Wed 31 Jan

Didn't sleep very well last night, seemed to be slightly chilly even with all the covers on. Actually turned the electric mattress pad back on for a little bit. And this given a not-very-cold night outdoors. Weird. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Angelic sprouted bread, 67 g rotisserie chicken breast 5:45 pm Macaroni & cheese, salad Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body pump class

Tues 30 Jan

Appears to be some sunshine today, though still cold. I think we may get some snow tonight and warmer tomorrow, but then back to the winter cold for awhile. Food: 8:00 am Honey bear pastry, 102 g blackberries, coffee 1:05 pm 2 fried eggs, 2 slices Angelic sprouted toast w/butter & cider jelly 5:55 pm Mac n' cheese, 3/4 c beets Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:45-11:55 am Walk home

Mon 29 Jan

Grey and colder this morning, but this month is nearly over. No activities of significance outside the normal schedule this week, so shouldn't need to spend any extra money. I don't think we've been quite as austere this month as the previous, but we have been trying. Food: 7:55 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 28 Jan

I am anxious for the month to end so I get my next pension installment. It's not pleasant to have only $30 in your checking account, but I don't want to transfer any more from savings if I don't have to. I have a $100+ bill to pay on life insurance to the KC's and I know that $150 bill for the dermatologist will probably come soon. I owe Bob $322 for the VISA bill. Yikes! Food: 7:55 am Chocolate raspberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:30 pm 1 bag white cheddar pop corners 5:10 pm 4 oz broiled salmon, 1/2 baked sweet potato w/butter, 3/4 c sautéed zucchini Exercise: 8:55-9:05 am Walk to Michael and Taylor's 9:10-9:30 am Walk to church 11:15-11:35 am Walk home

Sat 27 Jan

Looks like a decent day today, some sunshine, temps in the mid-30s. Looking forward to actually trying the German restaurant/brauhaus tonight. Food: 9:20 am Cherry cheese danish, 98 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 10:40-12:30 pm Walk around Schmeeckle w/Bob

Fri 26 Jan

Supposed to get warmer temps today (only) so hopefully we'll enjoy it. Tomorrow should be not quite as warm but still better than usual. For some reason, I'm really sleepy today. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Sqares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 1:05 pm 2 scrambled eggs w/lion's mane mushroom, 1/2 grapefruit, slice 3 Kings bread 4:15 pm 3 pfeffernusse 5:50 pm 1/2 veggie thin crust small pizza, 8 ox hard cider Exercise: 8:55-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 25 Jan

January ticks by, slowly but surely. Kathy is back from New Orleans so we will get a walk today. Planning to go to Appleton Saturday to use the beer tasting voucher and try the German restaurant. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 m Multigrain flax wrap w/Michael's sweet potato black bean burrito mix Exercise: 8:00-9:40 am Walk w/Kathy Zinda Dr loop

Wed 24 Jan

Might go to Appleton on Saturday to use our beer voucher, but I need to confirm that they'll be open this time. No more "closed for remodeling" adventures. This morning at gym they had a roving trainer who stopped by to give me advice on the treadmill to walk at a more normal (slower) pace but to increase the incline as much as I can to burn more calories, engage the glutes. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm Mushroom wild rice soup, brownie 5:30 pm Beef stew, brownie Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 23 Jan

We got a couple of inches of snow from yesterday's "winter storm" to freshen the whiteness. Enough for me. January marches on, though it does seem to have slowed some. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate pecan pinwheel pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:10 pm Wild rice and mushroom soup, slice 3 Kings bread 3:30 pm Wine gums 6:15 pm Noodles w/turkey meatballs & cheese, salad Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:45-11:55 am Walk home 2:10-2:55 pm Walk to library and back

Mon 22 Jan

Raining this morning, with precipitation predicted all day, possibly wintry mix. No school today anyway due to semester break, so they were spared deciding whether to cancel based on the forecast. Temps are near freezing, so I don't know what the roads are like yet. Wow, what a grey day! Food: 7:55 am Apricot cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm 2 fried eggs, 1/2 grapefruit, small brownie 3:00 pm Wine gums 6:25 pm Wild rice and mushroom soup Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 21 Jan

Yesterday was a good day; managed to stay a pretty solid 7 all day. We hiked Rib in the afternoon and were able to be on the trails as there was snow that was packed and not too deep. We came home after grocery shopping and had leftover beef stew and I gave in and baked a pan of brownies. We spend the evening playing dominoes together and drinking red wine and eating popcorn. All in all, a nice day. Food: 6:30 am Raspberry chocolate danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Mixed bean soup, small brownie 5:15 pm Salmon filet, 1 c baby brussels sprouts, 1/2 baked sweet potato w/butter Exercise: 7:10-7:30 am Walk to church 9:10-9:30 am Walk home

Sat 20 Jan

Sunny and relatively warm for the time of year. We may go walk on the path up Rib today. Food: 9:20 am Gibassier, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:55 pm Slice 12 grain bread, 1 tbl PB, 1/2 grapefruit 5:30 pm 1/8 c mixed nuts 5:45 pm Beef stew, 5 oz cabernet sauvignon 7:00 pm Small brownie, popcorn, 5 oz wine Exercise: 2:05-4:04 pm Hiking Rib

Fri 19 Jan

Suicide prevention meeting this morning at PCCHSD. Decided I will go to the gym afterwards even if there's only time for Body Pump. It's good to get the third strength training session in even without the cardio. Food: 7:20 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 2:00 pm 1/2 grapefruit, 45 g manchego 6:15 pm Orecchiette pasta w/cheese Exercise: 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 18 Jan

Guess I still haven't completely shaken the funk, though it's more like a 6.5 now than a low 6. No walk with Kathy today as they are heading down to New Orleans with the Hansels for a week. I know at least three different parties going to New Orleans soon, including Sue Walczak and now Kathy Ladd. I feel like I must have missed a really good sale or something. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:45 pm 2 fried eggs, marzipan stollen 6:25 pm Beef stew Exercise: 2:30-3:45 pm Walk to courthouse/library/Ellis St loop

Wed 17 Jan

Really didn't want to get out of bed this morning, an unusual occurrence since I get plenty of sleep these days. Hope I have adequate energy at the gym. Did manage to finally shave my legs this morning, badly needed. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Risotto w/bay scallops and sautéed shiitake mushrooms 5:30 pm 10 turkey meatballs, tomato basil sauce, grated parmesan, green salad, 6 oz zinfandel Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 16 Jan

I learned from Roseanne DeBot that the reason kids didn't get a school holiday for MLK is because it came too early this year to coincide with the end of the first semester, the true reason for the day off. They will get next Monday, 22 Jan, off instead. Food: 8:00 am Honey bear pastry, 102 g blackberries, coffee 1:50 pm 1 slice L'Oven Fresh 12 grain bread, butter, 31 g cheddar, 2 mandarins 6:45 pm Risotto w/bay scallops and sautéed shiitake mushrooms, green salad Exercise: 8:45-9:00 am Walk to dentist 10:00-10:15 am Walk home 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:45-11:55 am Walk home

Mon 15 Jan

There were kids standing out for the bus this morning in spite of MLK day, so I guess they don't get a school holiday any more. I thought our kids did get off for MLK weekend back in the day. Six weeks til Ixtapa! Food: 7:50 am Chocolate croissant, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 1/2 grapefruit, bean soup 6:15 pm Tuscan chicken and beans, 1/2 c spaghetti noodles Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 14 Jan

Pleasant to think of lolling in the Ixtapa sun in six weeks when it's -10° outside today. Dug out some silver chains that I believe I bought on a beach in Mexico many years ago. Very chilly walking to church, even with proper clothing. Food: 8:45 am Apricot cheese danish, 100 g blackberries, coffee 2:45 pm 4 European cookies 6:40 pm Tuscan chicken and beans, 3/4 c brown rice Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:30 am Walk home 5:15-6:05 pm Pilates mat

Sat 13 Jan

My cold was coming on something fierce yesterday afternoon/evening. I took Advil cold medicine and only needed one dose at bedtime, feeling somewhat better this morning. I also pumped Cold-Eze pretty consistently yesterday. David's wife, Sue was selling the pastries this morning so we had a chance to visit briefly. Food: 10:00 am Cherry danish w/chocolate drizzle, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:30 pm Pfeffernusse 6:15 pm Broiled salmon, garden salad w/o dressing, 1/2 baked sweet potato w/butter, 6 oz sauvignon blanc Exercise: 12:10-12:30 pm Partial Jessica Smith Cardio Ball Blast 3:30-4:00 pm Jessica Smith Cardio Core Workout 4:35-5:05 pm Jessica Smith Low-Impact HIIT Workout

Fri 12 Jan

Back to the cold weather again, but this time, knowing that we go to Mexico in about 6 weeks, it is easier to accept. Joan and Deb and their party are heading down to Ixtapa today for their week. I was successful in getting a sub for reading on the first try, as a matter of fact, I had two positive responses and had to graciously refuse one. I will be ready to go. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 2:15 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 1/2 grapefruit, marzipan stollen Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 11 Jan

Looks like Kathy's game for at least a short walk before rain is more likely. I'll be glad of that. To me, it's more pleasurable to walk in 40° rain than in the below zero windy conditions we've had the last two weeks. Home show party at Mary Gaedtke's tonight. We did get some light rain, so Kathy wussed out after about half an hour. I crossed back over Division, then continued on to California Ave, over to McCulloch for a bit, back to Center, then over to Dixon until Wyatt. Got the step count over 10,000 and enjoyed temperatures a full 45° higher than last Thursday. Had to be cautious of occasional ice among the puddles. We talked it over and decided that if we remain as frugal for the next weeks as we have been since December, we might afford to sign up for the week in Ixtapa that I have been checking out for the last week or more. I made the reservations this afternoon, and we are scheduled to go Feb 26-Mar 5. We enjoyed looking at YouTube clips of Ixtapa and the hotel this evening. Food: 7:25 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 103 g blackberries, coffee 2:30 pm 1 slice Omega 3 toast, 1 tbl PB, 3 oz ham, slice 3 Kings bread, 2 lebkuchen 5:15 pm Leek & potato soup 6:30 pm Wine gums Exercise: 8:00-9:25 am Walk w/Kathy and beyond alone

Wed 10 Jan

Bob graciously offered to pay for my haircut appointment yesterday which was quite a relief to my budget. Now I am nearly positive there is enough in the account at this point to cover life and health insurance premiums when they come due. Need to write the check from the house account for taxes and take the checks to the courthouse, probably tomorrow. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 6 pc each salmon roll, tuna roll, unagi roll 2:30 pm Coated pretzel, 1/4 winter spiced nuts Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 9 Jan

I did a Pilates mat yesterday and my lower back stiffness is completely gone. I swear Patrick has probably never experienced a sore lower back in his life since he does the mat work almost daily. It is so hard to convince myself to do it when I'm stiff, and yet it so immediately remedies the situation that I always beat myself up for waiting. Food: 7:55 am Cranberry orange bisconie, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 scrambled eggs, slice 3 Kings bread Exercise: 10:30-10:40 am Walk to Jefferson 11:50-12:00 pm Walk home

Mon 8 Jan

Done with holiday weeks and back to the 5-day-workweek grind. Can't say I'm particularly sorry about that this year. Several days of milder weather here to ease into it as well. A little easier to sleep without the heat kicking on several times in the night. Food: 8:00 am Cranberry orange bisconie, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, 1/2 grapefruit, slice 3 Kings bread Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Sun 7 Jan

Very nice afternoon/evening in Appleton yesterday. Managed to keep my promise to stay at a 7 all day. Got the necessary items from Costco. Got large jars of rosemary and thyme and a small jar of lemon pepper, all for only $2 thanks to a promotion to give a free half cup jar each to you and a friend if you brought someone into the store. As far as I know, I should be well stocked on the basic spices now. The brew haus was closed for remodeling so we couldn't use our tasting voucher and try their German food, but we had dinner at Carmella's which is never a disappointment. I had my favorite lamb bucatini and we each had an amazing dessert of a vanilla creme brûlée with a brûlée banana and a small portion of bread pudding on the side with an excellent caramel sauce, garnished by two ample pieces of pecan brittle. Not exactly in my diet, but well enjoyed. Talked briefly with Joan and Jack and Paul's son, John after church today. Jeanette continues to decline and Joan doesn't think she has much time left. Food: 8:35 am Costco cranberry orange bisconie, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:00 pm 2 pc string cheese, 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk 5:00 pm Molasses cookies 5:45 pm Beef bourguignon, 1 c mushroom tagliatelle, 3/4 c corn Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:15-11:35 am Walk home

Sat 6 Jan

Hot oatmeal was in order when the thermometer read -10° this morning. We are, however, promised a warmer break from Sunday through Wednesday, so everyone is eagerly awaiting warmer temps. I am determined to keep reasonably cheerful today as we go this afternoon to Appleton to do a Costco run, Penzeys run, and use our Living Social voucher for beer tasting at Old Bavarian brewery followed by a German dinner to get us back to thinking about our cruise in June. Food: 9:10 am Steel cut oats w/1/2 scoop Elevation Vanilla protein powder and 1/2 c blueberries, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:40 pm Bean soup Exercise: 10:10-10:50 am Jessica Smith Stride N Strength

Fri 5 Jan

Guess the tears haven't had their final hurrah yet. Hoping it will pass soon. Food: 8:00 am Panera pecan roll, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 2:30 pm 2 pc string cheese, 2 chocolate covered lebkuchen 4:30 pm 1 molasses cookie 6:40 pm Tilapia filet, 1/2 baked sweet potato w/butter, 1 c sliced beets Exercise: 9:00-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Thurs 4 Jan

Cold again and frosty. Will try the new cold-weather pants from China as they arrived yesterday (in an XL that just fits!) Had a nice evening having sloppy joes with Michael and Taylor so Bob and Michael could bring Taylor's elliptical from the friend she bought it from. Food: 7:25 am Panera pecan roll, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 12:10 pm 2 scrambled eggs, slice stollen, 2 lychees 5:55 pm Fusia vegetable fried rice (1 cup), 4 oz chicken andouille sausage Exercise: 8:00-9:30 am Chilly walk w/Kathy, Mead route

Wed 3 Jan

Noticeable that the temperature was above zero outside this morning, all of 5 above. Amazing that you would notice it inside a heated house, but you can. We might see temperatures in the 20s on Sunday, but that will be a brief fluke. The temperatures aren't supposed to rise out of single digits for awhile otherwise. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 72 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Bean soup Exercise: 9:05-9:25 am Treadmill 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 2 Jan

Good to have the house back to normal when I came downstairs. Thinking about going to Appleton on Saturday to do the beer tasting that we already have a voucher for. We can stop at Costco so I can replenish my cereal. Probably need to go to Aldi tonight for berries and possibly meat; stop at Copps for soy milk. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 99 g blackberries 1:45 pm 2 scrambled eggs, marzipan stollen, 37 g molasses cookies 5:55 pm 2 slices Omega 3 bread, butter, 60 g ham, 1.5 oz cheddar cheese, 1.25 c red pepper tomato soup Exercise: 9:20-10:00 am Part of Jessica Smith Interval Walk 10:25-10:35 am Walk to Jefferson 11:50-12:00 pm Walk home 2:50-3:40 pm Leslie Sansone 4 Fast Miles

Mon 1 Jan 2018

Probably the least noted new year I can remember. We went to eat at the new Mexican restaurant at 10/51 only because the best I could offer after cantoring at 5 pm was leftovers. Otherwise it was an evening like any other, reading and bed at about 9:15. Nothing on the agenda today except the gym is closed to distinguish it from any other Monday, other than the need to change out calendars. Managed to get the tree down and the creche packed away. Christmas brought me no joy this year. The sooner all reminders of it are gone, the better. Food: 8:10 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm Vanilla soy shake, 2 mandarins 3:00 pm 1 hollow milk chocolate ornament 6:30 pm Bean soup Exercise: 9:30-10:15 am Victoria Johnson Power DVD 11:40-12:20 pm Jessica Smith Indoor Jogging