The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Today is the last day of the work week for me and I took tomorrow as a vacation day. The plan is to get ready for the garage sale which is next weekend. Finish cleaning/tidying the garage and then start taking the items out of the house. I don’t think that I have too many things but some. This morning the sun is shining. The sky is somewhat clear. It is relatively calm. Great to see the sun shining.

The all day staff “meeting” was okay. They had STARBUCKS coffee at the hotel which was great. It was nice to see our team in person and some other coworkers. I was surprised to see so many new faces. Whenever I could I tried to see their name tags to see if I recognized their names. Anyway, it was okay and I am glad to be back to “normal.” I had a good visit with Michelle who is on my team, she drove us to and from the meeting.

Alvin did okay yesterday. Gillian advised that he would not eat anything (which is okay) and that he drank water and went outside. So two out of three is good. Especially the water and going pee. Happy about that. He is starting to get better about the process of eating his food. I just have to have patience and try not to let him become more anxious about life. We had a nice walk although short after I got home from the meeting. We even had a few minutes after we were done for the day to do a bit of shopping as we were on our way out of the mall. I had not been to Bath & Body Works in years, I think. So I happen to hit the semi-annual sale and picked up three foaming hand soaps and a couple of body creams. We wore our masks in the store making it a bit difficult to smell things. I thought that one of the creams I got seemed to be a nice scent and put some on my feet last night and had a bit on my hands. Well it did not agree with my body chemistry, kind of kept me awake. Note to self, always go away from people remove the mask and smell. Oh well, hopefully I can find someone who likes it. I do like the scent – it just does not like me.

Well time to head downstairs. Looking forward to that first cup of coffee.

I am sad to report that with all of this rain, I noticed that one of my lavender plant pots is totally saturated and there was a bit of water laying on top of the soil. I hope that the sun shines and there is a breeze to dry out the excess moisture. Guess I should have moved the pots. I do every other year but was lazy this time round.

Have a great Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 54 days until my 65th Birthday. Maybe I should not be keeping tracking, lol. The hotel also had great little cinnamon buns, I had one at coffee break but did not eat the breakfast as it was too early for me.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I hope very well. Alvin and I are doing great. We had a decent sleep with an early up and then back to sofa (nothing different than norm). I cannot believe that I missed the first day of SPRING on Saturday. I knew it was about this time but totally missed mindfully celebrating the spring equinox. Happy Spring everyone!! I have been watching for the bunnies but have not seen any lately which is odd for this area. We usually have them on our front lawn all of the time especially since my neighbour feeds them. But strangely enough even with good I have not seen any rabbits for I would say about one month or so. I always gage the arrival of spring by the turning of their fur from white to brown. I hope that they are okay. Never know, I guess. We walked on the weekend. I almost put Alvin’s sweater on yesterday and realized that it had warmed up somewhat from earlier in the morning.

Have you had a morning or I guess anytime during the course of a day where you just looked at something in your home and decided to change it up, around or clean? Unplanned! Yesterday I had been in my upstairs office and at this point I do not even remember what I was doing but I happen to look at my bulletin board which takes up near the whole wall behind my computer. There are two massive bulletin boards that my daughter made for me a few years back. Anyway, it just seemed “messy” ….. just with no plan ….. unorganized. So I set out to spruce it up if you will. At one point I could not reach the top so had to run downstairs and grab a stool. I love my massive bulletin board filled with cards of thanks and of birthdays and from Mother’s Days, photos of family and friends, my monthly birthday calendar, and odds and ends. I decided to hang up my birthday calendar as it was on a bulletin board on a wall that is partially hidden so sometimes I forget to look at it. I have missed birthdays. So now it is right in front of me. No more missed Birthdays. There are notes from Bath & BodyWorks days when I had the highest sales per hours in the entire company (and that was worldwide). Can you imagine that? It definitely is something that I am proud to have achieved without realizing at the time. I have an email from the Arts & Culture Reporter of the Wall Street Journal from end of 2013 when she had left a comment on my blog. How cool is that? Also I hung up our “family photos” of me and Alvin that my daughter takes every fall. It is a reminder of our journey and my hair cuts, argh. Thankfully more the journey and surprisingly Alvin has not changed much over the years. I can tell when he did not have a hair cut before the photo shoot, me too for that matter. There are reminders of the young boy turned man that I sponsored from Malawi many years ago. It is a good wall and I love looking at every item and remembering.

Well back to work today as it is once again Monday morning. This will be the third week that I have been training with a coworker as she returns to work after being away for some time. The training is going well and remains lots to go through and over. Alvin has an appointment on Wednesday, his regular one, thank goodness. Nail trim etc. Also on Wednesday one of my neighbours and friends is hosting a Mary Kay Mask party. Should be fun.

Time to get the coffee plugged in …… turn on the tunes ….. place Alvin’s bed in the kitchen and get this week going.

I wish you a great Monday.

As we continue to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Tuesday? I hope that life finds you in good health, first and foremost and that you are able to enjoy each and every day including this one. We went to bed later again last night it was almost 10:30 p.m. when I turned off the light. It was 2:00 a.m. when Mr. Alvin woke up and needed to go outside. How can you say “go back to sleep” when someone has to go to to the bathroom? You cannot. Or at least not in good conscious. So downstairs we trotted sleep still thick in my eyes with my cell phone and our sofa special pillow in tow, lights on and unlocked back door so he could outside. With so much snow I don’t have to go out until the sunrises to pick up any little parcels that he leaves behind because I can clearly see them and so can he. Back into the house and onto the sofa. It was 6:30 when the alarm went off that he next woke up. So time for his breakfast and another trip outside. I do know one thing for sure that his bodily function are in fine working order. While he had been eating I prepared the coffee so that I could plug it in when we are “finally up and downstairs for the day.” The coffee will be fresher longer. After that I still wasn’t quite ready to get up to stay up even though it wasn’t super early at this point. Set the microwave timer for 25 minutes which would mean getting up at 7:00 a.m. and that is what happened. It doesn’t take me long to get myself ready on those days when I don’t shower. There is no reason to shower everyday it dries out the skin, most especially in our dry winter season. Anyway, that is a personal preference and I prefer to show every other day. My hair has been healthier as a result, not so drying. So here we are almost ready to begin another day in the life of Carol Lewis.

Yesterday my daughter was running errands. She went to COSTCO first and picked up groceries for them and for me and then dropped them at the house. Just in time to have a short break with me. Then she was off to do more shopping at IKEA and at BATH & BODY WORKS. She phoned the order into IKEA which was a great idea and then just had to pick it up. I so wished that I could have gone with her to BBW. I love that store. I think I have mentioned that once or twice before and that I worked there a few years back. They were the first company to hire this “54” year old woman at the time when I moved here from Saskatchewan. I was so appreciative and even stayed on when I was hired at my current job. It was hard to leave but I could not continue working 7 days a week after the kids moved to a city about 20 minutes away and I could not leave Mr. Alvin alone from early morning till late at night. My girl picked me up some foaming hand soaps in my favourite scents: Tis the Season, Frosted Cranberry and Winter Citrus Wreath. I am so happy. She brought the goodies back including some items I requested for Christmas stockings, on her way back from the second leg of her shopping trip, and then she headed for home. I am so grateful to be the Mother of this beautiful, caring, compassionate, loving and thoughtful woman I call my “daughter.”

So needless to say with working the late shift yesterday and my daughter popping in and out we did not go for a walk. So hopefully the temperature is warm enough for me to go with Alvin at lunchtime. I gave him a short haircut actually shorter than I had planned. Thankfully he has a nice sweater to keep him warm and a great thick winter coat, too.

Well I guess it is time to head back downstairs and get that coffee perking. Life is life. I told my daughter yesterday when she asked me “How were things going?” I replied “great, how can I possibly complain, Alvin and I are in good health, as our our family and friends, we have good food to eat and a roof over our heads and I have a job where I can work from home.” Really how blessed am I, are me and Alvin. I am over the moon grateful for my life. Thank you Universe.

I hope that you are having a great day. Still pretty dark outside here as I quickly glanced out the office window. The sun will shine soon and I hope that it shines where you are. Remember to always, live your life with kindness and respect for all. Your life will be all the better, if you do!

Happy Tuesday.

Living our lives with kindness and respect for all,

I / We remain, as always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning ALL.

This morning I want to say that one of my friends whom I met during my years at Bath & Body Works passed away suddenly on October 7, 2020. There are no words to express my sadness. Sharon was a character so full of love and laughter. She could always make everyone smile and laugh. Her laughter and smile were beyond capturing. We always had fun working together. Sadly my days at BBW ended a few years back but I was always happy to see her when I made it to the store. She had the best hugs and we were always happy to see each other once again. We kept in touch via Facebook, thank goodness for social media. She had more energy than anyone I knew and everyone in the store always remarked in that way. As hard as she worked she did know how to have fun. Every shift that we worked together there was always time for some fun and to catch up on the latest news. Over the years Sharon met with some health issues and I/We were always so relieved when she recovered. Even her children worked at the store after school. Family was so important to her and her friends were her family, too. I know there are a great many folks grieving her loss today, tomorrow and forever. I keep you all in my heart.

Sharon was a lovely, kind, caring, funny, smart, hard-working, gentle, compassionate, human being. A true and wonderful friend to all the souls that she encountered.

She will be missed.

Rest in Peace, my dear friend.

We love you for Always and Forever.

With kindness and respect,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and today is Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

We had a huge storm last night which started late in the afternoon.

The sky got so dark that when the lightning hit, it appeared like a bright negative from a photo.

It was eerie.

The thunder roared.

The lightning seemed to be right close by.

I would think there was a lightning strike somewhere close by.

Thankfully not here.

This morning now at mid morning the sky is a bright blue and there is a breeze.

The pavement and sidewalk are dry but the wood deck remains wet as does the grassy areas.

Almost time for us to head out for a walk.

When we first got up there were still rain clouds in the sky and although I love to walk in the rain, not great for the boy.

He can get yeast infections in his ears if they get wet.

 

Well this is mid point through my second week of vacation.

I have enjoyed my vacation thus far.

Odd jobs were completed and relaxation has happened.

 

I saw a post on FACEBOOK of someone mentioning that “fall” is here and Bath & Body Works have their fall collection out.

I love fall but officially it begins in September although I think both Mother Nature and the Retail Gods have other ideas.

 

Also on this vacation break I would like to go for a nice long walk with Alvin into some of the other neighbourhoods.

We have not left ours for awhile.

I will watch the weather channel for a nice day not too hot.

Appears that we have some of those days this week.

I will take lots of water for sure for us.

We can take our time and enjoy some of the parks that surround us.

I will have to take a small purse to house my cell phone so that I can take photos.

Two necessities: water and phone.

 

Well time to get dressed as I was super lazy getting up this morning.

Sometimes when it is raining and wet – I just want to laze around.

Alvin did not seem to care as he snuggled right beside me on the sofa.

 

My tea order will arrive on Friday.

I am excited to see our new Fall/Winter Steeped Tea catalog.

Also to try the new teas, there seem to be more this time round.

 

Also one of my friends from back home has sent me a birthday parcel and it should arrive today.

Alvin will be excited as our friend always sends a little gift for him to open.

He loves to open presents.

Yes, he is an odd doggie.

I guess he has been around me long enough to appreciate opening a gift, a present.

 

He is patiently waiting for his Momma to get the show on the road.

Appears that I could actually wear long pants today and not be hot.

Wow.

 

I am wishing all of our friends with birthdays on this day – Happy Birthday.

I am sending positive energy and good thoughts to our Aspen who has been under the weather.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, that cool breeze coming in through the office window is simply delightful.

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

One of my fav birthday gifts from this year.

Actually all my gifts are my favourites.

One early evening out on the back deck enjoying the evening.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME to Thursday.

Second last day of the work week for me.

Looking forward to a long weekend.

Teddy and Auntie J are coming over for supper and a visit on Saturday.

Our weather is taking a downturn on Saturday as temperatures are dipping to the minus 25 range.

ARGH.

I am not looking forward to that …..

 

How about a look back on this day a few years back.

I like to do this from time to time.

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

Happy Tuesday, November the 8th.  (2011)

I am so grateful for our great weather.

I wish that it would continue for many weeks to come.

Snow for Christmas would be nice.

You know the light fluffy stuff ….

Coming down softly on Christmas Eve just in time for Santa’s visit.

(A girl can dream, right!)

I know that some years Edmonton has had snow later on.

That would be great.

For all those souls basking in the white stuff ….. it will melt and very soon, I hope.

For this day ….. my thoughts are about the weather and Mother Nature’s designs on it all.

Apparently in 2011 we did not have snow.

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

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of November, 2014.

WOW, one week into November ….

Isn’t that wild?

Well I survived my first Thursday night shift at the store and by that I mean I am up and ready to go to the office and then onto the store for another four hours.

I do love working at Bath and Body Works but was wondering how it would go working until 10:00 p.m. on a Thursday night but so far so good.

It was nice being in the mall on a Thursday night.

It has been raining here off and on for the past day and the deck appears to be wet this morning.

It was so nice and warm as I walked home from the bus stop last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk but missed having my Alvin with me.

Well okay, then, I guess looking back on this day years back is slightly depressing.

I did not remember that we had no snow in 2011 and in 2014 it was raining.

There are a couple of things from 2014 that I will mention.

One is that I was working at Bath & Body Works back then and the kids & pups were living with us at that time.

I loved having them with us ….

Working a second job and sometimes 7 days a week had some ups and downs but it was great.

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

Last night Alvin and I walked over to Teddy’s house.

Warmed up and had a nice visit.

Of course, Alvin ran right over to Teddy’s food dish.

There is always something there for him to finish.

Thankfully they do not mind.

 

Well here we go again.

Almost ready to head downstairs and gather things up for work.

So happy that today is Thursday, payday.

That is always a good thing.

Wishing you an awesome Thursday.

We, including me always have things to work on.

If we take those moments to build ourselves then we can put that forward to others.

Being kind does not only apply to rewinding video tapes.

Oh, I guess that is old school now.

But you know what I mean.

 

Mr. Alvin is patiently laying on his blue blanket.

I decided to change my bracelet from the bangle to a chain one.

So better go and do that.

 

Happy Thursday everyone.

I hope that life is treating you well.

Stay warm and if it is warm where you are …. keep cool.

 

Always, Me and The Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Oh my gosh the sun was shining every so brightly.

I snapped these photos from my bedroom window.

Just a few minutes ago.

Then I had barely left the room when I noticed the sky was darkening.

So now the sky out of my bedroom window looks like this:

To the south or out of my office window, it is much darker than to the north.

We will be going for a walk as soon as I am done this post.

Just in case.

We do not wish to miss our walks.

 

Today is the 57th birthday of my brother J.

WOW, seems like only yesterday he was 6 and then a teenager and then 50.

We texted as he is on an acreage and was about to go haying for the day.

Wishing them good weather.

 

Yesterday one of my friends hosted my birthday party.

I took the cupcakes and she had some lovely fresh fruit including cherries.

HEAVEN.

and Coffee, of course.

We laughed and caught up.

They spoiled me with birthday cards, the recent book that Michelle Obama penned, a toasty warm pullover for when I walk Mr. Alvin, a bright coloured tunic, shower gel from Bath & Body Works

and a beautiful scarf filled with hues of blues, pinks, black on white.

I am one lucky girl.

Happy Birthday sign on the door at my friend’s house – there were lots of other decorations.

Photos of gifts from my house …. wow ….

The above photo are treats from another friend who popped by night before last on my birthday.

I feel so incredibly blessed not for the gifts (which are so thoughtful) but to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Thank you.

Very grateful.

 

Also hung the bulletin boards in the office yesterday after the birthday party and a walk with Alvin and Teddy.

I have not taken photos as yet but I will and post them later.

Can hardly wait to display some photos and cards and other little items.

Looks so great.

 

Well time to fly.

The wind is getting up.

We want to walk before it rains.

Cannot believe these temperatures.

Pretty cool.

Oh well.

 

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

 

A kind heart and respectful nature – that’s all you really need.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Oh, me oh my, it is only me and Alvin.

The house does feel strangely quiet.

Yesterday we had Humphrey and Teddy.

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 DAYS TO 60

Today is Tuesday, July 18, 2017 and it is the 23rd day until my 60th Birthday.

I will just have to add the ones that I miss when I think of something.

 

2000: Came in without most of the problems that were forecasted regarding the computers, which was a huge relief.

2001:

2002:  My beloved daughter moves to Edmonton, Alberta and two days later I go on a vacation to the U.S. with a friend.  It was perfect timing so I would be moping around the apartment missing my girl.  Still missed her but was not at home to be reminded every moment.  Visited Las Vegas and area and went to San Diego and the day trip to Mexico (the crossing was out of a movie and not a good thing). A close family friend’s daughter had first of her three children.

2003: My first great niece was born ….. such a cutie pie.

Well I received a HUGE reminder of something that happened in 2004.

2004:  My daughter graduated from the Photography Program at NAIT and then went on to work for one of the City Councillors.  How did I forget those items???  Maybe I am thinking too hard.

2005: My first born great nephew and the apply of his “Anta’s eye.”

2006:

2007:  Elton John concert?  or was it 2006?  Regardless of when it was amazing.  We lost our little “J” ….. another heartbreak.

2008:  My first born nephew marries, I retired from working at same company for 30 years and my daughter marries all within a couple of months.  Attend Celine Dion Concert in Edmonton.

2009: Buy my first house, 1/2 duplex in Edmonton close to my daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups and move to Edmonton at end of March.  My beloved J passes.

2010:  Enjoying semi-retirement.  Back to Regina for a visit with my girl. How could I have possibly forgotten this:  I adopted my darling ALVIN CHARLIE LEWIS in January 2010 and my life once again was transformed.  I am so happy that Me Alvin is not too good on the computer or else I would be in BIG trouble.  OMG, how did I forget.  Just going with the flow.  I will post the years as I think of things for the last decade.

2011: Started working at Bath & Body Works at West Edmonton Mall.  Now that is a start to going back to work.  It was hard work but amazing.  That was in April and then in July I started as a temp at Capital Region Housing Corporation.  What a year.

2012:

2013: Working two jobs ….

2014:  I had the highest sales per hour in the company at the store. My daughter, son-in-law, Elton & Penny moved in with me and Alvin for almost one year while their new house was being built.  We loved having them with us.

2015:  Kids moved into their new house in April.  House was not the same after they moved out.  Worked last shifts at Bath & Body Works, miss the girls and the store in April.  Started to sell Steeped Tea in August.

2016:

2017:  This is a big year for me and all those who were born in 1957.

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 3rd day of February, 2017.

Another winter morning but it does warm up over the course of the day.

Another super quiet morning with Alvin away at his sister’s house.

He comes home tomorrow.

I spoke to my daughter last night and apparently Alvin is trying hard to play with Aspen.

She gets so excited when he signals play-time that she runs around and scares Mr. Alvin, poor old guy.

Perhaps soon they shall get on the same page and actually have fun and not give each other a bit of anxiety.

But they do love each other and that is the important thing.

The playing will come in time.

Practice makes perfect.

I had a great time at the mall last night.

Ran my errands and did a bit of shopping.

Pretty surprised by the amount of people in the mall.

By listening as people passed there were lots from out of town.

I had decided to treat myself to supper at “Freshi’s” in the food court closest to Bath & Body Works, my old haunt.

The gal in front of me placed her order and had turned to the side.

When I was placing my order she turned around when she heard my voice and low and behold it was one of the girls I worked with at Bath & Body Works.

We ended up having our supper together.  She goes to University and works part-time at one of the stores in the mall.

It was great to catch up.

What are the chances of meeting a friend in line for food.

I will take those chances …..

 

Well here we are almost time to hit the trail again.

Friday, though and that is good.

Have a wonderful day.

Special Hello:  Lots of Birthdays today ….. Happy Birthday Everyone.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of March, 2016.

Today is the birthday of my Aunt “L” …. she is the only sister and sibling of my Dad.

Happy Birthday Aunt L – we wish you the best day and year to follow.

All the time growing up everyone always said that I looked like my Aunt.

 

Well this is the second morning without Mr. Alvin.

He will be coming home within the next hour.

Oh, how I have missed him.

Missed that waggly tail at the door ….

Missed him snuggling up to me on the sofa and in bed.

He has been away for a sleepover at his sister’s house.

Lucky boy.

Getting spoiled I bet.

I am grateful that he has a place to take a break.

Even though I missed him terribly – it was great to see my friends on Thursday night and then last evening after work I stopped at the mall to do a bit of shopping.

Mostly looking but was great to do.

I stopped by and saw some of my friends at the store, Bath & Body Works.

 

Well almost time for the boy to come home.

My daughter is bringing him for 9:00 a.m. so that we can have coffee before dropping us off at the Vet for Alvin’s pedicure.

Yesterday I was telling the girls as I left for home about Alvin’s homecoming and his pedicure …. at first one of the girl’s thought I meant me and then we got things straightened out and she said “Well at least someone is having a pedicure.  Yes, I said …..

So nice for the sun to be shining and to have it light earlier.  I think next Sunday we put our clocks forward one hour.

 

I wish you a great Saturday.

Oh, here are the beautiful flowers that I received as a thank you for hosting the birthday party last Saturday.

HAPPY SPRING – I was trying to get some fun close ups but clearly I am not a PHOTOGRAPHER ….. oh well…..

Special Hello to: my Aunt …. Happy Birthday

Always, Carol and Alvin