Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 21st day of January, 2019

At 8:20 a.m. the sky is overcast and I believe that there is snow in the forecast.

WOW, hard to believe that Mr. Alvin’s Birthday party is just a memory now.

WE had such a great time.

The air was nice and warm yesterday.

The pups were all excited.

Alvin, Teddy, Aspen and Milo.

Decorations

Goodie bags for Alvin’s guests

One bag with a toy and the other with a little “sweet” treat.

Presents galore.

Photos from before the party.

Making up the treat bags.

Alvin and I from our beginning.

Alvin greeting his guests.

Alvin’s sister, Milo (odd shot of him) and Alvin.

Miss Aspen

Pups and more pups.

Teddy’s Mom and Alvin

Alvin’s brother-in-law

Unwrapping gifts.

Alvin loves to unwrap presents and does a great job.

Alvin’s guests enjoyed opening their bags of treats and toys.

 

Most of the photos are blurry, sorry.

Trying to get the pups still was almost impossible.

By the time he got to his last one, I think he was tuckered out.

Birthday Cards

This morning checking out some of his birthday gifts.

I cut the birthday cake which was made from meat and veggies in different sized pieces depending on the size of the guest.

Alvin and Aspen ate theirs pretty much right away.

Teddy and Milo took their pieces to a different location to enjoy.

The cake, unfortunately I missed taking photos of his cake, him eating the cake and opening the treat bags.

Will be posting more later as others took some photos.

We had such a great time.

Everyone remarked on how much fun this party was and I am so grateful it all worked out.

I am so pleased that Mr. Alvin enjoyed his special days.

 

My nephew is visiting.

So have to go and visit with him.

I am grateful that I have today off and I took tomorrow off as well.

Looks like snow is on the way.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter, son-in-law, Teddy’s Mom, Miss Aspen, Teddy, Baby Milo for all attending Alvin’s 10th Birthday party.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of March, 2018.

I know what I was doing on this day thirty-eight years ago.

Bringing the most wonderful baby girl into the world.

She is the light of my life (sorry Alvin but she is the first born).

WOW, it is crazy how time flies.

It truly feels like only yesterday that you turned one, then going to kindergarten, then elementary and then high school graduation.

She has packed so much into her 38 years and I am so pleased to have played a part in this doll’s life.

Wishing my Darling GIRL the best BIRTHDAY ….

To the MOON, to the STARS, to the whole UNIVERSE, I love you.

Alvin loves his big sister, too.

WE both do.

Have an awesome day my darling.

May the next thirty-eight years bring you much joy, love and may you find whatever you are looking for and dreaming about.

Throw in a dash of PERFECT HEALTH, have to have that for sure.

****************************************************

 

Here are some photos from before the party as the Momma was getting prepared for the PARTY.

 

 

I made my girl a “TREASURE BOX” and placed some items that we thought she would like.  Most especially a beautiful English bone china cup and saucer and the Butterfly Book (just for her).

Underneath the gifts, I placed some butterfly paper, photo of a butterfly and a photo of me and Alvin.  This was the bottom of the box.

On the top I did another butterfly paper, a flower that I made out of polymer clay and decorated with some jewellery and adorned it with photos of my daughter’s loves.

 

OMG, those CUPCAKES were amazing.  My son-in-law did a great job picking up the “BIRTHDAY CAKE.”

We did eat supper before the cupcakes…..

It was a great night.

Ending with a gift of SEQUENCE.

Perfect evening.

 

Needless to say that Alvin and I had a great weekend.

We walked, he had a hair cut and bath.

He looks so handsome.

I love having a hair cut and Alvin not so much.

Our weather feels like spring.

YAY.

I can feel it.

I saw a bunny the other day and it is turning brown.

Definite sign of spring.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my Birthday GIRL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 7th day of August, 2017.

The sky is partially overcast here in Edmonton and we have already had a rain shower this morning.

The household is up and going already ……

Alvin had me up early and we were later going to bed.

But that is nothing new.

It has been great having my sister staying with us.

Yesterday we enjoyed our time at West Edmonton Mall and luckily were there early before the holiday weekend crowds began to show up.

Once early afternoon hit it was crazy busy with people scurrying about and by that time we were done so we grabbed a bus and came home.

Alvin was happy that we were not away for a long time.

Today we have some grocery shopping to do for the BIRTHDAY PARTY tomorrow night.

My brother arrives tomorrow night and also my sister’s son and family will be dropping in at some point as well.

It was unexpected for them as they were attending a wedding in Calgary but when my nephew had an extra week off from work they decided to come this way.

My nephew’s wife has a brother in a nearby smaller city not far from Edmonton.

So it all works out.

I am excited to see their three sons.

The eldest and I used to do everything together as I was living nearby from the time he was in his Momma’s tummy until I moved to Edmonton.

The next two were born after I moved to Edmonton and the elder of the two I saw only twice and the little guy, not once.

So it will be great to see them and catch up.

Of course, we have SKYPED before so I am not a total surprise to them.

Well time to get this show on the road as I have to prepare my shopping list.

Some housework to do today …… maybe a bit of decorating ……. a few streamers and balloons.

Have an awesome long weekend if you are lucky to have one …..

If not, I hope your Monday is a good one.

Special Hello to: all those folks celebrating a birthday on this day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 29th day of May, 2016.

It is another glorious morning with the sun shining and blue skies.

I am hosting another garage sale today and thank goodness for “light” blue sunny skies this weekend.

Alvin went to his sister’s for a sleepover and to be with them during the garage sale.

He gets so excited when people come and it is kind of boring for him to be stuck in the garage with me all day.

Not much fun.

I have a good feeling about this one and know it is going to be great.

Lots of people and lots of sales.

Bye bye stuff.

 

Last night I was invited to one of friend’s homes for a get together.

Family friendly.

In the beginning we sat in the backyard around a fire pit.

I was not there (only a couple of minutes from my house) very long when the skies started to cloud over and the wind got up.

We sat and roasted marshmallows and visited.

Then it started to “spit” (only a few drops) and we jokingly said “no it was sun rays” ….. trying to remain positive.

As it rained harder and harder – we pulled out the umbrellas as remained outside in the rain roasting marshmallows until it rained so hard we were forced to go inside.

That was after about one hour or so.

In the house we played cards …. so much fun.

Most Saturday nights it is me and Alvin at home – watch some shows or perhaps a movie but I do not go out anywhere unless we do a later walk.

We laughed and guess what I won the card game.

First time played it.

Luck of the Irish …. I do not know but it was so much fun.

I am so grateful to have been invited and for the evening out.

So grateful that Alvin was not home alone for that time, as well.

Likely another reason why I do not go out.

I figure he is alone all week while I am at work so he needs me at home all weekend.

Which is fair, I think.

Well time to get going and get some coffee on and have breakfast.

Get out and put up the signs and balloons.

Gather my stuff and IPOD and set up in the garage.

Actually everything is ready to go.

Have an awesome day.

 

The rain clouds are gone and sunny days ahead.

Life is great.

You just have to think outside the box …… just referring to a problem I had ….. but all is well now.

Remember if you are having a problem … try not to dwell on it ….. it is hard, believe me I know all too well.

If you just think of a solution that you might think initially would not work but then it does …. life is good.

Not everything is black and white.

There are people to help.

 

Have a great Sunday.

Now breakfast, coffee and GARAGE SALE.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter and son-in-law and Mr. Elton (who is doing so much better, we love you buddy) – thank you for caring for Alvin while I work the garage sale.

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day of October, 2015.

The sun is coming up and to the south from my office view the sky is almost a variegated peach.

So very soft and pretty.

I just am seeing now that the neighbour building the garage behind me now has his garage door and window in place.

WOW, it is almost done.

The house is so quiet this morning without me Alvin.

I sure miss the little guy.

Last night after work my daughter stopped by to pick him up.

As she was by herself (so her pups had someone at home) we had supper together.

Nothing like a grilled two kind of cheese sandwich and a hearty lentil soup with added peas.

We had a chat and caught up.

After supper the three of us went for a walk.

Once the house was clear I went to work with the exception of my neighbour stopping by to pick up another catalogue I spent until 12:30 last night preparing the house for the Open House today.

Laundry done, floors washed, bathrooms cleaned, table set up with teas, tea cups and such, and some of our jewellery (as one of my friends wants to pick up some earrings), balloons blown up.

There were so many little odds and ends but they are all done.

I always like to just get up and have breakfast and have a shower and be ready.

There will be a trip outside to tie some balloons to the tree and to the porch (already have some up inside the house).

Business cards out …..

Samples ….. catalogues ….. order forms.  CHECK.

DONE.

Well wish me luck …. it will be a great day between the Steeped Tea Open House and going out with my friends this evening.

Alvin will be having fun with his sister and family (there will be children as my son-in-law’s niece and nephew are also coming for a sleepover).

So on this great Saturday I wish you time with family and friends, time to work on your TO DO LIST items, time to relax and to have fun.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: all my fellow tea drinkers ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of February, 2015.

Clattering is coming from the kitchen as my daughter empties the dish washer or so I assume as I am upstairs.

Alvin is sitting on the bed looking out of the office window.

My son-in-law is getting dressed, and then will be going outside to shovel the walks and driveway.

My grand-puppies I can only assume …. Miss Penny is downstairs lying on the sofa and Sir Elton is laying on the bed waiting for his Poppa to be ready.

Alvin is gone now just in that much time – downstairs.

I am excited as my girl friends are coming over to have a belated birthday celebration for “S” …..

I love my girls they are the best …… they live close by and we get along so well.

We laugh and talk and sometimes cry but not often.

I am so blessed to have the best family and friends.

Last night was busy at the store and that was great …..

With the store the night before being so dead …

Nice to be busy.

Well “gotta” go and get things ready for the party as I worked last night …

Lucky for me my daughter picked up the cake ….. just have to put the finishing touches on gift and decorations and make COFFEE….

Guess I had better not forget to EAT …….

I hope that you have an amazing day surrounded by those you love.

I smell toast ….. that is what I am going to have toast and honey ….. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Special Hello to: all those folks with birthdays in February.

Love Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – November 3, 2013

Chapter Four:

November 1, 2013

Oh, how I loved that dress, and my mind flashes back to the junior high school dance where I first wore that beautiful pink and then I see my favourite books floating in mid air and my best friend “Dee” is there.

November 2, 2013

Alvin is staying very close as we begin to take in this enormous space, and our nervous energies feed each other, and I think of Alice in Wonderland, and  what shall our next move be as a bright purple balloon drifts by.

November 3, 2013

It is absolutely amazing the dress, my friend, balloons, family, old boyfriends, my house, Christmas, all of the things that I have loved during my life are appearing as Alvin and I make our way through it all.

 

Thought for the day……..

Wow, what a beautiful August morning.  The sky is such a pretty blue and the sun is coming up on the horizon.

My life is great.  I had the best birthday yesterday.  Thank you to all my family & friends who are my family, too.

You know you are blessed and lucky when:

…. your seven year old friend calls from Quebec to wish you a Happy Birthday before you leave for work in the morning (that’s early)

…..your friends and family send you best wishes via phone, e-mail, the mail and Facebook

…..your daughter and son-in-law prepare you a yummy supper followed by a super delicious chocolate birthday cake

…..your neighbours decorate your front porch with balloons, streamers and a birthday banner and birthday wishes  written in coloured chalk down the front sidewalk and gifts inside the house

I am so incredibly blessed.

…..the best gift of all was that my dog Alvin was at the door when I arrived home to greet me ….. with kisses and lots of love.

I always think that it is so cute.  Those first 20 seconds after I unlock the front door,  he rushes to greet me, wagging his little tail, he is so excited he knows he has to pee, he wants to give me love and attention

but he is also hungry, he stops between the back door at the pantry for just a second.  He’s back and forth for those seconds …… I guess I would be confused as well (or perhaps I am a bit) LOL.

Thought for this day is:  be grateful for the blessings in your life each and everyday.  There is always something to be thankful for ….. clean water to drink, food in the fridge, family, your dog or cat, friends, the air that you breathe, the fact that you can breathe everyday is always super good.

Have a great Wednesday everyone.

Always, Carol

My front door yesterday

 

Sidewalk out front ..... Happy Birthday

Front porch - Happy Birthday