Mon 31 Dec

New Years' Eve. No plans beyond cantoring for 6 pm Mass tonight. We leave for Costa Rica a week from Wed and I have to pay the property taxes so I will be decimating my bank accounts again. Bob said he would pay for a pedicure for me this week, otherwise it's austerity measures again. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm 30 g challah, 44 g pork roast, 2 lebkuchen Exercise: 9:15-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 30 Dec

Temperature seems a bit warmer again. Bob had turned the fireplace flame on full as well as the fan and the room was at 66 already when I came down from my shower. I slept late as I had been awake for a bit in the wee hours, then fallen back asleep and didn't reawaken until 8! Fortunately, we don't need to be at church early so I still have time before we leave. Food: 8:40 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:05-11:25 am Walk home 1:50-2:15 pm Jane Fonda slow aerobis

Sat 29 Dec

The year continues to wane quickly. Last Farmer's Market of 2018. We had a really nice seafood platter dinner at Watchman last night, so we likely won't go out for New Year's Eve. Costa Rica is only a week beyond that. I cantor for 6 pm Mass on NYE, so it makes dinner reservations trickier anyway. Food: 10:30 am 2 fried eggs, 1 oz Black Forest Ham, 125 g blackberries, 2 TJ's cinnamon graham crackers, coffee Exercise: 11:05-11:35 am Jessica Smith Flat Abs Walk DVD

Fri 28 Dec

Will be good to get to Barre again this week; last week was the Coalition Meeting and overall, I've been spotty at the gym with the holidays and extra Bootstrap shifts. Need to get back on track. They should be open on Monday as it's only New Years' Eve, so I should be able to hit all my regular days until Costa Rica. Having cereal for breakfast for the first time in quite a while. Hoping David makes Danish this week, either instead of or alongside his fancy holiday pastries. The fancy things are more for dessert than breakfast. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:25 pm 2 fried eggs, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter Exercise: 8:05-8:50 am Pilates mat 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 27 Dec

Looks to be another quiet day today. Kathy is driving Eddie back down to Madison to catch a train so we aren't getting together. Some snow fell last night and changed to rain which is predicted to continue pretty much throughout the day, making outdoor walks unlikely. Food: 8:05 am Morning bun, 100 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:30-10:30 am Gaiam Dance DVD

Wed 26 Dec

Christmas is done, on to New Year's and then to Costa Rica! Hope Bob can resolve his health issues soon so he will be more comfortable to enjoy vacation. Food: 7:45 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm TJ's toasted British muffin, 2 tbl Jif Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Merry Christmas 2018!

It's been a nice holiday, particularly with being able to have the whole family together in Madison. Brunch with the Hartmans is always a great time, and Mass was very nice last night. Today will be a quiet day, probably just the two of us hanging out together. Saved a couple of presents, all we intend to do besides Costa Rica, so we can exchange them after breakfast. It was a treat to sleep in til 8 this morning! Food: 9:05 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 24 Dec

Getting ready for Christmas Eve brunch with the Hartmans here, with a full schedule of prep. Quick break for breakfast. Food: 7:10 am Chocolate eclair, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 23 Dec

We got a Christmas present last night - just enough snow to cover everything with a fluffy white blanket for a White Christmas without enough to make things dangerous for travelers. At least I hope so. Looks very lovely outside. And we have a free day to prepare for brunch and Christmas services and to relax. Read a Spark article on beginner jump rope routine and decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. Second hour trial was much easier than the first hour, so much so that I did a second round after a minute rest. I am just counting 50 jumps per round followed by a 10-second breathing rest x 8 rounds per round as recommended. Good way to increase cardio and develop some endurance that was not previously there. Food: 8:25 am Costco cinnamon roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 78 g challah, 58 g bellavitano cheese 5:00 pm Homemade turkey dumpling soup Exercise: 9:35-9:40 am First trial of jump rope rounds 10:15-10:25 am Second trial of two jump rope rounds

Sat 22 Dec

Wow, actual Christmas is approaching fast! Got to shop for brunch supplies this morning. Hopefully the Farmer's Market will supply my eggs and red potatoes, but Aldi is the backup. Got everything on my list, now we just need to see what I didn't anticipate. Food: 10:00 am Hard boiled egg, chocolate eclair, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 21 Dec

Finished with the Bootstrap basket duties. Yesterday I packed produce and then checked orders to mark the number of items for the delivery people to pick up. I'm going to try to make it to the gym for Body Pump today if the Coalition meeting doesn't last too long. I won't be able to do Barre or treadmill, but at least I'd get another day of strength training. I won't be in on next Monday because of Christmas Eve, and I only made it on Wed so far this week. Food: 6:45 am Costco cinnamon roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 20 Dec

Feeling a little low energy these last couple of days, not physically but mentally/emotionally. Doesn't feel like depression at this point, but tending in that direction. Might be related to Bob being so caught up in this asthma thing. Food: 7:45 am Costco cinnamon roll, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am Sloppy Joe, carrot sticks, pickle, apple wedges, 2 small chocolate donuts, Turtle, diet Coke 6:20 pm Tilapia filet, roasted golden beets, roasted sweet potatoes, red wine

Wed 19 Dec

Feels very odd to be in the week leading up to Christmas, having already done the main celebration with the kids this past weekend. I didn't set my brunch menu yesterday, though I at least looked through cookbooks. Didn't get to Pilates either. Got the tablecloth switched out, but then Bob unexpectedly came home for the day shortly after lunch so I didn't have the motivation to do more cleaning with him there. Shall have to find motivation on Thurs, Fri, or Saturday as well as other prep for the brunch. Food: 7:40 am Costco cinnamon roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 2 jumbo fried eggs, stollen, kiwi Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 18 Dec

Just tutoring on the calendar today, so I should do some cleaning in the house and plan my Christmas Eve brunch menu in the downtime. I should try to do a Pilates mat, probably instead of ballet DVD, as my body feels a great need for Pilates. Food: 8:00 am Costco cinnamon roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Bob's 8-grain cereal, 1/4 c TJ's dried wild blueberries, cinnamon sugar, soy milk, 48 g artigiano cheese 6:00 pm Meal kit: Italian sausage cavatappi w/kale Exercise: 9:20-9:30 am Walk to Jefferson 10:35-10:45 am Walk home

Mon 17 Dec

Had a really lovely weekend in Madison with the kids. The house we rented was very comfortable and homelike, the kids were all pleasant and relatively happy except for Michael's anxiety attack at Pig in a Fur Coat that prevented him from enjoying the food with us. He didn't need to leave but he couldn't eat or drink anything, and he was fine as soon as we returned to the privacy of the rental home. Too many people in too close proximity at Pig. Laura will be on her way home soon to Colorado. Safe travels, daughter. Her Madison friends and former colleagues have already planted seeds of thinking about returning. We'll see where that leads. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate chip danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 14 Dec

Yesterday was five years since Grandma has been gone already. Seems like less. Got the cookies baked last night, but it was a struggle since we didn't get home from the church thing til around 8:30. They fed us well with a homemade buffet of "international" items including pierogi, pork egg rolls, meatballs, sliders w/beef & sauerkraut, and all manner of other things. Presentation in church was just too long though. Food: 7:10 am Stollen, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am Potato leek soup, stollen, 1 molasses cookie Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Barre class 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body pump class

Thurs 13 Dec

Got a to-do list on my desk area that needs to be completed today. Fortunately, Bob is very lightly scheduled today and willing to help. We decided to postpone the cookie baking last night as we were both quite tired, so that looms large today. I have a hair appointment at 1:30 and a church dinner/meeting for ministers for both of us at 5:30, so the day is not fully available. Kathy and I are doing a short walk and coffee this morning. Food: 7:20 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:15 am Starbucks short juniper latte w/skim 12:30 pm 2 fried eggs, stollen, pear Exercise: 8:20-9:00 am Walk w/ Kathy around Schmeeckle once

Wed 12 Dec

Warmer this morning, near 30 already when I'm getting up. Should stay a bit warmer through the weekend, though there's some sloppy precip today. Got the cookie dough made last night, so this evening is for cookie baking. Tomorrow evening we have a get-together for parish ministers including dinner, so I don't want to do cookies late, especially since I get up early on Friday for barre. Food: 7:55 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, butter, cheddar cheese, pear 6:05 pm Meal kit: cranberry-glazed pork chops, roasted potatoes, roasted green beans Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 11 Dec

Today I should get all the presents wrapped for the weekend and plan any food to take along. Should probably make the batter for cookies as well so it's ready to roll tomorrow evening. We seem to be eating all the goodies we bought at Amherst Christmas this year. We were more restrained than usual in purchasing. Food: 8:00 am Caramel pecan roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Chili, grated cheese Exercise: 9:20-9:30 am Walk to Jefferson 10:35-10:45 am Walk home 10:55-11:45 am Walk to Copps and back

Mon 10 Dec

Packers won yesterday, and I got to watch the whole game on the living room TV! Nice to see them play well. I expect this week will fly by before going down to Madison for the Christmas/graduation celebration weekend with the kids. I'd like to try to bake the Christmas cookies on Wednesday since we have a church thing on Thursday evening. Should get around to trimming the tree one of these days, too. Food: 7:55 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Potato leek soup, slice Italian bread w/butter 6:05 pm 3 small chicken fajitas Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 9 Dec

May even be able to watch the Packer game on TV at noon today as no choir conflicts. Will be nice to have weekends back again for a short time, until after Costa Rica. Also nice to think of being in Costa Rica where it should be beautifully warm - just a month away! Food: 8:20 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 8 Dec

Laura successfully defended her thesis yesterday and is now Dr. Hobbes! So proud! And we had a great time at Central Waters listening to Michael's band with his friends. Altogether a good day for our progeny. Really looking forward to spending time together with them next weekend. Food: 8:20 am 101 g blackberries, hard boiled egg, coffee 11:45 am Chocolate eclair, coffee 1:00 pm Prune cookie Exercise: 1:25-1:55 pm Jessica Smith Pyramid Power Walk

Fri 7 Dec

77 years have gone by, and still we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor each year on this day. We should actually take a moment to give thanks that it has been that long since we have had a military attack on the soil of this country. Some parts of the world live with that horror nearly every day. Laura arrived safely in Madison yesterday and is preparing to defend her thesis at 1 pm today. She is among good friends who are giving her much love and support, and I pray that she uses her many gifts to the best of her potential today. Food: 6:55 am Caramel pecan roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:10 pm 2 fried eggs, 42 g raisin challah Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Barre class 8:50-9:20 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 1:35-2:05 pm Jane Fonda Prime Time Workout

Thurs 6 Dec

Heading down to the Christmas market in Milwaukee today, with a possible side Costco run. Wish it wasn't supposed to get so cold, but so be it. Fun to do something a bit different. Looking forward to some German food and drink as well as a festive Christmas atmosphere. Food: 8:00 am Caramel pecan roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 5 Dec

It will start getting colder again now for awhile, sigh. Whereas the idea of winter, fluffy white snow, and being outside in mild, cold weather is kind of nice as a change, I'll never embrace the really cold stuff. It's not bad enough to make me want to move somewhere warmer, but I will complain. I guess that's what hot tubs, fireplaces, and warm drinks are for. Food: 7:50 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 4 Dec

It's Tuesday. Just tutoring on the calendar, and I really want to get a ballet workout in. I'd like to do some serious de-cluttering in the main living areas today since we are hosting brunch this year. I should also walk to the library to pick up the other Pimsleur French series so I can get a serious start on that. Food: 7:55 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm 2 scrambled eggs, TJ's whole wheat British muffin w/butter, kiwi 6:00 pm Meal kit: French onion chicken breast, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, 5 oz red wine Exercise: 9:20-9:30 am Walk to Jefferson 10:30-10:40 am Walk home 3:35-4:30 pm Ballet DVD

Mon 3 Dec

Concerts are done, the rest of the month is relatively free, waiting for the Christmas/graduation get-together with the kids in Madison weekend after next. Hoping to possibly go to the Milwaukee Christmas market on Thursday, but if not, no tears. Michael's band plays at Central Waters on Friday evening after the Mass for the Holy Day. Joan invited us to come to AfterImages which we could do on Saturday, but the website indicates that tickets are $24 each which is a bit stiff. Food: 7:55 am Apricot danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Mexican cornbread 5:55 pm Meal kit: chicken sausage orzo w/zucchini ribbons, 4 oz white wine Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 2 Dec

Canceled yesterday's choir concert because of the winter storm. Barb Towey had a car accident in town in the afternoon, totaled her car, and got a little banged up. She is questionable for today as well. It will be what it will be. Food: 8:00 am Apple danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am 56 g raisin challah, 37 g turkey Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church (in the snow) 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 1 Dec

We have made it to December. This month always just disappears. Just realized that we have to go to Amherst after we get our pastries! Got some Christmas things, including a start on stocking stuffers at Amherst/Aldi's. Will have breakfast-for-lunch today since we didn't come home for pastries until after the other shopping. Food: 8:55 am 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Plum danish, hard boiled egg, kiwi

Fri 30 Nov

Wow, was I tired last night. Came home from rehearsal (which was low energy across the board) and just did the minimum to fall into bed. This morning there were no clothes set out for the day, I missed my gratitude journal. I had been tired. And bother, I have a mild headache. One choir concert down, two to go. Solo went okay. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:25 am 55 g raisin challah, 57 g turkey breast, 6 oz pumpkin kombucha 2:15 pm 3 c Kettle Corn 4:25 pm Mexican cornbread 8:30 pm 5 oz cherry wine Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Barre class 8:40-9:10 am Treadmill 9::30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 29 Nov

A little less cold this morning with a light layer of snow. Guess I'll go out and clear it in a bit. We have a choir rehearsal tonight, then the next three consecutive days are our shows. Glad I had a chance to work the solo one more time with Mary. I should drill the Polish a bit today also. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:05 pm TJ's whole wheat British muffin w/butter, 2 fried eggs, 1 pc Organic Valley string cheese, 3/4 c homemade applesauce 5:55 pm Meal kit: chicken fajita rice Exercise: 9:35-10:05 am Shovel light snow 10:15-11:00 am Pilates mat

Wed 28 Nov

Brrr, it's colder again this morning. Still only 10 degrees, but the change is noticeable. Got the silver tree set up and decorated yesterday and it delights me. Of course the word of the day today is KITSCH. How appropriate. Also, I used the recipe from the Paris book yesterday evening to make chouquettes for the first time and was quite proud of the result. Food: 7:55 am 86 g cream cheese brioche, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 27 Nov

Seems chillier this morning again, unfortunately. Mary is giving me a lesson this afternoon to prepare for my solo this weekend, much appreciated. Found a recipe in the Paris book last night for the chouquettes, the little choux pastry puffs studded with pearl sugar that I loved in Seattle this summer. Now I just need to find a local source for pearl sugar and I will make them. Food: 8:00 am Hard boiled egg, 79 g cream cheese brioche, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 61 g turkey, 61 g raisin challah 6:20 pm Meal kit: Fried pork chop w/onion gravy, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots Exercise: 9:20-9:30 am Walk to Jefferson 10:35-10:45 am Walk home 12:15-12:30 pm Walk to Suzuki 1:30-1:45 pm Walk home

Mon 26 Nov

Had an embarrassing moment at choir rehearsal where I blanked my French lyrics on the second phrase and had to stop and start the song over with everyone. Will write the French lyrics on the new sheet of music we received as a prompt so that doesn't happen again. The Polish quartet managed okay, though we were criticized for seriously looking at the music instead of at the audience. Since it was our first run-through, I felt that was justified at the time. We will have one last rehearsal at St Paul's on Thursday evening so one last chance to practice the solo and the Polish with the choir. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate chip oat scone, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 slices struan toast w/butter, 2 scrambled eggs w/mushrooms 6:05 pm Tuscan Sausage and Penne soup from meal kit Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body pump class

Sun 25 Nov

Happy Birthday, Mark! You would have been 67 today. Wish I could have known you as an adult. Tree put up yesterday. Need to get the decorations down from the attic and take several things up from the hallway today. At the very least, I'd like to get the wand in place to make it easier to turn the lights on and off, but hopefully I'll motivate to do some decorating as well. Packers don't play til evening so there's time to attend to the tree. Saw the Zahns at church today; Rosan came up afterward and said she has been keeping the Paris book out for me since our last conversation at the Farmer's Market. We drove out and picked it up and I read one chapter aloud on the way home. We will try to read it aloud as it is fun. Told Fr. Steve that my name is Sue, not Kathy. We'll see if he remembers. Food:: 8:09 am Large chocolate scone, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 24 Nov

Thanksgiving is over and done - and Christmas is a blink of the eye away. Especially for us, since we will celebrate with both of the kids Dec 14-16 in Madison. Will probably make the actual holiday seem somewhat anticlimactic, but then we have Costa Rica to look forward to. David was not at the market this morning, so we compensated by stopping at Main Grain to check out their offerings. Have to patronize small businesses today, after all. Food: 8:30 am Hard-boiled egg, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:15 am Caramel apple cinnamon roll 1:05 pm 51 g turkey breast, 56 g raisin challah Exercise: 11:00-11:50 am Walk to library and back

Fri 23 Nov

Today feels more like actual Thanksgiving since I got up and made stuffing and put the turkey in the oven for dinner with Michael and Taylor. The duck dinner for two last night was delicious, but not actually very Thanksgiving-y. The sweet winter squash was so good and so big that neither of us had room for the baked sweet potato. And I didn't do the creme brûlée dessert for lack of hunger. I'm quite pleased with the performance of the new oven in baking the cranberry pudding pie. I'm using convection roast for the turkey so I'll have to keep an eye on it as it cooks. Also the single oven cavity is much larger than my old oven so even with the turkey cooking, there is room to put the rack down on level 2 and I'll be able to put the stuffing and sweet potatoes in with it if I choose. If the turkey cooks sooner than expected, I'll likely put in the divider and roast carrots in one section while cooking the stuffing and sweet potatoes at the same time in the other section. Bought some brioche milk rolls to serve as dinner rolls. Don't think I'll hard boil an egg for breakfast as there will be so much food for lunch, though I reserve the right to change my mind. Food: 8:30 am 1/2 Costco apple muffin, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 22 Nov

Happy Thanksgiving! An odd Thanksgiving as we're not getting together with Michael and Taylor so Bob and I will eat duck alone today and do the turkey dinner with M&T tomorrow instead. Texted greetings to Laura. Will do the hard-boiled egg to add protein to breakfast this morning since it is a pretty leisurely day. Food: 8:45 am 1/2 Costco apple muffin, 101 g blackberries, hard boiled egg, coffee, tea 12:55 pm 58 g gouda, 6 Specially Selected Mini rosemary artisan crackers, 52 g cream cheese brioche, pumpkin rooibos tea Exercise: 10:25-10:45 am Part of Dancing with the Stars DVD

Wed 21 Nov

Last day before Thanksgiving. Thought we had bought everything needed last night at Aldi but forgot the duck for us on Thursday so need to return today. Got a poinsettia for the table. Found a broiler pan in the drawer of the old stove before they took it away and it looks as though it's never been used. Now to find a place to keep it since I can't fit it in the storage drawer along with the big cast iron frying pan. It's nice not to have to store the cast iron pan on top of the stove. I have a little broiler pan in the toaster oven that I usually use, so I'll store the full-size one somewhere else. Not going to do the egg for breakfast today. Too lazy on a gym day. Food: 7:50 am 1/2 Costco apple muffin, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 56 g raisin challah 4:55 pm Culver's single mushroom Swiss burger, sweet potato fries Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 20 Nov

Expecting my new stove between 1-3 pm today. Excited. Got some space cleared out on the counter adjacent and also got rid of a lot of dead cereal, etc. on the floor next to the stove. No tutoring today as the kiddies have a program at school before the holiday. Must do ballet today. Food: 8:20 am 1/2 Costco apple muffin, 101 g blackberries, coffee, soft-boiled egg

Mon 19 Nov

Had a really nice trip to Minneapolis and visit with Kurt and Barb. Found a pair of shoes that was just what I wanted for winter wear. Had a great meal at a French Vietnamese bistro with Kurt and Barb. Good trip altogether. Scale was up this morning so I hope it's an anomaly. Need to scale back on the snacking again. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:00 pm 2 fried eggs, whole wheat TJ's British muffin w/butter, 99 g raspberries 5:35 pm Chicken veggie stir-fry, 1/2 c quick brown rice Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 15 Nov

Getting ready to head out to Mpls for the weekend to shop, spend time with Kurt & Barb, and generally chill. The weather should be halfway decent. Food: 7:55 am Coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 14 Nov

Aaaah! Itchy dry winter skin!! It begins! Going to be slightly warmer today, and possibly near 40 on Thursday. Weather for the Mpls trip looks mild and minimal precip. Laura is coming to Madison Dec 6-17 to argue dissertation and hopefully graduate. Am trying to organize one of the weekends to celebrate with her and do a family Christmas, maybe renting a VRBO house. Food: 7:55 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 13 Nov

We are definitely into the "time flies by" stage of the year, with November almost halfway gone already. Only consolation this year is that our Costa Rica trip happens in early January so it will be here before we know it. That's good because I'm already tired of cold and it hasn't even really truly gotten hold yet. Tutoring today, but not next Tuesday due to a school-wide pre-Thanksgiving program. Got to get to the library today even if walking will be cold as I have one due today. It's cold outside!!! Food: 7:50 am Chocolate pecan danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:50 pm Bob's 8-grain hot cereal, 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 small apple, 1/3 c chopped walnuts, soy milk Exercise: 9:20-9:30 am Walk to Jefferson 11:40-11:50 am Walk home

Mon 12 Nov

Had a very nice day in Green Bay yesterday with lunch at St Brendan's, a successful Costco run, and just a brief time at the wine pickup to enjoy food and good wine. Both wines on the pickup today were among my favorites which is always nice. Listened to the Packers win on the drive home. Managed to get all my steps in by sticking with it right up til bedtime. Am enjoying a new season of GBBO on Netflix. Somehow today doesn't really feel like a Monday. Perhaps because it's a short week with heading to Minneapolis on Thursday. Food: 7:45 am Cheese danish, 104 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm Spinach mushroom frittata, coffee cake Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 11 Nov

Always a little disconcerting when we go to Saturday evening Mass when we're in town. Getting up on Sunday morning without preparing to go to church is weird. I guess that's a good thing. Going to Green Bay in a bit. Will have lunch, hit Costco and possibly their Aldi to fill the time until the 4 pm wine pickup at Captain's Walk. Of all the pickup parties we attended over the last year, this holiday one was my favorite so I hope it is again this year. Quite delightful this morning to lie in bed until I felt like getting up. No need to rush for any reason. Food: 8:40 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 10 Nov

Bob got cold last night and turned the heat on, unbeknownst to me, and when I turned on the bathroom heater as usual this morning, I was quickly too warm. I complained so he turned it off again for now, but he agreed that we should get him one of those blanket suits to wear while he sits at his computer in the evenings. Weird change that now he's the chilly one and I am too warm. Food: 8:15 am 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:15 am Fruit? danish, coffee 1:45 pm Brioche roll, 45 g honey ham, 25 g cheddar Exercise: 11:50-12:40 pm Leslie Sansone 4 Fast Miles DVD

Fri 9 Nov

Got about 2" of snow last night, not the most welcome sight this morning but hardly totally unexpected now that we're well into November. Tasting my first effort from the GBBO cookbook, a coffee cake that actually contains coffee. I didn't have any instant powder and it was directed to dissolve it in 2 tbl hot water so I just made a Nespresso and used that. Cake tastes very nice. Food: 6:55 am Coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm Coffee cake, 2 hard boiled eggs, med Honey Crisp apple w/cinnamon sugar Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Barre class 9:10-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 8 Nov

Kathy is going to pick me up at 8 and we'll drive over toward the University, walk a bit at Schmeeckle, then have coffee at Starbucks. Her recovery is slow. I have soreness in my side glutes today so I can empathize. For some reason, I am particularly sleepy yet this morning. Must have awoken in the wrong sleep stage. Food: 7:15 am 84 g Aldi cream cheese brioche, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 7 Nov

We have a new governor!!!! Walker has finally been defeated!!! And Tammy Baldwin will continue to be our awesome senator! The referenda appear to have passed successfully, even the advisory on medical marijuana. I am so happy I have tears flowing. Food: 7:50 am Honey bear pastry, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 1/2 Costco apple muffin, med banana, 2 hard boiled eggs 5:45 pm Macaroni & cheese, sliced beets, pumpkin kombucha Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 6 Nov

Checked the Costco email and I won't get notification of the shipping of my oven until "the week of Nov 5", so they may not even ship it until the end of the week. I hope we can arrange installation before we go to Minneapolis. I certainly want to use the new oven to prepare Thanksgiving dinner with Michael and Taylor on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I was delighted that Taylor was willing to rearrange her schedule to accommodate us, otherwise we would have been preparing and eating Thanksgiving meal on the day we have a choir concert in Waupaca at 6:30. Oooh, the ballet DVD did not seem much easier today for repetition. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Wild rice mushroom soup 3:00 pm 3 butter waffle cookies 5:50 pm 6 oz pumpkin kombucha Exercise: 11:15-11:35 am Jessica Smith Power Walk Mile YouTube 1:50-2:40 pm Brutal Ballet DVD

Mon 5 Nov

Maybe I'll hear today when I'll get the new stove. They thought they'd have things sorted out by today. Need to get to the library this afternoon so I hope the weather is okay for walking. Gotta be a record! Only took me one day to change the time on the car clock after Daylight Savings Time ended. Food: 7:40 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:55 pm 2 fried eggs, 1 med pear, 1/2 Costco apple muffin Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 4 Nov

Good day yesterday starting with a successful trip to the Farmer's Market, including meeting up with Taylor! Talked with Rosan who may lend us a little Paris guidebook with good everyday suggestions and recipes, and one of the vendors will consult with a friend who is knowledgeable about French cheeses and get information for me on which ones to try. After the market, we went to Aldi and bought, among other things, a frozen duck which I thawed and cooked on the portable rotisserie for dinner. Tres delicieux! Food: 6:35 am Apple almond danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 60 g raisin challah, 56 g honey smoked ham, butter, med pear, 3/4 c skim milk, 2 tbl Penzey's hot chocolate powder

Sat 3 Nov

I was exhausted most of the day yesterday from the added time at the gym. Hopefully my body will adjust soon to the new Friday routine. Nothing in particular on the agenda today except the first indoor Farmer's Market of the season. Food: 8:00 am 1/2 c Quaker Oat Squares, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:00 am Cherry danish, 6 oz pumpkin cider kombucha 3:55 pm 1 stroopwaffel Exercise: 1:00-2:15 pm Walk to Schmeeckle lake

Fri 2 Nov

We'll see how well my legs do in Barre this morning after just having done the Ballet DVD yesterday. I can still feel the muscles so it should be interesting. Food: 6:50 am 1/2 Costco pumpkin streusel muffin, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 2 fried eggs, 1/2 Costco apple muffin, med pear Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Barre class 8:40-8:55 am Pilates exercises/foam rolling 9:05-9:20 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 1 Nov

Light count of Trick or Treaters last night; it appears to be dying out a bit. Managed to mostly memorize Cantique de Noel in between attending the door. Kathy called and canceled our walk as she is nursing a sore muscle in her right gluteal area and has been advised by the PT to not walk long distances. Can't say I minded sleeping in today. Will try to get in a walk and possibly catch up on the missed ballet DVD as well as Pilates if I can do it all before my 1:30 hair appointment. Bob and I will go to Mass at 6:30 tonight. My new curtains for the dining room arrived yesterday and I hung them (first upside down). I like them a lot. One thing off list; did the makeup ballet DVD that I missed on Tuesday. Hard as it is, it does get a little better each week. Food: 8:00 am 1/2 Costco pumpkin streusel muffin, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 56 g raisin challah, 55 g honey smoked ham, med banana, 8 oz blueberry lavender drink Exercise: 9:45-10:35 am Brutal Ballet DVD

Wed 31 Oct

Happy Halloween! Trick or Treaters should come this evening from 5-9 so I need to get some chili or soup going as soon as I get home from Bootstrap to be ready to eat. Last night, we got our final evening hike of the season at Rib last night in mild weather. We always miss the evening hikes once Daylight Savings changes and it's just dark after work. We can and do often walk around town, but it's not the same. Food: 7:50 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm 65 g raisin challah, 57 g honey smoked ham, clementine Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 30 Oct

Going to do a pay-as-you-go lesson with Mary Hofer today to work on the O Holy Night verse in French so I can audition for the choir solo if it sounds good. Would be good French practice and make some use of the work I've been doing. Food: 8:00 am Blueberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 1/2 Costco pumpkin streusel muffin, 2 pc string cheese, med banana 3:00 pm 1/2 slice pumpkin cake 7:30 pm Homemade Aldi crust pizza Exercise: 9:20-9:30 am Walk to Jefferson 10:30-10:40 am Walk home 5:10-6:10 pm Hiking Rib

Mon 29 Oct

Got to watch much of the Packer game on TV after choir, and they played very well at times even if they did lose due to a fumble at the two-minute warning. It was so nice to see it on a bigger screen and be able to get some running steps in while still paying attention to the game. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate chip danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 28 Oct

Made a lovely spontaneous trip to Madison yesterday for a Costco/Woodman's run and lunch at Hubbard Ave Diner. Really enjoyed the CWACT performance of Mary Poppins last night. Saw Barb Towey there who confirmed that the movie came first and inspired the stage play. There were some unfamiliar songs which I didn't appreciate as much as the familiar ones, and a few different plot items, but it was very nice indeed and well-performed. Made for a very nice Saturday. Food: 8:15 am Pecan danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Shrimp mushroom risotto, mandarin Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 27 Oct

This would have been Trick or Treat weekend when our kids were little, but in the last several years, the city has returned to scheduling it on actual Halloween evening. We would have likely gone to the annual Halloween party at Candy and John's if they were still living in the area. I rather miss that party; it was fun. Much milder walk to Farmer's Market this week than last week, but still no David. Got some leeks and red onions from Whitefeather Organics, but only a few vendors were there. Next week, we will be indoors again and hopefully better attended. Food: 9:00 am Bob's 8 grain hot cereal, 1/2 apple, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:20-8:50 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 26 Oct

Had a weird dream in which I was railing against Kathy Pelky's mom who was hired as an attorney to show that CSP services were unnecessary and should be discontinued. This would then free up budget money so a group of middle management people would no longer feel threat for their jobs. I was really up on a soap box. Certainly made sure I was awake when it was time to get up. Broke my sugar fast today. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 scrambled eggs, 44 g raisin challah 2:45 pm 3 c kettle corn 3:45 pm Wine gums 6:25 pm Crab mushroom risotto, homemade applesauce Exercise: 8:00-8:35 am Barre class 8:35-8:45 am Foam rolling 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 25 Oct

Kathy's not feeling well today, so I guess I'm on my own for walking this morning. I'll probably wait a little later to start out. Gotta do a Pilates mat sometime today also. And if Bob can get free at the end of the day, it should be nice for a hike at Rib. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, 39 g raw carrots, 55 g raisin challah 3:30 pm 40 g dates 7:00 pm 2 chicken drumsticks, 1/2 c quick cook brown rice w/toasted almonds and golden raisins, 1/3 c sautéed parsnips Exercise: 8:55-10:20 am Walk around Schmeeckle 4:40-5:55 pm Hike Rib

Wed 24 Oct

Looking forward to lunch with Bill, Linda, Deb, and Elaine at Watchman's Gone this noon. Started out as a lunch date with Bill to talk about our travels, but it's always nice to get a group of the oldsters together. Will make for a busy day. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am Crab chowder w/trout roe, salad, bleu cheese dressing 4:20 pm 38 g raisin challah 5:30 pm 5 oz riesling, sushi Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 23 Oct

Not sure why I feel so tired lately. Didn't sleep particularly well last night, but not awful. Just feeling a little dozen. I voted today, among a steady trickle of others. And I completed the Ballet DVD and a nice long walk. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 39 g raisin challah, 56 g honey ham 2:00 pm 1 pc string cheese 6:05 pm 2 chicken drumsticks, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c broccoli Exercise: 2:00-2:45 pm Ballet DVD

Mon 22 Oct

Should be nice mild fall temperatures today, and I believe through most of the week. Hope to get out and enjoy some long walks. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 21 Oct

Muscles are sore from the Moon Walk, but we made it through with less struggle at the end than I sometimes remember. Weather was kind to us; we dressed sufficiently for the cool temps and the wind finally died down before we had to turn around and face into it. Attendance was way down due to the Brewers game (which they apparently lost), but it made for nice solitude on much of the walk. We broke down and ordered a new oven yesterday. I am getting my dual oven stove! We're tired of this one getting so very hot, and a bug crawled into the line for the back burned so Bob had to find and extract it to even get it to light. I'm excited about the new one coming in a few weeks. Muscles benefited from the walk to church this morning, active recovery. Food: 6:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:55 am Bob's 8 grain cereal, 1/2 apple, soy milk, tea Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 9:10-9:30 am Walk home

Sat 20 Oct

Windy and cool this morning, quite a change from the 50°+ temps of the last couple of days. We walk 12 miles this evening for Moon Walk; could be chilly! But this morning, we walk to the Farmer's Market for pastries so the end justifies the means. Sigh! No David today, but we did get mushrooms and fresh eggs. And a walk. So we're settling down to Bob's hot cereal and bacon instead. Food: 9:05 am Bob's 8-grain cereal, 1/2 apple, 2 slices bacon, soy milk Exercise: 8:05-8:35 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 19 Oct

Beautiful evening for a hike at Rib yesterday, and I was wiped from a combination of 22,000 steps on the day and DOMS from Tuesday's ballet plus Pilates in the afternoon, so we did the Dane for dinner. Felt so good to sit down and be waited on. Have to miss my Barre class this morning for the Suicide Prevention meeting. I think I missed the meeting last month as it was likely the Friday right after we returned from vacation and I didn't write it on the calendar. Don't dare space it out again. Sorry to miss Barre, though. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 3 sm pcs French toast w/Panera cranberry walnut bread & 1 egg, butter, cinnamon sugar Exercise: 7:40-8:00 am Walk to St Mike's 8:55-9:15 am Walk home 10:20-10:50 am Jessica Smith Stepping Strength YouTube

Thurs 18 Oct

Had a lovely spontaneous dinner at Michael and Taylor's last night. Haven't spent time with them in far too long. Found out that Taylor now has Friday and Saturday evenings off on a regular basis; last night was free due to a coworker trade. Now I can plan to have them over sometime soon. Kathy is getting their living room carpet taken up today so we're walking around 8:30, giving me the chance to sleep closer to my normal time. Nice. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am 1 c kettle corn 12:25 pm Slice Panera cranberry walnut bread, butter, 24 g Jarlsberg Exercise: 8:50-10:15 am Walk w/Kathy (Bukolt small loop)

Wed 17 Oct

I volunteer at the flu shot clinic at HHS this morning, so no gym. I did get out my Brutal Ballet DVD yesterday, but I only made it about halfway before my legs were turning to quivering jelly and I deemed it best to try again next week. I'll have to find a way to fit in more steps today, especially if Bootstrap isn't busy. I don't get to move around much at the clinic. Food: 6:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 16 Oct

Trying to adjust to cool temperatures again, but haven't quite made the transition. Wish I could speed it up so I could enjoy that the weather is nicer now than it will be in a month or two. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:25 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, butter, 24 g cheddar, med apple w/cinnamon sugar 3:30 pm 3 c kettle corn 6:10 pm Honey mustard chicken breast, roasted beets, roasted purple potatoes Exercise: 9:15-9:25 am Walk to Jefferson 10:35-10:45 am Walk home 10:55-11:25 am Walk to library and back

Mon 15 Oct

Brrr! Weather is chilly again, though of course nothing like it will get in a couple of months from now. We had snow yesterday, enough that the ground is still white on the lawns. Too soon. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 14 Oct

My former husband will be 67 today, I believe. Hope he is doing well, wherever he is. Had a lovely overnight excursion to Audubon Inn, with a very nice steak dinner, delicious Bananas Foster and a beignet for dessert, and a nice hike at Horicon on Saturday. The day started sunny and lovely when we walked to breakfast, but by the time we left the hotel, the clouds had returned for most of the day. At least it didn't rain. The Horicon Visitor Center had an archaeology event going on with some exhibits, a food stand wit the most wonderful wild rice vegetable soup, an Indian fry bread stand which we took advantage of after our hike. We stopped at Appleton Costco on the way home and did some shopping, including a new faucet for the bathroom which Bob will install when he has all his tools together. Packers don't play til Monday night, so except for church and choir practice, we have the remainder of the day free. I do have one load of laundry I didn't finish on Friday. Food: 8:35 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Fri 12 Oct

Today we go to Mayville to the Audubon Inn for a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner and an overnight at the Inn. Tomorrow we hopefully hike at Horicon before coming home. It will be chilly, but hopefully no rain and even partly sunny. We will miss David's pastries this week, but oh well. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, apple cider donut Exercise: 8:00-8:30 am Barre class 8:50-9:20 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 11 Oct

Last night when I took out my contact, I apparently had something on my finger that immediately and tremendously irritated my eye as I pulled on the edge to pop the contact. My eye got totally red and hurt like heck. The contact came out easily so I cleaned it as usual and put it away, and the eye settled over the next 10 minutes or so, but OWWWW! Looking forward to walking with Kathy today after a long hiatus. Last week was a mixup due to Dale's mom's funeral on Thursday and confusion over time on Friday. The cold front seems to have passed through in the night, so the temps are now under 40° but at least it's not raining for a change. Kathy and I were joined at the far end of the Mead loop for the last bit and quite a ways back down the road by a stray cat. Kathy wasn't too comfortable with it, but it was a sweet, friendly cat that was probably just very hungry and cold. Glad it didn't follow all the way home or I'd have been tempted.... Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 2 slices Simply Nature sprouted bread, butter, 1.2 oz cheddar cheese, 2/3 c grapes Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy (Mead loop) 10:10-10:50 am Walk to library and back

Wed 10 Oct

Yet another rainy day, though yesterday wasn't as bad as expected with non-rainy breaks throughout the day, sufficient to get some outside walks. The sun even tried to peek out occasionally. Didn't get around to doing the ballet DVD as I was engrossed in Thrawn: Alliances and walking outdoors. I suspect that if I buckled down to more ballet and at least once weekly Pilates, I could reshape my body for the swimsuit in time for Costa Rica, but I have to start now. Food: 7:50 am Raspberry pinwheel pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 scrambled eggs, sautéed chanterelles, 1/2 oz cheddar cheese, Thomas light wheat English w/butter 6:00 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 1/2 pink lady basil kombucha Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 9 Oct

More rain today and tomorrow, in possibly large quantities. Feeling a bit waterlogged. Start my tutoring for the year today, with second-graders this time. I believe that means I have three students for 10 min each. Food: 7:45 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 10:15-10:50 am Madison/Ellis loop

Mon 8 Oct

Had a little tummy upset last evening, but it seemed to resolve itself after taking my probiotic so I suspect it was nothing major, just a little malaise from the continuous grey days. We're now expecting rain over the next three days, so no relief in sight. Hopefully it will clear and be nice for hiking in Horicon this weekend and all will be well. Not sure why, but I seem unusually tired today. Hope I'm not coming down with something. Food: 7:45 am Pumpkin chocolate danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Thomas Light English muffin w/butter, 2 eggs scrambled w/sauteed chanterelles 12:15 pm 3 Trader Joe's Belgian butter waffle cookies Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 7 Oct

Had a very nice day yesterday. Got pastries from David and beets and carrots at the local Farmer's Market, ate quickly, then headed to Madison for the big market there. Picked up more goodies including parsnips, broccoli, peppers, big ground cherries for Bob, acorn and delicata squash. Had a quintessentially autumnal lunch at Brasserie V: apple swiss sandwich with pesto and veg on chewy baguette with a cup of butternut squash soup and a really dry hard cider. Did Trader Joe's, Costco, and Woodman's and home to make a homemade pizza for dinner. Full day. Food: 8:05 am Apricot danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 6 Oct

Bob has started oversleeping the past few days. May suggest he start going to bed a bit earlier. Means we aren't going to get the early start I had hoped for today so we can still catch the tail end of the Madison Farmer's Market, but maybe they'll still have some produce left when we get there. Food: 8:50 am Brioche roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 5 Oct

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day. Thought I heard rain falling this morning, so it might have been a one-day wonder, but I got outside for my walks and we took an evening hike at Rib to enjoy it. A few of the trees have reached the spectacular stage and caught the sun's rays beautifully yesterday. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:50 pm Bob's 8-grain cereal, 1/2 c applesauce, 1/3 g plain Greek yogurt 6:30 pm Wild rice mushroom soup, 2 large slices Italian bread w/butter, red wine Exercise: 8:00-8:40 am Barre class 9:30-19:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 4 Oct

I've been 63 for a month already today! What an accomplishment! Looks like a nice day, though I'm not walking with Kathy today as Dale's mom passed away and the funeral is this morning. We will walk tomorrow after I try out the 8 am Barre class at the gym. I learned that it is only a half hour class so I will have a full hour between that class and Body Pump. Tomorrow I'll just leave and walk with Kathy and catch Body Pump next week. Food: 8:05 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 3 Oct

Anomalously warm and almost surely stormy day today; even a chance of tornado! I hope the Bootstrap building is pretty safe if a bad storm hits while I'm there. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate pumpkin danish, 106 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 fried eggs, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & cinnamon sugar Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10::30 am Body Pump class

Tues 2 Oct

Spent money yesterday. Big money. I had mentioned to Bob on a recent walk that I might still feel the need for a warm weather break in winter since Paris is not likely to be much different temperature-wise than here. He said he was sort of expecting it, so I took that as license to look. I first checked out the Dominican Republic, and it would have been over $4000 for a week, so I decided on a lark to check out Costa Rica. For $6000, I found a resort that met all our qualifications (Wi-fi, no reservations, lots of restaurant choices) and would likely have some awesome snorkeling. Seemed like it was worth the extra expense to go somewhere we've never been, so by the end of the day, we had booked it. I wanted to upgrade to the Premium club with the special lounge and those rooms tend to sell out sooner, hence the quick decision. The cost of the upgrade was only about $97 for both, and it seemed worth it for other little touches as well. I have Bob starting to renew his passport now so it will be good at least 6 months past the Costa Rica trip as many countries require this. Also if he waited til after the trip to renew, it is pushing it close to Paris during spring break rush. Food: 7:55 am Bear claw pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Bill's junior beef w/mushrooms 2:00 pm Bourbon biscuits 5:40 pm Tilapia filet, Birdseye rice/veggie blend, butternut squash Exercise: 11:30-11:45 am Walk to Bill's 12:35-12:50 pm Walk home

Mon 1 Oct

Yesterday was quite a dreary day with drizzle, grey skies, and cool. Skies look pretty grey again this morning. No special plans this week except a birthday lunch tomorrow at Bill's. Food: 7:50 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 30 Sept

Had a very nice Hard Rocks hike with Karin who kept our pace up and gave us conversation to pass the hike quickly. Was able to get back to the Farmer's Market in time to get our pastry allotment and to amuse David with my stiff gait getting out of the car after the post-hike ride home from Standing Rocks. Had a very nice dinner with Karin and Deb at PJ's to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Grand Canyon hike. Nice Saturday. Food: 7:55 am Blackberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 29 Sept

Up much earlier than usual this morning as we will leave at 7:15 for the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge. Karin is going with us and she hasn't registered yet so we want to get there before registration closes. David has agreed to set aside our allotment of pastries to be picked up after the hike. The desire to get there around 11 am will keep me hiking at a good pace, along with keeping up with Karin. Hopefully we can still have pancakes and keep to the schedule. Likely to be pretty cold out there as it was supposed to freeze last night. Forecast for hike time was about 34°. Food: 6:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:50 am 2 pancakes, 3 sausages, 1/4 c walnuts, 1/4 mini chocolate chips Exercise: 7:55-10:40 am Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge

Fri 28 Sept

Gym and laundry today, Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge and dinner with Karin and Deb tomorrow. Should be good. Finished my ebook yesterday, first book I've completed since vacation. I needed a short break from constant reading and now I'm enjoying it again. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am 3 toasted almond crisp cookies 1:00 pm Aldi English muffin w/butter, 2 scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 27 Sept

Finally get to walk with Kathy again this morning, a chilly but only partly cloudy morning. Looking forward to catching up with her. Started trying to form conversations in my head in basic French. I think this is a necessary step to actually be able to use what I'm learning on Duolingo, so I hope I continue to do so. I used to do it in Spanish, particularly before traveling to Mexico, so I hope it will be useful. It wasn't supposed to rain this morning, but it started to sprinkle while Kathy and I walked. We were sufficiently motivated to walk together again that we didn't mind (too) much, but we did get a little wet. Food: 7:20 am Bear claw pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Sausage stew Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy (Bukolt loop in the rain)

Wed 26 Sept

Sun is shining, but temps are supposed to be in the 50s for awhile now, with an occasional foray up to 60ish. Long-sleeve weather. Time to adapt. Food: 7:45 am Apricot danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm 2 fried eggs, sm slice multigrain bread w/butter & strawberry freezer jam, pear Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 25 Sept

Now we head into more chilly weather, today not so much with a high of 66 but rain predicted in the afternoon and clouds all day, then highs in the 50s for the foreseeable future. Oh well, we knew it was coming. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate pumpkin danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:55 pm Hard boiled egg, pear, bear claw pastry 2:05 pm 1 pc string cheese 5:30 pm Sausage stew, multigrain bread w/butter Exercise: 12:20-12:45 pm Madison St Loop

Mon 24 Sept

Another lovely sunny autumn day. We got in a nice hike at Rib after choir last night, and I hope to get back there one night this week as well. Hope to take advantage of walking outside a lot while the sun and nice temperatures last. Always so much nicer when the atmosphere is pleasant. Food: 7:55 am Orange glazed brioche roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:00 pm Hard boiled egg, apple cinnamon scone, pear Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 23 Sept

Class reunion went well last night, but not sorry it's done for another five years. It's nice to see all the high school folks again, and to learn that they have turned in to a very nice group of people, but two consecutive nights of socializing is a lot for me. Especially on the heels of the time with family at the coast with a lot of socializing. Feeling the need to crawl into my shell for awhile. Food: 8:35 am Raspberry streusel pinwheel, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 2 oz rotisserie chicken breast, 1/2 c homemade applesauce 1:00 pm 2 c kettle corn 7:50 pm 3 oz rotisserie chicken breast, 1/2 c potato salad, 100 g raspberries, pink lady basil kombucha Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home 4:45-6:10 pm Hike Rib

Sat 22 Sept

First day of fall! Had a very nice time at the Friday night gathering of the class reunion at Amber Grill. Bob found a fellow builder, Karen Zurawski's husband, to chat away the evening so we ended up staying almost three hours. Tonight is dinner and drinks at the Sky Club. It's a lovely, sunny day today so maybe we can hike this afternoon in addition to getting laundry done. Making a small batch of applesauce with some of the Cortlands we picked yesterday at an orchard outside Madison. Food: 9:15 am Cherry danish, 1 hard boiled egg, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:10 am Small Jonafree apple w/sprinkling of cinnamon sugar 11:45 am 89 g raspberries, bear claw pastry 3:25 pm 3 toasted almond cookies Exercise: 8:00-8:45 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 21 Sept

Going down to Madison to see Laura this morning, a few quick errands, and back to Point for the start of my 45th class reunion tonight and tomorrow. Lots of wind here this morning, and Bob said the forecast is for it to go down to 39° tonight here. Winter is coming! Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 20 Sept

What a very nice vacation we had! Every part of it worked pretty much as planned and we enjoyed it all. Sequim was lovely; I could live there if I needed to relocate at some time. The National Parks were amazing, Victoria and Tea at the Empress were excellent, the beach house suited everyone, and we had 5/7 LeGault sibs together in one place at one time! Travel was safe and uneventful, as it should be. Food: 8:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 fried eggs, slice Omega 3 toast w/butter & strawberry freezer jam 5:20 pm 5 oz cabernet sauvignon Exercise: 10:00-10:15 am Jessica Smith 15-min cardio 4:20-5:10 pm Leslie Sansone 4 Fast Miles

Tues 4 Sept

Hippo birdie two me! Vacation day is here. We leave sometime this morning, probably shortly after breakfast. Just need to double check the packing lists, load the car, and go! Mustn't forget my phone or Fitbit charger, but since they are currently right in front of my nose, I hope that's enough to keep me remembering. Fitbit is currently on the charger, getting its last bit of juice before the trip. Food: 7:55 am Apricot danish, 127 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 3 Sept

Nice day at the Fair yesterday in spit of starting in the rain. Kept the morning crowds down a bit, though they made up for it in the afternoon. We had our ears checked with a tool that displayed the inner ear on a tablet for us to see. My right ear canal has a complete blockage, so I may need professional help if I can't dissolve it with mineral oil or other home ear care products. Good to know that's the problem. We also had our hearing tested, and even in spite of the blockage, that ear was only slightly below normal. Stopped at Woodbury Costco on the way home and got organic blackberries for $2.99 so we bought three instead of the one I had planned on. Ate most of one container jointly on the ride home, and am eating larger portions today. Trying David's newest pastry concoction today, big enough to feed a family of three. It's a twisted pastry with raspberry almond filling. Yum! Food: 8:50 am Huge raspberry almond pastry, 124 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 1 Sept

September is here, and today we head to Minneapolis; tomorrow the Fair! It's a little rainy out now, so we'll carry umbrellas on our walk to the Farmer's Market for pastries and a loaf of bread for a thank-you gift for Kurt & Barb for gracious use of their home.

Fri 31 Aug

Last work day for about three weeks. Won't get back to the gym til Sept 21, so I suppose I ought to work especially hard today. Though on Fridays, I often lack a bit of the usual energy, and today feels a bit like one of those days. We'll see. New class schedule for the gym was out today. Starting in October, they are adding a Barre class at 8:00 on Fridays. May try getting there earlier to give it a whirl. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 106 g raspberries, coffee 12:35 pm Hmong springroll, Hmong egg roll w/sauces Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 30 Aug

Wow, August has almost escaped and vacation is nearly upon us again. Looking forward to the MN State Fair this weekend, the annual tradition. We will be staying at Kurt & Barb's house without them in residence, but we get to see them on Tuesday when we return and will all have dinner together at the Red Stag for Cheap Date night. Today I have things to accomplish: take granola bars to the Newman Center for goodie bags, pick up library books, take the dress I packed out of the packing cubes and hopefully connect with Maxine to de-wrinkle the new one. I sent her a Facebook message yesterday to alert her of the request, but I can't assume she will see it in time. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g raspberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, 5 oz kombucha 2:45 pm 10 almond crisp cookies 6:20 pm Pasta casserole w/zucchini, squash, mushrooms Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy (Bukolt/cemetary loop) 10:50-11:30 pm Walk to Newman Center 3:45-4:30 pm Walk to library and back 5:25-6:15 pm Pilates mat

Wed 29 Aug

Finally, some cooler temps. Supposedly we will not rise above the mid-60s today. Haven't checked the humidity yet but I'm hopeful. Birthday lunch at Bamboo House buffet today for Kathy Pelky. Been awhile since I've attended one so why not? Food: 7:45 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g raspberries, coffee

Tues 28 Aug

Today is still supposed to be warm and muggy, but they are promising a high in the mid-60s tomorrow and I'm holding them to it! This afternoon, Bob and I go to Waupaca to get our Coronary Calcium tests to find out how badly our cholesterol is affecting our circulatory systems. If the numbers are not really good, it may mean succumbing to statin drugs. Fingers crossed. Goodness, was it sweaty walking in the Sculpture Park today even though I was strolling slowly enough to look at the exhibits. Hey, I'm delighted that my tea dress arrived today from China and it fits! Need to get the wrinkles out of it, but it should suffice nicely. And it packs small. Food: 7:50 am Plum chocolate pastry, 102 g raspberries, coffee 11:50 am 2 pc string cheese 5:30 pm 1/2 serving Wheat crackers 6:15 pm Potato leek soup, 2 slices Italian bread w/butter Exercise: 10:55-11:25 am Walk in Sculpture park

Mon 27 Aug

Generous rain and thunderstorms this morning. We're getting enough rain in these last few days to make up for the long, dry spell. Humidity is back, unfortunately. Oh, well. Food: 7:45 am Maple danish, 101 g raspberries, coffee

Sun 26 Aug

Slept quite well last night, except that when I woke to pee, I caught my Fitbit on the covers and the impact broke off the last little piece holding the wristband to the gadget. I had to set it on the side for the remainder of the night, and this morning I came down and found a fat rubber band from broccoli to hold it to my wrist. I discovered, to my delight, that the $5 off coupon from Target is good through today, so I'll head out there after breakfast to hopefully find a new band. It would be a pain to have to use the rubber band long term as it has to be moved to the side to read the display, but at least it keeps the tracker in place so it can do its thing. Took the Lutherans up on their invitation and stopped over at the "block party" for lunch. I may have been the only non-parishioner but people were very friendly and welcoming. Both pastors and one of the parish office ladies came up and introduced themselves specially. Food: 8:30 am Apricot danish, 101 g raspberries, coffee 12:45 pm Hamburger/bun/ketchup, potato salad, baked beans, cookie Exercise: 1:15-2:30 pm Little Schmeeckle loop

Sat 25 Aug

Hard to get up to leave at 7:30 for the Farmer's Market, but we've managed. Had a very nice visit with Laura yesterday evening, picking her up at the airport and dinner at Ale Asylum. She is staying at Caitlyn and Brandon's while they are away, cat-sitting for her keep. Cloudy, damp day to walk to the Farmer's Market. If it doesn't clear more, I won't be hanging the laundry outside today. The duck egg man had made a delicious strawberry salad and was giving out portions with his homemade dressing. It was a lovely way to start the day. My, what a difference when the eggs are really fresh to make hard boiled eggs! Interesting. Just had another door-to-door solicitor, a young man in shirt and tie with a card advertising "free" cleaning services and several names and other information scribbled hodgepodge on the back in different scripts. He was excessively enthusiastic to the point of appearing stoned, much like another well-dressed young man who came by trying to sell vacuums a couple of weeks age. I went for a walk after he left, locking the house up this time, and as I was on the return lap, I encountered the young man in a conversation with a police officer who had obviously stopped him and appeared to be questioning him about where he has recently been. Wonder if there were complaints? Food: 8:00 am Small strawberry pecan onion salad w/homemade strawberry vinaigrette 8:30 am Apple tart, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:50 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, med pear 2:30 pm 4 thin almond crisp cookies 4:30 pm Few mini Bretons w/cheddar cheese spread Exercise: 7:30-8:20 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back

Fri 25 Aug

Might have lunch with Mary Hofer today to catch up a bit. Will definitely pick Laura up at Madison airport around 5 and have dinner with her. Hopefully Bob can get done with work around 3 so he can come too. He is going up to Ironwood to help Michael with some tasks around his house there tomorrow; I was uninvited to make room for Michael to ride up in the van with Bob. So the weekend is as yet unstructured for me. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 vegetable panini, tea Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 23 Aug

Wow, I woke up in the middle of a deep sleep, I guess. Just can't shake off the cobwebs from my brain. I did really need to pee and was dreaming about trying to find a bathroom in a strange house, so I needed to get out of bed, but waking up is another story. Kathy is picking me up at 8 and we're driving out to Schmeeckle to walk the Wilshire loop for a change of scenery today. The weather is cool and sunny, so should be a nice day for a hike. The walk was a bit shorter than our usual trek, though the time was similar with the drive out. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:35 am Cup of matcha 12:00 pm 1/4 c steel cut oats, 1 tbl flaxseed meal, 1/2 c frozen blueberries, 1/2 scoop Elevation vanilla protein powder, 1/4 c soy milk 1:35 pm Anzac biscuit Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Walk on Wilshire section of Green Circle w/Kathy

Wed 22 Aug

My dreams informed me last night that I needed to wake up to pee. I dreamt I was at a party and people kept opening beers that bubbled over. Subtle hint to avoid my bladder doing the same. Made a full (albeit slow) Rib hike tonight! Yay! Food: 7:50 am Plum chocolate pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 2 fried eggs, Aldi English muffin w/butter, med pear 7:45 pm Chicken biryani Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class 5:00-7:15 pm Rib hike

Tues 21 Aug

Cooler, grey day today, at least at this point. Considering hiking this evening. Nothing on the schedule, so need to address the court forms, possibly call for heart scan appointments and eye appointments. Good to do something useful. One way to recapture a bit of your younger days is to do an exercise routine that you used to do years ago but have not done for a long time. Jane Fonda's Complete Workout used to be a regular part of my Monday mornings. She may be "old school" but she leads a good workout. I feel well exercised in all areas. Rib hike aborted early as Bob was feeling tightness in his chest and coughing. Too bad, the weather was quite nice today. Food: 7:50 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 slices Natural Ovens 100% whole wheat bread, 1 large egg, 1/4 c almond beverage, 1/8 tbl butter, Penzey's cinnamon sugar, med pear 3:00 pm Sleeve of Bourbon biscuits, wine gums 6:40 pm Pasta salad w/shrimp, cob corn Exercise: 9:05-10:15 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 4:45-5:45 pm Short Rib hike

Mon 20 Aug

Tried out the new (to us) segment of the Ice Age Trail near Coloma yesterday. We had heard about it from a fellow who was on the O'So's tour with us on Saturday. He also told us about a supper club in Coloma that was good, so we opened the place at 4 pm after our sweaty hike. I had excellent wild mushroom ravioli and Bob had a very good lasagna primavera. We shared a creme brûlée and a tiramisu for dessert. Yummy! Bought an ear-cleaning kit after gym today and cleaned out my plugged-up ears. Much better. Food: 7:45 am Chocolate pecan pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm 2 fried eggs, Aldi English muffin w/butter 3:00 pm Licorice pieces, wine gums 6:10 pm Easy chicken biryani Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 19 Aug

Delightfully a bit cooler last night, even to the point of using the quilt for the latter part of the night. I slept much better as well. Thanks, Lord. Switched cantor assignments with Pat D'Ercole at her request so she can take her mom along at 10 am. Her mom is quite elderly and would have trouble getting up for the 8 am shift. Bob ushers at 10, but it won't kill us to attend different Masses. Think maybe we'll try to fit in Pilates later, possibly also a hike? Food: 6:30 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 9:20-9:40 am Walk home

Sat 18 Aug

Last night was a bit cooler and it continues this morning. It can keep on as long as it likes with pleasure. Also doesn't feel quite as humid. Fingers crossed. Okay, so I was wrong about the humidity; it was killer once you got outside, but we survived our walk to the Farmer's Market and still were intrepid enough to do a bike ride on Wilshire/Green Circle. Food: 9:00 am Gibassier, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 am Med pear, 2 pc string cheese, 6 oz kombucha 2:30 pm 8 oz snifter Convenient Distraction Exercise: 8:00-8:50 am Farmer's Market and back 10:45-11:15 am Bike ride to Wilshire/Green Circle

Fri 17 Aug

The month flies by. It does seem somewhat less humid today, as the radio yesterday promised. Hopefully it's not just wishful thinking. Coalition meeting this morning, then laundry. Should really try to start that court paperwork that needs to be sent in to the IRS. Food: 7:20 am Panera cinnamon raisin bagel, 102 g blackberries, coffee 9:50 am Anzac biscuit 1:05 pm Chocolate croissant, 1/4 oz Swiss cheese, 162 g strawberries Exercise: 9:10-9:45 am Madison St loop

Thurs 16 Aug

Woke up this morning clearly smelling the smoke from the fires burning over much of the western part of the continent. Realized that I had smelled it the last couple of mornings but so faintly I hadn't been able to identify it. Today there is no doubt and even the western horizon looks smoky. Can't help but feel sorry and pray for the folks living in the fire areas. Lord, keep them safe. Hope Laura isn't affected; she hasn't mentioned anything on Instagram. Man, 93% humidity is a killer. Temps are fine, but I'm sweating massively from the walk. Food: 7:15 am Panera cinnamon roll, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:45 pm 2 pc string cheese, pear, Anzac cookies Exercise: 8:00-10:05 am Walk w Kathy (new SW loop with exploring)

Wed 15 Aug

Came downstairs expecting Bob to be gone as he said he had a 7:30 estimate today, when to my surprise, he came up from the basement bathroom. He had forgotten all about the estimate, but in calling the woman, was still able to rush out. Glad I remembered for him. Food: 7:50 am Pig's ear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 14 Aug

Today is again supposed to be hot, but tomorrow may go down a little, possibly with rain. Hiking is iffy this week, depending on temps being tolerable. We shall see. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate pecan pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:00 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 2 string cheese 5:50 pm Aldi Shrimp Scampi Exercise: 9:15-10:05 am Pilates mat 10:20-10:40 am Madison St loop

Mon 13 Aug

Had a very nice weekend with the bike ride on Saturday and the wine pick-up party/Costco run and Fr. Lynch's celebration on Sunday. A very full weekend of activity. Now a pretty normal week to come to concentrate on preparing for vacation. I think I'll try to make a packing list and maybe even start putting a few of the packing cubes together. Maybe I'll also write up the itinerary so I can think through the process clearly. Food: 7:45 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 4 oz kombucha 12:15 pm 2 hardboiled eggs, 10 black grapes, English muffin w/butter Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 12 Aug

Not too much residual soreness yet from the bike ride, and an unexpected benefit - my back soreness has all but resolved. Who would think that a 15-mile bike ride would make your back get better? I was pretty thoroughly exhausted from the ride toward the end, but a stop for ice cream at King Kone helped restore my flagging energy, followed by a beer at Central Waters. Nice way to spend a sunny Saturday. Today Fr. Dennis celebrates his golden jubilee as a priest. Just figured out that he must not have been ordained much more than 2-3 years when he was my sophomore religion teacher at Pacelli. After the Mass, we are going to Green Bay for a wine pickup party at Captain's Walk, with stops at Costco and Penzeys en route. Food: 7:50 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 11 Aug

Enjoying a "sublime" maple danish from David this morning. Planning on taking the bikes on the rack to Amherst and biking toward Scandinavia today. Kathy says it's a very nice trail and not too far to drive. Sore butt tomorrow! Food: 8:55 am Maple danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:00-8:45 am Walk to Farmer's Market 1:30-3;#0 pm Bike on Tomorrow River Trail

Fri 10 Aug

Temperatures have been not too elevated, but the humidity has been quite uncomfortable in the last couple of days. Yesterday I was so warm while reading in my chair in the living room that I felt like I had a fever. It is nice when there's a breeze to cool you. Won't be long now and we'll be so cold we'll not be able to remember what it felt like to be too warm. But first we should have the glorious fall when the in-between temperatures and sunshine are delightful. I believe we have all of our vacation lodging settled now. We are going to rent a little apartment in Val/Kate's new retirement complex while in Portland. Dan/Kris are joining us at the coast but will take a hotel room since they approached us after we had secured the rental and there isn't really enough room for two more. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:15 pm Spinach wrap, 1/2 c shredded chicken, sm tomato, 1/4 c arugula, 2 tbl shredded mozzarella/provolone, 6 oz blueberry lavender almond beverage Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 9 Aug

Got rid of the blonde for awhile yesterday so I feel a bit more like myself again. It was a full day with gym in the morning, Bootstrap in the afternoon, and a hair appointment immediately after. Bootstrap was quite light and there were a lot of folks there to work so I left at 3:30 and brought the car home so I could walk to Sue's. Today I walk with Kathy, then have a Walk for Hope meeting at 11. Wow! Sweaty walk w/Kathy. Temps are nice but HIGH humidity! Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Aldi English muffin, 2 tbl Jif, med banana Exercise: 8:00-9:35 am Walk w/Kathy (Zinda loop) 10:45-11:00 am Walk to St Mike's mtg 11:50-12:05 pm Walk home

Wed 8 Aug

Had an aborted half hour hike of Rib last night when rain came suddenly as we started the top portion of the trail. The trees were thick enough so we didn't really get wet, and the cloudburst ended by the time we got to the hill down, but there was thunder rumbling so we just continued back to base. Shopped at Aldi and came home and made dinner instead. I was tired so my muscles didn't really regret missing the rest of the hike as much as I should have. Food: 7:50 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 81 g raspberries Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 7 Aug

Should be able to pick up my library book on hold today and maybe vote absentee for the primary. Hope to stop in at the probate office and see what I can do to move toward completion on the estate. May consider going to the bank and changing that checking account of Mom's so I can access the money without fees. Bob is talking about hiking this evening; let's see if he can make his schedule work this time. Food: 7:45 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 6 Aug

Little reprieve on the forecast for heat and rain today, so we may try to hike this evening. Still feels like a bit of humidity this morning. Got ice cream yesterday and made tacos out of the pork roast in the crock pot. Food: 7:50 am Apricot danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee 1:10 pm 41 g Swiss cheese, 97 g raspberries, 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 5 Aug

The time is in that "flying by" mode again. It is not only already August, but 5 days are already ticking off. The trip out west approaches very quickly. At least I now have Val/Kate and Leigha on board to plan the beach house and Bob has asked Kitty if we may stay there while in Portland. If not, we can rent a room at Val/Kate's new community for a reasonable price. We should be getting most of the loose ends tied up. Food: 8:05 am Apricot cheese danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am Aldi English muffin, 2 tbl Jif, 85 g raspberries Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:15-11:35 am Walk home

Sat 4 Aug

Today is predicted to be very hot and humid. Oy! Here we go! It was pleasant enough to walk to the Farmer's Market while it's still relatively cool, but the humidity is already noticeable, especially on the return trip. Talked to Rick and Rosan Zahn who told us about the Mile of Music festival in Appleton this weekend. Saw Jane Kellerman who has dropped quite a bit of weight and looks great. Food: 9:10 am Raspberry danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 3 Aug

Was quite disappointed yesterday that Bob didn't come home in time to hike in the beautiful cool, sunny evening. I had quite been looking forward to it all day. Maybe it will still be tolerable this evening. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 30 g white cheddar Sun Chips 12:10 pm Slice Italian bread w/butter, 67 g cheddar cheese, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 20 red grapes Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 2 Aug

Cooler and cloudier today, for at least a day. High is only predicted to reach 71 so we plan to hike this evening when it will be nice and cool. The first part of the week was in the lower 80s, but by late afternoon the sun had made things quite warm, so a cooler hike will be appreciated. It may be under 60 for my walk with Kathy; I may even need a jacket! Food: 7:15 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 2 scrambled eggs, English muffin w/butter Exercise: 8:00-9:50 am Walk w/Kathy (Bukolt/cemetary loop +) 3:10-4:00 pm Pilates mat

Wed 1 Aug

Thanks to Advil Cold & Sinus, I could breathe all last night but I still slept somewhat restlessly. I'm due for a good night's sleep soon to get back on track. Michael came over to pick up some allergy pills yesterday evening as his symptoms have been intolerable. Food: 7:45 am Almond bear claw, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm Friendy Farms Greek pineapple nonfat yogurt, 28 g corn chips, 8 oz blueberry lavender almond beverage Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 31 Jul

Looks to be a lovely day today. Hopefully the sinus pain that disturbed my sleep last night will be gone. I assume it is pollen and not a cold as it isn't seeming to be too difficult during the day. I had to prop my pillows against the headboard and sleep "Dutch style" for over an hour. I wondered if they didn't develop that convention because someone influential had bad sinuses and felt pain when they lay flat which they interpreted as the devil coming in. I know it hurt like the devil when the sinus pressure built up from lying flat! Decided I need to do more than just casual walks on my non-gym days, so did an Erin O'Brien Strong Bodies workout early before it gets too warm. She really knows how to work out the body thoroughly. Whew! Food: 8:10 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:40-10:20 am Erin O'Brien workout DVD

Mon 30 Jul

Happy 100th birthday, Mom! Much has changed in the world since you were born, and you saw a lot of it. You were blessed with loving family, enough food and shelter throughout your life, wonderful travel, comfort and safety. I am very glad. We miss you. Food: 7:50 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 29 Jul

Were able to pick Laura up after her arms day at the gym and have one last lunch with her in Madison, a little more time together that I craved. She looks good, fresh pink in her hair, and ready to go. She has been able to meet with many groups of Madison friends for goodbyes, and has more scheduled in the next couple of days before flying to CO on Tuesday evening. She will have to pay tuition next semester to finish the final edits of her dissertation and return to defend it, but she looks more relaxed. Her packed pod is already en route and she is sleeping in the small twin with the cheap mattress that she plans to leave behind. She is eating leftovers, protein bars, and various get-togethers with friends at restaurants. She has a wedding to attend with friends tonight, and Carrie is staying at her apartment. She will be fine. Food: 8:00 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm 2.5 oz cheddar, slice Omega 3 bread, 8 oz TJ's blueberry lavender almond Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home

Sat 28 Jul

July is almost kaput, but we've been having a good summer with real summer weather and plenty of good things to do. Can't complain.

Fri 27 Jul

Physical went well yesterday except for high cholesterol (again). Sigh. Really need to schedule that test in Waupaca for Bob and me to determine that things are okay. And losing that extra 20 pounds sure couldn't hurt either. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 103 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm 2 scrambled eggs, Aldi English muffin w/butter, 108 g strawberries Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 26 Jul

Labs were extremely quick this morning, called right away and just one tube of blood. An old college professor, Hamid Hekmat, was also in the waiting room. He looked old. Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Leftover potato leek soup, scone, 150 g strawberries Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Schmeeckle walk w/Kathy

Wed 25 Jul

Rest of this week purports to be quite busy. Today is a typical Wednesday with gym and Bootstrap, Thurs I have labs, physical, and a Walk for Hope mtg in addition to walking with Kathy, and Fri afternoon I have an extra Bootstrap 3rd desk shift in the afternoon. I'm already looking forward to Saturday. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm Hard-boiled egg, scone, large peach Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 24 Jul

Feeling a little sad that this is Laura's last week in Wisconsin and she is busy this weekend so we can't go see her off. It will be a little bit harder having her so far away. Bet she won't miss this humidity, though! Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 23 Jul

Very nice visit with Bill and Paddy yesterday, but they stayed around 5 hours and I was exhausted when they left. Got some good tips for finishing the planning of our West vacation. Had to take a pass on the church picnic as we still had all the food prep and cleaning to do before they arrived at 2. Did not really mind that it was closer to 2:30 before they got here. Food: 8:00 am Cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 22 Jul

Lovely trip to Door County. I would stay at the RunAway Lodge@Valmy again. It was a perfectly nice room, two beds, lots of space, clean. No breakfast included, but then we were only a few miles from the White Gull Inn so who cares? We had dinner at Mr G's in Jacksonport, a seafood platter of fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried perch and fried cod, but it was well-prepared and not at all greasy. Breakfast at the White Gull where I had a half order of cherry-stuffed French toast that I haven't eaten for years. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Because we didn't get to the Inn until about 9:20, we had to wait over half an hour and breakfasted quite late so I was able to finish half a piece of cherry coffee cake and my entire order of French toast without difficulty. We decided to pass on lunch, having only a mid-afternoon gelato and a sharing a flight of cider to tide us over to 5:00 dinner at CHOP. We each had the pork chop which was huge and delicious. Cherries were at peak ripeness, sweet and delicious. A good day overall. Food: 8:20 am Cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 20 Jul

Inevitably, Bill asked to change the day of our get-together to Sunday (which I prefer). Bob and I had talked about going to Door Co to pick cherries, so we are staying tonight in the Runaway Lodge@Valmy then spending tomorrow in Door Co with dinner at CHOP. We'll be home Sunday for church and to prepare for Bill and Paddy at 2 pm. Food: 7:15 am Cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 19 Jul

Temperatures have moderated to a very pleasant level, though there is still a bit of elevated humidity. Feeling a bit of crunch now to get the house ready to entertain Bill, but I guess it will be what it will be. He will likely tell everyone what an awful housekeeper I am, but do I really care? I have an unexpected shift at Bootstrap 3rd desk this afternoon, taking a bit of my prep time, and I'm meeting with Heather after the Suicide Prevention meeting to give her ideas about traveling to Virginia tomorrow, taking a bit more. Oh, well. Food: 7:20 am Costco cherry almond coffee cake, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 18 Jul

Dentist appointment this morning means no gym for today. Gonna have to squeeze in some strength training this week because Friday is the Suicide Prevention meeting and no gym again. Don't really want to go the evening Body Pump special on Thursday, though I suppose I could consider it. Food: 7:45 am Pecan pinwheel pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Toasted Aldi English muffin, 2 tbl Jif, extra large peach 7:05 pm 2 steak quesadillas, corn Exercise: 8:45-8:55 am Walk to dentist office 9:45-11:00 am Walk to Bukolt loop and home

Tues 17 Jul

Had a lovely day for a Rib hike yesterday which I thoroughly enjoyed. Weather looks great going forward. Bill called yesterday and put in a request for the chicken kebabs that I made for Laura's graduation to be served to him and Paddy when they come on Friday. I can't reproduce the steak kebabs as they were seasoned with a packaged marinade that is no longer available, but one kind of kebab should be sufficient. I think I'll make Indonesian yellow rice, grilled pineapple, and some type of veggie (hopefully fresh sweet corn) to accompany and finish with peach crisp. Got some serious housecleaning and decluttering to do before Friday, but they'll probably have to deal with a house much less pristine than they're used to. Too bad. Food: 8:05 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise 9:30-11:20 am Schmeeckle walk

Mon 16 Jul

Had a very nice day with Laura in Madison yesterday. Lunch at Weary Traveler, dinner at Sardine, errands run. Brought her good twin mattress home to live on the bed in Michael's room. She is feeling a little ragged getting everything together. Told her she can call on us for help if/when needed. Got to meet Ellen and her adorable baby Riley who is already 8 months old, as well as Ellen's mom. Ellen is moving out to Oregon shortly after Laura moves to Colorado. We got to see generic website photos of her new apartment in Wheat Ridge, about halfway between Golden and Denver. She is happy with the location as she is walking distance from her friends (and their dogs that Laura loves), close to a lifting gym, right on a bike trail she can take to work. She can postpone getting a car since she can take the bike trail all the way to school for awhile, so we took her to REI to buy a bike rack (which Bob helped her install) and panniers. Food: 7:35 am Nutella filled pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 15 Jul

Going down to see Laura in Madison for the last time in her condo, sigh. We have to take the van down as we are bringing her good twin mattress back here. We will exchange it for the cheap mattress on the bed in Michael's room, as her mattress is very high quality and comfortable. I will ask about bringing home the quilt that Jane made for her since she will no longer have a twin bed to put it on. Bob and I will likely continue monthly trips to Madison for our Costco/Woodman's/Trader Joe's errands and the excellent food scene. Food: 8:25 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 14 Jul

Flag Day. Bob decided we should fly the flag and "take it back from being usurped by the conservatives". Not so sure I feel that idea, but I won't argue. Looking forward to walking down to the Farmer's Market for pastries and veggies. Bob reports that the flag bracket is missing from the house so it's a moot point. Food: 9:00 am Cherry danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Chicken drumstick, 10 slices cucumber with peel, 1/2 bottle kombucha Exercise: 7:55-8:40 pm Walk to Farmer's Market and back 11:20-12:00 pm Ellis St loop

Fri 13 Jul

Haven't had a Friday the 13th for a while in my recollection, but here we are. Enjoyed Michael's band last night at the Bandshell, but the "headliner" band kind of gave me a headache after a few sounds that all sounded alike. I wish they had also been reggae. Made cucumber/onion salad and potato leek soup for supper tonight before the heat/humidity saps my energy, though keeping the A/C on does mostly keep the humidity out. The temperatures are not at all bad today, but the humidity was at 95% when I checked Underground this morning. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 12 Jul

Looking at some rain today, hopefully not while Michael's band is playing at the bandshell from 6-6:30 or during my walk with Kathy. Otherwise I can't think of any reason I have to be outside. It would be good if I could motivate to do some housecleaning as Bill and Paddy come next Friday and Bill cleans compulsively before he has company so he will notice if I don't. Not to mention that a good housecleaning would not go amiss here. Food: 7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 11 Jul

Getting back into post-vacation(s) routine. No trips on the agenda at this point til MN State Fair/Seattle, though I expect to throw in a weekend here or there before summer slips by. We are driving down to Madison to visit Laura this Sunday, the last time we will see her before she heads to Colorado. After that, we will have to grab some time when she comes home for friend's weddings, arguing her thesis, and graduation. She is currently working so hard to finish her thesis that she is exhausted, so I don't know how much energy she will have on Sunday. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 43 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 10 Jul

Relieved that the scale came back down 3 pounds of yesterday's shocker weight. The burger I ate at Great Dane was quite salty on Sun evening, and the humidity contributes to water retention. I felt like I peed gallons in the night and I also had a copious poop in the morning yesterday, so some of the huge gain was caused by water, but I still need to get back on track so it was a good wakeup call. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 9 Jul

Very nice vacation at the North Shore/Bayfield. We had a couple of excellent hiking days near Grand Marais, including a trail new to us at Kadunce River. We actually did it twice as it was well-situated for the time we had available both days. Mon afternoon we hiked at Lookout Mountain in the afternoon and Thursday afternoon we hiked up to Moose Mountain. Tuesdays attempts at hiking were aborted by rain and wet conditions and Wednesday wasn't great hiking weather either. We tried driving down to Split Rock park to hike Wednesday and got ready to go just as a huge storm system came in so we high-tailed it back to the car and drove back to Grand Marais. Tuesday we drove out on the Gunflint Trail, so we lunched at the Lodge and went out to Chik-Wauk. In Bayfield, we took a 3.25 hr Apostle Island Grand Tour in the most beautiful weather imaginable. Enjoyed staying with Tom and Karleen again, and they have decided not to sell their B&B after all. They like what they do and will just keep going. I was appalled by my scale this morning. Time to really buckle down and watch my diet/exercise regimen again. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 1 Jul

Already the start of another vacation! Heading up to the North Shore for Fourth of July week, where the temperatures promise to remain in the 60s for highs. A welcome relief from the last few days of extreme heat/humidity that expects to continue throughout the week here, albeit slightly tempered. Hoping to get in quite a bit of nice hiking and enjoyment of the North Shore trails. God has answered my prayers to relieve the discomfort I have experienced in lifting my leg or bending, and I hope that I continue and am able to move more normally again. Food: 7:00 am Cheese danish, 104 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 30 Jun

Bob is still working over at Michael's to install the new shower, so I walked by myself to the Farmer's Market for pastries just for today and tomorrow. Amazing that even dressed in my coolest beach dress and seeking whatever shade I could find, I still am all sweaty at 8:30 in the morning. Gave in and turned on the air around noon yesterday and it's not going off today. Don't expect to get in a lot of walking either. Steps will likely be from lapping the living room in the A/C. Sad. Fr. Tom's last Masses this weekend at Newman. Nice reception after Mass. Food: 8:50 am Danish w/almond paste and raspberry puree, 110 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk 1:15 pm 2 grilled chicken drumsticks w/BBQ sauce 6:15 pm Cheese/crackers, fruit salad, cookie, bar, lemonade punch Exercise: 7:55-8:40 am Walk to Farmer's Market and back 4:30-4:55 pm Walk to Church 6:35-6:55 pm Walk home

Fri 29 Jun

The hot is here! Hanging my sheets out first thing this morning since a 10 am Walk for Hope meeting precludes going to the gym, at least for Body Pump. I will figure out something else for exercise today and get my laundry done as much as possible before it gets too hot. May have to break down and turn on the air at some point if the house heats up too much. Learned yesterday that Michael co-owns a house in Ironwood, MI with Jeremy and is applying for residency there so he can start a legal medical marijuana business. He has grand plans that he will earn mega-bucks doing what he likes best, and doing it legally this time. He will live there and Taylor will stay in the house here with Aaron; they will travel back and forth on weekends. He expects to keep that up for five years, then they will get married and she will come to live with him in the UP and take care of a large garden. Wonder how long he will be able to maintain. HOT!!! Walked to meeting at hospital and back and hung out clothes and am dripping. Michael and Bob offered to bring me a sandwich from Cousins when they picked up lunch - nice surprise! Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:30 pm Cousins turkey 6" on parmesan bread Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to St Mike's 11:20-11:40 am Walk home

Thurs 28 Jun

No walk with Kathy today as her mom is actively dying. She has been ready for a very long time, so it is a blessing that she is finally making the journey. Kathy was planning to go back to the home this morning to spend some final time with her. We were able to have a long conversation on the phone last night, so I could explain that if she does pass soon, we will likely be at the North Shore when the funeral is held. Kathy was very understanding. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am 2 oatmeal craisin cookies Exercise: 9:35-11:00 am Schmeeckle loop

Wed 27 Jun

Yesterday was a nice relaxing day with only a hair appointment to keep. Picked up more books at the library and finished one on the Kindle. Need to think about packing for the North Shore soon. Food: 7:50 am Prune chocolate pastry, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm Friendly Farms peach Greek yogurt, 100 g blueberries Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 26 Jun

Rain possible in the forecast today, and the skies are somewhat more overcast. I felt like a little lie-in this morning so I didn't get up til about 7:15. Nothing on the agenda til my hair appointment at 1:30, so no reason not to indulge myself a little. It's a rare occasion that I do so. Food: 8:05 am Cheese danish, 102 g blackberries, coffee 1:05 pm Friendly Farms Greek black cherry yogurt, 28 g corn tortilla chips Exercise: Multiple Jessica Smith YouTubes 1:15-1:30 pm Walk to haircut 3:15-4:00 pm Walk on to library and home