Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. Well the sun is up, er should I say, that sunrise has happened but sky is overcast so not shining. Alvin and I were up at oh my gosh at 3:58 a.m., followed by 6:45 a.m. and then 8:30 a.m. Likely not the best way to begin one’s day up and down but that seems to be the way we do it for the most part. Mr. Alvin is sitting beside my desk and me as I type/key these words, now he has moved to the hallway. I am happy that today is Saturday. Weekends are always busy with housework, walks, the odd coffee visit with friends and working on craft projects and writing. Always writing. I love to write. This is so much fun for me as I usually do not plan what I am going to write ahead of time ….. just go wherever my fingers and thoughts take me. It is a good way to do some writing projects. Keeps me thinking for sure. Sometimes I must admit …. my posts may be a bit on the silly side but I hope that something interests you and that maybe, just maybe I bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. After all, we all need to smile and be joyful and just enjoy life. Tomorrow I have the pleasure of having coffee with my two “younger” friends who keep me up to date on things and make me laugh more than cry. I love them so much.

This new wordpress set up has me playing with things a little bit and figuring out more as I go. I am not one to be too adventurous when it comes to computer things but every once in awhile, I take that risk, that chance and see what happens. Sometimes things work and other times not. Alvin is giving me those big brown eye …. “oh, come on, look” that he does. What a guy …. not too spoiled is he. Just let out a whimper or whine. Yup. But what can you do.

So what is on your list for today? I have to clean bathrooms, er my favorite thing in the world, not. Laundry and some other cleaning. Alvin and I will go for a walk. That kind of Saturday thing. WORK. We work all week at our jobs and then work on the weekend for ourselves. Not complaining as I am very grateful to have a job in this pandemic. Life has definitely taken on an interesting theme with being at home all of the time. Work and work. Office work and Home work, not to be confused with school work. LOL. Anyway, at the end of the day …. a sense of humour is a must. It is the one thing other than good health that will get us out of this and to the other side. We have to listen to the health professionals as well. Absolutely. I stay home most of the time. In fact, last night Teddy’s Mom was going to the grocery store and she picked up my groceries for me. I am truly blessed and getting terribly spoiled. How is it that I just write up my list, text it to my friend and voila, they are delivered. The Universe is definitely watching over me. Teddy’s Mom Iris is so nice and such a good person. I have so many friends Signe, Gillian, the Cruz girls, Sonja, Michelle and my daughter that pick up groceries for me, I am truly blessed. I have only gone to the grocery store or out since March a total of six times. Monday I will be going to the Post Office at Shoppers to mail a couple of parcels and Christmas cards. I also have to work at the office on Monday. I do get out. Although I do love being at home ….. it is wearing just a tad thin after being home for almost one year ….. but thankfully I am able to go out just enough to keep my sanity level at “normal.”

Well I guess Mr. Alvin has been patient long enough. I hope that you are smiling now. I wish you such a wonderful happy productive relaxing day. Perhaps some good excitement. Don’t forget to get outside. Go for a walk. Nothing like fresh air.

Happy Saturday All.

Continuing to live my life with kindness and respect, love and laughter.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Welcome to Thursday, November 12, 2020. Mr. Alvin is trying to get my attention at the doorway, so I better stop and see what he needs. False alarm. I guess he is the boy who cried wolf OR perhaps it could be that he is terribly spoiled. Nevertheless, all is well and he is laying on his bed in the office waiting impatiently for me to finish something that I have only just started. Patience is not something Alvin has much of, I would say. The sky is slowly beginning to lighten as the sun is thinking about rising to the east. Yesterday was cool but bright and sunny for the most part. I managed to finish my Christmas cards and letters, wrapped the parcel to be mailed next week with the cards, called a close family friend on his birthday, enjoyed a walk with Alvin (in his new coat). His new coat is so luxurious and warm but again he is not so great with the changes and he stood trembling after I put on his coat. I managed to get him out of the house but he did not wish to walk down the steps so I carried him off the steps. He managed to get down the one step on the sidewalk to the flat sidewalk area. It was slow going for the first while as he did not want to walk in the coat. I could see why as it covered most of his body from the top and in front came down quite a bit. We managed to get as far as the park which I thought was great and then he seemed to be okay for a bit and then just as we were about to turn around and head for home, we saw our friend Pauline and her grandpup Georgie. She hadn’t recognized us at first all bundled up. Funny how the Universe picks up on things as I had planned to call her after our walk. So we walked and talked. Alvin for the most part was okay, there were a couple of times that he stopped and did not wish to go further. I had to wipe his paws a couple of times to warm them up. But I found that it was not nearly as cold out as I had thought. Well this last while certainly has been chalked full of changes for Mr. Alvin. He conquered his fears of new coats, yay, buddy. He has moved and is waiting outside the office in the hallway. Patiently, not likely.

Another work day for me. Then tomorrow is Friday. Wow, the weeks are flying by and soon it will be December. I guess for most people they will be glad to see 2020 go but me I do not want wish any time away ….. good or bad as we only have this time, and once it is gone, it is gone. So no matter what is happening we have to make the best of things and carry on. There will always be something not pleasant going on in the world and around us. Most times things are good but there are always blips. Keep the faith, listen when the health professionals tell us not to or to do something, laugh everyday and be kind and respectful. That is how it is.

From our house to yours, Happy Thursday as we continue this journey called life with faith, kindness and respect for all.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Happy Birthday Dad. May you be soaring with the Angels.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Thankfully the snow has stopped. We did have a little bit yesterday. This morning it is cold. Temperature is minus 14 degrees celsius not including the windchill. As I gaze out of the office window the air almost has the appearance of FOG as the sun begins to rise in the east. Looks like a painting but it is Mother Nature doing her thing. She has a great imagination. I like to think so.

So Monday morning, here we go. It is almost 7:30 as I type this post. Alvin just stretched and sighed / groaned by the office entranceway. He has absolutely no patience these days. I guess I can relate. As I get older my patience level is not great. Although it depends on the situation for sure.

I worked on my Christmas cards on Saturday and yesterday and they are almost finished. I want to get them in the mail as soon as possible. This year the mail may be more unpredictable than past years. No idea. I have the parcel and one card for overseas all ready to be mailed. They will go shortly.

The big storm that we had on Saturday has now gone to our neighbours to the east and my sister reports that not a lot of snow but lots of freezing rain and snow pellets. I think that is worse than lots of snow. Icy sidewalks, streets and roads are dangerous. Keep safe out there everyone. If you can stay home – it is a good idea to do so.

Alvin definitely has to go downstairs so I had better cut this short.

Food for thought. Our thoughts do become things. What have you brought to fruition as of late? Sounds like a lot of food is on my mind but not really.

Happy Monday.

Stay safe and keep in good health.

We will continue to show the world love, respect and kindness.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Finally the snow has stopped here in Edmonton or at least in my neighbourhood. So much snow has fallen. The sticky heavy stuff making shovelling difficult and time consuming. My neighbours and I shovelled the front sidewalks several times yesterday and there was still about a foot to shovel this morning. Thanks to my neighbour Sonja for shovelling the front. When we got up about 1.5 hours ago I went outside with Alvin so that I could pick up his poop from earlier in the morning (it had stopped snowing by that time) and that’s when I decided in my pj’s to start once again shovelling the deck and Alvin’s grass area. There is so much snow that it is hard – where do you put that snow? As I was shovelling I realized that Sonja was in her backyard, yes that is Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom. She was shovelling away singing to some tunes on her earphones. I got her attention and we both thought this is just the beginning. So much snow. She was further ahead of me and after a few minutes went into her garage so that she could shovel her driveway. Our garages are detached from our homes. After a few minutes I decided that I would go and join her and shovel the driveway. It is the place that is not visually noticeable from the house and better to do it now than later. Of course, she’s younger and in better shape and had a head start, not that it was a race but she finished ahead of me and said that she would go and start the front and see how far she got as she was also getting tired. I said “thank you,” of course and carried on shovelling the driveway. Oh, Alvin had been cold several minutes before so I put him into the house. It was shortly after I started shovelling the driveway, I found my mini gloves were not keeping my fingers warm so back into the house and into my big girl MITTS and also put on my high warmer boots. Back out and finished the driveway and then the deck. By the time I got back into the house, removed my boots and walked to the front door, my neighbour was heading up my front steps as she had almost finished the shovelling. What a workout we girls had this morning. She is almost on her way to look after some horses of a friend. The horse shelters have to be cleaned so she will be getting lots of exercise and really building up those arm muscles. To all my friends in Alberta and elsewhere – be careful shovelling. The snow is heavy. Take your time. Be safe.

Well it is definitely time for some COFFEE and I actually have earned the appetite that I now have ….. for a change.

Happy to see that the United States will have their first female Vice-President. It is about time. Congratulations to the new leadership team.

Well time to get this day going although I am feeling a bit tired after all that shovelling. I have vacuuming to do up and downstairs. Bring up the laundry that was drying in the basement. I want to bake some scones using the Steeped Tea mix. I think that I am going to make pancakes for breakfast as I have milk to use and do not wish to waste it. Also have to work on a project for Christmas but cannot reveal at this time. I am going to place a Pampered Chef order from a friend’s online party which will bring my Christmas shopping close to being done. I have Alvin, Aspen and Milo left and some stocking stuffers for the kids. I will do some baking in the early part of December and hand it out to friends and family. I did write up most of my Christmas Cards yesterday but still more to do. A few letters to do as well.

Have an awesome Sunday. I am so happy to see somewhat clear blue skies this morning and the sun was shining earlier, wasn’t it? I thought so??? Well at least it is not snowing. I am so relieved that it stopped.

Take care everyone. Be safe and I hope that you are in good health.

I/We shall continue to live our lives with kindness and respect for all living creatures and the environment. I guess after all it holds life including ours.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All,

It is mid morning on this Saturday morning half way through the month of October, 2020. The sky is pretty with a cool pale blue lined streaked with long thin white clouds. There is a bit of a breeze. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees but there are some that are holding on for dear life. Lawns are covered with frozen yellow, orange, red and green leaves and clumps of snow. Pretty to the eye and crunchy to the feet. I do not expect that we will have warm temperatures again before spring – just a feeling. But I am not a meteorologist and would love to be wrong. Oh well, it is mid October after all. I do note that looking out of my office window there are some trees that still are covered in golden leaves. I am always amazed by the difference between the front and back sides of my house. Happens with weather as well. Sometimes it can be raining in the front and not in the back and a few times we had hail in the back and not in the front. Weather.

14 sleeps until Halloween and 15 sleeps until the Christmas tree goes up. I am excited for both. Have you decided if you are going to dress up in a costume for Halloween even if you stay at home? Our employer is having a virtual costume contest. I am undecided at the moment. Definitely easier to do without having to go out for sure. Time will tell. I can always throw together something at the last minute. Halloween being on a Saturday is cool as well. I am also thinking that with Sunday being my putting the Christmas tree and decorating the house that perhaps I may take a vacation day on Monday to put the finishing touches on things. Most times I can get the majority done in one day especially when that day falls on the weekend and definitely not if it falls on a weekday. So excited. It is these things that we look forward to and that give us good feelings. I will say for this year – it is more important than ever to be doing things that give us joy and provide good cheer. I could sit on the floor or on the sofa or stand in the kitchen in the dark and watch the lights on the Christmas tree forever. Speaking off Christmas tree lights – this will be another year where I will have to place all of the lights on the tree by hand. My once prelit tree is no longer. I believe it was last year that I manually removed each one from the tree and then manually hung strings of lights. Removing them took many many hours of work. It was not much fun but in the end I was happy to have done so. As much as it is nice to have a prelit tree, I don’t think I would do it again. Now that may not even be possible …. perhaps they all come prelit, I do not know. Time is zipping along and soon the house will be donned in its’ Christmas apparel for me to enjoy and all to see.

I guess there is no point in leaving light jackets and sandals in the closet. Time to take those items and pack them in the basement closet. Time to wash and freshen up winter coats, scarfs, mittens and bring up the boots. Also to switch up my clothes closet. That is a job for today. Along with laundry, some cleaning of floors, dusting and bathrooms. I have a couple of parcels that need to be mailed on the remaining Tuesdays in October in order to use the free shipping that Canada Post provides for people with small businesses. I have some craft projects in the works so time to get things moving along with them. Time to start thinking about the calendar and the days left and what needs to be done. What am I getting for Christmas for my daughter and son-in-law and a few others? Soon it will be time to address and write letters for Christmas cards to be mailed. This year there will be fewer than other years. Or at least at this moment. I also have to think about baking. What sweet treats will I make this year. I also give them out to friends and neighbours – so make that list as well. I see a lot of lists happening here. Bring it on, I say, bring it on, lol.

Well the time is evaporating here. I will admit that even though we were first up at 5:00 a.m. – the sofa called us to lay down and it was so toasty warm and delightful just snuggling with my Alvin that we did not get until almost 9:00 a.m. Most of the time I dreamed away but some of the time I was just enjoying life in foggy thought. I had a great dream. Only remembering bits and pieces but there was a cute, good guy, cause would you dream of other, a trip to a warm climate with friends, there was a thing about money and he helped me with a credit card. This will make sense to some people including me.

Okay time to hit the shower and wash off the night and get this day going. Get those closets changed up. Wash some coats and clothes. Tomorrow the girls are coming for coffee and a visit. I love when we can get together. Oh, almost forgot that last night after work, me and Alvin headed out for a walk. I found his winter jacket (I need a sweater that fits him) and I put on a light jacket on top of my long sleeved sweater and off we went. When we were on the halfway point which happens to be his best friend Teddy’s house, he made a beeline across the driveway and up the front porch steps before I had a chance to reign him in. I asked him to announce himself but all he did was sniff at the door, I could hear the pups in the house and rang the doorbell. Iris came to the door with Kobie in tow and Teddy coming towards Alvin. Iris is one of those people that always makes you feel like a million billion dollars. She is always so happy that you dropped in unannounced. Truly. So we went in for a short visit. She asked if I would like a cookie as she just made some and you know me when would I ever ever turn down an offer of a cookie! Never. To my big surprise they were the unbaked chocolate macaroons that my Mom used to make and that I make for family and friends (one of our favourites). I graciously took one. It was so good. She had baked them for her brother who lives and teaches English halfway around the world. My friend was so excited to tell me all about the cookie story. I loved to listen. The cookie was so yummy and I was hungry so I asked politely for another and made my friend so happy. She was super pleased that I loved them and that they tasted so good. Makes me want to make some. They are a family favourite of ours, as well. No bake cookies. They call them chocolate clusters and we call them unbaked chocolate macaroons. Many names for these delectable treats. Both Alvin and I had treats. Lucky us and a great visit before leaving for home.

Well time to get this show on the road. Take care and be safe on this day and always. If we remember to all live our lives with love, kindness and respect for all – what a great world this would be. Little things matter. They do.

I/We shall remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Sunday Morning,

The house is so quiet this morning without Alvin here.

We had a great time yesterday.

The wind was blowing so we decided to take the photos in my backyard.

Starting with my daughter, son-in-law and pups Aspen and Milo.

Just so you can visualize these are their pups.

Aspen is the yellow lab/shepherd cross and Milo is the pomeranian/chihuahua mix.

Not sure when this photo was taken.

I believe it is Alvin’s bum showing near the back door.

Aspen was good for about a hand full of photos before she had had enough.

Milo well he was in and out of the photos like a jumping bean.

But I managed to snap some quite good photos for them.

Aspen was laying on the main floor and the rest of the family sat on the edge of the deck.

The photo had my daughter, son-in-law and Milo in the foreground, close up and Miss Aspen in the background.

It was a cool shot and they were happy.

The whole family was in the photos.

That is all that counts.

She was happy just laying there.

Then came photos with me and Alvin.

My daughter ever the professional was moving flower pots about and positioning us to get some good photos for our annual shot.

I would say that my patience is not as good as it used to be.

She took some this way and that and I checked them as we went.

Found some ones I like and then it was over.

I just wanted to make sure that there was one worthy of placing in with my Christmas cards and there was.

So we had all of the photos done about fifteen minutes before supper arrived.

We had a TACO feast.

I do not remember where they ordered it from.

But it was very good.

After supper was over we had the “birthday cake from scratch.”

I would have to say it was not my best cake but it was edible.

Not the favourite one as the results came in.

It was more like a coffee cake, more dense than fluffy.

My daughter said it would be good with berries.

Ever the diplomat.

We had a great birthday party despite the less than perfect cake.

I guess one out of 20 isn’t bad.

Lots of laughter.

Good food and okay cake.

When the party was over they gathered up their things including Mr. Alvin and were on their way.

 

About mid afternoon they had a grocery order delivered from COSTCO.

This is cool.

COSTCO hires this company and they hire people to in essence be personal shoppers.

I don’t know how the billing works but that does not matter.

The shoppers take the list and pick up the items.

If the items are not in stock – they text the customer and see what can be substituted or not.

When a white SUV pulled up in front of my house about 3:00 p.m. – I did not realize at first that it was the delivery.

I did not realize about the personal shoppers and that they used their own vehicle(s).

The couple brought out the boxes of the order.

We had a short conversation.

They were both out of work so this was helping them pay the bills.

What a great idea.

Who knew?

As I started to pick up a box, the woman said can you please wait as I want to take a photo.

I gather they send the photo to the customer (I explained my daughter had the groceries delivered here as they were coming over later).

They were really nice.

I carried the groceries into the house.

Went through and put the items into the fridge and freezer that needed to be put away.

Texted my daughter and advised that they were here and items put away accordingly.

She already knew.

She gave them a pretty generous tip, $30.00.

What a great girl I have ….. she said it was well worth not having to go to COSTCO.

 

Well time to go and put on the coffee.

Oh, when we were packing up the car to leave.

The items in the fridge I had momentarily taken out and then it seemed like it was going to be a few minutes longer, so I put them back into the fridge.

There was so much to go into the car, groceries, three dogs, two humans and Alvin’s stuff…… some special arranging had to be done.

I forgot the items that I had placed back into the fridge.

My daughter said that she would come back today or tomorrow.

 

One more story from last night.

Earlier I had texted one of my friends to see if she had any of the COSTCO popcorn as I was having a craving for some and thought that later in the evening I might watch a movie.

When the house was quiet.

She texted to say “yes of course.”

So after everyone left, I texted to see if I could go over.

At this time, my friend and her husband had stepped out for a few minutes leaving their 12 year old daughter at home.

She said to call out when I arrived and she would bring my popcorn to the door.

So that is what I did.

Madeline came to the door.

She is getting so grown up.

I cannot believe she is 12 …. seems like yesterday she was 6.

She gave me a bag with popcorn (not one bag, of course).

We spoke for a few minutes and I told her that if she was feeling lonely she was welcome to come and hang out with me as Alvin was gone and I was alone.

She likes Alvin but is a bit nervous around dogs due to an incident with other dogs a few years ago.

Wasn’t even five minutes later and the doorbell rang ….

I asked who it was and I heard a little voice ……

Opening the door there she was ….. invited her into the house.

I let her pick a movie as I was rewatching “It’s Complicated.”

Thinking that might not be appropriate.

She picked MEG (the one about the prehistoric shark).

I had seen it before and she said she has watched it several times.

I got us something to drink and we started to watch the movie.

It was nice having human company to chat with ……

Her Mum texted her just over one hour later and then she was off home.

I watched out the window and saw that her Mum had met her halfway.

I should have walked her home.

Of course, I did not think of that.

My daughter is 40 and not 12.

The thought did not enter my head.

I do miss/did miss Alvin ….

 

Time to get going here.

The sun is starting to shine, no longer overcast.

 

Take care today and be safe.

I hope that you are having a great day.

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Saturday Morning.

This begins the busiest weekend likely for me prior to Christmas.

Last night after work we did our usual Alvin outside, Alvin had supper and then we went for a nice walk.

The temperature was nice and we even had a chat with the little boys who live down the street.

They were excited to see Alvin as usual.

We continued and managed to get all the way around …. I kept moving my flashlight about so that Alvin would see the light.

Upon arriving at home it was time for me to have a quick bite to eat before heading out for groceries.

The grocery store was busy but I managed to make my way about picking up the things that were on my list and a couple of items that were not.

That is always the case.

I did eat before I went or I fear it may have been much worse.

One of the staff while in the baking supplies aisle – asked me if I had found everything and I replied, actually I could not locate a small bag of chopped walnuts.

We walked over and she found a couple of bags that were pushed to the back of the row with something else covering and I hadn’t looked far enough.

YAY, I thanked her and walked to pay for my groceries.

While in line waiting a person came with a couple of items so I instructed them to go ahead, then the cutest young couple came with only a few cases of heavy pop and shampoo/conditioner

so I said “please go ahead.”

They said “No, that was okay.”

But I insisted.

Not even in the express line.

After I had some of my groceries waiting to be rang through another lady came with only a few items but it was too late, I did help her with a heavy item by clearing some space.

Nice ot help out.

Paid for my things and was on my way.

At home Alvin was excited to see me and had to sniff in all of the bags.

Then it took a bit to put things away but I left out the baking supplies.

Today starts round one of baking after Alvin has a hair trim and bath.

Will work on laundry in between.

I just realized that I had not “downloaded” or whatever the term is from the computer to my iPod of my Christmas music.

I have placed the gifts to be wrapped on the spare room bed to view and see what I need to get.

Looks like the pups are number one on that list.

 

Did I mention that it is snowing?

Well it is …..

Nice fluffy flakes.

 

Happy Saturday.

Gotta run as it is after 9:00 a.m. already.

We were up late …oh and I wrote out a bunch of cards for work last night before bed.

Up late and up early and then hit the sofa.

We all know how that works ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Oh, what a weekend this has been so far.

Nice to see the sun shining this morning.

We were up at 5 a.m. for Alvin to eat and go outside.

Then headed back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

WOW, it was pretty late when we finally got up, I guess we really needed the extra sleep.

I was shocked to see the clock on the stove say it was 9:24 a.m.

Yes, we did not get our bodies up to stay up until that time.

Oh, well.

Yesterday was full of surprises.

I mentioned that Humphrey visited us unexpectedly arriving shortly after we got up.

I spent time between laundry and writing up letters and Christmas cards.

In the late morning Teddy’s Mom contacted me to see if he could come and visit Alvin for a couple of hours.

I said “sure.”

Teddy’s Dad dropped him by a little bit later.

In between doing chores and the Christmas cards I gave attention to my three buddies, Alvin, Humphrey and Teddy.

I had mentioned to Teddy’s Mom that I was just walk Teddy home when we went for a walk about 2:30 p.m. so that is what we did.

We were invited in for a visit and tea (for me).

So great to see the new puppy, OMG, she is so cute.

Just before 4:00 p.m. we headed for home as I had to shower and get ready for our girls Christmas party, finish drying some laundry and tidying up.

Humphrey was resting when we arrived home.

His Mom was to be home about 5:00 which worked perfectly as I was leaving about 6:00 p.m.

After I was ready and just finishing up a few things I texted Humphrey’s Mom.

She did not get away when she planned and was just leaving at that time.

Needless to say she was not home when I left for supper but the boys are fine together.

So it was nice that Alvin had company.

I was kind of surprised but more worried when Humphrey was still there when I arrived home two hours later at 8:00 p.m.

Cell phones are great, I texted his Mom and she said that she was only a few minutes away.

Whew, what a relief.

The girls had gone home to pick up a few things and then were going to walk back to my house (no drinking and driving).

Humphrey’s Mom was just leaving when they arrived.

What a busy day.

We, girls had a great time.

Laughing and venting and chatting up a storm.

Alvin laid mostly beside one of my friends wanting some attention.

There was no plan to exchange gifts but we all had brought a gift for each other.

Alvin even had a paw in opening one of my gifts.

The girls were surprised to see how well he could open a gift.

The one he opened was taped shut.

He found a place to start and between his mouth and paws, he did it.

There is even video proof.

I will share some photos of our gifts.

Funny just after 11:00 p.m. the party was over.

Everyone was getting tired after a long busy past few days.

We had such a wonderful time.

The food was great at the restaurant (company better).

I want to share some photos…..

Had some drinks.

Received some beautiful gifts.

I gave the hand made (not by me) Christmas tree ornaments in the Christmas tins and received the gifts in the photos above.

 

Now it is time to get some work done but before that happens it is time to make some coffee.

OMG, it is going onto 11:00 a.m. – how did that happen.

 

I wish you an awesome Sunday.

The sun continues to shine brightly this morning.

I think that Alvin is tuckered out after all of the company both two and four-legged.

He heard something and just sat up from a lying position.

 

Happy Sunday.

It is a good news kind of day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, yes it is Thursday morning.

Dark outside and will be for several more weeks …. months but that is okay.

It is almost dark by the time that I arrive home from work.

In a short time it will be dark before I arrive home.

Last night I hitched a ride home with my daughter.

So nice to catch up and talk about what was on our mind.

Some work talk and Christmas.

After my daughter continued onto home; I ran, no actually I walked and picked up Mr. Humphrey.

He was to spend the evening with us.

After I brought him to the house a short while later, Alvin and I went for a walk.

Another short one but still fresh air and some exercise.

If Alvin wants to go home I let him lead the way.

I do not want him to get cold.

After we got home, I got Alvin settled in the house before going outside to the front to shovel the sidewalks for us and for Humphrey’s Mom.

I am so grateful that I have great neighbours.

Humphrey’s Mom shovelled the walk before I arrived home from work on Tuesday night after the large snowfall.

 

We had a nice evening.

Me and the boys.

I wrote some more letters for my Christmas cards.

Writing letters is a dying art form.

Most people do not send Christmas Cards.

They tend to send emails or a shout out from Social Media.

Maybe a emoji or GIF (is that the correct term) of something Christmas.

I will always send some Christmas cards and letters as long as I can hold a pen and write.

Sometime tells me that I have MANY good writing letters and cards left in me.

I would like to be doing this at 100 years old.

Wouldn’t that be awesome.

In fact, I started making cards when I was 8 years old.

The first card was a Valentine’s card for my grandparents.

Decades later when I was looking for something in my Grandma’s dresser drawers; I found a box with some cards and one of them was this card from 8 year old me.

She had saved most of the cards that I had sent to her over the years.

The Christmas Cards, the Birthday Cards, Mother’s Day and the letters that I had mailed from wherever I was living over the course of my life.

I spend a few years living with my Grandmother after my Grandfather died so she was like a Mother to me.

 

Well looks like time to sign off for another day.

I wish you well.

Happy Thursday.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I am most grateful.

 

Special Hello to You ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Tuesday Morning,

As we wind down the month of November, 2019.

Again, I say, time is passing way too quickly.

I try to live the most that I can in any one day but that does not seem to stop the hands of time.

 

Alvin and I went for a walk after work.

We started to make the bend at the entrance of the park and he stopped.

He looked both ways and turned toward home.

So that was it …. I tried but he wanted to go back home.

Thankfully we had a nice long walk on Sunday.

I think that perhaps he does not like to walk in the dark.

At the beginning of our walk just past the poop station it is quite dark.

It can definitely be off setting for sure.

There are houses that line the outside lines of the park and perhaps they did not wish to put too many street lights out there or it would be distracting and annoying for the

homeowners.

But then there is the public who walk in the park with and without their beloved dogs.

It is truly pretty dark.

There are street lamps but not enough to light the area.

If someone or something was in the bush/trees near the water you would not see them.

I have resorted to carrying a flashlight.

The main reason was to find Alvin’s poo …. as I always pick it up.

Unlike so many others.

Seems like in the winter people don’t care.

What is up with that anyway?

Anyway, the flashlight does help us feel more secure.

In the end we turned around and headed for home.

It was a bit of a walk and being a Monday I was not heartbroken to take a short walk.

We did have some fresh air and that was a good thing.

 

So guess what I did last night?

I had just finished supper and had made some tea when I decided to “quickly” go upstairs and check my email.

While doing what I had gone to the computer to do ….. I saw my most recent TELUS bill.

When I opened it to see the amount and to write it down, I almost fainted.

It was over $170.00.

My usual bill is somewhere around $130.00.

I know that I had not rented more than one movie.

So I checked the statement.

Low and below I found out why.

They had charged me for the PVR rental to the tune of $39.00 (and change).

So I called TELUS and the wait was up to one hour.

Really, is that anyway to do business.

Have you ever waited in line at the grocery store or bank for one hour?

The only exception is the hospital or Doctor’s office and I get that …. whole different ball of wax.

But your internet/phone/cable provider.

Really.

Really.

Really.

I was mad.

I do not get mad often but I was mad.

So as I was on the computer I checked out the online assistant.

Well after they said “put in simple terms” and still did not understand, I connected to CHAT.

There were 3 people ahead of me so I figured the chances of me getting served in the next little while were good.

Finally after what felt like forever, I was connected.

She identified herself and then asked for me to verify who I was and asked what the issue was.

So I explained.

After several minutes she ended up checking my bill ( as I suggested in the first place ).

Came back on and said that she would credit my account for the rental amount and ensured me that it would never happen again.

Anyway, my bill is back to normal.

After one hour on the phone/computer I went back to my cold cup of tea.

Not exactly the way that I had planned to spend most of my time for the evening.

I could also see that Alvin was annoyed with the whole being in the office bit.

Anyway I was happy to have my bill corrected and it only cost me “one hour of my time.”

So how much is my time worth?

I guess $39.35.

 

Well time to go back downstairs.

Grateful it is a new day.

Alvin is as well.

Tonight will definitely be working on those Christmas cards because that did not happen last night.

Happy Day.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Remember with Kindness and Respect we will live our lives.

I will admit that last night I was not feeling very kind.

To say that I was not wholly respectful would not be a true statement.

But anyway !

 

Always, Carol & Me Alvin