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! 😁💞
When I decided to focus on improving my level of activity in 2026, I was excited to do so. I had been taking collagen supplements for four or five months and they were doing wonders for me! I was enjoying so many benefits – the best of which was a stability in my lungs that I had not experienced for five years.
My lungs were doing so well that my constant cough was down to a slight annoyance. Most notable was my morning walk with Dan and Molly, where amazingly I could keep up with them without triggering any coughing, much less the violent coughing fits that I had grown accustomed to.
Out and about on a crisp morning walk. 💞
So, I was anticipating welcoming 2026 STRONG! I was anticipating increasing the amount and intensity of my physical activities. I was anticipating everything that would become easier in my day to day life – any and all of those daily chores that I struggled with – operating our snowblower, moving furniture to vaccuum, lifting our larger pots and pans.
And then… I was called up for my hernia surgery. It shouldn’t be a big deal. It wouldn’t be a big deal – especially once the anaesthesioligist decided to go with a spinal, rather than general, anaesthetic.
I went through my presurgical clinic, followed all the required preparations. I showed up for my surgery ready to crush it and leave, strong and able.
But, I didn’t. I came out of surgery congested, coughing, struggling to get and keep my oxygen levels up to acceptable levels. I figured it was from lingering freezing, from the stress of being in the operating room surrounded by stangers and the buzz and beeps of the monitors that surrounded me. I thought I would be fine when I got home.
But I wasn’t. I was not in acute pain, but I felt rough. While I tried to keep up my strength by moving around the house. I definitely was not working out (which my surgeon had cleared me to do). I was not going outside to get fresh air or challenging the snow and ice covered streets with a walk. I was indulging in the comfort foods of the season – and resting.
And I was feeling progressively worse. My lungs still felt stable but my cough was getting worse. So I did what I do – I panicked. My mind played out memories from the past prior to aerobics, collagen supplements, mindful eating, air purifiers, fresh air walks, and treadmill and light weight workouts.
I KNEW that my respiratory system was failing. Another session of antibiotics and Prednisone became a disturbing possibility. The memory of regular, miserable, exhausting chills and fevers kept me awake at night. Checking my tissue after each violent coughing fit became a terrifying reminder of pneumonia and mucus thick with blood clots from deep in my lungs. I was a mess..
Until, I said NO to everything my mind was throwing at me. I know my lungs are stronger. I know I am healthier. I know that whatever happened in that operating room was NOT traumatic enough to destroy everything that I have worked for in the past four years.
And I remembered… after the anaesthesiologist did my spinal he helped me to lay down, adjusted my pillow, AND he placed a mask on my face and told me he would give me a bit of oxygen to help keep me comfortable.
I don’tKNOW what my deal with oxygen systems is (I am pretty sure I know..) but when I spent three weeks in this hospital years ago with pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and epyema, the worst thing was the oxygen. It destroyed my sinuses, it made me miserable, and while I felt better after they took it off – the effects lasted for weeks.
Anyway, I am not dying! 🤦♀️
I am not greeting 2026 with unlimited strength and stamina ready to transcend all previous efforts to meet and surpass every physical challenge that presents itself.
But, I am ready to transcend this habit of mine of taking every minor health setback and turning it into a medical crisis. I am gradually taking back my daily workouts, my diet controls, and my fresh air fixes.
And I have regained my excitent and anticipation of 2026. I am committed to increasing my level of activity and finishing this year stronger and healthier than I started it.
When you’re on the older side of the age spectrum, you often get more credit than you deserve for simply showing up to do some- thing physically challenging. Nobody expects much from you and the temptation is there to perform to those very low expectations. Showing up is an important first step, but if you plan to show up, you may as well show the f#@k up!
I am not positive if this quote came from David Goggins or if it was Dane Sanders, but today it is my motivation to move forward.
Today is Day357 of my Daily Food Diary! Eight more days to go! 💗
Today is Christmas Eve and we are already well into the holiday wins!
1) Last night we had a final evening visit with son Dan and family. Amanda and I whipped up a quick supper of comfort foods. Dan & Dan took over the kitchen to do the after supper clean up. Teamwork at its finest. 👍
2) Today we celebrate granddaughter Genevieve’s 22nd birthday! Every day that we are blessed to have our sweet Genie in our lives is a win. 🎂
3) Tonight we head over to Genie & Alec’s to enjoy their first official Christmas/birthday supper. 🎄
My Daily Food Diary roundup win is an easy one today…
Despite my Christmas baking and amazing contributions by son Dan… I have been mindful of keeping the treat consumption to a minimum so far! Moderation is today’s Daily Food Diary WIN.
Daily Food Diary:
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c cheerios (147)
(1/4) c 2% milk (28)
Snacks:
(1) gin & tonic (130)
(15) Lays lightly salted chips (218)
(1) pc. Chocolate coconut dessert bar (170)
Supper:
(4) Cheemo pierogis (227)
(1/2) Oz onion chip dip (20)
(1) cabbage rolls (120)
(3) Oz Drake sausage (285)
Total consumed calories: 1347
Total used calories: 0
Total net calories: 1347
Net calorie goal: 1208– 1347 = 139 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a beautiful, loving, peace on earth/good will toward all, Merry ChristmasEve! 🎄🎇🎁
Yesterday, I had a great win! While I was making my mother’s Whipped Shortbread Cookies, my sister Lorraine called to discuss how to make … our mother’s Whipped Shortbread Cookies. 😂
There is nothing like having a random meeting of the minds with a sister to make a good day great.
A bonus win came from perusing my James Clear motivational email of the week, and coming across this gem..
“Do not merely think that you are going to become great; think that you are great now. Do not think that you will begin to act in a great way at some future time; begin now. Do not think that you will act in a great way when you reach a different enviornment; act in a great way where you are now. Do not think that you will begin to act in a great way when you begin to deal with great things; begin to act in a great way with small things.”
– Wallace Wattles from ‘The Science of Being Great’
It is so easy to feel insignificant and victimized in this day and age. I just love empowering quotes. We only get one life, anything that helps us live it in a proactive, productive way is a huge win!
My ‘December Wrap Up’ Daily Food Diarywin for the day has become a proactive part of my life this year..
Learning to notice and appreciate the wins in my ‘day to day’ life.
Yesterday, sister Lorraine and I were discussing our chronic health issues and how the smallest glitch can kick off a downward spiral and how the smallest win can turn it around.
That is typical of life in general. Notice the wins in life and there are more wins to notice every day. 😁
Daily Food Diary – Day 347
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (69)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Supper:
(1) caesar salad (250)
(9) hot chicken wings flats (383)
(1) lemon tart (175)
Total consumed calories: 1269
Total used calories: 71
(30) min treadmill (71)
Total net calories: 1098
Net calories goal: 1208 – 1098 = 111 under 👍
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🥰💞
Today is Day 326 of my Daily Food Diary. 🙉 It is Sunday and our weather is amazing. It is a few degrees above freezing, sunny, warm, and DRY!
We went for our morning walk a while ago. The streets were relatively quiet. We crossed paths with one dog that Molly would have liked to interact with, but they both just wanted to play so it was not a big deal.
On our walk, I coughed three times. That was not three coughing fits – just a couple of coughs each time to clear my throat. I am sure that is a three year record. 🤩
Last night Dan made Baked French Onion Soup for supper. He used lots of onions, unsalted Campbell’s beef broth, toasted sourdough bun, and shredded cheese (marble for mine/mozzarella, provolone, & parmesan for his). It was our second amazing supper in a row.
After supper we watched a movie (after the Toronto/Montreal hockey game). We seldom watch movies. I usually choose the movies we watch and my choices are questionable at best. ‘Catnado’ hit a new low for me – and that took some doing! Last night we watched one that Dan was interested in seeing. It was definitely a step up. 👍
The rest of our day today should be quiet. Dan is going to pick up granddaughter Maddy in a bit. He will probably let her drive home, as he usually does. She completed her Driver’s Training course with a veryrespectable 93% – now she just has to keep practicing until the end of March, when she will be old enough to go ace her Driver’s Test.
Maddy – Her first drive ever. (With her Mom as co-pilot in my Taurus)
Daily Food Diary – Day 326
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (69)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Snacks:
(48) Oz water
(1) snickerdoodle (90)
(1) Matt’s climate caesar (168)
Supper:
(1 1/2) servings baked French onion soup (552)
Total consumed calories:1171
Total used calories: 337
(35) min aerobics (200)
(30) min walking (137)
Total net calories: 834
Net calories goal: 1208 – 834 = 374 under 👍
That is it for today. take care and have a great day! 🤗💓
It is 304 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary. ☺️
Today is November 1st. TEN months down and Two to go.
I generally begin each month with a fresh focus for my diary. This month, I am just going to wing it. Each day, I will focus on a different aspect of nutrition – good, bad, or otherwise. 🤷
Since yesterday was Halloween, prepackaged treats seem to be a good place to begin.
This year as always, we stocked up on Halloween treats to hand out, and as always we overstocked! Now that we are retired, we do not have the option of donating such leftovers to company lunch rooms.
Fortunately, daughter Jen’s girls have aged out of Trick or Treating… and her youngest (Prim) chose the option of having a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa.
While she arrived costumed up from her school dance, she soon opted to get comfortable.
After a supper of enchiladas, an evening of watching the Blue Jays, a surprise visit from her best friend, a good night sleep, and a breakfast bacon & tomato sandwich, she headed home WITH our leftover Halloween treats to share with her sisters!
Another sugar and salt crisis averted – at least for us. 😁
Daily Food Diary – Day 304
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) potato patties (240)
(2) eggs (160)
(3) slices back bacon (52)
(1) tsp olive oil (40)
Snacks:
(3) black licorice Twizzlers (68)
(1) mini bag ripple chips (86)
(48) oz water
Supper:
(1 1/2) homemade enchiladas: ground chicken with onions, peppers & taco sauce, rice with green salsa, refried bees, shredded marble cheese, cheese tortilla shell (600)
Total consumed calories: 1249
Total used calories: 104
(40) min walking (104)
Total net calories: 1145
Net calories goal: 1208 – 1145 = 64 under 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💗☺️
Today is Day 300 of my Daily Food Diary! 💗 I remember when the days of my diary were in the double digits. 100 Days seemed incredibly distant. Here we are, with less than 100 Days to go and it seems like the year is all but over. Funny how things always look so much closer in the rear view mirror!
Earlier today, I tagged along for the morning walk with Dan and Molly. Fall has finally arrived.
Not only are the leaves changing color, they are also falling – fast and furious.
Dan just got home from shopping. He said this seems like a good day for wonton soup for supper. In the overall scheme of things, any kind of home made soup seems like a good plan for supper for the foreseeable future.
This morning Dan and I started the day with a walk for Molly. It was the roughest one I have had for a while – and sadly the result of my own doing.
Last night, while the stew was cooking I decided that Happy Hour was in order. For some reason, a Rye (whiskey) and Pepsi sounded good. Finishing off the can of Pepsi after that seemed even better. 🤦
While the yeast used in fermenting any alcohol is a problem for me, the sugar in any soda mix is a much bigger one. Pepsi contains 41 grams of sugar in one 355ml can. That is huge. Too much for anyone and way too much for anyone with bronchiectasis.
So this morning while I was trying to keep up to Dan and Molly (while they deliberately took it slow for my sake), I struggled. Trying to do anything when one is fighting to breathe through an abundance of thick sticky mucus is never easy.
I don’t remember when I last had a Rye and Pepsi, but I won’t be having another one any time soon.
Fortunately, having had a hot lemon water since I got back home, I am now feeling much better.
Today is an aerobics and treadmill day. By the time I complete those, I will be back on track. This afternoon I plan to get some housework done in preparation for our Thanksgiving supper on Thursday.
While Molly prepares in her own way.
Daily Food Diary – Day 279
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)
(1/4) c milk (28)
Lunch:
(1) Chicken burger (no bun) (120)
(1) sl provalone (70)
(1) tomato (22)
(25) barbecue chips (130)
Snacks:
(36) oz water
(1) Rye & Pepsi (125)
(6) oz Pepsi (75)
Supper:
(4) c Beef, gnocchi, & vegetable stew (736)
Total consumed calories: 1455
Total used calories: 360
(40) min aerobics (234)
(30) min light weights (73)
(30) min walk (53)
Total net calories: 1095
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1095 = 135 under 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💗🌞
Husband Dan got up before me this morning to catch this amazing sunrise. 💞🤗
Next Monday (October 13th) is our Canadian Thanksgiving. Of all the major holidays that we celebrate, Thanksgiving is my favourite. There is none of the stress that comes with all the commercialization of other holidays. Thanksgiving is just that, a day to be grateful for what we have and an opportunity to share it with loved ones. 💞
Dan and I are hosting our Thanksgiving supper this Thursday. It is the best day for those family members who work over the weekend. And the leftovers they take home will make a handy meal for them, when they will be too busy to cook!
After joining Dan and Molly for a frigid walk this morning (as in our bird bath is now a miniature skating rink), I decided a pot of hearty beef stew was on the menu for tonight.
Beef gnocchi stew. 😯
Just to note.. Jet Pack/WordPress is glitching out for me. I find myself unable to like posts or comments. Hopefully, you are getting my comments. And hopefully… The situation resolves itself soon.
Daily Food Diary – Day 278
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) eggs (160)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(2) sl. Bacon (87)
(1) tomato (23)
(2) potato patties (240)
Snacks:
(1) pkg. Sesame snacks (150)
(48) oz water
(8) oz lemon water
Supper:
(1) bowl Knorr minestrone (66)
(5) soda crackers (63)
(1) cheese tortilla wrap (170)
(2) oz ham (89)
(2) oz marble cheese (227)
(2) green onions (16)
Total consumed calories: 1326
Total used calories: 59
(30) min treadmill (59)
Total net calories: 1267
Net calories goal: 1229 – 1267 = 38 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💝😊
Today is also Labour Day and a stat holiday in Canada.
Tools of the trade… (Maybe my trade lunch 🙄)
Kudos to those who labour to provide the goods and services that we require. And kudos to those who have in the past, and those who still do, dedicate their lives to ensure the safety, fair wages and benefits, decent working conditions, and fair/honest treatment of those in our workforce.
Being employed in today’s work environment is far from perfect, but fortunately improving work standards is an ongoing process.
Happy Labour Day!
It is eight months since I began posting my Daily Food Diary. As I approach each new month, I struggle to find another monthly focus. This month (September) I have finally decided on calories used.
Every month since February, I have counted my calories consumed and subtracted my calories used (by legit exercise). This month, I am going to highlight all significant calories used – by exercise, housework, yardwork, Petcare, shopping, and the like.
Since being unwell the past few days, I need the motivation to get back to my regular level of activity. Let’s see how that goes!
Daily Food Diary – Day 243
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) Eggs (160)
(2) slices Bacon (170)
(1/2) red tomato (22)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(1/2) c caramel corn (85)
(1) c ice cream (120)
(2) tbsp chocolate sauce (105)
(10) filberts (88)
Supper:
(1) rotisserie chicken thigh/drumstick (320)
(1)c raw vegetables and – green onions, broccoli, & cucumbers, red radishes, orange carrots, white cauliflower (100)
(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (50)
(1) Lightly salted ripple chips (135)
Total net calories: 1597
Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1597 = 368 over 👎
* Another day of zero activity to deduct calories. I walked with Dan and Molly this morning. We’ll see if I can burn anymore calories off.
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ❤️😊
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 