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