Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you doing well. Hard to believe today is Monday, November 28, 2022. Almost the end of November 2022. Where has the time gone? Almost time to start the countdown to Christmas. Do not want to start too early, lol.

Yesterday I borrowed my neighbour’s car and went shopping to the nearby strip mall where I went to Shoppers Drug Mart and Bone & Biscuit and Save-On-Foods. The first place that I went to at Shoppers was the Post Office to mail a small parcel and Christmas Cards, what did I find, CLOSED sign. I was grateful to find out from a clerk who happened to be walking past that the Post Office would open at Noon. This was about 10:45 am, so that was okay. I had some things that I wanted to pick up at Shoppers so I consulted my list on my phone. Sometimes I bring a paper list but this time it was more efficient to have the phone so that I could delete the items that I bought without carrying a pen. After that I headed to the Bone & Biscuit to pick up Christmas gifts, possibly a new sweater and harness for Mr. Alvin, only to find that it was closed until noon. What is this new business, lol? So I took my purchases and placed them in the car and was off to the grocery store which I knew for a fact that it was open. When I arrived inside the store I grabbed a cart and consulted my list. There were a number of customers in the store but it was not too bad. The cashier was young, friendly and I really appreciated the way that he packed my groceries. I almost forgot to drop off the batteries that I had placed in the bags provided (they were in with my bags that I had brought to the store). Old batteries dropped off. Another items off my list but in hindsight I forgot to grab more bags! OH well, next time. I checked over the receipt to ensure that nothing was charged incorrectly as he had initially charged the wrong price for a non-food item that I had picked up for a gift. Who knew that I would find something that was requested on my pick for Secret Santa. Loaded up the car and then back to Shoppers to mail the parcel and Christmas cards including one to Sweden to my longtime “pen pal” Ingrid. No lineup, how wonderful. Then I was off to Bone & Biscuit where I checked my list for the items that I wanted to purchase for Mr. Alvin, Aspen and Milo for Christmas. I found a sweater, new leash and toy for Alvin and then a toy each for my grandpups. Success. I even received 10% off my purchase due to the points that I had accumulated. Then back to the car, loaded up and on my way home.

Once I was home, I unloaded the car with a few trips and then returned the car keys to my friend. She was down with something and had been resting on the sofa. Poor girl. Her boyfriend was relaxing on the sofa, just having a quiet lazy day. He drives long distance trucking. Alvin was enjoying sniffing around the bags. I had to put the bag up that had his Christmas present in it. They must put something inside those items or else just the scent from the store lingering, I do not know because I semi hid the bag in the spare room behind a large rubbermaid which is containing other Christmas presents and he keeps going in and sniffing. He cannot get to the bag with his gifts but he sure knows something is in there. Funny. I unpacked and as I was putting the groceries away, I realized that one item was not there. I looked back over everything and not there. So I texted my friend to see if I could borrow her car once again and before you know it, I was on my way, back to the store. ARGH. Back at the store, a young man who had just come back from bringing cards into the store, came back to Customer Service and asked if “he could help me,” I said yes and explained the situation. He said that he remembered one of the cashiers had a list of the items that were left at cash and had returned them to their places in the store. He just had to find the list. He found the list and then another clerk came to Customer Service. They were able to secure another item for me and then I was on my way. YAY. Normally, I would have not bothered but this item was almost $10.00. Too much money to throw away. After I put everything away, I got Mr. Alvin into his harness and sweater (not new ones, although I did try them on and they fit perfect) and we went for a walk. I was so fast trying them on that I think he will forget what they looked like, lol. We enjoyed a walk. Then back home. I decided to bring up the ladder and change the light bulbs and clean the light fixture by the back door. Could not get it down so I texted another neighbor’s son to see if he could come and help me, he said yes. In the meantime, I replaced a bulb in another fixture. I am so blessed and was happy to get these chores done and for the help. I e transferred him some money for helping me as this was the second weekend in a row, I reached out to him. I cleaned out and rearranged the back cabinet / pantry before starting supper. After supper it was a quiet evening.

Whoops time is slipping away and is almost time to start work. I have the coffee ready to plug in.

Have a great Monday. Stay warm.

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

I am grateful to be surrounded by great people.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Saturday December 12th, 2020 which is only “12 sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day?” Are you busy baking? Busy wrapping gifts? Shopping? Cleaning? Cooking? Crying? Having a sadness episode? Watching a lot of Christmas movies? Playing board games with your family? Giving your pup a bath? Watching this glorious sunrise? All of or none of the above. For whichever you are doing know that you are not alone. We are all having an unique experience this year, this holiday season, this Christmas 2020. That’s okay. Whatever we do, wherever we are, we will get through this together. There is not one person on the planet (unless they are away from technology) that is not or has not been affected by the PANDEMIC. So you are not alone. It is how we deal with emotionally, respond to physically, press forward with that will bring us more together than ever before in human history. I truly believe this. I see much more kindness and compassion happening this year. That is so great for us all. Take a deep breath and if you feel like releasing a tear or two that is okay. This year has been so overwhelming for most of the people on the planet. Even Mr. Alvin has been wondering “what the hay is going on?” We can do this. We can.

Okay, so last night I had my eye appointment. I have always had the same Eye Doctor but this year I got a wonderfully funny cute (can I say that, well I just did) male Doctor. I always enjoy my visits to the Eye Doctor but this younger man (well considerably younger than me, anyway) was a breath of fresh air. He had such an amazing sense of humour and definitely is in the right profession. Apparently my vision has improved. Wow, is that crazy or what. I have super healthy eyes when he reviewed the photos some other staff had taken earlier. The whole experience starting at the door. You walk in through the outside door into a little area where there was a table with hand sanitizer set up. The door at that side of entranceway was locked as per the sign and as I entered the door was opened by the receptionist who asked me (hard to tell with the mask on at first) so I responded with I am Carol Lewis and I have an appointment at 4:40 p.m. Why not give the information and save some time. I took off my mitts, placed them in my coat pockets and sanitized up my hands and followed her into the office. She went around the counter and asked me a few questions and then asked me to have a seat. The chairs in the reception area were all spaced at least six feet apart. There were two folks in the waiting area. One by one they went in and finally it was my turn. A young man sporting a black mask called my name and I stood up and he asked me to follow him. So I did. Into this room with three machines. He asked me to sit down on the stool at the first machine, I complied. I also noted and mentioned, “hey you guys are tag teaming.” as there was a young woman at the second machine. So I had the puff of air, saw bright lights and had multiple photos taken of my eyes in just a few minutes. Also had a couple of giggles with the staff. Why not enjoy the experience. Then I was back into the waiting room for a few minutes before the Doctor asked me to follow him. Oh yes, that was not a difficult request. I sat down in the exam room. Doctor Joel asked me several questions and I answered them. We had a couple of laughs. He told me that my eyes were in great health and to keep doing whatever it was that I was doing. He asked if I liked “salmon”? and for a fleeting moment I thought “is he asking me out for dinner?” (not really but makes for a great story and I bet you were smiling, right?). Dr. J proceeded to explain how the salmon has lots of OMEGA 3’s and they are good for the eyes and to help keep them moist so no dry eyes. I explained that while I love salmon I actually don’t eat a lot of it. He went on to mention avocados and I said now I eat a ton of them. He said great. I was amazed by how many different health conditions and diseases can be identified by looking at photos of the eyes, the back story. Very cool and so interesting. He asked if I was wanting to get new glasses, I said yes and he advised that I would have to set up another appointment to come and pick out frame. Totally understand. Luckily they are open most of the week between Christmas and New Years. After we were finished he handed me my prescription and I followed him to the reception area where we chatted for a moment before he went back to look after the last patient. Dr. Joel mentioned in a timid tone at first as if it may be a sensitive topic for me, When you come in for your next visit you will be “of a certain age.” I smiled and said, you mean 65. We laughed. I told him that does not bother me and that I am happy to get older as long as I live to be older. He explained the benefits once you turn 65. Lucky me. Once the receptionist was done, she gave me the bill of the remainder owing (I was shocked that my insurance only covered half of the $125 exam fee). Anyway I paid the bill, made my appointment to go and pick out frames. I was just doing up my coat to leave when I saw this woman on the other side of the door and realizing it was my friend Iris, Teddy’s Mum, who had given me a ride to my appointment and had come back to pick me up. She had said to call her but turns out she had to go out so waited for me. Am I not, the luckiest gal in the world. I have so many wonderful, thoughtful, kind friends.

On the way home, we stopped at the Bone & Biscuit so that I could go and pick up Christmas gifts for Mr. Alvin and my grandpups Aspen and Milo and some treats for them and to include Teddy and Kobi. Ssh, don’t tell anyone. Now to get things wrapped.

Last night after supper and clean up, I just watched a bit of t.v.

Lots to do today. Some baking, laundry, cleaning and Iris and the pups are coming for a visit. I had better get this show on the road. I was even up early and look it is 9:03 a.m. already. Light outside and appears it is windy. I already have a load of blankets that should be done washing by now, changed bedding and gathered laundry, got dressed and now finished this post. WHEW.

Wishing you an awesome Saturday. Living our lives with kindness, compassion and respect for ALL others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. something went wrong when I was trying to publish this post. It was in an auto saving mode for what seemed like forever. So I went ahead while I thought it was doing its’ thing and did another load of laundry, had breakfast, did some tidying up and cleaned up poop outside. When came upstairs not published and here it is almost 11:00 a.m. So I went back in again and went to the draft version but part of the post did not show. So anyway, I got it finished and will try again. Oh well, nothing like a bit of technical difficult to start your Saturday. LOL.

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

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of January, 2018.

Well yesterday turned out to be a bit on the colder side, especially with the wind.

Tomorrow is to be about ZERO …..

Still so much better than the minus 30 windchill of last week.

 

Last night as I was watching Alvin outside …. I was thinking about a commercial that I had seen earlier in the evening.

The commercial was about the stress that people are under at this time of year due to DEBT.

Mainly credit card balances from Christmas gifts and the holidays.

It hit me like a ton of bricks, I have no CONSUMER DEBT.

I do not have to worry about trying to come up with the money to pay off a credit card.

Everything in my house from the sofa down to the cutlery is paid in full.

I do not OWE any money.

So on those odd occasions when I am feeling like I would like to go shopping – just because I think I need to or actually more like want to….

I will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I am DEBT FREE.

Funny how things come out of nowhere …. the Universe was just telling me how lucky I am.

I feel like I could jump up into the air and click my heels together or break into the song “HAPPY.”

I feel like I lost a ton of weight.

I look at it this way – I purchase what we need and not what I want.

After all so much of what we have is not really what we need.

I am creative when it comes to gift giving.

It feels great not to be drowning in credit card and loan payments.

So on this day, I am very proud of myself.

I am very grateful to be where I am.

I am grateful for the support of my family and friends along the way.

I am grateful to be navigating life in a positive manner.

I hope that you all have a great Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are wondering what to do ….. learn about your money.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 30th day of October, 2017.

One more day till Halloween and second last day of October, 2017.

The time surely does fly by.

We had a great weekend.

Pup sat with Teddy …. such a cute little guy.

Alvin and I had some walks and lots of snuggles and cuddles.

I had coffee yesterday with my two of my girl friends.

We always have fun.

We even got to pick out Halloween Costumes as the hostess has a big container full.

I had not decided what to be beforehand so it was perfect timing.

I am going to be a HIPPIE complete with the stove pipe pants or bell bottoms.

I made a big pot of tomato sauce with the garden tomatoes from my friend “P’s” garden.

So good.

Finished my gifts for my friend “V” and got them packaged so that they can be mailed this week.

One down ….. few to go.  YAY, me.

I even had some to freeze after making a pot of pasta for supper and for leftovers.

So grateful to have a freezer full of tomatoes.

Well almost time to fly here.

Better get going.

I hope that you all had a great weekend.

Happy Monday …..

Take some time for yourself.

Do not allow yourself to be second ….. it is just like being on a plane and the oxygen masks come down ….. if you do not look after YOU first ….. how can you possibly help anyone else.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. hopefully later this week, we can SKYPE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Afternoon and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of December, 2014.

WOW, what a glorious day.

I have accomplished so many things today that I feel on fire …… at this rate I will have plenty of time to relax and wrap Christmas gifts tonight.

YAY.

What beautiful weather we are having here in Edmonton.

It has been incredible.

The kids took a drive out to Spruce Grove (location of their new home which is being built at this very moment) to take a peek at the progress and to take the puppies for a walk in the nearby park.

So I am alone and just catching up on a few things.

Like writing this blog.

Normally I write early in the morning before I leave for work but on Saturdays sometimes life just gets in the road and it happens later.

I feel so incredibly wonderful ….. a great feeling.

I picked up my new eyeglasses and sunglasses this morning so I will be posting a photo at some point in the near future.

Always takes a bit of getting used to and perhaps that would begin with me actually wearing them.

Usually at home I do not wear them but I had better before I go to work tomorrow.

Well loves I must get this show on the road and get to my list.

I want to be organized so me and puppies can just relax on the sofa after supper and watch some television.

Likely will wrap gifts before the sitting on the sofa.

The kids are going to a Christmas party this evening.

Have a wonderful rest of your Saturday.

Thank you so much for reading my blog …..

I so appreciate it.

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Monday Morning ….. December 12th, 2011.

Yesterday while working at my job at Bath and Body Works …. I observed the following:  many people were shopping with a list.

So I spoke with a few of them and this was the majority of responses.

“We made a list and are sticking to it.”   “Waited until two weeks before Christmas.”

“This way we go in and out.”  “Do not overspend.”

How great is that!

My take on Christmas this year ….. is a bit different.

My object is to “do Christmas gifts” without spending any money.

So far I am on track.

I am crafty, make jewelry and stuff.  Making gifts means you took the time to consider what someone might like, and then took the time to make it.

Make a gift basket with things that you have around the house.

Perhaps you have an extra box of tea or unopened bag of coffee …

Samples from the drugstore …..  unused perfume …… makeup ….. lightly used books …. the list is endless..

BAKING…… everyone loves homemade cookies…

There are so many ways to do Christmas and not spend hundreds of dollars.

After all the gift giving portion is more a gimmick or a ploy by advertisers.  (I know it also employs folks).

We all love to give, and that is great but to spend so much money that it takes months and years to pay it off ….. is not worth it.  (I know)

Another way is to redeem air miles …. you can get gift cards, and so much more.

Why not take advantage of what you have at your fingertips.

Also you may have a piece of Grandma’s china that a family member had been eyeing so why not share.

After all, we do ….. (let’s be honest here) …… have way too much.

Every year things change.

So why not change with it.

Take a chance to do something different.

That’s what I am doing….

Have a great Monday everyone.

Special Hello: to everyone that sends Christmas cards.  Hello…

Always, Carol