Sat 29 Feb

Leap day, an every-four-year occurrence. Got through the night without ibuprofen last night. Knee is a little sore this morning, though interestingly it wasn't right away when I got up but developed during my morning ablutions. I put some of the essential oil salve on it and put the brace on right away and it is feeling better now.

Fri 28 Feb

Fridays seem to roll around so quickly now that I'm not working. Only one more full week til Mexico. Sunshine outside today, always welcome. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Maple Crunch cereal, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:25 pm Hot cross bun, 2 scrambled eggs 6:45 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk Exercise: 9:00-9:55 am Yoga class 10:30-12:40 pm Workout w/Patrick

Thurs 27 Feb

Knee feels better so far today; I'll likely agree to walk with Kathy this morning and just take it gently. Hope it doesn't feel too cold outside Food: 7:45 am 1 c Maple Crunch cereal, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 scrambled eggs, hot cross bun Exercise: 8:30-10:00 am Walk w/Kathy Mead loop

Wed 26 Feb

Ash Wednesday. Knee is somewhat sorer/weaker today, but that could easily be the after-effects of having completed Hard Core Strength on Monday. Best not to push too hard today. Planning on Body Pump, but may yet change my mind. Was just a little weird waking up to the bedroom minus all the piles of clothes on top of the dresser and the shoe rack. Hope I can remember where I put the things I use. Opted not to go to the gym because the knee is screaming for rest today. Did some series of squat/arms with weights and some leg lifts front and side on the floor and will try to do some more work later, but not too much strain on the knee. Didn't think the treadmill was calling my name today either. Food: 7:45 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am 2 scrambled eggs, hot cross bun, med banana, 1/4 c soy milk 5:35 pm Tilapia filet, 1/2 c steamed broccoli, 3/4 c brown rice w/diced tomatoes Exercise: 8:40-9:05 am Repeat series of legs/arms and lying legs

Tues 25 Feb

Bye-bye, sunshine for today at least, unless it comes out later. No tutoring today as there's something special going on in the classroom today, so a free day on my calendar. Might go try Joints in Motion or Yoga Flow at the gym. Want to try to get clothes together for Mexico today and maybe declutter my nightstand area. Opted out of the gym but got some major decluttering done in the bedroom. Food: 8:00 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm Hot cross bun, 100 g blueberries, Oikos Triple Zero coffee

Mon 24 Feb

Looks like at least some sunshine again today, and I believe we are supposed to have some mild temps, though not as warm as the weekend. Probably good not to melt the big snow piles too fast. Only two more weeks til Mexico, and the weeks are flying by. Need to start getting my vacation wardrobe organized. Pleased that I completed both the Hard Core Strength and the Pilates classes without feeling further injury. Even managed to walk out to the car without the knee brace without discomfort. Food: 7:50 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:55 am Hard Core Strength class 10:00-10:55 am Pilates class

Sun 23 Feb

This morning we go to the "funeral" for the Newman Center which feels like saying goodby to Newman Parish all over again. I'm glad Mary found another cantor for 6 pm as today is likely to be a little emotional for me and standing up front to cantor at 6 might have been difficult. Should be another sunny, mild day so walking outside should help my spirits. Food: 8:10 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:40-10:00 am Walk to church 11:10-11:15 am Walk to Newman Center 1:15-1:35 am Walk home

Sat 22 Feb

David not only had more hot cross buns, but he made caramel chocolate brioche rolls. Life is good. And the sun is shining brightly, and it's supposed to get up to 40° today. Life is very good. Took some outdoors walks today, mainly sticking to walking in the dryer street, but it felt good to be enjoying walking outdoors. Food: 8:55 am Chocolate caramel brioche bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 am Hot cross bun, 2 pc string cheese Exercise: 10:10-10:25 am Walk around McCulloch/Reserve/Center 12:10-12:25 pm Walk around McCulloch/Reserve/Center

Fri 21 Feb

The cold snap has broken again today and should be quite a bit nicer, maybe even 40° on Sat/Sun. Most welcome. Got a coalition meeting this morning so I won't go to the gym before going to Patrick to work out. No other evening commitments this week, so shouldn't be any problem finishing the laundry. Maybe even get time to wash towels. No weekend plans because Bob needs to get the taxes done, but maybe I'll coax him out for a good walk if my knees are feeling up to it. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Maple Crunch cereal, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:20 pm 2 scrambled eggs, hot cross bun Exercise: 10:30-12:15 pm Workout w/Patrick

Thurs 20 Feb

It's -3°F, so I left it to Kathy. She called and we mutually decided to give it a pass this week as we would likely only do a very short walk if we did go, and it's hardly worth suiting up. I've been slightly sore all over this week, so I don't at all mind skipping the cold walk. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Maple Crunch cereal, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 19 Feb

The bitter cold has returned for a bit, darn. I'm planning to go to the gym today and hopefully to participate in Body Pump for the first time in a while. Will have to go lighter on weights, not just because of the knee, but because I'm now out of practice. Need to get back in gear. Did light weights in Body Pump and managed everything except a couple of series of lunges on the weak side which I switched to squares. Food: 8:00 am Concha, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:40 pm 2 scrambled eggs, hot cross bun Exercise: 9:10-9:25 am Treadmill 3.0 grad elevation 9:30-10:30 am Body Pump class

Tues 18 Feb

Looks like we got about the three inches of snow that they expected. Michael still hasn't returned the small snowblower and Bob hates to ask for it so he's using the big one. I sent Michael a text about it (and the missing Worcestershire sauce) to save Bob the stress of having to ask. Michael texted Bob to remind us to vote today in the Supreme Court primary. When I went to the voting place, the woman heard my name and commented, "There's good representation from that household!" I was proud. Didn't walk to the police station to vote because it's getting quite windy and chilly; the walk to and from Jefferson was enough of that for me! Food: 8:00 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:35 am Hot cross bun, Oikos Triple Zero coffee yogurt Exercise: 9:15-9:25 am Walk to Jefferson 10:40-10:50 am Walk home

Mon 17 Feb

Well, this morning both of my knees are a little tentative. I expect that the hour-long tramp on the packed-but-uneven snowy trails of Schmeeckle yesterday might have been a bit too much strain too soon. Thinking strongly about skipping the gym today and just doing a full Pilates mat at home, especially since I'm not sure the regular Pilates Monday class isn't the one that's switched to a small room and limited to six people. Supposedly the predictions for snow have already been downgraded for today, not that they were intense anyway. Did a part of the Pilates mat, through the second set of sit-ups, and stopped when my left knee started feeling a little bit uncomfortable. Thinking today it's important to rest again somewhat. Food: 7:55 am Maple walnut snail, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 2 scrambled eggs, hot cross bun 1:25 pm Med banana sliced in 1/2 c soy milk, sugar 3:15 pm 4 dark chocolate pizzelles 3:45 pm 32 g Wheat Thins 5:55 pm Small bowl beef stew, 6 oz espresso stout Exercise: 9:50-10:10 am Partial Pilates mat

Sun 16 Feb

Went to 5 pm Mass yesterday before the church Valentine dinner, so this morning is free. Need to take care of the cruise payment and info and transfer money at the bank to cover the upcoming health insurance premium, etc. Need to make a snack for the Girolamo party tonight; thinking of ranch oyster crackers so we'd have to make a trip to the store. Choir at 2, Girolamo's at 4. Started the "Decluttering" book last night and am finding myself getting excited about it. The author gets it. Food: 7:45 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 15 Feb

Weather is definitely a little warmer again. Hopefully the frigid cold is gone for a good long while. Meal at Muse was delightful last night. Tonight we dine at the church Valentine supper. David had hot cross buns today! Food: 8:55 am Berry kiwi danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm Oikos Triple Zero coffee yogurt, 120 g blueberries, hot cross bun

Valentine's Day!

Looking forward to our Valentine dinner this evening at Muse. Today I'm planning to go to the gym and then to Patrick's for some therapeutic exploration on my knee. Hopefully there'll be time to squeeze in some laundry before getting ready for dinner. Gave my knee a good workout this morning with one hour of yoga, 20 min on the treadmill, (upper body machine workout), and a good long workout with Patrick including an abbreviated mat, foam rolling, and reformer workout. I will pay him $40/workout and try to do it weekly until Mexico. Probably cheaper than PT and more effective. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:30 pm Slice Innkeepers Multigrain, butter, Jarlsberg, 101 g blueberries Exercise: 9:00-10:00 am Yoga class 10:05-10:20 am Upper body machine workout 10:25-10:45 am Treadmill 2.8 mph, gradual elevation increase only to 4.5 11:10-12:45 pm Workout w/Patrick

Thurs 13 Feb

Very cold this morning with fresh snow. Will be a chilly walk with Kathy, but maybe we won't go as far as usual. I'll wear Patrick's knee brace and bundle up heavily. I also need to get to the library today to pick up things on hold and I have several books to return, but I'll do that later, even if it means taking the car. Almost bundled up too warmly as I'm quite flushed on return. We stayed out about an hour and fifteen and I logged about 8000 steps on the walk and my knee held up beautifully. I have taken the brace off on return as I don't want my knee to get too used to being externally supported. I'll do Patrick's exercises in a bit, but right now I'm due a short rest. Food: 7:55 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:00 am Mint green tea 12:40 pm Slice Innkeepers Multigrain toast, Jif, 101 g blueberries 6:20 pm 2 chicken drumsticks in curry sauce, 1 c steamed broccoli, 1/2 c farro w/golden raisins & toasted almonds Exercise: 8:30-9:45 am Walk w/Kathy around town

Wed 12 Feb

Kathy is in Mexico so she won't be at Bootstrap this afternoon. My knee feels well enough to go today. Hope Patrick calls this morning so we can talk about best care for further rehab. I'm skipping gym this morning hoping to get his call which I feel is more important than any workouts I would do there. Will try to work out at home. Had good long phone consult with Patrick and made plans to work my leg on his reformer on Friday. He also suggested front leg lifts with ankle weights, 10-15 reps w/10-sec hold at top to strengthen/stretch quads. Food: 7:50 am Bear claw pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 10:05-10:25 am Jessica Smith walking video

Tues 11 Feb

Knee seems to be getting progressively better, and Patrick responded to my text saying he'll call tomorrow so he may have some suggestions to improve it even more. Hope springs eternal. Wow, I can't get over how much better my knee feels for walking today! Thank you, Lord, for prayers answered! Still looking forward to talking with Patrick tomorrow to improve and strengthen it. Food: 7:55 am Walnut snail, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:15-9:25 am Walk to Jefferson 10:20-10:30 am Walk home

Mon 10 Feb

Big snowfall yesterday, probably about 6-8 inches down. The world looks white and wintry today. Discovered the start of a bunions on my feet, especially the right one, probably from walking weird with the knee injury. Seems to minimize if I spread my toes more when I stand so I suspect I had been instinctively curling my feet in against discomfort. I will try to keep my toes spread out all day when standing or walking, and it actually gives me a better base of support. Food: 7:50 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00-9:20 am Upper body machine work 9:25-9:45 am Stretching routine 10:00-11:00 am Pilates class

Sun 9 Feb

Had a good time at Farmshed yesterday and my knee is feeling better this morning. Bob doesn't think we should walk to church, and I suppose he's right because the new falling snow can mask hidden ice. A twist of the knee would do me no good at all. Darn. Snow is happening, probably about 3 inches down already and more falling. Enough that Larry cancelled choir practice today. Probably good that we didn't walk since there is ice hidden and it's hard to judge where snow piles end. Food: 8:05 am Berry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 8 Feb

Got the wonderful restful sleep I've been craving last night. Thank you, God! Had a very nice day in Madison at the Garden Expo, a quick (cheap) Costco run, played the Unnamed Goose game on Laura's Nintendo Switch, finally met (and very much liked) Kat. Good day. And my knee held up all day! And I bought a good essential oils muscle and joint creme that seemed to work pretty well last night. Food: 8:40 am Concha, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 7 Feb

Enjoyed the Evening of Chocolate Decadence and was able to get around without difficulty even with Bob parking back in the rear overflow lot. Having been laying off most sugar lately made me a little less tolerant of all the sweet, so I don't think I ate as much as other years, but that's a good thing. Didn't win anything in the lottery and didn't bring much else home. Today, off to Madison to the Garden Expo and some time with Laura afterwards. Seem to be getting a cold that started in the night. Sort of hard to think where it came from since I've not been out a lot this week. Food: 7:50 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 6 Feb

Knee is feeling somewhat better this morning, a hopeful sign. Texted Kathy a couple of days ago to let her know I couldn't walk today. I will do laundry today since we're going to Madison for the Garden Expo tomorrow, but I'll take it gently. I have to take the car to Mark Motors for an oil change at 2:30, but that primarily involves sitting in the waiting area. The Chocolate Decadence is tonight, but there is a lot of sitting at the table in between forays around the room to collect deliciousness. Should still be a pretty restful day. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate croissant, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:35 pm Limpa bread, butter, 42 g Jarlsberg, med banana, 1/2 c soy milk, sugar

Wed 5 Feb

Having my gibassier that was a gift from David last week. It really does refresh beautifully in the microwave with the addition of a paper towel with some water in it on the side to add some moisture. Knee seems to be continuing to improve, but another day and a half of rest should help considerably. I need to continue to use it a little so it doesn't atrophy, but not overdo which is a difficult balance for me. I truly don't want to have to go to the doctor and get medical intervention, so I pray to God that it heals on its own. Was able to do a full Pilates mat with no modifications and no knee pain. Good to get those other muscles, especially the core, some good exercise again. Food: 7:50 am Gibassier, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Slice limpa, butter, 29 g Jarlsberg, med banana, 1/4 c soy milk, sugar 5:30 pm 4 oz roast pork, 1/3 c yellow rice, 1 c roasted beets Exercise: 9:00-9:50 am Pilates mat

Tues 4 Feb

Knee is feeling a little better today. Able to walk on my own right away, though still tentative. Single leg balance and pivoting are still iffy. I'm going to call Roseanne today and beg off from Bootstrap so I still have another day of recovery. I will try walking to Jefferson today for reading since it's so close, but that's it. I will also let Kathy know that our long walk isn't going to happen on Thursday. Hopefully if I do all of that, I will be okay for the Evening of Chocolate Decadence which doesn't require too much walking, and then on Friday for the Garden Show which does. And the Farmshed show on Saturday which also does. Did okay walking to and from Jefferson School for my tutoring, then twisted the knee just a bit sitting down in my desk chair. Yikes! Food: 7:50 am Kouign Amann, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm Bean w/ham soup, rice/black bean crackers Exercise: 9:15-9:25 am Walk to Jefferson 10:40-10:50 am Walk home

Mon 3 Feb

Oh joy, I'm partially laid up. Needed to send Bob out to buy me some crutches yesterday afternoon as I could no longer walk away from my chair at all unassisted. I was really hoping I'd be able to walk a little without them this morning, but not yet. Though I have been able to take a step here and there with less reliance on support. There's hope. I need to be good today and not push the knee as I have every other day since this began. Maybe actual rest for most of the day will help. I hope so as I really don't want to have to spend a lot of money on medical care to fix it and we have three events at the end of this week that include walking around. Ooooh! Did a little walking around the house sans crutch! Need to constantly remind myself not to push it too much as I'm trying to recover! Yay! It's after 6 pm and I'm still crutchless. Knee is better for not having been pushed today. I got my 9/9 250s, but not much more. I'm rather proud of myself for sticking to the rest regime. Food: 8:00 am Pecan snail, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm 1 slice Innkeepers multigrain. 1 til Jif, orange Exercise: 9:10-9:30 am Jessica Smith chair workout 10:15-10:30 am Floor exercises

Sun 2 Feb

Well, my knee is still wonky. Yesterday, I think I twisted it a little coming down the parking lot stairs at TJs and it was a lot worse for the remainder of the day. I was truly hobbling by the end. This morning it's a little better again, and I'll try to keep it that way. I'm planning to take Laura's advice and take a week off from the gym, except possibly Pilates and Yoga, to rest it. I will also look up my knee brace to give it some extra support. It was great to spend some time with Laura in Madison yesterday. She told us more about Kat (though she was working and couldn't meet us). We will see her again on Friday after the Garden Show. Food: 6:40 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 1 Feb

Enjoying delicious cherry danish fresh from David. He gifted us with a couple of gibassier since I had been polite and let Bob choose honey bears for our last choice instead. He is so generous and fun to chat with. Dan Mielke let us taste his version of kale chips well-seasoned with powdered cheese, cayenne, etc. Everyone reminded us that next Saturday will be the Farmshed event. Looking forward to visiting Laura in Madison today. Food: 9:10 am Cherry danish, coffee