Good Morning! How are you this morning? I had a fair sleep last night. So excited that today is Friday. Wishing a dear friend Terry, Happy Birthday on this March 17th, 2023. Also HAPPY ST. PATRICK’s DAY. Part of my ancestors is Irish, so I feel akin to this day. Did you know that St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, of course you did. Did you know that he was kidnapped and enslaved but eventually escaped. He returned to the Emerald Island where he furthered “Christianity” and it is believe that he died on March 17th. The reason why we celebrate him on this day. I just like the idea of celebrating the Irish (we should celebrate everyone). I wear green because it makes me feel alive and happy. Kelly Green is my shade of green. Happy St. Patrick’s Day for any reason, we should celebrate something everyday whether it is for being able to get out of bed in the morning or because spring is close by, Whatever you are grateful for – celebrate.
I am grateful for walks after work. Last night I ran into Allie and Bailey. Bailey saw me from a distance and literally dragged Allie to me. We had a great visit and walk together. We also bumped into Janet with Eddie and Bruno. Wonderful having friends.
I am celebrating my Alvin who remains close to my heart (forever) and always in my thoughts. I know this sounds off but I carry his urn around the house with me. If I go to bed, he comes upstairs with me and when I go back down, I take him down. So he is with me. I miss him, I will always miss him. Last night I received a text from his best friend Teddy’s Mom saying that they are in the city and would like to visit. I am happy to see them but sad. I know that seeing Teddy and his little sister Kobi would have been amazing. He will be with us in spirit and I am sure that they will feel him with us.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Green is my favourite colour and well Alvin, my beautiful Angel).
Have a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am okay. Alvin and I both had a pretty fair sleep. He is having good poops and that is all so important. I am very grateful for that news.
Today is Mr. Alvin’s 14th Birthday. He is waiting patiently downstairs on the sofa for me to finish getting ready (done) and writing this post. It is too much to carry him upstairs and then back down in a few minutes. He is not really fond of the “over the shoulder” act that we do in the morning and at night.
Happy Birthday to the Bestest Friend a Gal could ever have. Wishing you a great day even though I have to go to the office today, I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts all the day long. Just wanted to share some photos of the little guy from over the last 14 years.
Wishing Alvin a very Happy Birthday and may the days, months and years to come be filled with great joy, good health (number one) and lots of love and playing and walking.
Mr. AlvinNew sweaterAlvin Xmas 2020Alvin’s new winter coatCutenessFilters cutenessA proper GentlemanAt Pauline’sAlvin’s BF HumphreyMe and my AlvinGift form ValTreat time.Me and Alvin Oct 2013Top of stairs, body?
Time to head downstairs. I want to spend some time with him before I have to leave for the office.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this cold Monday morning? I am doing well. Up and dressed and all of that. Today is an office today. Although I am not looking forward to going outside and would rather be tucked under the warm blankets still in bed, it is okay. I am always grateful for the days that I work from home. With a 5 second commute from upstairs to downstairs, more in bed under the covers keeping toasty warm time, lunch break in my own home, drinking my own perked coffee, after work turn off the computer at the end of my work day and I am home. More time at home doing the things I love especially in the evenings. The work/life balance is perfection. We spend so much time over our lifetimes working and away from home. I get it, I understand, we need to work to earn a living to live our lives. Money does not grow on trees, well it kind of does, or at least paper comes from trees although perhaps our money is not made totally from paper anymore. Anyway you get the picture. So I am grateful, grateful that when Mr. Alvin comes home, I will be home. Thankfully I am on Christmas break until January 3, 2023. Perhaps the New Year will have me working from home more, I love being at home. Home is my happy place with the lime green painted office walls to the plants in the kitchen window, I love my house, my home.
Countdown to Christmas: today is Monday, December 19th, 2022 and that brings us to “5” more sleeps till Christmas Eve. 5 more sleeps until I have my family under the same roof for a time. 5 more sleeps until Alvin comes home. 5 more sleeps until we open our gifts. 5 more sleeps until we continue to eat lots more goodies. 5 more sleeps!
Oh, we are almost at the shortest day of the year which is Wednesday, December 21st. We will go to work and come home in darkness. Then the days will start to get longer once again. I hope that the sun will start to shine more. We all need that brightness to fill our daytime.
Well it looks like I have to finish this post and head downstairs to finish getting ready for work. Throw my snack/breakfast/lunch into my backpack.
I hope that you have a wonderful day. Yesterday was a nice day. I did a bit of work and I almost forgot that I had a little furry visitor. Cookie’s Dad reached out to see if she could stay with me while they went to a movie as they were celebrating their son’s birthday. Of course, I said “absolutely.” Miss Cookie came to stay with me. She was looking for Alvin and for her family as she kept jumping up on the chair and looking out of the window. We had some play time, she ate a bit of Alvin’s food and we just hung out. Cookie is an energetic little dog. Her Mom picked her up about 8:15 and we had a little visit. My friend has been working at her new job a lot as of late. An unexpected delight! I had a great Sunday. Bit of work, company and some downtime. Perfection!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. Definitely need coffee at the office this morning. Something HOT.
Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning. A bit of a cool breeze wafting in through the open office window. The sun is up. I think it will be a warm one. I heard a weird sound coming from the fireplace (gas) earlier – might have been a bird. Maybe was sitting on the chimney and the sound carried.
Yesterday we had two delightful walks, once before work in the morning and the other at 7:50 p.m. last night. One of my friends had popped by for a few minutes (dropping something off) and as she was leaving and we were chatting at the doorway, I realized how nice it was outside. Not too hot so I quickly got Mr. Alvin ready and we went for an evening stroll. For the second time in one day we went to our “happy place” which is my friend Pauline’s backyard. We did not go in but admired from afar.
OKAY, today is a special day. Today we celebrate two special friends birthdays. One friend I have known since high school and the other for about six years. I met Iris while walking with Alvin. Both incredible women. Happy 65th Birthday to my dear friend Carolyn. I had sent her a Birthday text a few minutes ago and as I was sending a birthday message to Iris, a phone call came in from Carolyn. OMG, so exciting. I am not sure why we do not call but we have been texting. I guess texting is the thing not that either of us “do the thing” per say. It was so good to hear her voice. She made my day, my month, my year. Sometimes we forget how great it is to hear someone’s actual voice. Happy Birthday Ladies. Wishing you both the best day and may the days to follow be filled with continued good health, much love and laughter and abundance. May we continue to stop the smell the roses.
This will be short as I am running late, go figure, lol. We have to get in a walk. Might be a bit shorter but we are going to walk.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: I forgot to tell Carolyn that I have been wearing the jade ring that she gave me since 1976. She brought it back from a trip she had taken. I am so blessed to have such amazing longtime friends.
Good Morning ALL! Well it is a good day. The sky is overcast and there is a bit of a breeze. Second day where the temperatures have been on the cooler side. Which is a wonderful reprieve. Still feels like summer which is great. Not that cool for sure – perfect break. As I look out of my office window I sit in awe of the huge tree which is across the back lane from my house, it is so massive that it covers the rooftops and garages of some of the houses behind it. I never really took note of it before but now I have and looking closer it may be two large leafy trees close to each other. Absolutely beautiful. I am running a bit late this morning as I just could not get my poop in a group and just kept setting the alarm a bit later. We were first up just after 5:00 a.m. which is a bit later than usual for Mr. Alvin. Outside and then back to the sofa for a bit until breakfast time. Not too many days now until my vacation. I kind of wished that I had taken two weeks but I like to keep some in my pocket so to speak, in case something comes up. Oh well, I am taking 6 days which is good because I will go back on a Tuesday and not a Monday which is always nice giving me three short weeks in a row.
Yesterday my daughter came over in the late morning to help me get a urine sample from Mr. Alvin. I had tried once when he went outside but no luck. I decided that a small round margarine container might work better. When I took my lunch break we both went outside and she patiently followed him around keeping low and close and she got lucky on her first attempt. I transferred the sample to a glass jar for transport to the vet. We had a little visit and she had some of the apple crisp that was in the fridge from the previous night. I filled up some water bottles for her and then she was on her way. Oh with parcel in hand to post for my friend Val’s birthday.
I had no idea of how long it would take to hear back from the vet so just carried on with the rest of the day. After work I decided we should get out for a walk as it was so nice. Not too hot. Just perfect for me and Alvin. We walked over to our friend Pauline’s house, she was not there at that moment so we just walked around their backyard admiring the flowers for a few minutes before heading back home.
Once home, I checked my phone and found that the vet’s office had called. I called back as I had not been able to check my voicemail recently. Another story. The receptionist said that Michelle, had called but she had stepped out for a few minutes. So we left it at – I would try and access my voicemail and if not able to or if needed to, I would call back tomorrow. I was able to access my messages and listen to Michelle basically tell me that he, being Mr. Alvin would require a change in diet. I was struck by the message. I decided to just wait until today and call the vet and get more details. Michelle said that they would retest his blood and urine in six months. When they are open – I will call back. If only diet change that would be wonderful. I think that Alvin could sense my deep relief as he was very playful in the early evening.
I hope that you have a wonderful day as it is time for me to head back downstairs. Put on the coffee and then start work shortly.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Feeling very grateful at this moment.
Good Morning ALL! It is about 20 minutes to 10 this bright and already warm Saturday, July 16, 2022. Happy Birthday to our neighbour and friend Joanna. We celebrated with her on Thursday night. We were up early, well not as early as I mad planned as I kept clicking on that darn SNOOZE button. Why did someone invent that anyway? We were up just before 7:30 and immediately went for a walk. Well not immediately as I went upstairs and changed out of my pj’s first, filled Alvin’s water bottle, put on his harness, leash and my shoes and then we went. It is funny that even by that time, the coolness of the morning had already started to disappear as the sun’s rays heated up the ground below. There is only a slight breeze at the moment. I am upstairs with the oven going downstairs, yup, you read correctly the oven is on at this moment. But I digress, we walked along the sidewalk stopping every so often, actually quite often as Alvin sniffed all the smells around him. We were well inside the park when we saw our friend Lucy out in her yard. She had full length pants, light jacket and a hat on and was spraying herself. Lucy saw us and we both say HELLO. Alvin and I walked over to check on her and to admire her most beautiful roses. Lucy told me that she wanted to give me a bouquet of them. She had been speaking to our friend Pauline who lives a few doors down and they were talking about the roses. Lucy wanted to give some to people and Pauline thought they should stay there for people out walking to admire. There are so many that giving away some, will not make a difference. The rose bushes have been incredible so full of flowers. Lucy told me that she would cut somoses for me and I could pick them up on our way back. So we changed our route and then headed back for the roses. OMG, not only did she give us roses but some fresh garden green onions and lettuce. Well I proclaimed that I was so lucky and grateful, for this amazing gift. So I will have lettuce to have with my black bean burger and green onions to use. Maybe I will make a salad tonight. I can whip up some dressing for the salad. We chatted for a moment after she handed me this huge plastic bag full of roses, onions and lettuce. I still cannot believe how blessed that I am. On our way home, we saw this young couple walking, we exchanged hellos, I was tempted to say something and decided not to. I guess I would not have “taken” them if I had a bag. Closer to the edge of the park we came across a neighbour and friend out walking with her two pups Carter and Leon. We chatted for a couple of minutes before I headed out with my “haul.” Once home, I removed Alvin’s harness and began the process of preparing them for a vase. Oh, those thorns. Quite a lot of the petals came loose and I actually filled a dish with them. I have photos. Once done, I had to grind coffee and made a pot, then made a banana-raspberry loaf as the girls are coming for coffee tomorrow morning and then cleaned up. Upstairs, I turned on the computer, plugged in my phone to upload photos, brushed my teeth, changed bedding, washed up, partial changed clothes, gathered laundry, put out fresh towels and now writing this post. Should not be too long before the loaf is baked so better hustle.
What a morning I have had so far. Pretty great, I would say!!
Geraniums buddingBloomingMyMy Flowers flowersFrom LucyLucy’s RosesBowl of Petals
Well the banana-raspberry loaf has finished baking. I have everything done upstairs for now. The roses are incredible. I am a lucky person. Alvin’s appointment was good yesterday except for the ear infection. He seems to get those darn yeast infections quite often. My friend next door lent me her car so we did not have to walk yesterday in the heat to the vet. I also received a $269.50 deposit from the Federal government for the carbon rebate which helped take the sting out of the $367.00 vet bill which I should mention included the $157.00 from last Friday, when the debit machines were down across Canada.
Time to head downstairs. I need to start laundry, wash the baking dishes, have breakfast and more coffee.
Have an awesome Saturday. I wish you all the joy and gratitude that I feel in my heart at this very moment.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvn
PS: 24 more sleeps till 65. I am not ready whatever that means,lol.
Good Morning ALL! It is another beautiful morning out there. We were just outside a few minutes ago as Alvin was just finished breakfast ( I know, right!) and I wanted to move my plants back into the sunshine. We had storm clouds brewing yesterday late afternoon and I did not want to take any changes so I moved them in shelter of house and garage. We ended up getting only a few drops of rain and some wind. We were lucky. Someone would have been hit as they were scary looking clouds. There are a few clouds that look like they want to develop into something more but I am going to hold onto the moment and see beautiful blue sunny sky in my mind’s eye.
Today is an extra special day. My dear Cousin Lorette celebrates her birthday, my long time friend Deanna and her twin sister Lynn celebrate their 65th birthdays (we went to school together) and a young friend Frances Blue from my Bath & Body Work Days celebrates a birthday today. Happy Birthday to all these special women. I wish you good health, love, abundance and laughter.
The second day of our garage sale brought in a few people and a few sales. We closed it down at 3:00 with giving a nearby family some items and they bought a few items as well, win/win. We spent a bit of time reorganizing and then last night I went out and repackaged the like items that are going to be donated into manageable garbage bags. One of the girls will run them there this week. We all made a bit of money and disposed of some things. I am going to post some items on community groups as time allows. But I am happy.
I cannot believe that Friday is July 1st, 2022. There is so much talk of “celebrating” Canada Day but you know what – despite the fact that our history was less than perfect – that does not mean that our present and future have to be. Unfortunately in world history very few countries or continents treated any of their peoples with respect. Someone was always at war with someone. So instead of dwelling on things and blaming anyone – let us recognize what was done and show all the people living today – that we do not have that mindset and just be better. Be kind and respectful and compassionate to all peoples and living creatures. Who cares how you dress, how you identify as a human being or the colour of your skin or even your age – we are all HUMAN BEINGS and should be treated with kindness and respect and compassion. How about we finally live in PEACE!! This is 2022 for pity’s sake. We all make the world turn. We are all important. We are all HUMAN BEINGS! Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked together in peace and harmony! Okay there may be the odd heated debate or discussion.
On that serious note, I have to go to work. Coffee is brewed. I am grateful that I have friends that are not all “like me” if you will. We should learn from each other and be better as a result.
Have a wonderful Monday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Saturday, June 25, 2022. The sun is shining brightly, the sky is a brilliant blue and the WIND is blowing. So happy and grateful to see the clear blue sky and sun shining. The skies did clear late yesterday afternoon giving us a beautiful evening. Alvin and I enjoyed our noon time walk and even had a short visit with our friend Pauline and her husband Al. Her garden, yard is absolutely brilliant, so beautiful and full of colour. The green on the grass and trees from all of this rain is a true kelly green. Rich and wonderful. I gave the back lawn a quick cut last night. Looks really good.
After work last night my neighbour and her boyfriend helped bring over things they are putting in the garage sale for this morning. Sonja helped set things up. I finished after work. About 6:30 p.m. both Signe, her daughter and Gillian came with the remainder or their items for the sale. Actually Gillian brought her items last night and Signe had brought all of her things on Thursday night except for the table and her daughter’s “nail stand.” We spent the next few hours setting up and are ready to go for noon today. We may open a bit earlier but it would only be traffic from the back lane and people would be in their cars going somewhere so unlikely they would stop. But that is okay one way or the other we will be open for business at noon today. We may run a bit later with hopes that more people will come and I have my fingers crossed that we do well and sell and give away everything. We have lots of free items as well. Always good to do that. A wide variety of things as well. Some items I have never had in a garage sale.
Well I am on my way to dust this old gal off in the shower, lol. I am not old. I am young minded.
So happy that it is the weekend. Next week is a short week but will be busy. That is okay.
I wish you a great no, a grand day. Go for a walk. Sell some items that you no longer need or perhaps give them away to someone in need. Meet a friend for a coffee or tea. Call your family. Reach out this day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and COFFEE. There always must be coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: Well it is now down to 45 days until my 65th Birthday. This also tells me how many days until my vacation. LOL
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. The sunrise seems to be faint in the distance but I can see very light colours of orange and pink. That is a good sign. The night sky has diminished and the lighter blue of the morning has taken over. It is windy this morning. As I look out of my office window, I see mostly dirty snow banks what is left of them and bare ground. The windrows of snow that line the front public sidewalk have decreased in size by more than three-quarters. Those that remain are dirty as they are filled with sand and gravel that once covered the ice on the streets. It does not look pretty but yet there is some likeable about the scene. Perhaps it is because we know that the renewal of spring lies just ahead with the buds on the trees and the green blades of grass that peer out from the snow on the lawns, the first perennials start to bloom (tulips). It is perfection. So I shall be patient with the somewhat drab appearance of nature at this moment. Drab but still beautiful. We will be happy that to have no snow and ice. It will be great to be able to go for a walk and not have to worry about ice and snow and outerwear. Yesterday we walked twice once again for a total of 50 minutes. I am starting to feel less of the winter me and more of the spring me. Does that make sense? I think we are somewhat different over the different seasons. Makes sense, somehow. Just like a child at Christmas waiting for Santa to make an appearance. I am grateful to live in Canada where we have four distinct seasons. One of them is much longer than the rest but we have different ones all the same.
Can you believe that it is Thursday, March 31, 2022 already? April tomorrow.
Speaking of March 31st, today is the birthday of an longtime friend of mine, I have known her since the early 1980’s. Happy Birthday Polly. Alvin and I wish you a great day and may your days ahead be filled with much love, laughter, good health and abundance.
I don’t have much to say this morning. Sometimes when the sun is not shining I feel quiet with not many words to share. Not that I am not thinking but my mind is more quiet than usual. Perhaps the clouds or less than bright sky is Mother Nature’s way of having us slow down, be quiet onto ourselves. Just a thought.
Time for coffee and then to work.
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Wednesday, March 9, 2022. How are you today? Alvin and I are well. Running on time for a welcome change. The sky is filled with a mix of ribbons of clouds in dark blue and orange. So pretty. Honestly I could sit by the window or lay on the ground and just gaze upon the majesty of the sky all day long. The night is lifting and it is light outside at this time. On this coming weekend not only does my beautiful daughter celebrate her birthday but the time changes. We move our clocks forward in the early hours of Sunday, March 13, 2022. So one hour ahead. Usually the time changes take us at least a couple of weeks to adjust.
Yesterday after work my daughter delivered our Costco order. It was good to catch up with her before she headed home after a long busy day at the office. Her job is very busy. So she is always happy to go home.
We had a bit of snow last night but only a little. The next couple of days are going to be colder than normal for this time of year. Spring is just around the corner. Easter is later than usual.
I am sending as much good energy and thoughts as possible to the people of Ukraine and of Russia. Not everyone in Russia is wanting to be fighting a war. We want this over soon before any more loss of life and property. Always the rebuilding is difficult afterwards. People losing family and homes and businesses. We always forget about the animals and the environment when there is a war. I am grateful that there are counties including Canada that are taking in the Ukraine people that are able to flee their homeland. In 2022, it is very sad that this is happening. There are no words. It is like history repeating itself. I think that future generations will read our history books and shake their heads in disbelief.
On this Wednesday I am grateful that I live in a country where even though not all people are happy with our Prime Minister at least he is not a person wanting to take over the neighbouring country no matter the consequences. We should think about that. We are so blessed in so many ways. We have so much.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
My New Life @ 51 