The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We had a good sleep including an early start, but that is okay. The sky is that glorious hue of blue and the sun is casting its’ beams off any objects it touches. What a beautiful morning. Al and I have had a glorious weekend despite the rather late start to the day yesterday. I only had one load of laundry to do as I had done laundry on my last day of vacation. Bonus points. After coffee and breakfast and the laundry was washed and dried, Mr. Alvin and I headed out for a walk. I only needed a sweater as it was so beautiful and I took Alvin’s water bottle/dish as well. It was so nice. We saw friends Norbert and Irene out giving some TLC to their lawn and stopped to have a little visit. Alvin loves their yard. While we were visiting another person and her pup walked by, we said hello. Sunny, her pup immediately rolled about on the freshly mowed grass. He was covered in dry grass but looked so happy. His Mom just smiled. There was also a brief conversation with a couple of men, who were having a conversation out front of a house on our way to the park. Everyone was outside and everyone was happy to chat and say hello.

We took our time as we continued walking to the park and once inside, I just let Alvin take the lead and allowed him time to sniff to his heart’s content. I just breathed in the fresh air which actually spelled like spring. We continued on our walk until we spotted a friend out in her yard raking the grass. She noticed us and walked toward us remaining in her yard as we walked to her. We had a long conversation over the fence. I had not seen her for awhile. I always love speaking to Lucy. Alvin sat on the grass and watched other people and their dogs going by, he didn’t flinch, just sat like the good boy that he is. Lucy and I spoke about so many things. Work, her homeland China, the environment, pollution, weather, gardening, people, and more. We had been chatting for likely well over thirty minutes when I happened to turn my head to see another friend out for a walk. I was surprised to see her. It was time for us to keep walking so I said good-bye to Lucy and joined my friend Gillian on her walk. Alvin really had a long walk but I figured with the break in walking he should be okay. We had a good chat on our walk and Gillian walked us home and then was going to head out for another lap. When I got home I saw that we had been gone for almost two hours. WOW. I felt like a million dollars. Refreshed and energized. What a time we had! Once home, I did a few things which included sweeping the floor, moving the IKEA shelves to a different angle in the kitchen, watered plants, finished a necklace that I had been working on, almost finished it anyway. At supper instead of cooking a pasta dish I decided to just have pizza again with a bunch of raw veggies. In between it all I gave Mr. Alvin his supper. What a great day even though we had such a late start. I think being outside was just what the Doctor ordered. After supper I watched an interview on NETFLIX with Oprah and Viola Davis. I was surprised and enthralled by her story. There were several things that we have in common and not her Tony or Academy award wins. She has a beautiful smile and I was sad to hear that people had told her that she was ugly. She is not. It was a great interview. Perfect timing. Then I decided to rent a movie from TELUS ON DEMAND. I couldn’t decide which one and then saw a new movie with Liam Neeson. I love him and decided that from the preview it looked good, so I paid the $7.00 and continued. The movie was called “BLACKLIGHT” and it was really good. A good story. Aidan Quinn was also in the movie and I have also liked him. A good night.

Now for today. My friend Gillian will be here in about one hour for coffee and instructions for looking after Mr. Alvin as I have to go to the office on Tuesday. This afternoon my daughter is coming for a visit. So much company and visiting this weekend and clearly just what was needed. I will be making the pasta dish for supper tonight and setting up my workspace in the kitchen after supper cleanup.

I hope that you have a great Sunday. If you have the opportunity or perhaps make the time to GO OUTSIDE. Say hello to people. Enjoy the sunshine. I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are and that you are well.

I am grateful for the sunshine, warm temperatures and family and friends and for good health and for Mr. Alvin. Grateful for life and for spring. Renewal.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. life is good!

It is a NEW YEAR.

Yes, here we are at the 22nd day of the New Year on this Wednesday.

I just realized this morning that living with Alvin is the longest time that I have lived with a guy, a male.

We just celebrated our 10th Anniversary together.

I have found no matter whether you are canine or human; all relationships require work, consideration and patience.

Respect and love fall into every relationship.

Happy 10th Anniversary Mr. Alvin ….. I love you buddy.

 

We so enjoyed our second regular walk last night.

We also stopped by to see Abi’s Mom.

Abi passed one week ago today.

We will miss that little beagle … she was so beautiful and kind.

 

Last night on a newscast from the United States it was reported that China is banning ALL single use plastics by the end of 2020.

They also are refusing to take the recycled materials that the United States currently ships to them.

I am thinking if one of the highest populated countries on the planet can make this statement and do this; why can’t we?

We need to work quickly on this issue.

Plastics are filling our oceans and soon will fill us as they are marine life.

Then it is only a matter of time.

Life cannot survive filled with pieces of plastics and microplastics.

 

This morning at 3:00 …. the air was warm.

At 5:00 a.m. the air was warm and it was snowing.

Now we have quite the snow accumulation.

 

Well I am running late.

How did that happen?

I just had to have that extra of 30 minutes on the sofa snuggling with Alvin.

Oh, well I would not change a thing.

 

Wishing you a great day.

Be safe and warm.

Treating yourself and all others with KINDNESS and RESPECT.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of October, 2018.

I almost typed/keyed Monday ….. it is funny how habitual we are ….. first day of the work week for me is almost always Monday.

Mr. Alvin is curled up on his blue blanket on the floor beside me.

It is funny how the little things make you happy, make you feel content.

I feel that all is right with the world when Alvin is content, when he appears to be happy.

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

Life is filled with lightness and of dark.

Whether you see the light or feel the darkness.

We all pass the same way.

We are born, we eat and drink, we die.

So why is it that we feel the urge to label everyone.

Does it matter what colour your skin is?

Does it matter if you are woman or man?

Does it matter what your sexual preference is?

Does it matter if you believe in something greater than yourself?

Absolutely not.

We all are born onto this earth and we will all die on this earth.

We have to rethink our in between time on this earth.

So on this Tuesday …. just be a human being.

If you live in Canada, you are still a human being.

If you live in the U.S.A., you are still a human being.

If you live in Mexico, you are still a human being.

If you live in China or Russia, you are still a human being.

Nothing changes.

***********

Tuesday is grow day ….. learn something new.

Mr. Alvin moved from his blue blanket to sitting under my legs on the little piece of rug under my desk.

He likes to be close to me when I am at home.

 

So on this Tuesday, I hope that you are inspired to be a better human being.

I am.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who inspires me daily.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of April, 2016.

Sometimes it is good to take a step back and in this case to April 12th, 2012.

Here are my thoughts ….. funny how they are similar to what I am feeling today.

Thank you.

 

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

Good Great Thursday April 12th, 2012 …..

Good Morning All …..

I just want to start by saying thank you to all those folks who take the time out of their busy schedules to read my blog.

I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I think with this wonderful technology it is amazing that someone can read my words from across the world.

I have always wanted to write a book and have people all over the world read my stories.

Now with my blog ….. my dreams are becoming realized.

This is a first step for me, and I do want to write an actual book(s) one day soon.

This prairie farm girl turned small town gal, and finding her way to the big city along the way ….. is so amazed by all of this.

Often we look at how fast it works, and what it can do for one but at the end of the day it is a simple fact….. you can write a story or your thoughts and within seconds someone in Greece or China or Australia can read what you have written.

It just boggles the mind ….. I LOVE THIS.

Can you imagine what the past great writers would have thought of this ….. or perhaps they did in some way.  🙂

So for this wonderful Thursday ….. my final thought is this ….. even though you have this dream and you think that it is too big ….. just start moving in that direction and where the mind goes …. the body will follow.

Simple fact.

Take care and have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to:  all the writers and dreamers …. you ROCK!

Always, Carol and Alvin, er Mr. Alvin, I mean….. LOL

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of December, 2015.

It is almost 9:00 a.m. and the sky looks like a huge snowbank.

Certainly does not give one the energy to get up and get going.

We went to bed late it was almost 11:00 p.m. as I had been watching a movie.

Up at 6:00 for Mr. Alvin and then back to bed until a few minutes ago.

There are things that I should and can do but somehow laying there listening to he stillness was appealing.

Well now that I am up …. first on the list is to write my blog.

 

Yesterday I had coffee in the morning with my neighbour and took Mr. Alvin along …..

He did not settle down right away and walked every square inch of the main floor sniffing.

Finally after a couple of pieces of some fruit he laid down.

We had a great visit.

During our conversation we decided to take a trip to what is named “The Antique Mall.”

The mall is a huge building filled with a great many vendors that sell various bits and pieces of antiques.

You can buy pretty much anything there from heirloom jewellery to china to that 70’s patchwork leather chair to a 40’s full length fur coat.

There were tablecloths, tins from every decade, old catalogues, magazines and books.

What a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

I found a replacement China plate.

I inherited my Grandmother’s “Lavender Rose” Royal Albert China set.

Somewhere along the way one of the dinner plates was cracked.

Not sure why but I was happy to replace it and for reasonable.

My friend told me that her Mother had mentioned to her that the future of all our fine China is about to change as they are not making it in England it will be made in China.

The way it is manufactured is going to be different so any of the previously made China like mine will not match.

You may not notice if you are buying new but you would notice if you were replacing a piece.

I think suddenly all of China found in Antique stores and the like will become even more pricey.

I was so happy to purchase the plate for $17.00.

In the store it would be many times that price.

I do want to top up the set.

Thinking I could use some small fruit dishes or “nappies.”

Even odds and ends that would go with my clear glasses dishes from Princess House to use everyday.

I also have some luncheon plates from Princess House that are a beautiful green that go with the clear dishes.

Not sure what else …. I want to pull it out and take a look.

Why would they have to change the way something has been made for hundreds of years, why?

I do not think that more things need to be manufactured in China.

That country’s air quality gets worse with each passing minute.

I enjoyed our adventure to the Antique Mall and was pleasantly surprised by all of the people that were out yesterday.

Of course, most of the vendors had percentages off their treasured items so not too surprised.

Time for breakfast and that first cup of coffee.

Happy Monday.

I have seven days of vacation including today ….. it started at ten …. time flies.

So happy to be off and at home.

I hope that whatever you are doing on this first Monday after Christmas that you are “happy and content and safe.”

Special Hello to:  Antique Lovers ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Thursday morning and welcome to August 30th, 2012….

It is a lovely morning here in Edmonton and the sun is beginning to rise in the east.

Tomorrow is my day off from my office job ( I work an extra long day to have this, and I am so grateful to have this option).

Tomorrow I am hosting a garage sale ….. I was thinking of having it on the front lawn but now I am thinking that perhaps I should just keep it in the garage.

After all, most of the items that I am selling are already in there …. would save moving things through the house or through the back gate.

Slight dilemma …. what to do.  I did mention on Kijiji that I might have it in the garage if the weather did  not hold.

I hope that you are having a great day.

As I was in my office and kitchen looking for some items last night ….. I had a huge revelation, and that was I still have lots of things to go through to sell, give or toss.

One thing at a time ….. perhaps I will have time tonight …

Did you have a garage or lawn or patio sale this summer?

Do you hang onto items for various reasons?

Is it hard to let them go?

Yes, yes, and yes for me.

I think that everyone should watch the TLC show “HOARDERS BURIED ALIVE” and that would light a fire under us to get rid of things that we truly do not require.

If you looked around my home for example I would say that it is not even remotely close to being over stocked but at the same time I want to keep only those items that I require to live my life and a few things that remind me of my life.

Even though we think that things make us happy …… really they don’t …… maybe for a short time but it is people and life’s experiences that make us happy and enrich us.

So on this Thursday, I would ask you to take stock of what you have ….. ask yourself the following questions:

1.  Is my home so crowded with things that I cannot live the best life for me?

2.  Does my home bring me joy?  Like when you walk in the door are you “grateful to be home” or does it scare you?

3.  Do I really need 50 boxes stacked in the corner of the basement?

4.  Do I really need all of my Grandmother’s china or example or perhaps I could share some items with family and friends?

5.  Do I really need to keep all of the cards that I have received over the past 40 years?

6..  Go through each room and ask yourself, Does this help me live my life?  Have I used it in the last year? (except Christmas).

I think that you get the idea ….. honestly you will feel light as a feather once you have your home just filled with the items that you love and require to live your best life.

Oh, yeah …. keep those items that you honestly love ……. we all have them.

Gotta run.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello: to all those having garage sales ..  good luck.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Great Thursday April 12th, 2012 …..

Good Morning All …..

I just want to start by saying thank you to all those folks who take the time out of their busy schedules to read my blog.

I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I think with this wonderful technology it is amazing that someone can read my words from across the world.

I have always wanted to write a book and have people all over the world read my stories.

Now with my blog ….. my dreams are becoming realized.

This is a first step for me, and I do want to write an actual book(s) one day soon.

This prairie farm girl turned small town gal, and finding her way to the big city along the way ….. is so amazed by all of this.

Often we look at how fast it works, and what it can do for one but at the end of the day it is a simple fact….. you can write a story or your thoughts and within seconds someone in Greece or China or Australia can read what you have written.

It just boggles the mind ….. I LOVE THIS.

Can you imagine what the past great writers would have thought of this ….. or perhaps they did in some way.  🙂

So for this wonderful Thursday ….. my final thought is this ….. even though you have this dream and you think that it is too big ….. just start moving in that direction and where the mind goes …. the body will follow.

Simple fact.

Take care and have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to:  all the writers and dreamers …. you ROCK!

Always, Carol and Alvin, er Mr. Alvin, I mean….. LOL