The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning All! Well Happy New YEAR and Welcome to 2022. WOW. It is hard to believe. It is late already as Miss Cookie had us up at 2:00, then Alvin woke up at 4:00 and then again at 7:00 for breakfast. So chopped up sleep but that is okay. We do not have plans for this first day of January 2022 other than to bask in the gratitude that we have in being alive, in good health and good food to eat.

Did you have a quiet or loud New Year’s Eve? Funny story – about 7:00 p.m., I was outside picking up poop when I heard a loud noise, I looked up to see a large jet passenger plane. It was all lit up but at the angle it was flying over my house, I could not make out the airline. Of course, it was dark by this time. It was so low I could see the wings and all the lights and even the windows in the plane. Too low for sure. It was not making a straight descent but appeared to be circling back to the airport which is southwest of my home. We are in the flight path of the Edmonton International Airport and there are always planes flying overhead but never this low. I ran into the house to call my friend, she had heard a loud noise but did not think anything of it. This morning I have not had the time as yet to check the news to see if there was a plane in distress last night. Also, I figured if I did not hear any other loud noises or sirens, the plane must have made it back to the airport. I sure hope so. It was unnerving.

When I called my friend ended up chatting for quite awhile. I had planned to call my sister and brothers earlier in the evening and then watch a movie or perhaps one of the New Year’s Eve shows but plans changed. After our chat, I called my sister and my younger brother. I will call my older of the brothers today. I also called my daughter and son-in-law. Everyone was surprised when I said “Happy New YEAR” before midnight but most of us are long in bed before the stroke of midnight. As it turned out we did not go to bed until just before 11:00 and it was quite some time after that when the lights went out and then more time until Cookie settled down. She had a night which translated to “us all having a night.” Today is a new day. Soon Cookie shall be home with her family. They come home Monday night. It will be quiet without her for sure.

Yesterday while we were chilling as we have done for most of this past week, Cookie on her chair and Alvin and I on the sofa, Alvin was making a coughing sound in his sleep. Cookie jumped up off the chair and walked over to the sofa, went up on her hind legs and sniffed and licked Alvin’s face. She clearly was concerned. It was so sweet. Afterwards, she walked around the living room and on her way back to the sofa, she stopped and checked him out once again. I have never seen one of the dogs do that. She clearly was concerned for him. Of course, I was keeping an eye on Mr. Alvin, as well.

Well I suppose I should get going as it is getting on. I forgot to bring up my phone as I was carrying up pee pads. It must be past 10:00 a.m. already.

Alvin is laying outside the office and Cookie is scouring the upstairs for something. She is very snoopy or inquisitive and curious. I just heard a noise coming from the guest room and went to find Cookie into things. Alvin is giving her the what for at this moment. Not doing anything – just following her around. She just went to nip at him. I told her “no” and she listened for now. She is busy girl.

I ended up not having pancakes yesterday but this morning it is pancakes. I have milk to use before the expiry date so will make up a batch. Love pancakes.

The temperature is supposed to warm up by later this afternoon and then tomorrow start getting cold again.

I watched the FRIENDS REUNION in between phone calls last night.

Happy New Year’s Day.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine Thursday morning. I/We are doing well. We had a good sleep and I just had a refreshing shower so feeling good. Earlier I looked out the window and remarked to myself that it looked so dry and that we could use a rain and voile when I was finished my shower it was raining. The forecast says “showers.” YAY, some moisture. Very happy for that. The lawns, gardens and fields need some moisture before planting. To be honest at this point I have been so far removed from farming that I am not really sure when they seed in the spring. It does depend on snow melt and if the fields are dry enough to seed. Then once they are planted rain is needed. Yesterday at lunchtime when Alvin and I went for a walk we got halfway and it started to rain. I had not put a sweater or raincoat on Alvin and don’t like him to get wet these days so we headed for home. We had walked for a few minutes and it stopped. We must have been in a pocket of rain. It happens. I wonder what would have happened would we have continued to walk? It was still a walk and chance for Alvin to do some hard core sniffing. I think that other than eating …. he loves to sniff things.

Last night we were to bed about what is becoming to be our new time as it is lighter later. We slept for a few hours before Alvin woke me up, I was able to coax him back to sleep until he wanted to get up. So I checked my cellphone to see what the time was and argh, it was 2:39 a.m. (yikes), downstairs we headed. I gave him his glucosamine chew and let him outside to pee. Once back in we hit the sofa for some more sleep. He wanted to get up a bit later as he figured it was breakfast time but I “politely encouraged/coaxed” him to remain on the sofa. It was 5:00 a.m. when we got up and I gave him his breakfast and yup, back to the sofa. I don’t remember the last time when I woke up from a dream that felt so real. I only remember bits and pieces. My daughter was going out of the country and was wearing some sort of traditional garb, a long flowy dress with a short jacket of the same material. Alvin kept getting lost and I lost my cell phone. One of the guys that I used to work with was there “Ron.” We were at an airport and a shopping mall rolled into one. I guess these days airports are like one big shopping mall anyway. One minute Alvin was with me and the next I was running to find him. I had him once he had his blue blanket draped over his body with his harness on top but no leash. My daughter was riding on this airport transporter car thing with Alvin. Then he was gone. I remember someone saying to phone my cell phone number and see if anyone picked up! At one point I could see Alvin outside some glass doors and he was with two other dogs and they were fighting. I ran to the door and grabbed him to see that he was badly injured. I held him in my arms as I ran to find someone to help. Then Ron was there and said that he would take us home. I told him that I could not find my cell phone. Then I woke up. What a dream. Very odd.

Time to head on downstairs and get the coffee on as this gal needs some caffeine this morning.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday.

Always doing my best to be kind, respect, compassionate and patient. Always working on patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of August, 2017.

The sky is overcast this morning and a cool breeze is coming in through the window.

Looks like smoke covering the morning sky.

Well, this afternoon my sister flies back to her home in Saskatchewan.

We have had the best time.

My sister and I along with our youngest brother and her son went to see our other brother.

We spent two nights with him and also visited our nephew and his family and his youngest brother (yes, a nephew).

It was nice to be in the country for a couple of days.

The weather was quite warm and cooled off nicely at night.

We forget just how noisy the city can be until we spend time in the country.

My brother that lives in the countryside celebrated his 55th Birthday on Friday, August 11th.

We had a great visit with our family.

So much fun catching up and laughing.

That is my favourite part, the laughter of family.

Sharing stories of times gone by and current ones.

 

My daughter is bringing Mr. Alvin home later this morning.

We will have a visit and some coffee before taking my sister to the airport.

So excited to see Mr. Alvin as it has been several days, I believe the longest we have been apart.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do before my sister leaves and most importantly spend as much time together as we possibly can.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who sent birthday wishes my way …. so grateful.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, August 5rd, 2017 and it is the 5th day until my 60th Birthday.

So on this Saturday I am celebrating early with the arrival of my beloved little sister.

Keeping this short as time is precious and we need to get caught up.

Me and my sister …. the good old days. I am on the left holding a dolly

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

My first BF ….. SISTERS
Happy Easter Sista …..

 

NOW FOR SOME VISITING AND A WALK WITH MR. ALVIN ……………

Always, Carol

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 4th day of August, 2017.

A bit of rain overnight and is raining lightly now.

Well the day has finally arrived.

My sister hits the big City this evening ….

My daughter and I will pick her up from the airport.

Can hardly wait.

One more day to work ….. a short day at that as we are off at 3:00 p.m.

So excited.

Did I mention that I was excited.

Well I am running a tad bit late as I have been staying up late and or not sleeping for many reasons.

So better get this show on the road.

I hope that you are looking forward to something FANTASTIC today ….

Have a wonderful Friday.

So excited …. my little sister is coming tonight.

When we get up tomorrow morning we will have to be a bit more quiet as we will have company in the guest room.

Alvin …… ssh, ssh, ssh,

 

Special Hello to: my sister

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of August, 2017

Well the day is drawing near.

Putting the final touches on the preparations.

Mowed the back lawn and fixed up the yard in the back.

Inside, just a few more last minute details.

One more sleep and that would be tonight and then tomorrow later in the evening we go to the airport to pick up my sister.

My daughter and I will pick her up from the airport.

Mr. Alvin is going to be surprised.

Company.

He loves company.

 

Thank you again to my friend who sent me the most thoughtful birthday parcel.

So kind and I love everything including the “treats” for Mr. Alvin.

He knew as soon as the door opened that he had something coming.

My, how I wished that my sense of smell was that good……

In between all of the wrapping and the box – he could smell his treat.

He did not even eat supper until I unwrapped the parcel and gave him his “treat.”

I would say that we are both terribly spoiled.

Thank you again my friend.

 

Well here we are once again and it is almost time to hit the road ….. to the bus stop.

One more day after today to work and then vacation until August 22, 2017, first day back.

So excited.

No words.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to:  our friend “V.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 7th day of September, 2015.

The last day of the long weekend ….. the sky appears to be clearing up and the rain has stopped.

It started to rain Saturday evening and stopped overnight.

Safe to say things are green ….. my flowers are a bit droopy with all of the rain.

What a grand weekend I am having.

My friend from Regina went home yesterday ….. her flight left Edmonton about 5:15 p.m.

We had a great time …… just kicking back and chatting.

Alvin really liked her and often times I found him laying in between us as we sat on the sofa.

Now today time to finish the laundry and prepare for my first solo Steeped Tea party next weekend.

I want to prepare my script so that I say all of the things that I want / need to …..

It is exciting …..

I have a few questions for my leader so will chat with her later.

Hopefully the sun does shine this afternoon so that it shines on me and Alvin as we go for a walk.

I hope that you had an awesome weekend.

Surrounded by friends and family.

Perhaps you travelled for a weekend getaway which is always nice.

Well I should be getting along ….. get dressed and start that laundry.

I do want to clean up this blog ….. some of the categories got messed up one day and as I am “slightly technology challenged” I did not fix then….. well I was going to have my daughter help me but perhaps I can figure it out on my own.

Special Hello to: all those friends visiting/visited this long weekend, I hope that you will always have sweet memories to keep you entertained on long winter nights or raining days.

Always, Carol and Alvin

My Favourite Things …..MOST FAV ONE!

As I sit here at the computer this fine Sunday, I am reminded that one of my most favourite things in the whole wide world is: WRITING.

I love to write.  It is my passion.  It is my dream.

I love to write stories, poetry, verses for cards, essays, speeches, and song lyrics.

I love to write on sunny days and cloudy days.

I love to write when I am over the moon, happy.

I love to write when I am sitting in an airport.

I love to write when I am in bed.

I love to write whenever the mood strikes me.

I love to write about my family and friends.

I love to write about the weather.

I love to write about Alvin (I really love to write about Alvin).

I love to write about flowers.

I love to write about lawn mowers.

I love to rhyme, and keep the flow in time.

I love to write about the sun, the moon and the stars.

I love to write about my feelings.

I love to write about –  anything.

Yes, writing is one of my most favourite things.

I love the freedom it brings.

I love thinking of words.

I love combinations of words.

I love WORDS.

Words can take you away to sunny sandy shores.

They can whisper “sweet nothings” and make your imagination soar.

They make you laugh and make you cry.

Writing is my passion, it is my favourite thing to do.

Always, Carol

VICTORIA

Nestled so brilliantly on the isle of Vancouver,

Is this beautiful gem named Victoria.

She is surrounded by water on three sides.

She welcomes visitors from land and by sea.

The flora and fauna are absolutely breathtaking.

Some of which I had never seen.

The coloration to favour any palette.

You must travel there to see.

People so helpful and friendly,

Make you feel like a “Queen” ….

So if you are blessed, take the chance and go see her..

The buildings rich in historical character.

There are places where the streets are lined with stone.

Even a couple of palm trees, what in Canada !!

Treasures I have found so many, antique stores aplenty.

My treasure chest was so full, just made it under by 2.8 pounds.

That’s what the nice lady told me at the airport, on my way home.

Any kind of souvenir or trinket you desire, can be found in Victoria.

Then there’s Fisherman’s Wharf ….. serving up “fish & chips” with houseboats docked nearby.

There’s the Empress Hotel,  magnificent and regal all the way up high.

Full of history and information there’s the Royal BC Museum, complete with a woolly mammoth & real ice.

The home of writer and artist Emily Carr with beautiful gardens, and close by Beacon Hill Park, rich in colour

If you take the double decker bus you will see the shoreline with water so blue and the cruise ships approaching, coming in, too.

You will pass by beautiful homes and gardens on your way …..

Then there’s Chinatown, Fat Phege’s Fudge Factory and OMG, Rogers Chocolates.  Mmm, so good.

Then there’s the Spa at the Magnolia Hotel (place where I stayed) …… heaven

Did I say flowers, trees and such nice people.

Oh, I almost forgot they even have a castle, the Craigdarroch….

I am certain I might have forgotten ….. but oh Victoria !!!

You are a brilliant gem shining bright in our glorious country, Canada.

I am so grateful that you were so gracious and opened your door and heart for me to visit.

Thank you, Victoria.

Written by CY Lewis on September 7th, 2010 (Edmonton, Alberta)