Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year's Eve Eve

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch (late): (D'Angelo's) Pastrami & Swiss Cheese Sub

Dinner: Cashews

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, two Pilsner Urquells, one Propel

Walked 13,000+ steps

A rather busy day at work after a slow start. Was some snow on the ground this morning, barely a dusting. Much colder too. Snowstorm on the way for tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Between the holidays

Monday, December 29, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Bacon, egg and cheese on everything bagel (Dunkin Donuts)

Dinner: Last of leftover lasagna, meatballs. Cashews.

Drinks: Two hot coffees. Four Pilsner Urquells.

Walked 11,400+ steps

First day back at work after the break, not busy at all but something "not right" about the day. Maybe because this is such a short workweek and it's right back into holiday mode by Wednesday. Got home at reasonable hour and sort of vegetated most of the night. Not a lot of energy today! Did have some very strange dreams this morning, centered around walking my dog in the city and losing it. Maybe because the dog woke me up in middle of night barking at chairs.

Historically, the week between Christmas and New Year's has always been sort of a lazy, aimless time for me.

Anyway, it is almost an entire year since starting this blog and I will need to think up new ideas for it. Hasn't really achieved it's objective as my weight is about the same as it was last year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I put a few pounds on.

Monday, December 29, 2008

End of very long Christmas weekend

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Slice blueberry pie, Christmas cookies, cheddar rice cakes

Dinner: Christmas cookies, almonds, cashews

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, one bottle Mead

Walked 12,400+ steps

Very mild, spring like day with temps getting into low 60s. Snow is melting incredibly fast and only the piles remain with most of the grass now visible. Started day taking dog to Groton bikepath for some walking and spent afternoon watching football in which the New England Patriots won to end season at 11-5 but they still missed playoffs because the Jets could not pull it off against Miami. Well, I wasn't much into football this year anyhow.

Having issues with iTunes crashing still but the new iPod seems to work fine and spending a lot of time catching up with my vast music and video collection. In between all the book reading and walking!

It's back to work tomorrow for a truncated work week.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Garlic!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt/Garlic Bagel (Dunkin Donuts)

Lunch: Cashews, almonds, a few rice cakes

Dinner: (Applebees), mini-bacon cheeseburger, quesadilla, ribeye steak w/garlic and mushrooms, broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes.

Drinks: One hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, one large Sam Adams winter lager

Walked 10,400+ steps

Quiet Saturday, spend much of day fussing with iTunes that keeps crashing on me, otherwise the new iPod works fine, now loaded up with nearly 11,000 songs and videos. Went to library to get a few books too. Weather was warm, 30s to start, warming to 40s by day and then climbing near 50 at night.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Post Christmas

Friday, December 26, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch/Dinner: Christmas cookies, cashews, almonds, lasagna, meatballs, olive oil, chocolate covered raisins, raisins

Drinks: Two Propels, one hot coffee, some Italian liqueur, three Pilsner Urquells

Walked 11,000+ steps

Woke up about 7AM and took son to Apple store after dog walk to get "skins" for our new iPods. Sister slept over with her kids and brother came over with his later in day. Around 4PM, they all left and house finally got quiet again and spend rest of night watching videos on new iPod. Pretty restful day overall.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas Day

Thursday, December 25, 2008 - Christmas Day

Breakfast: None

Lunch/Dinner: Christmas cookies, lasagna, meatballs, bread rolls, bread, olive oil, blueberry pie, almonds, cashews.

Drinks: Four Propels (very thirsty), some italian liqueur, one glass of wine.

Walked 10,000+ steps

Woke around 7AM and had time to take shower and take dog for a walk before the kids woke up. Very pleasant day but again, had way too much to eat. Wife gave me a new 120Gig iPod which will now contain my 70+ Gigs of music. Enough of Christmas music, now it's time to move on to the rest of my music collection. Sister came over with her family. A very pleasant Christmas all around.

Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch/Dinner: Christmas cookies, cheese, crackers, almonds, cashews, chicken nuggets

Drinks: One hot coffee, some Italian liqueur, three glasses red wine

Walked 10,000+ steps

Not a typical Christmas Eve in that I worked but was pretty much done by 11AM. Came home and wrapped some gifts after taking dog for a walk. Day went by pretty quick. Went to family party at night. Typical for Christmas Eve but highlight was successfully recording Oedipus WBCN Christmas Eve show over the Internet where previous year, did not record it properly. This show features the best Christmas music and over the years has come to make up the core of my Christmas collection.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve Eve

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) - Bacon, egg, cheese on plain bagel

Dinner: Roast beef, roll, chicken filet

Drinks: Two hot coffee, four Heineken drafts, some italian liqueur

Walked 10,100+ steps

Frigid this morning, -3.7 degrees at the time of the morning walk! Temps rapidly rose through the day and eventually hit upper 20s, which felt warm. Extremely busy day today and did a huge amount of driving. Visited customer out in Webster, MA and went all the way home to get wife to go to company Christmas party in Quincy. Over two hour drive to get there in snarled traffic. Got home around 11PM and was up until close to 1AM.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Beginning of Christmas Week

Monday, December 22, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Two hard-boiled eggs, cashews, almonds, Christmas cookies (too many), crackers

Walked 12,000+ steps

Drinks: Two hot coffees, Propel, one Sapporo beer (in the big can), two or three glasses italian liqueur.

Very cold day and getting colder as day went on, dropping through the teens by afternoon. Hectic day at work but got out at reasonable time. Feeling kind of lazy despite it being just before Christmas. Spent night dissecting Christmas audio files from 2006 for my iPod and watching some Monday night football. Was a major accident in front of my workplace this morning, the low angle of the early morning sun is brutal combined with the dirty windshields from all the snow and ice.

Need to definitely get back on the (food) wagon after the holiday. Must have packed on 10 pounds over the past few weeks.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Heavy Snowfall!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Breakfast: Two hard-boiled eggs

Lunch: Almonds, Christmas cookies, candies, cheese, crackers

Dinner: Lasagna, meatballs, Christmas cookies.

Drinks: One hot coffee, 1 1/2 bottles red wine. Propel.

Walked 10,000+ steps

A day of mostly heavy snow. Since Friday afternoon, have received about 2 feet of snow and it never really stopped falling until about 9PM. Spent most of day watching football (first time this season!) and getting out to shovel twice after a long walk this morning around the neighborhood. It was probably the most restful day I've had in a while. Now it's time to roll into Christmas.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Xmas Party

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Breakfast: Two hard-boiled eggs

Lunch/Dinner: (Family Xmas Party) Almonds, cashews, Christmas cookies (tons of those), lasagna, meatballs, candies.

Drinks: Hot coffee, three Propels, half bottle of some Italian liqueur, half bottle red wine

Walked 11,000+ steps

Ate way too much junk today but it was family Christmas party. Started day going up to New Hampshire to get some firewood and it was still snowing. In fact, it snowed most of the day, picking up another inch or two with another big storm moving in for tomorrow.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Snow Blitz

Friday, December 19, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Plain Bagel

Dinner: Almonds, cashews, Christmas cookies, chicken pot pie, broccoli

Drinks: Some italian liqueur, hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 12,000+ steps

The day of the first snowstorm of season started out cold and mostly cloudy. Snow didn't move in until around 2PM but within an hour, it was snowing hard for the next 6 hours. About 8-10 inches on average, just a basic snowstorm but laid down a good base of snow. Work all but shutdown around noon so it feels like a long weekend! Temperatures are very cold, dropping through the low teens as the snow fell.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Preparing for snowstorm

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) Bacon, egg and cheese on bagel

Dinner: (Longhorn) Chicken nuggets, ribeye steak, rice, mushrooms, some bread

Drinks: Hot coffee, four JC minis, two margaritas

Walked 13,700+ steps

Probably the last full day of "real work" before the holidays. Left office on time, got in horrendous traffic jam on way home and went Christmas shopping with wife. All the talk is of the snowstorm tomorrow which is supposed to be the same as last year's December 13th snowstorm in which most people got stuck in traffic for hours. That day, it took me over four hours to get home only to turn around and go all the way back into Brookline to get my son who was stranded and had his car towed (with him in it). So tomorrow should be a short day at work as everybody will flee at the first snowflakes.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Snow Season Begins

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Four slices cheese pizza

Dinner: Raisins, crackers, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: Hot coffee, Propel, five Pilsner Urquells

Walked 11,000+ steps

Woke up to about 2-3 inches of snow and had a tricky drive into the office (by which time it had turned to slushy rain). But came home to a solid three-inch snowcover with a major storm on the way for Friday. The house is back to normal for the most part. Got blowers in the basement trying to dry things out but house is warm and well lit for Christmas.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Getting back to normal

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: None

Dinner: Two hard boiled eggs, shells, tomato sauce, olive oil

Drinks: Two hot coffees, three Pilsner Urquell, two shots Knob Creek

Walked 11,000+ steps

Power on this morning but still no hot water so took another cold shower. Never bothered going to office and worked at home and out of car. Finished Christmas shopping online. Water heater guy came to fix the hot water and finally took hot shower at night.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Day 4 of Ice Storm - Power Restored (late in day)

Breakfast: None

Lunch: None

Dinner: (99 Restaurant) - Appetizer, ribeye steak, broccoli, rice

Drinks: Hot coffee, four JC minis, one 22-ounce Stella Artois

Walked 12,400 steps

(Previous day 12,000 steps)

Finally got power back today just around nightfall. Never want to go through this again! Drove borrowed generator back to Groton. Spent most of day in car driving around neighborhoods checking progress on cleanup and checking email from work.

Towards the end of the day, I was really getting fed up with the routine so I'm glad to have power back and heat in the house. Still no hot water as the water heater looks shot. But I'll take what I can get.

It was very warm today, just about touching 60 degrees. That helped although it did turn the yard to mud.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Ice Storm Blackout Continues

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Breakfast: Two wheat bagels w/bacon and egg

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chinese food. Chicken wings, peking ravioli, beef teriyaki, fried rice

Drinks: Two hot coffees, cold tap water, Red Bull, three Pilsner Urquells

Walked 12,000+ steps

Woke up this morning to an extremely cold 40 degree house. Almost felt warmer outside. Basement had close to six inches of water in it this morning. Fortunately, one of my wife's friends loaned us a generator that we got up and running around 4PM. Quickly drained the basement and even got a space heater and some real light in the house.

After nightfall, a lot of utility trucks started moving through my neighborhood so maybe I'll get power back later tonight or tomorrow. In meantime, I'm shivering in the house trying to warm up at least the living room with a roaring fireplace and space heater. Will definitely appreciate my heating system and hot water heater a lot more when the power comes back on!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Day 3 of Ice-Storm induced Blackout

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Raisins, crackers

Dinner: Two double-cheeseburgers (Wendys)

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, one bottle of red wine

Walked 13,100+ steps

A very strange Saturday. Woke up in freezing cold and took quick icy-cold shower. Then took dog out for short walk in 19 degree weather before getting in car to warm up! Stayed out of house most of day and took walks while driving around in the car. Wife and kids went to the mother-in-law's house. Got back home around dark and tried warming up the house by lighting fire in the fireplace but not much luck. The living room got a little warm but still need to be wearing winter coat and hat. The rest of the house is just plain cold, between 41 and 49 degrees. Going to be a very cold night sleeping tonight. Spent the night reading about a British spy by candlelight and firelight while sipping wine. Haven't seen any work crews in the area trying to restore power so might be even longer before we get back to normal.

Day Two of Power Outage

Friday, December 12, 2008

Breakfast: A few pastries

Lunch: None

Dinner: Scallops & bacon, steak, a few chips, lasagna

Drinks: One hot coffee, four or five Heineken Lights

Walked 10,100+ steps

After a very long night of hearing trees and branches crash all around, I fell into a sleep around 4AM and overslept until about 6:45 AM in which I rushed to work with no shower. It was still pouring rain and ice covered all the trees.

Getting to work was an adventure, as many roads were closed by fallen trees. Got to work nearly an hour late and had to reschedule my meeting. Had a few pastries for breakfast and left work early only to find no power when I got home with no immediate prospects of it coming back on anytime soon. Basement is flooded with about 3-4 inches of water.

Went to co-workers house for (planned) dinner which was okay but a very long drive. Didn't get home until past 11PM and came home to a dark and cold house. Kids were already sleeping. Got under blankets with my sweater on and still it felt cold, sort of like camping out.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Major Ice Storm!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry yogurt, Christmas cookies

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Margarita's) - Tortilla chips, quesadilla w/chicken, beef taco, chicken burrito, beef enchilada, black beans, rice

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, two margaritas

Walked 12,700+ steps

What a day. Started out rainy and cold and got through a busy day at work okay. It was raining harder on the way home and as I got there, I noticed temperatures had dropped to freezing mark. Not a good sign. Nonetheless, my wife and I went out to eat at Mexican restaurant and on the way out to our car, it was pouring rain and sheets of ice were forming on the cars. Roads were okay though but as I got to my neighborhood, I noticed parts of it already had the power out.

Once home, take the dog for a walk in the pouring rain to check out the neighborhoods that were dark. Very eerie scene as it was very dark and you could see what looked like blowing transformers lighting up the sky. Trees and branches were covered in high and hanging low to the ground. No breaking yet though.

Got home and dried off and waited for my oldest son to get home from school. Suddenly around 11PM, the lights in our house went out and you got the clear impression that it was going to be for a long time. Fortunately we had a lot of stuff already moved off the floor of the cellar. Anyway, my son got home okay and we tried going to bed. Couldn't sleep though because all your heard was the pouring rain and the cracking of trees falling to the ground. We were paranoid that the tree hanging over our house was going to come on top of us.

Anyway, finally fell asleep around 4AM and had to wake up a short time after to get to work but that is story for another day.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Sick of hearing about bailouts

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Can of King Oscar sardines, raisins, crackers, Christmas cookies, peanuts

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, one Sam Adams Winter lager, three Pilsner Urquells

Walked 10,000+ steps

Workday much more hectic but manageable. Weather very strange. Very high winds this morning blew down some tree branches and Christmas decorations in yard and it was in low 60s. Temps slowly dropping during day but still in upper 40s at nightfall. Lots of heavy downpours and cloudy all day. Been very hungry these past few days.

Rising temperatures

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Shrimp Wrap (Fresh City)

Dinner: Cheese and crackers, raisins, Christmas cookies

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, four JC minis, shot Knob Creek whiskey

Walked 12,000+ steps

Started out cold (mid-teens) and temperature never stopped rising, hitting 60 degrees by nightfall and very windy. Another smooth day at work. Hung Christmas lights in kitchen and getting just about done with the lights. Not feeling quite myself today, sort of lethargic. But very productive at work.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Polar Air

Monday, December 8, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Meatball Sub (Mighty Subs)

Dinner: Crackers, raisins, peanut butter

Drinks: One hot coffee, three Pilsner Urquells, one shot of Knob Creek whiskey

Walked 13,700+ steps

Bitter cold today! Was about 9 or 10 degrees above this morning with below zero windchill. Never got out of the lower 20s during the day and was back to 10 degrees by bedtime. But it was a smooth day at work and got much done.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Mannheim Steamroller

Sunday, December 7, 2008 - Pearl Harbor Day

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Pistachio bread, olive oil

Dinner: Raisins, cranberries

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, four Pilsner Urquells, one glass champagne

Walked 17,500+ steps

Snow was in the air this morning as I woke up. Took dog to walk in Harry Rich forest in Groton where logging project is in full swing. Many trees are down. Spent most of afternoon getting Christmas things at the mall again. I normally avoid the malls this time of year but avoided the stress by parking at the edge of the parking lots, walking in, getting what I need and getting back out.

Went to Mannheim Steamroller concert tonight with wife and kids. Sat in fourth row in the center. Some of the best seats I ever had in a concert. Not the original Steamroller but a decent show nonetheless. Snow only amounted to a light dusting but got extremely cold and windy at night.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Shopping Malls?

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Slice blueberry pie (Whole Foods), peanuts, crackers

Dinner: Chicken pot pie, rice, pistachio bread (Whole Foods0

Drinks: Propel, four Pilsner Urquells, three glasses red wine

Walked 16,500 steps

Very busy Saturday, spent most of afternoon doing what I vowed not to do this season, go to malls. But I kept it low-stress by parking in back of parking lot and walking everywhere. Need to go back tomorrow too but that should about do it. Supposed to snow a little tomorrow.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Skyline Trail

Friday, December 5, 2008

Breakfast: Egg McMuffin, hash brown

Lunch: None

Dinner: Cheese and crackers, bag of rice cakes, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: Foster's "Oil Can" Lager, two hot coffees, one Propel, two shots Crown Royal whiskey

Walked 13,000+ steps

Another good day at work today. Had meeting in Arlington and then explored some of the Fells woods near Winchester for the first time before ending the day up North.

Was tired tonight and looking forward to good night's sleep

Friday, December 5, 2008

Google Images

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two slices pizza (Bertucci's), one bread roll

Dinner: (Outback) Bread, ribeye steak, broccoli

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, two Patron Silver margaritas

Walked 15,000+ steps

Very good day at work. For some reason, everything just flowed and work got done. So got home in a good mood, went out to eat with wife and took dog for a long walk after. Weather unusually mild today but a cold front moving in tonight and back to some wintry weather again.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Three weeks from Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chicken Soup, acini di pepi, a few cranberries, rice cakes, two hard-boiled eggs, some toffee bark.

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, one Winter Lager

Walked 16,000+ steps

Very busy day at work today, hardly got to leave the office at all. Weather slowly cooling down and should be back to winter weather by Friday.

Strange Dreams

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chicken Soup, shells, cheese and crackers, raisins, cranberries

Drinks: Two Pilsner Urquells, one Sam Adams Winter Lager, one hot coffee, one cup egg nog, one cup Kahlua

Walked 13,000+ steps

Strange dreams this morning and when I went to bed tonight.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

December in like a lamb

Monday, December 1, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Cheese and crackers, raisins,

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, cup of egg nog, cup of Kahlua, four JC minis

Walked 14,800+ steps

Rainy start today and then turning unseasonably warm, up around 60 degrees by afternoon. Work went pretty easy and ended day in Norwell. Long drive home but peaceful. Jupiter, Venus and the crescent moon combined to put on quite a show after sunset. Had a quiet night reading through a good part of a novel and went to bed early. Not a bad way to start the workweek after a 4-day weekend.

Monday, December 1, 2008

First Snow of Season

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Raisins, rice cakes, lemon pie, cashews and almonds, two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Turkey soup, potatoes, acine de pepi, pistachio bread, almonds, cashews, pistachios

Drinks: Propel, one hot coffee, one Sam Adams Winter Lager, two Pilsner Urquell, one bottle of Mead.

Walked 11,500 steps

Day started out gray and cold. Looked like snow in the air and sure enough, we got our first snowfall during the early afternoon hours. Enough to coat the ground in most places before turning over to sleet and rain and then a hard rain rest of day with rising temps. That pretty much washed out my afternoon/evening walk so good thing I had a long walk put in early up in the Groton woods.

The long weekend is finally over and it was a very good one. Could use more of these!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Day 3 of very restful weekend (10m)

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Chocolate bar (Whole Foods), lemon pie slice, almonds, fudge

Dinner: Lasagna with meatballs and olive oil. Some Pistachio bread (Whole Foods), almonds, pistachios, raisins.

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, Three glasses red wine, cup or two of Kahlua and egg nog

Walked 23,500+ steps

Took long walk along Ten Rod Road this morning with dog through the Estabrook woods. Then spent good part of afternoon hunting down Christmas lawn ornaments. Found a decent 7 1/2 foot tree at Sears Hardware to put in yard along with spotlight for yard. Seasonable day today, hit the low 40s with a low of about 28 degrees. A lot of neighbors have their Christmas lights outside now and it is starting to feel like Christmas time.

Thanksgiving Rewind

Friday, November 28, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch/Dinner: Cashews, almonds, pistachios, turkey, stuffing, gravy, cheese, cookies, lemon pie, fudge

Drinks: Several glasses wine, dessert wine, italian liquer

Walked 15,000+ steps

Took dog walking this morning along Bedford/Billerica rail trail for about 9,000 steps. Then did a "Thanksgiving Rewind" with my sister and her two kids as we ate the other half of the turkey and basically did Thanksgiving all over again. Another decent walk at night but ate more today than on the real Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving Day 2008

November 27, 2008 - Thursday - Thanksgiving Day

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch/Dinner: Roast turkey leg, stuffing, cauliflower, gravy, cookies, cashews, almonds, couple of rolls.

Drinks: Propel, four glasses red wine, two glasses dessert wine, one glass italian liquor, one cup Kahlua, one cup egg nog

Walked 15,800+ steps

Didn't do too badly (on food) this Thanksgiving Day. Kept it under control and got three solid walks in with the dog in the process to keep the metabolism going. Had a very quiet and restful Thanksgiving Day. I did the bird and stuffing as usual and my wife did the rest of the cooking. The kids slept until nearly noon and the afternoon and evening went very well. Never even got in my car. Weather was about normal for this time of year, 28 in the morning and low 40s during the day. Lit fire in the fireplace for first time this season. Last night ordered four Mannheim Steamroller tickets for the family to attend on Dec. 7. No wonder I don't go to concerts much anymore, everything is close to $100 a ticket these days!

One a scale of one to five, this Thanksgiving is pretty close to a 5. No stress whatssoever.

Looking forward to three similar days coming up.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Kickoff to Thanksgiving 2008

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Hamburger Helper with pasta, rice, raisins, crackers, cheese, tortilla chips

Walked 15,000+ steps

Drinks: Two Propels, one hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses dessert wine, one glass of Italian liquer

Short day at work today as the Thanksgiving weekend is now underway. Cool day with temps down to 29 degrees by 8PM.

Rainstorm

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Crackers, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine, one cup Kahlua

Walked 10,100+ steps

Pouring rain nearly all day and had trouble getting my minimum walking miles in. But rains stopped around 6PM and was able to get out there for a while. Getting in holiday mood right about now and not doing anything ambitious at the moment. Got mostly through "Whiskey Rebels" and hung a few more Christmas lights in the living room.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Rain on the way (10m)

Monday, November 24, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Wheat pasta w/olive oil and tomato sauce; raisins, peanuts

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine, one cup of Kahlua

Walked 20,400+ steps

Very busy day at work today, still cold but felt warm as temps got in upper 30s. Got a lot of walking in as well. This week is already flying by!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Victory in War Against the Leaves (10m)

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Cheese, crackers

Dinner: Chicken soup, crackers, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, four JC minis, one Sam Adams Winter Lager, two Pilsner Urquell, two glasses red wine

Walked 20,100+ steps

Went with dog for walk in some of my favorite woods (Harold Rich State Forest, Groton) only to find that it was taken over by logging trucks. Trail was widened into a road and hundreds of trees were already felled. Still got my walk in but it appears that it will never be the same again.

Temperatures "rose" into the mid 30s today and it actually felt warm. I was out raking leaves most of afternoon but this will be the last time of the season I do any serious raking. The yard is mostly scrubbed clean and no more leaves to fall off the trees except maybe a few blowing in from other yards.

This weekend went by very fast.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Mid-Winter Day in November! (10m)

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Bread Pudding (Whole Foods), crackers, cheese

Dinner: Crackers, flatbread pizza (Whole Foods), raisins

Drinks: Propel, half a hot coffee, one Sam Adams Winter Lager, two Pilsner Urquell, two glasses red wine, one Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout.

Walked 20,100+ steps

Frigid mid-winter day with windchills in teens all day long. Started out around 16 degrees and only made it to 28 degrees as a high but it felt much colder with the constant brisk winds. Nevertheless, spent a good amount of time outdoors as I like this weather. Got through a bunch more Christmas music and hung a lot more Christmas lights after dinner. Did raking in the back and aside from the front yard, raking for year is just about over as the trees are totally bare. However, the ground is also completely bare as we have had hardly a flake of snow despite all the cold. Very good day today and got a lot of much needed rest.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Cold wave strengthens

Friday, November 21, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: One hard-boiled egg, raisins, (Mexican Restaurant) Nachos, tortilla chips, beef, cheese, beef enchilada, two beef tacos, rice, refried beans, lettuce and tomato

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Pilsner Urquell, one Dos XX on draft, one Sam Adams Winter Lager, one large margarita

Walked 13,400+ steps

Very busy day at work after having a slow week! Was 16 degrees this morning and barely got to freezing. The lake I walk around near work is now completely frozen over. Earliest in the year I've ever seen this happen.

Ice Forming

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, one hard-boiled egg, (Longhorn) Chicken nuggets, Ribeye steak, salad w/olive oil, mushrooms

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, Silver Lightning margarita

Walked 17,000+ steps

Another quick day at work, took long walk at lunchtime. Lake I walk around is starting to freeze up! Barely got out of low 30s today and was 18 in the morning.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Quiet Wednesday

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Crackers, cheese, peanuts, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, one Sam Adams Winter Lager

Walked 16,800+ steps

Deepening cold today, barely got out of mid 30s and was 21 degrees in morning. I do not mind the cold so far, spending plenty of time walking outdoors in it. Went to bed somewhat early tonight. The book "Whiskey Rebel" is pretty good.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Transition to Winter

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Shells, tomato sauce, olive oil, cheese, raisins, rice cakes, some crackers.

Drinks: Hot coffee, Propel, four JC minis, two glasses red wine

Walked 16,000+ miles

Much colder day today. About 27 degrees in morning, barely got to 40 and down to 25 degrees by bedtime. Definitely winter is setting in. Sun is low in sky and long shadows during my walk around 1PM. Have listened to over 1,500 Christmas songs so far since Nov 1 and have downloaded close to 80 new Christmas songs so far this season. Have about 800 more Christmas songs to get through before I start listening to the best of them only.

Squirrel on the loose (10m)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chili, cheese, crackers

Drinks: Propel, one large coffee, four JC minis, one glass red wine

Walked 20,000+ steps

Temperatures cranked much lower today, started out around 31 and barely got out of 40s. Down to freezing just after nightfall. Very windy again. Squirrel got back in house again, caught it and drove it about 3 miles away and tossed it in woods. Work was pretty slow.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Chili Cookoff

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Rice cakes, chili, peanut butter & crackers

Dinner: Lasagna, raisins, cheese

Drinks: Propel, one Sam Adams Winter Lager, three Pilsner Urquells, one bottle Mead, one glass red wine

Walked 19,200+ steps

Checked out the new bike trail today but it is still closed (until next spring). Took detour to top of Robin Hill Road and finally discovered the fire lookout. Tallest place in Chelmsford. Spent most of afternoon raking leaves again. Finally, the leaf raking is about over for the year. My yard is ready for snow cover and it is starting to get cold today as temperatures tumbled through the 40s and into the 30s by early evening.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Reading and Raking

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard boiled eggs, slice pecan pie

Dinner: Crackers, two chicken & broccoli cutlets, squash, bread, olive oil

Walked 13,000+ steps

Drinks: Propel, one hot coffee, four JC minis, four Pilsner Urquells

Felt a little better today and spent much of day outdoors (after a good night sleep). I raked most of the yard completely clean today and have a piece out back and on the side to rake tomorrow. Never has my yard been raked so clean this time of year. The leaves have pretty much stopped falling so this will be the last weekend of heavy raking. Cloudy with rain showers most of day and very, very warm. It is still 65 degrees late at night! However, there is some much colder weather coming in for next week and may see first snow. Even had time to hang more Christmas lights.

Saw movie tonight with wife called 88 minutes. Quite intense. Also have about four books I'm reading right now and just started "Whiskey Rebels" tonight which is historical novel about the Whiskey Rebellion.

Sick Again

Friday, November 14, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, crackers, wheat spaghetti w/olive oil and bread.

Drinks: Propel, one hot coffee, one Sam Adams Winter Lager

Walked 10,400+ steps

Sick again today but made it through work today. Started day in Boston. Didn't get much walking done. Cloudy, off and on rain, mild.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Flu!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Knockwurst, baked beans

Dinner: Quesadillas, prime rib, bacon, shrimp, scallops, asparagus (Outback)

Drinks: Propel, one hot coffee, four JC minis, one Patron Silver Margarita

Walked 11,400+ steps

Another long day of meetings at work. Really getting bad flu so will turn in early. Mostly cloudy with off and on rain today.

Jars of Clay Downloaded

Wednesday, September 12, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Flatbread pizza (Whole Foods); crackers, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee; one glass wine, four Pilsner Urquells

Walked: 10,700+ steps

Mostly cloudy day with almost full moon. Very busy day at work with meetings most of afternoon. Hung some more Christmas lights in house after work. Started Eisenhower's book called "Crusade in Europe".

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Rumors

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - Veteran's Day

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two slices pizza

Dinner: One hard-boiled egg, one slice pizza, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, one glass red wine, 4 JC minis

Walked 20,800+ steps

Another quiet day at work (it was holiday) and traffic was on light side. Took long walk at lunch. Skies mostly cloudy and looking very much like early winter out there with all the trees now mostly bare. Not feeling too good today (flu coming on) so will go to bed early.

Monday, November 10, 2008

When Southern Bells Ring

Monday, November 10, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Crackers, cheese, two hard-boiled eggs, raisins

Walked 15,670+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, two glasses mead, one glass red wine, three Pilsner Urquells

Not a bad Monday at all. Started out warm but cool front came through and temps tumbled through the 40s in the afternoon into the 30s by 8PM. Work went very smooth today. Hung some Christmas lights when I got home and finished the Eisenhower biography.

Another fast weekend (10m)

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Raisins, crackers, peanut butter, four hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Roast, sweet potato, peanuts

Drinks: Propel, four JC minis, two glasses mead, three Octoberfest, One Pilsner Urquell

Walked 20,300+ steps

Started day walking the Nashua Trail bikepath in Groton/Dunstable area. Then another afternoon of raking and bagging leaves. Still a bunch of leaves left over, first time all season I couldn't get them all. But they are just about completely off the trees so I should get caught up next weekend. Another mild day but it got a little cooler in the afternoon.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Incredible amount of leaves (10m)

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Bread pudding (Whole Foods)

Dinner: Swiss cheese & crackers, cheddar rice cakes, raisins, chicken legs and thighs, peas

Drinks: One Propel, four JC minis, four glasses red wine

Walked 22,500+ steps

Started day by walking with dog on 10 Rod trail in Carlisle/Concord. Still a ton of leaves coming off the trees but trees mostly bare. Went to Apple Store to look for new protective case for my 2-year-old iPod but they aren't stocked anymore. SO guess I need new iPod (which is fine by me). Spent most of afternoon until about dark raking and bagging. This is the big dump of the year and I barely made headway. Another day of raking tomorrow and I have to do it all over again next weekend. At least most of trees are bare now. Still extremely mild for this time of year - up in 60s. Still no sun and it rained most of night.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Traffic Jams

Friday, November 7, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chicken soup, crackers, raisins, cheese

Drinks: One hot coffee, three Pilsner Urquells, One Octoberfest, one glass wine.

Walked 10,800+ steps

Another dreary day, more drizzle than rain but wet all day. Still on the mild side. Workday went pretty quick. Got new Christmas candles for the windows as the battery operated ones were not going to work out at all.

The Big Leaf Dump

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Longhorn) Ribeye steak, broccoli, bread & butter, chicken nuggets

Drinks: One hot coffee, One Propel, four JC minis, two Silver Lightning margaritas

Walked 10,700+ steps

Dreary rainy day but mild. Didn't get much walking in today. Was a pretty good day at work though. The leaves on the oak trees really let loose today however and I have a full weekend of raking leaves ahead. This is the most leaves in the yard all year!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Long Day

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two slices cheese pizza

Dinner: Raisins, three hard boiled eggs, a few crackers

Drinks: Two Propels, four Pilsner Urquells, three glasses mead

Walked 16,000+ steps

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day 2008

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two slices pizza (Brothers, Newton)

Well, enough of the constant polls. This is the actual Election Day. I am sitting in my driveway after having voted. According to the polls, my candidates are not going to do well tonight, but I have one vote and all I can do is exercise it and the rest of it, I cannot control.

It was a very surreal day today. Woke up 4:15 due to phone/clock making random beeping noises. Took dog for a walk in the misty morning (mist was everywhere) and temperatures rose into the low 60s today. Left work at around 10AM to take a walk in the woods and didn't get back to office until about 12:15. Left office around 2PM so I could vote and spent the past couple of hours checking email in the car and driving around listening to Christmas Carols and talk radio.

Now it is about 5:30PM and I'm sitting in the driveway outside the house. I'm going to take dog for a long walk, maybe read a book and listen to more Christmas music and tune out the election for a while. I have a funny feeling that the election will end up much closer than the pollsters have been saying but we'll see.

Dinner: Two stuffed chicken loafs, rice, peanuts

Walked 18,300 steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, four JC minis, four glasses mead

Well my candidates mostly lost tonight but so it goes.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Election Eve

Monday, November 3, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Sardines

Dinner: Crackers, peanut butter, two hard boiled eggs

Walked 16,200+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, three Pilsner Urquells, four glasses mead

Had 42 bags of leaves out for first pickup and some kids dumped about 10 bags into the street so had to rake up again this morning. Down in the upper 20s but warmed up to about 50. Election is tomorrow and despite the polls, I think it is a toss-up and could go either way. Dog is sick tonight so never got it out for an evening walk. It threw up on its bed. Reading Eisenhower biography.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Late Autumn Settling In

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Cheese and crackers

Dinner: Assorted crap (at a family party), cookies, some chocolate, crackers, pepperoni, raisins

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine

Walked 14,000+ steps

Didn't have a lot of leaves to rake today as I did most of it yesterday and not many new leaves fell. I did put out 42 bags of leaves for the first collection of year! That's not including all the leaves I raked into the woods. Was in mid-20s this morning and warmed only into the upper 40s. Clocks turned back last night and turned dark just after 5PM. Christmas candles are in the windows and soon it's time to put lights up. Listened to another 100+ Christmas songs today on the iPod. The election is only a couple days away and spent a lot of time on the Internet checking it out.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Christmas Starts Today (10m)

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Some kind of "baclava" from Whole Foods (never again), Whole Foods chocolate bar

Dinner: Two hard boiled eggs, beef stew with wheat pasta, crackers, peanuts

Drinks: Propel, two Pilsner Urquells, four JC minis, two glasses red wine

Walked 21,000+ steps

Raked yard almost completely clean once again. Never have I been so caught up on lawn raking. Today starts Christmas music and the reason I start now is that I have over 2,000 Christmas songs in my collection and even if I listen to 50 a day from now until Christmas, I'll barely have time to hear them all. Also put the Christmas candles in the windows as I'll spend the next few weeks putting up lights.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Hallowed Ween

Friday, October 31, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Some Hallowed Ween candy, raisins, two hard boiled eggs, crackers

Walked 15,200+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, four JC minis, three glasses mead

Coldest morning of season this morning, about 26 degrees. Warmed up into low 6os however by afternoon. Halloween tonight, tomorrow starts the Christmas season. Election only a few days away, Drudge posting McCain up by one point in latest Zogby poll.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

New Moon

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Peanut butter & crackers, Mexican appetizers, tortilla chips, steak fajitas, rice, cheese, tortillas, beans

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, four JC minis, one Patron Margarita

Walked 14,700+ steps

Very cool, raw day. About 29 degrees this morning, got into upper 40s and then it was back around 34 degrees by 9PM. Went to Mexican restaurant after work and had way too much food. Very bloated. Another somewhat quiet day at work but it looks like it's about to get very busy again.

Cold and Raw

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Meatball sub

Dinner: Cheese, crackers, raisins, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: Three Pilsner Urquells, one Octoberfest, three glasses mead, one hot coffee

Walked 16,600 steps

Another somewhat quiet day at work. Windy and cold most of day. Younger son got a scholarship for college so that was good news.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Cold Rain

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Ham, cheese and egg on English Muffin (Dunkin Donuts)

Dinner: Flatbread pizza (Whole Food), raisins, crackers.

Drinks: One hot coffee, three glasses mead, four JC minis

Walked 15,300+ steps

Cool, raw and mostly rainy day. Lots of wind. Another quiet day at work and got a lot of spreadsheet work done.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

New Age

Monday, October 27, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Can of Sardines

Dinner: Peanut butter, crackers, hard-boiled eggs, raisins

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses mead, one hot coffee, Propel

Walked 13,300+ steps

Another Indian summer day (69 degrees for high) and had a relatively easy day at work.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Indian Summer II

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two small bagels

Dinner: Chili, cheese, crackers, two hard boiled eggs

Walked 16,000+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, Four JC minis, two glasses mead

Went to check out a college with wife and youngest son. Very warm day (upper 60s) after very heavy rain/windstorm last night. Spent afternoon getting caught up on leaves and I have most of my years looking like a golf course with hardly a leaf to be found. One of the local politicians (state rep candidate) popped over to leave a yard sign. Spent evening reading Eisenhower and listing to Die Walkure.

Eisenhower (10m)

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Granola Bar (Whole Foods); Chocolate bar (Whole Foods)

Dinner: Two hard boiled eggs, mexican meat loaf, cauliflower, rice, olive oil, peanuts

Walked 22,000+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, four JC minis, three glasses mead

Warm day for this time of year, spent most of afternoon mulching, raking and bagging leaves. Started biography of Eisenhower by Stephen Ambrose, it's quite good.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Jack Frost

Friday, October 24, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, crackers, spaghetti, meatballs, olive oil

Drinks: One hot coffee, One Propel, two Pilsner Urquell, three glasses Rancho Zabaco wine, one glass mead

Walked 13,500+ steps

26 or 27 degrees this morning. First really hard frost. Another busy day at work and in state of exhaustion by 10:30PM

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Longhorn) Shrimp, bread, butter, ribeye, mushroom, onions, sweet potato

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, two Silver Lightning margarita

Walked 12,800+ steps

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Die Walkure

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Small bag pretzel sticks

Dinner: Raisins, crackers, peanut butter, Mexican chicken soup with beans, rice, olive oil

Drinks: One Propel, one hot coffee, two glasses Mead, one glass wine, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 16,100+ steps

Cold rainy start to day, raw and windy afterwards. Pretty good day at work overall. But need to catch up on my sleep.

Smashing Pumpkins

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, beef stew, wheat pasta

Drinks: One hot coffee, two glasses mead, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 11,500+ steps

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Wagner (10m)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chicken stew, broccoli, crackers, raisins, peanuts

Drinks: Two glasses mead, four Pilsner Urquell

Walked 20,100+ steps

Boston Red Sox lost Game 7 but New England Patriots beat Denver tonight 41-7. Another cool morning but it warmed up to low 60s by afternoon. Got a good long walk in at lunch.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Dog Tired (10m)

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Peanut Butter, cheese, crackers, three hard-boiled eggs, rasins

Dinner: Meat stew, mashed potatos, crackers

Drinks: Two hot coffees, two Pilsner Urquells, four JC minis, two glasses mead

Walked 20,100+ steps

Started day in Groton woods, wind picked up and placed new layer of leaves over what I just raked yesterday. Spent entire afternoon raking and bagging more leaves. Will be very sore tomorrow but worth it as yard is for the most part, very clean. Still, many more leaves yet to fall. Was very cold this weekend and barely got out of low 50s today. With the recent freezes, all the mosquitoes and most other insects are dead. Boston Red Sox in Game 7 tonight of ACLS as they won last night 4-2.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Raking and Bagging (10m)

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Breakfast: Granola Bar (Whole Foods), chocolate bar (Whole Foods)

Lunch: Peanut butter, crackers, two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Mexican meatloaf with shredded cheese and broccoli

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, four Pilsner Urquell, two glasses red wine

Walked 22,000+ steps

Going to be sore tomorrow. Spent most of afternoon doing heavy raking and bagging with more to do still for tomorrow. But the yard is looking very clean for this time of year and I am keeping ahead of the leaves for a change. I'm trying to get all leaves raked before the snows move in so I don't have to rake in April. Very cool today and will be going below freezing tonight.

Comeback

Friday, October 17, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Swiss Cheeseburger, french fries

Dinner: Chicken Pot Pie, rice

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Samuel Adams Octoberfest, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine

Walked 11,700+ steps

Spent good part of day in Boston, workday went pretty fast and now weekend is here. Lot of leaves to rake this weekend. Boston Red Sox came back from 7-0 deficit last night to force a Game 6 in ALCS.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Bizhub Bowl

Thursday, October 16 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Italian Sub

Dinner: Porterhouse steak, broccoli, chicken wings, some bread

Drinks: One Propel, four JC minis, two Patron Silver Margaritas

Walked 13,000+ steps

Had to be in work by 7:30AM, very long day but full of action. The autumn is in full swing now with leaves falling off the trees massively. Still very warm for this time of year, hit low 70s but cloudy most of day. Looks like the Boston Red Sox season is over.

Joe the Plumber

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Breakfast: Small apple turnover

Lunch: Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Dinner: Peanuts, peanut butter, crackers

Walked 12,400 steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, three Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine

Ended meeting in Connecticut, drove to Logan Airport to pick up son and drove home. Very fast day, watched final presidential campaign at night and then crashed. Woke up at 2:30 in morning thinking it might be time to get up but went right back to sleep and next thing I knew, it was 5AM and really time to get up.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Windsor

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: BLT, broccoli and cheese soup

Dinner: Filet mignon, mashed potato, asparagus, salad w/olive oil, potato & sausage soup

Drinks: Five Blue Point beer, one glass wine, two hot coffee, one coffee with whiskey

Walked 12,000+ steps

In Windsor today. Long day of meetings and dinner at an italian restaurant

Columbus Day (10m)

Monday, October 13, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Pretzels

Dinner: Crackers, peanut butter, three hard-boiled eggs, some Hershey mini-bars

Drinks: One hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco wine

Walked 20,000 steps

Not as quiet a Columbus Day at work as I hoped for but still a decent enough day. Took another long walk at lunchtime and walked at least 1o miles each of the past four days. Won't have that opportunity next couple of days as I go to Connecticut for all day meetings.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Indian Summer Continues (10m)

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, raisins

Dinner: Chicken (dark meat); squash; olive oil; cheese; crackers; peanuts

Walked 20,500+ steps

Drinks: One Propel, one Samuel Adams Octoberfest, 2 Pilsner Urquells, four JC minis, one bottle of English Mead

Mowed entire lawn today and mulched the remaining leaves in the process. Gave dog a bath. Indian summer has been with us most of the week and the lawn grew a good amount. Mosquitoes and other bugs out too. Strange for this late in October. Still into the Wagner thing, music from Das Rheingold and Die Walkure running through my head.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Ride of the Valkries (10m)

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Chocolate bar, crackers, raisins

Dinner: Two hard boiled eggs, cheese, crackers

Drinks: Two Samuel Adams Octoberfest, three Pilsner Urquells, 4 JC minis

Walked 26,500+ steps

Indian summer Saturday. Raked leaves for first time and filled four bags of leaves. Lot of walking today. Went to library, got Wagner's Die Walkure as well as some more books.

Black Friday (10m)

Friday, October 10, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, two hard-boiled eggs, Whole Foods flatbread pizza

Walked 21,000+ steps

Drinks: Two Propels, two hot coffees, four or five Pilsner Urquells

Actually a very quiet Friday to end a busy work week. A very bad week on Wall Street, stock market down nearly 18% this week. What is it about October and stock market crashes?

Boston Red Sox won first game of ACLS by score of 2-0. Starting to really get into Wagner's "Das Rheingold." Was another mild day today, into the lower 70s. Saw first deer of season today walking through woods behind work.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Rain in the morning

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Pasta, olive oil, shredded cheese, meatballs, peanut butter, crackers, raisins

Drinks: Four JC minis, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 13,800+ steps

Another long day at work and didn't get home until past 7PM. Not getting much done lately and not getting much sleep either. Relatively warm day today and looks like Indian summer will contniue for a couple more days. Tomorrow is Friday and can't come soon enough.

Money shortage

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Cheese, crackers, peanut butter, raisins, hard-boiled egg

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel

Walked 17,800+ steps

It's a long, weird day at work. Got home very late. Took walk late at night with dog and people have Halloween decoration out already.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Jet Blue

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Outback) Ribeye steak, broccoli, chicken wings, a little bread, one hard boiled egg

Walked 10,500+ steps

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, two Silver Patron margaritas

Very active day today. Started at dentist to get measured for tooth to fill impant I got a few months ago. Work was very busy and might get investigated for something I did not do. Took oldest son to airport to go to California this week. Went to Outback and made it home barely in time to see presidential debate (very boring). Very cold start to this morning and car ready ICY for first time since late April or early May. 37 degrees this morning and some scattered frost on the ground. Did warm up well into 60s though. Been spending lot of time recently listening (or discovering) Wagner's "Das Rheingold" which is the beginning of the Ring cycle.

Stock Market going down

Monday, October 6, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chili, cheese, raisins, one hard-boiled egg, cheese and crackers, cheese and peanut butter

Walked 17,400+ steps

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquells, three glasses red wine

Spent most of workday in the office and took walk in the nearby woods at lunch. Cool day and getting cold at night. Will get into upper 30s tonight. Boston Red Sox went into ACLS Championship tonight.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

October Sunday (10m)

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Crackers, cheese, peanut butter, raisins

Dinner: Chili, shredded cheese, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, one Samuel Adams Octoberfest, three glasses red wine

Walked 22,000+ steps

Went to Carlisle again for more walking in the state park. This time hit the Trophet and Heartbreak Ridge trails among others. Walked 11 miles today including finishing mowing the lawn. Another cool day and I lit up the chimea towards sunset. Reading three different books now, the Haldeman Diaries, Mafiya, and a book about the history of six drinks (beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, soda). My dog is tired.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

OJ Found Guilty (10m)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, crackers, peanut butter, raisins

Dinner: Four slices Papa Ginos pizza, some steak tips and scallops wrapped in bacon

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, six Pilsner Urquell, one Budweiser, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel.

Walked 20,000+ steps

Took dog to Thanksgiving Forest and Great Woods this morning. Crisp, cool fall weather. Mid-to-upper 40s during most of walk. Mowed some lawn and went to family party. Went to library and checked out some books as well as Die Reingold by Wagner.

Foliage breaking out

Friday, October 3, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Bagel

Dinner: Raisins, spaghetti, olive oil, meatballs, grated cheese.

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis

Hectic day at work, had meeting in morning, went to Boston rest of day. Finally started the weekend but went to bed early, around 9PM. Boston Red Sox went up 2 games to 0 on the California Angels but I never saw it.

Walked 12,000+ steps

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Sarah Again

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Longhorn's) Ribeye steak, broccoli, bread, some cookies and stuff from Japan

Walked 12,200+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, two Silver Lightning margaritas

Yet another crushingly busy day at work. Ended up in New Hampshire, came home, went to dinner at Longhorn's with wife. Then saw the Sarah vs Biden debate. Sarah won. Then spent the next hour or so working again.

Weather is much colder tonight. Autumn is moving in.

Japan

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Bagel

Dinner: Some cookies and stuff from Japan (seriously), hard boiled egg, cheese, crackers

Drinks: Three Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine

Walked 11,000+ steps

Very busy day today. Visitors from Japan, plus the boss came up from Connecticut. Then had to get home in hurry to go to youngest son's open house at school. Last open house ever as he is a senior this year. Weather was still warm, cloudy with some very heavy rains in the afternoon. Turned colder late at night.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Lost Expense Check

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Half can sardines

Dinner: Raisins, peanuts, rice, olive oil, chicken pot pie, one hard boiled egg

Drinks: One hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquell, two glasses red wine

Walked 12,400+ steps

Another gray day, little rain at night. Still warm for this time of year. Low 60s. This is last day of September. Very busy day at work but got through it okay. Will be even busier tomorrow.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Swatting Mosquitoes

Monday, September 30, 2008

Breakfast - Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, peanuts, cheese, crackers, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: Two hot coffees, five Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 11,000+ steps

Another rainy start to the day, got drenched once again walking the dog. Day was cloudy and off and on drizzle throughout. Warm and muggy however which kept the mosquitoes out. Last day of September so the mosquitoes don't have much longer to go before they die out.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Went to New Hampshire (10m)

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Cheese, crackers, raisins, two hard boiled eggs

Dinner: Shells, tomato sauce, cheese, olive oil, one hard boiled egg

Drinks: One hot coffee, six margaritas, four glasses red wine

Walked 22,300+ steps

Cloudy and misty morning but got drier (but still cloudy) in afternoon. This weekend went by very fast. Back to work tomorrow

Rainy Saturday

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Cheese, crackers, raisins, peanuts, three hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Chicken, broccoli, olive oil

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, three Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine, two margaritas

Walked 11,300+ steps

Pouring rain most of day and got drenched to bone in second walk. Quiet day and finished up "Nixonland". Now reading Haldeman's diaries.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Meeting Cancelled

Friday, September 26, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Can of King Oscar sardines

Dinner: Peanuts, cheese, crackers, raisins

Drinks: Two hot coffees, two glasses red wine, two Pilsner Urquell beers

Walked 10,000+ steps

Heavy rains most of day today. Had quiet Friday at work.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Back Home Again (10m)

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, crackers, apple pie

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, two cups Kahlua

Walked 21,000+ steps

Drove home from Long Island today, taking the ferry from Port Jefferson, NY to Connecticut.

Dropped in home office on way home.

Ate full breakfast at hotel last two mornings then realized I was supposed to pay $10.99 for it!

Day of Bacon

Wednesday, September 25, 2008

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage

Lunch: Bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwich

Dinner: Bacon cheeseburger, tortilla chips

Drinks: One hot coffee, one iced coffee, two Heineken drafts, three Stella Artois

Walked 17,400+ steps

Spent all day in Melville, Long Island, NY

Did get some good walks in early morning and after work.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Long Island - Management Shake-up

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Turkey & Swiss sandwich

Dinner: Spinach soup, rolls, olive oil, shrimp, rice

Drinks: One hot coffee, two glasses red wine, three Stella Artois

Walked 10,000+ steps

Drove out to Long Island this morning and got good view of Manhattan skyline along the way. Day mostly consumed by work and didn't have much time for walking. Big changes at the company today!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Shine On You Crazy Diamond (10m)

Monday, September 22, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, crackers, peanuts

Drinks: One hot coffee, three Pilsner Urquells, Kahlua, two glasses red wine

Walked 26,200+ steps

Took very long walk at lunchtime to build up my steps today. Relatively quiet day at work and now I head to Long Island in the morning.

Pink Floyd (10m)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Three tomatoes, cheese, olive oil; leg of chicken

Dinner: Two hot dogs, one sausage, some beef sticks

Drinks: One hot coffee, five Pilsner Urquells, Propel, water, cup Kahlua, two glasses red wine

Walked 22,700+ steps

Was a perfect day, mid 70s (should have gone to beach after all). Took a long walk on the Acton rail trail and spent most of afternoon at a family function.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

End of Beach Season (10m)

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt, two hard-boiled eggs

Lunch: Hard boiled egg, a few grapes, small wheat bagel w/peanut butter, an apple slice. Cheese and crackers. Three tomatoes, cheese, olive oil.

Dinner: Roast chicken, rice, olive oil

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, Sapporo beer, two Pilsner Urquells, Kahlua

Walked 20,000+ steps

Another cool, fall-like day. Took dog to Estabrook woods and walked 7 miles. Did another walk in the woods in afternoon. Was going to try to go to beach tomorrow but weather is just too cool for it. Looks like beach season (and summer) is over.

Chateau

Friday, September 19, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt, two hard-boiled eggs

Lunch: Dunkin Donuts: Plain toasted bagel, bacon, egg, cheese

Dinner: A few fried appetizers, three or four steak chips, chicken, shell, tomato sauce

Drinks: Two hot coffees, Propel, three Heinekens, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 10,000+ steps

Long, busy day today. Went to Melrose, Wilmington, Boston, home and back to Newton, Waltham and then back home. Went to retirement party tonight that I helped organize. Cold morning, somewhat cool, fall-like day. Didn't have much time for walking but I did get to 10,000 steps, as always.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Autumn Settling In (10m)

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt, one hard-boiled egg

Lunch: None

Dinner: Hamburger helper with wheat pasta, rice, olive oil, cheese, crackers, raisins

Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, five Pilsner Urquells

Walked: 21,203 steps

Cool morning, low 50s, had another busy day at work, day flew by. Read another chapter of Nixonland tonight. Getting a lot of walking done lately. Might hit upper 30s tonight.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Walking (10m)

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Breakfast - Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Dunkin Donuts: Plain bagel, eggs, cheese, bacon

Dinner: Whole Foods flatbread pizza, olive oil, raisins, peanuts

Drinks: Two hot coffee, two Propel, Four JC mini, two Pilsner Urquell

Walked: 22,800+ steps

More long walks today, a little warmer

Financial Panic (10m)

Thursday, September 17, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Bertucci's: Bread rolls, olive oil, bruschetta w/tomatos & olive oil, Sporki pizza

Drinks: Two hot coffee, one Propel, four JC minis, one Stella Artois

Walked 20,200+ steps

Work started getting very busy today. Still had time to walk though.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Haldeman (10m)

Monday, September 15, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, peanuts, wheat pasta w/olive oil

Drinks: Two Propel, one hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquell

Walked 21,800+ steps

Very warm day for this time of year, was 75 degrees outside when I woke up. Took three long walks and the workday went smoothly. Halfway through "Nixonland"

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Another short weekend (10m)

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Raisins, two hard boiled eggs

Dinner: Raisins, peanuts

Drinks: Two hot coffees, Propel, Kahlua, one Octoberfest, One Pilsner Urquell

Walked 22,500+ steps

Raining morning but took dog for walk on bike trail in Groton for about 5 miles. Then another close to 5 mile walk at end of day. That "Genius" function on new iTunes is pretty good. Built a lot of good playlists today for the iPod.

Ike Hits Texas

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, cheese & crackers

Dinner: Whole Foods flatbread pizza

Drinks: Two hot coffees, Kahlua, one Octoberfest, one Pilsner Urquell

Walked 18,500 steps

Spent most of morning working on car - dead battery it turned out to be. Otherwise had a quiet day and picked up wife at airport not getting home until nearly midnight

Friday, September 12, 2008

Battery issues

Friday, September 12, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry yogurt, banana, two small ham and cheese sandwiches

Lunch: None

Dinner: Roast chicken, whole (shared with dog)

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, bottle Kahlua

Walked 15,000 steps

Friday...started day up north, went to NH, then to Newton and then back home to start weekend a little early. Watched coverage of the Texas hurricane on TV a little and got a little reading done. Very tired so will go to bed and get good night sleep. Mostly cloudy day with lots of rain after dark. Car wouldn't start this morning so took van to work.

9/11

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Whole Foods flatbread pizza, cheese & crackers, raisins, peanuts

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, four JC minis, two glasses red wine

Walked 13,500+ steps

Anniversary of 9/11 - another quiet day at work but lots of email

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The beginning of autumn

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Peanuts, cheese & crackers, two hard boiled eggs.

Drinks: Propel, one hot coffee, two Octoberfest, two Pilsner Urquell

Walked 14,500 steps

Clear and mild day after a cool start. Another easy day at work. Took long walk in woods at lunch. Wanted to get a lot of reading done tonight but only got through couple short stories. Watched old move "Midway" most of night.

End of the Summer (10m)

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, two hard-boiled eggs, Whole Food flatbread pizza, olive oil

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, two mini-bottles muscat wine

Walked 20,100+ steps

Another pleasant day at work and left early once again. Had a long walk at lunch just before thunderstorms moved in. Now it will be getting much cooler.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Wife out of town Day 2

Monday, September 8, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, Whole Foods flatbread pizza, olive oil, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Samuel Adams Octoberfest, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses J Lohr Cabernet

Walked 18,100+ steps

A somewhat easy day at work today, left office early as well! Read some short stories and another chapter in "Nixonland" which is turning out to be a great book about the 1960s and early 1970s.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Palinized!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Cheese, raisins, ribs, tortilla chips

Dinner: Roast chicken, stuffing, sweet potato

Drinks: Two hot coffee, Propel, four JC minis, three Pilsner Urquells, one Sam Adams Octoberfest

Walked 19,000+ steps

Woke up at 5AM to drive wife to airport. Took dog for long walk at Revere Beach. (Water was dirty!) Spent most of day reading (Nixonland, some short stories) and watching football (Patriots won but Brady out for season).

Tropical Storm!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Raisins, cheese, two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: (Naked Fish) - Roasted Sea bass, mussels, plantains, rice and beans

Drinks: Two hot coffees, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel, two mojitos.

Walked 13,000+ steps

Woke up to pouring rain but it stopped for most of day only to pick up later at night where it rained several inches in just a few hours.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Barracuda

Friday, September 5, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Cheese, raisins, macaroni, olive oil

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, Propel

Walked 17,000+ steps

Day flew by at work - had everybody in for a meeting this morning and by time I looked at the clock, it was early afternoon. Went home exhausted and went to bed early.

Very warm and humid with tropical rains coming for Saturday.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Overdue for oil change

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Cheese, raisins, (Casa Blanca's): Tortilla chips, Mexican appetizers, shrimp & steak fajitas with tortillas, onions, peppers, cheese, rice, black beans

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, two Pilsner Urquell, two margaritas

Walked 10,300+ steps

Spent most of day on road, went to dentist to have implant checked and it was sore rest of day. McCain giving his acceptance speech as I type this - not as dynamic as Palin's speech last night!

Hot and muggy today (upper 80s) with tropical storm due to hit here over weekend.

Both kids were home tonight and all four of us went out to dinner - that doesn't happen too often these days!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

School back in session

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, four hard-boiled eggs, block of cheese, peanuts

Drinks: Propel, two hot coffees, four JC minis, two glasses Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel

Walked 13,000+ steps

The school buses were out again this morning as neighborhood kids went back to school. Avoided office most of day and spent most of day in field. Palin giving her speech tonight and looking to see if she lives up to all the hype.

Palin 24/7

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Breakfast - Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two slices margherita pizza

Dinner: Raisins, two hard-boiled eggs, peanuts

Drinks: Two hot coffees, Propel, four JC minis, two glasses J Lohr cabernet

Walked 15,000+ steps

Back to work and spent most of day in Boston. Day went by very fast. Spent most of night watching RNC convention. Palin continues to dominate the news cycle.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Labor Day

Monday, September 1, 2008 (Labor Day)

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Raisins, two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Spaghetti, meatballs, olive oil, peanuts

Drinks: Two hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses wine

Walked 17,500+ steps

Long weekend but went fast. Listened to talk radio, read books and surfed web most of day outdoors. Perfect weather today - about 80 with low humidity.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Hurricane Palin...Gustav Bearing Down

Saturday, August 31, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, raisins

Dinner: Meatloaf, broccoli, rice, olive oil, peanuts

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Sapporo beer, 5-6 margaritas

Walked 13,900+ steps

Got the lawn mowed today and spend another day mostly surfing web and reading. That Nixonland book is interesting, it tells about America during the 1964-72 period, which I don't remember much about because I was just a kid. Palin still all over the news, looks like McCain really turned this election upside down with that pick.

Palin Palin Palin

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Raisins, peanuts, two hard boiled eggs, swiss cheese

Dinner: Two hard boiled eggs, raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, four Pilsner Urquells, three glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 17,900+ steps

Spent most of day reading, catching up on the news on the web and started new book called "Nixonland". A warm, sunny day. That Palin girl from Alaska is all over the news today.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Palin Picked

Friday, August 29, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, two hard boiled eggs

Drinks: One hot coffee, four JC minis, glass Rancho Zabaco wine

Walked 14,900+ steps

End of a long week of work. Got three day weekend coming up

Romney Watch

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (O'Hara's) - Tomato Basil pizza

Dinner: Two hard boiled eggs

Drinks: One hot coffee, one iced coffee, iced tea four JC minis

Walked 12,000+ steps

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Thursday

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (O'Hara's) - Cup of chili, Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with chips

Dinner: (Outback) - Chicken wings, steak, sweet potato, asparagus

Drinks: Hot coffee, iced tea, four JC minis, two silver margaritas

Walked 11,000+ steps

Tuesday

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Grill) Ribs, jalapenos, cous-cous

Walked: 13,000+ steps

Drinks: Hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco wine

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Summer rapidly coming to end

Monday, August 25, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) - Two wheat bagels

Dinner: Raisins, peanuts, block of cheese, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 14,300+ steps

It really seems like summer is quickly coming to an end. Political conventions in progress, leaves starting to turn color, much cooler nights and much darker in morning and earlier at night.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Beach Day #3

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Breakfast - Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch - Four hard-boiled eggs; Bucket of steamed clams

Dinner: Two sausages (one without bun), hot dog with bun

Drinks: Two hot coffees, 4 JC minis (at beach), three Propels, four glasses muscat wine

Walked 14,000+ steps

Beach day today. Only 3rd one this season. Usually I've been to beach at least six times by now. But it was a great day weatherwise, low to mid 80s with low humidity and warm ocean water temperatures. Didn't even get sunburned that bad except top of the feet. Went from beach to family party and then back home while sun was setting. Pretty much the perfect summer day. Only summer is almost over!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Deer Fly Season Over

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Block of cheese, raisins, cereal (oats)

Dinner: Bowl of split pea soup, ham, swiss cheese (Whole Foods soup)

Drinks: One Propel, one hot coffee, one Sapporo beer, four Pilsner Urquell, three JC margaritas

Walked 14,700+ steps

Looks like deer fly season is over but still plenty of mosquitoes. Will try for the beach tomorrow.

More fun in Boston

Friday, August 22, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Margaritas) Steak fajitas, tortilla chips (lots)

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, two Patron Silver margaritas

Walked 14,400 steps

Spent most of day in Boston today

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Dog acting weird

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield French Vanilla Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Grilled chicken (with tomato marinade), jalapeno peppers, olive oil, one corn on cob, raisins, one hard boiled egg

Drinks: One hot coffee, four Pilsner Urquells, three glasses J Lohr cabernet

Walked 16,000 steps

Crazy day at work, meeting with Japanese, conference call, trip to Boston to deal with emergency. Then came home and grilled some food. Currently reading weird book called "Middlesex."

First true FALL day of year

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) Egg, bacon, cheese on low-carb bagel

Dinner: Block of cheese, peanuts (lots), raisins, two-hard boiled eggs

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquells, one glass J. Lohr cabernet, Propel, two hot coffees

Walked 15,000 steps

Very cool morning, about 50 degrees. The daytime featured dark blue skies and low humidity.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Autumn is in the air

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) Egg, bacon and cheese on plain bagel

Dinner: Whole Foods flatbread pizza, raisins, one hard boiled egg

Drinks: One Propel, two hot coffee, four JC minis, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 16,400+ steps

Very quiet day at work, took long lunch and a long drive and walk someplace near Dover. Towards end of day, really started cooling down as we are headed for coolest night since the spring, probably upper 40s tonight. All windows are open at house to air it out and the air conditioning is off. Definitely a feeling of fall in the air as some leaves are actually turning and falling off the tree around here - mid August!

Walk On By

Monday, August 18, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Spaghetti, meatballs, olive oil, little tomato sauce, raisins, one hard-boiled egg

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquell, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel, one hot coffee

Walked 13,000+ steps

Warm day, upper 80s...somewhat quiet day at work

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Summer getting full

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry yogurt

Lunch: Block of cheese, raisins, one hard boiled egg

Dinner: Barbecued steak tips, jalapeno peppers, rice, olive oil, one hard boiled egg

Drinks: Six or Seven margaritas, one hot coffee, one Propel, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 19,000+ steps

Should have gone to beach today, near perfect beach weather with temps in low 80s and low humidity. Summer is definitely headed for an end though. Sun sets much earlier, some leaves are starting to turn and there is a sense that the hottest part of the year is behind us.

Strange Days

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard boiled eggs, raisins, some cheese

Dinner: Barbecued ribs, jalapeno peppers, cous-cous, olive oil

Drinks: One hot coffee, Propel, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Ranch Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 14,000+ steps

Mostly sunny day, spent most of it outside in yard reading. Got nearly 10 hours sleep last night!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Too much work this week

Friday, August 15, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt, two hard boiled eggs

Lunch: None

Dinner: Peanuts, slab of cheese, raisins, two hard boiled eggs

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquell, one hot coffee, Propel, three glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 16,000+ steps

Feeling very tired today, got through another long day of work and didn't do much except read when I got home. Went to bed around 10PM and didn't wake up until close to 8 the next morning

Canine Grill

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (Some Irish Pub) Personal basil tomato pizza

Dinner: (Outback) A few chicken wings, grilled steak, sweet potato, asparagus

Drinks: One hot coffee, one iced tea, four JC minis, one large Foster's Beer, one Silver Patron Margarita

Walked 11,000+ steps

Long day at work but not a bad day overall. Went out to eat when I got home and just crashed, very tired.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

House in Detroit Sells for $1

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Bacon, egg and cheese on low-carb bagel

Dinner: Raisins, peanuts, block of cheese

Drinks: Four Pilsner Urquells, one glass wine, two hot coffee, Propel

Walked 16,300+ steps

Work has been very strange lately.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Your Life Decoded

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt; two hard boiled eggs

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) Bacon, egg and cheese on low-carb bagel

Dinner: Raisins, block of swiss cheese, peanuts, a little cereal. Two more hard boiled eggs.

Drinks: Two hot coffee. Propel. Four JC minis. One Pilsner Urquell. One German beer which name I cannot remember.

Walked 15,000+ steps

Pouring rain this morning and missed walk with dog but made up for it later in day. Sun did come out for a while but it was much cooler than normal.

Not August Weather

Monday, August 11, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: (Dunkin Donuts) - Bacon, egg and cheese on a cinnamon raisin bagel

Dinner: Whole Foods flatbread pizza, raisins

Drinks: Propel, two hot coffees, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel wine

Walked 12,400+ steps

Started day in Boston. Cold and on the wet side. Spent most of rest of day out of office.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Them

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield French Vanilla Yogurt; two hard-boiled eggs

Lunch: Raisins, a few peanuts

Dinner: Chili w/wheat macaroni

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, five Pilsner Urquells, four glasses Rancho Zinfandel

Walked 13,500 steps

Stayed partly sunny most of day but heavy rains moved in later afternoon and continued into the night. Another day of watching niece play softball and got a lot of reading done in between. Also, mowed entire lawn this weekend after nearly 5 weeks. Despite all the rain in recent weeks, lawn has not been growing all that fast.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Girl's Softball

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield French Vanilla Yogurt

Lunch: Raisins

Dinner: Chili

Drinks: Two hot coffees, Propel, one Pilsner Urquell, one Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, two glasses wine

Walked 19,000+ steps

Mostly sunny day with only a sprinkle. Went to see some softball games as niece is in tournament, mowed some lawn, read some books, etc.

Aftermath

Friday, August 8, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Block Swiss cheese, raisins...(Moonstones) - One short rib, a couple olive oil bread squares, some cucumber thing, oyster soup, halibut, rice, vegetables

Drinks: One propel, one hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, four JC minis, one serving single-malt whiskey

Walked 12,000+ steps

Ended workweek with decent day at work. Ended day up north. Another downpour in the afternoon but not too hot. Wife's birthday so went to some exotic restaurant

Friday, August 8, 2008

Dark Day

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt; two hard boiled eggs

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Longhorn) Texas chili, piece of bread, Texas Ribeye, mushrooms

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Propels, four JC minis, two Texas margaritas.

Walked 11,300+ steps

Terrible day at work, had to lay off some people.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

41 Years coming to end

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt, two hard-boiled eggs

Lunch: Banana

Dinner: Five or six slices pizza

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, two Sam Adams, two Pilsner Urquell, one Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

Walked 14,300+ steps

Another very long day at work, was in office until almost 9PM doing territories for people who will no longer be with us tomorrow

Even though it is mid-summer, it seems like fall is in the air. Cool, cloudy today with occasional downpours

Change Is In The Air

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Banana

Dinner: Two hard-boiled eggs, a few taquitos, raisins, peanuts

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, two glasses wine

Walked 16,000+ steps

Very bizarre week at work, many changes going on

Monday, August 4, 2008

Reckoner

Monday, August 4, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Banana

Dinner: (Mexican) A few tortilla chips, shrimp, peppers, onions, rice, black beans, cheese, tomatos, tortillas. (Shrimp Fajitas)

Drinks: One Propel, two hot coffees, two margaritas, one Pilsner Urquell

Walked 14,500+ steps

Worked from about 7:30 AM to nearly 10PM today! Not much else to talk about.

Weird Fishes

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, raisins

Dinner: Chili, swiss cheese

Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, two Pilsner Urquells, four JC minis, one glass Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 14,000+ steps

More sunshine today but still a shower or two rolled in for the afternoon. Another day of rest before the hectic week starts.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Wet Saturday

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Stonyfield Chocolate Truffle Yogurt, raisins, a few peanuts

Dinner: Chili with swiss cheese

Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Sapporo beer, two Pilsner Urquell beers, three glasses Ranch Zabaco zinfandel.

Walked 13,200+ steps

Wasn't feeling myself today so took it easy and got a lot of reading done. Day was cloudy with heavy thunderstorms in afternoon. Not a great day to be out anyhow.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Reddish House

Friday, August 1, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Raisins, two hard-boiled eggs, slab of cheese

Drinks: Two Propels, four Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 16,200+ steps

End of a very long week at work. Big announcements made today. Very tired all week and looking forward to weekend of rest and lots of sleep.

Dog's Teeth

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Mexican) Tortilla chips, shrimp fajitas w/onions, peppers, tortillas, cheese, tomatoes, rice, beans...also peanuts and raisins

Drinks: Four JC minis, one silver patron margarita, one hot coffee, one Propel

Walked 13,200+ steps

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Long sleepless day

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Peanuts, cheese, raisins, two hard-boiled eggs

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 15,000+ steps

Woke up at around 3AM this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Took a shower around 4AM and took walk with dog in dark. Left for work just before 5AM and hoped I would get caught up at work but still a long day. Came home completely tired and went to sleep around 10PM...

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Long Day At The Office

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Banana

Dinner: Raisins, cheese, peanuts, tortilla rounds

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four JC minis, one glass Rancho Zabaco zinfandel

Walked 14,700+ steps

Long 12-hour day at work. Lot going on. Got home nearly around eight.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Back to Normal

Monday, July 28, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: None

Dinner: Tortilla rounds, raisins, two hard-boiled eggs, banana

Walked 12,500+ steps

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses Ranch Zabaco Zinfandel

Back to work for a very busy but mostly uneventful day. Painters almost done with the house. It looks good. Song of day was "Ghost of Tom Joad"

Back Home Again

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt

Lunch: Raisins, peanuts, tortilla rounds

Dinner: Tortilla rounds, two hard-boiled eggs, raisins.

Drinks: One hot coffee, seven or eight margaritas, two glasses wine

Walked 12,900 steps

Quiet day of rest before work starts up again tomorrow. Was hoping to get some sun but it hardly came out. Thunderstorms moved in mid-afternoon and it poured for a couple of hours (after pouring early this morning).

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Explosion of Deer Flies

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Breakfast: (Waffle House - Winchester, VA) - Ham and cheese omelette, grits with cheese, toast, bacon.

Lunch: Raisins

Dinner: Two hard-boiled eggs, tortilla rounds, more raisins

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Propels, four JC minis, two glasses Rancho Zabaco zinfandel.

Another long day of driving started out at the Waffle House in Virginia shortly after 5AM where the waitress was really bizarre and the coffee was terrible. The drive home was a relatively quick one, pulling into the driveway around 3PM after about 525 miles.

Came home to a newly painted house with burgundy red replacing the ugly chocolate brown.

Took dog for a walk at sunset and the deer flies were out in force. Will have to wear the taped hat for a while.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Long Journey back Part 1

Friday, July 25, 2008

Breakfast: (Waffle House - Boaz, AL) - Ham and cheese omelette, bacon, grits, toast, coffee

Lunch: (McDonalds - Someplace in lower Virginia) - Plain cheeseburger

Dinner: (Olive Garden - Winchester, VA) - Salmon, broccoli, bread, salad, olive oil

Drinks: Two hot coffees, two Propels, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses zinfandel wine

Walked 12,000+ steps

Today started the long drive back from Alabama. Ended the night at Winchester Virginia after about 700 miles of travelling. This was a notable visit to Alabama in that I did not visit a single restaurant (including the perennial Catfish Cabin) and never had one southern iced tea. Not on purpose. Just happened that way. Got good news from work on the way back while I was in Tennessee and I was so happy about it I ended up taking wrong turn and going 60 miles out of my way!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Last Full Day In Alabama

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Breakfast: Three hard-boiled eggs

Lunch: Three sausage sandwiches, one hot dog

Dinner: Two ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches

Drinks: One hot coffee, three Propels, six Mike's Hard Lemonades, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 17,000+ steps

Last day of a quiet and restful week in Alabama. Tomorrow starts the long drive back. Gave the dog a tick and flea bath in a tupperware container and that's about the most work done all day.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Dog Day Afternoon

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Two hard boiled eggs

Dinner: Tomato & cheese sandwiches (2) with olive oil, some tortilla rounds

Drinks: One hot coffee, two Propels, six Jack Daniels Lemonades, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 16,200+ steps

Another quiet day in Alabama visiting with relatives and hanging around the farm. Two stray dogs wandered in and we had to move them out with BB guns. One more day here tomorrow and then we head back home. Hacked a path down to the creek today where I found the dog about a year and a half ago. Dog was not impressed. It was a lot cooler today - barely hitting 90.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Lazy Day in Dixie

Tuesday, July 22, 2008



Breakfast: None


Lunch: Banana, peanuts, two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Three swiss-cheese burgers, jalapenos, some tortilla rounds.

Drinks: Two hot coffees, five or six Propels, six Mike's Hard Lemonades, two Pilsner Urquells

Walked 13,000+ steps

Quiet day in Alabama just hanging around, reading, doing not much at all. Heat wave broke early this afternoon after touching 100 again. Lot of clouds, wind and some thunder moved in and cooled things off about 15 degrees. A little rain but not much.

102 Degrees (or more)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Banana, tortilla rounds, two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: Two hot dogs, pork chop, olive oil, salad, jalapenos, mixed vegetables. Swiss cheese sandwich

Drinks: Two hot coffees, four or five Propels, four Pilsner Urquells

Walked 16,200 steps

Very hot day in Alabama, hit 102 degrees in Huntsville but probably hotter here on the farm. Spend most of morning running to Albertville and back and putting together a TV set. Spent afternoon out on the front porch and at nightfall, got a spectacular display of heat lightning but no storm.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

First full day in Alabama

Sunday, July 28, 2008

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, some tortilla circles, banana

Dinner: Two cheeseburgers, jalapenos, salad and olive oil, one corn on cob, some tortilla circles

Drinks: Two hot coffees, about 5 Propels, one Stella Artois, one stale Fosters

Walked 18,200+ steps

Woke up around 6AM after a sound sleep the night before. Took dog to Guntersville for a walk and got some groceries. Spent rest of day on farm listening to country music and just sitting around with a lot of walking in between. Very hot day with temps in mid-90s but it felt good and I was outdoors most of day.

Back in Dixie

Saturday - July 19, 2008

Breakfast: (Waffle House) - Ham and cheese omelette; grits, toast

Lunch: (Sonic) - Double cheeseburger

Dinner: Salad, olive oil, some beef and carrots, mixed vegetables

Drinks: Two hot coffees, two or three Propels, two Stella Artois beers

Walked 13,000+ steps

Drove nearly 600 miles today from Winchester, VA to Alabama. Got in around 4:30PM. Hot day, low to mid 90s.