Today is Day 259 of my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 37 WEEKS! 😊💞 I remember celebrating my first week in. I thought that was a major accomplishment at the time. 😂
I found a photo of my high school year book entry recently. (I have no idea why it is black and white. I am pretty sure color was a thing in 1973. 🤦)
Two things of note here:
It is funny how much I thought I knew when I graduated. 😂 I was so naive and clueless but I thought I knew myself and everything about the world around me.
And… I still have no idea where I am going or where I will end up (or what places this adventure will take me along the way). I do however, totally believe that I am on the right path. 👍
At seventy years old, I do not know everything, but I have stopped talking to plastic cows– so there is that!
I am feeling great this morning but Molly and Dan went walking without me due to another foggy morning. I will be doing my aerobics, weights, and treadmill – indoors, with the dehumidifier doing its magic.
Daily Food Diary – Day 259
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Lunch:
(4) slices shaved turkey (60)
(1) medium tomato (22)
(12) Lightly salted Lay’s chips (160)
Snacks:
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(1/2) c chicken broth (10)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1) sm. Taco Time Mexi Fries (265)
(1)Taco Time Crisp Meat Burrito (428)
(2) Taco Time Hard Shell Tacos (520)
(1) 355 ml can RootBeer (170)
Total Calories consumed: 2028
Total calories used: 363
(30) min. Walk (53)
(30) min. Aerobics (176)
(1) hour house cleaning (135)
Total net calories: 1665
Net Calorie Goal: 1229 – 1665 = 435 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take careand have a great day! 💝🌞
Today is Day 258 of my Daily Food Diary – without a single miss! 🌋
Yesterday, I returned to my typical workout routine. I had no problem doing a complete aerobics session nor a light weight routine. I only did fifteen minutes on the treadmill but I was happy with that. I was planning to step back a bit just because I had not been using the treadmill for long before I was sidelined by my latest lung infection.
Yesterday on my blog, I was discussing the benefits that I have already experienced since I started taking collagen supplements two and half months ago. One benefit that I failed to mention was my much improved balance and co-ordination.
I am so excited about all of the benefits that I am receiving from these collagen supplements. I am constantly noticing the difference and thinking “Look what I can do!” . I went for an entire full length walk this morning and I DID NOT stumble once.
Many years ago, many decades ago, I was a bridesmaid in my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding party. During the rehearsal, I tripped and stumbled so many times that the best man got annoyed and asked me if I was drunk. Nope… That was just my life before collagen supplements. 🙄
That there has always been something wrong with the way my body produces and/or uses collagen is obvious. But looking at how people in general live and age, I believe that collagen deficiency is getting and will only get worse until things change.
A couple of nights ago, Dan and I were talking about our fathers. They were both incredibly strong men – physically and otherwise. Neither of them ‘worked out’ at a gym or otherwise. Their strength came from their diet rich in collagen.
I see regular articles about the foods that Boomers (and pre-Boomers) ate – foods considered beneath the sophisticated palate of today’s youth.
Our fathers ate head cheese and pork hocks, stewing hen soups, tougher cuts of beef – slow cooked in sauce and gravy to break down the cartilage and tendons, gelatin salads and desserts, blood sausage, sardines and more of the like.
It was good flavourful food without the unhealthy additives that are in our food today and it made people strong. Strong enough to live strong, healthy, high quality lives.
My Dad on the Left, Dan’s Dad on the right Our supper last night. It was good – the meat was slow cooked, the beets and garden tomato and cucumber were amazing, the mashed potatoes and gravy were perfect. But the nutritional value fell short of our Dad’s diet. Unfortunately!
Daily Food Diary – Day 258
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Snacks:
(1/2) c Campbell’s chicken broth (20)
(12) tortilla chips (153)
Supper:
(6) oz roast beef (376)
(1) c mashed potatoes (237)
(1/2) c gravy (50)
(1) c beets (75)
(3) tsp butter (103)
(1) tomato (22)
(5) slices cucumber (4)
(1) cooking onion(44)
(2) tbsp horseradish (14)
Total calories consumed: 1458
Total calories used: 474
(30) min. aerobics (176)
(30) min. weights (73)
(15) min. Treadmill (26)
(30) min. yard/garden (88)
(1) hr. Food prep/cooking/cleanup (111)
Total net calories: 984
Net calories goal: 1229 – 984 = 246 under 👍
That’s it for today! Take care and have a great day! ❤️☺️
This is Day 248 of my Daily Food Diary and I am still on a roll! 🥳
I am still feeling pretty adequate on Day 4 of my antibiotics and Prednisone. A couple of news bites since yesterday morning.
* The hospital surgical unit called yesterday to book my hernia repair for September 19th. Unfortunately, they have to delay it until I have the Prednisone out of my system, but at least I am on their radar! And someone else gets their procedure bumped up. 👍
* I got the results of my blood tests. I’m no expert but they seem to indicate that I have an infection. 👍
* And… I have plans this weekend to help daughter Jen work on her Jeep. She is changing out the motor, transmission, wheels etc. from the Jeep they rolled a couple of years ago to the one they bought this spring. My mechanical proficiency won’t help her out, but I’m pretty sure I can hand her the tools she needs and take away the parts she doesn’t. 👍
And ‘Flea’ will be back rolling better than ever, sooner than later!
Daily Food Diary – Day 248
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
Brunch:
(1) lg cheese biscuit (258)
(2) oz Piller ham (57)
(1 1/2) oz cheese (170)
(2) tsp butter (68)
Snacks:
(1/2) c caramel corn (85)
(1/2) c ice cream (120)
(2) tbsp chocolate sauce (105)
Supper:
(1) lg cheese biscuit (258)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(1) beef wiener (150)
(2) tbsp salsa (8)
(1) green onion (8)
(6) onion rings (270)
(3) cheese sticks
(1) tomato (22)
(5) sl. Cucumber (4)
Total calories consumed: 1843
Calories used: 172
(20) min. Walking (49)
(30) min min. Housecleaning (67)
(30) min. Cooking/food prep (56)
Total net calories: 1843 – 172 = 1671
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1671 = 442 over 👎
* Prednisone zoomies gone… Raging hunger on! 🤦
That’s it for today! Take care and have a great day! 😊💓
Today is also our daughter-in-law Amanda’s birthday! 🎂
Every day is special, but when we have one dedicated to someone we truly appreciate, it makes days like today all the better
There is so much to appreciate about Amanda that it is difficult to put into words – she is caring, upbeat, hilariously funny in her unique Amanda way. She is adventurous, intelligent, LOUD but unassuming, high energy, and totally loving and loveable.
Best of all, Amanda is an amazing mother and a genuinely great wife and partner for son Dan. Truly, those two deserve each other and the life they have built together!
Happy Birthday, Amanda – and MANY more! 💞
Daily Food Diary – Day 240
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) sausage patty (150)
(2) potato patties (240)
(2) eggs (160)
Snacks:
(15) Lay’s lightly salted ripple chips (218)
(60) oz water
Supper:
(5) oz Tbone steak (375)
(1) baked white potato (100)
(1) yellow ear of corn (80)
(5) tsp butter (171)
(1) red tomato (22)
(5) slices green cucumber (4)
(1/2) c brown mushrooms (8)
Total net calories: 1253
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1253 = 24 over
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️💗
Today is Day 238 of my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 34 weeks without one miss. ☺️
Today is almost two full weeks since we got our ‘new to us’ treadmill. The first night we got it, I used it for fifteen minutes, the second night twenty, and every night since for a full thirty.
Until last night! For the past three or four nights, using the treadmill had just been getting harder and harder.
Over the past three and a half years, I have found that making commitments was more effective for me than setting result driven goals. I have found that modest, persistent, consistent efforts were more effective for me than occasional grand gestures. And I have found that muscle fatigue is a real thing!
When my muscles turn to achy, breaky, jello, it is time to set some down time for rest and recuperating.
Last night was one of those nights, and I’m thinking I am going to have to start taking regular break nights from the treadmill until I build up some muscle strength.
It is unfortunate, because I enjoy my evening treadmill time – physically and mentally. But it has to be done!
Maybe our treadmill will appreciatethe necessary break times. Intermittent weight lifting is helping me to develop some arm muscles! 🥳. (I’m still working on the Bingo wings. 🙄)
Daily Food Diary – Day 238
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(1 1/2) tsp jam (75)
(3) tsp butter (103)
Lunch:
(1 1/2) c chicken, green, white, orange, redvegetable, stir-fry (307)
Snacks:
(60) oz water
(15) barbecue chips (130)
Supper:
(1 1/2) c chicken, green, white, orange, red vegetable, stir-fry (307)
(1) red tomato (22)
(3/4) c Butterscotch ice cream (180)
(10) hazelnuts (88)
(1) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (52)
(1) tbsp caramel sauce (130)
Total net calories: 1360
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1360 = 131 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😌❣️
Our skies are clear, our air is smoke free, and we are finally starting an entire week of actual summer temperatures.
Dan and I took Molly for an uncharacteristically uneventful walk this morning. We did stop at the dog park where Molly got in a few short solo runs across the park.
I have to cut this one short. Our garden is starting to wilt and it’s not going to water itself!
Daily Food Diary – Day 237
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2 % milk (28)
Lunch:
(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)
(2) oz ham (57)
(1) oz marble cheese (113)
(1/4) c white cooking onion (3)
Snacks:
(14) hickory smoked almonds (70)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(2 1/2) c chicken stir fry – orange carrots, green onions, cabbage & celery, brown mushrooms, red pepper, chicken filets, ramen noodles (622)
(1) vegetable spring roll (100)
(4) Gyoza (133)
Total net calories: 1022
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1022 = 207 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️
We are having a fairly uneventful weekend. Our air is (thankfully) smoke free. Our temperatures are mild and we have limited wind.
Yesterday, I took advantage of our pleasant weather to do some work in the garden. Dan drove granddaughter Maddy to work and went driving with her after she was off.
Every once in a while I would check my phone (Life 360) to see where they were and make sure they were still on the road. Dan had her drive for quite a while – in the city, far from country ditches. 😂
Apparently, she did quite well. Our Jeep came close to losing a side mirror but no actual harm done.
I’m glad we have Life 360 – but seriously Maddy. Using a photo from your first ever Annual Boxing DaySleepoverfor yourprofile picture? You should be driving a pedal car. 😳
This morning we went for an early morning walk, had our typical Sunday morning, breakfast and tidied up a bit. Dan and his cousin from BC (who dropped in for a short visit) are outside in the gazebo.
Outside this morning – feeding the squirrels peanuts and cleaning up after Molly.
Today it is one week since we got our treadmill. I am not a world class athlete yet, but I have been using it for 30 minutes every evening and I am already noticing the difference.
Ever since I can remember, when I stand in one spot (even momentarily) my hips, knees, and ankles lock up. Even if I am moving, it is an effort to keep them from locking up. It is frustrating, but I am used to it.
For the past two days, I have noticed that at least my knees are moving a lot smoother. I’m not sure if my ankles are any better, and I know I am still struggling with my hips – but it’s a start!
Daily Food Diary – Day 232
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (69)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Lunch:
(2) Barbecue drumsticks(270)
(1) c raw vegetables: cauliflower – white, radishes & peppers – red, onions & green (90)
(1) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (60)
(60) oz water
(8) oz lemon water
Supper:
(2) SVG Arby’s roast beef (200)
(1) Medium Arby’s Crinkle cut fries (530)
(2) Arby’s cheese sticks (220)
(2) Arby’s gravy (35)
(1) horseradish sauce (50)
Total net calories: 1401
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1401 = 180 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a good day! ☺️💕
Today is also August 19th and for the second time this summer we have our air conditioner turned on!
This summer has been less than sunny and warm. Even on the warmest days (both of them) the temperatures at night dip to low single digits Celsius. Zero is freezing. 🙄
There are two relatively nice things about this summer.
(1) There have been fewer smoke days from the northern wildfires. The fire season has been terrible up north, but the smoke hasn’t been too bad here.
(2) There have been fewer bugs this year than usual. Less annoying, but the ones we have seem to be getting meaner.
Our new pet – the Striped Garden Spider. Relatively harmless with a sting comparableto a bumblebee. I have stepped on a bumble bee. I would NOTconsider it’s sting to be harmless. 😧
I remember that day… I was getting ready for our big move from North Battleford, Sk. to the metropolis of Spruce Lake, Sk. (Population 50 once we moved in).
As usual when these transfers came up, my ex was off to training for his new position. I was left to get everything ready for the U-Haul, our house ready for the new tenants, while taking care of the kiddos. Mark was 4 years old, it was Danny’s second birthday, and Jen was 7 months old. I had dismantled the beds, cribs, etc… I had an unhappy two year old hanging off one leg, a shrieking baby, and a four year old doing Lord knows what. The U-Haul depot manager called to cancel our truck because back in those days they didn’t rent trucks to women. Not like I would be driving – which I explained when I made the arrangements.
I decided I needed a nice cup of tea to settle my nerves before getting back to wiping out cupboards and cleaning the kitchen sink/stove/fridge. I made my tea and set it beside the teacup full of Lime Away – and proceeded to take a good swing out of the wrong cup.
Having a two and a four year old, I knew the drill. I poured myself a glass of milk and chugged it down. I don’t drink milk. I haven’t drank milk since EVER. It comes up faster than it goes down. But I knew I had to keep it down, so I battled through the nausea and got back to work.
I strode across the kitchen, more determined (and nauseated) than ever and stepped on a frigging bumble bee. The searing pain was bad enough, but the baseball sized lump on the bottom of my foot was the last straw.
At this point, my father-in-law stopped by to wish Danny a Happy Birthday. 🎈 My father-in-law was seldom my hero, but he came through that day. He scraped us all together and took us to McDonald’s for lunch.
That gave me the time to pull myself together and for the swelling on the bottom of my foot to go down. When he dropped us back off at our house, my ex’s boss called to see how everything was going. That second act of kindness in one day was one too many for me. I told him exactly how everything was going – including my dealings with the U-Haul manager.
That was too much for him. He told me he would deal with it. Within minutes, he called me back to tell me the truck was ready for my ex to pick up when he got back.
Just one of several moves we made back in the day, but I am pretty sure it was our worst.
Although… There was the bowl of chocolate pudding that got packed in the box of linens when we moved to La Ronge… Who does that? And that was the one move we made with professional packers/movers.
Yesterday marked one full month since our granddaughter Genie married her ‘To Infinity’ Alec. 💞
This week when Alec and Genie delivered our ‘new to us’ treadmill, we finally convinced them to send us some more wedding photos.
Dan & I with the happiest young couple! 😊Prim looking so pretty (as always). Acting as official flower girl, Prim took her duties seriously. With help from the mother of the bride & flower girl (our daughter Jen), Prim helped to choose, arrange, and distributeall of the flowers – including the bride’s bouquet.
Back story of theflowers… the basic blossoms were store bought (and included red carnations and pink rosebuds in memory of Genie’s great grandparents). They were also filled out with wildflowers that Jen and Prim picked for the day – in honor of another day from Genie’s youth.
When all of Jen’s kids were young, we used to take them to visit my Mother in the Foyer in Gravelbourg. We always brought Mom something, most often flowers. On one visit, I forgot to get anything, but as we turned onto the highway to Gravelbourg, the ditch alongside the road was filled with wild flowers. Jen and I decided we would pick a bouquet of wildflowers for Mom. 👍
After telling ALL of the kids to stay in the car, we made our way down into the ditch. We heard the car door open and close. And looked back to see Genie rolling into the ditch behind us.
There was no turning her back, so we just watched over her while she picked an armload of wildflowers for greatgrandma.
My mother loved the bouquet and we never let Genie forget the story. 😂
I am taking things easier this weekend. Yesterday, I went for Molly’s walk. I did a bit of housework (nothing too heroic). I did my aerobics. And… I did 21 minutes on the treadmill – getting up to a Level 4 (of 16). No incline yet, but today could be the day.
Daily Food Diary – Day 228
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1/2) pink grapefruit (39)
(1/2) tsp sugar (8)
(1) granola bar (170)
Snacks:
(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)
(12) Mini Easter Eggs (the LAST) of the mini Easter eggs: (190)
(60) oz water
Supper:
(1) sourdough bun (190)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(1) Beef/pork burger with bacon bits, provalone cheese, onions – white, tomato – red, lettuce – green , & horseradish – white (256)
(12) barbecue chips (130)
(5) slices cucumber – green (4)
(5) slices tomato – red (13)
Total net calories: 965
Net calories goal: 1222 – 965 = 256 under 👍
That’s it for today! Take care and have a great day! 💓🤗
Grandpa escorting his girl to the altar, while she clutched her, special as she is, bouquet.
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 