Fri 30 May

The day has dawned lovely for our North Shore trip. Hopefully we'll get a nice early start so we can hike a bit this evening when the weather is expected to be at its best for the weekend. Last time I checked, there is a 40% chance of showers on Saturday which could put a damper on our one full hiking day, but we'll just have to play it by ear. Ideally, we'd like to get in at least an hour this evening, a nice long hike tomorrow, and another short one on Sunday morning before we leave for home. We should be able to catch a Saturday evening Mass as we usually end our long hiking days there by 3:30 or so anyway. Also looking forward to more good food as there are excellent restaurants to choose from. We had a roller coaster of temperatures as we drove up, ranging from a high of 83 to a low of 51. I had gotten warm at home with feh zip up sweatshirt over my tshirt and hung it on a chair, then forgot to grab it when I left. Not a smart move! Food: 7:00 am 57 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 5:00-5:35 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength YouTube 5:35-6:05 am Jessica Smith Spicy Latin Walk YouTube

Thurs 29 May

Looks like another really beautiful day today. Maybe hiking tonight if the stars align. Busy morning. Feeling slightly overwhelmed. Munching sweets mindlessly, though keeping portions small. Dad has to work late to catch up before we leave tomorrow, so hiking is off the table. I got home a tad late, too, and I think we had a busy enough day without a full-out hike in warm weather tonight. I may go out in a bit on my own for a shorter in-town cruise. Walked around town and listened to Rick Steves' podcasts interviewing authors about the joys of Italian food. Food: 6:55 am 62 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:30 am Milky Way Midnight miniature 12:35 pm Blueberry soy shake, lemon scone, 2 apricots 1:15 pm 2 Fiesta eggs 2:30 pm 1 Butterfinger mini 5:45 pm 12 oz Stella Cidre, 4 oz extra lean ground beef, 12 g Jarlsberg, King's Hawaiian bun, 1/4 c sautéed mushrooms, 2 c watermelon chunks Exercise: 4:55-5:55 am Dance Exercise DVD 6:40-7:45 pm Walk around town

Wed 28 May

Coworkers had a Ranchitos night last night that I hadn't planned on. I was trying not to eat so much junk this week, but already I'm a little off course. I also ate up the chocolate Cadbury egg and a couple small candies at work, so it wasn't just Ranchitos. Got to get more disciplined again! I feel a sense of accomplishment for having put together a healthy supper for tonight in the crock pot, albeit a made-up recipe. I had purchased fresh chicken tenders so I threw several into the crock pot with some cut-up red potatoes, carrots, parsnip and onion, a few fresh herbs, a splash of leftover red wine and some chicken stock. Hopefully it will be yummy. The stew is a hearty, peasant type of fare, quite tasty. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 96 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, lemon scone, 2 apricots 12:30 pm 3 mint M&Ms 2:15 pm Milky Way Midnight miniature 5:10 pm 24 g calimyrna fig 6:30 pm 4 oz chicken, 1/2 c carrot chunks, 1/2 c parsnip chunks, 1 diced red potato, 1/2 med onion, 1/8 c red wine, 5 oz skim milk, 1/2 c reduced fat mint chip ice cream Exercise: 4:55-5:30 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video 5:30-5:55 am Jogging workout 5:35-6:10 pm Walk with Dad to Shopko to buy flowerpot

Tues 27 May

Back to work, but fortunately only for three days as we are taking Friday off to head up to the North Shore for just two nights. Oh, I wish I had more of these marvelous rhubarb scones from Clasen's. They are delicate and moist with great rhubarb flavor. Wish I had their recipe! It was a very nice Memorial weekend. Yesterday afternoon, we hiked at Eau Claire Dells including a spur I don't believe we had ever hiked of the Ice Age Trail. I was starving upon return home, so quickly whipped out some good grilled burgers on King's Hawaiian buns we had found in Madison. Got my herb garden planted on Sunday, and even stole a basil leaf to add to the burgers last night. Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, Italian parsley, dill, Russian and regular kale, and some kind of fennel derivative I can't exactly remember from the April Farmer's Market venture. Food: 6:40 am Rhubarb scone, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, lemon cream scone, 2 apricots 12:15 pm Cadbury chocolate creme egg 2:15 pm Baby Ruth miniature 4:45 pm Margarita, chips/salsa, 2 pork tamales w/mole sauce, 1/3 c refried beans Exercise: 4:55-5:45 am DWTS DVD 6:15-7:05 pm Walk with Dad

Mon 26 May

Happy Memorial Day! So nice to have a Monday at home to get out of bed at leisure with minimal commitments on my time. We had cloudbursts in the early hours, but the sun is shining brightly now. Would be nice if it remained for most of the day. Dad and I are talking about a little jaunt up to the Eau Claire Dells to hike around the trails and maybe take a little picnic. OMG, the rhubarb scones from Clasen's!!!! You must try one if they have them again soon. They are YUM! Decided on breakfast before exercise today to emphasize that it is a day of leisure. I had more energy for my Jane Fonda workout at 10:30 after a nice breakfast and relaxing time at the computer than I do at 4:30 am. Imagine that. Food: 7:30 am Rhubarb scone, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Toasted coconut Greek blend yogurt, 2 apricots, butterscotch scone from Batch 6:10 pm Grilled burger w/1 tbl shredded asiago inside, 1/4 c sautéed mushrooms, 1/2 small sliced tomato, 38 g Costco figs Exercise: 10:30-11:40 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 3:15-4:55 pm Hiking around Eau Claire Dells including a spur of the Ice Age Trail out and back

Sun 25 May

Another beautiful day - wow! The leaves here are not as full as in Madison, but that means we get to experience the joy of seeing them fill out all over again. It was such a thrill to see all the green and blossoms this weekend. Really enjoyed spending time with you. Wish we could have connected with the wedding out west, but we did try. We parked in the far quietest end of the Woodman's parking lot and I rushed through shopping to be back to the car by about 2:50. We tried connecting on FaceTime with everyone who might have an iPhone with no luck. You didn't have a Skype connection person, so when we couldn't reach anyone by the time it was meant to start, we stopped trying so we wouldn't disturb them and went on with our erranding. I had a text from Suman about 1:25(3:25) that Kyle was the person to contact, but I didn't get the text til we were at dinner at 5:15 and he was not responding. Saw the beautiful picture on Facebook. Hope someone took some video. Attended a baptismal party for Leighton Elizabeth Karlen today. Couldn't go to the actual baptism as it took place at St. Stan's after the 9:00 am mass and I was scheduled to cantor at 10:30 at Newman, but we attended the family brunch at Holiday Inn afterward. Aunt Jeanette looked well and very happy to have her family around. Leone was invited but didn't really feel up to a social event. Saw all the Karlen clan: Joan and Jack, Tom and his girlfriend Annette, Paul (the grandfather) and his ex, Candy, and Paul's other children, John and wife Margaret, and Jackie with fiancé. Andrew (the dad) and his wife Yanna (who is South American) have a 2-year-old son Preston. Her parents were also there. Dad and I took a nice walk along the river (with the freshly hatched mosquitos) and finished with a trip to King Kone. Food: 7:25 am Morning bun, 39 g raspberries, 68 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm Scrambled eggs w/cheese, fresh fruit, green beans, cauliflower/broccoli, rice pilaf, blueberry muffin, sm piece salmon w/chopped tomato, slice lemon poppyseed cake 3:00 pm Kettle corn 6:00 pm Ham/gruyere croissant from Batch (YUM!!!) 8:00 pm Small cup berry chocolate chunk ice cream Exercise: 5:50-6:40 am Ballet DVD 6:40-7:15 am Cardio Salsa DVD 6:45-7:50 pm Walk along the river with Dad

Sat 24 May

Very satisfactory breakfast of scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage links, oj, and an orange. Am fueled and ready for the Farmer's Market!

Fri 23 May

We get to come down and see you today! Looking forward to trying the Heritage Tavern. Probably have to work til at least 4 pm so won't get down too early, but we'll let you know when we are en route. This morning I have to cover the med room from 8-9 before meeting my client for breakfast, so I'll likely be pretty hungry by then. Don't really want to eat extra now and then have breakfast. Food: 6:50 am 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g raspberries, coffee 9:30 am 2 crepes, 1/2 c cottage cheese, 1/2 c blueberries in light glaze, coffee 12:10 pm 2 med slices sausage pizza, 2 apricots, peach soy shake Exercise: 4:55-5:30 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength w/band YouTube 5:30-5:55 am Jessica Smith Dance Walk YouTube

Thurs 22 May

Looks like another lovely day. We were able to hike Rib last night, and we might go to Hartman's Creek tonight if the cards fall into place. Work continues to be busier again, but not crazy yet. Looking forward to the long weekend ahead. I was a bad girl at the bake sale at work again, but not too awful. One med cranberry bar, one med plain rice krispie treat. At least I had to run around more than usual in the office this morning. But, but, they still had rice krispie treats left this afternoon.... Food: 6:45 am Small piece Costco coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g raspberries, coffee 9:00 am Med cranberry bar, med krispie treat 12:30 pm 2/3 single slice brisket quesadilla, 1.5 c fruit salad, peach soy shake 3:15 pm Rice krispie treat Exercise: 4:55-5:50 am DWTS DVD

Wed 21 May

I was quite tired this morning, but managed to get it together for exercise and didn't die. That's nice. We're having a taco lunch at work for just our unit today. I volunteered a fruit salad which Dad helped me cut up and assemble last night. I wanted something besides just tacos and desserts. Food: 6:50 am .75 slice Costco coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g raspberries, coffee Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Kristi Yamaguchi exercise DVD

Tues 20 May

I have a mandatory training day today up in Wausau with most of my coworkers, getting updates on one of the State funding programs. Melissa has a huge van so she is driving everyone. Hope it isn't incredibly dull, and that they at least give us coffee. The State is known to host BYO conferences with no refreshments at all. They did provide some refreshments after all, a scone and some cucumber-infused water and coffee in the morning and a bowl of trail mix in the afternoon w/canned soda. Lunch was on our own in the NCTC cafeteria - a turkey/cheese sandwich on a hoagie roll. Food: 6:45 am Smaller slice Costco coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 9:00 am Small cinnamon scone, coffee 12:15 pm Turkey/swiss/lettuce on hoagie, 4 Biscoff cookies (from home) 2:15 pm 2/3 c trail mix (peanuts, crackers, raisins, M&Ms), diet Coke 6:50 pm 2 cold grilled drumsticks, 104 g raspberries, 1 apricot Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Cardio Dance DVD 5:30-6:40 pm Walk w/Dad to Dollar Tree/Kmart to buy card

Mon 19 May

Nice sunny start to the day, but prediction are such that it won't remain that way. Temps are supposed to be 60s and 70s this week which will be most welcome, and more sunshine toward the end of the week. Hopefully we'll get one or two hiking days in this week. Made a casserole for a cool evening from odds and ends of stuff from the fridge, including pork ribs from Door Co grocery, a small amount of broccoli, sweet peppers, ramps, and fresh portabella mushrooms from the last Costco run with some shredded mozzarella. It was good. Sometimes a dark chocolate sugar free pudding cup tastes amazing. Food: 6:55 am Krispie roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Vanilla soy shake, slice Costco coffee cake, apricot 3:50 pm 1/3 frosted raised donut 5:45 pm Pork rib casserole, 8 oz skim milk 7:00 pm Jello dark chocolate sugar free pudding cup Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 6:15-6:45 pm Jessica Smith Cardio Ball Blast YouTube

Sun 18 May

Sunny now, hope it lasts so I can hang laundry out this afternoon. Maybe a nice walk somewhere as well. Got a nice tomato plant at Costco in Green Bay yesterday, but may get another from the Madison Farmer's Market on Saturday. Can't have too many tomatoes. Need to get my herbs for the herb garden table also. Hopefully there won't be too many more nighttime freezes now. Food: 8:20 am Kringle roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1/2 order forestiere crepes w/mushrooms, chicken, bacon, spinach, egg, slice Costco coffee cake 2:30 pm 2 c kettle corn, tasted a couple margarita kettle chips 6:20 pm Trident salmon burger, Lakeland wheat restaurant bun, 1 tbl peach pineapple salsa, 2 c watermelon chunks, 8 oz skim milk Exercise: 6:50-7:40 am Ballet DVD 7:40-8:10 am DWTS DVD 3:40-4:55 pm Walk around Schmeeckle

Sat 17 May

Syttende Mai. (Not sure that's spelled right and too lazy to look it up.) I usually alwats wish Brad a good Syttende Mai if it falls on a work day as he takes his Norwegian heritage quite seriously. He is sort of a citified version of the Norwegian bachelor farmer, personality-wise. We had a great, somewhat lighter dinner at Cafe Chanson last night. Maria served our table which was very nice so we could chat. Maria seems like an assistant manager here as she is very involved in the whole operation. She is also a graduate of the Point dance program under Joan, and has her own small dance company. Sebastian, the chef, also stopped over at our table to say hello. He is really a nice man. We shared a plate of French cheeses for an appetizer, each had a nice side salad. Dad had a royale with gruyere and caramelized onions on sliced toasted baguette. I had crepes with mushrooms, chicken, bacon, and a liggt cream sauce inside and a fried egg and stripof bacon in top. We only ate half or less of the entrees so we have good leftovers for another lunch. We shared an excellent coffee creme brulee for dessert to cap a lovely evening. Our room us a lovely king suite. They have a special going gor any available room at $79/night in May including their awesome breakfast. After showers, we'll go back to the restaurant for Croque Monsieur with fruit, juice, and coffee or something equally delicious. Green Bay doesn't start theur Farmer's Market until next weekend so we have to find other things to do today, but I don't expect we'll lack for options.

Fri 16 May

We had a pretty rowdy table last night at Chef's Dinner. Deb had to go home because the codeine she is taking for her pain was making her nauseous, but Chuck stayed with us and Lee and Gary Olson were also there. There were 3 single men rounding out our table who were quite the bawdy crew. There were limericks. I opted for an extra hour in bed this morning to fill out my 8 hours in lieu of exercise. Haven't taken a morning off for a long time so not feeling too guilty, but will have to work harder throughout the day. Maybe the weather will hold for a post-prandial walk tonight in DePere. Once again, my Friday morning person canceled. Those Kind bars make a good substitute breakfast in the office. Food: 6:50 am 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 am Kind madagascar almond bar 11:50 am Steel cut oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt 4:15 pm Kettle corn

Thurs 15 May

Chef's Dinner at Michele's tonight with the McReichls. Amuse is an oyster, appetizer is hen-of-the-woods soup w/fried asparagus spear garnish, fruit salad, steak, and tiramisu. What's not to like? Food: 6:45 am Newman cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, Great Dane chicken peanut stew, sm slice Swedish coffee bread 12:30 pm 2 Butterfinger Nest Eggs Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Leslie Sansone Boosted Walking 4 mile YouTube 5:30-5:42 pm Jessica Smith Power 12 Quickie Walk YouTube

Wed 14 May

At least the sun is shining again today even if we can't have our 70+ degree weather back. Sunshine lifts the spirits and makes it more tolerable. Maybe next week we'll see at least back to the 60s. Food: 6:50 am Newman cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am Starbucks decorated sugar cookie 11:50 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, cinnamon chip scone Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am The Firm Complete Workout 5:35-5:50 am Jessica Smith Power Quickie Walk YouTube

Tues 13 May

Back to rainy, grey skies for a few days I guess. At least the plants that we put in the ground this weekend are getting well-watered. We were able to get out for a little walk yesterday evening without getting wet. Food: 6:50 pm 1/2 chocolate chip brioche roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Peach soy shake, blueberry scone, sm pear 12:30 pm 3 c kettle corn 2:30 pm 1 miniature Milky Way Midnight 3:30 pm 1 Fiesta egg 6:30 pm 2 grilled chicken drumsticks, 1/2 c TJ's farro w/.5 tbl sauteed ramps, 2 organic beets, 8 oz skim milk, Jello sugar free dark chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 4:50-5:50 pm Dance DVD 5:15-5:55 pm Jessica Smith Indoor Jogging YouTube

Mon 12 May

Newman youth were selling cinnamon rolls after Mass yesterday to fund their summer trips, so we bought a pack. They're tasty but hefty; not exactly feather-light dough. Bought 2 blueberry scones from the Cultural Fest. Pleased that they seem to be quite low in sugar, more like a biscuit with blueberries. Food: 6:55 am Cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, blueberry scone, 2 c watermelon chunks 12:30 pm 2 Biscoff cookies 4:50 pm Sm hard boiled egg 7:30 pm Grilled salmon burger, Lakeland wheat restaurant bun, 1 tbl peach pineapple salsa, 2 c watermelon chunks, peach apple cider Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 6:00-7:10 pm Walk w/Dad to Schmeeckle

Sun 11 May

Michael and Taylor are going to join us for brunch today. Hopefully adding a couple of extras to the table won't be a problem for the Bernard's folks. Looking forward to that excellent lamb with pan sauce, and oh yes, the desserts, too! Very nice brunch this morning, and Michael brought me a lovely vase of flowers! Had enough food that I don't feel the need for another meal today, will just nosh. Tried to get a walk in, but rain had other ideas so we cut it short. Had a lovely nap between brunch and walk. Food: 8:30 am 1/2 chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Mimosa, brunch w/roast lamb, stroganoff, seafood salad, pate, veggie salad, spaetzle, veggies, and many dessert items 3:45 pm 1 Fiesta egg, kettle corn 5:30 pm 1.5 c watermelon chunks, 2 sm slices Swedish coffee bread Exercise: 6:50-7:40 am Ballet DVD 7:40-8:15 am Cardio dance DVD 4:10-4:40 pm Abbreviated walk with Dad 7:00-7:30 pm Jessica Smith Sunset Barefoot Walk YouTube

Sat 10 May

Saturday comes really fast when you start your work week on Thursday. I like it but it's still a bit disconcerting. Today should be a really nice day. We'll go to the Cultural Fest around 10:45, then come home and get geared up for hiking. We'll drive to Baraboo and take in the Faire on the Square and finish with a hike at Devil's Lake. If we're hungry, we'll grab dinner at the Log Cabin before driving home. Not much time for laundry, but I'll get a start before we leave. By the time we walked back home from SPASH and I changed the laundry on the clothesline, we decided it was too late to drive to Baraboo. Maybe we'll take a hike closer to home since the day is so beautiful. We decided to plant the things we purchased on our last trip to Madison, so we now have a new azalea bush, a white bleeding heart, several new perennials in front of the front fence, lavender against the garage wall, and a couple of plants by the chives and in the herb table that I can't remember the names of. We rented Angels and Demons to watch with supper as it was filmed in Rome, but it was a classic case of the book being so far superior to the movie version. Food: 7:00 am Costco morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:00 am Cultural Fest goodies (Indian stew, 2 BBQ ribs, jambalaya, gumbo, 1/2 pc red velvet cake, mac n cheese, milk tea) 1:30 pm 36 g milk chocolate bunny 7:00 pm 1 large country rib, 2/3 c grilled potatoes w/peppers & ramps, 1 sm grilled zucchini (spears), 8 oz skim milk Exercise: 10:30-10:55 am Walk to SPASH 12:45-1:20 pm Walk home

Fri 9 May

Wow, warmer weather! Don't quite know what to make of waking up to open windows and not feeling chilly. I know the next week is going back to the upper 50s, so I'll try not to get too excited. Breakfast client didn't show up so I was glad I had a Kind bar in the office. Food: 6:45 am 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee 8:25 am. Kind Madagascar Almond bar 11:40 am Vanilla soy shake, large slice leftover pork veggie pizza, small morsel leftover coffee cake 12:30 pm Hollow chocolate ball 4:00 pm 2 Biscoff cookies 5:30 pm Margarita, 2 grilled tilapia tacos, chips/salsa, 1/2 c Mexican rice, 1/4 c refried beans Exercise: 4:50-5:55 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength, Standing Abs, & Power Walk Quickie YouTube 4:30-5:00 pm Jessica Smith Dance Party YouTube

Thurs 8 May

Back home and back to reality. Didn't like the number on the scale this morning at all, but hoping at least some of it is water from extra salt in the diet in restaurants. Tried to keep choices marginally healthy and get plenty of walking each day. Can't say I'll be extra good for awhile to make it up because this Saturday is the Cultural Fest (and possibly a subsequent drive to Baraboo for their Faire on the Square and a hike at Devil's Lake if the weather is good), and Sunday is Mother's Day. I think we'll do Bernard's buffet again, hoping he has that wonderful lamb with his pan sauce that was so awesome. Maybe after that I can start eating a little more austerely. Food: 6:45 am Costco morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Peach soy shake, cinnamon scone , sm pear 4:00 pm Brookside Dark Chocolate Pomegranate 100 cal pack 6:40 pm Small serving leftover frutti del mar pasta, 1"x3" chunk garlic bread, 8 oz skim milk, 13 g milk chocolate bunny 7:45 pm 2 Fiesta eggs Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD 5:30-6:30 pm Walk with Dad

Wed 7 May

Final day of vacation for awhile. Looks damp iut there, and I thought I heard rain around 6 am. We had contemplated a 2 mile hike after breakfast in Peninsula but that seems uncertain now. We plan to stop at Costco in Green Bay on the way home, so we may need to do our walking there. White Gull breakfast for the last time today. I saw that the daily special will be their rice pudding which I love. BTW, the Wild Tomato pizza last night was anazing! Wish we had a place that made pizza that good near Point. Madison has several good options but everything in Point is very basic.

Tues 6 May

Yesterday was a very nice day. Weather was a little overcast and damp early, but we had breakfast at the White Gull and took care of the shopping so it didn't really matter. I bought a beautiful pair of shoes I hadn't planned on, but I love them. They are black leather Mephisto flats that will look well with casual or dressy and are very comfortable, even walking long distances. We bought our annual State park sticker and got a short hike in at Peninsula in the later afternoon when the sun came out. We did lunch at the cookery and dinner at Villagio's, an Italin place in Juddville we had always meant to try. Some of the places we wanted to eat aren't yet open for the season, but plenty of optiins are still available. Plans today are breakfast at the White Gull and much more hiking to take advantage of the sunshine.

Mon 5 May

We are ensconced at the Newport Resort with a good night's sleep under our belts. Yesterday we took a lovely walk in the sunshine after arriving. We had stopped at a winery for a tasting en route. We tried Casey's BBQ for dinner as some of our other nearby favorites are not yet open for the season. Casey's was fine, not as good as Atlas BBQ in Grafton, though. Today we'll get breakfast at the White Gull and hopefully get in some good hiking. Skies look overcast now, but it's only 7:30 so we may get some sun later. Another nice day on vacation. Yummy oatmeal for breakfast, couple of quick errands, and return to hotel to gear up for hiking. 2.5 hour hike in Newport, including a sighting of two deer. Gelato in lieu of a late lunch and a wine tasting at Lautenbachs. They had the small travel corkscrew I was looking for as well.. Back at the ranch for a little rest and a glass of chianti before dinner, which will be wood-fired pizza from Wild Tomato, another new place for us. We have tried several new places on this trip among a few old favorites.

Sun 4 May

May the Fourth be with you! Looking very much forward to a few days off to hike in Door County, with some welcome sunshine and marginally warmer temps to boot! I cantor for church this morning and Dad ushers, but we will try to hit the road as soon as we change clothes and eat a little lunch. Food: 7:35 am Steel cut oats w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 farm fresh large eggs, 36 g whole grain bread, 1/3 tbl butter 1 tbl marmalade, 132 g strawberries Exercise: 5:50-6:40 am Ballet DVD 6:40-7:15 am Salsa Dance DVD

Sat 3 May

How wonderful to see the sun shining brightly and the sky so blue today! I miss that so much when we have grey, rainy skies for a week. The sun gives me energy that I haven't felt all week. Plus Saturday is the only day of the week I can get up when the sun is already well up in the sky. It's still dark weekdays when I get up to exercise, and even Sunday at 6:30 it's not fully daylight. Maybe it just hasn't been so sunny yet on a Sunday so I don't notice if it's full daylight; I'll have to check it out tomorrow. Getting things straightened up a bit today. Trying to find a good place to store the items we've been collecting for travel (e.g. plug adapters, money belt, map). Will put the empty Easter baskets in the attic after emptying out the remaining contents and putting what can be put away. Please don't discard the basket you got. If you don't have a use for it, I'll pick it up when we next see you and put it back in the attic for next year. Nice to have a free Saturday to paint my toenails and attend to other grooming task that never seem to fit the schedule. Did a deep conditioner in my hair. Nice. May even finish all my laundry today. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 37 g whole grain bread, 2 slices deli turkey, 1 slice Jarlsberg Lite 1:10 pm 3 Fiesta eggs 1:30 pm Starbucks iced coffee bottle 3:00 pm 4 Biscoff cookies 6:55 pm 4 oz pinot grigio, 3 oz grilled sirloin, 1/2 c grilled potatoes/onions, 1/3 c sauteed zucchini, 3 grilled rum pineapple rings Exercise: 4:40-6:15 pm Walk to and around Schmeeckle

Fri 2 May

Chuck and Deb called the other night and offered us free tickets to join them for First Nighters for Danstage tonight. The people they usually go with can't attend and gave their tickets to be given to someone who could use them, and we got lucky! Looking forward to both the meal and the concert. Yay! I am happy! I once again have a valid passport so I'm free to move about the world again. I really hate it when I have to wait for a new passport to renew. I'm never fully relaxed until the new one arrives. Who knows when an unforeseen opportunity to travel internationally might arise? Food: 6:45 am 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 am 1.8 banana nut pancakes, 1.33 tbl whipped butter, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, blueberry oat scone, small pear Exercise: 4:50-5:30 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength resistance band YouTube 5:35-6:46 am Jessica Smith 11-min cardio interval blast YouTube

Thurs 1 May

Happy May Day! Remember when I used to make little construction paper baskets to hang on your bedroom doorknobs with a little candy in them to celebrate the day. I miss that. Food: 6:40 am 1/2 c TJ's Blueberry Muesli, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 pm 1 Nature Valley Oat & Honey bar 12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, chocolate chip oat scone, sm pear 1:15 pm 1 Butterfinger Nest Egg 3:15 pm 1 Kopiko cappuccino candy 5:45 pm Sea Queen sundered tomato tilapia filet, sweet potato oven fries, 3/4 c cooked broccoli, 2 oz skim milk (all that was left) Exercise: 4:55-5:45 am Jane Fonda Fat Burners video 4:45-5:20 pm Jessica Smith Disco Walk YouTube