A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are at Sunday already where has the time gone. I know, I know. We had our wonderful cousins over for a visit yesterday. In the morning, my daughter was here until sometime around 10-10:30 a.m. and from early in the morning I was preparing for the visit. I spent the morning doing some cleaning, baking and food prep. I was able to have most of the meal or at least the fussy stuff completed before they arrived. The COUSINS were arriving at 1:30 so that meant that I had to be done and have time to get ready, not ball gowns or anything like that but just get freshened up and put on some eye makeup and change my clothes. I elected to wear blue jeans and my new fav sweatshirt, my only sweatshirt. But I love it so much, I wore it. Everything went pretty much to plan. I was not as happy about the end result of the biscuits but they were okay. I made the gingerbread cake and the peanut sauce and cleaned up the kitchen, main floor bathroom, looked after the Alvin, did some laundry and a few other things on my list. Luckily I was finished before they arrived so I had a few minutes to just snuggle with the Alvin on the sofa. I feel like yesterday he was making progress. Oh and his sister more easily got his medicine into him! Just today, tomorrow and Tuesday left for the medicine so I have to just hang in there. Back to the visitors. They arrived pretty close to 1:30 and we were over the moon happy to see them. Actually it felt like a long time since I had seen them and was shocked when L had done the math and said it was 2019 before the pandemic. YIKES. I guess I really did not see many people over the last three years. Anyway, they were here and we were going to get caught up. L had a brain tumour removed last June 2022 which I knew about and she is doing amazingly well. Although she joked about her memory, it is still better than mine, lol. Her husband, W had a bad car accident in February 2022, I believe. He is doing well. Both are seeing different types of therapists to help in their recoveries. They are both retired which has helped. I am so grateful that they are on the way to be “fully” recovered. We talked about family, politics (yes, a bit), food, work and retirement and life in general. There were stories about family history. Lots of laughter. We had a great visit. Drank two pots of coffee over the course of the afternoon and early evening. I administered Alvin’s medicine while they were here and it went a sight better than this morning and gave him his supper at the appropriate time. Perhaps I am overthinking and just need to give it to him. Anyway, I popped the chicken into the oven and continued to visit. In between set the table for supper. When the chicken was almost finished baking, I put on the peas to cook and the rice. Heated the peanut sauce in the microwave. The menu: baked chicken breasts with greek spice seasoning, rice, homemade peanut sauce, green peas, biscuits and cucumbers. They both loved supper even the biscuits. Dessert was also a hit and that was the gingerbread cake with real whipped cream. I was so happy and relieved. They left just after 7:30 p.m. – what a great visit. I am so happy that we had this wonderful visit.

After they left, I finished cleaning up and doing the dishes. Why would one stop to do dishes when you can visit. That was my thought process anyway! We had a quiet night and I watched a movie. Which movie was it, I just forgot. Gave Mr. Alvin his medicine around 10:00 p.m. and got most of it into him in a decent amount of time. We came down stairs about 3 or was it 4? I honestly do not remember, the time is mushing together. Outside for a pee (him not me, lol). Then back inside to the sofa. I should have set the alarm because we overslept the scheduled time for medicine. So then he did not eat until almost 8:00 a.m. Just, maybe five minutes after the medicine, he started to fuss and threw up. Not vomit but a bit of foam like liquid. Not much. Just a bit. So I made the decision to just go for it and give him his breakfast. I cut back on the amount of rice and gave him the normal amount of chicken. So far so good. He is resting in the hallway while I write this post. Sorry for the babbling but I am quite tired. One of our friends is coming for coffee at 10:00 a.m. so that will be nice. I think this afternoon, it will be just nap time. The sky is overcast. I was thinking as it is so nice out – that we should go for a walk but then I was thinking perhaps not. He is a bit wobbly these days so I do not want him to slip but I will see later. Today is the last day of chicken and rice, the bland diet. His medicine is finished at end of Tuesday. Monday and Tuesday, I slowly reintroduce his regular food back and then Wednesday back to his regular food diet. I hope it all goes well. I have been thinking that perhaps I will just go to the office on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is a tricky day and without knowing how he is going to react, I cannot take the chance of something happening while I am away. But I am going to try and go to the office on Thursday and Friday. Life in the fast lane.

I am grateful that so far Alvin has kept his food down.

I am grateful for my daughter, son-in-law and grand-pups and family.

I am grateful for my cousins coming to visit. L asked if she could have a slip of one of my plants and as luck would have it, I was starting a few so I sent her home with some.

I am grateful for good food, my good health and fingers crossed Alvin will keep improving.

I am grateful for all my friends.

Gratitude is what keeps me going.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

What a great Saturday I had.

To start the day off the weather was just as they had forecast. The sun was shining and it was windy. I as you know slept in a bit so was feeling a bit rushed as I always seem to do this to myself. But I was only about ten minutes short of being ready when my daughter arrived. I wore the dress, the cardigan and the scarf. The only item that I changed my mind about was the shoes and I wore some semi flat sandals which ended up being the perfect shoe to wear (I will explain later).

My daughter wanted to stop and get gas which we did at the neighbourhood gas station. Then we were on our way. We almost missed the first turn off from our neighbourhood to the highway but just as we were almost passed, I mentioned “aren’t we supposed to turn and go south.” Luckily the exit is roomy and there was no one behind us so we “checked” and made a quick turn and then were truly on our way. They have “google maps” and yes it was on but it was one of those times when because Amanda also takes the second exit, habit took over. Anyway we continued on our way. We had to go a good way around the City of Edmonton before turning off. The drive was beautiful. The countryside was a glorious palette of fall colours and some of the houses were amazing. I had no idea. Big, big houses with three and four garages built into the house. When we got to the final couple minutes according to “google maps” we were for a minute not quite certain if we had the right place. It was a leaf covered opening between the trees. But we carried on. There were several cars and I spotted an older woman (likely about my age) all dressed up. We stopped and I got out and it was the groom’s mother. We had arrived! The groom happened to come around the corner of the house and came over to chat. We used the bathroom before my daughter continued on her way to do some “thrifting.” She wanted to go and check the shops in the nearby smaller City of Sherwood Park. I was so relieved that we had found the venue.

The venue was actually a private residence which originally was rented out by the owner for different types of retreats. When COVID19 hit, he changed the plan and started renting out for smaller weddings, family reunions and as a B&B. It was the most beautiful place. In the front, the house was magnificent with a huge porch with steps going up covered in stone. Lots of stone on the outside of the house. The groom directed me to the back of the house where I walked down to the area set up for the wedding ceremony. I had no idea that a lake was within walking distance of the house. I was told the name of the lake but alas I have forgotten. Very nice backdrop with the water and the trees all draped in their fall colours. I took a seat on a chair in the ceremony area and just enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my face. The groom came and sat on a nearby chair and we chatted. I learned that his parents were refugees from Vietnam. His Mother had been a nurse back home and ended up in several places including a refugee camp before coming to Canada. His parents met and married in Edmonton where “the groom” was born one of two sons. I met his younger brother and his wife who are expecting a baby. I also learned that the tea ceremony is Chinese (an Asian tradition), and is a time for the generations to offer their blessings to the bride and groom. They also at this time would hand down items from one generation to the other. The groom, my neighbour and friend was always seeking me out to ensure I was doing okay. Some other wedding guests were milling about and some where playing a lawn game. I was introduced by the groom to the handful of guests that were outside. His cousin’s husband and his son, also formally to the groom’s parents. There was a bit of a breeze but not the gale force winds that we have been experiencing. What a lovely afternoon. Of course, I snapped a few photos of the surroundings.

It was about 2:00 p.m. when we were called into the house for the TEA CEREMONY. A sofa in the living room was draped with a red silk/satin covering. There were red and gold cushions on the sofa with two on the floor. The guests gathered in the kitchen/dining area which was an opening floor plan to the living room. The groom waited patiently for the bride who was to call him to the door of the room she was in. When he knocked on the door, the Mother of the Bride answered the door. She gave him tea to drink and then gave him instructions. He was asked to do a number of pushups for the amount of years that they have been together and one for eternity. A few minutes later a woman in a beautiful red lace dress came running around from a door on the other side of the room and it was the bride. They embraced and then walked over and knelt on the cushions. The groom’s mother was sitting on the sofa. A female cousin handed the bride and groom each a small cup of tea which they in turn handed to the groom’s mother. She drank the tea and offered blessings to the couple. Family members took turns ….. all the parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins and I asked the cousin (Michelle) if I could participate as they had mentioned friends or anyone who would like to offer their blessings. So little old me was able to participate in the TEA CEREMONY. I was over the moon. The photographer snapped photos of everyone who participated in the tea ceremony including me. I managed to snap a couple of photos of the bride and groom afterwards as we were instructed not to take photos during the ceremony as there was a professional photographer to do this.

Before heading back outside to wait for the Wedding Ceremony to begin, I was checking out the photo tree by the entranceway to the house. The tree was filled with photos of the happy couple from all of their travels all over the world. There was also a table with small coloured cards & envelopes spread about so I picked one up and write some good wishes to my friends. A young woman, best friend to the bride came over and asked if she could take my photo, I said yes. The photos were placed in the envelope with the card as the bride & groom wanted to have photos of everyone in attendance.

By the high point of the sun it was a good 20 degrees celsius and although in the beginning of the day and partway into the afternoon there was a bit of a breeze.

Back outside and down to the ceremony area the guests were beginning to gather. The groom’s cousin Michelle officiated the wedding ceremony and was preparing the sound system. We waited for a little while before the groom came to take his place. It was not much longer before the bride and her mom came down the stairs to the back lawn area where her dad took her arm and the three of them walked toward the wedding area. The bride looking gorgeous in full length white gown and opting for a floral wreath crown instead of a hand bouquet. Her dress had a lace bodice and long sleeves with a skirt of organza and a beaded belt tied with a satin bow at the back. She looked so beautiful. Both the bride and groom wrote their own vows. We all had a giggle when the bride signaled for her cellphone and read her vows from it, followed by the groom who pulled out handwritten pages for his vows. The vows were so moving. Then it was over and they were married.

After the ceremony the wedding photographer took photos of all the guests in one big photo followed by family photos and over the course of time photos of the bride and groom.

I went back into the house for a drink and found they had some special treats laid out in the kitchen for all of the guests. So I chose a barbecued pork bun and some veggies and a can of Sprite. All of the food was individually packaged for the guests. I sat down at the end of the big table which was empty at that time. As the table began to fill up, I gave up my spot to an woman with mobility issues. Once I was finished eating, I went and sat on the front porch. Just enjoying the afternoon air. A small boy came outside with a coconut bun. His name was Evan. We chatted away until a few minutes later his sister Macey came out. This is how it all started with me meeting these two sweet young children. Evan (4) and Macey (6). They told me all sorts of things about school and themselves. It was a few minutes later when a young man came out and introduced himself as Jimmy. Thinking he was the children’s father as he was so good with them. Anyway, I am thinking that I have been writing this post for well over an hour. Sometimes you just meet people and click and this was the case with this family. Not long later I met the Mom, Jenny. We ended up going back outside to the lawn area and then going for a long walk in the area off the back lawn. Walking and talking and enjoying each other’s company. There was sand on the path and posts from an old dock which meant clearly the water had been further out at one point in time. From that point until I left we were together. What an awesome family. I found out that Jimmy was Jenny’s boyfriend and that she was divorced. The children adore Jimmy that was evident. Jimmy was so polite and kind. They even called me Auntie Carol. I was taken aback by this but after realized that in most other cultures they call older females “Auntie.” When I say taken aback, I meant in a good way. After our walk the FOOD TRUCK arrived and we had supper. There was a nice choice of food. We sat together at a table in the backyard and enjoyed our supper as the sun set. I texted my daughter when I was getting my food as it was about a 30 minute drive for her to come and pick me up. Before I left, Jenny and I decided that we had to keep in touch ….. so we are now FB friends.

I said my goodbyes to the family, my new friends and hugged the children. By the way, masks were wore and social distancing was done. As I walked away Jimmy said to the children “would you like to walk Auntie Carol out” so they joined me to the top of the walk. Such cute children and so nice. Best time. As I walked to the parking area, the food truck was leaving. The driver of this monstrous vehicle when backing up accidentally backed into something, I did not see what it was. There had been a pointer out helping but it was getting dark and I could see trying to maneuver something going wrong. As I started to walk around the vehicle the groom came out onto the porch and called out to me asking if I got a donut, I said no. I also said that my ride was here and that I was leaving. In a minute the bride was there. Jess came down to say goodbye and asked if she could come and say thank you to my daughter for driving me. I said of course. So the bride and a few minutes later the groom came to my daughter’s vehicle. We had a little visit before we were on our way.

What a glorious time I had. There are so many moments that I could have included in this blog but time is passing and I have some things to do before Mr. Alvin arrives home. Miss the little guy.

Amanda and I found our way back to the highway and back home with no problems.

I am so grateful for the invitation to my neighbours, my friend’s wedding. Their family and friends are so friendly and wonderful. Just to add the family that I connected with …. Jenny went to University with Eric, the groom. They drove up from Calgary.

Living my life with KINDNESS and RESPECT.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

A beautiful clear morning sky as I glance out of my office window.

As you may have noticed I took a two day break from writing this blog post.

I was inspired by a fellow blogger who had taken some time off during the holidays.

So I am back.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is New Year’s Eve.

With today being the second last day of 2019 and of this decade.

WOW, crazy hey.

I have more photos to share (well that is no surprise).

When I was uploading them from my phone to the computer this morning, I saw unbelievable numbers.

I have 34,529 photos and 778 videos on my hard drive.

I guess that I had better start deleting some of them.

I find it difficult sometimes to go through them and delete the duplicate photos and the shots that are not in focus and such.

Somehow it makes me feel as though I am deleting my life.

Does that sound strange?

Or familiar to you?

But I have 3611 photos on my phone and 96 videos.

Now they are all downloaded/uploaded to my computer.

So why don’t I simply delete them?

I am trying.

Likely a good idea before I download/upload them to the computer to go through them.

But sometimes it is a timing issue as well.

But that is something that in this new era, new decade of 2020, that I must work on.

 

We just heard a sound and went to the bedroom window to investigate.

Our neighbours had some car problems so the tow truck was out to pick up their car and one of the owners.

I decided to video the car being loaded.

Very cool and took less than 10 minutes from beginning to end.

I hope very strongly that the repair bill is a small one.

 

I guess that I can get easily sidetracked, oh well.

It is my third last day of vacation and that is okay.

 

I have some photos of the past few days that I would like to share.

Why not I have 39,015 photos and videos to share.

Well perhaps not all of them.

These photos do not include the ones that I have from pre computer / digital age.

I have over 10,000 of printed photos.

But when you think of the difference in time ….. now it cost a lot of money to buy the film and then have them processed.

Also there were times that several photos did not turn out and those ones I did not have a problem discarding.

Somehow the on-line / digital ones are more difficult for me to dispose of  ….. but I will get better.

 

I guess it is “my life” in photos.

Alvin lost his spot on his blue blanket and Humphrey was quick to lay down.

The next photos were crazy beautiful shadows on the living room wall yesterday morning.

Just gorgeous.

 

Our last day with Humphrey – his Mama arrived home late last night.

Shot of my office …. just loved the sunlight shining on my books and stuff.

My last gift from my kids …. the one that was left behind.

I love it …. “even says SUGAR COOKIES.”

That is why my daughter bought it for me.

Table setting for my cousins who came for a visit and dinner last night.

We had a blast.

We always do.

 

Well I guess it is time to fly.

Getting late already.

We made a walking date for this afternoon with Teddy, his little sister and his Mom.

 

Time for some coffee, methinks.

 

I hope that you are having a great day whether at home or at work.

We are so blessed to have these extra days off during the holidays.

I have to make a list of things that I would like to finish before heading back to work.

It was nice to visit with my neighbours and friends and my cousins.

They were all on my list ….

Even had surprise visit from my daughter.

 

Happy Monday …. yes, it is Monday.

Oh, I am so confused.

Have to set some kind of alarm so that I do not forget to be ready for work on Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of March, 2019.

YAY, it is the weekend.

 

I am so excited for this weekend.

Alvin is going to his sister’s house tonight after work, and I am spending some time with my cousins.

No matter who you live with – always a good idea to take a break from each other.

I am so excited to see my cousins.

 

We have so been enjoying this weather.

Walking on a regular basis – every night.

Longer than usual – we need to.

Doing the Happy Spring Dance.

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

How about an Alvin story from his first year with me.

 

September 27, 2010 – Alvin slept thru the night !!!

Just when I was almost getting used to getting up at 2:30 or 3:30 in the morning, the PUPPY surprised his Momma this morning and awoke at 6:40 a.m.  YAY.

Isn’t life grand.  Guess cause it was a Monday morning?  Not sure his reasons but I am most happy.  Up until last night or early this morning, Alvin has been waking up and wanting to go outside anywhere from 2:30 – 4:00 in the morning.  I have been getting up and taking him outside.  My reason is:  if the puppy wants to go outside, which he does, I am certain he has a good reason, which he did.

I did lay my foot down and did not “cave” and feed him breakfast when it was that early.  Instead we retreated to the sofa which is what we have been doing for months.  Alvin’s usual time of waking up is between 4:30 – 6:00.  But after over thirty years of having to arise early for work, which years ago included getting Amanda ready for the day …… I really like to sleep in a bit.  After all, I thought 8:00 was a good time to get up.  Oh my Alvin, keeps me on my toes.  Lately he is off schedule. Perhaps he is figuring we should mix things up a bit.  I cannot blame him for that….. after all his Momma is a writer and jewelry maker & designer so I am mixing things up all the time.

I love my Alvin.  As soon as I get ready and pop a load of laundry in the washer we are off on a walk.  We try and go every morning and every night.  We miss the odd one but are pretty faithful.  Good for our minds, bodies and souls.  Today we are going to pick up my grand-puppies, Elton and Miss Penny.  They will be spending the day with us.  So it will be fun and busy.

Have a great day !!

Always, Carol

 

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

Alvin and Penny ….. back in the day …..

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I am so excited to spend the weekend visiting with my cousins.

Remember we all have interesting stories to tell.

Your story is just as important as mine.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend W who has encouraged me for years to write.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of January, 2019.

Well the WIND has been howling all night long.

There has been rain off and on throughout the night and morning.

Sky is overcast with no sign of sunshine.

Yesterday was glorious.

Although I will say that part of the walk to Alvin’s appointment was nerve wracking.

Once we got out to the street that runs to the Vet’s clinic, the sidewalk walk ICY.

I luckily last minute decided to put the picks on the bottom of my boots.

Taking baby steps it took us almost ten minutes for that part of the walk that usually takes two or three.

But we made it.

We got in right away and Dr. K examined his eye and determined that yes, he will need surgery to have the growth removed.

She figured that perhaps that area had been scratched which lead to the discolouration and subsequent infection.

Instead of having his regular appointment for his nails and anal glands and his vaccination – I made an appointment for him to have all of this done as well as his teeth cleaned.

Better to have it all done all at once.

Less stress for him.

They gave me an estimate for the surgery.

We have insurance and hopefully part of the costs will be covered.

The staff at the clinic will submit the estimate to see how much will be covered.

But it has to be done so that is that, they said.

Alvin is doing well.

We were prescribed some ointment for his eye for the infection.

On our way home … just at our house …. we spotted Humphrey and his Mom.

They were having a bit of a walk and fresh air.

Mainly the fresh air as he likes to sniff about our yards.

She has him on a leash and he looked so cute.

He is doing much better.

I invited them into the house for a visit and coffee, as I did not have time to drink much of my coffee before leaving to the appointment for Alvin.

My friend can not drink regular coffee so she left Humphrey with us and drove quickly to the neighbourhood MacDonald’s for a decaf coffee.

We had a great visit and talk about Humphrey’s surgeries  and huge bills and Alvin’s estimated cost of his, among other things.

After they left for home, I quickly did more laundry, cleaning, transplanted two plants from Christmas into one pot and vacuumed.

Our company arrived at 3:00 p.m. – my cousins.

We had a great visit stopping for supper about 5:30 or so and then continuing to visit and eat.

They left about 9:30 p.m.

What a wonderful visit we had …. I was tired.

Busy day.

So this morning …. we did not get to bed until after 11:00 p.m. and were up at 5:30 a.m. …. Alvin went outside and then ate his breakfast.

We went back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s as I was not quite ready to get up and then ended up sleeping until 8;45 a.m. – disappointed.

I wanted to be up about 7:30, oh well.

Today is going to be a more relaxed day than yesterday although I do have a few things to do and the most important being calling my sister.

We have not chatted in awhile and it is time.

I miss her.

Well before the phone call – get dressed, put on the last of the laundry, have breakfast and COFFEE.

There is always the getting ready for the work week ….. lay out clothing …. make lunch but I am grateful that I have leftovers from last night’s supper for tonight and

for a couple more lunches / suppers.

YAY, me.

 

Have an awesome day.

Well it is now snowing so I had better get dressed pronto and get outside and pick up the poop that has collected since last night.

My little pooper.

 

Wishing you a great day.

I will say just once more thing …. looking out the front window there are huge puddles of water (not frozen) and on the sidewalk in front of my house and now looking

out the office window it is snowing.

What a place we live in …..

It is not freezing rain …. at the moment it is snow.

 

Happy Sunday.

Stay safe, warm and share some laughter.

I remember the laugher I had with my cousins last night.

We had a wonderful time.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. will call you about 1:30 p.m. …….YAY.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Busy weekend and also a busy week ahead …..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 31st day of December, 2018.

The last day of December and the last day of the year 2018.

 

WOW, what a year – 2018.

Right.

The world has struggled to come up with a game plan regarding the environment or at least one that ALL countries will join.

Wars, struggles and strife continue all over the world.

We have listened to the rants and raves of leaders.

Weather has been off the charts this past year between fires, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis.

Even at home there has been peaceful conflict between those who want the pipeline built and those who do not.

There have been advances and disadvantages.

We have lost dear ones.

Babies have been born.

 

For me, I continue to work, to be employed.

At a time where jobs are held dear.

I am most grateful to be employed.

I am grateful to have supportive family and friends.

I am grateful that despite the recent political atmosphere I/We live in a peaceful country.

I am grateful to have clean drinking water.

I am grateful that I can write and am not shut down for voicing my opinions.

I am grateful that Alvin and I are in good health.

I am grateful that I am able to live in a home/house that I can call my own.

I am grateful that I can see, hear, smell, taste and touch.

I am grateful for books, music and nature.

I am grateful that I can make a difference – should I choose.

I am grateful to be me.

I am grateful that during the last eleven days of this year that I was able to visit with my cousins and many friends.

To be surrounded by good people is the best feeling ever.

A great way to end the year.

 

For the New Year, I simply wish that all nations would come together peacefully to solve or at least begin to resolve the damage done to our beloved environment.

Let us hope that it is not too late.

Our environment is like our own personal good health; without it, we will perish or at least live very restricted lives.

 

I know that this sounds like a doom and gloom post but sometimes we have to dig our heads out of the sand and speak up.

There is a break in the clouds this morning.

The sky is no longer white.

The sky is filled with dark blue clouds which I can see clear blue sky.

There is hope that we will have sunshine today.

I wish HOPE for everyone – everywhere.

I wish SUNSHINE for everyone – everywhere.

 

Happy New Year.

Happy 2019.

 

Special Hello to: all of my family and friends, wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 27th day of June, 2018.

Another beautiful morning with partial cloudy skies.

Today marks the Birthdays of my oldest and dearest friends, the twins.

We grew up together, went to school together, lived together, worked together, and even though we are hundreds of miles apart have always remained dear friends.

Happy Birthday Ladies …. have an awesome day.

My eldest first cousin celebrates a birthday today.  Happy Happy Birthday dear cousin.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

 

This morning as I was getting ready I had taken a few moments to massage Alvin’s back and neck.

I was shocked to see that he was really enjoying it.

You could tell from his body language, the way he raised his head.

When I stopped he placed his paw up which is our sign for “ask nice.”

I kept massaging him and he just sat there.

Usually after I massage his back or neck – he shakes it off as dogs do.

Not this time.

So perhaps he needed a massage and it felt good.

It is a reminder that as we age it is good to have a massage whether you have two or four legs.

Note to self to do this on a daily basis for him.

Clearly he enjoyed and needed it.

Such a good guy.

 

Running a bit late as just had to hit the sofa twice for extra zzz’s.

No, we didn’t make it out for a walk this morning.

Enjoyed a wonderful one last night.

 

Gotta go.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girls….Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday, July 13, 2017 and it is the 28th day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay back to memories ….. this may take some doing.

I think I was at 1967?

1967: Having my birthday party at the lake with cousins, roasting hot dogs over a fire and a homemade birthday cake.

1968: My family packed up the station wagon and drove to McAllen, Texas where we rented a house and spent the winter.

1969: Baling hay in the summer with my sister and pulling weeds in our HUGE garden.

1970: A bright pink jersey peasant style dress, and my first dance at school.  I can still hear the music in my head and see everyone lining the walls swaying to the tunes.

1971:  Moved from the farm in Saskatchewan to British Columbia.  Some of the saddest days of my life.  Moving away from my best friend. High School…. Picked berries with my Mom & Sister for the summer.

1972:  Moved to Alberta, another new High School in another province.

1973:  My Grandpa died in a farming accident and I moved back to Saskatchewan to live with my Grandmother (age 16).

1974:  Moved from the farm into neighbouring small town (Saskatchewan).  Changing schools yet again.

1975:  First summer after High School Graduation and then started first real paying job with SEARS in Regina.

1976:  Major life change ….. got engaged.

1977:  Another life change …. got married. Another life change – I became an Aunt for the first time…… my first born nephew…..he is the best.

 

Always, Carol

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday July 2, 2016.

Another bright and sunny morning although there are some clouds to the south.

I think they are forecasting occasional showers for today.

Me and Alvin had a wonderful Canada Day.

We both were startled by a loud crash when someone in the neighbourhood fired big fireworks.

I had closed the window earlier because there were smaller ones going off.

Thank goodness it started to rain and put an end to the fireworks.

I doubt very much that they had permission to set them off.

Thank you Mother Nature.

 

There is a bit of a cool breeze coming in through my office window as I key these words.

I am also reinforcing some buttons on a couple of new tops that one of my friends gave me so that they don’t come off and get lost.

One is a deep purple and the other is a deeper khaki limey green – both which go with a flowery cardigan that I own.

Lucky me.

I love hand me downs ….. I remember as a little girl when boxes of clothing would arrive from our cousins.

My sister and I used to love trying the clothes.

Our Mom made most of our clothes when we were small but as the boys started to come along she just did not have the time.

She also spent a lot of time out doing chores and working on the land.

I definitely did not have the time to sew on top of looking after the small ones, cooking, cleaning and other chores.

Thank goodness my sister was only 18 months younger and was a huge help with most things.

I remember we would have the odd battle but I do believe it was out of frustration as we had huge responsibilities as young ones.

We did love to go to school and even though we missed more than we went our grades were not reflective of that as we felt as though it was a holiday, it was fun.

Well enough down memory lane.

Time to get these buttons tightened and get downstairs and have my breakfast and then COFFEE.

Mr. Alvin had his breakfast earlier at 5:00 a.m.

 

We want to wish you a great day.

Special Hello to: all those children who grew up before their time …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of May, 2016.

Well the sky is fairly clear and the sun is rising.

It is the weekend.

With all that is going on around me/us I find that I must push my focus to all of the greatness in my life.

One of the most breathtaking creatures ever created.

The dragonfly.

I have seen some that have turquoise throughout their bodies.

 

Baby calves their soft and gentle selves.

So beautiful.

Love continues to be in the air.

My cousins ……

My Grand-Puppies several years ago.

The joy of my life …..

Penny is gone now.

We are enjoying every moment with our Elton.

Some of the beauty of nature.

Flowers ….. I love flowers

Enjoying a sunny winter’s day!

Me Alvin several years ago …..

 

Just a few reminders of the good things in life, in my life.

Of course, there are family – my daughter and son-in-law, siblings and friends.

The list is long.

Sometimes a photo of your puppies, a dragonfly and a calf can just bright your day.

AND FLOWERS ……

In fact, most days.

Well time to go for work.

Have an awesome Friday everyone.

 

Special Hello: friends all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin