It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

As I sit here in my office with the window opened enjoying the sounds of the outdoors.

I hear a little bird.

Just one.

Sounds like he or she is asking a question?

Calling out to perhaps its’ mate.

Now there is silence.

Except for Alvin is sort of whining.

What does the boy want now?

We were up early and then to the sofa.

I guess that getting up at 6:30 does not quite give me enough time to do things properly before work.

I did manage however to get this far and still have 20 minutes before I officially begin work.

Just am so caught up in starting early.

It is in my bones.

I have always been the early bird when it comes to arriving at work or to a function of any kind.

Now I will say in the last few years, there have been a few times when, I was a few minutes late to our girls coffee dates.

Not by much and it does bug me.

But when it comes to work.

In all of my years of working only a handful of times in over 40 years have I been late.

Due to bus getting stuck in a snowstorm, carpool, and other reasons mainly beyond my control.

 

I think some photos would be perfect on this morning.

My geranium when it was indoors, not quite the same after being transplanted but perhaps it will just take awhile after the trauma of being transplanted.

I am in love with these potted flowers that my daughter gave me last weekend.

The colours are some of my favourite combinations.

I love this billowous cloud formation.

Feeling like I need this haircut once again.

Broccoli days for Mr. Alvin are now past.

 

Well time to head out to work.

I have oh so far to travel.

Less than one foot.

Isn’t that crazy.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday.

Happy Day.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a snowy Saturday morning.

What happened to the beautiful sunrise?

What happened to the clear blue sky?

What happened to the feeling of spring?

Feels like winter will never end.

That feeling of dread.

Is that because we are all feeling that things will never end?

That our way of life has somewhat changed forever.

It is a possibility.

Some things will never be the same, that is likely.

Perhaps it is ?

You know how your thoughts become things?

Right.

Perhaps we all collectively need to change our “thoughts.”

We can do this.

 

Everyone close your eyes.

Visualize a bright sunny day.

The air is warm.

You are out walking in your sandals or running shoes.

You are wearing a light sweater and comfortable pants maybe even shorts.

The slightest whisper of a breeze lands on your cheeks providing a cooling effect.

You have your sunglasses on because it is nice and bright.

As you become closer to the entrance to the park, the fragrance of wild roses overtakes your senses.

You just have to stop and take in that wonderful aroma as it tingles every part of your nose.

The shade of green that colours the grass makes you feel happy.

As you walk you have this feeling that life is great.

You just want to dance.

You are feeling joyful and safe and filled with gratitude.

Your little dog walks ahead of you at the full length of the leash.

He is loving life as he sniffs about.

Life is perfect.

You are feeling glorious.

This is the perfect day.

 

This is the perfect day.

 

Wishing you the most perfect day.

We can do this.

We have got this.

We can change this ……

We are the world…..

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Time to get dressed, changed bedding, gather the laundry, have breakfast, perhaps do some shovelling (forgot about the driveway during the last snowfall, argh).

There are things to do.

One of the television stations (old school) is playing some of the JAMES BOND movies today.

The ones with Daniel Craig.

At least two of them for sure.

Wishing you a grand day.

Be safe and in good health.

Remember to eat some oranges and broccoli.

Go for a walk if you are able OR do some stretches.

 

I/We are with you,

In kindness and with respect,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  answering the after hour calls last night from 4-7 p.m. went went.  I was answering with a couple of lads from the office and we made a great team.

A friend brought me groceries yesterday.

Life is good.

Forgot story from last night.

Two lads walking down the sidewalk across the street from my house.

Dressed in onesies ….. full length ….. like baby sleepers.

One was leopard print and the other a bright green.

Not sure where they were going or what they were thinking.

It definitely make me smile.

AND

There was a bunny in the yard across the street from us.

Alvin was situated in his chair looking out the window at the bunny.

A German Shepherd and his female pack leader came walking around the corner.

The dog got wind of the bunny.

Hilarity ensued.

The gal was pulled by this huge dog over a snowbank and onto the street.

She was holding on for dear life.

The bunny of course, gone.

Once they were out of site.

The bunny was back.

Bunny came across the street and was eating when my neighbour who feeds the bunnies.

Came out and started to put out some food for them.

The bunny left to the safety of across the street.

As soon as she was gone into her house.

Bunny was back.

Alvin enjoyed the show.

The photos were all taken from behind the blinds.

 

 

Happy Days.

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Beautiful Sunday morning.

Alvin and I were up early and just came back from a walk.

As we walked around the ponds in the park, I for a moment closed my eyes.

I could feel the cool breeze lightly dancing on my face.

I could hear the boom of the water from the fountain as it rushed up and then down.

I could hear the chirping of birds as they enjoyed the early morning.

I could smell the roses ….. the fragrance from heaven.

What a glorious walk.

Made me dream of walks like this everyday.

 

It wasn’t until we were away from the water that I noticed in the field (houses back onto) in the park …. a bunch of birds were flying about.

As I looked more closely I saw this big bag of garbage in the field.

A small flock of sea gulls, crows and magpies were ripping through the bag scattering garbage all over the field.

What a nice sight for those folks to awake to.

As we walked around on the sidewalk I noticed some garbage outside of that area …. a smaller bag …. so I grabbed a poop bag and squeezed it in..

ARGH.

From beauty to not.

All within a few moments.

As we keeping motoring on …. water bottle, garbage and Alvin, in tow.

I noticed as we came out of the park – another garbage bag ripped open littering the street.

Not sure why folks would put their trash out several days before the garbagemen arrive.

OH well.

I did pick up what I could …..

I did my small part.

 

On a lighter note.

These photos tell the story.

Alvin had his supper before these photos up insisted upon having some veg.

So I gave him this big head of broccoli.

He was sitting at the back door looking at me with the broccoli in his mouth.

By the time I could grab my phone/camera ….. these were the best shots I could get.

I only wished that you could have seen him at first …. looked like a green soother in his mouth.

That is my boy …..  silly.

 

My grand pups did not spend the afternoon/evening with us after all.

Their parents thought less stress for Miss Aspen to stay at home.

She needs to have GRAVOL to travel.

Poor girl.

Alvin does not love car rides either.

I get it.

We did have an unexpected visit from the kids after the ceremony.

The ceremony was held close by at the DEVONIAN GARDENS.

Teddy did join us for the day.

We had fun.

We had a walk just after he arrived before the heat of the day set in.

Quiet evening…..

Watched a movie.

 

Well the girls are coming for coffee this morning.

We had better have breakfast here …. I got sidetracked putting away some things in my office.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Looks like another hot one on the way.

 

Remember KINDNESS and RESPECT make for better todays and tomorrows.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of March, 2019.

A glorious bright sunshiny morning out there.

Warming up.

 

Today is the birthday of my son-in-law’s brother “D” and also one of my neighbour’s “D.”

Both guys with first names starting with D.

How about that?

Happy Birthday to you both.

 

Well the time changed in the middle of the night or super early this morning; whichever way you wish to look at it.

At the end of the day ….. we lost an hour.

We first woke up at 4:00 but it was really 5:00 ….. when we woke up at 7:38 it was that time as I changed the time on the downstairs clocks.

I figured when I was up at 4 or 5 ….. better to have the right time when we GOT UP.

So now it feels like 7:35 and not 8:35 a.m.

Funny how time makes you feel.

WE are so envious of Saskatchewan ….. the one place that does not change time.

They are the SMARTEST people ever.

The reasons that we changed the time back in the day was for farming.

Everywhere should the same.

I have never understood why setting the clocks ahead or behind really mattered.

If it is dark out …. stay in bed.

Or do things that do not require the light.

At the end of the day it will be the same difference.

Oh well, what do I know?

 

This afternoon I/We are invited to one of our neighbours for a belated get together for her birthday.

I am debating about whether or not to take Mr. Alvin.

She has two cats, one of them is used to dogs but not sure about the other one.

The second cat is newer to the household.

I seem to remember her saying that the second cat had been around dogs.

I can always take him and if it does not work out – bring him back home.

She is only a minute away.

I really do not like to leave Mr. Alvin on the weekends.

He is alone enough of the time.

 

Guess who came for an unexpected visit yesterday.

Guess who just copied the photo from Facebook and it takes up the whole page?

Humphrey came over in the late morning and went home in the early evening.

He loves the sunshine.

Both the boys hung out several times in the backyard.

When I snapped this photo, Humphrey was soaking in the sun while Alvin was in the house wanting more broccoli.

We had a great day.

Humphrey crawled up on me while I was watching a movie.

Snuggling in …..

Love this photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

My coffee is perked and I would love a cup right now.

The smell is driving me mad.

 

Have an awesome day.

Relax, spend time with loved ones and or friends…..

Happy Sunday.

Happy Birthday to D and D.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Boys …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of February, 2019.

It is WARMER this morning than has been for a long while.

I just heard on the weather channel that this is the longest stretch of COLD weather in February for Edmonton in 30 years.

WOW, can you imagine that.

I was not living here at that time.

Anyway about 3-4 days and it we will have single digit temperatures for a couple of days.

It will feel like a tropical heat wave.

I can see folks out in their shorts for sure.

We are (not me) like that, you know.

Lots of snow overnight so have some shovelling in my forecast.

Supposed to snow starting at 7:00 a.m. however; it has not started as yet.

 

Yesterday at work I had a craving for a nice crunch cheesy pizza.

I had the taste in my mouth and when I mentioned it to a co-worker she had the same craving.

I asked her where the best pizza was in Edmonton and she said hands down “ROYAL PIZZA.”

So after I looked after Alvin after work – I set about finding a location which joyfully there was in my neighbourhood.

Not immediate but still close enough by.

So I ordered this – pizza sauce with pieces of crumbled Italian sausage, onions, mushroom and mozzarella cheese on top.

The CRUST was amazing.

I had to wait for one hour till about 7:00 p.m. as the driver said it hit 5:00 p.m. and all of a sudden they had 20 deliveries to make.

So they got behind.

The driver was so nice.

I will say this …. best $36.25 that I have ever spent.

Normally I do not order pizza or anything in for that matter.

But it was just one of those nights.

Perhaps all of this cold OR perhaps just a food memory that pushed me over the edge.

But well worth it.

So good, the taste was incredible.

A bit of crunch …. hard to explain.

But if you live in the Edmonton area …. I highly recommend this pizza place.

I was in heaven …. Alvin tried to join me but I told him “no pizza for you my boy.”

Instead he had broccoli.

This is the pizza that had me gaga …..

The corner piece, the first bite I took, actually was smaller than the photo shows.

But it was so GOOD.

BEST TREAT ever.

I am going to start treating myself once in awhile.

Of course, one cannot eat pizza every night.

 

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

Teddy and his Aunt J are coming this afternoon for a visit and staying for supper.

Aunt J is bringing the fixings for a TACO dinner.

So excited.

I am supplying the dessert.

It was supposed to be Maple Walnut frozen yogurt but sadly SAVEON was out so it is Dutch Chocolate.

Which is okay (I had a taste the other night).

 

Have an awesome day.

Always, no matter what, TREAT yourself.

It is especially important for us who live alone.

I know that I am not alone as I have Mr. Alvin but I mean without another human in the household.

Whether it is pizza or a movie or perhaps both.

Manicure or pedicure.

Treat yourself.

Take the time to pamper yourself within your budget.

Mine was pizza.

I loved it.

Feeling so spoiled.

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day to ME.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, my friend V and to all my girls out there and the boys, too.  Happy Saturday.  It is a GREAT day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of April 2018.

The sky is begin to lighten as the sun slowly begins to rise.

This week I am riding the bus as my friend is on vacation.

 

Yesterday we had an unexpected but happy guest.

Master Teddy spent the afternoon with us while his parents attended a birthday party.

OMG, he brings a smile to my face.

He is always so happy to come to our home and that makes me happy.

I am so pleased that Alvin has a playmate in our neighbourhood that he can see on a semi regular basis.

Teddy brings an energy to the house that brings a part of Alvin’s younger days back.

So great to see.

Although they do not play for long periods of time – they like each other.

They are happy to be chewing away on treats together.

Teddy on the new bed and Alvin on the sofa.

I also learned a valuable lesson yesterday.

You know how Mr. Alvin loves his vegetables.

Well I had given them both a few cooked peas in their own bowls.

Which they gobbled down.

Then I gave Alvin a piece of broccoli.

I figured that he ate it and never thought anything more about it until a bit later, I was in the living and looked down at the new doggie bed and saw bits of uneaten vegetable.

So nicely nestled in the fibres of the bed.

I then spent the next ten minutes or longer picking each tiny bit and piece out of the bed.

ARGH.

Lesson learned.

No one wants broccoli bits on their bed and most especially once they start to rot.

ARGH.

I believe that I got them all.

Later in the afternoon Teddy’s Mom arrived.

She walked from her house so as to walk Teddy home.

I asked if we could join them as we had not gone for a walk, so we did.

The wind was cool but the temperature felt warmer than it has in several days/weeks.

Perhaps spring is actually here.

Well time to leave for work.

The morning minutes fly by.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. hello….. how are you? SKYPE?

Always, Carol & Alvin

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……

 

 

Alvin and his new “treat”

Al, loves his treats.  LOL.  Actually he seems to love food period.  Oh, by the way, because Alvin and Elton (grand-puppy) are so similar with their names, and because I am always calling Elton – Alvin and vice versa; I decided to shorten Alvin’s name to just AL.  It really does suit him.  Okay, back to the story.  See how easy it is to get side-tracked.  Cannot blame on age, as I have always been like this…..  just detail oriented.  LOL

As I believe that I have mentioned before, Al has a passion for carrots and broccoli.  Al’s groomer made the comment that her dogs love strawberries and apples. So last night, I tried the strawberries.  He wasn’t quite sure at first.  I think it was the consistency. But he ate them all the same.  At  noon today, I was having an apple, and decided to cut  it into pieces to see if he liked it.   Well it ended up that he probably ate close to half of the apple.  Found out that he LOVES apples.  I think it is the crunch factor.  He likes food that makes a noise.  So as much as the cheese, strawberry and banana (yes, bananas) were good – I think he simply prefers foods that make a NOISE.

Oh, I did try just a bit of cheese.  He likes it, of course. but doesn’t everyone?  Not something that I would give him a lot of though.

He does get GAS……. yes he does.  LOL.  So funny, the first time.  Phew.

Oh, the sky is clearing.  YAY.  Nice to have the sun shining but it was nice to have a rain shower as well.  Al, is napping on his blue blanket beside my chair.  All is well with the world.  I am one happy, happy Mother.  Maybe Mom sounds better !!!