Mon 30 May

Scotland bound! We must away at break of day... Actually we're leaving around 7 since we can't check our bags at the airport until 3 hours prior to the flight or about 12:50 pm. Can't go through security til after we check the bags so no point in getting there sooner. We will do as well as we can to make it through security and get to our flights on time, and hope for help from the Good Lord to make it safely. Food: 5:45 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 96 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 29 May

Wow, after all the planning and anticipation, tomorrow's the day! Today is our last day to check all our preparations and make sure we have whatever we expect to need. Food: 7:10 am Rhubarb danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 86 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 28 May

Looks potentially rainy today, with wet pavement already from a previous burst. We will hopefully still walk to Farmer's Market, albeit carrying umbrellas in case of need. I would also like to walk to my massage at noon if it isn't pouring. Food: 9:00 am Gibassier, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:05 pm Brat, bun, 1/2 tbl ketchup, 1 oz lime tortilla chips Exercise: 8:15-8:50 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back 2:50-4:00 pm Walk to Schmeeckle and back

Fri 27 May

A grey and cloudy day, not likely I'll be hanging the laundry outside this afternoon unless it turns. Last weekday before leaving for Scotland. Gym this morning, laundry this afternoon. Good thing I picked my bike up yesterday so I don't risk doing so in the rain today. Food: 7:35 am Coffee cake muffin, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 90 g blackberries 1:30 pm 2 Lindt truffles, 2 Leo's peppermint sticks 4:30 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares 6:45 pm Bernard's fish fry, vichyssoise Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class Various short walks throughout afternoon

Thurs 26 May

A grey day, with supposedly a storm on the way. Hopefully it will clear later so I can go pick up my bike from Carl. Bob has some pain in his back again and plans to try to get in to the chiropractor today to get one last adjustment before Scotland. My back is slightly stiffer today; might be the dampness from the impending storm. I will check whether anyone's available at the massage place, but not holding my breath. Scheduled a massage for Saturday noon and splurged on a pedicure, taking my chances that I will get by fungus-free. Tried US Nails and am so far quite pleased that it seems very clean. She drained the foot basin after each use and the instruments were opened from a sanitized packet for each customer. Even her business card advertises 100% sanitized. I had spoken with the woman I assume is the owner when I called with my questions, and she personally did my pedicure, but the lady next to me got the same sanitizing procedures so I feel pretty good about the place. Bob and I had lunch at Chili's, using the $10 of gift certificates I won from the Learn for Life luncheon. It finally cleared up, so I walked to Campus Cycle to pick up my tuned-up bike. Wow, does it ride smoothly! Food: 7:45 am Coffee cake muffin, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Chili's half turkey club sandwich, few fries 7:30 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 84 g raspberries Exercise: 2:30-2:50 pm Walk to Campus Cycle, bike home 5:45-7:00 pm Hike at Mead Wildlife Reserve

Wed 25 May

Back is slightly stiff again this morning, but I still seem to be able to move so I should just need to work it out a bit. I will again be careful of weights in Body Pump, especially because I never know what routine Celeste is going to use. Forecast for storms again today, but currently the sun is shining and it's 70. I actually hope it rains a little so I don't have to water my plants, but if nothing by lunch, I will try to remember to do so. Food: 7:40 am Coffee cake muffin, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 24 May

A wee bit cloudy today, and I see there's already been a little rain earlier, but that just means I don't have to worry about watering the outside plants today. Forecast is for morning showers on and off and possible thunderstorms this afternoon. I walked so much yesterday that I'm kind of looking forward to just staying put today. It wasn't raining at 9:15 and nothing appeared imminent, so I took a nice long walk good for about 6000 steps to start the day out right. Ticked off two of my hours on the counter, so we'll see what the rest of the day brings. Food: 8:00 am Chocolate croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:50 pm Caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt, outrageous rhubarb coffee cake 1:30 pm Piece of mint meltaway bar Exercise: 9:20-10:05 am Neighborhood walk 2:25-3:25 pm Walk downtown and around Shopko

Mon 23 May

Wow, I was actually too warm sleeping last night! I had a hard time wrapping my head around that fact. Today looks to be lovely again, sunny and warm with forecast of 80°. I believe it will then drop a bit cooler with chances of rain, but we are already where rain would be good for the growing things. Today I have my appreciation lunch for the reading tutors. It will be held at the library and catered by Rickman's at 11:30. Food: 7:25 am Pig's ear pastry, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 11:15-11:30 am Walk downtown

Sun 22 May

50 years ago today, we lost my brother Mark at Iverson Park. Miss you, bro! Another gorgeous day, and Bob says even Glasgow is having nice weather. We expect rain and dreary, but beautiful weather would be a true blessing for the hike. Food: 8:05 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Fruit smoothie w/strawberries, rhubarb, pineapple, banana, kale & green powder, plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 pc each of lemon cheesecake & apple prune kuchen Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:15-11:35 am Walk home

Sat 21 May

Another lovely sunny day, this time with a planned walk to the Farmer's Market and a day trip to Madison to visit Laura. And an awesome seasonal pizza at Grampa's to look forward to for dinner! We got carried away buying pastries from David's daughter, but it should be a wonderful week for eating! We have vowed to skip the bakery in Madison today. Now to enjoy my first Ryle pastry of the season with breakfast! Food: 8:35 am Pear danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 60 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:30-8:25 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 20 May

I have resoled myself that I will not make it to Body Pump today so I don't get frantic trying to get there on time. Kathy said the Suicide Prevention meetings generally go til around 9, and class starts at 9:30. Even if I drove to the meeting, which I really don't want to do, I would still be really tight to get to 212 to get set up for class. Instead I will walk to Lincoln Center and have a more relaxed morning. I have laundry to do today, and it's a beautiful day to hang things outside. I got a batch of fresh rhubarb from Sue at my haircut yesterday, a share of an overly generous gift from another patron, so I want to bake a rhubarb coffee cake today. It will be enough. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 76 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Smoothie 16 oz w/banana, strawberries, pineapple, rhubarb, kale, green powder, plain Greek yogurt; coffee cake muffin Exercise: 7:25-7:40 am Walk to Lincoln Center 9:10-9:25 am Walk home 11:15-12:15 pm Walk to Copps for groceries and back

Thurs 19 May

Lovely sunny morning out there. Looking forward to walking with Kathy. Her other walking buddy, Linda, works the shift before mine at Bootstrap; she came to me yesterday and told me that Kathy is struggling because Peter is really not doing well. I shall try to be the best possible listener. Enjoyed my last day with Malise and Anabelle. Mrs. Helgeson said that United Way brought cupcakes for the last day last year, so the kids were kind of expecting us to have a little party, but there were no treats so we just had fun talking and playing hangman. They got their books and certificates, and they got to keep the whiteboards and some stickers and bookmarks from the binders, so I think they had fun. I really enjoyed working with them, and it was very rewarding to see their progress through the school year. I look forward to doing it again next year. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 96 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-9:45 am Walk w/Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:25-11:40 am Walk home

Wed 18 May

It is so energizing to see the bright sunshine when you get up and not have the air feel so cold, especially knowing that it will continue for at least several days. It means I need to be vigilant watering plants, and probably mowing the lawn more frequently, but it's a pleasure to be outdoors when it's nice out. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl pb, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, 102 g raspberries Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 17 May

Busy week ahead. Teleconference on suicide prevention this morning, Heather's birthday lunch at 11:30. Haircut Thurs afternoon. Suicide committee meeting Friday morning. Visit Laura in Madison on Saturday. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Grilled cheese w/turkey, bacon, & ham, homemade chips 6:25 pm Costco burrata lemon ravioli, 1 tbl grated parmesan, 1/2 c asparagus Exercise: 11:25-11:40 pm Walk to Graffiti's 1:20-1:35 pm Walk home 3:25-3:45 pm Neighborhood walk 4:15-4:50 pm Neighborhood walk 5:20-5:55 pm Neighborhood walk w/Bob

Mon 16 May

Weather should be looking up a bit for the foreseeable future, at least here. Scotland looks to have a rainy spell coming, and I sincerely hope they get it out of their system before we arrive. According to the guide book, May is supposed to be their least rainy month, and June not much worse. Oh, well. It will be what it will be. Food: 7:20 am Chocolate chip danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 1 slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl PB, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, med banana 5:30 pm 5 oz extra lean ground beef, whole wheat bun, 1 tbl ketchup 7:15 pm Orange Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 12:45-1:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 2:25-2:40 pm Walk home 5:40-5:55 pm Walk to Suzuki 7:00-7:15 pm Walk home

Sun 15 May

Yesterday did not play out exactly as planned, but was still a very nice day. The weather in Baraboo was very cold, windy, and with flurries of SNOW! It was not conducive to spending a lot of time so we walked up and down perusing the booths quickly. We bought some artisan dried pasta, some natural laundry detergent, and some cream puffs and decided to scrap plans to hike at Devil's Lake due to the cold. The Log Cabin lot was really full, so we decided to drive down Hwy 12 to Middleton and hit Costco instead. En route, we spotted signs for Wollersheim Winery which is along that route, so we stopped for a visit and a little tasting. They recommended a nice little bistro restaurant in Prairie du Sac where we had excellent mushroom/Swiss burgers and gelato before proceeding to Costco. We discovered that if we don't need to go into Madison proper for anything, it seems quicker and easier to come home from Middleton by taking 12 back up to 19 and over to the Interstate. Food: 8:00 am Chocolate chip danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 14 May

Planning to go to Baraboo for Faire on the Square today. May need to call Great Dane to see if I left my blue jacket there. It doesn't seem to be here, and in reconstructing my week, I think that is the most likely place I may have left it. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oats, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries

Fri 13 May

Can't help but remember now on Friday the 13th that my mom died on a Friday the 13th back in December of 2013. Makes it a bit sad. Food: 7:25 am Coffee cake muffin, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1 c fagipoli & bean soup, orange, marzipan drinking chocolate 1:15 pm 1 King Leo peppermint stick, 1 wintergreen LifeSaver 3:35 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 12 May

Internet service was down this morning til about noon. Makes the day different by disrupting usual routines. I also needed to use data through the cell phone to be sure I logged in to SparkPeople so I didn't break a long streak, and also to do my Duolingo, again to avoid breaking a long streak. Hopefully it wasn't enough to cause extra charges on the cell phone. Food: 7:40 am Coffee cake muffin, 100 g blackberries, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:25 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 2 tbl PB, med banana Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk w/Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:20-11:35 am Walk home

Wed 11 May

A grey and dreary sort of day, but Wednesdays are always full, so not really a problem. Didn't get to packing the suitcase yesterday, but did get the backpack mostly set up and made a list of where to eat each day so I did get some things accomplished. Also French and exercise. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 36 g cheddar cheese, 1/4 tbl butter, med banana Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 10 May

Slept in this grey morning and planning a pretty laid-back day. I want to start organizing my packing for Scotland, and I may re-watch some of the Outlander DVDs. Gilfry retirees meet for lunch at Wooden Chair today, so I'll try to motivate to get out and join them. Food: 8:45 am Raisin brioche, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl PB, 1 tbl red raspberry jam, 1 med banana 1:00 pm Kettle corn, piece peppermint bark Exercise: 3:20-4:25 pm Jessica Smith walking DVDs

Mon 9 May

Today Catherine would have been 100. She made it pretty darn close. Looks like another nice day today. Hoping to walk to Suzuki lesson and remember to deliver the granola bars for Newman goodie bags. Forecast had been for rain tomorrow so I'd rather remember to get outside errands done today. Didn't get to starting my Scotland packing this weekend as I had planned, but the reason was the nice hike at Eau Claire Dells so I forgive myself. If it rains tomorrow, I'll have lots of time to get that under control. Food: 7:20 am Chocolate croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 2 BBQ pork steamed buns Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 8 May

Yay, it's Mother's Day! And I was fortunate enough to brave the basement to get a new bag of coffee without seeing any huge centipedes. God was good to me for Mother's Day. I brought up Highlander Grog since we're getting closer and closer to our Scotland adventure. Yesterday was a very nice day with the Cultural Festival (somewhat smaller than some previous years) and a walk to the Brewery for another tasting of that good Casper stout. It didn't taste quite as magically delicious this time, but we discovered the charismatic bartender was a former friend of Michael's in his middle school/early high school days named Tanner. He recognized us and remembered where we lived. We walked to church last night so we could have a morning of leisure today. We finished the evening by grilling some turkey sausages and watching an informational video from Rick Steve's website on using technology when traveling abroad. Found out we can text Taylor on her new iPhone using Wi-fi so we will have a way to keep in touch. Today we have reservations at Bernard's for Mother's Day brunch and Michael and Taylor will accompany us. I hope Taylor is feeling up to eating. Food: 7:40 am Chocolate chip brioche, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 3:55-6:00 pm Hike at Eau Claire Dells

Sat 7 May

We got up and walked down to the Farmer's Market this morning, only to find that there was no market today. I have been unable to find any info about opening date other than that it opens in May so I was hopeful for the first weekend of May, but no dice. I'll have to email David Ryle as I'm sure he will know. Food: 8:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 104 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-8:30 am Walk to square and back w/Bob

Fri 6 May

Forecast is for it to hit 80+ today, one day only. I am really excited for it. It is also supposed to be sunny, so it will be maximum conditions for enjoyment. I can break out my new shorts and spend some quality afternoon time outdoors. Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am Hard boiled egg, 3 blueberry donut holes Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 5 May

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Always something to celebrate. It's weird to start your regular week in the middle. Straight from vacation to working at Bootstrap, and today it's my walk and tutoring. Looking forward to the Cultural Festival this weekend. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Hard boiled egg, vanilla muffin Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy 10:00-10:15 am Walk to St Steve's 11:20-11:35 am Walk home 2:40-3:55 pm Walk to Copps and back 4:15-4:55 pm Mow lawn

Wed 4 May

May the Fourth be with you. How appropriate that we watched Star Wars last night. Taylor called me in Door Co this morning at 4:45 am, frightened and in pain. Turns out she tested positive for H. Pylori. Hope she feels better quickly and that Michael doesn't catch it. Had a truly lovely few days in Door Co, with beautiful sunny, warm weather, great hikes, good food. Wow! Food: 7:30 am 1/2 pc White Gull Inn apricot coffee cake, oatmeal w/cherries & granola, coffee 11:50 am Leftover Carmella's lamb ragu bucatini Exercise: 7:00-7:30 am Walk in Fish Creek (waiting for White Gull to start serving breakfast)

Sun 1 May

Happy Beltane! Watch out for standing stones, unless you have a desire to escape to another century. For me, it's quite sufficient to escape to Door Co for a few days. I hope the sun comes out. Yesterday's gray day made it difficult to motivate to do anything. We dragged out for a walk to get some steps and decided to go south on the Green Circle but the train came just before we crossed the tracks so we had to walk around via the underpass. Bob's back was troubling him a bit so he was walking slowly, and I spotted the Point Brewery and mentioned that I had been wanting to check out their gift shop. We went in and found that the tour was sold out but they sell tickets for "tastings", $10 for the two of us, which included a pint glass each to take home and 3 10-oz "samples" of any brew in the tasting room. We spent a little time sampling some tasty brews and chatting with a man from Germany who was here to help set up a stone block manufacturing machine for Wausau Tile and one of the bartenders who is studying yeasts for brewing in biology. The Caspar white chocolate stout was outstanding. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 104 g blackberries, coffee