2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? Today is my late start / shift so we slept in which was lovely. The sun has rose, the sky is a brilliant blue as we begin our day. We went to bed perhaps a bit later than usual and then Mr. Alvin had to go outside at 11:23 p.m. but then he slept until 5:00 a.m. – which was truly a bonus. Yesterday after work we went for a walk just inside the park and then back home. Not very long but that was okay. Our temperatures are warming up. I was grateful that we were able to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. The past two weeks or so have only been trips to the backyard and shovelling when there was snow. So this was great. Good for the body, mind and soul. Clear the cobwebs so to speak. Anyway, I am truly grateful for our walk together. As we both age, even though I do not think of either of us as “really old” – I am always in a state of gratitude for each and every day we have together. Each day that we can enjoy each other’s company and even perhaps get outside for some fresh air and a walk. Time flies when you are having fun and that it is. Can you believe that today is Thursday, February 18, 2021. Hard to believe I know. Next month on March 19th – it will mark one year since our office sent us home to work. I have been truly grateful for that decision and for them continuing to have us working from home. The next check date is June, 2021. I have been wishing and praying and praying and wishing and crossing my fingers, eyes and toes that they give us the choice whether to go to the office and work or work from home. With Alvin getting older, I need / I want to be home with him. I cannot imagine putting him back in that situation where I leave at 6:30 and get home after 5:00 p.m. and that is providing I can carpool as taking the bus would put me home even later. I am going to continue to think about how much I love working from home and how good it is for me, for Alvin and has been for our clients. My thoughts also go to the folks in the U.S. who are in the midst of a huge winter storm with another one coming in before they have even recovered from the first one. Many of them do not have furnaces, pipes are bursting in homes and businesses, there is no electricity and no water. My heart goes out to them. We are actually pretty prepared in Canada for winter storms after all we have them during our winter months. Our winters can sometimes be more than half of the year. Sometimes we joke about all the different outer apparel we each have here in Canada. Most of us have a jacket for early spring, for later spring, for summer, for late summer, for fall, for early winter, for bitter cold days and so on. We have boots for rain and snow. These things that go on the bottom of our boots for when it is icy. There are also hats, mitts and scarves. We all have furnaces and some have air conditioners. We have family living in Houston, Texas. They were without electricity. I hope that no more lives are lost and that everyone is safe and warm with clean water and food.

I am grateful everyday to be safe, to be warm, in good health and have good food to eat. To be surrounded by family and friends even though I do not physically see them often, they are still there. I am grateful that Mr. Alvin found me, all those years ago.

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

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of July, 2018.

What a gorgeous morning, clear blue skies.

This morning when Al and I went for a walk at 5:15 a.m. – there was quite a lot of activity at our lakes/park.

The birds everything from ducks, geese, robins and more where chirping, quacking, singing and communicating.

There were frogs and crickets.

The ponds (not actually lakes) were alive with all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures.

It was glorious to listen to it all as we made our way through the park.

 

Another HOT HOT one on the way.

OMG, yesterday was so hot.

The fans and air conditioning barely keeping things cool.

 

Somedays you just need to share some photos.

Here are some photos from my “61” BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

The partying beings ….. a tad early but who am I to rain on my parade.

Why not celebrate for a month?

Right.

Party complete with Birthday Banner and Balloons.

Nothing like FRESH GLORIOUS FRUIT

Homemade CARROT CAKE to die for ….

The Birthday Girl hiding behind your PRESENTS.

Oh, I love presents.

So blessed …. received yoga pants & top and sweater and long no-sleeved fancy tank top.

I had so much fun with my girl friends …. we laughed and laughed.

 

AFTER the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups came for the afternoon & stayed for supper.

Both Aspen and Milo looked out the window pretty much the whole time that my daughter was out.

She slipped out for a few minutes.

Oh the babies.

My LILIES be blooming.

They are the most gorgeous shade of red, the ferns are taking over the front flower bed.

Who does not like impatiens?  I kind of missed most of the flowers.

They are filling up two pots on the front step.

What a glorious Sunday I had.

Absolute perfection.

 

Well here we are at Tuesday.

Will be trying to keep cool.

Thank goodness it is cool at 5:15 am when we go for a walk.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you for reading my blog.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 14th day of August, 2017.

We had a thunder/lightning/rain storm last night.

The air was filled with the smell of smoke last night.

The grass is wet and sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight this morning.

The air is cool with no breeze.

 

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GREAT NEPHEW “A” WHO TURNS 12 TODAY.

IT WAS GREAT TO HAVE SEEN HIM AGAIN …..

So great to have my boy back home.

I surely did miss him.

 

We are having semi unexpected company today.

Have to get things organized and get out for a walk while it is still cool although the forecast is for low 20’s today.

Our company is a family that moved back home to Quebec several years ago but they were here when I moved to Edmonton in 2009.

We spent a lot of time together as I was semi-retired when I moved to Edmonton.

The Children spent a lot of time with me as I had air conditioning and it was hot the first few summers that I was here.

We did crafts and watched movies.

They were here when I adopted Alvin.

So excited to see them again.

 

Well I must get going as I am not certain when they will arrive and I have lots to do.

Mr. Alvin goes tomorrow to have his teeth cleaned so he cannot eat after 10:00 p.m. tonight and cannot drink after midnight.

Tomorrow morning will be interesting as he loves his food.

I will not eat or drink as that would not be fair.

 

The house is quiet at the moment with no sister or brother ….. but more company coming.

I am so grateful for the great vacation and to have two weeks off from work.

 

Time to fly.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Special Hello to:  all my friends and family.  Thank you to “J” for the most thoughtful Birthday card.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of July, 2017.

Well I will say one thing ….. as much as I do enjoy summer …. when the temperatures rise over about 22 degrees …. it is too much for me.

Yesterday it was over 28 degrees celsius in the City which really feels warmer.

Today is supposed to be 30 …… makes me wish that I had gotten my air conditioning serviced sooner.

Oh well ….. I make sure that Mr. Alvin is comfortable in the house while I am at work.

I am drained …… looking forward to a little bit cooler temperatures but do not wish to complain about the warmer weather as it will be w–t– soon.

We walked last night with our walking companions but really we should have stayed home – too warm for us.

I really feel the heat and am thinking that my supper was not an appropriate choice either.

Oh well ….. moving on.

 

So as my brain is drained and it is early morning which is not likely a good sign …. to start the day…

Oh well, such as life.

Time to get this boat on the river …..

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to:  All my friends who are placed all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of July, 2017.

Nice breeze coming through the windows and cooling us off.

Yesterday was a warm day.

My air conditioner needs servicing.

I noticed that it was not keeping the house cool.

Did some reading and like most things air conditioning should be serviced annual.

Well I have not done that.

So we will keep the windows open when it is cool and keep the blinds closed when the sun shines.

I have done some reading and although air conditioning keeps us cool it can do harm as well as increase our carbon emissions.

As I do not have extra money to service the air conditioner we will make do without …..

My only concern is Alvin and I will do everything in my power to make sure he is comfortable.

A fond reminder about being a home owner.

I love having a house but it does cost lost to maintain.

 

Just had the phone ring and the caller ID said RHODE ISLAND and a non 888 or 800 number.

Odd.

 

Well time to get this day on the way.

Alvin and I already went for a walk.

The breeze was so refreshing.

 

I was/need/should go and pick up trash but my heart is not in it …. I feel guilty.

Even though not one piece of said trash came from me.

Isn’t that awful?

 

Special Hello to:  all those Homeowners, it is a big job but so worth it.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of September, 2016.

According to one of the meteorologists on the Weather Channel this is the last Friday of summer.

I guess it is just that as fall officially begins in a few days.

My favourite time of year.

Last night one of my neighbours came over for coffee, that was great.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk and met up with some of our friends so we had mini visits along the way.

The temperature was perfection.

It truly was one of the most perfect evenings on all counts.

Yay it is Friday and the weekend.

Tonight our Lotto Max jackpot is $60,000,000 dollars.

What would you do with $60 million dollars?

It is a huge amount for sure but I know exactly what I would do.

Bring it on.

I would never have to walk to the store for groceries again !!

Financial freedom.

Financial freedom.

Retirement.

Retirement.

Did I say Retirement?

Well I would investigate more creative options.

Food for thought.

One thing about winning that much money – you would have to be prepared.

Life would / could change over night.

Well almost time to hit the road this morning.

Hey guess what?

Last night after work I had to turn the heat off and the AC on …..

Just left it on and will turn it down a bit so it cuts in later when it heats up.

Isn’t that crazy …. air conditioning mid September, gotta love it.

Happy Friday.

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. Cheer up …. your life is about to change for the very best.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of July, 2016.

It is a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sunrise is the most brilliant delicious red with orange and yellow hues.

In contrast to the south there are deep blue rain clouds filling the sky.

Earlier I saw a bolt of lightning light up the early morning sky.

I quickly grabbed my tablet to get a couple of photos of this amazing morning sky.

It has been hot with temperatures of high 20’s celsius but the ringer is the humidity ….

With the humidity it feels like in the 30’s …. hot and muggy.

Along with the weather of course we have had many a thunderstorm filled with manic rain showers, thunder and lightning.

Yesterday afternoon at work about 2:00 p.m. it was raining in buckets.

I was hoping it would stop before I was off work as getting soaked on your walk to the bus is only a bit fun.

Yes, I said it …. the child in me, does not mind.

After work is okay to be wet ….

I carry an umbrella with me but sometimes it does not matter.

I remember years ago on my way to work I did not have an umbrella and was soaked completely through and with the air conditioning in the building it literally took me all day to dry out.

Not a comfortable way to spend the day.

The sun is shining so brilliantly now that the blue sky to the south is almost sparkling and with another bolt of lightning.

What a beautiful sky this morning.

Well time once again to leave for work.

I wish that I had the time to show my photos but they do not capture the true beauty of this morning’s sky.

Close your eyes and use your imagination and you will see what I see.

Have a wonderful day.

Happy Weather er, I mean Thursday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who love weather.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 20th day of July, 2016.

It is overcast which is an understatement because there be RAIN CLOUDS bringing us moisture as I type these words.

Despite not going to bed until after 11:00 p.m. last night and listening to the thunder roar and the lightning flashing I feel pretty awake.

My daughter picked me up from work yesterday afternoon and was able to stop and pick up my friend along the way.

So it worked out perfectly.

I love company.

She came bearing gifts of some extra special treats some edible and some not.

So I feel very special and so grateful at this moment.

We had a nice supper last night and visited.

We went for a walk with Alvin and visited.

We sat out on the deck and visited.

Such an awesome Tuesday evening.

This morning my kids are picking me up and Elton will be spending the day with Alvin.

So everyone has company.

So hot and humid last night and also this morning.

Funny how that whole humidity and temperature thing works.

I feel a bit warm at the moment.

The air conditioner ran most of last night to catch up to the change in the temperature as I had to turn it down (too hot in here).

Well the kids will be here shortly and I have to put the finishing touches on getting ready.

So excited to have some company for the next few days.

She will visit with her family during the day and then with me at night.

So perfect.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing that sunshine and rainbows follow you.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over the world.  Thanks sis, we will.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of July, 2016.

WOW, July 7th ….. 7th day of the 7th month ….. should be a lucky day.

Isn’t every day a lucky day ….

The sky is overcast and it is raining off and on.

Our office is cold so I have dressed a bit warmer today but likely by the time we are off work it will have warmed up.

Gotta love these days.

It seems to be that in any multi story building it is hard to regulate air conditioning.

There is always an area that is super cold or hot and some are just right.

Sounds like the three bears story.

Well today is payday and that is great.

That thought reminded me that I had a threatening phone call with a badly recorded message.

A poorly devised SCAM ….. I was not fooled.

The Federal Government would not be calling and leaving that kind of message before they took everything.

Not too likely.

I kept the message as I was going to have someone listen to it and report it to the RCMP.

Anyway …. bad people out there.

Be aware.

Well here we go almost time to leave once again.

Alvin had fun yesterday with Elton.

Elton is so full of energy.

I am so happy that the kids went ahead with his surgery a few months ago.

It was expensive but how can you put a price on “life.”

Anyway, I enjoyed the walk with my boys Alvin and Elton.

Elton was so enjoying sniffing about …..

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Happy Thursday ….

May your day be filled with love and laughter.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. yes, SKYPE on Sunday…… do not forget (this message is mostly for me) LOL.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 2nd day of May, 2016.

Day #2 of May ….. it is a beautiful morning.

The sun is rising and the sky is clear.

Temperature forecasted to be 26 degrees celsius.

Crazy for the first week in May.

Tomorrow they are saying 28 and Wednesday 27.

Sounds like it will be time to turn on the AC for Mr. Alvin.

Today I will just close the blinds to the south and turn off the furnace.

I think it is safe to say that it won’t be “cold” until fall.

 

Question:  When someone asks you questions about someone else – do you answer those questions?

If you know the answer – do you always share?

I was just thinking that even though I may know the answer, if I believe the person being asked about would not give that information, then I will not share.

Common Sense or Common Courtesy or perhaps a bit of both.

I just think sometimes people get too nosy.

Sometimes it is just conversation.

BUT.

There are some things that people like to keep to themselves.

Some folks are just more private than others.

If someone tells me something not to share, I do not know.

Anyway food for thought.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

My daughter says Sir Elton continues to heal each day and is doing very well.

They had company on the weekend (friend with a doggie) and he was played out.

But then again he is almost “13” or almost “91” in human years.

Can you believe it?

Alvin is over 49 ….. that is crazy as he still acts like a young dog not a pup but a young one.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

Stay cool …..

Special Hello to: my sister ….. HELLO

Always, Carol and Alvin

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