Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning! The sky is blue with hints of orange on the horizon as the sun rises on this Sunday morning. How are you doing? Considering I was up until after 2:00 a.m., I am doing well. Likely the energy will dissipate over the course of the day as I usually go to bed just after 9:00 with lights out no later than 10:00 p.m.

Two of my friends Gillian & Signe came over and we celebrated our Annual Christmas Party, I cannot even tell you which number this is. I would have to look back on photos but we have been doing this for years not long after I arrived here in Edmonton. These girls are amazing and I love them dearly. They are about my daughter’s age and give me a modern outlook on life. I do not feel 65. Also last night at some point before the girls left we got a fresh blanket of snow and when I looked out of the window a few minutes ago – there it was – waiting to be shovelled. So once I get downstairs and put on the coffee and before I do some more laundry (bedding), I will run out and shovel. I guess I figured the Christmas Shoveling Angel would have magically swept it up, lol. We had such a great time last night. We chatted about everything from A to Z and everything in between. Everyone brought appetizers to contribute to the potluck and we had so much food. Enough for 10 not 3. Lots of leftovers. Everyone got great gifts. All things that we can use. We were all happy to revel in each other’s company and the gifts were an extra special touch.

I am going to cut this short this morning as I want to get laundry done, bring up the dried clothes and do the shoveling. This will be a day to relax as I have an even bigger party coming up next Saturday and then of course, I work all this week. Starting the week off at the office.

Perhaps free air will do me some good. Nice to see the sunshine or at least a clear sky. Have an awesome Sunday. Take some time just for you. I might go out for a walk as I have not had a “real” walk since Alvin went to Amanda’s a week ago yesterday. I do miss him but he is doing so well out there, it has been worth my missing him.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

PS: whoops had to edit my post as I forgot the countdown to Christmas – for this Sunday, December 11th, 2022 there are 13 sleeps left until Christmas Eve.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy second day of Spring. How are you this morning? I am doing great. The sky is clear and I can see the beautiful sunrise. Our first day of spring storm only lasted until late afternoon then the sky cleared and was the most brilliant powder blue with the Sun beaming so proudly. This morning I remembered a dream from earlier: there was a plan to go out for supper, the only thing was the restaurant that one of my friends wanted to take us to was in Vancouver. Did not stop us. Next thing I know we were on a plane on our way to Vancouver, British Columbia with a table readied and waiting for us. I do not remember who the friends were but clearly someone had connections and more money than me. It was awesome. I have a song in my head this morning, one of my favourites “Missing Piece” by Vance Joy. I love this song. So my head is filled with good thoughts this morning, a great way to begin a work week. I did however, hit the snooze button twice, argh. Oh well, what can you do.

Yesterday was a good day even though we did not get out for a walk. I gave the boy a haircut and bath. Earlier in the morning I gave him some of his anxiety meds hoping it would help. It did a bit and was enough that I managed to get his paws trimmed slowly and carefully. I realized that his nails are really long and they seem to be growing more quickly. I will be calling and making him an appointment for as soon as I can get him in this week. Yesterday I also made some “energy bites” and they turned out pretty good. I use different ingredients each time that I make them. I am all about using what you have and making it work. It worked. Does not always work out perfectly but it certainly did this time.

Once the snow had stopped falling yesterday afternoon, we went into the backyard and I pushed some of the snow around on the deck. It was so heavy and in hindsight I wished that I had made a snowman. It was the most perfect consistency. Let my inner child out. Missed the opportunity. Next time I have a thought and the opportunity arises, I am taking it. Do not miss out.

I am so grateful for the good day that Alvin and I had yesterday. I also watched “The Pelican Brief” late afternoon. There are so many great actors in that movie. Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, Tony Goldwyn, John Heard, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, James Sikking, Hume Cronyn, Cynthia Nixon, Robert Culp, William Atherton. Star studded cast for sure. I have seen this movie several times over the years but it is now on NetFlix so I watched it again.

Well time to head downstairs and grab my coffee. I am grateful for my dreams, for my family and friends, for the sunrise this morning, for that cup of coffee, for the Mary Kay lip gloss that I am wearing (feels so nice), for good health, for time with my Alvin, to be working from home and for my life. Life is good.

Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. my daughter is popping by after her dental appointment (braces) and will finish her day working from here. Mom upstairs and daughter downstairs. Cannot wait to have her in the house.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Did you have a fun, relaxing and or productive Saturday? I hope that it was a bit of everything. We all need to have a bit of fun everyday, time to relax and to be productive. Perhaps even your productivity was taking the time for yourself. Nothing wrong with that. Pulling away from the television screen, the computer screen, your smartphone is so important. We all need quality time to work on our body, mind and soul. Going for a walk in nature, reading a good book, maybe going for a manicure or pedicure, a massage, doing yoga or meditation. All of these things are relaxing and also productive. I am the Queen of watching television and I watch far too much in any given day so when I say that to step away, I can relate. We are becoming far to dependant on “screen time.” I always used to say that I did not want a cellphone because I do not want to be that accessible. I thought and felt that because everyone carried them on their person at all times – it was necessary to answer all incoming calls and emails and texts as they arrived/came in. IT IS NOT. We have become a society that thinks/feels the necessity for things to be instant. Not a great idea as far as I am concerned. Technology has taken over our lives. Most of us are “addictive” by nature, I think most if not all humans are…. we are addicted to all sorts of things and certainly does not need to be drugs or alcohol. Anyway I am not here to preach – just to relay my feelings. As I get older, I want to live a easy, less demanding and more authentic life. Being true to myself with no games. Likely I could write on this subject for a long time as most of us could certainly do but there are things to do. Alvin is also calling out for me in the way that he does. I am concerned about the human race as much as I am about myself, Alvin, my family and friends. So if there is any takeaway here ….. please be good to yourself …… go for that walk ….. have a nice long bath… go for a massage …. do something just for you ….. just for you.

The sun has been up for a bit now. The sky appears to be clear so not raining. We had a constant light rain from Friday night until late last night. We did not get any of the “stuff” that was a possibility and I am grateful for that.

This morning one of my neighbours and friends is coming for a visit and for a game or five of JENGA. It is our favourite. I did not have a chance to practice so will have to rely on my previous experience. Should be fun.

I hope that you all have a great Sunday. Wash that floor and finish the laundry but do that time to go for a walk or have that nice relaxing bath with your favourite music lightly filling the air.

Happy Sunday.

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

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? I am doing okay. Been a rocky sleep last night but it is morning and I am up and dressed and now writing this post before starting my last work day for this week. I am looking forward to an extra long long weekend. I am off from tomorrow and go back to work next Wednesday. So two short weeks in a row. But that means lots to do on the days that I am working.

Looks like we had a light frost last night. We were outside several times during the night and early morning so I am feeling somewhat like I imagine a “zombie” to feel like …… a little sleep deprived. At one point the sky had cleared and the stars were shining brightly. That I so enjoyed. The sun is coming up as the sky begins to turn from night to morning. So beautiful. I always love the colour palette of sunrises and sunsets. So vibrant and gorgeous. A feast for the eyes. Most of the leaves have fallen from our tree in the front yard. There is something eerily stunning about a bare tree. Very cool.

I am afraid this will be short but I have a couple of things left to tell you. Yesterday it was smokey in the morning and at noon so we did not venture out for a walk. Our friend Pauline dropped by during my lunch break to drop off some apples. She offered to take Alvin for a walk as the smoke had dissipated somewhat and did not bother her so I put on his harness and leash and out they went. I forewarned her that he may not want to go. He is like that. If I am at home he does not want to leave me behind or go without me. I figured if he would go with anyone it would be Pauline. So out they went. After a few minutes there was a wee knock at the door. He would not go. I believe if I were not there – he would have gone. Kind of sweet in a way that he won’t leave me behind and that is how I tend to look at it instead of the other that he is so much a momma’s boy that he won’t go without me. My Alvin.

Near the end of the day our friend Iris, Teddy’s Mom had called but I was working so the call had gone to voicemail. I decided that we should just walk over as they were home from the farm. So after work off we went. We had a great visit with them all. I cannot believe how grown up Miss Kobi is becoming as she is not longer a wee pup. I love the word “wee.” Iris gave me some of her homemade mulled apple sauce like cranberries but made with apples. After a nice visit we were off home. Alvin had been trying to tell me something for the last bit of our visit and I found out what it was ….. he had to poop. I should know better. Really he seldom barks for no reason. I have to put on my listening cap and try not to be distracted. Anyway he had a poop on the way home and I of course picked it up in one of the bags that I always carry with me.

Once home it was, suppertime for both of us. Alvin first and then I had to wait for my supper to cook. We had a nice quiet evening.

Time to fly. Put on coffee and let the boy out again before I start work which is in just over 15 minutes. Time is zipping along.

Take Care and enjoy this October 7, 2021 day.

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

Always, Carol

2021

Good Morning ALL! Today is Friday May 14th, 2021. Yay, it is the weekend for me. My daughter is picking me up this morning and we are going to spend part of the day together. In the town/city where she lives they have this freecycle program every year. Residents place unwanted items on their driveway and if you see something you would like or need you can take it for FREE. A good way to find a new home for items that are gently used that you are no longer using in your home. Let’s face it we all have a great many things that we do not need or use. Sometimes we use a specific item once a year and sometimes it is hard to part with items that may have sentimental value to us. But really we should all try to live a simpler life with less material things. I do make a point of not bringing things into the house unless I know that I am going to use them and love them and that goes for kitchen and house cleaning tools as well. Recently I bought a Bissell Crosswave wet vac and I love it. It does require some work as after every use it needs to be taken apart and cleaned but it is pretty easy so I don’t mind. My family gave me a hand held cleaning steamer for Mother’s Day, as I admired theirs. I am going to watch a YouTube video about all of the uses. I can see it being great for the bathrooms, windows, oven, stove and more. So it will be used starting this weekend. I am also going to go through my belongings room by room and recycle items that I no longer use or need. What a great way to help someone out that might need that item and does not have the money to buy it new. I am looking forward to the time spent with my girl today. I spoke to my neighbour and she will come and check on Mr. Alvin. He is doing so much better between his ears and his bottom end. The probiotics help. Perhaps it is something that he should be on and maybe just maybe it would keep him from having issues again? I am not sure but cannot hurt. I know that humans take probiotics daily so why can’t dogs. Will have to ask the Vet and do some research as well. It was so great to just slowly start the day today. I love vacation days. Right now the sun is shining so brightly and the trees are so green. Even my tree has gone from budding to leaves. I love the colour green. It is my fav colour for sure. Every shade of green.

The weather looks like it will be nice and I hope to get out and pressure wash the decks and the house this weekend. It is a big job. We use the power washer between my house and my daughter’s. This “tool” was given to me and it does come in handy. I have to revisit my garden hose. The hose that I have is extra long and it is made from something other than rubber and is not very flexible. I was watching a show that I tape and they recommend rubber garden hoses. I just would like something light, flexible and that has an end that will easily connect to the house and to the pressure washer. Not asking for much, I think.

So great to see bright blue skies. Nothing better than to start your day with a beautiful sunrise and watching our now full of baby leaves, trees sway gently in a breeze. Life is good. I hear dogs barking in the not too distant distance.

Some of our neighbours are moving away this weekend and others moving in. I cannot believe all of the FOR SALE signs in a small area. Seems like almost everyone is leaving. Do they know something that I do not? I guess the real estate market is crazy right now and interest rates are low. Translating to a good time to buy a bigger home if you require one. I am staying put. I love my house/my home. It is way more than I need but I love that I have this space for us. Sometimes dreams do come true. I had always wanted my very own home with a yard and space for flowers and I have that.

Well it is time to hop into the shower and get freshened up for the day. What to wear? Comfy, I suppose. Maybe a summer dress? or capris? jeans? No idea. I guess whatever is clean and is comfy. The criteria for clothing.

Tonight/this weekend, I am hosting another Fifth Avenue Jewelry party. The last one for awhile. I have so much jewelry and honestly as much as I love wearing jewelry, there is no way on this planet that I can wear/use it all. Fifth Avenue Jewelry is affordable and well made here in Canada, so I have loved supporting my friend and the company. My friend Amber who sells Fifth Avenue Jewelry (FAC) who do online one hour lives starting tonight at 7:30, and then one tomorrow afternoon, one Saturday night and the last one Sunday afternoon. She does Facebook lives showcasing about 40 different pieces each time. So much fun and right from the comfort of one’s home.

Just heard Mr. Alvin groaning which is his way of saying “hurry up.” Better stop writing for now and head to the shower. I wish you all a wonderful Friday. May your day be filled with great joy and laughter. We all need more laughter. I tried that yesterday in a zoom meeting ….. not sure that it went over well but I tried. Everyone just seemed to be so serious and “down.”

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

ALLways, Love Carol & Alvin

• 

Soon these beautiful flowers shall be outside in the sunshine.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning and today is Wednesday and my last day of work for “19” days.

I am over the moon excited for this vacation time.

Soon …. just a few more hours now.

In the meantime, back at the ranch.

Humphrey is spending our waking hours with us.

Well actually the hours that I am at home.

Soon to be during the day as well as in the evenings.

Last night he was sitting in Alvin’s chair glancing out the window and then around him.

I could not see what was so intriguing but there was something that piqued his curiosity.

So I snapped these photos.

While Humphrey was in Alvin’s chair – the boy was sitting beside me on the sofa.

Every so often Alvin would go by the chair, look out of the window and then lay on the mat by the chair.

I guess to see if Humphrey would maybe realize that it was his chair OR perhaps just to keep him company.

I don’t really know what the boy is thinking unless it involves FOOD.

 

The sky is clear now and the air is cool.

I have the windows open to keep the house cool for Alvin.

Actually last evening I had to turn off the fans as the house had cooled down and was comfortable for us while we hung out.

 

Well almost time to go downstairs and gather things up for work.

 

I made darn sure that I placed my office ID in my purse as yesterday I assumed it was in there and it was not.

I realized this when I was on my way to the bus …. way too late.

The last few minutes at home yesterday were not happy ones.

I wanted to let Alvin go outside for a last pee before I left for work only I could not open the back door.

Humidity … the door had swollen.

After trying for several minutes and starting to get frustrated and sticky hot, decided that was not the answer.

So with my trusty cell phone – I texted my neighbour as she was at home and has a key.

Explained what had happened.

Said she would come over.

Also texted a co-worker from the bus about my tag and she said that she would come down and let me in when I arrived at the office.

My neighbour went over and Alvin got to go outside and do his business.

I got into the office.

It was so much easier with the phone.

So grateful to my daughter and son-in-law for the phone.

Came in handy.

 

With kindness and respect the world is a more loving place to be.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Wednesday morning and the sky is blue with bright sunshine.

The air is filled with the hum of cars on the nearby highway as people go to work.

Last night, Teddy’s Mom asked if he could stay with us for a few days as her two-legged son was in the hospital.

He lives several hours away and I totally understand about wanting to be with your child.

We said “yes” without hesitation.

Teddy arrived last night.

We ended up not going for a walk due to humidity and threat of storm.

So with Teddy’s arrival …. Alvin got some exercise and time outside with his friend.

I am happy that I got up when the alarm went off as with an extra body it does take longer.

The alarm these days is on my phone and it is the sound of birds chirping ….

Some mornings when we “use” the alarm I actually have to stop and think about where the sounds are coming from.

But we are almost ready.

One more trip outside after this post.

I have some photos from a few minutes ago to share.

What a great way to begin the day with these two cutie pies.

They bring me great joy there is no doubt about that ….

Teddy likes to turn down the blanket …. or rather play under it …

 

Acts of kindness filled with respect are always in style.

 

Time to fly.

We are grateful to be of help to our friends.

We are grateful for this amazing sunshine.

We are grateful for all things green.

We are grateful for our health, very important.

Most of all we are grateful for each other.

Me and Alvin…..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of May, 2017.

The SUN is SHINING and the sky is a pretty much that gorgeous powder blue with a hint of pink.

There appears to be a bit of a breeze.

With hope of a beautiful day.

We needed the rain but now we could use the sunshine and some warmth.

I have held on and have not turned the heat on in the house.

This morning it was 60 degrees F ……

Not sure how Alvin feels about the coolness but if he did not have a toasty warm fur coat on – I would not have put him through this….

I will say one thing both of us are sleeping better.

Alvin has been sleeping past his usual 3:00-3:30 a.m.

So perhaps it is hypothermia …. not really …..

But definitely the cool temperature is good for sleeping.

 

Cute story.

Last night on my way home from work – I bumped into “A” and Abi.

Whenever Abi sees me she gets so excited.

“A” let go of her leash and with firm instructions said “Go see Auntie Carol.”

With her tail flying madly she raced toward me.

Ready to give me a doggie kiss.

Once she arrived at her destination I grabbed the leash.

She is so cute.

We walked and talked on the way to my house where I invited them in ….. advising that Alvin would need to go outside first ….

But first thing he did was to look at Abi and then run upstairs.

He brought down his chew treat and proceeded to hop up onto the sofa.

His little tail wagging all the way.

Then he was down and then up and then ran to the kitchen.

I let both of the pups outside.

Alvin did his business and they were back inside the house.

He did not really give her much attention as he was not quite sure what to do as usually I come home, he goes outside and then has supper.

Oh bad Momma.

After a few minutes and a treat for Miss Abi …. they left.

Alvin had his supper and I got changed into after work clothes and we were on our way out the door for our walk.

We did not get very far and we saw the girls coming back ….

It had just started to rain BIG drops.

They were on the other side of the street and Abi pulled making a bee-line for us.

Carefully looking for traffic they crossed to us.

We had a short visit before going on our way.

This time Alvin greeted her properly.

Our walk was cut short as it started to rain hard ……

A fun start to the evening.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Sometimes it is good to change things up ….. does not have to be anything big.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 29th day of August, 2016.

It remains dark out at 6:17 a.m. and a clear reminder that the days have become shorter.

My favourite season is right around the corner.

Just a few weeks away.

The leaves will turn, the brilliant green grass will fade and the flowers will no longer bloom.

It will be that time of year.

Our brown bunnies will slowly begin to turn white.

The air has already has that slight crispness.

Alas, autumn is on its’ way.

 

Mr. Alvin is snuggled up under his blanket at the foot of our bed.

I think he remains a little pooped after our company yesterday.

My friend brought her baby who is almost one year and she like Alvin.

He liked her but babies play us old toots out.

She sure was a cutie.

 

Well I cannot believe that is is Monday morning already where did the weekend go.

It was a great weekend, did lots of cleaning,  had dinner out and was able to take Mr. Alvin with me, and had a successful Steeped Tea ParTEA.

A fun weekend.

Labor Day weekend coming up.

An extra day off for us so that is nice.

 

Oh and the roses that line the walk by our park were so fragrant on our walks this weekend, they smell so incredible.

Take a few moments on this Monday morning and be with nature.

Smell those roses.

Walk on the grass.

Sit under a tree.

Be grateful that we have so much.

 

Happy Monday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to: my sister “C” ….. hope you are well.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 20th day of January, 2014.

Well here we are almost one month into the New Year.

Did you make resolutions for the New Year?

Do you make resolutions?

I used to and then found myself forgetting about them after the first month.

I think if you live your best life each day that is the way to go.

I do try very hard most days to do just that.

There are times when your surroundings just eat at your good positive energy.

Then there are times when every second is magical.

I only wish that people would realize that being positive and happy takes less energy.

Perhaps someday.

Well back to the office.

The moon is visible so that is a great sign.

Always good to start the day with a clear sky.

Have a great Monday and remember smiling and being positive is always the best medicine and way to live your life.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: YOU

Always, Carol and Alvin