Sun 24 May

A very nice week in Door County to start off spring. The trees there visibly leafed out more over our week, and the cherry blossoms went from a very few to full bloom by the end of the week. We had one incredibly sunny, warm day last Saturday, and a couple of decent sunny days mid week. Some clouds and light rain, but managed to get out almost every day for at least a short hike. The sunny day was our wildflower hike with Jane and Julie, and we did Door Bluff Headlands that afternoon as well. We hiked other days at Peninsula, two days in different sections of Newport, the Ridges, Ellison Bluff. Good hiking all around and some lovely wildflowers in a variety of places. Saw one wooded section filled brim-full of trilliums that Mary and Ron alerted us to. Ate at a wide variety of places. Identified many birds, especially warblers, with Merlin, though I only caught glimpses of them moving too quickly to see. Food: 8:00 am 110 g cardamom roll, 106 g blackberries, coffee, goat milk powder

Fri 15 May

Forgot to charge my Apple watch yesterday with the early morning for the conference and it died around 5 am, but thankfully was able to be fully recharged. Conference was quite good, especially the video of the Ishpeming family that lost their son to suicide, "Do It for Daniel". Also really liked listening to Dr. Chris Carr, Packer team psychologist. Heading up to Door County this morning for a week, including Ridges programming. Food: 7:55 am 76 g cheese babka, 99 g blackberries, coffee, collagen powder

Wed 13 May

Realized that I have the Mental Health conference in Wausau tomorrow, so I can't do laundry and prepare for Door Co. Need to get a head start today. Feeling a little rushed already. Food: 8:00 am 80 g cheese babka, 100 g blackberries, coffee

Tues 12 May

Had a surprise visit from Axel last night. I had missed the text he sent on Thursday to say he was coming, so when he texted at 1:30 to say he'd be here around 7:00, it was a surprise. He had rented a car to take a friend to Chicago early on Tuesday, so he thought he'd use the opportunity to come and see us. We grilled chicken after he arrived and visited a bit before heading to bed. He hadn't been sure if he would stay over or drive back that night, but he was very tired so he decided to sleep and get up around 3 am to be back in time to pick up his friend in Madison at 6:30. I woke up just before 4 am to use the bathroom, and I saw a light in his room and his car was still here. I had to work to get a response from him as he had laid back down for "5 more minutes" and was out like a light. I roused him and sent him on his way. Food: 8:05 am 78 g cheese babka, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Mon 11 May

Short week before heading to Door County on Friday. Feels springlike outside today, with sunshine. I hope we're finally done with snow and frigid temps, but being Wisconsin, one never knows. Food: 8:00 am 68 g chocolate croissant, 102 g blackberries, coffee

Sun 10 May

It's Mothers Day! Bob bought me a beautiful alpaca sweater from the Cultural Fest a couple of weeks ago, Michael texted sweet greetings yesterday (he couldn't remember if Mother's Day was Saturday or Sunday), and Hobbes texted her greetings this morning. We will go up to Era Pancake House for brunch later, after I bake some banana bread muffins for Leone to take over this afternoon. Food: 7:55 am 102 g apple coffee cake, 106 g blackberries, coffee

Sat 9 May

Cold continues to hang on, but breathing was somewhat easier last night. Hopefully it's turning on the mend. Last choir Mass of the season this evening followed by a party at Sharon's. Food: 7:50 am 92 g apple coffee cake, 100 g blackberries, coffee