Wellness Journey Update & Covid

 

Just a bit of an update on our journey to wellness....and ironically we are having spaghetti today!  We made changes to our diet....just about three weeks ago!  Both Mr. Seventies & I were feeling terrible...he was having stomach issues....and I was packing on the weight.

I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes five years ago...it should have been important to take better care of myself.  And I have two coronary stents and heart disease.  Diabetes & heart disease go hand in hand.  And both are genetic in my family DNA.  

We have been following a proper food plan...and I test my blood sugars daily (after not doing so for a couple of years).  I'm happy to report my levels are within the normal range for being diabetic...that in itself...is a miracle!  One I won't take for granted again.  Testing keeps me on track...and "honest" my doctor says.  White carbs are one of the culprits that can wreak havoc on my blood sugars...so everything is whole wheat...and we've cut back on those.  Potatoes is another issue...so 1-2 times a week is what I can tolerate. 

I've lost 9 lbs so far....and Mr. Seventies stomach problems have all but disappeared.  So...I think we are on the right track.  

Even with contracting Covid...I have managed to stay the course.  (Mr. Seventies still showing no symptoms and testing negative).  Other than isolating and not being able to walk daily...I'm still doing well.  I had a terrible, hacking cough...and a couple of nights where I was fevered & chills...but am thankful we had two vaccines and two boosters.  I suspect the outcome might have been worse had we not done so. 

Once my tests show negative for Covid....I'll feel comfortable getting out & about again.  Not to mention feeling better myself.  

Mr. Seventies plans to set the pool to drain!  We were in for quick dips yesterday...but the nights are going to cool down and it's a challenge to keep the water temperature warm enough....I prefer 25-26 degrees Celsius...and we won't be getting those temps from here on in. 

If I feel better after Labor Day....I plan to pack up summer clothes, bring out warmer wear....and go through my fall/Halloween decor and start to decorate.  I've been watching for potted Mums to go on sale...I'd like a couple for the steps. 

Have a safe & awesome Labor Day weekend!!  Enjoy your family & loved ones!!

Fall Is Approaching

 

My start to fall decor so far....

Showers in the forecast later today....and then temperatures look to be cooling down in the upcoming days and overnight.   Since battling this cold....I haven't felt like taking dips in the pool....once the nights cool off....it will be time to close it for the year.  

Corn is ready in the garden!  It's been a great growing season for it....cannot wait for that first delicious cob!

I did an online request over a week ago for consult with Home Depot regarding shutters for the kitchen...have had no response.  Usually, they send a representative with that department to take measurements and then place the order.  Like every other place...I'm sure Covid will be to blame.

I'll either pop into the store....or visit one of any number of the blind shops here to get the ball rolling...

I hope you've been having a great week so far!  Schools are prepping to open....teachers and staff head back to work tomorrow....students return after the long weekend.  

Many thanks for stopping by today!!  See you next month!!!

*UPDATE* - I tested positive this morning...(the 4th test taken the last few days).  I suspect, in the coming days Mr. Seventies will be positive as well.   It appears....I didn't have a cold after all!

Drop over to Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday.

Hallowe'en Goodness!!

Due to a miserable cold...I haven't felt much like anything the last few days! Mr. Seventies & I have  tested negative twice for Covid....so I guess it's a good old fashion summer cold!

The weather is predicting a few more hot days this week...looks like we'll be enjoying the pool into September!  Last week we had our grand baby for the afternoon and evening...our first stop was a local park...she had a great time on the swings and slides...and knows each letter of the alphabet randomly!  So smart this little one is....

We went for supper at a local spot...then to famous Cow's Ice Cream...where she loved her chocolate cone! Once bedtime came, she cuddled in with Grampie for a snuggle in the rocking chair...and was asleep in less than ten minutes!  

A friend advised Home Sense stocked their shelves to the max with Halloween decor....I popped in pre-cold to check it out!  And was not disappointed!   I love this stack of white pumpkins!!

A couple of adorable globes that played spooky music when turned on!

This throw is so adorable!  Reminds me of the Boo one I have in my stash!!  And that cute neon ghost!!

A couple of adorable cushions....I'm crushing on the dancing skeletons!

My friend picked up this adorable one for fall....she has gorgeous brand new leather furniture...and this is so cute tucked into one chair...

And Rae Dunn goodies finally making an appearance!  Been a long time coming... 

It was challenging not to pick up this one...it is one of my favourites!!

I came so close to buying this for the hearth!  It even lights up!  Remember I purchased the stack of pumpkins at Michaels for the hearth?  I contemplated hard whether I should get this instead....and return the pumpkins.  What do you think?  Leave a comment below & share your thoughts.....

This is another piece I had to reign myself in to keep from buying!!  Luv it!!!  

A few more pieces...and there was loads more...but it was all a bit overwhelming...even for me!  All equally awesome though!!

I showed great restraint and didn't buy anything!  I held fast to my promise (to myself) not to pick up more pieces until I go through what I have!  You can have too much of a good thing!  (can't believe I just typed that...)

My goal for the next day or two...is to recover from this cold....then get into some fall decorating!  Fresh corn on the cob will be ready in the coming days from our veggie garden...the evenings are cooler...and shorter now....

Be sure & check out Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday .  

And A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!   Lots of awesome bloggers sharing on both!

Thanks so much for stopping by & spending time with me!  Until next time.....

Hot August Days

We've been back into warm temperatures here the last few days....after a cool down for a couple of weeks. It appears summer is not done with us yet!

We've been having hotter temperatures here the last number of years....something that was uncommon when we moved here.  We've had hot days (for us) hitting the 30 degree C mark (close to 90 degrees F).  Very happy to enjoy the pool...and thankful to have the air conditioning in the house!  Today is forecast another warm one.

I won't be doing any fall decor inside until we get into September....but it is flying off the shelves here!  People love to decorate for fall!  While picking up a few things at the grocery store....I browsed their home goods section...came across a couple of cute wooden trucks....ready for fall...

Available in a couple of colours.....how cute are they?

I was really on the hunt for coffee mugs!  It's hard to find just the right size mugs I'm looking for...but found a couple of possible options...

I was surprised to discover not all mugs are microwave or dishwasher safe...and that is a must...all the ones I came across this trip were just that....

I picked up four that, while still a little bigger than I'd like...were suitable.  And fit the criteria...we are not big coffee drinkers (me...not at all)...tea is my hot beverage of choice!

There were also an assortment of candles....some single wick....others three wick...these two were my favourite scents....especially the pumpkin churro.  I have an assortment of new fall candles...so did not need to get any more....

And although I'm not in need or purchasing any fall clothes...when you come across a great sale too good to pass up...you give in, right?   This waffle knit piece is shown as a dress....but I plan to wear it as a light coverup during fall days.  And it was a steal of a deal at 30% off...plus I had $15 in rewards money....too good to pass up....

And this cosy vest....will be perfect over a hoodie when walking Liesel on the trails this fall....

Home Depot will be coming to do a consult & measure for shutters in the kitchen windows.  We removed the previous shades when painting the kitchen....and until houses went up being ours....we really didn't need anything for privacy.  Even now...because the windows are high...privacy isn't really too big an issue yet....but it's just a matter of time until houses are build directly behind us....a little closer.  And since we have white shutters through the house....we plan to continue them into the kitchen. 

Not certain how long it will take for them to measure, order, arrive or be installed...they way things have slowed down here with materials and time lines....

The plan is to enjoy the sun and heat...while it lasts.  August is slipping away...schools will be opening in a couple of weeks...and that signals summer has come to an end.  

Thanks for stopping by today... check out Between Naps on the Porch blog for  Metamorphosis Monday .

Its where I hang out on Mondays....and again at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!!

Wellness Journey-One Week In!

It's only been one week...but we are both feeling the positive effects of healthier eating!  And...as a life long professional "dieter"....never have I lost six pounds the first week!  Now....I don't expect that to happen every week....but it sure feels good.  Mr. Seventies...on the other hand....(who is not on this journey for weight loss)...gained one pound!   He is feeling so much better...no rich, high calorie fat filled foods!

And my blood sugars are right in line where they need to be....that in itself is amazing.  I'm testing daily to stay on track.

And...look what is coming in....just enough each couple of days to add to breakfast or snacks!

We've been enjoying fresh veggies from the garden...potatoes, green & yellow beans, spinach....and the peas are just about done.  The squash is flowering...and the corn is in tassel...looking forward to both when they are ready.

Showers today....looking like a warm few days coming up.  Should be some great pool weather!  

Just as we were about to head to bed last evening, Mr. Seventies had Liesel out for one last potty break...and a truck, with a bunch of hollering fools inside...struck and sent our neighbour's waste cart flying!  Either the driver aimed for it...or was distracted...when I heard the noice I assumed there was a collision at the intersection close to us.  No one was hurt...but for some reason we have not been advised...our cart collection day was Wednesday...and they are still not emptied two days later.  No indications as to why the delay....our neighbour is calling today to find out the issue.  

Everyone assumes we know...lol!  Carts all along our road have not been emptied.  Hopefully today.  With a parade going on, I presume rain or shine....traffic in the city will be a nightmare.  We'll avoid the roads...grand baby has her Covid vaccine today.  And like most places....we are seeing a shortage of Infant Tylenol.  Our little one is okay at the moment....let's hope this is a temporary situation.  She is unable to take Advil...due to a kidney issue...

And...after six months or more...the bushings for our SUV are in!  A worldwide shortage of them...go figure!  Doesn't affect the mechanics of the vehicle...just a bit noisy...and annoying.  Will be glad to have them installed. 

All pretty exciting stuff, I know!  Wishing everyone a great weekend!  

Marvin the Mummy Has Arrived!!

All fifteen glorious inches of him!!  He is huge...and I am obsessed!!  Just look at those adorable fangs!  I think I'm going to set a candle in his pumpkin...rather than candy we would snack on...still mulling that over.  Is he not so stinking cute??

And while I was meandering about the aisles at Michaels....(BOGO was on)...I spotted these cuties.  They officially weren't on BOGO....but the clerk rang them in as BOGO.... I got two for the price of one!

I have vowed not to pick up any more Hallowe'en decor...until I sort through my totes and reacquaint myself with what I have.

Doesn't mean I can't continue to browse though.  Although there must be an abundance of others who are buying it up....as things are flying off the shelves!  First thing I'm crushing on is this enamel cast iron baking dish...it is a generous size...and I love the creamy white....

And these pieces (I set them up like this)....rolled quickly out the door at Home Sense.  Wouldn't it be fun to be a stylist in a home decor store?  I'd do it free...I kind of already do.  Not sure they appreciate my talents....but whatever....

This piece was so heavy....I could barely lift it!  Considered it for our mantel...pretty certain it would fit...but need to measure...this is one solid wood piece....

An this stack of pumpkins is a solid weight as well...again...solid wood...has that primitive feel to it...

And just EEK!!  This piece is awesome...and would be perfect for sitting on a porch step....he is a generous size...

And I took notice of this wooden trunk....very similar to the one I use for a coffee table...the storage is awesome.  I purchased mine at Wicker Emporium...a few years back.  I went in to get it...as it was advertised on sale...only to discover it was no longer on sale.

And the owner would not budge & allow me to purchase it at the sale price.  Disappointed I left...browsed a couple more shops....and discovered I'd left my car keys on the counter....at Wicker Emporium.  Upon retrieving them...the owner saw me....and decided to allow me to purchase the trunk....for the sale price.   It was meant to be...had I not gone in for my keys....I wouldn't have it!!

This one is a bit more lightweight than mine...but still a great piece all the same....

I think I'm fall decor shopped out...but don't hold me to that!  I'm attempting to move on...and we have tickets...for a production of A Christmas Carol at a theatre in North Rustico....a resort community not too far from us.  Tickets were selling fast...happy we ordered ours in time.  It's a small theatre...and does not seat many.....we've seen a couple of productions pre-Covid....

Showers in the forecast for the next couple of days...then back into hot temperatures for a few days.  This is Old Home Week....a week long carnival, horse racing and huge parade on Friday...which signals to Islanders...summer has ended.  Like someone turns a light switch....and the days and nights cool off significantly....

So much so...they pushed the festivities back one week to keep the summer momentum going.  This is the first time since Covid it is being held again.  We had planned to take grand baby to the parade....but she has an immunization appointment at the same time....priorities....

Hope you have an awesome week where you are!  I'm happy to stopped by to spend a bit of time with me.   Until next time....

Fall Obsessed!!

Next to Christmas.....fall is my absolute favourite time of year!  Always has been....since I was a child.  I love cool, crisp temperatures...the leaves changing colours, warm, cosy sweaters and wraps...and walking the beautiful trails....

And fall decor!  There is something about nesting for fall that I love!  And this year is no exception...with the days being cooler.  I picked up a couple of Rae Dunn decor pieces...and saw some wonderful  pieces...I had to stroll around the store twice to take it all in!  

The assortment of place mats...these are a few of my favourites...

This colourful pumpkin set is my favourite!  I use a table runner....but was very tempted to grab these...

And speaking of table runners....crushing hard on this one.....love the fall leaves!  Once hung to photograph...a lady asked if I was going to purchase it....when I advised her I wasn't...she definately was!  Love when that happens!!

And cushions...finally!!  A good assortment....but too many shoppers about to get more than a couple of my favourite choices.  Sadly...they were fibre filled...but adorable nonetheless...

This just cracks me up!  If still available....I may just have to pick it up...

I have a thing for snow globes...and this one is adorable...Hallowe'en version....

I won't share all the fall home decor I saw on today's post..it was overwhelming...even for me!  And that is saying a lot.

I did snag a couple of pieces on Poshmark...even though I picked up a cauldron....I need this one in my life...it's the Rae Dunn large cauldron...and I still plan to fill with my clear balls for bubbles a brewing!!

And my gnome obsession continues....this guy will set on my counter....somewhere....I will find him a home...

Remember the craft evening my friend and I attended a few weeks back?  There were pieces we painted to put in the back of the truck that could be switched out.  I slid a couple of pumpkins in...

I'll end my shopping expedition here...but there is lots more to share!  And I hope to get out and about this week...as the stores continue to transition into fall.  Our weather has been up and down....showers...cloudy.....with a bit of sun mixed in.  We hope to have a few more days in the pool yet.  

As usual, on Monday I'll be sharing at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday.

I so enjoy reading all the amazing bloggers who join the blog party each week!  And the same with Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!  I hope to scope out some additional blog parties...I love seeing what other amazing things other bloggers are up to!  

If you know of any...leave a comment in the section below & I'll be sure to check them out!  Thanks so much for stopping by today...it's great having you here!

The Sassenach!!

If that is familiar to you....then you are my peeps!  Or an Outlander (obsessed) fan like me!!  The main male character in the series....has developed a blended Scottish whisky.  And it has never been available in Canada!  

Look what I have!  A bottle of The Sassenach whisky....in my home!  For me!!  My future son-in-law...(is there a time frame for that term...as it's been a minute since their engagement occurred.  Sorry....off track.)  The whisky is available in the UK where he is from....and he hand delivered a bottle to me!!  

I just want to admire it for a while!  Mr. Seventies & I are going to break the seal in October....for our 39th wedding anniversary.  *swoon*

We've had a dachshund decanter....filled with Cognac...for about 12 years that we've never opened!!  Maybe at Christmas?

We've had rain off and on all week...so no pool time!  At least the heat wave has ended...I suspect our hot days are over....but one never knows!

I found a gorgeous fall wreath for the front door!  At a good price as well....at where else...Home Sense...beautiful orange hydrangea!  

I won't hang it until September though....in my mind...it's still summer...

And a three pack of dish towels....can never have too many of them!  The front one I will display...and the other two I'll likely tuck away....as I have my "everyday" dish towels in a drawer...

Let's really push the seasons here!  But when you spot a good deal...you have to jump quickly.  I love me a pair of Ugg winter boots...but most are not waterproof!  But these ones are!!  And are so soft and cozy on the inside...

The soles are rubber...which gives better traction than non rubber soles...a must for this old gal!  I modelled them for Mr. Seventies....during the heat wave..wearing a bathing suit....he thought I'd lost my mind...hahaha....

Today I'm meeting my friend for lunch...and to give her the dragon fly I picked up!  She is a dragon fly fan....more so than me...and we've had dozens of them zipping around here!  And bees...endless buzzing bees I'm happy to say!  

Mr. Seventies & I were strolling around the gardens one evening....mindful of the hard working bees...and just look at this hydrangea blossom!  (there are three blossoms).  Simply stunning.  And only took 15 years to bloom....worth the wait...

This was as close as we could get to the Phlox (I had to zoom in)...how gorgeous are they?  My gardener is an amazing guy!!  Good thing I married him, right?

And on a more personal note...we have embarked on a "Wellness Journey"....(we are calling it).  We've had an amazing summer....eating willy nilly...too many sweets...and it's catching up with us.  Mr. Seventies has been having some real issues...(his heart is great...already been checked out)....but has stomach issues.  99.9% diet related.  Something had to change....

And me?  I've packed on waaaay too much weight...and have Type 2 diabetes, two coronary stents...and I won't bore you with the rest.  I haven't tested my blood sugars in months...(supposed to be done daily).  I bit the bullet and tested....and my levels are still within acceptable range!  I don't require medication...yet.  And want to keep it that way.  And will continue to test every day!

I was shocked...but so relieved.  It was definately a wake up call....for both of us.  Our health care system here is in a crisis...so we are trying to avoid two things.  Not getting sick or dying.  Because it is scary if either of those happen and you require medical attention!  

We are trying foods we've never eaten before...preparing our meals carefully, watching portions, drinking lots of water....and walking most evenings.  

I'll update from time to time as we move forward.  We are both committed....and once we make up our minds....we are pretty steadfast.  Here's hoping....

Home Sense was putting our fall decor...one clerk told me it's been sitting in the store room since July!  Girl...let me back there to shop!

Have an awesome weekend...and thanks for stopping by!!