I was doing so well, but there are many pitfalls on the weight loss journey. This week it was a simple head cold. I think it's called post nasal drip, that feeling that there is mucus stuck in the back of your throat. You keep trying to swallow it, but it simply won't budge.

    To help it along, I tried eating pretzels, which did work to a certain degree. But who, I ask you in all seriousness, can eat pretzels without a few slabs of cheese to go with them. And this is Wisconsin, after all, "The Dairy State." So I ate Wisconsin cheddar with the pretzels. They're just too bland on their own.

    So, once again, I can report no weight loss for this week, alas. But at least the cold is gone, so now I can get back on track. If only it weren't for Shrove Tuesday, which is today.

    In Lancaster County, PA, where I hail from, everyone eats fasnachts on Fat Tuesday. I guess it's an Amish thing. Here in Cedar Grove everyone eats Paczkis. I think they're Polish. I had a raspberry filled one for breakfast.

    But please don't give up on me yet. I'm tougher than I may seem, and I shall prevail. No stupid excuse for a doughnut is going to get the best of me or wallowing in self-pity over a head cold.

    There is hope on the horizon. I've been noticing that the sun is finally setting to the north of my deck post when for so long it had been sinking below the horizon to the south of the post. This means that the sun is higher in the sky, not to mention that I think we are only about three weeks out from Daylight Savings. With light comes renewed strength and energy and positive vibes.

    Thanks for stopping by and for all the encouragement.