Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 5th day of February, 2019.

I forgot to wish my niece “M” a very Happy 22nd Birthday for yesterday, February 4th.

We hope that you had a magical day.

 

Welcome back to the deep freeze.

Appears this may last for several days.

We folks that work inside warm buildings are grateful and we think of those souls that work outside so that we may work inside in the warmth.

From Farmers to Constructions to Oil Rig Workers and everything in between, thank you.

Thank you to my sister for reminding me of those who work outside.

 

Well two more sleeps until Mr. Alvin’s surgery.

I know that it will all go well.

But still it is surgery on my boy.

Positive thoughts.

 

I am so grateful to my friend and neighbour for giving me rides to work yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Just catching the bus home is okay.

I am very blessed.

Yesterday the bus driver called ahead when we were at West Edmonton Mall asking 119/117 to please wait for passengers.

The 119 was still there when we arrived (very late) and I would imagine it was late as well.

A young passenger and myself hoped off the bus ahead of the others and ran to the 119, yes, I ran.

Just as we were arriving at the 119 he started to pull away …. we both waved.

He pulled over and we got onto the bus.

I could not believe after all of that, he pulled away as we ran to the bus in full view of the driver.

What a guy.

But happy that in the end he did pull over.

Still was 20 minutes late getting home but at least I did not have to wait likely another 20 minutes for the next bus.

Felt blessed at that moment.

 

Well getting close to time to leave the house.

Still have to do the poop pickup before I leave.

Poor Alvin having to go outside in this bitterly cold weather.

I will say this …. he does not stay out long …. does his thing and back into the house.

I wait right at the back door for him, just in case I need to go and help him.

 

Emergency kits in the vehicle.

Layers while outside.

Pull those big WARM boots out of the closet – you are not making a fashion statement this week in most part of CANADA.

You just want to stay warm and retain all your digits and your life.

Be kind to your pets.

They are living breathing animals such as we, don’t leave them outside in these frigid temperatures.

Doesn’t matter …. just bring them into the house.

Watch the kiddos for signs of frostbite.

Drive them to school.

Or maybe keep them home (most of the buses are cancelled anyway).

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends.  Keep warm…..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 8th day of December, 2018.

Funny how a few hours can change the course of your planned weekend.

Not in a bad way – just changed it.

I noticed a FB message from Teddy’s Mom yesterday when I was on break at work.

She asked if Teddy could come and spend the night on Friday and then they would pick him up on Saturday night; as they were going to the farm.

Of course, he can.

We cannot say “no” to Alvin’s BF.

Then I received a phone call from Humphrey’s Mom and she had an unexpected trip out of town and wondered if I could keep an eye on Mr. Humphrey.

Well, yes I can.

After work I caught the bus as my carpool stayed downtown to attend a work function.

The bus was close to 1/2 hour late and it was 5:00 p.m. when we rolled up to Lewis Farms, the bus terminal.

The gal that was driving the bus ….. was at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit.

I am not sure if that was what was making her tardy but it certainly did not help.

She also slowed near every posted pedestrian walk even as it was clear ahead that there were not pedestrians.

She also let every person come in from every side street.

ARGH.

It was hellish, I will say.

I am all for being polite when you are on a bus after a long day at work and the first bus that comes is full to the rafters and then the second one is full but you manage to squeeze on and

then she drives like she has all of the time in the world …. well, there are words.

People just want to get home.

I was very happy to turn the page in my bus riding adventure when the 119 pulled up just after we were unloaded.

That driver was also over 20 minutes late and he did not wait around so we left right away.

I still did not get home until 5:40 p.m.

It is at these times that I am so GRATEFUL to be in a carpool.

Not so much looking forward to the time off my friend has before Christmas, in January and February.

ARGH.

Oh well.

I was happy to get home to Mr. Alvin.

We went for a short walk but a walk nonetheless.

Teddy arrived about 7:00 p.m.

I then had supper and started to write up some Christmas cards.

Did not get them all done but at least a good start.

Now it is 915 on Saturday morning and there is so much to do.

Laundry and baking and baking and laundry.

Perhaps I should scale back the baking OR will have to buy another deep freezer and start earlier.

I would do some next weekend but I have that DENTAL appointment on Friday and am having a tooth removed.

So might not feel like baking on Saturday but then again just having one tooth removed is not the end of the world.

So I will chug on.

Time to get things going.

I can always do most this weekend and then perhaps a smaller batch next Saturday.

The following weekend will be Christmas and I am also hosting an office Christmas party on the 22nd.

I can do this.

I know that I can.

Keep the Christmas party simple.

No need to get carried away.

That is what I keep telling myself.

I am not trying to impress the coworkers.

If they do not like it …. well …..

Okay time to get some breakfast into me and that all important COFFEE.

I have already been up off and on since midnight.

For some reason Mr. Alvin just was restless.

He is not ill that is for sure.

I also have been over to check on Mr. Humphrey.

So the day has begun.

 

Have a great Saturday.

Any ideas for hosting a simple but great Christmas party – please share them.

It will be all ladies except one might bring her 4 year old.

Not really appropriate but what can you say.

As she put it “He will be the life of the party.”

Likely Alvin will have something to say about that …..

He loves kids so he would like the little boy.

The little guy is also used to pups so that is good.

 

All in the life of a single 61 year old working woman.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who have lots going on …. cannot always say no and sometimes no is not the answer. Where is the paradigm in that?

Is that a real thing?  Need coffee starting to babble.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of December, 2018.

YAY, it is the weekend and a busy one ahead for me and Alvin.

More for me but I thought I would include him as he will be watching me run all over the kitchen baking cookies and such ALL the weekend long.

I had a good checkup at the Dentist.

A reminder to ensure that you go on a regular basis.

I was a bad girl and due to work (no excuse) and life; it had been four years.

ARGH.

Anyway I need to have a tooth pulled and that is no surprise.

It was loose four years ago.

Apparently one of my back molars has chipped and needs to be fixed.

Then just a cleaning and then looking at a partial plate as over the years I have had a few of my bottom molar pulled.

The Dentist is really nice and I believe he is genuine in his wish to have my “teeth outlive me” as he so aptly put it.

So I was happy.

 

I did have one annoyance but worked out.

Downtown I caught a bus to the bus terminal where I would have to transfer to come out to my area where the dentist and my home are ….

When the bus that I was on, pulled up to the bus terminal, I saw the bus that I needed to transfer to and remarked to the bus driver.

Then the bus I needed pulled away, so my bus stopped so that I could get off but the other bus just left.

That bus was pretty much empty and she could/should have stopped.

Luck on my shoulder – the Transit Supervisor was there.

As I walked to the stop, she said that she saw everything and would report that driver.

I muttered something and said thank you and kept walking.

A few minutes later while waiting at the bus stop, I could hear a vehicle behind me and it was the Supervisor.

She apologized for the driver and asked me where I needed to go.

I had mentioned before that I had an appointment and now may be late (or close anyway).

The Supervisor said hop in – I will drive you there.

Grateful for her and I was early enough to mail my Christmas Cards before the Dental appointment.

Nothing is ever smooth but I always know that things DO WORK out.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

I am grateful that today is Friday.

Finish up Christmas Cards tonight to be hand delivered and there are a bunch.

Then tomorrow and Sunday …. BAKING.

I will be one sweet mess come Sunday …..

Oh well for a good cause….

My family and friends.

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Know in your heart that sometimes the way along to your destination may be filled with bumps, some may be little, some may be big.

But seldom is the road perfectly smooth.

That is how we grow and develop.

 

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: YOU, today because you rock.  Things will work out great.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of February, 2018.

Today was my Grandmother Stella’s Birthday.

If she were alive she would be 117.

I miss my days with her.

She taught me so much and sometimes said things that I did not wish to hear.

Happy Birthday Gran.

 

I would like to think that it is warming up but not sure at this point.

Yesterday was cold.

Who knows.

I do know one thing – spring is right around the corner.

Just a few weeks until our time changes.

We put our clocks ahead one hour ….. now that takes some getting used to ….. losing an hour.

 

Last night as I was chatting with a friend at the bus stop.

A bus stopped, and I had not really been paying attention when my friend “C” appeared in the door way of the bus.

She said …. “Come on, wanna a ride.”

I quickly said “Have a good night to my other friend” and hopped onto the bus.

I also thanked the bus driver for waiting and he said “No problem, there was a red light.”

Made me giggle.

 

What a great Tuesday I had ….. I got so much done at work …… more than my TO DO LIST.

Today will be even better.

Stay focused and give it my all.

 

With being home so early and able to see the ground beneath us, I figured it was time to walk.

The weather has been cold, icy and on those nice nights too much salt on the walks.

We made it to the park and home but my poor Alvin seemed to find all of the salt.

I did my best to steer him away and when he stepped on it, I quickly wiped his paws with my mitts and scarf.

I guess I should take a towel with me.

During my ride home last night we chatted about the salt and walks.

Came up with an idea ….. baby socks ….. I should try them.

I am pretty certain that Alvin will not keep them on his paws but you never know.

At least it may help.

That way if he wears them …. I would know okay to purchase actual booties for pups.

 

Well time to get this show on the road once again.

I truly hope that you have a fantastic Wednesday.

Yesterday on my bus ride to work I repeated my mantra over and over.

I tell you …. certainly helped me get through the work day.

Try your mantra ……

If you do not have one ….. make one up…..

You have to start somewhere.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ….. finally tried all of the items in the Valentine’s gift box and everything was AMAZING.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of December, 2017.

The sky is broken up with clouds and lighter patches where the sun wants to appear.

The temperature has been absolutely beautiful.

Yesterday was over 10 degrees celsius, what a glorious day for December.

Just one more weekend before the Christmas weekend begins.

I apologize for not writing on my blog yesterday.

I had so many things to do and with my hand injured I had to choose what I could do without getting to carried away.

Well I got carried away but luckily things worked out okay.

I learned that there are just some things that I cannot do with my right hand or with my left hand “sprained.”

So I will take you back to my Thursday.

The day had unfolding beautifully, I had a great work day and had taken a couple of vacation hours to go to West Edmonton Mall and do a bit of shopping.

Nothing to exciting.

Alvin required some “poop bags” (not him, I needed them) and we have adoped four seniors at work through London Drugs (they adopt seniors, they give a list and foster groups adopt them for Christmas).

I wanted to pick up some small items from their list which had pretty much already been fulfilled.

So I went to the mall (yes it was busy even at 2:30 pm on a Thursday) and did my shopping.

I found them some word searches and some bath salts and the poop bags and some other small items that I required.

In and out of the mall in about one hour.

Feeling really good.

I didn’t wait long and the bus pulled up.

Got on the bus, had to stand as it was full.

No worries.

At the second bus terminal got off and the 117 was there so got onto that bus.

Again it was full so remained standing.

About ten minutes later approaching my stop so pulled the “bell.”

I noticed someone waiting at the stop.

I grabbed my bags.

My purse was made into a backpack and I had two bags one on each hand.

The driver stopped the bus.

The woman outside came toward the bus and as she came forward, I tried to move around her, the step had not been lowered (did not know at that second) and I lost my balance and

went flying threw the air landing on my face and left hand.

The bags went flying.

I laid there hurting and humiliated for what seemed like forever (likely only seconds).

I lifted my head noticing that my left glass lens had been scratched or at the least was dirty.

By this time the bus driver had come off the bus.

He asked me if I was okay, I said yes.

The driver also said that I was “bleeding” and went back to get some paper towel from the bus.

I wiped the blood from my face, which was not much.

He asked me if he should call for medical and I said absolutely not.

He asked me this question a couple of times.

I started to move after a few minutes, and get my bearings.

By the way the girl that started this did not get off the bus.

She had to have known or seen.

I began to see if I could get up when I realized that my left hand was hurting and injured to some degree.

As I tried to get up the driver lent an arm and I pulled myself up gathering the items that were now littered about on the sidewalk and placing them into the bags.

I stood up, fuming and crying at the same time.

The driver all the while kept saying to me “that woman tripped you.”

My final response to him beside “thank you” was that the step was not lowered and yes, she should have waited until I was off the bus.

Common sense, you see some with their arms full coming off the bus ….. would you not step back out of the way.

Anyway the driver got back onto the bus and waited for a minute or so.

I started to walk in between the tears and the curse words home.

It was a slow walk with me crying and saying curse words the whole way, but I made it home.

Somehow swearing makes you feel better??? Not really.

When I arrived home it took a couple of minutes to get my backpack off and get the key out and the door opened.

I was early and Alvin was not at the door ….. he arrived seconds later.

I as quickly as I could got my boots and coat and mitts off and headed to the back door to let him out to pee.

He actually stopped for a drink and then went outside.

He came in and followed me upstairs as I wanted to get out of those clothes and see what the damage was to my knees and body.

As I neared the top landing I noticed in the middle of the floor (yes carpet) a huge mound of poo.

I said “Oh, Alvin.”

Followed by grabbing the paper towel and cleaner from the bathroom.

Cleaned up the poop …… laid an old towel on the floor to absorb the cleaner.

Thankfully it was not “loose poop” if you know what I mean.

Poor Alvin ….. he has not had an accident in the house since his first night with me almost eight years ago and then he was sick and with a stranger.

No worries.

Next steps were into my bed where I was greeting with my bed tore apart.

I always make my bed in the morning and place all my throw pillows onto the bed so that it looks nice.

The throw pillows were thrown about ….. the sheets and bedspread were pulled back.

My pjs were pulled out from behind the pillow ….. I actually said to him, “Buddy, did you have a party while Momma was gone.”

As quickly as I could I got changed.

Not quickly with one hand.

I noticed that my right knew was scraped but not other bruises on my body.

My left hand was swollen and hurt.

I went into the bathroom and checked out my face.

My left glass lens was scratched and would need to be replaced.

My nose was scraped.

The left side of my upper cheek was scrapped a bit.

My lip was cut (small).

It was my hand that bore the brunt of the fall.

Not broken as I could and can move it.

A sprain by all accounts.

I had one drugstore painkiller at home so I took it (think it was Advil).

I gave Alvin his supper and called my daughter.

She wanted to come over and I said that I was okay and that if my hand got worse, I would get to the Doctor.

My daughter thought that perhaps Alvin because he could not get outside to poop got a bit crazy and tore the bed apart.

He also moved both the matts in the upstairs bathrooms around.

Oh well …..

 

There was silver lining to all of this …. my friend “V” had sent a package.

A huge package.

It took some time to get it opened with one hand but I managed.

Both Alvin and I were excited to see all of the treats that she sent to us.

Thank you again, my friend.

We are truly spoiled.

 

I went to work on Friday …. I got a ride with my neighbour.

Work was slow.

I could not write with my left hand and I am left handed, of course.

But I can write (out of practice) with my right hand.

So managed to get a few things done.

Long day.

One of my co-workers gave me some more ADVIL and also wrapped my hand in a tensor bandage.

My hand has and is swollen.

Depends on how much I do and what I do.

But between ADVIL, breaks, heat and ice compresses, I am good.

I did put a claim in with the City of Edmonton.

Not likely that anything will happen there but it felt like the right thing to do.

I was able to take my glasses in yesterday and it cost me just a few dollars short of $200.00 to get the lens fixed.

You have to pay at least half up front and with paying the full amount, now I can submit it to my Health Spending Account.

So at least I have insurance to cover it but am mad that I have to pay for someone else’s neglect.

So that is the story.

I managed to get groceries yesterday morning, more bus tickets, go to the Optometrist, do laundry, take Alvin for a walk, made a double batch of fudge (that was later last night) and puppy sat in the afternoon.

So a productive day.

 

I know that I cannot easily mix with my left hand and not with my right as I found out with the fudge.

My daughter is coming over today to help me with the last of the baking.

Time for coffee and breakfast.

But I wanted to fill you all in and to let you know that I just could not get this done yesterday.

I feel good today.

My hand remains sore but manageable.

 

Have an awesome day.

If you ride the bus – watch for people getting on.

 

Happy Sunday.

The sun is shining and it will be a great day.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of December, 2017.

Sorry this will be short.

I had an accident getting off the bus last night and my left hand is banged up …

Someone getting on, me getting off and the bus driver did not lower the step and I had two bags.

Not pretty.

I am okay ….. left hand pretty sore …..

 

I will be back tomorrow.

 

Special Hello: to my friend “V”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of November, 2016.

Last November 30th of 2016.

I cannot believe that in three years it will be 2020.

I am excited for that date to come around ….. not quite sure why.

 

Have to share a “somewhat cute story.”

After work I always or mostly always catch a city bus to my home.

Last night I caught the usual bus downtown; we stopped at West Edmonton Mall per norm.

I have got to know one of the bus drivers, an older gentleman and so nice.

So we usually chat from downtown until West Edmonton Mall and then the bus clears out and I can sit down.

We chat about bus schedules, our dogs, family and life in general.

This time I decided to continue our conversation and did so once everyone had hopped on and was seated.

When we got to the bus terminal “Lewis Farms” …… yes it has my last name.

Very cool.

Sidetracked.

Okay back to the story as it will soon be time to leave for work.

So he dropped us off and I walked across to the bus stop where I catch the bus that will take me within walking distance of my house.

I was waiting at the stop …. first in-line ….. wait for it.

Usually I am by myself for a few minutes as no one wants to wait outside.

Last night people started to line-up behind me.

After a few minutes the bus arrived pulling over to where we were standing.

Just before he came to a full stop three teen-age girls walked from behind everyone and came over beside me.

The bus stopped virtually right beside me.

This all happened in a matter of seconds.

They were beginning to cut in front of me to enter the bus, and I said in my most stern voice  ” HOW RUDE” and “nicely” got in front of them; onto the bus taking the first empty seat.

One girl said “We are all going to the same place” as they walked by me on the bus.

I was going to say something like “I know, so why did you cut in front of the line?” and my better self said do not continue this conversation.

Another older woman smiled at me when she got on and said “thank you.”

Why is it that some people think they can get away with bad manners.

Not around this cookie.

I felt like “MANNERS REBEL” ……

Anyway I do not think people should get away with being smart asses and that is what they thought they were going to do “push the old lady out of the way” …. not this old lady.

Perhaps they will think again before jumping the line or maybe not.

Perhaps it will give other people who are constantly taken advantage of “say something.”

Anyway now it is time to leave for work.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Snow flurries are in the forecast for tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who never say anything …. perhaps you should.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of February, 2016.

Yesterday afternoon when I left work was a surprise weather wise.

I had half expected it to be on the cooler side but much to my surprise it was actually quite nice.

When the bus pulled up it was quite the show.

It was literally packed right to the front …… one of the passengers I knew had this big grin on her face.

When the driver (my favourite) opened the door everyone was laughing as it was so full.

I said “Room for one on the bike rack.”

Everyone giggled at that…..

Always nice to be laughing …..

But he said come on and they managed to let us on …. somehow.

Although I will say that I got to know a young man quite well.

I had to hold onto his arm when we turned corners and stuff.

Likely not too great on the liability front ….. safety issues and all.

But he got us to the mall where the bus quickly emptied.

There was one lady standing facing out the windshield.  (she is my friend)

I had my back to hers …. then there was a man behind me and a woman right up beside the driver and the young man by me.

There were five or six of us in that entrance way of the bus … on the other side of the YELLOW line.

It was so hot on the bus ….. I wore my long coat and had my big scar wrapped about my neck and I thought I was going to pass out.

Thank goodness for good conversation it did not seem like a 20 minute or so ride.

 

Well I somehow managed to take longer getting ready this morning ….. not sure what happened.

Mr. Alvin needs to go out before I leave for work.

I hope that you get a kick out of my little bus story.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …. keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin