2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I am doing great. Off to a little wobbly, well rather later than planned start but all is good. I have showered and am writing my post now and one of the girls will be here in less than a hour. She is bringing a couple of small heaters as we are having a birthday party in my garage. Thankfully the temperature is warming up but having the party at 10:00 a.m. …. it is likely still going to be cold. I wore a long sleeved top and a cardigan and sweatpants that are toasty warm. Not sure if to wear my bigger coat or my other one. Both are warm but one covers more of my legs. Boots ….. Also I will be putting a sweater on Mr. Alvin, his sweater of course, not one of mine, (you are silly, lol). All depends on how you write words as to the understanding, right? I have everything packed up and ready to be hauled out to the party area. Last night after work I moved and rearranged things in the garage so each of us are more than six feet apart so we can be mask free so we can drink our beverage (coffee and tea) and eat the birthday cupcakes. Each person has a comfy chair with a nice cushion. I am taking out blankets as well. Also we each have a side table of sorts. One is a table, one is a wooden bench and the other which I am using is a rubbermaid container with a piece of cut drywall as a topper (as it is flat). I am taking a cloth to cover the table. Decided to use the river rock top bistro table as I was unable to easily get to the other bigger patio table. I think it will be perfect. A birthday banner will be hung this morning as I thought the tape would come off in the cold. I have a few decorations that will go onto the table and voile we are done. Ready to party. I will put on the coffee so it is ready when Gillian arrives. I said her name. Sometimes I mention friends and family by name and sometimes not. The birthday girl is Signe. Her actual birthday is tomorrow. The sky appears to be clear. I think this is going to be a great party. It surely is. Also the extra gift for the girls that was being commissioned and did not make it for Christmas has arrived. So both girls will have gifts today. How wonderful is that. I am so excited. Alvin had lots of gifts last Sunday and me, well everyday and all the time that I spend on this earth with my Alvin, family and friends is all the gift I need.

I did want to mention something that I believe has become so important this past year and will remain important now and into the future. That is PATIENCE. We have all had to learn and be patient this last year. It is not a trait that comes naturally to human beings or at least not in my experience. It does come more easily to some than to others but it is most important these days. We have had to change our daily lives completely in 2020 and even into 2021 whether working from home, changed work hours, having no job, wearing a mask whenever you are outside in public, teaching your children from home, either having personally experienced the COVID 19 virus first hand or having a family member or a friend have the virus and of course, the worse possible – having someone pass away. There is no one on this planet that has not been affected in some way, shape or form. You may be one of the millions of folks who work in healthcare, with seniors, in schools, in stores, restaurants, fire department, police, utility companies and the list goes on and on of those that are out everyday no matter what. Also to all of the small businesses who have either had to close their doors or somehow have managed to keep afloat. Everyone, everyday has had to have patience. Whether you are at home or at work …. we all need patience. I tell myself (quite often, actually) and others to stop, take a deep breath and then go forward. We can do this. Patience will always serve us well in every situation for the present and into the future. Some things are beyond our control but patience is something we can control if we work on it. I know that for sure. Deep breath, patience all. We got this. We have learned valuable lessons as human beings or at least I hope so and although there may be many days that are marred with doubt and despair we will get to the other side. It will be different. I do not believe that things will ever go back to the way they were or at least some part of me, hopes that is the case. We hopefully will have learned for the future, for our children’s futures and their children.

So time to go and put the finishing touches on this birthday party. Mr. Alvin looks like me may have to go outside as it look like his eyes are watering …. he is fussing. He even asked me nice. How can you ignore that.

Be well, take cake. Breath and have patience.

Oh, I get to pick up my new glasses today, so excited. We might also get a walk in later this afternoon.

Life is good.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and learning patience, always.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Happy New Year. Good Morning ALL. We were up late and up early and after sleeping on the sofa for awhile, I decided to go back and lay on our bed. I opened the blinds and gazed out at the morning sky. The sky was divided into ribbons of gray and pink as the sun began to rise. Slowly over time the gray turned to blue and the pink turned to orange and to yellow. So beautiful. It has been a long time since I actually just was still and watched the sky for any length of time. I think that even though it is now 10 a.m. and I am basically just getting up – it was a great way to start the New Year. 2021 is a New Year so why not start doing something that you would not normally do. So I did.

New Year’s Eve – Alvin and I had a quiet evening. We each had our own supper (I threw together a roasted chickpea salad with caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers)and afterwards I cleaned up. Then I watched the CTV’s viewing of a James Bond movie “Spectre.” Oh, I enjoyed a “mug” of baileys over ice. After the movie it was 10:00 p.m. with not being close to the NEW YEAR, I watched a bit of Hoda & Jenna’s New Year Special and Ryan Seacrest’s Special and caught a performance by Billy Porter which was great. Every once in awhile I would hear fireworks going off somewhere in the neighbourhood. Over the evening I sent texts to family and friends as I had posted a message on FB. At 10:45 p.m. we started making our way upstairs, turning the television off, Alvin going outside one last time before bed, lights off and then teeth brushing, face washing, pjs on and bed. I ended up reading for a little while listening to fireworks. I am not certain what time I finally fell to sleep but safe to say it was likely midnight somewhere.

Things I learned during 2020:

1. technology
2. that I actually liked being alone with myself and Alvin
3. loved spending more time with Alvin
4. more grateful
5. I liked not having to go shopping
6. taking time to appreciate life, health, people, environment, nature and climate
7. appreciate time at home
8. that I love working from home
9. learning what is truly important
10. sweating small stuff is better than having to sweat the big stuff
11. wearing lipstick when at home not wearing a mask makes you feel good
12. wearing sparkly ball earrings gives you a lift
13. learning new meanings for words such as: POD
14. not to be afraid, continue to follow the rules
15. walks at lunchtime with Alvin were not only good exercise but a good way to break up the work day
16. that my kitchen is a better place for me to work than my office upstairs, which is my creative space

Well it is a New Year, a new Day and time to get this one going. Time to get dressed, make coffee, eat some breakfast, go for a walk, give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath and do some laundry.

I hope that you had a great night last night.

This is going to be a great New YEAR, 2021. We must be patient when it comes to COVID19 as we truly know that it is not going to disappear overnight, I know that we all wished that it would. Just follow the rules set out by the Health Professionals and Government. We will get through this, one day at a time. We will be better people, better friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, coworkers as a result. Work together. Be strong. We got this.

Happy Friday, January 1st, 2021. YAY.

The sun is shining so bright. I just know it is going to be a great year.

We will continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

December 31, 2020 – last day

Good Morning ALL. Can you believe it? The very last day and down to last hours of 2020. 2020 came in with all of the promise and hope that a New Year could bring and is leaving us with thoughts of promise and hope that 2021 will bring. So we will start and end with the same dreams for the New Year although the in between could never have been predicted. This year has been the same and different for so many of us. I cannot compare my year to that of my friend who lives down the street and works in the healthcare field. We both have had much different experiences this past year. She has faced all of the stresses and anxieties that came with COVID19 and the Pandemic as she continued to work. Me on the other hand, when our employer announced that we would be closing our doors to the public on March 16, 2020, and start the process of having staff work from home, I had mixed feelings but mostly I was overjoyed. On March 19, 2020 I was sent home with my coworkers with a laptop and whatever supplies we required to work from home. Later that afternoon I was set up and March 20, 2020 I was working from home. In the beginning there were definitely some stressful times but over the last nine months I have smoothed out the kinks and working from home has certainly been a godsend. Of course, there are moments of stress, but that is inevitable, as my job can most certainly be stressful at times. But I no longer have to spend a minimum of 1.5 hours travelling to and from work. There are no worries about leaving a senior dog, my Alvin home alone for such a long period of time. We have figured out a few things over time and one being that we will need to go to the office for one day per month as we have some large print jobs where the documents need to be prepared to be mailed. I can handle one day each month. Of course, this may change over time. My friend down the street lost her beloved pup Abi in February and in July brought baby Bailey home. Having a puppy at any time is a lot of work and with the stresses of working during a pandemic has been difficult for our friend. We have kept in touch with porch / sidewalk visits, texts and video chats. We live only a few doors apart and yet our lives that were so similar are so different this year. She was not able to spend Christmas with her sister and brother-in-law who are expecting early in the New YEAR nor her parents. Her parents are in her sister’s pod as she is expecting. I on the other hand was so blessed to be able to spend Christmas with my daughter and son-in-law and pups. In January my friend will be hosting a “virtual baby shower” for her sister. So many firsts this year. This is a reminder that I must check out the registry and chose a gift for the new baby. I always love to buy books for little ones, cannot go wrong with books.

I am grateful that we have the technology to see family and friends. This is the time to use this technology so that no one is alone. Take a few minutes and reach out to family and friends. We are blessed to have the technology to physically see each other.

So as we wrap up this YEAR, I have mixed feelings. I would say for the most part I have positive feelings. Working from home was always a dream, a thought that I had but never thought would come to fruition. I missed spending time with my sister and brothers in August. My daughter and I did not take our annual girls road trip in August. Since March, I have mainly seen my friends from the doorway although we did have a few visits. Our girls Annual Christmas party was done virtually. I never thought that I would not enter a store for several months. From March until August, all of my groceries were picked up by my friends and my daughter. I have since that time been to the store a grand total of 6 times, been to the vet numerous times, to Shoppers once to mail Christmas cards and parcels on November 20, and to the Optometrist twice since August. I will say that the handful of times that I have entered a grocery store have been anxiety ridden for me. For the past month or so I have not been to the grocery store although I was to the Bone & Biscuit on December 11th, to pick up gifts for the fur babies including Alvin. I have been to the office three times, twice in September and once in November. Most of my time has been spent at home or going for walks. Thankfully we are able to go outside. As the time passes, I think that the only way that we can stop this virus is to follow the protocols set out by the Health Care Professionals and Government Leaders. While it is not ideal as we are social creatures, it is imperative to follow the rules. Wear masks when in public, wash your hands, stay home when you can and social distance. I will say that trips to the Vet are different now. The last time Alvin went I was not allowed to be with him, I sat with my mask on in one of the exam rooms while they took him to the back exam room. The Optometrist was definitely different. Two visits one for the exam and the other to pick up frames. They as the Vet only book one appointment per hour. Better to be safe.

Perhaps if we would have taken more precautions sooner and taken this more seriously – we would be in a better place, I don’t know. Going forward we must do what is right for everyone. This is not the time to be selfish. We do want to see our family and friends in the New Year.

The sun is up although it appears to be cloudy. This is the last day of 2020. I hope that 2021 brings us hope and promise. I know that it will take months and likely most of this next year before the vast population can be vaccinated and at this point we do not know if that is the complete answer or not but I remain positive that the scientists will figure it out and we will end 2021 in a better place. To all of those folks who lost loved ones this year, I keep you in my heart and hope that your memories will help to bring you comfort. To all those families who lost beloved pets, I keep you in my heart and hope that memories of them will bring you comfort.

May the New Year be filled with hope and promise. May you find your way through this next year with faith, hope and grace. Continue to be kind and respectful and compassionate to all others. We need each other even more now than ever.

Thank you for taking your precious time to read my words, this post. I appreciate your time.

So from our home to yours, Alvin and I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this wonderful Tuesday? I am doing well. Today marks “9 sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day. Time is definitely zipping along. Well our cold snap appears to be dissipating which is good for us and I heard on the weather report yesterday that Christmas Eve is to be about plus lower single digits temperatures. WOW! If the report is correct and Mother Nature does not throw a wrench into things we will have nice temperatures until at least Christmas. Oh and I do not blame Mother Nature on our weather as we have done enough damage to the environment ourselves. But let us move on from this spot and keep it light and positive. I have mentioned this before that I send Christmas Cards and letters out each and every year at Christmas. This card and letter writing started when I was very young, the first card I remember making was for my grandparents at age 6. I also made them Valentine’s cards and Birthday cards. When I was 11 years old my family spent the winter in Texas (yes, United States) in a city called McAllen which was located not far from the Gulf Coast. I wrote my best friend back in Saskatchewan, Canada letters as often as I could. When we moved from the farm in Saskatchewan when I was 14 to British Columbia, I continued writing my grandparents and my best friend. I made cards for birthdays, Christmas and other occasions. It was much later that I actually starting buying for special occasions and bought them I did. I send cards to all my family and friends for every birthday, Easter, Valentine’s and Christmas and everything in between. I love receiving cards almost as much as I love to send them. Yesterday I received THREE Christmas cards in the mailbox. One from my Aunt & Uncle who live in British Columbia and the other two were from Regina, Saskatchewan. Both friends and past co-workers. There were letters and photos. One of the best things about Christmas and the Holiday Season is cards, letters and photos. I was hoping that perhaps with so many people being at home due to COVID19 that maybe the art of sending Christmas cards and writing letters would make a comeback. This is one thing that is easy and inexpensive to do. The positive impact that it has on the both the sender and the recipient is huge. So good for mind and soul. We all could use a bit of that right now. Right! It is not too late. You can even write up a nice card or make one and give it to your neighbour down the street OR mail it to your Aunt who is alone.

Last night after work I delivered two more gifts and more treat boxes to my girlfriends. Alvin walked with me to make the first delivery and it was cold out so I brought him home and then I made the second delivery alone. We are going to hold our Annual Christmas get together via ZOOM. I was hoping that perhaps I could figure out how to do it via my new smart television set but am thinking not OR maybe on my phone. I am getting there – for the phone that is. Would be easier that using the computer upstairs and besides would feel more like a Christmas party if I was close to the Christmas tree and decorations. I have a few upstairs. Might have to move my smaller tree that is sitting on the upstairs landing and place it in the office. We will be able to take our walk today as it is warming up.

I wish you a bright and happy Tuesday. Alvin and I are hoping that you and your family are safe and in good health. We continue to be safe, in good health, bright and happy.

Living our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. Wow, can you believe it seems like I said it was Friday only a day or so ago. I am happy it is Friday not just because it is the end to the work week and beginning of “home time” but because we are having company for the day. Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day with us, they will be arriving in less than one hour. Mom and Dad are going out to the farm for the day. We are happy to have extra cuteness in the house. I love how Teddy wants to sit on my lap even when I am working and how Kobi likes to get right up and put her face to mine and just stare into my eyes and then she will my nose. Perfect ending to a perfect week.

Alvin and I went for a nice “full” walk yesterday at lunchtime. We even had a short driveway visit with our friends down the street Susana and her little dog “Rio.” What a cool name, right? I love his name and his Momma’s. She was dropping him off to spend the afternoon with her parents as he was bored at home with her. How sweet. I get that. Another MAJOR reason that I am so over the top happy to be working from home, so that I can be here every day for Mr. Alvin. Now I will have to go to the office about once every month or so but him having to stay home alone one day out of 20 work days that is okay. I also am able to have my neighbour come and check on him which is great. The benefits of working from home besides wearing sweatpants. Which I have on today with a nice top. I honestly do not wear them everyday. In fact, yesterday I wore what I would have worn to the office. Most days I semi dress up – at least the top half and I guess half of the time the bottom as well. Nice to be home in case there is a delivery. In case someone needs us. I cannot imagine leaving the three pups here alone. But they were good and we have in the past. Life. You surely never know what is going to happen.

Well guess what, I finally got the craft project in the final stages. I have it designed if you will and now just have to finish putting it together. I don’t wish to give it away. It is a Christmas project after all. Wink, Wink. I like to have at least one major Christmas project each year. Well Mr. Alvin is sitting in the hallway he was looking and me and now he turned and has his back to me. I am assuming he wants me to go downstairs and is giving me the cold shoulder, if you will. What a guy. I understand as he likely has to go outside.

I hope that this day brings you joy, some giggles, maybe a bit of sweetness whether chocolate or a visit from family or friends via a video chat or phone call or even a sidewalk visit, social distancing, of course. Our weather here in Edmonton is good at this time so an outdoor visit wearing the appropriate outerwear is possible. Have a great day. Maybe you could do something nice for those older neighbors down the street. Maybe you could pick up some groceries, ring the doorbell of neighbors that you know are struggling at this time and leave the groceries on their step. (Keep an eye to ensure that they actually got the items you left). Do something nice. Perhaps you are able to adopt a dog or a cat. There is always something we can do to help. By helping others you are helping yourself. Now that the numbers are wilding high at this time – we truly have to think of all others as our actions have major consequences. Wear that mask. Keep social distancing. Do this so that we can heal this planet and save off this pandemic. Stay safe and be well.

Time to go and pick up Mr. Buddy’s little parcels outside in the backyard. Also put the coffee on to perk and get signed on for work before the babies arrive. Also my dear friend “V” has mailed another parcel to us from Saskatchewan. The Post Office is slow making deliveries these days and it will arrive today. Both Alvin and I are so excited. Another good thing for this Friday.

Happy Friday Everyone.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness and respect and compassion for all. Life is too short not to!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I cannot believe it is once again Monday morning. Usually at this time I am working but today is my late start so I am slowly getting up and at things. We were up at 3:00 and 5:15 and then to stay up at 8:09 a.m. What a crazy schedule if you want to call it that. Alvin had to go outside at 3:00 and I gave him one of his glucosamine chews, then we hit the sofa for some more sleep and then he was ready to eat at 5:15. Likely it is not such a good idea for him to eat and then for us to lay down but that is what has been happening now that I am working from home. He has the early time engrained now in his DNA and there is no way that is going to change after 10 years of us getting up between 4:45 – 5:30 to start the day. What a guy he is. Yesterday in the late morning one of my coworkers stopped by to get her tea order and we had a nice visit catching up with all the latest news. She had made a few dates with friends and family and was making the circle as she put it. What a great idea. After the visit and I was done a few household chores, we went for a walk. The walk ended up being only half way ….. he just stopped at one point and I said “Which way?” and he turned and headed for home. Once home I got things ready for his haircut and spent the next couple of hours grooming the Alvin and then a bath. He truly does not appreciate either a haircut or a bath. Poor little guy. This time I had none of his biscuits to treat him with. We spent the rest of the day, Sunday in quiet retreat other than cooking supper. I actually sat down and watched two movies “Must Love Dogs” and “A Dog’s Purpose.” Not quite sure of my Sunday night movie choices. I love these movies and have seen both of them but not for a long time. While Alvin laid sleeping beside me, I sobbed and giggled for a few hours. Especially during the second movie. I will say this, during this past year so many of my friends and family have lost their beloved four-legged family members, and a bit of my heart has gone with each one. I know that when it is time for Alvin to leave me, to leave us, I will be heartbroken and devastated. It has been just the two of us, well for ten years thus far, and I am hoping that for many more but we never know what life will bring us. In fact, it could be me that goes first. No one knows what the future will bring. But I will not dwell on this any further as life starts and life ends. We do have some control but at the end of the day, when it is our time to leave this place, it is our time to go. All we can do is to make the very best of the time that we have here and now.

So now it is much later and the sun is up. The horizon is filled with beautiful hues or oranges and pinks filtering up into the blue. So pretty. How can one not love and admire the sunrise? Appears to be no wind this morning so that is nice.

I was thinking about 2020, the year of COVID 19, the year of a global pandemic, and how this has been such an unexpected blessing for me. I never would have thought in a million years that I would be doing this job from home and actually quite easily. That I would no longer commute to and from the office …. no more early morning chats with the girl that I carpooled with or coffee from the machine at the office ….. or chats with coworkers or shopping …. or any of it, really. I seldom go anywhere except for monthly visits with my friends or once a month to the office and walks with Alvin and to the vet. Of course, I see my daughter from time to time (and today is one of those times). Most of my time is now spent at home. I will say that over the past few months, there have been incredible low points but I am slowly figuring this all out, separating home from work. Which by the way, truly has a new meaning now. I am grateful that I am able to spend this time with Alvin. I cannot imagine him without me being home all of the time now. He likely cannot imagine me not here either. I will say that I DO NOT take anything for granted these days. Nothing. I am more than grateful for my health, for Alvin’s health and for the good health of all my family and friends.

Of course, this virus has changed the landscape of how we work, how we socialize and how we live our lives. Not to be taken lightly is the loss of human life. My heart goes out to all those families who have lost loved ones during this past year. I also think about all those older folks who are left alone and separated from their families due to this horrible virus. I cannot even imagine being cooped up alone in my room all day, perhaps not being able to hear or to see. I cannot imagine. If we look after ourselves and make sure that we are doing what the medical professionals are instructing us to do, then at the end of the day, we are helping those seniors and all others and ourselves.

Time to go now and have a shower. Wash away the night and freshen this mop on my head called hair and get this day going.

May you be blessed with good health, the financial means to live your life and that you are able to share laughter with loved ones every day.

Take Care, Happy Monday.

I will continue to live my life with kindness and respect for all others.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. A bit colder outside this morning. Well I had a good day downtown at the office. My daughter picked me up in the morning. Alvin was not really sure what was going on as I have only been away for the entire day twice since March 19, 2020. Can you imagine? I have been away to the office three times since March 19, 2020 but one was for a few hours to attend a meeting. My neighbour Sonja came over and checked on him a couple of times letting him outside and giving him one of his cookie/biscuit treats. The parcel from Steeped Tea did not arrive and the status went to pending but finally this morning it is showing an arrival date of today. For some reason they pushed it to today. Likely got behind in deliveries, I get that. It was nice to see a few people. Three in fact. That was all of the people that I saw at the office. Everyone practicing the COVID 19 safety protocols. I am grateful. I was able to get everything done early and then had time to actually put the postage on all of the letters / packages I had stuffed. First time using that fancy new machine. It worked pretty slick. I was so happy that I could help out our Support Services team. They work so hard. My daughter picked me up about 3:50 p.m. and we headed to Shoppers before going home to Alvin. I had a couple of parcels, card to go overseas and other Christmas cards within Canada. So happy to get everything posted. The gal in the “Post Office” said that it was so busy earlier and she was working alone. Isn’t that always the way? Also, I remembered to pick up extra stamps just in case I forgot to send a card to someone. Amanda and I always have good conversations on the car rides. I mentioned to her that one of the Support Services team was curious if I was following politics. I asked him “do you mean the U.S. elections.” He said “Yes.” So we chattered about the results. He thinks that there is voter fraud and I was very surprised to see that he sided with Trump. Not necessary Trump himself, but the Republicans. Anyway, I shared my knowledge of the U.S. Elections and was shocked by my articulation of the process. I have done lots of reading and I actually know stuff. Everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions. Realizing that I don’t know as much about our own government, I have vowed to do some research. I used to know the details but over the years have kind of forgotten. Time to do some reading.

The Pampered Chef order arrived yesterday so that was good.

Well it is time to head back downstairs, put on the coffee, put on the poop and get to work. I had to hit the “snooze” button this morning.

Living with kindness and respect for all. “Even when people do not have the same beliefs and opinions as ourselves.” (most importantly then).

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Monday Morning All. Well this morning I head to the office. My daughter is picking me up as she has to work at her office downtown, as well. I absolutely refuse to take public transportation at this time. With the new active COVID19 cases in Edmonton and in Alberta, on the rise, the less people that I am around the safer I will be. At the end of the day who wants to be one of the statistics if they have a choice. No one really wants to be sick. I would like to remain in good health. Everyday I choose those thoughts, I am in good health, Alvin is in good health and all our family and friends. Trying to stay safe and healthy should be our number one priority these days. These are my thoughts on the subject for better or worse. It will be nice to see some of the folks that I work with ….. only a handful of staff are in our office everyday. Thank goodness for our support services staff who go to the office each and everyday of the week. I am so grateful that I am able to work from home. Full of gratitude.

Yesterday I had coffee with the girls in the morning. We had a blast. Chatting about world events (ie U.S. Election, oh my goodness), stats about COVID19, Christmas, baking, shopping for Christmas status, mail deliveries, Amazon, and so much more. In between the very serious chatter we did have some smiles and laughs. Not as much as we usual but that is okay. I am grateful that I am able to spend time with these two ladies. I am full of gratitude to have them in my life. They are the epitome of friendship, love and support. Truly I would not be able to keep any level of sanity if it were not for my friends. I have the best ones, some of which live next door and down the street and others live abroad and others a province or two away. Also my best friend on the planet is my daughter, she is the greatest. When you are surrounded by all this love and support how can you be anything but joyful and successful. It takes a village, they say and it takes a village to keep me where I am. To the UNIVERSE, thank you for bringing each and every ONE of these dear, loving, compassionate, supportive, kind souls in my direction. Then there is Mr. Alvin….. there are no words. Not only did I have coffee with the girls, Alvin and I bumped into Pauline and her grandpup Georgie on their last leg of their walk, so we continued with them, walking and chatting. I feel so blessed. The weather another blessing ….. so beautiful.

I had told myself that I was going to cut my hair. Even mentioned it to the girls. So when I do this …. there is no turning back. I have cut my hair dozens of times over the years but this time I was a tad bit nervous. For no real reason. So I watched several videos which made me more nervous until I saw this girl with different shades of blue hair. She had multiple piercings and was very young (well everyone is young compared to me at 63). Anyway she parted her hair at the back and placed the hair in two ponytails to the side with elastics. She pulled out “electric clippers,” the kind that I use to cut Mr. Alvin’s hair. Immediately I thought, I can do this and that I did. My hair turned out so GREAT. I love it. Once I sort the tea order tonight, I will call my friend “G” and she will come for her tea and I will ask her to give me a quick lookover. Unless it is bad (which to my eyes looks pretty good but my eyes are old and frankly everything looks good to me, these days, lol), I will leave it alone, if she needs to trim a tad, well that is okay with me.

So off to get this Monday underway. Poor Mr. Alvin, on these days, which has only been twice now since March, I feel badly to leave him home for so long. I have asked Humphrey’s Mom Sonja to come about noon and let him out for a pee and give him one of his cookies. Sometimes he won’t go outside for anyone but me. I hope that he goes out as I know he will have to pee. Mind you perhaps he won’t drink as much water when I am not at home. Fingers crossed.

Wishing you a great Monday. Keep spreading that kindness with love and respect. The world needs it now more than ever. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my words, my thoughts ….. I appreciate you. Hopefully I brought a smile to your face or even a bout of laughter. That would be so great. Happy Monday Everyone, Happy Monday.

Yes, I have multiple masks with me…… one for the car ride, one for work, one for after work and one for Shoppers – Post Office…….

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I think that I am going to use the electric clippers from now on.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. As we are winding down and fast approaching November with then one month until 2021 …. what are your thoughts? What a year this has been! There have been so many changes and for some people those changes have not been great. For others of us those changes have turned out to be blessings in disguise. I am so grateful that I have a job and that I am working from home. I have said this before and I will say it again, I am ever grateful to my employer. I have found out that I do thoroughly enjoy those rare occasions when I go outside of my house other than our walks. I don’t mind going to the office once every month or so. I don’t mind going to the grocery store once in awhile. Lately as statements come in from my benefit provider, it is giving me cause to get my poop in a group and make some medical appointments ….. like eye checkup and dentist. The dentist and staff were wearing masks even before COVID19 hit the Western World. I would think that they are taking even more precautions like limiting the no of patients at one time. Lots to think about. Do you find that you procrastinate some things and even more during these uncertain times? You are not alone, you are not alone. So much to consider and to think about ……

Well it is five sleeps until Halloween and six sleeps until my Christmas Tree goes up and the house transforms into “Christmas.” I have contacted all the folks in the neighbourhood that I know with children and they all were happy with my idea to drop off bags of treats for their children. I am working on decorating the treat bags for the kids. Then Sunday the TREE goes up. I am so excited. My daughter as agreed to come over and I have a backup to help me erect the tree just in case. Always good to have a plan B. I thought that I would before bed on Friday night, I would take down all of the fall/Halloween decorations and other ornaments and put them in the basement. Maybe even bring up the rubbermaid containers of Christmas decorations and be ready to decorate. I could do some of the decorating before the tree goes up. Those are my thoughts for now – time will tell.

Yesterday my girl friends were over for coffee in the morning. We always have a great time. One of the girls brought over muffins and the other gave me my own little Halloween treat bag. They spoil me. Love these girls, they are the best. I am so blessed to have great friends, truly.

Alvin and I went for a walk in the afternoon before I watched the LIVE Open House for my friend Amber’s Fifth Avenue Jewelry Collection. I enjoy seeing all of the new jewelry. GUESS WHAT? Mr. Alvin hardly fussed at all in his new sweater and in fact, we did the whole walk without any unnecessary stopping. It was great.

I also watch “THEN CAME YOU” twice yesterday. Really loving that movie.

I am so excited that our weather is going to be all plus temperatures for the next two weeks with multiple days in the high single digits and even going into the double digits. The bunnies will be able to forage for food easier and longer.

Well time to go and put on the coffee. I hit the snooze and then the time on the microwave a couple of times this morning. ARGH. Oh well, there is time to make coffee and get ready to start work before my 8:00 a.m. start time.

Have an awesome Monday. If we all live our lives with kindness and respect for ALL, what a wonderful world this would be and can be.

I/We shall remain, As Always Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All, We were up and down as per usual but up to stay just before 8:00 AM. I marvelled at the way some of the leaves are hanging on as if for dear life on our tree out front. They almost look like upside down umbrellas. These poor pods of leaves almost appear to be social distancing as they hang in groups every so often on the branches. Our tree has almost dropped all of its’ leaves. I can definitely see some raking in my future. The colours of the leaves on the ground look so beautiful against the lighter green/yellow grass as it prepares for winter. The contrast to the sidewalk and street is gorgeous ….. reds and yellows to gray.

The last half of this week has been well should I shall lousy. Likely just as good a word as any. Lost a friend that I used to work with at BBW at the MALL and have others who are awaiting the results of COVID19 testing. Work is off the charts, busy, which is slowly eating away at my “patience” and heart. I like to be busy but not so busy that you cannot see the light of day. This morning I looked inward for some guidance, for perhaps a thought that may get me back on track. There are many blessings in my life and I am truly grateful for each and every one of them. I know that I am extremely lucky to have a decent job in this landscape and that this time. But that does not help me but feel anxiety. Anyway, lots to do this weekend. Today is going to be a particular busy day once I finish this post, start the laundry, already started the coffee, have breakfast, give Mr. Alvin a haircut, boil potatoes and eggs for tomorrow’s potato salad, make a fruit pizza for tomorrow, dust and clean bathrooms, wash floors, pull more flowers that have gone to the other side, bring up the FALL and HALLOWEEN decorations and whatever else I can squeeze into this day. Perhaps the best thing for me right at this moment is to get busy. I know that life is life and there are things beyond my control and that I can get through anything. There might be stop signs and potholes along the road but I will keep on walking until it is my time to leave this earth. Sorry not meaning to be dark. I am so grateful to have my Alvin with me and for my life.

I am going to see later today or this weekend if I am now able to upload photos from my phone to the computer. That would be nice.

Well my friends, I hope that life is treating you well. No matter what is going on in your life and mine, we “got this.” No one ever said it would be easy all of the time but we can in our reactions to the situations determine our joy or sadness or anxiety. I am learning each and everyday and hoping to become more wise as the years go by.

Take Care and Be safe. Live with kindness and respect and laughter. I am going to add laughter to our mantra. We need to laugh. Find the funny in something each and everyday. We must.

Happy Saturday.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin