Last Half 2022 – December 27th

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I cannot believe that it is already Tuesday and that Christmas Day was Sunday. The days are already passing by so quickly. I am very grateful to be off from work this week. Alvin came home on Christmas Eve. I have a few days to catch up on in my post. Back to Christmas Eve, my daughter and son-in-law arrived late afternoon with all three pups with their SUV full of gifts, pup stuff, Alvin’s stuff, food and their sleepover bags. I was ready. We put things away and then Amanda & Steven were on their way to St. Albert to have Christmas with his side of the family. I was excited to spend the evening with the pups. I guess that I watched way too many movies because when Alvin saw me he just ran, not from me but all over the main floor. Sniffing and looking as if he wasn’t sure where he was at the moment. There was no running to each other with tears streaming down faces. He was anxious but not in a good way. Is there a good way to be anxious. Not sure about that. Anyway, even though I was disappointed that he was not happy to see me, I just carried on with things. It was almost time to give them supper, so I fed the pups, all three. Feeding did not go well. Alvin ate his supper but Aspen and Milo, not. I tried hand feeding them which worked to some degree. In the end some of Aspen’s wet food sprinkled on top of her wet food was agreeable. Milo, seemed to like it as well. I found out later that her wet food is more of a treat but they have had to resort to sprinkling some on top as well or she won’t eat. I have never had a problem with Alvin eating his food, thank goodness. Or I should say only once and he wasn’t feeling good. Once pups were fed, I prepared my supper. Leftovers which were roasted vegetables and chicken breast. Of course, Alvin wanted some of the chicken. ARGH. After supper was over and clean up was done, we settled down on the sofa. I snapped some photos of the pups. Watched a Christmas movie. I had raised one of the blinds and secured it so that Miss Aspen would be able to look out of the window. She likes, no loves to check out things. At one point all three were barking at some dogs that went by and Miss Aspen almost took out my Christmas Tree. Not on purpose – just because there was not much room between the chair, the tree and the windows to turn around. She is a yellow lab shepherd cross so she is long. I forgot. Just a little moment of panic and then all was good. Amanda texted around 8:00 saying they were on their way which was perfect as it had started to rain and no one wants to be driving in freezing rain on highways or anywhere. Such massive relieve when they arrived a short while later. Once they were in the house, we nibbled on food, made drinks and then times for pups to open their gifts. Alvin is such a master gift opener that we always watch in awe and always take a few videos. By the end Miss Aspen had decided that she wanted to open hers, too. We did our stockings next. So much fun. There was a massive amount of gifts to open as we had all gone overboard. I felt like we needed to or at least I planned as I figured with the way things have been for us all, we needed some extra gifts. Everyone was over the moon with their gifts including me. I received a “fire stick” which gives you more apps. I wanted to have Disney+ and now I have it thanks to my kids. YAY. I am so excited to watch all the Disney movies new and old. I have watched “Finding Nemo” and my very favorite “A Bug’s Life.” That was yesterday. Some of my gifts were “Kelly Ripa’s book “Live Wire,” navy cardigan, notebook, package of scratch tickets, candle, relaxation items and I am sure that I missed something but I was spoiled. Christmas Eve was a blur. Christmas Day was quiet. We took the pups for a walk in the early afternoon after a late breakfast. I should say we girls, took the pups out as my son-in-law was so excited that his fav football team was planning so he was watching the game. Slowly Alvin was becoming more comfortable. The walk was awesome. All the pups were happy to be outside. The past week or so was too cold for them. Time for a new paragraph!

The kids went to pick up the Chinese Food which had been ordered a couple of hours earlier by Amanda. They left the house about 4:00 p.m. and I fed the dogs about 4:30 p.m. They were back about 5:00 p.m. and I had the table set and was ready to unpack the food so we could eat. Amanda told me of a close call while they were out. She was driving and making a left turn, the light turned red for the through traffic and she noticed a car coming fast and thought it was not going to stop, so she waited (people behind were not happy). The car ran the light. Had Amanda not waited and just gone without checking they would have been broadsided. I am grateful that she is such a good driver. She said that she was grateful that she took lessons and part of it was defensive driving and her instructor said to always look, even if you have the right of way, always check. Being in the right and being dead. Anyway we had a lovely dinner. I did the clean up as I did not have to cook. I had made an apple crisp for dessert. We girls, had it much later while we were playing a new Christmas game.

We had a great Christmas. So much to be grateful for and about. I am going to head downstairs now as I need some coffee and to start laundry and then start taking down the Christmas tree and ornaments. I think this is the earliest that I have ever taken the tree down but feels like time. I have to call the vet and make an appointment for Alvin. He needs his nails trimmed and stuff.

I will post photos later.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. The sky is overcast so we will need to walk sooner than later, I think. Need to check the weather report.

Happy Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I forgot to mention that I won $24 on lotto tickets that I bought and a freeplay and on the scratch tickets from Christmas another $20. YAY me. When I used the scanning app, and it told me I won, felt like I won a million dollars with the balloons flying and the happy noise. Time for coffee.

Christmas Morning 2020

Good Morning ALL. Happy Christmas one and all. The air is warm outside. The house is quiet as my fingers clack away on the keyboard. Alvin is stretched out on the carpet in the hallway just outside the office door. My daughter, son-in-law and pups are snoozing in “the master suite” (okay perhaps not what you would consider to be a master suite but for me a bedroom with an adjoining bathroom, is pretty master, lol). What a glorious Christmas we are having. The family arrived in the later part of the afternoon on Christmas Eve, that would have been yesterday. We make some snacks, ate some snacks and ate more snacks and more snacks and then decided to open gifts. We always have enough food to feed about 20 people and there are three of us. Likely we should have gone for a walk but it is Christmas and who thinks of exercise when there are presents under the tree and food all over the place. Even before we sat down to open gifts, actually not long after the kids and grandpups arrived – we heard some rustling in the living room. We were busy snacking in the kitchen. Amanda went into the living room and there was the Alvin getting a headstart opening his gifts. He had found one of his gifts that was way back under the tree, without causing disarray to the other gifts or knocking over the tree – he pulled the gift back out onto the middle of the living room and was beginning to tear apart the tissue paper that covered his gift. How he knew that was his gift we will never know. My son-in-law joked that perhaps he knew how to read. What a guy. After we had some goodies, we settled in to watch the Christmas movie “ELF” which is another little story. Steven wanted to watch the movie which I happen to have on DVD in my massive Christmas movie collection. When the kids gave me the new television just before Christmas – we decided to disconnect the DVD player and put it in the basement. We would have had to hook it up which is not a big deal when the light bulb came on and I checked my PVR recordings and voile, I had recorded it. So no need to bring up the DVD player. We chatted and watched the movie. Drank coffee and eggnog. Throughout the movie, someone was whining so much. Not loud but clearly not happy. When the movie was over and we started preparing to open gifts, guess who was the first one to the tree? Three guesses and the first two don’t count. Mr. Alvin. He was so excited. I think with all of the gift opening that we have been doing and the parcels from our friend Val, he is beginning to put two and two together. He definitely understood about the gifts. I will note that he has been going to tree over the past few weeks once I wrapped gifts and we remember when he pulled my son-in-law’s stocking from under the tree and started to open his gifts. Note to self for next year. I made sure that I safely tucked all gifts with food related items and the stockings in a basket in the basement landing until time to open. We certainly were entertained by Alvin. He was frustrated with me at times. What can you do? He, me, we were all super spoiled. The perfect year to be spoiled. I received clothes, books, special pens, several items from my favourite store “Bath & Bodyworks”, chocolates and more chocolates and more chocolates, a hand held blender with more gadgets than I know what to do with and more. Definitely crazy spoiled. My son-in-law received from my daughter one of those projectors for indoors so we did some star gazing for part of the evening. A great night. Merry Christmas.

Well time to head back downstairs and have some coffee. I am going to call my sister and chat. It is beginning to get light outside. Hopefully the sun will shine. We definitely need a walk or two, today.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope that Santa was good to you. Not sure that me and Alvin deserved all the lovely gifts that we received but we are grateful to all those folks who showered us with them this year. We are grateful to have all of you in our lives. Truly, we are blessed.

Have an awesome day. Be safe, go for a walk. We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Merry Christmas 2020.

Love, Always from Carol & Alvin

Almost Christmas 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this morning? I hope that you are well and happy at this time and always. We are now at three sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day which is Thursday. Wow. Fast Approaching. The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere (where I live) is marked by the winter solstice which happens today. Today is the shortest day of the year. After today the daylight hours will increase. YAY. So how are the Christmas plans coming along? Are you celebrating things with a “COVID19 TWIST.” I have heard friends say that they are having lasagne for Christmas dinner instead of turkey. There will be changes and of course not likely the change that you want to celebrate Christmas but you know it is for one year. If your family and friends are in good health – then we have something to celebrate whether you can physically be with them or not. We have to “suck it up” and just be grateful that we can actually celebrate this year. So many families will be missing family members this year whether it was due to the virus or not. We can do this. Do something different with your “pod” – the people that are in your household. Eat differently – play different games. Maybe stay in your pj’s until just before you have your dinner/supper. Get out the phones/laptops/computers and put in a video call to the Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends and everyone you can think of. Most folks have the technology these days to video chat so take advantage of that and if they only have a phone/phone – then call them minus the video chat. This should be the year that we are reaching out to our family and friends and tell them how much they means to us and how grateful we are that they are alive and doing well. This is the year. We will endure.

Yesterday I iced the Sugar Cookies that I baked on Friday night and made the last cookie delivery. I see that a request has come in for Teddy and Kobi to spend Wednesday with us as Mom & Dad are going to the farm for the day. That is my late shift day to work so that will be perfect. I will have time to play with the pups before starting work at 11:00 a.m. ….. will be a fun day.

We also had a glorious walk yesterday afternoon. Even though the wind was strong it was surprisingly warm.

Still pitch dark out there ….. I am not sure what time the sun will rise today. It will rise.

We had a sidewalk / porch visit with Bailey’s Mom late yesterday afternoon. Bailey was out walking with her Grandpa. We exchanged gifts. It was lovely.

I am happy that I am ready for Christmas minus “hanging the stockings” and cooking Christmas dinner and some snacks for Christmas Eve.

Well Mr. Alvin is getting restless and it is almost time to start work. I must get that pot of coffee perking. The aroma always sends me over the edge. One of my fav smells is coffee perking.

I wish you well, may your day be filled with goodness, light and joy.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Oh my goodness, this is Christmas Eve morn.

Where did the time go?

I just got home from picking up Humphrey and doing the chores at his house.

In less than one hour my friend G is picking me up to take a last grocery run.

There are always those items that you do not wish to pick up too much in advance.

I just heard a clang in the back and looked out my window to see some lights of a truck – the garbage guys.

Today is the pickup.

I just realized how dark it is in the back lane.

We do not have any lights.

That might be something either the City or our Neighbourhood Association could put in.

At least one here and there.

Dangerous with no light.

Especially when the neighbourhood fees just rose by $25.00 to $175.00 annually per year and add taxes to that figure.

Today is not the day to complain there will be another day to vent that story.

 

Mid afternoon yesterday my friend P and I went to see the movie CATS.

It was spectacular, fantastic, wonderful and awesome.

The cast was crazy good.

James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and introduces ballerina Francesca Hayward in her first feature-length film role.

It was well done.

The music, the dancing and the singing were fantastic.

We thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

 

I came home to Alvin and Humphrey.

Had a bite to eat (about 7 p.m.).

Made a double batch of chocolate fudge with walnuts and the honey mustard dip for tomorrow’s dinner.

Did I tell you our menu?

It is unique but every other Christmas we switch it up.

Not everyone likes turkey, I do but not everyone.

 

Menu:

What I call Chicken Fingers

Honey Mustard Dip (homemade)

Cranberries (homemade)

Mashed/Whipped Potatoes with Boursin Cheese baked in oven

Gravy (not homemade)

Stuffing (not homemade)

Buns (not homemade)

Peas

Corn

 

Assortment of goodies (all homemade) ranging from my Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies and fudge to my friends Banana cake, Ginger cookies, mince tarts, and apple tarts 

and every place in between.

 

Some things made by me and others not.

A good mix.

 

We will have a hot cheese dip with baguette to snack on as well as veggies, crackers with hummus.

 

Likely too much to eat.

 

Well it is getting on here and my friend will be here shortly to pick me up for our shopping trip to Save-On and Costco.

Hopefully we will be there before the masses.

 

Wishing you a great Christmas.

The kids are dropping off Aspen and Milo about 2:30 p.m. and I will hang out with the pups until they come back for the evening.

Change of plans.

Humphrey will go home before the pups arrive.

Aspen would not like Humphrey.

That would be one scene I would not like to view.

 

I wish you and your family the most glorious Christmas ….

May you enjoy love, laughter and some good food….

If you are able to include a person(s) who does not have family to spend the holiday with, please do.

No one deserves to be alone at Christmas unless they choose to do so.

 

I hope the next two days are filled with a special kind of light that will continue to shine all year long.

The light of love and compassion.

The light of kindness and respect.

The light of generosity.

The light of you and me.

 

Merry Christmas from Carol, Mr. Alvin and Mr. Humphrey.

Me and the Boys.

Always and Forever.

………… After all…..

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 24th day of December, 2018.

Well here we are on Christmas Eve Day …. about 8:00 a.m.

The party that I held on Saturday night was more of a success than I could ever have imagined.

Only one out of nine did not attend.

 

We were showered with gifts of: bottle of Jacob’s Creek Moscato white wine, treats for Alvin, bouquet of flowers, poinsettia plant, Christmas hat and collar for Mr. Alvin, Christmas cookie for Mr. Alvin,

tin of cookies, bath bombs, and a candle.  I hope that I remembered everything.

One of the girls also brought in addition to a gift – a homemade black bean brownie (which was so yummy).

So sweet of the ladies.

 

One of the girls brought her dog “Sadie.”

They have met before and when Alvin was a little excited (understatement) – Sadie was chill.

Nice of Alvin to have some company.

 

When giving the girls a tour of our house – in the basement – in the family room – just before the door into the furnace room – our socks became wet.

There was a bit of water lying on top of the green foam block by the door.

No where else.

One of the girls who is much taller than me – felt around the vents etc.

We checked everywhere including the ceiling.

Nothing.

Later before the last gal left – we checked and the carpet/rug was dry.

I guess that will be one of those mysteries.

Still dry.

 

We had enough food for 30 so more than enough for 8.

Everyone loved the new “Hot Cheese Dip” that I made.

Which tells me I need to try more new “dishes.”

Sometimes we get in a rut and keep playing the same old tried and true because we are confident in the results.

But life is all about trying new things and this was a good reminder to me.

 

One of the attendees was rear-ended when she was literally less than five minutes from my house.

She called to let me know.

The young man that hit her car had been drinking (not good for him).

She called the police so it ended up being almost one hour before she arrived.

Thankfully not hurt but shaken.

She had just bought her new car a few weeks ago.

It can be fixed.

Thankfully they were not going fast.

 

We did not drink any alcoholic beverages and instead opted for: Steeped Tea’s Winter Sangria Fruit Tea steeped in Ginger Ale (big hit), Steeped Tea’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate,

Steeped Tea’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – both served with your choice of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and whipped cream from can and Vanilla Hazelnut coffee.

Much to my girl’s surprise I had never used or tried the whipped cream from a can.

My Sugar Cookies always a hit.

 

We laughed and chatted all night long.

Stopping briefly to play the “All Things Christmas Game” that I put together with some help from one of the girl’s who had arrived early.

Great idea and I definitely will add to the game.

Went over well.

 

What a great evening.

We decided that we must do this again.

Looks like my house in the spring/summer when we can hit the deck.

Potluck BBQ.

Without the BBQ.

Mmmmmm

 

Everyone had left by about midnight and I was wide awake.

So I decided to watch the season premiere of “TIMELESS.”

It was two hours long …. so sometime after 2:00 a.m. – me and Alvin went to bed.

It was just after 7 a.m. when Alvin first woke up and wanted to go outside.

Then we hit the sofa for a bit more sleep.

I was shocked when we woke up and I checked my watch and it was …. wait for it ……

11:35 a.m.

I haven’t slept that late since I was a teenager or young adult.

Could not believe it.

WOW.

Yesterday was a quiet day.

I was still in my pyjamas upstairs on the computer when there was a knock on the door …. it was Teddy and his Mom.

They came in for a visit and some refreshments.

Then I quickly got dressed as one cannot go for a walk in their pyjamas.

Well I guess one could but why would one – especially in the winter.

Finally after over one week – we had a nice long walk.

YAY.

Yesterday was quiet …. did some laundry and just relaxed.

 

So here we are at Christmas Eve.

Teddy will be staying with us today from 1-6 p.m.

Miss Aspen and Baby Milo (grand-pups) are arriving between 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

(They will stay with us while my daughter & son-in-law go to his family’s for Christmas Eve party).

The kids will return later when we will open gifts and they will sleep over.

Tomorrow will be eating and visiting.

I am also spending time with Humphrey while his Mom is at work and then away.

Cannot forget Cinder, the gecko.

So I am going to the four legged babies.

They will be mainly my company, today.

In between will have a quick visit and cup of coffee with one of my young friends who lives near by.

I will do that early in the afternoon when there is just Teddy and Alvin here.

 

So Christmas.

Here we are.

 

I would like to take this time to Wish each and everyone the most delightful Christmas.

May you be surrounded with love and kindness.

May you laugh and cry with joy.

May you have more than enough food to eat.

May you have all that you need.

Perhaps you will share that joy and food with someone less fortunate than yourself.

Share your stories and your recipes.

Merry Christmas.

 

From us, me and Alvin, Alvin and I ….. Merry Christmas.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 25th day of December, 2017.

The sun is shining and I am basking in the glow of this Christmas Day.

It is too cold for Alvin and Baby Milo to go for a walk but Aspen will go out in a bit with her Poppa.

She needs the exercise and will be okay for a short time.

 

Every Christmas in our house is special and this one is no exception.

Wishing you all MUCH LOVE, LAUGHTER and GOOD CHEER.

May your tummies and hearts be full on this Christmas Day.

 

Merry Christmas Everyone.

 

Special Hello to:  Every living creature on this planet, you all are important.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of December, 2017.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day.

Wow, that came upon us quickly.

Seems like it was yesterday that it was December 1st.

Almost Christmas and almost the end of another year.

This has been a great year up until my “fall” off the bus back on December 7th.

I cannot believe that it has been just over two weeks since it happened.

 

This morning is overcast and it has been snowing ever so slightly.

The air is cool but not bitterly cold.

I received a couple of voice messages that my glasses are ready to be picked up so will go pick them up today.

Yesterday was productive.

This morning two of my girl friends are coming for coffee and tea.

Followed by preparing our dessert for Christmas Day.

I am making chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches and OREO mini cheesecakes.

Something different.

Anything goes with turkey.

Turkey back on the menu.

 

Well I guess it is time once again to fly …… get things ready for my company.

I hope that all is well in your house.

I hope that you are settling into some days off.

If you have to work today …. I wish that you are able to take a quiet break and breathe.

 

May your days be MERRY and BRIGHT and

May all your Christmases be light …… enjoy this time.

 

Special Hello to: EVERYONE ….. Happy December 23, 2017.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of December, 2014.

WOW, only two sleeps until Christmas Eve and three sleeps until Christmas Morning.

Where has the time gone?

Have you been busy this holiday season?

I guess most folks have been ….. I know that I have been off the charts busy.

But busy is good as long as it is tempered with some “me” time.

I did take a few moments here and there but likely should have been a few more.

During these last few days before Christmas we should all take a few minutes and think about what you are grateful for …..

I am so grateful this holiday season to my daughter and son-in-law for always taking good care of me Alvin and me.

I am so grateful to work with two groups of amazing, interesting, fun and loving people.

I am so grateful to have the best family and friends on the planet.

I am so grateful that I am able to work two jobs.

I am so grateful that I have my own house.

I am so grateful that I am in great health (this should be a the top of the list).

I am so grateful for this beautiful weather.

I am so grateful to live in such a great country, Canada.

Well I hear my ride getting close to being ready ( I am grateful for car rides to work, most especially in the winter).

I am grateful to all of you for taking your precious time to read my blog ….. it means the world to me.

I love to write.

Special Hello to: all my dear friends and family, to my co-workers and everyone that I meet each day while at work and walking down the street and in the mall.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of December, 2014.

One more day closer to Christmas.

Exactly eight sleeps until Christmas Eve and nine until Christmas Morning.

Last night I took out all of my holiday Christmas tins, all 8 of them and filled them up with goodies to distribute to friends and family and co-workers.

If you celebrate this day …

Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

Do you go to church Christmas Eve?

Do you have a big meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Do you have family and friends to your home or do you go out?

Perhaps you travel to family at a distance.

I know people celebrate this day in many ways.

Really it is a personal preference  ….. do what feels good to you.

If you prefer to be alone …. then be alone.

If you feel like going to a restaurant to eat then go?

If you feel like cooking for 20 then cook for them.

We open gifts Christmas gifts.

We sleep in a bit on Christmas morning.

We have our big meal for dinner/supper Christmas day.

If there were children in the house it would be gift opening Christmas morning.

I love our personal ritual …… it is quiet and fun.

We enjoy each other’s company and of course, the gifts.

The puppies partake as well.

They get presents, too.

Alvin always tells me what to buy everyone !!

He is one smart puppy.

Well almost time to leave for work at the office.

I hope that whatever your plans are this holiday season that you are safe and happy.

Keep things simple.

Easy “peezy” ….. how do you spell that word ….. “peazy” – well I do not think it is an actual word.

Have a great day, my friends.

Special Hello to: my sister …… talk to you soon.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of December, 2014.

Our weather here in Edmonton has been great over the past couple of weeks.

Sure makes for a great holiday season when the temperatures are not minus 30.

Okay crazy Christmas Eve is one week from this Wednesday ……

Where has the time gone?

How are you feeling on this Monday?

Seems like so many people are suffering from colds or the flu.

I hope that you are feeling well.

I am feeling great.

I was able to wrap all of the Christmas gifts and finished off the Christmas cards.

There might be the odd card that I forgot and can always send them this week.

We are having guests for Christmas Day …. so that will be nice.

Just wondering if you had noticed if folks are “naughty” or “nice” this holiday season?

You really notice how people are feeling when you work in retail.

But I will say this much most people seem to be patient and pleasant.

Which is great.

If you have been feeling impatient and not to pleasant then take some time to be alone and just relax.

Sip on a cup of tea and listen to some of your favourite music ….. maybe even a Christmas song.

You will find it much easier to get through the day and the season if you are “nice.”

I am using both naughty and nice in the broad sense of course.

We always want to be around people who are “nice.”

Almost time to go to work …. seems like I just left the office ……

Special Hello to: “ALL THE SANTAS OUT THERE.”  Keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin