Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! It is bitterly outside here in Edmonton and surrounding areas this Tuesday morning. Without the windchill minus 30 degrees celsius. Thankfully it will warm up tonight and be single digit minus temperatures tomorrow. I hope this finds you doing well. I am good. Feels so strange being alone in the house without Alvin. He is doing well at my daughter’s house.

Today December 6th is the birthday of my cousin Janice. Happy Birthday dear cousin. Wishing you a wonderful day.

Countdown to Christmas Eve is “18” sleeps – under the three week timeframe.

I am pretty much ready for Christmas as far as Christmas tree up, house decorated, baking done and gifts wrapped. Most of the gifts that is – couple things to arrive. All in all, ready. I will need to go to the grocery store a couple of time before Christmas for those last minute items. Anything that I could store for a long period of time – has already been purchased.

Back to work this morning. Working from home today and tomorrow and then to the office for Thursday and Friday.

I sure could have stayed under the blankets this morning. Might have something to do with the frigid temperatures outside. So grateful to be able to work from home today.

Tomorrow I have an appointment to get my eyes tested and pick out new glasses. I always look forward to getting a new pair of frames. Would be nice if they had a sale and I could pick up two pair. I have to decide about what to do about “sunglasses.” Clips or sunglasses or transitions. Will see tomorrow.

Well time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. I am ahead of schedule this morning but if I had to go to the office I would be running a tad late. Will have to get up a bit earlier on Thursday and Friday. Just because Alvin is not here – I do not need to be lazy, lol. Sure miss the little guy.

Continuing to live 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 morning? Both Alvin and I are well, very well. We are happy to be in good health. Alvin had a good 13th birthday yesterday. It was quiet but he had fun. I did not have an actual gift for him and I know how much he enjoys opening them so I wrapped up some of his food in a little tupperware container and with a card set it in front of him. I took a video of him opening his gift from beginning to end it was just short of two minutes which is pretty quick. When you consider that he uses his mouth to open it and goes back and forth between his two front paws to hold the package and to stabilize himself. He is so darn cute. Always brings a smile to my face when opening a gift. I can thank my friend Val who for many years has sent us gifts a few times each year with always a special parcel for Alvin. That is where he learned to do this. Yes, I have a pup who can open presents. He is certainly talented.

I am so happy to report that our temperatures are warming up and perhaps over the next couple of days we may even get outside for a walk. Sure would be great. We both miss those daily walks. Our bodies miss them, as well.

This morning I was wrote in my journal and realized that I have been doing for 4692 days. If memory serves me correctly, that is the day that I am on. I write down Day ….., then the date, record what is happening in my life and list what I am grateful for …. I believe it is so important to verbalize and write these down. If you are in a constant state of gratitude then you are living a good life. I am so grateful that both Alvin and I are in good health, for our beautiful home, for family and friends, for me working from home, for good food, for clean drinking water, for each day that we can get out of bed and have our toes/paws reach the floor. The list is endless. Try it!

To my cousin J, I have been trying to reply to your comment from the other day about the hair cut and cannot find it to reply to. I remember that you did a great job cutting my hair when we were kids (teenagers). We had some pretty great adventures you and me. Pretty great. Definitely ones for the journal.

Well time to start signing off as almost time to start work, a few minutes away.

I wish you a wonderful day. Hopefully nice weather so that we all can go for a walk.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. two of my LOVES: Alvin and flowers.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? It is getting more bright with every passing morning. The sky looks so pretty with the pale hues of oranges, pinks and yellows as they blend into the soft blue of the morning sky. I love sunrises. They are the beginning and that suits me fine. The beginning of something is always better than the end. Our temperatures are warming and that is a blessing for sure. I have a cousin that is married to an American girl, and they live in Houston, Texas where they have now snow and freezing temperatures. They are not equipped for snow and ice. My cousin reported that they had no power. They do have a fireplace which is good but eventually had to go to another relatives. The walk to the vet was okay, a bit cold. I had put on his big winter coat and he just stood and shook. I helped him down the steps to the sidewalk and he reluctantly walked a bit before I made an executive decision knowing that the clock was counting down to our appointment time. Back into the house and off with the winter coat and on with his sweater. The sweater is warm but the coat obviously warmer but I did not have a choice. He definitely was happier in his sweater. He sniffed every “spot” along the way and I thought that we would never get there. But we did and managed to arrive right on time. So that was good.

Well I was up later than usual and the clock once again is ticking down to a start time and that being work. Mornings seem to fly by for some reason. I guess most days do.

I hope that you are doing well.

Oh the sky just turned more pink and it is so beautiful.

Alvin wants to go downstairs and is giving me that look. Patience is not one of his virtues or mine, I guess, if I am being truthful. But as I mention every post, I am working on it.

From our house to yours …. Happy Wednesday.

Time to get that coffee perking. I definitely need some caffeine this morning.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Sun rise beautiful and the skies are a mixture of clouds and light.

So we will take that…..

The heavens opened up while I was on the bus on my way home.

In fact, the rain started when I was about 10 minutes from my bus stop.

By the time, I got off the bus, the rain had slowed down.

Luckily for me and all my fellow bus riders.

I managed to be mostly dry upon reaching home.

Which was a good thing.

Alvin went outside to the back yard and did his business.

We decided as it was still raining to have supper first.

Ended up walking about 8:00 p.m. and it was wonderful.

The air was fragrant with fresh rain and roses.

I keep forgetting to mention the roses that line the entrance to the park by my house and in other spots throughout the park and other walkways.

The rain …. oh, they love the rain.

The fragrance …. I closed my eyes and stood still for a few moments breathing in the beautiful fragrance.

Even Alvin took a moment to take it all in …. he likes to get right in there.

I have warned him about the thorns but he is a dog and most times has to figure it out firsthand.

There is no fragrance on this earth like roses.

Seldom can man come close to this amazing smell.

I love roses.

Can you tell?

But these roses.

The “wild” roses not the ones that have been tampered with by man throughout the ages.

Just a plain rose …..

We met a new friend “Rickie” last night on our walk and stopped to see others as they were sitting in their garage.

It was a great walk.

Alvin was over the moon that he did not have to wear the dreaded red rain poncho.

I thought he looked handsome and debonair but he did not.

 

Sometimes you just get to bed later and then want to sleep more.

So am running a tad late here.

 

Wishing my darling cousin L, a very Happy Birthday …..

Wishing my best friend from early childhood and her twin sister a very Happy 62nd Birthday.

I am getting close to that special year as well.

 

Well time to fly here as Mr. Humphrey will be spending the day with Mr. Alvin.

He has a doggie friend at his house.

So as my Alvin and Humphrey get along so well ….

Humphrey will be coming over here.

First time ever.

One cat and one dog for the whole day with the Mama.

I am quite certain that they will be fine.

At least they have two floors in the house ….. space.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Kind and Respectful.

Even with cats and dogs.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of April, 2019.

The sky is partially covered with clouds.

I am planing to go and pick up the trash in our neighbourhood as this week the street cleaners are coming.

I like to have the garbage picked up at least once before they arrive.

Then they can get the leaves, sand and dirt when they give it the spring cleaning.

My daughter mentioned she might be coming for a visit.

I have the ingredients for pancakes so I will go and prepare them in a few minutes.

Another busy day on the way.

I took Humphrey back home while Alvin and I went to his regular five week appointment at his Veterinarian.

He had his pedicure done and his ears checked and “stuff.”

Once back home, I went and picked up Humphrey and brought him back to our house.

Then put on the coffee and called the girls to come on over.

At one point Mr. Humphrey was trying to make a getaway as he started to move the rocks from beside the back gate.

I caught him in the nick of time and put the rocks back in place.

What a guy.

Now have to keep an eagle eye on him.

Had a great visit with the girls.

One of the girls surprised us with an Easter Treat.

Chocolate of course.

I am going to save mine for a bit.

After our visit with the girls; carried on with the laundry.

Raked the back yard once again and swept the deck.

Over the course of the day went for a walk with Alvin; our neighbour and the doggie that she was away looking after, Luna.

As she had come back home to spend the night.

Luna is a big LAB and is full of energy.

We only walked our new route before returning home and they continued.

Once back home I raked the front lawn and made a big pot of chilli.

After supper and the final loads of laundry.

Went to the grocery store with my neighbour.

I drove her car on her insistence.

Seemed strange but always good to keep up your driving skills.

Then back home.

We had a quiet evening.

Watching a bit of television before heading off to bed.

That is our life.

Pretty low key but I love it.

One of my favourite parts of the weekend thus far was Humphrey the Cat digging the rocks out by the fence.

He has done that at his home.

Well I guess time to get dressed and get the pancake batter made.

Ready for company?

Yes, we are.

Always.

 

I hope that you are having an exceptional weekend.

Maybe a nice relaxing mug of coffee on the deck.

A walk to your nearest park.

Snuggles with your puppy.

How about giving your puppy a massage (Alvin likes his neck and upper back massaged).

Maybe you raked your lawn.

Finished all the laundry yesterday so that you can walk today.

Reach out to a friend or loved one.

Reading your favourite book.

Cleaning out your closets and preparing bags for charity.

Happy Sunday.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: all the women in my life ….. my daughter, my sister, my aunt, cousins and friends and co-workers.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of March, 2019.

HELLO EVERYONE.

We are back.

I had the most glorious weekend at my cousin’s home.

We talked and ate and ate and talked.

Talked about being “kids” in rural Saskatchewan.

We talked about our family and friends.

We spoke about our “roots” and those who have gone before us.

Reviewed the family history that my cousin has researched.

There were photos and more photos to peruse.

My cousin is a great cook.

It was a perfect weekend.

I did miss “me Alvin.”

He spent the weekend with my daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups.

They were having so much fun – he stayed an extra day.

The boy returned home last night and I had a great sleep with him back at home.

Sunday night not so much.

Now getting back into the routine.

That can take a bit.

We even had a nice walk last night.

Starting to dry up but Alvin did manage to find some “mud.”

Thankfully I had placed a towel at the front entrance.

Definitely will be bath time and perhaps a trim on the weekend.

 

Oh, woke up to tiny, tiny snowballs laying on the deck.

I guess we had some snow overnight.

ARGH.

 

Oh, I ran into technical difficulties yesterday morning when I went to write this post.

I received an error message stating that WORD PRESS was not available.

I apologize for not being back yesterday.

I did learn something last night when I called our INTERNET PROVIDER.

I learned that even though I could access Facebook – it was not current information.

Apparently some media platforms “load” and update later.

That was the case with my email as well.

Now I know that I have not quite got the “language” correct but I am sure someone will understand what I mean.

Anyway JOEY helped me and now I am back.

Also the Cable was down as well.

I thought it was strange that after almost ten years on WORD PRESS that I was not able to access the site.

Oh well.

Some early morning “excitement” but more like “dread” when I was not able to write my post.

Especially when I had time ……

 

I am grateful this day to my kids for taking such extra good care of me Alvin.

I am grateful to JOEY for helping me to get the INTERNET and CABLE working again.

Powering down …..

I am grateful to have Alvin back at my side.

He is on his little blue blanket beside me.

I am grateful to have a great LIFE.

Thank you.

 

Have an awesome day.

Looks like almost time to go.

Back to it.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello: to all those folks who take the time to read my posts, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of December, 2017.

Today is the 59th Birthday of my dear cousin “J” …….

Wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday dear cousin.

May this next year be filled with perfection of all things.

 

Well as December seems to be zooming along where are we in the grand scheme of things.

Right where we should be.

Whatever you get done for the holidays is just what needs to be done.

If something is missed it is for good reason, it was not necessary.

Simple is best.

Enjoy this time of year.

Enjoy the music, the extra nights out, the food, the sweets, and the gifts.

But most of all enjoy each other.

Be kind to each other.

If someone is in need – lend a helping hand.

 

Well someone here took a few minutes extra sleep this morning and needs to run.

Gotta catch that bus you know.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those folks celebrating Birthdays today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of September, 2017.

Up later this morning due to part to being “pooped” and Alvin up earlier.

Somedays you just need to stay in bed a little longer than others.

I know they always say to keep your weekday bedtime/rising routine the same on the weekends but honestly that is a little difficult.

So we have been up for a while now …… did a few chores …… made coffee for me and the neighbour and her new room-mate her University bound cousin.

Lots to do ….. you know laundry ….. cleaning ….. laundry ….. more cleaning and throw in a few walks and some television and you have a weekend.

Oh and submitting a tea order (always a good thing to do).

Also reorganizing the garage with my neighbour as she had been storing some items with me since her Dad moved and downsized.

They will do hers today and take his items that he is keeping out of mine.

That will be tomorrow …. likely.

This morning Alvin and I had a dance to a song from SHREK ….. I can hear the words “It was you that I have loved all along” ….. cannot remember the title of the song.

Poor Alvin …. wants to enjoy it but at the end of the day ….. he is not much for dancing with his Momma or likely anyone ….. unless it is on the ground …. then perhaps.

There was rain in the forecast and about 4:00 a.m. this morning we got about 569 drops …. I counted them on the deck.

The air was cool and feels like it is warming up …..

Oh, I need a shower ….. feeling warm…….

I hope that you have a great Saturday ….. maybe have a giggle or three …..

 

Special Hello to:  my friends “V” and “J” back in Regina …… two of the best ladies on the planet.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, July 30, 2017 and it is the 40th day until my 60th Birthday.

CORRECTION:  JULY 1ST, 2017 ….

The sky is overcast and it is to be a warm day here in Canada as we celebrate our 150th Birthday.

 

Yesterday at work I was reminded of my most favourite summer.

It was the summer of 1973.

One of my school friends and I had decided to go to Edmonton and get summer jobs.

My cousin and her husband were gracious to let me stay with them.

I got a job as an Executive Assistant at a large corporation.

We had both applied and I got the job.

I am still to this day not certain how that came about …..

The man I worked for was so kind to me.

I do not remember doing much actual work and was terribly spoiled.

I had zero office experience and remember learning how to use the “paper copier.”

He treated me to coffee and treats from the “Coffee  Cart” that came around the office at coffee time.

Even had me go and do some shopping.

In addition to having that great start to my off the farm work experience my cousins treated me to a summer to remember.

We went camping and ended up in a flash flood as we had set up camp on a dry river bed.  Quick exit.

They took me to see Charlie Pride at the Jubilee Auditorium and so much more.

BEST SUMMER EVER.

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 6th day of December, 2016.

Happy Birthday Cousin “J” on this COLD December day.

Alvin and I wish you a wonderful day and the best year ahead.

 

Yes, it is true, winter arrived in Edmonton – in most part of Canada late on Sunday.

I knew that there was something about winter that I did not particularly enjoy.

It was these frigid temperatures.

My poor Alvin ….. no walks in the immediate future.

Just too cold, especially after I gave him a hair trim on Saturday.

Last night as I was out shovelling the driveway and deck, I had him in the house and he watched out of our bay window in the kitchen/dining room and was not really happy.

He likes to be where I am at all times when I am at home.

I let him out here and there but it was / it is just too cold for our fur babies to be outside for more than a few minutes.

I realize that some of the bigger dogs need to get old but watch the time.

Their poor paws will freeze quickly.

When I was shovelling at the front of the house with the exception of the porch area and front part of the sidewalk, I was in his visual range and he was okay.

Poor guy.

Sure is nice that he misses me.

 

I am so blessed to have a ride to work this morning.

Another tea order arrived yesterday and it all goes to my co-workers who support my tea business.

I am so grateful for them.

My neighbour that is giving me a ride ….. so grateful for her.

She has been here since I moved in and is a great friend and neighbour.

 

Really hard to concentrate on words when you are thinking about how cold it is outside.

Even the house seems a bit colder.

Our furnaces are truly getting a work-out in this weather.

 

Well time to go and finish getting ready.

I hope that you are safe and warm.

Do not head out on the roads if you do not need.

If you do go anywhere be prepared.

Blankets, flashlights, safety equipment, flares, water, gas can with gas, some chocolate and breakfast bars and make sure if you have a cell phone it is charged.

Safety first.

Always make sure someone knows where you are …. when you leave and your estimated arrival time.

 

Have a great Tuesday.

Special Hello: to my cousin “J” ….. who is one of the most intelligent, kind, witty human beings I know.  Happy Birthday Cousin.

Always, Carol and Alvin