2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning the first day of November, 2021. Wow, cannot believe that it is November already. The sure has flown by. Alvin is resting, was laying on the hallway carpet just outside the office but now he is sitting up and staring at me, likely hoping I will be done soon. We had so much fun last night. There were sixty-nine (69) ghosts, goblins, chickens, first responders, dancers, witches, Marios, Freddy Krueger, Members of Addams Family, lions and bears. I noticed before the treaters started that two folks were out for their evening walk with their two dogs. The dogs are yellow labs, I believe (they are big) and they were sporting manes so they looked just like lions. So cute. I was disappointed in the number of treaters but then realized that the majority of the once little children are now grown up. One of the boys was 8 when we moved in and is 20 now. His siblings or at least two of them came by, they were our first guests. Another family only the youngest of three. Other friends their older boys went to a different neighbourhood. Another friend her daughter and a friend were our last treaters. There was only one family that all three of the boys came out and so nice they were with their parents. The middle boy gave me a hug. I almost cried. They are so sweet. As always, Alvin had to wear a harness and non-retractable leash. I found early on that he wanted to sit up in his chair just like the good old days. So I placed in on the chair and he sat patiently waiting for the treaters to come by. So cute. I took a couple of photos (have not downloaded yet). I am so grateful for the weather last night. It was not bitterly cold, no freezing rain or the white stuff so it was perfect as far as Halloween weather goes. Alvin even gave some treaters a kiss (we knew them). He was a good boy and received a lot of compliments. I was surprised by a couple of kids that I did not recognize but they called Alvin by name. We know more people than I think.

My daughter came for a late breakfast of pumpkin latte pancakes (my spin on the coffee blend). We had a fantastic visit catching up in person on our lives since Thanksgiving.

I cannot wait until Alvin’s best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi arrive this morning (not sure of the time as yet). It is a surprise for Alvin. He is going to be so happy. After work we are going to walk with our friend Pauline and then after supper I am going to chat with my sister who lives in Saskatchewan. A great Monday for sure. Actually a super great Monday.

Well, I suppose it is time to go and put on that pot of coffee. That first cup most especially on a Monday is so enjoyable.

Oh, the Halloween decorations will come down gradually over the week and this coming Friday begins the Christmas decorating. I cannot wait.

Have a great day and I hope that you had a great Halloween.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Try Something NEW !!!

Sometimes, I am a bit hesitant to try new things.  But not in the kitchen.  I love mixing and blending and making something new. My daughter planned to come for supper, and watch “Survivor”.  We are total Survivor nuts.  I have only missed two episodes in the 20 seasons that it has been on the air.  I decided to make lasagne for the main course, and a cake from scratch for dessert.  I couldn’t find the lasagne recipe that I used to use (incidentally it has been years since I made lasagne).  So decided to check the internet.  Too many choices.  Overwhelming.  So I pulled out my cookbooks.  Do you use your cookbooks?  I found one that was given to me by a girl friend back in Regina (thanks Barb).  It became the base for my recipe.  I decided to make a new one, recipe that is….  There was some good information on the lasagne noodle box as well.  So I had an excellent base.  Anyway, it was a BIG hit.  My daughter loved it.  I sent some home for lunches tomorrow, and another meal.  Now just to write it all down.  I am notorious for coming up with new recipes, and not writing them down.  Because we all know (from past experience) that we will not remember come the next time !!!

Dessert was this BANANA CHOCOLATE CHUNK CAKE …… took a recipe and made it my own.  Not your typical low cal dessert but another hit.  YUMMY.

So I promise to write these recipes down so that you can try them.  I promise your family will love them.

Always remember to try something new.  New recipe.  New walking path.  New coffee blend.  Just something new.