Tag: aging gratefully

January 8th – Day 7 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Yesterday was not a banner day, activity wise, but it was passable – for January. 

January in Saskatchewan has always been a slower month for me – a time of hibernation and healing – planning and preparing for the year ahead.

Apparently for many,  or most,  January is a time for failing to maintain their New Year  Resolution.  According to the attached article, 64% of New Year Resolutions are abandoned within the first month of the year.

https://triplethreatlife.substack.com/p/why-we-dont-do-new-years-resolutions

Personally, I forgo a New Year Resolutions for a New Year’s commitment.  This year, I am committed to increasing the amount and intensity of my daily activities in an effort to improve my health and wellbeing – Body, Mind, and Soul.

Yesterday, I did a morning aerobics routine – once again staying focussed on form.  In the afternoon, I spent time outside getting some fresh air.   Being adequately chilled, I came back in, straightened out a shelf and a few drawers in our bedroom,  and I hit the treadmill  for thirty minutes.

Dan and I made an amazing pot of wonton soup for supper.  He chopped and  I cooked.  After supper we did the dishes and straightened up the kitchen, before retiring to the livingroom to wind down for the evening.

For the second night in a row, I took out the  crochet project that I am working on.

I do not know who came up with the idea of selling yarn in skeins.  They do not work for me.   Left to their own devices,  they inevitably self destruct at their first opportunity. 

I spent the evening untangling yards and yards of yarn, trying to find an elusive end – either end!   I made significant progress, but this evening will be spent likewise.

So far, my return to needlework has been less than productive and definitely not relaxing.  I am not sure what it has done for me – body, mind, or soul, but I will persevere because that is what I do – like the 36% of people who do not give up on their New Year Resolutions in January …

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

By February, our kitchen table will be spoting a bouquet of crocheted flowers.

Daily Food Diary – Day 312 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 312 Days since I began maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary.  🌟

From the very beginning of this challenge, I knew it would not be about perfection.  As it is with my Health and Fitness Lifestyle in general – it is about balance. 

My Daily Food Diary has been very helpful in making regular  improvements to my diet.   But, there have been days that have shown my diet to be less impressive than others.

Yesterday, on the other hand, was a good day! I started the morning with half a grapefruit, for a shot of vitamin C.  My lunch included a couple of chicken wing drumettes, which are high in collagen.  My snack was a tablespoon of raw local honey to help mitigate the environmental allergies that I have been struggling with.  The beef, barley, vegetable soup for supper was the star of the day with homemade broth – low in salt and rich in collagen, barley – part of any cholesterol diet, and mega vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

Yesterday’s good for body, mind, and soul menu was just part of my good day ….

I went for a morning walk with Dan and Molly, easily covering the full circuit in the crisp, fresh air.   In the afternoon, I completed (3) sets of light (8 pound dumbbell) weight exercises.   And, in the evening, after straightening up the kitchen and doing dishes (with Dan)….

I hit the treadmill for thirty minutes. 😊

Action shot…

Today, being Sunday, I will probably scale things back as usual – possibly focus more on the Mind and Soul with some reading and relaxation.

We did go for our walk this morning, after Grandpa Dan got back from taking Maddy to work.   It was quite the interesting walk with the city closing off an intersection that affects access to two major streets and one avenue in our area.   The traffic on our quiet little side streets was uncharacteristically heavy and with many of the drivers looking fairly lost, confused, and frustrated, the intersections were pretty dicey! Not to mention icy from yesterday’s snowfall.   Fun stuff, but we made it home in one piece and we all felt  better for having gotten the fresh air and exercise!

Daily Food Diary – Day 312

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) chicken wing drumettes (122)

(6) onion rings (150)

(8) tater tots (124)

Snacks:

(1) tbsp raw local honey (40)

(36) oz water

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(2) bowls beef, barley, vegetable soup (360)

(3) mini chocolate treats (120)

Total consumed calories: 1188

Total used calories: 282

(30) min walking (137)

(30) min weights (73)

(30) min treadmill (73)

Total net calories: 906

Net calories goal: 1208 – 906 = 302 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 304 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

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! 💗☺️

Flashback to 2023

Daily Food Diary – Day 301 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 301 of my Daily Food Diary!  That is 43 WEEKS without a single miss. 🙌

Today, I am feeling a solid improvement in how I am feeling!  I am four months into using Collagen Supplements and they are doing wonders for me.  My strength has improved, my endurance has improved, and best of all – my breathing has significantly improved.    I can breathe without feeling like my sinuses and respiratory airways are  collapsing and I can even lay flat on my back  without feeling like I am smothering!

My only respiratory issues these days are obviously caused by allergies.  Since we started running an air purifier in our bedroom at night, I am good there.  In the daytime, my eyes are burning, my nose is runny, and I am still coughing. 

The third Honeywell air purifier we have bought and I am happy with all of them.

We have our best air purifier running in the living room so I’m not sure what my problem is.   I have taken Claritin (which doesn’t work for me) and  some ‘natural’ antihistamines which just seem to make me sleepy. 😴

Yesterday, I got some black licorice to see if that would help.  I know it is something that is not good to eat regularly or in excess, but it also helps to control allergies,  so we will see. 

Daily Food Diary – Day 301

Breakfast:

2) c coffee (4)

(1/4 c milk (28)

(1) c cinnamon cheerios (200)

Snacks:

(2) black licorice Twizzlers (45)

(1/8) c mixed nuts (90)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) servings c nachos – Hint of Lime tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef, peppers, green onions, black olives, shredded cheese, and salsa (865)

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) PC Chocolate cake (300)

Total consumed calories:  1530

Total used calories: 501

(30) min walking (68)

(30) min aerobics (244)

(1) hr housecleaning (134)

(30) min food prep/cooking (55)

Total net calories: 1029

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1029 = 179 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 208 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 208 of my Daily Food Diary! 🌹

Yesterday, I posted that I was going to start running today.  I always try to keep my word,  and this time (as usual) I did so!  I went for a run in the park.  I did not  run far and I did not run fast… But I did RUN.

It is rather smokey today, but it did not bother me as much as the patch that drifted through last week.  I am sure the species of trees that are burning makes a difference.  Some species, like Birch, are always more of an issue for me.

Despite the smoke, I finished my little run, none the worse for wear – except my left hand ring finger is sore and swollen.

Bizarre!  Dan figures I must have caught it on Molly’s chain when I was leading her.  🤔

Sore finger or not, today is Monday so it is back to doing my morning aerobics and it is a day for weights and cardio. 

Daily Food Diary – Day 208

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Sourdough bun (259)

(1 1/2) tsp butter (51)

(2) eggs (160)

(1 1/2) oz ham (67)

(2) green onions (16)

Supper:

(1) medium salad (130)

(2) sticks chicken souvlaki (180)

(2) tbsp French Dressing (146)

(2) tbsp dried fried onion (33)

(2) tsp sunflower seeds (33)

(1) PC caramel toffee cake (1050)

(60) oz water

Total net calories: 2055

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 2055 = 833 over 👎

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly  contribute to the production of collagen

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 206 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 206 of my Daily Food Diary.  Today is also my 70th birthday!

Dan went to get my birthday cake yesterday and bought me TWO birthday cards. My sister Elaine also sent me a card to mark the occasion.  She makes all of her own greeting cards and they are always amazing. 

“It’s not how old we are in life.  It’s how bold we are in life.” 🙌
Best cake EVER.  I love salted caramel and in cake form it is over the top.

Dan and I are going to Montana’s for supper.  We just had an amazing steak a couple of days ago and I have been craving ribs so RIBS it is!

Neither Dan or I could think of any present that I could want or need.  Then I decided that I would like to go to Gravelbourg next week to put new flowers on my parents and grandparents graves and repaint the letters on my Uncle Herman’s gravestone.  My Dad worked as a stonemason in his younger years so he carved the gravestone himself.  Uncle Herman passed away from leukemia when he was only twenty-five.  His passing left a profound mark on my Dad throughout his life.

Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate my 70th birthday by showing my appreciation for my parents and ancestors.  I would not have been blessed with the years I have had,  were it not for them.  🌹

Daily Food Diary – Day 206

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

(2) oz 2% milk

Lunch:

(2) eggs (160)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1 1/2) oz ham (67)

(2) green onions (16)

(2) almond flour chocolate chip cookies (100)

(10) Raspberries (10)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) lg. Dinner salad (356)

(4) oz tenderloin (120)

Total net calories: 799

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 799 = 529 under 👍

* I wasn’t starving myself yesterday.  I did my aerobics and my cardio/weights yesterday, so that brought my net calories down.  Also, my pulled muscle was pretty uncomfortable after all that deep breathing at my lung function test yesterday morning so I just wasn’t hungry. 

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly  contribute to the production of collagen

A personal note of appreciation from me to you. 🌹

Daily Food Diary – Day 196 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 196 Days since I began my Daily Food Diary.  That is a full 28 WEEKS without one miss!

My biggest (Food Diary) news from yesterday is that  I finally drank that Root Beer yesterday.  I’m pretty sure that was my second soda since I started this challenge back on January 1st.  (Not counting a couple of Tonic Waters used as mix with Gin).

Anyway, I did have a root beer yesterday and did so quite deliberately.  Any amount of sugar isn’t good for me as it thickens the mucus in my lungs and makes it difficult to cough to clear them.  However, this afternoon we are having a family event so no coughing would be a good thing.  It wasn’t a moment of weakness – just a natural cough suppressant for one day. 😊

This morning, Dan and I walked Molly – together. No smoke, no golf!  👍 We stopped at the storm channel to check out Momma Duck just sitting on a rock.   Her ducklings are probably at an age to get into all kinds of trouble and make all kinds of noise while doing so.   I think Momma just needed some alone time.

We had enough of a walk that Molly needed a rest when we got home.  Or maybe she is just exhausted from producing hair.   I cannot  imagine why she is not bald.  I spend half my time sweeping up and dusting away dog hair – and we have already brushed her twice this week.  (Filling the garbage can with hair and destroying the porch carpet in the process! 😯)

Daily Food Diary – Day 196

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Plain paratha (240)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (90)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Lunch:

(3) PC chicken wings (2) drumettes & (1) flat (264)

(10) potato chips (52)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(355) ml Root Beer (170)

Supper:

(1) Dinner salad (190)

(3) sticks pork souvlaki (240)

(2) tbsp peppercorn ranch dressing (70)

(2) tbsp dried fried onions (67)

(2) tbsp sesame sesame (33)

(1) serving rhubarb cheesecake (260)

Total net calories: 1438

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1438 = 209 over

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

The merry little Marigolds are blooming for granddaughter Genie today 🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 189 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 189 of my Daily Food Diary.   189 Days without one miss! 🤗 🙌

This is the month I am focussing on the importance of foods containing collagen and those that support the production of  collagen.

For myself, I cannot imagine living a life with adequate, healthy collagen.  Knowing that everyone will ultimately struggle with collagen deficiency as they age, makes this month a special mission for me.

Collagen deficiency is MORE than wrinkles, hair loss, and fragile nails.   Collagen deficiency is a combination of any, or all of,  the following….

Migraines, ear, eyes, nose, and throat issues, respiratory issues,  tripping, stumbling and falling, a complete lack of balance, severe  muscle cramps, dislocated and sprained joints, digestive issues, a weak pelvic floor causing:   weak bladder, fallen bladder and pregnancy issues, vertigo, motion sickness, dizziness, fainting, choking,  exhaustion, difficulty speaking,  discomfort being still but pain caused by moving,  general muscle weakness, difficult and painful periods, dexterity issues – frequently dropping items and always struggling to:  write, deal with buttons, zippers, shoelaces, cutlery…

And that is just some of the physical problems that collagen deficiency can cause…

Then there are the very real mental and emotional problems that one deals with (especially if they have no clue that there is an actual reason for why they are the way they are!)

Anxiety – fear of falling, fear of being mocked, fear of rejection – especially in ANY sports related situation, fear of being humiliated for any number of reasons, fear of traveling and dealing with escalators, elevators, moving sidewalks,  fear of heights or water (vertigo)

Depression, grief, confusion, lack of self worth –   often caused by the way they are perceived by others, especially  professionals – teachers, doctors, therapists.

Fortunately, collagen deficiency is finally being recognized and understood as the root cause for the physical, mental, and emotional chaos that it can create in one’s body and in one’s life. 

And, fortunately,  while there is no (medical)  cure for collagen deficiency, a healthy lifestyle can definitely help to improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional situation.

The hardest part is knowing how and where to start.  Getting out of one’s comfort zone to get to a better place takes a lot….

My friend Dwight, made taking another  step out of my comfort zone that much easier for me today.    Instead of listening to all the what if’s – what if I fail, what if I humiliate myself, what if I get hurt or injured, what if people mock me or get impatient with me… Just do it, move forward with confidence and declare..

“Here I grow again!”

If I ever get a tattoo – that will be the one.   I know how far I have come, I know I have potential to go further  and I know that those words have the power to help get me through the challenges  that lies ahead.  😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 189

Breakfast:

(1) coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(2) tsp sugar (32)

Snacks:

(30) Doritos (210)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) Dairy Queen 6 chicken strip basket (1250)

Total net calories: 1484

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1484 = 255 over 👎

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

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 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! ❤️😊