Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD, COLD day has arrived.

Thankfully the worse part is usually first thing in the morning.

I believe with the windchill it is minus 42 degrees celsius this morning.

ARGH.

But this is winter in CANADA.

I remember COLD temperatures when I was a child on the family farm.

 

Well today is my last work day this week as I am off tomorrow with Alvin as he has his surgery.

It is going to be a long morning between the time we get up and leave for the Vet as he cannot have food or water.

Poor baby.

Of course, Momma will comply with the vet’s orders and I will stand beside my boy and not have food or water while we are together.

Once I drop him off – it will be time for a cup of coffee.

I always feel bad for him when he has to fast ….

But will make sure he has something to eat at the latest he can tonight along with water as well.

Not quite the same as breakfast but we will have to manage.

It will be a busy day at work trying to prepare for being gone for a couple of days.

 

I am grateful to my friend who will pick us up tomorrow morning and drive us to Alvin’s surgery appointment.

I am grateful to my friend who will also take me to pick Alvin up after his surgery and bring us home.

I am grateful that I am surrounded by kind and generous and supportive family and friends.

I am grateful to have this warm, safe place, our house we call home.

I am grateful that we always have food in our bellies.

I am grateful to be employed and to be surrounded by great co-workers.

I am grateful that Alvin and I are in good health and that we will continue to be so.

I am grateful for the rides to work this week with my neighbour, thank you.

I am grateful to one of my co-workers for driving me home this week.

I am grateful for the reminders that we all must be tolerant, kind, patience, supportive and respectful.

I have to work on the patience portion, for sure.

GRATITUDE can change your life for the better.

Live in gratitude and you will notice the difference for the better, much better.

 

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

I hope that you are all safe, warm and surrounded by love and respect.

I hope that you have a chance to laugh each and every day.

Laughter is truly the best medicine.

Have an awesome WEDNESDAY ….

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who work outside in the elements from fire fighters to oil rig workers to farmers to construction to meter monitors.  Please be safe and warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of FEBRUARY, 2019.

Well winter is now upon us.

Snow, snow and more snow.

Temperatures taking a dip.

Was out shovelling the back deck for the pups about an hour ago.

Should have time to do some of the front before my ride arrives.

So what does one do when the snow is blowing and the temperatures are a dipping?

Answer: You surround yourself with puppy love.

This was my Thursday night.

Now poor Mr. Alvin even though he loves his best bud Teddy very much, he cannot seem to get past Teddy having a chew treat.

Even though he has one of his own.

Teddy just laid there all calm and Alvin was not calm.

Despite my valiant efforts to calm him, he just had to wait until Teddy decided to let him have it.

What a friend.

Alvin, what a spoiled guy.

 

Alvin finally ended up with both …. Teddy is way too easy going.

Out of site out of mind??

Teddy on the bed with a chew treat AND

Mr. Alvin in the hallway by the bedroom.

Oh, isn’t life grand.

Thankfully the boys slept well last night.

 

I had a great afternoon ….. teeth cleaning …… received my permanent crown, now I feel like ROYALTY.

Then had supper once the freezing came out.

Had a lovely evening with the boys.

My furry four-legged boys.

 

Well time to leave for work.

So grateful to one of my co-workers for coming to pick me up.

Taking the bus home tonight will be pleasant, I am sure.

Glad we have food and a warm place to be this weekend.

Hunker down and keep warm.

 

Special Hello to: all my friends in the west …. hope you are safe and warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin & Teddy

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 15th day of December, 2018.

I was quite lazy this morning so will now have to get to it.

The wind is howling outside.

Listening to Blake Shelter singing “Winter Wonderland.”

Alvin lying on his blue blanket beside me.

Sipping on almost cold coffee.

Visit to Dentist went well.

It has been a long time since I have had a tooth extracted.

So am taking it easy on the eating and drinking front.

Last night for supper after not eating since breakfast at 5:30 a.m., I feasted on scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese and followed by yogurt.

Perhaps that was a bit on the rich side as I felt a bit sick for a few hours.

After supper and once my stomach calmed down, I started making the sugar cookies for my friend.

I was happy when the last one was iced and placed in her container and into the fridge.

She was going to pick them up and then plans changed.

They are ready for pick up today.

All baked and iced.

They are her favourite.

Baking officially done.

I will be happy once 1:20 p.m. rolls around so that I can rinse my mouth.

I very carefully brushed my teeth last night and this morning but not a thorough job as I did not wish to disturb the extraction area.

Oddly enough today I am not really hungry and I am quite certain that the banana that I shared with Mr. Alvin earlier is not quite enough sustenance to get me through until supper.

I have some soup and that will be for supper.

Not feeling like chewing much.

 

I cannot believe that Christmas is a week away.

Where did the time go?

 

Today I must get laundry done, clean the bathrooms and regular cleaning.

Also at some point must get some grocery shopping done.

Which then begs the question?

What is the final menu for next Saturday’s Christmas party.

Normally I would not be so all over the place but it is co-workers.

Some of them are hard to please.

I know.

It really does not matter.

Do what I usually do and it will be wonderful.

I know.

Some people just have a way of playing with my confidence.

I guess if they say anything ….. it will just reflect poorly on them, right.

 

Tomorrow night, so excited as my daughter, son-in-law and I have tickets to take in the ZOO’s Festival of lights.

It has been years since we partook in a Christmas event.

I am so excited.

Years ago, when I used to visit them here in Edmonton – we would take in the Light Shows at different venues.

 

Well I guess that I had better get going.

Lots to do.

Alvin and I are both missing our walks.

So icy out here.

Now with the wind the sidewalks will be even more slick.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Happy Saturday.

I am grateful to have a day at home with just regular stuff to do.

I did take a peek at the gifts that I have put together for this year.

Time to wrap.

I love to wrap gifts for Christmas.

 

Have an awesome day.

I am starting to feel recharged.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends ….. Wishing you all Silver and Gold ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 10th day of December, 2018.

Well back to getting up in the dark once again (back to work).

The weekends seem to fly by most especially at this time of year.

I had a GREAT Sunday.

Thankfully I was able to push ahead of the incident from Saturday and accomplish the things that I needed to do.

I baked a double batch of SUGAR COOKIES and iced them.

Also made a double batch of FUDGE.

YAY…..

We even had a walk in between.

Not a long one but we got outside and enjoyed the fresh air.

 

I am so grateful to be surrounded by such thoughtful, generous, kind and supportive people.

I am so grateful to be in good health and Alvin, too.

To be in good health and have such great people around me/we; I/we are truly the luckiest on the planet.

Even in my darkest moment and I had that on Saturday, one of my neighbours came to my rescue.

I am and ever shall be grateful for them.

Thank you.

 

On a “sweet treat” note, I packed up “17” packages of cookies along with a personalized Christmas Card for my closest co-workers.

Well I guess it is almost time to go to work.

So glad to have two of the biggest jobs finished and that is BAKING and CHRISTMAS CARDS.

Not just to deliver them all.

 

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister who loves us and gives her ever ending support from a distance.  Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 29th day of September, 2018.

The trees are swaying in the breeze while the sun rises and sky slowly clears from blue rain clouds.

Thank goodness for the weekend.

Time to rejuvenate, relax and also to do some things around the house.

This is a weekend of birthday celebrations.

We are celebrating my Son-in-law’s birthday which was on Wednesday.

No cooking for this Mum as we are ordering in ….. pick-up or take-away whatever you happen to call it.

Sounds like it will be Chinese Food.

My Son-in-law also wanted to have an Ice-Cream Cake so that will come from Dairy Queen.

What an easy party to plan.

The card and gift are done.

Just have to tidy up and have the refreshments ready.

Coffee and Water ….. easy peasy.

 

Alvin and Teddy are in the office with me while I write this post.

Teddy slept well and Mr. Alvin well he woke me up a few times.

Perhaps it was the full moon or the time of year.

I do not know.

He appears to be feeling well.

Or perhaps it is an age thing.

I get up to go “pee” so I guess why couldn’t he.

Oh well.

 

Sunday, it is coffee at a friend’s in the ‘hood.

I love to say that.

We take turns.

This time her parents are here for a visit and she is having a little birthday party for her Mom and invited myself and “G.”

The three of us girls take turn hosting coffee weekend get togethers.

Sometimes it is almost every weekend and other times it could be a month in between.

Depends on what everyone is doing.

 

So this weekend is all about celebrating.

 

Yesterday was the funeral of my friend from work.

It was a beautiful celebration of his life.

He was loved by his family, friends and co-workers.

That was clearly apparent.

He will be missed by us all.

I was saddened to hear that his little dog had passed away just a few days ago.

So much heartbreak in one family.

It is a reminder to hold your loved ones near and tight.

Tell them all how much they mean to you.

Do things together.

Phone them, visit them, text them, face-time with them, spend time with them.

It was a clear reminder that life is SHORT.

Do not take them for granted.

Treat people with kindness and respect.

We may only have one chance to do this meaning you never know the next time that you will see that person again.

Also be kind to your four-legged friends and all creatures.

They deserve your love, understanding, kindness and respect.

All living beings deserve this.

 

To all of my dear friends and family, you mean the world to me.

I think of you all in my waking moments and in my dreams.

Sometimes we are on unusual adventures and sometimes it is just a little visit to say hello.

Take care.

I thank you for being you and for being in my life.

 

One of our long-time co-workers and friend retired yesterday.

Monday is going to seem like we have landed on another planet.

Two of our staff and friends will no longer be there.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

 

Special Hello to:  ALL my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of May, 2017.

Can you believe it?

The 17th day of yet another month.

We are almost 6 months into another year.

2017.

Is that not crazy?

When I was a little girl – I dreamed of 2025.

I thought it sounded like the most magical date in time.

So now that I am fast approaching that year …. only 8 short ones away.

The longer we spend on this planet – the more quickly time passes.

Must be something in the air.

Just kidding.

Well the clear patch of morning sunrise seems to have been replaced by rain clouds.

Yup, more rain is on the way, I suspect.

Time to fly ….

 

Was there a year that you were looking forward to ….

What does / did it mean to you?

Happy Wednesday.

 

Just a footnote:  thank you to all my co-workers for being supportive late in the day yesterday when I was having a “moment.”

Sometimes you just have to let it out …….  feeling better today.  Thanks to: K, S, C, L and K.

Alvin was grateful.  🙂

 

Special Hello: All those folks who feel as though sometimes they are just spinning their wheels in time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 13th day of June, 2016.

It is a beautiful, bright, blue sky morning here in Edmonton.

On a sad note, my neighbours are moving into their new house today and I shall have new neighbours.

On a happy note, (I love to get the sad out of the way first) ….

On a happy note, yesterday I spoke to my friend “M” on the telephone, actually heard her voice.

Sounds just like she did over twenty years ago.

Elton is coming to spend the day with Alvin so that is nice.

He spent a few hours with us yesterday.

Last night it just happened that a few of us neighbours met up on the front porch to chat about our years together.

Funny how fast time passes.

I have lived here seven years ….. hard to believe.

It will be different without S & M next door …. they have been great neighbours and friends.

 

Funny that no matter where life takes you …. your friends, your true friends will always be there.

Sometimes you do not see each other for decades and then life brings you back together.

It is as though no time has elapsed.

I am grateful for that.

 

Well I had better get this show on the road.

My ride will be here early this morning.

I want to be ready to go.

 

Have an awesome day and you never know where the day will take you.

Surprise.

 

Special Hello to:  my friends “M” and “W” ….. one known since before my daughter was born and the other worked with for decades.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 26th day of March, 2016.

Can you believe it?

We are on day 26 of March 2016.

Wow, this year is certainly zipping along.

It sure seems that the years are evaporating ….. good thing or not??

I guess we are so busy that time flies ….

No regrets …..

It is just a fact of life.

Nature.

Time.

 

I remember as a young girl thinking it would take so long for school to start after summer holidays.

I remember as a young girl thinking it was forever until Christmas.

It is because as a child you are focused in the present.

As a child you live in the now.

Children do not dwell on the past or the future.

Of course, we thought of past events or future ones.

But by in large our thoughts were focused in the present.

Once you get older you think about what you should/would have done and what you could be doing.

It is not thought based on today or the present.

Most adults live partially in the past and in the future.

It just seems to be that way.

Life …….

 

So on this Saturday …. I am preparing for a Steeped Tea party at my house right after lunch.

I am excited as it is some of my co-workers coming over.

It will be nice to share some tea with them.

I told Alvin that we were going to have company today and his little tail started a wagging.

 

Yesterday his sister brought him home.

My grand-puppy Elton came with her and we had a wonderful visit.

Sharing photos and videos of our Penny.

She was shocked that I had over 28,000 photos/videos on my computer.

She was so happy to see some videos that I had of the puppies.

When you lose a loved one photos and videos bring back happy memories.

To see that one in happier times is good therapy …. good to help with the grieving process.

So when someone says you take a lot of photos and videos …. just tell them you are preparing a life journal for your loved ones.

 

So as we cherish the past, are happy to be living today and look forward to tomorrow ….. remember to do what you can today ….. live a life with no regrets.

Tell your family and friends that you love them and that they are important.

Take that photo, that video clip.

 

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Thank you for reading my blog.

 

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 22nd day of August, 2015.

It is a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton and it is the weekend, doubly great.

Just sipping on a cup of coffee in between changing bedding and typing this blog.

We will be off to see Dr. Karen (Alvin’s Doctor) in a few minutes for his regular monthly pedicure and “stuff.”

He likes the staff at the clinic and I am so grateful for that …. now if he would be more quiet when he gets his nails done.

How are you this morning?

Have a long “TO DO LIST” ?

I started to make one up and it is running onto a second page.

Arrgh.  (not really a word but it truly states how we feel about too long lists).

Oh well ….. break it up over the weekend and it should be doable.

If only Mr. Alvin could vacuum or mow the lawn.

What ….. he can mow the lawn….

Have you seen him out on a walk and after he takes a quick “pee” (gross, sorry) he always mows the grass.

Just have to figure out how it could apply to the whole lawn not just a small patch of grass.

Oh well ……

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

I hope that wherever you are the sun is shining and that you have help with your “to do list.”

I hope that you take time to relax and sip on that cup of coffee …..

Happy Saturday …..

Enjoy your weekend.

P.S. We were off from work a bit early yesterday so I decided to run a couple of errands at West Edmonton Mall. One of them was going to the “store” (Bath & Body Works) to pick up some hand soap.  I was so happy to see some of my co-workers.  One of them even mentioned that one of the guys from a place I used to go and pick up supper from, asked about where I was?  Sweet.  I certainly do miss my friends.  They were the best group of people.

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 2nd day of May, 2015.

What a strange morning it has been weather wise.

When Alvin and I first got up at 5:30 – the sky was overcast, I could see rain clouds lining up.

Then we hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s and got up just after 8:00 to find bright sunshine.

Now it is just a few minutes after 9:00 and the sky is beginning to fill with clouds.

So I must get this show on the road as my plan was to go and vote in the advance polls for our provincial election followed by a little trip to the grocery store.

Oh and it is windy.

We sure seem to have been experiencing more wind the past weeks.

Not sure what is going on there or maybe it is just this gal’s memory playing tricks.

As I sip on a hot cup of coffee or rather a warm cup of coffee as you see I turned off the heat figuring not necessary and it is rather cool in the house.

But we are tough, and it is in the low 60’s (F) in the house so really that is not cold.

After all, Mr. Alvin is wearing his coat and I can always don a sweater to help.

So another busy Saturday and oh how I am loving having Saturdays at home.

Cleaning …… extra walks with Alvin …… doing whatever I chose and whatever needs to be done.

I miss my friends at the store but love having my time at home.

My thoughts are of them and also of the people of Nepal.

One of my co-workers from the office is from Nepal and just so happens she is visiting her family.

They are safe.

I keep them safe in my thoughts.

So on this Saturday think of how lucky we are and if you can lend a helping hand ….

Some people can go to Nepal and help but most of us can only send money or much needed items.

We should always do what we can to help others.

It does not matter where they live whether next door or across the ocean …. we are here to help each other.

I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

Stay warm, keep safe and treat the world with kindness and respect.

Special Hello to: my friend in Nepal and to her family …..

Always, Carol and Alvin