Fri 31 Jul

Still getting used to trying to find the Blogger interface since they changed things. Makes me have to think at the very beginning of the morning! The weather is continuing beautiful. I believe I've talked Bob into a Door County cherry picking trip on Saturday just for the day. Should be another beautiful day. Food: 7:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 30 Jul

Happy Birthday, Mom! 102 today! Bet you're glad you didn't live to endure the lockdowns and other mania of Corona virus. I wouldn't have been allowed to visit you in the living situation, you would have hated all the masks, but you would have loved all the Lysol and hand-washing! Food: 8:00 am Chocolate croissant, 103 g blackberries, coffee 1:10 pm 2 veggie spring rolls, English muffin w/butter & peach jam Exercise: 8:30-10:05 am Walk w/Kathy Mead loop

Wed 29 Jul

Slept reasonably well except for one hour of restlessness between 2-3 am. Should probably have taken ibuprofen, and then my muscles wouldn't have had this residual soreness this morning. Hopefully Body Pump won't be too uncomfortable. Food: 7:55 am Almond croissant, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:19 on Crab veggie frittata, sm peach, coffee cake muffin 6:40 pm Steamed pork bun, veggie spring rolls, honeydew bubble tea Exercise: 9:00-9:55 am Body Pump class 5:40-6:20 pm Schmeeckle lake loop w/extension

Tues 28 Jul

Wow, it's nice to have relief from high heat and humidity! I slept so much better last night! I feel more like myself again. Back to the gym today for Yogilates and Body Flow. Hopefully my somewhat wonky right knee will last. Good thing I looked at the calendar, I would have gone to Yogilates and forgotten the ZOOM meeting I set up with the agent regarding Medicare supplement. I canceled both classes as I doubt I'd be done and able to get to the gym in time for Flow. Food: 7:45 am Gibassier, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 27 Jul

Oh, dear, a new Blogger interface to get used to. Hopefully I can figure it out. So far, so good. Had a nice drive to Appleton to Costco yesterday so I could stock up on blackberries. We found lots of other things to buy as well, and were able to get some things for Michael and Taylor, too. I bought a chicken croissant sandwich box from the prepared food counter which we ate in the car so we wouldn't have to find a restaurant or drive-thru. Enjoyed a portion of the Simply Folk sing-along streamed on my phone while playing Animal Crossing last night. Food: 7:45 am Honey bear, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 26 Jul

Slept about 15-20 min late this morning. Woke up in the wee hours with a lot of soreness in my knee so I got up and took ibuprofen. Once it kicked in, guess I slept more deeply again. Hoping to drive to Appleton to Costco today as Aldi had no blackberries at all. I'll go into withdrawal if I have to rely on blueberries instead. Food: 8:15 am Cheese danish, 101 mixed black and blueberries, coffee

Sat 25 Jul

Had a very nice week up at the North Shore. Felt safer there than in Point. Nearly every business required masks and nearly everyone complied without obvious complaints. Coming through Minocqua was another story altogether. We stopped at Charlie's for ice cream on the drive back and were the only people, staff or customers, with masks. I heard some sotto voce comments and we got some "looks" for wearing our masks. We took our ice cream to the nearby boat landing and parked in the shade where we didn't have to be near the others while eating. It was great to have cooler temperatures for a break in Grand Marais. Bob had to dig around to find the extra quilt for the bed the second night as we had been quite chilly the previous night. I slept with my wool socks on! The days were pretty comfortable in long sleeves/long pants with shorts weather on the last day. Grand Marais had been having a hotter than usual spell as well, so they were also relieved by the cooler weather. We had rain on Tuesday as predicted so we got Northport pasties and ate them in the room in the evening, but the other nights we were able to sit outside on patios. The last day was warmer, especially on the Gunflint Trail where we went for the day, and sitting on the patio outside the lodge was a perfect punctuation to the trip. Food: 8:50 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm Chobani Less Sugar wild blueberry, caramel croissant 6:05 pm Ramen noodle slaw Exercise: 7:50-8:35 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Sun 19 Jul

It's finally here! We are leaving for the North Shore for most of the week with Jay & Rose, hiking in some of our favorite places, and time away! Enjoying the last of the two of David's danish we bought for this week, then we'll finish packing up the things we expect to need, and off we go! Food: 8:00 am Prince of Denmark squares danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 18 Jul

David himself was at the Farmer's Market this morning, so it was nice to chat with him. He said his wife is up at the North Shore now with some girlfriends, returning soon. Would be amusing if we ran into her. Could only buy two danish each since we'll get breakfast at Jay & Rose's; today's is a pear and raspberry concoction. Food: 8:45 am Pear/raspberry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 17 Jul

I think something I ate last night at the Dane didn't agree with me as I felt a little uncomfortable for a bit before falling asleep. I also had some muscle cramping in the night which may or may not have been related, as well as some gas. Hopefully whatever it was has worked its way out of my system by now. Two ZOOM meetings this morning, the Coalition at 8 am and Maria at 9 am to figure out Medicare options. I actually pre-washed the new sheets so they can be put on the bed today having been washed, something I usually never did. Food: 7:40 am Berry scone, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:25 pm Slice Innkeeper's whole grain, pastrami, slice Provolone, romaine, cucumber Exercise: 12:50-1:20 pm Michigan/Jefferson loop

Thurs 16 Jul

No walk with Kathy today as she's going to Sheboygan to help Charlie and MJ with Ellie today. I will walk by myself because it's a gorgeous Wisconsin morning, and I'll try to time it to end up at the library to pick up Riviera Gold which is in for my hold. I think it's the latest Russell/Holmes book. Food: 8:00 am Honey bear, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 15 Jul

My Fitbit had a seizure in the night, beeping steadily and no display at 5 am. I just took it off and set it aside til I got up, then went down and put it on the charger and pushed for a hard restart. Nothing appeared to happen but I left it on the charger. When I came down to breakfast after showering, it has a display again but charge is only at 30% after 45 min or more on the charger. I suspect it may have run completely out of charge, hence the beeps and lack of display in the night. Since I charge it every morning, and yesterday I left it on the charger until after gym by accident, there's no reason the charge should have been low. Charge dissipated again completely during Body Pump, so headed to Target to buy a replacement. I'm now up to a Charge 4. Food: 7:55 am Caramel chocolate pinwheel, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:20 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese w/chives, berry scone 7:00 pm Rocky's Chicago Super Slice Exercise: 9:00-9:50 am Body Pump class 6:00-6:45 pm Back of Schmeeckle walk

Tues 14 Jul

Should be rainy today, it's already grey and cloudy. Trying Yogilates class this morning before Body Flow. Last week my back was sore and I skipped both classes, but today should be okay. Need to set up my physical and contact Maria about Medicare supplements. Should freeze some blueberries while they're still fresh, too. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate caramel nut pinwheel, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 9:00=9:45 am Yogilates class 11:50-12:15 pm Clark/Michigan loop

Mon 13 Jul

Sure was lovely to have a weekend with somewhat lower temperatures and humidity. We made good use of it by hiking at the Plover River Ice Age Trail on Saturday and at Roche-a-Cri on Sunday. It was great to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Bugs were present, but not overly annoying except in a few spots. It was high summer at its nicest. One more week before we get to go up to the North Shore and enjoy lots of hiking. Temps up there appear to be highs in the upper 60s/low 70s, just about perfect for long hikes. Let's hope they stay that way for us. Food: 8:00 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:30 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese w/chives, slice Innkeeper's toast w/butter & peach jam, blueberries Exercise: 10:00-11:00 am Pilates class

Sun 12 Jul

My Lord, what a morning! The temperatures are down a bit, as is the humidity. I could get my wedding ring all the way off my finger and the other ring halfway down comfortably. My scale was down a bit, removing the effects of the humidity. Wow! Food: 8:10 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 2 scrambled eggs w/garlic scape, peach Exercise: 11:55-12:20 pm Ellis St loop

Sat 11 Jul

Approaching mid-July already, more than halfway through 2020. Most people will be glad to see the backside of this year with its CO-VID, race riots, the election. Unfortunately, the passage of time in and of itself doesn't get rid of unpleasantness. We have to work at that. Food: 8:50 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 7:55-8:40 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 10 Jul

Computer was weird this morning, the unit hot and had to turn it off and on to get it to come up. Hope there aren't problems. Weather still hot for an unconscionably long time now. Used the herbal rub on my lower back this morning and it seems to be helpful. Made it through Body Pump and Yoga, though my back was considering skipping again today. Feel better for the effort. It is a gorgeous day today! Temperatures are milder and it feels wonderful! Food: 8:00 am Morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:10 pm Slice Innkeeper's whole grain w/butter, pastrami, provolone, romaine, peach 3:30 pm Dove ice cream bar 6:35 pm Pan-fried walleye, glazed baby carrots, baked potato w/butter & sour cream, dinner roll Exercise: 9:00-9:50 am Body Pump class 10:00-11:00 am Yoga class 5:10-5:55 pm Back of Schmeeckle walk

Thurs 9 Jul

Was extremely pleased to see Marilyn in a drop-in visit at Bootstrap yesterday afternoon. Concerned about Kathy who didn't come because she wasn't feeling well, enough that she thought she might try to get tested for CO-VID. If she tests positive, I should probably get tested as well even though I last saw her a full week before. I believe she's the first person I know with whom I've had direct contact who has been even worried. Food: 7:45 am Honey bear pastry, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:15 am 30 raspberries 12:10 pm Slice Innkeeper's whole grain bread, 1 tbl Jif, 1 tbl homemade strawberry jam, peach 7 cherries Exercise: 8:30-10:10 am Walk w/Kathy Bukolt loop

Wed 8 Jul

Took ibuprofen twice last night and my back feels pretty normal this morning, thank the Lord. Should be able to return to normal routine today. Another hot, humid day in the offing, with Bootstrap this afternoon. Food: 7:50 am Chocolate caramel pinwheel, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:10 pm 2 hard boiled eggs, peach 6 cherries Exercise: 9:00-9:55 am Body Pump class

Tues 7 Jul

Trying a new class at the gym today, first day of Yogilates. I don't believe I've had the instructor, Karen, before. Hopefully I'll like it. It's back-to-back with Body Flow, so I'll be tired at the end even though neither class is cardio. Food: 7:55 am Apricot danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 1:05 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, 2 sm plums, 9 cherries, 32 g Wheat Thins Exercise: 9:20-11:05 am Walk to and around Schmeeckle lake loop

Mon 6 Jul

Had issues signing into Google to get to my blog, likely caused by the issues signing into Google yesterday to get the Nest app back on my phone. So frustrating to get kept from your own programs. Had good fortune this morning when my Fitbit strap was on the verge of breaking and Bob remembered that there was a spare unused strap that had come with a former Fitbit in the drawer. He was able to replace the faulty part, even though this is a larger size, and now I can wear my Fitbit again. Food: 8:05 am Pear danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Oats from gym w/fruit & soy milk Exercise: 10:00-11:00 am Pilates class

Sun 5 Jul

It continues warm, but Bob opened up the house with the fan in the early morning to let in some fresh air before we need to close down again. I hope we can safely make the Madison trip today to pick up more berries at Costco and some Klarbrunn's and Seattle Cider at Woodman's, especially if another lockdown is possible soon. Spontaneously ordered the prime rib special from Michele's last night for dinner - yum! Food: 8:00 am Cherry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 4 Jul

A most quiet Independence Day, though indeed there are still folks who have purchased their own personal fireworks to make noise at night. No Riverfront Rendezvous, no municipal fireworks, no large gathering picnics. Indeed, with the increasing number of new cases, there may be another lockdown in the foreseeable future. Food: 8:45 am Berry danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 2:05 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese w/chives, 2 plums Exercise: 7:50-8:35 am Walk to Farmer's Market

Fri 3 Jul

I'm now okay with having the A/C on all day while this hot streak continues. As long as I can have my window fan at night (and Bob turns the air off at that time). We're still running the small fan in the dining room even with the window closed just to keep the air moving. Looking forward to some new thing on AC today including the ability to dive into the ocean to retrieve treasures there. Software closed down yesterday evening around 8 pm for updates so Bob only got a few minutes online yesterday. I've already had fun catching new fish and bugs since the first of the month; now there will be many more new things to explore. Good for the hot weather when it's too warm to do much outside during the day. Food: 7:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c soy milk, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 2 Jul

Hot weather continues. No walk with Kathy this morning as Charlie and MJ are bringing Ellie for her to babysit. I get my hair cut this afternoon, so I'll walk downtown then, so I don't need a complete walk this morning, but I'll try to get in quite a few steps so the rest of the day isn't obligatory. Food: 8:05 am Chocolate croissant, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 1 Jul

Into the second half of 2020 already. The first half was certainly "interesting times". The second half looks to be more of the same for at least a significant portion, and then, who knows? I am glad to be retired and not as active a part of the "reconstruction" period ahead. Food: 7:50 am Cheese danish, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Slice Innkeeper's Whole Grain, 1 tbl Jif, 1 tbl homemade strawberry jam, 74 g strawberries Exercise: 9:00-9:55 am Body Pump class