Tues 30 Jun

Michael is having troubles with getting out of his lease at the mold house after one of the former roommates insisted the landlord had agreed to release all four of the tenants. Michael didn't confirm this before he took some relatively irrevocable action toward relocating, and now he may be in trouble with the lease. Apparently the mold cleared up with the application of a dehumidifier. I may ask some folks in the health department for advice. Food: 6:55 am Blackberry danish, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl Jif, sm peach 3:45 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk 7:15 pm Chicken rotini casserole, 52 g chocolate chip brioche, 74 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Dance DVD

Mon 29 Jun

Back at home now for the most part of two weeks. I go on call tomorrow so we can't go anywhere over the Fourth. Our next out-of-town is scheduled for Fri 10 Jul for the Madison retirement meeting, lunch with Laura, and the Audubon Inn in Mayville, WI near Horicon Marsh that evening. Temps are predicted in the mid- to upper 70s all week so it should be pleasant. There is some good music scheduled at Riverfront Rendezvous according to Michael. Made a supper casserole with a large chicken breast, cut up and sautéed; sautéed onions, mushrooms, and zucchini; fresh herbs; whole wheat rotini pasta; and a package of shredded asiago/parmesan cheese. Yummy! Food: 7:05 am Chocolate croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 6 oz shredded beef, hoagie bun, au jus 6:40 pm Chicken casserole, 40 g dark chocolate super fruits Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sat 27 Jun

Beautiful morning for a walk down to the Farmer's Market for pastries, followed by the enjoyment of a perfectly fresh gibassier! Good way to start the day. Hopefully Michael will have our car back in time for us to drive to Sheboygan for the wedding today. If not, I guess we'll send our regrets and cancel the hotel reservation. The knives can be returned to Costco and we'd have the rest of the weekend to relax. Food: 8:50 am Gibassier pastry, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Chocolate hazelnut muffin, 138 g strawberries Exercise: 7:25-7:55 am Walk to the square and back for Farmer's Market 11:00-11:45 am Leslie Sansone 3/5 Fat Burning Miles DVD

Fri 26 Jun

Cold is a little better. Only needed one dose of cold medicine at bedtime. Hopeful that I'll not be noticing too many symptoms tomorrow for the wedding. Still thinking it's a little strange to be going to a wedding for two people I've only met once. We also met the parents of the bride only once. Our only connection is through Taylor. But Michael is glad we'll be there as he won't know many other people either so he'll have someone to sit with and talk to. I'm looking forward to seeing this place as part of the American Club. Having breakfast out with a client this morning, not the same one who always used to go out on Fridays but a different one. Food: 6:55 am 1/4 med cantaloupe, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 65 g brioche, med peach 5:15 pm 4 oz baked perch, iceberg lettuce salad, 1 tsp raspberry viniagrette, 2 tsp tartar sauce, 3 sm steak fries Exercise: 4:50-5:30 am Jessica Smith Resistance Band Fusion YouTube 5:30-5:50 am Jessica Smith 1 mile Power Walk YouTube 6:15-6:45 pm Neighborhood walk

Thurs 25 Jun

Didn't sleep soundly last night but still got rest, however sporadic. Feeling better this morning than yesterday by a long shot. Needed sudafed to sleep, but it worked. Hopefully taking it a little easier and getting plenty of water today will help eradicate it. I opted to stay in bed the extra hour rather than do morning exercise. I don't have anything on the schedule tonight so I can make it up. Took a short neighborhood walk with Dad last night so I did get my 10,000 yesterday but not much more. We has peaches! Mary picked them up for me again so we will have some to share as well. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt, 1/3 c homemade granola, 77 g raspberries 6:20 pm Fit & Active turkey sweet Italian sausage, Loven Fresh whole wheat hot dog bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 med cucumber, 1/2 c Grillin Beans

Wed 24 Jun

Not feeling on top of my game today. A little post-nasal drip that feels sharp against my throat and a lack of energy. Hope it passes soon. I intend to hit the Cold-Eze heavily today. I have also pushed longer walking days in the nice weather, but I'm sometimes quite tired by the end. Maybe I'll take it a little easier today. Made it through the morning on will power, thankfully a quiet Intake shift. Slept half an hour instead of eating for lunch and attended half an hour of staffing before picking a client up to go to court for his recommitment hearing. As soon as it was done, I dropped him off and went home and fell into bed with a couple of ibuprofen. Wanted water but couldn't stay awake long enough to drink it. By 3:45 I was ready to get up and do another bowl of cereal. I think I'll be okay for the meeting tonight with the financial counselor. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 3:45 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Stquares, 1/2 c light original soy milk 6:50 pm 2 slices braunschweiger Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Leslie Sansone 2/5 Fast Miles DVD 5:20-5:45 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video

Tues 23 Jun

We meet with the insurance rep tonight to talk health insurance options. If we decide to keep my work health insurance for 18 months through COBRA, I may decide to work til January so I can go back to the other coverage option. The premium is a little higher but the coverage is much better. This high-deductible option is frustrating because it really makes you reluctant to go in for anything that isn't just a physical or other preventative care. My Fitbit behaved weirdly again today. Just after registering 10,000 steps, it suddenly quit. When I got home and did a hard restart, I found the battery was completely drained, even though I had a full charge this morning. I read on the forum that others have occasionally had this problem as well so it may be a design flaw. Hope it doesn't recur. Health insurance looks as though it will cost us over $1450/month for a plan with a pretty high deductible. Sigh. Food: 6:50 am Rhubarb danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Light & Fit Pomegranate Berry Greek yogurt, 1/3 fresh blueberries, 1/3 c homemade granola, 101 g raspberries 2:45 pm 1 cinnamon graham cracker 6:15 pm 130 g mushroom ravioli, 1/2 c caramelized onion sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, strawberry/banana sauce cup Exercise: 4:50-6:00 am Jessica Smith 4/5 Fat Burning Miles DVD

Mon 22 Jun

I'm expecting a pretty full week of work since I was gone most of last week and Friday was quite busy. Meet with an insurance man about health insurance options tomorrow evening, and likely meet again with the financial advisor on Wed. I had not done the Jane Fonda Complete for a couple of weeks due to schedule changes and it was more challenging to get back to it today. Food: 7:00 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Citrus Blend Greek blend yogurt, 1/2 c fresh blueberries, 1/3 c homemade granola 5:00 pm 2 dark chocolate covered almonds 6:15 pm Fit & Active turkey Italian sausage, bun, lettuce leaf, 1 tbl ketchup, 3/4 c creamy potato salad, 1/2 sm cucumber Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 21 Jun

Going to have to be careful having Michael and Taylor close by. We spent time with them yesterday installing a new lock on the house doors at 2308 and Taylor and I shared a glass of Belgian red while Dad and Michael unclogged the sink. Then we all came to our house where we made a batch of sangria and shared a bottle of wine while waiting for the sangria to chill. I had quite a headache in the night. I don't usually drink that much, but it goes down so much easier when you socialize. I'll have to learn (all over again) to watch that. Dad and I don't usually have people over that often, except maybe the Hartmans who don't drink that much. Cantoring was more relaxed today, the second time around, since I knew more what to expect. Things were a little dicey at first as I had two young teenagers with me whom I had never met, there was no opportunity to practice because they were saying the rosary in church, Karen was supposed to accompany but she had a meltdown and disappeared so fortunately Deb was there and was able to play (in spite of it being her 60th birthday!) Chatted with John Knowlton after Mass, as well as Sharon Hollar, your old kindergarten teacher who sends a fond hello! Broke out my Vitamix and wiped off the cobwebs to make a yummy smoothie with some of summer's first fruits. I threw in fresh local strawberries from the farmer's market, blueberries, a banana, grapes, a banana cream Greek yogurt, a vanilla soy shake, and some kale and mint from my herb garden. It made enough to share with Dad for Father's Day. Food: 6:30 am Apricot danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:15 am 1/2 c coffee 11:25 am Vitamix fruit smoothie Exercise: 1:50-3:25 pm Hike Mead Wildlife area w/Bob

Sat 20 Jun

Planning to walk to the Farmer's Market with Michael and Taylor and Dad to get pastries and maybe some veggies. Also hoping to drive up to Wausau between 11-3 for their Caribbean Market in the downtown area. Food: 7:10 am 79 g blackberries 8:30 am Gibassier pastry, coffee 1:25 pm 108 g braunschweiger, slice Omega 3 bread, 4 cucumber wedges, 68 g blueberries, sm slice chocolate frosted cake Exercise: 7:15-8:00 am Walk to, around, and back from farmer's market

Fri 19 Jun

Celebrated Michael's birthday yesterday with him and Taylor with chocolate cake in the evening. Will take him out for dinner one evening soon when there's more time. Trip to the North Shore was amazingly wonderful. Once again we were blessed with perfect weather for hiking and appreciating the natural beauty. I have many bug bite souvenirs, but that's to be expected in spite of bug spray. My scale also climbed yet a couple more pounds even though it didn't seem like we ate as much this time around. Time for serious cutting back. I feel like I'm moving enough, but I need to start eating less. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Blueberry scone, 60 g raspberries, 2 wedges Happy Farms light spreadable cheese 1:30 pm 1/2 large molasses cookie 4:45 pm Sm brandy old fashioned, 4 oz wahoo filet w/pineapple salsa & balsamic drizzle, 1/2 c potato salad, 1/4 c coleslaw Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength resistance band YouTube 5:20-5:40 am Jessica Smith Power Mile walk YouTube

Sun 14 Jun

Getting ready to head up to the North Shore. Just having a little breakfast before we go. Picked up David's pastries yesterday, so breakfast is especially yummy. Raspberry danish today. Had to do a restart on my Fitbit, but glad it happened here and not on the road. Easier to look up the procedure on the desktop computer where I'm most familiar with Fitbit's website. Food: 7:25 am Raspberry danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 13 Jun

Looks to be kind of a grey morning. Discovered that soy milk doesn't really work in the milk foamer for the cappuccino machine. It bubbles a little and the bubbles disappear quickly when poured over the espresso. Still tastes okay though. Hoping to walk to the farmer's market for pastries for today and tomorrow in a bit. Just having fruit and espresso now. Seems to be a trend that it rains when we walk to the farmer's market, but we don't really mind strolling in the damp. Pastries are worth it. Food: 7:35 am 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, Nespresso espresso, 1/4 c light original soy milk 9:45 am Blackberry danish 1:45 pm Sm cucumber w/peel, 100 g raspberries, 21 g braunschweiger 3:40 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk 7:15 pm 4 oz extra lean ground beef, 2 sm fresh mozzarella balls, 1 tbl ketchup, bun, 1/2 sm cucumber w/peel, 1.5 c watermelon, 8 oz Surly saison Exercise: 8:45-9:40 am Walk to, around, and home from Farmer's Market 2:30-3:30 pm Walk w/Mary Hofer

Fri 12 Jun

TGIF! I was tired during exercise this morning. No particular good reason, but it was work to finish. It has been so nice that the insecticide we applied last summer seems to have continued to work so that the centipede population is considerably decreased. I am not so tense now when I go down to exercise which makes it more pleasant. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:45 am Small nectarine 11:45 am Caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt, slice Omega 3 bread, 2 oz Dietz & Watson turkey, 108 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Walking DVD 5:20-5:45 am Salsa Dance DVD

Thurs 11 Jun

The week goes on. This one seems to be lasting a long time. The beginning disappeared, but the middle is stretching out to make up for it. Perhaps it's just the grey skies this morning that make me feel that way. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice Omega 3 toast, 1 tbl PB, 100 g raspberries 1:30 pm 2 pc chocolate covered lebkuchen 6:30 pm 2 large slices Mama Cozzi's spinach feta pizza Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Patricia Moreno Dancer's Body Workout DVD 5:15-5:55 pm Jessica Smith Belly, Buns, & Thighs YouTube

Wed 10 Jun

Tired during morning exercise, but I made it through. Rest of this week is pretty much unscheduled beyond work, getting ready for the North Shore next week. Need to do homework on investigating health insurance options. Told the financial planner yesterday that if it appears to be significantly beneficial that I work another couple of years, I am willing to do so, but I'm hoping she doesn't say that is the case. Once I made up my mind that I'm ready, it would be hard to go back to the idea of indefinite working again. But I can do it if need be. Saw on the sign at JR Liquor that they are now selling Surly in Wisconsin! Decided it would be a fun destination for a nice evening walk. Food: 7:05 am Bear claw pastry, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice Omega 3 bread, braunschweiger, 101 g raspberries 12:40 p 2 Toffifee 3:30 pm Piece marble cake w/whipped icing 6:00 pm 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/3 c green pepper, 1/8 c onion, 1/2 c caramelized onion sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1 c whole wheat pasta Exercise: 4:50-5:25 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength YouTube 5:25-5:55 am Jessica Smith Posture & Turbo Walk segments of DVD 6:45-7:25 pm Walk w/Dad to JR Liquor

Tues 9 Jun

Dinner last night was great! Small group - 12 diners, with a gentleman from the wine supplier who instructed us on the choices and a gal from the restaurant explaining the food. All was delicious! Food: 8:15 am Individual ham quiche, blueberry streusel muffin, 1/2 med banana, 10 oz OJ, coffee 12:00 pm Half 4-cheese grilled cheese sandwich 4:45 pm Half an apple cinnamon fig bar 8:30 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 101 g raspberries Exercise: 6:30-7:45 pm Hiking Rib

Mon 8 Jun

Tonight's the night! The wine dinner in De Pere. I'm wearing my nice new Door County dress to work today so I will be ready to hop out the door no later than 4 pm. I want to get checked in to our room before cocktail hour starts at 6 pm. Then let the feast begin! Food: 7:00 am Peach almond danish, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt, cinnamon oat scone, 100 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-6:00 pm Full Leslie Sansone 5-mile DVD

Sun 7 Jun

Perfect weather yesterday for Walk WI!!! I earned my 45,000 mile badge from Fitbit, strangely named the Snow Boot badge. I took open-toed sandals to switch out at about 10 miles in an attempt to save my toenails. Time will tell whether it was a successful gambit. I decided to opt out of morning exercise today to rest the muscles. I have the whole rest of the day to get my steps in. We're not in Kansas any more, Toto. The Mass at St. Stan's definitely does not feel like home. It will be interesting, to say the least, to be the sole cantor there next Sat evening. Got the herb garden planted since the sun obligingly came out this afternoon. Food: 7:15 am Rhubarb danish, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 2 slices braunschweiger, 1.5 c fruit salad 1:30 pm 6 Peeps bunnies (they called my name, but now all the Peeps are gone) 5:20 pm Fit & Active sweet Italian turkey sausage, Aldi bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 1.5 c fruit salad, 5 oz cherry wine Exercise: 9:45-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:25 am Walk home 2:20-2:30 pm Walk to 2308 3:30-3:50 pm Walk home

Sat 6 Jun

Beautiful looking day for Walk WI! I want to get down to the Square to get some of David's pastries before we start and get them safely stowed in the car. He promised rhubarb kuchen this week. We are supposed to be there for announcements at the walk at 9:10 so I've none too much time this morning. Once the walk is done,the rest of the weekend is pretty free. Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 5 Jun

This week passed relatively quickly for a full work week in summer. I'm looking forward to meeting with Amanda from Human Resources this afternoon to discuss procedures for retirement. I still need to contact one or two former coworkers to inquire if they have any wisdom regarding health insurance. Next Tuesday we meet with our financial advisor. Met with Amanda and moved my tentative date to Sept 15 as I will get about $200 worth of additional prorated vacation, sick leave, and longevity. I can handle 4 additional work days for that kind of return. Also scheduled an individual consult with the State retirement people in Madison for Fri, July 10. Will take the whole day off July 10 as we just booked that night in an inn in Mayville near Horicon Marsh. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee (Hunger=3) 11:45 am Rhubarb oat scone, Light & Fit 5 oz Blueberry yogurt, 150 g strawberries (Hunger=3) 12:45 pm Small brownie (Hunger=5) 5:25 pm Several chunks of fruit from salad, chunk of large chocolate chip cookie (hunger=3.5) Exercise: 4:50-5:15 am Cardio Core Sculpt DVD 5:15-5:45 am Leslie Sansone 2/5 mile walk DVD 4:10-5:10 pm Walk down to Pfiffner Bldg to sign in for Walk Wisconsin

Thurs 4 Jun

I'm a little tired this morning, no special reason why. Perhaps it's due to a slight increase in humidity which feels more draining. Weather forecast for Saturday for Walk Wisconsin looks lovely - partly cloudy/sunny and upper 60s. Today's Spring challenge is eating something from every color of the rainbow. At breakfast, I have indigo/purple from blackberries, but can I count the grapefruit as yellow (on the outside) or red/pink (on the inside)? I have strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to cover red and blue at lunch, as well as some spring mix salad for green. I could include sweet potatoes at supper for orange and that would pretty well cover it, but I'd like a stronger representation for yellow. I suppose I could snack on a banana? Maybe I'll take a small one along to work since I expect to get a little hungry mid-morning. The last cinnamon roll was quite small. Red strawberries, yellow banana - check. Orange, green, and blue yet to go. Blueberries for an after-work snack, salad and mashed sweet potatoes with supper. Rainbow accomplished. Need to buy more Jello sugar-free pudding. Found an old knock-off brand one in the fridge and was desperate enough for something creamy and chocolaty that I ate it, but it lacked quality. Food: 7:05 am Small Costco cinnamon pull-apart, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:45 am Med banana 12:30 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 72 g braunschweiger, 162 g strawberries 1:15 pm 2 Peeps bunnies 4:45 pm 2 dark chocolate covered almonds, 100 g blueberries 7:05 pm 3 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c mashed sweet potato, small dish of spring mix greens, dark chocolate sugar free pudding cup Exercise: 4:55-5:55 am Jessica Smith 4/5 Walking DVD 5:50-6:50 pm Walk to Schmeeckle with Dad

Wed 3 Jun

Very nice, if overpriced, dinner with Michael and Taylor to celebrate our anniversary and Taylor's new job. I had seen on the website that they had a "patio menu" that had some lower-priced options, but they did not have it at the actual restaurant. Also their bar prices were higher than other places we go. But we had the outdoor patio to ourselves for nice conversation so it was a lovely evening. Food: 6:55 am Costco cinnamon pull-apart, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 1/2 cookie 12:45 pm Rococo Chicago Super Slice, water 3:15 pm 4 wintergreen LifeSavers 4:45 pm Sm slice brownie Exercise: 4:45-5:10 am Jessica Smith Strength Training YouTube 5:10-5:45 am Jessica Smith Walking DVD

Tues 2 Jun

Happy Anniversary to Bob & me, and to both our moms and dads celebrating together in heaven. June 2 was always a good day for our family. Food: 6:55 am Honey bear pastry, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Leslie Sansone 4/5 mile walk DVD

Mon 1 Jun

June already! As always, the year flies by. This year is likely to fly even faster with the possibility of retirement on the immediate horizon. I have a few things to accomplish before the final paperwork can be filed, so I'd best get busy. Need to clarify health insurance and talk with a financial adviser about the best options for disbursement vs. savings. Food: 6:55 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video