The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this rainy Saturday, July 2, 2022? Both Alvin and I are rested. You are likely wondering about that statement. So here is the story: last night we went to bed well after 10:00 closer to 10:30 and then I read for awhile. I do remember getting up once (me) to go to the bathroom and then back to bed, Mr. Alvin did not stir. The next time I looked at the time, it was 6:52 a.m., wow, can you believe it? I really had to look at the time more than once. It was not until I got up that the boy stirred. Up, he had his food and “medicine” and we went outside, gladly it was only raining lightly. Then back in the house. I was wondering how he managed to sleep for almost 8 hours in a row. Likely it was due to the walking and spending over 1.5 hours outside in Pauline’s garden and then a little while later having a haircut and bath. The haircut and bath are two of his least favorite things to being doing and he was clearly stressed, anxious about having it done. So he may have been exhausted. As of me, well I have not had 8 hours of continuous sleep in likely 8 years or more. Except for the few times that Alvin has slept over at his sister’s house. He doesn’t like car travel so does not happen often. He is quiet this morning but he is not usually loud anyway. It is raining outside now so I guess watering the flowers was not necessary but who knew, it would really rain. They needed a drink of water. Anyway, I did not over water them so all is well. I had watered my plants, too. Yes, I remembered to move the lavender plant so that she will not get even more wet. She is still drying out and I hope that her roots are not rotting from all of the water. The soil is slowly drying out. I guess time will tell. So that is the story. Oh, I remembered to take my phone and snap some photos of my friend’s beautiful flowers but alas I am experiencing technical difficulties and they are not uploading. But I will get them posted. You have to see her gardens, absolutely beautiful. I even snapped some photos of the roses at the entrance to the park. It was a great couple of hours that spent outside yesterday. On top of all of that, I managed to do several loads of laundry, clean out some kitchen drawer, made some small changes with a few pieces of furniture in the living room. I honestly only sat down for the time that I had late breakfast at like noon and then for supper so maybe 30 minutes and we were up at 7:00 so that would account for me being pooped. Even after supper I was running up and down the stairs with laundry. The stress of Alvin’s haircut goes onto me, as well. All in all, it was a wonderful day.

We are happy to live in this house, in this neighbourhood, in this city, in this province and this country. This whole world – every country has a story that they are not proud of and I would hope that in 2022 we are doing better at being kind and respectful to others, not just human beings but all living creatures and the environment but sadly that is not the case. Just remember this, it is not the actions or feelings of the average everyday citizens that are making these decisions it is the so called leaders. I am not the past leaders, political or religious and not the current ones. I am a good person, I treat everyone with respect and kindness. So when people make blanket comments about all of this, it hurts my heart. I try to do the best that I can in my world. My actions reflect who I am. I was not what I would deem to be privileged but perhaps that word is being used with a more broad meaning. I do not blame my upbringing nor do I blame certain people for my lot in life, I can make choices. It is my choices that have brought me to this place. I just wanted to say something and perhaps I am not the most eloquent “speaker” or “writer” in the world. Sorry for the severe change in topic. But yesterday and all the yesterdays for awhile, I have been thinking about Canada and her past. I love my country despite her past. If we gave up on “people” for their pasts, there would be nothing. I am disappointed that in 2022 there are still wars and that we are not working together for the common good.

I hope that you have a great Saturday. There is always food for thought. We can always do better. It is raining harder now. My coffee is ready and I need it this morning.

Photos to follow.

Continuing to live this life with respect, kindness, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 38 days until my 65th Birthday.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy CANADA Day to all Canadians. We are not a perfect country but I know that I am for one, always trying to be a better person, a better human being, a better Canadian. Happy Birthday Canada. We will get there and I believe sooner than later. As long as we have today we can always help to make/build our tomorrows better than our yesterdays. If we continue to learn, that is what matters most. We, being Alvin and I are going to spend the day doing “stuff.” We will be going to our friend Pauline’s house to check on the flowers and plants and perhaps do some watering. Again, there is rain in the forecast but how can we know if it will actually happen OR if there will be a significant amount to give moisture to the foliage. After all, that is one of my happiest places so I will go everyday and give the plants a drink, if need be. We love to hang out in the garden and just be. I promise to take some photos today.

I must say that my plants are beginning to grow now that we have had some sunshine the past few days. There is some concern about one of my lavender plants but I believe it may be turning the corner now. The sun is shining again this morning. Alvin bless his heart, slept from lights out at 10:30 until 5:00 this morning. I was so happy. After he had his glucosamine chew, his breakfast and went outside to do his business, we laid down on the sofa until 7:00 a.m. and we have been up ever since. I changed the bedding on our bed, changed out towels and spent some time looking over Instagram pictures. You see last night we were vegging at home. I had received an invitation to go and join my friends to sit around the fire pit but I graciously declined as yesterday my eyes were “burning” off and on throughout the day, making it difficult to see the computer at times. It happened in the house and not even outside. I chalked it up to allergies but to what? Nothing new in the house. Anyway okay now. I was watching a bit of television and snuggling with Mr. Alvin when I decided to look on Instagram and at that very moment a photo of my long-time friend Diana’s granddaughter popped up, she was all dressed up for her graduation and will be going into High School in the fall. The photo was posted on Diana’s daughter page. I must have been following her and not realized it. So one thing led to another and next thing I know I was texting with both of them. I cannot tell you how happy I was to reconnect with my friends. It has been forever since we chatted and I know it was not in person or even by video but it was close enough. I spent a good amount of time looking at my friend’s Insta page this morning. Sometimes technology is a wonderful thing. Most times. What a great way to start the second half of 2022 reconnecting with friends. Catching up is always good.

Well today will be watering flowers and hanging out for a bit in our friend’s most beautiful garden and taking photos. Mr. Alvin requires a haircut and bath. There be laundry to do matey! Also some cleaning as always. But we will relax in between.

Time to go and get out of my pj’s, get washed and dressed, make some coffee, enjoy said coffee (maybe even outside on the deck for a change, I just realized that I have not done that yet this summer), have breakfast and then go for walk. I want to go before it gets warmer as Mr. Alvin does not do well in temperatures over about 22 degrees. Yesterday was too warm for him. I hadn’t realized how much humidity there was when we went for our walk at noon.

Happy Canada Day to All Canadians.

Have a wonderful day.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities and COFFEE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: we are now at 39 days until my 65th Birthday.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well looks like the New YEAR 2022 is officially half over. Can you believe it? Not me, seems like we just celebrated New Year’s, the snow kept falling till it stopped in April or was it May, and then it was raining and now the sun is shining! Oh well, today is Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Yesterday at my lunch break Alvin and I walked over to our friend Pauline’s house and hung out in the yard for a few minutes. Just to be zen, just to smell the fragrances and to be still. Yes, even Mr. Alvin who usually tears around the yard sat in the grass and held up his nose to take it all in. It was glorious. Not a bad way to speak a lunch break that is for sure. Then we hurried off home so that I would not be late for work. Even at home over the last two plus years, I almost make it a point to be on time. Not that this is anything new. Being late is not in my DNA. I mean I always try to be early or at the very least on-time. Now sometimes the Universe has other ideas but over my life time there have been very few times that I was late to work, to an event, to anything. Gillian, if you are reading this perhaps I have been a couple of minutes late for coffee on our girl’s coffee dates but usually that boils down to me just under estimating the time as we live so close. Anyway, we all have those times. You apologize when you are late and move on. Right! Right! The roses are still magnificent at the entrance to our park. I must carry my phone with me and take some photos, they are so pretty and so full of glorious fragrance. Remember I was go to get up and go for a walk, well this morning was strange. Last night it was just after 10:00 when I put my book down and turned off the bedside lamp. We both stirred but Alvin did not get up until 4:30 and then after having his glucosamine chew and going outside, we hit the sofa and we did not wake up until the alarm went off at 6:30. I am so impressed with him. If he could just sleep until 5:00 ish or a bit later, then we could stay up and I could function. Anyway, I, we stayed up at 6:30. Happy about that.

The wind is blowing this morning and as the sun rises in the morning sky, there are some clouds rolling in and I hope that we are able to walk at lunch time. We have had a lot of what appeared to be rain clouds during the day lately resulting in no moisture so fingers crossed.

Last night my daughter picked me up after work and we went for a trip to COSTCO. I figured after a “meeting” that I needed to get out of the house. I am finding that I need to get out and do some “things” other than walking with Alvin. It was great having the garage sale as I saw people and had a change to chat with people. It is not that I have been locked up but I have not really done anything for me in a long time other than eat and that kind of thing. I mean I have not gone anywhere for leisure or vacation. So my mind has not had a chance to slough off the crap. Perhaps I should set up a home spa and just spend a whole day doing relaxation type things. Might be a good idea.

Food for thought.

Costco was busy but that was okay. I actually decided not to wear a mask. I asked my daughter and she said that she has pretty much stopped now. So I braved up and did not wear a mask. I was not close up to people so I didn’t feel any anxiety. It actually felt a huge sigh of relief. Kind of like when we used to go to Costco and shop pre pandemic. Anyway, caution is good, too. I think that there may be times when I would still wear one so I will always take one with me until I do not. Some places like my vet still require a mask upon entering. That is okay. I get it.

Oh, I bought myself a few new things at COSTCO last night. Feeling pretty special. Sometimes a bit of retail therapy is a good thing. I seldom buy new things, once in awhile as I try to pick up what I need from thrift stores and the like. Reuse. Trying to help the Universe and then my friends give me lots of things. It works. Anyway, I am happy to have some new clothing items.

Well time to sign off for another day. Wishing you a wonderful last day of June. Oh, I did give Mr. Alvin his supper before we left for Costco as it was close to 5:30 when we left and he went outside. Don’t worry, I always think of him. My daughter always laughs as he is such a Momma’s boy and so spoiled. He rules the house and we all know it. But I don’t mind most days but there are times when I just want him to settle down. Okay, he is pretty good. I am working on him drinking his water again without me giving him pats. OMG. Yup that pup of mine is spoiled.

Going now.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities. COFFEEEEE

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 40 days till my 65th Birthday. Sky actually appears a bit hazy. I hope that there are no forest fires.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am doing well, we are doing well. Up a bit earlier than I would have like originally but what can you do. Mr. Alvin had to go outside and when you have to go – you have to go. LOL. Anyway, I need to get past this clicking on the SNOOZE button in the morning. Just get up and stay up even if it is 5:00 a.m. Have to try.

I was thinking as the time rolls along that we should have stayed up at 6:00 and gone for a walk. The sky is that perfection of blue or at least appears to be to the naked human eye. There is a slight breeze and the SUN well shining would be an understatement – it is gloriously sending those rays down upon us. I am a happy person this morning – starting your day with sunshine always makes me happy. Tomorrow morning we will endeavour to get up and stay up at 6:00 and then go for a walk. I can then get more time with the roses at the entrance to the park. OMG, they smell so divine. There are no words for that fragrance. It is definitely one of my favourites. If it were possible to bottle it, I would. I could lay down on a blanket by the roses and stay there forever or until I had to go “pee.” That will always get me up for sure. Anyway, needless to say it is beautiful outside and the roses are the best.

Last night we went over another walk over to our friend Pauline’s house and hung out in their yard. Her flowers are so beautiful. She has the most exquisite delightful yard. In the corner, by a flowering tree there are ferns, irises, and hostas and more. She always put a fire pit that was not good for fires any longer in this area and filled it with pansies and violas. The colour is amazing. Another area where I could just sit or lay down on a blanket and just be. It is my happy place. She has so many different types of flowers and they grow for her, she has a “green thumb.”

Well folks I need coffee. Have to plug it in and then before I know it will be time for work. We have a meeting in our group over TEAMS this morning. Gotta love meetings. I am not a meeting person but what can you do. I am so grateful to be working from home. I will gladly go to the odd virtual meeting.

I hope that you are enjoying the morning wherever you are. I hope that you are well and that there are sunny skies with a beautiful space filled with flowers and trees near you and grass.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities. Don’t forget the COFFEE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 41 days till my 65th birthday. I hope that gravity takes hold and bring my ears back to their original place and something else, I will leave that to your imagination. Gotta love getting older. I do actually.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well it is Tuesday, June 28, 2022. We are almost halfway done 2022. I am not sure if that is really good or bad. I would like the time to slow down a bit. Especially when I made it to the top and am going down the other side. Yesterday Alvin and I enjoyed two walks. The lunch time one was considerably longer than after work but good to be outside in the fresh air. The temperature was perfect for walking. I noticed that most of my plants are still wet and we haven’t had any markable rain since last Friday. So we sure did receive a lot. I decided to do something different this morning.

This is one of the first posts that I wrote. I start this blog in April of 2010.

From June 22, 2010

“Thought for the day …… it all starts with m-a-n-n-e-r-s”

Why is it that people these days forget to say please, thank you and your welcome?

Perhaps it is because most people are too busy thinking of how things affect them to see what is going on around them.

Manners are so important.  Parents, please teach your children to say “PLEASE, THANK YOU and YOUR WELCOME”.

Something so seemingly small – can carry so much weight.

I must say that – that was one of the first things that I taught my daughter when she was a little girl.

Whenever she was away from home – people would always remark to me on how polite she was ….. that meant the world to me.  If you are going to teach your child anything – manners are the most important and will get them the furthest.  Not only the fact that they will get far with being polite, but it is the RIGHT THING TO DO.  Somewhere along the way – we got so hung up on ourselves that we forgot others.  Our communities are so important as is our sociability with others.

I am trying to teach my dog “Alvin” to have manners.  It might take me awhile but I am going to do it.  GOL (giggling out loud)

So that is my thought for the day, “it all starts with manners”.  Say “thank you” when someone opens the door for you.  Say “please” when you are asking for something.  Say “your welcome” when you are done.  So easy.  Give it a try.  Take the time to hold open a door for someone and say “Your Welcome” (even if they do not say thank you) and SMILE.  Believe me, people will start catching on.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.  Remember your manners and to smile.  We only have this one life so why not show everyone that it matters.  Believe you me …… it matters.

P.S. I saw that smile on your face,  and that twinkle in your eye…….  🙂

Oddly enough, I do think that this may have changed. Or at least the children that I know seem to be more polite.

I hope that you have a great day. Alvin to this day still uses the paw up to “ask nice.” He just had to have manners, I would not have it any other way!

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and definitely coffee this morning.

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

PS: only 42 more sleeps / days until my 65th Birthday. I think that I am excited. Another milestone. Nothing wrong with that. I cannot wait until my 100th Birthday and I will be having a BIG PARTY! LOL.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! It is another beautiful morning out there. We were just outside a few minutes ago as Alvin was just finished breakfast ( I know, right!) and I wanted to move my plants back into the sunshine. We had storm clouds brewing yesterday late afternoon and I did not want to take any changes so I moved them in shelter of house and garage. We ended up getting only a few drops of rain and some wind. We were lucky. Someone would have been hit as they were scary looking clouds. There are a few clouds that look like they want to develop into something more but I am going to hold onto the moment and see beautiful blue sunny sky in my mind’s eye.

Today is an extra special day. My dear Cousin Lorette celebrates her birthday, my long time friend Deanna and her twin sister Lynn celebrate their 65th birthdays (we went to school together) and a young friend Frances Blue from my Bath & Body Work Days celebrates a birthday today. Happy Birthday to all these special women. I wish you good health, love, abundance and laughter.

The second day of our garage sale brought in a few people and a few sales. We closed it down at 3:00 with giving a nearby family some items and they bought a few items as well, win/win. We spent a bit of time reorganizing and then last night I went out and repackaged the like items that are going to be donated into manageable garbage bags. One of the girls will run them there this week. We all made a bit of money and disposed of some things. I am going to post some items on community groups as time allows. But I am happy.

I cannot believe that Friday is July 1st, 2022. There is so much talk of “celebrating” Canada Day but you know what – despite the fact that our history was less than perfect – that does not mean that our present and future have to be. Unfortunately in world history very few countries or continents treated any of their peoples with respect. Someone was always at war with someone. So instead of dwelling on things and blaming anyone – let us recognize what was done and show all the people living today – that we do not have that mindset and just be better. Be kind and respectful and compassionate to all peoples and living creatures. Who cares how you dress, how you identify as a human being or the colour of your skin or even your age – we are all HUMAN BEINGS and should be treated with kindness and respect and compassion. How about we finally live in PEACE!! This is 2022 for pity’s sake. We all make the world turn. We are all important. We are all HUMAN BEINGS! Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked together in peace and harmony! Okay there may be the odd heated debate or discussion.

On that serious note, I have to go to work. Coffee is brewed. I am grateful that I have friends that are not all “like me” if you will. We should learn from each other and be better as a result.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: wow only 43 days until I turn 65.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this gorgeous Sunday morning. The sun once again for the second day in a row is shining ever so brightly upon a clear blue sky. As there was yesterday – wind. I am so grateful for the beautiful wind this weekend.

The garage sale for the most part went really well. All the participants made some sales. We have decided to do this for a second day and are going to start at 10:00 a.m. Hopefully everyone will sell more and get the inventory down so that folks do not have to carry it back home to dispose of it. I am so grateful to all those people who turned out yesterday. We met some very nice folks and even some neighbours and friends came by and made some purchases, so grateful for their support.

Alvin did pretty good. I tried to put him in the house but he just barked. Finally with about 45 minutes to go and after he pooped I put him back into the house and did not hear a peep out of him. He may have had to go poop for a few minutes before I realized. But he had water breaks and he was looked after ( I did not ignore him). He was on a leash on my arm and he followed me around the garage. I will say that he was very happy to meet the people and for the most part everyone liked him and even commented on him and loved his name.

We had some bad news yesterday morning and my thoughts, prayers and every bit of positive energy that I can muster is going out to my Cousin and her family. Love you Cousin.

I was thinking that perhaps if I took Mr. Alvin for a walk now it might use up some of his energy so I will keep this post short.

Also we had one young man who is putting on some classes for old film cameras and was out at garage sales buying up old cameras. I took his phone number and will call him back. I have a couple of film cameras, if I can part with one or both of them. Also, a woman was looking for antique or old rhinestones to make a bouquet ( I didn’t ask if it was for her wedding). I took her phone number as well and will check out my jewelry and see if I have some vintage pieces (she said doesn’t matter if pieces were whole or broken because she can use them to fill in between the whole pieces). It was an interesting day.

Okay time to go so I can take a walk with the boy.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

I was speaking to my sister late yesterday afternoon and so grateful that they were finally getting some rain. So good to chat with you my darling sister.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

P.S. 44 days now until my 65th birthday. Also met the new neighbours behind me at one point during the garage sale.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Saturday, June 25, 2022. The sun is shining brightly, the sky is a brilliant blue and the WIND is blowing. So happy and grateful to see the clear blue sky and sun shining. The skies did clear late yesterday afternoon giving us a beautiful evening. Alvin and I enjoyed our noon time walk and even had a short visit with our friend Pauline and her husband Al. Her garden, yard is absolutely brilliant, so beautiful and full of colour. The green on the grass and trees from all of this rain is a true kelly green. Rich and wonderful. I gave the back lawn a quick cut last night. Looks really good.

After work last night my neighbour and her boyfriend helped bring over things they are putting in the garage sale for this morning. Sonja helped set things up. I finished after work. About 6:30 p.m. both Signe, her daughter and Gillian came with the remainder or their items for the sale. Actually Gillian brought her items last night and Signe had brought all of her things on Thursday night except for the table and her daughter’s “nail stand.” We spent the next few hours setting up and are ready to go for noon today. We may open a bit earlier but it would only be traffic from the back lane and people would be in their cars going somewhere so unlikely they would stop. But that is okay one way or the other we will be open for business at noon today. We may run a bit later with hopes that more people will come and I have my fingers crossed that we do well and sell and give away everything. We have lots of free items as well. Always good to do that. A wide variety of things as well. Some items I have never had in a garage sale.

Well I am on my way to dust this old gal off in the shower, lol. I am not old. I am young minded.

So happy that it is the weekend. Next week is a short week but will be busy. That is okay.

I wish you a great no, a grand day. Go for a walk. Sell some items that you no longer need or perhaps give them away to someone in need. Meet a friend for a coffee or tea. Call your family. Reach out this day.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and COFFEE. There always must be coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Well it is now down to 45 days until my 65th Birthday. This also tells me how many days until my vacation. LOL

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! YAY, today is Friday, June 24, 2022. Yup, it is Friday and I am oh, so very grateful. How are you this morning? Is the sun shining where you are or is it raining or overcast? Well I am happy to say that sometime before we were first up at 3:45 this morning the rain had stopped. It started to fall just after I was finished work and we were just stepping outside to go for a walk. Yes, we were stopped right in our tracks. We turned around and went back into the house without even leaving the shelter of the porch. I am so grateful and happy that we had a walk in at my lunch break and even had a visit with our friend Pauline. I love our visits. It was cool at noon. I had a short-sleeved top, a cardigan and a jacket on and I was still cold, perhaps having flip flops and bare feet did not help. That must have looked cute. Layers on top with pants that were ankle length and then flip flops. Oh well. On our walk to and from Pauline’s house, we made made stops – especially on the return trip. For some, reason, Alvin seems to know when I do not have the time to just walk slow and “smell the roses” and then he stops every few seconds which adds so much time onto our walks. Now if we are walking after work, there is no time constraints but on my 45 minute break there are ….. especially when it takes a couple of minutes to get ready before we leave the house. Anyway, speaking of roses – the rose bushes at the entrance to our park are in full massive bloom. They are absolutely loving the rain. Pink, pink, lovely pink – a sea of pink – with the petals falling off in the wind the rose bushes are comfy on a bed of pink. The fragrance is out of this world. I wished that we could replicate that scent. I could have laid down on the petals and just sniffed all the day long. That is truly one of my happy places. I am thankful to Mr. Alvin for causing me to slow down and take an extra couple of minutes on our walk. We managed to get home with 3 minutes to spare.

As I look out of my upstairs “office” window the sky is mainly filled with rain clouds but there appears to be a hint of sunshine to the south east and the trees are swaying in the wind. Dancing away. Today is supposed to be rainy until later this afternoon. Looks like a nice weekend ahead. Thank goodness. When I am finished work and a quick supper, out to the garage to move a few things around before the girls come at 6:00 to set up their items for the garage sale. Due to other prior engagements there will only be two of us running the “show,” the garage sale which is absolutely fine. I hope that everything sells and that we make some money. That would be nice. I am going to take a little notebook with me to record when Sonja’s items sell and for how much otherwise I will have no way of knowing a number to give her. Signe is looking after Gillian’s items. There is not a huge amount of things so we have this. I have done far larger sales by myself. I hope that Mr. Alvin will stay in the house for the most part. I am looking forward to a visit with the girls tonight as they set up for the garage sale and I put the finishing touches on my stuff. Even though sometimes I complain, I do love garage sales.

Well it would appear that it is time to head back downstairs and turn on the work computer. I am so grateful to be working from home and for it to be Friday. It was a long week. Somehow extra hours seemed to show up.

I hope that you have a great Friday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities and don’t forget coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: yes, there are only 46 days until the 65th birthday of mine. Again, one of my poor Lavender plants was over saturated by the rain, alas I forgot to pull it back out of the rain. I have since moved it to the shelter of the house by the back door. Next time, I will remember, I promise, dear Lavender plant.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well we had pure sunshine with a clear blue sky until a short time ago and now the clouds are rolling in. Guess what? Alvin slept until 3:45 (1st wake up) and then until the alarm went off at 6:45. I cannot believe it. Only woke up once. He never sleeps that long without eating. He ate his food with me by his side because some days he likes me right there while he eats and all the time when he drinks. Not sure if his sight is beginning to go or he is just a needy guy. Anyway, does not matter, I am thankful that he is still with me after last year so I am happy to be at his side. Work was “yucky” for lack of a better word yesterday so I was kind of grumpy last night. Not mean or yelling – just feeling sad about the whole thing. Anyway, I do not like to speak about my work so I will leave it there.

I am so grateful to have good friends and neighbours in my life, in our lives.

Everyday we prepare more for the upcoming garage sale. Some more items were brought over yesterday and last night for set up on Friday night. I think we will have a nice amount of things but not too much. I am excited for Saturday and hopefully Mr. Alvin will stay quiet and remain in the house for the most part. Hard to do a garage sale with your pup wondering about (would be on leash, of course).

We had a walk at lunch time yesterday which was great stopping at our friend Pauline’s house. She may have been at home but we did not see her. It was nice just to see her yard and all of her beautiful flowers.

Well it is almost time to start work. I sure hope that today is a quiet day “at work.”

I hope that you are well. Thank you for reading my posts. I know that some days the content may be lacking but I write in the moment – whatever comes to my mind. There are times when I have lots to say and others that I do not.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 47 days until that number 65th birthday …..