The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well this Thursday morning. Wow, the time is flying. I had to click on the SNOOZE button three times this morning so I am running late. Why oh why? I went to bed in good time. Perhaps all Alvin’s early mornings and then this morning he did not settle down. He does not appear to be in pain or anything – just restless. But I guess we are all feeling a bit of that right now. I don’t know where you live or what your weather is up to at this very moment but our weather is yucky. That is the best word that I can think of at this point as I write this post with Alvin whining in the background because he wants a drink of water but he won’t get up off his little bed and go unless I am right with him. I guess I had better go for a moment. ARGH.

Okay, I am back and he is watered. OH my goodness. I guess we both have our quirks as we age.

Looking out the window there is another blanket of fresh snow covering cars, the deck, rooftops and any crevice it can get into. I do love the snow. Just not so much of it. The sky is a grey colour with no sign of a sunrise or COLOR in sight. Not the best way to start the day. You know what the best way to start one’s day is: WAKING UP AND PLACING YOUR FEET ON THE FLOOR. Really does anything much matter after that? If you can get your butt out of the bed in the morning, then life is good. Yes, sure, would I love to see a bright and colourful sunrise, you bet I would. But I am really grateful to be alive and to be able to get myself out of bed in the morning.

Well my friends, this will be short. I hope that you enjoy your first coffee or tea or whatever your morning beverage of choice is. I hope that you were able to get out of bed on your own or even if with help. I hope that you are well and surviving this thing we call life. This is it after all.

Have a wonderful day. Friday EVE. How did that happen?

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I forgot to turn off this computer yesterday. Not sure how that happened. Anyway!! LOL.

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Wednesday, July 19, 2017 and it is the 22nd day until my 60th Birthday.

All I can say is that I think I am temporarily done with make lists for now.

My head hurts.

 

At this moment I am so grateful to be alive and have my life.

I am so grateful that I am turning 60.

I am so grateful that I am in great health, have wonderful, amazing family and friends, and that I am living my life the best way that I can.

Each moment to the fullest and learning along the way.

Creating memories.

Dancing to the beat of my own drum.

There may be a couple of small things that I would change or rather am working on …. such as the little non-rubber tire that has decided to place itself about my middle …. or perhaps

the lack of 000000’s behind the numbers in my bank account.

BUT You can have a great job, all the money in the world, lavish house and belongs, fancy cars and go on tours of the world but if you are not “living your best life” ….. well does it really matter?

It matters to me.

No matter what happens in any moment I learn and try to make the next ones better.

 

For Wednesday, the day of the week that my darling daughter was born.

The day that I chose.

It will always have a special place in my heart.

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 21st day of June, 2016.

Overcast and cooler this morning compared to the bright sunny Monday.

But a good way to start the day ….. a bit cooler and yet nice.

It is funny how weather plays such a role in how we feel.

Some people feel energized, alive and so great when the sun shines.

Some people feel sad when it is raining.

Some people feel great when it is snowing.

If it is raining when you get up to go to work you may think “ah, I have to now carry an umbrella and I might get wet.”

Perhaps the rain spoils some outdoor plans.

I admit to loving a mix of all of the above.

I have more energy when the sun shines but hot weather and I do not mix.

However, as our summers are so short to complain would not be right.

I love a warm rain on a summer’s day with a bit of sun peering through the clouds.

Sunny days and rainy days are both needed to grow crops to feed us and flowers, plants, trees for the air.

Vainly for the flowers to look at …..

It is a glorious cycle.

Well here we go again.

Time to leave home for work.

Time to hit the road.

I will be taking my umbrella and my clothing choice changed this morning.

Oh well.

Always good to have a plan “B” and sometimes even “C.”

Have a great Tuesday and enjoy the weather whether sunshine or rain.

Special Hello to: my friend “M” whose business is booming and I am so proud and happy for her.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of February, 2016.

Wow, here we go ….. more than halfway through the Heart month.

Valentine’s Day is a recent memory.

I have completed my route canvassing for the Heart and Stroke.

March is just around the corner.

I love March because my daughter was born in that month.

March for me marks the beginning of spring ….

Although this year February feels more like spring.

The ice is melting on our street in the neighbourhood which is great.

The forecast is for snow so less ice underneath is always a good thing.

Today I was just thinking that sometimes you just have to let go ….

There are some things that come up in your day to day life, and although you would like to change them – they are just not worth the fight …. the energy.

So life carries on …..

Put it out of your mind and get back to living life without that crap.

 

I have not seen a bunny as of late …. wondering if they are starting to turn brown.

I know that some of the birds were confused with this weather.

I guess even Mother Nature gets things mixed up.

After all she is getting to be of an age …. like me …. only older … much but she is so graceful …..

Sometimes when I look around at the young stuff that surrounds me I do feel incredibly not with it and old.

Other times I feel young and alive and “with it.”

I guess that is life ….. do the best that you can in every moment and for the ones that lack your best ….. well there has to be a few of those around to keep things “interesting.”

 

Okay almost time to get this show on the road.

I seem to say that several times in the morning.

I guess I am the “show.”

Pretty funny …. don’t you think?

 

I am grateful for me Alvin, my daughter, my son-in-law, my grand-puppies, my family and friends, for my home, to be employed and to be healthy.

All the basics are covered ….. so life is good.

Have a great Thursday ….

& oh, today is payday so that is always a good day.

 

Special Hello to: my sister back in Regina ……and to my brothers in Alberta.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 7th day of February, 2016.

The sky is alive with sunshine ….. thank you.

It is not too often this winter when I have got up to sunshine.

Now we were up at 5:00 a.m. as that is when Mr. Alvin’s tummy says “it is time to eat.”

But now when we are up to stay up at just before 8:30 a.m. ….. it is so nice to see the sun.

Actually is energizing ….. which is a good thing.

Because part of me just wants to go back and lay down …. relax ….. not to think of all the things that I should be doing.

Yesterday was a good day and quite productive in many ways.

We had a great time at the International House of Pancakes.

The food was good but way too much and if I should ever enter that house again, I will know exactly what to order.

Just “three buttermilk pancakes.”

They were yummy but I left them until I was finished the other items and then could not eat much of them.

Now I know why North Americans are over weight ….

But the way that restaurant had a “wait list.”

People were giving their names and waiting in “line.”

This was at 10:00 a.m. ….. is that not crazy.

To be honest I seldom eat outside my house …..

By “weight issues” are from not enough exercise and lack of portion control.

I do try and eat  healthy except for my sweet tooth.

But even in this climate of people losing their jobs …. that place was full.

Now that may not be the case for every restaurant but I was taken aback by this sight.

It is great for the folks employed at IHOP.

By the way, the young man that served us said that IHOP is opening more restaurants in Edmonton and in other provinces.

Said young man was from British Columbia and his boss asked him to come to Edmonton to help get this location going and now he has been here for two years.

Even bought a house here ….. but soon is leaving to help with a new location in Manitoba.

I wonder if now is the time?

In a “recession/depression” …… women buy the make-up so that they will look good and men buy liquor…

Now that was from the 30’s …. I wonder if that holds true today?

Interesting.

 

Well today I am going to get booking some tea parties so that I can hold some before February is a distant memory and I want to also start canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Fund.

Easy enough to do, right?

Yes ….. time to go and have breakfast and then have some coffee.

I am also going to SKYPE with my sister after supper ….. thank goodness for that method of communication.

Next best thing to being there …. nice to actually see who you are speaking with ….. I think.

 

Well I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Take some time for you ….. whether to quietly sip on a cup of coffee or tea.

Maybe go for a walk …. take the puppy.

I guess if you are a sports fan this is a big day …. the Super Bowl ….. I always thought it was at the end of January.

 

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who write …… keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of January, 2016.

Well it is a fine morning here in Edmonton.

I imagine if there birds other than crows/magpies they would be singing a merry tune.

My experience from crows/magpies they sound like they are talking in a gruff tone not really singing a merry tune.

But they are all part of our ecosystem and I respect that.

 

January seems to be zipping along.

Did you make resolutions this New Year?

I did not …..

When I was much younger I used to get on that bandwagon and come up with a list usually small but one nonetheless.

Sometimes I was successful and sometimes not.

I have found it is much better to just resolve to live your life each day to the fullest and be your best.

Whether it is how you eat, sleep or exercise.

Or whether it is how you treat yourself and others.

Just do your best.

That is all any of us can do, really.

I have found in my going on 59 years on this planet that there are just some things that happen that you have no control over.

So you assess the situation and take it from there.

It is all in how you handle yourself and each situation that makes life great or not so great.

Better to go easier on yourself ….. be the best YOU.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

I love Tuesdays ….. I love any day that I get out of bed, my feet touch the floor and I am ALIVE.

Now some of those days may turn out less than perfect but there again perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

My perfect is not your perfect.

Right.

So today I feel great, I think that I look pretty great and today is a great day.

 

Take care.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow human beings …… today is a great day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of June, 2015.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining and there is a breeze, one minute.

The next it has clouded over a bit with a breeze.

I am in the throes of preparing for my friend’s Birthday party.

Just a few things to finish up ….. mainly housekeeping items.

My flowers out front need “WATER” …….

I am the host.

Yes, I am ……

I love PARTIES …… organizing …… decorating …… baking ….. whatever is needed.

Mr. Alvin is all relaxed and lying on the floor in front of the office doorway.

Oh, how calm, cool and collected he is.

What a guy.

I went to a neighbour’s birthday party last night and met a bunch of new people.

Always nice to meet new people and hear their stories.

Oh my gosh, I need COFFEE …… have to wait until 10:00 ……

Okay deep breath …… breathe.

John Legend is singing in the background …… “All of Me” ….. one of my favourite songs.

Best lyrics …..

Well I hope you all have a celebration today whether it is a birthday or just the fact that you are alive.

There is always something to celebrate.

Have a great great day.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. we “gotta” SKYPE soon ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of May, 2015.

Well I was off to a great start this morning.

As I was writing the first line in my gratitude journal about 5:00 a.m. …..

I wrote “I cannot believe that today is the first day of Easter”

I looked at the words and then started to giggle.

Really, no idea where that came from but it was funny.

What a great way to start a Friday.

Laughing.

Laughing at oneself, no less.

I know that today is going to be great.

Alvin likely thought his Momma had lost her senses.

On top of being the first day of May and one month closer to summer ….. I noticed that it was starting to get light out at 5:30 instead of 6:00 a.m.

Note to self: remember to flip all of my “paper” calendars to May.

They are forecasting some rain and that would be so nice.

Oh, I must share a few of the most wonderful things that happened to me on my first day back to work from being sick:

– a co-worker had written me a hand-made thank you card in appreciation of “me” and two home baked cookies

-another co-worker had returned all of my phone calls from the past couple of days

-others showed appreciation by making sure that I was okay

-others took on a few tasks to help me out

-my daughter picked up a jean jacket from a swap that they are having at her work (she is always thinking of her Momma)

-after work while waiting for the bus I noticed a gal that usually catches the bus with me and who lives in the same neighbourhood …. she waited for a couple of lights to come over and ask me if I wanted a ride home.  She had driven to work.  So thoughtful considering she had to walk the total opposite way to her car.

WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY ….. it was so wonderful.

It is the little things that make a person glad to be alive.

I wish you only grand “little things” today to make you feel as great as I did yesterday.

Have a great Friday.

Gotta go.

Time to catch the bus and of course, snuggle for a couple of minutes with me Alvin.

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 6th day of March, 2015.

Life is surely interesting.

You never know from one moment to the next what will happen in your world.

There is always a mixture.

It seems to me that every time I am feeling secure – something happens.

I am always grateful for all that I have and no matter what I will survive.

For all those folks who receive “unsettling” news ….. do your utmost best to stay positive.

I have my moments when I feel let down and wonder what will happen.

Then the next moment I just tell myself my life is awesome, full of abundance and I will survive.

So that is my mantra for this day ….

I am blessed.

I am abundant.

I am energized.

I am grateful.

I am alive.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Keep the faith.

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers who I think of everyday of my life.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of December, 2014.

7 sleeps until Christmas Eve …….

Last night I was able to have a quick visit with my nephew on the way home from work.

His physical injuries are healed, and he is starting to acknowledge visitors not verbally.

He turns his head to the sounds and looks in your direction.

I like to think that he knows us.

He had a short beard when I saw him last night and he so reminded me of my brother who passed away near six years ago.

 

Today is our “department” lunch at work followed by a gift exchange.

Should be fun.

Tonight to the store I go.

So nice to see my co-workers …..

Will be interesting to see if the mall is super busy.

You never know what a Wednesday will bring.

 

Well on this mid week day I am grateful to be alive.

I am grateful to have my own home.

I am grateful to be surrounded by people who love and respect me.

I am grateful to have this amazing blog and to all those who take the time to read my words.

I am so grateful for my kids and grand-puppies to be living here with me and Alvin.

I am so grateful that I adopted me Alvin those almost five years ago.

He has been another bright light in my life.

I am grateful to be so blessed.

 

On that note, it is time to finish getting ready for work at the office.

I hope that you have a great day.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers – Happy Holidays to you.

Always, Carol and Alvin