Category: 2026

January 22nd – Day 21  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Since I began my Health and Fitness Journey four years ago, I have focussed on Body, Mind, and Soul – physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Today, I am focussed on all three, not just for myself,  but for those around me.

When I got up this morning it felt like -44 ° celcius (-47.6 ° fahrenheit) with the windchill.  It wasn’t much better without it!  🥶

That is brutal for anyone who must venture out.  We are fortunate that we have the option to stay in our home, snug and warm and comfortable in our retirement.   But, I feel for those who have to deal with this weather – as would any normal human being with an ounce of empathy.

But empathy be damned.  Our city planners, managers, mayor, councillors, and any and all overpaid city hierarchy who have a voice in such decisions – decided this was a good day to unleash the city graders on our residential streets.

This is our street.  The photo does not do the situation justice.  The grader operator (under order from those higher up on the chain of command no doubt) passed up and down our street – scraping off the solid pack of ice and snow (which was not causing any issue) and pushed it up against the sidewalks.

It is hard to tell, but this is not a lttle ridge of snow.  It is higher and  wider than it looks.  It is a solid,  impenetrable barrier of ice and snow.   The city will not be back to clear it away.  (This is not a one and done – this is an annual event in recent years.)

Our neighbours who do not have the luxury of offstreet parking, will return  from work  unable to park in front of their homes.  They will park as close as they can, and risk exiting their vehicle in traffic –  then struggle to climb over this city built obstacle – carrying tots from daycare, groceries, and whatever else they need, to go about their daily lives.

Delivery drivers will risk life and limb to climb over these icy ridges, as will seniors accessing their vehicles,  as will  people –  especially those with mobility issues, struggling to access public transit. 

For most people in our city, life at minus 44 degrees is more than an inconvenience.  That our city would do anything as unconcienable, dangerous, and stupid to make things harder is beyond comprehehension.

It is not a matter of finances. Our city has no issue raising taxes, or spending outrageous sums on vanity projects, or paying obscene severance packages to incompetent city managers who should never have been hired in the first place. They have no problem buying electric buses – in Saskatchewan 🤦‍♀️, questionable artwork,  and so much more.

It is beyond  stupid and irresponsible.  It is  a danger to our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing and that of our friends, neighbours, and family. 

Ready for signs of spring. 🥲

January 21st – Day 20  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

This morning, I woke up anticipating the blog I would post today. 

I was excited to share the news that,  not only had I done my aerobics and treadmill yesterday, but I got outside and shoveled snow!  The walks were not bad, but our front steps and landing had a solid layer of snow to clear.  And, I cleared it!

But, Mother Nature made a mockery of my efforts.   We awoke to a  thick layer of fresh snow.

The front steps and landing were buried (as well as that back steps and landing 🤦‍♀️).  After a walk that was cut short by an overexcited Molly dog, Dan returned and got out the snowblower.

Our walks, as well as our neighbours’, have been cleared.  As well as the snow behind our garage (and the neighbours).  And our landings and steps have been cleared.

I do plan to venture outside for more fresh air today.  It is doubtful that I will find more snow to clear, but who knows.  Mother Nature may just have a fresh load to dump on us.

At least, we do not live in Russia!

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/video/sTQEBYIl?playlist=oLRZ3mum

I cannot imagine getting snow like that!  I doubt that Dan could even make a dent in it – with or without our new snowblower.

Anyway, that is all that is newsworthy in my world today.

Take care and have a great day!

January 20th – Day 18 & 19  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Our temperature has climbed a few degrees and the wind has dropped considerably.   And the sun is shining! This could be the day for an outting. 

I am not talking any grand adventure to Walmart or Vic Square Mall.  But, I am planning to bundle up, head outside, and breathe some fresh air.  🌞

Yesterday was another uneventful day as we were still in the deepfreeze.  I did my aerobics and treadmill, as well as my regular respiratory care routine.

And I baked some Date Bran Muffins…

They were a nice change from all the rich Christmas baking and decadent chocolates.

I have been letting my crochet project slide for a few evenings now – but I have not abandoned it.   I have just been busy enjoying the ability to lean back and relax in my recliner, wrapped in Dan’s big cozy Leaf’s blanket.

Molly prefers to curl up like a giant kidney bean given the opportunity.

The BIG thing for me is that I CAN lean back and BREATHE without struggling. 

I have been on my Health & Wellness Journey for almost four years now, in an effort to get my health back on track.

My daily routine is one that I have created for myself – based on what works  for me.  It has been a hit and miss effort built on advice from medical professionals, family,  and friends, books, articles, and You Tube videos.

It has a long, dull, frustrating, painful,  and promising journey… but that I can feel significant improvement to my breathing – that I can comfortably recline and breathe easily is incredible.  

Not only am I happy with what I have accomplished healthwise, I am excited about what I can and will do moving forward!

In these words, David Goggins was talking about ultra races – races longer than typical marathons, races from fifty to hundreds of miles long.

“These races aren’t about winning or losing or even finishing.  It’s exploring oneself and the human potential that lies within all of us.” – David Goggins

As much as I have zero inclination to take up ultra marathon races,  I can relate.  For me, LIFE isn’t about winning or losing or living indefinitely.  It is about exploring myself and the potential I possess.

But … when I do get a win, I appreciate it,  I celebrate it, and sometimes I just lean back for a while and I enjoy it. 😁

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

January 18th – Day 15, 16 & 17  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

I am back! It has been a few days since  I last posted.  I haven’t been overly busy or out of commission.    I have just been plugging along.  Not much to see here!

Our winter weather has returned with a vengeance.   I did not meet my weekly goal for executing an outting.  With ice, snow, frigid temps and winds blowing from 75 to 100 kmh at times – most times – outtings were not on the agenda.

I have been doing my aerobics, treadmill time, sinus and lung clearing… the usual.  It is far from from fascinating to write (or read) about.  But, it is the dull, persistent, consistent efforts that ultimately pay off – regardless of what one’s  goals are.

Yesterday, Dan and I  made a pot of chicken noodle soup for supper. That warmed us up. The cheese baking powder biscuits rounded off the meal nicely.

This morning, I had a bath, did my hair, and put on a dress that my niece Brigette sent up before Christmas.

It felt good to dress up for a change!  Also, this dress is so warm and comfortable I could live in it. 😁

It was a timely decision, as shortly thereafter granddaughter Genie showed up.  She returned some containers from Christmas baking. 👍 We had tea and a nice long chat. 

Her Jeep Cherokee is in need of a major differential repair so her and Grandpa bonded over some vehicle talk.

Molly was beside herself, as is usual when her favourite human drops by.

That’s it for today.   Tomorrow, I hope to get outside to clear some snow  off of  our walks and to get some fresh air in the process. 

Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞

January 15th – Day 14 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Today is Thursday and I am still on target for my respiratory care goals for this week.  I have been struggling a bit, but I have been completing my aerobic and treadmill workouts and I have been getting outside for a bit of fresh air.

This afternoon, I spent the better part of an hour outside with Molly.   Our temperature is around the thawing point, which is nice enough for January in Saskatchewan, but the wind was rough.

The ice on the sidewalk is from the past few days of freeze/thaw temperatures.
The front and back patios are packed snow.

My mission outside today was to test the traction cleats that Dan bought for my boots a few weeks ago. I want to get back to walks with Dan and Molly but our streets and walks are daunting without some help.

These things are amazing!  I did not slip at all on the solid ice and on the packed snow they were just as  great.  I always had concerns that the cleats would bite into the ice and snow and I would faceplant then and there.  It’s not like that at all.  It is just like walking on a rough surface.

I walked around different areas in our yard – stepping up to the backyard and down to the sideyard.  I went out the gate to our front walk that slopes down to the city sidewalk and along the sidewalk.  Even with the strong wind hitting me, I felt solid, safe and confident.

My only regret is that I was not open to trying them a lot sooner.  🤦‍♀️

I can’t wait to go hiking some of the city parks.  We have several beautiful parks in the city, but they have been difficult to enjoy when I was always concerned about staying upright.

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great rest of your day! 😁💞

January 14th – Day 13 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Today it is four weeks since I had my hernia repair done.  Incision discomfort has been minor, even in the early days.  Now the incision is barely visible much less notable.

My respiratory issues that were aggravated during the procedure are gradually improving.  I have been increasingly active –  doing my daily aerobic and treadmill workouts (increasing duaration and intensity), getting fresh air, getting adequate sleep.   And, as usual.. staying on top of my typical health routines – inhalers, lung clearing, sinus flush, deep breathing, vitamins (B12, D3, Lutein) and collagen supplements.

I am truly fortunate to be retired and have the time I needed for this recovery.   I am also truly fortunate to have a caring husband  who has been with me and been  an active participant in my recovery.

And of course,  the best in all of this is that my surgery, long anticipated, is now BEHIND ME! My hernia repair has been done successfully and no doubt permanently, AND I am ready to go out shopping for some real jeans and fitted dress pants. 👖

My ray of sunshine for the day. 🌞

Today, it is one month until I complete the first four years of my Health and Wellness Journey!

I am ready to move forward.  Success and setbacks will both be a part of this journey.  Chronic lung issues will play a part in how far I will go and how I will get there.   But,  I  move forward with hope,  faith, excitement and  anticipation. 😉

I choose to believe in magic wherever I go!

January 13th – Day 12 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Things are looking up today!  My congestion has improved considerably and I  am in a much better frame of mind.  The latter triggered by a strange realization that I had this morning.

This may be trivial (and a bit odd) but I love the color of my hair!

My hair has all the body of cat fur, but in the light of day – or the light of our bathroom light fixture, my hair sparkles and shines. Photos don’t do it justice, but the color of my hair makes me happy.

Oddly, since the hair I was used to for several decades was dark brown (and naturally curly).

With daughter Jen..

It is strange how we are led to believe that as we age and change,  the changes are never ‘as good as’ or Heaven forbid  ‘even better’.

I think a lot of the changes for the better, just go unnoticed…

1) The wisdom and insight that we have gained over the years

2) The peace that comes from knowing that nothing lasts forever – not the worst, not the best

3) The  time to appreciate what is truly precious

4) The freedom to take care of ourselves – body,  mind, and spirit

Today, my day has been spent taking care of my body.  Once again, I am hopeful that my latest setback is behind me and I am back on track with my daily workouts. 🤞

And our home. .. Dan and I continued work on our kitchen project.  I can access the rest of the  cupboards on my own now – and in my own time.  They are not in dire need of clearing out.

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

January 12th – Day 11 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

A  short and late post for today.  Yesterday I was quite sedentary, by my standards.  

Today, I have been struggling with severe  congestion since I got up.  (It’s a process🤦‍♀️) But,  I have been relatively active all day, so hopefully that will help relieve the congestion.

This morning I followed my basic morning routine before Dan and I got down to some serious kitchen cleaning.  Dan moved the stove so we could clean under and around it.   Then, I pulled everything out of a couple of cupboards and drawers, washed them down, tossed out an assortment of  containers, jars, etc.  and finally replaced everything in a more orderly fashion.

There are more items we could easily live without,  but even if we have no use for them,  you never know when somone else  might need  ice cube trays, coffee filters, lunch containers…

Dan vacuumed and took out the garbage, while I finished up the kitchen.  Then he was off to run an errand.

I had a light lunch, trimmed my nails, had a real bath (the first in four weeks since I was allowed only showers following my surgery), did my hair, and completed an aerobic workout.

Dan brought home DQ burgers, chicken strips, fries and onion rings for an early supper.   As soon as that settles, I will hit our treadmill for thirty minutes. 🙂

Yesterday, I completed my first flowerish effort.

Things may not looking great for my 2026 Daily Activity Journal so far, but I am just getting started! I have eleven and a half months to make this my best year ever! 👍

January 11th – Day 10 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Today is Sunday – almost midway through January!  This year, much like the past few, seems to be flying by.

I should be deep into hibernation mode by now, but life does not seem to be co-operating.  Yesterday, I was ready for a nice relaxing day, but Microsoft decided to pick a fight.  I would say I won, but while I may or may not have saved my account from some hacker, I have locked myself out of my phone.  I can gain access by entering my handy dandy new PIN code, but that has already gotten old.

Our weather is likewise failing to co-operate.  While we should be facing frigid temps, cloudy skies, and occasional blizzards – we have clear skies, above freezing temps and the only snow we have has packed down to a solid sheet of ice. Other than the ice, I can live with this, but it does make hibernating a challenge.

I continue to work on my winter crochet project.

I have now formed three balls of yarns out of skeins that had self destructed.   I also made two flowers which I tossed due to their less than professional appearance.  I will give it a couple of more tries before I move on.   Maybe I possess more skills creating fluffy pastel insects…

This week I am planning on another fieldtrip – either to Walmart or to our Victoria Square Mall. 

I have always been partial to Vic Square and  apparently they have added mini golf to their offerings and Spunky’s Nuttery Bar.   Spunky appears to be dowright edgy since he carries cigarettes, vape products, Watkins spice and extract products, as well as his own  line of Spunky Nuts. 

It has been a long while but there are memories awaiting at Vic Square.  (Like..a young Maddy charging into a virtual reality battle while Mom stood by to ensure she stayed on her saddle.)

That is it for today.  Take care and have a great rest of your day!

January 10th – Day 9 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

In 35 Days it will be FOUR YEARS since  I began my Health & Fitness Journey.   The benefits have been incalcuable, the setbacks frequent.

Starting out on this journey, I had no specific goal or path to follow.  I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I knew I had to build up my strength and stamina or die trying.

I focused on becoming  physically active.  At some point, I began working on the quality of my sleep  and improving  my diet.

I soon realized that physical health & fitness is not a stand alone journey. My focus expanded to include my mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.  Which brings me to where I am today…

After almost four full years into my Health & Fitness Journey, I find myself in an emotional struggle of sorts.

It is nothing serious.  Frustration, annoyance, impatience and the like are perfectly normal human emotions and reactions.   Today, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, I am experiencing all of the above.

And I am not loving the experience!  I can’t say that I usually do, even when such feelings are totally justified.   It feels like I am punishing myself (and anyone around me) for having an already  bad eperience. 🤦‍♀️

To make matters worse – feeling poorly  emotionally  is affecting me physically and mentally.  I am congested, coughing, and feeling mentally sluggish. 

I’m not too sure how to turn this train wreck around.  My plan is to clear my sinuses and my lungs,   relax with a good meditation on You Tube,  follow that up with 30 minutes on  the treadmill, and finally a few minutes out and about in the fresh air.

By suppertime I should be a ray of sunshine.  🤞

That is it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞🌞