It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a bright almost sun filled morning sky as the sun begins to rise in the east.

I absolutely love sunrises.

The palest of pinks and oranges and yellows.

So delicate as they fill the horizon.

Looks like another beautiful day on the way.

 

Alvin and I are doing well.

I cannot believe, well yes I can, actually.

How wonderful the people are that I have surrounded myself with …. they are the best.

I have the best siblings, daughter and son-in-law and friends.

Everyone has been so great.

My friends that live nearby have been so great checking to see if I need anything from the grocery store.

My family checks on me and I on them.

Likely not enough.

I am working from home so that fills a good chunk of the day.

 

We had a great walk yesterday after work.

Humphrey spent the day with us.

His Mom took him to the Vet for a 3:30 p.m. appointment and they were able to fix him up.

Humphrey will be on antibiotics for a bit but he was happy when it was all over.

Thank goodness.

 

A friend picked me up more groceries yesterday and another dropped off some eggs.

We chatted as we social distanced ourselves from each other.

No hugs at this time.

 

Another friend down the street called to see how Alvin and I were doing.

They are older than me and they still worry about us.

I worry about them but they are well and that is great news.

 

I can smell the coffee perking and I am happy to have freshly ground coffee beans.

I am so grateful for that little PLUTO video, noticed it was called PLUTO LIVING.

Please google it.

PLUTO is this little dog and he speaks with kind words for us all.

I am not certain who does the voice, perhaps his Momma but it is so well done.

A reminder to us all.

Look after your friends and neighbours and family.

The seniors really our help at this time, egads I am in some circles considered to be a senior.

But I am doing great.

Check in on folks.

If you know of someone struggling and you can give them even a couple of cans of beans or veggies or a loaf of bread of some bathroom tissue, do it.

If we all did this we could feed a nation.

We can all share something of what we have whether it be inspiration, kind gestures, food goods, something.

 

Well I am getting close to time to head downstairs and grab some coffee.

THe smell is increDible …. as if wafts up the stairs.

My Alvin is adjusting to this all ….

He knows when his blankets are close to the computer by the window I am writing my post.

Then when I move them he knows I am working.

He has really been great through all of this.

He does sometimes jump up from a nap when my cell phone rings (work line).

 

I hope that you are getting some exercise and fresh air.

Even when we are self isolating it is good to go for a walk.

Just stay away from folks.

You can still say HELLO from a distance.

Eat right.

It is hard to stay away from the comfort food.

A little here and there is okay.

 

Have a great Thursday.

I hope that you and your family are doing well.

Be kind to each other.

We need each other at this time and always.

This too, shall pass.

We are strong.

Support each other.

With kindness and respect.

 

With only kindness and respect to you,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. please remember to laugh…..

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well I hear we are finally in the last few days of this “cold snap.”

Both Alvin and I will be happy to be able to resume our walking.

 

How are you today?

I am well.

Do you reflect at bedtime and in the early morning hours conversations that you had the previous day?

I do, most of those conversations are from work.

I always think “why did I say those words?”

I tend to be an emotional conversationalist.

I take things personally when I should not.

Now that is not every conversation that I am emotional or take things personally all of the time.

Just sometimes.

Not emotional that I suddenly burst out in tears or yell and scream.

Not always filled with my opinions.

Not that, but I could do better.

I think that by putting my concerns in writing I can see what is in front of me and hopefully will help me.

I am by nature a kind, generous person OR at least I believe that I am.

But perhaps others do not see me this way.

So I am repeating to myself on a regular basis starting today the following mantra:

“I am kind and professional.”

Perhaps this way I can keep my personal opinions and emotions out of the equation.

Please do not think that I wish to be cold and unemotional either, that is not the case.

I am always trying to do better.

Sometimes it is all in phrasing.

If someone on the other end of the phone is being difficult and emotional; it is not always easy to bring that down.

I always do better face to face.

Phoning is not my favourite way to have a conversation (my family and friends will attest to that).

Anyway, the cards are on the table.

I am going to be better.

Not a resolution.

This is a promise.

Always better not to fuel the flames.

 

Well time to head out and play find the poop from earlier this morning.

When we were first up at 2:30 … it was snowing.

I like a challenge.

Do I really?

Mmm, not so much.

Not all the time, anyway.

Sense of humour, trying.

I love my Alvin so it is all good.

 

I hope that on this Thursday that you are well.

That life is treating you kindly.

That you are treating life with kindness.

See it works both ways.

I know that for sure.

 

Be safe and stay warm.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of October, 2018.

Well into the first week of October.

Darkness in the mornings takes a bit of getting used to …. but the temperatures have been okay.

Perhaps a bit cooler than a “normal” fall day.

But really what is the norm anymore?

We enjoyed a beautiful walk last night with our friend ….. chatting about life.

As we walked the leaves scrunched under our feet.

Alvin looks so cute walking through piles of leaves (especially the ones still out front).

Bad Momma has not raked them as yet.

Just no energy when I get home from work.

To go for a walk and make supper and clean up and get ready for the next day is about all I can do.

Now something is clearly wrong with this picture.

I am old school in that I think I am “super woman” and if there is more to do, I will find a way to do it.

Like working through breaks, starting early and sometimes working a bit later.

Between conversations with myself this morning and my friend last night.

I realized that I am doing more harm than good by not taking breaks.

Not good for physical or mental health.

It does not give an accurate picture of the work load or what can be done in a regular day.

If we are working “hard” during the rest of the day …. that is enough.

That is all that I will say as I try to keep this post not work related.

Sometimes though you just have to get things off your “chest.”

 

Well Mr. Alvin had me up at first about 3:30 a.m. ……

He is definitely off his clock.

He ate early before 4:00 a.m.

Went outside.

Anyway, we did manage to score some snoozes on the sofa.

Now it is almost time to leave for work.

 

I am taking a book and will be leaving my desk at break times to read.

No interruptions and will get that time that I need and earn.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Special Hello to: my fellow humans who put in extra time at their job – realize that often times it goes unnoticed and really does more harm than good.  Take time for you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 6th day of July, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast at this time of the day.

Another HOT one is on the way.

I have windows OPEN at this moment at each end of the house so that the breeze can come into our house and cool the air.

So far so good.

The air feels cooler.

The furnace FAN is on and an electric fan all working together to cool the house for Mr. Alvin.

With the office window open I can hear the humming of the cars and trucks on the nearby highway that encircles our city.

Today is Friday.

Thank goodness for the weekends.

Just seeing the sun making its’ way higher in the morning sky.

 

I am reminded by just how important it is to be surrounded by positive energy.

Work is one of those places that can be negative.

At work I sit and work, I seldom participate in any conversations.

Somedays the negativity washes over me like a COLD shower leaving me feel drained and blue.

If only people would think about what comes out of their mouths, if only.

I am far from perfect and have from time to time SAID the wrong words.

If you work with people please be aware of others.

Be kind and recognize that perhaps others are in the same position as you are OR perhaps worse.

 

I am so grateful that I have a quiet home with Alvin.

He greets me every night and from time to time gets vocal.

But that is okay.

We all have to something to say.

 

Well here it is almost time to leave for work once again.

Grateful today is Friday.

Grateful that the house is cool for Mr. Alvin.

Grateful that I prepared the bags of clothing and odds and ends for DIABETES to pick up today.

Always good to donate.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. have a wonderful day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 21st day of April, 2018.

As April winds down and we edge closer to summer, I am reminded that soon we shall be running outside in flip flops and there will be leaves on the trees.

It has seemed as though it would never happen this year but as the temperatures slowly begin to rise in the + double digits, and the snow begins to melt, here is hope.

Yesterday my daughter picked me up from work.

Oh, how I love our conversations on the ride “home.”

We both try to remember the things that we have wanted to share in person.

Sometimes one or both of us “forget” and that is okay.

We have decided that it is not an “old mind” that can forget but that all minds do.

She was feeling a bit “peckish” and had both an apple and orange in her bag.

We were not able to wash the apple in the car so I decided that I could peel the orange for her to eat.

We laughed oh how we laughed.

I somehow managed to get the orange peeled without creating too much mess.

I had my trusty tupperware lunch bag with me which has a washable inside.

All of the peels were tossed inside the bag.

Now breaking the orange into bite sized pieces was a bit more of a challenge.

With only the odd squirt of orange juice.

We just laughed.

As I was handing her a piece of orange at the RED STOP LIGHT a truck stopped alongside us.

I am certain he saw us and I hope that the feeding of the orange brought a smile to his face.

The orange hit the spot.

What fun.

All on the way for a quick stop at COSTCO.

I think that everyone had the same idea as there were a TON of people at COSTCO.

Somehow we managed to zip in and zip out in pretty good time.

Back at the house Alvin was waiting for me.

I had mentioned that we should just park in the garage, as we had all the groceries to carry into the house but my daughter forgot in the moment, and started to pull in by the front of my house.

I could see Mr. Alvin stand up in his chair at the window.

He knows her car.

So cute.

We went around to the garage.

He was happy to see us.

We had our favourite COSTCO – KIRKLAND Black Bean Burgers for supper with a slice of the Lemon cake that I had baked on Monday.

We had a great visit over supper.

Followed by fixing the downspout and then she was on her way.

I so love my daughter.

It is always wonderful when we share a car ride, a meal; time together.

After she left for home, Alvin and I went for a walk.

It was so nice outside.

At bedtime it was still almost 12 degrees celsius.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

Always try to spend time with your children, your family and your friends.

Even a car ride can me most memorable.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. so looking forward to our road trip this summer.

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of April, 2017.

The sky finally appears to have clear breaks ….. our morning sky has been pretty much been overcast for days now.

Some sunshine would be very welcome.

We have had enough moisture for a bit …… I would love some sunshine.

The weekend holds promise weather wise so that is good.

 

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

On our way to my house we stopped at COSTCO.

COSTCO was busy …… as always.

I love that ride with my daughter and our conversations.

Any time that I spend with my darling girl is most precious.

Picked up a few things before going home to Mr. Alvin.

He was VERY happy to see us both, for sure.

My TEA ORDER arrived as well …..

We had a busy evening ….. putting away groceries……walk with Alvin and sorting the tea orders.

Most of the tea orders goes to my co-workers and another co-worker graciously is giving me a ride to work as my usual ride is not going in that direction today.

So it all worked out.

Just a few minutes until my ride arrives.

I love the change going my car as opposed to the bus.

Public transportation is good however; nothing like a car ride to work, most especially in the morning.

 

So today I am hoping to have a quiet, super PRODUCTIVE day …..

Tonight is my ENERGY HEALING appointment.

I am looking forward to that ….. great way to end or almost end the work week.

I will be working on Friday.

 

Well I had better get my things together.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday.

Another great thing about today it is PAYDAY.

Gotta love a Thursday that is payday.

Alvin is patiently watching me from the comfort of the rug in the hallway.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Sunday…… SKYPE…..YES.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 28th day of February, 2017.

Last day for this month.

Today is the Birthday of one of my nephews.

The second oldest one.

Happy Birthday “D” ….. Wishing you a great day.

We are well into this new year, for sure.

The mornings have been cold but have warmed up over the course of the day.

I have not had a “bad” cold for quite some time now I have the sore throat and runny nose.

Too bad all of those folks who cough into the air on the bus would not take a few more precautions.

Oh well ….

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work as she had to come to our area to pick up something.

It was nice to see her and for the ride.

I always enjoy our conversations.

Alvin was happy to see her.

Well this morning my head feels full of cob webs so I shall make this short.

I hope that you are all well and are enjoying this last day of February.

Special Hello to: my nephew “D” on his Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 27th day of July, 2015.

It is overcast, breezy and a bit cool this morning but I LOVE IT.

Maybe rain today ……

Only four sleeps until my siblings and I are reunited once again.

Once a year the four of us get together.

I am so excited.

There is nothing like the conversation of siblings ….. no secrets ….. just great talks …..

Always love and much laughter.

I love that part most of all …… the laughter.

My brother “J” is a great “griller” so I am sure that he will whip up some fantastic.

We girls will make sure that the dishes are done.

My brother “T” will lend a hand where needed.

Friday …… I am so excited ….

I hope that you had a great Sunday.

Mine was awesome.

The trip to Costco was good ….. got everything I needed.

At Save-On I found the miracle grow for my flowers ….. they need an extra boost.

Wow, we have had 27 great days thus far in July.

August will be amazing ….. it is always …..

Perhaps because it is my birthday ….  no ….. I love August because fall is right around the corner.

Fall is my favourite season.

Well time to get on the road to work.

The bus won’t wait.

Alvin is in position …

Laying on the floor outside the office as I write these words.

Oh, my baby Alvin ….. love him so much.

This morning he wanted up to sit in my lap …. I love that …..

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: siblings …… enjoy your time together.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of May, 2015.

What a glorious morning …. I am happy that today is Friday.

The sun is shining and there is a slight breeze.

Happiness is in the air.

I had the cutest conversation with Mr. Alvin this morning.

I was asking him what he was going to be doing on this wonderful Friday.

I asked him if he would be doing crafts, washing windows or perhaps vacuuming?

He turned his head from side to side as if he to say “what are you talking about?”

It was so cute …. made me giggle.

Giggling is usually not something I am doing at 5:30 in the morning.

So I guess he will be keeping tabs on the neighbourhood and have naps.

That is okay by me.

Well running late ….. so better hoof it.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday ….

Weekend ….. time for yard work.

I am having the furnace cleaned tomorrow. …. should be fun.

Special Hello to: all those Moms and Dads of four-legged guys and gals out there…. love the conversations.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 15th day of October, 2014.

What a gorgeous day yesterday was …… sunny and warm.

Alvin and I enjoyed a lovely walk around the lakes in our neighbourhood.

So wonderful and peace.

That is what we all need is peace.

Peace in our relationships.

Peace in our place of employment.

Peace within ourselves.

Peace in our everyday lives.

There is so much chaos in our lives.

We need to find that peace.

We need to live that peace.

The peace is positive.

Positive is always good.

Last night that walk was just what the “Doctor” ordered.

Also I had a phone call from a dear old friend.

Someone I have known for over 40 years.

We shared current news.

We supported each other.

We laughed.

It is always good to have those conversations.

I felt so good after that call.

I would say that last night was a great evening.

So find that peace and live in it.

Have a great Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my all my friends new and old ….. you are the best.

Always, Carol and Alvin