in my Keens today; I can notice the difference from the factory insoles. Nice to be off the pager for the next week. Tried the last of my new DWTS DVDs today. This one was likely one of the earliest versions as it is more basic steps than routines, but good. Tried a new recipe for dinner tonight that is a definite keeper - Ginger-Garlic Roasted Chicken with Curried Sweet Potatoes. I used boneless, skinless breasts and cut them in bite-size pieces whereas the recipe trimmed breast halves off the bone and kept them larger. Chicken is coated in a mixture of plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, salt and pepper. Sweet potato is cut in small 1/2-in sticks and coated in a mixture of curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and pepper. Everything is put on a rimmed baking sheet, baked 20 min, turn the sweet potatoes and bake another 15-20 min. We had a very nice surprise in that Michael stopped over to have Dad help him put air in the Matrix' tires just as the dinner was on the last 20 min of cooking time so I was able to convince him to join us. We haven't had dinner together in far too long. Food: 6:45 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 145 g strawberries, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, mini Babybel Light, apple crisp 6:30 pm Ginger-Garlic chicken w/curried sweet potatoes, 1/2 c sweet corn kernels, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am DWTS DVD

Mon 21 Oct

Another week, here we go! I will be done with call after tonight for a week. It's been a very quiet week with only one call, and I didn't have to go out to respond. Hopefully the next week will not make up for it. Weather is not promising this week, but if possible, I hope we can hike Rib at least once later in the week. I suspect Daylight Savings Time will end soon, and along with it, our evening hiking light. Hopefully I can motivate to go to the gym once or twice a week in place of the evening hikes. Root beer float day at work. An annual freebie too good to pass up. Won a raffle prize from Empty Bowls. It came from Pass It On, a second-hand store. It is a very tall amber glass vase that really resembles the bottom of a table lamp, and in lieu of a lampshade, they put an old black ladies' hat on top and hung multitudes of tacky old necklaces and bracelets from it. It is currently on the bookshelf in my office, but will likely be gifted to Maxine before too long as it's really not my style. The good thing is that it was accompanied by a $50 gift certificate from Shippy Shoes. Not to forget about it, I've already spent it as I needed new insoles for my hiking boots. They should be replaced about once a year and mine are about 7 years old. Not to be wasteful, I put the old ones in my new Keen day walkers as they are still better than the factory insoles. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, med banana, 2 oz soy milk, 1/2 tsp sugar 12:30 pm .2 oz white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 3:00 pm 1/2 c vanilla ice cream, diet A&W root beer 6:00 pm 123 g spinach cheese ravioli, 1/4 tbl butter, 1/4 c chipotle pumpkin pasta sauce, 1/2 tbl shredded parmesan, mixed green salad, 1/8 c chopped red pepper, 2 cherry tomatoes, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 5:15-5:45 pm Walk with Dad

Sun 20 Oct

Yes, I am sore from the 12-mile walk. I felt it mostly in my hips, but my feet feel abused also. I had over 38,000 steps on the day yesterday. Felt good (in a way) to do ballet this morning to stretch out the sore spots. I'd really rather sink into the hot tub and then go back to bed, but the day marches on. Visited Grandma after lunch today. She was laying down for a nap, but was sharp as could be and more like her old self. It's refreshing to talk with her on days like this. Makes up for those days when she seems a little "dreamy". Didn't feel like any more formal "exercise" so I've been getting up and moving during any breaks and even part of the play of the Packer game just to get my steps up near 10,000 and my calories remaining enough for a piece of apple crisp for dinner. Too wiped for much of anything else. Food: 8:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/3 c aronia berries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 11:30 am 2 small squares pumpkin cake w/cream cheese icing 12:00 pm Cheese omelet, 2 slices homemade toast w/butter, 1 pkg marmalade, slice watermelon, slice pineapple, coffee 2:30 pm 20 cal Nestle fat free cocoa 5:00 pm Apple crisp Exercise: 6:50-7:40 am Ballet DVD 7:40-8:10 am Cardio dance DVD

Sat 19 Oct

Empty Bowls today, and also Moon Walk WI. Nice that the sun is out this morning, in spite of 31 degree temps. They have been forecasting rain and/or snow for days. We may try to walk to SPASH for Empty Bowls if the weather holds nice, just in case it's drizzly and miserable and we tank on the Moon Walk. We did it one previous year in cold drizzle and there was nothing fun about it. I don't need to repeat that experience, even if we do now have better clothing to prepare for it. Last time, we wore jeans that got soaked and cold. Beautiful day for a walk to SPASH and back for Empty Bowls, and hopefully a good warm-up for this evening's hike. At this point, the weather appears to be holding reasonably well even with a few more clouds rolling in. Food: 8:15 am Mini blueberry turnover, 1/2 grapefruit, mini Babybel Light, smoothie w/1/4 c frozen berry blend, 1/2 c 0% plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbl honey, 5 almonds, coffee 12:00 pm Small bowl Italian wedding soup, breadstick, 2 sm peanut butter cookies, small Scotcheroo, Aunt Sally cookie, Coke Zero 12:45 pm 1/2 Mounds bar 4:45 pm 2 slices New England brown bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, 1.4 oz cheddar cheese, 1 c Pacific roasted red pepper tomato soup, 12 oz skim milk, apple crisp Exercise: 10:45-11:15 am Walk to SPASH 12:45-1:30 pm Walk home via Schmeeckle

Fri 18 Oct

I was having trouble with my DWTS DVDs with my tennis shoes catching on the carpet with some of the quicker footwork. I dug out my old jazz shoes which worked much better. Problem was that my feet are somewhat larger than they were when I danced, and in those days they taught us to order our shoes 1/2 size smaller. I can still wear the old jazz shoes, but my feet are so cramped, I can barely feel them after awhile. Solution, I ordered brand new Capezio jazz shoes from Amazon. They arrived yesterday and I tried them this morning. Much better! Went out for Friday fish at the Wisconsin River Country Club tonight. Definitely a "hangout" of the middle-to-older adult crowd. Good beer-battered perch, though. Lousy beer. Coleslaw tasted soapy to me. Food: 6:45 am Mini blueberry turnover, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 8:15 am 2 eggs over easy, 1 slice homemade wheat toast w/butter, 1 pkg marmalade, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, SweeTango apple, sprinkle cinnamon sugar 12:30 pm 1 Reese's miniature 2:30 pm 1 See's butterscotch Little Pop 5:30 pm 6 oz Horny Goat Blonde, 7 oz beer-battered perch w/tartar sauce, 1/2 c baked beans, sweet potato fries Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD

Thurs 17 Oct

Still feeling a bit more tired than usual, probably from these 5-day work weeks! You get a little too used to frequent vacation interludes. Next currently scheduled time off isn't until Nov 14 for our annual Mpls trip. This year, we are doing the Thurs evening at a B&B in Hastings since Sofitel is always a tad more expensive on weeknights. The B&B has their smallest room for $99 on a weeknight including a marvelous breakfast. We will then switch to Sofitel for Fri/Sat nights where the rooms will then be about $93/night. I am looking at the possibility of a Green Bay overnight the weekend before with a Fri night at St Brendan's with wine tasting at Captain's Walk before and Sat dinner reservations at Cafe Chanson before heading home. Gave in to the siren song of emotional chocolate this afternoon after spending 1 hr 20 min in a jail holding cell meeting with one of my whiniest clients who just kept repeating a lot of things over and over. I needed him to sign a release form in order to do what he was asking me to do, but it took him probably 45 min to sign it. I was on the verge of picking up the unsigned form and buzzing to be let out when he finally signed it, but he still continued to repeat what he wanted me to do until the officer came to let us out and still for several minutes until I just walked out. Trust me, I needed chocolate. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 10:30 am 2 strawberry Twizzlers 12:30 pm Light lemon nonfat yogurt, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast w/margarine, 1/2 c acorn squash 4:15 pm Fun size M&Ms 5:45 pm 3.2 oz grilled pork chop, 5 roasted purple potato wedges, 1/2 c roasted beets, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am Jane Fonda Low-Impact Aerobics video

Wed 16 Oct

I forgot to go to my voice lesson last night. Adding in the gym after work made the day quite busy, and I just wanted to crawl into bed a little early to read. Didn't even realize it til I was exercising this morning and realized it was Wednesday. Oooops. Birthday lunch for Brad at Hilltop. Only four of us (including Brad) made it. Food: 6:45 am Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:00 pm 3 oz chicken breast, slice Swiss cheese, grilled onions & mushrooms, bun, 1 oz chips 3:15 pm Butterfinger fun size 5:00 pm .2 oz white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 5:45 pm 114 g spinach ravioli, 1/2 c chipotle pumpkin pasta sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, sm Cortland apple (Vitamix sauce), 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Kristi Yamaguchi workout DVD 6:00-6:30 pm Walk to Suzuki plus a little extra 7:15-7:35 pm Walk home

Tues 15 Oct

My new Irish Country Doctor book comes out today. I'll get it on the Kindle so I don't have so many books sitting around. I'm re-reading the previous one first, but I want to get the new one right away so I don't forget. Looking to come down to Madison for the day on Sat Oct 26. Hope that works for you as it's the only option this month with two weeks of on-call. Of course because I'm on call this week, the gym is offering open classes in all their group fitness classes, regardless of what kind of membership you have. I have wanted to try some of the classes and decided I'd chance it. If the pager went off, I would just leave. Problem is that I rushed home to change into workout clothes to get there in time, and left the pager clipped to the work pants lying on the bed. I opted to chance it and worried throughout the class that they were trying to page me to no avail, but when I got home there had been no pages so I was lucky. I plan to try another class tomorrow, but will make sure I have the pager with me. This class was okay, not too challenging: Butts and Guts. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, light blueberry yogurt, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast w/margarine 2:15 pm 100 cal pack Snapeas 6:30 pm 2.5 oz leftover BBQ ribs, 1/2 c leftover garlic mashed potatoes, mixed green salad w/red pepper & 4 cherry tomatoes, 12 oz skim milk, 1/2 frosted brownie Exercise: 4:55-5:50 am DWTS DVD 5:00-5:50 pm Butts and Guts class

Mon 14 Oct

One more possible hiking day (today), then a week of on call. Weather forecast looks cold, rainy and bleak after today anyway so I won't feel so deprived. Glad I switched as I was originally scheduled to be on call last week when the weather was so beautiful, but I wanted to be able to go to Baraboo on Saturday. It appears I got the better end of that switch, at least until I see how busy things are on the call end this week. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, raisin scone, med banana 12:30 pm .2 oz white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 2:15 pm 1 Reese's egg 3:30 pm 8 oz black coffee Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 2:35-4:25 pm Walk with client (stopped at Emy J's for coffee)

Sun 13 Oct

I was a bad eater this weekend, allowing myself to indulge in higher-than-usual calorie foods even though I know I need to start seriously cutting back as the scale is moving in the wrong direction. Not sure why I seemed to rebel against better control so much, but hopefully the need to stay closer to home in the next couple of weeks for on call will force me to watch what I eat more. Unfortunately, it will also decrease the opportunities for good hikes, but I don't think the increased hikes this week offset what I ate. GO PACKERS!!!! Food: 8:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/3 c aronia berries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 11:45 am 3-egg cheese omelette, 2 slices homemade white toast w/butter & 1 marmalade pkg, wedge cantaloupe, wedge honeydew, coffee 2:00 pm 3 M&M white chocolate candy corn 4:45 pm Leftover Wheel House pizza, 6 oz Lost Trout brown ale Exercise: 7:00-7:50 am Ballet DVD 7:50-8:10 am Cardio Salsa DVD 3:15-4:30 pm Walk w/Dad around Schmeeckle Lake

Sat 12 Oct

Looks kinda gray and cloudy out there today. Hoping it clears a bit by the time we get to Baraboo for the Faire on the Square and to hike at Devil's Lake. Had a great day! The cloudiness cleared, leaving behind a perfect sunny autumn day. We had fun walking the streets of Baraboo, lunching on grilled steak sandwiches on Main St and lots of little nibbles. Only disappointment was the absence of the crepe seller; settled for a Lutheran cream puff. Headed to Devil's Lake in its autumnal glory and hiked the Tumbled Rocks/Bluff trail and then headed out to the other side to hike another trail we'd never previously tried. Supper at the Log Cabin capped the trip. Food: 7:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/3 c aronia berries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee

Fri 11 Oct

So glad you "enjoyed" the little pumpkin funny - it made me smile and I just had to share it. Supposed to be nice again today, so hopefully we'll get another fall evening hike in while we can. The after-work light has been fading fast and next week I'm on call starting Tuesday so Monday will be the only possible hiking day. Best to pack in as much as we can before it's dark when we get home. Thinking about Hartman Creek in Waupaca this evening for hiking, followed of course by Wheel House pizza. On a whim, we parked at the trailhead for the Ice Age Trail just before the turnoff to Hartman Creek and walked in the opposite direction from the park. Trail went through a brief wooded area and between two farmer's fields, then out onto a road. We had to turn back before we found the next off-road section to get back to the car before dark. It was interesting to see new territory, but not a particularly interesting area in and of itself. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, 2 sm plums, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, cherry scone, pear 12:45 pm .2 oz M&M white chocolate candy corn 7:00 pm Wheel house sausage/mushroom/tomato pizza, 16 oz Central Waters Oktoberfest Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Coach Nicole workout DVD 5:00-6:15 pm Hiking Ice Age Trail

Thurs 10 Oct

Nice hike last night, but I remained tired all day so it was a struggle to get up the hills that normally don't faze me. Tonight is again supposed to be beautiful, so I hope to hike again and to have more energy. I did sleep better last night so I'm not so tired this morning, so there's hope. Dad and I walked through the Mead Wildlife area this evening and witnessed the most incredibly huge gathering of sandhill cranes just before sunset. They had put a barrier across the trail so we didn't get in close, but they were gathering in groups that just kept coming and making a joyful noise. Food: 6:45 am 1 Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, 2 sm plums, coffee 12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, scone, med banana 1:15 pm 3 white chocolate candy corn M&Ms 1:30 pm 1 Reese's peanut butter egg 7:15 pm Culver's roast beef sandwich, sweet potato fries Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Cardio Dance DVD 5:15-6:45 pm Walk through Mead Wildlife area

Wed 9 Oct

I would really like to crawl back in my nice warm bed today, maybe after a session in the hot tub. Not really exhausted, just craving some lazy warmth. Last couple of nights have been just a little short of my usual 8 hours, and I tend to feel the lack fairly quickly these days. Maybe I'll get a full 8 tonight, but we hope to hike at Rib which usually means a later bedtime if we eat at the Dane. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 cantaloupe, 2 plums, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, cinnamon raisin scone, .85 SweeTango apple (minus the bad spot) 3:45 pm 100 cal Snapeas Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am The Firm Step DVD

Tues 8 Oct

Dangerous eating day ahead - breakfast with client at JoJo's, birthday lunch (belated for me) at Water St Grille, and dessert with Mary after Suzuki tonight (probably tiramisu at Grazie's)(if she doesn't back out again). I can try to keep things small and simple, but it isn't likely to be a pretty day calorie-wise regardless. So far the day hasn't been as much of a train wreck as I feared. I was able to get a quite simple sandwich for lunch w/a tiny piece of cake which the restaurant provides all the diners at a birthday lunch. On an afternoon walk to McDs with my client, I just got a glass of water and a couple of packs of apple slices for a slim 30 calories, and we finished the last of an excellent batch of chili for dinner which only allowed a small bowl each. And I managed to resist a fun-sized candy bar this afternoon. Mary canceled out again tonight on the tiramisu, so I'm having a little dish of Culver's instead. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, 2 sm plums, coffee 8:15 am 2 large eggs, 2 slices homemade wheat toast w/butter, 2 pkgs marmalade, coffee 11:45 am 2 slices marble rye, 2.5 oz smoked turkey, 1.5 oz roast beef, 1 oz provolone, grilled onions, 1.5" square of marble cake w/2 dots of whipped cream & chocolate syrup drizzle 4:00 pm 2 bags apple slices from McDs 6:00 pm Small bowl chili w/meat & beans, 1 tbl light sour cream, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, 1 oz sweet potato tortilla chips 8:45 pm 1/2 c salted caramel banana nut custard Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD 3:20-3:50 pm Walk to McDs with client 4:20-4:50 pm Return walk 6:25-7:30 pm Walk with Dad

Mon 7 Oct

Hopefully will walk with my client this morning; taking better walking shoes along just in case. May be a little chilly so I'll wear a warmer jacket as we're supposed to go out first thing. How are you enjoying your new tablet? Is it everything you hoped it would be? Food: 6:45 am Pumpkin cheese coffee ring, 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, 2 sm clementines, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, blueberry scone, med banana, 2 oz light original soy milk, 1/2 tsp sugar 12:30 pm Chocolate chip cookie 6:15 pm 152 g pasty, 2/3 c acorn squash, 1 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 6 Oct

Class reunion was quite nice last night. People seem to have gotten nicer over the last 40 years. No one seemed obnoxious or full of themselves. Food was reasonably decent for a buffet. We stayed til about 9:15 or so. Fun to watch the Packers win this week. Visited Grandma after the game but woke her up from a nap and she was a bit groggy. She did get her new Roho cushion for the wheelchair so Bob inflated it. Staff there will need to do the customizing once she's in the chair. Made a pot of chili as the weather seems to call for it. Didn't get time this weekend to make apple crisp or pumpkin bread, though. Some other time. Food: 7:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 60 g aronia berries, soy milk, 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, coffee 12:15 pm 2 light waffles, 2 tsp soft margarine, 2 tbl maple syrup, pear 4:45 pm 1 oz sweet potato tortilla chips 5:15 pm Bowl chili w/meat & beans, 1 tbl light sour cream, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, SweeTango apple, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 5:50-6:40 am Ballet DVD 6:40-7:15 am Cardio dance DVD

Sat 5 Oct

I feel so healthy! I bought a pint of aronia berries at the Farmer's Market last week and used some with my oatmeal this morning. I read up on them on and they seem to be an amazing superfruit source of antioxidants. They are at the limit of the freshness for keeping in the fridge, so I may separate the rest into small portions in baggies and freeze them. I'm actually glad to be home for a weekend now. I hope I have energy enough today to get some cleaning and organizing done, and maybe to exercise also. We didn't go to the football game/drinks at Amber Grill part of the reunion last night. I just didn't feel like it. Instead we went for fish at Clancy's, picked up a pint of a Culver's flavor I really wanted to try but missed a couple of days ago, walked around inside and outside Target til Dad's Fitbit hit 10,000 steps, and went home for hot tub and reading. Much more pleasant. We will go to the main function tonight, though. It's a dinner/drinks at Wisconsin River Country Club where it's a better atmosphere to talk with people anyway. I don't expect we'll stay late. Food: 8:00 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 60 g aronia berries, soy milk, 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, cranberry orange scone, pear

Fri 4 Oct

Once again, the Kalahari likes me. Heather and I scored a Royal Suite room while the others just got normal rooms. Our room was like two large rooms joined together. We each had our own bathroom, sink, kitchen table, TV, etc. I had a king-sized bed and she had two queens and a fireplace and couch. Nice. Not sure if I'll be sufficiently motivated to go out in the dampness to the Pacelli football game for phase 1 of the class reunion tonight. As of right now, I'm not feeling the magic.

Wed 3 Oct

Early morning seems earlier without the exercise routine. Food: 5:00 am Pumpkin cheese coffee ring, 81 g raspberries, 1/4 med/large cantaloupe, coffee

Wed 2 Oct

Week is flying by quickly. Tomorrow I leave very early to pick up the girls for the conference. They have agreed to ride four people in my Prius - I have warned them to pack small duffels as we have to cram all the luggage in the back to make room for people. I'm excited! I ordered new glasses for the first time in probably 10-15 years. I tried on a pair of frames when I was waiting for Grandma to get her glasses adjusted a week or two ago and I really liked them. I took Dad along today to confirm that they look okay on me, and went ahead with the order. I get them in about a week. Just basic single vision clear lenses so there's no additional charge for the lenses beyond the cost of the frames. Food: 6:45 am Pumpkin cheese coffee ring, 96 g raspberries, 2 sm mandarins, coffee 10:00 am 100 cal pack cocoa almonds 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, cinnamon scone, SweeTango apple 12:30 pm Cointreau truffle 3:00 pm 90 cal single oat honey granola bar 6:15 pm 3/4 c whole wheat spaghetti, 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/8 c chopped onion, 1/8 c chopped green pepper, 1/2 c chipotle pumpkin pasta sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am The Firm DVD 7:00-7:30 pm Walk with Dad

Tues 1 Oct

Into the last quarter of 2013 already. Yipes! Signed up for the October cooking class at Rockman's Catering with Dad. So glad he goes to these with me - it's truly a better venue for us to cook together than bumping into each other in our little home kitchen. I appreciate learning some basic skills as well. Food: 6:45 am 68 g pumpkin coffee ring (from Clasen's), 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Chips/salsa, 3 oz chicken breast w/mole sauce, 1/3 c beans w/cheese, 1/3 c Mexican rice, 2 sm flour tortillas 3:45 pm 2 Kopiko cappucino hard candies 8:00 pm 2 grilled chicken drumsticks, SweeTango apple, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD 5:20-7:25 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower