End of February

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (110)

Lunch: Rice crackers (150); peanut butter (400); 1 oz. cheese (100); apple (110)

Dinner: One slice Pizzeria Uno deep-dish pizza (450); salad greens (40); 1 oz. cheese (100); sunflower seeds (100); olive oil (120)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); one Sam Adams Winter Lager (150); one Pilsner Urquell (150); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 23,100+ steps

2008 - 24,500 - Two Days - (810,950) AU=7 (370.25)
2009 - 23,100 (1,340,500) AU=4.5 (202)

57-1/0-22

Saturday. Got a good night sleep and took morning walk on Bedford bike path with lots of icy patches still. Afternoon walk in the neighborhood. Got a lot of reading done and finished "Dart League King" which was pretty good. Lots of snow in forecast next couple of days.

Falling off line (10m)

Friday, February 27, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blackberries (60); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar Sardines in olive oil (150)

Dinner: (Chip Shots Bar & Grill) Chicken quesadilla (400); baked haddock (300); double order broccoli (200); butter (200)

Drinks: Two hot coffees (100); Propel (25); Sapporo 24oz (300); Sam Adams Winter Lager 24oz (300)

Walked 23,700+ steps

2008 - 11,000 (786,450) AU=4 (363.25)
2009 - 23,700 (1,317,400) AU=4 (197.5)

56-1/0-21

Very mild day today, hit low 60s by midday but strong winds made it feel cooler. End of a pretty decent week of work despite massive changes going on in the company. Got confirmation today that I will end up with a decent position when all is said and done.

Sashimi (10m)

Thursday, February 26, 2009



Breakfast: Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (180); blackberries (60); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)



Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines in olive oil (150)'



Dinner: (Outback) Atlantic Salmon (415); two orders broccoli (150); sashima tuna (150)



Drinks: Two coffee (100); Propel (25); two tall Foster's Ale (450); one Pilsner Urquell (150)



Walked 23,400+ steps



2008 - 11,300 (775,450) AU=3.75 (359.25)

2009 - 23,400 (1,293,700) AU=4 (193.5)



55-1/0-21



A single dog bark piercing the midnight darkness



Comfortable walk this morning as temps were near 30 when I woke up. Day at work was slow until the very end of day when it got crazy. Went to Outback for dinner and took several walks at work during an extended lunch and explored some new territory. Should be hearing soon about the big reorg in the company and where I stand in things. Overall, not a bad day overall.

Footpath to Draycoach (10m)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Maple Yogurt (170); blackberries (60); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: King Oscar sardines in olive oil (150); banana (110)

Dinner: Apple (110); salad greens (40); two hard-boiled eggs (140); 1 oz. cheese (100); sunflower seeds (100); olive oil (120); Brown Cow Maple Yogurt (170); blackberries (60)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300); one Sam Adams Winter Lager (150)

Walked 20,700+ steps

2008 - 11,500 (764,150) AU=4 (355.5)
2009 - 20,700 (1,270,300) AU=3 (189.5)

53-1/0-21

Woke up to 13 degree weather at 5AM but due to lack of wind, it wasn't that bad. Had some disturbing dreams I can't remember. Workday today went well and in fact, the entire work week has gone well so far. Though I felt sore and very run-down after getting up, I felt pretty good all day.

Dart League King (10m)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (180); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Half banana (55); King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: Chicken soup (500); shredded wheat (140); milk (100); salad greens (40); olive oil (120); 1 oz. cheese (100); sunflower seeds (100); hard-boiled egg (70)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); one Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquells (450)

Walked 20,800+ steps

2008 - 13,500 (752,650) AU=4 (351.5) ADJUSTED
2009 - 20,800 (1,249,600) AU=3 (186.5)

52-1/0-21

Tired today but a decent day at work. Weather was cold for this time of year, barely getting out of low 30s during day with cold wind. This is the time of year that I always have tough time getting through, the late-February to early April period. Probably because I'm sick of winter by this time and impatient for spring.

Music for Fireworks (10m)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar Sardines (150)

Dinner: Slow-cooked chicken (400); broccoli (100); salad greens (40); sunflower seeds (100); 1 oz. cheese (100); hard-boiled egg (70); olive oil (120); apple (110)

Drinks: Two coffee (100); one Sam Adams Winter Lager (150); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 23,100+ steps

2008 - 13,500 (739,150) AU=7.5 (326.5)
2009 - 23,100 (1,228,800) AU=3.5 (183.5)

51-1/0-21

Back to work today. Up at 5AM and out into the icy cold. Came close to taking a fall a couple of times as many icy spots on the route. Once at work, day went surprisingly smooth. Had time for a decent walk at lunch and left work on time.

Leonard Cohen (10m)

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (180); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Shredded Wheat (140); whole milk (170)

Snack: 13 rice crackers (140); peanut butter (200)

Dinner: 6 oz salmon (300); broccoli, multiple stalks (300); half serving whole grain brown rice (100); salad greens (40); hard-boiled egg (70); olive oil (240)

Drinks: two coffees (100); two Pilsner Urquells (300); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 20,700+ steps

2008 - 10,000 (725,650) AU=4.5 (319)
2009 - 20,700 (1,205,700) AU=4.5 (180)

50-1/0-21

Took 7-mile walk at Harry Rich Forest to start day. It was relatively mild this morning. During my weekly weigh-in, lost 3 pounds during past week.

It started raining around noontime. Drove to bookstore and bought "1001 Classical Recording you must hear before you die" or something like that. Temps fell from 42 at noon to about 36 by time I got home. Continued to drop and the rain turned to snow around 7PM.

After dinner, took walk in the snow and then spent rest of night listening to Vin Scelsa's Idiot Delight and reading books. Finished three books today and started "The Dark League King". Scelsa played some live music from Leonard Cohen tonight that I will be checking out.

Back to work tomorrow.

Golden Venture (10m)

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Shredded Wheat cereal (140); whole milk (170); King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: Small piece meatloaf (200); salad greens (40); sunflower seeds (100); olive oil (240); whole grain wild rice (190); spinach w/butter and garlic (100); 1 oz. cheese (100); apple (110)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); two Pilsner Urquells (300); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 24,800+ steps

2008 - 12,800 (715,650) AU=2 (314.5)
2009 - 24,800 (1,185,000) AU=4.5 (175.5)

49-1/0-21

Woke up sore this morning but slept well with vivid dreams. Walked 5 miles for morning walk down the Bedford/Billerica bike path and then another 6 miles around the neighborhood around sunset. In between, read through most of book on chinese restaurants (Fortune Cookie Chronicles) and almost finished "House of Lords".

Weather was cool today (35 for high and will be in teens tonight) but mostly clear with deep blue skies.

Bay Circuit Trail (10m)

Friday, February 20, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: None

Dinner: Chicken Soup (300); Brown Cow Apricot Mango Yogurt (170); salad greens (40) and olive oil (240).

Drinks: Two coffees (100); one 24oz Sapporo (300); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 23,200+ steps

2008 - 15,300 (702,850) AU=4 (312.5)
2009 - 23,200 (1,160,200) AU=4.5 (171)

48-1/0-21

Took walk at Harold Parker forest this morning in Andover and discovered some new trails that I will be exploring more in later walks. Spent rest of afternoon in north office despite being on vacation. Had conference call on the changes announced yesterday. Work stands to get very interesting.

Cold winds blew in this afternoon and it feels frigid out there again. Ended day very tired and will be getting a good sleep.

Reorganization (10m)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blackberries (50); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Chicken soup (300)

Dinner: (Longhorn's) 10-oz Salmon (685); 2 sides vegetables (200); garden salad w/olive oil (160)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); three Sam Adams Spring Ale (450)

Walked 20,000+ steps

2008 - 12,300 (687,550) AU=0 (308.5)
2009 - 20,000 (1,137,000) AU=3 (165.5)

47-1/0-20

Woke up to rain that had washed away most of the snow that fell last night. Rain stopped for my morning walk. Spent rest of day checking in at work and reading then another walk around sunset. At the end of the day, big news came from work. As expected, many big changes on way so looking forward to getting back to work next week.

Omega 3 (10m)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (170); blackberries (40); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: Salad consisting of salad greens (40); cucumbers (10); 1 oz. cheese (100); sunflower seeds (25); olive oil (120); can King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: Slow-cooked chicken leg and thigh (400); whole grain rice (190); salad consisting of salad greens (40); cucumber slices (10); sunflower seeds (50); hard-boiled egg (70); blueberries (25); 1 oz. cheese (100); olive oil (240); apple (110)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); 2 Pilsner Urquell (300); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 25,000+ steps

2008 - 15,500 (675,250) AU=5.25 (308.5)
2009 - 25,000 (1,117,000) AU=4.5 (162.5)

46-1/0-20

Not a great start this morning, overslept, first walk turned into a dead end (tried new path) and forgot to close pedometer so I lost around a thousand steps. But ended up with a 9 mile walk at Harry Rich forest and got about another 3.5 miles in rest of day.

Around dark, it started snowing and is coming down quite hard as I write this at 8:30 PM.

The vacation is going well but as usual, I can never get on track with reading. I did read some today but not nearly as much as I would like. I've got stacks of books and magazines that need reading but so little time!

The weight loss thing is puzzling as well, I lost only one pound last week and it doesn't seem like I lost any this week (weigh myself on Sunday) despite walking more than I ever have and eating as good as I ever did. But the main thing is I feel good and my belt is on the 25th notch, where it was around the 14th or 15th notch at the beginning of this year. So I will continue on.

House of Lords (10m)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Apricot Mango Yogurt (170); blackberries (50); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: Salad consisting of salad greens (40); sunflower seeds (100); 1 oz. cheese (100); one hard-boiled egg (70); cucumber slices (10); olive oil (120); tin of King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: Salad consisting of salad greens (40); sunflower seeds (100); 1 oz. cheese (100); one hard-boiled egg (70); cucumber slices (10); olive oil (240). 12-oz cod (360); 1 cup whole grain brown rice (150); two bunches broccoli w/butter and garlic (400)

Drinks: Two coffee (100); Propel (25); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 22,800+ steps

2008 - 13,300 (659,750) AU=8.75 (303.25)
2009 - 22,800 (1,092,000) AU=2.5 (158)

45-1/0-19

Woke up very sore this morning from the 20-miles of walking yesterday so decided to "take it easy" today. So took a walk this morning in Estabrook woods with dog and as I started walking, felt much less sore so by the time I was done, I had logged 10 more miles! Still, I decided to call it quits for the day as my body does need a rest.

Was pretty hungry today so ate quite a bit more than normal, but made sure it was nothing but healthy food. Spent most of day reading.

20 Mile Day (20m)

Monday, February 16, 2009 (President's Day)

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blackberries (50); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110); salad greens (40); 1 oz. cheese (100); olive oil (200)

Dinner: Salad greens (40); sunflower seeds (100); 1 oz. cheese (100); King Oscar sardines (150); two hard-boiled eggs (140); olive oil (120); apple (110); Brown Cow Apricot Mango Yogurt (170); blackberries (50)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquell (450)

Walked 40,600+ steps

2008 - 13,000 (646,450) AU=8 (294.5)
2009 - 40,600 (1,069,200) AU=3 (155.5)

44-1/0-18

Just about 6 hours of walking today! Started day with a 10 mile walk at Harry Rich forest in Groton. Walked from 8:30 to 11:30AM. Then another 10 mile walk around the neighborhood went from 3PM until just before 6PM. This was most I've walked in a day since 2003 when I lost all that weight. Cardiovascular system working great, I could have walked much more if I wanted to. Overall health is the best it has been in years.

Yesterday, I went over a million steps for the year and will be looking to get the second million done by around the beginning of April.

Started "House of Lords" by Philip Rosenberg. Good novel.

Mississippi (15m)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blackberries (50); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: Salad greens w/1 oz. cheese (150); olive oil (120); apple (110)

Dinner: Small serving chicken pot pie (200); salad greens w/1 0z. cheese (150); olive oil (240); cauliflower in butter (100); whole grain brown rice (190); banana (110)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); green tea (0); two glasses wine (360); two Pilsner Urquell (300)

Walked 30,500+ steps

2008 - 13,000 (633,450) AU=4 (286.5)
2009 - 30,500 (1,028,600) AU=4.5 (152.5)

43-1/0-18

Walked about 7 miles on the Ayer-Groton bike trail and then another 7 miles walk late in the afternoon through Chelmsford/Westford - including the pathway to another neighborhood off Buckboard St. Day flew by but got a lot of reading and music listening done.

Lost just one pound over the past week - I think eating out at restaurants the past three nights didn't help. Even though I watched carefully what I ate, the restaurants tend to put a lot of stuff in their food they don't tell you about. Body fat did go down to 22.6 though (from 23.4 the week before) so that is a very good sign.

No egg roll, no peking ravioli (10m)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (180); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: 1 oz. cheese (100); apple (110); shredded wheat w/milk (200)

Dinner: (Wu Lu Ming) Egg drop soup (200); about 1 cup boiled white rice (200); chicken, shrimp & broccoli in light sauce (500)

Drinks: One coffee (50); green tea (0); black tea (0); one Kirin beer (150); two glassed red wine (360)

Walked 23,800+ steps

2008 - 13,800 (620,450) AU=4 (282.5)
2009 - 23,800 (998,100) AU=3.5 (148)

42-1/0-18

Slept a little fitfully last night but still woke up early (for a Saturday) and took dog on 7 mile walk in Estabrook woods. After the usual errands, got some good book reading down and then oldest son took us all out for dinner at chinese restaurant.

Three nights in a row at restaurants but I think I'm doing a good job eating healthy. After chinese restaurant, I'm usually feeling bloated but not this time.

Long Day (10m)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (180); blueberries (25); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: (Tokyo Restaurant) Scallops (200); boiled white rice (200); miso soup (60); salad greens (40); bean sprouts (60); vegetables (60); soy sauce (200)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); Sapporo beer (300); two 5-oz sake (400)

Walked 20,300+ steps

2008 - 11,000 (606,650) AU=6 (278.5)
2009 - 20,300 (974,300) AU=4 (14.5)

41-1/0-18

Very busy day at work to kick off my vacation, especially towards the end of the day. After work, went with wife to Tokyo restaurant as a pre-Valentines Day thing. By the end of the night, I was pretty tired and look forward to a good night's sleep.

Reuben Kincaid (10m)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Breakfast - Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (180); blackberries (50); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch - King Oscar Sardines (150)

Dinner - 1.5 oz almonds (255); (Westford Grille) - Alaskan Char (350); cous-cous (200); spinach (60); 1 chicken teriyaki (200)

Drinks: One coffee (50); two Pale Ales (300); one Pilsner Urquell (150)

Walked 23,600+ steps

2008 - 11,000 (595,650) AU=9 (272.5)
2009 - 23,600 (954,000) AU=3 (140.5)

40-1/0-17

Last night I totally crashed when I got into bed and fell into very deep sleep. All the exercising (and less calories) is really helping my sleep. Another whirlwind day at work but got through it just fine. My laptop finally arrived from repair today so hopefully it stays fixed this time.

Went to Westford Grille with wife after work and did a lot of walking today. Weather started out mild but got colder by nightfall. A thunderstorm rolled through last night but I hardly heard it.

Rotten Bananas (10m)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blackberries (30); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); 1 oz. cheese (100); 13 rice/seed crackers (140); Brown Cow Strawberry Yogurt (180); blueberries (25); apple (110)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); two Pilsner Urquell (300)

Walked 20,100+ steps

2008 - 11,500 (584,650) AU=6.25 (263.5)
2009 - 20,100 (930,400) AU=2 (137.5)

39-1/0-16

Woke up on about 4 hours sleep but for some strange reason, didn't feel too tired. Since I had a meeting closeby to start the day, I took an extra long walk this morning (about 5 miles) which was a good thing because my walking time was limited during day. Very busy day at work with meetings and email. Even took work home so I ended up working most of night. But all in all, a manageable day. Two more workdays and then another vacation.

Very warm day today - hit about 60 degrees!

In the Facebooks (10m)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: None

Dinner: (Longhorn's) - Salad Greens (40); olive oil (120); 10-oz salmon (685); two sides broccoli in butter (200)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); 25-oz Sam Adams Spring Ale (300); two Pilsner Urquells (300)

Walked 21,000+ steps

2008 - 11,000 (573,150) AU=8.5 (257.25)
2009 - 21,000 (910,300) AU=4 (135.5)

38-1/0-16

Long day today and I'm up late posting this so I'll regret it in the morning - actually barely five hours from now it will be time to get up again. Did my long walk again this morning and think I'll make it the routine as it's good to have 8,000 steps under my belt before starting work. Spent the afternoon up north and went out to dinner with some guys from work afterwards. My brother and sister called me today to get me on the Facebooks website so I had my younger son set me up with a site so now I can see what all the social-networking fuss is about.

Full Moon (10m)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); 1 oz. cheese (100); salad greens (40); olive oil (240); rice/seed crackers (140); apple (110)

Drinks: One coffee (50); Propel (25); Two Pilsner Urquells (300); two glasses wine (360)

Walked 24,000+ steps

2008 - 17,000 (562,150) AU=10.75 (248.75)
2009 - 24,000 (889,300) AU=4.5 (131.5)

37-1/0-15

New routine started this morning. Up at 5AM on the button, in the shower, breakfast, and out on the street with the dog by 5:30AM. This morning, I walked full hour and had nearly four miles logged before even going to work. This enabled me to easily go over 10 miles today.

During the morning walk, started in near total darkness (except a nearly full moon) and saw the dawn gradually take over the sky. Temps were on the cool side (about 18 degrees) but tolerable.

A pretty easy day at work, my brother showed up unexpectedly as he was investigating that accident that happened in front of my office last week.

After work, took down Christmas lights in dining room and only one more room to go (the living room).

Astral Weeks (10m)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210), raisins (120)

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); 1 oz. almonds (170); apple (110)

Dinner: Salad greens (40); olive oil (120); beef stew w/potatos, carrots (600)

Drinks: Two Propel (50); one coffee (50); two Pilsner Urquell (300); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 23,400+ steps

2008 - 10,500 (545,150) AU=5 (238)
2009 - 23,400 (865,300) AU=4.5 (127)

36-1/0-14

Took about a 6-mile walk through neighborhood this morning. It never went below freezing last night and stayed in the 40s most of the day. Lot of melting going on but it got back to freezing later at night.

Weekly weighing this morning and lost exactly 4 pounds since last week! Now down about 15 pounds since Jan 1. Able to wear pants I haven't worn in at least two years.

Otherwise, not a very eventful day at all, got a lot of reading and walking done. Ready for one more workweek before another week of vacation.

The Melting (10m)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Cherry Vanilla yogurt (180); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); shredded wheat w/milk (420); blueberries (25)

Dinner: Salad greens (40); olive oil (120); bowl of chili w/beans (600); apple (110)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); three Pilsner Urquell (450)

Walked 26,200+ steps

2008 - 12,000 (534,650) AU=5 (233)
2009 - 26,200 (841,900) AU=3 (122.5)

35-1/0-14

Had a long, deep sleep last night, probably about 9 hours with vivid dreams. Took a 7-mile walk to start the day on Two Rod Trail/Estabrook woods. Got a bunch of new books at the library and then took youngest son driving for a while. Day started out cold (around 12 degrees) but warmed into the upper 30s and stayed that way into the night. Lots of melting going on right now and might actually break up some of those ice dams on my roof as this thaw will continue into tomorrow afternoon.

Started a book called "Stuffed" which is about how Americans are eating much larger portions than they should due in part to food industry packing of foods.

The back of my right heel was very painful and swollen yesterday but today it seems to be healing up good. Gave dog a bath as it was extremely filthy after all those walks in the slush and mud. Over past couple days, have been wearing pants that haven't fit me in at least two years.

Salmon eating dog (10m)

Friday, February 6, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Cherry Vanilla yogurt (180); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Half banana (55)

Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); two hard-boiled eggs (140); 1 oz. cheese (100); shredded wheat w/milk (300); apple (110); 1 oz. salmon (100); crackers (180)

Drinks: one coffee (50); Foster's oil can (300); two glasses red wine (320)

Walked 21,200+ steps

2008 - 12,000 (522,650) AU=3 (228)
2009 - 21,200 (815,700) AU=4.5 (119.5)

34-1/0-13

Was -2 when I woke up this morning. However, I must be getting used to this weather as I wasn't all that cold walking this morning, though the tips of my fingers numbed up.

Spent the entire workday up north and took long walk in the Harold Parker state forest midday.

My right foot was hurting on the walks today, tonight especially, as I have blisters on the back of it.

I am very tired as I type this so hope for a long night of sleep tonight!

Tomorrow it should warm up some.

Blackened Cajun Swordfish (10m)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Blueberry Yogurt (160); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110)

Dinner: (Scupper Jack's) Russian cabbage soup (200); 9 oz blackened salmon (500); two stalks broccoli (100)

Drinks: One coffee (50); two Sam Adams Winter Lager (300); two glasses red wine (320)

Walked 20,400+ steps

2008 - 11,500 (510,650) AU=8 (225)
2009 - 20,400 (794,500) AU=4.5 (115)

33-1/0-13

Well I woke up at about 3:48AM after a very deep sleep and rolled right back over to sleep until 5AM. Been sleeping great lately! But it was about zero degrees this morning for the morning walk. Still, I tolerated it just fine. Guess I'm getting used to this kind of weather. Had a pretty decent day at work but it was crazy busy in the morning. But got about a 4.5 mile walk down in early afternoon and got home in time to go with wife to dinner at a new restaurant (Scupper Jacks in Acton).

Again, a very cold day today. Windchill was really a factor during the afternoon and evening walks. Fingers getting frostbit even with the gloves on.

Song of day was "Sailing to Philadelphia" by Mark Knopfler. Also listened to cover version by Andy Owens.

Ran out of dog food today so gave dog a can of Alaskan salmon. It was very happy!

Icicles falling off the house (10m)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110)

Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); apple (110); salad greens (40); 1 oz. cheese (100); crackers (120); two hard-boiled eggs (140); olive oil (120); Brown Cow coffee yogurt (160)

Drinks: One coffee (50); four Pilsner Urquells (600)

Walked 21,200+ steps

2008 - 13,000 (499,150) AU=3 (217)
2009 - 21,200 (774,100) AU=4 (110.5)

32-1/0-13

Sound like a broken record but yet another night of deep, satisfying sleep. All the extra walking is doing me very good. Still a lot of soreness in the body but good soreness. The kind of soreness that tells you you are building muscle.

Was rather cold today and got really cold towards end of day. There will be brutal wind chill for tomorrow morning's walk. Went to the dentist this morning and they found a cracked tooth that will need repair so made appointment for next month. Missed a huge traffic jam at work because somebody got hit by a car right across the street from my office. It was another rather slow day at work. Such a contrast from last year where it was so busy I couldn't keep up.

Song of day was Midnight Oil's "The Dead Heart" - haven't heard that one in years.

Anyway, the third walk tonight was very cold and back in the house, I just couldn't warm up so I'm going to get under the covers and try for another night of deep sleep.

The Day The Power Died (10m)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal w/flax (210); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110)

Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); wheat pasta (400); two hard-boiled eggs (140); salad greens (20); olive oil (360)

Drinks: Two coffee (100); one Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300)

Walked 20,900+ steps

2008 - 13,000 (486,150) AU=9 (214)
2009 - 20,900 (752,900) AU=2 (106.5)

31-1/0-13

Well today marks exactly 50 years since supposedly "The Music Died" which is when Buddy Holly and a couple other music stars died in that Iowa plane crash. I'm too young to remember that but I will remember that today is the day the power died (again). Got a distress call from the wife around 1PM that our power once again went out. Thinking about what happened in December when we lost power for 4 days and had our basement flooded, we both dashed from work to the Home Depot (meeting there at exactly the same time which is a little weird) and bought a 5000-watt generator. Got home and started setting it up with the oil and gas and getting all the electrical connections made. Then just as I was about to go get the generator fired up, the power comes back on!

Well with my luck, I just spent $700 for a 200-lb paperweight because maybe we'll never lose power again and never get to actually use that generator! (Which actually, wouldn't be a bad thing because it sucks losing your power for any length of time).

Woke up this morning feeling kind of sore and run-down in a general kind of way. But got through my morning walk and took the car in for some regular maintenance (rear brakes and oil change). Instead of going to main office, I went towards the north office where I walked the neighborhood streets for a while in the light snow that was falling. Then my wife called and all hell broke loose with the power loss situation. After that mini-crisis, I decided to work the rest of the day out of the house, which isn't as good as it sounds because I ended up working until 8PM. Still, got plenty of walking in and still at least kept up with work.

Snow got heavier as the day went on and as I type this, still coming down but only a 2-3 inches so far despite it snowing steadily since about 9AM.

Groundhog Day (10m)

Monday, February 2, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines (150)

Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); apple (110); shredded wheat (200); blueberries (25); two hard-boiled eggs (140); milk (100); Brown Cow Maple Yogurt (170)

Drinks: One coffee (50); one Propel (25); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 20,600+ steps

2008 - 18,500 (473,150) AU=9 (205)
2009 - 20,600 (732,000) AU=2.5 (104.5)

30-1/0-13

More vivid dreams last night but I can't remember them anymore. 21 degrees in the morning and warming up into the 40s today. Still, a lot of snow and ice around and walking limited to the streets. Work today went very smooth for a Monday. Even left a little early.

Listened to a lot of music on the satellite radio lately, all kinds of genres. Also, has the groundhog ever not seen its shadow?

Coverville Playlist up to 500 Songs (10m)

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Breakfast: Brown Cow Peach Yogurt (170); blueberries (25); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)

Lunch: 1 oz. almonds (170); apple (110); cheese (100)

Dinner: Salad greens (20); 8 oz. catfish fillet (120); 1 serving rice (190); asparagus (50); olive oil (360)

Drinks: Two coffees (100); one Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300); two glasses red wine (360)

Walked 22,100+ steps

2008 - 11,000 (454,650) AU=3 (196)
2009 - 22,100 (711,400) AU=4.5 (102)

29-1/0-12

Yet another good night sleep and upon waking, went with dog to bike trail in Ayer/Groton. Still covered with ice and snow but walked about 6 miles. Weather really warmed up today (low 40s) so got outside and shoveled some snow off roof with the new roof rake. Another long walk in the afternoon and then watched Super Bowl. Finished "Cruel Miles" today and got some good reading done on at least two other books.