Sat 30 Apr

Looking forward to heading to Door Co tomorrow. Bob just finished a big job and has been feeling a bit stressed, so it's a nice time to take a few days off and do something fun. We haven't had this spring trip to Door Co as consistently in the past few years due to other schedule conflicts. I'm really hoping for some sunny spring weather, hopefully trilliums and other wildflowers, some nice hikes, and good food. A little precursor to Scotland. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Corn Chex, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Lemon creme scone, 101 g raspberries Exercise: 3:00-4:40 pm Walk to Point Brewery, stop for beer tasting

Fri 29 Apr

Back to the gym today. Feels like a long time that I've been away, even though I only missed Wednesday. It's also weird to have missed Bootstrap this week while still being in town. Next week, I'll miss gym on Monday and Wednesday, though I should be back from Door Co in time for Bootstrap on Wednesday, barring unforeseen circumstances. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl pb, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, 103 g raspberries Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 28 Apr

Wow, where did this month go? Bob and I were talking yesterday how April is such a teaser month because it could be warm and springlike at any time but it just won't settle in and stay there. We hiked a cool and grey Rib last night, but it was still nice and we saw the first trilliums trying to open. With luck and some sunshine, we may see some in Door Co. Speaking of luck, it isn't pouring rain yet so Kathy and I may get our walk together yet. She wasn't keen on going if it was pouring. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Mocha chip scone, hard boiled egg, 100 g raspberries Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk with Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:30-11:45 am Walk home

Wed 27 Apr

I'm kind of excited to go to the Suicide Prevention Conference today with Heather at the Holiday Inn. It will be like old times, but without stress. No responsibility except to listen and take in information and maybe pick up a few good freebies from vendors. I'm dressed warmly so I shouldn't freeze. Food: 6:45 am Cinni-mini roll, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 5:30-7:00 pm Hiking Rib

Tues 26 Apr

I guess I will be going to another funeral today, the second week in a row. Sue's mom, (my haircutter), died last week and will have the funeral at 11 at Trinity today. I have a mammogram at 10, but if it doesn't take too long, I should be able to see Sue and attend the service. Got my mammogram and stopped in for just the visitation part of the funeral. Had the chance to drop off my card, chat with Sue and her daughter, Mary Beth. Knew no one else there so felt it was fine to leave without attending the service. Food: 7:25 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Hard-boiled egg, med banana, butterscotch pecan scone 12:55 pm 2 Superfuel Figgy Pops

Mon 25 Apr

Quiet, rainy grey day yesterday. Had fun playing dominos with Bob in the evening just to give our brains a little exercise. Taking Taylor and Louis to the vet this morning, then picking her up after gym for lunch. Singing lesson with Mary in the afternoon and the group this evening. Food: 7:15 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 96 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Margarita, chicken enchilada w/mole sauce, small chicken tostada, 1/3 c refried beans, 1/3 c Mexican rice, chips/salsa 3:55 pm 1 chocolate digestive biscuit, 1 pc Chocolates of the World 5:30 pm Mac n cheese, broccoli Exercise: 8:550-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 12:45-1:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 2:00-2:15 pm Walk home

Sat 24 Apr

Had a great day in Madison yesterday. Got ALL the herbs I need for my herb garden at the Willy St Co-op while waiting for Laura to shower after her yoga class. They're even all organic. I did supplement an additional organic basil plant from Trader Joe's because it was really healthy, and after all, more basil is always better, right? Now I'm pretty much ready to plant. We didn't get down to the Farmer's Market, but we went to Heritage Tavern for an absolutely awesome brunch to celebrate Laura's birthday with her. I had a duck confit salad that had half a duck on it and two fried poached eggs on the side that were amazing! Laura had their house Benedict with the fried poached eggs on top and porchetta; she was in culinary heaven. Bob had a lobster scramble which he also pronounced excellent. Laura needed a nap after brunch so we took her home, but she did show us the new high-tech circular metal needles that our birthday money purchased more than half of. She already had most of a new pair socks going on them, and she loves them. The needle portions are interchangeable with different sizes, of which she has a total of three. She was also wearing a cardigan she had made from her knitting club yarn that was gorgeous. Bob and I then hit bakeries, Costco, and Woodman's for necessaries. We had a little time left on a beautiful afternoon before our dinner reservations, so we went to the Olin park across from the Alliant Center and walked on the wooded trail down by the lake. Many spring wildflowers were peeking out and it was a great walk. Dinner at Lombardino's was also excellent, sharing a shrimp/mussel spaghetti and a carbonara pizza (with leftovers). Safe travels made it a perfect day. Food: 7:10 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Ham & gruyere croissant, 8 large red globe grapes, Nestle 20 cal cocoa Exercise: 9:40-9:55 am Walk to church 11:10-11:25 am Walk home

Sat 23 Apr

Looking forward to the first Madison Farmer's Market of the season for us. Hoping they have fresh herbs to plant and tomato plants. Looking forward also to celebrating Laura's birthday with her, if a day late. Had to use skim milk on the edge of freshness since I ran out of soy milk for my cereal. Not as enjoyable a bowl as usual. Food: 6:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 oz soy milk, 1/2 c skim milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 22 Apr

My firstborn is 31 today. Always puts me in memory of birth experiences. As I lay in bed this morning, I tried to remember what it had been like having a ponderous belly that made positioning a challenge. I remember waking with a trickle of what may have been amniotic fluid and wondering if today would be the day. I give amazing thanks that we were among the lucky ones who left the hospital with a happy outcome and a beautiful baby to raise. And I continue to give thanks that both our children remain alive, healthy, and I believe reasonably happy with their lives. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Cup chicken peanut stew, homemade coffee cake muffin, med banana Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 21 Apr

Rather a gloomy, grey day today, but supposed to get into the 60s. I don't believe it's supposed to rain while I'm walking with Kathy. This week has gone by quite quickly already, and Kathy responded in a similar vein to my reminder email. Bob pointed out that it is now less than 6 weeks til our Scotland trip. Made a batch of Taylor's potato salad since it had really hit the spot at Trivia. Turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Homemade coffee cake muffin, Light & Fit Greek peach yogurt, med banana 1:40 pm Dark chocolate almond biscotti 6:00 pm Grilled chicken leg quarter, 1/2 c potato salad, 1/2 c sautéed zucchini, 5 oz sauvignon blanc 7:00 pm 5 TJ dark chocolate star cookies Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:25-11:40 am Walk home

Wed 20 Apr

Nice sunshine today, if still a bit chilly. Hope to hike Rib tonight. Otherwise, typical Wednesday with gym and Bootstrap. Looking forward to celebrating Laura's birthday with her in Madison on Saturday. Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Slice Country Hearth Dakota 12 grain bread, 1 tbl pb, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, med banana 6:45 pm 4 oz meatloaf w/BBQ sauce, fried onion rings, 1 c green beans, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 16 oz Seattle cider Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 5:30-6:30 pm Partial hiking Rib

Tues 19 Apr

Going to the funeral today for Susie and Kent' Eberhardt's son, Kenny. Michael's good friend, Vinny, is his cousin so he also plans to attend. I always think of Theoden at Theodore's funeral saying, "No parent should have to bury a child." I can scarcely imagine the sadness. Food: 8:05 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm 2 slices Country Hearth Dakota 12 grain toast, 2 tbl pb, med banana 1:30 pm 1 Toffifay, 1 Wint-O-Green LifeSaver Exercise: 1:20-1:40 pm Jessica Smith Walk Up and Walk mile DVD 2:45-3:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 4:10-4:25 pm Walk home

Mon 18 Apr

Trivia is history and it actually was fun, if a little overwhelming. When we spent about 3 hours there on Sunday, it was just Michael, Taylor, and us so it was more relaxing to visit together while working on the questions. Dad and I left at 3 pm to go to Mead Wildlife area for an awesome hike in the awakening environment. We saw muskrats, 2 garters and a red snake, a big old turtle, many kinds of birds. Beautiful afternoon. Rocky's pizza and King Kone ice cream to round out the day, and early enough to bed to allow for one chapter of reading before sleep. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 12:25 pm 1 slice Country Hearth Dakota 12 grain bread, 1 tbl pb, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, 4 European cookies 6:15 pm Grilled pork chop, 1/2 c grilled potatoes/onions/peppers, 2/3 c broccoli Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 5:40-5:55 pm Walk to Suzuki 7:00-7:15 pm Walk home

Sun 17 Apr

I'm actually getting more Trivia this weekend than I really want, but it seems important to Michael to truly do the whole contest and he doesn't have a lot of other support. A few friends are willing to help at times, but they aren't there for long. I guess Jeff stayed up with him on Friday for much of the night, and another couple who were there in the earlier part of the day went home to nap and planned to return last night. Jeff and Gladys weren't feeling well so they left on Saturday afternoon. We left and took a nice long walk in the beautiful afternoon weather, then returned and spelled Michael so he could nap again. We'll probably go back for a while after church, but I want a nice hike today in either Rib or some other distant locale. Food: 8:10 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee

Sat 16 Apr

Had fun at Trivia at Michael's last night; stayed til 10. Briefly saw Taylor's folks' RV as we walked out and it is HUGE! Getting ready to head over to 90FM to answer phones in less than an hour. Food: 5:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk

Fri 15 Apr

Lovely to wake up to sunshine and the prospect of nice weather ahead for awhile. Feeling a little wiped out from a big exercise day yesterday and the prospect of Trivia weekend and the accompanying preparations this afternoon. Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 12:30 pm Slice Country Hearth Dakota 12 grain bread, 1 tbl PB, 1 tbl red raspberry jam Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 14 Apr

The sun is shining brightly, the temps are already a little above usual for this time of day, perhaps the warm weather is really coming! I hope so. Really enjoyed a nice long conversation with Jeanette yesterday on her birthday. She told a story about leaving a little stuffed purple mouse on mom's pile of schoolbooks when they were young and scaring the bejoobies out of her. She said it was the only time she remembers her dad getting so mad he paddled her. Apparently Mom was squeamish of such things from early on. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk w/Kathy around Schmeeckle 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:20-11:35 am Walk to Suzuki 2:30-2:50 pm Walk home from Zest 5:00-7:10 pm Hike Rib w/tower

Wed 13 Apr

Thanks to a phone call from Aunt Leone, I found out that today is Jeanette's 93rd birthday. I'm going to try to get out to see her after Bootstrap, probably after her meal. I suppose I should email Joan to check where she will be in case they are taking her out somewhere. Michael told me yesterday afternoon that the cousin of one of his friends had not shown up for work for a couple of days in Green Bay which was highly unusual, and no one had heard from him or been able to reach him. They apparently found out he had died, but no idea how as yet. Then we found out he is the son of Susie and Kent Eberhart, people for whom Bob has worked extensively and I had known Susie when she worked as a DVR counselor. Susie has already endured numerous bouts of chemotherapy and weakness from cancer. My heart goes out to them. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 11:25 am Light & Fit Peach Greek yogurt, sm coffee cake muffin, sm banana Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 12 Apr

Another of my nice relaxing Tuesdays, much appreciated. I get to lie in a bit if I choose, so I didn't get up til 7:00. I want to try to do morning yoga after breakfast (though I know they recommend doing it two hours after eating). Maybe I'll wait til 9:30. I have to organize my plan for making Trivia food, look for extra bedding for Michael and Taylor for their Trivia guests, attend the Gilfry retiree lunch at 11:30 at Wooden Chair, and hike with Dad after his work. Food: 7:15 am Large (last) piece of White Gull Inn coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 11:45 am Grilled cheese w/sauteed onions & sliced tomato/mushroom on whole wheat, 1 c fruit 12:20 pm 4 Dutch mints, 1 cream-filled chocolate Exercise: 11:15-11:30 am Walk downtown 12:30-12:45 pm Walk home

Mon 11 Apr

I didn't remember to precut the next row of coffee cake so Bob did the cutting this morning and the pieces are correspondingly huge. Oh, well. Choir concert yesterday was better than Saturday night, but then, that's not saying a lot. It was okay and now we have our Sundays free again. Went to Suzuki but didn't have a lesson today because Mary was entering her registrations for WMTA and I assisted both her and her sister. Food: 7:35 am Large piece White Gull Inn coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 40 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am 67 g braunschweiger, slice Country Hearth Dakota 12 grain bread 5:45 pm Chicken curry casserole w/whole wheat macaroni, sautéed veggies, moss/parmesan cheese, 12 oz Yuengling Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 2:15-2:30 pm Walk to Suzuki 3:25-3:40 pm Walk home

Sun 10 Apr

Choir concert last night could definitively have been better. It started out okay, but Dan kind of lost control of the coordination of the brass, organ, and singers on the second movement of Rutter Gloria, and apparently the organist didn't realize he was supposed to play the soprano/alto soli lines in a section where Dan had not wanted anyone singing them, and they were just conspicuously absent. The second movement felt really lost and we didn't completely recover for the glorious third movement, but the first movement had gone really well. The cabaret section, as usual, had some good and less good numbers and seemed to go on rather long. The final group number, I'll Be Seeing You, never goes exceptionally well. Oh well, only one more concert to get it right or go home, and we'll go home anyway. I'm going with the group to Hilltop afterward but Bob is going to help Michael finish putting in the bathroom fan at 2308. Food 7:20 am White Gull Inn coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 61 g raspberries, coffee 11:35 am Slice Pepperidge Farm German dark bread, 85 g ham, extra small banana Exercise: 9:40-9:55 am Walk to church 11:10-11:25 am Walk home

Sat 9 Apr

Chilly morning, but at least it's nice and sunny outside. And Wunderground thinks that temperatures should start moderating by Wednesday. I'm ready! Choir concerts tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Looked in the closet last night for the shirt like the one Mary is going to wear for Friendship and it isn't there. I think it was a casualty of my last closet cleaning. I may go up to the attic to look in a trash bag there, or just wear a sweater in a similar color. Michael stopped over w/Ryan Z for a nice visit. Food: 7:15 am White Gull Inn coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 75 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 p 75 g fried tilapia, slice Country Hearth Dakota 12 grain bread Exercise: 12:40-1:10 pm Jessica Smith YouTube 2:15-3:20 pm Walk around neighborhood

Fri 8 Apr

Oh, goody, more snow. There are about 3 inches down already and it shows no signs of letting up. ENOUGH!!! Made a White Gull Inn blueberry coffee cake yesterday. Found out I was out of white flour (after I had returned from the grocery store, of course) so it is over 60% whole wheat flour, but still okay. Food: 7:30 am Slice White Gull Inn blueberry coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 85 g raspberries, coffee 10:40 am Cup Numi lemon mate tea w/Jane Kellerman at Bistro 212 11:40 am 3 oz ham, slice White Gull Inn blueberry coffee cake, extra small banana Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 7 Apr

I am very ready for the weather here to turn mild and springlike. I crave walking or sitting outdoors just because the sunshine is pleasant and the air smells fresh. I continue to walk and spend time outdoors, but it is not a pleasant time yet. Soon. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:00 pm 65 g cinnamon brioche, Light N Fit Peach Greek yougurt, extra small banana Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 6 Dec

Bernie won Wisconsin and Trump did not. The judicial races, both State and local, did not go in the direction we had hoped. Ah, politics. Having difficulty transitioning from sleep to waking this morning, even though I don't feel particularly tired. Would just be so easy to close my eyes and drift back into a doze. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 11:55 am Slice Pepperidge Farm german rye, 3 oz ham, 2 slices fresh pineapple 6:00 pm Cheese ravioli w/butter & pesto, 1/2 c asparagus Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 5 Apr

Voting day in WI today, although both Dad and I voted early at the courthouse. Should be interesting to see what shape WI takes in this election. Just got back from fasting labs, and have my annual physical scheduled at 8:30, so we'll see how I shape up after six months of retirement. I'm not expecting anything substantially different, but you never know. VERY EXCITED!!!!! My Macs Adventure travel documents arrived today, and on a Tuesday so I have time to read them through thoroughly today! Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 68 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Sloppy Joe w/Lakeland bun, med banana 5:40 pm Ham, 1/2 c asparagus, 2/3 c roasted sweet potatoes, 12 oz Yuengling Exercise: 1:45-3:10 pm Walk to Schmeeckle and lake and home

Mon 4 Apr

More snow falling as I looked out the bathroom window this morning, albeit just very light snow. It somehow isn't quite as pretty in April as it was in December. Sigh. Food: 7:30 am 62 g cinnamon brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 74 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice Omega 3 toast, .25 tbl butter, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, 2 scrambled eggs, med banana 12:30 pm 2 Hazelnut sandwich cookies, 2 creme-filled chocolates, 1 Wint-O-Green LifeSaver 2:40 pm Milk chocolate 5:40 pm Soppy Joe w/bun, 3 slices fresh pineapple Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-1030 am Body Pump class 12:45-1:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 2:20-2:35 pm Walk home

Sun 3 Apr

Hopefully we won't have such heavy snows in the next couple of days, though they have hinted at 1-3 on Tuesday. I think we're all quite done with snow on our end. Cantoring this morning along with the choir and the somewhat unusual woman who sometimes doesn't show up and sometimes doesn't feel much like singing. We'll see what today brings. Food: 7:45 am 56 g cinnamon brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 55 g braunschweiger, med banana Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Walk to church 11:30-11:50 am Walk home

Sat 2 Apr

So....snow again. Already about 2 inches down and the gray sky looks like it has plenty left to throw at us. Read an advisory on Wunderground that said it is a clipper system expected to dump moderate to heavy snow in central and north central Wisconsin. It went on to say to expect 2-3 inches in Central WI stopping around 10 am, but I suspect it will be more than that. They said Wausau is under a winter weather advisory for more. Northeast Wisconsin should continue to snow til noon. We were thinking of driving to Appleton for a meal at Carmella's and a Costco trip, but I think that wouldn't be wise unless it truly does stop everywhere by noon and is quickly cleaned off the roads. Food: 7:45 am 59 g cinnamon brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl PB, 1 tbl red raspberry jam 1:30 pm 5 Fiesta eggs Exercise: 9:30-10:00 am AM Yoga DVD 10:30-11:15 am Shovel heavy snow 2:45-3:15 pm Jessica Smith Latin Dance DVD 3:50-4:20 pm Jessica Smith 2 15-min Fat Blasts

Fri 1 Apr

April Fool's Day! And a sunny Friday at that, though Wunderground says snow for the next three days. I'm hoping that's their idea of an April Fool's joke. Lunch was a comfort food from my youth: cinnamon toast the way my mom made it. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 1/2 tbl butter, 2 tbl powdered sugar, cinnamon Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class