The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning! Happy Saturday. Welcome to our never ending SAGA. The house of almost no sleep. That is how I feel at this moment. I had planned to get up earlier but when you are up and up from 1:30 onward getting up and staying up at 7:00 does not look much like a plan. Poor Mr. Alvin is not having a good time of it all. We cannot walk until at least Monday. Whenever he is outside in the backyard he has to wear something on his feet. The only thing that I could come up with is, some of my socks. I found some that had good elastic in the top so that they would not slide off right away. Every time he goes outside I have to go with him no matter the time of day or night. Usually the socks slip down and I am walking behind him hiking them up. At first he was unhappy about the socks but now he is okay. We only started this yesterday morning after I call his Doctor. I spoke with one of the staff and was told he needs to wear something on his front paws to keep them clean so that they can heal. Makes sense to me. I had been between the time we came home on Thursday afternoon and until Friday morning washing and drying them off each time he went outside. This is a bit easier. Both Alvin and I are tired. I am grateful though that his paws will heal soon. So no hair cut or bath this long weekend. That will have to wait until next weekend. I will depending on the weather plant my flowers perhaps on Monday.

We were so happy to have our girl stop by on her way home for a visit. I made us coffee and we had a good visit. So much conversation and catching up. Seems like lots happening. I asked her to hold up Alvin so that I could more clearly see where to place the salve but it was difficult with Mr. Squirmy Pants. But I have a better idea. At the Vet they showed me but somehow I needed to see again at home. Everything is different at home, right?

So busy weekend. I want to wash down the deck, pull out all of my flower pots to plan what will go where, pull out the last bit of the two shrubs from the back flower bed, clean out said flower bed, put in a pile all those items to go to the ECO Station, clean out the office closet, go through Christmas stuff in the basement and the big cupboard with craft supplies etc. which is in the family room. We may have one of my daughter and son-in-law’s friends come to stay with us for a little while while she finds a place on this side of the city. So I need to get prepared. Even if she decides not to, I need to go through things and get ready for the June garage sale. Lots to do. Hopefully the weather will hold. There was frost on the ground this morning. I need to trim the grass in the backyard as it is long. Time to charge the battery pack for the grass trimmer. Sometimes I use it instead of my push lawn mower. Easy peasy.

So as per always plans change. But that is okay, my whole life has been a series of changes. I am sure that most people feel this way. I am accustomed to change but that doesn’t mean that I like things changing constantly. But that is life.

I am so grateful for the bright blue sky and the sun shining this morning.

I am so grateful for the visit with my daughter yesterday after work.

I am so grateful that I live, that we live in our own house.

I am grateful that Alvin will heal and be his old self once again.

I am grateful for summer days and summer nights.

I am grateful for each birthday.

I am grateful for each day on this earth.

Thank you for reading my posts. My life is not exactly exciting but there is always something happening.

Usually a work a round whether in my personal or work life.

I will be happy to see my flowers in pots and smiling at me on the deck and in the gardens.

The leaves are green and the lawns are getting there as well.

The bunnies are brown.

Time to go and have a refreshing shower and then put the coffee on before starting the laundry.

I need to make a list of things to sell, things that need to be done and the timelines.

Oddly enough, I do like making lists. So that will be fun.

Happy Saturday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities. There are always possibilities. You just have to keep your eyes open.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I need to post some photos. You need to see Mr. Alvin sporting socks. Instant smiles.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? Alvin and I are doing well. We had a reasonably good sleep last night which was awesome. There is a breeze this morning and the skies are filled with rain clouds. The ground outside is wet. We definitely could use some rain at this point. No complaints from this gal. I love that word. “Gal.” Please note that I have no idea if there is a deeper meaning other than when referring to a girl. Oh, the wind is getting up as I watch the trees sway back and forth. Yesterday we had a lovely walk around our “ponds” over the noon hour. We saw some of our neighbours out and about. After work I thought after our long day “at work” that perhaps a walk would loosen me, us up. So off we went. We were only a few doors down when we came across our friend Crystal just parking her car after arriving home from somewhere. She had the youngest son with her “Zane.” He is the sweetest little guy and loves Alvin with a quiet passion. As soon as he saw us, he was over like a rocket. Giving Alvin some kisses and hugs. He wanted so badly to come for a walk with us and hold onto Alvin’s leash. Well Alvin could easily pull the little guy over but I was there for support. I asked Crystal if okay and she said of course as she had to go and pick up the mail from the community mailbox. I said that we would just walk to the park and back which would only be a few minutes. Well Mr. Alvin was definitely not certain of what was going on. He kept looking for me even though I was right there. I had to jump in once in awhile as Zane was definitely not he pack leader between him and Alvin. But we managed and Zane was happy and Alvin was just confused and not really happy that I was not holding the leash. We got to the park and back to their house with no boo boos, thank goodness. Alvin does not like anyone other than me holding the leash. He will tolerate his sister and brother-in-law but that is it. He is a one human …. dog. For sure. Anyway it was cute and a fun way to start my evening.

Yesterday my place of employment officially changed their name from Capital Region Housing Corporation to CIVIDA. It did provide some issues yesterday with all things computer, if you know what I mean. But those issues will get fixed and life will go on. I like the name, it is shorter for one thing. I am certain that I will mess up the name or say the old name from time to time. Change always takes a bit of time for adjustment. That is okay. I have been through so much change with this company over the past ten year.

Last night I watched a movie that I had recorded. It was amazing. Malika the Lion Queen narrated by Angela Bassett. She was the perfect choice to narrate this movie. The story of a lioness from Africa. If you have an opportunity to watch it …. please do. It is happy, sad and really runs all one’s emotions. Not only was the story interesting but I learned so much about lions. I will never forget Malika.

Well it is time to hop off of the computer, get the coffee perking and hop onto a different computer for work. I wish you a wonderful Thursday.

Living this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on the patience. Some days it is easier than others.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well it is raining once again here in Edmonton.

We had a beautiful day yesterday.

Sunshine but incredibly windy.

Now it is not so windy and raining.

Everything is in a great state of green.

 

Over the past several months we have all been so much incredible change and so much flux, happening almost daily.

Some folks have lost their jobs.

Others are gladly retaining their jobs but working from home.

Some families have lost family member or members due to this virus.

Some folks have been waiting to have surgeries that have been cancelled or delayed.

Families with children are coping with on-line and at home schooling.

People have had their incomes reduced.

Seniors not able to easily access food and medicines.

All folks having to go through a real ordeal just to put food on their tables.

Then there are all the folks who must go to work each day …. the front line workers.

Such a range of jobs that takes these folks away from their families into a great uncertainty each and every day.

The long hours, little sleep, not a decent meal.

Our normal celebrations with large crowds have been cancelled.

Vacations different.

So much change.

Change that literally touched each and every person on this planet in one way or another.

I know that I have missed so many different situations and if I had more time, I could likely add to this but I am one of the lucky ones.

I have a job.

I have a job that allows me to work from home.

I can be with my Alvin, my pup who is getting older and each week, month and year is precious.

So I very much appreciate this situation.

It was a transition for sure but now that I have things figured out – it is great.

 

I guess my point in all of this is – we do not know what others are feeling or going through at this time.

We must be patient.

We must be kind and respectful.

We must listen.

We must do whatever it takes for us all to be safe.

If that means wearing a mask, then wear the mask.

If that means keeping six feet apart, then keep the distance.

We all need to be good global citizens.

In this situation, at this time, we, each and every one of us can make a difference.

To do whatever it takes.

 

I wish you all a great day.

Living my life with kindness and respect and gratitude.

So much gratitude to my fellow human beings.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and we are cruising toward November 1, 2019.

Where did the time go?

I cannot believe it is less than two months until Christmas and then the New Year.

2020.

That freaks me out just a little bit.

When I was a child I actually thought of this year and 2025.

What would be going on in the world?

Where would my family be?

Wondering if I fulfilled my dreams of being a Registered Nurse and a Writer.

Where would I be living?

Would I be happy?

The house with the white picket fence was that in my future?

Four children ….. two girls and two boys, of course.

That was my perfection.

Grandchildren possibly.

One never knows where life will take you.

I am perfectly happy with the way that things turned out.

I am okay with the choices that I made.

Perhaps I could / should have done things differently but then I would not have and be where I am today.

It is a package deal.

You cannot have one person, one thing without the other.

So if I zigged instead of zagged …. I could have been living on a farm in southeastern Saskatchewan or perhaps in the big City of Regina or in London or New York.

I may have been married with more than one child.

I may have become a nurse.

Who knows?

But I know that the choices I made at the time were right for me at that time.

I have the most exquisite daughter.

I have my best buddy Mr. Alvin.

I have a job that sometimes drives me crazy.

I have a house which I bought on my own.

I am healthy.

Life is good.

I am surrounded by great friends.

I have the best sister and brothers on the planet.

So that is that.

I have never spent much time worrying or thinking about what may have been …..

I believe in living in the present …..

You cannot change the past but you can change the present which changes the futures.

Now that is a lot of change….

 

Just living my life trying to be kind and respectful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of January, 2018.

I believe that another beautiful day is on the way, weather wise.

There is a wind but that is okay.

We had beautiful weather this weekend.

 

Wow, the middle of January already.

We are well into the New Year now.

Do you find that any New Year feels vastly different from the previous one?

Maybe that is a good sign or maybe not.

Does that mean that life for you or perhaps for me, stays relatively the same?

I guess if we are happy with the way things are – then it is okay.

What happens if you have been working tirelessly each year to make changes and nothing happens?

Likely time to change your approach.

Maybe speak to someone that can help you with your approach – with your changes.

It is always good to talk to others if you are finding yourself stuck in a gear.

Time is valuable and if we want to make the most of it, we must try.

 

I have a pretty good life.

Now not exactly what the original plan was but then again those plans change.

It is good for them to change.

What was important to you when you were ten, sixteen, twenty-five, thirty, forty or even fifty-fifty may be different.

That is just the way that things go.

Also carry some method of taking notes with you as you never know where or when inspiration will appear.

Take a chance.

You may be surprised.

 

Well here we are once again, time to leave for work.

The weekends seem to evaporate but I am grateful to have them.

Yesterday my daughter and grand pup, Milo came for a visit.

We had a great time.

I even was able to make the trip to the grocery store that had not worked out on Saturday.

All is well.

Good conversation and the fridge is full, again.

 

Special Hello to: those folks who are embarking on a new chapter in their life.

You never know where change will take you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of October, 2017.

Another beautiful day on the way.

So grateful to have these warm FALL days.

It will make WINTER shorter and more enjoyable.

 

Can you believe that Halloween is one week from today?

That makes November 1st next Wednesday!

Oh my goodness ….. Christmas decorating just around the corner.

We have scheduled the big event for Friday, November 3rd, 2017.

My daughter is coming to help me.

I saved the DEEP DISH APPLE pie that my friend sent me a couple of weeks ago for that evening.

It is safely sitting in the fridge freezer.

It will be a great evening …… my daughter over …… not just apple pie but DEEP DISH apple pie …… DECORATING the CHRISTMAS TREE.

Over the weekend, I will finish off the decorating.

Once Halloween is over, I will decorate outside as well.

Hopefully the weather holds out for the little TREATERS and for ME.

 

Lots of things coming up.

My favourite times of year are back to back.

 

I have already started the thought and preparation process for our gifts.

Also we had our photos done and it turned out great.

Me, Alvin looks so cute.

I am grateful that my daughter is a photographer, professional one at that.

We should all take a step back from the retail madness and make some personalized gifts for family and friends.

I know that if everyone did that …. retail would suffer ….. people would not get as many hours.

But as things change ….. times change …… jobs change….. the way we do things …..

 

Well here we go …. almost time to leave for the bus.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Maybe this year …… make one gift for that special someone.

You can get lots of ideas from PINTEREST and the WEB.

Check them out ….. magazines, too.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to:  CRAFTERS …… keep doing what you do…

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of November, 2016.

Lovely morning.

Only a light frost more of a mist on the cars which is a great sign.

Yesterday was beautiful and today the forecast is for +15 celsius – amazing for this time of year.

These extra blessed summer/early fall type days are so appreciated as they just make our winter shorter.

YAY, us.

Last night on our way to the park we waved to our friends and ended up visiting.

One dinner party for Christmas invitation done – check.

Later I called one of my other friends and invited her.

There are three of us that take turns hosting dinner.

Now to plan the menu.

I love the planning.

My turn and I thought we should do it for Christmas.

Appears that November and December will be busy and that is good.

Enjoying good company is never a bad thing.

Tonight after our walk while supper is cooking the Halloween decorations will all come down.

I started but they all get put away tonight as da-da-da tomorrow night the ChRiStmAs TrEE goes up.

My friend “G” is going to help me assemble the tree as my daughter is otherwise engaged for the next while.

She is such a busy girl and although it was a little thing we had been doing together since I moved to Edmonton – sometimes

things do not always go according to plan and you know what – I have learned not to fret and am now okay with things changing.

Now I would not say that I love a mad amount of change(s) but some is okay.

At the office there is always change and I guess that has helped me get over my fears.

Perhaps not so much fear but losing control.

Anyway.

So excited to get that tree out of the boxes and decorated.

So happy ….

Move things around …. decorate the front of the house while the weather is nice.

Decorate the inside of the house.

These always take a few days to complete but the main focus is the TrEE …… cannot have Christmas without the tree.

Started putting together ideas for Christmas gifts.

Thinking about baking.

Our Christmas photo done – check

Duplicate photo, Christmas cards and letters to do.

Well almost time to hit the road for work.

Thank goodness Alvin slept until almost 4:30 this morning ….. YAY.

I am not sure how many 3:00 a.m. mornings I could handle.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: my sister and family and friends back home …

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 2nd day of December, 2015.

It is an absolutely beautiful morning here in Edmonton …. warm temperatures.

I do not know what it is outside but it felt warm on my face when I was out with Mr. Alvin earlier ….

How are you this morning?

Thinking about life?

Thinking about time?

Thinking about December?

Yes, me too.

I am thinking that it is a gorgeous morning.

I am thinking that my life is pretty great.

I am thinking that wow I am 58 and it is December 2, 2015.

I am thinking that wow December already time to finish those cards and get baking.

Lots to think about.

Always good to take a few minutes here and there to reflect on things.

Perhaps change up your dreams.

Write that list ….

Mix things up.

I guess that is my thought for the day ….

“Mix things up.”

Even though change scares the pants off of me …. I do love change.

Maybe it is the fear that drives the love, I do not know but it works.

Perhaps it is that way for most folks …. you have to be scared in the beginning to find the love.

I guess it could be true for most things in life.

Well I spent one two many minutes on FB this morning.

I have changed up our schedule due in part to the recent visitors and hopefully that is the last of them …. I hope that they went south.

Today I am going to mix things up …. just a little.

It does not have to be radical change …. just move things around …..

Last night as I was getting ready for bed … I realized that I must have over 15 perfumes from Bath & Body Works ….. definitely more than 15.

So I am taking them to work.  Most of them have been sprayed once or twice.

Might as well let someone else enjoy them, right?

So this is mixing it up so to speak.

Moving things out so that you can bring something in.

I am perhaps babbling as it is now time to hit the shower …

Time always flies by in the morning …..

I will do better with something over the course of the day …. change wise.  I promise.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my baby sister ….. Hello …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2015.

We have a new government voted in last night in Canada.

The Liberal Party won with a majority vote.

So let us see what they can do for us.

Congratulations Justin Trudeau.

Change can be good.

 

I certainly know all about change.

In the years prior to moving to Alberta my life was pretty much the same.

With this I mean …. that I got up …. went to work and went home.

I did volunteer work and visited with my friends and family.

Work was for the most part the same.

Although we did implement a new computer system in the 90’s.

I knew my job …. lived in the same apartment …..

Since 2008 my life has been full of change.

Some good some not.

But all I can say is that you have to embrace whatever comes your way.

You always have a choice not matter what the situation is ….

Choice is to make it okay or not.

Why stress over CHANGE when it comes into your life.

Just hold onto to it, and run.

If you put a positive spin on change it will not seem so overwhelming.

Why stress ….. I think in these past few years that most people have been dumped right into the midst of change.

Change in the economy and to their jobs.

Change in family and friends.

Change in health.

Change.

So on this Tuesday …. when change comes your way ….. embrace it.

We do absolutely require CHANGE to grow.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Special Hello to:  so grateful for the video chat with my sister and great niece on Sunday night.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday May 21st, 2015.

Beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Today is TRY SOMETHING NEW day …..

or at least for me.

I am wearing my hair off my face and up.

I always have bangs so this is definitely new.

Perhaps I have done this in the privacy of my home but not out in public.

I do remember I had my hair french-braided back in the 70’s, and it was off my face then.

Time for a change.

Most change is due to necessity and same this time.

When I washed my hair night before last I went to bed with wet hair.

I knew this was wrong but did so anyway.

My bangs went crazy.

So let’s see what happens today.

It feels good and that is all that matters.

Perhaps it is time to go and purchase some more headbands.

So go forth in the world today and try something new.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those who try something new and to the rest who want to but are not just quite ready.

Always, Carol and Alvin