Sun 31 May

It's here. The last day of Newman. Last night in bed I was reminiscing of all the times of our lives that have been marked in that chapel - our wedding, baptism of both children, First Communions, confirmations, sharing my mom in her final years with the parish. I am grateful for having that wonderful base for our religious lives. The sense of community has been wonderful, and I could find a home for my more liberal-minded Catholic views where I could feel more comfortable than I have in any other church I've attended. Wow, even when you know it will be emotionally tough, it isn't any easier for foreknowledge. I still feel somewhat emotionally drained. Food: 7:15 am Chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Sm piece chocolate cake w/whipped frosting 12:15 pm Cheese/veggie omelet, 2 slices wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, wedge honeydew, slice pineapple, coffee 3:00 pm 3 Toffifee 5:30 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk Exercise: 5:55-6:40 am Jessica Smith Cardio Ball Ballet YouTube 6:40-6:55 am Jessica Smith Boogie Walk DVD 3:30-4:30 pm Walk w/Dad

Sat 30 May

We decided to walk down to the Farmer's Market to see if David's pastries were there, and of course it started raining just as we left. We had brought the little umbrellas so we enjoyed a stroll in the rain and were rewarded with yummmies including fresh rhubarb danish. I am about to enjoy one. Food: 9:45 am Rhubarb danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:45-9:30 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 29 May

Quick Friday this week. Not complaining. Had a nice visit with Taylor yesterday. She's most anxious to move into Grandma's house as soon as the boys move out, but she is frustrated that she hasn't secured a job here yet. She's getting to the point of considering a stint at a local Subway while still looking for something more professional. Wishing her the best of luck. Saw Julie Zinda at Point After at fish fry. She came over and was very glad to see us. Food: 7:00 am Costco pull-apart cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, rhubarb oat scone, 110 g strawberries 12:30 pm Small brownie 3:45 pm 4 wintergreen LifeSavers 5:30 pm Pint Mud Puppy porter, 4 sm pieces sauteed lemon pepper haddock, 1/2 c potato salad, 1/3 c coleslaw 6:35 pm Small brownie Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Cardio Sculpt DVD 5:20-5:30 am Cardio Dance warmup (too stationary) 5:30-6:00 am Jessica Smith 2/5 mile DVD

Thurs 28 May

A Thursday that feels like a Monday - weird. But it means a two-day work week which should be rather nice, if a little rushed. Looks like at least some sunshine today. I'll take it. Food: 6:55 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, pumpkin scone, 175 g strawberries 1:30 pm Sm brownie 4:45 pm 2 Peeps bunnies Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Walking workout DVD 5:20-5:45 am Dancer's Body short workout DVD 5:10-5:40 pm Neighborhood walk

Wed 27 May

Wonderful trip! Had to hike in the rain and mud yesterday, but it was an adventure! Today was lovely, though clouds and a little rain moved in and out between periods of sunshine. Accomplished what we hoped to do, ate at a nice new restaurant in Rockford, all in all a successful trip. Food: 8:30 am Bowl of oatmeal w/brown sugar & raisins & milk, coffee 10:45 am Cranberry walnut muffin 12:15 pm 1/2 Prosciutto tartine, 4 East coast oysters, 1/3 c roasted Yukon gold potatoes, arugula w/berries, 1/2 piece banana cream nutella pie 3:30 pm Costco samples, heavy on the chocolate 6:45 pm 65 g Costco chicken breast, 165 g strawberries, brownie Exercise: 9:35-10:40 am Hike to St. Louis canyon w/many steps

Mon 25 May

Happy Memorial Day! For us, it's the beginning of the mini-vacation to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. We hope to get started around 10 am, lunch in Madison, and then complete the journey. Don't know if we can check in before 3 pm, especially because they likely had a full house over the holiday weekend, but we can explore around the park if they aren't ready for us. Yesterday was rainy here and it continues this morning. Hoping (but not holding my breath) that it won't be rainy the whole time we're at the park. We're packing rain pants for hiking just in case. Can't go to a beautiful new hiking spot and stay indoors just for rain. Food: 8:25 am Chocolate chip danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:25-8:05 am Jessica Smith Walk 5 miles DVD, first 2 miles

Sun 24 May

Added some new exercise DVDs to my collection and they arrived over the last couple of days. Tried Dancer's Body Workout with Patricia Moreno today and liked it. She teaches an entire routine over the course of an hour and practices in sections until you do the whole thing several times at the end. It's like being back in dance classes and it's fun. I'm already in mourning for Newman's last masses next week Sunday. I'm very grateful that Newman was there for us to raise our children as I think it helped to give a base of what the Catholic church can be at its best. I hope that foundation remains with my children even though they currently don't think much of Catholicism. Newman was the best we could give them. Food: 8:25 am Chocolate chip danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Cinnamon oat scone, 100 g raspberries 2:00 pm 2 Peeps bunnies 3:00 pm Ice cream Exercise: 7:00-8:00 am Dancer's Body Workout DVD 4:30-4:50 pm Jessica Smith 20-min mile YouTube

Sat 23 May

Loving the prospect of an extended weekend with a new hiking destination for the latter half. Today: Madison and the first Farmer's Market of the season (for us). And dinner at Lombardino's! Let the good times roll! Hope all the family in Oregon is safely gathered and has a wonderful annual reunion. Hugs to all! Food: 7:10 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 22 May

49 years ago today was the last day my brother walked this earth. Wonder what he would have been like today had he lived. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:15 am Chocolate frosted raised donut 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl PB, 112 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:40 am Latin Dance DVD

Thurs 21 May

Supposed to be sunny today. Most welcome. Maybe a hike tonight. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries 9:30 pm 1 Fun Size 3 Musketeers 12:30 pm 2 slices cinnamon raisin struan toast w/butter, 6 oz Light & Fit blueberry yogurt, 100 g raspberries Exercise: 4:55-5:35 am DWTS DVD 5:35-5:45 am Walking exercise

Wed 20 May

Today we go to a group meeting re: retirement planning, specific to choosing our disbursement plan and perhaps clarifying best date. My packet is set for Wed 9 Sept at this point, and rather than the previous trepidation, I find I'm getting rather excited. I feel much more ready now. Learned that I can go online and plug alternate dates into the ETF retirement calculator to find out how my benefit would vary by slight alterations. Will probably need to meet with County Human Resources to figure out how the health insurance will work. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Brioche roll, 2 oz Dietz & Watson lite turkey, med banana, sm piece rhubarb coffee cake 12:30 pm 2 Peeps bunnies 3:00 pm 2 wintergreen LifeSavers 5:30 pm Extra lean burger, 1 tbl grated comte cheese, basil, bun, 1 med ear sweet corn w/olive oil Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video 5:20-5:50 am Leslie Sanson 2 of 3 mile walk YouTube 6:30-7:00 pm Jessica Smith Dance Party Walk YouTube

Tues 19 May

That Cedarburg bakery certainly makes excellent pastries. Their gibassier are amazing and their croissants are no slouch either. Probably a good thing they aren't easily accessible. I was happy to have sufficient energy this morning to do the Indoor Jogging routine. I will now declare myself back to health again. Cool days beg for mac n cheese. Food: 6:50 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 slices cinnamon raisin struan toast w/butter, 2 wedges Laughing Cow Lite Swiss cheese, 99 g raspberries 1:00 pm 2 Swiss chocolate biscuits 3:00 pm 4 wintergreen LifeSavers 5:15 pm Sm piece rhubarb coffee cake 5:45 pm Macaroni & cheese, 3/4 c homemade applesauce Exercise: 4:55-5:35 am Jessica Smith Indoor Jogging YouTube 5:35-5:50 am Jessica Smith Power Walk Quickie YouTube

Mon 18 May

One more full week before we go to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. I was looking at the website again yesterday and am excited to see the gorgeous hiking trails through canyons and to waterfalls. Should still be a lot of spring wildflowers as well. Made it through the whole Jane Fonda video today. Must be a sign of returning health. Was able to personally thank Dave Marie at church yesterday for the gift of our health. Breakfast for supper tonight. Buckwheat pancakes from the mix Hartman's gave us for Christmas w/Bayfield blueberries stirred in and Greuel's maple syrup on top. However they didn't quite leave me feeling full, so I opted to add a bowl of cereal before bed. Food: 7:00 am Gibassier, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 slices Dietz & Watson lite turkey, 42 g brioche roll, 101 g raspberries 12:30 pm Sm piece rhubarb coffee cake 3:30 pm 5 Wintergreen LifeSavers 4:50 pm 3 c kettle corn 6:00 pm 4 buckwheat blueberry pancakes w/butter & syrup 6:50 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 6:25-6:50 pm Jessica Smith Barefoot Fusion Walk YouTube

Sun 17 May

Happy Syttendei Mai(or however you spell it!) Drove down to Cedarburg after Taylor's graduation party yesterday. Got good bakery in Cedarburg, got ice cream, walked on the trail, drove to Costco in Grafton and had dinner at Atlas BBQ. Made for a very nice day. It was nice to meet all of Taylor's family, and they were most gracious. Particularly liked his stepdad, Jeff. We sat with him while we ate lunch and were able to have great conversation about travel. Doesn't matter that I told Deb that I'd probably take the summer off from cantoring, I'm assigned 4 different times at a variety of mass times, including one at Sun 8 am. I hope I'm not expected to be there at 7 am to practice! Food: 8:00 am Gibassier, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 slices Dietz & Watson light turkey breast, brioche roll, 99 g raspberries 2:30 pm 2 Riesen caramels 5:30 pm Large chunk leftover smoked prime rib, 2 glasses white wine Exercise: 6:50-7:05 am Jessica Smith Intermediate Cardio Ballet YouTube 7:05-7:45 am Jessica Smith Belly, Buns, & Thighs YouTube 2:35-3:20 pm Leslie Sansone 3-mile walk YouTube

Sat 16 May

Going to Taylor's graduation in Oshkosh this morning, and then to meet her family at a post-graduation luncheon at her sister's house. I baked a rhubarb coffee cake to take along as I believe that Southerners are big on bringing food to such occasions. I thought there was enough butter in this recipe to satisfy most Southerners! Am I profiling, or what? When I bought the buttermilk and half-and-half for the cake last night, I had to pick up some Quaker Oat Squares. I have been craving them. Food: 5:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 15 May

I guess yesterday's stress took a greater toll on me than I had realized because I had a lot of difficulty sleeping til at least halfway through the night. I had a restful enough evening, but I just couldn't settle into sleep. Skipped exercise this morning because I actually was able to sleep toward morning and thought I needed another hour if I could get it. Oddly, I was craving a bowl of Quaker Oat Squares as I lay sleepless in bed in the first half of the night, but I don't have any in the house at present. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am 2 slices cinnamon raisin struan toast w/butter, Light & Fit Citrus Blend Greek yogurt, med banana, 2 oz soy milk, sugar 12:30 pm 2 Riesen caramels 1:45 pm 2 Riesen caramels 3:45 pm Raspberry bar 6:00 pm 5 oz white bordeaux, 5 oz lightly breaded walleye, 2 sm baguette rolls w/butter, 1/4 c coleslaw, 1/4 c mixed baked beans, 2 c steamed veggies Exercise: 4:40-5:30 pm Leslie Sansone 4 Fast Miles DVD

Thurs 14 May

Nice to enjoy the sunshine yesterday by hiking at Rib, but I got tired sooner than expected. We had more energy at the start and did quite a bit of the hike at a strong pace, then just burned out. But it was still fun. Spent the morning dealing with the unexpected death of a client who just went to a group home yesterday. Bad day to have a scheduled bake sale as sugar is often a refuge for a stressful day. Food: 6:55 am Cheese ponczka, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 8:45 am 2 Scotcheroos 12:30 pm 2 slices cinnamon raisin struan toast w/butter, 35 g Comte cheese, 76 g raspberries 4:00 pm Large frosted brownie 6:45 pm 115 g organic mushroom ravioli, 1/2 c tomato basil sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 2/3 c diced beets Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Jessica Smith Latin Dance Walk YouTube 5:20-5:50 am Jessica Smith Power Interval Walk YouTube

Wed 13 May

Nice to see sunshine today - most welcome. I would not look askance at some warmer temperatures again either, but I guess I can be patient. Today might be nice to hike at Rib. Food: 7:00 am Prune ponczka, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl PB, 1 tbl raspberry preserves, 88 g rasberries 12:45 pm 3 tbl Kirkland peanuts 4:30 pm 2 c kettle corn 7:00 pm Crock French onion soup w/cheese, 2/3 meatball naan, 12 oz red ale Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am Erin O'Brien Fit Body DVD 5:35-5:45 am Walking exercise 5:30-6:45 pm Hiking at Rib

Tues 12 May

And the week goes on. Thinking more about retirement again, and "what's the point of waiting another year?" If there should be some unforeseen expense this year, that could be a factor, but at this point, it's looking likely. Still need to crunch the numbers and take a serious look at all our assets. Food: 6:50 am Apricot ponczka, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:30 am 2 cinnamon graham crackers 11:55 am 3"x 7" sausage/mushroom/tomato pizza, 99 g raspberries 2:45 pm 6 wintergreen LifeSavers 7:00 pm Newman pork sandwich w/BBQ sauce, apricot ponczka Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Dance DVD

Mon 11 May

I can't find a very pretty new pair of earrings I bought on the trip to Door Co. I vaguely remember wearing them home and coming down to get the little pouch out of my purse to put them in when I took them off at night. I know I was extremely tired at the time, so I assume I put them in an odd place. They certainly aren't where they should be which is where I thought I remembered putting them. I hope they turn up as I really liked them. Michael and Taylor brought me a pretty orchid plant for Mother's Day. I hope I can keep it alive by following the instructions for at least a few months. Food: 6:50 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Spinach mushroom quiche, 101 g raspberries 12:30 pm 2 Swiss chocolate biscuits 4:45 pm 4 c kettle corn 6:45 pm Door Co rotisserie ribs, roasted red potatoes, frozen broccoli Exercise: 4:50-5:40 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 5:30-5:45 pm Neighborhood walk with Dad

Sun 10 May

Happy Mother's Day to our mommies in heaven. They have revised the weather forecast so we might not have rain after all for the last Newman picnic. We opted to forego brunch for the picnic and go out for Mother's Day tonight instead. Nice time at the Newman picnic. Yummy roast pork sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh veggies, and good brownies. Food: 8:25 am Chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, Nespresso cappuccino Exercise: 6:50-7:15 am Cardio Barre YouTube 7:15-7:40 am Jessica Smith Cardio Ball Blast 7:40-8:00 am Leslie Sansone Power Mile DVD

Sat 9 May

Bob did an estimate for Dave Marie yesterday evening, and while they were yakking, he asked Dave about the creeping crud we have had for around 4 weeks now. Dave said it's likely bacterial and that we are re-infecting each other so it doesn't go away. He also said there's danger that it could turn into pneumonia eventually and it really should be treated with antibiotics which should eradicate it. He graciously agreed to call in a script for Z-pack for each of us, so we picked them up after fish fry and started them last night. I am sooooo anxious for this to work. I told Bob my one wish for Mother's Day would be to get rid of this cough/drainage mess, so maybe I will get my wish! Cultural Fest was fun as usual. Didn't get to walk there and back as we had other errands to do, so we will try to take an afternoon/evening walk somewhere. Ate many good things and brought home Jamaican pork sandwiches for supper as well as French croissants and Polish paczki. Food: 7:40 am 3/4 c Special K Protein flakes, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, 4 oz Light & Fit blueberry yogurt, Nespresso cappuccino

Fri 8 May

Got a little rain (and wind) last night. The earth is grateful. Moisture is welcome. Tomorrow is the Cultural Festival. I'm looking forward to it. Hope the weather is good to walk there. Always alleviates some of the guilt from eating yummies. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Fit & Active Banana Cream Greek yogurt, pecan scone, 99 g raspberries 12:30 pm 2 Peeps bunnies 2:45 pm 1 Lindt truffle, 1 cinnamon graham cracker 4:30 pm Sm piece mocha melt away bar Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength YouTube 5:20-5:45 am Jessica Smith Dance Walk YouTube 5:00-5:15 pm Leslie Sansone 1 mile Super Challenge YouTube

Thurs 7 May

Wonderful mini-vacation in Door County. Weather was mild and mostly sunny, at least on Mon and Tues. We got in a couple of very nice hikes including a long one in Newport. Did a little shopping and some exceptional eating, including a new place recommended by Fr. Tom. Very relaxing and successful time off. Food: 6:40 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm Pecan scone, Light & Fit banana cream Greek yogurt, sm banana 1:15 pm 2 Peeps bunnies Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Jessica Smith 10 pounds down cardio DVD 5:20-5:40 am Cardio dance DVD 4:40-4:50 pm Quick neighborhood walk

Sun 3 May

A little tired this morning in spite of a long (though not very quiet) sleep. Morning exercise really felt like work even though it wasn't a particularly challenging workout. Glad I don't have to cantor today. May try to walk to and from Newman just in case it rains in Door Co tonight, though Dad said the forecast was modified. Food: 8:00 am Blackberry danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 6:50-7:10 am Jessica Smith Cardio Barre YouTube 7:10-7:40 am Salsa Dance DVD

Sat 2 May

Supposed to be a truly lovely day today; I'll take that! Will do laundry and pack for Door County. Deb did get me a cantoring sub for tomorrow so I needn't worry whether my voice will be up to par. It's still pretty scratchy and full of gunk. I can't remember whether or not I took loratadine last night, but it seems no different. I will make sure I have some to take along in case I feel the need. Food: 7:35 am Steel cut oatmeal w/protein powder, flaxseed meal, 1/2 c Bayfield blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blueberries, coffee 10:55 am Raspberry danish 12:00 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 56 g braunschweiger Exercise: 10:20-10:50 am Walk downtown for pastries

Fri 1 May

Happy May Day! It's Friday, and we have vacation in Door County Sun-Wed, so I'm in a good mood today. Just gotta wrap up a week at which I have not been in the office the last two days. I'll deal with it when I get there. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 104 g blackberries, coffee 11:00 am 2 Wintergreen LifeSavers 11:50 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 1.6 oz braunschweiger, sm banana, slice raspberry coffee cake 12:30 pm Pieces of milk chocolate bunny 4:30 pm 2 Peeps bunnies Exercise: 4:50-5:10 am Jessica Smith Upper Body Weights workout YouTube 5:10-5:50 am Jessica Smith Belly, Buns & Thighs YouTube 4:50-5:10 pm Walk around neighborhood w/running intervals