Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you doing well. Hard to believe today is Monday, November 28, 2022. Almost the end of November 2022. Where has the time gone? Almost time to start the countdown to Christmas. Do not want to start too early, lol.

Yesterday I borrowed my neighbour’s car and went shopping to the nearby strip mall where I went to Shoppers Drug Mart and Bone & Biscuit and Save-On-Foods. The first place that I went to at Shoppers was the Post Office to mail a small parcel and Christmas Cards, what did I find, CLOSED sign. I was grateful to find out from a clerk who happened to be walking past that the Post Office would open at Noon. This was about 10:45 am, so that was okay. I had some things that I wanted to pick up at Shoppers so I consulted my list on my phone. Sometimes I bring a paper list but this time it was more efficient to have the phone so that I could delete the items that I bought without carrying a pen. After that I headed to the Bone & Biscuit to pick up Christmas gifts, possibly a new sweater and harness for Mr. Alvin, only to find that it was closed until noon. What is this new business, lol? So I took my purchases and placed them in the car and was off to the grocery store which I knew for a fact that it was open. When I arrived inside the store I grabbed a cart and consulted my list. There were a number of customers in the store but it was not too bad. The cashier was young, friendly and I really appreciated the way that he packed my groceries. I almost forgot to drop off the batteries that I had placed in the bags provided (they were in with my bags that I had brought to the store). Old batteries dropped off. Another items off my list but in hindsight I forgot to grab more bags! OH well, next time. I checked over the receipt to ensure that nothing was charged incorrectly as he had initially charged the wrong price for a non-food item that I had picked up for a gift. Who knew that I would find something that was requested on my pick for Secret Santa. Loaded up the car and then back to Shoppers to mail the parcel and Christmas cards including one to Sweden to my longtime “pen pal” Ingrid. No lineup, how wonderful. Then I was off to Bone & Biscuit where I checked my list for the items that I wanted to purchase for Mr. Alvin, Aspen and Milo for Christmas. I found a sweater, new leash and toy for Alvin and then a toy each for my grandpups. Success. I even received 10% off my purchase due to the points that I had accumulated. Then back to the car, loaded up and on my way home.

Once I was home, I unloaded the car with a few trips and then returned the car keys to my friend. She was down with something and had been resting on the sofa. Poor girl. Her boyfriend was relaxing on the sofa, just having a quiet lazy day. He drives long distance trucking. Alvin was enjoying sniffing around the bags. I had to put the bag up that had his Christmas present in it. They must put something inside those items or else just the scent from the store lingering, I do not know because I semi hid the bag in the spare room behind a large rubbermaid which is containing other Christmas presents and he keeps going in and sniffing. He cannot get to the bag with his gifts but he sure knows something is in there. Funny. I unpacked and as I was putting the groceries away, I realized that one item was not there. I looked back over everything and not there. So I texted my friend to see if I could borrow her car once again and before you know it, I was on my way, back to the store. ARGH. Back at the store, a young man who had just come back from bringing cards into the store, came back to Customer Service and asked if “he could help me,” I said yes and explained the situation. He said that he remembered one of the cashiers had a list of the items that were left at cash and had returned them to their places in the store. He just had to find the list. He found the list and then another clerk came to Customer Service. They were able to secure another item for me and then I was on my way. YAY. Normally, I would have not bothered but this item was almost $10.00. Too much money to throw away. After I put everything away, I got Mr. Alvin into his harness and sweater (not new ones, although I did try them on and they fit perfect) and we went for a walk. I was so fast trying them on that I think he will forget what they looked like, lol. We enjoyed a walk. Then back home. I decided to bring up the ladder and change the light bulbs and clean the light fixture by the back door. Could not get it down so I texted another neighbor’s son to see if he could come and help me, he said yes. In the meantime, I replaced a bulb in another fixture. I am so blessed and was happy to get these chores done and for the help. I e transferred him some money for helping me as this was the second weekend in a row, I reached out to him. I cleaned out and rearranged the back cabinet / pantry before starting supper. After supper it was a quiet evening.

Whoops time is slipping away and is almost time to start work. I have the coffee ready to plug in.

Have a great Monday. Stay warm.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

I am grateful to be surrounded by great people.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Saturday Morning.

This begins the busiest weekend likely for me prior to Christmas.

Last night after work we did our usual Alvin outside, Alvin had supper and then we went for a nice walk.

The temperature was nice and we even had a chat with the little boys who live down the street.

They were excited to see Alvin as usual.

We continued and managed to get all the way around …. I kept moving my flashlight about so that Alvin would see the light.

Upon arriving at home it was time for me to have a quick bite to eat before heading out for groceries.

The grocery store was busy but I managed to make my way about picking up the things that were on my list and a couple of items that were not.

That is always the case.

I did eat before I went or I fear it may have been much worse.

One of the staff while in the baking supplies aisle – asked me if I had found everything and I replied, actually I could not locate a small bag of chopped walnuts.

We walked over and she found a couple of bags that were pushed to the back of the row with something else covering and I hadn’t looked far enough.

YAY, I thanked her and walked to pay for my groceries.

While in line waiting a person came with a couple of items so I instructed them to go ahead, then the cutest young couple came with only a few cases of heavy pop and shampoo/conditioner

so I said “please go ahead.”

They said “No, that was okay.”

But I insisted.

Not even in the express line.

After I had some of my groceries waiting to be rang through another lady came with only a few items but it was too late, I did help her with a heavy item by clearing some space.

Nice ot help out.

Paid for my things and was on my way.

At home Alvin was excited to see me and had to sniff in all of the bags.

Then it took a bit to put things away but I left out the baking supplies.

Today starts round one of baking after Alvin has a hair trim and bath.

Will work on laundry in between.

I just realized that I had not “downloaded” or whatever the term is from the computer to my iPod of my Christmas music.

I have placed the gifts to be wrapped on the spare room bed to view and see what I need to get.

Looks like the pups are number one on that list.

 

Did I mention that it is snowing?

Well it is …..

Nice fluffy flakes.

 

Happy Saturday.

Gotta run as it is after 9:00 a.m. already.

We were up late …oh and I wrote out a bunch of cards for work last night before bed.

Up late and up early and then hit the sofa.

We all know how that works ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of September, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast as the sun makes a good attempt to break though.

What a crazy weekend.

Saturday, I trimmed our front tree – a fair sized job – so happy that it is done.

Sunday, my daughter came had breakfast and a quick coffee and then we were on our way to IKEA.

We left my house at noon and got home, yes back here at 5:00 p.m.

Needless to say IKEA was busy.

Busy does not quite describe it.

Mothers with children.

University Students grabbing desks and school stuff.

Families looking at sofas.

Young couples looking as though they were furnishing their first home.

People were jumping over and walking over people.

No manners to be found.

I guess there was one fellow who had his manners with him.

The rest ….. well I am not one to curse … but I was cursing under my breath.

My daughter had measured and had made a list of all the items that she was looking to purchase.

She was redoing her office.

Needing a desk, a chair, shelving and a few other items.

WE were lucky and found the chair that she had wanted.

The chair was really comfortable.

We had to call upon an IKEA employee to do the paper work for the chair which meant she made sure it was in stock and then gave us a paper to give to the cashier when making payment.

She saw another desk that she liked better so we write it on the paper (IKEA gives you paper and a pencil to record the item and location of each item).

We looked around and I found a few items to purchase.

At one point I lost my daughter – it was my fault.

I strayed.

She found me.

I stayed with her after that … (pretty much).

The two items that once I got home fell in love with and they were two off white with gold circles pillow covers.

They look amazing on my brown leather sofa and they match perfectly all of my blankets and throws.

A few items we carried in the bright yellow IKEA bags until it was time to hit the warehouse section where we grabbed a cart with no sides, you know what I mean.

I know there is a specific name for them but it eludes me at this time.

We proceeded to gather the items on our list.

We realized right away that we would need two of the sideless carts.

So my daughter ran back to the entranceway of the warehouse to grab another one.

We were just at the CASHIERS which is where her desk was located when we realized that there were none left or at least none there.

We checked with an IKEA employee only to find out that they were sold out until Monday (today).

My daughter thought no way is she coming back here tomorrow.

I strongly agreed.

So off we went to find the other desk that she had originally chose (at home).

So she built her own desk.

A tabletop, legs, then needed the shelving cupboard to go under.

We managed to get that all sorted out.

Then at CASH my daughter gave the cashier the paper for the chair, once the order was all paid for we had to go to the other side of the building to the FURNITURE warehouse, get in line and give them

the paper for the chair.

They took the paper and we had to get out of the line-up while they went to get the chair.

They took my daughter once the number came up on the screen to get back into the line-up to get the actual chair.

WOW.

In between the wait, I ran to the food counter on the main floor and picked us up a treat.

Can you imagine $1.00 for a soft frozen yogurt and $1.50 for a sundae?

So while we waited for the number to come up we had a lovely cold treat.

We must have been in that area for over 30 minutes.

Putting the purchases in the car went well.

Everything fit.

It take some getting out of the parking lot and to the street that would take us to the exit to take us home.

ARGH.

But we made it.

It was quite the afternoon.

Even thought we were frustrated to no end, I would not have traded the time with my daughter for all the time in the world.

We even managed to laugh amongst the “cursing.”

Once home, got Alvin ready for a walk.

We stopped at our friends N & I ….. I came to the door but Alvin wanted N … had to see him.

So funny.

N said that he would come today and check our A/C.

I am so blessed.

It was supposed to be yesterday but who knew that IKEA would take five hours?

No me, not my daughter.

After that visit we were on our way.

When we reached Teddy’s home …. Alvin made a bee-line for the door.

There was a young man walking on the sidewalk but we cut over the lawn.

He kept walking toward their house.

Everyone including Teddy was happy to see us.

I apologized for the unannounced visit as it was about suppertime.

But there was no stopping Alvin so I figured a moment would be okay.

We ended up being invited in and had a nice visit.

Teddy’s Aunt was still there and the young man was my friend’s son.

So got to meet him.

Well turned out to be a great day.

I did not get Alvin’s hair cut and bath done so we will be doing that shortly.

Once I have breakfast.

Hard to be motivated when the sky is overcast and it is raining.

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do on this LABOUR DAY.

To all those folks who have been injured on the job and to all those folks who led the way to make things better for us all, thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

NOTE:  reminder to self not to attend IKEA on the long weekend before school starts……