2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well. Bed late and up late but that is okay because it is a rainy morning so it will be a stay at home putz around kind of day. I am definitely good with that. Do some laundry, dust some things, figure out Christmas gifts and whatever else I get my hands and mind into. Hang out with the Alvin.

Last night I packed up some fruit and mini chocolate Halloween decorated cupcakes and left for my friend’s house at 7:24 p.m. I could tell Alvin was thinking okay she is putting on her coat and not mine. She is saying some things that I don’t quite understand but I heard her says Signe and Gillian’s names. He just sat on the sofa. I struggled in the darkness finding the right key to lock the door but finally after two attempts I found it on the third. You see all my keys look the same except for the mailbox one. Anyway soon I was on my way down the steps and as I walked down to the public sidewalk out front I checked back over my shoulder and did not see Alvin on the sofa but saw his little face pressed up as close to the window as he could with having the blinds in the way. Ah, my poor boy. I always dislike leaving him alone but I do need to spend some time with human beings from time to time. Checking both ways before I crossed our busy street. There are always so many cars parked along the sides that you do not always see a car zooming down the street. By the way, not many people adhere to the maximum of 40 kilometers. Another story for another day. Finally I am almost at the party. Really the walk might be 3 minutes max. As I approached my friend’s home I saw pumpkins on the steps and decorations on their front lawn. They always do such a good job decorating for Halloween. I cannot wait. My decorations are interior not exterior. I rang the doorbell multiple times as the inside door was partially open and I wanted to play the part of a prankster. She was laughing as she opened the door to let me in. Our third partner in crime had not arrived as yet. I was happy to see her and her daughter. A few minutes later the doorbell rang and our friend arrived. We unpacked our treats for the party and got to filling up plates which was a reminder that even though my supper was fairly light – it should have been nothing. There was so much to nibble on. Once everyone was ready and we had chatted for a few minutes we settled in and started to watch the new Halloween Movie – Halloween Kills. We all noticed how it went between the last movie and present time. As the movie progressed we were all surprised by the “campiness” of the storyline and actions. I will admit that this genre of film is not my favourite or even something that I would typically watch but I did it for my friend. Spending time with the girls is way more important than whether or not I love a certain movie type. Disappointingly the movie did not improve before it ended. Perhaps this was how it was meant to be, I do not know but my friend who loves and waits with patiently to watch them, was sadly disappointed. I will say this though our commentary was better than the movie and we had the best visit. So perhaps it was not a waste of anyone’s time. We always need to seek out the positive in every situation and that was it for last night. We had the best visit. Talking about our lives and offering support to each other if required. Doing what friends do. One of the girls came up with the hashtag “GoldenGirlsForLife” and that describes us fully. Even though at this stage of the game, they are far from being Golden Girls in the sense of age but they are “Golden” in the sense that they are amazing friends. So we ate and talked and watched the movie and ate some more. I stayed a bit later than usual and definitely past my usual bedtime but it was so worth spending the extra time with the girls. I was home just before midnight. I think that Alvin was worried that I wasn’t coming home. He kept at my side after that and even this morning while I am upstairs he is not happy that we are apart.

So it is time to get that pot of coffee on to perk. Pop in that first load of laundry. Have some breakfast in a bit. Snuggle with the boy. Do some dusting. Just think about how blessed I am to be where I am in life. Sometimes when I look back over the last 64 years I am amazed that things turned out the way this way. Not the way that I had planned but in a way much better. I zigged and zagged down the life’s path and finally ended up here and could not be happier. Well perhaps if groceries were cheaper because why should a small bag of grapes be $10.00 and an apple be $2.00. I amaze at folks who can feed a large family these days.

Have an awesome Saturday. I hope that the sun is shining where you are OR if it is raining that it is a light rain. Be well my friends, we well. Spread the kindness, joy and respect to everyone you see today.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Sure am glad that we had a nice walk in yesterday. Not great for Alvin to walk in the rain.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to my 63rd Birthday.

Why is it whenever one has somewhere to be that time seems to past with lightning bolt speed?

Alvin and I were up at 4:30 first and he had breakfast.

Then at 7:00, I pushed it to 7:30 and then up at 8:00 a.m.

Why do we do that?

The sun is shining and the wind is blowing and it is a glorious day.

Already received texts from my sister, brother and long time friend from back home.

I am all showered, made up and dressed to go to my birthday party/celebration.

Two of my friends and I alway celebrate each other’s birthdays.

One of the others hosts the party and we have cake and coffee and gifts.

We chat about the latest news in our lives.

This time I am taking some of my yummy birthday carrot cake, chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel icing and the #1 cupcake vanilla with key lime icing.

I have one of the best bakers that bakes for me ( I pay her of course) and then I love to share the treats with family and friends.

This time one of the gals not the host, has her parents visiting from Newfoundland, so her Mom will be joining us.

I think she was here last year for my birthday as well.

Usually it is just we three girls.

Sometimes the kids come or at least they used to.

I had wanted to share photos of my treats and recent photos of what has been going on but alas technical difficulties.

I have been experiencing some problems with my phone, photos and now to the computer.

Something tells me that I have to go through them and delete some from my phone as most are on the computer.

Also have to downsize the photos on my computer as well.

I have close to 50,000 between the computer and my phone.

I think that is a bit too many.

 

Well almost time to go and put together the treat platter to take.

Will have to ensure that there is a good lid on the container in this wind.

Later or tomorrow, I will see if I can fix or have fixed my problem so that I can share some new photos.

But for today:

This geranium is now massive and so many beautiful pink flowers.

 

Okay last minute was able to download or upload some photos from Friday.

All dressed up for my family birthday celebration.

The cupcakes and cake just delivered.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is Saturday, the day after …

I had a great 62nd Birthday.

Spent the day with Alvin and Humphrey.

Alvin and I had an early morning walk.

We pretty much lazed around the whole day long.

Listened to music and watched some television.

Sort of had a nap ….

My daughter came for supper and sweet treat.

My co-worker, the baker dropped off the sweet treats (photos coming).

Invited her for coffee …. we three girls had a great visit.

Here are some photos from my BIRTHDAY DAY.

The boys lazing around.

Nothing like mug of coffee and BISCOTTI

Humphrey in his favourite spot on the stairs.

Looks like I have a spot or two to repair … he did not chip the paint.

THE CUPCAKES

The green ones are:  Vanilla cupcakes with KEY LIME ICING and chocolate ornaments

The others are: Chocolate cupcakes with umbrellas and Teddy bears relaxing on the sand chocolate icing.

Only tried the Key Lime iced one and it was DELICIOUS.

This morning at another birthday bash I will have a chocolate one.

A friend and neighbour dropped by later in the evening with a lovely gift of shower gel, body lotion and a pumpkin apple candle ( I love that fragrance).

Snapped some photos of the boys.

A great day.

Now today one of my young friends is hosting a party for me.

We take turns.

I am taking some of the above cupcakes.

Special Special TREAT.

Humphrey is already in the house.

Teddy is coming this morning.

Almost time to hop into the shower and get dressed for the party.

Might have time to brew a mug of coffee before I leave ….

Lots of time.

Well it was a great BIRTHDAY.

Lots of birthday wishes via Facebook, phone calls from my siblings, a visit from my daughter and friends.

Hung out with two of my favourite fur boys: Alvin and Humphrey.

Does not get better than that.

 

Well time to fly.

Happy Happy Saturday.

 

 

A day filled with kindness and respect is a great day.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well today is Friday, August 9th, 2019.

It is the second day of my 2019 VACATION and

TODAY is my 62nd Birthday.

I will be spending the day with these guys:

Notice anything different about Humphrey?

No cone.

Alvin and I were out for a walk a little bit ago before we brought Humphrey over.

These were snapped at the park near our home.

Looks like my day might be overcast ….

But I know every cloud has a silver lining….

No I am not worried.

Well time to go and have my birthday COFFEE and breakfast.

Later will have coffee and BIRTHDAY BISCOTTI (treat from my friend V, thank you).

One of my coworkers does CAKES.

So I commissioned her to make me 24 cupcakes for today which I will share with family and friends.

I have asked for chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and vanilla cupcakes with key lime icing.

AND

Then my 3rd CARROT CAKE which will be delivered next Friday/Saturday when I will be having yet another party when my sister arrives.

Part of that cake will go with us to our brothers for yet another party.

This time will be celebrating his birthday and mine.

Lots of partying going on.

 

Well it feels like things are just getting better and better.

I am going with that thought.

Life is great.

I feel wonderful.

I am surrounded by thoughtful and caring and supportive family and friends.

Alvin is my constant companion.

I live in my own home, something I have wanted my whole life.

I am able to have flowers in my yard.

We have fur babies that visit us often.

I have two of the cutest grand pups ever.

Life is very very good.

Happy Birthday to me and also to HODA KOTB who shares this day with me.

I am the older between us.

I have a cousin who was born on my tenth birthday and some friends.

August 9th is a good day.

 

Time to fly…..

I guess this is one of the most recent photos of me ….. October 2018.

Perhaps time to take some more.

I like this one so it is a good one to share …..

 

Spread your kindness with respect and the world will be a great place to be.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey

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