Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of February, 2019.

This month seems to be passing by in light speed.

Already we are half way through and was it not the 1st day just last week.

WOW, crazy.

 

As I look out of my office window the sky is a grey-white colour just a tone darker than the snow that is covering the ground and rooftops.

No snow overnight so that is good.

When I shovelled yesterday it was difficult to find a place, a spot to put the snow.

The deck and grassy area in my back yard have SNOWBANKS.

At the front, I am shovelling above my shoulders, which is not easy.

 

Last night Teddy and his Aunt J arrived about 3:30 p.m. for a visit before having supper with us.

Aunt J brought all of the fixings for a pretty much traditional Mexican taco meal right down to the limes.

It was fantastic.

I realized how much I love refried beans, so good.

Mexicans eat a lot of beans and they are so healthy for us.

We had a great visit and during our conversation I suddenly realized about the wildlife and their struggle for food this winter.

How can they find food when there is so much food.

Some folks are leaving out food for the wildlife.

Thankfully there are some berries on the trees for the birds.

But the pickings are slim.

We do not often think of the wildlife and their struggles between nature and man.

Without wildlife – I doubt we would continue to exist.

We would forever damage the balance, the natural order.

 

The evening was great.

The boys, Alvin and Teddy had fun.

Mostly just collapsing in each other’s company.

Isn’t that what friends do?

They are good just to be around each other, no fancy conversation or entertainment.

They did have chew treats and there are toys.

 

About 8:00 p.m. or so they left for home.

We had such a great afternoon/evening.

Great conversation and food.

I showed off some of the Steeped Tea as she loves tea and had heard all about it from her sister, Teddy’s Mom.

I was happy to give her some different teas to try.

 

The rest of the evening was quiet.

I finished off the few dishes that did not fit or belong in the dishwasher.

We just watched a bit of television before retiring to bed about 10:00 p.m.

 

Saturday was a great day.

I almost forgot that while I was out shovelling,  one of my neighbours happened to be on her way to her car when she saw me.

She came over and we had a brief chat before coming into the house so she could say hi to Alvin.

Which by the way is doing incredibly well.

 

My sister called but I will share this story next Saturday as it pertains to her birthday.

 

Today will be quiet.

Perhaps a bit of laundry and if warm enough we will end out this afternoon for a walk.

Maybe should check the temp this morning before it snows.

Hoping it does not snow.

 

What a weekend.

Fantastic pizza on Friday night.

Great Mexican food and company on Saturday.

We are only at the half way point.

What will Sunday have in store for us.

No plans but you never know.

 

Special Hello to: all our friends and family.  We love and appreciate you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Advertisements

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of February, 2019.

It is WARMER this morning than has been for a long while.

I just heard on the weather channel that this is the longest stretch of COLD weather in February for Edmonton in 30 years.

WOW, can you imagine that.

I was not living here at that time.

Anyway about 3-4 days and it we will have single digit temperatures for a couple of days.

It will feel like a tropical heat wave.

I can see folks out in their shorts for sure.

We are (not me) like that, you know.

Lots of snow overnight so have some shovelling in my forecast.

Supposed to snow starting at 7:00 a.m. however; it has not started as yet.

 

Yesterday at work I had a craving for a nice crunch cheesy pizza.

I had the taste in my mouth and when I mentioned it to a co-worker she had the same craving.

I asked her where the best pizza was in Edmonton and she said hands down “ROYAL PIZZA.”

So after I looked after Alvin after work – I set about finding a location which joyfully there was in my neighbourhood.

Not immediate but still close enough by.

So I ordered this – pizza sauce with pieces of crumbled Italian sausage, onions, mushroom and mozzarella cheese on top.

The CRUST was amazing.

I had to wait for one hour till about 7:00 p.m. as the driver said it hit 5:00 p.m. and all of a sudden they had 20 deliveries to make.

So they got behind.

The driver was so nice.

I will say this …. best $36.25 that I have ever spent.

Normally I do not order pizza or anything in for that matter.

But it was just one of those nights.

Perhaps all of this cold OR perhaps just a food memory that pushed me over the edge.

But well worth it.

So good, the taste was incredible.

A bit of crunch …. hard to explain.

But if you live in the Edmonton area …. I highly recommend this pizza place.

I was in heaven …. Alvin tried to join me but I told him “no pizza for you my boy.”

Instead he had broccoli.

This is the pizza that had me gaga …..

The corner piece, the first bite I took, actually was smaller than the photo shows.

But it was so GOOD.

BEST TREAT ever.

I am going to start treating myself once in awhile.

Of course, one cannot eat pizza every night.

 

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

Teddy and his Aunt J are coming this afternoon for a visit and staying for supper.

Aunt J is bringing the fixings for a TACO dinner.

So excited.

I am supplying the dessert.

It was supposed to be Maple Walnut frozen yogurt but sadly SAVEON was out so it is Dutch Chocolate.

Which is okay (I had a taste the other night).

 

Have an awesome day.

Always, no matter what, TREAT yourself.

It is especially important for us who live alone.

I know that I am not alone as I have Mr. Alvin but I mean without another human in the household.

Whether it is pizza or a movie or perhaps both.

Manicure or pedicure.

Treat yourself.

Take the time to pamper yourself within your budget.

Mine was pizza.

I loved it.

Feeling so spoiled.

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day to ME.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, my friend V and to all my girls out there and the boys, too.  Happy Saturday.  It is a GREAT day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of February, 2019.

Warming up?

Last night after work felt warmer.

Alvin and I had a great Valentine’s Day.

At work our immediate group exchanged Valentine’s & Treats.

There were everything from Cards and Chocolate to Pencils, Eraser, and Paper Airplanes.

Kinder surprise and Play-Doh.

Very cool.

On my way home I asked to be dropped off as I had some errands to do ….. picked up Valentine’s Cookies for Alvin and his BFF Teddy from the Bone & Biscuit and then SAVEON for groceries.

Teddy’s Aunt picked me and the groceries up.

I had written up a little card for Teddy from Alvin and gave her the card and the cookie that was in a little brown bag from the Bone & Biscuit.

Sounds like Teddy loved the cookie.

Poor Mr. Alvin had to wait for a bit before he got his cookie.

As I had several things to do before the big moment.

My Steeped Tea finally arrived so I wanted to sort the orders and be able to deliver them today to customers at work.

After Alvin had his supper ….. I gave him the cookie.

At first he seemed stumped as to what it was and then he began to lick the icing from the cookie and then it was done before you knew it.

Happy Valentine’s Day over for another year.

.

Here is the cookie that I picked up for Alvin and the same one for Teddy.

The shots with Alvin ended up being “action” and they are blurry, sorry.

We, er I mean Alvin did not sleep well last night.

Maybe it was the cookie or all the food he ate.

Likely had a tummy ache.

 

Well getting late here so I better run.

It was a good day yesterday and I am grateful that today is FRIDAY.

 

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: you and you and you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of February, 2019.

A cold morning once again.

But guess what?

Last night it was minus 20 with the windchill so Alvin and I put on our winter gear and headed out for a walk.

It was our first actual walk in about two weeks.

It felt so good and a bit cold.

We only went as far as the park as it was getting cold for Alvin’s paws.

But it was most enjoyable.

I feel lighter this morning.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate what we now refer to as Hearts Day.

A day to show love and affection with respect.

We are celebrating in our group at work.

Each of us decorated a paper bag much like some of us when we were children.

So much fun.

All week people have been dropping cards and goodies off into our bags.

Today the rest will deposit their treats and cards into our bags.

It was a good idea …. something fun amongst all of the work and “stuff.”

A rose for you

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to You and You and You.

May you be surrounded with love, respect and affection.

May I give you a little hug.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Take this day to show your “respect” to your class-mates, co-workers, family and friends.

We all need to be a little nicer, more compassionate and definitely show respect to each other.

Not only to our human counterparts but to all the creatures that roam this earth whether on land, sea or air.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

Time to don the winter garb and then on my way to work.

But have time for snuggles with my boy.

Thank you Mr. Alvin for being my wonderful, sweet, awesome companion.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, Happy Valentine’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 13th day of February, 2019.

Well another COLD morning out there.

You can smell the COLD, that sharpness that burns the nose when you breathe in.

A reminder to us all to ensure that our babies, our children, our pets and ourselves are dressed appropriately for this weather.

 

So on this day …. how about some photos….

They always make me feel better …..

We are in a cold snap that is breaking 20 + years records…..

So here we go….

Jewellery made by me for a wedding a few years ago.

 

Gotta love the colours the reflection made.

Alvin loves flowers.

Finding a place to showcase this piece…

Summer of 2009, my first summer here in Edmonton

Love blue skies.

Deck complete, what a beautiful sight. Now for the flowers…. FUN. 2010

Cookies, anyone?

More cards …..

This is what happens when you make things!!

More Easter Crafts

Soaking up the sun ….

Christmas Sugar Cookies, anyone ….

Biscotti, how I love thee.

Coffee, KONO coffee from Hawaii.

So good.

I hope that you enjoyed a break from the everyday ….

Flowers, puppies, nature, cookies, books and bling ….

Doesn’t get better than that.

 

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

Stay warm….

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of February, 2019.

Well forecast for next week shows minus teen numbers for temperatures.

What a heat wave is on the way.

Without the WINDCHILL effect that would certainly feel like summer compared to what is going on now.

Time will tell.

 

I miss our walks and just feel it is too dangerous for us to be out there walking.

Mind you it is getting dangerous in the house as we are really needing some fresh air and exercise.

Now I am lucky as at least I walk to the car in the morning and at night.

So I get what 20 steps in the fresh air ( being sarcastic ).

Not complaining about getting a ride that is for sure.

I am  over the MOON grateful to be in a carpool who picks me up at the door and drops me off at the door and all over again each day.

I am grateful that my “carpool” had a great vacation in Mexico.

So grateful and feeling so blessed.

 

I am over the MOON grateful that Mr. Alvin is healing nicely and hoping stitches come out perhaps this Saturday.

We are grateful for the furnace that heats our home and keeps toasty warm 24/7.

We are grateful to have clean water at the turn of a tap.

We are grateful to have good food to eat.

We are grateful to have family and friends who love us.

We are grateful to be alive, to live in this city, in this country on this planet.

I want to fill my life with gratitude so that there is no room for anything else.

Only positive energy.

 

Well time to go and do a couple more things before leaving for work.

Thank you for reading this post and my blog.

I am so grateful to have people interesting in my writing.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who is one of the hardest working people, women I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of February 2019.

Well back to work.

Have to leave Mr. Alvin alone now after four days at home with him.

I always love our time together.

The weather remains cold but now it is snowing.

I would like to make a correction to the name of one of the movies that I noted on my post yesterday.

It was The Incredibles 2 not The Invincibles 2.

When I realized that I had posted the wrong name, I felt very silly.

Not the end of the world, of course.

But still felt silly.

Correction done.

 

How are you doing today?

Feeling great and full of energy.

Ready to take on your world.

Ready to be the best YOU ever!

I hope that you have the most awesome Monday in recorded history.

 

Did you watch the Grammys last night?

I think that Alicia Keys did great.

Man, can she play the piano and sing!

Love, loved, loved Dolly Parton.

Great singer and song writer.

Probably one of the best song writers ever.

She has written so many of the greatest songs recorded.

Diana Ross, 75, are you kidding me?

She looks incredible …. and that dress.

Love her music.

MOTOWN, some of the best music ever.

I really enjoyed Lady Gaga singing Shallow from A Star is Born.

Can you imagine if Bradley Cooper was singing with her?

Off the charts, for sure.

I only watch until I heard all of the above so that was just after 8:30 p.m., I think.

 

Well “here we go again.”

I have had that song in my head and singing all morning.

Not sure if Alvin really appreciates my gift??? or not???

 

Wishing you a fantastic Monday filled with kindness, respect and always laughter.

We have to have laughter.

Always, a giggle or three.

 

Special Hello to: My Daughter, My Sister and My Dear Friend – thank you ladies, you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of February, 2019.

Another beautiful sunrise.

Clear blue sky.

The smoke is being blasted up through the chimneys as it floats up into the sky.

Another COLD morning, another COLD day.

Another day with no walking for Mr. Alvin.

Sure am looking forward to our first walk once the temperatures warm up.

I am pretty certain that he has CABIN FEVER.

Every once in a bit he grabs a toy and shakes it.

Then he is done.

I am happy to report that he is healing good.

I am certainly not a doctor but there is no swelling from the area where the cyst was removed.

YAY.

Tomorrow morning is going to be another storey as I have been leaving that dreaded cone off as I am supervising him.

He stood in a statue like position yesterday after I placed the cone over his head.

Followed by shaking and then crying.

I could not take it and removed it.

Will try again today.

Hopefully he will be better.

 

Last night Humphrey spent the evening with us.

He was quiet for the most part spending most of his time upstairs.

A couple of times it appeared like they wanted to play with each other but just could not figure out the logistics.

I watch the Invincibles 2 and BOOK CLUB.

First one I had not seen and was really good, who doesn’t love a good animated movie on a Saturday night and then BOOK CLUB, I just loved the movie.

There are not many movies out there with the majority of the cast over the age of 65.

So funny and well done.

That was our Saturday night.

 

Now it is Sunday and time to finish off my secret project (which I will explain later), go and check out Humphrey … feed him and fresh water and clean the litter box.

Home to put away laundry that has been drying

in the basement for a couple of days, lunch for tomorrow, clothes ready and whatever else needs to be done on a Sunday.

Likely better eat breakfast and have COFFEE at some point.

Have an awesome Sunday.

Keep warm.

Grammys on tonight with Alicia Keys, hosting.

Special Hello to:  my friends and family …. be safe and keep warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of February, 2019

Happy Birthday to my eldest nephew who turns 42 today.

Happy Birthday T.

 

The sun is coming up and the sky is clear.

COLD again outside.

Hoping it warms up soon so that we can go for a walk.

We are getting cabin fever.

 

Yesterday I worked on some projects …. one for Valentine’s Day as we are doing a little something at work.

Alvin is doing great.

Humphrey is coming over to spend some times with us today.

Back on with the cone.

I have been watching Alvin and he has not gone near his incision/stitches on his eye area.

But having a cat in the house and besides he will have to wear that dreadful cone when I go back to work.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Although poor animals that have to wear those plastic things …. why has not someone come up with something better.

Something more comfortable.

Humphrey has a more comfortable cone – made of a soft material.

It is not quite as big as the one that Alvin has and is not clear.

 

Well I had better get this show on the road.

Breakfast and coffee shortly.

 

We wish you a Happy Saturday.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to:  all those dogs and cats that have to wear those cones.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of February, 2019.

The sun is rising and is bright in the late early morning sky.

The sky is clear and blue.

We are in for another cold day.

 

Well Mr. Alvin had his surgery yesterday.

The growth on his eye was benign, which was such a massive relief.

His teeth were cleaned and polished needing NO extractions.

We were happy about that.

This is the second year in a row.

He had his vaccinations, nails trimmed and the anal gland checked (we call it the bum squeeze).

I received a call from the Vet Clinic about 12:45 p.m. that his surgery was over, gave me the above details and that he was just starting to come out of the sedative.

We negotiated the time he was to come home.

Said okay for 2:30 p.m.

I called my ride right away and then waited for the time to arrive.

It seemed like forever.

I just wanted my boy back home.

When 2:30 p.m. did roll around and my ride picked me up, I was ready.

Upon arriving at the clinic, first off, I gave them a “thank you” card from us.

Then one of the staff went over the post surgery care, the bill (which was $200 under the low side of the estimate).

I was also given some pain meds for him, one per day for the next seven.

I was very happy.

Finally one of the staff went to get Alvin …. it was like seeming someone after being apart for many years.

We ran to each other.

I will admit that he was perhaps a bit wobbly.

He had one of those dreaded CONES around his neck.

My heart fell on the floor for him.

We were both relieved to see each other.

Finally as it had seemed forever.

I had brought his winter coat and harness so we had to remove the cone before putting his things on.

Just in case he needed to pee when we got outside.

Didn’t have to go so into the car with my friend.

It was awkward with the cone but we managed.

When we got home I realized that the cone would have to come off in order to get his coat and harness off of him.

First things first, some water.  He had a good drink or two.

Cone on and cone off as we figured things out.

He had some food and gobbled it down with no ill effects.

He definitely was hungry.

He laid down beside me on the sofa.

I figured if I would keep an eagle eye on him …. the cone would stay off.

Even the post-surgery care stated it only had to be on when unsupervised and at bedtime.

I was not looking forward to that….

My daughter and son-in-law had stopped at COSTCO and picked us up a few things.

Stopping in for a few minutes before heading home to their babies.

For the evening as we shared the sofa …. the cone stayed off.

When we went to bed …. I placed it on.

He made some heavy sighs that meant he was not comfortable.

Finally he seemed to settle in only that did not last.

I ended up removing the cone and placing my hand on his paw to keep him from placing his paw on or near his eye.

Even in sleep.

Now that worked for awhile before I had to move.

I placed the cone back on in the middle of the night.

He moved about and finally did lay down on sheet that I had folded up for him and his cone.

Unfortunately it did not last.

So off came the CONE so we could sleep.

We came downstairs at 2:30 and he went outside to relieve himself.

Then we went back upstairs until about 6:00 a.m. and back downstairs.

He had breakfast and his pain med.

Then to the sofa where we both crashed until just after 8:00 a.m.

What a night we had.

He is once again resting on his blanket near me.

Time to get dressed and get on with this day.

Breakfast and COFFEE.

Thank you to all our friends for the “best wishes” and concerns of Alvin.

He is doing well and we are safe and sound in our warm home.

Just happy to be spending the day together.

 

I did manage to get some housework done yesterday after Alvin went for his surgery.

Cleaned the main floor …. vacuumed and washed the floor …. dusted and stuff.

Which will give me a quiet day …. perhaps do some laundry.

 

Time to go.

Have awesome Friday.

Sun higher in the sky …..

Coffee time…. 9:10 a.m.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

My boy yesterday afternoon just a short time after arriving home.

Oh, that dreaded cone.