Sun 31 Jan

John's party was very nice last night. We stayed a couple of hours, then came home. Today I cantor at church and we actually plan to attend choir practice for the first time this session. Taylor's dad is again supposed to come to visit them, but there are ice pellets in the forecast today which will probably be sufficient for him to cancel again. Poor Taylor! Bob wanted to go out for dinner tonight, and as I had no idea what I planned to cook, it sounded like a good idea to me. We went to Ranchitos and they had a $25 dinner for two special that included margaritas and queso dip plus fajita entrees. Quite nice. Food: 7:55 am Raspberry paczki, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:35 pm 2 eggs, 1/8 c canned mushrooms, 1 tbl shredded cheese, 2 slices Omega 3 toast w/butter 6:00 pm Margarita, chips/salsa/queso dip, 2 corn tortillas, bistec alla Mexicana, rice/beans Exercise: 1:00-1:35 pm Jessica Smith High Energy Walk DVD 1:40-2:00 pm Jessica Smith Brain Booster Walk DVD 3:00-3:30 pm Jessica Smith 3/5 mile walk DVD

Sat 30 Jan

A nice relaxing Saturday with no real agenda except for John Knowlton's party this evening. I'm considering making some ebelskevers to take along to share. It would be a good chance to make them again and be able to not keep the batch around the house. Out of berries this morning so substituting sliced banana in milk and sugar. Made aeblskivers to take to John's party tonight. Hope people like them. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Corn Chex, 1 sm/med banana, 6 oz original soy milk, .5 tsp sugar, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:15 pm 1 slice homemade pizza, orange 5:40 pm Lite chicken asparagus alfredo Exercise: 9:35-10:20 am Leslie Sansone 4 Fast Miles DVD 2:00-3:00 pm Walk to Copps and back

Fri 29 Jan

The short week has flown by quickly again. The long month of January is nearly spent. John Knowlton's after-Christmas party is tomorrow night so there's something to look forward to. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 48 g raspberries, 36 g blackberries, coffee 11:05 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 2 tbl Peanut Delight peanut spread, orange Exercise: 8:50-9:05 am Treadmill 9:10-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 11:15-11:30 am Walk to Suzuki 12:10-12:25 pm Walk home

Thurs 28 Jan

I am enjoying having more time to read in retirement, and also in winter. Less time to go for long walks means more time in the afternoon/evenings to be in the house and reading. I also have had a little more movie watching which has been pleasant as well. One of these days I expect to get the urge to spend some of that time on scanning photos and/or playing music, but all in good time. First time walking with Kathy that I didn't get my 10,000 (only 9400). I'm sure that I'll finish what's needed with my walk back and forth from St Steve's. This afternoon I plan to go to Target and Aldi's so I should get extra steps there, too. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Corn Chex, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g raspberries coffee 11:35 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 2 tbl Natural Delight Peanut Butter spread, orange 12:40 pm White chocolate cookie, tea Exercise: 8:00-9:20 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 27 Jan

Hoping to use these next few unstructured weeks to eat sensibly and lose some of the extra tonnage I've accumulated in the past several months of indulgence. I don't like seeing the belly fat that can't be sucked in. I know I can get rid of it if I just stick to the regimen. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g raspberries, coffee 11:35 am Leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes 12:30 pm Snickerdoodle cookie, Pu-Erh tea 5:40 pm Enchiladas, Motts Berry Sauce cup Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill w/5 intervals 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Mon 25 Jan

Had a very lovely time at the North Shore, but the driving had some stressful periods. Mostly the roads were relatively clear, but the Gunflint Trail itself was snow-covered and slippery and the last drive home from Merrill on was snowing/wintry mix and slippery. Since Bob drove first, I was driving for the worst parts on both ends of the journeys and arrived feeling quite stressed. On the way home, there was nearly an accident when the car behind me pulled out to pass (on the four-lane) in the snowy slippery dark, and the car behind him apparently decided to pass the lot of us at the same time and gunned it as the other car had already moved into the passing lane. The back car swerved around into the shoulder and then braked and retreated, but it could have caused a pile-up that I would most likely not have been able to avoid being drawn into. I thank the Lord that the reckless car was able to pull back in. Food: 7:35 am Homemade cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 leftover Crooked Spoon grilled cheese, oatmeal raisin cookie 3:30 pm 12 g Croccantini artisan crackers 4:40 pm Double shot scotch 5:15 pm .8 portion enchiladas, 1 dark chocolate Frango mint Exercise: 9:20-10:00 am Jessica Smith Indoor Jogging YouTube 10:00-10:10 am Jessica Smith Flexibility YouTube 11:05-11:35 am Jessica Smith Latin Dance Walk YouTube 2:35-2:55 pm Jessica Smith Power Walk Quickie YouTube 2:55-3:15 pm Jessica Smith Wake Up and Walk YouTube

Fri 22 Jan

Heading up to the Gunflint Lodge today. Have been looking forward to this for quite a while, so I hope it is as much fun as I anticipate. Should be nice weather for this time of year. Food 5:15 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 21 Jan

Temperatures are much more reasonable today. The thermometer outside the bedroom window read around 20°. Walking should be a sight more pleasant with Kathy this morning. Didn't realize til I got home how chilled my outer thighs got! Food: 7:20 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, kielbasa kale soup Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:20-11:30 am Walk home

Wed 20 Jan

Our VISA card was compromised so they will cancel the number and send us a new one. Means I'll have to change information with any regular sources, but once the new information is in the computer, it's much easier to do that. Nice that the companies keep careful watch and catch these things early so we aren't liable for false charges. It's generally much easier than working with Kohl's! Food: 7:35 am Homemade cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill w/intervals 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 12 Jan

Another cold and frosty morning. Bob's breakfast group was canceled due to cold. It can break any time to suit me. Dentist this morning with a different hygienist. The dentist is presumably in Arizona so it's just a cleaning. Made a big pot of kale kielbasa soup for tonight's dinner and did some Dancing' with the Oldies on and off while following the recipe. Food: 7:45 am Homemade cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:25 am 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, leftover lobster chowder 1:30 pm Kirkland European Christmas cookies 4:00 pm 2 dark chocolate Frango mints 6:30 pm Bowl kielbasa kale soup, 6 oz red wine 7:55 pm Kirkland European Christmas cookies Exercise: 10:30-11:00 am Jessica Smith Brain Teaser DVD 11:00-11:20 am Jessica Smith partial Latin Dance DVD 2:00-2:20 pm Dancing' with the Oldies DVD

Mon 18 Jan

Home again to the bitter cold, but it isn't supposed to last as long this time. I am thankful that we have a warm, secure home and plenty of warm clothing and food to keep us in good stead through the winter. I sincerely wish that everyone in the world could be similarly provided. Michael and Taylor made homemade cinnamon rolls and left us a plate of them when we got home. What a nice treat to come home to. Really pretty wiped out after new release this morning. Did a little bit of a second Jessica routine and had to call it quits for today. Just no energy left. Food: 7:40 am Homemade cinnamon roll, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:10 am Morning bun, 101 g raspberries, tea 1:15 pm Kirkland European cookies 5:40 pm Leftover kasespaetzle, 1/3 c corn Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill brisk walk 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class new release 12:40-1:10 pm Jessica Smith Cardio Party DVD 1:45-2:00 pm Partial Jessica Smith Interval Mix DVD

Sat 16 Jan

Heading down to Madison today to spend some time with Laura, check into the hotel to watch the Packer playoff game after church, and do Restaurant week lunch and dinner tomorrow before heading home. All while trying not to freeze too deeply. Food: 8:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 15 Jan

More cold weather on the way this weekend, but hopefully slightly better in Madison where we will be staying. Still looking pretty reasonable at Gunflint for the following weekend. Going to try to get laundry and packing done this afternoon, and make a to-do list for Madison. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Corn Chex, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt, 1/2 extra large banana 12:25 pm 1 Frango dark chocolate mint 3:30 pm Tortilla chips 5:45 pm Lobster/shrimp pasta w/garlic sauce, cup chicken dumpling soup, 12 oz Mudpuppy Porter Exercise: 8:58-9:25 am Treadmill, 2 intervals 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 1:30-1:55 pm Walk to courthouse/post office and back

Thurs 14 Jan

Still can't really tell if I'm getting a cold or just the tail passing me by. I was able to get up and should be able to walk with Kathy today, but I sure wouldn't feel bad if she had to cancel. I'm pretty low on energy and could easily crawl back in bed for awhile. Made it! Walked with Kathy, had an enjoyable time, and feel better for the fresh air and exercise. Now I have over 11,000 steps, so I can not worry about more exercise later, though I will walk to St Steve's and possibly also for my haircut. Got to St Steve's at the last minute only to find out that the teacher had to do an assessment during this class period but didn't know how to get in touch with me to tell me not to come. I didn't mind turning around and coming home. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:30 am 4 sm pc Lebkuchen bites 11:30 am Leftover chicken pot pie, diet Ginger beer 12:40 pm 2 pc chocolates, peppermint bark Exercise: 7:30-9:10 am Walk w/Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steves 10:20-10:35 am Walk home 1:45-2:00 pm Walk to haircut 4:25-4:40 pm Walk home

Wed 13 Jan

Grandma's been gone two years and a month now. Hope she and Grandpa are happy together in heaven with Mark. Thinking of them today. I think the cold snap is supposed to moderate today; that would be welcome. Supposedly more snow on the way, but I have evolved to the "we'll see" stage as we never seem to get what they originally predict. Plans are to drive to Madison and back on both Saturday and Sunday at this point. I seem unusually tired today. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:10 am 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, 1/2 extra large banana, black tea 3:45 pm Slice pumpkin bread, piece fudge Exercise 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill brisk walk 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 12 Jan

We have our first Rockman cooking class of the season tonight, and we are making lobster chowder. I am looking forward to it. He is only offering Jan/Feb/Mar this year, so we will enjoy them while we can. I have lunch today again with the Gilfry retirees. If the weather is reasonable, I will walk a it's just downtown at Wooden Chair. A little fresh air is always good. I like my free day on Tuesdays. I roused myself from the computer shortly after 9 am and got in the hot tub as the house is still very chilly due to the cold snap. Took awhile for my blood to start circulating again, then did 45 min of Jessica Smith routines to start my step count. Taking a little break before going out in the bitter cold to clear the dusting of snow off the sidewalks before it freezes on. Shoveling snow in the bitter cold left me quite sufficed with fresh air. Will drive to lunch, thank you. Had a nice lunch with the Gilfry retiree group. Frustration: tried to use the Blu-Ray player to watch the Lord of the Rings Blu-ray set I bought last Christmas but the player won't allow the movie to get past the initial play screen. Phone help was no use. Food: 7:45 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Crabby Guy on English muffin, cup kielbasa & kale soup, green tea 1:30 pm 2 pc BarkThins, last remaining Christmas cookies Exercise: 9:30-10:15 am Jessica Smith walking DVDs 10:50-11:20 am Shoveling light snow 3:35-4:05 pm Jessica Smith Barefoot Flow YouTube

Mon 11 Jan

A cold and frosty morning to go to the gym today. But with a Packers win under our belts, we Wisconsinites can face what the weather dishes out. Sorry for the Vikings fans for that heartbreaking unbelievable loss. Their cold weather will be a bit icier today. Food: 7:35 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, caramel macchiato Greek yogurt, slice Costco fruitcake Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill, some intervals 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 12:50-1:05 pm Walk to Suzuki 2:40-2:55 pm Walk home

Sun 10 Jan

It appears to be as cold as they said, at least the thermometer outside the bedroom was around/below zero. I will have to go out sometime today to the grocery store as I used the last of my soy milk and I'm relatively certain there is no more in the garage. The regular milk was also bad so I have no alternatives for my morning cereal tomorrow. Also we need to find out from Taylor whether she wants to go out for her birthday celebration tonight or tomorrow. I will text her soon. Bill and Paddy's fussy eating habits are our gain. We had the lamb roast for dinner with the Packer game and both were a welcome feast. Wow, it was good to see Aaron Rodgers smile again. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 9 Jan

I was so tired yesterday, not sure why, but I do feel rested this morning at least. Nothing on today's agenda except laundry, and tomorrow only church and the first choir practice of the season. Should probably take down the Christmas tree today since I lacked any energy to tackle it yesterday. Would be good to put the living room back to normal again while Bob is home to get the furniture back and put the tree away. Got the tree down and ornaments packed away, though the boxes are still at the end of the hallway. Tree back to garage attic, living room fairly normal looking. Walked to church this evening so if the bitter cold does ensue, we can just stay home tomorrow. Choir was cancelled til next week, ostensibly because St Paul's is having some kind of function in the afternoon, but I suspect the Packer playoff game was also a factor in the decision. Can't say I mind staying in to watch. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Sweet potato black bean chili, 1 tbl shredded mexican cheese, slice omega 3 toast w/butter 3:30 pm Molasses cookies (while defrocking tree) Exercise: 10:20-10:40 am Shoveling light snow 4:40-5:00 pm Walk to church 6:00-6:20 pm Walk home

Fri 8 Jan

Dinner went well w/Bill and Paddy last night. Michael was a welcome addition to the company. I felt badly afterward because he had to pick Taylor up and he brought her back, but by the time she got there, things were winding down. I didn't want to open another bottle of wine and risk the party lasting much longer, so I think she felt a little ignored but I hadn't expected her to come. I will need to talk to her and explain some time soon. Feeling quite tired today, not sure why. Food: 8:05 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Slice stollen, 1 c TJs pumpkin soup, chips/guacamole 2:30 pm Christmas cookies 5:45 pm 16 oz German beer, 1.5 pc fried tilapia, 1/3 c coleslaw, thin breadsticks w/pate or cream cheese, 1/2 mini baguette w/oil Exercise: 8:57-9:25 am Treadmill brisk walk 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 3:35-4:05 pm Jessica Smith Brain Train DVD 4:05=4:25 pm Jessica Smith Posture Walk DVD

Thurs 7 Jan

Taylor skipped out on work again yesterday because she isn't feeling well, so Michael brought her over in the evening when they needed to finish the bathroom floor so she wouldn't have to stay home alone on her birthday. She brought some of her new women's tea and we shared tea, I fed them pork sausage casserole, and I played a couple of rounds of Bananagrams with Taylor. We were both quite tired and since she was sick, I didn't offer to open any wine. I was able to give her the birthday presents on the actual day and she liked them. I gave her a large jar of honey for her tea, 2 32 Degrees shirts for her own (she's been wearing the ones we gave Michael for Christmas), and an Avalanche zip-up sweater like the ones she admires of mine. While I was walking with Kathy, around 9 am, I received a text from Bill. He and Paddy are coming for dinner tonight. Bill wanted to let me know that they don't really eat any of a lengthy list of "exotic" meats including lamb which I had planned to serve tonight. They are "soft vegetarians" and will eat chicken, beef, some pork, and seafood, but are leaning toward more vegetarian options. I tutor reading this morning and should be home by 11:30 which leaves me a few hours to bake a cherry crisp for dessert, go to the grocery store, and replan a menu for tonight. Thanks, Bill. Downloaded a recipe for sweet potato black bean chili which has just been assembled and put into the crock pot. Still need to make some homemade cornbread to go with it and bake the cherry crisp for dessert. Also want to make a single egg batch of Tom N Jerry's for later. Cherry crisp done. Homemade guacamole made; purchased salsa and chips. Will have dishes of chopped onion, sour cream, shredded cheese, maybe chopped tomato to add to chili. Michael will likely join us as he was wooed by the smell of cherry crisp baking. Food: 7:00 am Slice bundt coffeecake, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk Exercise: 7:30-9:30 am Walk with Kathy 10:10-10 am Walk to St Steve's 11:20-11:30 am Walk home

Wed 6 Jan

Today is Taylor's birthday. Sent her a birthday wish text and will take them out to eat on Sun or Mon when she is off work. Not sure if we'll give her gifts today or at dinner. Bathroom is torn up, no new floor yet, not toilet or sink. Joy. Food: 7:55 am Slice bundt coffeecake, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast w/2 tbl PB, orange Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill, some intervals 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 5 Jan

Frustrating to listen to gun owners trying to justify why they need to buy Uzis but doctors should flag mentally ill people who shouldn't own guns. Should they put a tattoo on their forehead so the seller will know even if they don't do background checks. Also, they don't realize that mental illness isn't an on-off switch but a continuum and it is next to impossible to know where to draw the line on who is unstable. Also many mentally unstable folks don't see a doctor regularly so who would be able to do this? Yikes! Food: 7:40 am Slice bundt coffeecake, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 am Molasses cookies 11:45 am Bowl chicken curry soup, ginger peach tea 2:15 pm Sugar cookies 6:05 pm Truffle cheese ravioli, TJ's autumn pasta sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c sautéed turnip greens Exercise: 9:10-10:10 am Jessica Smith Interval Mix and 360 Abs DVDs 2:30-3:00 pm Salsa Sizzler DVD 3:00-3:15 pm Jessica Smith Turkey Trot Mile YouTube

Mon 4 Jan

Back to the gym today, which will likely be very crowded with New Years' Resolutioners. At least the 9-to-5 crowd can't come at 9 in the morning so it is somewhat limited, but I'm sure the increase will be very noticeable. I may have difficulty getting a treadmill or securing my spot in class. That's it! I have been over-indulging in sugar to the point where it no longer feels good. Need to take a break for a day or two. Food: 7:45 am Slice bundt coffeecake, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Slice Bernard's stollen, 1 c TJ's pumpkin soup, 1 oz cranberry goat cheese log 12:30 pm 2 Hazelnut wafers, 2 pc dark chocolates Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill brisk walk 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 2:45-3:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 4:00-4:15 pm Walk home

Sun 3 Jan

Cantor for 10 am today, Packers at 7:30 pm. Rest of day free at this point. Food: 7:45 am Bundt coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, .8 oz baby Swiss, .85 oz rosemary asiago cheese, orange Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Walk to church 11:15-11:35 am Walk home

Sat 2 Jan

Here we are, heading into another January, another whole new year. Got a few things on the calendar already including a 3-night at Gunflint Lodge in a few weeks and a week in St. Maarten in early March. As always, it will be interesting to see what the next year brings that we do not expect, for good or for less-good. I dread seeing yards filled with election signs, but at least I can look forward to the end in November. We shall see what we shall see. Food: 8:40 am Slice bundt coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:00 pm Chobani apple cinnamon yogurt, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter 5:00 pm Yummy curry combo, sticky rice 6:20 pm Peppermint ice cream w/homemade hot fudge Exercise: 2:40-4:10 pm Hike/snowshoe at Mead Wildlife Preserve