Wed 31 Aug

August draws to a close. Had strange dreams last night about meeting Sue RN with a large group of clients at a wooded resort. She had joined a hike and fallen behind and died of a massive heart attack, leaving all the group with no other staff. I had to step in and make arrangements to get them home, get Sue attended to, notify Amy, etc. Weird dream. Oh, and I got my wish this morning! I promised myself yesterday if I didn't give in to cravings to eat additional food I didn't need, I might see 149 on the scale this morning, and I did!!! Food: 7:45 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 2 Babybel Lite, 1/4 c stewed rhubarb 3:10 pm 2 lemon Oreos Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 30 Aug

Strange - my phone charger plug did not get firmly attached last night and the phone ran completely out of charge. Wouldn't think it would run down so far in one day. Oh, well. A Tuesday, yay! I plan to try to can the rhubarb we picked at Rich's in my pressure cooker, and also to walk down to the library to return a book and figure out how to log into their LinkSys. Food: 8:20 am Chocolate croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Slice w/w beer bread w/rhubarb & walnuts, Light & Fit Greek peach yogurt Exercise: 9:45-10:30 am Mow lawn 11:00-11:45 am Walk to library and back

Mon 29 Aug

Grey morning outside, possibly getting quite warm today. Gym this morning, then helping Taylor go through the items in Grandma's bedroom closet. Eating breakfast like une francaise this morning. David made plain croissants which are really, really good, so I'm having one with butter and jam. Food: 7:30 am Croissant, .15 tbl butter, .5 tbl homemade raspberry jam, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Slice beer bread w/rhubarb & nuts 1:50 pm 2 pc lite string cheese 4:00 pm 5 oz white bordeaux 6:45 pm Leftover lamb bucatini, beet salad Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 11:35-11:45 am Walk to Michael's 1:35-1:45 pm Walk home

Sun 28 Aug

Sun at home today. Bob is "ushering/directing traffic" for church this morning, otherwise no commitments I can remember at present. One more week to be just 60. Food: 7:40 am Apricot pinwheel, 98 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 eggs, 3 strips bacon, 1 sl French toast w/whipped butter & syrup Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 27 Aug

Light rain for our walk to the Farmer's Market, but we came home with "the goods"! The daughters actually look forward to our weekly visits. Food: 9:05 am Mixed berry danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-8:50 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 26 Aug

Sunny day, and seems a bit cooler. I'm wearing a long-sleeve t-shirt this morning and it doesn't feel too heavy as yet. Once again, Kathy couldn't walk on Thursday but is able to walk on Friday so I'm skipping out of gym to walk. Food: 7:10 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, 1/4 lg cantaloupe, coffee 11:25 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, chives, med banana 12:45 pm Slice w/w beer bread w/rhubarb & walnuts 2:45 pm Slice w/w beer bread w/rhubarb & walnuts 6:50 pm Homemade personal size pizza w/pinot grigio sausage, peppers, onion, mushroom, 1 1/2 c watermelon Exercise: 8:00-9:20 am Walk w/Kathy

Thurs 25 Aug

Kathy has a conflict and can't walk this morning so I guess I'll skip gym tomorrow to walk with her then. Thinking about taking a walk alone along the Green Circle to the south this morning. Might be a good alternate to add to the repertoire with Kathy if the timing is right. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Tokyo Steak House buffet w/Bill (ate lite) Exercise: 10:30-11:30 am Walked to TSH 1:30-2:00 pm Walked home 5:30-6:45 pm Hiking Rib

Wed 24 Aug

Laura did the deed - she made the offer on the condo and plans to close on Oct 7. I canceled our plans for Apple Fest in Bayfield in anticipation of coming down to help her move in. I expect she's kind of in shock right now over the momentous decision she has made. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 2 tbl peanut butter, med banana 2:45 pm 2 Bob's peppermint puffs 4:15 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares, dry 6:40 pm Chicken stew w/vegetables, 2 c watermelon Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 5:15-6:30 pm Walk to Schmeeckle w/Bob

Tues 23 Aug

Seems strange having a free Tuesday so soon on the heels of vacation. I feel like I don't actually need it. Maybe I'll motivate to do some cleaning today. Haven't motivated to clean, but I did walk to the Farmer's Market for fresh veggies and made a chicken stew in the crock pot. Had to run to the grocery store for a can of chicken broth and a can of diced tomatoes, both of which I was sure I would have had in the pantry but was wrong. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:55 pm Light & Fit peach Greek yogurt, sm banana, 1 oz Simply Nature multigrain crackers 3:00 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares, dry 6:00 pm Bowl chicken stew w/veggies, Jello Sugar-Free pudding cup 7:30 pm 1.5 c watermelon Exercise: 9:45-10:30 am Walk to Farmer's Market 7:00-7:30 pm Walk w/Bob

Mon 22 Aug

Feels like I've been out of routine much longer than a week, judging by how odd it feels to resume normal activities. I suspect that's because it's cool this morning so it feels like a substantial change from the past several weeks. I realized yesterday when I wore jeans that it was likely the first time in the month of August that I'd worn long pants. I'm sure the routine will feel normal soon enough. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice Omega 3 toast, .15 tbl butter, 1 tbl homemade raspberry jam, sm banana, 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, chives 12:50 pm 1 Oreo Mint Thin 3:30 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares, dry 5:20 pm Light & Fit Italian turkey sausage, Aldi whole wheat bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 1 tbl pickle relish, salad w/baby spinach, 1/2 sm tomato, 1/2 c candied walnuts, 1 oz fresh mozzarella, basil Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 12:55-1:30 pm Mow lawn

Sun 21 Aug

Back home again. Very nice trip to Isle Royale, nice cabin to stay in, blessedly calm lake for the boat ride both ways as well as the smaller boat rides on the Sandy. Blessedly beautiful sunshine. Saw a moose within about an hour of getting off the boat, drinking water from Tobin Bay a little ways down from the seaplane dock. Stepped on a good-sized garter snake (didn't seem to hurt him) on the trail between the cabins and the lodge. Saw a fox another day making its way away from another cabin. Saw several cute red squirrels and a large bunny rabbit on the trail. Saw a bald eagle, a peregrine falcon, and a bittern. Got laundry started and a relaxing day prior to needing to cantor for 6 pm tonight (and probably Fr. Todd - sigh!) Just started to rain. Food: 8:30 am Blueberry scone, 100 g blackberries, coffee 9:30 am Tea 12:15 pm Light & Fit Peach Greek yogurt, slice Omega 3 toast, 1 tbl peanut butter, cucumber wedges 7:35 pm 5 oz prime rib, 2/3 c cheesy au gratin potatoes, salad w/baby spinach, basil, fresh mozzarella, 4-6 cherry tomatoes, candied walnuts, 2 c watermelon Exercise: 1:15-3:00 pm Hike to Schmeeckle w/Bob

Mon 15 Aug

It's finally here, the trip that hasn't truly seemed real yet. Today we drive up to Houghton and spend the night at the Super 8. Tomorrow morning we get on the ferry (for 6 hours!) to Isle Royale where we will spend four nights in a housekeeping cabin and hopefully hike some beautiful trails and see a moose (and maybe Northern Lights?) Hopefully I am well packed for whatever we will need, or that anything not thought of will be available at the camp store. Food: 8:15 am Prune danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 14 Aug

Wow, August is nearly half gone already! Tomorrow we leave for Isle Royale. A little odd to be home and relaxed on a Sunday morning since I cantor at 6 pm this evening. Gives us the day to do one more load of laundry and to pack and prepare for our journey. We need to take most of what we will need with us as there's only a small camp store on the island. We could buy things in Houghton if we realized we'd forgotten something before getting on the ferry, but usually things aren't missed til called for and then it would be too late. We should be fine. Food: 7:55 am Blueberry danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 12:05-1:55 pm Walk w/Bob to Schmeeckle, Dollar Tree, & Kmart

Sat 13 Aug

Temperatures are comfortable but humidity remains high. Walked to the Farmer's Market for pastries, and picked up beets and cucumbers for our vacation veg. Hard to wait on breakfast til we get home, but worth it for pastry at its freshest. When we finish breakfast, we go to Madison today to visit Laura. Food: 8:50 am Nutella danish, 101 g blackberries Exercise: 8:00-8:45 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 12 Aug

Going to skip the gym this morning and walk with Kathy since we had to miss yesterday between rainstorms and her schedule. We won't get to walk together next week because we'll be at Isle Royale, so we will walk this morning instead. I need to remember to drop off Steve's stool at church when I get home. HIs concert is tonight. Food: 7:10 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am 2 frozen whole wheat waffles, 1/2 tbl butter, 1 tbl homemade raspberry jam, Light & Fit peach Greek yogurt Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Walk w/Kathy 1:15-2:05 pm Walk to library and back

Thurs 11 Aug

Will walk with Kathy about an hour later than usual as she had to drop Jane off at the clinic for a minor surgical procedure. It allowed me the luxury of finishing my Hercule Poirot story last night and sleeping a bit later this morning to make up for late reading. Hopefully it won't be raining as it appears to have done so recently. Food: 8:10 am Honey bear pastry, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm 1 slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl pb, 1 tbl homemade raspberry jam, med banana 3:00 pm 1/4 cashews 6:15 pm 5 oz sangria, 2 c watermelon chunks, 2 c oriental chicken noodle salad Exercise: 9:20-9:50 am Jessica Smith Cardio Walk 10:20-10:35 am Jessica Smith 15-min Cardio Walk 5:10-6:10 pm Walk to Schmeeckle w/Bob

Wed 10 Aug

So begins the busier part of the week. Birthday lunch at Hilltop today for Kathy P. Tomorrow there's a cookout to celebrate Dr. Seavecki's retirement. Friday is Steve's recital at church. Next week - Isle Royale! The humidity is back again, and can take another break as soon as it likes. I give up. A/C on to get it out of the air. Food: 7:30 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 9 Aug

Oooooh, slept in til 7:30 this morning and it felt very nice. Bought a small electric shaver yesterday evening at Aldi and tried it on my legs this morning and I like it. Seemed to do a good job and comfortably. Strange to use such a common object for the first time when you're 60. Always something new to try. Food: 8:35 am Lemon danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, chives, 28 g Ancient Grains pita chips, med banana Exercise: 11:00-11:45 am Mow lawn

Mon 8 Aug

Lovely weekend/overnight in LaCrosse. Very nice weather, beautiful B&B w/bountiful breakfast, a couple of nice hikes in Perrot State Park, a nice winery visit, a pleasant dinner at 4 Sisters Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant. Good times. Still needed quite a few steps when we got home last night and was tired, ergo I stumbled on a piece of uneven pavement in my flip flops and couldn't catch myself. To avoid face planting on the pavement, I twisted in midair and dived for the grassy boulevard, but I landed on my ribs and twisted a muscle in the process. Amazingly sore afterward and still residually sore today, but I think it shouldn't interfere too much with Body Pump. Scale took another upward jump today, so it's time to get serious about turning this trend around! Food: 7:35 am Mixed berry danish, 76 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, chives, 28 g Ancient Grains pita chips, 2 spears cucumber w/peel Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 1:15-2:30 pm Walk to PCHHS and back, minus talking time

Sat 6 Aug

Another beautiful day, sunny, a bit less humid. We walked to the Farmer's Market for our weekly stash of good pastry. Tried out the little insulated picnic basket I bought recently from Costco to take to Isle Royale and it works a treat for transporting the pastries with less damage. Onward to LaCrosse/Onalaska today for an overnight in a pretty B&B, maybe a wine tasting, maybe some hiking or at least pretty walking, dinner at a Wine Bar/Tapas place in LaCrosse. Nice. Food: 8:45 am Nutella danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 5 Aug

Looks like lovely weather for the next 4 days, temps in the 70s. Don't yet know about the humidity, but it is more tolerable with cooler temps. Planning an overnight in Unalaska tomorrow at a nice-sounding B&B, just for fun. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 66 g braunschweiger, 101 g cucumber wedges w/peel Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 4 Aug

Today would have been my godfather LeRoy's birthday, one month before mine. He was a jolly character. Haven't thought of him in quite a long time. Nice evening with Hartmans at Two Lakes yesterday, with cake at their house afterward. Gotta invite them here one of these days. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 10:30 am 1 Shurfine chocolate graham cracker 11:45 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 2 tbl PB, 56 g tomato 1:15 pm 1 Leo's peppermint stick 3:30 pm 8 oz Mocha iced coffee 4:30 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk 6:05 pm Italian sausage stuffed ravioli, 1/3 c tomato basil sauce, 1/2 tbl shredded parmesan, 3/4 sautéed zucchini, 5 oz rose Exercise: 8:00-9:55 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 3 Aug

Muggy! Temperatures are not bad, but the air is thick. This evening we go to Two Lakes with the Hartmans if plans have not been disrupted. Should be fun. Just got a text from Bill informing me that Nancy Canales is dying of aggressive pneumonia. I can find it in my heart to feel badly for Jim, not so long retired, being robbed of his life's partner and facing the rest of his days alone. And the girls losing their mom. Sigh. Exercise was much more difficult than usual today. Early on in both treadmill and Body Pump, I was unsure if I'd make it to the end of the usual workout, but fortunately I did and don't feel the worse for it. Food: 7:40 am Honey bear pastry, 102 g blackberries, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 11:20 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, chives, 1 c fresh blueberries Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 2 Aug

Another lovely sunny day, although rain and possible thunderstorms are predicted for later in the afternoon. Maybe I'll go vote at the courthouse for the primary today. Food: 8:10 am Chocolate croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, chives, White Gull Inn raspberry coffee cake, 45 g tomato 1:30 pm 1/2 c mint chip ice cream Exercise: 9:15-11:05 am Walk to St Mike's, then to Human Services and home (with breaks)

Mon 1 Aug

What a nice day we had yesterday up in the Northwoods! Lunch at Minocqua Brewing Company was an excellent fish and chips. The Raven hiking trail near Woodruff was great! We did the 5 mile outside loop and I did the 1.5 mile nature trail after to finish filling my step count as I started a little behind Bob and lost about 1000 steps to steeper hills. Maybe my new Fitbit will count all my steps even on hills - wouldn't that be nice? We stopped for gas at Pete's station and visited for a bit and got recommendations for good food at Mama's Supper Club which is still there after all these years. Dinner was very good, dessert was an awesome lemon berry mascarpone cake to share. We looked out over a beautiful northern lake still kissed with sun while sipping a genuine supper club old fashioned. Safe drive home. What more can you ask? The stiffness in my neck is mostly all gone and didn't bother my sleep last night. Today we get four new tires on the car. Food: 7:35 am Apricot danish, 99 g blackberries, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 12:15 pm Light & Fit Peach Greek yogurt, White Gull Inn raspberry coffee cake, plum Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 2:00-2:20 pm Walk from Schierl to Michael's