What a full week we have had.  A new module was released on Monday with a focus on the addictive properties of food and sugar, understanding the six-month program and how to relate to your clients.  So much information, my head is full. One of my goals three years ago when I began my weight loss and health journey was to bring my sugar back to a normal range.  I am happy to report that I have done that.  In fact, all my numbers were in the normal range but that AIC of 5.4 was the one I was the happiest about.  So it can be done.

Topping it off we had/have a houseful.  We have settled into a nice routine with granddaughter and her activities.  I added a Yoga practice to my healing regime, and our daughters and friends arrived to celebrate Margot’s birthday on the 4th of July.   In addition, my 90 year old mother has arrived at her cottage which is just a mile and half from where we live. My sister brought her out from the city. My brother is in residence next door so it is that I see my whole family this weekend.  The house has been a beehive of activity.  People coming and going for almost a whole week and I love it.  Naps, however, are my best friend and I have enjoyed a number of them.  They keep me going and keep me enjoying all the fun and mayhem that abounds in a summer house on the lake.  Oh, did I mention, we have three dogs in residence and three cats.  Just try and imagine feeding time.

Everyone has become so thoughtful regarding food.  So much healthier than we have ever been before.  Many, many cooks abound in this family and all are focused on making healthy meals and making them taste and look delicious. Shopping for a houseful can be a challenge but we have managed to keep it under control.  And the laughs – so good for everyone.  Many happy memories this weekend.

Additionally the exercise quotient has gone way up. Daughter Katie has added a Fitbit to her life and is now in a friendly competition with my sister, my husband and me for the most steps in a week.  She is leading the pack right now.  Much to my amazement the first morning she was here I was leaving at 7:30 for my walk and who should I meet coming back from her walk?  She had gone out at 6:30 in the morning.

I know that the fact that I have been attending IIN for six months and they have been listening to and reading my words that some of it is sinking in.  The effect of my heart attack on me is one thing but it has affected them too.  Katie is on a mission to get healthy and the others have upped their game as well.  I am thrilled to see this focus and no longer feel as if I am the lone ranger trying to bring conscious eating into the family.  We all went to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday and came home with grass fed beef hamburger, farm fresh eggs, beautiful flowers, honey and the most delicious olives among other items.

My check up on Monday was good and the doctor seemed quite pleased with my recovery.  The big test will be in two weeks when I go back to Dartmouth to have the nuclear stress test and blood work.  I have heard that people who undergo the nuclear testing can set off the alarms at the border when crossing the border. I wonder if that will happen to me?  I will let you know.  This could add a little stress to my day perhaps.

We are learning that the quality of the calories we consume is very important.  More important in fact than the quantity of calories.  We eat very little packaged food in this household now.  We buy fresh when we can and we make our own food from scratch.  We did have a birthday cake and our nine-year old granddaughter made it from scratch.  It was delicious and a very special treat.  I love that everyone contributes.  We have been experimenting a bit with Libby as she has something called “chicken skin” which is very rough skin on her arms and legs.  I had read that this could be caused by a sensitivity to gluten so with her permission and cooperation we are removing gluten from her diet.  After 10 days her skin is noticeably softer and smoother.  She wants to continue and see if it will go away completely.

Grandson Jack is happily with his section at camp and is out on an eight day canoe trip right now.  He is in the front row, first on the left.  That smile could not be any bigger.  We miss him but know he is having a wonderful time.

My dog, Miss Q, has a strong herder instinct and when any of her pack leave she will patiently wait for their return.  The girls went out in the boat and did not take her with them.  John and I came home and found her guarding the dock as she watched for the boat to come back.  It had been a couple of hours.

Hope everyone had a wonderful July 1st in Canada and July 4th in the US.   Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

Louise