Today I am writing my 100th blog. When a TV show reaches its 100th episode, there is cake, champagne, and a celebration. I can't have cake because I'm on this stupid diet, but I do feel like celebrating. When I started doing this back in February, I didn't know how it would go or what I would find to write about. Would anybody even want to read it?
One hundred posts later, I've covered funny things, serious things, everyday things. I've written about people, pets, and pet peeves; husbands, kids, and friends. Sometimes I feel like Andy Rooney, making observations about some obscure thing and then whining about it for a few paragraphs. Sometimes I laugh when I'm writing and hope that whoever reads it will laugh, too. Sometimes I cry, writing about a young soldier who died for his country.
There have been days when I scrounged for something to write about and others when I cranked out three posts in one day for future use. I've tried not to embarrass Fred and the girls too much, and I haven't let all the skeletons out of the closet--yet!
My favorite thing about doing this is the feedback I get from those of you who read it. Thanks to all of you who have commented on the blog site, on Facebook, and by e-mail. It encourages me and gives me more incentive to keep going when I know others are enjoying it. With everything there is to read online nowadays, I'm thrilled that some of you choose to read me!
Let me know if there are any past posts that you'd like me to follow up on, or suggest topics I could cover in the future. Thanks!
I made it through day 1 of the diet yesterday without mishap. Today I'm going to Madison and spending the night with Erica; I know she will keep me on the food straight and narrow. Tomorrow I'm getting together with my friend Mary--she and her family are visiting Wisconsin before their move to China a month from now.
Here's to the next 100 blogs--starting Thursday!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Battle of the Bulge
Ok, it is time to get serious. Erica's wedding is less than a year away, and I have to lose some weight. I'm announcing this for public consumption in the hopes that some of you will help keep my nose to the grindstone--and my head out of the refrigerator--by questioning my progress and offering encouragement.
I know what I have to do; I've done it before. It just seems harder to get motivated the older I get. Seeing myself in pictures is more depressing than motivating, as is shopping for clothes.
So here we go. These are the things I plan to do, starting now:
--eat fruits and veggies like there's no tomorrow
--drink water by the gallon and limit myself to one Diet Dew per day
--no fast food AT ALL; limit eating out as much as possible
--no baking for Fred and me
--eat dark chocolate for a treat when I need one
--don't skip lunch so I'm starving by supper
--eat smaller portions and no seconds
--make decent meals even when Fred's not here
--continue walking the dogs 5 times a week
If anyone has more suggestions, please share. I will report here once a month and let you know how I'm doing. If I haven't achieved a reasonable weight loss by December 12th, my nephew Ryan's wedding, there will still be time to get hypnotized, have my jaw wired shut, or go to a fat farm before Erica's. (haha, just kidding)
If you want to do this with me, misery loves company. E-mail me and we'll make a plan: The Biggest Loser with no trainers and no televised weigh-ins. In the meantime, I'll go shred my recipe for cookie dough brownies and make a sign for the fridge: "50 years/50 lbs."
Wish me luck!!
I know what I have to do; I've done it before. It just seems harder to get motivated the older I get. Seeing myself in pictures is more depressing than motivating, as is shopping for clothes.
So here we go. These are the things I plan to do, starting now:
--eat fruits and veggies like there's no tomorrow
--drink water by the gallon and limit myself to one Diet Dew per day
--no fast food AT ALL; limit eating out as much as possible
--no baking for Fred and me
--eat dark chocolate for a treat when I need one
--don't skip lunch so I'm starving by supper
--eat smaller portions and no seconds
--make decent meals even when Fred's not here
--continue walking the dogs 5 times a week
If anyone has more suggestions, please share. I will report here once a month and let you know how I'm doing. If I haven't achieved a reasonable weight loss by December 12th, my nephew Ryan's wedding, there will still be time to get hypnotized, have my jaw wired shut, or go to a fat farm before Erica's. (haha, just kidding)
If you want to do this with me, misery loves company. E-mail me and we'll make a plan: The Biggest Loser with no trainers and no televised weigh-ins. In the meantime, I'll go shred my recipe for cookie dough brownies and make a sign for the fridge: "50 years/50 lbs."
Wish me luck!!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hot Weather Horrors
The past week's wave of heat and humidity here brought to the forefront several of my pet peeves about summer--primarily of the "attire" variety. Some of the things I find objectionable might be deemed sour grapes and actually appreciated by other people. Like my husband, for example. Whether the case be envy or disgust, here is my list.
--Men wearing flip-flops. (We called them "thongs" when I was a kid, but that term is now used for teeny underwear.) For some reason, flip-flops on guys don't seem masculine. And who wants to look at big hairy toes in a restaurant or store?
--Braless women in air-conditioned places. Outside in the 90 degree temperatures, these ladies may not attract undue attention, but put them in the overly chilled dairy section and their lack of chestical coverage almost pokes your eyes out!
--A sub-category of number two: women, after a certain age, should not go braless at all. At least not in public. The lack of support that may go unnoticed beneath a winter coat or sweatshirt will be glaringly obvious in a thin summer top--like two water balloons hanging there, waiting to be dropped on someone's head.
--Women who have spent so much time in tanning booths or on the beach that they look like they could be made into a pair of leather boots and matching skirt. A golden tan is attractive--wrinkled snakeskin in a color not found in nature is ugly and unhealthy.
--Middle-aged men in Speedos. I didn't witness this in person last week, but caught a glimpse during footage on the local news taken at a public pool. A guy would practically need to be Michael Phelps to look good in a suit like that at any age, but if you're over 40 it's just a shameless attempt to show off the package. If the package can even be seen beneath the gut overhang, that is.
Ok, I'll stop here lest I seem overly critical of my peers. I'm just going to put on a tube top and go shop for ice cream.
--Men wearing flip-flops. (We called them "thongs" when I was a kid, but that term is now used for teeny underwear.) For some reason, flip-flops on guys don't seem masculine. And who wants to look at big hairy toes in a restaurant or store?
--Braless women in air-conditioned places. Outside in the 90 degree temperatures, these ladies may not attract undue attention, but put them in the overly chilled dairy section and their lack of chestical coverage almost pokes your eyes out!
--A sub-category of number two: women, after a certain age, should not go braless at all. At least not in public. The lack of support that may go unnoticed beneath a winter coat or sweatshirt will be glaringly obvious in a thin summer top--like two water balloons hanging there, waiting to be dropped on someone's head.
--Women who have spent so much time in tanning booths or on the beach that they look like they could be made into a pair of leather boots and matching skirt. A golden tan is attractive--wrinkled snakeskin in a color not found in nature is ugly and unhealthy.
--Middle-aged men in Speedos. I didn't witness this in person last week, but caught a glimpse during footage on the local news taken at a public pool. A guy would practically need to be Michael Phelps to look good in a suit like that at any age, but if you're over 40 it's just a shameless attempt to show off the package. If the package can even be seen beneath the gut overhang, that is.
Ok, I'll stop here lest I seem overly critical of my peers. I'm just going to put on a tube top and go shop for ice cream.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
What Really Matters
I'm sorry that Michael Jackson died Thursday. He was a talented, innovative entertainer, an icon of my generation. His bizarre behavior and lifestyle may have tarnished him in his later years, but his musical legacy will last for generations to come.
All that said...what the HELL is wrong with this country's media?? Ever since the news broke on Thursday, there has been nonstop coverage of every miniscule tidbit the "reporters" can dig up. The first night it was all repetition and speculation. They scrounge up people who may have known Jackson well--or hardly at all--and interview them; they put together panels of "experts" who basically say nothing but like to hear themselves talk; they draw parallels between this death and Anna Nicole Smith, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe...and it goes on and on. The only person who's probably happy about the unending coverage is the governor of South Carolina, whose disappearance and extramarital affair was the big story of the day before. Now he's no longer on the front page for his bad behavior.
I have a suggestion. Why doesn't the media devote a whole day of coverage to each of our troops that are lost in Iraq and Afghanistan? Why don't we learn about the childhoods, families, accomplishments, dreams, and sacrifices of these heroic people who are actually doing something for the well-being and protection of the U.S.?? "Knowing " each of these warriors would make them real to all of us, not just the families who lost them. They wouldn't be an abstract statistic, easy to be forgotten or ignored as we go about our lives. It might make more people want to do something for the troops still over there and for their families here--or make us work harder to bring them all home as soon as possible.
Do the networks think there's not enough interest in this topic? Is it too much of a downer? Are we such simpletons that we can only perk up our ears when a celebrity name is mentioned?
I hope we care more than that. The media should care; it's the military that has maintained their freedom of speech all these years to broadcast some of the dreck they consider news.
Here's some news you may not have heard about. 1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw, 24, also died June 25th, in Kheyl, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his vehicle. He was from Steilacoom, Washington and deployed from Fort Richardson, AK. He was a member of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. He wasn't a celebrity, there was no scandal, no sensationalism. He was just a hero who was there for you.
All that said...what the HELL is wrong with this country's media?? Ever since the news broke on Thursday, there has been nonstop coverage of every miniscule tidbit the "reporters" can dig up. The first night it was all repetition and speculation. They scrounge up people who may have known Jackson well--or hardly at all--and interview them; they put together panels of "experts" who basically say nothing but like to hear themselves talk; they draw parallels between this death and Anna Nicole Smith, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe...and it goes on and on. The only person who's probably happy about the unending coverage is the governor of South Carolina, whose disappearance and extramarital affair was the big story of the day before. Now he's no longer on the front page for his bad behavior.
I have a suggestion. Why doesn't the media devote a whole day of coverage to each of our troops that are lost in Iraq and Afghanistan? Why don't we learn about the childhoods, families, accomplishments, dreams, and sacrifices of these heroic people who are actually doing something for the well-being and protection of the U.S.?? "Knowing " each of these warriors would make them real to all of us, not just the families who lost them. They wouldn't be an abstract statistic, easy to be forgotten or ignored as we go about our lives. It might make more people want to do something for the troops still over there and for their families here--or make us work harder to bring them all home as soon as possible.
Do the networks think there's not enough interest in this topic? Is it too much of a downer? Are we such simpletons that we can only perk up our ears when a celebrity name is mentioned?
I hope we care more than that. The media should care; it's the military that has maintained their freedom of speech all these years to broadcast some of the dreck they consider news.
Here's some news you may not have heard about. 1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw, 24, also died June 25th, in Kheyl, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his vehicle. He was from Steilacoom, Washington and deployed from Fort Richardson, AK. He was a member of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. He wasn't a celebrity, there was no scandal, no sensationalism. He was just a hero who was there for you.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Big Lake
Wisconsin really is a beautiful state. I grew up in the hills and coulees of La Crosse County, believing it really was "God's Country," just as Heileman Brewery's beer slogan claimed it was. After a few more years of traveling around the Badger state, I think the term can be applied to almost everywhere in Wisconsin. The Dells, the Mississippi River, Door County, the Pike River, Lake Michigan, northern Wisconsin lakes, western Wisconsin bluffs and farms...and, of course, Lake Superior--the place that has seemed to captivate me more than anything in the past five years.
Fred and I headed to Bayfield Wednesday on the Harley, hoping to escape the hot mugginess of the past few days here. We took a slightly out-of-the-way route since he had a meeting in Drummond first. As we drove highway 13 approaching Bayfield, the scenery was gorgeous--glimpses of Lake Superior on the right, fields of pink, purple, and white lupine, and green hills surrounding the little town on the water. We arrived around 5:30 and checked into our hotel, the Winfield Inn and Gardens. Every room has a view of the lake, and the flower gardens and landscaping make it a lovely, peaceful haven. We freshened up and decided to eat at Maggie's--a multi-colored building decorated with all varieties of flamingos! The food was excellent, and the specialty margarita I had was even better. After dinner we took a ride around the apple orchards on Highway J, a road the locals call the "fruit loop." The lake in the background made it a spectacular picture, Madeline Island there just waiting for us.
Yesterday morning we were up early to take the ferry to the island. It was a huge ship that held several cars, plus two large trucks and a tour bus on our trip. I was a little worried when Fred said, "I have a dilemma. If the boat goes down, do I save you or the Harley?" Hmm...what a guy! The ride was about 20 minutes, the view of Bayfield on the hill so pretty as it receded behind us.
Madeline Island is much less "touristy" and crowded than I expected it to be. I'm fascinated by the people who choose to live on an island in far northern WI, so far away from everything I take for granted. No fast food or big box stores here! (thank God) We had breakfast on the deck of Grandpa Tony's restaurant and then took off for Big Bay State Park. We hadn't planned to hike--it was pretty hot--but we walked out to the Point for the spectacular views of the lake and rock formations along the shore. Of course, Fred had to raise my blood pressure by crossing the fence--and going out onto a high, narrow rock with huge boulders and the water right below. We walked down to the sandy beach where the water was shallow and two families of Canada geese were swimming with their babies. Fred wanted to take the boardwalk to the "lagoon", but we went down the wrong trail the first time; after walking, walking and getting hotter and hotter, I was sure he planned this just to keep me from doing any shopping! We finally found the boardwalk and the lagoon, then headed back to the bike. Suddenly Fred stopped me and pointed at a doe, heading straight toward us on the boardwalk! She didn't seem afraid at all. Of course, that was the moment I discovered my camera's memory card was full, and I quickly deleted some old pictures to get a shot of the deer.
We were hot and thirsty, so headed back to LaPointe. We went to the island's historical museum to see some of the local history and items from the early settlers there. At 2:30 it was time to take the ferry back to Bayfield and the long ride back home. The weather certainly cooperated with us--both days were beautiful and perfect for riding. We took Highway 2 home, through Ashland, Hurley, and then 51 to Minocqua. We stopped for ice cream at Culver's, where CNN was running nonstop the news of Michael Jackson's death. Back to reality...but we are already talking about other things we want to do in Bayfield the next time we go back. Like SHOPPING!
425 miles...more sunburn...another sore butt. But definitely worth it to spend time on the Big Lake.
Fred and I headed to Bayfield Wednesday on the Harley, hoping to escape the hot mugginess of the past few days here. We took a slightly out-of-the-way route since he had a meeting in Drummond first. As we drove highway 13 approaching Bayfield, the scenery was gorgeous--glimpses of Lake Superior on the right, fields of pink, purple, and white lupine, and green hills surrounding the little town on the water. We arrived around 5:30 and checked into our hotel, the Winfield Inn and Gardens. Every room has a view of the lake, and the flower gardens and landscaping make it a lovely, peaceful haven. We freshened up and decided to eat at Maggie's--a multi-colored building decorated with all varieties of flamingos! The food was excellent, and the specialty margarita I had was even better. After dinner we took a ride around the apple orchards on Highway J, a road the locals call the "fruit loop." The lake in the background made it a spectacular picture, Madeline Island there just waiting for us.
Yesterday morning we were up early to take the ferry to the island. It was a huge ship that held several cars, plus two large trucks and a tour bus on our trip. I was a little worried when Fred said, "I have a dilemma. If the boat goes down, do I save you or the Harley?" Hmm...what a guy! The ride was about 20 minutes, the view of Bayfield on the hill so pretty as it receded behind us.
Madeline Island is much less "touristy" and crowded than I expected it to be. I'm fascinated by the people who choose to live on an island in far northern WI, so far away from everything I take for granted. No fast food or big box stores here! (thank God) We had breakfast on the deck of Grandpa Tony's restaurant and then took off for Big Bay State Park. We hadn't planned to hike--it was pretty hot--but we walked out to the Point for the spectacular views of the lake and rock formations along the shore. Of course, Fred had to raise my blood pressure by crossing the fence--and going out onto a high, narrow rock with huge boulders and the water right below. We walked down to the sandy beach where the water was shallow and two families of Canada geese were swimming with their babies. Fred wanted to take the boardwalk to the "lagoon", but we went down the wrong trail the first time; after walking, walking and getting hotter and hotter, I was sure he planned this just to keep me from doing any shopping! We finally found the boardwalk and the lagoon, then headed back to the bike. Suddenly Fred stopped me and pointed at a doe, heading straight toward us on the boardwalk! She didn't seem afraid at all. Of course, that was the moment I discovered my camera's memory card was full, and I quickly deleted some old pictures to get a shot of the deer.
We were hot and thirsty, so headed back to LaPointe. We went to the island's historical museum to see some of the local history and items from the early settlers there. At 2:30 it was time to take the ferry back to Bayfield and the long ride back home. The weather certainly cooperated with us--both days were beautiful and perfect for riding. We took Highway 2 home, through Ashland, Hurley, and then 51 to Minocqua. We stopped for ice cream at Culver's, where CNN was running nonstop the news of Michael Jackson's death. Back to reality...but we are already talking about other things we want to do in Bayfield the next time we go back. Like SHOPPING!
425 miles...more sunburn...another sore butt. But definitely worth it to spend time on the Big Lake.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
This and That
**It has been so hot and humid the past few days that I was concerned about our dogs. They have such thick fur, and haven't even shed much of their winter coats yet. They don't have as much shade as they did in their old kennel, so yesterday I went to Menards and bought each of them a kiddie swimming pool. I hauled 45 gallons of water out there and filled the pools, waiting eagerly with my camera to watch them cannonball into their instant heat relief. Well--there wasn't much splashing going on. Kaya got into Koko's pool briefly, drank several times out of her own, and finally stood in it for a few minutes, cooling her feet. Bum and Koko, however, hid in their shelters, flatly refusing to get wet. Maybe they'll figure out today that cool water feels good! Their brother Beatle is probably spinning in his grave--he loved to flop into a pool with all his puppy heart. I've walked the dogs at 7 AM the past two days to avoid the worst of the heat and humidity, but it's still miserable.
**Speaking of misery, I did a little clothes shopping at Kohl's again yesterday, as evidenced by the dent in the dressing room wall where I banged my head in frustration. I'm hoping that if we pay extra, the photographer will put my head on a diffeent body in Erica's wedding pictures.
**Ok, I admit it: I watched "The Bachelorette" last night. I usually have it on in the background while I'm reading, and I catch enough of it just to know which of the bachelors are jerks or weirdos. One is a musician who--unbeknownst to Jillian, the Bachelorette--has a girlfriend at home and is on the show just to gain publicity for his soon-to-be-released CD. He has come right out and said this to the other guys, but she is blind to it and has kept him there week after week. Another guy has a foot fetish and wants to rub her feet every time they are alone together. Eeeww!! I would not want my daughter to find a guy by going on national TV and making out with characters like these!!
**Tomorrow Fred and I are going to Bayfield. Weather permitting, we'll take the Harley. We're staying at an inn on the lake, and Thursday will take the ferry to Madeline Island. We've received several suggestions from friends about places to eat, shop, and explore, so I'll be back in a couple days with highlights. In the meantime, stay cool!!
**Speaking of misery, I did a little clothes shopping at Kohl's again yesterday, as evidenced by the dent in the dressing room wall where I banged my head in frustration. I'm hoping that if we pay extra, the photographer will put my head on a diffeent body in Erica's wedding pictures.
**Ok, I admit it: I watched "The Bachelorette" last night. I usually have it on in the background while I'm reading, and I catch enough of it just to know which of the bachelors are jerks or weirdos. One is a musician who--unbeknownst to Jillian, the Bachelorette--has a girlfriend at home and is on the show just to gain publicity for his soon-to-be-released CD. He has come right out and said this to the other guys, but she is blind to it and has kept him there week after week. Another guy has a foot fetish and wants to rub her feet every time they are alone together. Eeeww!! I would not want my daughter to find a guy by going on national TV and making out with characters like these!!
**Tomorrow Fred and I are going to Bayfield. Weather permitting, we'll take the Harley. We're staying at an inn on the lake, and Thursday will take the ferry to Madeline Island. We've received several suggestions from friends about places to eat, shop, and explore, so I'll be back in a couple days with highlights. In the meantime, stay cool!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
An Empty Nest Father's Day Weekend
Saturday morning Fred and I set out at 7:15 AM on the Harley, bound for Custer--near Stevens Point--for the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair. The sky was clear blue and the day on the way to 85 degrees. After stopping for a yummy breakfast at the IHOP in Wausau, we headed south and arrived at the fair. Fred was interested in information on solar and wind energy, and there were plenty of sources for both. I thought the scene looked like a Woodstock 40th reunion--lots of guys with long gray pony-tails and middle-aged women without bras. (I won't reveal if I was one!) There were exhibits on all kinds of renewable energy, but also on organic farming, composting, energy efficient vehicles, raising animals for clothing, sustainable living, natural soaps, candles, lotions, conservation cemeteries--where you are buried without embalming in a biodegradable box. These were just a few of the hundreds of exhibits, workshops, and speakers. Fred picked up literature and listened to a couple speakers, and I was happy with some great root beer and a free canvas bag from WPS. The exhibition tents were really hot, and after almost 3 hours we were ready to get back on the bike and cool off. We had hoped to visit Heidi and family in Wisconsin Rapids, but their boys had ball games in two different places. So we headed north, stopping in Auburndale at Cutler's Antiques and Mercantile. We love browsing through these kinds of stores, even thought they smell like Grandma's attic or basement! Fred takes longer to look at everything than I do, but we can't buy anything big when we're on the bike. He picked out a metal Jack Daniel's container with four heavy drink glasses and JD napkins inside for his bar at the cabin.
We continued on a route that would take us near Rib Lake and stopped for short visits with a couple friends we used to teach with. By then I was having trouble getting on and off the Harley--hot, sunburned, and suffering from major "biker butt." We arrived home 12 hours and 280 miles from when we left.
It was an enjoyable day, and before bedtime Fred whined until I gave him his Father's Day presents early. He never did guess what I'd gotten him; a stop at the Leinie's Lodge in Chippewa Falls last week provided a Leinenkugel's canoe paddle from which hang small canoes bearing the names of various Leinie's beers. He also got a Leinie's rain gauge and ice bucket. His guess had been camouflage suspenders!
Yesterday I made him a breakfast of eggs and sausage and let him take my money playing gin. He made a trip to Menards to buy some lumber for our deck, and also replaced a basement window. (He's coming right along on his Honey-Do list!) He received phone calls from all five daughters throughout the day, and not one asked him for money! He watched a little golf on TV, I made chicken and rice and a banana nut cake for supper, and he ended the day with a couple beers outside while burning some scrap wood.
I think he enjoyed the weekend, even though he didn't get to see any of the girls. Hopefully next year he'll see them all the weekend before Father's Day--at Erica's wedding.
We continued on a route that would take us near Rib Lake and stopped for short visits with a couple friends we used to teach with. By then I was having trouble getting on and off the Harley--hot, sunburned, and suffering from major "biker butt." We arrived home 12 hours and 280 miles from when we left.
It was an enjoyable day, and before bedtime Fred whined until I gave him his Father's Day presents early. He never did guess what I'd gotten him; a stop at the Leinie's Lodge in Chippewa Falls last week provided a Leinenkugel's canoe paddle from which hang small canoes bearing the names of various Leinie's beers. He also got a Leinie's rain gauge and ice bucket. His guess had been camouflage suspenders!
Yesterday I made him a breakfast of eggs and sausage and let him take my money playing gin. He made a trip to Menards to buy some lumber for our deck, and also replaced a basement window. (He's coming right along on his Honey-Do list!) He received phone calls from all five daughters throughout the day, and not one asked him for money! He watched a little golf on TV, I made chicken and rice and a banana nut cake for supper, and he ended the day with a couple beers outside while burning some scrap wood.
I think he enjoyed the weekend, even though he didn't get to see any of the girls. Hopefully next year he'll see them all the weekend before Father's Day--at Erica's wedding.
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