Author: annemariedemyen

Wife, mother, grandmother dogmother - lover of nature, peace and tranquility. RETIRED. Life is good!

Daily Food Diary – Day 199  of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 199 of my Daily Food Diary and it is 1 week until I turn seventy!

This morning,  Dan was scheduled to pick up  granddaughter  Maddy and drop her off at work.  Since he would be at the southern end of the city, he offered to take me out to Dutch Growers.

Dutch Growers, one of our city greenhouse/landscaping businesses was large when it was in the city.  Now that it has moved to a more rural location, it is massive.

They sell everything Yard and Garden, plus clothing, accessories, jewellery, house plants and home decor.   They have a large four season building that leads to several large enclosed greenhouses.  

I was looking for a specific plant spray (which they do not carry).   But, I had my eyes open for something that I would appreciate for my seventieth birthday present.  I could probably have spent a few thousand dollars on waterfalls, planters,  and fairy statues, but I managed to resist such temptations.

I do have a sizable elephant that I picked up there years ago.

I did walk out  with a serious case of lung congestion.  We were not halfway home before Dan asked me if the humidity in the greenhouses had bothered me. 🤦

Seriously, I have asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD – and I was so enthralled by all of the huge plants, decor, and miscellaneous goods that I hadn’t even noticed.  (Although, I certainly should have known going in).

It is great that between my daily workouts, my medications, and my general attention to diet, I can forget about my chronic respiratory issues.   But on occasion,  that does come  back to bite me on the butt!

Daily Food Diary – Day 199

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) granola nut bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) c romaine lettuce (15)

(2) green onions (16)

(3) oz canned chicken (150)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip  (80)

(25) No Name barbecue potato chips (270)

(6) candy coated mini Easter Eggs (130)

* I swear, the bag is ALMOST empty

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) c chilli with meat & beans (452)

(1) plain paratha (240)

(3/4) c ice cream (180)

(1) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (52)

(1) tbsp caramel sauce (130)

(9) pecans (59)

Total net calories: 1574

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1574 = 346 over 👎

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞😊

My garden meditation zone (pre Molly)

Daily Food Diary – Day 198 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 198 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary!

It is 3 and almost one-half years since I started living a lifestyle focused on my  Health and Fitness.

The quality of my life has improved exponentially in this time.  One thing that I have been particularly grateful for is a marked decrease in my anxiety – something I have struggled with throughout my entire life.

That being said, in the past few months my anxiety level has been creeping back up there.  I have several coping strategies but sometimes they just don’t want to work!

This morning I took Molly on a walk around the neighborhood, by myself.  It was hardly the first time.  But,  I have been walking her alone – knowing Dan was at home and available if anything went sideways.   This morning, Dan was not home.   It was truly Molly and I – no backup, if required.  

I’ll be good!

I got about two feet out our gate and down the sidewalk before my anxiety went through the roof.   There was no way, I was turning back  or taking any shortcuts.  

We finished our route with no major incidents and I felt fine as soon as we got back in the yard.    I will take that as a win,  and hopefully it will ramp up my confidence enough that it will make our next solo trek that much easier.

I am so over this anxiety stuff!  It serves zero purpose and just makes life so  difficult.  

Daily Food Diary – Day 198 of 365

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Shreddies (200)

(1/4) c  2% milk (28)

(1) tsp sugar (16)

Snacks:

(1) pear (103)

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(5) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (125)

Supper:

Pan Pizza:

(1) Tortilla wrap (200)

(2) tbsp pizza sauce (17)

(3) oz sliced ham (86)

(15) slices pepperoni (150)

(1/4)  c red onion (15)

(1/2) c mushrooms (22)

(1/2) c red pepper (23)

(1/4) c shredded marble cheese (120)

(1) pc chocolate cake (472)

Total net calories:  1505

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1505 = 276 over

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💕😊

Daily Food Diary – Day 197 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today I am celebrating posting Day 197 of my Daily Food Diary. 👍

But yesterday, we were celebrating Alec & our granddaughter Genevieve becoming Mr. & Mrs. Alec Morrow.

I do not possess the words to do their day justice but it was the perfect execution of the vision they had for their fairytale wedding. 

With only their closest family and friends gathered in a modest venue at a local restaurant, everything was a reflection of the happy couple.  Without imposing on anyone,  they made everyone a willing participant  in their celebration – friends and family alike with – with none moreso than  Grandpa Dan,  who proudly escorted the fairy princess down the aisle. 

The wedding ceremony itself was incredible.   The genuine love, joy, and excitement of the happy couple, and those of us honored to share in it,  was nothing short of magical.

The happy couple 💞 (Despite being as young as they look, Genie and Alec have been the HAPPIEST of couples for EIGHT years)

Mr. & Mrs. Alec Morrow / Genie with her sisters Maddy, Prim, and (her now official)  sister Rebecca /  Genie’s mother Jennifer with fiance Tanner

Yesterday, our precious granddaughter and her kind, considerate, and caring young husband did more than share their  wedding day with us.  They shared their love with all of us.  And they reminded us (as they always do)  that in the best of times, and in the worst of times, there will always be  ‘Angels Among Us’. 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 197

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) oz.  ham (57)

(2) green onions (16)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tsp olive (40)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Taco Salad (520)

(1) Dark chocolate cake (472)

Total net calories: 1298

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1298 = 70 over 👎

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! ☺️💟

Daily Food Diary – Day 196 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 196 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary.  That is a full 28 WEEKS without one miss!

My biggest (Food Diary) news from yesterday is that  I finally drank that Root Beer yesterday.  I’m pretty sure that was my second soda since I started this challenge back on January 1st.  (Not counting a couple of Tonic Waters used as mix with Gin).

Anyway, I did have a root beer yesterday and did so quite deliberately.  Any amount of sugar isn’t good for me as it thickens the mucus in my lungs and makes it difficult to cough to clear them.  However, this afternoon we are having a family event so no coughing would be a good thing.  It wasn’t a moment of weakness – just a natural cough suppressant for one day. 😊

This morning, Dan and I walked Molly – together. No smoke, no golf!  👍 We stopped at the storm channel to check out Momma Duck just sitting on a rock.   Her ducklings are probably at an age to get into all kinds of trouble and make all kinds of noise while doing so.   I think Momma just needed some alone time.

We had enough of a walk that Molly needed a rest when we got home.  Or maybe she is just exhausted from producing hair.   I cannot  imagine why she is not bald.  I spend half my time sweeping up and dusting away dog hair – and we have already brushed her twice this week.  (Filling the garbage can with hair and destroying the porch carpet in the process! 😯)

Daily Food Diary – Day 196

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Plain paratha (240)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (90)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Lunch:

(3) PC chicken wings (2) drumettes & (1) flat (264)

(10) potato chips (52)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(355) ml Root Beer (170)

Supper:

(1) Dinner salad (190)

(3) sticks pork souvlaki (240)

(2) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (70)

(2) tbsp dried fried onions (67)

(2) tbsp sesame sesame (33)

(1) serving rhubarb cheesecake (260)

Total net calories: 1438

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1438 = 209 over

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

The merry little Marigolds are blooming for granddaughter Genie today 🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 195 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 195 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.  It is 3 years and 5 months since I started living  my Health and Fitness lifestyle.

In these past few years, I have changed –

The changes didn’t happen in  three and a half years.   They happened moment by moment, step by step, choice by choice.

The changes that happened aren’t all obvious.  I am physically stronger and have energy and stamina.  I can do things that I couldn’t have imagined three and a half years ago.

The changes are not all physical.  I am  mentally sharper and emotionally stronger.  I can celebrate with joy and I can manage difficult situations with determination, perseverance, and faith.

My life has changed, my attitude has changed, my beliefs have changed.  Early in my transformation I realized that “what doesn’t kill me  makes me stronger”.  I learned to grow through adversity, pain, setbacks, and challenges. 

Lately, I have learned to grow through  positive experiences.   Shopping, walking Molly, doing much of the garden myself this spring, countless little wins that I have celebrated recently,  have increased my confidence, my personal sense of security, my hope for the future (for MY future).

I can do it! 💪

It is 11 DAYS until I turn 70 YEARS OLD.  I am ready for the seventies (regardless of what they bring).  ☺️

Daily Food Diary – Day 195

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2 grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(2) eggs (160)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(3) slices back bacon (100)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(2) c chilli (452)

(1/4) c marble cheese (120)

(1) serving rhubarb cheesecake (120)

Total net calories: 1274

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1274  = 46 over

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! ☺️💖

Daily Food Diary – Day 194 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 194 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary! 😁🎈

I have a few random topics to touch on today:

  1. On Saturday, I had a major craving for a root beer.. I took a hard pass and had carbonated water.  Yesterday, I was looking to have an afternoon snack.  Being Sunday, I was thinking of something high in calories and low in nutrition… I had a pear and a handful of raspberries.  My Daily Food Diary continues to  work for me.  🤗
  2. Ten days ago, I started taking collagen supplements.  I don’t know what I was looking for but I wasn’t expecting to see any notable change for six weeks to five months.   Oddly enough, for three mornings now I have woken up without stiff, achy hands – for the first time since I can ever remember.  🤔
  3. After one nice warm day of sunshine, we are back to cool, wet weather.  We took  Molly for her walk before the rain started.  We went to Northgate Mall.  Dan got a haircut while I wandered the halls counting empty storefronts.   We both got wet getting back to the Jeep.  🌨️
  4. Today it is 3 Years and 5 Months since I started my Health & Fitness lifestyle.  Last night, I remembered how I used to get a brutal stabbing pain in my right side  every time I twisted sideways.   I know it was from Slipping Rib Syndrome (floating ribs that slip out of place).   But that doesn’t happen anymore.  It hasn’t for at least a couple of years.    The random benefits of living a healthy, active lifestyle never cease to amaze me. 😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 194

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(2) scrambled eggs (182)

(2) Eggo waffles (180)

(2) tbsp Maple syrup (110)

(3) slices bacon (130)

Snacks:

(1) Pear (103)

(10) Raspberries (10)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Ham salad wrap (196)

(15) Light Salt potato chips (78)

(1) serving rhubarb cheese cake (227)

Total Net Calories: 1187

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1187 = 42 under 👍

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 🌞💝

Daily Food Diary – Day 193 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 193 of my Daily Food Diary.  Today is also SUNDAY. 

Being retired, one does not generally dwell on days of the week.  Sundays, or at least Sundays in our household,  have a unique flow to them.

This morning, I slept in until 7:00 AM.  I could have slept longer.  I was up at 3 AM dealing with a coughing fit that refused to pass.  Dan was up early, dealing with Molly. So there was no good reason why I had to get up.  Alas, Molly felt otherwise. 

Morning Breath!

I was up at seven, and by eight we were heading out for our morning walk.   Even in a neighbourhood surrounded by major roadways, Sunday morning walks are peaceful.   This morning, we detoured through two parks.  We were surrounded by nature and sunshine. 🤗

When we got back home, we whipped up a quick Sunday morning breakfast.  By the time we finished eating, it was time for Dan to head out to pick up granddaughter Maddy to take her to work – another Sunday morning ritual in our lives. 💓

I gave Molly her Sunday pig’s ear.  Being primarily cartilage, it is a great source of collagen for her – and one of her favourite treats.

I headed outdoors to my personal retreat, to write my daily blog and soak in the sounds of Sunday – from the water feature in our pond, to the birds, to the muffled sounds of traffic in a city slowly coming to life.

Daily Food Diary – Day 193

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) oz roast beef (109)

(12) French fries (120)

(1) c broccoli (60)

(4) tbsp gravy (20)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(10) chicken wing flats (425)

(6) multigrain crackers (180)

(6) vegetable thins (40)

(2) c raw vegetables – cucumber, mini carrots, cauliflower, radishes, broccoli (100)

(2) tbsp Frank’s honey garlic sauce (40)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)

Total net calories: 1209

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1209 = 20 under 👍

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞

Daily Food Diary – Day 192 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 192 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.  192 Days without one single miss! 😊🙌

I plan to stop posting my diary at the end of 365 days as I originally planned, but I may keep tracking my food intake indefinitely.  It’s never going to be about perfecting my diet – but I do appreciate the practice of being mindful of what I eat.

Speaking of being mindful…

Yesterday morning I went on a very rare shopping expedition.  I had THREE specific goals:

(1) To buy an outfit for a family event this coming week

(2) To buy new sneakers (the price of an increasingly active lifestyle)

(3) And.. to buy a card for said family event

Dan came with me to chauffeur and offer his input as required. 

After a frustrating walk around Southland Mall, Dan led me down a hallway that I had missed. (My sense of direction is as lacking as my shopping skills 🤦)

To my delight, we came across a Ricki’s store.  I thought the entire chain had closed down, but apparently not!  I went in and the  amazing sales clerk helped me to find the perfect dress – which was on sale! 

Our next stop was DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse.  I scored not one pair of sneakers but TWO – and both for less than the regular price of one, including taxes.

In keeping with my lack of shopping skills, I totally forgot about the card (Goal #3) when I realized it was lunch time.

With my yeast allergy/intolerance, choosing a restaurant gets complicated.  There  was an Olive Garden in the same general parking lot as DSW, so that seemed like a good sign. 🤭

On the good side… The service was great.  When I asked the waitress to hold the croutons on my salad, she (very professionally) asked if that was simply a preference.  When I told her about my  yeast allergy, she brought the manager to our table to discuss yeast free options.   He provided not only a crouton free salad, but also a yeast free butter & garlic alternative for their regular scampi sauce.   My lunch was amazing and I suffered no ill effects.  And the price for our meal was very reasonable. 👍

On the not so good side.. I was reminded how dicey it is for me to eat anywhere outside of our own kitchen.   I thought Olive Garden would be a pretty safe bet compared to most restaurants where much of the lunch menu is sandwiches (bread or bun).   I was wrong.   At Olive Garden most of their appetizers are breaded, there is yeast in all of  their pasta sauces, and there is even yeast in their Tuxedo Cake (which was a HUGE  disappointment for me. 😢) Fortunately, the manager and our waitress made sure I didn’t order anything containing yeast, for which I am grateful, but the experience will make me even more cautious going forward.

*** After Dan dropped me off at home, he did go to a store to pick up the card that we needed.  🤗💓

Daily Food Diary – Day 192

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Shreddies (200)

(1/4) c 2% milk (28)

(1) tsp sugar (16)

Lunch:

(1) Olive Garden salad (140)

(1) Olive Garden shrimp scampi – shrimp, red pepper, & asparagus (490)

Snacks:

(3/4) c Butterscotch Sundae ice cream (180)

(2) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (105)

(9) pecan halves (59)

(25) light salted ripple chips (160)

(60) oz water

Total net calories: 1133

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1133 = 95 under

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️☺️

Thank you, granddaughter Genie for this photo taken during your time in Toronto (working for the midway and wandering the streets looking for photos to take and restaurants that served homemade soup) 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 191 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 191 Days since I started maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary! 💓

When I started this diary on January 1st,  my only goal was to identify trouble areas in my diet and make positive adjustments along the way.    Six months in, my diet is still a work in progress.   But, I am finding incredible value in this experience.   🙌

Six years ago, I began blogging here on WordPress/JetPack.  I was gearing up for retirement and thought putting my thoughts in writing would help me find my way from full time employment to making the most of my new reality.   This has also  been an experience  that has paid off in ways I could never have imagined. 

Writing has been a part of my life as long as I can remember – the better part of seventy years.    There is something about putting it in writing that brings things into perspective and makes them real.  Writing is my solid, creative expression of what I think, what I believe, what I feel.

Speaking of creative expression, Dan finished our pond yesterday and even found some blue food dye for the water this year. 👍 💞

Our little pond needed a complete remake this year, but it is up and running. 🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 191

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Morning Crisp Honey Nut (460)

(1/4) c 2 % milk (28)

Snack:

(1) apple (95)

(60) oz water

Supper:

Chicken Caesar Salad –

(2) c romaine lettuce (12)

(1/4) c red onion (15)

(3) oz chicken breast (140)

(1/2) c dried fried onions (133)

(2) tbsp bacon bits (60)

(1/4) c shredded Parmesan cheese (67)

(3) tbsp Caesar salad dressing (240)

Total net calories: 1078

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1078 = 151 under

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💞🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 190 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 190 of my Daily Food Diary!  💓🎉

This is also Alec’s birthday! 🤗🎂 Alec is granddaughter Genie’s fiance.    She is fortunate to have him in her life and we are happy to have him in our family.  Happy Birthday  Alec!

Prim, Alec & Genie’s friend, Alec, and Genie…this photo is a decade old.  It was the day we met Alec and back when their story was just beginning. (I scared him 😂)

This month, my Daily Food Focus is on collagen production and maintenance…

Last week, I started taking collagen supplements.  It is too soon to see any benefits but so far I haven’t suffered any side effects, so that’s a win.

I have been sourcing out foods that contain collagen or aid in the natural production and maintenance of collagen.   I highlight such foods in my Daily Food Diary.  

I continue to exercise daily (also very important to producing and maintaining collagen).  I do aerobics Monday thru Saturday, light weights and cardio Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and walk with Molly and Dan daily – weather and/or wildfire smoke permitting.  

It never fails to amaze me how few people (with or without dogs)   we encounter on our walks through our neighborhood parks.  👀

Daily Food Diary – Day 190

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) potato patties (240)

(3) slices back bacon (52)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) pear (103)

(15) raspberries (15)

(3) PC’s dark chocolate (106)

Supper:

(6) oz roast beef (328)

(25) French fries (250)

(1/3) c gravy (40)

(1) tbsp horseradish (10)

(1 1/2) c broccoli (90)

Total net calories: 1075

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1075 = 154 under

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💝😊