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