Tag: saskatchewan

Daily Food Diary – Day 31 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Down one month – eleven to go! I have maintained and posted my Daily Food Diary for a solid month.  So far,  I haven’t really changed my diet, other than trying to drink more water and  avoiding mindless snacking.  I have experienced some benefits from the effort including losing a total of three pounds this month. 👍

In February, I am going to count calories.  I did count calories in the past and I’m not a big fan of doing it to control  calories.  It works, but at what nutritional cost? In my mind, it is rather a drastic measure when used for weight loss.  I’m not  actually looking for weight loss.  I am just working on maintaining a reasonable and healthy calorie count.   In future months I am going to focus on specific nutritional targets.

Yesterday, Dan and I celebrated the end of January by taking a hike through a couple of Regina’s best parks – Wascana Lake and Waterfall Park.   I love walking and when I can walk through nature with my favourite human and our Molly dog, that is my perfect  date. 

Wascana Lake
Waterfall Park

Obviously these photos were from my archives of summer pics.  Climbing icy  inclines and stumbling along snow packed trails, in frigid temps, while holding on to a hundred pound dog is not conducive to great photography.  It is fun, a challenging workout, and it must be good for developing balance.

Food Diary – Day 31

(1) c coffee

(1) c Shreddies with 1/4 c milk

(24) oz water

(2) ginger cookies

(1) c tea

(1/2) sm bowl mixed nuts

(20) oz water

(1/2) lg chicken pot pie made with puff pastry crust

** Dan made the chicken pot pie for supper and it was amazing.  It was filled with leftover roast chicken, onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, peas, potatoes, and gravy.

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 23 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

I’m back – and I will be back for another 342 days.  That’s a bit daunting, but it is getting to be a fairly locked in part of my morning routine – even when my day is anything but routine.

Yesterday morning I was on a mission to get blood tests done, which resulted in my going to the dogpark for the better part of an hour, eating soup for breakfast, and doing my morning workout at 2:30 in the afternoon.  My day, was definitely not routine, but I did get my Daily Food Diary blog posted so yay me! I can get it done.

Speaking of blood tests… I did get some of the results yesterday after.  So far, pretty good! Everything was within healthy limits except for my HbA1c/Total Hemoglobin which was 5.5.  Anything 5.5 to 5.9 is considered ‘risk to become pre-diabetic’.  I consider my 5.5 a fail but my last tests (three months ago) earned me a 5.6 so I have improved.  😊

Speaking of all things medical…  My Nurse Practitioner called yesterday.  She had reviewed the results from my hernia ultrasound and called to strongly advised me to see a surgeon.  After my incident a couple of weeks ago when I landed myself at Emerg, I was quick to agree, so she sent off a referral to a local surgical group.   To be honest, I would agree to anything Lara advised. She is that good!

Speaking of health in general… For the third day in a row, our temps were relatively moderate yesterday so I was able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.  Also, for the third night in a row, I was able to get through the night without coughing fits.  Post nasal drip is brutal at night, and drinking copious amounts of water during the daytime has done wonders for my sinuses.

This one was taken at our neighborhood dogpark.  The snow is much deeper this year and becoming an issue as the dogs can step over the fence.  (Molly may have done that the other day – and taken a friend with her. 🙄)

Food Diary – Day 23 of 365

(10) oz water

(1) sm bowl of leftover wonton soup

(1) pear

(1/2) c raspberries

(24) oz water

(1) c tea

(1/2) sm bowl of nuts

(24) oz water

(1/2) small tray of nachos

(12) oz carbonated water

(8) oz water

*** 78 ounces of water !!! 😳

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

Daily Food Diary – Day 14 of 365

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is day fourteen of my daily food journal so time to celebrate my two week anniversary! 🎉🎉🎉

This seems a good time to do a recap of my original intention and how things are going – to keep myself on track and to bring anyone who is late to the party up to speed. 

Me.. 69 going on 70, 5’1″, 132 pounds

I began my 365 day Daily Food Journal on January 1st.  My intention was to track my food and liquid intake, to keep ahead of any unhealthy food habits, and to build some better ones. I decided to share it on JetPack for accountability sake, which gives me that extra incentive needed to push through the year ahead.

My reason for embarking on this journey dates back a few months.  Despite being on a health and fitness journey for a couple of years and working out regularly, I failed to notice that I had gradually built up a pattern of eating a LOT of refined sugar.  

Eating a bizarre amount of sugar triggered my allergies/food intolerances – particularly to yeast and yeast related foods.  My allergies triggered my chronic sinus, lung, and digestive issues.  In short order, I was miserable – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and I was starting to cut back on my workouts and other healthy habits I had been developing.

It took a shockingly short amount of time to undo a lot of work I had been doing and to undermine benefits I had come to enjoy and expect.

Fortunately the first thing I looked at was my diet.  I saw my health practitioner to have a complete checkup with thorough blood, urine, and sputum testing to confirm my findings.  The next step was to set out on a path to resolve the situation – seriously cutting back on processed sugar! And finally to start this journal to ensure I didn’t wander off course in the months to come.

Since starting my daily journal, I have managed to cut out a fair amount of mindless snacking and  I have recognized (partly due to input from readers) that  I seriously need to work on drinking more water. 

(Lack of proper hydration was no doubt part of the problem when I started over indulging in the sugar.  Had I been flushing some of that sugar out of my system, I doubt that I would have experienced such a spectacular crash and burn.)

So here I am, back on track and working to stay there – with the help of my daily food journal and your much appreciated support and encouragement.

Food Diary – Day 14

(1) c coffee

(3) Crumpets with butter and raspberry jam

(3) 8 oz glasses of water

(1) c tea

(2/3) small bowl of mixed nuts

(2) sq dark chocolate

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) Dinner plate of roast beef with strong horseradish, potatoes and gravy, carrots, celery, and onions

(2) Chocolates

(1) Cup of tea

N.B…. I started the day strong with the water intake but went off the rails and ended up with 36 oz (28 oz short of my goal).  🙄

            Also, that super strong  Keg Horseradish did a great job of clearing my sinuses.  I read some promising articles about the nutritional values of horseradish last night so I plan to start using it regularly for a while to see if it can actually help me get my sinus issues under control once and for all.

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

We are still months away from summer flowers but we are already above freezing this morning so I’ll take it! January in Saskatchewan is not usually this kind.

2024

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2024, Health and Fitness

2024 has arrived in Saskatchewan with a blast of frigid weather.   We have been experiencing wind chills of -50 Celsius, snow and ice. I am fortunate to be retired and able to experience it from the comfort of our cozy little home. For all those who have no choice but to be out and about – it can and will only get better.

Is that a promise? 🙄

2023 was my ‘Groundhog Day’ of health and fitness.  Following my broken arm and multiple recurring respiratory issues, I finally have a handle on things.  I’m working out six days a week and on track to enjoying a fit and healthy 2024!

68 going on 69 💪

For me, 2023 was a year of setbacks, spinning wheels, and failing to get much accomplished (including regular posts on social media).   This, despite the fact that we had plenty happening, most of which was quite positive, and much of which I am excited to share – like Dan’s recent retirement!☺️ 🎉

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year and I look forward to doing a better job of sharing it – at least the highlights!

Take care, keep warm and have a great rest of the day! 💞🌞

June 1st Health & Fitness Update

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2023

Anyone who knows me here would think that I haven’t been here because I am busy working out, basking in the sunshine and fresh air, walking my dog Molly, and just living the good life….

Molly – walking herself at the off leash dog park.

No, you would be wrong.  I am sick again.   Sucking in Alberta wildfire smoke for a week with chronic lung issues was just a bad idea. Now I deal with a full-blown lung infection. (Sorry Alberta – not your fault. Although, if they can add additives to cigarettes and fabrics to make them fireproof, you could probably spray down your trees with something similar. Just saying. 🧐)

So, I am sick and it’s another setback to add to my journey – which is starting to look like a Saskatchewan construction zone.

Not all is lost! First of all, I’m pretty sure I had a lingering infection from my pre-Christmas respiratory flu extravaganza, so getting worse to the point of getting it actually cleared up is probably a good thing. And, I have time to focus on my recent diet change. It has only taken me three years to figure out my bloating, heartburn, and other digestive issues. After tons of blood tests and scans for everything from celiac disease to fatty liver – eureka – I have figured out that (like my daughter) I am allergic to baker’s yeast. I don’t usually eat that much bread and such, but three years ago when I retired I started having a couple of toasts for breakfast every morning – in addition to any other foods containing baker’s yeast that I was eating. I cut that out of my diet and the results have been amazing. But, I am discovering there are a lot of foods that have baker’s yeast in them – like KFC chicken 😯, panko crumbs, English muffins, the list goes on and on! Now, we are working on finding yeast free alternatives. Fortunately, husband Dan is being super accommodating and helpful. It’s kind of rough – but all around really good. 🤗

Also, I got right in to see my respiratory specialist and got the antibiotics and oral steroids to get my lungs cleared up. Yea for the quick appointment and for the meds of course.

Been through the good, the bad, the great, the sad here. (sounding kind of Dr Zeusy) Now we get to the downright weird.

My specialist also gave me requisitions for blood tests and x-rays that I needed done. OK, that’s fair. I went to my regular medi-clinic to get the x-rays done today. It is a physician’s office with an x-ray department. I made an appointment and they got me right in. 👍

I get to the clinic and from the front door to the reception desk there are FIVE signs (each one bigger than the last) that read “DO NOT ENTER MEDICAL CLINIC IF YOU ARE SICK OR FEELING ILL”. Wtf is this latest improvement to healthcare? Do not go to a health clinic if you are sick? Where would you like me to go? (Never mind… ) 🤦

I had a mask on, I strutted (snuck maybe) in, like the rebel I am and made it through reception and x-ray without being taken down or tossed out. Phew! (I might be found out when someone looks at my x-rays.)

That’s my update for this week – no workouts or work for that matter. Just ailing and healing. Again! 😢

We did have a nice little shower one day. 😂. Not really funny – the city was flooded pretty bad.

Have a great happy, healthy, sunny, day! 🌞💞🤗.

Week 35 – I’m Back!

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2022, Health and Fitness

After a week or so of questionable health issues, I have finally shaken off whatever was bothering me. The timing could not be better as yesterday we had our first blast of Saskatchewan winter. It was wet. It was windy. Fortunately, it was not terribly cold, with the temperature hovering at about the freezing point.

It was a perfect day to get out and practice some serious snow removal and to watch Molly zig, zag, and zoom through her first snow of the year. Unlike our little Kat who was not a fan of the white stuff, Molly loves the snow. She loves to slide around on our icy patios. AND… She loves to race into the house soaking wet and grinning ear to ear from her adventure.

As for my thirty five week update – I am back to my full workout, my meditation, and my weights (starting with the nine sets – again!). I didn’t walk Molly yesterday and today may be the same. We did get lots of outdoor exercise yesterday and there is more snow to move today, as it snowed off and on during the night. I am not sure how icy the streets and sidewalks to the park are, so we will have to see before I decide on a walk. By tomorrow, it should be safe enough, as we are due to see some sun and warmer temperatures that should clean things up to a safe level.

Genie and I did take Molly for a walk a few days ago, and for a run in the park. Genie put together a short video of our outing. It is a first effort, but she did catch a few of Molly’s runs!

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

Signs of Summer

by annemariedemyen, posted in June 2022

It has been a long time coming, but we are finally seeing  signs of Summer in Saskatchewan. 

These are a few of the photos I took yesterday while wandering around.   If I had a theme for our yard this year, I am not seeing it yet.   The bits and pieces of colour seem pretty random.

Wild Flowers surrounding the bird bath.
A Pansy
A Petunia blooming in the welcome basket.
Marigolds to keep mosquitos away.  We’ll see?
Petunias from Unique Garden Centre.
A Primrose for our granddaughter ‘Primrose’
More Pansies
A perennial we have had for years.  I have no idea what it is but I move it every few years and it blooms wherever it goes.
A Petunia overlooking the pond.  I am totally impressed with all of the petunias I started from seed this year.  😉

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

One Extreme to the Other

by annemariedemyen, posted in March 2022

I haven’t had much happening this week, so thought I would spare everyone the non-details.

We did get another foot or so of snow in the past few days. We are running out of place to put it – as is everyone else.

Front yard
Started shoveling out
Back yard – Kat’s path is a bit snowed under.
Seems like a good time to start seedlings.
Waiting to see some greenery…🙄

The snow is a lot deeper than it looks. It is the way the shots were taken. I got quite a few seeds started – mostly flowers but I did start a few peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Anyway, that’s the excitement in my life for now. Take care and have a great day!💞

February 11th – For the Love of Trees

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

Back in June of 2020, I shared a post dedicated to the trees around our neighbourhood. For my update today, I give you – more trees!

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2020/06/17/for-the-love-of-trees/

There is nothing more perfect than the beautiful imperfection of trees. 🌲

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

January 24th – Sunday Supper

by annemariedemyen, posted in Canadian Meal Options

The mercury took another major dip this morning.  It is a good day to stay inside and do laundry.  Unfortunately for Dan, we also need groceries so he is out into the cold and onto the icy roads to go shopping this morning.

With our weather as mild as it was yesterday, the snow on the patio packed down considerably before I got out to shovel a path for Kat.  Needless to say, it weighed a ton – and I have to throw it about six feet over a pile of snow to get it off the patio and onto the garden area. Kat got half her path cleaned, I got a sore shoulder, and it is what it is until until our weather moderates again.  🙂

Yesterday, being Sunday, seemed like a good day to make a real meal for supper.    I took out a generous  package of stewing beef to make gnocchi stew.  After defrosting the beef for a couple of hours, I realized we were out of gnocchi, so….. stuffed pork roast it was.

Spreading out the stuffing…
Rolled up and oven ready… (Have I mentioned I love our new stove?)
Making gravy – I only mention it because I really like my gravy mixer.  It came free on a bottle of wine, but it was worth the price of the wine.
Stuffed roast pork with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables – and another glass of the Pelee Island Merlot.

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