Sun 31 Dec

Didn't manage to come up with any good plans for New Year's Eve. We'll go to church this morning for the Sunday, then I cantor at 5 pm for the Holy Day solemnity. I bought some beef to make bourguignon, but I have to see how long it takes to make or if I can get it started before 4. It might not be realistic to come home and cook elaborately after 6 pm. Maybe I'll just make a pizza. Food: 8:30 am Panera raisin scone, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Cheddar chowder, 1/2 grapefruit

Sat 30 Dec

No plans this weekend except church either tonight or tomorrow morning, then cantoring again at 5 pm Sunday for the holy day. Scale is creeping up again slowly, likely due to overindulging in Christmas cookies so that needs to stop. Food: 8:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 98 g blackberries, coffee 1:35 pm 1/2 grapefruit 2:30 pm 34 g manchego 3:15 pm 1 Ritz cracker, 1/2 tbl salmon spread 6:30 pm Chicken cacciatore (thigh), 1 c whole grain spaghetti, 3 oz apple strudel Exercise: 10:25-11:10 am Jessica Smith Flat Abs Walk

Fri 29 Dec

Nearing the end of the year - again. It was good to get to hike the Grand Canyon and to do the full marathon at Walk Wisconsin. Stopped by the County Home after gym today and had a very nice visit with Aunt Jeanette. She has pneumonia and is off her meds, not really eating, but was in good spirits once I woke her up and looks comfortable. Food: 7:55 am Panera cinnamon scone, 100 g blackberries, coffee 2:15 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 1/2 grapefruit, stollen 2:30 pm Christmas cookies 6:20 pm Cheddar chowder Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Step elliptical 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 2:55-3:45 pm Walk to library and back

Thurs 28 Dec

Going for a cold walk this morning with Kathy; will wear snow pants, neck gaiter, full gear. Food: 7:25 am Panera iced cinnamon scone, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Leek and potato soup, 1/2 grapefruit Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Walk w/Kathy small Schmeeckle

Wed 27 Dec

Another recurrence of Christmas tears this morning at shower. Guess I let it in. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 2 fried eggs, opera cake 6:00 pm Crab risotto w/broccoli & mushrooms Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 26 Dec

Glad it's over so I can hopefully move on from feeling upset over Laura's unwillingness to come. I suspect the hurt will fade with time, especially if I can stop thinking about it. We had a very nice time with Michael and Taylor, at least until Michael got sick from drinking milk we didn't realize had gotten old. It kind of put a damper on finishing the food he had been so enjoying, and we didn't get to cut the strudel at all. Maybe they can come back after she gets off work tonight for strudel. Food: 8:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 2 1/2 cheese fries, sm banana 1:30 pm Few Christmas cookies 2:45 pm 2 chocolate covered lebkuchen 5:50 pm 3.5 oz turkey breast, 1/2 c stuffing, 1/3 c carrots, 1/3 c sweet potatoes Exercise: 9:50-10:15 am Jessica Smith Cardio Boot Camp 11:10-11:20 am Latin 10-min dance salsa

Mon 25 Dec

Yeah, Merry Christmas. Can't really remember a year that felt less Christmasy, but hey. At least we're relatively healthy and not completely broke. There are things to be grateful for, and I am. Bob started the Jessica Smith with me and pulled a lower back muscle on the rear leg lifts. Food: 8:40 am Cream puff swan, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 1 fried egg, 65 g limpa, 1/2 grapefruit Exercise: 9:55-10:40 am Jessica Smith Belly, Buns and Thighs

Sun 24 Dec

Christmas Eve brunch at Hartmans later this morning. Then no obligations til cantoring for church tonight; I have to be there by 8:15 pm. I think I'll probably mix up a batch of butterhorn batter and make them tomorrow morning. I wasn't sure I was going to bother with them this year, but I suppose I still can. I might also try to do a Pilates mat. Food: 8:10 am Chocolate eclair, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:15-9:45 am Jessica Smith Power Interval Walk

Sat 23 Dec

Need to wrap three more presents today and probably change the tablecloth to make the house look a tad more Christmasy. We watched White Christmas last night at Bob's suggestion but he almost fell asleep and it didn't succeed in increasing my spirit any. Did some grocery shopping after Farmer's Market so breakfast is quite a bit later than usual. Food: 10:05 am Chocolate sorprese, 100 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm 45 g cheddar cheese, 2 sm slices limpa, butter Exercise: 4:10-4:30 pm Walk to church 6:10-6:30 pm Walk home

Fri 22 Dec

Got the cutout cookies baked last night, so the major responsibilities are done. Need to figure out the details of what I'll be giving Michael and Taylor for Christmas dinner, and Bob said they are low on wine glasses so I'll wrap up a box with a few for them. Getting there. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:45 am 1 molasses cutout 1:35 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 1/2 grapefruit Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 10:50-11:20 am Shovel snow

Thurs 21 Dec

Shortest day of the year today; only looks up from here. The extreme cold is scheduled to move in soon though. Shouldn't be too bad for my walk with Kathy today. Getting my walking fix in while the weather is still tolerable. Walked to dermatology screening appointment - all clear! Plan to walk to practice with Mary for cantoring this weekend. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm Potato leek soup, slice limpa toast w/butter, 1 pc light string cheese 3:45 pm 1 pfeffernuss 5:50 pm 1 c chicken tortellini, 1/2 c priano tomato basil sauce, 1/2 large banana, 6 blackberries Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Walk w/Kathy Mead route 11:-11:20 am Walk to St Mike's 12:20-12:40 am Walk home 1:45-2:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 3:00-3:15 pm Walk home

Wed 20 Dec

Pleased that my scale continues its very slow decline. About one more pound and I'll have lost the first ten; possible by Christmas yet. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Turkey chili w/sour cream & cheese, 1 pfeffernuss 5:30 pm Leek and potato soup, slice limpa toast w/butter Exercise: 9:02-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 19 Dec

No tutoring today as the class has a special program with the UWSP dancers, so I can devote an uninterrupted day to preparing cookie dough, wrapping the few gifts, and assessing stockings. Things that need to be done. Done. Only took less than an hour to wrap all presents and stuff stockings. Cookie dough was prepared before lunch; planning to bake pfeffernusse this afternoon. Returned books at library while weather still decent enough for walking. Food: 7:55 am Opera cake, 100 g blackberries, coffee 2:00 pm 3 Pfeffernuss 6:00 pm 4 oz ham, 1/2 c mashed potatoes w/butter, 1/2 c carrots, homemade pumpkin pie Exercise: 2:35-3:05 pm Walk to library and back

Mon 18 Dec

One more week til Christmas - is over. I need to make cookies yet and wrap the few gifts I have. I also need to make sure I can fill the stockings, at least Michael and Taylor's with some bulky items without further breaking the bank. Food: 7:50 am Polish layered pastry, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Slice limpa toast w/butter, 2 scrambled eggs, 54 g raspberries 2:30 pm 1 oz dark chocolate Pretzel Thins 6:50 pm 2 chicken drumsticks, 1/2 c Steamfresh brown rice 1/2 c sliced beets, 1/3 c red cabbage w/apple Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 17 Dec

Made it through the visit to Laura's yesterday without incident. We went to the Star Wars movie which was a good way to spend time without need for interaction as she sat on the far side of Bob. Movie was good, but I probably didn't enjoy it as much as I ought given my mood. Oh well. We ate at That BBQ Joint which really was a joint much like the Jamaican place on 66. Food was okay, but only. Lunch was a flatbread eaten during the previews. Food: 8:10 am Chocolate eclair, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 75 g limp bread, 73 g ham 6:15 pm 1 c Priano herbed chicken tortellini, 1/2 c tomato basil sauce, grated parmesan, 1/2 large banana, 1 mandarin Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 16 Dec

Have to try to be somewhat in the Christmas spirit today when we visit Laura in Madison. David cracked out several holiday treat pastries today in lieu of his regular offerings. Today I'm trying an apple cream confection - delicious! Food: 9:20 am Apple cream pastry, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:45-10:05 am Shoveling snow

Fri 15 Dec

More little dusting of snow, a little every day it seems. Suicide prevention meeting this morning instead of gym, and light loads of laundry since I did last week's on Monday. The caramel sauce did not turn out as I remember it last year, not nearly so caramel-looking. I suspect it's because I cooked two batches at a time. Food: 7:15 am Costco cherry almond coffee cake, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 79 g raspberries 5:30 pm Scrambled eggs w/ham, mushrooms, cheddar, Slice beer bread Exercise: 1:30-2:15 pm Walk to library and back

Thurs 14 Dec

It's very cold this morning. Not really looking forward to heading out for a long walk, though I always look forward to spending the time with Kathy. I will survive. Food: 7:25 am Costco cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 13 Dec

Realized that I need to get something for Taylor for Christmas yet. Hadn't really thought about it, so I need to come up with an idea. I haven't felt much like Christmas since Laura said she wasn't coming. Food: 7:45 am Costco cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 1/2 grapefruit, 2 pc light string cheese Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 12 Dec

Cold this morning, noticeably so. Predicting snow tomorrow. Can no longer deny winter. Slept better last night thanks to cold meds, so hopefully I will be on the upside now. Found a new book series yesterday when one of my holds came through on the Kindle; a new twist on Sherlock Holmes in which the detective is a woman using a male identity to gain credence in Victorian society. The story was based on the original Sherlock with Watson being Mrs. Watson, a former actress who had been married to John Watson, MD (who was killed in Afghanistan). It's delightful. Food: 7:55 am Costco cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:40 pm Homemade turkey soup 6:15 m Bowtie pasta, sliced beets Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:45-11:55 am Walk home

Mon 11 Dec

Well, the zinc did not hold off the cold. It is here in force. My sinuses hurt a lot in the night, my nose is runny, and I'm low on energy Oh, well, it comes with the season. Hopefully it won't last long. I feel badly about being significantly under my step count for three days running, so I hope I can get them all in today. Food: 7:55 am Costco cherry almond coffee cake, 100 g blackberries, coffee 1:10 pm 4 Italian sausage ravioli (no sauce), 1/2 red grapefruit, 73 g cheese curds (melted) 6:15 pm Boneless pork chop w/tikka masala sauce, 1/2 c sweet corn, 1/2 c 5-grain blend w/golden raisins Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 10 Dec

Exciting Packer win on the radio kept us company almost all the way home from Minneapolis. Bob came down with a cold/cough right away on Thursday as we pulled in for the trip, and he really didn't feel well all weekend. I am taking zinc to try to ward it off, but my energy levels are definitely very low. Haven't gotten my quota of steps any day this weekend, and today is really miserably low. I'll maybe get a few more steps, but I have no ambition to do much at all. Eating my leftover octopus pasta around 4 pm, first I've bothered to eat since Barb's delicious sausage quiche this morning. Just wanna crash.

Thurs 7 Dec

Pearl Harbor Day. I always think of my mom who corresponded with a soldier who was killed at Pearl Harbor before she corresponded with Dad. So in its way, Pearl Harbor defined who I am. Off to our Minneapolis weekend today, returning on Sunday. Tonight at the Corban Manor Inn in St. Paul, the next two nights with Kurt and Barb who are returning soon from Arizona. Food: 7:20 am Sticky bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 6 Dec

St Nicholas Day. Used to be a bit of a thing when the kids were little, often a last minute remembering requiring me to run out on the previous evening for some Christmas candy and maybe oranges to add to some small thing to put in their shoes. Fireplace is having trouble getting started in the morning. I think it's due to the wind outside making it a challenge to get the draft right. I got it going finally yesterday, but today I don't have enough time to devote to it. Food: 8:05 am Sticky bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 4 Dec

The cold weather and wind is here, the fireplace won't stay lit, oh well. I plan to try to walk to the library today in the afternoon after tutoring as I have several books to be returned and they have 77 Clocks waiting for me. I should also trim the Christmas tree today and prepare for our Minneapolis trip. And this evening we need to do Pilates. Food: 7:55 am Sticky bun, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese w/chives, 79 g raspberries, Grands biscuit Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:45-11:55 am Walk home

Mon 4 Dec

Grey day today, thunder and lightning around 5 am. Should be unnaturally warm today, then winter moves back in. Temps after today should be highs in the 20s and lows getting into single digits. Sigh. Food: 7:45 am Sticky bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm Turkey soup, large date-filled cookie Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 3 Dec

Concert went somewhat better last night but we are sit under-rehearsed and it shows. With only 15 choir members, everyone has to pull their weight and a couple of folks have wonky voices from illness. The venue last night was a smaller, more intimate space so our little group did not look so pitiful, and today we're at St Pauls which is also smaller. Ten we are done for another season. Food: 6:30 am Sticky bun, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 9:20-9:40 am Walk home

Sat 2 Dec

Concert was not stellar last night, but Barb was there and said the sopranos sounded good. There were moments that sounded good. Let's hope we improve as the weekend goes on. Today is the Amherst Christmas sales, so we'll stop first for pastry on the way. I hope to buy some treats to take to the concert tomorrow so I don't have to bake today. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Leftover brisket, cornbread, & asparagus

Fri 1 Dec

First choir concert tonight at the Convent Chapel. Will be nice to sing there again. I like the Celtic Christmas series, even if it does need more rehearsal to sound as polished as it should. It works very well with the narrator accompaniment. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:50 pm Macaroni and cheese, 101 g raspberries 1:15 pm 1/2 c skim milk, 2 tbl Bellagio sipping chocolate, day 1 TJs Advent chocolate Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 30 Nov

Thurs morning again. Still haven't seen Desmond and family; thought sure they would come when we were doing Pilates last night, or else after I had gone up to bed. Hopefully they won't come while we're at rehearsal tonight or at the concerts this weekend. It would be a shame to miss them. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, cheddar cheese, butter, 100 g raspberries 2:00 pm Packet Muddy Buddies 4:55 pm Healthy turkey chili, sour cream, grated cheese Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Walk w/Kathy 2:45-3:20 pm Walk to Hair Co/library

Wed 29 Nov

The year is waning! Hard to believe that November is nearly over, and only one more month remains. It's always a surprise no matter how often I tell myself that this time of year flies by. Even every Wednesday seems to be here before the last one is over. Food: 7;50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Homemade turkey soup, 100 g raspberries, 2 pc light string cheese Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 28 Nov

Exceptionally warm morning today - 46° when I got up. I'll have to get in some extra walking beyond to tutoring and my hair appointment if I can. I did get in one longer neighborhood walk yesterday afternoon and it was fairly pleasant except for a bit of brisk wind. Food: 7:45 am 1/2 Costco apple muffin, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 50 g Lunch Mate black forest turkey, sm banana 5:20 pm Kielbasa skillet w/potatoes, onions, & peppers Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:50-12:00 pm Walk home 12:45-1:00 pm Walk to haircut 3:10-3:25 pm Walk home 3:30-4:15 pm Walk to post office and back 4:40-5:00 pm Ellis St loop w/Bob

Mon 27 Nov

Cyber Monday. Doesn't hold much more interest for me than Black Friday did this year. We'll see whether any online retailers can tempt me. I realized I have a hair appointment tomorrow so I have to figure out if the check will clear or whether I need to add to the account. I think I'm okay because I've already subtracted out the payments to Target and Capital One that won't be deducted til 12/8. Got a killer deal on blackberries at Aldi's yesterday $.89 per carton. Bought a dozen and am sincerely hoping they don't mold before I eat them up. Food: 7:50 am 3/4 Costco apple cinnamon muffin, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm Homemade turkey soup, slice cottage cheese dill bread Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 26 Nov

Last regular choir rehearsal before the concert. Scary thought since it doesn't seem we're performance ready, but I suppose it rarely does. At least we now have an accompanist so we can see how Carrie will direct us. I nearly have the two required pieces memorized. Food: 8:05 am Costco apple cinnamon muffin, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 25 Nov

My brother would have been 66 today. Calendar word of the day is mogul, maybe a hint that he would have been a powerful person had he lived. I would have liked to get to know him beyond what I gleaned when I was 10 and he was 14. No Farmer's Market this morning, as we found out when we pulled in to an empty parking lot. Won't hurt us to go without delicious pastry for a week. Food: 8:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:00 pm Slice cottage cheese dill bread, 3 pc lite string cheese 4:00 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares (dry) 6:20 pm 4 oz turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, 1/2 c sweet potato casserole, 2 tbl cranberry sauce Exercise: 2:05-3:15 pm Little Schmeeckle walk w/Bob 5:10-6:00 pm Pilates mat

Fri 24 Nov

Black Friday, and this year I find I don't care. Need to cut back on spending frivolous spending so I don't just want to troll for "good deals" and I can easily stand to miss the crowds. Had a good time at Laura's for Thanksgiving with Laura, Jude, and Jude's friend, Tiffany. We went down Wed evening, picked Laura up at her gym and went to Weary Traveler for sandwiches, and stayed in her guest room. Cooked the food on Thursday, had dinner, and Bob and I took a nice walk down to Yahara park and around the neighborhood before driving home. I didn't get to my step goal for the day, but at least I was close to 10,000. Food: 8:25 am Costco apple cinnamon muffin, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:15 pm 1 Werther's coffee hard candy 5:25 pm Betty Crocker chili pie, pint Seattle basil mint cider Exercise: 2:30-4:20 pm Hiking Rib Mt

Wed 22 Nov

Going down to Laura's tonight to spend the night before Thanksgiving. Got cranberry sauce done, sweet potato casserole and stuffing prepped and ready to cook down there. We'll pick Laura up around 7:45 when she finishes work and/or meet her at a restaurant for a late dinner before heading to her house. We have a pretty normal Wednesday at home until I finish Bootstrap before we leave. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Leftover Uncle Will's (primarily gravy), slice banana bread Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 21 Nov

Today is my day to do advance Thanksgiving prep since we will likely leave as soon as I finish Bootstrap tomorrow. I want to make a cranberry sauce or relish, assemble a sweet potato casserole, and chop the veg for stuffing. I also need to assemble the cookware I'll be taking along. Goodness! Just noticed I have a massage scheduled at 2:30. More expense! Food: 7:55 am Banana date muffin, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 2 scrambled eggs, 1/4 c chopped mushrooms, .25 tsp butter, slice banana bread, orange 5:20 pm Bay scallop & asparagus risotto, 3 tbl red cabbage w/apple Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson school 11:40-11:50 am Walk home

Mon 20 Nov

I hope I'm not eating one of Bob's danish. I can't remember if I've already had one of these this week. It gets confused occasionally. Proud of myself for working harder than usual on the treadmill today. Food: 7:55 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:26 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 19 Nov

Wow, time is slipping by quickly! More than half of November is already history. We go down to Laura's on Wed evening, which will be here before I know it. Delighted that the scale stayed below 150 for two days in a row now. Perhaps I will start to see results if I can keep to good eating/exercise regimes. Food: 6:40 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Large bowl Moroccan 3-bean stew 2:00 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares 6:30 pm Beef stew, brioche roll Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 9:10-9:30 am Walk home

Sat 18 Nov

Beginning to do the funds-saving mode, agreeing to eat at home and limit outings over the next few months to keep the credit card bills from further skyrocketing. We're committed to Madison over Thanksgiving and our Minneapolis trip with one B&B night, already billed, and two nights at Kurt and Barb's. We're going to not spend much on Christmas this year. Laura's faucet is already billed (though we could have saved $60 by waiting until this week). We have our trip to look forward to, so we can just get a couple of small things to have something to open on Christmas but we don't need to spend big on ourselves. Food: 9:20 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm Moroccan 3-bean soup, brioche roll Exercise: 1:55-3:05 pm Little Schmeeckle walk w/Bob

Fri 17 Nov

Suicide Prevention meeting this morning at Boys and Girls Club. If I'm ready in time, I may walk. Going to try to stay home tonight and cook, and ditto for the weekend to save some money. In addition to this credit card bill being high at about $2400 each, next month could be double that with the balance of the cruise payment on it. I just can't stand to decimate my savings so much, so we need to cut back on eating out and other frivolous expenditures. It's cooking season now, so it shouldn't be a burden to stay home and create good meals. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm Brioche roll, sloppy joe, med orange Exercise: 7:30-7:50 am Walk to Boys & Girls Club 8:55-9:15 am Walk home

Thurs 16 Nov

Another Thursday, looking forward to walking with Kathy. I'm sure she's glad to have the cast off her arm finally. Other than cantoring at 8 am Sunday, nothing special planned for the weekend. Maybe we can get to see Murder on the Orient Express at the theater. Got my 12,000 on the walk with Kathy this morning out past Bukolt to the stop sign on the road. Food: 7:15 am Morning bun, 105 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 3 mozzarella pearls, Costco pumpkin muffin 5:30 pm Moroccan 3-bean stew, brioche dinner roll Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk w/Kathy beyond Bukolt

Wed 15 Nov

I broke down and checked out next year's health insurance options yesterday. Seems I have little choice but to accept the premium increase to over $1600/month next year as there are no longer any less expensive plans left to downgrade to. Sucks. Feeling better in my body again for having done Pilates mat yesterday evening. Wish I could get back on a regular schedule with that so it didn't seem so much work to fit it in. The benefits are immediately obvious. Food: 7:50 am Morning bun, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Fit & Active Chicken Noodle soup, Costco pumpkin muffin, peppermint tea 5:35 pm Beef stew, 2 sm slices polenta Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 14 Nov

I have a birthday lunch with former coworkers at Hilltop today immediately after my tutoring session. I've warned Sue that I may be a tad late. I don't have any commitments afterward so if I get my lunch a bit late, it's not a problem. Will be nice to see the gang again. Slightly warmer today, and much appreciated. Bob is very happy to finally have his van back again. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Mushroom Swiss chicken sandwich, cup fruit 3:30 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares cereal, dry 6:45 pm Costco Italian sausage ravioli, 1/2 c onion/garlic sauce 9:05-9:30 am Jessica Smith steady state mile 3:30-3:50 pm Jessica Smith mile 4:40-4:55 pm Jessica Smith mile 5:40-6:30 pm Pilates mat

Mon 13 Nov

So begins another week. The Packers won yesterday to the delight of their fans. We didn't get yelled at in choir for skipping last Sunday for wine. Carrie indicated that she has been diagnosed with some health conditions expected to continue lifelong, so she had a little of the wind taken out of her sails. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate croissant, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 scrambled eggs, slice pumpkin bread 3:30 pm Packet Muddy Buddies 4:30 pm 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares 6:10 pm Beef stew Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 12 Nov

Nice day in Madison with Laura yesterday. Got her main Christmas present bought and delivered; she wanted a new kitchen faucet so we picked it up together at Costco and Bob installed it before we went to dinner. She has agreed to host our Thanksgiving dinner at her place; Michael and Taylor will be with her relatives Wed evening, Taylor has to work on Thurs, and they will visit her brother and his wife on Friday so they will not be a part of our holiday this year. Jude has a friend coming up so there will be five of us at her house. We bought the turkey yesterday and she is storing it in her freezer. I will bring a roasting pan and stuffing ingredients and sweet potatoes for sure. Other food arrangements yet to be determined. Food: 8:20 am Chocolate pumpkin danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 11 Nov

Snow outside this morning, rather pretty. Not too much, just enough for effect. Yesterday morning was much, much colder. Isn't expected to be snowy in Madison, so hopefully driving will not be affected. Food: 8:05 am 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:45 am Cherry danish, coffee

Fri 10 Nov

Damn, it's cold in the house! 49 on the fireplace remote thermometer when I turned it on. This getting up at 5 am is chilly business. Suppose I should have come down and turned on the fireplace before I got in the shower so it had time to add a little warmth to the house. Going to an Elder Care conference at NCTI in Wausau today, 8-3. They will feed me breakfast and lunch and give me credits toward maintaining my license. I'm eating a cereal breakfast at home as I expect their "breakfast" will be bagels and muffins. Food: 5:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 9 Nov

Had a very strange dream last night inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story about Dr Watson stepping into an alternative dimension where Sherlock was the master criminal, Moriarty was the detective, and Watson himself had died many years ago in the war. In my dream, I went out for a walk and stepped into an alternate dimension of this world. When I returned to the house, someone else was living there and had been for years, no one had heard of me or Bob, we apparently had never married so our kids didn't even exist. I had no money, no place to go, no one who knew me. It was most distressing. Glad to end that dream. Food: 7:20 am Costco pumpkin muffin, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 2 scrambled eggs, slice pumpkin bread, cup of tea 4:00 pm 1 c dry Quaker Oatmeal Squares 6:00 pm Baked tilapia filet, 1/2 c steamed corn, 1/3 c bulgur/quinoa Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Zinda Dr walk w/Kathy

Wed 8 Nov

Weeks are flying by again. Once we hit Wed, with gym and Bootstrap, the rest of the week always seems to disappear. Funny, that wasn't often the case when I was working. Keep forgetting that I'm registered for a conference in Wausau on Friday. It will be a miracle if I remember to go. Food: 7:50 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Fit & Active chicken noodle soup, pumpkin bread, Nestle Fat Free cocoa Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 7 Nov

Took a nice relaxing afternoon to read yesterday, so probably should expend some energy in cleaning or other useful activities today. Need to get an actual start on crocheting an afghan for Laura for Christmas as well. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Sun-dried tomato bagel, cream cheese chive spread, 66 g cheese curds Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:40-11:50 am Walk home

Mon 6 Nov

We had a fun, spontaneous weekend totally unexpectedly. We had decided to go to Green Bay for the day, have a wine tasting and lunch at Captain's Walk, and pick up the wine at discount with Roseanne DeBot's donation money. We planned to go to Costco and then see what the weather portended regarding a walk or other activity. In talking to PJ at Captain's Walk and looking over the brochure for the wine club, we decided it would be a good thing to try the club. PJ said the next pickup party was scheduled for the very next day from 4-7 pm, with a chicken/broccoli/rice dish and tiramisu paired with sauvignon blanc and Captain's Mistress port which were the two varieties you would buy at 25% off. We called St Brendans and they had one room available due to a cancellation that had just come in, and we would be doing the cancelling party a favor as they wouldn't be charged if we rented the room. We signed up for a Pure Romance package with wine and chocolate on the spot (in spite of the fact that we had no overnight luggage with us!) We stopped at a Family Dollar and bought toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, contact lens cleaning supplies and disposable shavers, then did our Costco shopping and returned to the inn. As it was almost 4:30, we discovered that a very nearby church, St Willebrord's, had Mass at 4:30 so we walked over and attended a nice Mass. We then checked in to St Brendan's, went down to have sandwiches for a light dinner, and relaxed in the room, reading Kindle books on our phones. On Sunday, we went down to breakfast, then headed to Potawotomi State Park to hike. We ran into Rick and Rosan Zahn on the trail! We had picked up cheese curds on the way so we lunched on the trail, then returned to Green Bay just in time for the pickup party. We were able to eat enough chicken/broccoli/cheese dish to fill us comfortably, with a delicious little tiramisu and a glass each of the sauvignon blanc and the port, then homeward bound! It was quite an adventure, and strange to stay in a hotel with no pajamas, no toiletries other than the few we purchased and what was provided. I had no face wash or moisturizers in the morning, no clean underwear(!), no hairbrush, but we survived. Food: 7:50 am Pumpkin chocolate danish, 105 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Fit & Active chicken noodle soup, pumpkin bread, orange Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sat 4 Nov

First day of indoor Farmer's Market at Redeemer. Planning to head there shortly. Then to Green Bay to get some wine at Captain's Walk, go to Costco, and see what else weather suggests.

Fri 3 Nov

Finally allowed my iPhone to update to the new iOs, so now I have to get an updated version of Snood if one is available. Can't put these things off forever, I guess. Food: 8:05 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 1 c Fit & Active chicken noodle chunky soup, slice pumpkin bread Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 2 Nov

Should be a somewhat chilly walk with Kathy this morning, hopefully no precip to interfere. No other unusual obligations the rest of the week or weekend. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 am Cheddar Chowder, applesauce Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk Schmeeckle w/Kathy 10:55-11:30 am Walk to library and back

Wed 1 Nov

175 Trick-or-Treaters last night, pretty consistent with the last couple of years. I found records back to 1996, and for several years around 2010, we were getting 275-300 kids, then it fell off abruptly in 2015 and has remained fairly constant since. It's less expensive with less candy to buy. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Cheddar chowder, 2 light string cheese Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 31 Oct

Happy Halloween! I specially purchased some Halloween treats for my reading kids for today, then got an email that it was cancelled as they have an assembly. Oh well, extras for trick or treat or returns for Target. Now Bob's phone seems to have died, days after my Fitbit. At least the repair for the heater in his van is under warranty. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 salmon sandwich, 1 large broccoli crown Exercise: 9:30-9:45 am Jessica Smith mile 10:30-10:45 am Jessica Smith mile 11:15-11:30 am Jessica Smith mile

Mon 30 Oct

Tomorrow is Halloween already! Fall hits the accelerator. Trick-or-treaters will be coming Tuesday evening so we shouldn't have any conflicts to be home to hand out treats. The Ecumenical program is done as of yesterday afternoon, and it turned out to be quite a nice program. My voice was extremely shot by the end of the day, with cantoring at 8 am, rehearsal at 12:30, performance at 2:00 and choir practice at 4:00. I was fairly exhausted at the end of the day. Food: 7:45 am Pumpkin danish, 99 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 29 Oct

Fitbit catastrophe yesterday. I realized I was getting about half credit for the amount of steps I should have been getting. I decided to take the silicone cover off to see if that was causing a problem and discovered that the Fitbit underneath was partially broken. Bob was willing to buy me a new Fitbit since cash is a bit short of late for me, so we picked up a blue Charge 2 from Target. When I set it up, it deducted about 3000 steps from what I had managed to accumulate, but if it works from here on in, I'll be satisfied. Much singing on the agenda today: cantor for 8:00 am Mass; Ecumenical choir performance rehearse at 12:30, perform at 2:00; regular choir practice at 4:00. Food: 6:35 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 55 g black forest turkey, 45 g Deglet Noor dates Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 9:05-9:25 am Walk home

Sat 28 Oct

Chilly walk to the Farmer's Market for the last outdoor market of the season today. The winter market starts up already next week at Redeemer. Felt sorry for the remaining vendors toughing it out this week in the cold. David was up in Wausau so he had a young man taking care of business here. Food: 9:15 am Pumpkin cinnamon roll, 99 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:20-9:10 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 27 Oct

Had a very nice evening dinner with Michael and Taylor yesterday. They seemed to genuinely enjoy the food and the company, as did we. Found a nice B&B in Amsterdam and booked in for 4 nights post cruise. We each have to give Viking $100 to change the flights but that should be it. The B&B is just over $400 so it's considerably cheaper this way than Viking's offered fancy hotel extension, and we get to choose a cooler funky lodging and the length of our own stay. Now to research things to do in Amsterdam! And on that note, I picked up 4 travel books from the library and placed a hold on the 2017 Rick Steves guide! Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm Chicken alfredo pasta w/peas & tomatoes, sm pc garlic bread, apple crisp Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 26 Oct

The month is nearly gone already, as is the year quickly waning. I don't know why it sometimes surprises me every year. Had a really nice late-season hike at Rib yesterday evening. The sun appeared unexpectedly in the late afternoon, making a beautiful evening. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 25 Oct

Fireplace feels good in the morning again today. We've been using it on and off over the last few days to take the chill out, but I still can't run it more than an hour or so without getting too warm. That, unfortunately, will change before too long. Mary did wonders with my massage yesterday, getting the wonkiness out of my hip so I could walk straight again. I was even able to put my left leg up on the windowsill to stretch again this morning! Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Pumpkin soup, 2 pc light string cheese, cranberry orange muffin Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 24 Oct

I have my second Learn for Life with my anagrammatic kids today; hope I don't forget by 10:30! Massage at 2:30, and the remainder of the day to fill as I choose. Nice. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate plum pinwheel pastry, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & cider jelly, Friendly Farms pumpkin pie Greek yogurt, med banana 5:55 pm 1 1/2 c pumpkin soup, 2 cranberry orange muffins, apple lavender hard cider Exercise: 9:30-9:50 am Jessica Smith Power Interval mile

Mon 23 Oct

My left hip is wonky this morning, at least a little. Going to have to try to get a Pilates mat in soon to see if that helps. Gotta get cracking on wine procurement as well this week. A dachshund got his mouth around the side of my knee on an afternoon walk today, but fortunately his owner yanked him back before he could bite down. Food: 7:55 am Pumpkin cinnamon roll, 97 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 1 c roasted vegetable barley soup, 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter, Nestle Fat Free cocoa, 2 pc light string cheese 6:15 pm Arby's venison sandwich, 1/3 c coleslaw Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 22 Oct

Looks potentially rainy this morning so we'll probably have to drive to church so I can cantor this morning. Two-hour rehearsal yesterday evening for ecumenical choir, so we went to Watchman for curry instead of coming home to cook at 7 pm. Today we watch Brett Huntley captain the Packers in Aaron's absence, then regular choir rehearsal at 4 pm. Food: 8:05 am Pumpkin danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Cashew ginger chickpea curry, 2 sm pc naan

Sat 21 Oct

How better to celebrate Sweetest Day than with one of David's yummy pastries! We plan to spend one of the possibly last warm, sunny days of the year hiking at High Cliffs State Park, but we have to be back by 5:00 for Ecumenical Choir rehearsal at SPASH. So much for going out to eat and possibly a Costco run. Well, an unpredicted early thunderstorm changed the hiking plans, so instead we booked a Viking River cruise for late May, 2018 on the Rhine river! Later the weather did clear so we walked to Schmeeckle this afternoon, but we felt like we raced the new clouds home. Ecumenical choir practice 5-7 pm so we opted to go to Watchman's for cashew ginger curry Food: 9:00 am Blackberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:50 pm 2 scrambled eggs, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter 4:30 pm 2 pc light string cheese 7:15 pm Cashew ginger chickpea curry, 2 sm pc naan, 12 oz O'So Night Rain Exercise: 8:05-8:55 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back 2:30-3:45 pm Walk to Schmeeckle w/Bob

Fri 20 Oct

My Fitbit did a weird today; it just shut down at 8:43 pm last night and was dark this morning til I punched the button several times. Then it came back on where it had left off, so all morning steps today just counted on to yesterday. It got back on today's time when I synced with the phone, but so far I've only got credit for 40 steps that I got putting dishes away and making my breakfast. Oh well, at least it's still working. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 52 g Lunch Mate black forest turkey, med banana

Thurs 19 Oct

As I lay in bed last night to fall asleep, after having read a book where the protagonist is kidnapped onto a Moorish ship and at times kept in a stinking hold with little food, water, and fresh air and no opportunity to wash, I reviewed the things I am so accustomed to as to consider them natural: clean sheets, comfortable bed, opportunity to wash every day, clean clothes, adequate (and moreso!) food and water, opportunity to exercise, no fear that a wrong word may cause someone to cut off a part of my body... It is good sometimes to muse on our great good fortune and pray for others who may be deprived of any part of it. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am 1 slice Omega 3 bread, 56 g Lunch Mate black forest turkey, 63 g raspberries, 63 g grape tomatoes 3:45 pm 2 pc light string cheese, 3 sugar crackers 5:15 pm Butternut squash casserole w/broccoli Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 18 Oct

Had a nice autumn hike at Rib last night. Sad to think that the end of Daylight Savings Time will soon end evening hiking. We hope to get somewhere up north this weekend, likely one of the American Legion trails north of Minocqua. Hopefully we'll catch some good color before it's gone for the year. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm Steel cut oats w/1/3 c blueberries, soy milk, flaxseed meal, 60 g raspberries, soy shake, Spruce veggie powder Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 17 Oct

Sunshine and mild temps predicted for the remainder of the week. We're going to try to hike tonight, and I plan to ask Patrick to come do Pilates on Wed if possible. Best to get everything working again as soon as possible. Used some of my Aches & Pains massage oil after shower this morning on my legs as they have occasional a&p going on throughout day and night as they recover. The oil has good essential oils aimed at helping and it feels nice so far. Food: 7:50 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:53 pm 1 c TJ's pumpkin soup, 1 slice Omega 3 bread, butter, 1 oz Jarlsberg, 101 g raspberries Exercise: 10:20-10:30 am Walk to Jefferson School 11:45-11:55 am Walk home 1:15-1:30 pm Walk to haircut 3:45-4:00 pm Walk home

Mon 16 Oct

Time to get back into the swing of things. Need to buckle down on securing wine for Suzuki especially. Laundry is done thankfully, and unfortunately Aaron Rodgers is probably out for the season with a broken collarbone. Should be interesting getting back to the gym today. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate chip danish, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & cider jelly, med peach Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 15 Oct

Weird to leave on vacation while it's still September and return on Oct 15, late at night. Weather outside is grey skies and drizzly and it looks like a totally different season. Wonderful vacation with many different landscapes from those we are used to, great hikes, good food, nice places to stay. Now it's time to buckle down to get wine for Suzuki, work on losing some of this excess weight I have allowed to accumulate over the past couple of years. Food: 8:25 am Chocolate chip danish, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Med peach, 99 g raspberries 1:30 pm 2 pc light string cheese 2:15 pm Carob/goji etc. crunch bar 7:00 pm Crock pot pork 3-4 oz, 1/2 c mashed sweet potato, 1/2 c carrots Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 30 Sept

Leaving day! Yesterday I got a surprise email from American Airlines that all of our flight times were changed to considerably earlier. Means that we won't have a leisurely morning at home before leaving, but pleasantly also means that we'll get into Flagstaff before 6 pm so we can get to the hotel and have dinner downtown. And since there's a time difference, it would have seemed even later getting in at 10 pm. I also arranged with Laura yesterday that we will pick her up when we get to Madison and she will drop us at the airport and keep the car at her house while we travel. She will then pick us up on our return and we'll take her for supper. Saves us two weeks of airport parking fees. Good daughter. Food: 5:25 am Copps morning bun, 61 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 29 Sept

Thankfully remembered this morning in the shower that I had left my small toiletries kit in my backpack when I packed it up yesterday. TSA wouldn't like that. Managed to remember til I got downstairs to remove it to my packed bag. Hopefully Bob can fit my puffy jacket into his bag as mine is really tight with it in. Should be enough time tomorrow morning to walk to the square as usual for David's pastries for breakfast. Won't have such a morning rush as usual. Food: 7:50 am Costco bisconie, 90 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, 169 g raspberries, 2 pc light string cheese 5:40 pm Fresh wild-caught lake trout, rustic potatoes, 2 pc sourdough bread w/butter, 1/4 c coleslaw, 1/2 tiramisu Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 5:05-5:35 pm Walk to Watchman's Gone 6:45-7:25 pm Walk home via Copps

Thurs 28 Sept

Kathy fell hiking at the Porkies this weekend and broke her wrist, so she has a doctor's appointment this morning and still hasn't got a cast on it. We are forgoing the walk this morning, leaving me more of the day to finalize packing, ready my camera for a new slate of photos, etc. I hope to be productive. Food: 7:50 am Elephant ear pastry, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 3/4 c Chobani fat free plain, 1/2 c raspberries, Costco bisconie Exercise: 9:15-10:30 am Library/Dollar Tree walk

Wed 27 Sept

Had a spot of trouble getting into my Fitbit app this morning. It required me to sign in again and my phone doesn't remember login codes. I tried all the usual suspects and nothing worked so I tried to find out through my keychain app on the computer, but that wanted my keychain access code and I didn't remember that either. After trying everything I could think of, I finally got through enough to confirm that the first code I tried on the phone should have worked so I probably just didn't type well. I tried it again carefully and it worked fine. All is well. Food: 7:55 am Cherry turnover, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Trader Joe's pumpkin soup, Costco bisconie Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 26 Sept

Enjoying a unique pastry from the Green Bay Farmer's Market. Looks to be a grey, on-again, off-again rainy day today. I have a birthday lunch and a massage on the schedule. Hopefully I left enough money in my checking account to cover the massage. Got my toenails trimmed and de-polished. Think I'll re-polish them myself to cover the blackened nails still growing out from Walk Wisconsin. The left little toenail fell off when I was clipping as I think new nail is growing in underneath already. Food: 8:05 am Custard pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Chili's Fresco salad, 2 chicken ranchero tacos 5:50 pm Chili w/sour cream & cheese

Mon 25 Sept

Helping out at flu clinic at PCHHS this morning, so hope to get our shots as well. Have to be there at 7:30, so a little rushed today. Food: 7:10 am Bear claw pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 3/4 c Chobani plain fat free, bisconie from Costco, 1/2 c raspberries Exercise: 11:05-11:45 am Walk to library and back

Sun 24 Sept

Lovely overnight trip to Green Bay/Door County, although temperatures were in the 90s so walking wasn't really a pleasant option. We did a wine tasting at Captain's Walk with a glass of good Tres Robles, then dinner at St Brendan's (a delicious lamb shank). Rested in the room for the evening, then breakfast and Farmer's Market in the morning. Got lots of goodies at the market including pastries for the week, some little sweet onions and colored carrots for roasted root veggies, ground cherries for Bob, Zestar apples at $3/bag! Costco yielded up more good things, then Door County for a shared pint of gelato, Island Country cider, and a yummy dinner at CHOP. No choir today so we can concentrate on getting our backpacks set up for the big hike and working on other packing. I need to clean out my water bladder and tube. Food: 8:00 am Concha, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:10-9:40 am Walk to church and around hospital block 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Fri 22 Sept

Supposed to get quite hot, near 90, over the next 2-3 days, though it may not be quite so hot in Door Co. We'll leave for Green Bay around 3ish, then get a wine tasting at Captain's Walk and dinner at St Brendan's this evening. Tomorrow, St Brendan's good breakfast, Farmer's Market, Costco and drive to Door Co. We have reservations at CHOP on Saturday for Early Bird dinner before driving home. No choir on Sunday, so a longer seeming weekend. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 60 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice Omega-3 bread, 1 tbl peanut butter, 1 tbl raspberry jam, 2 pc light string cheese Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 21 Sept

The conference was quite good, and I got 16 hours of CEU time for it at no cost to myself. It was weird yesterday afternoon as I got called out several times on my cell phone because a woman who had an appointment at Wood Co Social Services gave my number by accident for the person who was supposed to come pick her up from the new MIS agency. I ignored the first couple messages since they were poorly transcribed by my phone and didn't make sense, but when they kept calling, I called back and explained that I did not know this woman or have any idea what it was about. We finally corrected it, but I still got a couple additional calls confirming that I was a wrong number. Walking with Kathy this morning, and hopefully hiking Rib tonight. Need to make up for going to bed last night with only about 6500 steps, though Patrick did come and run Pilates with us which felt great. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 62 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 20 Sept

First day of the conference was good, so hoping the second and final day measures up. Even though I apparently wasn't registered, Amy allowed me to take the place of someone else who couldn't come. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 72 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 19 Sept

Feel like I'm back at work today; going to a 2-day training at the Holiday Inn. Up a little earlier than usual, dressed in work clothes. Here we go. Food: 7:15 am Chocolate pumpkin danish, 81 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 18 Sept

Wow, vacation is creeping up quickly! Got to write out my itinerary this afternoon if I can. Got my hiking toiletries together yesterday, and have been steadily working on the packing list, but it's time to step up my game. Food: 7:45 am Chocolate plum kvetch, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, Spruce veggie powder, large peach, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & cider jelly 3:30 pm 1 Fusia rice roll 6:00 pm 6 oz cherry stout Exercise: 9:10-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 17 Sept

Helped Laura to pick up a dining table with four chairs that had been Caitlyn's family table growing up and a kind of ratty old futon for the porch so she now has the major furniture pieces she still wanted. We also took her to Target where she bought a living room rug and a floor lamp to light her chair when she knits since Jude has kind of adopted the couch. Jude joined us for dinner, Laura's treat, at Osteria Papavero and was very good company, entertaining us with stories of past escapades. Woke up last night with a feeling of swelling in my knees and a weird spot pain in my right shoulder muscle, so I took ibuprofen around 2 am and slept the remainder of the night like a baby. Food: 7:45 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am 2 large pork sausages, cheddar/ham egg bake, 2 slice French toast w/butter, 5 Dunkin' Donut holes, coffee, applesauce Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 12:15-12:35 am Walk home

Sat 16 Sept

Walk for Hope Day! Should have nice weather, warm enough to wear the new t-shirts. This year they are in my favorite teal color. Bob and I are the mid-pack walkers today, as well as helping with set-up and clean-up. Already told Michelle that we won't stay to the very end of clean-up as we have to drive down to Madison with the van to help Laura move some furniture she is getting from Caitlyn and Brandon. Had originally planned to use the last of the predicted really nice weather for another Rib hike, but family comes first. Food: 6:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:00 am Large banana 11:50 am Large peach, 2 pc light string cheese, 3 sm spring rolls Exercise: 9:55-10:55 am Walk for Hope 5K

Fri 15 Sept

Today should again be a nice day, setup for Walk for Hope tomorrow which should be nice again with rain moving in at midnight Saturday. Should even be warm enough to wear our t-shirts for the walk without covering them with jackets or raincoats. Laura has asked us to drive down Saturday with the van to help her move some furniture she is getting from Caitlyn and Brandon as they begin their house remodel, so we'll drive down after the walk. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, large peach, 6 cherry tomatoes, 4 basil leaves, 3 mozzarella pearls 1:45 pm Culver's small vanilla sundae w/raspberries & hot fudge

Thurs 14 Sept

It was really good to have Pilates last night with Patrick, and he graciously recorded the session for us on my iPhone so we can practice on our own as well. I sent a copy to Laura who expressed her wish to do the mat again. This morning looks very nice for my walk with Kathy. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 55 g chocolate chip brioche, smoothie w/med banana, 1/2 c frozen blueberries, Spruce veggie powder, 1/2 c nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 skim milk Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy 10:35-11:10 am Walk to library and back

Wed 13 Sept

Hopefully Patrick is coming this evening to do Pilates with us. We didn't hike last night, but we did walk through Schmeeckle to have dinner at PJ's. We should get 1-2 more Rib hikes in yet this week if possible. Food: 7:50 am Morning bun, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice 100% whole wheat toast w/butter & cider jelly, large peach, peach soy shake, Spruce veggie powder Exercise: 9:10-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 12 Sept

This month is flying by, but that's typical of all months after the beginning of fall, I guess. I should get used to it. Was annoyed with myself that I didn't make it to even the top of the big hill, much less the full Rib hike last night. My quads were sore and I just didn't have the oomph to continue. Hopefully tonight will be better. Ordered some more powdered greens from Costco, so I am going to try to start using them regularly to supplement my veggies and energy. Food: 7:40 am Chocolate chip danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, powdered greens, pumpkin muffin Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Clark St loop

Mon 11 Nov

I see that Veteran's Day is now called Patriot Day. A change that slipped under my radar. Ah, it's only September, so this is remembering 9/11. My mistake. I'm still bothered by the people who say "We will never forget". It sounds like such an aggressive, vengeful statement. Food: 7:45 am Pumpkin chocolate danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 slices 100% whole wheat toast, .15 tab butter, 1 tbl PB Fit, large peach Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 10 Sept

Nice day with Laura yesterday, and she gifted me with some alpaca yarn and a beautifully carved crochet hook for my birthday from the wool festival she had attended that morning. We had a really nice dinner at Sardine to cap off the evening. Food: 8:15 am Cherry danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 2 hard boiled eggs, med banana Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 9 Sept

Wow! David made pumpkin cream cheese cinnamon rolls and they are delicious (and huge). He also comped me a free pastry for my birthday. Such a sweet guy. Food: 8:55 am Pumpkin cream cheese cinnamon roll, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-8:50 am Wak to farmer's market and back

Fri 8 Sept

Sun is shining today, possibility for hiking. Should also be able to hang out the laundry today. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 43 g blueberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 7 Sept

A cool morning, temps will likely be under 50 when Kathy and I walk but at least no precip. Going to Madison to see Laura this weekend; she is going to a wool festival but should be back by afternoon. May not get a Rib hike this week if we don't get an evening without rain. Possibly Friday. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 96 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Slice whole wheat toast w/butter & marmalade, 2 fried eggs, med banana 6:35 pm 2 pc homemade pizza, 8 oz Seattle cider Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 6 Sept

St. Maarten is being hit by a nasty hurricane today, much damage. Prayers for the people. Expecting another day of intermittent spitting rain here, enough so that we cannot likely hike. Our problems are so minor in comparison to those who lose their homes. Food: 7:50 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 4 pc leftover Wheel House pizza Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 5 Sept

Having a birthday lunch with Heather today at Habibi's. Should be fun. Looks like decent weather today, cloudy and chilly but not too bad. Scale has been up again, so need to get eating, especially sweets, under control. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate plum wheel pastry, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Junior gyro Exercise: 9:30-11:05 am Walk to Iverson and back

Mon 4 Sept

Happy Birthday to me! 62 today, 3 more years til Medicare (hopefully). And David's pastry for my breakfast! Labor Day today, so no gym, no work for Bob. Great day at the Fair yesterday, ate too many Sweet Martha's cookies but had a great lunch of a pork mole tamale from Tejas Grill and even got a table to sit down while we ate. A pint of Surly Furious sweetened the pot. Food: 8:15 am Pumpkin chocolate danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, 1 oz tortilla chips, homemade guacamole 3:30 pm Snifter Brewer's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Cherry Stout 4:45 pm Wheel House pizza and beer Exercise: 9:30-11:05 am Walk to Schmeeckle lake 6:00-6:35 pm Neighborhood walk w/Bob

Sat 2 Sep

Quick walk to the Farmer's Market this morning in hopes that David is there with his pastries this weekend, then off to Minneapolis. Staying at Kurt and Barb's tonight, and fair tomorrow! Chilly here, but supposed to hit 80 in Mpls today and 87 tomorrow! Food: 8:35 am Blackberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:45-8:30 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 1 Sept

Could be another lovely sunny fall-like day today. Hopefully I can hang my laundry outside. Dawned on me today at the gym that next time I use the treadmill, I will need to increase the age entry. Oh, well. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Leftover chicken bacon mac n cheese, 1/3 c steamed green beans, small pretzel roll Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 31 Aug

Looks like a lovely cool day today, should be a nice walk with Kathy. Hopefully a hike tonight. Last night we tried the burgers at Watchman's Gone and they were tasty. Kurt and Barb will host us for Saturday night before the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday. Things to look forward to. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 2 egg omelette w/1 med tomato, 2 oz shredded mexican cheese, 60 g chocolate chip brioche Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk w/Kathy to Schmeeckle

Wed 30 Aug

Cold is still hanging on; beginning to wonder if it's a kind of sinus infection. If it doesn't go away in a week or so (for good), I'll try to contact Paul and ask for an antibiotic so it isn't still hanging on for AZ. Bob's van is in the shop for a new fuel pump, fortunately under warranty, but it leaves him avehicular for a bit. Not sure what he plans to do today. I decided to try the mountain program on the newer treadmills at the gym at 3.5 mph and was able to make it through the 30 min without reducing any of the altitude and keeping pretty much in the <135 range that Corey wants for the GCII hike. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 hard-boiled eggs, 100 g blueberries, 59 g chocolate chip brioche Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 29 Aug

Damn, but my cold seems to be coming back for a third bout. This morning I felt the gunk in my sinuses while in bed and woke up to a sneezing fit again. Hopefully it will be very short-lived this time, and maybe even go away for good. At least the sun is shining today. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:55 pm 2 hard-boiled eggs, 92 g blueberries, 57 g chocolate chip brioche 2:30 pm 3 maple cookies 6:05 pm Pulled pork sandwich, 1/2 c potato salad, 2 c watermelon

Mon 28 Aug

Today I go back to the gym, hopefully not having significantly lost ground. I also have a cantor meeting tonight that it would be entirely too easy to forget about. I shall have to work to remember. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate chip brioche, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Slice L'Oven Fresh whole wheat bread, butter, 1/2 tbl PB Fit, 188 g strawberries, soy shake Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 27 Aug

Home again, home again... Feels nice to be back in familiar surroundings, but the Vermont home was quite comfortable and home-like for the week we were there. Strange to think that someone else is already occupying that space. The trip was great, and topped off with sharing our evening wine and meal with Laura in Madison on the return trip. When I realized that we would get in to Madison at 5 pm, I texted her and invited her to join us. She was really tired yet from her conference in Seattle, followed immediately (as within a few hours) by starting her new semester responsibilities for school. Jude has also brought all his stuff (and himself) into the apartment but hasn't yet put it all away. Laura likes things put away in their place, so that part is also a tad stressful, I think. She had eaten a late lunch so just drank wine and conversed while Bob and I shared a Grampa's pizza. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blueberries, coffee 1:00 pm 3 pc lite string cheese, 168 g strawberries, 1 oz corn tortilla chips Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 19 Aug

Vacation day! Yay!!! We went to Watchman last night for some delicious fresh-caught rainbow trout. I couldn't eat my whole fish so I brought home a nice-sized filet for breakfast but my tummy is not dealing with the idea of fish at 5:15 am. Too bad. Should be ready to be on the road in an hour hopefully. Food: 5:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blueberries, coffee

Fri 18 Aug

I realized today that it is 23 months since my retirement. I have very much enjoyed it, and been happy to miss out on some of the office drama. Getting excited about Vermont tomorrow. Today is for all the laundry and packing after the meeting this morning. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 68 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Loven Fresh whole wheat bread, 39 g Jarlsberg, 82 blueberries Exercise: 11:25-12:10 pm Walk to library and back

Thurs 17 Aug

I'm glad Bob did his fitness test first, so I know they won't flunk me out. Apparently he watches the heart rate monitor until you enter the anaerobic zone, then just slows it down . I think I can do that. It's almost more for Corey's research than a strict screening test. I will be a bit more relaxed going into it. Looks like the sun is poking through so Kathy and I should have decent weather for our walk. Just started to sprinkle lightly as we were coming home. Did fine on the treadmill test. Had to reduce speed to 2.5 mph when the slope got up past 12% and then was able to complete. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 3/4 plain fat free Greek yogurt, 1/2 c blueberries, sm peach Exercise: 8:05-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy 1:40-2:00 pm Walk to UWSP 1:00-2:45 pm Treadmill test 2:45-3:05 pm Walk home

Wed 16 Aug

Was out cold when the alarm went off this morning and so am having a difficult time waking up. Haven't had this experience in quite a while so it's novel. Today is my last chance to practice the testing routine before I go in tomorrow afternoon for the real thing. I will probably do the protocol at least once a week until we hike to keep the skill up. Got in a good hike at Rib last night all the way to the top. Wonder if that's related to why I feel so tired this morning? I had a severe case of the "don' wanna's" this morning before gym, but I succeeded in making myself go and even do the GCII protocol, albeit allowing more frequent breaks. Food: 7:45 am Raspberry turnover, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Slice Loven' Fresh whole wheat toast, .25 tbl butter, .5 tbl PB Fit, med peach Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill (GCII protocol) 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 15 Aug

Looks to be a lovely day today, possibly the only weekday it won't rain. Friday might also be okay but since we leave early on Saturday, we wouldn't want to save hiking Rib for the last minute. Bob found a book in Washburn that had been influential for him in high school days and he is delighted to have it in his possession. It was a kind of Walden woods book with how-to information on living wild, off the grid before there even was a grid. Food: 7:45 am Cinnamon roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Med peach, 2 pc light string cheese Exercise: 9:45-10:00 am Walk to hospital 10:50-11:05 am Walk home

Mon 14 Aug

Nice vacation to Port Wing until I developed a cold or severe allergy on Saturday evening that pretty much left me miserable on Sunday. Friday evening we couldn't find the Four Corners Bar for fish because our Google directions (and our GPS) didn't know that part of County E has still not been repaired since the big storms over a year ago. We drove around for a long time before giving up and just going to Port Wing where we ate at the Bear Cub Cafe. Saturday was a beautiful day, so after Karleen and Tom's delicious blueberry strata, we hiked at Meyers Beach on a trail that took you overlooking the sea caves. We went in for a late lunch at Greunke's before church and the Big Top Chautauqua show of WPR's 100th anniversary radio drama of The Centerville Ghost. We had good seats in the center of the rear section, with no one occupying the only row in front of us. The ghost walked up the aisle right next to us for his entrances. Sunday we had a delicious frittata for breakfast, did a short hike to Lost Creek Falls, drove to Washburn to the bookstore and lunch at Coco's, and home. Feeling the pressure/excitement of impending vacation in Vermont this week, so last minute prep needs to happen. Tried the protocol for the GCII trial again at the gym today. Still needed to pause for breath every 3 min of the 15 min at 15% but was able to finish. Hope that's good enough for them. Food: 7:45 am Blueberry cheese danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Blueberry scone, sm peach 6:25 pm Corn on the cob, mini-Caprese, watermelon Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill GCII protocol 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Fri 11 Aug

Yay! We get to go up to Bayfield for two nights today to stay at Port Wing and take in the Big Top Chautauqua tomorrow night. Looking forward to it! Heard from Bill yesterday; I will be meeting him for his birthday lunch at Watchman's Gone next Wed. Food: 7:35 am Costco cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm Extra-large banana, 1 c fresh blueberries, 3/4 c plain fat free Greek yogurt, butterscotch brownie Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill - attempted GCII test 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 10 Aug

Looks as though we'll get lucky with weather for our walk. Lots of rain in the night but the sun is shining now. And I had a beautiful sleep! Kathy and I stopped to look at a garage sale on our walk, and on the return she lent me $.50 to purchase a couple of old muffin-type tins the right size for custard tarts. One was gone, but I was still able to get the smaller 8-cup pan. I like it. Then, after talking to Bob and realizing he wouldn't consider me crazy, I walked back and paid $25 for a silver-plate flatware set in a wooden case. It is way fun with 7 huge serving spoons, 36 forks, 18 knives, 18 spoons that are still larger than my regular large-size tablespoons, and 18 demitasse spoons as well as two salad serving forks. Food: 7:15 am Costco cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Quinoa enchilada casserole 3:15 pm 2 butterscotch brownies 5:25 pm Gazpacho, 4 jumbo shrimp Exercise: 8:00-9:15 pm Walk w/Kathy

Wed 9 Aug

Should be nice again for most of today, though I believe tomorrow is forecast to be rainy. It should clear again for the weekend though. Haven't slept well the last couple of nights, so I'm hoping for a really good sleep to offset it soon. Food: 7:40 am Costco apple danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 8 Aug

Volunteered to go to Lincoln Center this morning at 10 to stuff envelopes with newsletters for a couple of hours. Might as well make myself useful for them on occasion. Bought danish at Costco a couple of weeks ago and stuck them in the freezer, knowing we wouldn't be around to purchase David's wares for several weeks. Broke them out for the first time today and they are pretty good. Food: 7:40 am Apple danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl PB, 1 tbl raspberry jam, lg banana, 1/2 c soy milk, tsp sugar 6:05 pm 3 oz chicken breast, 1/2 c potato salad, grilled corn Exercise: 9:45-10:00 am Walk to Lincoln Center 11:05-11:20 am Walk home

Mon 7 Aug

Another lovely day to look forward to. I expect this week will go by quickly with Bayfield to look forward to leaving lunchtime on Friday. Hopefully we get in a hike at Rib since the weather looks promising over the next several days. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am Gazpacho, 4 jumbo shrimp, 1 oz tortilla chips, 11 pc Gustaf's Licorice Ice Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 6 Aug

The year seems to be at that point of acceleration again. It always moves quickly, but after midsummer, it speeds up on the downward track. Had a lovely time in Mayville, staying at the Audubon, dinner at NOLA, hiking in perfect weather at Horicon, Costco run and dinner at Carmella's in Appleton. Amazing what you can pack into one overnight. Food: 8:05 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Quinoa enchilada casserole, 10 Rainier cherries 2:10 pm 8 oz Seattle cider 3:00 pm Licorice ice (too many) Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home 12:40-2:05 pm Walk w/Bob to Schmeeckle

Fri 4 Aug

One more month left to be 61. And a full month it will be with Mayville, Bayfield, Vermont, and the Minnesota State Fair. Feels considerably cooler this morning which is a welcome break from the heat/humidity of the last couple weeks. Yesterday afternoon I had a cup of hot tea and read with the blanket in my lap. Quite a change from seeking every breeze from the fan and guzzling cool water. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Quinoa enchilada casserole, 10 sweet cherries, corn muffin 1:25 pm 10 raspberries Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 12:40-1:25 pm Walk to library and back

Thurs 3 Aug

Storms look likely today, some very soon, then hopefully a break before the bigger system moves in. Kathy and I are hoping to time a walk in between. Well, we did get hit with rain, thoroughly, during our walk and in fact, cut it short due to lightning/thunder not too far away. Came home and stripped off soaked pants, socks and even underwear in spite of using an umbrella and wearing my rain jacket. But it was not cold so not too uncomfortable. Doing laundry today (but not hanging anything outside!) Food: 7:20 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:05-8:50 am Walk w/Kathy in the rain

Wed 2 Aug

Beautiful morning now, though it's supposed to rain later. We got in a hike to the top of the big hill last night which looked to be the safest bet for weather, so that's taken care of. Need to pack for Mayville, and maybe do laundry tomorrow. Food: 7:40 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 1 Aug

Open day except for a Walk for Hope meeting at 10 at Zenoff. Will hopefully push me to get cracking on the volunteer signup. I should also send a check out today to Deb P-J for their bike-a-thon this Saturday. And I should stretch and do a little Pilates as well. Food: 7:45 am Chocolate pecan swirl pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am 3/4 c plain fat free Greek yogurt, 1/2 c blueberries, 10 sugar snap peas, sm pc rhubarb coffee cake

Mon 31 Jul

July winds down today in a full-out summer. We have the next several weekends booked up with Mayville, Bayfield, Vermont, Minnesota State Fair.... haven't looked beyond that yet. We spent an unusual three weekends or so at home, so now it's time to get out and go before summer is over and winter returns. Food: 7:45 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 3/4 c plain fat free Greek yogurt, 1/2 c blueberries 6:00 pm Gazpacho w/5 jumbo shrimp, Jiffy corn muffin Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 30 Jul

Grandma would have been 99 today. Happy Birthday, Mama! You are fondly remembered. Nice evening with Hartmans yesterday, in spite of Kathy nursing a spasm-prone back. The next few days look to continue the streak of beautiful weather. Maybe we'll hike at Rib this afternoon. Food: 8:10 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:25 am 3/4 c plain fat free Greek yogurt, 18 raspberries, rhubarb coffee cake Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 10:55-11:10 am Walk home 1:40-3:40 pm Hiking Rib

Sat 29 Jul

Having Hartmans over for supper today which should be fun. It's been far too long since we have entertained on any scale here. Plan on making the steak kabobs that Bill reminded me of when we talked before his party. I'll make potatoes in grill packet and Kathy plans to bring a caprese salad. I will bake a rhubarb cake sometime later this morning. Had to make a second trip to the Market because I realized we had forgotten to pick up cherry tomatoes for the skewers tonight. We have mostly all green ones on our plants. There will be a glut when they all ripen, but it's a long time away yet. Food: 9:00 am Pear/apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:20 pm 2 Babybel Light, 1 apricot Exercise: 8:15-8:55 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back 9:50-10:30 am Walk back to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 28 Jul

Really nice time at Bill's last night with Bill and Paddy, Linda Weitz, Jennifer Cummings, Deb P-J, Joan Edens and Nancy Sommerfeld. A bit sobering that three of the group have husbands with some degree of disability already; Rich Johnson has been seriously disabled for some time now, but both Linda's and Jennifer's husbands have had strokes within the last year or so. Makes me very grateful for Bob's health as well as my own. Food: 7:50 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, naan, 2 apricots Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 27 Jul

Our day perception is skewed this week with all the unusual overnights. This evening I have a porch party at Bill Pyke's with a lot of the old gang which further makes this week unusual. Looking particularly forward to spending time with Linda Weitz and Jennifer, and wishing Christianah would be able to join us. Food: 7:20 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy 10:20-11:00 am Walk to library and back

Tues 25 Jul

Had a very nice visit with Laura Sun/Mon. We helped her paint her back bedroom from the vibrant green to a nice calm dove grayish blue, at least the first coat. She bought some very nice curtains that will tie it in nicely with her new quilt. She plans to move into that bedroom as it has two windows and a larger closet even though the room itself is smaller. Jude will be moving in within the next 3 weeks or so. That will really help her with her financial stress to have someone contributing monthly as well as helping with utilities. She looks forward to freeing up some money to finish buying the furniture she would like, e.g. a dining room table. We had picked up pastries from Batch Sunday evening so we had almond croissants for breakfast with blueberries from the Co-op. We did Sunday lunch at the Co-op with the first part of the blueberries and sandwiches. It was a nice light meal so we all had room to enjoy the Restaurant Week meal at Merchant. The waiter actually remembered us from last time, even though we had forgotten that we had eaten there last time because Osteria wasn't open. Meal was very good, especially the dark chocolate cherry custard. Bob and I had a leisurely morning as Laura left early for a meeting. After breakfast and showers, we headed out for errands to the bakery and Costco. We stopped to lunch at Everly's (which turned out to be the new incarnation of Bluephie's). Lunch was very nice and we sat out on the patio as the temperatures were cooler and pleasant. We then went to Woodman's and made a trip to Brennan's as Laura told us they will be going out of business soon. I stopped at Laura's craft/yarn store and was able to get a couple Velcro straps to attach things to my backpack. Today we have a wine dinner at Audubon Inn this evening. They had no inexpensive rooms remaining, so we are overnighting at the River's Bend Inn B&B in Mayville as we don't want to drive home after consuming much wine. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate chip danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-10:40 am Walk through Schmeeckle

Sun 23 Jul

Heading down to Madison today to spend some time with Laura and enjoy a Restaurant Week meal at Merchant this evening. We will stay overnight at Laura's and have a Restaurant Week lunch before heading home tomorrow. I'm anxious to see some new women's travel pants at Costco. Food: 8:15 am Apricot danish, 150 g strawberries, coffee

Sat 22 Jul

Spending part of the day with the woman from Ecuador, Andrea, today. Mary said she has her heart set on buying an iPhone here. I checked online yesterday and if you want an unlocked phone, you need to order it for store pickup next week. That is taking the chance that it will be here before she leaves. I will discuss ordering alternatives with her when we meet. Food: 8:45 am Pear/apricot danish, 30 g blackberries, 128 g strawberries, coffee

Fri 21 Jul

Suicide Prevention meeting this morning; I am in charge of recruiting volunteers for the Walk for Hope, so I'm taking my sign-up sheet to the meeting to see how many spots I can fill today. I don't expect to make it to the gym, so I will have a little more leisure to get my laundry done. Not too many spots left on my library list to finish, but there are still a few books to read. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 20 Jul

No walk with Kathy today because she has company staying with them for a few days. We took our bikes over for their use, but it turns out they brought their own so we rode ours home again. Today proposes to be hot and humid again - oh, joy. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1 c plain fat-free Greek yogurt, 10 raspberries, 1 oz Simply Nature brown rice tomato basil crackers

Wed 19 Jul

Weather looks decent, hopefully not quite as humid as yesterday (which was beastly). Busy day today anyway, with gym, birthday lunch, and Bootstrap. Need to get our bikes cleaned up and over to Hartmans so they can use them with their guests. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 18 Jul

Made my 5th 20,000+ step day in a row yesterday, but I think the streak stops there. Today is supposed to be quite a bit more hot and humid, and I woke this morning with quite a bit of intestinal gas which I sincerely hope dissipates soon. Nothing on my calendar today unless Mary Hofer gets back to me about spending time with the Ecuador lady either at lunch or after classes today. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 54 g Hillshire Farm smoked turkey, leaf kale, 2 apricots Exercise: 9:15-9:25 am Walk to Michael's 10:00-10:25 am Walk home via Clark St loop

Mon 17 Jul

Had a really lovely day yesterday hiking in the Northwoods near Minocqua on both the Raven Trail and the McNaughton Trail. Way too many gnats; mosquitos, too, but the bug spray kept them from biting but not from buzzing around our heads. Got my 20,000+ steps for the fourth day in a row! Ate at a funky place called the Lake Placid Inn in the back of beyond with a quirky waiter. Forgot to leave early to feed the cats before gym so they had to wait til 10:40. Louis is still eating only the single scoop of wet food and ignoring the dry food in his dish, but the little guy gobbles his food as soon as I can set his dish on the floor. Louis has been quite aloof, so I don't really hang around since Percy is busy eating. Food: 7:40 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice chocolate chip brioche, 2 Babybel Light, 2 apricots Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 16 Jul

I swear the sun was shining brightly through the east window when I woke up this morning, but now it's just past 8 am and the whole sky is overcast. The weathermen promised clear skies all day today, the lying bastards! We have the whole day to go somewhere fun to hike or whatever though, so we shall have fun! Food: 8:15 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 15 Jul

Lovely morning for a walk to the Farmer's Market. Stuck to only 3 danish, but added a pumpkin cream cheese muffin for a lunch treat. I knew we wouldn't be able to stick to our resolve for the whole summer. Orientation for Grand Canyon hike in about an hour. Food: 9:00 am Pear currant danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:55 am Apricot Exercise: 7:55-8:55 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back 9:40-10:05 am Walk to Trevor's 12:10-12:50 pm Walk home

Fri 14 Jul

I believe it's Bastille Day today, for what it's worth. I have a busy day ahead, with gym, library book sale, meeting at church, pick up apricot order, and squeeze in laundry before going out for fish tonight. Whew! Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 13 Jul

Nice hard rain in the night last night; today is supposed to be cloudy and cooler. Let's hope the cooler part comes through as promised! I'd like to hike tonight as it has just been too hot to consider it earlier this week. When there is heat and humidity in combination, you get a little ways into the hike and you're ready to quit. Wow! I feel like mosquito fodder! Kathy and I walked on the west side on the Zinda Dr loop, purposely assuming that staying on the paved roads would mean less bugs, but the little section with gravel road and closer trees proved to be a positive nesting ground. I couldn't keep up swatting them as fast as they landed so we ended up jogging for the last half block or so of that section. I can't wait to see how many bites I have. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 scrambled eggs, 1 tbl shredded Italian blend cheese, slice chocolate chip brioche loaf Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Walk w/Kathy w/aerobic mosquito swatting

Wed 12 Jul

Got a nice rain in the middle of the night, so I expect our growing things are happier. 42 years ago today, I was a young bride, setting out on a course that didn't work out. The course that took its place worked out ever so much better. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 whole wheat toaster waffles, butter, raspberry jam, 2/3 c plain Greek yogurt Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 11 Jul

Weather is again somewhat oppressively warm. We chose not to hike last night because it was warm enough that we wouldn't have had much energy. In past years when I didn't feel the heat as much, I might have thought the weather was great, but since I started to sweat and notice heat, I flag in this weather as the others do. It is a bit strange to experience weather so differently now. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/4 cantaloupe, coffee

Mon 10 Jul

Looks to be a nice day, at least in the morning today. Yesterday morning was absolutely beautiful, but the day deteriorated into rain by afternoon. Hoping today doesn't follow suit. I need to return some library books, so I'd like to walk down sometime after gym. Food: 7:40 am Honey bear pastry, 1/4 cantaloupe, 44 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 9 Jul

Patrick is coming today to do a Pilates mat with us at 11:30. I am looking forward to it as my back feels the need of some loosening and my core of some strengthening. I always feel much better after a Pilates tune-up. I cantered at 5 pm yesterday and Bob ushers at 10 am so we did not attend Mass together this weekend. Always seems a bit strange. Food: 8:20 am Chocolate pecan danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 8 Jul

Beautiful morning for a walk to the Farmer's Market. David had a rough week with poor weekday market sales due to weather and a very expensive refrigerator repair. Hope he has a better week this week. Food: 9:00 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:05 pm 2 Babybel Light, 2/3 large peach, banana chocolate chip bread Exercise: 8:05-8:55 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back 11:10-12:50 pm Walk to Schmeeckle w/Bob

Fri 7 Jul

Weather is in a hot streak, complete with humidity. Fortunately we have stayed with the window fan at night which cools me much better than A/C would. Today is Friday in the week that feels off due to the holiday, but I'll take it. No real plans for the weekend other than that I cantor at 5 on Saturday and Bob ushers at 10 on Sunday. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 1 c fat-free plain Greek yogurt, 3/4 large peach, slice banana chocolate chip bread Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 6 Jul

Hoping to walk a little earlier with Kathy this morning as I have my semi-annual dentist appointment at 9. Hoping that is routine and not too expensive. My day is front end-loaded with activity today. Hygienist says my mouth looks good! Food: 7:05 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Slice oat bread, 54 g Hillshire Farm turkey, 1/4 cantaloupe 6:15 pm 4 oz grilled steak, 1/2 c pea pods, 1/2 c grilled potatoes Exercise: 7:45-8:55 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 5 Jul

The sense of days this week is screwed up due to the Tues holiday, so I haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that it's Wednesday. I'm sure it will seem odd when the weekend arrives. We had a lovely dinner at Father Fats with Michael and Taylor last night to celebrate his birthday belatedly. Taylor got some money from her mom from the sale of her grandmother's house, so she insisted on paying for the alcohol which probably cost as much as the food since we all had two drinks. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1 slice Oat Bran bread, 1/2 tbl PB Fit, 2 Babybel Light, 1/4 cantaloupe Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 4 Jul

Happy Independence Day! Nothing really on the schedule today, though I'm considering walking downtown at 11 to see the parade for the first time in many years. I can then check off the "attend community event" with less guilt since my "attendance" at Riverfront consisted of a walk-through on Sunday afternoon. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 96 g raspberries, coffee

Mon 3 Jul

A rather odd "normal" day stuck between the weekend and the holiday. I'm planning on going to the gym per usual Monday and walking to the library to pick up a book that has come off hold. It should be really nice, so perhaps we'll hike this evening. Food: 7:35 am Pecan swirl danish, 101 g raspberries, coffee 12:45 pm Macaroni and cheese, large peach 3:00 pm 2 Laughing Cow Light Swiss wedges 3:55 pm Slice banana chocolate chip bread Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 2 Jul

Had a pretty good day with Laura yesterday, but surrendering Harriet at the PetSmart to the shelter people was a bit traumatic. Harriet went into the carrier at Laura's apartment with not too much fuss, but when it came time to transfer her to the shelter's carrier, she became a hissing harpy. The volunteers had Laura do the transfer and she got scratched up a bit. Afterward the more senior staff from the shelter came and expressed disapproval that the transfer had even occurred, assuming we would have left our carrier with them. By that time, it was a done deal so we just left. Laura had not even been able to sleep in her own bed for a period of time without harassment from Harriet, so she can now reclaim her space in peace. Food: 6:25 am Apricot danish, 101 g raspberries, coffee 11:55 am Banana cream Friendly Farms Greek yogurt, 1/4 cantaloupe, slice banana chocolate chip bread

Sat 1 Jul

Half of this year already past, the train ride continues. Going down to Madison today to help Laura return her kitty to the shelter due to irreconcilable differences. Hopefully she'll recover and try again in a bit, but I won't push it. She doesn't handle breakups well. Lovely morning to walk to the Farmer's Market to get yummy pastries. Limited myself to 3 and also picked up some fresh, local produce. Another check off my summer reading list! Food: 9:00 am Cranberry danish, 103 g raspberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-8:50 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 30 Jun

Sun is shining pleasantly today. Hopefully it will stay out so I can hang my laundry on the line this afternoon. And so we can walk to Watchman's Gone tonight for sea bass. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g raspberries, coffee

Thurs 29 Jun

It's not supposed to rain today, which of late is becoming a relief. At least Wisconsin has had a good enough mix of rain and sunshine that things are growing well. NPR said that North Dakota is experiencing drought already and they don't have hay or grazing for their livestock. I should stop grousing about inconvenient weather and be grateful that things grow as they should. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g raspberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 86 g apple cinnamon toast w/butter, 1/4 cantaloupe 3:00 pm 3 sugar crackers 6:00 pm Fit & Active turkey sweet Italian sausage, bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 c potato salad, baby carrots Exercise: 8:05-9:30 am Walk w/Kathy 11:45-12:15 pm Walk to library and back

Wed 28 Jun

Going to be a rushed day today. I have a Walk for Hope meeting at the MHU at 10:30 which means I'll have to leave Body Pump early to make it. Then home to change and lunch before Bootstrap. Looks to be a rainy, potentially stormy day as well. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am 40 g apple cinnamon toast w/butter, 2 scrambled eggs, chocolate cookie Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:10 am Body Pump class

Tues 27 Jun

Looks to be a beautiful sunny day today; hope to hike Rib tonight. Lunch with Heather this noon. Should be a good day. Food: 7:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g raspberries, coffee

Mon 26 Jun

So begins the last week of June (already!) Today is forecast to be quite cool again, though partly sunny. Temps the remainder of the week in the 70s. I don't mind the cool summer weather nearly as much as I did when I was younger. I no longer desire to lay in the sun to tan, so I don't need a minimum of 80-85. I find sunshine and 60s or 70s enough for a pleasant walk. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g raspberries, coffee 12:25 pm 54 g apple cinnamon bread toasted w/butter, 1 oz BrunUusto grilled cheese, med banana Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 25 Jun

What a nice vacation we had! Probably won't get back to the North Shore for the fall color this year as it's too close to our AZ/UT trip, so it's nice that we had almost a week this time to thoroughly enjoy its delights. We hiked the Cascade Falls trail as an old friend and did some new trails at Tettagouche and the river trail near the lighthouse park. We visited the Chik-Wauk museum on the Gunflint Trail and ate at all of our favorite restaurants. We sampled some World's Best Donuts and stopped at the Chequamegon Book Store and Coco's in Washburn on the return trip. A successful vacation. Food: 8:05 am Rhubarb turnover, 102 g raspberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices apple cinnamon chocolate bread, 3/4 c jicama slaw Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:05-11:25 am Walk home

Sat 24 Jun

Home again around 6:30 pm. Lovely trip all around with very reasonable weather, some nice hikes, a chance to take a bread baking class at North Country Folk School. Lodging was great all around. Thanks, Lord, for watching over us and keeping everyone safe.

Sun 18 Jun

Happy Birthday, Michael and Happy Father's Day, Bob! Michael is 26 and should be having his felony expunged as of today as well, an excellent birthday present. Heading up to the North Shore for a week of hiking very soon. Should be cool, a little cloudy, but good for hiking. Three nights at Art House B&B, two nights at Mountain Inn at Lutsen, and one night with Tom and Karleen at Garden House B&B in Port Wing. A nice time to look forward to. Food: 7:35 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 17 Jun

Looks like a potentially nice day, and portends to be very, very busy. We will walk soon to the Farmer's Market for a couple of days' worth of pastries, then come home and eat. I will then walk to Suzuki for the anniversary marathon from 9-11, and work for the root beer float concession from about 11:15-3:30. I then need to come home, change clothes, and hike quickly back to church to cantor for the 5 pm Mass. I'm really rather glad we didn't get tickets to the gala concert tonight as I expect I'll be exhausted by the time I get home from Mass. Food: 8:30 am Cherry danish, 103 g blackberries Exercise: 7:45-8:30 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 16 Jun

Attended the Suicide Prevention meeting and was also invited by another member to stay for the Walk for Hope committee meeting, so I guess I am also joining that group. Volunteered to help with the CIP training in September at Holiday Inn. Discovered I can't attend the free training in October because we will still be in Utah. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 10:45 am 2 Anzac biscuits 12:00 pm 2 hard-boiled eggs, 100 g blackberries 3:30 pm 1 Anzac biscuit Exercise: 3:30-4:20 pm Walk to library and back

Thurs 15 Jun

Not raining or storming for my walk with Kathy, thankfully. May even hold out all day so we can hike tonight. Wonder if Rib sustained similar damage to what Point got? There was talk that they might declare the Point area a disaster area. So many people had significant flooding in their basements as well as damage from downed trees. Michael and Taylor slept here last night because they still didn't have power at their house. The phone rang in the middle of the night and Bob thought it was WPS notifying him that Rich has power again. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 86 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 2 hard-boiled eggs, 102 g blackberries Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 14 Jun

Flag Day. We don't observe it. Power is still down to many homes in Stevens Point/Plover. We are so fortunate to have gotten ours back so quickly. It seems to be on in our general neighborhood, but houses on Division a block away are still dark. Michael still doesn't have power down at his house. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 54 g Hillshire Farm turkey, leaf lettuce Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 13 Jun

Quite a thunderstorm last night, with trees/branches down all over town, power out here from early evening until about 3:50 am, and still out throughout much of town. A huge branch of the tree in front of St Paul's Church went down, blocking the doorway but not appearing to do much other damage. A crew arrived with chain saws to cut it up and remove it as soon as the storm stopped, and we were "treated" to two and a half hours of buzzing chain saws and babble of the crew. Fortunately they finished by a little past 9:30 pm. We have had rain off and on and some thunder and lightning this morning as well, but nothing destructive. It has served to keep me in the house and to decide against trying to attend the retiree's lunch at Wooden Chair as planned. If I couldn't walk there, I decided to give it a pass. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 2 slices Omega 3 toast w/butter, 1 tbl PB Fit, baby carrots