Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Well it is much later than usual for me/us to rise for the day but that is okay because it is Sunday. The sun is rising and erasing the night sky. It is kind of overcast out there and definitely felt cooler than yesterday morning about the same time. Yesterday ended up being an different day according to my plans. Teddy’s Mom texted to see if we wanted to go over for a visit. So how can we turn down an invitation to socialize with friends, cannot be done. Besides we are very mindful of the rules. I will call them rules. Rules are put into place for a reason and in this case a very good one. I got some cleaning and laundry done before we headed out for a walk and a visit. The puppies Teddy and Kobi are always so happy to see us. I love how Kobi will stand up on her hind legs and place her front paws on my lap and then just look at me almost waiting for me to bend down and get really close to her face. SO cute. She will just gaze intently into my eyes and then lick my nose. I love them. Teddy always has to sit on my lap and have a few minutes of snuggles with “Aunt Carol.” Iris is a generous kind being. She reminds me of a real life “Mrs. Klaus,” so kind and sweet. Our visit was great. During the visit – Iris who happens to be an “Energy Healer” gave Mr. Alvin a session. So happy for that. She was able to clear out some old dead energy that had been blocking him since he was a puppy. At one point early on, his eyes got very bright ….. like a fog had been lifted and even the white fur around his “mouth” got more white. You had to see it to believe it – it is the truth. I was so excited. When we were dressing to leave, she asked me not to put on his sweater as it would cover the old energy still leaving his body and then to wash his harness. It is liken to just having a bath and putting on your dirty clothes. Alvin virtually ran home. He was definitely full of energy. Once home, I made sure to place his sweater and harness into the next load of laundry. Last night I finished the laundry, worked on my craft project (yes, I did), made some energy bites and a few other things. Just before bed I watched an interview via INSTAGRAM between Katie Couric and a young woman named “Robyn.” I hope that I remembered the spelling of her name. I have always like Katie as we are the same age, both born in 1957. Her birthday is in January and mine in August. We both have daughters, she has two and I have one. She has Molner and I have Mr. Alvin. Now just recently, I think it was at the office that one of the “younger staff” after I had given them a Christmas Card had thought Alvin was a my husband as I signed the card “Carol & Alvin.” I guess likely anyone who did not know us, me well might think that. I thought it was cute. Trust me most days he feels like a very needy husband although I am pretty sure that husbands don’t need the door opened to go outside to pee. Although you never know. Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Katie and Robyn speaking and the fact that they had “dressed up” and the difference between a 63 year old’s dressing up and a thirty something’s. One with a wrap and evening gown and the other with a leather jacket, dressy top and leggings (I think). The younger one quickly grabbed an evening gown and put it over top of her clothing minus the leather jacket. I haven’t laughed as much as I did listening and watching these two women. Robyn is a comedienne who recently made it to “fame” after one video went viral. Bedtime was very late last night.

Plans changed for today. My daughter was going to come for a visit but will be coming tomorrow instead which is fine. I am just happy to see her whenever it is possible. In about one hour a gal from work is stopping by to pick up her tea order. So I had better get this show on the road, er I sure say that alot, don’t I ? Then we will go for a walk and then I will give the boy, Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath. Later I will work on the craft project. There are a few little things that I have to finish up like bringing up the laundry that is drying on racks in the basement, emptying the dishwasher, washing the main floor – floor. That kind of stuff.

I hope / I wish you all a great Sunday. Please check out that INSTAGRAM interview with Katie Couric and Robyn, You will be happy that you did. Take the time to do something nice for someone. Yesterday I delivered a Christmas Card and photo of us to a family down the street. I had tried to deliver another day but no one was home except for the doggies and trust me they wanted to get that door opened. I received a text from the Mom (the sitter was there when I dropped off the card) this morning to say thank you so much for the card and photo. They have three little boys. The middle son most especially loves Mr. Alvin and he was so happy to have a photo with Alvin in it. That warms my heart. Made my Sunday morning reading those words.

Well time to fly. Need COFFEE now.

Be safe and well and happy. May you spend some time today in laughter. Laughter is truly the best medicine.

Happy Sunday.

Living this life with kindness and respect.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of October, 2015.

Dark crisp morning here in Edmonton.

On my way home from work last night, I ran into one of our friends “A” and her dog Abi (Alvin’s girlfriend).

They were just going out for a walk.

Abi was so excited to see me that I thought perhaps they should come in and after I fed Alvin we could join them for a walk.

Alvin at first was more excited to see me because he had to go outside and then he foodie that he is …. had to eat.

They had their time and then we went for a great walk together.

Alvin and Abi …. so cute together.

 

Four sleeps until the big day.

I can hardly wait.

On Sunday the 1st day of November my Christmas Tree is going up.

So excited.

I am grateful that I can put it up on my schedule ….. previously I was working at the store most Sundays.

Please do not get me wrong I am grateful to the “STORE” for hiring me when I needed a job ….

Not everyone is willing to take a chance on an employee that is over 50.

Funny thing you would think it would be the other way round …. more experience and all that stuff.

Anyway ….

Back to the TREE.

Sunday morning the Halloween decorations will come down as well as all of my other ornaments ….

Only Christmas things will be displayed.

I have so many beautiful items that I want them to be out front … and not in between a vase that doesn’t really match the Christmas theme.

I am going to check to see if my daughter will be joining me for the big event.

Hot chocolate and a Christmas movie playing in the background.

There is no better way to spend a Sunday ……

Exciting and relaxing all rolled up into one.

Just a few days until my favourite time of year.

Tree goes up.

House gets decorated inside and out.

Pull out my Christmas cards and start writing them so that they can be mailed before the end of November.

Decide on which photo of me and Alvin to get printed from our annual photo shoot.

I always send a photo with the card.

Each year the amount of cards I receive gets less and less.

I love writing each card to friends and family.

Sending a letter about our year and also a photo.

I think it is a way of people catching up with you when perhaps that is the only time of year that you communicate.

Not because you do not wish to but simply because life has a way of passing and there is no time.

Well almost time to get going to catch the bus.

Last night I brought my winter coats/jackets up from the closet in the basement.

Too cool in the morning for my light spring/summer jacket.

I hope that you have an amazing Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all you folks out there who will be putting their Christmas Trees up this weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 21st day of November, 2014.

What a surprise I had when I arrived home last night after working both jobs.

There on the middle of the kitchen table sat a parcel ….

As I drew nearer I realized that the said parcel had “my name” on it.

Quickly my eyes searched for the return address as I was not expecting a package.

Lo and behold I saw the name of one of my friends from back in Regina.

I grabbed the scissors from a nearby drawer and set to work to open the carefully done up package.

When I got it open I found a beautiful card and letter and a container with some goodies.

This friend of mine and I am going to name her which as you know I seldom use anyone’s actual name … I usually refer to them by their first initial ….

This absolutely thoughtful and out of the blue gift was from my pal “VAL” …. who is by far one of the most thoughtful humans I know.

This is the second time she has surprised me and surprise it was …..

Anyway the homemade treat of chocolate dipped biscotti is sitting on the table not opened as I wish to have it on a Saturday morning with my coffee and RELAX.

Now there is more than enough for several Saturdays ……

Perhaps over Christmas when I have some extra days at home and not at either job.

Well here it is almost time to leave for work once again ….. almost seems like I just got home ….. whoops yes I did …. it was midnight when I got to bed last night.

I had a great Thursday night at the store.

I hope that you have a crazy wonderful Friday and that perhaps you will take the time to surprise a friend or family member.

Doesn’t have to be anything big ….. something homemade and from the heart will do.

Have a great Friday ….

Tonight will be the third night in a row for working at the store ….. so much fun.

I will be back tomorrow …. thank you for reading my blog ….. this is too cool…..

Special Hello to: my friend VAL from Regina ….. you are absolutely the best and have perfect timing.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 5th day of November, 2014.

I am back after being sick for the past couple of days.

So great to be feeling better.

I had a surprise phone call from my sister last night letting me know that she is coming for a visit this weekend.

Crazy …… now that is such a great surprise.

We have been having such wonderful weather here in Edmonton.

I hope that it will stay for a few more weeks.

Perfect weather for someone to travel.

How are you all doing this morning?

Can you believe that only two more days and we are finished one whole week in November?

I did put my tree up on the weekend and we did get the front of the house decorated which was great.

Next Christmas cards and a bit of baking.

I have to sit down and draw up my Christmas card list and then set to work on drafting my Christmas letter.

This has been an eventful year chalked full of news.

Do you send out cards for the holidays?

I always enjoy receiving a card and letter.

Most especially the letter …..

It always makes me feel wonderful and warm inside….

I am always grateful that someone took the time to write up a letter and pick up a stamp and mail it.

Now that all takes time and how great for us that people do this.

I wished that people sent more letters.

How about this holiday season ….. even if you have never sent a card and letter ….. that you do it.

You will make someone so happy.

Give it a whirl ……. you never know ….. you might like it and keep up the tradition.

Thank you.

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day……What happened to 2010?

I am so pondering while writing up the letter to be enclosed with my Christmas card about where 2010 went?

It came in quietly, I barely was aware.

It snuggled down tightly and buried within …..

Suddenly March, then April and then June.

But where it did go?

As I watch from above …… July and then August …..

Summer came and summer went.

Autumn well it was spent.

Now it’s December and almost Christmas.

If you are wondering what happened to 2010

You are not alone, I share your sentiments along with another eight billion or so people.

If you noticed at the beginning of this “story” I was drafting my Christmas letter – just so that you know – it did get written and sent.

So from me and Alvin, WE WISH YOU A HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & ALL THE BEST IN 2011.

May you always be surrounded by a loving family and friends.

May you be in perfect health (focus on good thoughts, they keep the body healthy, too)

May you laugh every single day (even if it is at yourself, because if you cannot laugh at YOU, who can you laugh at?)

May you love and be passionate about all that you do..

May your life be abundant in every single way.

May your gift of smile brighten someone’s day.

May you remember to help those less fortunate.

May you always be the BEST that you can be.

Happy Holidays …..

Always, Carol and a very patient Alvin (sniffing around in the hallway, now he is in the office)…….