Wed 31 May

Michael sent a picture of him holding both of his kitties - very sweet. Apparently Louis is growing accustomed to Percival. Looks to be a nice sunny day, and will hopefully stay that way for hiking this evening as it's the only available night this week to do so. Also since the last couple of days have been cloudy and chilly, the return of sunshine and warmth would be much appreciated. Food: 7:45 am Raisin danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:55-9:25 sm Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 30 May

Another grey and quite cool day today, but warmth promised later in the week. Just a car oil change on the schedule today, but the week gets busier after that. Birthday lunch on Wed in addition to gym and Bootstrap; walk, haircut, & HHG concert Thurs; gym, pickup walk materials, and possibly dinner at Cimaroli's for our anniversary on Fri; then 26.2 miles to walk on Saturday! I won't buy Clausen's fruit danish again - too sweet! Food: 7:45 am Blueberry danish, hard boiled egg, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 29 May

Happy Memorial Day! Had our first Rib hike yesterday with my new boots and poles, and it was all-around successful. We even topped the tower. It's a little easier when we start out at 3:15 instead of 5:15 pm. We just have better energy. I had no uncomfortable spots from the new boots so that bodes well. We finally tried Red Robin for a meal and were impressed; one of the choices with the sandwiches is unlimited steamed broccoli! We also used our Living Social voucher to try the Bull Falls Brewery and were rather unimpressed. It wasn't bad, just meh. There are better microbreweries to be had. Today looks a bit grey and cloudy in spite of sunshine when I first awoke. Will be nice to just take it easy. Gym is closed today so I needn't feel guilty about not going. Food: 7:45 am Blueberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1 oz fried Brun Gusto cheese, 224 g strawberries, pumpkin scone

Sun 28 May

Yesterday was purely lovely, a great visit to Madison. We got all the plants I needed for my herb garden and some very nice tomatoes. We spent some quality time with Laura at the Market, over lunch, erranding, sharing a bottle of Island Orchard cider at her house with Harriett, and dinner at the new tapas place in her neighborhood. Traffic wasn't too bad and the weather was lovely all day. I even got new hiking boots! I wanted to size up on them and break them in prior to the Grand Canyon since I suspect that they should be sized like the athletic shoes to leave room for toe expansion on lengthy hikes. Bob and I also both got new poles, the Z-fold type. REI had their Memorial Day sale, so we scored some discounting but still dropped nearly $400 there! The rain came shortly after I got into bed, so the campers will have had a wet night, but on the bright side, my new plants all received a nice gentle, thorough watering. Michael and Taylor got a brand new kitty to keep Louis company. They even look quite a bit alike, given size differences. Food: 7:55 am Berry brioche, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm Large cinnamon raisin scone, 235 g strawberries Exercise: 9:40-9:55 am Walk to church 11:15-11:30 am Walk to Michael's to see new kitty 11:55-12:10 pm Walk home

Sat 27 May

Not quite as sunny as hoped for the weekend, but it may improve later in the day. I believe the temps are supposed to be in the mid-70s in Madison so that will be pleasant. Looking forward to spending time with Laura and with doing the Madison Farmer's Market again. Food: 7:00 am Packaged pain au chocolate, 99 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 26 May

Looks to be a lovely Memorial Day weekend for people to spend some time outdoors. A slight wish to be with the LeGault family in Oregon, but then I remember the loud partying and am glad to be at home. Much nicer to drive down quietly and spend time with Laura tomorrow and visit the Madison Farmer's Market. Had a "really don' wanna!" day in re: the gym, so let myself off if I promised a walk of at least 1.25 hrs at a brisk pace. Done! Had good intentions of hanging the laundry on the line today, but over the course of the morning, the skies are increasingly grey and the air feels damp. At least the flannel sheets and duvet would not be likely to dry well, and I'm not expecting improvement for the remaining loads but we'll see. Food: 7:50 am Journey to France pain au chocolate, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Leftover casserole, 100 g raspberries Exercise: 8:45-10:20 am Walk to Schmeeckle

Thurs 25 May

What a lovely, sunny Thursday morning! An anomaly, for sure, but a most welcome one. I am anxious to get out walking with Kathy to appreciate the lovely spring morning. Nothing else on the calendar today, so I can spend the lovely day walking as much as I like and reading or whatever. Food: 7:15 am 2 slices chocolate chip brioche loaf, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 2 slices raisin toast w/butter, small sliced tomato, slice fresh mozzarella, basil, 101 g raspberries Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk w/Kathy

Wed 24 May

Feeling a little oddly tired this morning for no good reason. I think it might be the grey weather weighing on my shoulders. Hopefully it shall pass. Normal Wednesday today with gym and Bootstrap. Food: 7:35 am 2 slices chocolate chip brioche loaf, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices sprouted millet toast w/butter & mixed fruit marmalade Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 23 May

Had a really nice hike yesterday evening in beautiful weather, followed by an especially nice dinner at the Dane. It was the Dane's anniversary so they had special prices on beer and I had their steak special on gorgonzola potatoes that was delicious. Steak twice in a week's time counting the tenderloin medallions at Cimaroli's on Saturday! Today is the recognition luncheon at the library for Learn for Life. Bob has expressed an interest in trying the Mary Russell books, so I'll see if they have Beekeeper's Apprentice in, and I'll try to pick up Justice Hall if it's still there as well. I haven't yet seen A Letter of Mary at all, and The Moor is still out as well. Food: 7:35 am 2 slices chocolate chip brioche loaf, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 22 May

51 years since Mark has been gone. Rest in Peace, bro. I feel kind of like summer starts today because I am done with tutoring and Suzuki lessons for the year, and Pilates ended last week, so I'm into my summer schedule now. If the weather would just feel a bit more summer-like now... Food: 7:45 am 2 slices chocolate chip brioche loaf, 107 b blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 slices raisin bread, 53 g Hillshire Farm turkey, 17 g cheddar, butter, baby carrots Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 21 May

I shouldn't have to take much out of savings this month to make the last credit card bill since we didn't spend as much this month. It would be nice to get on track more or less without having to tap into other retirement savings until absolutely necessary. Today Kathy and I are going to lunch with Noah before he leaves for Portland to live. Food: 8:15 am 2 slices brioche chocolate chip bread, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 2 slices sourdough, 1 slice American cheese, albacore tuna, large portion red cabbage slaw Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:15-11:25 am Brisk walk home 3:00-5:10 pm Walk at Mead w/Bob

Sat 20 May

Today I go to sit at the Mark Motors Safety Fair from 10-2 for the Suicide Prevention Committee table with Heather. Looking forward to catching up with Heather. If I have a chance, I'll ask them about doing the quick mileage check-up while I'm there. Another cool day but the overcast is at least kind of bright. I'm hoping that we can drive down to that funky supper club near Portage this evening if the weather isn't too bad. Food: 7:55 am 2 slices chocolate chip brioche bread, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 19 May

Suicide prevention meeting this morning, ironically on the tails of reading the short story about Sherlock planning his suicide before he met Mary Russell. Food: 7:15 am 2 slices Specially Selected chocolate chip brioche loaf, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:40 am Nespresso 10:30 am 3 small cookies 1:10 pm 2 slices raisin bread, butter, 54 g Hillshire Farm turkey, 8 g cheddar cheese, 136 g strawberries Exercise: 11:15-11:25 am Walk to massage 12:40-12:50 pm Walk home 5:30-6:00 pm Walk to Watchman's Gone 7:15-7:45 pm Walk home

Thurs 18 May

Looks like the rain/storms have stopped so Kathy and I will be able to walk as usual this morning. I'm going to try to remember to do a webinar from the Mental Health network at 11 today. Last couple I registered for I was either out of town or plain forgot. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 1 White Gull Inn leftover granola pancake w/syrup, baby carrots Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy 2:45-3:30 pm Walk to library and back

Wed 17 May

Syttendai Mai isn't a big deal in this not-too-Scandinavian neck of the woods. I always think of Brad, the lone proud Norwegian that I know. I would happily eat a lease or a rosette to celebrate with the Norwegians. Likely to be an on-again, off-again rainy day today, so not likely to be good for hiking. I'm glad we didn't go yesterday as the sudden humidity was enough to rob your energy. I can pretty definitely say that I wouldn't have made the whole course before dropping. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 slices Omega 3 bread, butter,1 tbl PB Fit, baby carrots Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 16 May

Rainy morning, last morning of tutoring for this school year. I'll need my raincoat and umbrella this morning. I haven't connected with this year's kids as well as I felt last year, but I still like them and enjoyed the experience. Lindsay as the teacher was also not as involved as Beth was last year. And I didn't see the clear progress in the kids, although Jimmy does seem to be reading better. Sami's issue is more of attention and that has not changed through the year. Scale was back up a little this morning, and I blame a day of giving in to sugar yesterday. Way too many cookies, plus Lindt truffles and Easter truffles. Not good. Mary goofed up and scheduled a dress rehearsal for one of her seniors at my lesson time, so I need to return at 2:30. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 Babble Lights, biscuit w/butter, 1/2 c baby carrots Exercise: 8:35-8:50 am Walk to St Steve's 10:05-10:20 am Walk home 12:45-1:00 pm Walk to Suzuki 1:05-1:20 pm Wslk home

Mon 15 May

Choir concerts are done, and I didn't feel too badly about the last one yesterday. It actually went okay, and I teared up when we got a standing ovation from the audience. I had expected it to be as poor as the previous two, and was pleasantly surprised. Bob and I put the cap on Mother's Day by dining out at the Pinewood so the day went well. Michael and Taylor brought me roses and cooked eggs, bacon and homemade biscuits for breakfast and Laura and Harriet sent a selfie with Mother's Day wishes. Now onward. Wow! Warm enough for shorts and t-shirt before noon! Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Biscuit w/butter, 1 tbl guacamole, 55 g turkey, 2 thin slices Roma tomato Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 11:45-12:25 pm Walk to library & back

Sun 14 May

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! I suspect you're smiling down today on us. We love you and think of you often. I smiled at the trilliums for you! Food: 6:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 10:10-10:30 am Walk home

Sat 13 May

Looks to be a lovely warm weekend, punctuated by unfortunately unpolished concerts. I need to bake a batch of Anzac biscuits to take to the concert tomorrow, which has thrown a monkey wrench in Bob's desire to tear apart the kitchen and make a new circuit for the microwave. Bob was able to do his electrical work after all, I got my grocery shopping, cookie baking, and the lawn mowed as well and it's only 1:15! Discovered what I did incorrectly with the last batch of Anzac biscuits; I misread the recipe (in my hurry) as 4 tbl of honey when it was supposed to be 4 tsp. They look like normal cookies this time. I also used a 1/2 tbl measuring scoop to drop them on the cookie sheet so the cookies are a more normal size. Food: 9:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm 1/2 c low fat cottage cheese w/chives, 1/2 c baby carrots, 2 Anzac biscuits 3:00 pm 2 Anzac biscuits 4:40 pm Light & Fit sweet Italian turkey sausage, whole wheat bun, ketchup, relish, beet salad Exercise: 11:10-11:55 am Mow the lawn w/push mower 1:35-2:45 pm Walk to Schmeeckle and back

Fri 12 May

Last night's rehearsal with the choir was infinitely better for our sectional the previous night. I'm feeling okay about this weekend's concerts now. Looks to be another sunny, pleasant day. Hope to get some outdoor walking in along with the gym and laundry before performance. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:55 am Anzac biscuit 12:22 pm 2 slices eggy French toast w/maple syrup Exercise: 9:00-9:25 an Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 11 May

I don't know how to react. It's a Thursday walking morning and it's 56 degrees and not raining. It is a bit overcast, but still. We had a very productive soprano sectional last night here led by Barb Towey. She tried valiantly to fix our flats and help us determine cues for finding our entrance pitches. We have a much better chance of not embarrassing ourselves thanks to her help. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 56 g Hillshire Farm turkey, 2 thin tomato slices, 2 tbl homemade guacamole 5:50 pm 2 slices homemade veggie pizza Exercise: 8:00-9:20 am Walk w/Kathy 10:45-11:40 am Walk to/from library

Wed 10 May

Unexpected sunshine today, and the wonderful news that Barb Towey will help us to have a soprano sectional tonight. There is yet hope for our concert. Food: 7:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & .5 tbl PBFit, coconut Yoplait Greek 100, sm banana 5:10 pm Veggie quiche Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 9 May

Happy Birthday, Catherine, who would have been 101 today. My dad and Gordon would also have been that venerable age this year. Weather is still supposed to be quite mild today, though overcast. This is the best evening for hiking if Bob can fit it in his schedule as the sopranos may try to do a sectional mini-rehearsal tomorrow evening so we can find our missing pitches. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Yoplait 100 Greek lemon, 1 slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & .5 tbl PB Fit, sm banana Exercise: 8:45-9:00 am Walk to St Steves 10:10-10:25 am Walk home

Mon 8 May

Last Pilates class of the semester today, at least I think so. I'm hoping to arrange some private work with Patrick over the summer. Beautiful day again today, sunny and cool to start but warming to near 60. Looks to remain this way most of the week, even unto Thursday! Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am 2 scrambled eggs w/chopped red pepper & mushroom & shredded Italian cheese, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter and .5 tbl PBFit Exercise: 8:40-8:55 am Walk to UWSP 9:00-10:00 am Pilates class 3:50-4:10 pm Ellis St loop

Sun 7 May

A truly lovely little vacation in Door County with excellent weather, abundant sunshine, and altogether too much delicious food. My scale is showing the damages today, and inspiring me to begin the cutback, however I discovered a few small treats brought back from Door Co that I really hate to waste. Ergo, I will have a small frosted donut with my cereal this morning, though I know I shouldn't. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, small frosted donut Exercise: 9:40-9:55 am Walk to church 11:10-11:25 am Walk home

Tues 2 May

Door County today for the remainder of the week, at least after I finish tutoring my reading kids. We have reservations to try a couple of new restaurants, as well as names of a couple others as possibilities. Breakfasts at the White Gull to look forward to. Hopefully some sunshine and wildflowers for hiking pleasures. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c skim milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 1 May

Happy May Day! I miss making little construction paper baskets to hang on the kid's doorknobs in the morning. Gotta pack for Door County today; it's finally getting real. Can't wait to get more soy milk. I really prefer the taste with my cereal. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c skim milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 2 scrambled eggs, seed cake, brownie 3:30 pm Brownie 6:00 pm Chicken in curry sauce w/onions, peppers, mushrooms on jasmine brown rice, 1/2 c green beans Exercise: 8:40-8:55 am Walk to UWSP 9:00-9:55 am Pilates class 10:00-10:15 am Walk home 11:45-12:00 pm Walk to UWSP 1:00-1:15 pm Walk home