Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well we are certainly coming to the end of August, quickly with no help from any of us. Alvin and I slept right through until 5:00 from bedtime at 10:00 p.m. last night. So great. Then we hit the sofa for a few hours so I feel like I have had some sleep. We are also so grateful for the reprieve from the hot temperatures which by the way are coming back starting Tuesday. This does not seem like normal. Usually August or at least in recent memory has been in the low twenties or late teens. Not this year. Thankfully the house is cool right now and with the breeze blowing makes it actually cool outside. Top temperature for today is 22-23 degrees celsius, Monday is forecasted to be 27, Tuesday 31, Wednesday 32, Thursday and Friday 28. That is the base temperature not including the humidity which seems to be high at the moment. So Tuesday could feel like 34. ARGH. We will be back to leaving the windows open overnight to cool the house and with the fans on throughout the day. Looks like the sky is clouding over. The sun was shining so brightly for the last few hours.

My friend G was coming for coffee this morning but has a migraine so is unable to pop over. Those things are a total bugger. I hope that she is feeling better soon.

Poor Alvin will be back to sporting the cool wet hand towel look for a few more days this week.

At least a person can vacuum the house without working up a sweat and actually do some things around the house without perishing from the heat. I have so many things in the fridge to eat that I have not had to cook all weekend (which is too bad because this would be the time to do some cooking). But there will be enough things to have for most of the week without cooking.

Weather plays such an important role in our lives. We “work” around the weather. Whether raining or sun shining!

Yesterday was great for us as it rained off and on for a good part of the day. The leaves on the trees, the grass and flowers and plants are all looking so much better for that wonderful moisture. I water my flowers but there is nothing like rain water.

Next weekend will likely be clean out more plant pots as they are starting to go. Also time to grab some pots for my geraniums which will need to be brought into the house and repotted along with the canna lily which will winter in the basement. The geraniums, oh I have so many. Might have to consider wintering some of them in the basement. Will google and read up on the process once again.

Lots of things to do coming up. I guess with a house and yard there is always many things to keep up.

Well I should go and pop outside for a walk with Mr. Alvin as it might end up raining, who knows. I love the smell of the morning air although the morning is fast evaporating. Walk or coffee. That is the question? Likely walking.

I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Take Care.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Perhaps should add walking to the list. LOL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I can hear geese honking in the distance otherwise it is quiet except for the bathroom fan and my fingertips clicking on the keyboard. I think that this heat is starting to show its’ effects on people’s health.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and Day 2 of my Vacation Days (Day 5 since my last day of work).

A very warm one is one the way.

The sky is a delicate blue, there is virtually no breeze at all and the sun is glowing like the powerful ball in the sky that it is.

Yesterday I defrosted and cleaned the fridge, cleaned the oven, and finished my craft project.

So it was a busy day.

As we have been doing since Sunday morning we were out walking bright and early.

Well 7:30 a.m.

We were already into the park when Alvin spotted a “shopping cart.”

It had been on the other side near the entrance yesterday morning and he did not acknowledge the beast.

But this morning …. it got his gaw.

He gave the big green monster a wide girth as we walked by, growling and barking until we were clear.

So funny.

Oh me Alvin.

We encountered not a soul … not cats out in the yard enjoying the sunshine …. no humans out walking their Alvins.

Just me and Alvin.

I will say it was kind of nice.

As we walked into the park – I had to stop and move my glasses (with sunglass clips) to fully appreciate the rich green of the trees and grass.

Absolutely breathtaking.

The green is my favourite shade of green ….. grass green ….kelly green would best describe that shade.

Picture perfect with the blue sky and the green grass and trees.

As we came near our friend’s house …. we briefly stopped to admire her flowers.

She has one of the most gorgeous flower gardens that I have ever seen.

 

Well before it gets too hot, I want to give Mr. Alvin a hair trim and bath.

So have to get going as want to begin before 9:00 and be done no later than 11:00 a.m.

Otherwise it will be too warm.

I think Alvin will be pleased to have a bath on a hot day.

I will follow with a shower.

 

My TO DO LIST is starting to get shorter with each passing day.

The only item that I may not get done this week is washing all of the window blinds in the house.

There are blinds on each window so there are a great many.

Might leave them for next Monday, we shall see.

This is vacation after all.

But also time to get those extra time consuming jobs completed.

 

I hope that you are safe and in good health, keeping cool.

For all those birthdays in August …. WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

I think that I know at least one person with a birthday every day in August.

 

We stopped and picked up the mail on the way home.

I had two non-junk pieces of mail.

One was a birthday card from my Aunt and Uncle, so treasure her cards and letters.

I am saving the letter for later to read and enjoy.

The other was a brown envelope from Revenue Canada …. I was not sure what that would be.

When I opened it – pleasant surprise.

Information about applying for CPP or better known as Canada Pension Plan.

All the details including amounts that I could receive pending on when I apply.

 

Okay time to fly.

Get this day going …..

Wishing all creatures on this earth to live with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Alvin and Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of August, 2017.

WOW, can you believe the second last day of August?

This has been the best August perhaps even ever.

I was visited by many family members and friends.

Some came for my birthday and others came because they were in the area and wanted to drop by.

It was a birthday celebration that last for over two weeks.

So lucky on all fronts.

 

Some may have noticed that I did not write my blog yesterday.

Woke up Tuesday morning with a raging sinus headache and with a plugged ear and being congested, I was not really fit to go to work.

So I stayed home and went to the Doctor.

Likely the best move ever.

Now I can hear, the headache is gone and I am much less congested thanks to some new allergy medicine the Doctor gave me.

Feeling like a million dollars this morning.

Alvin loved having me at home.

This morning he is wondering?

 

Well we are having another crazy hot day …. to be plus 30 degrees celsius which is not normal for this time of year.

 

Also have to tell you all a quick story.

This past Sunday night when Alvin and I were returning from watering our friend’s flowers and our walk ….. something zoomed by Alvin almost knocking him over.

Made me scream and Alvin dropped to the ground.

I turned my head to see a rabbit running at lightning speed and so fast that when he went to turn at the sidewalk by the street he was actually in the AIR.

A couple of seconds later I understood why ….. a big white dog …. OFF LEASH ran by us.

Poor Alvin and poor Momma.

Some young men were following the dog and I shouted “Please put your dog on a leash.”

I understand why people want to leave their dogs unleashed, I do get that and I wished that I could allow Alvin to run free.

But all it takes is that one rabbit.

In this case the dog actually stopped at the street ….. the guys caught up and put his leash on.

It truly was a terrifying couple of seconds until we realized what was happening.

Could have ended very different …. for Alvin …. for the rabbit ….. for the white dog and me.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Thankfully it is still cool outside.

I will leave the fan on so that Alvin can stay cool.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  all those folks who faithfully support all of us bloggers …. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 20th day of August, 2017.

Happy Birthday to a young man named “D” who turns 10 today.

He was one of our first neighbours when I moved to Edmonton.

They moved back to Quebec in 2011 and I miss them all.

So grateful that they were able to visit me and Alvin this summer.

Happy Birthday Buddy …..

 

The sky is overcast this morning and I believe there is a chance of rain today.

Getting close to going back to work.

I have had the best vacation.

Lots of company, went places and had lots of time to relax.

Perfection.

 

Yesterday I had the last birthday celebration with two of my friends.

We had yummy food and cake and they spoiled me with many gifts.

I am so blessed.

We laughed and had a great visit.

 

Ah, tomorrow is the eclipse and then Tuesday is back to work.

 

Sometimes it is easy to slip into negativity but we must remember to focus on the many blessings in our lives.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …… we had a great time together.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 22nd day of July, 2017.

Today is the birthday of my nephew “Z” who is twenty-three years old.

Happy Birthday.

Hard to believe all of the babies are now all grown up.

 

As the days evaporate and come closer to my birthday in August, I have been writing about my life experiences whether wishes or actual.

This has been quite the trip thus far.

I would tell you all one things about this experience about writing down my experiences, my loves, about family, taking each year and acknowledging a memory, just anything and everything that your children and family would be interesting in knowing as time goes on and most certainly after you have left this earth.

Whether you grab a notebook or create a blog, writing down history and memories is so important for future generations.

What a wonderful gift ……

 

Well time to get this day going before it warms up ….. I want to have the house all in order before my company arrives in August.

Happy Saturday ….

 

Special Hello to: all those people visiting family this summer ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Wednesday, July 12, 2017 and it is the 29th day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay so what can I say that I have not said before ….. mmm, let me think about this?

How about one memory from each of my almost 60 years?

Some may be good and some may be sad but memories are memories.

It takes a bit of both to make a lifetime.

Okay here goes:

1957:  BORN AUGUST 9TH, – Absolutely no memory of this date at all.

1958: Still no memory comes to mind.

1959: My baby sister was born on February 23rd.  I do remember her when she was a baby (we are 18 months apart).

1960: Cooling off on a hot summer day in the shade of one of our many lilac bushes on the farm when I felt something scratching at my little bottom.  Jumped up and found that I had sat on the edge of a nest of baby mice.  Thankfully no Momma Mouse only tiny pink things ….. but scarred me for most of my life.

1961:  Sliding down a big hill of snow in our yard on the farm.

1962:  My first baby brother was born on August 11th,  two days after my 5th Birthday.

1963:  I started Grade One and my second baby brother was born on November 10th.

1964: Summer we moved into the big house that my Dad built on the farm.  Went from three rooms to ten not including the basement.

1965:  My third baby brother was born on January 13th and I turn 8 this August.

1966:   Turning nine meant another year older and even more chores on the farm.  Remember loving school.

 

Tomorrow 1967 …..

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday August 18th, 2016.

It feels like fall in the mornings now as it drastically cools off at night.

Feels refreshing and is pleasant to sleep.

Alvin likes to sit on the deck for a few minutes until I call him into the house so that I can get ready for work.

We are fast approaching my favourite time of year.

The temperatures are most comfortable at this time of year on the prairies.

Which is nice for all creatures.

I see many posts from family and friends who are busy canning and putting away their garden crops.

I think most gardens seem to have done very well with the moisture and sunshine.

Some were damaged beyond repair in the summer storms that we had quite often.

 

Well here we are at Thursday already.

The 18th of August …..

I am grateful this day to be loved, appreciated, supported in whatever venture I take on, to be employed, and most of all to be surrounded by the dearest people on this planet.

I am truly blessed.

Family – Friends, they surround me.

Well I kind of slept in this morning – I think my body thinks I should be hibernating or at least preparing.

No actually it was likely the cup of coffee that I decided to have after I got home from work.

Or maybe it was because I just kept thinking of life and dreaming and waking up.

Whatever the reason, morning is here and I must get off to work.

Wishing you a splendid day …

Remember to keep it simple …… love your life and live your life……

Happy Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers ….. great job everyone!

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 1st day of August, 2016.

Today is a holiday for me and my fellow Albertans.

This is a Civic Holiday here in Canada.

It is nice to have that extra day off and most months we have a “Stat Holiday.”

Well yesterday was gorgeous for the most part and I took advantage of the goodness by taking a walk early with Alvin and then in the afternoon once the grass and topsoil had dried, I cut the lawn.

It was great timing as last night and through the night it rained, and rained and rained.

We sure have been having a lot of rain this summer.

Not it is time for some sunshine.

I am grateful for a bit of a break in the heat …. that humidity can suck the life right out of a person.

Well I think that today will be a quiet day.

My daughter may be coming over for a visit today.

I have not seen her for awhile.

They are still without hot water and it is almost one week.

You never know what can happen in the eye of a storm.

I do not think that they will ever know exactly what happened.

The pups, their Elton and friend “Casey” unfortunately cannot articulate the event.

I am grateful that no one was hurt.

Yesterday I also managed to squeak in an order for the Steeped Tea BOGO Event.

Thank goodness.

I am hoping that August will be a good month for selling tea and products; the new catalogue will help for sure.

It is nice to know that tomorrow morning I do not have to stay up at 5:00 and get ready for work.

I have lots of things to do but I can do them at my pace.

Well I guess time to go and finish this mug of coffee …. nothing like a cup of coffee in the morning.

I taped Pioneer Woman as I do not remember this one and she was making Peanut Satay Chicken skewers for a party with her girl friends.

It looked yummy.

I have had store bought peanut satay but to make from scratch would be great.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing that you have the best day ever.

Stay safe, cool, warm and happy.

Special Hello to:  whoo whoo SKYPE tonight with my sister…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th and last day of June, 2016.

The end of the first half of 2016.

Where did it go?

Did you accomplish what you set out to do?

Did you set goals?

Did you just enjoy the first six months and not worry about goals and such?

We all do things differently.

You might set short term goals of things to do in a short period of time.

No matter what course of action or inaction might have been we are heading into July.

I usually do small chunks of goals and mainly they revolve around finances.

I guess that might be par for the course.

In this economy or any economy finances are important.

Some months are easier than others for sure.

That can be held true for most of us these days.

But at the end of it all it has been a great first half of 2016.

We did suffer a loss in our family and some near misses.

But we know that life goes on and you must, too.

I am looking forward to July, August, September, October, November and DECEMBER.

We are fast approaching my favourite part of the year.

Any clues there ……

Well I decided as I just could not haul my “fanny farkle” off the sofa this morning after firstly rising with Alvin at 4:30 a.m. that I would just take the later bus.

I still arrive at work on time just not ultra early but I am okay with it for today.

Next week will be off to a fresh start.

Hard to change your schedule overnight ….. it is.

Well tomorrow we celebrate CANADA DAY, the 1st day of July.

There will be fireworks for sure.

Alvin and I will enjoy the day together.

On this beautiful (already 18 degress celsius) morning ….. I am so happy.

Have a great Thursday wherever you are and whatever you are doing …. just be joyful.

Feeling badly really does not help ….. I understand…..totally.

Special Hello:  to my friend “V” who might be coming for a visit ….. sure hope so.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S.  my “leader” for the Heart & Stroke Campaign picked up my packets last night.  I am proud to say I collected $85.00.  Pretty good for this economy.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 31st day of August, 2015.

The last day of August ….. coming into my favourite season.

Just a few weeks until it is official.

The weather is changing although the weekend was warm.

Great time to be outside.

Alvin and I spent quite a bit of time outside ….

I am so grateful that my guy is feeling better.

The morning sky to the south as I gaze out the office window is a beautiful hue of mixed blue, pink and white.

Or at least that is what my eyes are seeing ….

How wonderful.

This week is supposed to be a bit more seasonal but still beautiful.

Almost forgot to pick up my bus pass …. better do that after work.

We had a great Saturday and Sunday despite the tree deal.

I am so sad that I will have to chop down my tree in the front yard.

It is so beautiful but alas cannot have the roots going into the basement or that will be another set of problems.

We chopped the roots that were getting near to the house and then will decide in spring the next course of action.

I am sad …. never nice to have to do something like this.

Breaks my heart …..

I love trees …. I love my tree.

Soon the leaves will begin to turn yellow …. they are such a pretty yellow.

I will enjoy them even more this year.

Well I guess it is time to get downstairs and gather my lunch and put on my shoes.

Get on my way to work.

I hope that you have an amazing Monday.

Enjoy this last day of August, 2015 …..

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming to visit in just a few sleeps …. so excited.

Always, Carol and Alvin