Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

It is the first full day of my 2019 VACATION.

I feel like jumping and down and screaming it to the world.

So happy.

Can you tell?

Yes, I am so excited to be on vacation.

I wanted to sleep in a bit.

Alvin was up at 3:28 a.m. so we moved from bedroom to living sofa where we remained until 6:53 a.m.

I was thinking “Really” this is my vacation …. I would like to sleep until 7:30 a.m. – so I did.

Then up threw a coat over my nightgown and out the door to go and look after Cinder and Humphrey.

When I had finished everything – I asked Humphrey if he wanted to come home with me and see Alvin.

He ran over to the steps going to their upstairs and waited for me to slightly bend over and scoop him up.

He perched himself on my shoulder and I am glad that I had my coat back on …. because he was holding on.

So locked the house and went back home.

At home the boys are like it has always been this situation.

They do well together.

As I have mentioned before Alvin has just a bit of uncertainty about Humphrey to make it a perfect relationship.

Hi Humphrey who has just joined us.

 

Last night after I arrived home from work, did the usual, let Alvin outside, got changed, we went for a walk, brought Alvin home and then went to pick up Humphrey.

He spent the evening with us.

Made a huge salad for supper and I must say that I love my thrown together homemade salad dressing.

No recipe that I can even share.

Just after I had eaten and finished the dishes the phone rang and I saw that it was my friend V from Saskatchewan.

She had left me a message on my cell but I was busy and had not noticed.

Instructions to go and pick up the mail …..

We all know what that means.

A parcel.

In this case …. an early Birthday parcel.

Grabbed my keys, locked the house so that the fur babies could not escape and ran to the mailboxes.

Okay, perhaps that was a stretch, no running but walking quickly.

Lots of flyers in the mailbox along with a key to the BIG BOX.

Quickly picked up the parcel locked the mail boxes and was on my way home.

Once inside the house – Mr. Alvin started to get excited.

He knows all about those boxes and very likely he could smell the contents.

So I quickly went about opening the box with Humphrey and Alvin standing by not so quietly, especially my boy.

First thing was to locate his special treat from our friend and then grab my phone to video him opening his present.

OMG, so cute.

Wishing that I could show you the video.

If you follow me on INSTAGRAM @  carolylewis

You can see the video with Alvin opening his treat.

After he was finished I gave him some of the treat and then proceeded to the rest of the box which was filled to the brim with all sorts of sweet homemade delectable treats.

Two kinds of cinnamon buns, cheese buns and regular buns, chocolate biscotti and some other bought sweet treats.

 

As I was opening my packages – Alvin had taken the box that I had set beside the pantry door on the floor and pulled it over to where the photos are which is a few feet.

He was looking for more treats.

I laughed so hard, what a boy.

Photos above are of my sweet treats.

What a decision to have to make?

It was lucky that I had a salad for supper.

So in the end I had a cinnamon bun and one chocolate biscotti.

Heaven …. truly.

 

The fragrance emmanting from these gorgeous lilies is intoxicating.

Humphrey and AL relaxing last night.

Pleasant surprise as the solar light inserted in one of my flower pots came alive last night.

The colours were glorious.

 

Well time to have breakfast and get these boys outside into the backyard to enjoy some fresh air.

Wishing my niece-in-law “S” a very Happy Birthday.

Wishing my friend “K” a very Happy Birthday.

So many August Birthdays.

Happy Birthday ….

 

If you spend each moment treating others with kindness and respect then you will be living your life with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & ALvin and Humphrey.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of April, 2019.

Well up in good time this morning.

I am on Humphrey duty so am going to check on him this morning before leaving for work.

We will go and pick him up again after work and he will spend the evening with us.

OMG, the boys are so cute.

Last night Alvin was kind of off his game for some reason.

Not quite sure.

He was barking while sitting on the sofa with Humphrey.

Humphrey gave him a soft swat in his general direction as if to say “enough buddy, enough.”

I coaxed Alvin to sit on the other side of me until he calmed down.

He got over whatever it was and the boys settled in for the evening.

In and outside, they went.

 

Well a few more weeks and it will be flower time.

I noticed that some of my perennials in the back garden are up and green.

YAY.

So far so good.

I can hardly wait to wash down the deck and put out the deck furniture.

Too early at this point.

Did you hear the news in Saskatchewan?

I do not want to say the word but it begins with a “S” and ends with a “W.”

ARGH.

But even though Easter is later this year …. there is always a possibility of some of that stuff.

Won’t last long which is great.

Another double digit day.

YAY.

 

I am thinking that I will go out on the Easter long weekend and pick up the trash in my neighbourhood.

Almost every time we go for a walk I pick up something.

Still so much.

As I have extra days next weekend besides Saturday and Sunday – feels like a good time.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

 

Well I should get going and check on that Mr. Humphrey.

Make sure he did not eat all the food that I gave him last night (likely not).

Good idea to check and see if he used the litter box.

Check on his water.

Peek in on Miss Cinder.

She does not get mentioned in my posts often.

 

Happy Friday.

May the force be with you.

Keep smiling.

Keep showing kindness even if you are not feeling “it.”

Keep feeling gratitude for your life and all that you have.

Keep the faith.

 

Special Hello to:  sending positive energy and good feelings out to you all on this day.  Keep well, and I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts for always.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

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 Sunday the 26th day of August, 2018.

Happy Birthday to a friend of ours who turns “12”today.

She is almost a teenager ….. hard to believe …. when we met as neighbours you were a little girl….not even in school.

The sky is partially cloud ….. a bit of smoke lingering in the air …. possibly some rain clouds.

Cooler than the average for this time of year but that is okay.

We had a little rain shower last night.

Today will be a quiet day just looking after the boys.

Putting away the laundry that has been drying in the laundry room.

Snuggling with pups and visiting with Humphrey the Cat.

 

I had a start last night.

I went to visit Humphrey and Cinder after 9:00 p.m. last night ….. Cinder was awake and when I turned on the light …. she was staring right at me.

Her eyes are so cool.

Round black with a sliver of lightness going through them.

Geckos are so unique.

I do not see her much when I look after them.

Again this morning she was laying on a stem of the plant that is her in home …. Not sure if she was sleeping or not.

Usually during the day she is in her sleeping pod.

So twice I have seen her in less than 12 hours.

Very unusual.

Well I have Master Teddy in my lap and it is not quite so easy to key with someone who wants you to hold him.

We have had a good few days together.

The boys have played, we have walked and just hung out.

 

Mr. Alvin has been eating grass the past couple of days.

Last night he threw up once and I thought he was going to do so again.

He has no problem eating or drinking.

Perhaps he has been eating too much.

I am watching that carefully today.

Teddy seems to like Alvin’s food AND Alvin will eat his and Teddy’s if given the chance.

 

Well time to go and have coffee.

Teddy is moving about and I do not wish to drop him.

 

His Aunt is picking him up tonight.

His Mom and Dad will remain away on vacation for an additional few days.

He will be excited to his Auntie “J.”

 

Life is good.

 

I heard somewhere the following and it makes sense to me:

“The age that is one’s highest self esteem is “60.”

I definitely can see that.

It has taken me to age 60 to be better in my own skin, to know what I like, and to be confident in myself.

Life is better as we age.

 

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my all my girls ….. each year you get better and better.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Master Teddy.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 11th day of August, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my brother “J.”

Wishing you a great day my brother.

The sky is overcast with smoke and clouds.

I so wished that it would RAIN.

Rain and put out all of the forest fires.

The smoke has been intense here and I can only imagine what it is like in the areas affected by the fires.

 

WE have been spending a quiet last day or so.

Me and the boys (Alvin and Teddy) have been vegging in front of the fans.

No windows open as it has been so smoky.

Too hot to move around much.

I am also watching Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gecko.

Just watching the babies.

Too hot to spend the time that I need writing up my HOLIDAY POST complete with PHOTOS.

But I will.

 

The babies are wanting to go downstairs.

I had a refreshing shower.

I have found that a wet facecloth laid on the pups backs/tummies when they are laying down, helps keep them cool.

Funny how both of them actually just laid with the cloth on them.

 

I am so excited to share my Birthday trip stories and photos (there are lots of photos).

But with the heat and the smoke, I cannot spend much time upstairs on the computer.

But I will.

 

Time to go check on the other babies.

Mine want to go outside.

I sure hope that it rains.

 

The gal that baked my 60th birthday cake from work has been asked to bake me one for my 61st.

The cake is being delivered this morning.

I have invited friends over to share ….. this will be a two or three event.

Whenever people have time to come and have a piece of cake.

 

Getting hot now.

Have to move the fan back downstairs to cool the main floor.

 

Have a great day.

Keep cool and I hope that you are safe.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my posts, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 10th day of August, 2018.

Yesterday was my 61st Birthday and was the day that my daughter and I returned home from our three day/two night vacation/road trip.

We had a blast.

So much to share.

We returned to my daughter’s home about 7:30 p.m. last night; had supper and then my son-in-law drove me and Alvin home.

Once home it was after 8:30 p.m. – quick unpack job, went to see Humphrey the cat (we are on cat sitting duty) and cannot forget Cinder the gecko) – water flowers and set up the FANS.

Good to get home.

HOT temperatures on our trip.

Our trip was great.

We will be also watching Teddy for the next couple of days so this post will be short as he will be here shortly.

I just wanted to touch base and let you know that I have returned.

I have so many photos to share.

We even changed our travel plans slightly.

Another blistering hot day on the way and I am ever grateful to have a couple of electric FANS plus the furnace fan to cool the house down.

 

I will be back.

With stories and photos.

 

Special Hello to: everyone for the birthday wishes.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of May, 2018.

It is raining outside right at this very moment.

Rain, glorious rain.

Rain, happy, rain.

So pleased that it is raining.

Just a nice steady rain.

The kind that soaks into the ground and provides proper moisture.

The grass is happy and green.

The flowers are happy and blooming in extra vibrant colours.

The trees are dancing in their roots with joy.

So glad for the rain.

 

Oh how I love Humphrey the Cat.

What a guy.

This morning he wanted me to pick him up.

After 5 seconds he wanted down.

Then up and then down.

Playing a game.

He was a bit out of sorts because last night my visits were not lengthy in duration.

I opened the window for him after work to enjoy the fresh air.

Filled up food dishes and changed the water for Humphrey and Cinder.

Stopped by after my walk with Alvin for a few minutes.

After my unexpected company I went back to close the window and spend some time with him.

We played peek-a-boo …. he is quite the cat.

He knows what he wants and when.

He is orange with long hair and he knows it.

Enjoying our time together.

 

So my unexpected company.

A friend had asked if I wanted to order from NORWEX, I said that I would as she always has supported my STEEPED TEA business.

Ended up having a book party which helped her out.

The Consultant from NORWEX happens and this is crazy just to live down the alley from our mailboxes, like a 5 minute walk if that.

She drove because she had not realized that I was so close.

Long story short as it is almost time to go back downstairs.

NORWEX was having a great sign-up and I decided to go for it.

So along with being a STEEPED TEA Consultant – I am a NORWEX Consultant.

I am so happy …. should be fun.

Will definitely be busy but that is okay.

Great products …. both companies.

Made a new friend who just happens to live just a short walk away.

How lucky are we?

PS Alvin likes her, too.

 

Okay time to sign off.

Have a great Wednesday.

Just goes to show that you never know what the day will bring.

Life is full of unexpected wonderful surprises.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who always keeps busy with businesses, yes multiple businesses.  She is WONDER WOMAN.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of May, 2018.

A gorgeous morning.

Slight breeze.

Sunshine.

Perfection.

 

Alvin slept until the alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. – we were up to stay up, then.

We are on pet patrol – meaning I am pet sitting for a friend and neighbour.

So in order to look after everyone – we are staying up.

Poor Humphrey was not impressed that I did not stay for long this morning.

Cinder, the gecko – well she does not utter a word.

I was over several times on the weekend and stayed for longer periods of time.

Humphrey is the Cat.

He is a good guy and likes to go outside.

What a great weekend – surrounded by animals and children.

…………………………………………………………………………….

May 28, 2010 – Watching my Grand-puppies. (This was before I started “Thought for the Day”).

Appears that having fur babies around me has been happening for a long time.  These ones were extra special to me and I think of them everyday.

My kids left this morning for a week.  They flew to Toronto.  So Elton and Penny are spending the time with me and Alvin.  I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised at how well behaved they have been.  It was off to a bit of a slow start with last night.  Elton must have missed his Mom and Dad because he just couldn’t settle down.  Alvin spent the night following Penny around the bed.  Yes, they all slept with me.  They are cute and I love them.  Well, have to run.  I will share some stories later of our time together…….  It will be an earlier night as I believe I slept for a total of 3 hours last night.

Ah…… poor Grandma…..  🙂

…………………………………………………………………………..

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of May, 2014.

Wow the skies are playing magic tricks this morning.

When I first was up the sun was rising.

Then it was shining.

Now the sky is overcast.

If I wait for another minute the sun will be shining once again.

Mother Nature in all her glory.

So beautiful.

We have certainly needed and enjoyed the moisture received over the past few days.

Our grass is such a nice green now.

I hope that wherever you are  ….. that you are enjoying perhaps green grass and trees and pretty flowers.

Maybe you live near the ocean and are enjoying walking in the sand.

I am so grateful that I have eyes to see this beautiful planet.

I am so grateful that I have ears to hear all the sounds on this beautiful planet.

I am so grateful that I can tell everyone about everything I see and hear.

I am so grateful that I can smell all the fragrances and aromas all around me.

Thank you.

I hope that you are enjoying every piece of this planet …..

Take it in and enjoy.

Treat it all with love and respect ….. every bit.

……………………………………………………………………………….

I guess over the years weather, Mother Nature and our babies have been most important.

I love to look back and read what was happening on the same date years ago.

Well time is a rolling along.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket – which has become a routine for him.

So happy to see the sunshine but there is some rain in the forecast for Wednesday.

We could use some moisture.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who write …. I love to read, keep writing and sharing.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day March, 2018

Happy Birthday to my friend “T” back in Regina.

Wishing her a wonderful day.

 

Happy St. Patty’s Day to all the IRISH and everyone who loves to join in the celebrations.

I am proud to be part IRISH.

 

The sky is overcast here in Edmonton.

I am watching my friend’s cat and gecko while she is curling in the gold medal curling game (local one).

This morning I spent about 20 minutes with Humphrey.

I gave him fresh food and water.

He had no interest …. only wanted to snuggle with Auntie C.

So snuggling we did.

He is such a pleasure to be around.

I came up with a new way of holding him which he loves ……

As I am not so used to cats, I picked him up carefully, and just the way he fell into my lap as I sat down – he was sitting backwards looking outwards.

I began to stroke him, and when my hands were just under his head,  he let his head rest on my hands.

He was comfortable.

We stayed in that position for fifteen minutes.

I will go and keep him company around lunch time and then after supper.

Now, our gecko friend named CINDER – well I wanted to give her some more water but she was on the plant close to the water dish so I decided not to disturb her and will do that later.

She has water so she will be okay.

 

Now for a late breakfast and COFFEE, need COFFEE.

Oh, I hear laundry calling my name and the floors saying “clean me.”

Never enough hours in the day.

Lots to do.

 

I hope that you all have a great Saturday.

May the sun shine in your heart even on a cloudy day.

Love what you do and do you what you love.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl.  She has the best sense of humour, love our “T.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of November, 2016.

Sky is overcast and it has been lightly raining for almost the last hour.

Time changes this morning so I have an extra hour.

I guess that I had better get changing my clocks before I forget.

Lots to do on this Sunday:

• finish laundry
•  check on Cinder (her Momma is on vacation),
• go through our jewellery for the sale next Saturday – take photos, make sure each item is priced and packed up for travel,
• make a poster for our Combo Christmas Event on December 10th, 2016,
• do an on-line event for said event,
• bit of cleaning,
• clean the walkway to 62nd Avenue and our street as people just are lazy and it is filled with trash once again,
• walk with Alvin,
• make some phone calls regarding upcoming tea events,
• WHEW

 

Yesterday was a beautiful day.

We enjoyed the walk to the Vet in the morning and also later in the afternoon.

It was not an usual November day temperature wise.

Even raining in November is not usual.

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

Get dressed and check on the laundry.  Have coffee and check on Miss Cinder.

Special Hello to: You.

Always, Carol and Alvin