It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the last day of February 2020.

the 29th …. the extra day once every four years.

The sky is overcast so I hope that doesn’t mean the white stuff will be falling from the sky later.

Yesterday was incredibly warm, think in the +6 degree fahrenheit range.

So of course some of the snow melted from the backyard, front yard and from neighbours and has pooled in front of my house.

Well actually part of mine and Humphrey’s house.

It is a mess of ice and water.

I see some ice picking in my future today.

Last night after work I went for groceries.

It was ugly getting out and then parked back out front.

I wished that the City would have had the big grader come down and scrape the street.

Instead we had a mini cat come down and plough.

Helped some but not enough.

Last night before groceries, Alvin and I attempted to go for a walk but after getting splashed by cars/trucks driving by …

Because of course, no one wants to slow down for those of us on the sidewalks.

I had bumped into a neighbour who was walking with her puppy and she was frustrated as well.

We were chatting on the sidewalk in front of her house when two trucks went by and splash us.

When we raised our arms in protest, they looked stunned.

Then bless their hearts a couple of vehicles went by and crawled along to ensure we did not get wet.

I honestly do not believe that people plan or intentionally want to splash water and mud on anyone.

But into their own little worlds and not paying attention.

Anyway.

It was nice to get out and have some fresh air.

It was nice to go shopping as well.

Something not at home and not at work.

 

Tonight I am hosting a 5th Avenue Jewelry party.

So after this I am going to get the laundry going, make breakfast, have coffee, clean and do some baking.

Excited to see some bling.

To try some pieces on.

Always a fun way to spend an evening.

There will be a few of us.

Alvin likes having company once he calms down.

 

Well as I might be deicing out front as much as possible.

I better get going.

Funny how the night before last there was only a small amount of ice out front.

Warm temperatures are appreciated but then it takes time and effort to keep the ice away.

 

Yesterday was my second eldest nephew’s birthday.

I forgot until almost the end of the day.

Bad Auntie.

I apologize to him.

Happy Birthday Buddy to one of the best guys I know.

He is hard working, a good father and husband.

An all around good one.

We are grateful to have him in the family.

 

So on this overcast gray kind of day.

I wish that you treat yourself with kindness and respect and some quiet time.

Treating others with kindness and respect is a given.

 

Happy Saturday.

Enjoy the last day of February 2020.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Oh, what a weekend this has been so far.

Nice to see the sun shining this morning.

We were up at 5 a.m. for Alvin to eat and go outside.

Then headed back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

WOW, it was pretty late when we finally got up, I guess we really needed the extra sleep.

I was shocked to see the clock on the stove say it was 9:24 a.m.

Yes, we did not get our bodies up to stay up until that time.

Oh, well.

Yesterday was full of surprises.

I mentioned that Humphrey visited us unexpectedly arriving shortly after we got up.

I spent time between laundry and writing up letters and Christmas cards.

In the late morning Teddy’s Mom contacted me to see if he could come and visit Alvin for a couple of hours.

I said “sure.”

Teddy’s Dad dropped him by a little bit later.

In between doing chores and the Christmas cards I gave attention to my three buddies, Alvin, Humphrey and Teddy.

I had mentioned to Teddy’s Mom that I was just walk Teddy home when we went for a walk about 2:30 p.m. so that is what we did.

We were invited in for a visit and tea (for me).

So great to see the new puppy, OMG, she is so cute.

Just before 4:00 p.m. we headed for home as I had to shower and get ready for our girls Christmas party, finish drying some laundry and tidying up.

Humphrey was resting when we arrived home.

His Mom was to be home about 5:00 which worked perfectly as I was leaving about 6:00 p.m.

After I was ready and just finishing up a few things I texted Humphrey’s Mom.

She did not get away when she planned and was just leaving at that time.

Needless to say she was not home when I left for supper but the boys are fine together.

So it was nice that Alvin had company.

I was kind of surprised but more worried when Humphrey was still there when I arrived home two hours later at 8:00 p.m.

Cell phones are great, I texted his Mom and she said that she was only a few minutes away.

Whew, what a relief.

The girls had gone home to pick up a few things and then were going to walk back to my house (no drinking and driving).

Humphrey’s Mom was just leaving when they arrived.

What a busy day.

We, girls had a great time.

Laughing and venting and chatting up a storm.

Alvin laid mostly beside one of my friends wanting some attention.

There was no plan to exchange gifts but we all had brought a gift for each other.

Alvin even had a paw in opening one of my gifts.

The girls were surprised to see how well he could open a gift.

The one he opened was taped shut.

He found a place to start and between his mouth and paws, he did it.

There is even video proof.

I will share some photos of our gifts.

Funny just after 11:00 p.m. the party was over.

Everyone was getting tired after a long busy past few days.

We had such a wonderful time.

The food was great at the restaurant (company better).

I want to share some photos…..

Had some drinks.

Received some beautiful gifts.

I gave the hand made (not by me) Christmas tree ornaments in the Christmas tins and received the gifts in the photos above.

 

Now it is time to get some work done but before that happens it is time to make some coffee.

OMG, it is going onto 11:00 a.m. – how did that happen.

 

I wish you an awesome Sunday.

The sun continues to shine brightly this morning.

I think that Alvin is tuckered out after all of the company both two and four-legged.

He heard something and just sat up from a lying position.

 

Happy Sunday.

It is a good news kind of day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 26th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining and the air is that morning cool.

There have been mornings where it just seemed hot from the get go.

There is a welcome breeze which helps.

 

Busy weekend ahead.

We are on pet sitting duties beginning today and for a week.

The pets include our energetic Master Teddy who is joining us this morning at 11:30 a.m. until mid evening AND our neighbour’s Humphrey the cat and Cinder the Gekko.

So we will be busy.

In between mowing the grass, watering plants (later on), laundry and a bit of housework.

 

The neighbourhood is beginning to come alive.

Someone close by has a motorcycle running and now has taken off.

Alvin has disappeared from his blue blanket as with all of the windows open he can hear the noises from all around and has gone to investigate.

 

Last night after work my daughter brought me home with a stop at Value Village.

We are doing our best to reuse and recycle whenever possible.

Which is most times.

We both found a couple of items that we were happy to purchase.

Then home for Alvin.

She stayed for a short visit before heading home.

 

I spoke to my neighbour and was able to borrow her vehicle to go for groceries, so check another item off the TO DO LIST for the weekend.

While in the store I struck up a conversation with a nice man.

Actually he spoke first.

I have found most men as soon as anything is said will quickly mention about their wives.

Not sure if they notice that I am not wearing wedding rings or what is the thing.

Anyway he was quite nice. (and cute)

There were so many people in the store all rushing about.

We chatted about that for a minute.

I was alongside the veggies that get sprinkled from time to time and he was coming back to get a bag.

Anyway after our first encounter we bumped into each other during our time in the produce section.

Nice to actually have a conversation with a man that I did not know that did not quickly rush away.

Living the dream.

 

After returning home and putting groceries away which by this time was close to 7:30 p.m.

I got Alvin all ready to go for a walk.

We stopped to see if Presley, Vader and his Momma could go for a walk and they agreed to come along.

We had a nice visit and walk.

By the time got home it was after 8:00 p.m. and time for supper.

Just an easy egg with toast and tea.

Busy few hours but very productive.

After supper watered the flowers.

So nice to be light out until after 9:00.

 

Well the coffee is ready and I have to eat breakfast.

Went to bed late and was up early and then back to the sofa.

ARGH.

I want to go and visit Humphrey before Teddy arrives.

Alvin wants my attention.

Laundry to do.

 

I hope that you are enjoying this day.

Live your life.

Do not let your life live you.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter – I love spending time with you …… happy Saturday my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of May, 2017.

Well quite the difference this morning.

Yesterday was sunny and HOT – 28 degrees celsius.

This morning WINDY and raining and has cooled off.

Last night when I arrived home from work I found the house quite warm so I turned on the A/C.

Poor little Alvin.

We even put off our walk until later in the evening.

 

On the way to the park we stopped at our friends house to see how Presley was doing and of course, the family.

They lost their beloved Lola this passed Saturday to an unleashed dog.

Please be responsible and if taking your pup for a walk – put a leash on him or her.

No reason to be out and about and not paying attention to your doggie.

If you have them outside for a walk and fresh air in a public place – on a leash and actually spend time with them.

Now due to this irresponsible person this pit bull will either have a very poor qualify of life due to the restraints placed on him or may have no life at all.

Breaks my heart.

Such unnecessary damage done ….

I want to add one more note here ….. I notice so many folks out walking with their dogs with their heads bent down gazing at that rectangular screen.

They have no idea who is coming or going.

They have no idea if their doggie eats something they should not.

Pay attention.

 

Well time to leave for work.

I will  be taking my umbrella but with this wind not sure if it will do much good.

Thankfully it is not raining at this moment.

Perhaps I will make it to the bus stop without having to use the umbrellie.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Be kind and responsible.

 

Special Hello to: You.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 2nd day of October, 2015.

WOW, it is October now.

Well into fall.

The past few days have been absolutely gorgeous.

Alvin and I have thoroughly enjoyed our walks.

Last night when we were just about to turn down the path to the lake, I heard a young girl shout “Hello Carol.”

I turned to see a black car and a little girl’s face beaming out the window ….. one of the kids in our neighbourhood.

Now this was special …. you will never guess why??

I will tell you.

Because it is always Mr. Alvin who gets the recognition/attention.

Which is okay by me but when someone shouted my name ….. I was super excited.

YAY …..

Last night after work while Mr. Alvin was chowing down – I was going to make a phone call and found I had a message.

So upon checking said message … I found it was from my dear cousin “J.”

I wrote down the number and called her right away …..

Would seem she will be visiting my Edmonton today to see a play at the Citadel.

So guess what?

I get to have a visit …. overnight with my cousin, go see a play at the Citadel (theatre not movies) and go out for supper before the play.  ALL HAPPENING TONIGHT.

Now just seeing my cousin would have been cause enough to be SUPER EXCITED but to go out on top of it …. well there are no words.

I will really have to set my concentration on deep mode today….

I was worried about Mr. Alvin but then I thought well I will be home to feed him and let him outside etc …. I had an idea that perhaps he could have a sleepover at his sister’s house.

Called his sister and she said “of course.”

They will be in the neighbourhood at our Vet on way home ……

Perfection.

I am so blessed.

Slept in this morning …. couldn’t sleep ….. once too many times on the sofa with the microwave timer set.

Anyway my neighbour is giving me a ride to work.

So lucky ….. I am on top of the moon …….

So somedays when you think that life is going pretty well …. like my Steeped Tea sales are whistling a long …. it is the weekend soon ….. and then all of the above happens …. well ….. okay now I am babbling.

But I am HAPPY …… can you hear Mr. P. Williams just a singing that song … love his voice.  Oh and THE VOICE this season …. incredible ……. I have quite a few favourites…..

Well almost time to go and grab my lunch and make sure I have everything ready to make a quick change after work…..

Just beaming at this end …….

Have a great great Friday and I hope that you get that call that brightens your day or maybe a knock at the door.

Something extra to push your over the HAPPINESS PLUS METER.

Special Hello to: my cousin “J” who is coming my way and to my sister – got your email ….. talk soon.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 25th day of September, 2015.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin and I had a great walk last night.

We bumped into a family that we know down the street.

Dad and son were outside playing on the front lawn with a skateboard.

Son was so happy to see us and wanted to call their dog, Daisy to come out to see Mr. Alvin.

So out comes excited to see Alvin again, Miss Daisy.

They play and play …. so cute.

Then Mom comes home.

She was so happy to see Mr. Alvin.

Gave him lots of loving attention.

We had a nice visit.

Just a reminder to all the love and joy that a dog can bring to your lives and to the lives of others.

Special Hello to: all those dog owners out there ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 2nd day of July, 2015.

It is absolutely the most perfect morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining, there is a slight cool breeze which was perfect for our morning stroll.

I have a couple of days off from the office.  We were up to stay fairly early for a day off.

There were the roses that line our path at the entrance to the lake …. the fragrance was enchanting.

A robin hopped along not grabbing Mr. Alvin’s attention.

The grass glistened with dew looking as though there were diamonds sprinkled everywhere.

What an absolute perfect morning.

I wish every morning would be like this for us.

For now I will take these ones and treasure them.

Alvin just loves to sniff the grass as we walk along ….. not sure what he is finding.

Upon our arrival home and once Mr. Alvin had his harness removed; I grabbed the watering can so that I could give the front flower bed a quick drink. The back side of the bed rests against the house and does not get all of the rain.

My flowers are doing well and so are the little weeds that are trying desperately to find a home.

They are so nice and green.

But …….

We had a great Canada Day …… was just deciding about getting up when the phone rang (deciding factor).

It was our neighbour inviting us over for coffee.

So ate, dressed and went out …. what a great way to celebrate Canada Day….. good friend and coffee.

Mr. Alvin came with me ….. not fair to leave him at home.

Well I had better get on my way ….. breakfast …. make a couple of phone calls and this afternoon ….

I am going to bring out the beads and make some jewellery.

I miss making things …. so much fun and therapeutic.

I hope that you enjoy your day and have time to do something you love.

Happy July 2nd, 2015.

WOW ….. second day of July.

Special Hello to:  all those folks who are on vacation ….. enjoy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of May, 2015.

It is the long weekend here in Canada, and I also have today off.

So what do you think a person would be doing on their vacation day?

I thought a great way to get me started ,and because I missed a couple of classes is to go to BOOTCAMP.

The sky is overcast and it is windy.

The temperature in the house is 65 degrees …. but by the end of BOOTCAMP, I shall be nice and warm.

I did find my core …..

Now what?

It does require some work … oh, what am I saying …. it requires a lot of work.

I still have not got my head wrapped around fitting in yoga and some other exercises.

Once I get these into a regular routine with walking, life will be great.

But until then I shall do the best that I can.

I just keep telling myself that I am in great shape.

Always a work in progress.

This is one of those weekends where I have a TO DO LIST but I am going to what happens ….

Perhaps I shall clean the windows or maybe I will read my new book.

Perhaps I shall power wash the deck or maybe I will take an extra walk with Mr. Alvin.

Actually I decided that part of this weekend would be his ….. bath …. more playtime.

He needs some extra attention….. my little guy.

Well time to get ready for bootcamp.

Put on the lightest, coolest clothing that I own.

By coolest, I mean light weight.

Definitely not COOL …… if you know what I mean.

Oh well.

Grab the water bottle, yoga mat and TOWEL.

A girl always needs a little towel to wipe her brow!

Special Hello to: my sister …. we have to sKYPE this weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of May, 2015.

Waking up to a brand new world for Albertans.

After 44 years of Progressive Conservatives in government we have a new party leading the way, the New Democratic Party.

Perhaps a change will get us back on track.

Also woke up to SNOW ….. yes, SNOW.

I could hardly believe it and then my thoughts went back to last night and there was just something in the air.

Confirmed this morning when I looked out of the window.

“Oh, and when my friend and I arrived for bootcamp we were surprised to see a POLLING STATION.

They forgot to tell us….. oh well.”

On mornings like these it would be nice to just let Alvin out to do his morning constitutional and then go back to BED.

But that is not happening this day as I am off to work.

Yes, I have not forgotten to go and see Miss Aussie, she needs some attention, food, water and medicine.

Oh, and our new Premiere is a WOMAN.

So on this Wednesday I am grateful for the moisture even though it is not clear and requires me to carry an umbrella.

I am grateful for change in our government, which I believe to be a good thing.

I am grateful to be ahead of schedule this morning.

I am grateful to be alive and in good health.

I am grateful that Alvin loves to be on my lap while I write in my gratitude journal before breakfast.

So this is a “GRATE”day.

Well I have to add a couple of items to the outdoor apparel before leaving to see Miss Aussie and for my walk to the bus.

I hope that you have a grand day …..

Special Hello to: all of the Mothers out there this is our week …… we are grateful for each and every MOM.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 17th day of April, 2015.

Well there is a quietness over our household that marks us being alone.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies moved into their brand new house yesterday.

It is going to take awhile for me and Alvin to get used to the stillness.

We will have to make some noise.

When my daughter and son-in-law came to pick up Elton and Penny after the movers were done …. they helped me move my bed back into the master bedroom.

It seemed so strange but yet so familiar to be back in that room.

Alvin hopped right up on the bed but then took a long time to settle down.

I think he could smell Elton and Penny’s scent left behind in the room.

Even this morning I know that he misses most especially Miss Penny.

They got to be such good buddies over the past months.

So this weekend I am going to give myself a break and simply get used to being alone in the house.

Do some laundry ….. do a bit of cleaning but the most of the weekend I will spend with Alvin …… giving him extra attention.

WOW, even in the office without the bed it echoes.

Funny how a piece of furniture can make such a difference.

Well I need a shower and then to get on with this day.

Funny now without the kids here and no second job it seems unbearably quiet …. I know that we will get back into our routine and that will be sooner than later for sure as it is back to work at the office on Monday.

I am grateful for all of my many blessings.

To have my own home after almost three decades of living in an apartment.

I am grateful to be in great health.

I am grateful to be surrounded by good neighbours and friends.

So here we go, me and Alvin on another adventure.

With the sun shining and a hefty breeze we will start this new chapter.

I thank you for staying with us.

Have an awesome Friday.

Special Hello to:  family and friends …. all those folks beginning a new chapter in their lives.

Always, Carol and Alvin