2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine FOGGY here in Edmonton morning? Alvin and I are doing well although he may say something different as he is squeaking by the office door. He is getting pretty used to me jumping every time he makes a sound. My fault not his. There has been some thick fog out there this morning although it has dissipated somewhat already. I am feeling more back to my old self this morning. It is not the end of the world if we do not go with this roofing company. Sometimes if we get a “bad feeling” or experience doubt it is better to just walk away. Both myself and my neighbour had those feelings. It was not just the feelings it was the information as well. Anyway, we are on the search for another roofing company and we will find the one that is right for us. Right credentials, right products, right price. We will secure the best company for the job and for us.

Yesterday we had quite a lot of rain in the afternoon. Alvin and I managed to get a beautiful walk in over my lunch break. We even saw some of our friends over the course of our walk and stopped for a little chat. We made it back home with minutes to spare so not late for work. My flowers are doing great with all of this moisture, I think that they grew overnight. The front flower bed is coming to life and the colours are beautiful. Even my snapdragons are all starting to come up or at least I believe it is them. I love flowers, the colours and the scents.

Life is continuing along. Not much new. Just chugging along. Experiencing life as I should. Trying to keep the positive thoughts flowing and remembering that “thoughts do in fact become things.” I know this to be true.

I have recently changed my thoughts to ones of retirement, being mortgage free and new shingles on my roof. Likely would be a great idea to make a vision board to help me in my new vision.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Almost time to head downstairs, get on that pot of coffee and put on some music. I love to start my day with music now that I can.

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. one of my neighbours spotted a pelican in one of our park “ponds” / “lakes.” I did not think we had them here in Alberta but apparently we do. I cannot wait until I see one.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

Well there is a breeze blowing out there.

The sky is clear with hues of oranges as the sun rises.

Looks amazing.

Love sunrises and sunsets.

 

So how are you doing today?

I am doing well.

House is quiet of course without my partner in crime, Mr. Alvin.

He is doing well at his sister’s house.

Now today she has to go into the office so time will tell.

My son-in-law is at home so it will be interesting to see if he “sticks like glue” to him.

My daughter has been telling me that he goes wherever she goes.

If she is working …. he is under her desk or on the dog bed beside her.

If she is in the kitchen …. he is in the kitchen.

In the bathroom …. he’s there, too.

Pretty much the same as with me.

Although occasionally he will sit on the chair while I go into the basement or upstairs.

But most times he is with me.

I am sure that he will have many stories to tell me when he arrives home on Sunday.

Last night they received their first robot vacuum cleaner.

My daughter says with all of the dog hair ….. they had to try something.

She sent me the cutest video.

All three dogs engaging …. watching ….. wondering the vac as it maneuvered around the floor.

Alvin watched intently and kind of followed BoBi, that’s her name.

Aspen walked up to it and then backed away.

She did not want to turn her back to the machine.

Milo had been on the stairs, he came down walked up to it and then away.

Cutest video ever.

They all reacted differently much the way humans do when we encounter something new.

Interesting and funny to watch.

The machine is quite loud.

BoBi is quite loud.

Anyway it was nice to see the pups in a video.

 

Last night two of my girl friends were over for a Diamond Painting evening.

We all are working on projects and felt that it would be fun to get together and work on them.

So great to have a week day get together.

I love my girls.

I am working on my FALL one that yes, I started in July on our other Painting Night with the girls.

Yup, I am falling short on completion date.

Fall is here and I am not done.

Hopefully Fall last for awhile.

Fingers crossed.

 

Did anyone watch the U.S. Presidential Debate?

I will only say this …. I expected nothing less from Trump and was a bit concerned for Joe Biden.

These are interesting times in the world that is for sure.

 

Well it is time to grab that mug of coffee and start work.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday as I was starting to type Tuesday.

Yikes, the week is going quickly.

Take Care and Be safe in all that you do.

I am going to go for a walk at noon.

Not walked since Saturday.

Exercise would be good for me.

Continue to live your life with kindness and respect,

As will I,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

Friday April 10, 2020.

So quiet in the house.

But then again it is always quiet in our house as it is only me and Alvin.

I was thinking this morning of all those single folks such as me, sitting alone in their homes.

I have a brother and sister who are among us single folks.

My heart goes out to all those folks who are alone.

The quiet can be almost crippling sometimes for some people.

Even for me.

I am blessed to have Alvin who gives me the push to go for walks.

I do like walking and I have him to keep me company.

More and more people in my neighbourhood are out walking.

Whether they are alone or pairs or in family groups.

People are out and about ….

It is too hard to stay in the house all of the time.

As long as we practice “social distancing” when outside being outside is SO good for us.

The fresh air and the exercise and the socialization.

If it you are by yourself out walking like I am with Alvin.

Even folks we do not know we always say “hello.”

That is socializing.

We all need that now more than ever.

I do think of folks who live on farms, in small towns, in rural settings.

People who going to visit friends and neighbours was the world to them.

For the past three days we have been outside for TWO walks.

Yesterday we bumped into Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his sister Kobi and Mom.

So we set up a playdate for Alvin and Teddy.

Teddy will be coming over this morning and stay until sometime this afternoon.

I am happy that Alvin is still able to spend time with his friend.

Oh and while out on our walk after work.

I noticed the garage door was up from across the street as we neared our friends house.

So we crossed and while practising social distancing we had the best visit in their garage.

Alvin of course, got some pats and attention.

We talked about weather, the world economy and at home, getting groceries, working from home and so much more.

I told them about my geranium as we talked about our flower gardens and that they may not be.

But I said that I would gladly share some of my geranium so that she could have some pretty pinkness in her garden.

I was so happy to have a visit with them even if it was from a distance.

They are older than me and I worry about them.

Even though they are in good health.

I think that people are beginning to come with creative ways to met with friends and family during this time.

When the snows melts we could gather in garages and on front lawns.

Probably not able to have too many people but in small groups of three or four and practice the social distancing.

We can visit.

So important not only to wash your hands, eat properly, gets lots of sleep, stay hydrated but to have social contact is important to our sanity.

We don’t have to be touching to have social contact.

Just be close enough to chat which is okay ….. six feet or two metres apart.

This summer may be different for a great many of us.

Unlikely that we can run out and pick up flowers from the local nursery or maybe we will.

I hope so.

 

I was going to share some photos of my geraniums but alas I am suffering from technical difficulties.

So will do that later.

Teddy will be here soon and I still have to have breakfast.

We slept in ….. yup …. we did.

Bed later as I read until quite late.

Poop to pick up.

Toast to make.

Coffee to perk.

Quiet day ahead …. Alvin with his friend, walking and just vegging.

We have three days ahead to do laundry and do my taxes and whatever else I decide to add to the list.

Oh, the sun is coming out.

More snow will melt.

YAY.

 

Happy Friday.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Hello Monday morning.

I enjoyed, we enjoyed a pancake breakfast with our girl yesterday.

Of course, Alvin did not eat pancakes although he really wanted to have some.

He did have some banana.

We had a great visit and even had time for a game of sequence and a game of JENGA.

Alvin and I enjoyed a walk after the visit.

We even had a visit with one of my neighbours as we passed along their home.

 

Yesterday my sister, one of my longtime friends and a new friend down the street, all celebrated birthdays.

I spoke to my sister on the telephone, my friend from back and I exchanged long emails catching up and the neighbour down the street, I walked over with a small gift.

February has been chalked full of birthdays.

Every single day had a birthday.

Busy month.

March is another busy month coming up.

This feels like a poem kind of morning.

Something to provoke thought and realization.

I am eternally grateful each and everyday for my life.

Would I change things, some things, perhaps.

But at the end of the day, it is the sum of all the parts, good and bad, that make us who we are.

 

I would like to share a poem that I wrote several years ago.

*******************************

“ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”

There are many mornings when I rise,

That I draw a sigh and am grateful.

Am truly grateful for all that I have and all that I am.

I realize that no matter what, I am blessed.

Blessed with the realization that all things are possible.

I haven’t always been akin to this way of thinking.

But I would say that I have always been a positive being and a “hopeless romantic.”

Some days it is just a matter of putting one positive thought in front of another …

No matter what anyone thinks, life is work.

The work does not always require physical force but always requires “thought.”

Using your brain.

I believe that all things are possible.

Looking back over my life, I would tend to agree.

Think about it!

“All things are possible.”

 

Written April 11th, 2010 by Carol Y Lewis

 

I wish each and every soul, every being that I encounter on my life’s path; a great life.

I wish that for every boulder in the road that you are able to get over it or around it and come out for the better on the other side.

I wish that no matter what life may bring to you, that you are loved.

That you are able to find a way, your way, of course, but a way to be in every day, joyful and in good health.

May love fill each second and abundance fill each day.

Happy Monday.

 

Always, from me and Alvin …….

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and It is Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

Another day closer to Christmas.

One week today is Christmas EVE.

Our weather has been wonderful.

 

I am always so happy when I have a ride home with my daughter.

We chat about our days and catch up with life.

She is the apple of my eye and the warmth in my heart.

Love her with all my being.

We went to COSTCO and surprisingly enough it was not super busy.

There were people but not so many that one feels like you have to duck and dart to move about.

We picked up the items that were on our lists.

I was happy to see several of my items and additional ones on sale.

Then back home, unloaded the car and then she was gone.

Just me and Alvin once again.

I quickly put everything away and then we went for a walk.

It was quite nice out not warm but not cold either.

On the return part of our walk the wind was cold on my face but refreshing all the same.

 

I just had to return to the sofa for a few more zzz’s this morning therefore have to cut this post short.

I apologize.

Perhaps all of everything is catching up and I am so looking forward to the Christmas break.

We will be busy with all of our extra charges but I will be at home and not juggling work and everything.

Life is good …. sometimes a bit busy … sometimes a bit complicated but that is life.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I hope that you are having a great week thus far.

Spend some time with a good friend, your children, or just you.

Enjoy.

Life is spent well with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of April, 2018.

The sky continues to be in the mornings as of late filled with hues of pink and orange as the sun rises in the sky.

I wonder what last year was like on this date?

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Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of April, 2017.

The sky finally appears to have clear breaks ….. our morning sky has been pretty much been overcast for days now.

Some sunshine would be very welcome.

We have had enough moisture for a bit …… I would love some sunshine.

The weekend holds promise weather wise so that is good.

***************************************

It would appear that this week compared to last year was beautiful.

We could use some moisture and if that would appear next week – I would be most grateful.

It has been so great to be able to grab a pair of shoes and put Alvin’s harness on and go.

No more worries about walking and ice.

Last night when we were on our walk as we approached one of our friend’s homes; I could tell that Alvin spotted in outside somewhere.

Long before I did.

He stopped and did not wish to continue.

I looked up and there she was sitting on her upper deck reading a book.

She spotted us and came down.

After I threw a poop bag and some garbage that I had picked up into the trash; we went and joined her upstairs on the deck.

She had treats for the boy, of course.

We enjoyed chatting outside basking in the warmth of the sun.

After we had chatted for over 1/2 hour – we had to go as another friend was coming to our house after supper.

I still had to have supper.

Lucky me, lucky us, we had the absolute pleasure to visit with two FRIENDS last night.

Does not get better than that for a Thursday night.

Well I am catching the bus to and from work this morning as my carpool took the day off from work.

It will be a nice walk to the bus this morning.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Friday.

Love that Mr. Alvin has taken to laying on his blue fuzzy blanket beside me in the office.

Love that guy.

 

Happy Friday.

Do something new today?

Take a chance.

Special Hello to: my friends, I am so grateful that you are a part of my life.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 17th day of November, 2017.

Wow, now this week went fast ….

Last night after supper – I was invited to friends’ house who happens to be one of my neighbours.

I always enjoy visiting with them.

In the summertime, Alvin always spots them working in the yard so we stop by for a visit.

Last night it was just me going for a visit.

I always feel guilty when I leave him in the evening.

Now I seldom go out in the evenings for that reason.

My boy spends enough time alone.

Besides we need time to get things done before bed – which comes very quickly after work.

I had a lovely visit with my friends.

They are all decorated for Christmas.

Their house and yard are beautiful.

It was a wonderful Thursday night.

 

My daughter is picking me up after work (always nice to get a ride home).

Alvin will be pleased to see his sister.

Love our rides together …. chatting and catching up in person.

 

Well I hear some “poop” calling my name.

Yes, I said it.

Have to keep the back yard clean, you know.

He has to go somewhere …..

 

Have a great day.

Remember to smile and share laughter with others.

Always good to laugh.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE soon?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of January, 2017.

Yes, 2017.

Happy New Year.

I hope that you all had a wonderful time last night.

My evening was awesome.

One of my neighbours invited me over along with two other friends of hers.

We had good food, mainly non-alcoholic drinks (which is fine by me), chatted and played cards.

We laughed and shared stories.

It was so much fun.

It was a nice change from sitting at home although I missed snuggling with Alvin.

So here we are ….. Alvin will be home in a little bit which is great.

He is slowly getting used to Aspen our newest addition.

Her size kind of intimidates him.

Both the sky and the ground match in their white grey hues this morning.

Sure would be nice to see the sunshine.

Seems like we have not seen much of old Mr. Sun as of late.

Temperatures are to be cooling down just in time to go back to work but that is okay.

One more day before heading back to the office.

It was a great week or so off ….. relaxed ….. ate way too much …… spent time with family and friends both in person and via SKYPE.

Time to go and have a “late breakfast” …….  I got to bed late and in turn eight hours later I am up at 10:30, argh.

Happy New Year to You All.

Special Hello to: All my Family and Friends …… thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 29th day of November, 2014.

It is a frigid cold morning here in Edmonton.

On the plus side the SUN is shining.

I worked last night for Black Friday at the store and just got to bed around midnight.

Seems like I just went to bed and Alvin was wanting me to get up to give him his breakfast.

So just after five a.m. we were up and then when he was done it was back to bed.

Although I have already washed one load of laundry, put in the second and hand washed the ‘tupperware containers’ and miscellaneous odd chores it feels like I just got up.

Well I am off for my me time …

Having coffee with my friend “G” …. I love chatting with her and catching up.

I am still feeling a bit of the “boot camp’ from Tuesday night.

Not too much but a little bit in my legs when I bend over.

Another busy Saturday ahead …. laundry, going to visit my nephew in the hospital, grocery shopping, housework and finishing my Christmas cards (meaning 2/3 of them).

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

Remember to take some time for yourself.

I am right now.

Take care.

Special Hello to: my fellow human beings ….

Always, Carol and Alvin