Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you doing well. We are doing well although I do admit that I like being able to sleep later in the mornings but I am up and almost ready. Alvin has had his breakfast and been outside to do his business, okay, I shall say it “to p&p.” Our weather has been absolutely gorgeous. I sure am grateful for these above zero temperatures. I can hear a dog outside to the south barking. I hope that they let the poor guy into the house. Why do people leave their poor dogs outside? Those are not great human beings. I cannot imagine doing that. I feel badly if I let Alvin outside and run into the basement for something quick. He always beats me to the door and then starts barking. Most times, the majority of the time, I go outside with him, especially since he is getting older.

I had a great idea this morning. While thinking of Alvin, I realized that my daughter does not have the phone numbers of my friends that help with Alvin. She does have the phone numbers of my friends Gillian and Signe or at least the group chat. So what would happen if something happened to me, who would she contact. So I took a screenshot of some of my contacts, the ones that are looking after Alvin today and tomorrow while I head out to the office. This is something that we likely do not think about – the exchange of contact information. I plan tonight to make a list of all of my close friends and their phone numbers and give to my daughter. Should anything happen to her, she will have the information at easy access. I also sent her my Manager’s cell number. Organized and prepared are good things. You should always give the person that would be looking after your affairs and finances, any information that is required to access those records. My daughter has most of my info but I need to make a list and give it to her. Should something ever happen to me, I do not wish her to be stressing over account numbers, banking info etc. in the midst of grieving. We should all be prepared. It is important.

I watered some of my plants upstairs this morning. They are doing well. My African Violet is blooming with the most exquisite deep rich purple flowers. I am blessed to be surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. Not only do they help the air quality but they are beautiful. Do you talk to your plants? I do, I touch their leaves and chat away to them. Sounds a bit strange but I do not have any humans in the house. So Mr. Alvin and the Plants are my sounding boards and with whom I chat about things, about them, about life. It would be odd never to talk to Alvin. I hope that he likes the sound of my voice. Likely thinks I talk too much, lol.

Today and tomorrow I am off to the office. I am so grateful that I have a ride to work with a coworker and that I have friends to watch over Alvin.

Only this weekend and next until I have my “baking weekend” followed by two Christmas parties, two Saturdays in a row. Busy December. This weekend I will double check my list of ingredients to ensure that I have everything that I need. Always good to be prepared even for baking weekends!

I hope that you have a great Wednesday, I almost put down Tuesday. Yikes. I am feeling much better, thank goodness. If I am able to sleep, I always feel better. Sleep heals.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Alvin and I are doing very well. We had a great sleep for us. Lights out at 10:00 p.m. and first time up at 4:00 a.m. and then up to stay up at 5:40. No complaints. Today is my last day at the office for the week and that makes me happy. I am doing a little dance while sitting on my chair typing/keying this post. YAY.

The traffic seems to change from day to day. Sometimes I get dropped off at 4:30 and others about 4:45 or so. Life in the fast lane.

There is not too much new in my live at the moment so that is good.

I am thinking ahead to next weekend which will be the first weekend in November and time for me to start decorating for Christmas. With Halloween being on Monday and working at the office from Tuesday to Thursday, I thought better to wait until the weekend.

Looking at the plants that I have in the office, I noticed that my African Violet is blooming. Beautiful deep, rich purple flowers. She is amazing. The Spider Plant is enjoying more sunshine in the office than in our bedroom and the third plant which I am not quite certain its’ name, is green and beautiful. I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many healthy, pretty plants. Looks like they may need a drink so I shall do that before I go back downstairs. One more time outside for Mr. Alvin before I leave for work. Our friend is only able to come over at noon today so I want to make sure that he has that last pee and possibly another poop and drinks some water (not necessarily in that order). Better to drink the water first and then go outside. Hopefully he will.

There was frost on the ground again. I noticed that the weather channel has single digit temperature for today but warming up for the next few days. I hope that they are correct. We can enjoy more warm walks. Perhaps Alvin won’t need his sweater. I think that I gave Alvin’s winter coat away, the big one as it was a bit too big on him anyway although with his recent weight gain, that may have changed. Will have to check things out.

I hope that you have an awesome day. May you be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees although there are a few left and I treasure each moment with them on the trees. Looks like I may have some raking in my future although some leaves on the ground does help protect the grass and fertilizes it for spring.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: oooooo, coffee!

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. As it turns out Mr. Alvin did not shake his head or rub his ears all day after the morning so I am just keeping an eye on him. If this changes, of course, I will get the boy in right away.

This is an odd morning. It froze overnight (that is not odd). There is fog in the air. Fog does not happen a lot here in Edmonton and when it does, it feels odd to me. I cannot see the sunrise and not sure if the sky is blue or grey beyond the fog. I hope it lifts soon. I hope that everyone that drives has a safe drive to work. I am thinking of my daughter driving in from the countryside. Also my neighbour just left for the office as well. So grateful to be working from home and not having to worry about walking to the bus on the icy sidewalks.

We went to bed a bit later last night as I try to figure out the best time for that to happen. I know how important sleep is to us all. I turned the lights out after reading for a few minutes after going to bed at 10:00 pm. It was 4:00 am, when Alvin got up to go outside and then almost 6:00 am, when he got up for breakfast and then we laid on the sofa till 6:45 am. What is wrong with this picture? I would like to have a routine where we get up and stay up at like 6:00 am, I just find it difficult as the years go by to get up early and stay up. Have to break that habit. I am proud of Mr. Alvin he did good.

Yesterday it was a snow/rain mix for most of the day with heavy and light periods. Most of the snow that fell on the sidewalks and streets melted but the snow on the lawns stuck. Yes, stuck. I am feeling like I will never see the grassy area in our backyard. All of the snow that I shovelled and moved about back there is back. More exercise I see. But I most certainly am not going to complain about a bit of snow and ice as it is almost April and it will be gone for another season in a few weeks. Patience is a virtue so that say and I work on that virtue daily.

I am so grateful to my friend Signe who picked up some canned pumpkin for Mr. Alvin. For some reason I had forgot when she picked me up some groceries on the weekend. She found a sale so we are good for awhile. YAY.

I am so blessed and feel so grateful to have such thoughtful and considerate friends. Saves me from slipping about on the sidewalks going to and from the stores OR catching a taxi.

When we were outside walking on Sunday, I heard some geese honking and some other birds that I did not recognize their song. Just heard a goose honking as I typed the words. Fantastic.

Well time to go and have some coffee. Time to get things set up – turned on for work. I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday.

Happy Spring!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I have an African Violet in my office with the most vibrant deep purple flowers and I love it.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? I am/we are well. Last night or rather this morning, first time up and downstairs was at 4:08 a.m., yay Mr. Alvin. Next time up when I set the alarm. Feels like I had a good sleep. I am most grateful. The night sky is just starting to show the morning sunrise as it begins to lighten on the horizon. My view from the office window facing southward.

News on the block. My kids bought a new car. So exciting for them. They brought it to show me on their way home from the dealership last night. It is a beauty.

Today is the 44th birthday of my eldest nephew. One of my high school classmates turns 64 today as well. It is a reminder that this is the year me and my graduating class turn 64. I cannot believe it. Does not seem real but then again on the other hand – my nephew just turned 44, so it does. Happy Birthday Nephew – Wishing you a wonderful day. He is away working up north and it has been minus 50 celsius. Now that’s cold. Sending you good wishes and warmth. Take care and be safe. To my friend Barb, Happy 64th Birthday. Wishing you a wonderful day.

As I look about my office, I see that my African Violet has a great many purple flowers. She is most beautiful with her deep purple blooms and rich green leaves. The smaller Spider Plants that I have brought up stairs are doing well. They seem to grow like nobody’s business no matter where they are placed. Easy peasy. My Geraniums downstairs are blooming with bright pink flowers. Love them. Poinsettias are doing well. The one from last year has some leaves that are turning red. So pretty with green and red leaves. I would say that my little garden in the kitchen and in office are bright and cheery and bring joy to my days. Always good to be surrounded by greenery with a pop of colour. Good for the air as well.

I can see the sky starting to turn oranges and pinks on the horizon and soon the sun shall be up and shining every so brightly.

Another cold day but by Friday it will be warming up. Which is a good thing as I have to make a run to the vet for supplies for the boy.

Well time to head on downstairs. The boy is standing staring at me from the hallway. He has a piercing look when he wants something.

I wish you a great Tuesday, be safe and warm and take care.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Alvin and I are well. He has a regular Vet appointment this afternoon. He is waiting patiently outside the office for me to finish ( I just started ). I should not “say” that he is patient as his patience is much less than mine most days. So Tuesday morning. At one point yesterday I made a comment in our TEAMS CHAT that would make one think that yesterday was further in the week, not a great way to start. Oh well, the phones were busy for the first hour or so and then lessened so I was able to get some mail done which was great. The mail is “stacking” up so to speak. Our walk at noon was great. Another gorgeous day. We have been so lucky. One thing though we do not have much snow left. The deck is getting more and more bare.

I was wondering if the African Violet originated from Africa? The blooms are ever so delicate and the leaves remind me of a rounded spade in shape. So pretty. Actually I have determined in the last almost year that I have been working from home that I may actually have a green thumb due in large part to most of my plants having a home in a south facing window. I have a bay window in the kitchen and the plants are thriving there. This is near my workspace and it has been great being close to beautiful plants as I work. Some of my Geraniums have beautiful pink flowers at this time, the red leaves of the Poinsettias are gorgeous and I have several other plants including a Spider plant which I moved just recently to the dividing half way between the kitchen and the living room. I hope that it will have enough light in that spot. I have so many plants that they are getting kind of crowded. I enjoy having a “green” workspace.

Well I am at a loss as what to share this more. Writer’s block, perhaps.

I hope that you are doing well, that you are in good health and remembering to take some time for yourself. Self care is very important and something to remember especially at this time.

With that, I remain living my life with kindness, respect and compassion.

Take Care.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am planning Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party for Sunday, January 24th, 2020.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you? I am well and happily settling into my new bras. Happy Woman here. Well last night ….. earlier, much earlier this morning up and down as per our normal routine. It would seem that whenever we go to bed whether early or a bit later we are always up six hours later. That six hour mark could be at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. or anything in between. Depending on the time I either give Mr. Alvin his glucosamine chew OR the chew and breakfast. I don’t want him to have breakfast before 4:00 a.m. Too early. Then we head to the sofa for a few more zzz’s and when we get up depends on whether or not it is during the week or the weekend. What a life! This morning I am going to have a “coffee visit” with my friends Gillian and Signe on TEAMS. So excited to see them and catch up.

I also had a pretty nice surprise when I went into my office (where I am now) to turn on the computer …. I found that my African Violet had some pretty purple flowers. She did not have them yesterday and there are several buds as well. A very deep rich vibrant purple. A royal purple if you will. I cannot remember how long I have had this plant and she has never bloomed but I think that she does like being in the office on my desk. I have placed two smaller Spider plants on the desk beside her for company. Even plants need company. They were babies when I moved them into the office and she was older so a good match, I thought. Miss Violet’s leaves are finally becoming larger and stronger looking. I am so over the moon happy about this plant and all of my plants as they are all doing so well. My Geraniums are blooming …. beautiful pink flowers. Three other plants that I have are also blooming and I am not quite sure what there names are … Since I am home all of the time now, I give them a lot more TLC and they appear to be liking the extra attention. Yesterday morning I spent about one hour fixing them up and moving them about. They do all seem to love the southern exposure whether in my kitchen or in the office. Although yesterday I tried something by moving my large Spider plant to the 1/2 wall that divides the kitchen and living room. I moved Spidy because my plant area is getting so crowded with plants. I will see how Spidy does and if shows signs of stress I will move him back to the window area or perhaps even upstairs to the office where there is more room. My daughter brought me a Poinsettia from her office on Friday thus overfilling the space. So I will keep an eye on them. Plants are so good to have around. I am grateful that several of them seem to bloom all year round. Now I have my beautiful Violet plant blooming. So grateful. Also I have two geraniums that my friend Pauline gave me last fall which are becoming massive in their small pots and need to be transplanted. So I will have to put out a call for someone to pick me up some potting soil and two medium sized pots.

Last night I spent the evening speaking to my friend Linda who lives back home. We worked together, were neighbours and are friends. She recently celebrated a birthday. We chatted about our lives, the world and the pandemic for close to three hours. What a great way to spend a Saturday night. Perfection.

Now this morning I get to chat with two of my girl friends. YAY.

Well time to get dressed and put on the coffee and have breakfast before our get together.

The sky is partially overcast this morning as the sunrises. I love the colours of the morning sky as the sun begins to rise in the sky.

This has been a great weekend thus far. Alvin and I also had the best walk yesterday afternoon. The air was so warm and there was no wind. I could have walked forever. Who would have thought it was almost mid January.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of August, 2018.

The sky is overcast and it has been RAINING off and on since last night.

Oh, we are grateful for the rain.

I hope that RAIN comes to those areas affected by the forest fires everywhere.

It seems as though the vast majority of the WESTERN COAST of NORTH AMERICA is on fire.

My heart goes out to the folks, my soul hurts for the animals and wildlife that have not been able to escape the fiery inferno.

 

It seems like only yesterday that my house was filled with family.

It seems like only yesterday that my daughter and I were setting out on our trip, my birthday adventure, our mini vacation.

It seems like only yesterday that I celebrated my 60th birthday and now I am 61.  “How did that happen?”

Time flies.

 

Both Alvin and I are feeling lazy today.

He has not even ate breakfast (likely because he had lots to eat last night).

Teddy was with us from Friday morning until late yesterday afternoon.

 

One of my co-workers who happens to be this amazing baker – dropped off my BIRTHDAY CARROT CAKE in the morning.

IT IS GORGEOUS.

 

Yesterday afternoon one of my dear friends came to share my birthday cake.

We had a great visit.

She brought me a sweet pea bouquet from her garden as well as a bag of apples and some other gifts.

She has quite the green thumb.

I see an apple crisp in my future.

Teddy’s Mom brought me apples from her garden a few days ago.

Lots of apples.

In the evening our friends “A” and “J” and Jazmine (pup) from just a few doors down.

One from one way and J&J from the other way.

One friend brought me a beautiful AFRICAN VIOLET plant ( I see a theme rising here).

Candles were another theme.

We had wine, coffee, water and CAKE.

Just the birthday cake.

This is the most glorious CARROT CAKE.

This year it is a layer cake and is so delectable.

I could eat it morning, noon and night.

Then I would not be able to get into my clothes.

So much visiting with dear friends last night.

 

I have received emails, messages on FB, cards, people coming to see me, phone calls – feeling so loved.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by the BEST PEOPLE on the planet.

 

Well time to go and check on Humphrey and Cinder, our charges.

Their Momma comes home today.

 

I feel like toast and coffee ……

 

I am working on my vacation story in my head and will have it done soon.

So much to tell you.

 

Laughter is the best medicine and I am grateful for the laughter that my family and friends share with me.

Life whether long or short must be enjoyed to the fullest.

 

Time to go and check on Sir Humphrey and Miss Cinder.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin