Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. How are you on this beautiful Thursday? I can only imagine the day as we are still in darkness as the sun does not rise until later and if there are clouds it may be dark longer. Oh well, that is winter in the province of Alberta, Canada. What can you do? Alvin is chatting about something so it would look like my story shall be cut short.

Yesterday I was on the phone with one of my clients. We were disconnected and then another call came in and I happened to notice that the ringtone was different and looked to see that it was my friend Iris, Alvin’s best friend Teddy’s Mom. So I picked up and she was wondering if she could stop by in about 1/2 hour, I said sure as I could take my lunch break then. She had called earlier on the house phone but I was working and did not answer. So I worked away until the doorbell rang. There was my friend with her hands full of something. She had been out shopping for something unrelated and happened across a great sale on sweaters and winter coats for dogs. I had mentioned to her at one point that Alvin much needed a new winter coat as his really did not fit him and that I would love to have a sweater for him for those less than frigid days. So she was out and found some. She bought matching winter coats for her pups and tried to get same for Alvin but could only get a warm cream tone with brown latches up the back. Anyway they are the cadillac of winter coats for dogs. So beautiful. Alvin’s completely covers him and even has a nice warm hood lined with fake fur of course. We tried on both the sweater which is a mix of red, black, grey and white and the winter coat but Alvin was not really keen on either of them. They fit and I was/am one happy Momma. Alvin is not so good with new things unless it is FOOD and then he is all over it. We visited for a few minutes. I could not believe the deal that she got, more than 50% off. Basically two coats for the price of one. How wonderful. The Universe was truly listening when I made that remark. Thank you Universe and Iris. I will pay her of course for the sweater and jacket and am happy to do so.

We were supposed to have Teddy and Kobie for today, tomorrow and Saturday but something came up so they will not be coming over. That makes us sad even though I did not tell Alvin or he would be looking out the window for them.

One more quick story to finish off the new sweater and coat story. As we did not get out for a walk at noon as we had company, I thought that we would go for a walk after work and try out Alvin’s new sweater. Not cold enough for the cadillac of winter coats just yet. So with due care and attention I slipped the sweater onto Alvin. He was not really happy about the whole process. In fact, he stood in the middle of the kitchen floor not moving at all except for the quivering/shivering that he was doing. I tried to coax him to come but to no avail. So I picked him up and carried him to the door and set him down so that I could finish getting dressed for our walk. He just stood there. When I opened the door, I had to gingerly move him out the door. I locked the house and he stood on the top part of the porch. Just stood there. Not moving at all. I tried my best to convince him to come down but he would not. So after a few minutes I decided to go into the house and perhaps try to get him to walk around the deck before trying to go on our walk. Into the house. He did not walk very fast and in fact, I had to guide him and pull slightly on the leash (he wears a body harness) to get him to move toward the back door. After we got outside, I slowly walked about and finally he walked in his new sweater. I could tell that he was not very happy about the whole experience. After a few minutes we headed back outside. I managed to get him down the steps and outside. He walked very slowly. The wind was howling and it was cold so after a miserable few minutes for the boy we turned and headed home. My poor Alvin not so good with change or something new.

Last night I thought that it was cute that he walked up to where I had laid his new winter outerwear on top of a square container and started to sniff it. Perhaps I should have thought of that.

Well time to head downstairs. I think you get the drift of what happened. Oh me Alvin.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day. Take care and Be safe. Walk through your days spreading love, kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Soon I hope to share some photos. Technical difficulties.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 18th day of June, 2017.

Was overcast earlier then turned to bright sunny skies and now there are some clouds gathering.

Today is Father’s Day.

Alvin and I would like to wish all of the Fathers a happy, joyful daughter filled with love and laughter.

Our day will be quiet (which is okay by me).

Yesterday we had the Vet visit first thing followed by coffee break with my friend and neighbour “S.”

In the afternoon laundry was first item on the old TO DO LIST and in between I worked on the back garden space.

A couple of years ago I dug out the cedar tree that had died after only a couple of years and a few weeks ago dug out the diseased roses and dead shrub.

With three holes on display and only two small shrubs in the garden (one on each side in the front); I had to do something.

But what, as I do not have the extra money to go and purchase more shrubs or flowers or ornaments.

So I looked around my house and garage and had an idea.

A few years ago I had bought a couple of tall planters that were made of something that resembles concrete but not that heavy.

I had left them outside over a few winters and they had slowly been to break away in spots.

One of them was pretty good and it was on the deck and the other had been tucked away in the garage – just waiting.

I decided to reuse the one in the garage.

I had a sort of plan in mind.

So I grabbed a shovel that I had borrowed from my neighbour and then realized that I needed something else, scissors.

With scissors in hand I carefully trimmed away the black material that was sticking out around the holes where the roses, shrub and tree had been.

Then I dug out the hole in the back area of the garden as that is where I wanted to place the planter.

After getting the hole dug – I went to the garage and carefully carried out the planter.

It was heavy and awkward but I managed.

When there is a will – there is always a way.

At least that is what I have found – my whole life thus far.

I set the planter into the hole and turned it on an angle so that the fern embossing was showing and the best part of the planter faced outward.

Filling in around the planter was easy.

Then I set about moving more rocks to fill in the other holes.

Once done, I placed the rocks back over the dirt.

There were a few spots that needed something so I took some stone pieces that I had set under the back steps on the deck and placed them strategically in the garden.

I had a stepping stone that was nice so I set it in the garden, as well.

As I did not have any extra plants to place in the planter, I took the two of the three solar light fixtures from the other planter (the tallest ones) and put them into the container.

VOILA ….. no cost …… just a bit of medium labour and it looks good.

I am proud of myself.

Alvin tried to help ….. he kept coming up into the garden and sniffing away …..

I perhaps will add a bit of rock from between the garages once we get the bark chips in there but for now it looks good.

After supper we ended the day with a walk followed by a movie.

Happy Saturday.

Happy Father’s Day to all the GUYS out there whether you have two-legged babies or four.

Thank you for all that you do.

Special Hello to: My youngest brother who is a great day and my nephews.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 21st day of November, 2014.

What a surprise I had when I arrived home last night after working both jobs.

There on the middle of the kitchen table sat a parcel ….

As I drew nearer I realized that the said parcel had “my name” on it.

Quickly my eyes searched for the return address as I was not expecting a package.

Lo and behold I saw the name of one of my friends from back in Regina.

I grabbed the scissors from a nearby drawer and set to work to open the carefully done up package.

When I got it open I found a beautiful card and letter and a container with some goodies.

This friend of mine and I am going to name her which as you know I seldom use anyone’s actual name … I usually refer to them by their first initial ….

This absolutely thoughtful and out of the blue gift was from my pal “VAL” …. who is by far one of the most thoughtful humans I know.

This is the second time she has surprised me and surprise it was …..

Anyway the homemade treat of chocolate dipped biscotti is sitting on the table not opened as I wish to have it on a Saturday morning with my coffee and RELAX.

Now there is more than enough for several Saturdays ……

Perhaps over Christmas when I have some extra days at home and not at either job.

Well here it is almost time to leave for work once again ….. almost seems like I just got home ….. whoops yes I did …. it was midnight when I got to bed last night.

I had a great Thursday night at the store.

I hope that you have a crazy wonderful Friday and that perhaps you will take the time to surprise a friend or family member.

Doesn’t have to be anything big ….. something homemade and from the heart will do.

Have a great Friday ….

Tonight will be the third night in a row for working at the store ….. so much fun.

I will be back tomorrow …. thank you for reading my blog ….. this is too cool…..

Special Hello to: my friend VAL from Regina ….. you are absolutely the best and have perfect timing.

Always, Carol and Alvin