Tag: dog walking

Daily Food Diary – Day 298 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 298 of my Daily Food Diary. 🙌

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but every time I register a drop in my weight, the LoseIt! app that I use drops my calorie goal for the day.   When I began using the app, my goal was 1255 calories a day – now I am down to 1208.   Weight loss apps  do not reward one for success. 😒

Next year, rather than focusing on calories consumed, I am going to count calories used.  My main goal has always been more about health and wellness, than about losing weight – so it just makes sense to track (and expand) my level of activity.

Lately, I have been looking at different activities, how effective they are for increasing fitness, strength, flexibility, balance…. plus how effective they are at burning calories.

One such ‘activity’ that I have encountered in this search is coughing.  One cough should burn 1/2 to 2 calories.   Right now I am doing very well, and not coughing at night.  VERY Conservatively, if I calculate 10 coughs per hour, 15 hours per day – I should burn 54,000 calories a year which should result in a 15  pound weight loss.  Just for coughing!   In 2023, when I coughed continuously and violently day and night, I should have disappeared.  

Obviously, coughing will not be recorded on my Calories Used Diary, but it does make me wonder what else is at play here.  I am recording every calorie I consume – and obviously I am still here. 🙄

Once I have had my hernia surgery, I look forward to expanding my light weight exercises using the weight bench and guide on our treadmill. 💪

Daily Food Diary – Day 298

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Lunch:

(1) c pepper steak (150)

(1) c white rice (242)

(1) mini peanut butter cup (40)

(1) snack pack Reese’s pieces (67)

Snacks:

(36) oz water

(1) Mott’s Clamato Caesar (168)

(12) Lay’s lightly salted ripple chips (140)

Supper:

(1) serving chilli (190)

(2) all beef Top Dogs (240)

(2) Brazilian Cheese Rolls (249)

Total consumed calories: 1812

Total used calories: 383

(30) min walking (68)

(30) min treadmill (80)

(30) min yardwork (102)

(1) hr cleaning (134)

Total net calories: 1429

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1429 = 221 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 290 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 290 days since I began posting my Daily Food Diary! 💐

It has been Three Years and Eight Months since I began my Health and Fitness Journey.

During the time, there have been multiple setbacks – and just as many ‘get back ups‘. There have been many days of plodding through ‘another day in the life of’ and there have been many less  days of the ‘TA DA moments‘.

Yesterday, was one of the ‘Ta Da moments’ type of day.  Yesterday, I decided to up my weights from 5 pound dumbbells to 8 pounders.   I set out for the same routine – three sets of 10 reps of 8 exercises (with dancing to some classic rock tunes before, between, and after each set).  I wasn’t sure I could do it, but… I crushed it! TA DA!

It seems like a small victory, but reminded me of other victories over the years – like a ta da moment I had when I was struggling to overcome my anxiety a few years ago…

I had been struggling with anxiety for as long as I could remember.  In fact, my very first memory was one of sheer terror as I crossed a bridge with my mother and my much less anxious sister, Lorraine.  

This is a section of the original Source Swinging Bridge – chicken wire ‘railings‘ and a total width of maybe two feet?

I was no more than two years old and Lorraine was about five.  As I clung to my mother’s leg, Lorraine ran, skipped, and bounced across this flimsy excuse of a bridge.

At some point, I decided if I could conquer this bridge, I could overcome my lifetime of anxiety.   So, on our anniversary that year, Dan took me to Souris, Manitoba to confront my demons.

Thank God, the Town of Souris had retired the bridge from  hell with this much sturdier and stabler, one. 

I made a few trips back and forth on the new bridge, and while it wasn’t the challenge I was dreading, I took it as a win!

It wasn’t a complete ‘ah ha moment’.  I still have anxious thoughts and experiences on occasion, but I do have a new appreciation for bridges.  The act of crossing a bridge excites me now  – at least as long as it is a modern, stable bridge – and I am not crossing it with sister Lorraine. 😂

Daily Food Diary – Day 290

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) plain paratha (240)

(1) tbsp peanut butter (105)

(1) tbsp raspberry jam (50)

Snacks:

(1) pear (103)

(1/8) c mixed nuts (90)

(9) wine gums (158)

Supper:

(2 1/2) c spaghetti with meat sauce (718)

(2) Bick’s Baby Dill Pickles (10)

Total consumed calories: 1476

Total used calories: 466

(30) min walking (83)

(30) min aerobics (176)

(30) min light weights (73)

(1) hour house cleaning (135)

Total net calories: 1010

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1010 = 219 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 288 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 288 of my Daily Food Diary! 🥳

I  have a few things happening these days..

1) My food focus this month is on changing from our light summer barbecue diet to a heartier diet of winter comfort foods.   Last night, I used one of the pork tenderloins that we had bought to barbecue and serve on salad.   However, I roasted it in our small convection oven and served it with home fries, gravy, and steamed broccoli.  Very seasonal.  🙂

2) This morning, I walked Molly solo…

Molly

For the first few blocks all went well.  Molly was excellent – the image of those large mellow dogs that one sees out and about or in random photos on social media posts.

Anyway, Molly is just walking along, while I am scanning the vicinity for any potential issues. 

I catch a slight glimpse of a vehicle coming up behind us.   I glance down to Molly, just as it rolls to a stop beside us.  Molly lunges in front of me and attempts to catapult herself  through an open  window.  I am desperately holding her by her pinch collar and trying to drag her away from the vehicle.  When I finally, glance up I see daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Maddy  laughing and reaching out to her.  

I didn’t get that photo. 🤦

3)  Recently I went back to doing light weights three times a week. Since I am  waiting to have surgery to repair my epigastric hernia, I have been cautious – using only five pound weights.   Taking collagen supplements has increased my upper body strength to the point that I have  decided it was time to move back up to  eight pound weights.  Considering how long it had originally taken me to work my way up to five pounders (before collagen supplements), it seems amazing that they just aren’t doing it for me anymore. 💪😁

Daily Food Diary – Day 288

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) Eggo waffles (330)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(2) tbsp Maple syrup (104)

(2) PC bacon (87)

Snacks:

(1) c turkey broth (100)

(3/4) c Maple walnut ice cream (225)

(1) tbsp chocolate sauce (52)

(1) tbsp caramel sauce (52)

(1/8) c chopped walnuts (100)

(36) oz water

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(4) oz pork tenderloin (120)

(1 1/2) cup air fried French fries (173)

(1/4) c gravy (69)

(1) c broccoli (55)

(1) tsp butter (34)

Total consumed calories: 1573

Total used calories: 332

(30) min walking (83)

(30) min aerobics (176)

(30) min light weights (73)

Total net calories: 1241

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1241 = 12 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 280 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 280 of my Daily Food Diary! 🤩

I am running later than ever this morning, but feeling much better than yesterday. 

I started my day by taking  Molly for her walk solo.  While some of our garden plants took a hit from the frost earlier this week, it is amazing how green the grass and trees are around here. 

Molly and I walked around  the baseball diamonds across the street, before heading onto our regular route.  The entire park was as fresh and green as it was in June.  That is not at all typical for October in Saskatchewan!  But I will take it as long as it lasts.

The rest of my day will revolve around cooking our ham and baking pies for our Thanksgiving supper tomorrow. 

Some of the leaves are changing color on our street – but they are still on the trees.  Our lawn is looking better than it has all summer. 🙂

Daily Food Diary – Day 280

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) cinnamon eggos (330)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(2) tbsp Maple Syrup (104)

(2) slices bacon (87)

Lunch:

(1) c beef broth (31)

Snacks:

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

Supper:

(3) c Beef Stew (552)

(3/4) c Maple walnut ice cream (225)

(2) tbsp caramel sauce (105)

(1/8) c chopped walnuts (96)

Total consumed calories: 1782

Total used calories: 287

(30) min walking (53)

(30) min aerobics (176)

(30) min treadmill (59)

Total net calories: 1495

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1495 = 265 over 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 232 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 232 of my Daily Food Diary. 😄

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! ☺️💕

Daily Food Diary – Day 230 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 230 of my Daily Food Diary.  😎

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 comparable to a bumble bee.   I have stepped on a bumble bee.   I would NOT consider 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.

Daily Food Diary – Day 230

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) Eggo waffles (180)

(2) tsp butter (68)

(3) slices bacon (130)

(1 1/2) tablespoons maple syrup (78)

Snacks:

(10) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (250)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) Barbecue chicken drumsticks (270)

(1) Dinner salad: lettuce, onions,  cucumber, olives – green, tomato, radishes, pepper – red, sunflower seeds, dried fried onions (190)

(2) tbsp Vidalia Onion Dressing (100)

(12) oz carbonated water

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 193 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 193 of my Daily Food Diary.  Today is also SUNDAY. 

Being retired, one does not generally dwell on days of the week.  Sundays, or at least Sundays in our household,  have a unique flow to them.

This morning, I slept in until 7:00 AM.  I could have slept longer.  I was up at 3 AM dealing with a coughing fit that refused to pass.  Dan was up early, dealing with Molly. So there was no good reason why I had to get up.  Alas, Molly felt otherwise. 

Morning Breath!

I was up at seven, and by eight we were heading out for our morning walk.   Even in a neighbourhood surrounded by major roadways, Sunday morning walks are peaceful.   This morning, we detoured through two parks.  We were surrounded by nature and sunshine. 🤗

When we got back home, we whipped up a quick Sunday morning breakfast.  By the time we finished eating, it was time for Dan to head out to pick up granddaughter Maddy to take her to work – another Sunday morning ritual in our lives. 💓

I gave Molly her Sunday pig’s ear.  Being primarily cartilage, it is a great source of collagen for her – and one of her favourite treats.

I headed outdoors to my personal retreat, to write my daily blog and soak in the sounds of Sunday – from the water feature in our pond, to the birds, to the muffled sounds of traffic in a city slowly coming to life.

Daily Food Diary – Day 193

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) oz roast beef (109)

(12) French fries (120)

(1) c broccoli (60)

(4) tbsp gravy (20)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(10) chicken wing flats (425)

(6) multigrain crackers (180)

(6) vegetable thins (40)

(2) c raw vegetables – cucumber, mini carrots, cauliflower, radishes, broccoli (100)

(2) tbsp Frank’s honey garlic sauce (40)

(1) tbsp Dilly Dip (80)

Total net calories: 1209

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1209 = 20 under 👍

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

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 177 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

This is Day 177 of my Daily Food Diary! 💃

Yesterday was a pretty good  day for me.  Not food goal wise… But good as days go!

Molly and I took our morning walk alone as Dan was busy getting ready to head out for a round of golf.   We did pretty good on our own, although it is always better when Dan is with us and I know he has our backs  (water, back up collar, poop bags….  👍).  He was particularly missed when Molly and I were walking the grassy path between the railroad tracks and McKinley Street and Molly screeched to a sudden stop to pee.  I didn’t catapult over her, but I was startled.  We had another (long) moment when we were cutting through the ball diamonds to come home and Molly saw friends of hers at the dogpark (across the water channel).  I thought I might be going for a swim, but I  managed to hold onto her collar and drag her until she decided to continue our walk. 🤦

After we got home, I did my aerobic workout and had my lunch before Maddy & Prim called.  They were at the Regent Pool (by the dogpark) and were looking to come for a visit.  It was their first day of summer holidays so I was pretty excited that they chose  to come and spend part of it with  Grandma. 💞

We had a good visit and the girls had toasted bacon and tomato sandwiches.   When the grandkids come over they often talk about visits and sleepovers that we had when they were younger.  They each have their own favourite memories.   The other day,  Prim told me that she mostly remembers the food we shared. 

Just as they were talking about heading home, our afternoon thunder storm hit.   They don’t live far but I drove them home before the worst of it hit.   Had they walked, they would have gotten drenched at the very least.

Maddy & Prim – heading into grades 10 an 8 when school resumes in September.
Maddy & Prim – back in the day, when Maddy was trying to make beautiful memories and Prim was excited about having  lunch. 😂

Daily Food Diary – Day 177

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39) (1 SVG)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

Lunch:

(2) eggs (168)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) slices back bacon (35)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) Mott’s caesar (168) (1 SVG)

(2) chicken drumsticks (152)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(2) servings asparagus (33) (2 SVG)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1) c Sidekicks Butter & Herbs (280)

(5) large garlic stuffed  olives (80) (1 SVG)

(1) serving butterscotch pudding cake (153)

(1) scoop ice cream (91)

(1) tbsp butterscotch sauce (65)

Total net calories: 1411

Net calories goal: 1238 – 1411 = 174 over

Fruits & vegetables: 5 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings

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

The plants in and around our yard are still struggling this year (despite the sun, rain, and lightening that we have been getting).  While the plants are small, the blossoms are huge.  🤷

Daily Food Diary – Day 149 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 149 of my Daily Food Diary and it is shaping up to be another beautiful sunny day in Saskatchewan.

I just got back from a nice walk around the neighborhood with Dan and Molly. 

I wanted Dan to take this picture so I could show off my new handy-dandy dog walking fanny pack.  I was laughing because Molly was looking at everything except  Dan and the camera.  She is photogenic but she will not pose.  😂

We are on a great round of visits from the grandkids.  Last night it was Prim’s turn.   We had monster chicken salads for supper  and she finished hers off  no problem.  After supper, she polished off a bowl of ice cream with fresh fruit.  She helped me with dishes 😊…. and we played cribbage.  Prim had never played before.  I have played a bit but not for at least two years.  Fortunately,  Grandpa Dan  was here to help us with the first couple of rounds.

And yes, Prim WON.  At least I got past the skunk line. 🙂

Yesterday, I wrote about my efforts to embody my core values.  I have been making a list to use in my daily “I AM” meditation.  I don’t expect everyone would agree with the values on my list.  I know some of these words could be questionable as values, but they are ‘valuable’ to me.   I know some are considered obsolete or a weakness in our society.   I don’t. 🙄 I know some would think there are important values missing.  I do keep adding to the list and some values are just not my values.

I’m always open to suggestions, if anyone has values to share in the comment section, please do!

Daily Food Diary – Day 149

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp olive oil (40) (.7 grams)

(2) slices back bacon (100) (1 gram)

(2) potato patties (240)

Snacks:

(72) oz water (it was very hot and dry outside yesterday)

(3/4) c French vanilla ice cream (208) (6.6 grams)

(2) tbsp chocolate sauce (105) (.2 grams)

(9) pecan halves (59)

Supper:

Grilled chicken salad:

(2) chicken thighs (228) (1.8 grams)

(1) tsp olive oil (40) (.7 grams)

(2) slices bacon (65) (1.6 grams)

(2 1/2)  c lettuce (15)

(1/2) tomato (11)

(2) radishes (1)

(1/4) c broccoli (10)

(2) green onions (16)

(2) tsp sunflower seeds (33) (.4 grams)

(1/5) c shredded cheese (72) (4.2 grams)

(3) tbsp dried fried onions (50) (1.7 grams)

(2) tbsp Vidalia Onion salad dressing (180) (1) gram

Total net calories: 1148

Net calorie goal: 1243 – 1148 = 96 under 👍

Total saturated fats: 19.9 grams

Saturated fats goal: 13.75 👎

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 77 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 77 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary.  That is 11 Weeks! By the time I knock off another 41 weeks, I might be addicted to this morning exercise and being mindful of what I consume on a regular basis.

Another thing I could easily become addicted to is getting out walking with Dan and Molly. 

Yesterday we ventured down to Waterfall Park.  Our temps were still well in the chilly range, there was yet another fresh layer of snow, and I was walking on an iffy ankle and a slightly wobbly knee.  But… The only hard part is taking the first step (after I put on my sweater, ski pants, boots, jacket, and gloves 🙄).

Once we got to the park, it was all good.  I took Molly’s lead and we made out fairly well.  My knee and ankle felt fine and we even ventured down an unfamiliar path.  It was not as groomed as our regular ones and there was a steep drop off of both sides – one side leading down to the creek.  Molly and I managed to both stay upright.    Dan caught sight of three dogs and a group of kids approaching, so he took Molly’s lead.  It was all good – until Molly’s collar came apart for some reason.   Dan was able to hold onto her while I got the collar back together.  It is a heavy duty pinch collar, with steel links that are almost impossible to take apart and to replace.  Apparently, it just takes the perfect move to slip it apart!  I lucked out getting it back together.

This shot was from a couple of days ago but shows Molly in her element.

The rest of the walk was uneventful. When we got home, Dan brought Molly in and made our tea.  I spent a few minutes shoveling our front walks before I joined them.  At the end of the day, my left knee was fine, my right ankle was fine – and my left foot had a weird kink in it.  It is still bothering me a bit this morning, but I am sure I can walk that off when we head out today.  🙂

Food Diary – Day 77

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (.3)

(1/2) Grapefruit (41) (.8)

(1) tsp sugar (16)

(1) Granola Bar (160) (3)

Lunch:

(24) oz water

(1/2) Beef burrito (308) (15)

Snacks:

(1) c Lemon Ginger tea

(25) Lay’s Classic chips (160) (2)

Supper:

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) lg. Taco Salad (520) (16)

(6) Hint of Lime chips (150) (2)

Total Calories: 1357

Total Protein: 39.1 grams

Daily Protein Goal: 46 to 58.5 grams

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