SHORT DAY IN CHICAGO (DAY 118)

My weekend at home was cut short.
Cut short by the need to leave Chicago to avoid a predicted snow storm.
But not before I found the time to take a hike.

IF YOU CAN DREAM

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1. There is a Disney song, 'If you can dream.'  It is 'sung' by the various voice impersonators of the many of the Disney Princesses. I am a 60 year old man - I admit I actually like the song. I will tell you what I don't like.  A bunch of angry DACA 'Dreamers' congregated at Disneyland Park a couple of days ago to protest the inaction of Congress to legalize them.  Here is the truth: The Democrats and the Republicans WILL NOT be deporting them. The deal that Donald Trump wants is that a new law should include the building of 'The Wall.'  These 'Dreamers' who are here illegally should just shut up. Their dream is going to come true. The dream of conservatives that a wall will be built to help reduce this problem in the future will also come true.  Those demonstrators who had the, shall we say, cojoñes, to protest and BLOCK THE ENTRANCE TO DISNEYLAND... perhaps they should have been arrested AND deported. And perhaps that would send the message to the Dreamers currently protesting by Senator Schumer's home. I despise Senator Schumer. However, protesters should not be protesting by the PRIVATE RESIDENCE of public officials.  This happens to Republicans all the time. It should never happen. A few arrests of those people would solve that problem too

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DISNEY – 

IF YOU CAN DREAM LYRICS

(Ariel)
There is a world where hope
And dreams can last for all time
I wonder this place to go
You know it
When your heart will find

(Jasmine)
Hearing our song as old as rhyme
Hold my hand we're gonna fly
While a magic ride
Is just a kiss away

[Chorus:]
If you can dream for wishful making
On a star is coming true

(Pocahontas)
The colors of the wind will lead
My heart right back to you

Cos if you can dream,
Reflections in a diamond sky,
Come shining on through

(Aurora)
Romance will always be so new
And love will save the day
If you can dream

(Snow White)
Someday my prince will come
It's certain as the sunrise
(Cinderella)
One day the slipper fits
And you see the love in his eyes

(Belle)
It's the tale as old as time
There's no mountain we can't find
When you're finally mine
And just a kiss away

[Chorus:]
If you can dream for wishful making
On a star is coming true

(Pocahontas)
The colors of the wind will lead
My heart right back to you

'Cause if you can dream,
Reflections in a diamond sky,
Come shining on through

(Mulan)
Romance will always be so new
And love will save the day
If you can dream

[Bridge:]
(Belle)
So the story goes
Never tire the rose

(Jasmine)
There's a whole new world
Waiting there for us
Waiting just for us...

[Chorus:]
If you can dream for wishful making
On a star is coming true

(Pocahontas)
The colors of the wind will lead
My heart right back to you

'Casue if you can dream,
Reflections in a diamond sky,
Come shining on through

(Snow White)
Romance will always be so new
(Ariel)
And love will save the day, Ohhhh

(Mulan)
Love will save the day
If you can dream

(Ariel)
You can dream

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Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Hy-vee - Oatmeal - Apples & Cinnamon	770	161	11	21	875	42
	770	161	11	21	875	42
L U N C H
Subway - Sun Chips- Harvest Cheddar	210	27	9	4	320	3
Subway - Seafood Sensation	820	100	38	26	1,480	16
	1,030	127	47	30	1,800	19
D I N N E R
Panda Express Shanghai Angus Steak	340	26	10	34	1,280	18
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp	400	30	26	16	520	10
Panda Express Brown Steamed Rice	440	75	11	10	420	2
	1,180	131	47	60	2,220	30
Totals	2,980	419	105	111	4,895	91
Your Daily Goal	2,020	252	67	102	2,300	75
Remaining	-960	-167	-38	-9	-2,595	-16
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 90 extra calories from exercise today

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LOST WALLET

This is not about my lost wallet. I found a wallet. I was out and about yesterday when I spotted a cute looking case that appeared to hold eyeglasses. My curiosity got the best of me and I reached down to see what was in the leather looking decorative case. It turned out to be a woman's wallet. I saw an Illinois drivers license and some folded up cash. I didn't count the money. I didn't investigate further. My first thought, was that perhaps if the owner was a victim of foul play, that I would be the first suspect in the case. Even after I picked it up and proceeded one mile to the police station, I imagined that some people that I passed by were looking at my suspiciously. I couldn't wait to get rid of this thing.  It's been a very long time since I have been inside a police station. My most 'recent' visit that I can remember, was back in 1978 or 1979 to pick up a housemate who had spent the night in the 'drunk tank' after offending some police officers who came to our off-campus house after a party had become a bit too raucous for the neighbors. 

I remember once losing my wallet in a park in Valley Stream, Long Island. This was long before the existence of cellphones. My memory is hazy about how it was returned, but I think someone came to my home to return it, after calling me at home. Whatever small amount of money I had was still there, and I remembered how surprised and grateful I was to get my wallet back less than a couple of hours after losing it. There should be some young woman in Chicago today, who's faith in humanity should have gone up at least a couple of notches.

There are two metal 'horses' in a small unnamed park on Sedgewick Street in Lincoln  Park, Illinois

Your Food Diary For:

Monday, November 20, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Grits	400	88	6	8	1,240	4
	400	88	6	8	1,240	4
L U N C H
Giovanni Rana - Prosciutto and Cheese Tortelloni	700	93	20	30	1,350	3
Nutty Oat, 2 slice	140	26	3	6	220	4
Coco Community - Coconut Water	120	30	0	0	60	30
	960	149	23	36	1,630	37
D I N N E R
Taco Bell - Hard Shell Taco, 3	510	36	30	24	930	3
	510	36	30	24	930	3
S N A C K S
Arctic Blasters Orange Cream Bars	300	54	8	3	75	39
Roundy's Part Skim Mozzarella String Cheese	240	3	18	24	600	0
	540	57	26	27	675	39
Totals	2,410	330	85	95	4,475	83
Your Daily Goal	3,431	429	114	172	2,300	128
Remaining	1,021	99	29	77	-2,175	45
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,501 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 215.6 lbs in 5 weeks 

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BEACH DAY

For most people, temperatures just a few degrees above freezing does not signal that it is time to go to the beach. I am not most people. After an extremely productive sales call in Ann Arbor, I headed back to Chicago. Before the night replaced day, I stopped at Indiana Dunes and hiked to the beach. My hikes at Indiana Dunes usually include a significant time in the woods, but I was unwilling to chance getting lost in the woods in the cold as I knew darkness would descend fairly soon. It's one thing to be mildly lost on a warm day during the summer, but I did not relish the idea of getting disoriented during this time of year. My hike took me to the Porter Beach and I returned to my car on very quiet roads as this community which is hopping during the summer, looks largely abandoned in the winter. As you can see, the beach was devoid of human activity.

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Your Food Diary For:

      Thursday, November 16, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Dannon Toasted Coconut Vanilla Greek Yogurt	480	54	0	72	270	42
	480	54	0	72	270	42
L U N C H
Market Sandwich Smoked Ham and Cheese	260	28	7	21	1,350	6
Arby's  Roast Beef Classic	360	35	14	23	970	6
	620	63	21	44	2,320	12
D I N N E R
Cranberry Bread Stuffing	400	91	3	6	346	37
	400	91	3	6	346	37
S N A C K S
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich	220	39	5	3	190	23
Frozen Fudge Bars	300	63	3	9	165	60
	520	102	8	12	355	83
Totals	2,020	310	32	134	3,291	174
Your Daily Goal	3,042	380	101	153	2,300	114
Remaining	1,022	70	69	19	-991	-60
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,112 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 213.7 lbs in 5 weeks     

HELLO WINTER

Perhaps the days of hiking in a short sleeved shirt and shorts has just ended. Two days ago, I was hiking under cloudy skies with the threat of rain, and yet I comfortably wore shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Yesterday, the weather seemed to have cooled down a lot! I was wearing long sweats, a long sleeved shirt, a long sleeved jacket and I longed for a pair of gloves. It was only 50°F, but it seemed much colder.  It appears that summer is over, Hello Winter.
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I took this photo in a short tunnel under a bridge along the path of Sharon Lake.

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Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Quaker  Instant Oatmeal  Apples & Cinammon	320	66	4	8	400	24
	320	66	4	8	400	24
L U N C H
BBQ Sushi Eel Roll	400	42	16	22	105	0
	400	42	16	22	105	0
D I N N E R
Speedy Turkey & Cheese 6" Sub, 1 sandwich	450	64	11	23	1,520	12
Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snaps	420	56	18	18	263	7
Campbell's Soup - Hearty Beef Barley	280	48	3	16	1,580	12
	1,150	168	32	57	3,363	31
S N A C K S
Dark Melting Wafers	250	26	17	2	34	24
	250	26	17	2	34	24
Totals	2,120	302	69	89	3,902	79
Your Daily Goal	3,347	418	111	168	2,300	125
Remaining	1,227	116	42	79	-1,602	46
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,417 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 214 lbs in 5 weeks.

GLACIAL PARK

A visit to Elm Grove, Wisconsin (Milwaukee suburb) to sell buttons and trims granted me the opportunity to take an 8 mile hike in GLACIAL PARK in northern Illinois which was on the way home with just a slight 20 mile detour.  This park has some of the biggest hills that I have ever seen in the northern part of Illinois. They ain't exactly the Rocky Mountains, but in a state known exclusively for crooked politicians, high taxes and extreme flatness, these hills were a shocking sight. My fitbit recorded that I had 'climbed' 40 'stories' during my hiking.

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Glacial Park is McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space holding, characterized by its rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek.

Encompassing over 3,400 acres, Glacial Park contains over 400 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species; is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region, and is a part of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.

Glacial Park is the Conservation District’s most popular site, visited annually by more than 64,000 guests who hike or horseback along eight miles of trails; fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek at Keystone Landing or Pioneer Road Landing…or bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail that skirts the eastern boundary of the park. In a place where wildlife viewing is plentiful, many spend time birding, picnicking or paddling the glistening waters of Nippersink Creek., a high-quality stream teeming with aquatic life — a place where numerous wetland waders and local wildlife also visit the water’s edge.

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Your Food Diary For:

Friday, October 13, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Quaker Oats Instant Grits	300	66	5	6	930	0
	300	66	5	6	930	0
L U N C H
Subway - Turkey Sub Sandwich	560	92	7	36	1,620	14
	560	92	7	36	1,620	14
D I N N E R
Whole Foods - Komi Hawaiian Sushi Roll	350	0	0	0	0	0
Coco Community - Coconut Water	120	30	0	0	60	30
	470	30	0	0	60	30
S N A C K S
Whole Foods Dark Chocolate Coconut	400	40	28	4	50	26
	400	40	28	4	50	26
Totals	1,730	228	40	46	2,660	70
Your Daily Goal	3,002	375	100	151	2,300	112
Remaining	1,272	147	60	105	-360	42
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,072 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 220 lbs in 5 weeks     

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SATURDAY WEIGH IN

I am Jewish.
But today, for me, it is Christmas Eve 2016.
I weighed myself this morning, and I am currently:

239.3 lbs

The last time that I weighed 239.3 lbs, was nearly one year ago on Christmas Eve 2016.
At that time, this was an unwelcome weight at I had weighed about 6 pounds less one week earlier
THIS TIME, IT IS A WELCOME WEIGHT AS I WEIGHED 5.6 POUNDS MORE LAST WEEK.
With weight management, it's not not only what you weigh, it's what you weighed last week.

Today marks the first time in the year 2017 that I have been below 240 lbs.
Coincidentally, my blog started on December 24, 2014 - On that day I weight 309 lbs.
From that point, I am currently down 70 lbs.

More recently, just one week after the sun was eclipsed by the moon, this past summer on August 28 my weight was a screamingly depressing 263.3 lbs, and rising weekly.

IN THE PAST SEVEN WEEKS, I HAVE REDISCOVERED THE SECRETS THAT I HAD PREVIOUSLY LEARNED FOR SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS. (eat less, exercise more)

And in the past seven weeks, I have lost TWENTY FOUR POUNDS.

NO WONDER, I HAVE BEEN RECENTLY EXPERIENCING AN EXTRA SPRING IN MY STEP!

HUMBOLDT PARK CHICAGO

My early morning walk took me to Humboldt Park in Chicago. Once I arrived, it started to rain, so I lost my enthusiasm to explore the park more fully.  I continued my one circle around the perimeter of the park and headed home. Fortunately long before I arrived home, the rain abated. I am pretty sure that I will head there again in the near future.

Located in the heart of the Humboldt Park Community, Humboldt Park totals 219 acres and is home to a large, historic field house with a fitness center, two gymnasiums and meeting rooms, as well as an inland beach and the historic lagoons and boat house. .

Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Kirkland Signature - Bacon, 4 slices	160	0	12	12	700	0
Eggs - Poached, 4	300	2	20	26	600	2
Goya - Agua De Coco, 16 fl oz	160	40	1	0	180	30
	620	42	33	38	1,480	32
L U N C H
Read - 3 Bean Salad	300	65	0	5	1,500	40
Oscar Mayer Lunchable Ham & Cheddar	350	39	17	11	660	13
Arnold - Multi-grain Sandwich Thin, 1 roll	100	21	1	4	170	1
Peanut Butter	200	8	17	7	147	3
Jelly - Concord Grape Jelly	100	24	0	0	10	16
	1,050	157	35	27	2,487	73
D I N N E R
Costco - Cheese Pizza Slice, 2 Slice	1,400	140	56	88	2,740	14
	1,400	140	56	88	2,740	14
Totals	3,070	339	124	153	6,707	119
Your Daily Goal	3,397	424	113	170	2,300	127
Remaining	327	85	-11	17	-4,407	8
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,467 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 237.2 lbs in 5 weeks     

I did not do a very good job controlling my calories on Tuesday... This means that I need to do a much better job today, and tomorrow, and the day after that...