A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we are doing okay here in Edmonton at this house. I had four hours straight sleep last night and it has made all the difference in the world. Alvin well he is getting better, I think. I have to keep that outlook on the positive side. Somedays, like yesterday, I admit, not so easy. I appreciate all the love and support that I have in this world. We all know that sometimes you just need to vent. When you live by yourself, that venting or speaking aloud manifests with talking to oneself or perhaps writing on paper or on a blog if you happen to have one. Anyway that you can put your thoughts out to the Universe is a good thing. Keeping them all inside is definitely not a great idea. I suppose that I never thought in a million years that at age 65, I would be in the situation. I always dreamed of having my own house and from a young age thought it would be filled with the perfect partner and children and grandchildren. Likely a pup or two or maybe a cat. Like most people thinking by age 65, I would be retired and living that dream. Well things do not always work out that way. I made some unusual choices later and perhaps even earlier in my life and I suppose they brought me to this place. Am I bitter and sorry, hell no. Am I perhaps a bit nervous about how to start this next chapter, absolutely. But you have to be brave and pick yourself up and figure it out. No one can help you make your choices. Of course, people can pose ideas and perhaps offer advice but at the end of the day it is up to you and should be up to you.

It is snowing outside this morning. My Alvin, my buddy. I sure hope that he gets well soon. I would jump in a snowbank to have him back the way he was before all of this …… really.

It is almost time to head downstairs so that we can go outside before I leave for work. Yes, today is a go to the office day. Not sure why but the higher ups insist upon it.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

For some reason near the end of the day, I figured that baking some chocolate chip cookies was a good thing and would be a happy distraction from my world. I guess I would say it worked. I took a few over for Sonja & Steve and have a container to take to work and have some for treats at home.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Cause a world without coffee is not tasty.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Grateful to have good health, a beautiful home, income to live our lives, a ride to work and wonderful and supportive family and friends.

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We, I am doing well. So used to saying “we”……. I will say that I thought that I would sleep better if not getting up at all hours of the night but that has not been the case. Likely will improve in a few days. Report from my daughter that Alvin is doing well and adjusting to the new surroundings. They do not have an upstairs which is great for him. Will give him a reprieve from climbing up and down the stairs. I do miss my partner in crime and all things called “life.”

I do not remember if I reported the countdown to Christmas yesterday or not but today is Monday, December 5th and that leaves “19” sleeps until Christmas Eve.

My hands are cracked from all of the hand washing done over the past couple of days when I was baking. Baking done. 10 dozen or 120 chocolate chip cookies, 155 pieces of fudge and 215 iced sugar cookies for a total of 490 pieces of baking. That should do it. I actually ended up with more than I originally thought. So grateful that it is all done and ready to be packaged and delivered to some families and then rest is for Christmas parties and home.

Last night after the sugar cookies were iced, the fudge was cut into pieces and I had cleaned up my mess, I hauled up the wrapping paper and bags and tissue paper from the basement, brought down from upstairs all of the gifts that I had bought. Including were all of the items from my gift drawers. The things that I purchase extra when on sale – just to ensure that I have something for all of the people on my list. So the table is filled with items awaiting to be reviewed and wrapped if needed. Once I am finished this post, I am going to have a shower, get dressed and head downstairs. I will make some coffee and then start wrapping. I am excited to see Mr. Alvin open his gifts. He does such an amazing job of opening presents and he loves it so much. I have enough time today to do all of my wrapping.

This afternoon at 2:00 p.m. I will be attending the online streaming of my neighbour’s son. Hopefully most of the wrapping will be completed before the funeral. I have a few other things on my TO DO LIST for the rest of the day. Tomorrow is back to work and I am working from home for Tuesday and Wednesday and then to the office for Thursday and Friday. Lots going on this week.

Well time to head to the shower, I need some coffee this morning. Hopefully tonight is a better sleep as I get into a routine without my boy. I miss him but I do believe that it is good for both of us. Amanda said that they are loving having him with them. That does help.

Happy Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (he is with me in spirit and I when I close my eyes I can see him lying on the carpet outside the office door)…..

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! It has been a strange almost 24 hours. Yesterday morning I awoke with Alvin next to me and my daughter sleeping in the spare bedroom. This morning I awake to myself. Just me. It has been years since I have been alone in the house. Feels odd, strange and lonely. Yesterday at the stroke of NOON, Alvin left with my daughter for three weeks or so and will be home on Christmas EVE. Yesterday it was hard to see him go and I did shed some tears for my boy and then I got busy. I have lots to do and that was part of the point to get some things done and to have some downtime. Packing him up to go was akin to packing up a child to go away. There was his favourite blanket, I sent a bed for the car and in case he wanted his although Amanda said they have more beds than pups at home. I packed his food for three weeks which seemed like a lot but not really, his meds, his dishes, his toothbrush, toothpaste, ear cleaner and toys. Oh, his sweater, harness and leash. Although he did wear his harness in the car and was strapped in safely in the back seat while sitting on his favourite blanket and his bed so he was comfy although I am not sure he thought so. I think that I forgot something, oh and the pumpkin. There was food and pumpkin that was open in dishes in the fridge that was packed and went. They made it to Alberta Beach and Amanda reported that he is doing great. He did pant on the drive out but did not drool which is a step up for him. For the guy that seldom sets a paw into the motor vehicle. I am both pleased and very relieved. I wonder how last night went. I went to bed at 9:30 and read for a few minutes before lights out but did not fall asleep for a long time. How long I do not know as I did not get up to check the time. I woke up a couple of times during the night to go to the bathroom. I was laying thing trying to convince myself that I should get up and when I checked the clock it was 6:30 so I stayed in bed until just after 7:30. Yes, I should have likely got my butt out of bed but just to lay there with no one wanting me to move and do anything was great. I have all day to get things done.

Just after Amanda and Alvin left yesterday, I went to put something in the hall closet likely my jacket and before I knew it, I was cleaning it out. It was done at the end of fall but needed it again. Reorganized and cleaned the floor and proudly displayed my new winter boots. Following that I sat down and did some things on my phone before starting to bake.

Yesterday I made four batches of fudge which I am not sure how many pieces that will make, I am going out on a limb and guess around 100 pieces and then I baked 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies. I had supper in between the 5 dozen cookies mark.

I think it was about 7:30 or so when I finished cleaning up. So I enjoyed some Christmas movies while snuggling under our favourite red blanket.

Today’s schedule or agenda is SUGAR COOKIES. I am thinking about four batches but will see how many individual cookies I make. Each cookie will need to be iced and then there is laundry. I have already changed bedding, towels, gathered laundry and reorganized my bedroom clothes closet. Just will finish this post and do some online banking before heading downstairs where I will make some coffee and make the first batch of sugar cookies so they can be chilling while I start laundry. Whew.

I am glad that I booked tomorrow off as a vacation day. Tomorrow afternoon is also the funeral of our neighbour’s son. The service will be streamed so I will be able to attend via online. I also have to run and pick up toothpaste and movoflex for Alvin as Amanda will stop by on Wednesday after work to pick up. Going to be a busy week.

Have a wonderful day.

I just received a text from Amanda. Mr. Alvin was up at 4:30 to pee and then back to sleep until a bit ago and has just finished breakfast (8:20 a.m.). WOW. All is well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (even though he is not here at the moment, he is always with me in my mind, heart and soul.)

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am more relaxed this morning than yesterday and had a bit more sleep than the previous night. I reached out to one of my friends and to my daughter and both did not reach the same conclusions that I had about the piece of something that I found on my kitchen floor. So I am going with their conclusions and am resting a bit easy.

Another cold morning and it is snowing. I am going to the office today and our neighbour will come and check on Mr. Alvin. Would be nice when the temperatures were cold that we could just stay home. But not the case. Oh well. Snuggling with Alvin is much more appealing than going outside.

Two more days and I start the Christmas baking. Getting prepared and a schedule worked out in my mind. I will start on Friday night and have done early on Monday. The list of items contains Sugar Cookies, Fudge and Chocolate Chip Cookies. I also picked up ready made tart shells and a jar of mincemeat to make some tarts. Not really baking as the work is already done but I am making them for us for Christmas. I may make Raisin Cookies should time allow. But definitely the first three items will be done this weekend. There is also organizing of all my storage containers for the cookies as I will need to freeze them for a bit before handing them out to friends and neighbours. Some are required for different Christmas parties and for Christmas time. I am excited. Will be busy but fun.

Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1st, 2022! Where has the time gone. Soon we shall be in the countdown to Christmas Eve / Day and the New Year. 2023 that is just unbelievable.

Well I suppose I should head back downstairs. I need to go outside and pick up the poop from earlier. Finishing touches on things to take to work. Snuggles with Mr. Alvin. That is the most important thing that I need to do between now and when my ride arrives.

I hope that you have an awesome day. Keep warm and stay safe.

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

I am looking forward to coffee this morning. Thinking that I should make my own and take to work.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you well. Looks like 12 more sleeps till Christmas EVE! Did I count right yesterday, I hope so. The sun is now rising in the morning sky. We had some snow overnight which has placed a beautiful white blanket over the rooftops, decks, lawns, and streets. Hopefully most people have that ice cleared from underneath.

Yesterday I did laundry, packaged some Christmas baking and the Christmas cards and in the early afternoon, Alvin and I set out to make some deliveries. Our first delivery was at home so stopped in for a visit. This person happens to be a friend who moved into the area earlier this year. So we had a nice visit and tour around the house to see what she had done. J’s pup is younger and full of energy. He was running about and Alvin just at one point gave him a stern ruff ruff a couple of times and before we left the pup had actually was relaxed playing with his chew treat. I had not realized the effect that Alvin has on other young ones giving the opportunity to show it. Then we were off but not running. As we left her house, my neighbours were coming home and they both said “be careful of the ice.” Sonja’s boyfriend has cleared the ice in front of their house and one chunk that I was unable to clear in between ours. I ran out of ice melt. So grateful. I told them we would be extra careful. Luckily most of our sidewalk all the way to the park was cleared. The next stop was Joanna and Jaz but no one was home so we carried on. The next house the family’s Nanny answered the door and happily took the card and treats for the family (I was glad that I put extra in the box for her). Further down the street another friend was out chipping away at the ice in front of her parents house, they are away visiting family back home so she stays in their house with her dog Rio. We chatted for a few minutes before dropping off cards at two more friends down the street which were not home so I carefully tucked them into the mailbox making sure that they could see the envelope sticking out. I received a message last night from of the them so I know one card was received. On our way home, we stopped at our friends with the beautiful yard but no one was home. We were just walking on the public sidewalk heading toward the mailbox when I heard a voice and saw that our friend Joanna was out on the step of her house so we very carefully walked across the street (yes checked for cars coming both ways) and headed to deliver their treats and card. We popped in for a nice little visit. Her pup Jazmin is now over 16 years old, she is deaf but was okay to see her old friend. Afterwards we headed home. At home I turned on more laundry before packaging some treats and the card to deliver to Sonja and her boyfriend. I managed to get most of the deliveries made. I have two in the fridge to do today and will also make up another box for J&E who live next door to us. I will have the box to make up for Alvin’s Vet and Staff (our dear friends) to deliver this week, a box for my daughter and her husband and one for his family for Christmas Eve. Oh, last night I baked six dozen chocolate chip cookies as I felt I was running low. I think that I will be making another batch of fudge as it is definitely almost gone.

Something interesting that came out of yesterday. So my friend J and her pup Carter who moved into the neighbourhood earlier this year and who lives a few doors away from us – just happens to have her work boss living a few doors away from her. She did not realize that he lived so close. Now we all work for the same company. I happen to know him not just from work but actually from our walks as he has a small pup. He lives a few doors away with his wife and two children. So, H and his family are going away for a couple of weeks over Christmas and she had volunteered to look after Cookie, the family’s small dog but her dog Carter was way to energetic for Cookie and scared her. So she is unable to keep Cookie while they are away. When they had gone over the summer they were forced to leave her at a puppy daycare but Cookie was so scared without them and with all of the other animals that she would not eat. My friend suggested that perhaps he ask me. I told her of course, please let him know that Cookie could stay with us but would be good to come for a visit beforehand. So as luck would have it while we were out delivering cookies, we bumped into H and Cookie out for a walk. I mentioned to him about Cookie staying with us and I could just see the stress melt away from his body as I explained that he should bring her over just so that she could get her bearings and be in our house with Alvin. He did just that. Later in the afternoon H, his daughter and pup Cookie came over. It was so beautiful to watch. The pup while was scared to initially come into the house likely due to Alvin bolting to the door to say hello, finally was coaxed to come in. Alvin said hello and she ran around the main floor. Investigating his toys and every little thing. She would go and jump up onto the chair where H was sitting and be wagging her tail. H told me that she usually has her tail down and between her legs whenever she is around other dogs. Scared of them. She has not had the opportunity to socialize with dogs and is frightened. He did mention that it was funny that whenever we bumped into them while out walking – Cookie never was scared around Alvin. So who knew Alvin was a “dog whisperer.” Everyone was so happy. Cookie ran around checking things and Alvin sat on the sofa next to me just chilling. So Cookie will be staying with us for two weeks while the family is away. I am super proud of Mr. Alvin. It is so funny that he is anxious to be away from me but calms other dogs who are anxious.

So we will have four doors at Christmas time. YAY. So exciting. Well time to get dressed, have some coffee and then after a quick breakfast I want to give Mr. Alvin a quick hair trim and bath. I think it has been one month since his ear medicine. We have to wait for 30 days before he can bath after having that medicine. I will double check. There is a bit more laundry to do and baking to deliver and package. The day will likely go quickly. I am over the moon to be able to help a neighbour. They will not have to worry about their little pup who is going to have fun, be relaxed and be safe with us. I figure that she will be okay with Aspen and Mi-Mi as Alvin will be here and she will have almost one week with us before they arrive for Christmas. Aspen is so chill, she won’t bother Cookie and Mi-Mi will of course want to say hello and perhaps play.

Have a great day and remember there is always something you can do to help a fellow human!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. when I walked into the spare room this morning to retrieve the pillows to put on our bed after it was made, I decided to clear the closet for possible extra company at Christmas. Funny how when the moment hits – it is good to just go with it. Another item off my checklist. YAY, me.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? Hard to believe the weekend is over already. Where does the time go? Alvin is patiently waiting in the hallway for me. He is laying on his tummy. I finished the Christmas cards and letters to be mailed yesterday. So once the photos arrive and are placed in with the cards and are sealed – they will be ready to be mailed. The mail to date is for December 2, 2021. I think that I read somewhere that our postage is increasing in the new year. Isn’t everything? It is pretty scary to think that there may be some shelves at the grocery store empty over the next days, weeks and months ahead. Items that are stuck in transit or just are beyond the reach of the grocers. I see very likely that our diets will change accordingly. With the recent events (flooding) in the Fraser Valley – the farm area – it will definity affect all of us. The farmers will be reeling from the loss and it will then turn to the consumer. Then there are the storage containers stuck in port in both Canada and the U.S. We may be reaching the end of the Pandemic or are we? I have not looked at the number lately but I have hope that people will get vaccinated and slow down the variants. Who would have thought that all this would happen? It sounds like a movie. I just take one day at a time. Keeping all those affected one way or the other in my thoughts and heart. It is surely getting crowded in there but you know I am feeling a lot of gratitude for my life. I have a nice home, Alvin and I are in good health, I am employed and able to work from home, I am able to plan my meals around what is accessible, I have clean drinking water, I have heat in my home, I am surrounded by good neighbours, I have a wonderful family and so much more. So everyday I am grateful. It is gratitude for my life and all those in it that get me through each and every day. No matter what has happened or will happen, I am grateful. Grateful that the sun rises each and every morning. Grateful that when Alvin wakes up – I can get up with him. Grateful that I wake up each and every morning. Grateful when I sit up and swing my legs over to the floor that my legs and feet will carry me whenever I need to go. There may be some moments when I am scared or nervous or stressed but I try very hard to keep those moments to just moments. Changing your thoughts to those of gratitude can certainly make a huge difference in one’s life. Life is seldom 100% silk and satin. There is always roughness along the way. The way we think and feel determines the difference between silk & satin and roughness. Feeling grateful for all that we have smooths away the roughness leaving the softness of silk and satin. I hope that you have more silk & satin in your life than roughness. Remember the mindset …… GRATITUDE. Truly it makes all of the difference.

Well time to go and put on the coffee pot. Work in a little bit. Still dark outside. Sunrise in a bit. Have the strength to have the gratitude for your life.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I baked some yummy cookies as I needed some sweet treats. Chocolate chip with some Halloween treats – smarties, cut up twix bars, and M&M’s. So yummy. That is what I did yesterday afternoon after our walk.

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning All. How are you doing today? Well we are in the countdown mode now. Can you believe “19” sleeps until Christmas EVE Day. WOW. I guess that means that I better get cracking with my Christmas Baking to ensure it is done and delivered before the big day. My list is bigger than I initially had decided upon. So I will be baking several batches of the following: Sugar Cookies with my special icing, Fudge, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Unbaked Chocolate Macaroons, and Raisin Cookies. So countless of dozens of delectable treats to be enjoyed by my kids, neighbours and friends and Alvin’s Dr. and her staff. I am so excited. I think that I am ahead of my usual curve than other years. Now that is a phrase we have heard this year but in reverse. Anyway, today, tomorrow and Monday are baking days. I even took Monday off as a vacation day so that I would have lots of time. In between the baking, I am hosting a online Fifth Avenue Collection jewelry party for which I only have to show up to the LIVES (whew), laundry, cleaning, my daughter is stopping by today with groceries and for a visit and a friend from work is stopping by to pick up her tea order. The baking and jewelry party is all weekend. My Jeweler Friend does lives at different times over the weekend. There was one last night, two today and one tomorrow. Looking out the office window the sunrise is beautiful once again. Last night after work Alvin and I joined my friend Pauline and her grandpup Georgie for a walk. The sun was setting already when we left the house at 4:30 and was gorgeous. Someone had even pulled their car over to the side of the road and was taking photos. It was very pretty. Alvin and I had two good walks yesterday one at noon which was about 25-30 and then a 45 minute one after work. So if we do not make it out today we will not be behind, thank goodness. The battle of the midsection has definitely been HUGE this year but in all honesty I think it has been a carryover from last year and the year before. I cannot blame it on COVID19. Okay, perhaps just a little.

What are your plans for the weekend? Do you bake goodies for your family and friends? One thing I am excited about is that this year I have nice boxes made just for cookies and other treats and I am so grateful to my friend for picking them up. You know my personal shopper friend, as I like to call her. She is amazing. Not just because of that – she is a kind, loving, generous person and we love her.

Okay, I guess I had better get this train back on the tracks. Throw on a Christmas movie, put on the coffee, go to the basement and put on a load of laundry and change the furnace filter (very important to keep that changed) and then have some toast and coffee and then START BAKING. I would like to have some things done before my daughter arrives. I am excited to have company. Only one at a time.

I wish you a wonderful Saturday. Remember to do something nice for someone other than yourself. It is easy to treat yourself but hey so much more rewarding to treat others. You won’t regret it. Be nice. Shovel a walk, bake a pie for your elderly neighbours, bake something and give it away. The vacuuming can wait. Maybe you have neighbours who cannot leave the house and have a dog …. take the dog for a walk? That would be nice.

Happy Saturday ALL.

See you tomorrow.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome December 2020

Good Morning ALL. Well it is Thursday morning December 3, 2020. Another gorgeous day on its’ way to us living here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This day is forecasted to be +5 degrees celsius. Our normal temperature is -4 for this time of year. We are to have about another week of these temperatures. I will say that when we were out for our noon day walk that Alvin and I wanted to keep on walking – well I did anyway. There were a couple of times that he wanted to turn around and head for home – not quite sure why but I was able to convince him to keep on trucking. The air was so warm and soothing as it touched my face. The sun was shining brightly in the perfect blue sky. I am so grateful for these days. So grateful.

What is on your “plate” for today. Well another workday for me. Tonight I will almost finish my Christmas project which is very exciting for me. Just about there. I also have to double check my recipes and ensure that I know what I am going to bake and that I have the right amount of ingredients. I know that I have more than enough flour and sugar and butter. More than enough. Somehow in the beginning it seemed like a good idea to buy 10 kgs of flour and I think it is the same in sugar and four pounds of butter. The butter might be more close but the flour and sugar will keep. If anyone needs a cup or five of them, I will have some for that. You never know. I did work on the Christmas project last night. I had to use this strong glue so opening the windows and then I placed the project under the fan for the stove (which had it sitting on top of the stove). Yikes. Not a nice smell and not good for one to breathe in – that is why I opened the windows and turned on the fan.

How are you doing these days? Are you okay? I know that this year or almost year has been so off the charts strange for everyone. Strange is putting it lightly of course. People are either working from home, laid off and receiving government relief benefits or out on the front lines working through this pandemic. For the majority of people having to remain at home and away from large groups of family and friends or even travelling has been difficult. Although I will say there are people travelling and that scares the “crap” out of me. What will they bring back with them? Travelling should be ban until this is over unless you are in the military or some health care professionals. Allowing folks to travelling especially out of the country is absolutely ludicrous at this time. How can you ban people from getting together with family at Christmas and allow families to travel outside of Canada. Does not make sense to me? I do agree that we have to buckle down and stop the crazy increase of this virus and if that means wearing a mask and social distancing until who knows when, well this girl is in. What will happen if we do not adhere to the new “rules.” I do not even want to go there.

I am sorry for the dark message so early in the morning but sometimes I just have to get things off my chest.

Okay how about Christmas? Do you have your tree up? I have heard that tree sales are up and that most people already have their trees up and decorated much earlier than normal. I have also heard that flour and sugar and other baking items are beginning to fly off the shelves. So I guess that I am not the only one that is baking. Isn’t it funny that no matter what I am talking about it all comes back to that darn virus. Anyway. I am excited to get some serious Christmas baking done this weekend. Sugar cookies, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, unbaked chocolate macaroons, raisin cookies and who knows what else. Will depend on time and energy and supplies. I even have some delightful boxes to place the baked goods in to deliver to friends and family. So excited. Thanks to my “personal shopper” and you know who you are. I am the most blessed person on the planet. I know this to be for certain.

Well time to head on downstairs. Put on the coffee and get to work.

If we all continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion – what a wonderful world this will be.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Sorry for the lateness of this post.

Today is one of the couple of late shifts that I am required to work for my job.

Since we started to work from home, the higher ups thought it would be nice for us to have our after hours phone line answered by staff for a few hours instead of the security company

that we have hired.

So couple of time or so each month we take turns working from 11:00 a.m.  until 7:00 p.m.

It is okay but I much prefer my 8:00 am. until 4:00 p.m.

After all it is not like I do not speak to my clients all day long.

Our “lunch break” ends up being at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

 

Today is to be another warm one for us here in Edmonton.

There is a breeze thank goodness as I want to take Alvin for a walk after I finish this post.

I should have got my back side out of bed earlier, oh what, yes I was up earlier, several times in fact.

Went to bed later and then up early with Alvin and the story goes.

Anyway, no complaints.

 

The surgery for my family member went went and he is doing great.

I have the office window open and can hear everyone’s dogs barking.

I am not sure if people leave their pups out for hours on end or not.

But I am inclined to investigate.

Cause some of the barking is not from large dogs.

 

Last night at 10:22 p.m. it was still light outside here in Edmonton.

I snapped some shots of the sky it was so beautiful.

Oh, I baked several dozen chocolate chip cookies last night, as well.

I love that the moon looks so far away in this shot.

By the time I came out later after dark it was up close and personal.

So beautiful.

My Irises starting to bloom in the front.

The first ones to bloom and were damaged in the hail on Tuesday afternoon.

Some shots from our deck as it was hailing.

 

Well Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting for me.

I guess it is time to go for a walk.

Then home and have breakfast and COFFEE.

 

Wishing you all the most perfect day.

Filled with sunshine and perhaps even roses.

I forgot to tell you about the roses near our park.

They are blooming and the fragrance is so divine.

Seems like heaven.

With this breeze it will carry and be enjoyed by all.

Especially by me, I love those roses.

Reminds me of my Grandma, who always had the most exquisite roses in her garden.

All different colours.

 

Happy Thursday.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday morning.

Last night my daughter joined us for supper.

I made one of her favorites “chicken stir fry” with rice.

We had some of the “chocolate chip cookies” that I baked on the weekend for dessert.

We had a great visit and so many giggles and belly laughs.

I am so grateful that she is my daughter and we love her so much.

 

On the way home from work we came inches away from hitting a pedestrian.

We were very close to the cross walk when this young man pushed the light and started to walk.

My carpool driver put on the brakes and started to honk the horn as she could not stop.

It was glare ice.

We started to slide on a bit of an angle.

I started to wave frantically from the front passenger seat with hopes that I could grasp his attention.

He clearly did not hear the horn blaring.

After we almost died from fright – I finally got his attention he kind of looked at me funny.

Luckily we managed to stop but I am quite sure that he could have reached out and touched our vehicle.

We were so lucky … he was so lucky.

So couple of things.

Never push the crosswalk light and start walking without ensuring that the vehicles are able to come to a full stop.

Most especially in the winter when it is icy.

Almost all of the streets were glare ice.

We were not even going near to the speed limit when we approached the crosswalk.

It was just so icy.

Had we been going the speed limit, I fear we could not have stopped.

As it was we slid a great many feet.

I am quite certain that the “student driver” who was back a bit in the other lane was having a panic attack.

Why oh why, silly young man.

Had we not been able to stop, we would have been at fault.

Sad but true.

Please remind your children and yourselves at crosswalks, at all crosswalks to ensure that the vehicles have come to a full stop.

To be aware of what is going on around you!

In the winter, the streets are icy and sometimes vehicles are not able to stop on the proverbial dime.

Be safe.

 

I have something for you to ponder, this came to me last night.

When everything else fails you, listen!

 

In Canada, we use umbrella even on a snowy day.

Tuesday, my vacation day.  It was snowing so hard.  Poor branches were covered.

I love the contrast between the white and the red.

These were the Valentine treat bags that I did.

The white one with the small gray hearts was for my daughter and her family (I gave it to her last night).

The other bag which I decorated more after I took these photos is for a dear older client of mine.

Well actually she is not even in my portfolio but I asked to be kept on her file.

She is alone in the city with no family and not really any friends.

We are going for lunch on Friday, so I made up a little Valentine bag and treat for her.

I feel that there are so many folks out there that are all alone.

She fell a couple of weeks ago and I so wished that I could have been there to help.

I wished that I could do more.

My client is okay but as she ages this could be more often.

Perhaps she will be able to go into a Seniors facility where she would have company and care.

Time will tell.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Mr. Alvin is resting away on his blue blanket as I write this post.

 

Okay, time to hit the “snowy” trail.

Certainly cannot say dusty trail.

 

Living with kindness and respect is really the only way.

Always, Carol & Alvin