Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 18th day of November, 2018.

Our buddy Teddy left for home with his Mama yesterday morning so the house is SO quiet with only me and Mr. Alvin.

My plans for the day changed when one of my friends called to invite me to go with her to a neighbouring city “St. Albert” to the Enjoy Centre which is a greenhouse/nursery/retail space

where a large “Craft Sale” was being held.

All the vendors had made their wares.

There were all mediums of art: painting on regular canvases, ceramics, woodworking, stained glass and glass art, illustrator/graphic designers, doll makers, coffee brewers, jewellery of every possible

description, things for your pets, fudge and different types of candy, dried mushrooms, condiments, pie maker (not ordinary pies), and so much more.

We came across the paintings, Art by Monk.  She is a famous West Coast Artist and her work was amazing.

My friend and I were speaking to one of her agents and did not even realize that she was on the other side of the display, painting.

I saw a painting of a FOX that was incredible and had the nicest frame on it, as well.

So many things.

I was on visual overload.

I was so excited to come across the same artist “Mackenzie Jones” that my daughter and I bought rings from in a store in Canmore on our girls road trip this past summer.

Love our rings and I wear mine everyday.

Our second trip and each time I have bought a ring made locally and I wear them daily.

A fond reminder of our Mother/Daughter time together.

Needless to say in between the time Teddy left and I went on the craft trip, not much was done so today I have lots to do.

I did go for a short walk with Mr. Alvin in between the craft trip and the Christmas party.

 

Our “friends” Christmas party that was slated for December 1, 2018 was moved up as one of the girls is leaving for down east next week with her daughter and husband and

will not be here for the party.

We had it last night.

So much fun.

The girls provided the snacks and refreshments and told me only to bring myself as there was very short notice about the change in plans.

Even though I had just ate supper, it was not very long when I caved and had some goodies.

ARGH, it begins.

With no car not so easy to pop out and pick up items and no time to bake the “Oreo Cheesecakes” that was I going to bring.

We laughed and caught up in our news.

Some selfie shots were made but ended up only getting odd head shots of the three of us.

A time to laugh for sure.

Alvin stayed home and slept.

The gal that hosted the party gave us all a gift which we were not doing but she is a bad girl and doesn’t listen.

I received a bottle of “Vanilla Bean Noel” foaming hand soap from Bath & Body Works, a necklace of Christmas lights and light up and some peanut butter/chocolate Reese pieces.

So excited about the necklace as I will wear it to work.

We love our necklaces.

Best present ever.

 

She also picked me up some hand soaps from Bath & Body Works when they were at West Edmonton Mall yesterday morning to see Santa (with her daughter).

The mall was crazy busy and I was grateful she ran the errand for me.

The hand soaps were on for a really, really good price.

On the way home last night it was snowing.

It was still snowing a bit at 5:30 when we first got up this morning but had stopped when we got up to stay up about 8:15 a.m.

I was pleasantly surprised when I looked out the window to see the front walk shovelled.

Must have been my neighbour to the west …. so nice.

Earlier I thought I hear some noise out front but did not pay attention as we were snoozing on the sofa from 5:30 to 8:15 a.m.

Well time to get this day going.

I popped the first of four loads of laundry into the washing machine.

Coffee has been made so need coffee.

Such a great Saturday.

I seldom go out and almost never TWICE in the same day.

 

Lots to do today submit a Steeped Tea order, clean bathrooms, do some laundry, walk with Alvin and more.

Happy Sunday.

I hope that you were able to spend time outside of your home.

Another warmer day on the way.

YAY.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are artistic and make things.  You rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 14th day of November, 2016.

So dark out at 6:00 a.m. – easy to tell the season.

Beautiful day yesterday.

Alvin and I enjoyed a morning walk visiting with neighbours along the way.

Our weather has been absolutely incredible for this time of year.

We had rain Saturday and even into the night.

The grass is green.

On our walk yesterday I noted that the water on our lakes is still flowing no frost in sight.

On the lake were some ducks.

I guess they did not get the memo.

I am pretty certain they normally do not hang around here for the winter.

But Mother Nature has been temporarily tricked.

I hope that they will be safe and “warm.”

Alvin and I had a good weekend.

I spent several hours over Friday and Saturday with my daughter preparing for and then entered in a craft sale.

It was disappointing but at the end of the day it was great to spend the time with my daughter.

I guess we have to determine where and when we want to spend our time.

Our time is more valuable than money.

That goes without saying.

Even though I will be the first to say that without money it is difficult to have stress-free time.

If you cannot pay your bills or buy food – not good.

Sometimes we get in over our heads just to have some of the things that we think we want or need.

That is not good.

But human nature is always wanting.

Thinking we need when it is more like we want.

Well here it is almost time to leave the house for another Monday morning.

I wish you all a wonderful, stress-free, productive Monday.

Think about what it is that you really need and focus on that instead of all the things that you want.

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “V” who always makes me feel better than I am.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 10th day of November, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my brother who rests with the angels, he would have been 53 today.

Gone but not forgotten.

 

The mornings are now dark until I am at work.

It is dark now as I walk home from the bus after work.

Up in the dark and down in the dark.

It is that time of year.

Our walk last night was so beautiful.

I wore a long sleeved t-shirt and a vest instead of a jacket and was plenty warm.

 

Perhaps you are feeling a little blah today with everything that is going on around the world and in your life.

Here is something to think about or ponder.

Hope is what separates us from every other living creature on this planet, and our ability to accessorize.

Perhaps we are not the most intelligent creatures on the planet but we are hopeful.

( I used “ability to accessorize” from part of a line from one of my all-time favourite movies “Steel Magnolias” ).

So no matter what is going on around you just remember there is always hope, always.

As long as human beings inhabit this planet there will always be hope.

It is what gets us out of bed in the morning.

It is what gives us the drive to do better.

It is what gives us a reason to live.

 

Have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: my friends back home.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S. so excited for Saturday as my daughter and I are taking our Dear Stella Jewellery inventory to a craft sale.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 24th day of October, 2016.

Wow what a grand Sunday we had with our company.

My daughter and grand-puppy Elton came by for several hours.

We had a pancake breakfast, coffee, went through our jewellery for the upcoming sale, visited some more and even had time to take the pups for a

walk before they left for home.

My daughter managed to take some video and photos of the pups on our walk.

Mr. Elton continues to have that gait to this walk.

He is so cute.

It was a great day.

Now back to work.

Seems like those two weekend days always go in hyperdrive.

Oh well.

Gives me the opportunity to use such words as hyperdrive.

My futuristic word.

Not that it is really applicable to much in this day and age.

I suppose there may be a few things.

We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of jewellery we have as we have taken a break from the jewellery business as of late.

We each had some that we did not realize ….

Well actually since we lost our beloved Penny in March.

Sometimes you just have to take a break.

Take some time.

For me, it is not so easy to be creative when you are working “two” jobs.

But as we both love being creative we will return to the jewellery making at some point.

In the meantime I have decided to do custom pieces when they are requested.

Well I have to go as Mr. Alvin needs to go outside before I leave for work.

I hope that you had an enjoyable Sunday.

Thank you for sharing your time with me.

I hope that something I write brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

That is what life is all about being joyful.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of November, 2015.

It is a great day as today my daughter and I are entered in a craft sale with our jewellery.

We are excited.

My neighbour and we girls are sharing a table.

Should be fun.

The temperature has warmed up again which is nice.

It is held in the lobby of a nearby hospital so there will be lots of people and today is also Black Friday so that will bring in folks.

Our first craft sale selling….

I am excited to see what wares others are selling.

It will be a wonderful day ….. spending it with my girl and one of my friends.

 

Another item to mention…..finally caught our four-legged  “rogue agent” that has been eluding us for the past while only to find there were two.

We only … I only saw the one.

Will have to keep an eye out …. double check everywhere to make sure no place they can get into the house.

 

Well this is to be short as time to make a cup of coffee and have some toast.

Have an awesome Friday.

If you are out and about on this “BLACK FRIDAY” …. be respectful of others.

No pushing or shoving.

Did you really need another black sweater no matter how good the price was?

Enjoy the mania …..

Be safe…

Happy Shopping..

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of November, 2015.

One month from today is Christmas Day.

Where has the time gone.

Just received sad news that the last of my Paternal Grandfather’s siblings/in-laws has passed away.

I loved my Uncle “G” …. he was my Grandfather’s youngest sister’s husband.

A kind, soft spoken gentleman.

He will be missed.

At the same time I heard of another family member that has cancer has taken a turn for the worse.

To my cousin “G” you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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

Today is also the Birthday of my eldest niece.

Happy Birthday “D.”

I believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving for our neighbours to the south.Thank goodness it has stopped snowing.

We have quite the snow bank happening on the deck from shovelling.

I managed to throw some between the fence and the garage so that it is out of the way for now, anyway.

Mr. Alvin has been trying to tell me something.

I wished I could understand …. most times I can figure it out.

Sometimes he just wants my attention.

Hard to believe that it is almost the end of November.

Collectively people have been saying and thinking where has November gone.

I distinctly remembering Halloween and now it is November 25th.

There are a few items on my list to do before Christmas.

Baking, Christmas cards and Wrapping (still a couple of gifts to pick up).

I plan to write my cards this weekend.

I am so excited as the Craft Sale is only a couple of days away now.

It will be fun.

We have never participated in a craft sale before so it will be interesting and a learning experience.

Well it is time to hit the shower.

Learning is a good thing.

Alvin has calmed down.

YAY.

I hope that you have a great Thursday.

Special Hello: my niece “D” – Wishing you the Best of Birthdays …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 23rd day of November, 2015.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

I think I shall wear my shoes today.

Might as well take advantage of dry streets and sidewalks and the warm temperatures.

Another great Sunday was had by me and Mr. Alvin.

We did laundry, mostly me but he had good instructions.

We labelled and priced the last of the jewellery and packed it for the craft sale.

We put together some tea samples to take to work today.

We put the new jewellery in bags ready for transport to the office to show the girls.

We put away the ornaments that were just set on top of boxes and the table downstairs.

We decorated the upstairs bannister for Christmas.

Let’s see there were more things but it was so nice to get so much accomplished.

There was even time for the odd break here and there.

Mr. Alvin is a very good help mainly in the supervisory area.

But we all need some supervision from time to time and I tend to drift sometimes.

Both of us enjoyed our walk …. so beautiful out yesterday afternoon.

Time to go to work ….

Another Monday.

Hard to believe that one week from tomorrow is December 1st.

I hope that you had an awesome weekend.

Did you listen to music?

One little story….on our walk yesterday.

We were on our way home when we noticed one of our neighbours out putting up a reindeer and sled with the help of his young son.

I was smiling as the young boy had shorts on and a winter coat.

Alvin of course wanted to go and say hello.

The Dad and I chatted.

Dad said so nice to have this good weather for decorating outside.

I agreed.

Then a young girl came out …. Alvin was in his glory.

The kids were trying to help.

Trying is good.

Well time to go.

Have a GREAT day.

Special Hello to: all those Dads who decorate with the kiddies’ help ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the Day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of November, 2015.

Wow, is it really the 16th of November.

The wind is really howling this morning.

The vents are just a flapping.

Pretty noisy inside the house.

I had a really good weekend despite the creature who seems to have eluded us.

One sighting last Wednesday, Remembrance Day at 5:00 p.m.

Nothing that would indicate it is in the house.

Oh how I wish that it were so.

That perhaps it decided with all of the screaming, lights and action that perhaps it would move on.

I am trying to erase the stories that have settled into my brain.

I did move the chair from near the bay window in the kitchen back into the living room so that it no longer blocks the “plug in that emits sound.”

Traps set one in the basement and one in the pantry.

I am so proud of myself …. I have managed to check them both.

Mind you I do not have to get close.

Okay enough about this ……

 

Alvin kept me company yesterday while I logged each piece of jewellery that we are taking to the craft show.

I still have a few of the newer necklaces that I made to price.

There is a list of things that need to be packed other than jewellery so I will work on that box this week.

I am excited for the craft sale to see what others are making – only one other jewellery table that day.

Should be fun.

Any opportunity I have to spend precious time with my daughter I am all in.

 

Another Monday, I am excited.

Always good to be alive and celebrate another day.

Mondays are good as is each and every day of the week.

Start fresh …. first day of my work week.

 

Tomorrow night I am attending a Brownie Cookie Sale with my friend “S” and her daughter “M.”

It costs $1.00 for admission and then $4.00 for one dozen cookies.

You take a container or can purchase one there for $1.00 and then pick out your cookies.

I believe you can pick them one by one.

They also serve coffee and tea …. how fun is that.

I am very excited for the outing.

My only thing is coming home and leaving Alvin shortly afterward.

I guess it is not that I do this very often …. not at all.

So he will be okay.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Happy Monday to you all.

Special Hello to: all of the Mothers who have daughters in Brownie’s …. very cool.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 14th day of November, 2015.

The sky looks frosty if that is possible and the roofs are all covered in frost … like a painting.

That is my view from the office window.

We were up early this morning much like other mornings.

As has been “routine” for the past mornings I quickly don my winter boots as I hit the main floor.

Grabbed Alvin’s food dish as it’s temporary home is in the living room.

I turned on all of the lights and followed Alvin into the kitchen where I gingerly turned the handle on the bathroom door.

Quickly turned on the light and spoke loudly before opening his food container and filling up a cup for his dish.

Returning to the living room he ate breakfast while I “cowered” on the upstairs steps.

How sad am I?

Once done we both went outside.

Alvin and my winter boots are my saviours these days.

I feel so helpless and stopped from doing the things that I need to do.

I have a long list of items that need my attention.

The craft show is fast approaching and I need to gather some tea orders.

I have to get past this situation.

It has been crippling.

The days that have been wasted because of this small little thing.

Well today is a new day.

I will tell you that after three days of this I am downright exhausted.

Made a decision to have my neighbour remove the sticky pads as I cannot bear it to be caught and have Alvin listen to it.

I do not think they pass right away and that is down right cruel.

Even thought this creature has turned my life upside down I just think I have to do the more humane thing ….

So this morning another friend is coming over to set a couple of the old fashioned “snap” ones.

I feel better about that.

Right now there is nothing in the pantry and I should be baking some pumpkin muffins so I shall have a shower and be brave.

Gather my baking items from the pantry and get on with it.

Boots and Alvin and all.

I need to get going on things.

So these are my thoughts for the day.

I am trying to be brave …. I am trying.

Somedays it would be nice to have a room-mate in addition to Alvin.

Although he has been the best …. does not leave my side…. I think that he knows.

Tomorrow is my nephew’s birthday …. the one that was in the accident last fall and in a coma for several months.

He is doing a world better;  his brother is taking him home for a day or two and renting a hall to have a party for him.

Happy Birthday ….. he will love seeing all of his friends, neighbours and family.

My daughter and I are going to go next weekend and visit him at Ponoka unless he already has plans.

We have to call.

Tick tock …. I have to get this show on the road.

Writing is not going to get things done.

I appreciate your support ….

Special Hello to: to all those people who live every day with phobias …. I know.

Always, Carol and Alvin