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