It is a NEW YEAR.

Brrr, it be COLD here in Edmonton and most of Alberta and the prairies.

We are breaking records for these cold temperatures.

Hardly something to brag about, I know.

Oh well, just grateful to have a nice warm house and office to spend my days and nights.

I believe that Mr. Alvin is in the throes of cabin fever.

He was up at 12:28 a.m. and then again around 2:30 and then at 4:00 a.m. …….. argh.

This is way too hard on my brain.

Poor boy, I feel it.

 

Well it is Tuesday.

Somehow this cold weather is playing with my brain.

Making an intelligent thought somehow difficult to articulate.

I yawn the minute that I leave the house for work in the morning.

It certainly gives us the feeling that we should be hibernating.

 

I am going to post some happy, photos of warmer weather.

Perhaps that will change my brain.

 

The key lime iced vanilla cupcakes that I had for my 62nd birthday.

Isn’t that funny that I would go straight to the food photo, the sweets.

 

I am sitting in that chair that has the blue blanket draped over the back.

Alvin is laying on that blue blanket beside me.

I do love this room.

 

Flowers from my friend’s house this past summer.

Going to post more as they are so pretty.

Alvin peering around the far corner.

They have such a beautiful yard.

I could live in it forever.

 

Friends enjoying the view outside.

 

Well time to hit the icy trail.

But first as you now know my routine, outside to pick up those precious parcels that Alvin left for me, earlier.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Please be safe.

Please stay warm.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and it is Monday, the 23rd day of December 2019.

Can you believe it?

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

The house is quiet this morning with only Mr. Alvin sighing and Humphrey resting downstairs.

Quite the change from yesterday about this time.

We had a great day yesterday and both Alvin and I were ready for bed last night early.

Humphrey went home earlier last night than I had planned as he was at the front door, clearly wanting to go home.

I went over and picked him up already, looked after Cynder, shovelled the front walks including some of the neighbours.

I threw my coat over top of my pj’s went I went to pick up Humphrey and feed Cynder.

It was kind of freeing to be outside in my pj’s covered by my coat.

Anyway.

I hear Mr. Humphrey came upstairs to join us.

I wanted to share some photos ….. let us try this once again.

Then I need some breakfast and COFFEE.

Then charging ahead with this day.

PHOTOS:

First ones were of the puppies and Humphrey taken yesterday.

Thankfully it was mild out so we went into the backyard often.

Teddy found himself a getaway spot on top of the sofa.

GIFTS all wrapped for all of our fur babies:  Alvin, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Teddy and Kobi.

The office shots were from our tour of our newly renovated office.

That will be my workspace.

Yup, just a table.

Desks are a thing of the past.

Where do I put my coat?

I did not see anywhere for our coats.

Next was the highly anticipated parcel from our friend in Regina.

Alvin “did not keep his paws off till Christmas”

He even tried to open my gift and since then it is on the table until time for opening.

The baking was also in the parcel and the bag of pretzels, nuts and other goodies was made by one of my coworkers and since I loved it so much, she brought me my

very own bag.

Well the guys are getting restless and I am hungry after my workout shovelling.

Time for breakfast and start some more laundry.

Perhaps I should think about getting dressed soon.

but then not I think not.

Well another casualty …. Humphrey was playing with a hanging that I had on the closet door.

He pulled so hard it came off the door and broke.

ARGH.

Time to go now.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

Almost Christmas now.

 

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey

Living … One day at a time.

Good Monday Morning.

Despite my non-intentional attempts to throw a wrench into my weekend, the weekend turned out to be success.

Now mind you I was not able to give Mr. Alvin a haircut or a bath.

I was not able to wrap the few gifts that I am exchanging.

I WAS ABLE TO FINISH THE CHRISTMAS BAKING IN ONE WEEKEND.

The Mincemeat tarts (don’t really count them) will do closer to Christmas or really anytime.

Just open the tart shell box and the jar of mincemeat and bake.

Does not get much easier than that.

I could not make the mincemeat for the price of the jar from the store.

Well for some reason I was off my game this weekend and forgot to take photos of all the baking.

It would not have fit on the table.

The missing item was the CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.

FUDGE = 76 bite size pieces

SUGAR COOKIES = 18 dozen – (5 of which were earmarked for the girls, the young friends) = 13 dozen for home and work.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES = 10 dozen

= TIRED and SO HAPPY it is done.

 

We managed to get some walks in over the weekend which was good.

I spent pretty much all of my waking hours this weekend on my feet.

Between baking, laundry, baking and walking.

No time to sit around.

But OMG so happy to have it done.

I believe that Mr. Alvin is happy as well.

He spent most of the weekend going in and out to the back yard.

He could feel that I was not going to have time for time.

I didn’t have time for me.

So grateful that I can do what I love.

I do love to baking.

Not always in these quantities but I love to bake.

 

Well, okay time to stop writing.

Time to go downstairs and finish getting ready.

Pick up the poop from earlier this morning in the backyard.

I like to keep it done.

No surprises in the spring when it melts.

That can be down right nasty.

 

I hole that you had a great weekend.

This weekend deliver a few cards to friends in the neighbour along with some treats.

Wrap presents.

Hopefully will be able to pick up the blade for Alvin’s clipper this weekend so that he can have his long overdue haircut on Saturday.

That will be enough.

Oh, tonight place a NORWEX order.

 

Happy Monday.

With kindness and respect I shall get through another year.

2019 has been quite the year.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

Well no bright sun shine this morning.

More cloud cover than sun.

But no moisture so that is a good thing.

What a Saturday we had …

Started off by the house phone ringing while I was upstairs writing my blog post …

Then checked mobile phone to find out that my neighbour was wondering if Humphrey could spend the day with us from 9-6 p.m.

Of course, yes.

We had a busy day.

Doing laundry, cleaning and changing things about in the kitchen.

Moving a plant upstairs as the kitchen just seemed dark with all three plants in the window and all of the Christmas decorations.

We were in and outside.

In the afternoon we were surprised by Teddy, his Mom and little sister dropping by.

She had sent a message via messenger but I was so busy I did not see it.

She was needing a break from the house with the new puppy, Teddy’s new sister and was wondering if they could stop in.

So both Humphrey and Alvin got to meet baby Kobi.

Oh my goodness is Kobi ever cute.

I made sure to snap some photos.

We had some tea and then Kobi had to go to the bathroom as determined by her Mom.

I did not know the sign.

We ended up drinking our tea on the deck in our jackets.

It was so warm and nice outside, most enjoyable.

When it was time to leave, Teddy’s Mom asked if we could walk Teddy home on our walk.

Of course, I said.

A little while later I harnessed the boys up except for Humphrey and went for a walk.

It was icy in spots but the temperature was warm.

When we got to Teddy’s house we rang the doorbell and met his Mom at the garage.

Reason being is that “Kobi’s Condo” is the front entranceway.

It is a good space with no carpet for her to hang out.

They have it all set up.

Teddy’s Aunt was celebrating her 65th birthday so his parents were going out for supper a bit later.

His Mom asked if it would be okay for Teddy to come home with us and in the next moment he was going to spend the night.

The baby would be okay in her condo.

Teddy is downstairs at this moment barking at something going by and now Alvin.

I guess I will check again.

I checked a few minutes ago and there was nothing.

Anyway.

Well our weekend was full of pleasant surprises.

All sorts of company.

Would you like to see the new addition to the family?

She is our family, too.

You may have notice the little pink harness and a diaper.

Kobi’s Mom fixed up this diaper so that she doesn’t have an accident when she is outside of her Condo.

So cute.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

She is just so sweet.

So little.

We including me had to be careful not to step on her.

Alvin did run her over accidentally once.

It has been awhile since we have had a puppy in the house.

I guess since Milo.

Well I should get going.

If I want to have the coffee drank before lunch time.

The backyard looks so bare without flowers and furniture.

Happy Sunday.

I wish you the best day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,  good morning to you.

The sky is beginning to lighten as hopefully the sun will rise shortly.

YAY, today is Saturday.

Master Teddy slept over last night as his parents went out to the farm for today.

The boys well Alvin is curled up on the blue blanket beside me and Teddy is just sniffing about at the moment.

After work on our walk we walked or actually Alvin pulled me over to Teddy’s house.

By the time we arrived my shins were aching.

Oh, yes.

We had a little visit and then were on our way.

Me and the boys walked around by the lake in our park to home.

The grass is still very much green amidst the partially turned leaves on the trees.

Some trees are still very green.

The water is flowing.

Oh, how I love this time of year.

We enjoyed our walk home.

The boys spent a bit of time in the backyard but mostly they were right beside me as I cooked my supper.

Alvin is motivated by food …. I think you know.

So even this morning at 5:00 a.m., Alvin, after he ate his food wanted to eat Teddy’s.

Yup, we were up eating well they were eating.

Deep sigh.

What can you do?

Teddy is wanting to get up onto my lap but it is not easy to type/key with a puppy on your lap.

He always slides down.

 

I was just thinking last night and earlier this morning …… about being more proactive when it comes to my job.

Instead of being reactive …..

Hard to explain without getting into details which I cannot.

But I am excited to try these ideas in my work life to see the results.

Perhaps giving folks ideas how to make processes easier instead of reacting to them.

I will get back to you about this.

Life is way too complicated and I want to make it easier.

Life is short so why not make it as easy as possible.

If you have to work why not enjoy it.

Even the most demanding, frustrating of jobs could be made easier and less complex.

Simplify.

We all need to simplify our lives.

Our work  ….. our home.

Life balance.

We have over the years made things way too complicated.

Complicated = Stress

Or at least that is my opinion/my view after being on this earth for 62 years.

I have seen this first hand.

 

If we look to the Animal Kingdom we could learn so much.

Instead of destroying them …. learn from them.

 

Well I have two puppies that are ready to get downstairs.

I need some COFFEE.

Time to get going on the laundry.

I have changed my bedding and gathered the laundry.

And the COFFEE.

Yup, simply a cup of coffee and I am in heaven.

Nothing better than to be sipping on a mug of hot perked coffee surrounded by pups.

Life is good.

My life is great.

 

Happy Saturday.

If we continue to learn and live our lives in kindness and respect, we will live great lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, sorry but it is late afternoon already.

Yesterday first thing in the morning my son-in-law dropped my grandpups off for the day.

After I got them settled, I went for a walk with Miss Aspen.

She is the Yellow Lab Shepherd Cross.

This was just a few minutes after 8:00 a.m.

Our walk took us to our nearby park

We had some fun.

There was a Bunny being chased by some very aggressive Magpies.

We should have turned back but this silly Grandma thought we could scare the birds giving the Bunny time to make his escape.

It was a great plan in theory.

The reality was a far different story.

Needless to say I found out the hard way just how strong my girl Aspen is as I almost did a head plant into the sidewalk.

But managed to stay upright as I made that sill trip after her.

I was very careful during the rest of our walk.

Once we arrived back home I went into the backyard with Aspen, Alvin and Milo.

Humphrey the cat was in his backyard.

Aspen was trying desperately to get to him.

She would have pushed her way right through our fence.

She was very determined and she did not want to visit or make friends.

When she was a pup during her first year of life the poor dear had to fend for herself.

So she will go after rabbits, cats and birds.

She is fast and they do not stand a chance.

Needless to say I am careful with the cats and wildlife.

I did figure that the birds had a better chance of escaping.

Anyway it was an exciting way to start the day.

After that, I needed a COFFEE.

So perked up a pot of coffee and had a late breakfast.

We just had a quiet couple of hours or so.

About noon I went for a walk with Alvin and Milo.

We stopped by the garage sale.

Yes, the same one that I attended last weekend and Friday night.

They were happy to see Milo and Alvin.

We, I took a check around and picked up a couple of items.

Alvin and Milo and I continued on our walk after the garage sale.

We were on our way to the park when I heard my name being called and turned to see our friends had stopped in their van.

So we walked back to their vehicle.

They were wondering if I had a six foot high ladder as they were putting up Christmas lights and their son had borrowed theirs.

I just happen to have one and told them I would take it to them after we got back home.

When it arrived near Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy’s house we saw his Dad or actually Alvin spotted him up a ladder.

We were invited to go into the house so of course, the pups were up the steps in no time.

It was nice to see Teddy and his Mom.

We had a little visit and of course the babes had a treats before we continued on our way.

Stopped briefly at the garage sale and picked out one more item.

Leaving them there for pick up another time.

Which reminds me I have to go and pick up my items.

After we got home – I grabbed the ladder and walked it to my friend’s house.

Had a short visit and then back home.

We had a quiet rest of the afternoon.

Eating supper early.

Followed by some quiet time and then another walk with Miss Aspen.

Our walk was filled with more adventure.

While walking around the park there was a bunny running through someone’s backyard.

I managed to hold onto Aspen.

This time it was short lived.

After that a couple of small dogs who seemed friendly …. well ended up one was not.

So we carried on.

On the home stretch we walked by our new friend John’s house with Bug the black cat who spends some time on a leash basking in the fresh air.

Now I was watching for the cat as I know Aspen and cats.

I did not see her but Aspen walked close to the bush that circles their front yard and all of a sudden I heard a hiss.

Quickly called Aspen and pulled her back.

There was Bug in the bushes.

Everyone came out safely.

Thank goodness.

Finally back home …. we just had a quiet evening.

The kids were going to pick up the pups last night.

They ended up staying over last night.

Poor Miss Aspen was up at 3:00 a.m. with diarrhea.

Is this a reoccurring thing at my house?

Seems like poop and more poop.

Anyway it was poop and more poop throughout the night.

I felt so terrible as she had been whining/crying for a few minutes before I got my backside out of bed to take her downstairs.

Of course, we all went outside.

After that, we spent the rest of the night/morning on the sofa which was closer to the back door.

Poor Aspen.

Bad Grandma.

I texted my daughter about 8:30 a.m. to let her know about Aspen.

She came a bit later and spent some time here which was great.

Well that was my excitement.

Time to go and check on supper.

How about some photos?

The first photos from out on the deck were from yesterday and I am not sure what they were seeing?

I did not see anything but the pups certainly did.

Inside photos were from this morning while we were waiting for my daughter to arrive.

Well what a wild and wacky weekend we had …. I learned several valuable lessons.

1. Always wear running shoes not flip flops when walking with Miss Aspen.
2. When Aspen whines/cries in the middle of the night – Grandma needs to get the heck out of bed right away.
3. Pups make me happy.

Time to fly …. Alvin wants his supper.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, good morning … yay it is Saturday.

The sun is up and it is going to be a GREAT day.

The grand pups are on their way to Grandma and Alvin’s house as we speak.

So excited to spend the day with them.

I have planned lots of walks for them and playing in the backyard.

Just as the above photos show from their last visit.

So grateful that today is going to be a nice sunny warm day but not too warm.

Just perfect.

In between there will be the odd nap for sure.

Well this is going to be a short post as we need to be downstairs when they arrive.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

Spend the day having fun.

Relaxing.

 

With emphasis always on being kind and respectful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sun is up.

The sky is blue.

I can hear the whir of traffic in the distance.

Alvin is sleeping on a blanket near me.

I feel refreshed after a nice shower.

Life is good on this Monday morning.

 

I think that it is safe to say that I love taking photos of Humphrey and the flowers and my backyard.

I do love to take photos of Mr. Alvin and Master Teddy.

Humphrey just seems to be so photogenic.

Always in the right place at the right time.

I am in awe of the purple flowers in the first photo.

Last year the plants were sparse and I think there may have been one flower all summer long.

This year, the plants seem to have spread and are so alive with beautiful pale purple flowers.

Flowers bring out the joy in me.

As to the fur-babies.

If you surround yourself with things that you love.

Life is good.

I filled six pots with flowers this year.

Two at the front and four at the back.

For the grand total of $25.18.

There has only been one spring/summer that I spent less.

Other years I have spent significantly more and although there were only double the amount of pots; this year feels like I have as many.

The plants in the back flower bed are doing crazy good.

The reddish purple shrub on the left side of the bed – is taller, fuller and brighter this year.

Perhaps it has been all of the rain as of late.

 

 

Speaking of Mr. Humphrey; I have to go as I have to run to his house and check on him before I leave for work.

Time flies when you are having fun.

Yesterday it was me, Alvin and Humphrey.

The boys relaxed in the house and also spent time outside.

They were my morale support as I cleaned my Humphrey’s Mom’s grass trimmer.

Well time now to go.

 

Happy Monday.

Take care, be kind and stay cool.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well happy to report that our weekend has been mostly SUNNY and mild.

We were supposed to have rain until today but that did not happen.

Now I would have loved to have had some rain to help with the fire situation to the North of us and for us at home, as well.

 

This has been an most enjoyable weekend.

Spending several hours with my girl friends has been absolutely delightful.

They bring me great joy.

We laughed together, sometimes almost cried as we share our stories and experiences since we last spent time together.

What a great way to spend the weekend.

So yesterday was incredible.

Teddy joined us about 1/2 hour before the birthday stared.

Started the day hosting the 40th Birthday BASH (no liquor) for my friend who turns 40 this coming Friday.

We nibbled on strawberries, blueberries and some sweet treats (yup, even though it was mid morning) and drank coffee.

We had coconut cake adorned with a 40th birthday candle and presents for the birthday girl.

After the birthday party I went with Alvin and Teddy for a nice walk.

Once home we, meaning I went and picked up Humphrey the Cat so he would have company for the afternoon.

Just me, Alvin, Teddy and Humphrey hanging out.

I have so many cute photos but alas they are on my cell phone and I have to figure out how to get them from there to here.

It will happen ….. just have not had time as yet.

Already the number of photos is in the 100’s…… yikes.

One cute story …..

The boys went outside into the backyard multiple times yesterday afternoon.

I kept an eagle eye on them.

No one escapes during my tenure.

The pups were in the house and Humphrey was hanging out laying in the shade on the upper deck.

All of a sudden our birds came back – I could hear them chirping.

I looked to see Humphrey sitting looking up with his tail just flying about as he was getting an idea.

I figured for sure that he would try and jump up to capture one of the birds but he did not.

So thinking perhaps it would be a better idea if I just went out and distracted him.

Ended up bringing him into the house for a bit.

At one point in the house – Alvin was laying on the sofa, Humphrey in Alvin’s chair and Teddy in the other armchair by the window.

So cute.

Photos were taken.

The boys get along crazy good.

So happy about that.

 

Later in the afternoon I took Humphrey home so that I could get ready for the jewelry party.

So proud of this Canadian company starting in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and their home base remains there to this day some 30 years later.

They are International.

My friends from the morning birthday party came as well as Humphrey’s Mom.

So three plus me.

We had a great time trying on jewelry and visiting.

Oh, my friend not the birthday girl from the morning brought her 10 year old daughter who was more than happy to try on jewelry.

The bling on my kitchen table was beautiful.

We tried on rings, necklaces, bracelets and held up earrings to see them on us.

So much fun.

The girls enjoyed the CHERRY SANGRIA that I made with the Steeped TEA Cherry Sangria fruit tea made with ginger ale.

Reminds me that I have a whole jug as I made two, that has to be drank soon before the ginger ale goes flat.

Will call someone or take some to friends today.

 

That was truly a great day.

Enjoying the day to the fullest.

 

This Sunday will be more quiet as I prepare for the week.

This girl is Living … one day at a time..

Doing a happy dance along the way.

Likely should try out some yoga as well.

Loving life and smiling.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 28th day of April, 2019.

A glorious pale blue sky greets this Sunday morning.

 

We have been watching a magpie out of our bedroom window with much interest.

I understand where the old phrase came from “too fat to fly.”

This little one had such a round tummy that he/she would land on a branch and the branch would break ….

To be honest they were not really branches as we would deem to be moreover twigs.

Down the beautifully coloured black and white with blue/green feathers would fall to the next twig.

Twigs snapping everywhere.

If only he would land on a bigger branch.

Finally after what seemed forever the birdie got out of the entanglement of twigs and landed on a larger branch before flying away.

Only was a few seconds but did seem forever.

Nature is so entertaining.

 

Earlier this morning as I was opening the living room blind before it was light outside; a brown bunny was hopping toward the house.

I guess he heard the blind movement turned around and hopped to the other side of the street.

 

There remains snow on the front lawn which faces to the north and some on the grass in the backyard.

I would think by the end of the day if the temperatures does warm a bit more it will be gone.

 

What a glorious morning we are experiencing.

 

I found a new battery pack and it has been charged so I was able to download some photos.

These are from our Easter package:

This was the first time that Mr. Alvin actually needed helped opening his treats from our friend V.

One of them was a toy and he pretty much had it opened but the other was a tin of wet food and he just could not get his paws and mouth in unison to work it open.

Between the unexpected trip to BON TON Bakery and the goodies from our friend and a piece of apple pie from Teddy’s Mom; I shall say that I have enough comfort food

to last me awhile …… CARB City.

The third photo in of the Easter Bunny was carrot cake with cream cheese icing …. OMG, so good.  The photo does not do it justice.

Perhaps I should have snapped it without the plastic covering.

The above two non-treat photos are from this morning.

I shovelled most of the snow from the deck yesterday and the remaining has all but melted.

The furniture looks so much happier without being covered with snow.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

We had a very lazy day yesterday.

Just laundry and spending time with the boys.

Ok, I did sweep the floor and empty the dish washer.

But does that really count.

Do not think so.

The wind was so cold we opted to stay indoors and did not go for a walk.

 

Today there remains a few things to do and one being to hit the grocery store.

A woman can not live on CARBS alone.

Or can she?

I likely could but sooner of later my body would say “enough.”

 

Happy Sunday.

I hope that you are enjoying the day wherever you are ….

 

Special Hello to: My daughter, you will do great.  We are with you.

Always, Carol & Alvin