It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone!

Well it is a bright, sunny and beginning to warm morning here in Edmonton.

I can hear the geese honking in the distance.

Last night after work we took our second walk of the day.

Followed by the start of laundry and then the raking of the front lawn.

The neighbour that shares the front lawn with me did her own raking.

She has been feeding the bunnies which we have many all winter long.

So lots of bunny parcels mainly on her half but some transferred to mine.

We cleaned up most of it but I am sure that a little poop left behind would be great fertilizer.

At least it is natural.

 

I had been pondering the thought of having one of those landscaping / lawn companies, you know the ones, like GREEN DROP stop by.

Perhaps give the lawn a well deserved boost.

My neighbour gave her half some extra help and her lawn was so much healthier looking than mine.

I even watered mine some.

But after listening to Dr. Jane Goodall speak on Jimmy Fallon the other night and reading about bees and dandelions (which I usually have a few for sure).

I have decided to take the natural approach.

I will ensure that the lawn is properly hydrated (if no rain, then I will water).

I will leave the dandelions for the bees.

I will not put down any kind of “chemical” fertilizer on the lawn.

This is my pledge.

Now of course, it may be for naught if my neighbours surrounding me fertilize but I will do my best.

I am also planning a “trash/garbage” pick up day in the next couple of weeks.

This is where I take a day of vacation from work OR spend a good part of a Saturday or Sunday out in my neighbourhood picking up the trash.

Right now it is absolutely disgusting.

Might be sooner than later.

I use my own garbage bags (which reminds me I am almost out of the big ones that I usually purchase from COSTCO) and I have the garbage picker tools and disposable gloves.

So all of the necessary and safe equipment for the job.

I do this for my neighbours, for my neighbourhood, for my community and for the natural community most of all.

I constantly worry about birds and animals eating elastic bands that folks drop on the ground by the mailboxes.

I constantly worry about all the crap that people do not pick up.

So with the birds, animals and environment in mind, in my heart, I do this.

Unfortunately I do not go out as often as I used to.

Once upon a time I went out once a week now it is once or twice a season.

This is the time where it is the worst.

I would remind all of my humans out there, please pick up the trash when you see it on the ground.

You are out walking so much more now, why not slip a bag and gloves in your pocket.

Pick up that trash when you are out and about.

Why not?

Why is it that the majority of people just walk on by?

Please I am asking you.

Next time please pick up the trash no matter the size.

When you are packing up your trash to go out for pick up.

Be careful of how you pack it.

DO NOT THROW LOOSE PAPERS, CONTAINER in a BLUE BOX OR

WORSE leave BOXES stacked willy nilly to blow about.

Those are the boxes and styrofoam packing materials that I find on the street all of the time.

The styrofoam breaks down as it hits the curb and corners of the sidewalk breaking into much smaller pieces so of which are digested by birds and smaller animals.

These smaller pieces also end up going into the storm drains.

Easy to to.

PICK UP the trash.

Please.

 

I do apologize if this sounds like a rant as I would rather it sound like a public service announcement.

We all have to work together to make this planet a better place for all of the inhabitants.

We rely on the NATURAL WORLD.

Slowly and now so slowly we are disturbing, changing and destroying the natural world.

Let us come together and do some good.

There is good coming out of this pandemic.

The good is helping the natural world.

Marine life is returning in areas, the sky is clear from smog and pollution as people are staying home and some factories are closed.

This should tell us something.

It is a good reminder.

We have to stop and get things straightened out.

The next time we have a pandemic we may not be so lucky.

I am not taking away from the loss of life globally from this horrible virus.

 

Please have a good safe and happy Saturday.

Given the chance to do something great for the environment in your neighbourhood, please do so.

Do not leave what you can do, for others to do.

 

With kindness and a deep respect for our planet.

I/We remain,

As Always,

Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of March, 2019.

Now officially more than halfway into the third month of 2019.

The sun is shining brightly to the east and soon it shall fill the entire sky.

Warm temperatures forecasted for the weekend.

I took Monday as a vacation day to have an extra long weekend.

Just sneezing and keeping positive thoughts of feeling well.

My neighbour is feeling so much better and I am grateful.

Last night I shovelled a path across the snowbank from my house to my neighbours.

The sidewalks are a mess of ice and water.

Alvin has his regular vet appointment this morning.

Thankfully we will have a ride this morning.

The streets and sidewalks are so full of icy ruts and in a few hours will be melting and mixed with water.

ARGH.

I love spring but could take less of the ice part.

I also am going to pick up some groceries after Alvin’s appointment.

Making a fruit pizza for my daughter’s birthday party tomorrow.

Love fruit pizza ….. not something one would make every weekend but it is a great treat.

 

A NEW DECADE …..

I was thinking over the past few days about what it has been like to be a single woman in her 60’s.

Crazy that I can say ’60’s” ….. when did that happen?

In August I will turn 62.

The years, the decades have blurred together to bring me to this place.

I am more than grateful to be in good health, to be surrounded by loving family and friends, to have my own home, to be employed.

I am grateful to be learning every day from Mr. Alvin who really has taught me so much.

I am grateful to live in a wonderful community filled with so many wonderful people of all ages.

There is something to be said about being in your sixties.

I have reached a point where I am comfortable in my own skin.

Now there are days when I look at my body and wish that a couple of things were different.

The tummy area for sure.

Those things can change with a bit more exercise.

I look in the mirror and I am happy with the face that smiles back at me.

There is no moaning and groaning about droopy eye lids or wrinkles.

Every decade things change.

Part of getting older is just that …. things change.

Your body changes.

Your mindset changes.

Your sense of worth and desires changes.

You just keep changing.

No longer do I worry on a moment to moment basis about what others think.

I of course, do care about what others think but it no longer defines me.

It no longer is the driving force in my thoughts and actions.

All in all, I love being in my sixties.

 

Well looks like I must hit the shower as Mr. Alvin has his appointment in a little while.

The blue sky and sunshine out of my window makes me happy.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who are in their sixties …. you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of January, 2016.

The past couple of days I have been home sick and am going to work today.

Still not feeling 100% but have to get back to work.

 

How has the world been the past couple of days?

I know that shots were fired in my daughter’s neighbourhood the day before last.

They are okay – thank goodness.

 

This whole mixed up world.

What is happening?

Why are we where we are?

Is anyone asking this question?

Does anyone care?

Is it because of man’s never ending need to be the most powerful / the richest?

Is it because we cannot stand to see someone else with more than us?

Is it because we never completely found compassion for one another?

Is it because we are never satisfied?

The list of questions could go on and on and I have to go to work but perhaps you see my point.

 

I have always tried to be kind and 98% of the time successful, I believe.

Is this a male / female thing?

I do not know.

But something has to change before we destroy ourselves and this beautiful gem in the universe.

Just feeling a little sad this morning ….. perhaps because I am not at my best …. it has me in reflection mode.

But I hope that one by one we can see the light and change things before it is too late.

Please go out of your way to be kind …. to help each other …..

Forget thinking that someone else will stop and help that person in need ….. it has to be you.

You are that person….

You must stop.

If we continue to pass by …. then we will not have learned perhaps the most important lesson of all …..

Compassion for those in need.

To help each other ….. to have community.

Without compassion there is no love.

Without compassion there is no kindness.

Without compassion there is …..

 

I hope that you have a wonderful day ….

Everything starts with you and me.

Special Hello to: my family and friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 5th day of November, 2013.

How are you this morning?  I am doing great.

If you could start your own business what would it be?

Would you do something from home?

Would you run a shop in your community?

Would you be located in a large shopping mall?

What would you do?

We all have ideas.

Most of us never get any further than the actual idea.

Why is that?

Fear?

Money?

Both?

I wonder.

I listen to people talking and I think most people would love the opportunity to do something that they love out of the convenience of their own home.

Now perhaps at some point the business might excess your space at home but to begin with that is all you need.

Whether you are baking the world’s best chocolate chip cookies or making mittens or designing and making jewellery or perhaps writing a self help book.

Making holiday baskets and perhaps Christmas decorations.

There are truly so many things you can do to make extra money.

You can buy things and resell them.

So if you find yourself hovering on the edge of the cliff with a good idea but do not have the “guts” to go forward; I say GO FOR IT.

I am sure that anyone that has ever started a business was at some point “hovering on the edge of the cliff” …..

Put together a plan and just do it.

So have a great day.

Time to get going here.

Thank you for reading my blog.

This is a great adventure.

Lots to learn.

Special Hello to: all those entrepreneurs out there ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Life – Part 2

I am a Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, Cousin, Friend, Best Friend, Neighbour,  Star Gazer, Moon Watcher,  Sun Worshipper for Vitamin D as we walk outside, Fanatic of all things Christmas, lover of a great cup of coffee especially in the morning, Volunteer, Crafter, Writer of stories and poetry and song lyrics, proud Canadian, first time home owner, first time dog owner, lover of history and geography, inspired by dancing, laughter, music and nature, avid Survivor fan, fan of Celine Dion, Elton John, Carrie Underwood, PINK, Maroon Five, Adele, Beach Boys, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Jann Arden, Jon Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Coldplay, an Optimist, am grateful for my life, Dreamer, enjoy walking in the rain and in the sunshine, sociable, reader, mesmerized by good food and chocolate, worker on patience, in love with movies, new shoes, a new scent, oh love love love flowers, honest to a fault, shopper, worker on saving, finding budgeting great fun, lover of snuggling with my Alvin, finding out new things about myself, and this list will continue to grow as my life unfurls……

I am wealthy beyond description.  Abundance fills my days.  I am so grateful to be living in this time and space.  I love making jewellery with my daughter and sharing those precious moments of creativity and love.  I am a great neighbour and friend.  Alvin brings joy to my heart and more love to my life.  I love living.  I love Christmas.  I love that first snowfall.  I love the beauty of nature as we travel along her path.  I love the sun when it rises up in the morning.  I love meeting new friends.  I love my community.  I love being a home owner.  I love having flowers in my back yard and on the front porch.  I love shovelling snow.  I love writing about life.  I love going out for coffee with my daughter.  I love having company.  I love baking.  I love cooking.  I love to share.  I love being a big sister.  I love meeting new people.  I love making snowmen with my sister. I love watching a movie with my daughter. I love going on shopping sprees.  I love visiting my family and most recently my brother.  I love laying on the deck and looking at the stars in the night sky.  I would love to meet my Mr. Right.  I love sharing things with the world.  I love listening to music.  I love new things.  I love to learn. I love walking with my Alvin.  I love to give and maybe selfish but I love to receive as well.   I love my life.  I continue to find things to love.

I know that life will bring me whatever I want it to ….. so perfect health, always being surrounded by love and joy ….. abundance and wealth beyond description.  Thank you.  If you have great health, love and joy you have the most amazing life.

Life continues ….

Water on fire from Sun’s glow.                                              Crabapple tree at my brother’s acreage                    Driving home the sky was amazing.                                Another photo on our drive home.

Thought for the day….

Good Wednesday Morning and Welcome to the 10th day of April 2013.

How are you this fine morning?

I am doing fantastic.

Today I would like to charge you with a mission to give back to your community.

I know this is a strong statement but I feel over the couple of decades we have lost our sense of community.

This does not mean that you have “less than nice” neighbours.

I mean with regard to helping a stranger, picking up trash outside your “home boundaries”, perhaps donating some of your  time to a library or hospital or an animal shelter.

There are so many things that we can do to help out.

Doesn’t mean we have to spend a billion dollars to do so.

Can you imagine what our world, our beautiful blue/green Earth would be like if WE ALL HELPED ONE ANOTHER.

So on this mid week day I would ask kindly that you all take a few minutes and do something to help your neighbour, a stranger ….. someone outside your boundaries.

Thank you so much.  I appreciate this.

Have a wonderful day.

Spread the joy and kindness.

We all reap what we sow.

Special Hello to:  VOLUNTEERS …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Good for the waistline….

Most of us living in North America these days are concerned with our ever expanding waistlines.

Even Dr. Oz is concerned, and has lots of helpful hints on his show.

Oprah has had many, many shows about it.

There are articles in magazines, shows on t.v. (Biggest Loser to name one).

But there is one thing that you can do that has not been mentioned (that I have heard) and it is this……

GET OUT THERE AND HELP OTHERS.

How many times have you been out for a walk and seen someone carrying groceries?

It only takes a few minutes to help out and guess what it “BURNS CALORIES”……

Helping others burns calories.

Somewhere along the way – in this busy society – we have lost our sense of community.

Well, I am on a mission to bring it back.

I think that we should help our family, our friends, our neighbours, and most of all STRANGERS.

Those people become our friends and sometimes even family.

So take the dog for a walk or your children or just yourself.

Be aware of who is around you and please help that person, if you are lucky enough to see them.

They will so appreciate it and so will you.

It is good for the waistline but also good for the mind and soul.

I appreciate your future efforts, and so will those people that you are blessed enough to come across.

Thank you so much.

Have a great day.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …… it all starts with m-a-n-n-e-r-s !!

Why is it that people these days forget to say please, thank you and your welcome?

Perhaps it is because most people are too busy thinking of how things affect them to see what is going on around them.

Manners are so important.  Parents, please teach your children to say “PLEASE, THANK YOU and YOUR WELCOME”.

Something so seemingly small – can carry so much weight.

I must say that – that was one of the first things that I taught my daughter when she was a little girl.

Whenever she was away from home – people would always remark to me on how polite she was ….. that meant the world to me.  If you are going to teach your child anything – manners are the most important and will get them the furthest.  Not only the fact that they will get far with being polite, but it is the RIGHT THING TO DO.  Somewhere along the way – we got so hung up on ourselves that we forgot others.  Our communities are so important as is our sociability with others.

I am trying to teach my dog “Alvin” to have manners.  It might take me awhile but I am going to do it.  GOL (giggling out loud)

So that is my thought for the day, “it all starts with manners”.  Say “thank you” when someone opens the door for you.  Say “please” when you are asking for something.  Say “your welcome” when you are done.  So easy.  Give it a try.  Take the time to hold open a door for someone and say “Your Welcome” (even if they do not say thank you) and SMILE.  Believe me, people will start catching on.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.  Remember your manners and to smile.  We only have this one life so why not show everyone that it matters.  Believe you me …… it matters.

P.S. I saw that smile on your face,  and that twinkle in your eye…….  🙂

Thought for the day

This morning my daughter Amanda and I took a walk around our neighbourhood and picked up the trash.  Four bags and two hours later we cleaned up our area.  It still amazes me the amount of litter that is “disgracing” our neighbourhood.  People seem to just walk by the same empty milk jug day after day.  Also the community mailboxes are a drop off zone for flyers and unwanted mail.  I wish that people would take more pride in their community.  It is so easy to do.  Just bend over and pick up that piece of paper and put it in your trash can.  Not difficult.  Not at all.  Do we really want our children and pets possibly eating something off the ground or handling something dirty?   Remember to recycle.  Also I would mention that the blue bins that are used in your home to contain the recycling are not meant to house those items waiting outside on the curb for the garbage guys.  The wind comes up and blows and blows.  Suddenly those papers and cardboard bits are all over your neighbourhood.

My thought for the day is:  Littering is still a crime.  Crime to yourself.  Crime to your neighbourhood.  Crime to the world.  We need to take more pride in the world around us.  I want my grandchildren and all the babies that are born to be surrounded by the same beauty, as I had growing up.  Please.