Author: annemariedemyen

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 179 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 179 of my Daily Food Diary.  🥰

Yesterday, I was not feeling well.   Fortunately, I am much better today!

Dan and I took an early walk with Molly.  I even felt well enough to cross Elphinstone and walk around Patricia Park.   This is a small, fairly well kept park, but the gophers have been going crazy there this year.   There are big, deep gopher holes everywhere and Molly insisted on checking out every one of them.  🤦

As usual,  she also insisted on looking at everything, except Dan, when he was trying to take a picture of us.

These were the best five shots out of ten or so.  😊

I have learned one thing about my eating habits this month.  When good nutrition really matters – when I am traveling or when I do not feel well – I drop the ball.  I eat what I shouldn’t and avoid what I should.  Every time!

I know how much what I eat affects how I feel.  But,  when it matters most, I make poor choices. 🙄

I need to get pro-active about this and start planning ahead.  I need quick, easy meal plan options available for when I get sick.  I also need to plan what I will eat and what I will avoid when I travel.   Mostly, I need to remember that no matter what I am doing, it is never a free pass when it comes to my diet – especially when it comes to my food allergies and intolerances. 

Daily Food Diary – Day 179

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) Chicken drumsticks (152)

(15) light salted potato chips (78)

(1) PC butterscotch pudding cake (153)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) c Lemon Ginger tea

(1/4) c spicy dill pickle peanuts (117)

Supper:

(2) Harvest all beef hotdogs – no bun (440)

(1/2) c baked beans (123) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tomato (1/2 SVG)

(1/2) mini cucumber  (1/2 SVG)

(1/4) c red onions (1/4 SVG)

(15) light salted potato chips (78)

(1/2) c French* Vanilla ice cream (138)

(2) tbsp butterscotch sauce (130)

(1) tbsp chocolate sauce (52)

(9) pecan halves (59)

* Have you ever noticed that diet wise ‘French‘ is a code word meaning “twice the calories”?  I’m surprised obesity has never been a serious issue in our family. 🤔

Total net calories: 1807

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1807 = 569 over 👎

Fruits & vegetables: 2 1/4 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 178 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 178 of my Daily Food Diary.  For whatever reason, I am struggling today.   I am  not feeling well and going for an 8 am walk with Dan and Molly didn’t help. 🤷

I was fine yesterday – in fact this entire week has been going well.     I even added a couple of exercises to my daily routine. 

First, I went back to adding a strength and cardio workout three afternoons a week.   That went well.   💪 😊

Second, I started making a to-do list every day.  I keep it simple –  just a small effort to make myself a bit more efficient and productive.  

One item that I added to my list and completed this week was to finish reading a book that I borrowed from Granddaughter Genie a few weeks ago.

‘ No Mud, No Lotus’ is an excellent book.  It offers practical Buddhist practices and exercises to transform the suffering in our lives to joy.   For whatever reason, as I got to the last few chapters, I struggled to find time to pick it up and finish it.  This week, I put it on my to-do list and I am glad that I did so.

The final chapter discussed Walking Meditation.  This is a practice I am familiar with.  The author, touched on mindful breathing – which I struggle with.    But, he also touched on using this  mantra to add  peace and focus to this practice…

“I have arrived, I am home.”

I have always been obsessed with the concept of home.     A real home,  to me, is our most sacred place on Earth.

A home does not have to be a priceless mansion, it does not have to be spotless or perfect, and  it definitely does not need a wow factor. 🤦

A home should be comfortable, functional, clean, and  cared for.   A home should be a refuge for ourselves,  our family (including pets), and  visitors.  Regardless of who you are, or where you go, entering a real home should make you feel welcome, worthy,  and safe.   Being home, or entering any home, gives you a responsibility  to act with respect, dignity, and kindness towards yourself and towards all others within – family, extended family, friends, or strangers. 

Finishing this book was more than having the satisfaction of crossing an item off of a list.  It was the  opportunity to revisit the memories, the experience, and the emotional relief of saying “I have arrived. I am home”.  And,  it will be a powerful and favourite mantra going forward. 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 178

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) oz ham (57)

(1/4) c green onions (10) (1 SVG)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1) peach (58) (1 SVG)

(15) raspberries (15) (1 SVG)

(72) oz water

Supper:

(6) oz ribeye steak (420)

(1) corn on the  cob (78) (1 SVG)

(1) side salad (90) (1 SVG)

(1) baked potato (80)

(1/4) c green onions (1 SVG)

(1 1/2) tbsp French dressing (110)

Total net calories: 1207

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1207 = 31 under 👍

Fruits & vegetables: 6 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 177 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

This is Day 177 of my Daily Food Diary! 💃

Yesterday was a pretty good  day for me.  Not food goal wise… But good as days go!

Molly and I took our morning walk alone as Dan was busy getting ready to head out for a round of golf.   We did pretty good on our own, although it is always better when Dan is with us and I know he has our backs  (water, back up collar, poop bags….  👍).  He was particularly missed when Molly and I were walking the grassy path between the railroad tracks and McKinley Street and Molly screeched to a sudden stop to pee.  I didn’t catapult over her, but I was startled.  We had another (long) moment when we were cutting through the ball diamonds to come home and Molly saw friends of hers at the dogpark (across the water channel).  I thought I might be going for a swim, but I  managed to hold onto her collar and drag her until she decided to continue our walk. 🤦

After we got home, I did my aerobic workout and had my lunch before Maddy & Prim called.  They were at the Regent Pool (by the dogpark) and were looking to come for a visit.  It was their first day of summer holidays so I was pretty excited that they chose  to come and spend part of it with  Grandma. 💞

We had a good visit and the girls had toasted bacon and tomato sandwiches.   When the grandkids come over they often talk about visits and sleepovers that we had when they were younger.  They each have their own favourite memories.   The other day,  Prim told me that she mostly remembers the food we shared. 

Just as they were talking about heading home, our afternoon thunder storm hit.   They don’t live far but I drove them home before the worst of it hit.   Had they walked, they would have gotten drenched at the very least.

Maddy & Prim – heading into grades 10 an 8 when school resumes in September.
Maddy & Prim – back in the day, when Maddy was trying to make beautiful memories and Prim was excited about having  lunch. 😂

Daily Food Diary – Day 177

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

Lunch:

(2) eggs (168)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) slices back bacon (35)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Mott’s caesar (168) (1 SVG)

(2) chicken drumsticks (152)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) servings asparagus (33) (2 SVG)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1) c Sidekicks Butter & Herbs (280)

(5) large garlic stuffed  olives (80) (1 SVG)

(1) serving butterscotch pudding cake (153)

(1) scoop ice cream (91)

(1) tbsp butterscotch sauce (65)

Total net calories: 1411

Net calories goal: 1238 – 1411 = 174 over

Fruits & vegetables: 5 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings

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

The plants in and around our yard are still struggling this year (despite the sun, rain, and lightening that we have been getting).  While the plants are small, the blossoms are huge.  🤷

Daily Food Diary – Day 176 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 176 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. 🤗

In 1 week, I will have completed the first half of this challenge – to track and post my Daily Food Diary for one full year.

In 1 month, I will celebrate my 70th birthday.  I love new beginnings and noting the start of a new decade is no exception. 

I celebrated my 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th,  & 60th birthdays with high expectations that this would be my BEST decade ever!  They all had their highs and lows, but the best and the worst were my 30’s and 60’s.  Those were intense decades. 🙆

I have a really good feeling going into my 70’s.  For the past three years I have invested in my physical, mental, and emotional well being.   I know that regardless of what happens in this coming decade – for better or worse – I am as ready as I can be to embrace and appreciate the better and to manage the worst with peace, faith, and dignity.   💃💃💃

Ready as I’ll ever be! 😉

Daily Food Diary – Day 176

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) c grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(1) c pork & vegetable fried rice (118) (1/2 SVG)

(1) PC Butterscotch Pudding Cake (153)

Snacks:

(1/4) c mixed nuts (180)

(15) raspberries (15) (1 SVG)

(48) oz water

Supper:

Taco salad:

(1) Dinner salad: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red pepper, green onions, radishes (113) (4 SVG)

(4) oz minced turkey with taco seasoning (168)

(1/4) c shredded cheese (114)

(2) tbsp salsa ranch dressing (110)

(8) Hint of Lime chips (200)

(12) oz carbonated water

Total net calories: 1085

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1085 = 153 under 👍

Total Fruit & Vegetables: 6 1/2 servings

Fruit & vegetable goals: 7 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 175 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 175 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary.  🤗

My Daily Food Diary is part of the Health and Wellness Lifestyle that I adopted three years ago.

This week, summer has (sort of)  returned to Saskatchewan.   At least,   it is warm and DRY enough to resume our morning walks.

And Molly is ready to go!

School is winding down and the kids around here are ready for their annual summer break.  The schools are feeding into their enthusiasm by taking them on field trips to our neighbourhood park where they have basketball courts, a soccer field, a huge handicap accessible play structure, and an equally huge spray pad.

Part of the kids’ entertainment, is hiking past our front yard where Molly sits in her corner and soaks in all the attention as the kids hike by.

When we take our walk, we pass the park and Molly again becomes the centre of attention for many of the kids.   On the best days, like yesterday,  some of the kids run up to the fence to interact with her.  💞

Whether we are making memories, or trying to preserve them,  Molly takes dog walking to a new level.

Walking is only one part of the healthy active retirement lifestyle that Dan and I are working to build.   Being out in nature, together, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air,  with Molly for ongoing entertainment makes it the best part. ❤️

Daily Food Diary – Day 175

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) eggs (160)

(3) tbsp bacon bits (90)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(1) pear (103) (1 SVG)

(20) lightly salted potato chips (104)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) tomato (22) (1 SVG)

(1) mini cucumber (10) (1 SVG)

(1 1/2) c white rice (363)

(2) oz pork tenderloin (91)

(1 1/2) c vegetables – red pepper, *mushrooms, cabbage, leek, gr onions, celery, carrots (80) (2 SVG)

* Mushrooms do not count as vegetables

(2) tbsp soya sauce (30)

(1) tbsp butter (103)

(2) lg vegetable spring rolls (250) (2 SVG)

(2) Gyoza (90)

(1) tbsp plum sauce (35)

Total net calories: 1589

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1589 = 351 over 👎

Fruits & vegetables: 7 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👍

Dan’s Bleeding Heart continues to THRIVE.

Daily Food Diary – Day 174 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 174 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary.  I am excited that I have gotten this far without missing a day.  I am equally excited and totally grateful for everyone who is still stopping by regularly to check on my progress and lend your support.  Thank you!  🤗💞

Yesterday, I returned to my scaled back  strength training.  Considering how hard it was for me to conquer those five pound weight exercises when I was trying to move up in weights, I was pretty impressed at how well I did.  I did two sets, of ten exercises and I was easily able to maintain control and ensure I did not stress my hernia. 

This morning, I was sitting here feeling pretty good about myself  and I heard my Mother say “I told you so!”.

My Mother, still mothering months before she passed away in 2013.

Yes, my Mother passed away twelve years ago, but she was pretty relentless – especially when it came to passing on her wisdom and advice and reminding us of both when we failed to follow either and ultimately  suffered the consequences. 

Now that I likewise try to pass on my own advice and wisdom to younger generations, I get it.  But, I digress.

When my Mother was still with us, I went through several challenging times.  Instead of the pity and outrage I wanted, my Mother would say “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger!” Being the younger generation at the time, I would think “Just kill me already.”

Now I get it.  All of those challenges that I fought, resented, and stumbled through did ultimately make me stronger.   They gave me the experience and the coping skills to handle whatever life hands me now – with faith, dignity, and respect – for my Mother and for myself. 

Today I can honestly say “You were, Mom – you were right!” 🙄

Daily Food Diary – Day 174

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Pear (103) (1 SVG)

Lunch:

(1) serving homemade Hamburger Helper (205) (1 SVG)

Snack:

(1) PC Butterscotch Pudding Cake (153)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Large Dinner salad – romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green onion, cauliflower, red pepper, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions (150) (5 SVG)

(3) oz BBQ pork tenderloin (90)

(2) tbsp Vidalia Onion salad dressing (100)

(1) PC Butterscotch Pudding Cake (153)

Total net calories: 853

Net calories goal: 1238 – 853 = 385 under 👍

Fruits & vegetables: 7 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 173 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 173 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. 

It is also 4 months since I was placed on the Waiting List for repair of my epigastric hernia.    I was told by my surgeon’s receptionist that it would probably be about  eight weeks to get a surgery date confirmed.  😐

The wait doesn’t bother me.  In the meantime, I have been working to improve my respiratory health so things will go as well as possible when I am dealing with the anesthesia.  

My hernia is generally painless.  When it does get pushed out, I can usually deal with it.  There was one painful situation that sent me to the hospital emergency room for assistance, but I have been careful since that experience so have avoided a return visit.

The only issue I do have, is that I decided to put a pause on exercising using weights until after I have my surgery.   Lifting, and holding, even seven to ten pound weights, was one thing that was almost guaranteed to bother my hernia…and it was only for a few weeks.

Obviously, the wait could be indefinite at this point and in the meantime I am losing upper body strength. 🙄

So, I have decided to (cautiously) step back to my five pound weights and restart my afternoon strength building workouts.  Wish me luck! 🤞

Daily Food Diary – Day 173

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) sl bacon (130)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) potato patties (240)

(1/2) tomato (11) (1 SVG)

Snacks:

(1) peach (58) (1 SVG)

(1/6) c dry roast peanuts (162)

(1/6) c mixed nuts (108)

(1) c licorice tea

(36) oz water

Supper:

(4) vegetable spring rolls (500) (2 SVG)

(4) shrimp nests (210) (1 SVG)

(3) riblets (49)

(2) pc’s buttermilk chicken (84)

(5) Gyoza (225)

(1) tbsp Gyoza dipping sauce (15)

(1) tbsp plum sauce (35)

(1) tbsp shrimp sauce (20)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)

(1) PC Butterscotch Pudding Cake (153)

Total net calories: 2243

Net calories goal: 1238 – 2243 = 1005 over 👎

Fruits & vegetables: 5 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 172 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in Uncategorized

It is 172 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary! 🤗

Today I am celebrating another non scale win.  It is nice to see numbers dropping on the scale – especially knowing  that the pounds I am losing are pounds of unhealthy fat.

But, it is equally exciting to be able to reach into my closet, take out a favourite pair of jeans from my younger years, and find that I can fit into them – comfortably!

First day of summer and cool enough to call for winter wear. 🤷

These Size 6 jeans bring me full circle to where I began three decades ago.  Size 6 to Size 0 to Size 12 and BACK!   🥳

Daily Food Diary – Day 172

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Lg. Mango (135) (2 SVG)

Lunch:

(1/2) serving leftover Nachos (290) (1 SVG)

(36) oz water

Supper:

(1 1/2) serving homemade Hamburger Helper: lean ground beef, egg noodles, onions, celery, leek, red pepper, mushrooms, gravy (615) (1 SVG)

(4) mini baby dill pickles (2 SVG)

(1 1/2) pc’s Butterscotch Pudding Cake (230)

Total net calories: 1108

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1108 = 130 under 👍

Fruits & vegetables: 6 servings

Fruit & vegetable goal: 7 servings 👎

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

Our Teensy ‘Tiny Tim Tomatoes’ are starting to bloom.  It will be interesting to see how big the tomatoes are. 🙄

Daily Food Diary – Day 171 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in Uncategorized

It is 171 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary.  171 DAYS without one miss! 🥰

I have seen a number of benefits from doing this challenge.   The biggest benefit is that I am  mindful of what I eat and, what I choose NOT to eat.   I have done away with mindless snacking.  When I eat anything, it is never straight out of the bag or box.   One serving is one serving. I am conscientious when it comes to adding seasonings,  sauces, or oils to food that I am cooking or preparing.   None of this is anything that I stress out about, or anything that makes eating (or not eating) an uncomfortable experience.   It is just a natural result of making eating a mindful experience.

Becoming mindful of what  I eat,  has made me more mindful in general.    That has improved the overall quality of my life. 

I seldom think about the past, worry about the future, or stress about what anyone else is doing.  I am present in (almost) every  moment of my life.    I am generally happier and getting better results with anything I am doing.    Life is easier and more  gratifying. 

Mother’s Day elephant … And Fathers Day ladybugs from Genie
It is the little things, in the little moments, that make life great!💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 171

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(1) c Romaine lettuce (8) (1 SVG)

(1) green onion (8)

(156) g Flakes of Chicken (210)

(1) tbsp Miracle Whip (40)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1 1/2) SVG nachos with red pepper, green onions, jalapenos, black & green olives, ground turkey with taco seasonings, shredded marble cheese, and salsa (852) (2  SVG)

Total Net Calories: 1293

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1293 = 55 over 👎

Fruit & vegetables: 3 servings

Fruit & Vegetable goal: 7 servings 👎

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

, FC : (0,0,0)

Daily Food Diary – Day 170 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 170 DAYS since I began posting my Daily Food Diary! 💃

We have been back home for a few days.  Dan and I are both starting to feel somewhat better.  The forest fire smoke has cleared for the time being, which is a good thing!  Today it is humid and we are expecting a few days of rain, but that will be good for our garden and lawn. 

Our Marzano tomatoes are growing and blooming.

Our Blue Spruce CONTINUES to grow!

It is obvious that we are transitioning into summer.  Last night we had our first ‘Gazebo’ supper.  Daughter Jen and family – Maddy, Prim, Genie and her fiance Alec joined us for pierogies and sausage.  It’s a rather odd picnic supper, but one of those meals that seems to take too much effort to cook for two people.  🤷

Dan and I and Molly have been walking every morning since we got home.   We have been following the sidewalk around our neighbourhood, but yesterday I decided we should take a walk around the ball diamonds near us so that all of us – but especially Molly, could get a better feel for nature. 

Walking the entrance into the ball park, I managed to trip over the one small rock on our path.   This time, I did manage to faceplant but the only thing I hurt was one little finger and my dignity. 🙄

My finger is pretty much healed and my dignity will recover.

I am making an effort to eat better this week.  I am  avoiding sugar, salt, and saturated fats – plus working to meet my calorie goals. 🙂

Daily Food Diary – Day 170

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) peach (58) (1 SVG)

Lunch:

(1/2) c potato salad with radishes & green onions (231) (1 SVG)

(4) slices Piller’s shaved ham (57)

(6) multi grain crackers (7)

Snacks:

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(4) pierogies (213)

(1/4) c onions (15) (1/2 SVG)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(3) oz Drake Sausage (285)

(1/2) c broccoli (27) (1 SVG)

(1) baby dill pickle (2) (1 SVG)

Total net calories: 987

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 987 = 251 under 👍

Fruits & vegetables:  3 1/2 servings

Fruits & vegetables Goal: 7 servings 👎

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