Mon 31 Oct

Happy Halloween! My nod to Halloween for the gym is an orange t-shirt with my black capris with amber earrings. Best I can do. Voice lesson today, Trick or Treaters tonight. Food: 7:35 am Raspberry almond danish, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Friendly Farms pumpkin Greek yogurt, pumpkin cornbread, med peach, 20 cal Nestle cocoa Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 30 Oct

Just leaving a bit early on Thursday afternoon for an overnight makes this week seem endless (in a good way). Hard to believe we still have all of Sunday ahead of us. I feel a little guilty not offering to go with Bob to church again this morning when he ushers, but I cantored last night and would have to sit by myself while he ushers, so I would only keep him company while walking. He can handle it. Food: 8:20 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:55-10:35 am Walk w/Mick

Sat 29 Oct

Last downtown Farmer's Market of the season, and David himself was there with his pastries. He even gave us an extra one on the house for our patronage. I'm so glad he is doing the new winter market that starts in two weeks at Redeemer Lutheran so we can have his goodies all winter, including special treats for the holidays. Had a lovely time in Mayville and the surrounding area Thurs/Fri, though it makes it difficult to comprehend that today is only Saturday. The beer dinner at the Audubon Inn was excellent, we had some nice (albeit windy) hiking in the Horicon Marsh, visited both the state and the Federal visitor centers. We drove down to Hustisford and visited the Nature Made Heaven Scent soap shop where I bought some liquid tooth soap and some face serum and Bob got bay rum soap. We had fun shopping in the Piggly Wiggly while waiting for the time for our dinner reservations. The trip culminated with a 3-course dinner back at Audubon with an excellent tenderloin steak and a safe drive home. Mass was emotional, saying farewell to Fr. Paul Lippert who is moving back to the Milwaukee area and therefore will not be as regular a visitor. Food: 9:05 am Pumpkin chocolate danish, 103 g blackberries, coffee 11:00 am 1 dark chocolate toffee 12:00 pm 2 c popcorn 1:50 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk 6:30 pm 2 corn dogs, ketchup, 1 c sliced beets w/spray of fig balsamic Exercise: 8:20-9:00 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Thurs 27 Oct

The month is waning fast. Tonight we go to Mayville for the Central Waters beer dinner and a nice night at the inn, breakfast in the morning and a hopefully lovely day to hike in Horicon, a 3-course prix fixe dinner at NOLA Grille Friday evening before coming home. Nice. I have been noticing the need for exercise for my hips and knees moving in other planes than offered by walking. I thought of my old ballet DVD and put it in this morning. Owww! It is the perfect thing, but oh my, I haven't moved my hips in those directions for awhile. It also has a nice stretch at the end. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate chip pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, large peach, Friendly Farms pumpkin Greek yogurt Exercise: 11:05-11:35 am Brutal ballet DVD (most of it)

Wed 26 Oct

A rainy day today from midnight to midnight, so it appears. Well, we haven't had any rain for quite awhile now, so it's not really a problem any more. My remaining herbs will rejoice as I have been neglecting them of late. I should try to remember to move the mum where it can enjoy some of the rainfall as well. Food: 7:30 am Gibassier pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:25 am Butternut squash/apple soup, 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, large peach Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump Class

Tues 25 Oct

For some reason, I'm having a hard time keeping track of the day this week. Days seem to blend too well. It seems a little unrealistic that Halloween is coming up this weekend through Monday. You get used to seeing the decorations out early, and you forget that the actual holiday still approaches. We bought our candy at Costco last weekend and there are no schedule conflicts for Trick or Treat on Monday evening next week. I'm excited for Tuesday when the new Outlander season comes out. And the following Tuesday when I get my massage from Mary F and the elections will finally be done. Food: 7:50 am Pain aux raisins, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 2 scrambled eggs w/chives, 1 tbl shredded Jarlsberg, apple crisp 6:45 pm .75 Fazoli's Baked Ziti 7:50 pm Indian corn Exercise: 8:50-9:00 am Brisk walk to St Steve's 10:10-10:25 am Walk home 11:45-12:05 pm Ellis St loop 5:00-6:30 pm Hiking Rib

Mon 24 Oct

Back to gym today after a week's absence since last Monday. Anna made a comment last week that sounded as though it was her last time teaching the morning session of Body Pump, so I'll have to see whether we have a different instructor today. I rather hope not because I like Anna's style. I guess we get what we get. Update: Anna was just saying that last Monday was her last time to teach that release since we started a new release today. Always challenging to start new routines. Nice treat to have pastry from the Cedarburg European bakery. David's pastries are always excellent, but a change is occasionally nice. Food: 7:35 am Cinnamon roll, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast, 2 tbl peanut butter, large peach Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 23 Oct

Very nice trip to Port Washington/Madison this weekend. The hotel was very nice, we had two each $3 Autumn Martinis with amaretto, vodka and apple cider (quite small) with our Senior Menu dinner (which was actually just the right size for me to eat, be satisfied, and take no leftovers). The apple cinnamon stuffed French toast delivered to our room was very nice and elegantly presented, although there was only one chair in the room so Bob sat on the luggage rack with a pillow so we could eat at the desk. There was a late season Farmer's Market outside the hotel so we went out after breakfast and got some vegetables, frozen lamb shanks, and a few more apples. After checkout, we went to the Grafton Costco and spent quite a bit. I got a new winter jacket that I had thought about last year but waited too long and the stock was depleted. The checkout girl said she bought one last year and loves it. We would have loved to have purchased a one-of-a-kind floor model dual-oven stove but we would have had to have a way to transport it home ourselves and it wouldn't fit in the Prius C. We drove to Cedarburg after Costco, stocked up on danish for the week from the European Bakery and had a delicious bison burger adorned with a skewer of homemade fried cheese curds at the Stilt House. The waitress brought me three samples of good dark beers along with my pint of coffee stout on nitro. The Surly Black IPA was really excellent; I will look for it in Minneapolis. After lunch, we drove to Madison (with a small bag of chocolate cordials from the candy store for a decadent accompaniment). We visited briefly with Laura while Bob helped her to clean a major hair clog out of the bathtub drain. Stopped at TJ's for my pumpkin spice coffee fix, then went to Slumberland for her to get a nice heavy-duty frame for the soon-to-be-delivered mattress/box spring. We returned to the condo and assembled the frame. Laura got a finger or two in the wrong place and scraped off some skin with bleeding. We then went to the new location of Red Sushi and had an excellent supper. On the way back, Laura mentioned that she didn't yet have a mattress pad and a few other bedding-type items she still needs, so we attempted to find Target on the east side and eventually succeeded. She got a mattress pad, comforter, body pillow, bathroom rug, etc. and Bob got gummy bears for the drive home and a Starbucks coffee to keep himself awake. I'm afraid I dozed a good portion of the drive home. Today just walking to church and then choir at 4. Nothing much out of the ordinary this week until Thursday when we go to Mayville for a Central Waters beer dinner and overnight and a 3-course prix fixe dinner the following evening before coming home. Food: 8:50 am Gibassier, 101 g blackberries, coffee (TJ's pumpkin spice, yes!) 11:35 am Friendly Farms pumpkin Greek yogurt, slice pumpkin bread 12:15 pm 1 Choco-Nip 6:30 pm Butternut squash/apple soup, asparagus goat cheese risotto Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:05-11:25 am Walk home 12:45-2:15 pm Hike at Mead

Fri 21 Oct

Tonight we go to a new place, the Port Hotel in Port Washington, for a Travelzoo overnight with chocolates. Tomorrow we'll have a nice breakfast delivered to the room, go to Cedarburg to check out their wonderful European bakery, then drive to Madison to help Laura get a frame for her new bed. Today I have the Suicide Prevention Committee meeting at PCHHS, then laundry and packing before we leave. Food: 7:05 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Butternut squash/apple soup, .4 cranberry orange muffin 1:00 pm 1 Knoppers wafer Exercise: 1:25-1:55 pm Jessica Smith Tread N Shred DVD

Thurs 20 Oct

How very pleasant to have a full day to myself after all this week. Since I walked with Kathy yesterday and tutoring is now on Tuesday, Thursday is completely free today. I celebrated by sleeping in til 7:30. Food: 8:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 2 scrambled eggs, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & raspberry jam Exercise: 9:30-10:10 am Dancing with the Stars DVD 11:30-11:50 am Walk to courthouse & back

Wed 19 Oct

Forecast to be another lovely day like yesterday today, then getting cooler again for awhile. We will try to hike tonight to enjoy the nice temps. Last night, we didn't make it out hiking but I grilled chicken drumsticks which was also a taste of summer and quite fun. We also had time to get to Aldi's for berries. Kathy emailed this morning. She and John are traveling over the next week and she had a doctor's appointment squeezed in tomorrow morning, so she could walk today but not again for awhile. I was glad to forego the gym for a chance to walk with my friend after such a long hiatus. Really enjoyed catching up with Kathy. Food: 7:40 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Chicken drumstick, slice pumpkin bread, med banana 6:30 pm Great Dane meatloaf dinner w/broccoli & garlic mashed, 12 oz pumpkin ale Exercise: 9:15-10:45 am Walk w/Kathy 5:00-6:15 pm Hiking Rib

Tues 18 Oct

Tuesdays are different now that I have reading tutoring at 9 am. Not the completely blank slate they used to be, but once I'm done, the rest of the day is free. And now Thursday is also free after my walk with Kathy, so it's kind of a tradeoff. Today perhaps butternut squash soup and apple pie or crisp. And need to pick up some berries for breakfast. Maybe I'll get grapefruit this weekend at Costco as a backup. Heard from Laura today, she asked if we could run down to Madison to help her pick up a frame for her mattress which will hopefully be delivered on Tuesday. We are going to Port Washington for a Friday overnight, but can head over to Madison on Sat afternoon to do the bed frame thing and do dinner with Laura before heading home. No problem. Food: 7:40 am Chocolate croissant, coffee 11:35 am Soy shake, apple cider donut Exercise: 8:45-9:00 am Walk to St Steve's 10:10-10:25 am Walk home 12:55-1:25 pm Walk to library and back

Mon 17 Oct

Weather is warm again today, and actually quite muggy. I appreciate the warmth, but I could have been done with muggy. Probably rained in the night, and is predicted to do so again this afternoon/evening, but for now, it's just grey and dreary. And muggy. Food: 7:35 am Cheese danish, 72 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Friendly Farms pumpkin Greek yogurt, apple cider donut 2:30 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares 5:20 pm Broccoli shrimp risolto, 1.25 c fruit salad Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 11:40-12:15 pm Walk to library and back

Sun 16 Oct

I am delighted and amazed that my cold does not seem to be bothering me this morning. I believe that foregoing the Moon Walk in the rain/drizzle last night was an excellent decision, and resting instead provided my body with more strength to resist. A bowl of chicken soup for lunch didn't hurt either! Food: 8:00 am Raisin pinwheel pastry, 76 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Friendly Farms pumpkin Greek yogurt, pumpkin chocolate chip muffin Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:00-11:20 am Walk home 12:00-1:45 pm Schmeeckle walk w/Bob

Sat 15 Oct

Walked to the Farmer's Market in the grey morning, and David was selling himself this morning. He said there are 2 more weeks of the market downtown, then 2 weeks off before the new winter market starts at Redeemer Lutheran. He will be participating so we should have access to baked goodies all winter, including holiday treats. Yum! Food: 9:10 am Pumpkin chocolate danish, 97 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:05-9:05 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 14 Oct

Had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. Maybe it was listening to the mouse in the attic in the middle of the night. Bob has now heard him too. We figure the active chewing I heard in the bedroom wall the other night was probably him making his way up to the attic. Bob thinks he was gnawing on the poison in the attic last night. Food: 7:50 am Morning bun, 98 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Friendly Farms pumpkin Greek yogurt, apple cider donut, med banana Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 13 Oct

This morning I attend a presentation on anxiety sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Coalition. Means I don't get my walk with Kathy, but I do get CEUs. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 78 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 am Slice coffee cake, coffee 11:15 am Hershey's Special Dark miniature 12:20 am 2 scrambled eggs, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, slice pumpkin bread Exercise: 7:30-7:50 am Walk to MSTC 11:55-12:15 pm Walk home

Wed 12 Oct

The Renee Fleming concert last night was superb! Katie Minch sat next to us and was in total ecstasy. She even had the audience sing along on a chorus of "I Could Have Danced All Night" during the second encore, so we can say we sang with Renee Fleming. Wish my schedule allowed me to go to the master class today, but Bootstrap is expecting me. Hard to get up this morning with the grey skies, spitting of rain, and being up slightly later than usual last night. Food: 7:40 am Cheese danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice Omega 3 bread, .15 tbl butter, 1 oz cheddar cheese, 70 g sweetango apple w/cinnamon sugar 5:45 pm Chicken breast, broccoli, cheddar cheese sandwich, 16 oz O'So Night Rain porter Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 5:15-5:30 pm Walk downtown

Tues 11 Oct

First day of reading tutoring this year today. Tuesday 9-10 am. I need to fill out another background check, but hopefully I won't be required to watch the video again. If so, oh well. I will try to get there a little early in case there is stuff to cover, and I still need to find my bag with the materials. Food: 7:45 am Pecan danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese w/chives, 1/4 sm cantaloupe, slice pumpkin bread 12:45 pm 2 Wint-o-green LifeSavers 2:45 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares 6:05 pm Autumn Apple Dinner (turkey kielbasa, apples, & onions), 2/3 c mashed sweet potato Exercise: 8:35-8:50 am Walk to St Steve's 10:10-10:25 am Walk home 5:00-5:30 pm Neighborhood walk w/Bob

Mon 10 Oct

Packers won last night and I actually stayed up for the entire game. We had a good connection on the internet and it even paused out for all the commercials. If it wasn't for sitting in the computer chair, it would be one of the nicer ways to watch. Looks to be a nice day today, perhaps hiking this evening. Bob suggested we go somewhere less hilly than Rib to give our knees and quads a break. Perhaps Hartman Creek. Food: 7:30 am Pecan danish, 104 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 2 eggs, 1 tbl chopped sweet pepper, 1 Laughing Cow Swiss Light wedge, parsley, chives, slice pumpkin bread Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 9 Oct

Wow, did we get exhausted moving Laura. Even she was totally exhausted by last night. We could have stayed another night and gone down to Ikea in Schaumburg with her to get a few things, but I bowed out. I was too tired to consider another day and I really believe she needs a day to be in her new home and have some time before going back to work on Monday. We will take her to Ikea another time soon. Her new house is beautiful and comfortable. She said she understood that "This is home!" feeling that I always said I had immediately on finding this house. She should be very comfortable there. With her two new blue chairs and lovely coffee table, and the small tables and lamp she had, the rocking chair and a few mismatched wooden chairs for the small dining table, she has plenty of furniture to be going on with for now. She has the luxury to build slowly as her budget recovers. Food: 8:30 am Pecan danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Slice pumpkin bread, Light & Fit peach Greek yogurt Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:05-11:25 am Walk home

Fri 7 Oct

A front came through last night and brought cooler temps which are forecast to be around for quite a while. Night temps are forecast near freezing for a few days, with daytime highs in the low 50s. Quite a change. Today we go to Madison to help Laura clean her new place and then move in. I can hardly wait to see it in person. The plan is a traditional pizza party on the floor this evening (Laura's idea) with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to celebrate (my contribution). Food: 7:45 am Steel cut oats w/brown sugar & almond milk, 104 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Slice pumpkin bread, Oh My Yog pumpkin yogurt, homemade beet soup Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 6 Oct

Tried my little crock pot with steel cut oats for the first time last night. Used a little brown sugar and cinnamon and almond milk, so we'll have to see if it's too sweet for me. Too hot to try yet. Kathy has company and couldn't walk today, but I decided that did not have to prevent me from a Thursday morning walk. I did the Schmeeckle route with lake and it was quite enjoyable. Food: 7:10 am Steel cut oats w/almond milk, brown sugar, & cinnamon, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:30 am 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares 12:25 pm 2 scrambled eggs, med banana 3:30 pm Slice pumpkin bread 5:30 pm 4 oz roast pork, 1/2 spaetzle noodles w/Swiss cheese, 1/2 c acorn squash, 3/4 c homemade applesauce 7:30 pm Jello Sugar Free dark chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 8:10-9:40 am Schmeeckle walk

Wed 5 Oct

The year begins to really fly by, especially now that we are into October. Seems strange that our perception of time passage is so different at different times of the year. If only January through March went quickly and the beautiful autumn dragged slowly. I guess I just need to develop more of an appreciation for late winter since that pattern has been well-established for most of my life. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am 1 c homemade beet soup, large cranberry orange muffin, 1/4 med cantaloupe Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 4 Oct

I really enjoy my restful Tuesdays. They give me a chance to take stock of things that need doing and look at some serious relaxation. Today I'll look at progress on the will tasks, maybe bake pumpkin bread, plan a pork roast supper in the pressure cooker, and plan overnight oatmeal for tomorrow. Food: 8:05 am Morning bun, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 slices 45 cal toast, 2 tbl peanut butter, med apple w/cinnamon sugar Exercise: 1:35-2:05 pm Neighborhood walk

Mon 3 Oct

My second (and last) day of volunteering as receptionist for the flu clinic as PCHHS today. Last time it was busy initially with opportunity to visit with former coworkers, then settled to quiet with lots of reading time between people, and we were done early. We'll see if today is the same. NUMMERS!!!! Tried a pureed beet soup recipe from a magazine and I LIKE IT! Food: 7:00 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 5 butterscotch M&Ms 11:55 am Homemade beet soup, med banana, 2 slices 45 cal bread toasted w/butter Exercise: 10:35-10:55 am Neighborhood walk 1:05-1:30 pm Neighborhood walk 5:30-6:50 pm Hiking Rib

Sun 2 Oct

A cool October morning, with time to walk to church, do laundry, choir practice. A bye week for the Packers, so no game to take up part of the day. Good to be home. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk 12:10 pm 2 slices French toast w/45 cal Light N Fit bread, 2 eggs, 1/4 c almond milk, .15 tbl butter, 1 tbl maple syrup, med apple w/cinnamon sugar 6:40 pm 2 w/w toaster waffles, .25 tbl butter, Stonyfield Oh My Yog pumpkin yogurt Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:05-11:25 am Walk home

Sat 1 Oct

Great trip. Safe return. Kinda tired. Will write more tomorrow.