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

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning!

What a gorgeous AM it is out there.

The sun is shining, just a snippet of a breeze, blue sky, birds singing and the hum of traffic from the highway not too far away.

We are grateful that a neighbour and friend is coming for a little visit this morning.

She is bringing coffee from Starbucks.

Lucky me.

She wanted to take Alvin for a visit but not sure that this Momma’s boy will go.

If he does great, if not we will just have a visit and coffee break here.

Later we have been invited to our friends for a backyard visit.

They have the most beautiful backyard with a nice swing to relax on and the most lush grass.

We are going there after supper.

Working in between.

Alvin is barking at me for no reason.

I guess he has one but I do not understand it.

So this will be ultra short.

How about some photos to start the weekend.

We plan to relax and perhaps call some family and friends.

Sunny weekend and warm temperatures on the way.

Mr. whiny pants is looking at me and wagging his tail.

Something tells me he wants a TREAT.

Now he is sitting with his back to me.

Now that tells me “he is not happy with me at this moment.”

What a guy?

Yes, what a guy!

 

Happy Friday to you ALL.

May you  share laughter with friends and family.

Perhaps you will go and help an elderly neighbour with some outdoor chores.

Or maybe you will grab a bag and pick up the trash from your park and neighbourhood.

Some urban centres have had to lay off the summer crew and are short staffed so no lawn mowing.

That is the case for our nearby park.

It is classes as a water runoff-drain something or other.

Our bodies of water are man-made.

No mowing for us.

The dandelions and grass are already almost one foot high.

Looks like we are in the countryside.

Oh well.

 

Gotta fly.

Have an awesome day.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

My grandpup Milo and in the background baby Kobi, Alvin’s BF’s little sister.

Milo and my other grandpup Miss Aspen

Mr. Alvin before a haircut.

Decorations in background would direct us to “Christmas”

I loved this haircut and wished that I had it again.

This was last summer.

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Wow, so excited for another bright sunny morning.

There is not much of a breeze this morning so the temperature will feel warmer (fingers crossed).

Always makes me feel great when the sun is shining.

Mr. Alvin actually slept right through until 4:52 this morning.

Which was great.

 

This morning at 9:00 a.m., Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day.

First time Kobi has spent the day with us since the week at the end of January.

She has grown and hopefully a bit more calm but time will tell.

Kobi really is still a puppy so cannot expect her to sit in a corner with paws crossed not moving.

I tried to puppy proof the main floor and upstairs.

It was a difficult decision to make about blocking off the stairs so that Teddy and Kobi would remain on the main floor.

Alvin would not stay downstairs without me (especially if he knows I am upstairs).

Last time Kobi was here my attempts at keeping her downstairs failed miserably.

So this time I am going to live dangerously and leave the entrance to upstairs unbarricaded.

I have closed the doors to the bedrooms up here.

Placed the water dish in the bathroom.

A couple of pee pads just in case (hopefully if need them they get used).

Downstairs I moved things around just a bit.

A plant over there and also placed a couple of pee pads in stragetic spots.

So we are ready for the gang to arrive.

I made up another little bed in the office just in case someone wants to lay down.

I will take photos of the pups when I can.

We should manage okay as I pretty much have a break every couple of hours.

At that time everyone will go outside for a pee break and some sunshine.

 

We enjoyed 1.5 walks yesterday.

At noon we got our full walk in and under our belts.

After work we spotted our friend P in her yard working and amazingly enough she was just about to take a break.

She invited us in and we had a visit on our patio.

My friend P celebrates a birthday on Saturday.

I always love sitting in her yard admiring all of her beautiful flowers.

This year she put different flowers together in pots.

She also has a full on flower garden with shrubs and trees.

A bird bath where the little songsters come to hang out.

They love watching them from their windows or from the patio.

Great way to start the day my friend told me.

 

Well I can feel a sneeze coming on.

Achoo Achoo.

Kleenex …. yes, please.

Time of the year for allergies.

 

I hope that this finds you in good health.

Wishing you a Wednesday full of love and laughter.

If you are working from home I hope that you take some breaks.

I know it is hard sometimes ….. I am busy in my job.

If it was not for Alvin, I would like work a great many more hours than I already do.

Yup, I am guilty of putting in extra time.

I do it for my clients and for my well being.

As oddly as it sounds.

Perhaps my idea of well being is mixed up, I do not know.

Oh well.

I feel great and that is important.

 

Time to fly.

Just like a bird.

High in the sky.

Not this bird.

I will slide over.

Time to work.

 

Have an awesome day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Thursday Morning ALL.

What a gloriously beautiful morning it is here in Edmonton.

There is a slight breeze this morning not gale force like yesterday.

For the next 14 days according to the weather channel it will be mid to late teens temperature wise.

Not really what I thought June was going to be like but as long as we have a nice mix of sunshine and rain drops, I am a happy camper.

Big news we went for our full walk last night with no “foot/toe” issues for me.

Yay, next week we will return to our walking at lunch and after work.

 

I just have to share these photos that I snapped from our back deck last night just before 9:00 p.m.

The sky was so gorgeous and the CLOUDS.

I love clouds.

In fact, I could lay down on the deck (have done so) and just watch the clouds floating around above me.

Some of these photos look the same but there are sutle differences between them.

That one cloud was amazing.

Then I noticed the neighbours a few doors down … they planted these trees many moons ago and look how tall they have grown.

I could not help but to take a photo of my Alvin and my flowers in the backyard.

Please do not notice the long weedy grass in the backyard.

It is awaiting for some TLC.

I am going to mow it now after breakfast and before I begin my late work shift (11 am – 7 pm).

Twice per month we man/woman the after hours phones for our company.

Tomorrow night I am going to don some shoes with covered toes (hopefully that goes well) and use my BRAND NEW grass trimmer and fix up the backyard.

Tonight my daughter is stopping by.

I have something for her and she has some new old clothes for me.

I love hand me downs.

A friend gave her a bag of clothes to go through.

Isn’t life great.

 

 

Well Mr. Alvin is patiently, okay very impatiently waiting for me to leave upstairs, perhaps he has to pee, which is likely.

I hope that you enjoy the clouds wherever you are on this Thursday.

Always take up to look up (make sure that you are safe when doing so).

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Sweet People,

Welcome to a bright and sunny morning.

I hope that it is nice and sunny where you are located.

I was thinking of all the changes that are being made to our lives as we continue to work from home.

I fully realize that this is not everyone’s circumstances.

I know that a great many folks are not working and quite possibly will not have a job to go to after this is over.

I know that essential services are working through this time.

 

This is to address the changes that I have noticed in my life now that I am working from home.

Never did I dare to hope that I would be able to work from home.

Alvin is even starting to go downstairs and lay in his chair by the window.

He used to be in that chair for part of the day and lay on our bed the rest of the time.

Not being at home I wasn’t 100% certain what he really did.

Now he seems to be settling in to this major life change, having me at home everyday.

I am afraid that when I do have to go back to the office, he is going to have a hard time.

Mr. Alvin is over 11 years old now.

I treasure this time with him.

 

Also I have not been wearing any jewelry other than rings during my time at home.

I used to wear earrings, a watch, necklace and my rings.

Now the earrings irritate things when I have to be on my cell phone.

I know that I can put calls on speak which I do sometimes.

But this is a change.

 

Most days I wear the clothing that feels right for the day.

If I am cold, I wear sweats and socks (definitely a top as well) and likely a cozy sweater.

If I am feeling in the mood I dress up in office attire.

So what I wear varies.

I will say one thing that I have not been wearing the button pants lately and am thinking I should start before I am past the point of no return.

It may already be too late.

Something to check on the weekend.

Perhaps have a fashion show for Mr. Alvin.

Oh, won’t he be exited.  Laughing to myself.

 

I haven’t been anywhere outside of my neighbourhood.

So no use for my purse.

In fact, the new purse that I got earlier this year.

Hangs on a hook waiting to meet the world.

 

Shoes.

This is a bit different.

I can wear my sandals now when we go for walks.

But again, not leaving then neighborhood, not wearing a variety of footwear.

 

Walking twice a day and not at the crack of dawn.

Love walking at noon and right after work.

Love having all this extra time at home to enjoy.

More time in the garden now that the weather is cooperating.

More time to read and enjoy my life.

 

The last time I was out of the hood was March 19, 2020.

The last time I was in a store was a week or so before that.

 

We are now well into the month of May.

 

Please do not get me wrong, I love being at home.

Just thinking about the changes.

 

I never thought that my two actual desks would be used for personal and work.

I have two desks that go end to end.

They were purchased a few years back from IKEA.

There are some drawers.

Sleek and fit easily into the space.

Now my once creative space has been invaded by my work.

Such as life.

 

I have mentioned several times.

I am grateful to be home with Alvin.

I am grateful to have no commute.

 

Life is just different.

Each day we adapt.

Each day we learn new things.

Each day we appreciate it all.

 

Well I do not wish to be late for work.

Such a long commute, laughing to myself.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

I hope that you and your family are in good health.

Remember to breathe, smile and laugh.

We will endure.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

 

Photos soon …..

 

 

 

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