Time is such a strange concept. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years… All are set in stone. But, this year is just flying by. I can’t believe I have been posting every day for 227 DAYS in a row.
While this year has been passing ridiculously fast, this week has been dragging on forever! This is the longest week since I retired. 😳
At least, the days have been productive this week. Yesterday, Dan and I emptied our upright freezer and defrosted it. That was a job and then some, but it was great to have it all done and everything packed back in, in some kind of order.
I love those Dollar Store containers for keeping things organized!
Other than cleaning our deep freezer, We walked Molly, I did my aerobic workout, I did my Friday weights and cardio, AND last night I took another spin on my ‘new to me’ treadmill. Sixteen minutes and I got to Level 3. I haven’t attempted the incline yet. 🙄
Daily Food Diary – Day 227
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1/2) pink grapefruit (39)
(1/2) tsp sugar (8)
Lunch:
(2) eggs (160)
(1) oz ham (29)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(1/5) c chopped red onion (13)
(1/4) c red pepper (12)
(2) brown mushrooms (20)
(1) oz marble cheese (113)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) sourdough bun (190)
(3) oz pistrami (120)
(1) slice Swiss Cheese (106)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(1/2) c whitish sauerkraut (23)
(1) PC apple pie (296)
(1) vodka cooler (228)
Total net calories: 1046
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1046 = 176 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a good day! 💖😊
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I was thinking of buying a portable folding treadmill to keep me walking through smokey summer days and the worst of our winter days (December thru March).
A few days later, granddaughter Genie called to say they had Alec’s Grandma’s treadmill in their garage. Since it wasn’t being used, she said if I would be welcome to it.
Dan and I, decided it would work so we made a deal. A modest sum for Alec’s Grandma and a batch of Caramel Popcorn and a couple of Apple Pies for delivery. They didn’t ask – I was happy to offer. 🤗
Yesterday, we got our ‘new to us’ treadmill/cross trainer and Alec and Genie were eating caramel corn before they got out the door.
I don’t know if I will be using the exercise bench before my hernia operation but I will put the treadmill to use. In fact, I took a spin on it last night. It will take me a while before I am ready to reach its full potential. It has a pretty good incline that I didn’t try and I’m thinking it has a top speed of about 40 miles an hour. 😳 I used the first two warm up speeds and I was hustling. 😂
This morning, we went for our walk and defrosted our stand up freezer. As soon as, it has cooled off, we will put everything back into it. Then, I can finally tackle my morning aerobics and my Friday weights/cardio workout. 💪
Daily Food Diary – Day 226
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Lightly Frosted Mini Wheats (190)
(1/4) 2 % milk (28)
Snacks:
(12) tortilla chips (140)
(2) tbsp salsa – red (10)
Supper:
(1 1/2) srv nachos – red, green, white (870)
(3) tbsp salsa (15)
Total net calories: 1201
Net calories goal: 1222 – 1201 = 20 under
That’s it for today! Take care and have a great day! 💕🌞
It is Day 225 of my Daily Food Diary. Not a single miss in 225 Days! 💃
Yesterday was another busy and productive day. I got to go for Molly’s morning walk with Dan. (We have been wildfire smoke free for a few days now. 👍) I did my morning aerobics and Wednesday weights. I spent the afternoon outside watering, pulling weeds, trimming plants, and doing general yardwork. And, I came in to bake apple pies and straighten up the kitchen.
I can’t tell you how great it feels to wake up every morning feeling well and going to bed every night feeling that my day was productive.
I have been on this Health and Fitness Journey for three and a half years. It hasn’t always been easy. Not that it has been that hard, but there have been setbacks. Regardless, weeks like this make it all worthwhile.
It isn’t about living forever, it is about living well. This week, I am living exceptionally well! 😊
Daily Food Diary – Day 225
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Rice Krispies (120)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
(1) tsp sugar (16)
Lunch:
(2) chicken drumsticks (401)
(9) Lay’s Low Salt wavy chips (131)
Supper:
(1) sourdough bun (190)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(1) tomato (22)
(3) slices bacon (130)
(1) PC apple pie (178)
Total net calories: 944
Net calories goal: 1222 – 944 = 278 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
It is 224 days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 32 WEEKS! 🌹
You would think for such a notable day, that I would have done better for my diet yesterday.
Net calorie wise, I actually did. When I subtract the calories used I only use exercise – walking, aerobics, weights and cardio. Yesterday, I walked with Molly and Dan and I did my aerobics. It wasn’t a weight/cardio day, but I used a LOT of calories cleaning house. Our house wasn’t that dirty, but I was clearing out our spare room and one thing led to another. (Including but not limited to: laundry – several trips up and down the basement stairs, dusting living room shelves and rearranging elephants, repacking Dan’s Mother’s china, hanging a couple of paintings, and cleaning out, sorting, and rearranging one kitchen drawer).
Totally off topic here: Pet peeve time – This morning I caught a news blurb about how extreme heat is detrimental to one’s mental health. After noting a couple of ways that one can help themselves, family, or neighbours during a heal spell, the experts have decided that our provincial and federal governments should be held accountable for providing extensive mental healthcare for people during such times.
I agree that mental healthcare should be available and accessible to people when they need it. Absolutely!
But I am really tired of hearing how we as Canadians are too pathetic to deal with any and every challenge in our lives without government intervention.
On another topic (sort of), it reminds me of my son Dan’s Two Year checkup with the health nurse. She was asking him a few random questions, for whatever reason. A couple of questions in, she asked him what his mother would tell him to do if he was cold. Without hesitation, he said “She would tell me to put on my damn sweater”. The nurse laughed and then she asked “What would your Mother tell you to do if you were hungry?”
In retrospect maybe I have never been into coddling people, but I can’t imagine what good can come of constantly being told that our physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being should be the responsibility of our various levels of government. 🤦
Mark, Genie, and Dan – red pj’s (Does it look like I ever starved him?)
* And for the record, all three of my kids have turned out relatively responsible and self sufficient.
Daily Food Diary– Day 224
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) sausage patty (150)
(1) cheese biscuit (151)
(1) egg (72)
(1) oz marble cheese (113)
(2) tsp butter (68)
Lunch:
(1) c homemade soup – white, red, green orange (125)
Supper:
(1) Taco Time Mexi-fries (265)
(2) hard shell tacos – green, red, white (520)
(1) crisp meat burrito (428)
Total net calories: 1624
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1624 = 403 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💖😊
Genie taking a break at Waterfall Park (old pic/young Genie)
Yesterday was one of those days when I realized how far I have come in the past three and a half years – since I first set out on my health and wellness journey to build up my strength and stamina.
Yesterday, I walked Molly first thing in the morning. I came home to do half an hour of yard work, clear my lungs and then do my Daily Food Diary blog. I was just about to post it, when my daughter arrived with her dog Sasha.
We had previously arranged to take Sasha for a bath at Pet Value. But first, we tag teamed a serious brushing session. Once done, we headed off to bathe her. An hour later, Sasha was fully groomed. Jen and I should have both been exhausted.
Sasha, in the zone – enjoying her first Pet Value bath.
However, once I got home, I changed and did my morning aerobics followed by my Monday weights and cardio.
Following that, I made a batch of caramel corn and tidied up the house. I made homemade macaroni and cheese and fixed vegetables while Dan barbecued the chicken for our supper. After, supper I set up the coffee pot for this morning, straightened up the kitchen and Dan came in to help with dishes.
This may not seem like that much, but three and a half years ago, I would never have been able to take Molly for a walk… much less everything, or anything else.
I honestly don’t know what most people expect life at seventy should look like. To me these days, mine looks like a miracle. 🌹
Today is Day 222 of my Daily Food Diary. 222 seemed like an auspicious number so I decided to run it past Google.
The number 222 signifies Balance, Harmony, and Trust. That sounds pretty good to me!
I started my morning by taking Molly for her morning walk. It went well – better than usual, so that backed up Google’s prediction for the day. 😊
Daughter, Jennifer and I are taking her dog Sasha to Pet Value today to introduce her to their dog bath. We’ll see how powerful Number 222 really is.
Molly with Sasha. Sasha isn’t short of sass and attitude (even when she’s not the big dog).
Yesterday, I learned something new about my eating habits.
Left to my own devices, I am an evening snacker. I knew that from the night shifts that Dan used to work and the Dart Nights he goes to in the winter since he retired. Alone, I could mindlessly munch my way through countless empty calories.
Now that I am more mindful and accountable for what I consume in a day, that is not so much of an issue. But, I have a new one!
This summer, Dan has been golfing quite frequently. I am fine with that. He sees his friends, gets out in the fresh (somewhat) air, and is relatively active. It is all around healthy, quality time for him. I have my time to do my workouts, read, do my nails, whatever.
The only problem is, supper is generally much later than I am accustomed to. Even, if I have a good breakfast and lunch – or a hearty brunch, I am ready for supper by 6:30. By 7:30 I am starving! I am in a losing battle with any random snack that crosses my path. Even if I have a good mid-afternoon snack, it is a struggle until supper is served. 🤦
Daily Food Diary – Day 222
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) scrambled eggs (182)
(3) slices bacon (130)
Snacks:
(3/4) c ice cream with pecans, chocolate sauce, and caramel syrup (421)
(1) almond flour/chocolate chip cookie (50)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(4) oz pork cutlet (240)
(12) crinkle cut fries (82)
(1/2) c gravy (50)
(1) mini cucumber (green) 10
Total net calories: 1168
Net calories goal: 1222 – 1168 = 54 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
Today is another high risk smoke day, so another indoor day. I had hoped to spend some time walking Molly, puttering around our yard, and reading in our gazebo. Apparently, that is not going to happen.
It is amazing how suddenly we went from, hot, summer days to spending days on end trapped indoors to escape wildfire smoke. I know we are far from alone in this and much better off than those living in fire zones. Still, it is frustrating for those of us dealing with chronic lung disease and environmental allergies.
I miss sunny summer days!
Souris, Manitoba Wascana Trails outside ReginaCandy Cane Park at Wascana Lake
Daily Food Diary – Day 221
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) plain paratha (240)
(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)
(1) tablespoon raspberry jam (red) (50)
Lunch:
(1) c beef/vegetable stir-fry (brown, red, green, orange, white) (100)
It has been over a month since I started taking Collagen Supplements. My nails are stronger and healthier than they have ever been, my hands are barely achy (even first thing in the morning), my hair is shedding less and looking healthier, my skin texture is improving, AND my sinuses are starting to feel noticeably better. I don’t know how to describe that, except they feel firmer and less collapsible, if that makes any sense.
A couple of days ago, I mentioned Generational Health here, on my blog. I was talking about the positive health and wellness lifestyle habits that we pass down to future generations. I was mostly referring to physical health.
Last night our daughter-in-law sent me a photo of our grandson Cason and son Dan. Since Cason was a tot he has been playing board games, card games, and doing Jigsaw Puzzles with his parents, older siblings and grandparents.
When we were at Dan and Amanda’s this spring, Cason brought out a chess board and asked me to play a game. He said he knew how because he had seen someone playing Chess on one of his kiddie shows. I was a bit skeptical but, ok then!
With a little help setting up the board and the occasional advice during the first round, Cason had a good grasp on the game. Despite my best efforts, he won the second one.
Natural talent, and above average intellect aside, kids need encouragement, support, and adult role models to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
As a parent, I have occasionally wondered if my parenting was ever effective or appreciated. Seeing my sons and daughter parenting their children, it is obvious that they were both. 💞
Daily Food Diary – Day 220
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(1/4) stuffed GREEN pepper (86)
Snacks:
(10) Lay’s lightly salted potato chips (57)
(1/4) c barbecue corn nuts (260)
48) oz water
Supper:
(2) c beef steak and vegetable – green, red, orange & white stir-fry (200)
(1) c white rice (242)
(2) tbsp soya sauce (30)
(1) tbsp butter (103)
(5) Gyoza (167)
(1) tbsp Gyoza dipping sauce (15)
Total net calories: 1090
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1090 = 131 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🌞💕
It is 218 days since I began posting my Daily Food Diary.
It is six years since I began posting my blog on WordPress. I had just given my boss a one year heads up that I would be retiring on my 65th birthday.
For a few weeks, I had been sourcing out articles on retirement. I’m not sure what I was looking for – but it wasn’t the plethora of articles regarding the problems and pitfalls of retirement with less than millions of dollars in the bank, a substantial amount of investment income rolling in each month, and estate planning that I should have began before giving birth to my children (forty some years ago🤦).
Our retirement was not going to meet the standards of the financial gurus who write such articles. But then our lives had never revolved around our finances.
So, I started a blog to help me find my way from full time employment to successful retirement.
Once I did retire, I soon realized that our financial situation was the least of our retirement challenges. Financially, we are comfortable – even since Dan joined me in retirement. We manage.
Our health is on shakier ground. I learned three years ago that to enjoy retirement, I was going to have to get a handle on my chronic lung issues and the lack of strength and stamina that I struggled with.
My health and wellness journey began. It has been two steps forward, one step back, and a series of twists and turns that I could never have imagined.
This year, the biggest and best change in my life has been seeing how I have become a better influence for my children and grandchildren. It has been seeing and appreciating the time my son and his wife invest in being outdoors and active with their family. It has been seeing my daughter-in-law and daughter deal with food allergies and personal fitness. It has been seeing our grandchildren put down their iPads and get out and get active. It has been seeing our granddaughter Genie & her husband Alec, happily and healthily married, and planning to one day add a new generation to our family.
Health and wellness has become a priority in our family and is the subject of many conversations – conversations started by daughter Jen, granddaughter Prim, or my husband Dan.
This morning, I went looking to source out articles on Generational HEALTH, to get more insight on the subject.
I didn’t look far, but from what I saw Google AI pretty much summarized everything I came across.
“the health conditions, risks, and patterns that are passed down through families across generations”.
That sounds pretty sad, but it is a definition that I see changing – in my family and others.
This is ‘Generational Health’ – Maddy and Prim at Wascana Park with sister GenieAnd this – Granddaughter Gabby with brothers Lucas and Cason boating with Dan & Amanda And this – Genie & Alec celebrating their life together in sickness AND health & fitness (physically, mentally, and spiritually)And this – starting married life with a healthy bowl of vegetable soup! 😂
Daily Food Diary – Day 218
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) granola bar (160)
Lunch:
(1/2) stuffed pepper – green, red, white (190)
(1) oatmeal lemon cookie (68)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(5) Hint of Lime chips (125)
(1/3) c Weekender Mix peanuts (240)
Supper:
(12) oz carbonated water
(1) large dinner salad – Romaine lettuce, cucumber, broccoli, green onion – green, tomato, red pepper, radishes – red, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions, Vidalia Onion salad dressing (263)
(3) sticks pork souvlaki (240)
Total net calories: 964
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 964 = 258 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
It is 217 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary! That is 217 days without a single miss! 💖
This month, I am focussed on adding more color to our diet. This will mean adding some new foods – or at least foods that we don’t make on a regular basis.
Last night, I decided on Stuffed Green Peppers. If I have ever made them before, it was long enough ago that I don’t remember. Dan has made them, so he was amenable to the plan and offered to help.
Stuffed GREEN Pepper
We didn’t follow a recipe. It was just a team effort of this and that and whatever we had in the fridge.
At any rate, they turned out pretty well and gave us ideas for a few more colorful meals. You might be seeing Enchiladas and Spanish Rice. I am NOT a squash fan but we might try some Spaghetti Squash. I used to enjoy cooking it for our dogs Casey and Kat. They seemed to like it.
Casey & Kat
Our weather is warm, sunny, and clear today. We all took a walk this morning. I made the full circuit but the humidity didn’t help for sure!
I am just clearing my lungs out with my Aerobika and then I am going to do my Wednesday workout – half an hour of aerobics and half an hour of weights and cardio. 💪
Hopefully, the humidity will drop so I can spend some time outside this afternoon. Our garden is suddenly entering its jungle phase. 😳
Daily Food Diary – Day 217
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(1) Apple – Red (95)
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(1 1/4) c Caramel Corn (233)
Supper:
(1) Stuffed pepper – green pepper, white onion & garlic, seasoned ground beef, rice cooked in beef broth, red pepper, brown mushrooms, green celery, shredded habanero cheese, dried fried onions. (465)
Total net calories: 1012
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1012 = 210 under
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 