A NewYEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

The sun is shining here in Edmonton. The air is somewhat cooler than it has been the past week or so. We are doing well here in our home on this day. Alvin is downstairs sleeping on the sofa while I am upstairs getting dressed (done) and writing this post. I think that I heard someone stirring.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! I was thinking back to my childhood in the 1960’s, in Elementary School when we used to write up a little card for each of our classmates. I think each student had a box or bag with our names displayed so that everyone knew where too deposit the cards. For years I used to send cards out to family and friends and somewhere along the way, I stopped. Not even sure when or really why. I loved receiving but most of all I absolutely loved sending cards to everyone. Sending cards to family and friends whether it is for this day or any other special occasion is something that I LOVE to do. As the years pass by and less and less people send cards, I feel a bit more sad. When someone receives a card it brings joy to their face and to their hearts, I know it does for me. It means that someone took the time to purchase and pick out or make by hand and then write up and mail the card. There is a lot of work that goes into this.

I hope that you all have a great day. Whether you give chocolates, flowers or go out for a nice supper with your significant other (if you have one) or if you are like me and spend the day with your pup or for those that have a kitten, it is all wonderful. Just being with someone whether two or four-legged you love is all one really needs. Happy Hearts Day.

Alvin’s vet appointment went okay. He has ear infections once again, not really surprised. Poor guy. Big change. We are changing up his diet. From last night forward he will be on the Balance Diet which is human food and a supplement. Fingers crossed. Last night I did not have the supplement or this morning so I did my best. He does like chicken, peas and carrots and boiled eggs and not so much oatmeal. So will have to do even more research to get this right. I will be picking up the supplement from the vet today as they ordered it yesterday and claimed it to be delivered today. Someone just woke up so I had better go downstairs. As you know, I threw out a huge amount of his dry food as I was not confident that it was still good according to research that I did on the WEB and the remaining five cans of his wet food, I will take to the vet today and have asked that they donate to someone who needs a special diet for their pup as it would help someone financially. Sorry, gotta go.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Tuesday morning? We are well, doing very well. Alvin is sleeping better than he has in awhile. Now that doesn’t mean that one or both of us aren’t up “once during the night” to do something but then we go back to sleep. We had a pretty good sleep. I hear the rumblings of the garbage trucks out and about. I filled my big garbage bin with the trash that I picked up in the neighbourhood two weekends ago. So I will definitely have my own to put out in two weeks.

The sky is overcast this morning and we had a good rain last night about 8:30 p.m. which included THUNDER. First thunder of this season. Nothing like the crack of thunder. There is a breeze this morning and it is cool out. Yesterday was so nice outside. We walked at lunchtime – the whole walk – well done Mr. Alvin. Instead of walking after work, I opted to wait and go after supper and cleanup was done. So after work I decided to flip the patio furniture about. I put the table and four chairs from the upper deck nearest to the garage onto the deck closest to the house just off from the bay window of the kitchen. It looks great there. Perhaps I will use it more. I do need an umbrella or two as they shredded and are waiting to go to the ECO Station. I placed the bistro table by the back door which is great when I have to haul in groceries etc. via the garage or someone comes over, there is a place to set something down instead of on the deck, which would have been okay, too. The wicker loveseat, coffee table and two chairs are back in the centre part of the deck. I can hardly wait to plant my flowers and fill in the gaps. I also took some of the branches that I had pruned from our front tree and placed them into a tall planter that I have on the deck. I have had this planter forever and it has deteriorated over the years making it almost impossible to move (it is heavy as well) without having a mess. I will try at some point, just not ready for it to go. It still looks okay – just looks old. It is made out of a ceramic something or other. Anyway, with a couple of ornaments on the tables it looks good for now.

When we were out for out walk after supper, we saw these two young guys. They both had their shirts off and walking looking at their phones. An accident looking to happen. What struck me the most was this. One of the boys was wearing the pants that hit below the hips while his underwear was almost completely showing above his pants. I watched in wonder and awe, thinking how can you possibly keep those pants from falling down? Maybe they are velcroed together? The boys wearing these pants all seem to have that same gait, that same kind of slow, side shuffle. Hard to explain. I am sure that all of you have seen this before and know exactly what I mean. Oh to be a teenager again with the whacky styles and trends. Whoever had this idea? Why? Really, lol, why?

I was disappointed that we did not see the baby goslings on our walks yesterday. They are out there in all their cuteness. So darling these little birds.

Coffee will taste great this morning. I turned the heat off a few days ago but now thinking I should have it on but I will keep wearing a sweater and put on something heavier if I need to. Might as well save on heating costs if I can. I have socks on as well. LOL.

Mr. Alvin is snuggled on the rug.

It looks like the sky is clearing on the horizon so that is good news. I hope that the sun shines.

To my friend Val who is hosting an “Epicure Tasting Event” today, I hope that you have fun and it is highly successful.

I heard the news that SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) in Regina, Saskatchewan has their first female President. Congratulations!

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! I thought that I would share what my life was like on this day one year ago on July 11th, 2020. By all accounts it was definitely more active. I hope that this finds you well and enjoying your weekend. Perhaps you are watching the rerun of some of the STAR WARS movies. Always enjoy re-watching them.

From July 11th, 2020:

Good Morning All,

We just arrived home from a nice walk a little while ago.

There is ever so slight of a breeze as the temperature is already begin to climb.

Supposed to be +26 degrees celsius today.

Which is warm considering the temperatures that we have been experiencing this summer.

In the some of our Canadian provinces east of Alberta the temperatures have been ugly hot.

With the humidex it has been almost too much.

I cannot imagine being a dog or cat or any animal including human in +40 temperatures.

Not for me.

While out and about we bumped into Humphrey and his Mom.

They were also out for some fresh air and sniffing.

Mom for the fresh air and Humphrey for the sniffing.

He likes to go into everyone’s front yard and sniff the trees and plants.

In a little bit after a late breakfast for me and a cup of coffee, I have decided to move up Mr. Alvin’s haircut.

Might as well get it cut before the heat of the day.

Last night after work Humphrey visited.

After supper and clean up I went over and picked up Bogart to introduce him to Alvin.

Alvin wanted to say hi but was a bit reluctant but the kitten just hissed and did a baby kind of growl.

We did go into the backyard and I placed the kitten down at one point but he was scared so I picked him up.

We spent a few hours just chilling on the sofa.

The kitten draped loosely around my neck, Humphrey dozing on Alvin’s doggie bed and Alvin stretched out on the sofa beside us.

By the time that I took the boys home, Bogart was hissing a bit less.

Alvin was panting so he clearly had some anxiety over the whole thing although he wanted to get close to the kitten.

I don’t think he has seen a kitten before in his life.

Not so easy taking photos with a kitten in your arms.

I snapped these photos earlier in the day from my office window.

The deck was still wet from that wicked storm the night before …

I love my backyard.

Flowers have survived.

******************

Unfortunately the only photo that copies over from the above post was the one of Alvin. I do love that one of him.

He almost always takes a great photo unlike someone I know.

So in contrast, we are not out for an enjoyable walk enjoying the sights and the smells.

We did spend some time on the deck as I was retrieving the flower pots from the garage.

By the way, the storm did not amount to much here in my neighbourhood.

I just brought the laundry upstairs, got washed and dressed and writing this post.

Alvin is downstairs and is making it know that he is not happy.

Such is my life.

Looking ahead, I am thinking that this is going to be a good memory compared to after his surgery.

Trying to keep him from moving and being able to go upstairs, do laundry, make meals, water flowers, even go to the bathroom will be an undertaking until we figure it out. I hope that the surgery goes well. Still two weeks away. Which is good and bad. Good for us and bad for him, I think.

Well he is barking and I do not wish to make him more anxious, he is the boss, so downstairs I shall go. Time to have a cup of coffee, anyway.

Thank you for sticking with us on this journey we call our lives. Not too exciting but never a dull moment.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Remember to check out the STAR WARS movies on television.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to the 2nd day of July 2021. We were up at 4:30, Alvin had his breakfast and then we headed back to the sofa. Next thing I know it is 6:30, so I jumped up off the sofa and upstairs to get dressed so that we could go for a walk. No one wants to see an almost 64 year old woman in her summer nightgown, lol. Off we went. Perhaps there was a reason that we went one hour later than the rest of the week. A strong gust of cool wind hit us as we descended from the front porch steps and onto the sidewalk. It was glorious. Honestly, I could have stood for for all of time or at least until I had to pee. The sun was shining but from time to time cloud cover took hold and it was just devine. There is a 50 percent chance of rain in the forecast but I am hoping for rain. The grass and trees and everything and everyone needs some moisture. I think after this post that I am going to take the hose and give my flowers in the flower beds some water. I only gave the front bed a bit of water last night. Of course, I thought that I would have been up at 5:30 not 6:30. OH WELL. Alvin is panting as it is hot upstairs. Even with a fan. So this will be short. We are grateful that the temperatures here are decreasing. Thank goodness. I sure hope that this is the case everywhere else as well. Low to mid 20 celsius temperatures is warm enough. High 30’s is too much. We spent most of yesterday in the basement. I was arranging and rearranging and purging and stuff. Six garbage bags later and a huge box of stuff that I do not need or want and it is looking better. At least it looks like a family room. We had fans going down there as well and actually at times had to put on a light sweater. Alvin enjoyed it. When we had to come back upstairs for water and bathroom breaks it was difficult. For supper I had apple pie and chocolate ice cream. I figure that I had fruit and some calcium. We watched movies all night long.

Time to head downstairs. Alvin is warm. Fur coat and all. He drinks nearly a whole bottle of water when we walk and I am grateful that I have that travel water dish for him.

Keep safe and cool.

Have a wonderful Friday. I am off work today. So a four day weekend for me counting yesterday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday Morning,

The sun is shining and the wind is blowing.

 

I just hopped out of the shower a few minutes ago.

How refreshing to have a morning shower.

Do you prefer before bed or in the morning?

I guess I like either one depends on the timing.

 

Alvin and I had a pretty quiet day yesterday.

I did laundry and cleaned out some drawers in the kitchen, dusted and cleaned.

We went for a nice walk.

The temperature warmed up over the course of the day, which was nice.

 

The air is definitely cooling down as the sun’s rays do not have the heat they had in July or near the beginning of August.

Fall is approaching.

As much as I love Summer for much different reasons; I love the Fall/Autumn.

The different coloured leaves on the trees.

The cool but comfortable temperatures still able to go in sleeves or a light sweater most days.

The smell of fall …. it is different.

Fall is a busy time prepping for the cold season.

Cleaning up the flower beds preparing the perennials for a winter’s sleep.

Eventually cleaning out the pots as the annuals pass their season.

After the frost and before the snow putting away all of the deck furniture.

One more swoosh in the garage (sweeping the floor) before putting away that furniture and odds and ends.

Making sure that the tree is trimmed ( I am going to do that this afternoon unless it rains ).

Washing windows one last time.

Sweeping the porch and the deck again.

I guess that I will add cleaning the blinds onto that list.

Most of the jobs are not huge for me as I live in half a duplex.

Lawn is half the size, front and back.

Which is manageable for one person.

 

Well it is getting time to go and have a quick breakfast before my friend Gillian comes for coffee.

Our other friend is visiting family in Manitoba.

 

Oh, I started another book last night.

“The House We Grew Up In” by Lisa Jewell.

This book goes back and forth between late 80’s and recent times.

So far I really am enjoying it.

 

Well time to go and have breakfast and start preparing for my company.

I just heard Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom talking to them outside.

She sounds anxious.

Looks like Bogart was where he should not have been.

He is quite the character.

Young and fast and curious.

 

We all have stories ….. even if we do not publish them for the world to read ….. we really should write things down ….

Stories to pass on …..

Start a blog ….. keep a journal.

Your children and future generations would be interested in your thoughts and your life.

Really they would.

Your words would be there to read, to inspire, to give retrospect  to future generations.

 

 

Okay time to fly.

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect to all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Books give me inspiration to write.

The green room, my office gives me inspiration to write.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 31st day of July, 2018.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk this morning.

Not a soul was out and about.

A few houses along the way had their lights on at 5:00 a.m., so we were not the only ones up and about.

Now just putting the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I have the office window open and not quite sure what the neighbour was doing but it was loud.

He had taken out their trash and turned on the car.

I think he is putting air in the tires.

It is loud.

at 6:15 a.m.

 

Well today is the day.

The company arrives tonight.

The fun begins.

So excited to have a visit with everyone and some time with my sister.

I miss not seeing her on a regular basis (we lived in the same city and worked for the same company at one point before I moved to Edmonton).

The neighbour…

He just back out of his driveway and it sounds like he has some brake issues.

Just an observation.

Back to the company.

Tonight.

Not sure what will happen tomorrow with Alvin and everyone.

He will certainly wonder why I am leaving him with a house full of people.

I know that my sister will keep an eye on him for me.

 

Well life is full of surprises.

Like last night when the sky would cloud up and I was sure that it would rain.

Then the sun would shine.

No rain.

This morning there are some rain clouds in the sky.

Just felt a cool breeze wafting in through the open office window.

Feels so refreshing as it washes over my face.

I did not water flowers last night because I was certain it was going to rain.

Now the temperature seems cooler all of a sudden so perhaps we will get a shower this morning.

The sun is rising in the east and I can see the beams bouncing off of a neighbour’s house.

 

Thank you to everyone who read my poem yesterday.

I love to write and definitely should do more ….

Perhaps I will be inspired over the next week or so.

Family, vacation, Family …. did I say vacation.

YES.

 

Have an awesome day.

Tuesday it is and Tuesday it shall be.

Be kind.

Be generous.

Be wise.

Be gentle.

Be you.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. not long now.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 29th day of May, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast now and the air is COOL.

Quite refreshing as I found when I walked over to look after my charges.

Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gecko.

Humphrey is so cute.

As we drove by his house last night on my way home I could see him in the window and his mouth was moving.

Ah, I guess he missed me.

Last night when I went over to spend time with him he was quite playful.

He was on one side of the coffee table and I was sitting on the sofa on the other side.

Every time I would bend down and say peek-a-boo – he would pop his head up and then down.

I know he knew what was going on as he did it several times.

So cute.

I would hide and then he would.

He loves to be held but on his terms (meaning a snuggle and then needs to get down).

He loves to sit in the window and I had gone over after work to open the living room one so that he could enjoy the fresh air.

Humphrey always comes running to the door when I arrive.

Cinder is the quiet, silent type.

She is also sleeping when I am there.

She sleep during the day and is up in the evening.

I guess I am always too early in the evening to see her up and about.

Alvin was a champion as he stayed home and patiently waited for his Momma.

 

Oh, we had a glorious walk last night.

Although we did come across a dog about his size that he definitely was not feeling the love.

Oh well, cannot like everyone, right.

I am also cautiously optimistic about other dogs.

Perhaps he can feel that ….

Well they are forecasting rain … sure hope so.

We could use some for sure.

The lawn out front is finally beginning to resemble a true lawn.

GREEN.

There are some weeds but in order to see weed-free you have to keep spraying and I do not like that “stuff” no matter how they have it labelled.

 

Well almost time to leave for work once again.

So happy that the temperatures will be a bit cooler for a few days.

Too hot too early is not a good thing.

 

Happy Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of September, 2017.

Welcome September.

Gorgeous sunrise.

The sky is this incredible pink with hues of blue and purple.

So pretty.

 

So on this Friday.

I am going to take myself just a little less seriously.

Take a “laugh break” throughout the day.

Be kind to others and to myself – always.

Be in the moment.

This is my Friday mantra.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

Special Hello to: all those folks starting the month with a birthday, Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 27th day of June, 2017.

Overcast this morning and a sweet cool breeze.

Quite the drop in temperature between 28 last night and about 14 this morning.

Well yesterday was hot.

Today is “hot” for another reason ….. Today is the 60th Birthday of my BEST FRIEND, “D” and her twin sister.

We have know each since we were toddlers.

So awesome to have the same friend(s) for most of your life.

Wishing the girls the best day ever.

Happy  Birthday My Dear Friends ….

 

 

We did not go for a walk last night as it was too warm.

To be cooler today.

Thankfully.

Mr. Alvin did not sleep very well and therefore I did not.

Quite the change from Sunday night …… I guess two walks is the thing that he needs.

Oh well ……

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Tuesday.

May you stay safe, cool, and happy wherever you may be on this planet.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello: to all those folks who take the time to read my blog, I so appreciate it.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of August, 2016.

Sure cooled down overnight.

It appears to have rained by the look of the deck.

The next couple of days are to be cooler and then warming up again.

Looks like today will be a jacket day for sure.

We slept in this morning as I set the alarm incorrectly.

When changing my room around I did not set it for morning.

Alas my Alvin came to the rescue and woke me up in time.

We are doing things out of order but will get them done and off to work on time.

Today my blog is short.

Just a thank you to Alvin for waking me up in time.

Have a great day.

Hope you have the perfect start to your day.

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

That’s me Alvin…..