It is 231 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary. That is a full 33 weeks! 🤗🎈
Our weather has been warmer than usual the past couple of days so we have been taking Molly for her walk earlier.
Yesterday morning when we got back, I offered to make Denvers for Dan and I. I cracked the first couple of eggs and they were typical. I took the next two out of a new carton. Both of them cracked lengthwise.
This happened a few weeks ago. We bought two or three cartons of eggs and all (or most) of the eggs cracked lengthwise. 😯
I checked with Google and read that I was holding the egg wrong. Seriously – I have been cracking eggs for over six decades. I think I know how to hold an egg. Besides which, even when Dan would crack the eggs in these cartons, they would crack lengthwise.
Why? The eggs are perfectly fine. The shells just break weird.
Daily Food Diary – Day 231
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(2) eggs (160)
(1) oz ham (29)
(2) Green onions (16)
(1) tsp butter (34)
(1) tsp olive oil (40)
Lunch:
(3) crumpets (240)
(2) tsp butter (68)
(1) tbsp jam (50)
Snacks:
(60) oz water
(1/4) c mixed nuts (180)
Supper:
(1) Lean ground beef patty (293)
(12) barbecue chips (130)
(4) oz potato salad (154)
(1) c raw vegetables – red tomatoes & radishes, green onions, white cauliflower (90)
(2) tsp Dilly Dip (100)
Total net calories: 1244
Net calories goal: 1222 – 1244 = 22 over 👎
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great 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 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! 😊❤️
We are home and our heatwave is over. It is forecast to be cooler and wetter today. The humidity is already 100%. (Good thing I watered our garden yesterday!)
Between wildfire smoke and high humidity this summer, my lungs are struggling. I can’t imagine how I would manage if I wasn’t on inhalers, using my Aerobika, doing aerobics, breathing exercises, weights and cardio, walking (weather permitting) – and running (a little bit).
It’s funny, in an odd way, that I used to think working out was for athletes and healthy young people who joined gyms to keep in shape.
I am infinitely grateful that I have learned that living a life based on exercise and healthy habits is for anyone wanting to enjoy quality of life. (Even seventy year olds with multiple chronic lung conditions 😊).
Daily Food Diary – Day 216
Breakfast:
(1) c coffee (2)
(1) c Cheerios – no milk (147)
Lunch:
(4) radishes – red/white (21)
(1) c broccoli – green (31)
(2) pcs celery – green (14)
(1/2) c red pepper – red (23)
(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)
(1 1/2) oz marble cheese (170)
(2) oz Piller’s Ham (57)
(9) Lay’s wavy lightly salted chips (131)
Snacks:
(48) oz water
(11) Hint of Lime chips (275)
(3) tbsp salsa – red (12)
(1) Rolo ice cream cone (310)
Total net calories: 1273
Net calorie goal: 1222 – 1273 = 51 over
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! ☺️❣️
I haven’t planted sunflowers for years, but always manage to have a few of them pop up in our flower bed. I don’t have the heart to pull them out as they have always been granddaughter Maddy’s favourite flower.
It is Day 215 of my Daily Food Diary and it’s another late day – 2nd in a row.
Yesterday morning we headed to Gravelbourg to put new flowers on my parents and grandparents graves and to freshen up my uncle’s gravestone.
Dan cleaned up the headstone and painted the base yesterday.I went to paint the letters and the rosary trim this morning.
The original plan was to work together, but one of us had to stay focused on Molly.
We tried having her loose, thinking she would stay close to us. She didn’t. We didn’t have the place to tie her down on a comfortably long leash. Shade was hard to come by…. unlike crickets! The entire graveyard was covered in little crickets!
Fortunately, the crickets backed off while I was painting this morning. I had a bit of an opportunity to empathize with my Dad as he originally carved the headstone. “In the memory of Herman…” must have been heartbreaking so soon after losing his little (younger) brother. A year later, he would be carving his Mother’s name and date of death on the right side of Herman’s monument. Thirteen years later, he would add his Father’s to the right.
When my parents bought their own headstone, they bought one to match for Grandma and Grandpa Martel and placed one on either side of Herman’s.
Last night I had a nice visit with my Aunt Lil. She is doing amazing. At 91, she is still in her beautiful home, she reads and does puzzles, she has a small garden, she drives to do her own errands, and she BAKES – including her own bread – totally by hand.
I don’t have to look far to find women to admire and inspire in my family.
We drove home earlier today. Tomorrow, I will be back to posting at my regular mid morning time.
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 