Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

It is Sunday ….

Overcast and raining.

My nephew leaves later this afternoon and my sister arrived about 4:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon.

We have been enjoying our time together.

This is what my nephew and I did yesterday around noon.

Bright sunny day ….

The pergola came down.

At the end near the back door it was beginning to split and I was afraid it would come crashing down.

It was very poorly constructed as we found out once we decided to take it down.

The deck looks bigger and is so open.

There are the four corner posts remaining and I will remove them once I have a proper saw but for now they are solid.

 

We had pizza for supper …. nice and easy.

 

Well today is our family get together and belated birthday celebration for me.

So time to get cooking.

I am making potato salad and chicken (deep fried, chicken breast) and some vegetables and that cake.

That beautiful carrot cake.

 

Also I am going on a road trip with my sister and daughter leaving tomorrow morning.

My sister and I will take Alvin to my daughter’s where we will change vehicles.

Alvin will stay with my son-in-law while we are away.

So excited for our second annual girls road trip.

 

While I am away …. I will not be writing this blog.

So will have lots of stories and photos to share upon my return.

Have a great next few days.

 

 

 

Travelling along life’s path with kindness and respect, that is how I roll.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Advertisements

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Partially sunny skies this Saturday morning.

Alvin and I are trying to be quiet as my nephew sleeps.

He arrived about 8:30 p.m. last night and is leaving today for work a few hours from Edmonton.

My sister sent me a text about 35 minutes ago and she is on her way.

To be honest I could not sleep last night thinking about my sister and some other stuff.

Sometimes the excitement just cannot be quietened.

I did however fall to sleep just as the 5:00 a.m. alarm went off on my phone.

ARGH.

Oh well, I will sleep good tonight for sure.

I hope that the weather is good for her trip and the construction does not slow her down too much.

My nephew reported some highway construction along the way.

 

We had a call from Teddy’s Mom asking if he could possibly spend the day with us.

How could I say “no.”

So Master Teddy will be spending the day with us.

My sister will arrive at some point this afternoon.

She promised to check in along the way when she takes a break.

It is a long drive by yourself.

 

I think that coffee will do the trick this morning.

Will be putting on the coffee after this post.

Alvin has been surprisingly quiet this morning.

He did stop and lay down by the bedroom door where my nephew is sleeping.

You should have heard him last night …. so excited to see him.

Took him awhile to just relax.

 

At first I did not see the trees moving but alas I do see that there is a breeze.

Well I only have a couple of things to do before the arrival of my SIS.

But I want things to be perfect or close to it.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Oh, the birthday cake was delivered yesterday and it is beautiful.

Cannot wait till Sunday to have a piece.

Part of the cake will go with us to see our brother for late birthday celebration for him and me.

Yesterday I coloured my hair, not something I do on a regular basis.

I was playing with the filters on my phone and took this photo.

Normally I am not a fan of my own pictures NOR am I one of those folks who do “selfies” at every turn of the clock.

Like almost NEVER!

But I kind of like this one so am sharing.

 

Perhaps will add a few more photos from my birthday adventure to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

If you are ever in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada …. you really do need to visit these amazing gardens.

More photos from the AGA KHAN Garden.

Spectacular ….

There will be more floral photos to follow.

 

 

Remembering always kindness and respect start and end each day.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, welcome to a cloudy, rainy morning in Edmonton.

There were some breaks in the clouds earlier but now it is raining.

 

Well one more sleep until my sister arrives but I had a surprise phone call last night.

Her son is on his way to work and will be stopping in to break up the drive.

So he will be staying with us tonight.

He will leave in the early morning and then my sister will arrive sometime in the afternoon.

YAY …. so excited.

 

Alvin is not pleased with me at the moment as I put a few drops in one of his ear.

As he does not like me cleaning them …. even by placing a few drops in each ear will help clean them.

ONe more ear to go.

Will have to sneak up on him.

He is so smart seeing me bring the bottle with me into the office.

 

Well this vacation has been great thus far.

Yesterday I cleaned the upstairs and now only have the floors to wash on the main floor.

I wanted to leave that until tomorrow morning so they are freshly clean when my sister arrives.

I do wipe off Alvin’s paws when he comes in from outside …. most of the time but sometimes he runs by me and I just let him go.

He does not like having his paws touched even though I am gentle.

 

At this very moment it feels like all is well with the world.

I wish this to be true.

For one moment if there were no suffering, no death or destruction, no wars only JOY.

Just for one moment worldwide.

That would be so wonderful.

A place to build …. a moment in time.

 

Time to get this day going.

Nice to have a few moments to collect one’s thoughts and just be still.

We should all take a few minutes each and every day to just be … to be just be still.

I am in my office …. with my Alvin …. in my happy space.

 

Happy Friday.

 

 

Kindness and Respect give us hope for a better today.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, good morning.

The sky was bright blue a few hours ago but has started to fill with rain clouds.

Yesterday was a brilliant day filled with lots of beautiful sunshine.

Everyone in my neighbour was out walking throughout the day.

You could hear the children playing outside through the open windows.

Alvin and I enjoyed a walk but waited until after supper.

I finally finished hanging up photos and memorabilia on my bulletin boards.

So nice to have that done.

Now the last part to be done in this room is the closet but it will likely wait.

I haven’t quite decided on how I want it to be so will wait for now.

Yesterday washed the bedding for the spare room for my sister’s arrival on Saturday.

Also changed the bedroom around for something new.

Hung a couple of pictures/paintings on the wall and a scarf over the centre of the blind for a little extra something.

Vacuumed and washed the floor as well.

I think it looks great.

Today will finish the upstairs.

Bathrooms and rest of the floors including the office.

Then the upstairs is done.

There needs to be a trip to the grocery store for a few items.

A few loads of laundry ….. my bedding and more clothes.

Not only am preparing for my sister’s arrival but for our road trips next week.

We will be home and then gone, home and then gone.

The following Tuesday after that will be back to work.

I am enjoying this time at home.

Our summer in Edmonton has been well not summer-like.

Most days have been overcast and rain.

But on those days where the sun has been shining …. we are so happy.

I will say that even on the cloudy days …. life is good.

Right.

Although some days the temperatures have been downright “cool” …. it has been refreshing.

Last night when it was nice …. warm and sunny …. the mosquitoes were out in full force.

But that is summer.

Sometimes it is warm and sometimes it is not.

I am so grateful that there has been moisture and less watering.

I am so grateful for the sun when it shines.

I am grateful for vacation.

I am grateful for green instead of white.

 

Well only TWO more SLEEPS till my beautiful sister arrives.

So I had better get this show on the road.

A few things left to do.

 

If we treat ourselves with kindness and respect – it will transfer to others.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Flowers from last year.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, it is Wednesday half way through my first whole week of vacation.

The sun is shining and there is a breeze.

We were pooped this morning and even though we were up at 5:00, we laid back down on the sofa until 7:00 – Alvin had his breakfast and then back down until

9:00 a.m.

Now the guilt has arrived as it always does when one sleeps in …. should have been up doing things as I have a list a mile a long.

Oh, no I don’t because I did not write the list as yet.

My Sister arrives on Saturday and we are taking a couple of trips next weeks so there are tasks and chores that need to get done.

Not sure why sometimes I procrastinate but sometimes I do.

For some reason I do better when the deadline is close by.

But this time I am going to do better.

I will.

**************************

Yesterday was a fantastic day.

Weather was perfect.

My friend picked me up and we drove to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

This was my birthday gift and what a gift it was.

The garden in a forest.

240 acres with 80 acres of cultivated gardens, indoor showhouses, and 160 acres of natural areas including wetlands, woods, fens and meadows.

This is the gardens 60th Anniversary having been established in 1959.

The newest area is the Aga Khan Garden (2018).

Made possible through a $25 million gift from the Aga Khan back in 2009.

This garden is the only one of its kind on this continent.

When you arrive at the gardens the green takes your breath away and you feel a peace hover over your body.

The sky was overcast and when we first arrived it was cool but not cold.

Perfect for taking photos.

It was until we were eating a later lunch that the sun came out.

By that time we were at the Japanese Gardens and that was one area that I had already seen.

The whole area is absolutely breathtaking.

The AGA KHAN gardens were amazing.

I took almost 500 photos yesterday and ran the phone battery down to 1%.

That was a first for me.

There will be no way that I can show you every photo that I took but I will show you some for sure.

If you google AGA KHAN you can read all about this fascinating man.

Very interesting.

Edmonton is so lucky.

This pool “the woodland bagh” reflects the forest canopy and sky in its still waters and is the first introduction to water in the AKGA.

The Amphitheatre built in an existing woodland bowl, taking advantage of the natural acoustics.

You can see the Talar – the upper terrace with the bright orange canopies which were selected to contrast the surrounding dark greenery.

The Chowk – lower terrace with fountain wall

The fountain at the centre of the Talar acts as the heart of the AKGA

This is the top of the fountain.

Pathway – stepping stones across the fountain.

Well it has taken me over 1.5 hours to get this far ….

So perhaps some photos will share another day.

It was an extra special day …. just walking and spending time with my friend.

The flowers were so beautiful and I have likely about 300 photos of flowers from the day.

Lunch was enjoyable and at the end after we checked out the butterfly enclosure we had an ice cream cone.

Great day.

Happy to get home to Alvin but happy to have had this day.

 

Kindness and Respect are all around us ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Need coffee ……. tomorrow morning …. not sleeping in …… argh.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Today is the day that I am going to see the Aga Khan Garden at the Devonian Gardens with a friend of mine.

So excited.

I can hardly wait to see the flowers, shrubs and trees.

I was just checking my messages and then happened to noticed that I am almost out of storage on my phone.

Not the greatest of timing especially when I plan to take lots of photos today.

The sky is overcast and it was raining overnight.

An umbrella and jacket will accompany me today.

There is some break up in the cloud cover.

I am sorry that Mr. Alvin cannot go along with us.

I think he would enjoy it.

 

Last night I snapped some photos of my flowers.

I just love taking close ups or any shots of my flowers or any flowers for that matter.

The vibrant colours of the flowers.

The odd angles and the softness.

Nature is wonderous.

These photos are of my back garden and flower pots on the deck.

None taken of the front.

There is a breeze as I can see the trees swaying in the distance from my office window.

 

Well time for a shower before we head out for our adventure at the Edmonton Devonian Gardens.

Should be so much fun.

Oh and coffee, as I sip on some of that deep golden nectar.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket.

 

I did start / begin to place photos on the bulletin boards but have decided that it is going to take a bit of time as I keep changing my mind.

Does not need to be filled overnight.

 

So grateful to be on vacation.

 

Treating others with kindness and respect brings one joy.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well here we are at Monday morning.

The sky is filled with dark blue rain clouds.

Sounds like they have forecasted rain for this day.

Tomorrow my friend is taking me to the Devonian Garden to check out the new Aga Khan Garden at the Devonian Gardens just a few minutes away from my home,

and just outside the City of Edmonton.

Alvin is curled up on his blue blanket beside my chair.

I would love to be curled up beside him as it is cool in the house this morning.

It was difficult to remove myself from under the blanket that I was covered with on the sofa.

But it is time to get up and at it.

Vacation day or not.

There are things to do.

Vacation has to be a good mix of work and play.

My sister comes in just 5 sleeps so the house has to be ready.

We are getting there.

Today is Alvin’s hair cut and bath day.

Tomorrow the Devonian Garden which is a birthday gift from my friend.

There is some cleaning, laundry, shopping to do before Saturday but there is time.

Some planning …..

Hopefully the sun will shine some more as I find it difficult to push myself into action especially with days to go.

I guess procrastination would be the word.

Making a list always helps, I find.

I am looking up at my beautiful bulletin boards.

Thinking of what should be displayed on them.

There are still finishing touches waiting.

This is where I shall end this post.

Things to do …. list to make.

 

Living each day with kindness and respect for myself and for others.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Oh my gosh the sun was shining every so brightly.

I snapped these photos from my bedroom window.

Just a few minutes ago.

Then I had barely left the room when I noticed the sky was darkening.

So now the sky out of my bedroom window looks like this:

To the south or out of my office window, it is much darker than to the north.

We will be going for a walk as soon as I am done this post.

Just in case.

We do not wish to miss our walks.

 

Today is the 57th birthday of my brother J.

WOW, seems like only yesterday he was 6 and then a teenager and then 50.

We texted as he is on an acreage and was about to go haying for the day.

Wishing them good weather.

 

Yesterday one of my friends hosted my birthday party.

I took the cupcakes and she had some lovely fresh fruit including cherries.

HEAVEN.

and Coffee, of course.

We laughed and caught up.

They spoiled me with birthday cards, the recent book that Michelle Obama penned, a toasty warm pullover for when I walk Mr. Alvin, a bright coloured tunic, shower gel from Bath & Body Works

and a beautiful scarf filled with hues of blues, pinks, black on white.

I am one lucky girl.

Happy Birthday sign on the door at my friend’s house – there were lots of other decorations.

Photos of gifts from my house …. wow ….

The above photo are treats from another friend who popped by night before last on my birthday.

I feel so incredibly blessed not for the gifts (which are so thoughtful) but to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Thank you.

Very grateful.

 

Also hung the bulletin boards in the office yesterday after the birthday party and a walk with Alvin and Teddy.

I have not taken photos as yet but I will and post them later.

Can hardly wait to display some photos and cards and other little items.

Looks so great.

 

Well time to fly.

The wind is getting up.

We want to walk before it rains.

Cannot believe these temperatures.

Pretty cool.

Oh well.

 

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

 

A kind heart and respectful nature – that’s all you really need.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Oh, me oh my, it is only me and Alvin.

The house does feel strangely quiet.

Yesterday we had Humphrey and Teddy.

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is Saturday, the day after …

I had a great 62nd Birthday.

Spent the day with Alvin and Humphrey.

Alvin and I had an early morning walk.

We pretty much lazed around the whole day long.

Listened to music and watched some television.

Sort of had a nap ….

My daughter came for supper and sweet treat.

My co-worker, the baker dropped off the sweet treats (photos coming).

Invited her for coffee …. we three girls had a great visit.

Here are some photos from my BIRTHDAY DAY.

The boys lazing around.

Nothing like mug of coffee and BISCOTTI

Humphrey in his favourite spot on the stairs.

Looks like I have a spot or two to repair … he did not chip the paint.

THE CUPCAKES

The green ones are:  Vanilla cupcakes with KEY LIME ICING and chocolate ornaments

The others are: Chocolate cupcakes with umbrellas and Teddy bears relaxing on the sand chocolate icing.

Only tried the Key Lime iced one and it was DELICIOUS.

This morning at another birthday bash I will have a chocolate one.

A friend and neighbour dropped by later in the evening with a lovely gift of shower gel, body lotion and a pumpkin apple candle ( I love that fragrance).

Snapped some photos of the boys.

A great day.

Now today one of my young friends is hosting a party for me.

We take turns.

I am taking some of the above cupcakes.

Special Special TREAT.

Humphrey is already in the house.

Teddy is coming this morning.

Almost time to hop into the shower and get dressed for the party.

Might have time to brew a mug of coffee before I leave ….

Lots of time.

Well it was a great BIRTHDAY.

Lots of birthday wishes via Facebook, phone calls from my siblings, a visit from my daughter and friends.

Hung out with two of my favourite fur boys: Alvin and Humphrey.

Does not get better than that.

 

Well time to fly.

Happy Happy Saturday.

 

 

A day filled with kindness and respect is a great day.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well today is Friday, August 9th, 2019.

It is the second day of my 2019 VACATION and

TODAY is my 62nd Birthday.

I will be spending the day with these guys:

Notice anything different about Humphrey?

No cone.

Alvin and I were out for a walk a little bit ago before we brought Humphrey over.

These were snapped at the park near our home.

Looks like my day might be overcast ….

But I know every cloud has a silver lining….

No I am not worried.

Well time to go and have my birthday COFFEE and breakfast.

Later will have coffee and BIRTHDAY BISCOTTI (treat from my friend V, thank you).

One of my coworkers does CAKES.

So I commissioned her to make me 24 cupcakes for today which I will share with family and friends.

I have asked for chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and vanilla cupcakes with key lime icing.

AND

Then my 3rd CARROT CAKE which will be delivered next Friday/Saturday when I will be having yet another party when my sister arrives.

Part of that cake will go with us to our brothers for yet another party.

This time will be celebrating his birthday and mine.

Lots of partying going on.

 

Well it feels like things are just getting better and better.

I am going with that thought.

Life is great.

I feel wonderful.

I am surrounded by thoughtful and caring and supportive family and friends.

Alvin is my constant companion.

I live in my own home, something I have wanted my whole life.

I am able to have flowers in my yard.

We have fur babies that visit us often.

I have two of the cutest grand pups ever.

Life is very very good.

Happy Birthday to me and also to HODA KOTB who shares this day with me.

I am the older between us.

I have a cousin who was born on my tenth birthday and some friends.

August 9th is a good day.

 

Time to fly…..

I guess this is one of the most recent photos of me ….. October 2018.

Perhaps time to take some more.

I like this one so it is a good one to share …..

 

Spread your kindness with respect and the world will be a great place to be.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey