2021

Good Morning ALL! It feels like forever since I last wrote a post. Well Christmas is all over for yet another year. We had a fantastic Christmas. My daughter’s friend who just happens to be a pharmacist tested us all on Christmas Eve and yes, we were all NEGATIVE. Definitely one of times when I wanted the results to be negative. No worrying about securing an A+ grade. We ate until we almost burst on Christmas Eve filling ourselves with, let me see if I can remember the menu. Hot Cheese Dip with Baguette, Butterfly Shrimp, Mozzarella Sticks, Boursin Cranberry with Cracked Black Pepper Cheese “Ball”, crackers, Guacamole with corn chips, vegetable tray, and a sweet tray of baking. We also had nuts and chocolate. I see where the CHEESE was the star of the show. Likely not the best plan but oh well. We enjoyed the food. After we ate we played a game that my son-in-law got for Christmas (he opened it early), BLOCKBUSTER. Now we did not have the patience for the rules so we made up our own and I never laughed so hard. We had the best time. The game is all about movie trivia. So much fun. After the game was over we opened gifts. Now this is funny, I am now thinking after we ate then we opened gifts and then played the game. We were up until after 2:30 a.m. No, pretty sure we played the game and then opened gifts, yes that is correct. We played the game until about midnight and then it took us 2.5 hours to open our gifts. We opened one at a time. Then we had fours pups with gifts although the only one really interested in opening gifts was Alvin, Mi-Mi did make an attempt. I always love watching Alvin as he impatiently opens his gifts. He had his paw on the bag and then with his nose and mouth pulled out the tissue paper. So much fun. He loves opening presents. My daughter had a couple of her stocking gifts laying beside her, wrapped and he was tearing open the paper. Cute not someone was not impressed, lol. I was happy to see that the pups got along. Earlier I had been concerned that perhaps Mi-Mi and Cookie would be at odds but they were not. Actually a couple of times the quiet Miss Aspen let out a sharp bark at Cookie when she got too close.

Everyone was spoiled this year. I made quite the haul. I believe everything on my list with the exception of having my mortgage paid in full was under the tree. Some of the things that I had asked for were: Debbie Travis’s new book about life, filled with photos and recipes AND Rebel Homemaker, the first cookbook from Drew Barrymore and Chef Pilar Valdes, filled with photos, recipes and stories. Also on the list were fuzzy Christmas socks, Cuisinart paring knife, Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap, and a Day Planner for 2022. In addition to these gifts, I got a package of Player’s choice scratch tickets and won $5.00. Ecologic Paper Towel which can be used 200 times and is biodegradable and a Packet of tea. I also received a poinsettia plant and turtles chocolates from our guests. Late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, some friends dropped a card and baking off for me and some treats for Mr. Alvin. We are so lucky. Mr. Alvin received from his sister and family – a cute Reindeer stuffed toy and from his momma – the most beautiful blue and green turtle. He also received more edible gifts. So we were totally spoiled. That was Christmas EVE. We did not get to bed until after 2:30 closer to 3:00 on Christmas Eve. The kids had our room and our guest the “guest room,” me, Alvin and Cookie slept on the sofa except it took awhile to get a little someone to settle down. I had placed the baby gate up so that she could not go upstairs and she whined until I got up from the and placed her on the “green” chair with Rudolph, her favorite sleeping spot. I had to do this about 10 times before she finally stopped. So it was well after 3:00 when we got to sleep.

Alvin woke up at 5:00 and then we were up about 7:30 to stay up. Not much sleep. Most of the house was up about 8:30. We had coffee which we all needed. It was us girls that were up and my son-in-law stayed in bed for awhile beyond us. Amanda’s friend left about 10:00 as she was going to pick up her girls and open gifts with them. We invited them back for supper with us.

We had a late brunch with quiches, the veggie tray and some cheese. Lots of coffee was drank. I made a second pot. Throughout Christmas Day, I quietly putzed. Taking the gifts out from under the tree and reorganizing them. Washed the dishes that did not fit in the dishwasher and once the main floor was tidied up, I went to the basement and put away the gift bags, folded up the tissue paper – all to use another day. The kids had done some wrapping in the basement after they arrived on Christmas Eve. Once the cleaning and tidying was done, I had some more coffee and checked out the recipes for fresh cranberry relish and dressing. We had a quiet but enjoyable afternoon. We had planned to have supper about 7:00 p.m. but our company arrived a bit later, and then she wanted to test her daughters with the rapid covid test (like the one that we did the night before). It was closer to 8:00 p.m. when we had supper. The girls were negative. Thank goodness everyone was negative. We had a lovely supper of roast chicken breasts, whipped garlic potatoes and gravy, dressing, fresh cranberry relish, corn, peas and homemade buns (from one of my friends). Our dessert was baking which consisted of fudge, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan tarts, chocolate caramel candy and some cookies from the BON TON Bakery. Anyway, we ate too much but it was good (if I do say so myself). Usually I do not like to make new recipes when there is company but both the dressing and the relish were so good. Will make them again.

The girls opened their Christmas gifts from us.

After clean up, we sat down and had another good game of BLOCKBUSTER. My son-in-law and I took on the other four girls. They won but it was a close fun game. We close on a Christmas movie category. Can you believe that I lost on the category? We named so many movies before we could not name anymore. If I could have included all of the HALLMARK movies that I have been watching – we would have won but they were excluded. Oh well.

Dee and the girls left just before midnight. We were in bed shortly after. This time the kids took Cookie to bed with them. She settled down and we all had a good night sleep. In fact, it was not even Mr. Alvin who was up first – it was the other pups at 6:15. My daughter and I fed the pups and then laid back down again. It was almost 10:00 when we all woke up. I guess we needed the sleep. I was happy that the kids decided to stay for another day.

We had a bit of breakfast and visited. My daughter and I had packed up most of their things.

The best gift of all was not really a physical gift but my son-in-law arranged for me to go to the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, to go to space via a virtual reality headset. Both my son-in-law and daughter had tried it and warned me that I may be dizzy or nauseous and that I may not be able to keep the headset on for a long period of time BUT I surprised then when I squealed with delight during my space trip. I got to literally touch the space station, saw the stars and the sun and earth. I felt as though I was an astronaut in space. It was the most coolest experience of my life. I would have stayed there all day long. I loved it. After the space trip, I was able to go Africa and come up close and personal with a zebra, saw giraffes and an elephant and a large cat not a lion this time. I definitely would like to do this again and again. I had no idea that you could buy virtual reality headset – I thought it was only in the movies.

After the VR experience, I packed up food for the kids and they loaded up the car. They left for home in the afternoon. Then it was just me, Alvin and Cookie left. The noise and excitement all done for another year. We had the best Christmas ever. So much fun.

Well I have trapped Alvin and Cookie in the office with me and they are getting a bit restless so time to sign off. I wanted to catch you up in our last two days – in our Christmas.

The outside temperature is bitterly cold. Minus 30 without the windchill. Supposed to be cold all week. I guess we won’t be going anywhere. I am grateful that I asked my daughter to pick up more food for Alvin and as it would turn out that is the only food that Miss Cookie will eat. Yikes. Oh well. At least she is eating.

Time for a shower and to rescue the pups from the office.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, that you are safe and warm and happy and most of all in good health.

Until tomorrow.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie Monster (that is my new name for her), lol.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? Alvin and I are doing well. We had a reasonably good sleep last night which was awesome. There is a breeze this morning and the skies are filled with rain clouds. The ground outside is wet. We definitely could use some rain at this point. No complaints from this gal. I love that word. “Gal.” Please note that I have no idea if there is a deeper meaning other than when referring to a girl. Oh, the wind is getting up as I watch the trees sway back and forth. Yesterday we had a lovely walk around our “ponds” over the noon hour. We saw some of our neighbours out and about. After work I thought after our long day “at work” that perhaps a walk would loosen me, us up. So off we went. We were only a few doors down when we came across our friend Crystal just parking her car after arriving home from somewhere. She had the youngest son with her “Zane.” He is the sweetest little guy and loves Alvin with a quiet passion. As soon as he saw us, he was over like a rocket. Giving Alvin some kisses and hugs. He wanted so badly to come for a walk with us and hold onto Alvin’s leash. Well Alvin could easily pull the little guy over but I was there for support. I asked Crystal if okay and she said of course as she had to go and pick up the mail from the community mailbox. I said that we would just walk to the park and back which would only be a few minutes. Well Mr. Alvin was definitely not certain of what was going on. He kept looking for me even though I was right there. I had to jump in once in awhile as Zane was definitely not he pack leader between him and Alvin. But we managed and Zane was happy and Alvin was just confused and not really happy that I was not holding the leash. We got to the park and back to their house with no boo boos, thank goodness. Alvin does not like anyone other than me holding the leash. He will tolerate his sister and brother-in-law but that is it. He is a one human …. dog. For sure. Anyway it was cute and a fun way to start my evening.

Yesterday my place of employment officially changed their name from Capital Region Housing Corporation to CIVIDA. It did provide some issues yesterday with all things computer, if you know what I mean. But those issues will get fixed and life will go on. I like the name, it is shorter for one thing. I am certain that I will mess up the name or say the old name from time to time. Change always takes a bit of time for adjustment. That is okay. I have been through so much change with this company over the past ten year.

Last night I watched a movie that I had recorded. It was amazing. Malika the Lion Queen narrated by Angela Bassett. She was the perfect choice to narrate this movie. The story of a lioness from Africa. If you have an opportunity to watch it …. please do. It is happy, sad and really runs all one’s emotions. Not only was the story interesting but I learned so much about lions. I will never forget Malika.

Well it is time to hop off of the computer, get the coffee perking and hop onto a different computer for work. I wish you a wonderful Thursday.

Living this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on the patience. Some days it is easier than others.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR

Good Morning and Happy Friday.

Also Happy Valentine’s Day to all my LOVES.

Happy Valentine’s Day to EVERYONE.

This is also a long weekend for us in parts of Canada.

Family Day is this coming Monday.

What a great way to begin the weekend.

 

Last night I received a call out for assistance from Teddy’s  Aunt J.

Poor KOBI (puppy) has giardia.

She has been treated twice.

This is a parasite that puppies get from eating poop.

The parasite leaves the body in the poop but it develops into a cyst within hours.

This is the part that is infectious to other animals and people.

The surroundings have to be vacuumed, floors washed with a disinfectant, and any bedding, pillow covers, floor mats etc. have to be washed on a sanitation cycle every day.

My poor friend J, is exhausted.

Teddy has been treated by their VET so he is okay and poses no threat to Mr. Alvin.

Teddy will come and spend the weekend with us so that Aunt J can have a break, and Teddy, as well.

The puppy is busy without all of the added bonuses.

Alvin will get to see his best friend for Valentine’s Day.

I am sorry that I did not pick up a special treat for them.

But alas we have a container chalked full of yummy treats for puppies.

So I am quite certain that I can find something for the boys.

 

Well how do you spend Valentine’s Day?

Is it a big deal?

Not for me.

Perhaps somewhat when I was a younger woman and dating.

It was kind of important.

But not so much that I was upset if I did not receive flowers or a gift.

It is more of a retail grab these days than anything else.

Jewelry stores want you to buy diamonds for the special person in your life.

Florists want to sell you roses.

Candy stores want to sell you the biggest box of chocolates.

Then there are cards.

I do sometimes give my kids and grandpups a little treat.

Nothing huge.

Alvin gets a treat as he usually would and hugs with love.

I think that we should treat our family, friends, and all beings with kindness and respect all year round.

Not just make a big deal once or twice a year.

 

Life is life.

Make certain today and every other day of the year that you show your love and appreciation for all beings.

We cannot survive without each other.

Whether you are an elephant in Africa or a single woman in Canada or a bee in California.

We all need each other.

We are all linked.

When the chain is broken …..

Let us not go there.

 

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I honor you with kindness and respect today and always.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Our fur loves past and present ……

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of July, 2018.

One week into July, 2018.

Up early this morning as Master Teddy is spending the day with us.

Outside the air is a bit cool which is refreshing.

Windows open to take advantage of that coolness.

Yesterday was a HOT one.

We managed to get through it.

 

Was grateful that I was able to pick up groceries on way home from work last night.

Also grateful that our office closes early at 3 p.m. on Fridays during the summer months.

Still made it home close to regular time in carpool.

 

The sky has the most glorious looking marshmallow fluffy white clouds dotting the powder blueness, this morning.

Okay, perhaps that is a mouthful, but oh, so true.

 

We went to bed early as I am reading one of the books in the series of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

Such good books.

You truly feel like you living in Botswana, Africa.

With the majestic landscapes and friendly peoples.

 

Do you ever feel like you are all over the place?

That is me this morning.

I had a good sleep or perhaps should have had .. but the heat plays havoc with one’s sleeping patterns.

Still feeling a bit sleepy but perhaps a nap later.

It is Saturday after all.

I know once I get into the swing of things …. like laundry, making breakfast, coffee, Teddy’s arrival etc. …… I will be AWAKE.

 

I do remember a small piece of a dream from early this morning.

I was going to cross a busy street and there was a light.

On the other side were a bunch of people that I knew …. seems like they were saying good-bye to someone.

Beside me out of nowhere appeared a big black dog.

He had a collar and seemed to be friendly.

I wanted to grab his collar to keep him safe from the traffic.

When the light changed to GREEN and WALK, he seemed to know it was time to walk.

He stepped out onto the street and took a few steps, and before I could even take a step.

He was back beside me.

It was at that moment that I turned around a saw a giant grey WOLF not far away from us.

In that split second I glanced up and noticed in the other direction at the gas station, there were several large grey wolves.

All that I remember was people screaming across the way and the big black dog had got between me and the wolf.

Next thing I know I am out of danger but see that the big black dog is on the ground.

He is not moving.

I think that he is dead.

Woke up.

 

Time to go.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister, our lives, hey.  Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Friday, July 7, 2017 and it is the 34th day until my 60th Birthday.

I think that perhaps I will write a book about my journey to age 60.

The journey has taken me from a small farming community on the Canadian Prairies to a major Western Canadian City  Edmonton, Alberta.

Some days I feel that I have been there – done that.

I did not safari to Africa or sail across the Atlantic Ocean nor have I dated Royalty but I have done some pretty cool things.

So maybe now is the time to start putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard.

No one ever knows how much time we have on this planet and with good health and a fairly “sharp” mind, perhaps I should get started.

I am so grateful for this BLOG as I have learned so much about myself with writing a daily post.

Sounds like a plan may be in place.

If you write things down it seems to make them more tangible.

Also once you say you are going to do something – it is a bit more difficult to go back or at least with me.

If I say that I am going to do something – generally I do the thing.

So perhaps this 60 gig will not be so bad.

I will need your help though – I appreciate any and all comments and all of your support.

It is only through these efforts that we truly learn and grow.

So 34 more days until 60.

Whew ….. 34 more …..

At the 60 mark – there will be a yummy CARROT CAKE.

I commissioned a co-worker to make me a huge carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

She is so talented ….. I can hardly wait to share it with my family and friends.

So until tomorrow,

Always, Carol

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Wednesday, June 28, 2017 and it is the 43rd day until my 60th Birthday.

I have to admit that when I started on item # 38 – I had to keep referring back to the other lists as I had forgot which ones that already been mentioned.

So I have decided to just put them all together and keep adding the new ones.  

Sorry for the rather lengthy post.  

 

I have often thought a BUCKET LIST would be nice but perhaps today I will do it in reverse.

Not the things that I want to do in the future but some of the things that I have done over the years.

Okay so this is going to be another 60 things list ….. but things that I have done not necessarily favourite things but things that I have done/accomplished, okay.

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

1. Started cooking at age 6 (have been cooking now for almost 54 years).

2. Camped with cousins on a dry river bed and did not know and then the rain started and we had to leave.

3. Played in the water at Padre Island / Gulf Coast of Mexico as a child while spending the winter in TEXAS with family.

4. Bought first house on my own at age 52.

5. Adopted first doggie (Alvin) on my own at age 53.

6. Started making jewellery and had own jewellery business at age 53 with my daughter.

7. Worked first real RETAIL job (small town clothing store does not count).

8.  In said RETAIL job even had “number 1 sales per hour” in the whole company (not bad for someone at age 57 working with mainly young ones).

9.  First paid babysitting job at age 8 for neighbours with toddler and newborn.

10. Tasted first FAST FOOD at age 18.

11.  When a child walked from my Grandparents farm to ours which was about five miles away (after disagreement with my Dad and it was at night).

12. Had a mock wedding as a prank on my Mother (so much fun and she loved it, too and honestly she did not believe it).

13. Rode on the hovercraft between Vancouver and Victoria back in, I believe it was about 1997 (they do not use them anymore).

14. Volunteered to canvas for Diabetes, Cancer, and Heart & Stroke many times over the years and as recent as 2017.

15.  Belonged to the Jaycettes  many years ago in Regina.  They did so much work in the community from fundraising to organizing neighbourhood watch groups.

16.  Also belonged to Downtowner Optimist Group in Regina (great experience helping community’s children) and had different roles from member to Vice President to President.

17.  Joined Capital City Cleanup (cleaning trash in my neighbourhood) when I moved to Edmonton and still do this on my own and not in an official capacity.

18.  Had supper in the revolving restaurants in both Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada.

19.  Sat in the shade of lilac bushes as a toddler which was happened to be where there was a nest of baby mice and spent the next several decades being deathly afraid of them.  Also had a terrible nightmare that our root cellar as a child was filled with water and I had fallen in, it was dark of course, red eyes swimming toward me (rats) did not help with my phobia.  I am proud to say after a few experiences with them in the latter years has helped me.  After moving to Edmonton in my CLEAN, not old house, I had them (mice) and first time I spent three nights at my daughter’s house.  The next two times and hopefully the last I managed to live here.  Found that it does not matter how clean your house is …. if it is COLD outside, they will find a way to come in.  PROUD to say that even though they scare me they no longer terrify me.

20. As a teenager help save the life of a young boy who had been playing with fire in a barrel (someone was burning garbage).  As, I was leaving the cafe and turned down the back alley to go home I heard him screaming and saw him on fire.  I quickly sprang in action and got the flames extinguished so that he did not have worse burns.  Left him lying on the grass, and ran for help which was close by.  Thankfully he survived.

21.  As an adult I had several occasions either on my own where I happened to be in the right place at the right time and helped a young one in distress.  I am thankful.

22. On my only trip to New York City I visited the World Trade Centre.  Visited a company we worked with and it was quite the experience.  Rode up in the first bank of elevators and then had to get off and onto the second one.  Because of security concerns back in 1994, someone from the company I was going to see had to come and personally accompany me to their offices.  I remember the view from their offices.  We also had drinks on the concourse at the harbour which was amazing.  An experience I shall treasure always.

23. Travelled to Victoria, British Columbia by myself in 2010 and spent a few days exploring the city and admiring the beauty of Victoria.

24.  Started second “career” at age 54.  I plan to life until I am 100 so have lots of years left to do work and then “retire.”

25.  Attended all different schools from Grades 9 to Grade 12 in three different Canadian provinces.

26.  Sold through direct sales:  AMWAY, Fashion Two-Twenty make-up, Tupperware twice in two different provinces and Steeped Tea.

27.  Wrote Eulogies for four different family members and gave three of them.

28.  Started to write poetry at age eight years.

29.  Jobs have done over the years: Babysitting, Berry picker,  Executive Assistant (summer job), Keypunch operator, Bank Teller,  Claims Dispatch Clerk, Mapping Clerk, Reinsurance Underwriter, small town Ladies Clothing Shop, Customer Service Clerk at Retail store with largest sales at West Edmonton Mall, House Cleaning, File Clerk and Housing Clerk.

30.  Wrote Groom’s speech for my friend to give at her brother’s wedding.

31.  Broke handle off new shovel while digging out dead cedar tree from my back garden area two years ago.  Still do not believe that one.

32.  Grateful to have attended concerts for two of my favourite entertainers:  Celine Dion and Sir Elton John.

33.  Good at making meals from virtually nothing.  I love challenging myself to using everything in my pantry and fridge.

34.  Love making up new recipes.

36.   Grew up on the farm and helped with everything from stacking bales when haying, to housework, to looking after siblings, to cooking, gardening and other chores all before age 14.

37.   After moving from the farm in Saskatchewan to British Columbia …. my Mom, Sister and I spent that first summer picking berries.  Hard work but definitely had payoff.

38.  Attended one of the first Bryan Adams concerts back in the 70’s before he was the headliner.  He stole the show.

39.  Was contacted by a reporter from the Wall Street Journal with respect to one of my blog posts.  That was so exciting.  We even spoke on the phone and emailed for awhile.

40.  Ate first oysters at age 18 …. friend made an oyster loaf and it was so good.

41.  Made the most changes in my life after the age of 51.

42.  I personally know one of the founding members of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, New York.   Started by “shaving heads” to raise money for Children with Cancer.  So proud of the work they do.

43.  First time drove the self-propelled combine I “ran into a log” …… no major damage done.

44.  Helped look after the runt of a litter …. baby pig ….. he was so cute.

45.  Learned to swim by being towed out into deep water and left to get back on my own.  I am not a great swimmer but I did not drown.

46.  I am learning to listen more as I get older.

47.  Was in the house when the funnel of a tornado was bearing down and by some miracle it hopped our house and took the roof off of the house directly behind us – not far away.

48.  I am finding that this is a difficult process.  Can this count?

Here are the next 12 items:

49.  Always loved to fly and most especially in small planes with a pilot who loved to do dips, twists and turns.

50.  Sponsored two children through World Vision.  First was a little girl in South America and second was a young boy in Africa, in Malawi.  I sponsored him for ten years.  On one occasion I sent a box of paper, pencils and other items for him to share with his class-mates.  The cost to ship to Africa was more than the cost of the contents.  He was eight when we started the journey and eighteen when he aged out of the program.  I always loved receiving his letters which were sometimes written by a family friend or aid worker.  They are a treasure to be kept forever.

51. In High School due to the moving from province to province – I always take to take a full class load due to the different “credit” requirements.  Even had three years of biology and chemistry and some other classes.  Love the sciences so that was okay by me.  No spares for this girl.

52.  In my twenties at one of the slow pitch tournament after parties I was able to drive an actual limousine.  One of the out of town teams from Winnipeg had driven driven to Regina in the limo.  All the guys were vying to drive the car, the limo but guess who was the only one who got to drive the CAR?  Me, silly.  I am still not quite sure how I managed it but I did and even completed parallel parking with the monster.  All our guys were jealous.  I was one very proud girl.

53.  When my Grandfather was killed in a farming accident in 1973 – I moved back to Saskatchewan to live with my Grandmother to help out.  She was 72 and I was 16.  It worked out.  Sometimes not but most of the time.

54.  Loved the trip to Montreal in 2007 with my daughter.  We even had the pleasure of a day trip to Quebec City.  So beautiful.  One of my favourite spots that I have visited.  Our Canadian History is on display in Quebec City.

55.  Recently had my first time in a “paddle boat” at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.  So much fun.  I was with my daughter at a work outing.  Best fun I have had in a long time.  Got kind of stuck with the boat and we girls had to do a 360 in a narrow space to get out.  Laughed so hard.

56.  Saw PANDAS in the San Diego Zoo.

57.  Almost was detained in Mexico.  Coming back through the border crossing on a hot summer day ….. August 2002 ….. it was scary.  My friend went through no problem but not me.  They held me up asking all sorts of questions.  I guess they thought I looked like someone else. Finally after what seemed liked an eternity … they waved me through.  Must say some of the scariest minutes of my life.   Both the U.S. and Mexican soldiers at the crossing which was between San Diego and Mexico were armed with BIG GUNS.  They were not fooling around.  They even had another person surrounded with guns pointed.  I have never gone back to Mexico, and never will.

58. In 1978, I travelled with some folks to U.S. – destination being Los Angeles.  While in the big city – we had gone out for drinks as it was hot.  The waiter that served us asked for ID.  We all pulled out our Saskatchewan BAR CARDS (they were issued by our local government in Canada) and I was only a few months away from being 21 which happened to be the legal age in California at the time.  He looked at me and looked at the card and walked over to the BARTENDER and I could hear him say that “this card said I was legal to drink in a place called  “Saskatchewan” as he slowly pronounced each syllable.  BARTENDER said:  “Let them have one drink.”  

59. Just after high school graduation my cousin and I tried to break the WORLD GUINNESS RECORD for staying awake the longest.  We had almost a week but who would believe us.

60. Okay, one more.  Mother to the last person from Saskatchewan to be accepted to the NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) for their two year Photography Program.  My daughter took the last FILM course and the first DIGITAL one.  That was cool.  She has that eye and still to this day takes the best photos.  

Always, Carol

P.S. sorry seems like a book….

Just thought of something else:  For all those STAR TREK FANS – Years ago the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas had what they called “THE STAR TREK EXPERIENCE” and I was able to visit it.  It was fantastic.

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of January, 2015.

Wow, another glorious morning.

Today is Friday ….. guess I mentioned that already …..

Last night two ladies that used to work in the West Edmonton store came in to make a purchase and to say hello.

One of the ladies is from Kenya, Africa, and has such an infectious loving happy personality that she makes you just want to stand on a hilltop and dance.

So that is what I feel like doing at this moment.

So on the way to work at the office I shall be dancing on a hilltop in my mind.

Well time to go … running a bit late this morning.

Have a great Friday.

Remember to go to the hilltop in your mind and do a happy dance.

Guarantee you will feel like a million dollars.

Special Hello to: all of my coworkers ….

Always, Carol and Alvin