Almost Christmas 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Sunday morning? We are now at FOUR sleeps until Christmas Eve Day. As I look out of the office window there is a breeze as the bare tree branches wave back and forth against the painted yellows, pinks and blue colours of the sunrise. What a beautiful morning sky. Well folks here we are four days away. Four days to work with one of them the late shift of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. I am grateful that I am ready for the big day. I baked more Sugar Cookies on Friday night and I will be icing them today. Between Friday and yesterday the laundry was done. Most of the cleaning done. Today I am going to steam mop the floors, ice the cookies, give Alvin a trim with just the scissors and trim my bangs. We are going for a walk. We elected or rather I elected not to yesterday with the ice. So our virtual Christmas party last night with my friends Signe and Gillian was awesome. We laughed so hard and chatted. Just like we always do. There was a bit of drinking happening and gift opening. I love my friends. I never would have thought that we would be having our annual Christmas get together virtually via TEAMS. Heck this time last year I had never heard of TEAMS and the word “virtual” was not used regular in my vocabulary. It is strange how things can change in almost a blink of the eye. Yesterday, our friend Pauline called and dropped our Christmas gift off (front step short visit) and we gave her theirs and some baked treats that I had waiting in the freezer for her. Funny how two of my gifts from my girl friends were two items that I had been saying that I would like …. one being new pj’s and the other hand cream. I got them both. Maybe I need to think bigger than hand cream and pj’s. LOL. I guess it does not hurt. Perhaps time to do a vision board. I have this massive bulletin board that almost fills the wall behind my computer. I would see it everyday. I think that I will do that during my Christmas break. We are on restrictions that will take us through Christmas and into January so there will be time to fill in where we cannot visit with friends. Back to the “virtual Christma party” – I highly recommend it. Done from the comfort of your own home and no driving necessary. I am not saying that I would prefer this but when you are not able for whatever the reason to see each other in person – this is the next best thing. Can you imagine if this pandemic had hit even a decade ago we did not have near the technology that we have now! We are blessed.

Well I have a friend stopping by at 10:00 to pick up a bag of tea. You see I had placed a tea order near the end of November and it still has not arrived. So many companies are struggling to get product and then to have shipped out in some semblance of good delivery times. When my friend texted me last night as one of the items she had ordered was meant for a gift – although I did not have that exact tea in my “tea cupboard” I did have something else that she could replace it with. She is picking it up this morning. Good customer service at anytime is important. I hope the orders come soon but in the meantime she will have something to give to another friend with her Christmas gift. As I told my friend, “this is on me.”

I believe that this year, this Christmas it is more important than ever before to be generous and go above and beyond. Everyone is suffering in some capacity this season. We need to step up. Be supportive and be giving. We all need a bit of light during these somewhat dark times.

So on that note, I am going to get dressed and get this day going. Get those cookies iced, wash some floors and lasso Mr. Alvin for a bit of a trim. That should be interesting.

Be safe out there. Only go out if you really need to, okay. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin ……

Welcome December 2020

Good Morning ALL. Well my friends here we are at the end of another “work/school” week heading off into the weekend. It has been a week of many different feelings for so many folks. I would like to start by saying to all those family and friends that have lost a loved one, some two-leggeds and some four-leggeds, we keep you all in our thoughts and our hearts. Alvin and I send our love to you all. I know that it is never easy losing someone and we have all experienced loss.

For some reason it seems more difficult this year and maybe it is because we have endured loss of a totally different magnitude this year. Things we used to take for granted are different and some cases so hard for us. So many different levels of loss. For so many children instead of going to school and seeing their friends – they are learning online. They have not been able to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins this year. For some folks like me, we are working from home. Others, those incredible ones working in grocery stores, retail outlets, fire and police, nurses and doctors and cleaning staff and the list is too long for me to relay risking their lives, just working and doing their jobs is a struggle, and then not seeing their families on a regular basis. Even going shopping is not that “fun” experience that it used to be. No more large gatherings. So many folks have lost their jobs this year and others saw their businesses close possibly forever. There is no doubt in my mind that most folks are looking to the NEW YEAR with hopes that things will be much better. I do as well.

I have a good weekend to look forward to and that is what we must do, look forward. Do what we can. Be safe and practice the protocols outlined by our Health Professionals. This weekend I am baking. I have a 10 kilogram bag of flour and one of sugar and lots of butter and chocolate and coconut and icing sugar. There is no doubt that I will be baking lots of goodies to give to my friends and family. It is what I love to do. Sometimes all it takes is a box of cookies to brighten one’s day. To bring a smile to someone’s face. To remind us all that we do think of each other. I am also one of the hosts of a MEGA PARTY for Fifth Avenue Collection or FAC starting tonight on FB live. So jewelry and sweets for me this weekend. My daughter is dropping by tomorrow with groceries and for a visit. We love to see her when we can.

Well it is almost time to head on downstairs. I booked Monday off as a vacation day so that I can wrap up baking and make some deliveries including to Alvin’s Vet Dr. Karen and staff.

Living our live with kindness, respectfulness and compassion is what we need to do now more than ever. Remember. We all need a little kindness ….. shine our lights on everyone we see.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sky is overcast and the wind is blowing this morning.

No rain overnight.

We slept through the night.

All is well in our household this morning.

Back to work.

Canada Day weekend coming up.

Always love a long weekend.

 

Have you ever snapped photos that made you think of a different time and place.

Perhaps reminded you of a story line or gave you inspiration to write a story all your own.

These photos were taken several years ago on a beautiful late summer, almost fall weekend day.

Alvin and I were out on a walk.

We went to a park north of our home.

One place that we seldom visit.

For no reason other than it does not come readily to my mind.

It reminds me of a magical place.

A place with many trees.

The soft shadows.

The colours of the trees that were already beginning to turn.

I love the way the sun creeps into the space.

Lightly touching the trees and grass.

 

I know that it is barely the first week of summer but somedays you just need to see a magical place.

A reminder of the beauty of a single day.

A day with your buddy.

Just hanging out.

Taking in the spirit of the day.

We all need these days.

Reminder to self to go on this walk this coming long weekend.

 

Happy Monday.

Mr. Alvin seems to be back to his own self.

We had a good sleep.

 

BE Kind and Respectful to yourself and to others.

One small thing can make such a difference in your life and in the life of another.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Feeling great this morning as the sun rises higher in the sky spreading its’ light and clearing the night.

The grass is the most brilliant green, my favourite shade of green.

I love Kelly Green and the grass seems to be just that shade …. that wonderful hue.

Makes me smile.

I am wearing my favourite light cardigan …. yes, you guessed it “KELLLY GREEN.”

It makes me happy and if I could wear it everyday or had multiple KELLY GREEN sweaters / tops I would wear them everyday.

This shade of green goes with absolutely everything.

In my mind, anyway.

It goes with Alvin as we stroll down the street.

It provides a good back drop to my navy pants and black ones.

It lights up my face and brings me joy.

Definitely makes me smile.

Isn’t it great that a colour can do all of that?

Absolutely, it is.

Perhaps your Kelly Green is Purple, Blue or Pink.

Whatever it is …. make sure that you wear that colour a good portion of the time.

Making us feel joy is a good thing.

 

Last night Alvin and I walked with our friend P.

We took the long route and it was glorious.

The rain drenched grass and trees are so GREEN right now.

So beautiful.

P counted the goslings that were out and out with their parents.

The total was “30.”

All sizes.

I must take my phone and snap some photos with the camera.

Just in case you have not seen goslings as of late.

Perhaps you have not seen them at so many different stages of growth.

 

Almost time to leave for work.

My carpool is back to work after a nice vacation to Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Yesterday after I arrived at the bus stop in the morning – my neighbour pulled up in her car.

I didn’t call her for a ride as I did not wish to be a bug.

So I was blessed to have had a ride to work.

Great way to start the work week.

 

There is a breeze blowing the divine trees as I look out of my office window.

I feel so blessed to live in my own home.

I feel so blessed to have eyes that I can see the trees swaying in the wind and to see the GREEN.

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by love and support of family and friends.

I feel truly blessed that Alvin chose me.

What a great way to start the day.

 

Remember to be kind.

Be grateful.

Feeling grateful brings you to a good place.

We all need to be there.

Follow your heart and your instincts.

Life is great.

Some small bumps along the way.

But that is life, isn’t it.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 30th day of April, 2019.

The last day of April, 2019.

Well this morning there is no sunrise to be seen.

The sky is overcast.

White and grey no beautiful bright yellows and pinks to be found.

ARGH.

Oh well, this is the end of April and we cannot be surprised or disappointed with this weather.

It is what it is after all.

I snapped some photos to show you what we woke up to this morning.

Thankfully only a light cover.

But it is still snowing.

All the photos were taken from either the office bedroom which faces the backyard or our bedroom which faces the front of our house.

The tree is in the front.

Deck at the back.

So pretty with a light frosting of snow this morning.

The flash is on in the second and third photos giving the shingles and the lawn/tree a mystical appearance.

At the end of the day – am grateful for the moisture.

 

Last night we walked to our friend P’s house to check our her plants that she is starting in her house.

They are doing so great.

She truly has a green, green thumb.

In her outside garden there were pansies and crocuses blooming.

They did not seem to be bothered by the recent colder weather and snow.

So pretty …. and so delicate but oh so tough.

After taking in all the “greenery” we headed out for a nice long walk.

 

Humphrey joined us for a bit last night.

He just wanted to be outside.

The boys spent some time together in the backyard.

Content just to be.

 

Still snowing.

The street is wet but no snow accumulating however; in the backyard, a different story.

 

Spring in Western Canada or in Canada for that matter.

Snowing quite heavily now.

 

I guess that I had better head downstairs to ensure I am ready when my ride arrives.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Enjoy your day.

Be kind.

Live in the moment.

Breathe, just breathe.

 

Special Hello:  all those folks who are gardeners out here – you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  the patio/deck furniture including the umbrellas look just a tad out of place sitting there covered in snow.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of March, 2019.

Woke up extra early ….. Alvin needed to go outside.

Then we hit the sofa for more sleep.

As our sofa is so comfy, I always make sure to set the timer on the microwave so that we do not sleep in…..

Only thing with that is ….. have to do it in chunks of 99.99 minutes.

When you are up at 2:30 a.m.  …… you get the picture.

Oh well, it is Friday.

So tomorrow morning it doesn’t matter.

I only thought of this now but I guess I could set the timer on the stove instead of the microwave…..

Holy catfish ….. what a great idea!!

 

We also woke up to SNOW.

Yup, it has been snowing since 2:30 a.m.

Or at least at our house.

Perhaps Mother Nature did this as we were up …..

Creating a bit of magic as with the lights on ….. appeared to be a large blanket of diamonds.

Can you imagine?

A blanket of diamonds the size of my deck.

That would be worth a couple of $2.00.

WOW.

 

Alvin and I went for a walk last night but only went part way before he headed back home.

For the second night in a row there has been a cold breeze.

I hope that tonight it is warm and no wind so that we can go the whole way round.

 

I am grateful that today is Friday.

Three things on my TO DO LIST.

The most important things to get done.

1.  finish my Income Tax (doing all the extra stuff when you have Commission based business). I will be more prepared next year.  Lesson learned.
2. wash floors up and down
3. laundry, always laundry.

I hope that we have good days for walking this weekend.

Two of my friends are back from their month long holidays.

One from Mexico and the other from Hawaii.

Wow, I can only imagine.

Being in a tropical spot ….. laying on a lounge chair on a beach ….. palm trees swaying …. sipping on a fruity drink ….. taking in the sunshine.

Mmmmmmm.

Yup, that would be great.

 

Well I wish you all the very best Friday.

If it is snowing where you are ….. turn on a outside light or look where the street lamps are shining and you will discover a blanket of diamonds.

Truly makes one day.

I can close my eyes and see the snow sparkling.

So beautiful.

 

BE kind to yourself and to others.

BE kind to all the creatures living on this earth.

Remember we share this place.

We DO NOT own this place.

 

Special Hello to: my dear sister ….. close your eyes …. aren’t they pretty?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 27th day of August, 2018.

The lightness cannot peer through the clouds.

It remains partially dark outside.

The air is crisp.

We had some rain overnight.

The house is quiet only the sound of my fingers clicking on the keys and Mr. Alvin snoring on his blue blanket.

Even my breathing is masked by the sounds from my boy.

Teddy went home last night.

His Aunt picked him up as she came home a few days early and Teddy’s parents will enjoy a few more days of well deserved vacation.

I am quite certain that Mr. Alvin misses Teddy and he certainly looked sad when he left the house.

They had a really good time.

There was playing and snuggling.

Just quiet time and walks.

 

Hard to believe that it is Monday already.

I sure could have slept for a few hours longer.

Alvin had been feeling under the weather but clearly feeling better yesterday and slept well last night.

 

I am grateful that Alvin has a friend who came come on a regular basis for a visit and sleep over.

It is great to have friends.

He knows so many dogs and people ….. Mr. social butterfly.

 

I guess that I had better take my umbrella with me this morning.

 

Well time to hit the road.

Carpool will arrive in a few minutes.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember to be kind to yourself and to others.

Life is way too short and we need to live it to the fullest.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “V” … a great friend.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of August, 2018.

It is still dark out so likely the sky is overcast by the smoke, the air is cool.

Feels like FALL.

I love fall so that would be quite okay with me.

Alvin’s BF Teddy is staying with us for a few days.

They have had a barking match this morning as their was only one chew treat in the bedroom.

I was getting ready and could not RUSH back downstairs to grab another one.

NOTE: to self always have two of everything around.

Seems strange having two of them around when I am getting ready for work.

Teddy has slept over before but usually is on the weekend and getting up so early isn’t a problem.

They have been good.

Just want the same item.

So cute.

Just like us.

 

Last night after work my daughter and I went to COSTCO.

I am always amazed at how busy that store is ….. so many people.

I was so impressed with one older man as his wife was walking ahead of him and he was pushing their cart.

I stepped aside with our cart and waited on them to pass by.

He said “thank you” as they went by.

First time ever someone has said thank you in that situation.

WOW, made my day.

Sometimes we forget our “manners” ….. it is the “please” and “thank you” those simple words that really make the difference.

If you were rushing along trying to get your groceries the same as everyone else and all those other folks did was to cut you off ….. making you frustrated ….

Wouldn’t it be NICE if someone said “thank you” along the way.

NOTE: Please say “thank you.”

If more folks remembered their manners each day the world would be a bit better place.

Being kind …. having manners.

So important.

 

Today go out into the world and remember those simple words “please and thank you.”

You will make someone’s day.

You might also SHOCK the pants off them.

 

Well someone is losing their patience here in the office and that someone does not have two legs.

So gotta run.

Remember, be kind and have manners.

We / You / ME can do this.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to always say please and thank you.

Always, Carol, Alvin and for a few days, Master Teddy.

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 22nd day of August, 2018.

Another beautiful day on the way and the smoke drifting into our area is less now than has been in weeks.

I only hope that this means some of the fires have been stopped.

All have not been I know this for sure.

I think of all of the humans, domestic and wild animals affected by the fires.

Most of the fires were started by us, and then the animals and all creatures pay the price.

Either displaced or with their lives.

How tragic.

I pray for rain with no lightning.

 

Well mid week now.

Last night on our walk we visited with our friend “P” who was by her back gate with her grand-daughter and Georgie (her grand puppy).

They were visiting with a young man and his Corgi (I hope that it is the correct spelling) dog.

Bruce was the dog’s name.

The young man commented on how all of our dog’s names were human names.

No longer “Rex, Rover, Spot and such.”

We had a quick visit as I was due to be at other friend’s a short time later.

So got to see lots of friends last night for a brief catch up.

We laughed and enjoyed the time, short as it was.

After returning home it was water the outdoor plants and flowers.

They were parched.

I do water almost every night but the heat dries them out quickly.

 

So on this Wednesday, let us practice being KIND.

Kind to ourselves (as without this how can we possibly be kind to others).

Kind to all living creatures, big and small (we share this planet and are all important to its’ life breath)

Kind to our environment (because the alternative is a shortened future).

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by awesome friends, family and our four-legged loves.

Happy Wednesday.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of July, 2018.

The sky is a pale blue with no clouds in sight (not rain ones).

Sun is shining brightly now in the morning sky.

YAY, today is Wednesday.

Not that I am in a hurry for vacation time but I have including today six days left to work.

It has been an extremely busy time at work and I am ready to have some down time.

 

The carpool is back for today and I am most grateful.

Riding the bus is not FUN.

In the morning they dropped the bus from the schedule that I used to take and ended up waiting 30 minutes for the next one.

At night the bus was 15 minutes late and I got home almost one hour later than riding in the car.

1.5 hours from the time that I got off work until walking in my house.

I am so happy that all is well and my ride is back today.

 

Our walk last night was wonderful.

A time to just be with me Alvin.

We saw Alvin’s girl friend “Miss ABI” and her Mom.

Had a nice chat and the pups played.

We saw another friend along the way.

 

In response to my tomatoes …. they taste amazing.

So much different than the ones you buy in the stores.

Taste more like the tomatoes we had growing up on the farm.

 

Our weather is starting to warm up again.

So back to closing blinds and opening windows in the early morning to ensure the house stays as cool as possible for Mr. Alvin.

 

Countdown is on until my sister arrives.

Seven sleeps …. OMG.

Alvin will be so excited to spend next Wednesday with her as I have to work that day.

But I will be here for the rest of her time with us.

Always great to have my sister visiting.

She brings that something special …. herself.

 

Well almost time to go.

Grab lunch and shoes.

Looking out the window there is NO breeze.

A bit of a breeze in the morning is always nice.

 

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

You and I will do our best to remain calm, cool and collected this day.

I will do my best – somedays it is not easy.

Remember to be KIND and treat others as you would have them treat you.

I work on that everyday.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my sister, my longest friend in the whole world.

Always, Carol & Alvin