Christmas gone, Boxing Day Done.

Good Morning All. How are you? Someone I managed to miss writing this blog post yesterday. We slept in a bit after being up earlier, then the kids were up and we were visiting, having breakfast, then packing up their things and then they were gone. The morning was gone and then we were alone and it was early afternoon. Boxing Day used to be the day where I would pop out and pick up Christmas cards and wrapping paper for next Christmas. We did not leave the house except to the back yard. After the family left, I did laundry, put things away and did more dishes. We also had FACETIME with one of our friends down the block. She lives alone with her puppy Bailey. She only briefly saw her parents as they dropped of Christmas Dinner and her sister who is expecting could only visit from a distance outside. Very different from mine which actually did not change from other years. We chatted for almost two hours. While Alvin snuggled beside me on the sofa and just rested. I think that he was plum tuckered out. We had a great Christmas. Weather was amazing and we had a one hour walk all of us on Christmas Day. The sun shone and it was beautiful. Yesterday and today are overcast. Temperature not cold compared to other years. I spoke to my family on Christmas. Texted friends. We had baked chicken breasts, whipped potatoes and gravy, vegetables, cranberries, dressing (stovetop stuffing) and for dessert key lime pie and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. My daughter and I had the pie and my son-in-law was too full for dessert. So they took the ice cream sandwiches home with them. I gave them the lion’s share of the baking that was occupying my fridge and freezer. Not that any one of us really needs more “sugar” but I definitely do not. In fact, I may freeze the small container that I left in the fridge. I am tossing about freezing the chocolates that I received as well. Never thought that I would be saying this but I am “sugared out.” Too much. I feel like a large sugar cube. Now that Christmas is over and I was going to visit with some folks this week but the restrictions are on and I am following the rules. I want this VIRUS gone. It will only be gone if we follow the rules. So this week, I am going to stay home except for going to pick out my new glass frames tomorrow (they have massive protocols in place at my Optometrist’s office and Alvin will need food, so there will be a trip to the Vet likely on Wednesday. Will have to check and see what hours they are open. That is other than some walking. No visits from or visit friends. But that is okay. I want to do my part. What did you get for Christmas? I was spoiled by everyone this year. I received every kind of chocolate you can think of, baking, pj’s, two pair comfy pants, lots of beautiful scented items from my favourite store, Bath & BodyWorks, candles, a pretty top, a hand held blender with so many attachments (something new to learn), books, about ten different kind of hand creams (I think we all had them on the brain as we used so much as a result of washing our hands so often), towel for my stove, and I know I am missing items as that is why I am going to sit down and write down everything I received. After a few days ….. I don’t seem to remember everything. Alvin was spoiled and loved his toys and treats and his new leash.

My daughter helped me figure out why I could not upload photos to the computer. Remember when I decided to use my photo library as my screensaver, I guess it was too much and prevented me from uploading/downloading from phone to computer. So nice to have my photos from my phone to my computer once again.

Well cannot believe we are now two days past Christmas. Time flies. I am needing a shower. Then will get this day started. We were up early as usually about 3:30 and then again at 5:00 and then back to the sofa until 8:30. I needed that extra sleep.

I hope that Santa was good to you and that you were able to celebrate Christmas even though it may have been different.

Wishing you a great day. Hopefully you can relax on this Sunday. Take a breath. No cooking (I have enough food for several days with no cooking). I will be chatting with a dear friend a bit later.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.

With the different format on WordPress I will figure out again how to post some photos but that will be later.

Always, US, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Well the sun is up and it is mid morning.

We have been up for a bit.

I went to Humphrey’s house and looked after Cynder, watered the huge Poinsettia plant and odds and ends.

We are all back at the house.

I am always surprised at how much this amazing creatures understand.

I was in the basement at Humphrey’s house cleaning out his litter box when I heard him come bounding down the stairs.

Said hello to him.

On my way upstairs I said to Humphrey, “Would you like to see Alvin at my house?”

He immediately ran to the front door and anxiously waited for me to don my coat and shoes.

He assumes the position and holds on.

The house is quiet once again with only me, Alvin and Humphrey.

Today will be rearranging things.

Placing my things back into my ensuite bathroom.

Cleaning out the fridge and repacking things so that I can see exactly what there is to eat and what needs to be eaten over the next few days.

But all in all today will be my quiet day.

Maybe watch a movie and call my sister in the early afternoon.

 

Yesterday afternoon my daughter, Milo and Alvin went over to see Humphrey and to give him his Christmas present.

Perhaps initially it might have been better to leave the pups at home but it worked out.

Humphrey really wasn’t interested in opening his present so Mr. Alvin helped him out.

OMG, Alvin and opening presents is a thing.

He had the gifts out of the bag and the paper and tissue opened lickty split.

He is so funny.

I wonder what will happen next Christmas.

Will he try to open all of the presents under the tree.

He did not this year except for the one from my friend in Regina but I get it ….. the smell was enticing.

Time will tell.

 

Yesterday while I was preparing the dinner – the kids took all three pups for a walk.

Alvin stayed on the steps, he kept turning around.

Yup, that’s my boy.

He reluctantly went for the walk.

My daughter said it took him awhile before he actually set into the walk.

I don’t have to worry about him running away.

 

Well I guess that I should get changed from my pj’s and get some things done.

Also have some breakfast.

Thinking some Raisin Bran cereal might be the answer this morning.

Also am going to freeze the baking that is in the fridge.

Good for another day.

Time to find a good stretching exercise program and then work it into my daytime hours … especially once back to work.

I am up at 5:00 a.m. and not really wanting to get up any early but then again, Mr. Alvin usually has me up at 4:30 so maybe I should just DO IT.

Cutting back on the amount that one eats is important.

Especially once you get older.

I am getting older.

Or at least my body thinks so.

 

Well another wonderful Christmas under my belt so to speak.

Everyone got some surprises and were pleased with them.

From the time the season to the end it was great, is great, is wonderful.

 

My cousins are coming for dinner this next Sunday.

I want to have some friends over during the break so will have to get on that as time passes quickly.

 

Wishing you a great Thursday.

Boxing Day in Canada and in other parts of the world.

 

Time to also wash the dishes that I set aside so that we could play SEQUENCE before the kids headed home.

I figured that have some play time with them was more important than waking up to no dirty dishes.

Besides in all my glory, I forgot to turn on the dishwasher.

I was beat …. it was a great day.

 

Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law, my grand pups Aspen and Milo for making this time so wonderful.

I spoke to / texted to all my siblings and will chat longer with my sister today.

So better get this show on the road.

Stuff to do.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 26th day of December, 2016.

The sun is peering out through the cold winter sky.

Another cold morning.

WOW, Christmas is over already.

I missed writing yesterday.

My kids and two new additions to the family arrived on Christmas Eve late afternoon.

One of the new additions had not as yet met us and we wanted to introduce Alvin to her on neutral ground.

They said that is always better.

So we took them for a walk until Mr. Alvin’s paws were cold and we had to retreat to the house.

I will say that Alvin did pretty good but definitely better day two.

Baby Milo was his energetic self.

Miss Aspen calmly investigated the house.

She is a beauty.

Milo and Aspen have the same colouring.

We spent the evening keeping an eye on the pups and eating.

Eating and eating.

Is that not what people do on Christmas Eve.

We watched a Christmas Movie and then opened gifts.

This Christmas we did not buy gifts but decided to choose something from our homes to give or make something from things around the house.

It worked out perfectly.

Everyone LOVED their gifts.

I definitely think this will be an ongoing tradition in our homes.

Yesterday was quiet but wonderful.

We got up ….. had breakfast ….. coffee…… relaxed.

Made the turkey …… had a short nap and it was time to get supper on the go.

We had a lovely supper ….. ate way too much.

The pups were starting to get settled (most especially Alvin).

Then it was all over.

The family left after supper.

Alvin and I just cleaned up and then I had a rum and EGG NOG with ice.

I will say it tasted way better than I remembered.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I watched the modern version of the “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Well here it is almost noon ……

Time to go and have a shower and freshen up.

I was looking around earlier and thinking that I would take the decorations down.

But will wait until tomorrow.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas.

We remembered our babies that left us last year and enjoyed making memories with the new ones.

Life is good when you are surrounded by family, love and “good food.”

Happy Boxing Day.

Special Hello to: all our Family and Friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

The newest additions to our Family:  Miss Aspen and Baby Milo.

Welcome babies to our Family.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of December, 2015.

Only 5 days until Christmas Eve.

Only 3 days of actual work.

It is a bit on the crispy side out there this morning but I believe that the temps are beginning to warm up again.

Yesterday afternoon my Penny (grand-puppy) had an appointment with our Dr. Karen so my daughter stopped by the house to see Alvin.

She also went to Costco for a few things and picked up some things for me ….. like a new big mat (at the back door), bananas and broccoli.

On her way home after picking up Penny from Dr. Karen’s they stopped by the house for a few minutes to say hello and to drop off the above items.

It is was quite stormy last night ….. blowing and snowing.

The streets were icy as I noticed while coming home on the bus.

 

Well today is the Christmas party.

The one that I always enjoy.

We three friends always enjoy our time together.

I love it being in the morning …..

 

It is still quite dark outside at 7:54 a.m.

Soon I will be hopping in the shower and getting ready.

I want to make coffee for my neighbour and take it to her before I leave.

She buys the coffee beans and I make the coffee as she likes the way that I brew it.

Works out great …..

I want to make up a plate of baking to take to the party and have to gather up the gifts and my camera.

Oh, I hope that I can carry everything …. thank goodness it is close by.

 

There are so many memories of our Christmas parties … I guess we have been getting together for five years now.

We met and became friends not too long after I moved here from Regina.

I love the stories.

The girls always have such good ones.

 

Well dear ones almost time to get this show on the road.

You know how fast time seems to pass when you are getting ready to do something.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Enjoy your last Saturday before Christmas ….

Funny it will be Boxing Day in exactly one week from today.

Christmas will be a memory ….

Oh ……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks getting ready for a party …. enjoy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

The party begins in exactly two hours……

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of December, 2013.

The second last Thursday before Christmas.

In two weeks it will be Boxing Day here in Canada, and we will have opened all the presents and ate way too much.

P.S. Boxing Day is another day …  SET OUT FOR SHOPPING ….. as if there isn’t enough commercialism going on in the world today.

I want to enjoy the next two weeks so let’s just leave it at that for now.

How are you holding up thus far?

I hope that you are feeling festive and enjoying this time.

Always remember to take some time for YOU.

You are worthy and deserving.

Perhaps a nice warm bath would be in order.

Light some candles and place them around the bathroom.

A few bubbles might be good.

Grab your favourite most fluffiest bathrobe.

The best and softest towel.

Perhaps a glass of wine or a cup of warm tea.

Maybe some music ….. something soft and sweet.

Doesn’t that sound great.

I think I might do that this weekend.

Me, the tub, maybe some bubbles and tea.

A winning combination.

Well time to fly.

I hope that this Thursday finds you wonderful and don’t forget the ME time.

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, December 26th ….. the day after Christmas or more commonly known in Canada as “BOXING DAY” ….

Today is the day that folks rush out and see what deals they can get ….. there are SALES everywhere.

Me, I am going to stay at home and relax.

Tomorrow is back to the office ….

 

Just got off the phone with one of my nephews and we had a great talk ….. I love our conversations.

He is a great young man.

Yesterday I was blessed to speak with one of my brothers (called the other one but no answer) and my sister, another nephew’s wife and one of my great nephews.

So I am so happy to have spoke with so many family members.

 

My daughter just called and is on her way over to have pancakes.  We have so much food so she is going to take some (most of it, hopefully) home.

 

I had an awesome Christmas.

One of my favourite gifts was a “kick butt” shovel from my son-in-law which I used this morning.

It has a blade on the bottom to cut through ice.  Works perfectly.

 

Gotta go…… have a great day.

Thank you……

Special Hello to: all those shoppers …. I hope you find lots of deals.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin