Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to my 63rd Birthday.

Why is it whenever one has somewhere to be that time seems to past with lightning bolt speed?

Alvin and I were up at 4:30 first and he had breakfast.

Then at 7:00, I pushed it to 7:30 and then up at 8:00 a.m.

Why do we do that?

The sun is shining and the wind is blowing and it is a glorious day.

Already received texts from my sister, brother and long time friend from back home.

I am all showered, made up and dressed to go to my birthday party/celebration.

Two of my friends and I alway celebrate each other’s birthdays.

One of the others hosts the party and we have cake and coffee and gifts.

We chat about the latest news in our lives.

This time I am taking some of my yummy birthday carrot cake, chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel icing and the #1 cupcake vanilla with key lime icing.

I have one of the best bakers that bakes for me ( I pay her of course) and then I love to share the treats with family and friends.

This time one of the gals not the host, has her parents visiting from Newfoundland, so her Mom will be joining us.

I think she was here last year for my birthday as well.

Usually it is just we three girls.

Sometimes the kids come or at least they used to.

I had wanted to share photos of my treats and recent photos of what has been going on but alas technical difficulties.

I have been experiencing some problems with my phone, photos and now to the computer.

Something tells me that I have to go through them and delete some from my phone as most are on the computer.

Also have to downsize the photos on my computer as well.

I have close to 50,000 between the computer and my phone.

I think that is a bit too many.

 

Well almost time to go and put together the treat platter to take.

Will have to ensure that there is a good lid on the container in this wind.

Later or tomorrow, I will see if I can fix or have fixed my problem so that I can share some new photos.

But for today:

This geranium is now massive and so many beautiful pink flowers.

 

Okay last minute was able to download or upload some photos from Friday.

All dressed up for my family birthday celebration.

The cupcakes and cake just delivered.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning ALL, yay it is Friday.

Alvin and I enjoyed a full walk last night after work.

He didn’t stop or walk slowly.

I could tell that he was enjoying each and every step.

Sniffing and walking.

Walking and sniffing.

 

Just transferred the money to the gal that is baking my birthday treats.

Those treats are a delectable carrot cake with cream cheese icing and cupcakes.

The cupcakes are one dozen vanilla with key lime icing and the other twelve are chocolate with salted caramel icing.

I can hardly wait to bite into these sweet amazing treats.

My friend is one of the best bakers, I know.

I have met up with a few of them over the years.

My paternal Grandmother was one of those women who could bake the socks off anyone.

She made the best jelly rolls, angel food cakes, orange chiffon cakes, cookies and homemade bread.

I can taste them now.

All the gloriousness (I guess that is a word).

The jam in the jelly roll.

The thin layer of icing on the cakes.

The smell of the bread baking in the oven.

That was a long time ago and I can recall those smells.

It is funny how much food plays a role in our lives.

We have to eat to maintain health and energy and to live.

But food has become over the centuries so much more.

We eat when we are happy.

We eat when we are sad.

We eat to celebrate.

We eat when someone dies.

We eat, eat and eat.

Christmas cookies.

Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

Easter bread.

The list goes on and on.

We have channels all about food.

The industry is crazy.

There are bake offs and cook offs and grilling championships.

The list is a mile long.

Every celebrity that can cooks has their own television show.

We blog about food.

We have YouTube videos about cooking and baking.

We put photos on Instagram.

FOOD, food, and more FOOD.

Sweet and Savoury.

 

Well with all that goodness now instilled in your brain, I have to go to work.

I baked a coffee cake …. second one with this new recipe that I found in one of my favourite recipe books.

The night before I baked a few dozen peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

For an outing this evening.

I am still a bit nervous as this is my first larger than 3 people gathering.

But I am prepared.

I made separate packages of the cookies and will come up with something for the cake using cupcake holders.

 

With kindness and respect, we live our lives.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & her Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Partially sunny skies this Saturday morning.

Alvin and I are trying to be quiet as my nephew sleeps.

He arrived about 8:30 p.m. last night and is leaving today for work a few hours from Edmonton.

My sister sent me a text about 35 minutes ago and she is on her way.

To be honest I could not sleep last night thinking about my sister and some other stuff.

Sometimes the excitement just cannot be quietened.

I did however fall to sleep just as the 5:00 a.m. alarm went off on my phone.

ARGH.

Oh well, I will sleep good tonight for sure.

I hope that the weather is good for her trip and the construction does not slow her down too much.

My nephew reported some highway construction along the way.

 

We had a call from Teddy’s Mom asking if he could possibly spend the day with us.

How could I say “no.”

So Master Teddy will be spending the day with us.

My sister will arrive at some point this afternoon.

She promised to check in along the way when she takes a break.

It is a long drive by yourself.

 

I think that coffee will do the trick this morning.

Will be putting on the coffee after this post.

Alvin has been surprisingly quiet this morning.

He did stop and lay down by the bedroom door where my nephew is sleeping.

You should have heard him last night …. so excited to see him.

Took him awhile to just relax.

 

At first I did not see the trees moving but alas I do see that there is a breeze.

Well I only have a couple of things to do before the arrival of my SIS.

But I want things to be perfect or close to it.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Oh, the birthday cake was delivered yesterday and it is beautiful.

Cannot wait till Sunday to have a piece.

Part of the cake will go with us to see our brother for late birthday celebration for him and me.

Yesterday I coloured my hair, not something I do on a regular basis.

I was playing with the filters on my phone and took this photo.

Normally I am not a fan of my own pictures NOR am I one of those folks who do “selfies” at every turn of the clock.

Like almost NEVER!

But I kind of like this one so am sharing.

 

Perhaps will add a few more photos from my birthday adventure to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

If you are ever in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada …. you really do need to visit these amazing gardens.

More photos from the AGA KHAN Garden.

Spectacular ….

There will be more floral photos to follow.

 

 

Remembering always kindness and respect start and end each day.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well today is Friday, August 9th, 2019.

It is the second day of my 2019 VACATION and

TODAY is my 62nd Birthday.

I will be spending the day with these guys:

Notice anything different about Humphrey?

No cone.

Alvin and I were out for a walk a little bit ago before we brought Humphrey over.

These were snapped at the park near our home.

Looks like my day might be overcast ….

But I know every cloud has a silver lining….

No I am not worried.

Well time to go and have my birthday COFFEE and breakfast.

Later will have coffee and BIRTHDAY BISCOTTI (treat from my friend V, thank you).

One of my coworkers does CAKES.

So I commissioned her to make me 24 cupcakes for today which I will share with family and friends.

I have asked for chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and vanilla cupcakes with key lime icing.

AND

Then my 3rd CARROT CAKE which will be delivered next Friday/Saturday when I will be having yet another party when my sister arrives.

Part of that cake will go with us to our brothers for yet another party.

This time will be celebrating his birthday and mine.

Lots of partying going on.

 

Well it feels like things are just getting better and better.

I am going with that thought.

Life is great.

I feel wonderful.

I am surrounded by thoughtful and caring and supportive family and friends.

Alvin is my constant companion.

I live in my own home, something I have wanted my whole life.

I am able to have flowers in my yard.

We have fur babies that visit us often.

I have two of the cutest grand pups ever.

Life is very very good.

Happy Birthday to me and also to HODA KOTB who shares this day with me.

I am the older between us.

I have a cousin who was born on my tenth birthday and some friends.

August 9th is a good day.

 

Time to fly…..

I guess this is one of the most recent photos of me ….. October 2018.

Perhaps time to take some more.

I like this one so it is a good one to share …..

 

Spread your kindness with respect and the world will be a great place to be.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 28th day of April, 2019.

A glorious pale blue sky greets this Sunday morning.

 

We have been watching a magpie out of our bedroom window with much interest.

I understand where the old phrase came from “too fat to fly.”

This little one had such a round tummy that he/she would land on a branch and the branch would break ….

To be honest they were not really branches as we would deem to be moreover twigs.

Down the beautifully coloured black and white with blue/green feathers would fall to the next twig.

Twigs snapping everywhere.

If only he would land on a bigger branch.

Finally after what seemed forever the birdie got out of the entanglement of twigs and landed on a larger branch before flying away.

Only was a few seconds but did seem forever.

Nature is so entertaining.

 

Earlier this morning as I was opening the living room blind before it was light outside; a brown bunny was hopping toward the house.

I guess he heard the blind movement turned around and hopped to the other side of the street.

 

There remains snow on the front lawn which faces to the north and some on the grass in the backyard.

I would think by the end of the day if the temperatures does warm a bit more it will be gone.

 

What a glorious morning we are experiencing.

 

I found a new battery pack and it has been charged so I was able to download some photos.

These are from our Easter package:

This was the first time that Mr. Alvin actually needed helped opening his treats from our friend V.

One of them was a toy and he pretty much had it opened but the other was a tin of wet food and he just could not get his paws and mouth in unison to work it open.

Between the unexpected trip to BON TON Bakery and the goodies from our friend and a piece of apple pie from Teddy’s Mom; I shall say that I have enough comfort food

to last me awhile …… CARB City.

The third photo in of the Easter Bunny was carrot cake with cream cheese icing …. OMG, so good.  The photo does not do it justice.

Perhaps I should have snapped it without the plastic covering.

The above two non-treat photos are from this morning.

I shovelled most of the snow from the deck yesterday and the remaining has all but melted.

The furniture looks so much happier without being covered with snow.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

We had a very lazy day yesterday.

Just laundry and spending time with the boys.

Ok, I did sweep the floor and empty the dish washer.

But does that really count.

Do not think so.

The wind was so cold we opted to stay indoors and did not go for a walk.

 

Today there remains a few things to do and one being to hit the grocery store.

A woman can not live on CARBS alone.

Or can she?

I likely could but sooner of later my body would say “enough.”

 

Happy Sunday.

I hope that you are enjoying the day wherever you are ….

 

Special Hello to: My daughter, you will do great.  We are with you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of October, 2018.

Appears to have rained/snowed a bit overnight.

The deck tells the story.

The streets and sidewalks may be a bit slippery so everyone be careful.

If you happen to live elsewhere then no worries.

I hope that wherever you live that you are safe and comfortable.

 

Last night after work Alvin and I went for a nice walk.

I had planned to do a 20-30 minute workout (recorded some different yoga/pilates/stretching shows).

On our way home I happen to glance at the mailbox and remembered that my friend “V” was shipping a parcel to us today.

So we careful made our way across the street and voile we had this HUGE parcel in the parcel mailbox for which they place a key in my mailbox.

It was tricky carrying the box in one hand/arm and Alvin in the other.

He kept wanting to cross the street and I wanted to ensure it was safe.

Finally we got across the street and safely home.

Alvin always goes crazy when we receive a parcel from our friend.

He barked and barked and barked even with a time out (in the bathroom).

Finally got into the box and pulled out his parcel which had the cutest note.

Part of which told him to not to eat it all at once (not her words).

We are so lucky.

I took a short video of him opening his parcel.

He was still pulling away at the tissue paper once his treat bag was unwrapped.

What a character.

Needless to say he loved the treats (only had two).

He still had not had his supper at that time.

I received a deep dish apple pie, carrot cake, two kinds of homemade buns, pumpkin muffins with seeds and multiple little treats.

 

Afterward we called our friend to say thank you.

We are so lucky.

 

Quickly here as it is almost time to leave and I must share a funny story.

So after we got the treats put away and wrapping dealt with it was on to my exercises.

I pulled out my yoga mats, yoga bricks and yoga strap (just in case).

I ended up going with a stretching program as I know I need some of that.

Moved some of the furniture out of my way.

Alvin started to bark.

He moved to the sofa and picked up one of his chew treats.

Oh how I wished that I had a video of his reaction.

For the first 10 minutes he fussed and stewed and stewed and fussed while I was exercising.

Perhaps it was something about the yoga mat or the chair or that he was not included.

Tonight will try some yoga and see if the dog can do downward dog …. just kidding.

He will get used to it eventually.

It was so funny seeing his reaction and kind of hard to explain.

You almost had to be here.

I guess he did not know what to think.

 

Well have to go.

Time to grab my lunch, don the coat and stuff (decided on boots or just shoes)?

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend who spoils us rotten and we love it.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 15th day of August, 2018.

It is 6:35 a.m. and still dark outside.

What a change from a week ago.

The sky appears to have be overcast but as I lean out the window I can smell smoke.

It is almost eerie.

The lightness of the sky seems to provide light on the objects below.

From my office window it appears as though people have a dim light shining on their decks, in their yards.

Just having the windows open for a short time for the cool air.

Our temperatures have cooler down which is good for sleeping and for our fur babies.

 

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

We stopped at a local Japanese restaurant and picked up noodle bowls for supper, my treat.

I just wanted something different.

They were really good and neither of us could finish so leftovers for tonight.

 

The birthday cake made by my co-worker has been a HUGE hit.

Carrot cake with cream cheese icing, how can you go wrong.

 

Alvin and I went for a walk last night making a stop at our friend’s home ( I and N).

I had packed up some birthday cake for them.

I was going to call ahead and decided not to.

We walked over with the cake in tow.

Rang the door bell twice.

No answer.

Called out for them by the garage as their vehicle was parked in the driveway.

Nothing.

Walked beside the house thinking they might be in the backyard and did not hear the doorbell.

No reply.

Okay, that was odd.

So cake in tow we walked home and I called our friends.

She answered right away.

They were working in the garage and had the radio turned on and up.

Did not hear us.

So we walked back there (not far) and we gave them some birthday cake.

We stayed and had a visit.

I had not realized that it was still that warm so afterward we walked home.

A short walk but that is okay.

Too much smoke to be breathing in ….

 

My carpool called this morning and they are staggering the entry to her office building this morning so she is picking me up at 7:30 a.m. instead of 6:45 a.m.

If I missed telling you this story.

On my last day of work – my friend’s office building was closed down due to a water main break.

Two weeks later it is being reopened.

Unexpected vacation for some folks.

My friend had most of the time already booked off for vacation.

You never know what can happen.

 

Oh, the smell of smoke is getting stronger.

I will have to close the windows that are still open.

Do not wish to fill the house in smoke, not good for Mr. Alvin.

He is laying patiently on his blue blanket beside me in the office.

 

Well time to go and work on the photos so that I can post about my trip.

Lots to add to my word press library which means I have to delete others.

I am so excited to share both the photos and our trip with all of you.

Coming soon!

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Stay safe.

In the heat watch your children and animals closely.

DO NOT LEAVE in a vehicle.

HOT sidewalks / pavement can burn the pads of a dog’s paws.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family who make my world turn around.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of August, 2018.

The sky is overcast and it has been RAINING off and on since last night.

Oh, we are grateful for the rain.

I hope that RAIN comes to those areas affected by the forest fires everywhere.

It seems as though the vast majority of the WESTERN COAST of NORTH AMERICA is on fire.

My heart goes out to the folks, my soul hurts for the animals and wildlife that have not been able to escape the fiery inferno.

 

It seems like only yesterday that my house was filled with family.

It seems like only yesterday that my daughter and I were setting out on our trip, my birthday adventure, our mini vacation.

It seems like only yesterday that I celebrated my 60th birthday and now I am 61.  “How did that happen?”

Time flies.

 

Both Alvin and I are feeling lazy today.

He has not even ate breakfast (likely because he had lots to eat last night).

Teddy was with us from Friday morning until late yesterday afternoon.

 

One of my co-workers who happens to be this amazing baker – dropped off my BIRTHDAY CARROT CAKE in the morning.

IT IS GORGEOUS.

 

Yesterday afternoon one of my dear friends came to share my birthday cake.

We had a great visit.

She brought me a sweet pea bouquet from her garden as well as a bag of apples and some other gifts.

She has quite the green thumb.

I see an apple crisp in my future.

Teddy’s Mom brought me apples from her garden a few days ago.

Lots of apples.

In the evening our friends “A” and “J” and Jazmine (pup) from just a few doors down.

One from one way and J&J from the other way.

One friend brought me a beautiful AFRICAN VIOLET plant ( I see a theme rising here).

Candles were another theme.

We had wine, coffee, water and CAKE.

Just the birthday cake.

This is the most glorious CARROT CAKE.

This year it is a layer cake and is so delectable.

I could eat it morning, noon and night.

Then I would not be able to get into my clothes.

So much visiting with dear friends last night.

 

I have received emails, messages on FB, cards, people coming to see me, phone calls – feeling so loved.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by the BEST PEOPLE on the planet.

 

Well time to go and check on Humphrey and Cinder, our charges.

Their Momma comes home today.

 

I feel like toast and coffee ……

 

I am working on my vacation story in my head and will have it done soon.

So much to tell you.

 

Laughter is the best medicine and I am grateful for the laughter that my family and friends share with me.

Life whether long or short must be enjoyed to the fullest.

 

Time to go and check on Sir Humphrey and Miss Cinder.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of July, 2018.

What a gorgeous morning, clear blue skies.

This morning when Al and I went for a walk at 5:15 a.m. – there was quite a lot of activity at our lakes/park.

The birds everything from ducks, geese, robins and more where chirping, quacking, singing and communicating.

There were frogs and crickets.

The ponds (not actually lakes) were alive with all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures.

It was glorious to listen to it all as we made our way through the park.

 

Another HOT HOT one on the way.

OMG, yesterday was so hot.

The fans and air conditioning barely keeping things cool.

 

Somedays you just need to share some photos.

Here are some photos from my “61” BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

The partying beings ….. a tad early but who am I to rain on my parade.

Why not celebrate for a month?

Right.

Party complete with Birthday Banner and Balloons.

Nothing like FRESH GLORIOUS FRUIT

Homemade CARROT CAKE to die for ….

The Birthday Girl hiding behind your PRESENTS.

Oh, I love presents.

So blessed …. received yoga pants & top and sweater and long no-sleeved fancy tank top.

I had so much fun with my girl friends …. we laughed and laughed.

 

AFTER the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups came for the afternoon & stayed for supper.

Both Aspen and Milo looked out the window pretty much the whole time that my daughter was out.

She slipped out for a few minutes.

Oh the babies.

My LILIES be blooming.

They are the most gorgeous shade of red, the ferns are taking over the front flower bed.

Who does not like impatiens?  I kind of missed most of the flowers.

They are filling up two pots on the front step.

What a glorious Sunday I had.

Absolute perfection.

 

Well here we are at Tuesday.

Will be trying to keep cool.

Thank goodness it is cool at 5:15 am when we go for a walk.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you for reading my blog.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of July, 2018.

Another beautiful morning.

We went for a walk earlier as the forecast is for 30 + degrees celsius.

WARM.

It was glorious.

Just me and Alvin and the birds singing all along our path.

At the benches in the park there was a young man puffing away on a “vape” (not sure if that is the name or not) with head phones on listening to something.

After getting home I went over and visited Humphrey the Cat and  Cinder the Gecko to give them breakfast and water.

Humphrey was already up and in the window when Alvin and walked by his house earlier.

He was happy to see me and meowed and meowed.

Humphrey really wanted to go outside when I watered my friend’s flowers.

Once back home – fed Alvin, wrote in my gratitude journal, ate my breakfast, got ready for work and writing this post now.

I have most of our windows open and the furnace fan going to cool the house before I leave for work.

Which is coming up in a few minutes.

 

I just wanted to share how blessed I am to have such great people, women, friends and family in my life.

Yesterday.

My young friends had an early birthday party for me.

One of them baked me a carrot cake and the other provided her house, a glorious fruit tray and coffee.

OMG, so good.

We laughed and visited and visited and laughed.

Catching up on all of the latest news (just a little gossip).

The girls both bought me clothes for my birthday.

One bought me yoga pants and a top as I had mentioned about getting back into yoga.

That is definitely some incentive.

My other girl gave me a beautiful sweater and sleeveless long top.

So lucky.

I think that I am going to celebrate my birthday for the next month.

 

Following the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups stopped by for the afternoon.

We had a great visit.

More coffee.

My daughter stayed for supper.

I was thinking ahead and had made a big supper the night before so we had leftovers and the carrot cake that my friend sent home with me.

So no cooking …. just eating ….. visiting and having fun.

 

Sometimes we fuss and stew and think we have it so bad.

Yes, there are moments but all in all …. I know that I am so blessed.

If you think about it …. you are, too.

Life is not meant to suffer in silence or to be chattering about it aloud.

Try not to live in the past.

Get it out onto the table and then carry on with life.

So much to enjoy and so many better memories to make.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Thank you ladies for making my Sunday incredible.

 

Time to go.

Windows to close.

More snuggling with the boy.

He asked for a massage again this morning.

So darn cute.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin