In connection with the banking discussion, I just found out that ING was bought by Capital One and, because of previous interest rate shenanigans, I don't do business with Capital One. I have accounts at a couple of local banks but I really liked the good interest rates and the online convenience that ING offered for my emergencies only savings account. Any one have a recommendation for another Internet bank like ING?

Yeah, I'm a little skeptical about the Capital One thing myself.

I have not done jack or shit yet today. At some point, I'm going to go out for a walk and errands, but I'm trapped on HGTV, per usual.

Am I the only one who spells it donut, not doughnut?

Well, me and Dunkin'.

I had a very productive morning! Last night, my swim buddy calls me and says, "Hey, instead of swimming at the park district pool, do you want to join a few of us at the really nice fitness center up near me? They're having a free open house weekend." I say sure, and join them there at 7:00 this morning.

OMG, is that place terrific! Everything from the locker room (fancy marble-like tiles! which match the benches! steam room and small whirpool in the locker room! shampoo, conditioner, soap, and shaving cream available in each shower stall! free towels that are actually nice!!) to the pools (both outdoor and indoor big workout pools, and a smaller lap pool that is kept 2 degrees cooler, and two more whirlpools inside and one outside), a spa with attached salon, a cafe with excellent berry protein smoothies, a child care area for parents who want to have a workout, classes galore that are all included in the monthly fee, and you can sign up on a monthly basis, no contract required.

However, the cost per month is $70, which is how much I'm paying for the annual pool membership at my park district. I couldn't possibly justify that cost, especially since the building is, depending on traffic, anywhere from 20-40 minutes from my apartment. It is open 24 hours, though, which is much better than my park district facility. I'm debating that maybe I might sign up just for the month of December, which is when my pool will be shut down a lot for the holidays and classes there will be spotty at best. Maybe I'd be able to get in some nice workouts and get $70 worth out of the place, but not until then.

Then, after we all went our separate ways, I headed over to one of the local farmers markets. The one in Deerfield is much bigger than my own town's (which just started this year, so they don't have many vendors at all). I restricted myself it just a pint of cherries and a 1/4 pound wedge of Midnight Moon cheese, which was oh.my.god delicious. I had been sampling several of her cheeses when another customer came up and asked for Midnight Moon to take home and a sample for his friend. So, I asked for a sample for myself, and after I finished plotzing over how fabulous it was, she said, "So, how much do want? Because I can see you've decided on this one." Definitely! It's a goat cheese, which I don't remember if I've ever tried before, but it's fantastic. And expensive--the 1/4 pound was just under $10. Ouch! Definitely a very occasional indulgence.

I was to the farmer's market this AM, but it's pissing rain now, so I think I am home for the rest of the day.

I keep trying to make plans to see Midnight in Paris with Megan, but we keep getting thwarted. Now, we are tentatively set for Monday, if I can get back from Clio's vet appointment in time.

It's 1pm. Good God, I'm lazy.

I'm thinking about heading over to the apartment complex's pool with a book and some suntan lotion and just baking for an hour or so. It's going to get over 90 degrees today and stay sunny, so it'll be the perfect day to catch some rays.

Malvin and Cobbes

Jilli might need this...

More meds, please.

Are you home? Give me a ring.