Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that your Sunday is going well thus far. I am freshly showered and feeling GREAT and Mr. Alvin is resting on the rug outside the office, so I am going to go out on a limb and say that he is doing great as well. Sky is overcast and it is windy.

I would like to wish my nephew in Heaven a belated Happy Birthday and to a friend here on Earth, Kris, a very Happy Birthday.

Today is I am going to do some shopping. I am hoping to pick up any last minute gifts and most of the groceries that I will need for the next while including for the Christmas parties, baking and Christmas. There will be another trip to the store later for those items that were forgotten and fresh produce. I will also mail my Christmas cards inside and outside of Canada. Yesterday I wrote cards and letters most of the day in between doing laundry, going for a walk with Alvin and some cleaning. A very productive day.

They started out in order but somehow the tree photo with only the lights ended up last, lol. Anyway more Christmas decorations photos, my favourite time of year. The bannister turned out great.

Time to head downstairs and make some coffee, then have coffee and then go shopping.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Despite the rocky start to the New Year, things are starting to get better. Yesterday over my lunch break, I asked a neighbour to come over and check behind the stove to see if you know what was in the you know what! I won’t say because I am not one that takes taking a life no matter what lightly. All life is important for this Earth unfortunately there are some that are short lived. Anyway, K checked behind the stove and it was there, so it was disposed of properly. I felt bad but I also felt a massive sigh of relief and the anxiety that I had been feeling for two days was substantially lifted. I will not say that I was immediately anxiety free, as I was not. Continuing to work upstairs likely helped. After work I took a deep breath and started to empty the dishwasher, put away the clean dishes that filled the kitchen table and wiped the counter completely with disinfectant wipes once again before return any items. The only items on the counter are the electric kettle, food processor, stand mixer and the glass cake container which houses the bananas but I am using it as though they were a cake. They are covered. There are two containers with utensils. That is it. I also folded up some tin foil and placed it at either end of the top of the stove resting against the countertop. I pushed in more foil beside the bottom of the stove as well. It just gives me a bit more peace of mind. After that I started to gather some of the remaining Christmas decorations to put away. I even got brave on my own and went into the basement, not the furnace room but the “family room” and got some empty rubbermaid containers for the ornaments/decorations. In between I gave Mr. Alvin his supper. Every time I have food out I scrub and wipe to ensure there are no crumbs anywhere to be found. The lid from a new tin of Alvin’s dog food well I took it off the can, washed it and the can once emptied into a covered container and place clean items in a bag and put in recycling. NO CRUMBS. It took awhile but I managed to put away most of the Christmas stuff from the main floor. There are still a few things up and out but I think I will leave them until the weekend. I have to decide what things I will bring back up from the basement from my regular ornaments and things. I am again grateful to my neighbour for bringing me coffee yesterday late morning per my request and for her bringing me some today. Tomorrow the new coffee perk arrives and I hope it is early in the day. I will have to keep an eye/ear out for the delivery. My office is at the back of the office so not easy to see the street without getting up and physically going into my bedroom and looking out the window and I am unable to see the porch from there. Oh well.

All things considered it was a good day. Work is a bit on the scary side at the moment being short two people and issues with our computer system. I am happy that once again most of the anxiety has been lifted, erased. Although I am not able to sleep on the sofa in the mornings when we are up at 3 or 4 and 5 but I will in time. Poor Alvin has to make those steps a bit more often than he normally would. I do like having my workspace upstairs for a change but will have to decide if I leave it up here for awhile. Might be a nice change!

Well time to sign off. I hope that you are doing well. Hopefully things in your home are good. I am trying to remain positive and hopeful that this does not happen again. I fully realize that had I had the virus or everyone around me had it – I would have been in a much worse place. I did try and contact a professional but for a time yesterday I was unable to make outgoing calls or take incoming ones. That has now been rectified.

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

Today is a much better day and I am so grateful for my awesome neighbours. I could not have got to this place and I am happy to be here both mentally and physically. Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Yay, Saturday morning.

Alvin and I were up at 4:05, then again at 6:00 and then a few minutes ago.

I was tired.

Perhaps it is in part the extreme cold temperatures that causes that sleepy feeling.

Who does not want to curl up under a cozy blanket and just sleep.

Oh well, we are up now and have a full day ahead of us.

That lazy feeling removed my desire to take down the Christmas tree last night.

So today and tomorrow.

Down comes everything.

The temperature is way too cold to go outside unless it is a necessity.

No walking for sure.

 

Last night after watching a segment on one of the shows that I record about LIVING CLEAN; I decided to do this.

I went on social media and challenged family and friends to reduce their household and life usage of plastic.

Every day I will post a tip, something that I have learned to be more GREEN or to LIVE MORE CLEAN.

I also enlisted them to post anything ideas that they had as well.

Within a few minutes several friends had posted a tip to share.

 

Perhaps in 2020 we all need to be LIVING CLEAN AND BE GREEN.

We just have so much stuff that we do not use or need.

So many items are purchased out of convenience or just plain desire.

Even me with my love of Christmas.

I like the tree and all of the decorations.

But is it necessary, no.

Absolutely NOT.

 

Over the years I have mostly ditched the plastic grocery bags and use recycled bags and boxes.

I seldom purchase plastic storage bags and mainly use glass and “tupperware” containers for storage.

But I am still using some plastics.

So many things that we use on a daily basis come in plastic containers.

Shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, laundry soap, cleaners and the lost goes on and on.

Attempting to purchase less grocery items that come in plastic wrap.

I must confess that I have purchased the net bags for my produce, and have not used them.

I WILL be using them for ALL future produce shopping.

 

This year I am going to use up what I have and go as green as possible.

Making my own household cleaners, finding items to replace personal hygiene products that are not harmful to me or to the environment.

Away with the chemicals.

It is not easy and good things seldom are … but I am going to do the best that I can.

I care deeply about the environment.

I care about what we are doing to marine life and wildlife.

It has to end.

Not necessary.

Cut out the conveniences and companies need to step back from the greed that envelopes them and make changes.

 

Okay, time to get this day going.

Please post any ideas that you have for my quest.

Let’s do this together.

Together we can change the world.

Together we can save the world.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Remember this is the moment to make changes that will give future generations a chance to live on this beautiful planet.

I believe that is not too late.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, partially cloudy skies this morning.

So happy to report that Alvin slept right through until 4:30 p.m. from 10:30 p.m.

Upon doing the math it would appear that he sleeps six hours before waking.

For the most part.

So I guess we will be going to be a bit later and perhaps not 10:30 p.m. but maybe 10:00 p.m.

That would put up up at 4:00 and then we could hit the sofa for one hour.

Unless I was really “energetic” and perhaps got some exercising in ….. ooo, not sure about that …. at that hour.

 

Yesterday was a good day.

I decided to call Alvin’s Doctor and see if we could change his appointment due to icy conditions.

We changed it to Monday after work as they did not have any opening at all yesterday.

Done.

Finished laundry and added a few Christmas decorations upstairs.

We went for a hour long walk with our friend P and her grand pup Georgie just before 3:00 p.m.

There were a few icy spots as we walked to the park.

Both Alvin and I slipped but managed to stay upright.

The walk with our friends was great, the temperature was warm with no wind.

We came across only a handful of people out walking with their pups and one couple with stroller and baby.

Humphrey joined us ( I picked him up just after we got home ).

I made spaghetti and tomato sauce for supper.

Did the dishes and then relaxed for the evening catching up on my recorded television shows.

 

The New LORD of the MANOR …. Humphrey is so darn cute.

Then just a few snaps of the added Christmas items that were put out.

Even Miss Minnie Mouse has a silver bow bracelet.

I found this red bowl that a Christmas arrangement came in last year so I cleaned it up and put it on the counter for a splash of colour, red, of course.

The last photo was the pile of bows and garland before I put them on the Christmas tree.

Should have taken a photo of the tree.

My favourite added bonuses were in the office and guest room.

The little added something something to the window treatments.

Love them both.

 

Well I heard from Teddy’s Mom regarding his little sister.

She is settling in and they are in the process of “house training or pad training” her.

Kobi is a lucky little pup to have such a great new home.

Once she settles in … I know that she will love it very much.

Teddy and Kobi.

I still cannot believe that our Teddy has a little sister.

Very cool.

 

Well time to head downstairs and have breakfast.

Coffee is a must.

Just do a few little chores around the house.

Then time for a shower before heading off early this afternoon to a CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE at our friends house down the street.

 

Wishing you all a very wonderful Sunday.

Oh the sky is beautiful as the sun peers through the cloud banks.

So very pretty.

Another sunshine kind of day …. yay.

Always happy for that.

 

With kindness and respect I shall spend my day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning Y’All …..

Light snow earlier this morning ….

Back to the routine.

We had a great long weekend.

Yesterday my daughter, Alvin’s sister stopped by for a visit and a trip to the grocery store.

Also great to see our girl.

We had a wonderful walk and happy for warmer temperatures.

Spoke to my nephew on the phone for his 35th Birthday.

I remember the day that he was born …. seems like yesterday.

On Sunday, we had Humphrey spend the day.

We had Teddy and Aunt J over for a visit and supper.

Did some work.

Shovelled some snow.

Tweaked the Christmas decorations ( that is ongoing for me ).

 

Nothing like having a Humphrey Cat under the tree.

He looks rights at home there.

I was a bit nervous, will admit to that.

I added some tiny lights that run off battery pack to the trees on the mantle and to the stairway.

You can just see them in the last two photos on the top row.

 

I love my tree.

Photos just do not do it justice.

 

Happy that we had a great weekend.

Remembering those near and far.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Al.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, here we are it is Monday morning.

We have had one day at our changed time.

I would say we are doing okay.

 

I had a great coffee date with my young friends yesterday morning.

The hostess baked a pumpkin loaf which was so yummy.

She sent the remainder home with me, I am so lucky.

Following the visit with the girls; Alvin and I went for a walk.

It was just starting to snow.

The itsy bitsy tiny snowflakes that look like very very small snowballs.

It was not cold out which was nice but we both had our winter coats on all the same.

Once back home, I tackled the tree.

Adding on the Angels, the berry fillers and poinsettia heads.

Now the tree is perfection.

I carried up one hundred million rubbermaid containers filled with all sorts of Christmas decorations.

I have so much stuff.

Each time I pull something out of the container, I was reminded of a different time, of someone or some place.

Such great memories.

I found that Alvin’s green chair fit in the kitchen beside the on its’ side IKEA bookcase once it was slid further down.

YAY, me.

Everything looks nice and cozy.

Nice and cozy it is.

Now this week I have to clean up the basement as it looks like the TASMANIAN DEVIL whirled through the space.

Leaving no container untouched.

Leaving no space unfilled.

YUP, I am that TASMANIAN SHE DEVIL.

At my best.

I think that Alvin is happy it is over and I can get back to snuggling and paying attention to him.

 

This time of year always gets me to thinking.

Of all the ANGELS that left us recently and long ago.

Of what I should do, what I can do and what I will do.

So many thoughts and only so much time.

I guess that I had better be getting to it.

 

Well here we go again, almost time to leave for work.

Gather up my lunch and stuff.

Pick up the poop outside.

All of that and more.

 

I wish you a wonderful Monday.

May your life be filled with all good things.

If you consider for just one moment ….

How blessed you, we are ….

There may be a neighbour or a friend who is going through hard times.

A gift of time ….

A gift of something you don’t need and they could use.

Something from your gift closet for their children for Christmas??

There is always something that you can do for others.

Unfortunately there is always a need …..

Spread your good fortune, your blessings.

With Kindness and Respect ….

What a wonderful world this would/could be!

 

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

Thoughts for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of January, 2019.

Still dark out as we are up earlier than usual for a Saturday.

We were awake at 4:30 a.m. – Alvin outside.

Bathroom breaks for everyone and Alvin had his glucosamine chew.

 

Followed by a couple of hours or so on the sofa.

Our sofa is so comfortable and quite often my sleep even though the time is shorter on the sofa – is a better one.

I think that I sleep well but it is BETTER on the sofa.

I need a mattress that replicates my sofa.

Isn’t that funny how most of us can sleep better and fall asleep more quickly on the sofa.

Why is that?

Because it is not in the bedroom, where you are typically supposed to sleep?

Because you know it is for a shorter time?

Because maybe it is more comfortable than your bed?

Because you are more relaxed on the sofa?

There is no television on when I sleep on the sofa in the morning.

There is no music playing.

I do not have a special pillow.

Why? WHY? Why?

All I know is that when I sleep on the sofa – I fall asleep right away – I dream lots – am super comfortable.

Alvin loves the sofa, too.

Although he can sleep pretty much anywhere (like right now on his blanket on the floor).

So this is the thought for the day.

 

Well this is going to be a busy weekend.

This morning: after finishing my post – need a shower – eat breakfast (both of us) – go to the Vet for Al’s regular nail trim and extras, he needs food, toothpaste and some treats – laundry – groceries –

house cleaning – put away the Christmas decorations that were banished to the basement and whatever else I can get done.  There is also more snow shovelling to do as well.  Tomorrow I was invited to

a baby shower for the daughter of one of my friends.  Have not been to a baby shower for years.

 

Time to fly here.

While the momentum is there.

Sometimes all we want to do is veg.

Alvin has moved from the office to the hall (there is carpet there and definitely more comfortable than the floor with his blanket).

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

The debate will continue between sofa and bed – bed and sofa.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE time, let me know?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 28th day of December, 2018.

The SUN is shining brightly in the morning sky.

Today is the birthday of one of my friends and neighbours “S” ….. Happy Birthday.

Alvin and I had company last night.

Two of our friends “A” and “J” and her pup JAZMIN came for tea and a visit.

A had mentioned about stopping by last night after work and then J called to see if okay for her to stop by.

I said bring JAZMIN and she wasn’t sure.

JAZMIN is getting older and has a heart condition.

Alvin and Jaz get along quite well and he doesn’t get too excited when she arrives.

It is as if they know.

Anyway J & J arrived first and we visited and then A arrived a bit later.

J & J left for home first so it worked that we had visits separately with them and together.

So nice to see these ladies.

 

Yesterday afternoon Alvin and I went for a walk in between doing some laundry.

His paws were starting to get cold as we neared Teddy’s house.

Strange thing … just as I about to say we could stop for a minute their garage door opened and there was Teddy’s Dad “W.”

He spotted us and I mentioned about Alvin’s paws.

W said that he was just about to leave for an appointment but there was time for us to say hi and for Alvin to warm his paws.

Oh, Master Teddy was so excited to see us.

Always, always warms my heart to see him.

W also mentioned that we should stop by tomorrow (which is today) as J, sister of Teddy’s Mom is going to be visiting.

So we will likely on our walk this afternoon stop by for a bit and say hello.

 

So this time off from work has been filled with resting and relaxing and visiting.

I am going to put together a coffee date with two other friends for tomorrow morning.

Our friend “V” called from Regina yesterday.

These days have been filled with phone calls and visits.

The best kind of days off.

I am also thinking of perhaps taking down the decorations on Sunday.

 

Well I guess it is time to get dressed and get this day going.

These later nights and sleeping in ….. well I will have to get back into our routine before next Wednesday (back to work) or the 5:00 a.m. is going to be painful.

Will have to check around and see what project I can take on for a few hours.

Certainly has been wonderful having this time off.

 

We wish you a great day.

WOW, the 28th day of December, 2018 …. almost a New Year.

 

Special Hello to: all of those folks who have time off from work and are just resting and relaxing. DO NOT feel guilty.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of December, 2018.

It remains almost dark outside at just after 8:30 a.m. …..

 

Last night I happened across the “Kennedy Centre Honours.”

They were honouring Cher, Reba, two other entertainers and the Broadway Musical “Hamilton.”

I missed the first part for Reba but saw the rest including the last honouree CHER.

I love CHER and was so nice when her friend Cindy Lauper sang her songs.

Of course, this made for yet another late night and late getting up.

I guess we are going to have to start going to bed at our usual time.

Alvin has been eating at odd times and once back to work he will have to eat before I leave for work.

 

Well yesterday was a lazy day around this house.

I/We did not do too much.

So today we have to get some things done such as laundry.

A walk will be nice.

Pretty much all of yesterday there were these gorgeous fat snowflakes slowly coming down.

The deck requires some shovelling as does the driveway, very likely.

Exercise will get us going.

I also have to go to the Post Office at Shoppers.

 

Looking out our front window this morning the branches of our tree and others were covered in snow.

Those big delicious snowflakes that were falling down from the heavens landed everywhere including on the trees.

So beautiful.

The sky is white.

The ground is white.

The rooftops are white.

White, white, and more white.

Perhaps today the sun will shine.

I will say that the white is the perfect frame for our houses.

Our homes remind me of a little village in the Swiss Alps (not that I have been there).

But from pictures.

That would be out front.

That would be our duplexes … the design ….

 

I just took a minute to read over my posts from prior years.

It was not until after 2010 that I started to do on a regular basis “Thought for the day.”

Last year 2017 was COLD and Alvin had his regular vet appointment on this date.

We were lucky to have had a ride to this appointment.

Weather not warm but not cold – somewhere in between  which is nice.

Good for walking.

Seems like we have had a variety of “turkey dinners.”

One year or two it was TOFURKEY, last year I followed Jamie Oliver’s roasting method for the turkey and one year we had Christmas dinner catered at my daughter’s new house.

I had remembered that there were lots of potatoes but apparently according to my posts there was not.

I am glad that we try new things in amongst our traditions.

Keep things fresh.

 

Well I guess that I had better get this show on the road.

Time to have a shower.

Perhaps that will give me some get up and go.

There is something about a white/grey sky with no sunlight that makes me want to sleep.

I do want to do some things during my 11 day break from work (including weekends).

 

So happy December 27th, 2018, EVERYONE.

I hope that you are enjoying this day whether at home or at work.

 

My big debate is when to put away the Christmas Tree and decorations.

Do I wait until New Year’s Day?

Or perhaps New Year’s Eve.

I work on the 2nd of January so taking them down on New Year’s Day takes a good chunk of the day.

Maybe New Year’s Eve or perhaps on the 30th.

I love the decorations.

Perhaps on the 30th so that I am ready for the New Year ….. all fresh and clean.

Still do not know.

I have a couple of days to decide.

 

Well time to go and have that shower.

Happy Thursday.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of December, 2017.

The sun is up and shining brightly.

Still a cold day.

Thank you to our friend and neighbour for driving me and Alvin to his appointment yesterday.

This cold weather has put me in hibernation mode.

I just feel like sleeping.

I have decided that in order to get to things that I am going to take down the Christmas decorations.

Sometimes I leave everything up until well in January and other times I have taken things down before New Year’s Day.

This may be the earliest.

Oh well, that way I can clean as I put things away and will have the weekend to do some visiting.

The sky is beautiful although a ridge of deep blue purple coloured clouds just slipped over the bright sun.

I think that Alvin is growing restless ….. we cannot wait until the warmer weather arrives.

It is in the forecast for next week, thank goodness.

 

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching.

Three sleeps.

2017 out and 2018 in.

Have you thought about what you would like to do specially for 2018?

Are you planning to travel?

Are you planning to do some renovations?

Are you planning to read more?

Are you planning to cook more healthy food?

Are you planning to exercise more?

I believe at the end of it all, most of us would just like to be in good health, happy and be surrounded by good people.

 

While I am taking down the Christmas decorations I am going to ponder what to do, to be in 2018.

Sounds like a plan.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and that you are warm, safe and happy.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin