2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well, we are well, except for being a bit on the sleep deprived side. Definitely sleep deprived. It is awesome having my daughter in the house this morning. Seems like old times. I had a rather typical untypical Sunday night. We chose to sleep on the sofa as I thought we would be more comfortable there than the spare bedroom. I also decided to watch the ADELE special on television from the start at 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. It was so good. I absolutely love her voice. The new songs were wonderful and listening to the old ones was amazing. The people attending the concert which was held in Los Angeles on top of the world at The Griffith Observatory with a star studded audience including Melissa McCarthy, Oprah who did an interview and introduced her for the concert, Ellen DeGeneres, Drake, Seth Rogen and Jessie Ferguson. Part way through the concert she brought out a fan who proposed to his long-time girlfriend. It was a great night and worth staying up. Most times I don’t fall asleep until after 10:30 anyway. But this Sunday my brain would not shut down. It went into hyperdrive thinking about the concert, about work, about this one file that I have to finish tomorrow when I am back working from home, going to the office today and on and on. Then just before 1:00 a.m., I hear these two teenage girls laughing wildly and I at first think that I am losing my mind and then I jump up and go over to the window. What I saw disturbed and scared me on every level. Outside my window, on the street, two young girls were running down the street which was icy, slipping and sliding. Just behind them stopped on the street was a black sedan. Then the girls ran back to the car to the rear of the car. My heart stopped as they held onto the back of the car. The driver accelerated the gas taking the car forward with the girls holding on behind. He kept going a bit faster and finally they slipped and fell. I almost ran outside but I was scared. The car stopped. Then I could hear the girls as they jumped up from the pavement and slipping and sliding they crawled into the car and a few seconds later the car took off. What in the world is wrong with kids? They think that they are invisible. So after that, I definitely was not sleeping. Then it was two and Alvin woke up and I managed to coax him to sleep and then it was 3:00 and we were up and outside. I have my trusty flashlight app on my phone, best thing ever. I did sleep about the time I had to get up but oh well. Should sleep good tonight. Mr. Alvin was happy to come upstairs with me and quickly put his nose to the bedroom door where our girl was sleeping opening the door and jumped up onto the bed where he curled up next to her. Looks like the time is evaporating here.

We had some snow yesterday and I did my first round or two of shovelling. Hopefully the streets and roads are not icy.

Wishing you a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! The sky is grey this morning. Not even clouds just grey. Perhaps the forecast is correct and I don’t even want to think or even say the word aloud or even type it. Today is November 14, 2021 and most of our trees have lost their leaves. There is a bit of green grass alongside the brown. So great to have a nice long fall.

Yesterday was a good day. Our friends came for coffee in the morning and we as always we discussed everything from A to Z stopping to laugh along the way. We planned our Christmas Get Together AKA PARTY for December 10, 2021 which is a Friday so that will be a great way to start the weekend. I have to make sure that I can have their gifts by then but it is looking good. As with other years I am supporting local artists and artisans and those friends that do direct sales. Helping others help me which is a win win. The other item for discussion was baking. One of the girls has had so much baking between what she does, her Mom and others that she was giving it away long after Christmas. So that poses the question – When is too much too much? Definitely then. So I am going to cut back as I have been chatting with other friends and some with health issues who although they love the baking – they cannot eat it without repercussions. I think that I am only going to make to give away sugar cookies and fudge. I will bake chocolate chip cookies for my son-in-law but only one batch. SUGAR is definitely not good for us all anyway so I am going to cut back. I had another good friend give me an excellent suggestion and that was to make some Christmas Tree Ornaments out of my sugar cookies. They would be a reminder of me. Perhaps next year. But it is a great idea. Could write names on the cookies and decorate with red and green paint instead of icing or something. Next Year, I think. Never thought of making them into ornaments. Also the cost to bake keeps skyrocketing and you never know what items may be priced out of one’s reach or unavailable. So keeping it simple. My friend G from the coffee party yesterday picked me up a 10 kg bag of flour and S gave me a ziploc bag of 10 cups of sugar which will make a couple of batches of sugar cookies. I will need to buy mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. So now I have most of the baking items. Just a few items to pick up. Looks like I will be baking on the first weekend of December alongside the Fifth Avenue Jewelry party that I am hosting – am pretty sure that this happened last year as well. Yikes. Anyway, when I was going through the list of people to buy for which by the way has decreased over the years – I am in a pretty good place. A few stocking stuffers for the kids and the pups. Gifts for the pups. I think that I am good. There will be a bit of wrapping to happen but that doesn’t happen to be for awhile. Also yesterday Alvin and I enjoyed a beautiful walk – it was so nice outside. Sunny and the air was warm and no gale force winds which was refreshing. I attended the second Fifth Avenue Jewelry Facebook Live for a friend who was hosting. Will say that I was so disappointed in will say technology as I had been patiently on the page of the party for several minutes before the start time and even after the official start time and somehow still missed the start of both LIVES. Actually last night I was mad. Not disappointed but mad. I love watching the start and even though I was right there – I missed it. Well last night I did have to go outside with Alvin but I had my phone with me and that was 7:09 and the party started at 7:00. Not such how that happens but it is frustrating. Not loving technology at times. I also watched an excellent Christmas movie last night based on a book by Debbie Macomber’s “Christmas with Mrs. Miracle” with Caroline Rhea in the lead role. It was a great Christmas movie. Then it was bedtime where I am continuing to read a book by Ruth Ware. She is another great author. I have read so many of her books.

Well I have a long list of things to do today and my daughter will be here at 6:00 p.m. for supper and to sleep over as we are going to our perspective offices tomorrow. I am a bit anxious about going to the office but it will be okay. Mainly because I don’t want to leave Alvin home alone. He will have our friend and neighbour checking in on him but it is not nearly the same. Thank goodness this does not happen very often. I am so grateful to be working from home now. Best thing ever. I love my new office! Then there is some laundry as I want to wash bedding and Christmas towels. If nice go for a walk. Vacuum upstairs. Calling my sister at 1:00 p.m. and the list is long. Oh, and there is another Fifth Avenue Live at 4:00 which was supposed to be at 3:00 but the Fifth Avenue Jeweler had to change the start time. Busy day. Busy day.

Going to hop in the shower quickly and then I won’t have to worry about that tomorrow morning. Have to make it easy peasy for tomorrow. Alvin is patiently waiting for me in the hallway. I have to get this show on the road. Have an awesome Sunday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love, laughter and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. The two hour special with ADELE is tonight. Starts at 9:00 so I cannot watch it all so will watch tomorrow night. I love ADELE.

2021

Good Morning ALL! A beautiful morning here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The sun is rising and the sky is a mix of blue, white and orange. Gorgeous panorama of colours. I love the sky. Well yesterday was a good day at work, I accomplished so much and was a good way to begin the weekend. After work, our friend Pauline called and we met her for a nice walk by the big “pond.” Alvin and I had gone out at lunch for a walk but it was much colder and there were guys out at the poop bag station which also doubles as a solar panel collecting station and one of them was doing some welding. I made an executive decision to turn around and go home. Only other alternative was to go way around them. So when we went with Pauline the wind had died down and it felt so much warmer. We enjoyed our conversation as always and the exercise as did Mr. Alvin. Last night after supper I attended a Facebook LIVE for one of my friend’s who was hosting a Fifth Avenue Jewelry party. It was so much fun but went a bit longer than I had thought. There is one tonight and one tomorrow afternoon. I am not sure if I can attend both as I have lots on the go this weekend but will try for sure.

My two “young” friends who live close by are coming over for coffee this morning. I always love our visits and conversations. Always nice to have some other opinions floating around other than Alvin’s, lol (and mine). Then this afternoon laundry, vacuuming (especially upstairs) and a walk. I promised my sister that I would call so have to figure out the best time.

Tomorrow my daughter is coming to spend the night as she is going to drive me to the office as I have to go in on Monday. First time in months. I will admit that I am feeling a bit anxious about that and truthfully if I never had to go to the office again, I would be okay with that. But I have to go in on Monday for the day and that will be okay. My neighbour is going to check in on Mr. Alvin who will be in shock when he realizes that I am not just gone to the store for 45 minutes. I am grateful that Sonja is near and can watch over him.

Oh, I must share this. On Thursday I colored my hair with a home colour, a box colour. Supposed to be a medium brown which is what my hair colour was before I started to get some gray here and there and there and here. Anyway it turned out way darker but not as dark as another time I coloured it as Pauline reminded me about. Anyway, I do not recall in recent years that after you colored your hair – that the chemical smell was so strong. I am pretty sure that my memory is not that bad. But it is wicked. I cannot remember off the top of my head the brand but I have washed my hair twice and it still smells that chemical smell. Anyway, I don’t mind the colour as I know it will fad over a few washes but the smell is what is so annoying. I do not often colour my hair and it is a good reminder perhaps not to do again but I wanted a bit darker hair again. Maybe just this once. I am not trying to cover the gray but I was just feeling a bit washed out, if you know what I mean.

Oh and tomorrow night ADELE has a two hour special on t.v. – so excited. I love her. So talented. Time to fly. Start preparing for the company and take some laundry downstairs to start.

Have an awesome Saturday.

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

Oh my trusty companion is “patiently” waiting by the office door for me to finish and go downstairs. Poor little Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 31st day of December, 2017.

Happy New Year’s EVE Day.

The sky is a pale blue with hues of pale orange on the horizon.

Here we are again on the very last day of a year, this one being 2017.

Hopefully the last day of this deep freeze before heading into milder temperatures.

I have been reading over my blogs from previous years.

The blog from this day last year and from 2015.

It is funny how days can be so different from one year to the next.

Last year on December 31st Alvin went to his sisters for a sleepover and the year before we awoke to fire sirens (two doors down).

With my blog I try not to plan too  much ahead and just see where my thoughts and fingers guide me.

Today my mind is all over the place.

I am listening to the music that I put on my iPOD yesterday via the awesome setup that my kids gave me for Christmas.

I transferred “37” songs from iTUNES …. my favourites.

They range from Adele to Elvis, One Direction to Journey, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond to PINK.

Pharrell to Tina, Elton to Ed and Lady Gaga to Steppenwolf and Blue Suede.

I love listening to music.

Note to self:  I think I will listen to more music in 2018 and DANCE more.

Last night after I transferred this tunes to the iPOD I spent a long time just singing and grooving (dancing) to the music with Alvin looking on.

He likely figured that I had lost my mind OR worse was going to pick him up and make him dance with me.

 

This was the second Christmas that we participated in all gifts home made or reused from things that we had around the house.

I made out like a bandit.

My daughter made me two huge bulletin boards, they gave me the iPOD player with great speakers (awesome sound) and an ADVENT calendar that reminds me of the one on NATIONAL LAMPOON’s  

CHRISTMAS VACATION and it even plays music.

The only ones that were not a part of this were the pups.

My grand-pups did not listen and got me a lovely WHISK (which their Grandma needed).

How can you be a cook or baker with no whisk.

Not sure how it happened.

I used to have a couple of them.

The family arrived on Christmas EVE night and stayed until Boxing Day.

It was a glorious couple of days.

We ate, played games and ate more.

Always wonderful to be surrounded by your loved ones.

 

As this year winds to an end, I am reminded by all of the great times that we saw in 2017.

January saw another new SPRING/SUMMER CATALOGUE for STEEPED TEA.

I remain a consultant although not quite as active as previous years.

I do enjoy the tea and the other products as do several of my co-workers and friends.

February saw us, me and Alvin become debt free.

No consumer debt.

I guess mortgages are not considered to be debt as I still have one of those.

Alvin and I continue to walk as much as possible although the latter part of this year did slow us down a bit.

I write as much as possible.

 

Likely the best part of this year was the time surrounding my 60th Birthday.

My friend “V” from back in Regina sent me a BIRTHDAY PARCEL to end all BIRTHDAY PARCELS ….

Everything from jewellery to a deep dish apple pie.

I am so lucky.

I was so blessed to have my sister come for a whole TEN DAY visit.

On my actual birthday my daughter, sister and I went to FORT EDMONTON PARK and partook in HIGH TEA.

We spent the day walking around taking in the sights.

We went on the rides …. the swings and the carousel.

My youngest brother came for FOUR DAYS and part of it was spent with our other brother at his home in rural Alberta.

While visiting our brother in the country we visited with another nephew and his family.

We also visited with our nephew “J” ….. who continues to heal.

I commissioned one of my co-workers to bake my 60th Birthday cake, a carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

I can still taste it.  OMG it was heavenly.

My eldest nephew and family also surprised us with a visit.

Friends that moved to Quebec came for a visit.

So many wonderful surprises.

I am so grateful for all of the gifts, birthday wishes and visits this year.

I still cannot believe that I am 60 years old.

 

The year just seemed to come and go.

We were lucky to be in good health and to be surrounded by great friends and family.

Both CANADA and I celebrated milestone birthdays.

Happy 150th Birthday to our beloved country.

 

One of our neighbours across the street and down a couple of houses had a fire.

That happened at the end of June and it is December and they are still not back in their home.

It was a duplex so affected two households.

Reminder to be careful and aware.

 

I wrote the next couple of paragraphs last New Year’s Eve and it seems to be fitting to be used once again.  I feel the same way.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2018 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2018.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

PHOTOS from 2017

April 2017

 

EDMONTON ZOO (May) – our office went for a visit and barbecue.  My daughter was my date.

June 2017 – Alvin and Carol’s GREAT ADVENTURE.

 

 

JULY 2017 – Flowers and YARD

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2017 – garden project

HALLOWEEN 2017

FALL TREAT PARCEL from our Friend “V”

THE CAKE marking the BIG 60.

CHRISTMAS Decorations of 2017

Some of the baking …. the infamous SUGAR COOKIES

Aspen and Milo my beautiful grand pups.

Cutest photo of 2017.

Well it would seem like I could write and gather photos until the cows come home.

So I had better stop now.

If I missed mentioning you, please know this, you are in my heart and soul for all time.

I wish you and your family the most glorious 2018.

Remember to laugh and have fun.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who participated in my 2017, I am most grateful to each and every one of you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, July 8, 2017 and it is the 33rd day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay I was thinking of favourite things so what better time than to share some of those items:

Colours:  Kelly Green, Robin’s Egg Blue and Baby Blue.

Time of Day:  Early morning just as sun is coming up and late at night when the stars are shining.

Books:  “The Harry Potter Series” by JK Rowling, “Shopaholic Series” by Sophie Kinsella and “The Book of Small” by Emily Carr.

Music:  to many to name but I do love listening to:  anything by Adele, Elton John, and Ed Sheeran.

Flowers:  Petunias, Snapdragons and Pansies and Daisies.

Food:  I love to eat.  Anything homemade is always wonderful and if it is made by someone else – that is a huge treat.  I love chocolate so that would top the list.  Avocados, Cucumbers, Blueberries, Raspberries, Potato Salad …. Cinnamon Buns……. this could go on and on……

People:  too many to list but the first two on the list would be my daughter and Alvin, of course ….. I treasure my family and friends.

Sounds:  The rustle of leaves on the trees in a breeze and babies cooing and the ocean.

 

Well time to get going ……

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of June, 2017.

Woke up extra early this morning but not on my own with thank to Me Alvin.

So feeling a bit tired and have a headache.

Oh well, it is Friday after all.

The sun was shining earlier but now it has clouded over.

Rain is in the forecast.

We had a wonderful walk with our friends “S” and Presley last night.

 

The air was perfect …..

I keep forgetting to mention the ROSES ….. they are in bloom ……

The fragrance is amazing …….

I love the smell of roses in the early morning.

They line the a path that takes me part way to the bus.

It is like walking in heaven.

 

Well Mr. Alvin had his Momma up at 3:40 a.m. – yes …… you are correct.

So even though we hit the sofa for some zzz’s ….. I am a bit tired.

 

So time to go here.

Listening to Adele in the car with James Corden – Carpool Karaoke.

They are singing a Spice Girls song ……

Tell what you really really want ……

I do not want to leave but I have to run and catch the bus.

 

Thank you for Friday.

Special Hello to:  all those people who write all over the world ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 14th day of June, 2017.

Overcast now and was raining earlier.

I was “putting on the face” a few minutes ago and hear these voices and then they broke into song.

I realized that it was Sir Elton John and James Corden.

You see last night before I went to bed I had been watching a couple of the Karaoke Carpool with James Corden and his Special Guests.

I always turn on the computer before I start getting ready so that I can just sit down and write my blog without having to wait for the computer to start up.

Anyway nothing like hearing “Your Song” first thing in the morning.

Great way to start the day and I am grateful.

I will say this James Corden is my new favourite guy.

He is funny, smart, can sing, is compassionate and caring.

If you have not watched his Carpool Karaoke Videos – you must.

He has interviewed and sung with some of the greats:  Adele, Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder,Ed Sheeran, Lady GAGA, and the list goes on …….

Anyway it is getting onto time to leave for work.

I was so happy to hear some music before leaving the house as usual it is quiet except for the odd thud as Alvin jumps off the bed onto the rug below or the odd bark …..

Happy Dancing …… I am Happy Dancing.

Have an Awesome Wednesday.

Even though the skies are grey – they are clear to me.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …… always thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Special Hello to:

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 13th day of February, 2017.

First thing when I started to write this blog – received a message that the keyboard batteries were low.

Closed the message and made myself a note to change the batteries tonight.

But alas kept getting the message.

Checked the time and decided to go downstairs and grab some batteries and do it now.

Better always to do things right away rather than putting them off.

Worked out.

Now I do not have to do that tonight.

Bonus.

 

Yesterday we had the best day.

I did most of my major TO DO items.

Had a great Birthday party for our friend “S.”

Followed by a walk with Alvin.

Followed by tea tasting with my neighbour and fellow consultant “K.”

After all I was going to go out and canvas for the Heart & Stroke but decided to do that another day.

Followed by Alvin and I snuggling.

We had supper early as at 6:00 p.m. I SKYPED with my sister back in Regina.

She told me of even more fellow co-workers that are retiring.

We both worked at the same office.

She remains there and of course, I retired from there in 2008.

After we had a great video chat -I watched the rest of the GRAMMY’s.

Almost forgot that they were on last night.

Great to see ADELE win an award for BEST SONG.

Busy weekend but fun.

Lots of visiting, sharing information and laughing.

My favourite part ….. laughing.

Laughter makes you feel good right to the core of your very being.

I think that we do not laugh enough.

I am always trying to make people laugh …..

Maybe that should be our mission if you will, to share laughter.

Make your friends and family giggle and laugh.

Nothing better.

 

Well that time once again.

Was it really Sunday yesterday?

At one point I thought it was Saturday and then something brought me back to reality very quickly.

Oh well.

I am grateful to have two days off in a row and the same days that most of my friends and family have off, as well.

Happy Monday.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. wow Peru in April ….. wishing that I could go with you guys. But seriously considering Victoria in the fall with my sister.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of February, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my niece “M” who turns 19 today …..

 

Wow, here we are I sat down at the computer about 15 minutes ago and am just writing my blog now.

Guess where I was …..

FB …..

I had to send a quick message to my daughter and then was drawn in by a couple of music videos.

It got me to thinking.

Earlier, this morning while getting ready I picked up Mr. Alvin from the bed where he was sitting and danced to one of my new favourites of Adele’s …. “When We Were Young” …. love it.

He was nervous …. I guess because I did it without warning …..

I love dancing with him …. although as of late it is becoming an upper body workout hanging onto him ….. “oh, that dreaded winter weight.”

Anyway, I digress ….

I believe that the world would be a better place if instead we settled things with singing competitions.

Music, I believe can soothe the savage beast and in this case I mean “MAN … not men “HUMANS.”

Something to ponder …. consider ….

 

With it now being time to go downstairs and get the boots, coat, scarf, mitts …. oh and grab the lunch …. and LEAVE FOR WORK.

I hope that you will stop what you are doing … take a few minutes and listen to some MUSIC.

Listen to something new ….. a new song …. a new artist …. a new genre …..

 

Happy Thursday ….. music …. birthday ….. and PAYDAY.  What a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my niece …. Alvin and I wish you a wonderful day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of January, 2016.

It is a beautiful glorious morning here in Edmonton.

I turned on some music as I was getting ready and it has made me feel so wide awake and wonderful.

What a great way to start the day with some of your favourite songs playing in the background as you wash your face, comb your hair and slip into your clothes.

 

I have always loved a little bit of everything ….. a variety of music and artists.

Much the way I have lived my life with variety.

Always good to like a bit of everything.

 

I am 58 and I love the “boy band” – One Direction ….. most especially the song “The Story of My Life.”

I am 58 and I love “Disturbed’s” version of “The Sound of Silence.”

I am 58 and I love Andy Grammer’s, Honey I’m Good ….. makes me want to dance.

I am 58 and I love Meghan Trainor and John Legend.

I am 58 and I love Elvis and Gordon Lightfoot.

I am 58 and I love Tina Turner and Aerosmith.

I am 58 and I love Bing Crosby and Alicia Keys.

 

I am 58 and I love Elton John, Johnny Cash, Adele, Celine Dion, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Pink, Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, Rufus Wainwright, Kelly Clarkson, Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, David Bowie, Van Morrison, Vance Joy, Lorde, Sam Smith, Jordan Smith, Bon Jovi, Cher, Madonna and the list goes on.  I love new and old and everything in between.

Mix it up with your music, with your food, with your life.

Try something new and do not be afraid.

If you love Rock try Country.

If you love Pop try Rap.

If you love Rap try Pop.

If you love Alternative try Gospel.

New is good.

 

Well it is almost time to put the finishing touches on before heading out the door to work.

Just listening to Hello by Adele ….. who else…. she has the most amazing voice.

 

Have a great day filled with new things and great adventures.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: all my music lovers across the planet ….. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin