Daily Food Diary –  Day 329 of 365

Today is Day 329 of my Daily Food Diary! 😆

This morning we woke up to find our city shrouded in fog.  That seems to be the norm lately, more often that not.   I am not loving the high humidity, as it is one thing that triggers my asthma – and the one thing that I cannot control. 

8 A.M. this morning

Staying indoors does help, but it is 11 AM and the fog is still hanging on. 

Molly is not a happy camper.  Dan’s back went out a couple of days ago.   The pain is  easing off but he is not ready to take Molly for her walk.   It will be on me again, but we won’t get far if this fog does not ease up.

There is nothing sadder than a sad Pyrenees 😔

Other than the fog (and Dan’s back issue) , all is relatively well.   I have a couple of more wins to celebrate…

1) Yesterday, for the second day in a row I put together a passable healthy lunch for myself – raw vegetables, bacon, and crackers.

2) Plus,  I got in two workouts on top of my walk with Molly yesterday – light weights and treadmill

Also, not really a win for me, but definitely something to appreciate… I have spoken to granddaughter Genie.  If Grandpa is still struggling on the weekend, she will be able to detour out of her way and drive Maddy for work.  It is so nice that they are sisters, workmates, and the best of friends!

Genie training Maddy on the first day of her first job. (March 2024) 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 329

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) Granola bar (160)

Lunch:

(2) slices thick cut bacon (170)

(2 1/4) c raw vegetables (37)

(2) tbsp Dilly Dip (100)

(14)  crackers (128)

(48) Oz water

Supper:

(1) c cream of mushroom soup (200)

(1) Pan fried Ham, cheese, and onion wrap (382)

(2/3) maple walnut ice cream with chocolate sauce (303)

Total consumed calories: 1483

Total used calories: 280

(30) min walking (137)

(30) min treadmill (71)

(30) min light weights (71)

Total net calories: 1203

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1203 = 5 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 282 of 365

Today is Day 282 of my Daily Food Diary! 💝

Today is the day after we celebrated our family’s Thanksgiving (which is actually in a few days).

Being retired for five years now, I have gotten pretty comfortable with our quiet little life – generally Dan, our dog Molly, and I.  

Putting together a complete turkey supper for ten people, has become a tad outside my comfort zone – especially with the glitches and such that come with such an endeavour. 

As usual, people stepped up to help bring it all together.  The newlyweds (Genie and Alec) did MORE than their part –  making the salad and then doing the endless dishes and pots and pans after supper. Alec’s Mom, rolled up her sleeves and carved the turkey which Dan and I both appreciated!

Since our house was in order by the end of the evening, I spent this morning over at daughter Jennifer’s  – helping her to get their house tidied up before she heads back to work for the weekend.  🙂

This afternoon, I have kept busy making turkey broth and packaging cabbage rolls for the freezer.

Daily Food Diary Day 282

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(26) lightly frosted shreddies (200)

(1/4) c milk (28)

Lunch:

(1) c beef stew (184)

(24) oz water

Supper:

(3) oz dark turkey (175)

(1) c mashed potatoes (237)

(10) asparagus spears (33)

(3/4) c corn (105)

(1) Yorkshire pudding (100)

(1/2) c gravy (40)

(1) sour cabbage w/pork and rice roll (197)

(1) PC lemon meringue pie (303)

(3) oz red wine (75)

Total consumed calories: 1679

Total used calories: 608

(5) hours food prep/cooking (555)

(30) min walking (53)

Total net calories: 1071

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1071 = 158 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 281 of 365

Today is Day 281 of my Daily Food Diary! 🥳

Monday (October 13th) is our Canadian Thanksgiving.  Being the overachievers that we are, we are celebrating today! (Ok, some of us work this weekend so this just works better for our family.)  🙄

Dan and I started the day off early this morning with a walk for Molly.  I stopped enroute at Dollarama for a few things  that I needed.  Dan has already been back there plus he has made a trip to Superstore because I forgot we would need asparagus and corn yesterday when he did the last minute shopping. 🤦

I have the lemon meringue and pumpkin pies made, the turkey is stuffed and cooking, the ham is cooked and sliced, and Dan is in the process of making cabbage rolls.

Not picture perfect – but made with love! (Which is the most important ingredient)

I still have lots of food prep and setting up to go, plus my aerobics and treadmill – so best get back to work! 😊

Daily Food Diary – Day 281

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1 3/4) c Cheerios (249)

(1/4) c 2% milk (28)

Lunch:

(2) potato patties (240)

(1) tomato (22)

(3) slices back bacon (52)

Snacks:

(1) c hot lemon water

(1/2) c beef broth (16)

Supper:

(4 1/2) oz baked ham (163)

(1 1/2) c potato au gratin (300)

(3/4) c corn (105)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) side salad (253)

Total consumed calories: 1465

Total used calories: 302

(30) min walking (53)

(30) min aerobics (176)

(30) min light weights (73)

Total net calories: 1163

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1163 = 66 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 266 of 365

This is Day 266 of my Daily Food Diary! 😊

Yesterday we had a busy and productive day.  We got our garage reshingled.  I can’t see it from our yard but apparently it looks fine and with four experienced roofers it was finished in four hours.    Molly was relieved when they were gone.  She was  beside herself with anxiety while they were up there.  🤔

Back to her happy self 😊

Jennifer, Prim,  and I got a bit  of baking and a lot of visiting in yesterday.  Jen is supposed to return this afternoon for another round

This morning Dan, Molly, and I went for our morning walk.  That was uneventful.

When we got back, I sat down for a minute with my phone before starting this blog and then doing my aerobics and light weights.

I have no idea why, or where it came from, but I found myself going down some rabbit hole of a discussion regarding how today’s young mothers are much better  parents and people than my generation was/is. 

I remember when my eldest was about six months old and I felt likewise.  I am grateful that we did not have Facebook to memorialize my naivety back in those days. 

Like most parents since the beginning of time, I did my best.  Trying to compare how I did compared to my parents or my children? I would win some, I would lose some.  The world changes from one generation to another.  Parenting must  adapt,  even though the basic premise and core values remain the same.

They survived and turned out well enough. Our family is, and always will be, a work in progress.  As will theirs! 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 266

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

(1/4) c milk (28)

Snacks:

(10) Hint of Lime tortilla chips (250)

(1/2) c nacho cheese (160)

(2)  tbsp salsa (8)

(3/4) c Maple Walnut Ice cream (225)

(10) hazelnuts (88)

(1) tbsp chocolate sauce (52)

(1) tmst caramel sauce (130)

Supper:

(3) c dinner salad (190)

(3) chicken drumsticks (300)

Total consumed calories: 1581

Total used calories: 509

(30) min. Aerobics (176)

(30) min. Walking (53)

(30) min. Treadmill (55)

(2) hrs cooking (222)

Total net calories: 1581

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1072 = 158 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 263 of 365

Today is Day 263 of my Daily Food Diary! 💖

Today is Sunday and I am looking forward to a laid back day, much of which I intend to spend out in the gazebo reading and enjoying this beautiful, sunny, unseasonably warm day. 🌞💞

Yesterday was a fairly laid back day as well with a couple of notable exceptions.

Late in the evening, our granddaughters Maddy & Genie,  stopped by for a quick visit and a little quality time with Molly. 

They also dropped off a couple of candles that daughter Jen picked up for me at Superstore.  They smell amazing!

The other notable moment for me was making a snack for Dan and I earlier in the day.   Not only did I open the new uncracked jar of cheese with my bare hands, but I also tore open the bag of Hint of Lime tortilla chips likewise! 💪  Since I began taking collagen supplements, less than three months ago, I cannot believe the difference they have made. 😊💖

Daily Food Diary – Day 263

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1/2) grapefruit (39)

(1/2) tsp sugar (8)

(1) granola bar (160)

Snacks:

(12) Hint of Lime chips (300)

(1/2) c nacho cheese w/salsa (172)

(1/4) c peanuts (240)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1 1/2) servings homemade Hamburger Helper (615)

Total calories consumed: 1536

Total calories used: 228

(30) min. Walking (53)

(30) min. Aerobics (176)

Total Net calories1308

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1308 = 78 over 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 249 of 365

Today is Day 249 of my Daily Food Diary! 🥳

Today is also Sunday September 7th.  I am on my 5th day of my latest round of antibiotics and oral steroids.  I am feeling pretty decent – helped no doubt by the solid sleep that I have been getting for the past couple of nights.

All things considered, my only major issue today is that I destroyed my glasses this morning.  I am pretty much blind without them so that’s not good.   I do have one older pair that I can wear until I get replacements but they are single vision glasses AND the only time that they did not make me look goofy was when I tried them on in the optometrist’s office. 🤦 Fortunately, as long as I avoid mirrors I don’t have to see myself. 😊

Maybe I have them upside down? They are Versace frames, so great quality,  but they just don’t suit me. 🙄
Molly is having a GREAT weekend.  Yesterday, Jen and Maddy were here for an hour AND this morning Genie came by to join Molly & Grandpa for their morning walk.   (Genie took the photo)

Daily Food Diary – Day 249

Breakfast:

(1) c Coffee (2)

(1) c Honey Nut Cheerios (147)

(1/4) c 2% milk (28)

Lunch:

(1) Harvest All Beef Wiener (150)

(1) No Name Low Salt Ripple Chips (130)

Snacks:

(1/2) c Home made chicken broth (27)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) Extra Large homemade quesadilla (861)

(3) tbsp salsa (12)

Total consumed calories: 1357

Total used calories: 243

(30) minutes housecleaning (67)

(1) hour gardening (176)

Total net calories: 1114

Net calories goal: 1229 – 1114 = 116 under 👍

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 240 of 365

Today  is Day 240 of my Daily Food Diary! 🥳

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! ☺️💗

Daily Food Diary – Day 167 of 365

It is 167 Days since I started posting my Daily Food Diary.  

Yesterday was NOT my best effort when it came to maintaining a healthy diet.  My last few days haven’t been a great effort. But, like everything else in life, I got to decide and I decided to ‘take a break’ rather than make health and wellness my top priority.

I can’t say it was a great decision.   Travelling for a number of hours is hard on my lungs.  I  do not move enough to keep my lungs clear.  Traveling through forest fire smoke, to an  area  enveloped in  forest fire smoke  for a few days,  was not good.  Being negligent  about clearing my lungs, doing my aerobics,  and managing my diet was on me.  But… I stayed accountable and I  take responsibility for the consequences of the decisions I made.

I cannot change the decisions I made, but I can and will get back on track.  And… I will  be prepared to make better choices the next time we go away.  There are some things I cannot control (like forest fire smoke).   I can eat better, do my aerobics and lung clearing, and plan stops for moving around during our trips – even if that means having to do occasional  walkthroughs at malls or big box stores, to avoid smoke or inclement weather.

Despite everything, we had a good week, quality time with family, and we are back home happy for the memories we made.

First time on a trampoline – just standing up was a win.
And first time on a zipline.
Molly wallowing in the attention of Lucas and friend Emily. 
Dan and Amanda’s deck.  The gazebo holds a huge round gas firepit, next is the lounging area, and the bottom area is the dining area.  The original deck, to the side of the house, houses the hot tub, barbecue, smoker, and flat grille.  

Everything at Dan and Amanda’s is designed to keep their family active and to entertain visitors.  The kids have their zipline and trampoline, a geodesic climbing structure, and a wooden playhouse with a slide leading down to their sandbox.  Their above ground pool needs to be replaced this year.  Dan and Amanda  are in the process  of designing an addition to their deck to build  in the new pool. 

As much as it is all pretty impressive, nothing is designed to impress.  Everything indoors and out is built to be functional (and fun).  

Daily Food Diary – Day 167

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) c Cheerios (147)

(1/4) c 2 % milk (28)

(1/2) slice home cured & smoked bacon  (42)

Lunch:

(1) Arby’s Dbl roast beef (no bun) (200)

(1) tbsp Horsey sauce (60)

(1/2) Arby’s crinkle cut fries (265)

(1) Arby’s gravy (35)

Snacks:

(60) oz water

(1) waffle sundae w/ chocolate sauce (450)

(1/4) c mixed nuts (180)

(25) lightly salted ripple chips (270)

Total Net Calories: 1680

Net calorie goal: 1238 – 1680 = 442 over 👎

Total fruits & vegetables: 0 servings

Fruit and vegetable goal: 7 servings

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

I had expected more noticeable growth to our plants when we got back – but they are all alive and the flowers, tomatoes, and peppers are blooming. 😊

Daily Food Diary – Day 130 of 365

It is 130 Days since I started my Daily Food Diary!  🎉

It is also Mother’s Day 2025.  This is me, ready for a beautiful relaxing day.  I just bought myself a new summer dress to lounge around in on days like this – and you will note that I do own a real pair of shoes!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Best parenting advice EVER. 

My favourite thing always is my family.  My favourite thing lately is seeing my family putting more focus on their health and fitness.   (I like to think that my own efforts over the past three years have helped steer them in that direction.) 🤗

Daily Food Diary – Day 130

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) slice low sodium ham (50) (.7 grams)

(1) egg (80) (1.5 grams)

(2) potato patties (240)

(54) oz water

Supper:

Caesar salad:

(2) oz shredded Habanero cheese (223) (10.2 grams)

(4) oz shredded mozzarella (168) (7.4 grams)

(3) oz. Chicken breast (140) (.9 grams)

(2) slices bacon (87) (2.2 grams)

(2 1/2) c lettuce (15)

(1/2) red onion (15)

(4) tbsp dried fried onions (67) (2.2 grams)

(3) tbsp Caesar Dressing (240) (2.2 grams)

Total net calories: 1149

Net calorie goal: 1243 – 1149 = 94 under 👍

Total saturated fats: 27.2 grams

Saturated fats goal: 13.75 grams 👎

My saturated fats were a big miss yesterday. To be honest, it would have been worse if I wasn’t on the meds for my bronchitis.  I was in a mood for ice cream after supper last night but I can’t eat for two hours before taking my antibiotics AND I cannot go to bed for at least an hour after I take them.  So… Ice cream at 8 pm just wasn’t doable. 😕🍧

Daily Food Diary – Day 109 of 365

Today  is Day 109 of my Daily Food Diary. 

Today is also Easter Sunday.  Happy Easter to you and yours! I hope you are having a special day.   Our weather is sunny and warm which makes for a special day for us.  Son Dan calling a few minutes ago, made this day even more special!

Today ALSO marks the twelfth anniversary since my Mother passed away.  (Hence the yellow flowers, which were her favourite).

My mother was not perfect, and as often is the case with mother daughter relationships, ours was not perfect.  (I’m not sure if this is true with most, but in my case I think I resented the fact that she made mothering look so darn easy!)  The cooking, baking, sewing, cleaning, home making and mothering in general.  She made it look too  easy.  For the record it isn’t! It is hard work and takes more skill and talent than I ever possessed.  🙄

Mother’s greatest skills shone in the kitchen.  It wasn’t just that she managed to prepare delicious meals, year round, on a very tight budget.  It wasn’t that she prepared a feast for EVERY single holiday.  It was that on top of all that, my mother was way ahead of her time when it came to serving up healthy, nutritious food at every meal she prepared.

My mother was born in 1918.  She was third eldest, in a family of ten – seven boys and three girls.  Mother obviously did her share of cooking, cleaning, laundry, and the like.  Growing up (on a farm no less) there was always plenty of experience to be had.  Growing up through the Dirty Thirties, taught her all about doing it all  on a tight budget.

When my Mother grew up,  she went to work as a cook’s assistant  at the Gravelbourg Hospital.  There, under the careful watch of the Catholic Nuns who ran the kitchen, Mother learned all about cooking healthy meals and baking appetizing deserts.   In those days, feeding patients nutritious, strength building foods was a thing.  The meals that patients were fed, were considered as important as the medicines that they were given and the medical procedures that they underwent.

My mother learned a lot about preparing and serving healthy meals in her time working in the hospital kitchen.  Over the years, we were fortunate that she used this  knowledge and skill to nourish us and ultimately our families.

That will always be remembered – and it will always be appreciated. 🌻💞

Eleanor Martel – 1918 to 2013 💞

Daily Food Diary – Day 109

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2) (4.7 mg)

(15) tater tots (233) (333 mg)

(1) sausage patty (190) (430) (1)

Snacks:

(1) c cranberry tea

(1/4) c unsalted peanuts (160)

(46) oz water

Supper:

(8) oz cap off grilling steak (600) (110 mg)

(3) oz russet potato (79) (8.6 mg)

(2) tsp butter (69) (63.3 mg)

(15) Asparagus spears (49) (31.5 mg)

(1/2) c mushrooms (22) (1.6 mg)

(1/4) c green olives (10)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) tbsp Kraft Hickory BBQ sauce (25)  (215 mg) (5 grams)

Total Net Calories: 1375

Net calorie goal: 1255 – 1375 = 120 over 👎

Total Processed Sugar: 6 grams

Processed sugar goal: < 25 grams 👍

Total Sodium: 1197.7 mg

Sodium goal: 1500 to 2300 mg 👍

* A win for sodium and processed sugar by health guideline standards, but a true win for me and my lungs is 0 Grams of processed sugar!   I am not happy with Kraft for putting  the  five grams of sugar in the barbecue sauce, or for myself for not noticing it.  I seldom use condiments and neither Dan or I typically use barbecue sauce.  We keep it for company, and I just grabbed it last night, thinking it would be quick and easy. 🤦

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