The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Thursday, January 27, 2022? Alvin and I are well. Dark outside at this time but cannot wait until the sunrise. They are so beautiful. Sometimes filled with shades of pinks and purples other times yellows and oranges. No matter the colour palette – they are so gorgeous. There is something about a sunrise that just brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I should have downloaded/uploaded the photos that I snapped the other morning with my phone. So pretty.

Well Mr. Alvin has started something as of the past few weeks and that is sometimes he will not drink from his water dish/bowl without me beside him and actually touching him. He barks if I am in another room forcing me to stay with him while he drinks. I am not sure what has got into him. He can see, I am sure of that. But his anxiety level seems to have increased. I will continue to be patient with him and help him through his senior years. Just like he helps me. He has medication for anxiety but I do not want to give him pills all the time because he seems calm most of the time. Anyway, something to monitor. Keeping him happy, relaxed but most of all healthy during these times is paramount. We, I need him to be in good health.

Yesterday a small fleet of small caterpillars with blades were out moving the snow around. They did not have the trucks out hauling away the snow. I am not sure if the City is planning on doing that or not. Should check the City Website and see. A City of Edmonton vehicle was parked out front on the street yesterday and she was checking out the neighbour who parked their truck on their lawn. She spoke to someone on the phone and took some photos and left. It was later when the cats showed up in the neighbourhood moving snow around. One of the drivers got out of his machine and went to their door and spoke to them. The Mrs. came out and moved the truck off the lawn. They pushed all of the excess snow onto their lawn. They have a massive amount of snow on their lawn. Hopefully it melts and does not flood their basement in the spring. Thankfully most of us are up sloping down to the street. So we should be okay. Anyway they can now park on the street. I was wondering if they are going to do that with all of the snow? That would be a mess. Time will tell. There were some of the big graders out here yesterday as well. In all of the almost thirteen years since I moved here, I have never seen that many graders/cats out for this length of time.

Well that is my news for now. I am looking forward to that first cup of coffee this morning. I can smell the aroma floating up from the kitchen and it tickles my nose and warms my heart and soul. I love, love, love COFFEE. Did I say that I loved coffee, lol? Yup, I do.

Have a wonderful day. If you love coffee, I hope that you are able to have a cup or the beverage of your choice. Something that would be a good way to start the day. Be safe and kind to yourself and to others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. yesterday I helped my neighbour give Mr. Bogart his pain meds and medicine. Not an easy thing to do with a big cat. He weighs I think she said “17” pounds. He had to have surgery to put in shunts as he was playing too hard with his brother and was injured. Yikes. Wishing Bogart a speedy recovery.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this beautiful bright sunny Wednesday morning? I hope that it is sunny and gorgeous wherever you are at this moment. After this post, Alvin and I are heading out for a walk. There is a heat warning out for the City of Edmonton for today so I want to ensure that we get a walk in now as we will not be able to walk later. Just out of the shower and feeling refreshed so perfect time to go. So grateful that I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath on the weekend. We will take water as per usual on our walk. Yesterday we borrowed my neighbour’s car to go to Alvin’s vet appointment so I was able to pick up his food as well. Saved me an extra trip. His ears are back to normal, yay.

I cannot believe that it is +18 degrees celsius already so it will be warm. I opened the windows to let in any cool air there is at this time and then will close them and the blinds. I am grateful to have some very good fans to help cool us down. It is at these times that I “almost” wished that I had the a/c serviced but that will happen in time. We are also getting the shingles done and am just waiting for the company owner to get back to us with the schedule.

Wishing that everyone is safe and doing well. I am grateful each and every day for all of the many blessings that the Universe has bestowed upon me. So grateful. I hear someone whistling. Sounds like Sonja whistling at the cats who are likely outside enjoying the morning.

We will continue to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude for each other and for every living being we encounter this day and each day.

Thank you for reading this post. You make my heart sing. Have an awesome day. Time to get out for that walk.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

• 

2021 – Day after EARTH DAY

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Good Morning ALL! Happy Friday to each and everyone. I hope that you are doing well. We had another sleep deprived night but Alvin seems to be okay so not exactly sure what is wrong if anything. I did clean his ears at 3:30 or so as he was shaking them about. I had checked them earlier and they did not look dirty but there may have been something irritating him that I could not see so the cleanser from the vet is good so I put some in both ears and using the medical gauze squares (not cotton balls) I gave him a little swish about. Nothing was on the square. Anyway clearly something was bothering him as basically we were up from 2:20 till about 5:30, when I must have dozed off and realized that he was not on the sofa so I got up and could not find him on the main floor. So I ran upstairs to find him in the hallway. We went back to bed and slept until the alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. I hopped into the shower and feeling refreshed I should be okay for the day along with some caffeine. Poor guy.

We did have a walk at noon yesterday despite the cold wind and that it was snowing. Yes, it was. Bright sunshiny morning for this Friday. YAY.

I cannot believe that I forgot yesterday was EARTH DAY. Then I got to thinking and thought shouldn’t every day be EARTH DAY? Perhaps reminding everyone the day after the OFFICIAL DAY is even more important. So here are some everyday tips to help the environment – Mother Nature – our EARTH:

1. Pick up the trash from your property.
2. When you are out for a walk pick up trash that you see
3. Organize a garbage/trash pickup in your community
4. Stop using single use plastics (or at least cut down)
5. Stop using the to go coffee cups from your local coffee place, take your own. Everyone has a mug or fifty.
6. Start shopping at Thrift Stores/Garage Sales and the like for clothing and other items for items you need.
7. Use the “Marie Konda” method of organizing in your shopping practices. Make sure you REALLY LOVE the item.
8. Clean out your closets and perhaps swap with friends and family.
9. Check with local animal shelters to see if they need any towels and blankets (if you are cleaning out your linen closet)
10. Old suitcases – contact Foster Homes
11. Be mindful of what you buy (yes, I am repeating myself).
12. We in this country and in the United States – simply buy more than we need. Way more.
13. Live more simply.
14. Only keep what you use.
15. Let us each make a difference.
16. Make sure that you pack your garbage for pickup properly. If you live in a windy location or where there are a lot of birds, ie: magpies and crows – you may wish to use a closed container instead of just putting put a bag. Maybe your municipality is changing to covered bins like ours.
17. Please do not put your loose papers and egg cartons on top of a “blue bin.” They will blow to my house and I will end up putting them into the garbage.
18. Check with your local municipality about what can be recycled
19. Stop using balloons (they are killing our wildlife and birds).

Well it is time for me to sign off and get the coffee on and go to work.

I wish you a wonderful Friday.

Remember each one of us can make a difference. It is each one’s responsibility. This does not just lie with government.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

What a great Saturday I had.

To start the day off the weather was just as they had forecast. The sun was shining and it was windy. I as you know slept in a bit so was feeling a bit rushed as I always seem to do this to myself. But I was only about ten minutes short of being ready when my daughter arrived. I wore the dress, the cardigan and the scarf. The only item that I changed my mind about was the shoes and I wore some semi flat sandals which ended up being the perfect shoe to wear (I will explain later).

My daughter wanted to stop and get gas which we did at the neighbourhood gas station. Then we were on our way. We almost missed the first turn off from our neighbourhood to the highway but just as we were almost passed, I mentioned “aren’t we supposed to turn and go south.” Luckily the exit is roomy and there was no one behind us so we “checked” and made a quick turn and then were truly on our way. They have “google maps” and yes it was on but it was one of those times when because Amanda also takes the second exit, habit took over. Anyway we continued on our way. We had to go a good way around the City of Edmonton before turning off. The drive was beautiful. The countryside was a glorious palette of fall colours and some of the houses were amazing. I had no idea. Big, big houses with three and four garages built into the house. When we got to the final couple minutes according to “google maps” we were for a minute not quite certain if we had the right place. It was a leaf covered opening between the trees. But we carried on. There were several cars and I spotted an older woman (likely about my age) all dressed up. We stopped and I got out and it was the groom’s mother. We had arrived! The groom happened to come around the corner of the house and came over to chat. We used the bathroom before my daughter continued on her way to do some “thrifting.” She wanted to go and check the shops in the nearby smaller City of Sherwood Park. I was so relieved that we had found the venue.

The venue was actually a private residence which originally was rented out by the owner for different types of retreats. When COVID19 hit, he changed the plan and started renting out for smaller weddings, family reunions and as a B&B. It was the most beautiful place. In the front, the house was magnificent with a huge porch with steps going up covered in stone. Lots of stone on the outside of the house. The groom directed me to the back of the house where I walked down to the area set up for the wedding ceremony. I had no idea that a lake was within walking distance of the house. I was told the name of the lake but alas I have forgotten. Very nice backdrop with the water and the trees all draped in their fall colours. I took a seat on a chair in the ceremony area and just enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my face. The groom came and sat on a nearby chair and we chatted. I learned that his parents were refugees from Vietnam. His Mother had been a nurse back home and ended up in several places including a refugee camp before coming to Canada. His parents met and married in Edmonton where “the groom” was born one of two sons. I met his younger brother and his wife who are expecting a baby. I also learned that the tea ceremony is Chinese (an Asian tradition), and is a time for the generations to offer their blessings to the bride and groom. They also at this time would hand down items from one generation to the other. The groom, my neighbour and friend was always seeking me out to ensure I was doing okay. Some other wedding guests were milling about and some where playing a lawn game. I was introduced by the groom to the handful of guests that were outside. His cousin’s husband and his son, also formally to the groom’s parents. There was a bit of a breeze but not the gale force winds that we have been experiencing. What a lovely afternoon. Of course, I snapped a few photos of the surroundings.

It was about 2:00 p.m. when we were called into the house for the TEA CEREMONY. A sofa in the living room was draped with a red silk/satin covering. There were red and gold cushions on the sofa with two on the floor. The guests gathered in the kitchen/dining area which was an opening floor plan to the living room. The groom waited patiently for the bride who was to call him to the door of the room she was in. When he knocked on the door, the Mother of the Bride answered the door. She gave him tea to drink and then gave him instructions. He was asked to do a number of pushups for the amount of years that they have been together and one for eternity. A few minutes later a woman in a beautiful red lace dress came running around from a door on the other side of the room and it was the bride. They embraced and then walked over and knelt on the cushions. The groom’s mother was sitting on the sofa. A female cousin handed the bride and groom each a small cup of tea which they in turn handed to the groom’s mother. She drank the tea and offered blessings to the couple. Family members took turns ….. all the parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins and I asked the cousin (Michelle) if I could participate as they had mentioned friends or anyone who would like to offer their blessings. So little old me was able to participate in the TEA CEREMONY. I was over the moon. The photographer snapped photos of everyone who participated in the tea ceremony including me. I managed to snap a couple of photos of the bride and groom afterwards as we were instructed not to take photos during the ceremony as there was a professional photographer to do this.

Before heading back outside to wait for the Wedding Ceremony to begin, I was checking out the photo tree by the entranceway to the house. The tree was filled with photos of the happy couple from all of their travels all over the world. There was also a table with small coloured cards & envelopes spread about so I picked one up and write some good wishes to my friends. A young woman, best friend to the bride came over and asked if she could take my photo, I said yes. The photos were placed in the envelope with the card as the bride & groom wanted to have photos of everyone in attendance.

By the high point of the sun it was a good 20 degrees celsius and although in the beginning of the day and partway into the afternoon there was a bit of a breeze.

Back outside and down to the ceremony area the guests were beginning to gather. The groom’s cousin Michelle officiated the wedding ceremony and was preparing the sound system. We waited for a little while before the groom came to take his place. It was not much longer before the bride and her mom came down the stairs to the back lawn area where her dad took her arm and the three of them walked toward the wedding area. The bride looking gorgeous in full length white gown and opting for a floral wreath crown instead of a hand bouquet. Her dress had a lace bodice and long sleeves with a skirt of organza and a beaded belt tied with a satin bow at the back. She looked so beautiful. Both the bride and groom wrote their own vows. We all had a giggle when the bride signaled for her cellphone and read her vows from it, followed by the groom who pulled out handwritten pages for his vows. The vows were so moving. Then it was over and they were married.

After the ceremony the wedding photographer took photos of all the guests in one big photo followed by family photos and over the course of time photos of the bride and groom.

I went back into the house for a drink and found they had some special treats laid out in the kitchen for all of the guests. So I chose a barbecued pork bun and some veggies and a can of Sprite. All of the food was individually packaged for the guests. I sat down at the end of the big table which was empty at that time. As the table began to fill up, I gave up my spot to an woman with mobility issues. Once I was finished eating, I went and sat on the front porch. Just enjoying the afternoon air. A small boy came outside with a coconut bun. His name was Evan. We chatted away until a few minutes later his sister Macey came out. This is how it all started with me meeting these two sweet young children. Evan (4) and Macey (6). They told me all sorts of things about school and themselves. It was a few minutes later when a young man came out and introduced himself as Jimmy. Thinking he was the children’s father as he was so good with them. Anyway, I am thinking that I have been writing this post for well over an hour. Sometimes you just meet people and click and this was the case with this family. Not long later I met the Mom, Jenny. We ended up going back outside to the lawn area and then going for a long walk in the area off the back lawn. Walking and talking and enjoying each other’s company. There was sand on the path and posts from an old dock which meant clearly the water had been further out at one point in time. From that point until I left we were together. What an awesome family. I found out that Jimmy was Jenny’s boyfriend and that she was divorced. The children adore Jimmy that was evident. Jimmy was so polite and kind. They even called me Auntie Carol. I was taken aback by this but after realized that in most other cultures they call older females “Auntie.” When I say taken aback, I meant in a good way. After our walk the FOOD TRUCK arrived and we had supper. There was a nice choice of food. We sat together at a table in the backyard and enjoyed our supper as the sun set. I texted my daughter when I was getting my food as it was about a 30 minute drive for her to come and pick me up. Before I left, Jenny and I decided that we had to keep in touch ….. so we are now FB friends.

I said my goodbyes to the family, my new friends and hugged the children. By the way, masks were wore and social distancing was done. As I walked away Jimmy said to the children “would you like to walk Auntie Carol out” so they joined me to the top of the walk. Such cute children and so nice. Best time. As I walked to the parking area, the food truck was leaving. The driver of this monstrous vehicle when backing up accidentally backed into something, I did not see what it was. There had been a pointer out helping but it was getting dark and I could see trying to maneuver something going wrong. As I started to walk around the vehicle the groom came out onto the porch and called out to me asking if I got a donut, I said no. I also said that my ride was here and that I was leaving. In a minute the bride was there. Jess came down to say goodbye and asked if she could come and say thank you to my daughter for driving me. I said of course. So the bride and a few minutes later the groom came to my daughter’s vehicle. We had a little visit before we were on our way.

What a glorious time I had. There are so many moments that I could have included in this blog but time is passing and I have some things to do before Mr. Alvin arrives home. Miss the little guy.

Amanda and I found our way back to the highway and back home with no problems.

I am so grateful for the invitation to my neighbours, my friend’s wedding. Their family and friends are so friendly and wonderful. Just to add the family that I connected with …. Jenny went to University with Eric, the groom. They drove up from Calgary.

Living my life with KINDNESS and RESPECT.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR

Welcome to Tuesday, a nice bright and feels not too bad out.

I just came back from picking up early morning poo.

It is very cool in the house early in the mornings and part of me wants to cave and turn the heat on.

But another part of me, says NO, just put on warmer socks and a sweater.

It is not me that I worry about it is Mr. Alvin.

I wrap him in a nice warm blanket at night and even now he is laying on his bed beside me and I brought another blanket to cover him.

He is not wriggling out so I think he is cold.

I am going to check out the long range forecast and if it does not warm up during the overnight hours, I will turn the heat back on.

With hopes that it will not be for too long.

Well yesterday I decided to take the afternoon off from work.

I was late leaving at lunch of course, there is always that “phone call.”

After I signed off, we went for a nice walk.

We chatted with our friend P as she was out putzing in her garden.

She has crocuses and pansies blooming in her garden.

So pretty ….. I love both of those flowers.

Not long after returning home, I got together my trash picking up equipment and went on my way.

I filled two big black bags with trash and most of it was from one of the nearby walkways.

I could not believe what people throw in a public place.

Can only imagine their homes.

Anyway, I picked up pieces of a dresser of all things from that walkway.

I also found a blue recycling bin full of “crap.” (not poo)

There was also pieces of metal pipe and other things strewn in one area.

So I left those things as I did not have an empty bag nor was I up to hauling that stuff home.

I did drop off that bag at home and continued down the street with the 1/2 filled second bag.

When I did get home I called the City of Edmonton and asked them to come pick up that garbage.

Unfortunately I was not quite able to finish my route as the wind started to gust and it started to rain.

Home, I went.

At least some of the trash is gone from my neighbourhood.

I will finish the other part another day.

Perhaps on the weekend.

 

We went for another walk later on when the rain stopped.

The sky is clear today and there is a breeze.

 

Well time for me to grab that coffee.

I have a lot of work to do.

Actually I worked for over one hour after our walk from before 5:30 until just after 6:30 p.m.

We are so busy.

One of our group was promoted just before we started to work from home.

She is now gone to her new job.

That leaves her portfolio to be split between the rest of us.

I am not complaining as I am VERY grateful to have a job and to be paid.

I learned yesterday from another friend that she had to take a pay cut.

The pay cut is 20%.

Something tells me that this is just the beginning of what is to come over the next couple of years as the world tries to regain economic stability.

I hope that this finds you and your family well.

I hope that you are able to eat well, pay your bills and that you are safe.

 

Time for coffee.

I hope you have an awesome Tuesday.

Tomorrow my leaking tap gets fixed, I am over the moon grateful for that bit of news.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

As we ALL enter into new territory.

I understand some of us are nervous, scared and anxious about our future.

This is the time that each and every community must come together and ensure that everyone is watched over and looked after.

If you have an elderly neighbour or someone who is housebound check to make sure that they have food and everything that they need to stay healthy.

If you have a neighbour who does not have a car – ask if they need anything when you go to the store for groceries and other items.

This is the time that will test us all.

 

Some folks are working from home, some folks have been instructed to stay at home as they are non-essential employees and so on.

I will be working from home as soon as we have been set up.

That will be something new.

The whole office landscape has changed overnight.

 

Over the past few days schools have closed and possibly until the fall and daycares have closed.

Airports closed and flights reduced, and only four in Canada will take international flights,

Cities have closed all their public venues.

Our buses are down to the Saturday schedule starting today.

That means very reduced times.

For those people that must go to work it will not be easy.

I know people that do not have vehicles and rely on the city transit.

But for every service that has closed, I, we understand.

This virus must be stopped.

 

Please ensure that you check in on your loved ones, friends, and neighbours daily.

Even a quick text or email or phone call.

Let us make certain that everyone is okay.

We will stop this virus and life will continue.

Will things be different, I think so.

 

Take care.

I am catching a ride to work with my neighbour again today.

I have one bus ticket left and hopefully do not have to wait for a long time tonight to get home to Alvin.

I know that Alvin will be happy to have me at home.

I will be happy to be home with him.

 

Another note:  make sure that you get some fresh air every day.

A walk will do wonders.

 

Be safe, be careful, be healthy, be strong.

Most of all be kind and respectful.

These are what is necessary to get through this crisis.

 

Take care ……

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 2nd day of May, 2019.

Well this is what we woke up to at 3:30 a.m. today ……

Photos were taken a few minutes ago just after 6:00 a.m.

The temperature is to be +10 degree celsius so it will once again melt by the time that I reach home.

Or at least I am hopefully.

The moisture is good.

 

Sometimes you just feel in your very being that all is being purged.

All the bad stuff.

All the unnecessary junk.

A lightness is in your heart that feels as though life is given a second chance.

Sometimes it does feel as though you have control over life.

Anyway I know I am being cryptic but not my place to give details.

Just so happy that all is well ….

 

So on this Thursday I am feeling so extra blessed.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed a beautiful walk last night.

After the bad roads and multiple accidents near and around the City of Edmonton; I did not think that we would be walking.

But the temperature warmed up throughout the day and was pretty much all melted by the time that I got home from work.

We saw a muskrat in the pond by our home.

Swimming away.

We saw a goose wandering about.

A duck enjoying a swim.

One singles were out and about, I guess.

We also bumped into a young couple out walking their pup whom we have met before and pup is almost 17 years old.

Still lots of energy and grit.

We met a young pup named Miso (after the soup).

Miso was so full of energy …. at first Mr. Alvin played and sniffed to get to know the young one.

After a few minutes he was “done” or so I thought and then they were playing again.

I enjoyed this encounter.

Always nice to meet new people and pups.

 

Well almost time to head out of the door.

My ride came early yesterday with the roads so am thinking the same today.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Happy Thursday.

Remember “gratitude” is the answer.

Yes, it is.

 

Special Hello to:  all our family ….. near and far ……. we love you all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of December, 2018.

Well I guess we had better start the countdown.

Right!

18 Sleeps until Christmas Eve Day

That means 19 sleeps until Christmas morning.

YAY …..

I have been a pretty good girl this year so I think that Santa will swing by our place.

Now I cannot be so sure of Mr. Alvin.

“Alvin, have you been a good boy this year?”

Nothing, no sound.

I will take that as a resounding “Yes.”

That means the jolly old elf will be stopping by.

I will have some of my world famous, okay Western Canada famous SUGAR COOKIES ready for him to snack on, along with a glass of “milk.”

Can hardly wait.

I could set up a camera and take some photos of his arrival?

Surprise, Santa.

 

Well today is payday, a dental checkup and mail Christmas cards day and work, of course.

A short work day as I have a visit to the dentist in between it all.

 

Well the carpool is coming early again today and then tomorrow.

So better sign off and get downstairs.

Cannot go outside without a coat and boots and stuff.

I saw a recreational vehicle with a snow blade on it go by.

It actually looked like a supped up golf cart with a blade to push snow on the front.

He was steaming down the road.

Wondering where he was going?

Our roads are a mess.

It will likely be awhile before the City plows them.

 

Keep warm and stay safe.

Be kind to others and to yourself.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. hope you are warm, my darling sis.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of November, 2018.

We missed the first freezing rain that went through our area but woke up to ice.

Appears that overnight we had freezing rain.

Time to be extra careful whether walking or driving.

I can see the glare ice on my sidewalk.

BE CAREFUL.

 

Tonight our friend Humphrey the Cat is going to be spending some time with me and the Alvin.

Also a few hours tomorrow night.

It will be interesting to see how spending the evening together goes.

Now both are used to seeing each other.

Both are used to cats and dogs and dogs and cats.

They were together the other night and so growling or hissing happening.

I will be careful watching them.

Also have to ensure that Humphrey does not scratch anything with this claws.

Will have to semi prepare things and perhaps bring one of his smaller scratching posts over to my house.

I am excited to see them interact.

Perhaps they will just say hello and then go there own ways?

Who knows.

Time will tell.

 

Earlier I saw some cars and a truck drive by so people are out driving.

Our temperatures are to reach +3 later today.

The joys of winter.

I should write a book on the JOYS OF WINTER IN CANADA.

Certainly could fill a book with our Canadian Winters.

The GOOD, The BAD and The UGLY?

What do you think?

 

Well I am thinking of our drive to work this morning and hoping that the City has been out sanding/salting whatever they put on the ice.

It won’t help 100% but some traction is better than nothing.

If you are reading this and living in Edmonton area – please be careful.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  EVERYONE TODAY – YOU ARE ALL SO GREAT.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 20th day of September, 2018.

Two more days until it is officially “FALL.”

Dark outside but no moisture overnight which I really like.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk with our friend last night.

I had not been taking Alvin’s water bottle with us for the past few nights as it has been cooler and not hot.

At points on our walk as it was longer … Alvin would stop and whine and look at me.

I figured he just wanted to go home because we were walking a greater distance but my friend thought perhaps it was because he was looking for a drink.

She said he is so used to having a drink or two along the way.

It was funny because lots of times when I did carry water, he would not want a drink, even when I stopped and asked him and put the water in front of him.

Not then.

Funny how we all want things when they are not there.

Well I felt like a “not good Momma” so last night I took water with us and he had a drink or two.

Note to Momma, always have water along.

I guess he is getting older and perhaps needs a drink even when it is not hot.

I should have known.

There is not a day that goes by where I do not learn something new or refreshing my memory on something old.

That is life.

Live and learn.

That should/could be my MOTTO.

Live and learn.

Words to live by.

 

On our walk the leaves on the trees and bushes by the lake are slowly turning yellows and oranges and reds.

The grass in spots was turning yellow and brown.

The air had that tad bit of coolness to it wrapped in the warmness.

It was a good night.

 

When we got home and after supper, I cleaned out the front flower bed.

Trimmed down the perennials and pulled the remaining annuals except for two begonias.

I also pulled and cleaned out the flower pots on the deck that held the Impatiens plants as they did not make the previous night.

They are a delicate plant and it was just too cold for them.

The Snapdragons made it with flying colours.

There is snow in the forecast for tomorrow so I may pop them back into the garage as by Monday it is supposed to be nice again.

Might as well enjoy them as long as possible.

Just the back flower bed and I have my yard work all done.

Deciding on whether to put the bistro table and chairs into the garage on not?

There is time for that.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember to live your life.

Take a chance, go for it.

Be happy ….. simple things …. simple pleasures.

 

Footnote:  on all the flyers in the post box and delivered to the door.  Think of all the trees we are cutting down to make these posters, flyers and such.  Most of them end up on the ground by the mail box or in our recycling.  I know this as I take them from the post box straight to the recycling and we pay for that service.  ARGH.  Perhaps it is time that we do something about this.  I am going to speak to the City and see what we can do.  With technology we do not need paper flyers and they could have a few in the stores for those who like to look at them.

 

Special Hello to: my friend V, love the new bamboo toothbrush and paste.  LOVE THEM.

Always, Carol & Alvin