The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are fine. A bit tired but okay. Our company, our beautiful pups Aspen and Milo have gone home with their parents. My kids arrived weary but overjoyed to see their babies and to get home to their own bed. It was an up and down night. I thought originally that we would just wait up until they arrived knowing it would be well after midnight. My daughter texted me about 11:00 that they had landed in Edmonton. Knowing it would be at least 1.5 hours before they arrived, I made an executive decision to just go upstairs to bed, the pups were happy. We made one last trip outside before heading upstairs. Upstairs and a few minutes later the lights were out. My daughter texted their progress. She didn’t have my house key with them so I instructed them to ring the doorbell or knock at the door. I keep my bedroom door closed at night so wasn’t sure that I would actually hear them knock but I did. 1:00 a.m. they arrived. I turned on the lamp beside the bed and grabbed my socks and got up. As I opened the door and headed downstairs, Milo and Aspen followed. It was a great reunion. Alvin surprisingly did not come downstairs. I had their belongings ready to go so it was a quick in and out except for one bathroom break. Then we were alone. We had quickly made friendly exchanges and hugs before the departure. When I headed back upstairs I found Mr. Alvin sitting on the bed. I think he was sad and confused. The house was so quiet. I pulled up the blinds and waved at my daughter as they headed for home. This morning I had a text that they were home.

Yesterday was a good last day of vacation. The sun shone and it warmed up enough to melt a lot of the snow. I had shovelled my walk, neighbours in other half and Humphrey & Bogart’s Mom’s, as well. On the deck I moved the snow around. All in all, only snow left is on the front lawn and a little pile on the deck and a small amount in the backyard.

Lots of stories to tell and about a parcel but I hit the snooze button a couple of times this morning. Time to get downstairs and put on the coffee and start work.

I will finish my story tomorrow.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this post finds you doing very well. Today is Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Happy Birthday to a long time friend of mine, Lisa. We hope that you are having a wonderful day.

The sunrise is beautiful and the sky is a most pretty blue. The kind of blue that you love to look at. I can see oranges and pinks with a slight mix of blue and purple in the sunrise as the sun slowly rises in the morning sky. We are so blessed to see this beauty. I am most grateful for these mornings.

There is a bit of a breeze but not gale force as it was yesterday. Nothing like eating your hair as you are out for a walk with your favorite pup.

Everyday I hear more and more birds as they return to start building and laying their eggs. The geese are returning. The bunnies are turning brown. All sure signs of spring. Also big news, most of the snow and ice from our little grassy area as melted. I was able to chip a good portion away from the edge of the deck as Mr. Alvin likes to jump down and I was so worried about him doing this. For some reason he is not into taking the steps. The edge of the deck is not high as this is the middle section and I can even step up and down (which is something for me). Little bit higher than steps. Anyway. Even though it was windy we did get out for a couple of walks yesterday. I can feel any stress or anxiety melt away as I walk along the sidewalks in our neighborhood with my Alvin.

My life is really good. Oh and I have more good news. I seem to be almost back to normal after my backward tumble in the backyard on Sunday. Also I have been using the ice pick as a walking stick whenever I go into the grassy area so that I do not slip or lose my balance. Works perfectly. I also make sure that I hold the railing when I take the stairs. Always good to do. They are there for a reason.

Oh, the sunbeams are resting gently on the trees and the houses that I an see. Looks so pretty.

On Friday, it is forecasted to be +20 degrees celsius here in Edmonton. I believe that will be flip flop weather and no sweater weather. Cannot wait. Makes our walks so perfect. I am going to start carrying water with us for the boy to drink.

Well it is almost time to start work for another day. As a friend once said “one more day closer to retirement.” Which is true. I am excited as I am taking some vacation days starting next Wednesday. Really looking forward to this time off. I go back to “work” on the 21st, which is the following Thursday. Working Monday and Tuesday of next week and then Thursday and Friday the following week. Easter falls in there as well so Good Friday and Easter Monday are vacation days for us.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Maybe even be able to get out for a nice walk.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you today? Alvin and I are doing well. When we were outside much earlier about 4:00 a.m., a strange cat was on the railing around the fence at our neighbours, the home of Humphrey and Bogart. I hadn’t heard the cat calling out to the others but when their Dad popped his head out the window, I guess that the cat had been. We or at least I did not hear the commotion. With this weather I do not like to see cats outside. Thankfully the new few days are going to be warm. The sun is breaking through the clouds and we are well on our way to a beautiful Saturday. Mr. Alvin is trying to tell me something.

This weekend I am going to spend some time putting together the documents for my taxes so that once I have my T4 – I can go ahead and submit them. Laundry. Those are my two jobs for the weekend. We will get some walks in and also it looks like I will be chipping away at ice once again out front. Dratted ice. With this weather it happens a lot. We have so much snow and then melts and runs down the lawn onto the sidewalk where it is lower and pools freezing overnight making a deep pool of ice. That is a job that follows me every single winter. Good exercise for the arms, though. The snow banks look pretty as they glisten in the morning light.

I have not seen any coyotes or bunnies as of late, not a good sign for the rabbits. Poor little ones.

It is nice see that most of the snow has melted from the roofs as it had been accumulating. At least on my neighbours to the south. I will have to check the back of my house next time I am in the backyard.

I have been thinking of my friends and neighbours as I have not seen much of anyone as of late. With the cold weather we were not walking, then ice. No one is visiting. I think that today I will also reach out to a few of them. Perhaps we will be able to walk as far as our friend Pauline’s house. I miss her, I miss them all. Before the Pandemic I saw friends almost every week/weekend whether walking or visiting NOW if I see someone once a month, I feel blessed. I am however, grateful to be of good health so I will patiently wait till I can see them again. We can video chat and I think that would be a great idea at this point. Likely a good idea for everyone. Thank goodness for technology. We are more lucky than we know.

That SUN is starting to sparkle and shine. A great day is here for us all to enjoy.

Have an awesome day. “See” you tomorrow.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine Saturday morning. Alvin and I are doing well and have been up for hours. We have already been for a walk, watered all of the flower beds and flower pots and did some yard work. I wanted to get in all of the outdoor work before the heat sets in for the day. I really am enjoying our early morning walks. Other than two people out for a walk we were the only ones. Surprised that folks with pups were not out for a walk but perhaps they were out even earlier. Alvin really loves his new travel water dish and usually drinks the whole bottle on each of our walks. I put the coffee on to perk while I am writing this post. Lots to do this Saturday. After this post, coffee and breakfast followed by changing and preparing to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath. His hair is not really long but in this next week heat wave a shorter cut will be better for him. Then of course, there is laundry and I think in the heat of the day we will be in the basement. My daughter and son-in-law gave us a leather love seat which fits perfects in the family room in the basement so we have a place to sit for my, lay for Alvin and watch a movie and just hang out and be cool. I have some rearranging to do in the basement so perfect time when it is hot outside. The fans on the main floor keep the temperature at about 80 which seems hot but isn’t too bad. I am not a heat person by any stretch of the imagination. Not at all.

Last night we went to one of our neighbors and hung out in their beautiful backyard. It really is gorgeous. First thing that Alvin does is to roll around on the grass as it is cool and thick unlike ours. He really loves this couple as do I and we always have such a great visit. Laughing and sharing news and information. Alvin made sure that he sniffed every part of the yard. He was fixated on something in one of her flower beds and surprisingly enough lifted his paws as not to squash any of the flowers. We were shocked. It was an deliberate action. What a guy!

Well this is going to be short as I have to get going and get Alvin’s haircut done. At least the fans will help. I need that cup of coffee and perhaps some toast before starting.

I am grateful to have fans for us to be cool. Not much housework this weekend. Thankfully I usually keep things tidy and clean so really not much to do. I am grateful that we were able to go for a nice walk earlier. The roses smelled amazing and the birds singing their morning songs. So beautiful out.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday. Keep cool and safe. Enjoy the weekend.

Living this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this great Thursday morning? Alvin and I are doing great after a FANTASTIC night sleep. The sky is overcast and it is windy. The wind seems as though it is here to stay.

I finally downloaded my photos from Tuesday night. The flower shots were all taken during a crazy strong wind. Some photos were so blurry that I had to delete them and reshoot them. I love the vibrancy of my beautiful flowers and the green plant at the end of the first row is a PEPPER PLANT. I can hardly wait to see peppers forming. It will be a surprise as to what colour they will be. How exciting. I also threw in some photos of a couple of selfies that I was trying to take for a Fifth Avenue Jewelry Jewelry post and well, the most important subjects were Alvin and the necklace. I took those photos Wednesday late afternoon and the ones of Mr. Alvin laying on his bed were taken Wednesday morning after he wanted to play with his Teddy Bear. Which we did. So cute.

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We had two lovely walks yesterday. At lunch time we met a dog named Wilson. I love that name for a doggie. Not much is new with me and Alvin. Father’s Day is coming up for all those Dads out there.

I hope that you enjoy the photos as much as I love the subjects of the photos. Flowers are a passion for me. I love their beauty, various colours and shapes and scents. They just make me feel like a billion dollars. Another passion in my life is my four-legged buddy. I will admit that sometimes I do have less patience than I should but I do try as we continue to muddle through this life of ours together.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday. Maybe you are doing something special today? Just for you! I hope so. You deserve to take some time and do something just for YOU. You, rock. Remember that! We take ourselves for granted sometimes.

Continuing to go through this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude and thoughtfulness.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well other than not falling asleep quickly we had a great night sleep. Alvin woke up at 4:00 and then we were up to stay at 6:22 a.m., now does not get more perfect than that. YAY Mr. Alvin and yay Momma. The wind was cold last night and I was worried for my flowers but looking at them earlier they appear to be okay. We do have some cold weather coming this week with even possible “snow” flurries, I sure hope that the sun shines and the only moisture we receive is rain. Some of the overnight temperatures are in the single minus number range and that means covering the plant pots that I cannot move. There are three that I struggled to get to the lower deck from the garage and there is no way that I can easily move them into the garage and out for the daytime. So covering is the only option. I finally was able to download my photos and I now have figured out why everytime I download photos from my phone to the computer ….. that I get a message stating a number of files did not download and that is because they were LIVE shots. Gotta love technology. So yesterday when after two years with this phone (should have asked my daughter) the light bulb came on and I made the realization. So I spent over an hour deleting live shots from my phone. Luckily I had some portrait mode ones that I could download. I reshot the flower photos last night. The jewelry party was a success, I have no idea the sales but there were more people attending and watching the replays than ever before and I am grateful for that.

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This is my back deck area. Lots of flowers and different than I usually plant. Of course, there are some of the usual. I did forget to pick up marigolds so will have to grab a couple of those at some point during the next couple of weeks. Marigolds help keep mosquitoes and wasps away.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and that your weekend was great.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Thursday morning, May 6th, 2021? We are well. We enjoyed a couple of walks yesterday and on the second one we were able to have an outside visit with our friend. She was working in her garden and invited us in for a patio visit. I love sitting on her patio in her backyard. I cannot wait until her flowers are all out and blooming. She starts most of her plants and flowers inside the house and then in spring plants them in pots on her patio and some in her flower beds which surround the lawn area. She has one of the most beautiful garden ever. It is our sanctuary away from home, I always feel relaxed and calm in her yard.

As I am plum out of stories and things to say on this morning. I am going to post some photos of mine from previous years. Bad me, I still have not downloaded the photos that I have been taking recently. I will be proud to show you my handiwork on the front flower bed and cannot wait to fill it full of plants and flowers. It is now a blank canvas so I had better get planning it before it is too late. Soon it shall be time to pick up some plants/flowers and get them planted. I cannot wait. My favourite thing is picking out some plants/flowers, then planting and caring for them and watching them grow and flower.

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  My Flowers

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  A gift

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  Impatiens

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  My pansies

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  Perfection

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Wishing you joy and laughter on this Thursday. Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Love flowers ………

P.S. cannot wait to get the fence painted. Looking a bit worn, lol.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. Wow, can you believe it seems like I said it was Friday only a day or so ago. I am happy it is Friday not just because it is the end to the work week and beginning of “home time” but because we are having company for the day. Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day with us, they will be arriving in less than one hour. Mom and Dad are going out to the farm for the day. We are happy to have extra cuteness in the house. I love how Teddy wants to sit on my lap even when I am working and how Kobi likes to get right up and put her face to mine and just stare into my eyes and then she will my nose. Perfect ending to a perfect week.

Alvin and I went for a nice “full” walk yesterday at lunchtime. We even had a short driveway visit with our friends down the street Susana and her little dog “Rio.” What a cool name, right? I love his name and his Momma’s. She was dropping him off to spend the afternoon with her parents as he was bored at home with her. How sweet. I get that. Another MAJOR reason that I am so over the top happy to be working from home, so that I can be here every day for Mr. Alvin. Now I will have to go to the office about once every month or so but him having to stay home alone one day out of 20 work days that is okay. I also am able to have my neighbour come and check on him which is great. The benefits of working from home besides wearing sweatpants. Which I have on today with a nice top. I honestly do not wear them everyday. In fact, yesterday I wore what I would have worn to the office. Most days I semi dress up – at least the top half and I guess half of the time the bottom as well. Nice to be home in case there is a delivery. In case someone needs us. I cannot imagine leaving the three pups here alone. But they were good and we have in the past. Life. You surely never know what is going to happen.

Well guess what, I finally got the craft project in the final stages. I have it designed if you will and now just have to finish putting it together. I don’t wish to give it away. It is a Christmas project after all. Wink, Wink. I like to have at least one major Christmas project each year. Well Mr. Alvin is sitting in the hallway he was looking and me and now he turned and has his back to me. I am assuming he wants me to go downstairs and is giving me the cold shoulder, if you will. What a guy. I understand as he likely has to go outside.

I hope that this day brings you joy, some giggles, maybe a bit of sweetness whether chocolate or a visit from family or friends via a video chat or phone call or even a sidewalk visit, social distancing, of course. Our weather here in Edmonton is good at this time so an outdoor visit wearing the appropriate outerwear is possible. Have a great day. Maybe you could do something nice for those older neighbors down the street. Maybe you could pick up some groceries, ring the doorbell of neighbors that you know are struggling at this time and leave the groceries on their step. (Keep an eye to ensure that they actually got the items you left). Do something nice. Perhaps you are able to adopt a dog or a cat. There is always something we can do to help. By helping others you are helping yourself. Now that the numbers are wilding high at this time – we truly have to think of all others as our actions have major consequences. Wear that mask. Keep social distancing. Do this so that we can heal this planet and save off this pandemic. Stay safe and be well.

Time to go and pick up Mr. Buddy’s little parcels outside in the backyard. Also put the coffee on to perk and get signed on for work before the babies arrive. Also my dear friend “V” has mailed another parcel to us from Saskatchewan. The Post Office is slow making deliveries these days and it will arrive today. Both Alvin and I are so excited. Another good thing for this Friday.

Happy Friday Everyone.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness and respect and compassion for all. Life is too short not to!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

TGIF.

I never really used that “term” when it was all the rage back in the day.

I do not even remember what decade it was ….. 80’s maybe??

Anyway in this decade it seems as though the younger ones are all about using abbreviations for everything.

Yes, I know they do not refer to the shortened versions of words as abbreviations, there are all sorts of words to describe.

Also in this decade it is all about the memes and emojis, words that are new to us older folk.

Always something …. what will be next, I wonder?

Food for thought.

 

After work last night Alvin and I enjoyed a nice walk.

The air was warm and no gale force wind or bugs.

Just gorgeous.

Today they said 24 degrees celsius.

That would be considered a warm summer’s day.

 

There is a breeze out there this morning.

But it was warm when I was out earlier picking up the little treasures Alvin leaves for me on the grass.

I love the little guy.

Never would have thought that I would have a doggie and be picking up poop from my backyard.

Actually I dreamed of having my own backyard and it wasn’t until several months before it happened that I started to think that I could have one.

I likely kept the house out of my life all those years when I was a single Mom.

Perhaps if I had changed my train of thought and had been thinking “anything is possible and I can have a house” ….. it may have happened much sooner.

Oh well, I am happy that I have one now and my daughter well she has a beautiful one …..

Sometimes you have to work your way up.

 

Mr. Alvin was up just after 3:00 a.m. as his paws were bothering him, he also had to pee and poop.

Too much information, sorry.

So up we went.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and also a pain pill.

Outside to do his thing and then back to the sofa.

I wanted to get up at 6:15 and we had woke up but I was tired and thought it was earlier than it was ….

Next time it was 6:38 a.m.

So had to put the pedal to the metal this morning.

Thankfully I still had time to have a shower and do what I needed to do.

 

Well time to go and I definitely need that cup of coffee this morning.

I hope that you have the best Friday ever.

I wish you love and support, compassion and care, kindness and respect.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Was taken a bit ago but I love these flowers …. so pretty.

We all need a bit of pretty in our lives……..

Second Half of the Year

Good Monday Morning.

The sky is overcast and calling for light rain showers as I ponder whether or not we should walk.

I think when we are ready – if not raining – we shall go.

What a perfectly beautiful Sunday – Mr. Alvin and I enjoyed.

I was putting away the laundry upstairs when I heard Alvin bark from the backyard.

I knew it would not be long before he called …. as I was on my way downstairs to let him him, the front doorbell rang.

Answering the door on the way down I found my neighbours on the other side of the door.

Letting them into the house, I explained quickly as I walked to the back door to let the boy into the house.

Funny how the Universe works.

All weekend I had signs that “great/wonderful news” was on its’ way to me.

My neighbour Jessica said that they had been waiting all weekend for the time when they would both be able to come over to share their news.

They are getting married on October 3, 2020.

In fact, my daughter and son-in-law were married in October.

She said that they wanted to let me know and to invite me to to their wedding.

I was over the moon as I shared about the Universe sending me message all weekend.

They said engaged for seven years and that it was their ten year anniversary so it was time.

I told them how similar their story was to my own daughter.

I feel like their Mom next door.

Such a wonderful young couple.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many awesome people.

Young, old and everywhere in between.

I have the best neighbours, neighbourhood on the planet.

Funny how things work sometimes.

So I have a wedding to go to in October, I am so excited.

It has been many years since I attended a wedding.

 

Here are the photos of my backyard sanctuary.

My happy place.

Our happy place.

The place that Alvin and I love to be our backyard and our home.

I love how the sunlight hits in very cool and unusual ways.

What an awesome Sunday.

 

 

Yes, I am writing.

The book is coming along.

Of course, I just started but it feels like I have come so far.

So excited.

I cannot wait for it to be complete so that I can share with everyone.

 

Continuing to live my life with kindness and respect.

I hope that you are surrounded by kindness and respect and pay it forward each day.

We can do this ….

We can get through this…

We can make it happen.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin