2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Thursday morning? Well our weather can certainly change from one day to the next. Yesterday people were out in short-sleeves and capris and today we need long pants and a warm jacket, perhaps even a lighter winter coat. ARGH. Just so that you have some context weather wise. Our temperatures yesterday in Edmonton were +18 degrees celsius which is close to 65 degrees fahrenheit. Today at the warmest will be +3 celsius, which you can see is clearly much different. Right now our temperatures are in the minus single digits. But this is April and really anything can happen. We could have +25 temperatures or minus temperatures. I do not recall having double digit minus temperatures in April but could have happened in the past. Anyway it is Thursday. Just going back to Wednesday for a bit. Alvin and I had a wonderful walk at noon and even had a quick chat with our friend Pauline who mentioned that perhaps we could walk together later. After I was finished work which was about 4:15 p.m., Alvin and I headed out. Oh, I almost forgot to mention about Micah’s birthday lawn decorations. His parents had rented lawn birthday decorations for his 11th birthday. It was pretty cool for sure. There was a Happy Birthday Micah spelled out. A birthday cake blow up with candles and what appeared to be a cell phone? Not sure and I forgot to ask. We saw all three boys including the birthday boy and his Mom outside when we were starting our walk at noon. It was nice to have a visit with them. The boys are always so excited to see Mr.Alvin and him, them. Back to after work. We swung by and picked up Pauline. We cut across the lawn leading up from the public sidewalk in the park to their yard (Alvin always leads the way). He was so excited. We stood at their back gate for a few moments before I called out to Pauline. There was no response. So I thought we would just wait for a few minutes before carrying when Mr. Alvin started to bark and I swear that he was calling out Pauline, Pauline where are you? Wanna walk? A couple of minutes later, she came out on their balcony and said can you wait a minute as she was talking with one of her children. Of course, we waited. I opened the gate and we waited in the backyard. Alvin of course, kept going up to the back door and looking for our friend. We had a wonderful walk chatting and each taking a turn “venting.” Always good to get things off one’s chest. I had mentioned before I was feeling a bit out of sorts about a recent situation but decided to put a positive spin on things and now things are better. So much better. Really if something is eating at you, just make the decision to look at it differently, in a positive way. Life is way too short to be upset or wasting valuable time sweating over non-life threatening situations, really it is. After I changed my mindset, I have been feeling really happy with no anxiety. It is all about the choices we make. How we react to something can make or break you, honestly.

Also yesterday, someone near and dear to my heart is Queen Elizabeth. No, I have never met her and no, I am not related but I wanted to wish her a Happy 95th Birthday yesterday in my post and I clear forgot. Lots of birthdays lately. I am sending belated Birthday Wishes to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her 95th Birthday. She has always been a beacon of grace and leadership to a great many people. I admire her for her quiet and elegant way. I cannot imagine how she must be feeling with the recent loss of her beloved husband and best friend of over 73 years. I imagine that she will continue as she always has ….. Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth. Wishing you a great many more healthy years ahead. I hope that you have some days of laughter, soon. Take Care.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh Happy Days and Good Morn to YOU ALL.

The sunrise is spectacular.

I can see the sun coming up.

It is so beautiful as the rise is filled with delicate shades of pinks and oranges.

The SKY is blue beyond the rise so we are off to a great start on this Thursday, April 2, 2020.

 

Today was my Grandpa Jim’s birthday he was born in 1909 and passed in 1973 months before his 65th birthday.

We will remember him forever.

 

Well here we are in April.

Starting our second quarter of the year.

How did that happen?

I guess we have been busy.

Yes, we have.

 

I hope that this finds you well this morning.

I am running late because of course we were up at 3:00 a.m. (glucosamine for Alvin) and then up at 5:00 a.m.(Alvin’s breakfast).

I put the microwave timer on until 6:15 a.m. which should give us lots of time but somehow I am a bit pokey this morning.

Oh well.

My office …. is close by.

The most important thing is the coffee is brewing and with one quick trip downstairs and back up to the office, I will be ready to go.

There is maybe okay there is two steps between my home computer and the work laptop.

I have two desks from IKEA that line one wall.

So one desk by the window has my personal computer and the other by the door is work.

I am lucky to have such a great set up.

Also I am lucky that my daughter is bringing me a more suitable office chair.

The one I have is not meant to sit on for hours on end.

I have more padding than the chair I currently am sitting upon.

We looked through the online catalog for STAPLES, and we found one that I like.

It is actually a GAMING CHAIR that is black with a bit of bright green.

So my daughter ordered the chair as her husband, my son-in-law also likes the chair and I will get his black comfy chair.

I really like his chair ….. I think it will work perfectly in my office.

Now I will have two chairs.

Excited to have the new chair.

My daughter will drop it off at lunch today.

YAY, Momma.

 

Time to go and grab that coffee.

It takes a few minutes to get signed onto the laptop.

Well we are almost done the second full week of working from home.

Actually it has gone pretty smoothly for the most part.

 

Live in kindness and with respect.

Have an awesome Thursday.

Take care and be safe.

Stay home as much as you can.

The sooner we FOLLOW instructions the sooner we will kick this VIRUS gone.

 

We/I remain in kindness and respect

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 30th day of April, 2018.

WOW, the last day of April.

First quarter of the year now on the books.

The sun is rising brightly in the morning sky.

Everyone is hoping for a much warmer day than yesterday.

Yesterday it was cold, windy and overcast for most of the day.

No rain, though.

We could use a nice rain to give everything a nice fresh drink.

I did not make it out to clean up the trash in the neighbourhood yesterday.

Just not easy to do when the WIND is blowing everything around and back.

I noticed that with the wind some trash has blown in the gutter in front of my house and there is trash lying about.

So will get that all picked up.

 

Update on Mr. Alvin.

I have decided to just wet/soften his food for him.

Although that is likely not good for his teeth.

Will keep an eye on him and if need be take him to see his Doctor.

 

We had a nice quiet day inside other than my trip to the grocery store.

My neighbour lent me her car.

Always a nice treat to drive.

Keeping up my skills as well.

It was nice just snuggling with the boy while the wind howled outside.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

It is nice being in a carpool and just taking the bus from time to time.

Some of our vacation time is the same so that worked out nicely.

Otherwise just will pick up more bus tickets.

I am / we are enjoyed the extra time in the morning and at night.

 

I hope that you all have a bright, sunny, warm and wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my sister……

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of April, 2018.

Well just over half way through the month of April, 2018.

First quarter of the year has absolutely zipped by.

The sky is overcast as I look out of our office window.

There was/is snow in our weather forecast for today and part of tomorrow.

Time will tell.

I took this day as a vacation day.

Plans changed but it is nice to be at home.

I am going to concentrate on writing today.

I wrote some lyrics last night after being inspired by the ACM Awards (American Country Music).

You never know when or where inspiration will appear.

Most times for me it is just as I am about to turn out the lights at bedtime.

Likely not the best timing.

Also early in the morning.

 

Yesterday a friend/coworker let me know about a Calendar/Photo Contest for your pets.

So I am going to enter Mr. Alvin’s photos.

You are allowed to enter three.

I went through my photos on the computer and picked the ones that I thought were the best of the best.

I think that he has a great chance.

He has one Calendar under his “belt” so to speak.

The deadline is the end of May, 2018.

So lots of time.

 

Well time to get going and get dressed.

Still in pyjamas.

There is laundry to put away, coffee to drink, Alvin’s little parcels outside from earlier this morning to pick up.

Lots of time to relax and write.

Gotta love vacation.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 6th day of April, 2018.

Today is the birthday of a friend and past co-worker “L.”

Wishing her a wonderful day.

The house is quiet except for the sounds of the furnace heating the house.

Mr. Alvin is sleeping over at his sister’s house.

It take awhile for me to fall asleep due in part to the meeting and Mr. Alvin not sleeping at my side.

Definitely out of my regular routine.

Home later than usual and all of that.

We are creatures of routine and habit, for sure.

 

Well it feels like winter.

Forecasters are reporting this to be the coldest spring or April in thirty years.

I believe it.

The snow is not melting much as it is still cold.

“Mother Nature, if you are listening we would like some temperatures above 0.”

Please and thank you.

 

How about some pretty flowers to make a person feel a bit more like spring.

Had to throw in one of the boy.

A reminder of what is to come.

Patience they say is a virtue.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

I hope that I learn and you learn something new today.

Each day of our lives should be a learning experience.

Does not have to be anything earth shattering.

But something.

Read something new.

Take a new path on your walk.

Meet someone new.

Do something differently.

Change things up.

 

Special Hello to:  all my friends and family who continue to love and support me everyday of my life.  Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 3rd day of April, 2018.

Happy April.

Where has the time gone?

It evaporates.

What a great long weekend for me and Alvin.

We had time alone to relax and play.

We had time with family and friends.

The perfect weekend.

So nice to have a four day weekend.

Now back to our regular routine.

 

Today I am starting to carpool with a friend that I met on the bus.

It will be nice to ride in a car instead of the bus for a change.

This month will be a combination month as she has some vacation booked.

But will be a welcome change.

 

Alvin and I had a great walk yesterday.

We changed up our route missing most of the remaining ice and snow.

 

Alvin was laying on his blanket in the office but has moved to the hallway.

Oh, my boy.

He is so cute.

 

Quick story.

Last night I was treating myself to some Easter chocolate.

It was chocolate on a stick.

I sat on the sofa happily licking away on the chocolate.

Alvin moved up beside me, and gave me that wide-eyed puppy look, that had it been anything but chocolate, I likely would have caved in, and gave him some.

But we all know that chocolate is NOT good for dogs.

Finally after looking him in the eyes a few times and saying “No, Alvin.” – he gave up.

 

Well this is nice I still have almost 1/2 hour before my ride arrives.

I will go and snuggle with the boy for a bit before donning the coat and boots.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 2nd day of April, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly and still a bit cool outside.

Hard to believe we are in April.

Grateful that we are getting closer to no ice and snow.

It has been a long winter.

It was wonderful to have a four day weekend off and to be at home.

I wouldn’t say that I accomplished as much as I may have planned earlier on.

But it was relaxing and was able to spend time with some of my friends, my kids and grand-pups and Alvin.

Alvin and I watched the new STAR WARS movie “The Last JEDI” last night.

I really enjoyed it but I think it was too long for Mr. Alvin.

He dozed off within the first half of the movie.

Today will be out preparing for the work week ahead.

Iron clothes, make lunch etc.

I guess tomorrow is garbage day as well.

Also we will head out for a nice walk this afternoon.

 

I am very grateful for the long weekend.

I am very grateful for my family and friends.

I am very grateful for Alvin and all of the pups in our lives.

I am very grateful that we are in good health.

 

So time to get this show on the road.

Time flies by.

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends, near and far.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of April, 2018.

WOW, it is officially April.

April 1st, 2018.

The sun is shining and the sky is a pale blue.

Still signs of winter with snow still covering rooftops and the ground.

Temperature feels colder than usual.

I am longing for the warmth of summer days and nights.

This has been a long winter.

Too much snow and ice.

We are ready for flip flop weather although yesterday when I was out for a walk with Alvin and Teddy, I saw …..

a young woman, a teenager most likely, wearing a zip up sweater and flip flops.

I could hardly believe my eyes.

Both Alvin and Teddy had on their winter jackets as did I along with my winter boots, scarf and mitts.

The sidewalks were not clear of ice and snow as she walked along in her flip flops.

This action brought a smile to my face and laughter to my heart.

WOW, it was about minus 15 degrees celsius and she had on a hooded sweater and flip flops.

The wind was COLD.

No mitts, no scarf and flip flops.

Yup, flip flops.

I wanted so desperately to yell out from across the street “to ask why?”

But I restrained myself.

Alvin was enjoying the walk and wanted to keep going however Teddy was not feeling it.

We were almost at the park when he stopped suddenly – planting his feet on the sidewalk.

Not moving forward.

It was at that point that I figured we might just as well go back home.

So I called out to Alvin that we were going home.

He turned around and looked at me as if to say “really?”

Back home we went.

It was funny anyway because Alvin was pulling on his leash going ahead and Teddy was lagging behind me almost tripping me with his leash.

At the end of it – chalked it up to a funny story and fresh air.

When back home I began to prepare supper for our company.

I made a huge pot of “Easter Chili” and for dessert “Apple-Berry Crisp.”

The boys stood beside me waiting for the possibility of a piece of apple to fall onto the floor.

I gave them each some small pieces.

Everyone happy.

My daughter and son-in-law arrived with their pups in tow.

They left Aspen and Milo with us as they had to make a quick trip to COSTCO.

Well me and four pups.

Milo and Teddy did not take to one another right away.

There was lots of growling and barking while they got to know each other.

At one point Aspen growled at Teddy as she was likely thought that he was hurting Milo.

It all worked out.

The kids were not gone long before arriving to better change the ratio of pups to humans.

Teddy reminds us all of our beloved Elton.

A few minutes later my friend arrived to take Teddy home.

She stayed for a little visit.

Afterward we enjoyed our Easter Chili and Apple-Berry Crisp.

We also had some homemade buns that my friend “V” had sent to me from Saskatchewan.

Supper was a hit.

After supper was over and cleaned up – we played a couple of games before my family left for home.

A great day.

 

Happy Easter Everyone.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 20th day of April, 2017.

One day closer to summer breezes and flip flops and longer walks with me Alvin.

Yesterday was a total shock as I wore my winter coat and boots and on the way home, I really did not need them.

Last night we went for our walk and I did not even wear a jacket.

Bonus.

So happy for those evenings.

This weather had me wondering what was happening this time last year, and this is what I blogged:

It is overcast but not with rain clouds this morning.

We have wildfires burning to the north and west of our location.

We are in the “area” that could be affected should they not contain them.

Unfortunately with not much snow this winter and although we enjoyed not having to shovel everyday and plough through snow walking and driving …. we pay the price come spring.

It is so dry.

I have started watering my front flower bed that has perennials.

There are a few green leaves on them but I am not sure that they made the winter.

I transplanted them last fall.

I hope so but time will tell.

The lawns are a mixture of brown and green.

I am afraid that without spring showers and summer rains brown will be our reality as it will be too much water to keep them green.

Just a friendly reminder for everyone on the planet ….. please be careful.

Do not throw away that cigarette butt or set off fireworks just because they are pretty.

You might find yourself in the midst of a raging fire.

Let us be careful this spring / summer.

Do your part, please be a good citizen of your neighbourhood and of this planet.

Pick up the trash …… don’t be a misguided inhabitant.

Well it is time to leave for work.

Our office has been cool so it is sweater weather.

Somedays it is warmer outside than in the office.

But on the other hand ….. I would rather don a sweater than the alternative.

Cannot take off clothes.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 5th day of April, 2017.

First week of April and the weather is beautiful.

Last night Alvin and I had a wonderful walk.

 

Today is the 7th Anniversary of my FIRST BLOG ever …..

I named my blog after the major change in my life which happened at 51.

It was not until a couple of years later that I chose  “My New Life at 51” as my blog name.

I had wanted to entertain and inspire anyone who took the time to read my words.

Writing is the one constant that has been in my life since I was a small child.

Whether writing poems for my Grandmother at Valentine’s Day or one for my Mom on her Birthday; I tried my hand.

A poem for my daughter’s class play.

I loved writing in school and did well.

My next project will be writing a book ….. it has been a dream of mine for a long time.

One that I can have published.

I just have to decide on a storyline and go.

I just keep changing my mind ….. is that not the beauty of writing ……. you can always change your mind.

Change the lines ….. change the story ….

 

 

Well here it is time to leave once again for work.

I hope that you have enjoyed this journey with me and will continue.

With gratitude and hopes that I can bring a smile to your face and perhaps be inspirational along the way.

 

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: all those folks who write and to those who read what we have written …. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin