The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? We are well. Mr. Alvin slept from bedtime until 4:53 a.m. Can you believe it? I can hardly believe it. But oh so happy. We went outside and then he had his Movoflex chew and then his breakfast. We had some more zzz’s on the sofa till time for me to get up and going.

The sky is semi overcast but the sun is shining. It was warm out. I am always amazed by the difference between looking out of my office window to the south and out our bedroom window to the north with only our house in between.

Well yesterday turned out to be a great day. I did have a minor, I would not say meltdown as it was not that but have you ever had multiple things happening all at once and you lose it, temporarily. Well it was near the end of my work day and I was closing programs, my phone was pinging with some incoming messages and Alvin was scratching wanting up onto the sofa. Just a combination of those sounds made me not happy. Anyway, I didn’t save one of my spreadsheets which would have been an update but needless to say I clicked on “don’t save” instead of “save” as I was riled. I looked Alvin in the eye and gave him heck and poor boy was shaking. I was not yelling but I think he definitely felt the elephant in the room. I felt so bad. So have to change things. No more phone nearby. If I can turn off or down the sound so that I don’t have to listen to the pinging, that would be helpful. I am human but feeling like a terrible one. Hard to make up for bad behavior. I have to forgive myself and move on. I feel so bad for Alvin. Thankfully this did not last long. I guess we all have moments.

Last night I mowed the lawn and pulled some weeds from the back flower bed. The plants on the south side of the house are doing okay but the ones out front are doing great. Our overnight temperatures have been on the cool side. The grass in the backyard is lush and green considering the front is barely green. I wished that I would wake up tomorrow morning and look out of the front window and see dark green lush grass out front. A gal can dream.

Well it is time to head downstairs. I have a bit of a headache. Sign that I need to drink more water for sure.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Don’t give up! Keep on going ahead.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday, May 1st, 2020.

A bright and sunny one with a bit of a breeze happening.

 

Did you ever think in a million years that you would be working from home?

Did you ever think in a million years that you would be laid off from your job because of a VIRUS?

Did you ever think in a million years that your children that school would be cancelled for basically six months?

Did you ever think in a million years that one VIRUS could basically shut down the planet?

Did you ever think in a million years that the skies would be more clear?

Did you ever think that major car manufacturers would shut down?

Did you ever think and this is a big one that we would be told to “stay at home.”

Well there are likely a lot more questions that are floating through our minds at this time.

I never thought with my job that I would be working from home.

Surprisingly the majority of my job can be done from home.

I wonder as result of this virus how many offices will give their employees the choice to work from home?

Perhaps some will return for only one or two days a week and the rest of the time work from home.

For some employers this may cut down on their overhead and be more profitable.

Not everyone can easily work from home.

Now if you have small children at this time it is difficult.

Or any children as they are all at home now.

For some parents they are trying to both work and teach school to their children.

Online schooling only works for those who have computers.

Unfortunately as much as we would like to think that everyone has one, everyone does not.

Most folks no matter their lot in life – has a cell phone.

You see that all of the time.

 

So on the first day of May, this all has me thinking.

For me, this has turned out to be a blessing in many ways.

No commute and this saves me anywhere from  1.25 hour to 2.5 hours.

That was all dependant on whether I was carpooling or catching the bus.

So much more time at home.

I can start my evenings at 4:00 instead of 4:45 (car) or 5:30 (bus).

That has been wonderful.

The most important blessing is that I have so much more time with Alvin.

His waistline does not think so.

We have been walking twice daily.

With Alvin getting older I really appreciate this time with him.

He has my new schedule down pat and when I am running late he just stands in the doorway and stares at me.

Telling me, you are done ….. shut off the computer or get off the phone.

It is my time now.

Despite the many blessings the downfall has been not seeing family and friends more regularly and going out.

I have not left my immediate neighbourhood except for walking since the early part of March.

No shopping have I done.

We are figuring out how to visit with keeping within the social distancing parameters.

Last Sunday was our first coffee date.  Me and my two young girl friends.

That was amazing.

We will have to do that again very soon.

My daughter came over on Wednesday and we worked through that visit as well.

Now that our friend P is out working in her garden, we can stop for a visit on our walk.

So it is getting easier with this warmer weather.

 

Well time to grab coffee and pick up the poop.

I have so  much work to do and need to get a bit of an early start.

Grateful for a nice bright sunny morning.

 

I wish you a wonderful Friday, May 1st.

May you be surrounded by love and support.

May you spread the kindness and respect to all.

 

Happy Friday.

 

I/We Remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

I cannot get enough of this photo.

Taken only a few weeks ago, I think.

Days running together.

He looks like a puppy not an 11 year old.

Love Me Alvin ……

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well Monday morning is here.

It is windy and snowing.

My ride texted earlier and of course, I did not see that message.

But as I was going to head into the shower I had a thought that I should check my phone regarding ride.

Sure enough.

Now that is intuition.

Anyway, was running as tad late.

Somehow the body just wants to sleep …. windy and snow might be part of the reason.

 

I am ready now.

But will have to cut this short as Mr. Alvin would like to go outside and I am going to catch the bus.

Was made at myself for not going out and picking up bus tickets as I have to give the driver a $5.00 bill for one ride this morning.

Luckily I have enough money to go out on break from work and pick up bus tickets.

ARGH.

Oh well, life is learning and always throwing little curveballs.

 

I hope that you have a great Monday.

Wishing you peace, joy and good health.

Love and Laughter.

 

Fill your days with kindness and respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning and today is Wednesday and my last day of work for “19” days.

I am over the moon excited for this vacation time.

Soon …. just a few more hours now.

In the meantime, back at the ranch.

Humphrey is spending our waking hours with us.

Well actually the hours that I am at home.

Soon to be during the day as well as in the evenings.

Last night he was sitting in Alvin’s chair glancing out the window and then around him.

I could not see what was so intriguing but there was something that piqued his curiosity.

So I snapped these photos.

While Humphrey was in Alvin’s chair – the boy was sitting beside me on the sofa.

Every so often Alvin would go by the chair, look out of the window and then lay on the mat by the chair.

I guess to see if Humphrey would maybe realize that it was his chair OR perhaps just to keep him company.

I don’t really know what the boy is thinking unless it involves FOOD.

 

The sky is clear now and the air is cool.

I have the windows open to keep the house cool for Alvin.

Actually last evening I had to turn off the fans as the house had cooled down and was comfortable for us while we hung out.

 

Well almost time to go downstairs and gather things up for work.

 

I made darn sure that I placed my office ID in my purse as yesterday I assumed it was in there and it was not.

I realized this when I was on my way to the bus …. way too late.

The last few minutes at home yesterday were not happy ones.

I wanted to let Alvin go outside for a last pee before I left for work only I could not open the back door.

Humidity … the door had swollen.

After trying for several minutes and starting to get frustrated and sticky hot, decided that was not the answer.

So with my trusty cell phone – I texted my neighbour as she was at home and has a key.

Explained what had happened.

Said she would come over.

Also texted a co-worker from the bus about my tag and she said that she would come down and let me in when I arrived at the office.

My neighbour went over and Alvin got to go outside and do his business.

I got into the office.

It was so much easier with the phone.

So grateful to my daughter and son-in-law for the phone.

Came in handy.

 

With kindness and respect the world is a more loving place to be.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well happy to report that our weekend has been mostly SUNNY and mild.

We were supposed to have rain until today but that did not happen.

Now I would have loved to have had some rain to help with the fire situation to the North of us and for us at home, as well.

 

This has been an most enjoyable weekend.

Spending several hours with my girl friends has been absolutely delightful.

They bring me great joy.

We laughed together, sometimes almost cried as we share our stories and experiences since we last spent time together.

What a great way to spend the weekend.

So yesterday was incredible.

Teddy joined us about 1/2 hour before the birthday stared.

Started the day hosting the 40th Birthday BASH (no liquor) for my friend who turns 40 this coming Friday.

We nibbled on strawberries, blueberries and some sweet treats (yup, even though it was mid morning) and drank coffee.

We had coconut cake adorned with a 40th birthday candle and presents for the birthday girl.

After the birthday party I went with Alvin and Teddy for a nice walk.

Once home we, meaning I went and picked up Humphrey the Cat so he would have company for the afternoon.

Just me, Alvin, Teddy and Humphrey hanging out.

I have so many cute photos but alas they are on my cell phone and I have to figure out how to get them from there to here.

It will happen ….. just have not had time as yet.

Already the number of photos is in the 100’s…… yikes.

One cute story …..

The boys went outside into the backyard multiple times yesterday afternoon.

I kept an eagle eye on them.

No one escapes during my tenure.

The pups were in the house and Humphrey was hanging out laying in the shade on the upper deck.

All of a sudden our birds came back – I could hear them chirping.

I looked to see Humphrey sitting looking up with his tail just flying about as he was getting an idea.

I figured for sure that he would try and jump up to capture one of the birds but he did not.

So thinking perhaps it would be a better idea if I just went out and distracted him.

Ended up bringing him into the house for a bit.

At one point in the house – Alvin was laying on the sofa, Humphrey in Alvin’s chair and Teddy in the other armchair by the window.

So cute.

Photos were taken.

The boys get along crazy good.

So happy about that.

 

Later in the afternoon I took Humphrey home so that I could get ready for the jewelry party.

So proud of this Canadian company starting in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and their home base remains there to this day some 30 years later.

They are International.

My friends from the morning birthday party came as well as Humphrey’s Mom.

So three plus me.

We had a great time trying on jewelry and visiting.

Oh, my friend not the birthday girl from the morning brought her 10 year old daughter who was more than happy to try on jewelry.

The bling on my kitchen table was beautiful.

We tried on rings, necklaces, bracelets and held up earrings to see them on us.

So much fun.

The girls enjoyed the CHERRY SANGRIA that I made with the Steeped TEA Cherry Sangria fruit tea made with ginger ale.

Reminds me that I have a whole jug as I made two, that has to be drank soon before the ginger ale goes flat.

Will call someone or take some to friends today.

 

That was truly a great day.

Enjoying the day to the fullest.

 

This Sunday will be more quiet as I prepare for the week.

This girl is Living … one day at a time..

Doing a happy dance along the way.

Likely should try out some yoga as well.

Loving life and smiling.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of December 2018.

Another quite nice day on the way – weather wise.

Yesterday I was feeling more energized after the tooth extraction on Friday.

Dental Assistant did say to relax for 48 hours.

So I did a few things on Saturday and the remaining chores yesterday.

Got a real workout vacuuming all three floors one right after the other.

Usually I do them different times.

Cleaning things as I went.

Poor Alvin ….. he just always wanted to be on the side of the vacuum cord beside me.

He definitely is a “Momma’s Boy.”

House is clean, yay.

 

Last night we went to the Christmas Zoo Light Event at the Edmonton Zoo, of course.

My son-in-law was not feeling well so we asked my friend’s daughter to go with us.

So we three girls hit the Zoo.

The Zoo is a quick drive from my house.

My daughter who has the car – had a bit of a drive – but not too bad.

When we arrived at the Zoo parking lot we were greeting by a ICE RINK.

Seriously it gleamed in the lights.

Very carefully with small penguin steps we walked to the Zoo.

Inside the Zoo area it was icy but at least there was sand/gravel in places.

To be fair there was a bit of sand/gravel in the parking lot near the entrance.

We were greeting at the entrance by OLAF from Frozen.

So cute.

I even had a hug from OLAF, I am in love.

Next stop was the REINDEER.

There were two of them out and about with their Zoo Assistants.

Talk about beautiful antlers.

I noticed a chunk of snow stuck to the side of one of the REINDEER and made a comment (not too loud but hoping that perhaps one of the staff heard and would brush it off).

Thankfully they did not allow the people including us very close.

They “drew” a line in the snow actually it was a row of rocks and asked everyone to stay on the other side.

I love the Reindeer.

 

During our first few minutes at the zoo we heard an announcement about someone falling on the ice – calling for an ambulance.

Sounded serious.

I never heard the sirens.

 

There was a bridge covered in flashing lights.

So pretty.

 

We walked around and my daughter took some photos of us near some of the light displays.

A couple of the large trees were covered in lights and were so pretty.

We happen to walk by the housing for the Eagles.

One of them was out and my daughter and I happen to walk over.

We just admired him/her.

Right behind us comes a couple of women and a child.

Wouldn’t you know that they would be out with their cameras and on with the flash.

The poor Eagle was traumatized by the light.

I tried very nicely to say something but nope they did not stop.

My heart feel low at that moment.

What is wrong is people?

I could not believe the stupidity.

How would they have liked someone shining this bright light in their eyes.

Honestly…. lately I am never surprised by the lack of common sense in people.

 

We walked to the IGLOO (not a real one) to warm up (actually for the young one).

We saw Santa and Mrs. Claus – waiting to have their photos taken with the children.

 

On the way back to the exit – we came across the gift shop.

Wouldn’t you know it – it was open.

We went in and both the girls did some shopping.

My daughter picked up a couple of items for a gift for one of her friend’s baby.

Our young friend picked up a few things.

 

When we left we once again walked very carefully to the car.

Once in the car, I said to our young friend to sit in the front so she could have the “bum warmer.”

Just after we were all in the car ….. she turned to me and gave me a Reindeer card and then one to my daughter.

I had seen her purchase them in the gift store and did not know that they were for us.

What a sweetheart – so thoughtful.

 

Well I am catching the bus so have to get with it.

Might be icy so am wearing my ice picks.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  Everyone …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of May, 2017.

Well quite the difference this morning.

Yesterday was sunny and HOT – 28 degrees celsius.

This morning WINDY and raining and has cooled off.

Last night when I arrived home from work I found the house quite warm so I turned on the A/C.

Poor little Alvin.

We even put off our walk until later in the evening.

 

On the way to the park we stopped at our friends house to see how Presley was doing and of course, the family.

They lost their beloved Lola this passed Saturday to an unleashed dog.

Please be responsible and if taking your pup for a walk – put a leash on him or her.

No reason to be out and about and not paying attention to your doggie.

If you have them outside for a walk and fresh air in a public place – on a leash and actually spend time with them.

Now due to this irresponsible person this pit bull will either have a very poor qualify of life due to the restraints placed on him or may have no life at all.

Breaks my heart.

Such unnecessary damage done ….

I want to add one more note here ….. I notice so many folks out walking with their dogs with their heads bent down gazing at that rectangular screen.

They have no idea who is coming or going.

They have no idea if their doggie eats something they should not.

Pay attention.

 

Well time to leave for work.

I will  be taking my umbrella but with this wind not sure if it will do much good.

Thankfully it is not raining at this moment.

Perhaps I will make it to the bus stop without having to use the umbrellie.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Be kind and responsible.

 

Special Hello to: You.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 14th day of March, 2016.

WOW, they are forecasting +5 degrees for today.

I do believe spring is even closer than we may have thought.

I do hope so.

Last night it was not dark until almost 8:00 p.m.

Oh, what a welcome change from December and dark at 4:00 p.m. or so.

I can hardly wait to see if my spring flowers will come up.

I hope that they survived the winter.

When our temperatures go from the + degrees to – double digits it is hard on the trees and other plant life.

We have snow and then it melts.

Then it gets colder.

More snow.

The cycle continues.

Melts …. snows…..cold….

Been a crazy winter for weather.

 

Well here it is Tuesday and almost the middle of the month.

Tomorrow is my great niece’s birthday.

I believe that she may be a teenager – if my calculations are correct.

OH my goodness.

Truly the time flies.

 

Well the time is almost near for me to don my outside apparel and hit the road.

Catch the bus and go to work.

My bus ride is about one hour in length.

I usually take the time to snooze, relax, meditate and think about my day.

If you take public transportation ….. other than checking out things on your phone.

You could snooze, relax, meditate and just ponder life.

Somedays I think that in future generations children will be born with bent necks and thumbs.

Maybe that is because I do not have a phone ….. no, I am certainly not jealous.

It is the constant contact that people seem to need with that rectangular box.

Food for thought.

 

Gotta run.

I hope that you have an awesome Tuesday.

Just try and put your phone away for a period of time.

There is a whole other world out there just waiting for you…….

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Sunday ….. SKYPE, well YES.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 14th day of October, 2016.

YAY, today is Friday and we woke up to dry ground.

Appears we missed the overnight freezing rain and snow mix.

One down “192” days to go.

You are likely wondering what “192” days represents.

Just a quick calculation of the length of our possible winter.

Not so bad.

One less day with a pile of snow or even one morning with less snow is great.

Walking to the bus in a couple feet of snow when your legs are only three feet long is not much fun.

Please be giggling now.

I will admit somedays it is funny watching me wade through the snowbanks.

Last year I had to hold onto the rose bushes for support along the walk way as there was so much snow.

I got to work and was pulling out leaves from my hair, coat and scarf.

In retrospect it was truly funny.

Felt like I was on a winter adventure.

Trying to walk on this snow bank while holding onto the rose bushes.

Trying not to damage them.

The big thing is “snow removal.”

In the wintertime residential areas are the last ones to have the snow removed.

If you have to leave home in the early morning you are at the mercy of Mother Nature.

I have been fortunate as my “adventures” have been few and far between.

Sounds like this might be the winter to change that.

Oh well.

That is okay.

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

I hope that wherever you are …. whatever you are doing……that you are safe and warm.

If you have to drive ….. watch your speed ….. ABSOLUTELY NO TEXTING or TALKING ON THE CELL PHONE….

Your life and the lives of others are so precious.

If you must send a message or take a call – pull over.

Also when you are pulling back out into traffic …. look behind you.

I saw a young woman pulling over the other day in my neighbourhood …. sent a text and pulled out without looking …. sure enough there was

a truck right there and if he had not swerved they would have collided.

Just a reminder to be aware.

Okay time to go.

Happy Friday All….

It would be so nice if there was coffee ready when I got to work this morning.

Thank you.

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of April, 2016.

Last day of April and to think that Mother’s Day is literally one week from tomorrow.

The sun is shining brightly and there is a slightly cool breeze at this time.

A bit later than I usually write this blog but we were up ultra late (after midnight) and first up at 6:00 (Alvin had to have breakfast).

Back to bed for a few more zzz’s as I have determined this to be a cold more than allergies.

My nose is red and dry ….. I would really like to just curl up on the sofa with my coffee and watch television all day but life goes on and there are things to do.

Isn’t that how it works?

Right.

We always need clean clothes and towels.

The floors need to be swept / vacuumed.

Things need to be dusted.

Paperwork to do …..

I really wanted to go and clean the walkway to 62nd Avenue for the fourth time this spring.

It is disgusting.

Each time I walk through I want to scream.

What is wrong with people?

I would love to find a way to make people more responsible for their throwaway stuff.

Someday.

One piece of garbage at a time.

Alvin is getting restless.

 

We sure enjoyed our walk last night.

We walked on the grass all around our lakes in the park near our house, and it was so nice.

I saw from across the lake four teenage boys throwing rocks into the water near some geese.

We were walking in that direction anyway so I took the opportunity to impart some wisdom.

As we got nearer there was one boy on the sidewalk away from the others.

Alvin was growling at him as we approached.

Only the second time he has ever growled at a human being.

The kid was on his cell phone… so not sure what was going on with Alvin.

Anyway I politely checked out the situation by slowly moving toward them.

They said they were throwing rocks into the water but not at the geese.

I politely returned by saying “If you were the geese would you like someone throwing rocks near you.”

I also pointed out that the lake was their home, and should be treated with respect.

The young man that was doing all the talking did not quite not what to say.

I did not continue further as they had stopped, and moved away from the water, rocks and the geese.

As they got nearer to the boy on the sidewalk – one asked what kind of dog Alvin was, and they smiled when I told them his name.

It ended up “friendly” but I could not resist making sure these kids knew it was not acceptable to treat wildlife in this manner.

I honestly do not think they were bad – just nothing better to do.

Well I guess I had better get going …. my clothes will not be climb into the washer on their own.

Laundry time.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday …. last day of April, 2016.

 

I also want to thank my daughter for driving her Momma home from work yesterday, following that drove me to the grocery store, and to the Vet’s to grab some food for her brother.

Yes, I used my $50.00 gift card.

Perfect.

What would I do without my girl.

She is the most gracious, thoughtful, kind-hearted human being, and I cannot believe that she has some of my genes floating around inside her.

Everyday I am so proud of the most wonderful person she has become, and continues to be.

She is simply the best.

We love her very very much.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone …..

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog – it is so appreciated.

Always, Carol and Alvin