Mon 20 May

Today's the day! We leave for the Costwolds, flying out of Chicago this evening. Here's hoping and praying for safe travels, minimal glitches, and an overall wonderful time. And that all our family and friends remain safe and happy here. The party for remembering Chuck Reichl was fun yesterday. Many friends from Newman days and new people to meet, shared stories, food, and our sangria went over well. Food: 8:00 am Small piece rhubarb coffee cake, 103 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 19 May

Can't believe that tomorrow we leave already. It always seems so long in the anticipation, and then - BOOM! - it's here. No more procrastinating on finalzing the packing and the carry-on. Been doing it a little at a time, but today I need to ensure that everything I want and need for the trip is ready to go. Food: 8:00 am 3/4 c Maple Pecan crunch, 1/2 c skim milk, 67 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 18 May

Another beautiful day with hints of summer. 65° already! Had a partial hike of Rib yesterday evening with burgers at Red Robin to follow. Tonight I co-cantor with Kathy B. Food: 8:00 am 3/4 c TJs Maple Pecan Crunch, 1/2 c skim milk, 93 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 17 May

Syttende Mai! And a lovely day it appears to be with sunshine and temps already at 54°. Perhaps we'll get out for a hike later this afternoon as Bob thinks he may be done early. Laundry to do, and I'll try to get the bedding switched over to the summer weight today so it's in place when we return in June. Food: 7:45 am 94 g Costco morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 16 May

Rainy day, coming down substantially. My plants will be thoroughly watered today, finished planting the herb garden yesterday so it will get a good start. Don't need to check my raingear further so I'll get my steps indoors today. Maybe try to get on the bike since it's been idle of late. Food: 7:55 am 94 g Costco morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 15 May

Sunny again, 48° to start the day. Will try to do Body Pump this morning and Schmeeckle hike group this afternoon. Made it just to 20,000 steps yesterday. Food: 7:50 am 95 g Costco morning bun, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 14 May

Looks sunshiny, temps at 48°. Should have time for a Bukolt loop walk this morning to get a good start on daily steps. Got better than 18,000 yesterday. Hopefully these longer walking days will have a positive impact on my stamina for the Cotswolds. I already felt more energetic on the last Rib hike. Food: 8:00 am 96 g Costco morning bun, 104 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 13 May

Only one more week before we head out to the Cotswolds. Preparations need to be reviewed and finalized this week; it's getting real! Had a nice hike yesterday afternoon at the Ice Age Trail at Hartman's Creek, followed by prime rib sandwiches at the Wheel House for Mother's Day dinner. Temps are already at 57° under somewhat overcast skies. Food: 8:00 am 92 g Costco morning bun, 107 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 11 May

Nice, bright sunshine this morning and temp is at 48°. Looking forward to the Cultural Fest today. Getting more and more packing done, and will try to review my list today to make sure I'm not forgetting things. Will try to remember to take my drivers' license and credit card along this time! Food: 7:55 am 100 g Costco morning bun, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 10 May

Looks like sunshine out there this morning, always welcome. Just body pump and laundry on the schedule so far. Cultural fest tomorrow. Food: 8:00 am 91 g Costco morning bun, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 9 May

Today would have been Catherine's 108 birthday. Born same year as both of our dads and two years ahead of my mom. Cloudy and slightly cooler today; yesterday was sunny and beautiful and almost too warm for some during our afternoon walk in the sun, though not too warm for me. Food: 8:00 am 99 g Costco morning bun, 106 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 8 May

Sunny day today, should be nice. Attended the WPR info session last night in Wausau and saw Fr. Tom! Radio changes take place the day we're leaving for England, so I'll wait til I return to adjust to the new format. Food: 7:55 am 98 g Costco morning bun, 105 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 7 May

Going to be a busy Tuesday with a dentist appointment, review call from Thomas Mead, and WPR event in Wausau this evening. Clouds moving in for scattered rain and possible thunderstorms today. Having one of those "didn't want to get out of bed" mornings. Food: 8;10 am 67 g OH raspberry kringle, 104 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 6 May

Bob used the Cup-A-Bug twice now to remove medium/large spiders from high on my bathroom walls. Tis the season. Tomorrow will be busy with the dentist at 11, call from Thomas Mead at 1, and WPR presentation in Wausau at 6. Food: 8:05 am 85 g OH raspberry kringle, 104 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 5 May

Cinco de Mayo! Had a very nice trip to Madison for lunch and erranding and then to hike, albeit when I was tired, the Tumbled Rocks/bluff loop at Devil's Lake. Topped off with a light dinner at the Log Cabin and it was a lovely day. Even saw wild geraniums and Dutchmen's breeches on our hike. Food: 8:10 am 75 g OH raspberry kringle, 103 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 4 May

May the Fourth be with you! Overcast sunshine at the moment, but possible rain this afternoon. Hopefully some walking in regardless. Got over 24,000 steps yesterday! Food: 7:55 am 93 g OH raspberry kringle, 104 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 3 May

Friday has again rolled around quicker than expected. Funny how that didn't happen when I was working. Now it seems as if it's always laundry day. Should be nice and warm now for a few days. Food: 7:50 am 93 g OH raspberry kringle, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 2 May

Warm but possibly rainy today. Haven't been gettig 20,000 steps now for about a week, though I have been getting 15,000-18,000. Hard to fit in the really long walks with the rest of my activities, and I also am feeling the drain of consistent heavier activity. But better I deal with the drain now and increase the stamina (which was the whole idea), than that I feel the drain on the Cotswolds trail and have to foreshorten days too often. I'll keep trying while I'm still here to build up the stamina. Got my new light rain jacket yesterday, so if it's raining today, it gives me a better chance to try it out. Food: 7:55 am 66 g OH raspberry kringle, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Wed 1 May

It's May Day! A true sign of spring. I remember fondly making May baskets for the kids when they were little with treats, and also getting paper May baskets on the front door from the school kids across the street. We no longer celebrate the day, but it's nice to acknowledge the turn of the season. Food: 7:55 am 78 g OH raspberry kringle, 104 g blackberries, coffee