2021

Good Morning ALL! Just back a few minutes ago from a nice early morning walk before the heat of the day. There is a bit of a breeze so it is perfect for a walk. While out on the walk I picked up a few pieces of trash so I figured not only did we get some exercise, we also did some community service. Right! The wild roses are blooming by the entrance to the park so we, rather I stopped to give them a sniff. My favourite fragrance next to summer rain and freshly cut grass. So gorgeous. So pretty. Today is my late shift that is why I left the post for a bit later than usual and decided to walk first. We went to bed later than usual last night and two hours later at midnight, guess who woke up and it wasn’t me? So off downstairs we went and outside. He had to pee so then back upstairs to bed. Next time we were up was 4:30 (man, did I feel that). So I gave him his glucosamine chew and his breakfast and then outside and then back to sleep for a bit on the sofa. To be honest, I had set the alarm on my phone for 6:15 but somehow I just could not do it so I set it for 6:30 and we were up at 6:45. Oh well, I am not perfect. When I am tired, I find it hard to get up unless I have no choice. Given the choice, well you know what I did. Oh well, no matter. We got our walk in and the coffee is perking and I am writing this post. Yesterday when I finished writing my post, I noticed that it was at 999, wondering if it is at the 1000 mark now. How exciting! I cannot believe that number. Guess I need to step up this post. I used to write more about different things but somehow fell of that wagon. Perhaps it is time to get going and start writing more poetry. Some crafting ideas. How about organizational ideas? I love to organize and people tell me that I am quite good at it.

Oh, I just got a waft of that freshly brewed coffee. I think that I will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee on the deck this morning as I do not start work until 11:00 a.m.

Yesterday my daughter stopped by after an appointment, she stopped and picked us up a few items from the grocery store. She is so kind and generous to her Momma. I love spending time with my girl.

I am grateful for the morning walk.

I am grateful for all my dear friends and family.

I am grateful for our good health.

I am grateful for all the people that we will meet.

I am grateful for our beautiful home.

I am grateful that the roses are blooming and smelling so fragrant.

I am grateful for my/our life.

Well somebody is acting up so better sign off for now.

I wish you a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone,

Back to work after a great weekend but a sleepless Sunday night.

Alvin is settling in at my daughter’s house.

I do miss him but I know he is being well looked after and is a nice break for both of us.

Sometimes you just need to change things up a bit.

 

I am also very angry this morning.

Just a few minutes ago I received a text from my neighbour asking if I had taken a box into my house for her.

Usually if we are out walking and I see a box on her step, I put it into her house.

Within a nanosecond of her text, I realized that the big black truck that had stopped out front of our houses was stealing from her.

It was in the afternoon and I do not even remember the exact time.

I was on the main floor and saw this black truck slowing down and kind of looking which I thought was looking for a house number.

They stopped and a man got out and walked out of the range of my sight and then shortly thereafter came back with a box and put it in the box of the truck.

They drove off.

I remember for a second thinking “Oh my neighbour must have received a package by mistake and owners came to pick up.”

Which has happened before but no, someone stole her “food box” right in front of my eyes.

I feel really bad as I innocently watched the crime take place.

Please folks keep your eyes out as people are desperate for many reasons.

Food boxes are not cheap and I cannot imagine that the company would replace it.

Be aware of strange vehicles in your neighbourhood.

If you are expecting a delivery and not going to be home, please ask a neighbour that you know and trust to keep an eye out for it.

I wished that I had known.

 

Well it is time to have that cup of coffee and start work.

I hope that you are well and safe.

Be aware.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Living with kindness and respect.

 

As Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I did manage to get some photos deleted from both my phone and computer.

Second Half of the YEAR.

Good Morning,

Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Todd and to our Mom, who is an Angel watching over us all.

Surrounded with family and friends.

Happy Birthday.

 

We had some serious rain last night and I was happy that we had our walks in the morning before work and at lunchtime.

I had planned for us to go this morning but it is wet with lapses of fog.

Yes, fog.

It rolls in and out.

Sun shines.

Then fog.

So I am glad that we stayed at home.

Forecast looks good for noon and after work.

I would like to get back to two walks each day again.

We had been walking twice a day for several weeks before Alvin had some health issues.

Now that we are back to normal, I want to take advantage of that time.

 

I thought it might be interesting as a Canadian to watch and listen to the United States Democratic and Republican Conventions.

Last week I listened to the Democrats and now this week the Republicans.

It has been interesting, I will say that for sure.

There have been some great speeches and some less than stellar ones, in my opinion.

I have only watched one night thus far of the Republican Convention.

 

I wonder why it is that some people find it better to “bad mouth” their opposition instead of outlining their platforms.

Digging up what they deem to be “dirt” so as to injure the chances of the opposition winning.

So?

What will they do differently?

What will they do to make the next four years better than the last four?

What will they change?

How will they make those changes?

After all isn’t government supposed to lead a country!

Some folks just seem to bask in drama, I get that.

But to lead a country, leaders need to lead.

Right?

 

Keeping their personal opinions on the back shelf and doing what is right for the people in their country.

Keeping those opinions out of the media.

But then again perhaps it is all about character.

The people want the best person for the job.

The person that will lead them into the next four years, the future.

The person that will not alienate their country’s neighbours and divide its’ citizens.

 

Politics, politics.

What can one say?

I wish the United States all the best in this upcoming election.

Remember to VOTE.

Voting is what gets you change.

Good Luck.

 

 

Well the fog has rolled in again.

Alvin is resting on his little bed that I made for him in the upstairs office.

Time once again to go and grab that first cup of coffee and get this work day going.

We have training later this morning and then more training this afternoon.

In between I have calls to return and mail to do.

Never a slow moment.

Especially after returning from vacation.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Another hot one on the way.

We just returned from a nice walk.

The air is still a bit cool and refreshing.

Then I opened the door to the house and could feel the difference.

Even with the windows open early on to let in the cool morning air, it has warmed up again.

I have the electric fans on to help combat the hot stuffy temperature.

 

The sun was shining brightly at 6:58 a.m. when we left the house.

The sky is that clear blue.

I am amazed at how green and rich looking the grass has remained.

I was checking out the leaves on the trees.

Each one is different …. just like each one of us.

 

Today is going to be and is already a great day.

I moved my work computer downstairs once again to the kitchen after Alvin had a rough morning.

He threw up twice.

The first time I think he had too much fruit and that was my fault.

The second time …. was a bit later.

More than likely due to the heat.

So downstairs on the main floor with both fans blowing from one end of the house to the other is cooler.

It only takes me a couple of minutes to hook the computer up so easy peasy.

I can bring the equipment and stuff upstairs on Friday after work.

That will work out fine.

 

I will say that after I have been at home with him now since March and then for two weeks vacation, he is even more clingy and demanding.

He used to come into the bathroom when I would have a shower and muss up the bath mats.

Now he stands in the hallway or on the area rug in the bedroom and whines.

He does not like walking onto the laminate floor.

I guess this all comes with age.

So I sing a little song to coax him to come into the bathroom and then to leave.

It seems to work.

Everyone is surprised when I tell them he will be 12 in January 2021.

Looking at him – he has no gray.

He moves with the agility of a puppy.

Oh, my Alvin, my buddy, my pal.

Aging …..

 

Well it is almost time to head back downstairs and pour that cup of coffee.

Get the computer going and start my day.

Lots to do.

 

I hope that you are well.

Be safe.

Be strong.

Be kind.

Be respectful.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Keep cool … if you are living somewhere with high temperatures.

 

Living with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 24th day of December, 2018.

Well here we are on Christmas Eve Day …. about 8:00 a.m.

The party that I held on Saturday night was more of a success than I could ever have imagined.

Only one out of nine did not attend.

 

We were showered with gifts of: bottle of Jacob’s Creek Moscato white wine, treats for Alvin, bouquet of flowers, poinsettia plant, Christmas hat and collar for Mr. Alvin, Christmas cookie for Mr. Alvin,

tin of cookies, bath bombs, and a candle.  I hope that I remembered everything.

One of the girls also brought in addition to a gift – a homemade black bean brownie (which was so yummy).

So sweet of the ladies.

 

One of the girls brought her dog “Sadie.”

They have met before and when Alvin was a little excited (understatement) – Sadie was chill.

Nice of Alvin to have some company.

 

When giving the girls a tour of our house – in the basement – in the family room – just before the door into the furnace room – our socks became wet.

There was a bit of water lying on top of the green foam block by the door.

No where else.

One of the girls who is much taller than me – felt around the vents etc.

We checked everywhere including the ceiling.

Nothing.

Later before the last gal left – we checked and the carpet/rug was dry.

I guess that will be one of those mysteries.

Still dry.

 

We had enough food for 30 so more than enough for 8.

Everyone loved the new “Hot Cheese Dip” that I made.

Which tells me I need to try more new “dishes.”

Sometimes we get in a rut and keep playing the same old tried and true because we are confident in the results.

But life is all about trying new things and this was a good reminder to me.

 

One of the attendees was rear-ended when she was literally less than five minutes from my house.

She called to let me know.

The young man that hit her car had been drinking (not good for him).

She called the police so it ended up being almost one hour before she arrived.

Thankfully not hurt but shaken.

She had just bought her new car a few weeks ago.

It can be fixed.

Thankfully they were not going fast.

 

We did not drink any alcoholic beverages and instead opted for: Steeped Tea’s Winter Sangria Fruit Tea steeped in Ginger Ale (big hit), Steeped Tea’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate,

Steeped Tea’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – both served with your choice of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and whipped cream from can and Vanilla Hazelnut coffee.

Much to my girl’s surprise I had never used or tried the whipped cream from a can.

My Sugar Cookies always a hit.

 

We laughed and chatted all night long.

Stopping briefly to play the “All Things Christmas Game” that I put together with some help from one of the girl’s who had arrived early.

Great idea and I definitely will add to the game.

Went over well.

 

What a great evening.

We decided that we must do this again.

Looks like my house in the spring/summer when we can hit the deck.

Potluck BBQ.

Without the BBQ.

Mmmmmm

 

Everyone had left by about midnight and I was wide awake.

So I decided to watch the season premiere of “TIMELESS.”

It was two hours long …. so sometime after 2:00 a.m. – me and Alvin went to bed.

It was just after 7 a.m. when Alvin first woke up and wanted to go outside.

Then we hit the sofa for a bit more sleep.

I was shocked when we woke up and I checked my watch and it was …. wait for it ……

11:35 a.m.

I haven’t slept that late since I was a teenager or young adult.

Could not believe it.

WOW.

Yesterday was a quiet day.

I was still in my pyjamas upstairs on the computer when there was a knock on the door …. it was Teddy and his Mom.

They came in for a visit and some refreshments.

Then I quickly got dressed as one cannot go for a walk in their pyjamas.

Well I guess one could but why would one – especially in the winter.

Finally after over one week – we had a nice long walk.

YAY.

Yesterday was quiet …. did some laundry and just relaxed.

 

So here we are at Christmas Eve.

Teddy will be staying with us today from 1-6 p.m.

Miss Aspen and Baby Milo (grand-pups) are arriving between 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

(They will stay with us while my daughter & son-in-law go to his family’s for Christmas Eve party).

The kids will return later when we will open gifts and they will sleep over.

Tomorrow will be eating and visiting.

I am also spending time with Humphrey while his Mom is at work and then away.

Cannot forget Cinder, the gecko.

So I am going to the four legged babies.

They will be mainly my company, today.

In between will have a quick visit and cup of coffee with one of my young friends who lives near by.

I will do that early in the afternoon when there is just Teddy and Alvin here.

 

So Christmas.

Here we are.

 

I would like to take this time to Wish each and everyone the most delightful Christmas.

May you be surrounded with love and kindness.

May you laugh and cry with joy.

May you have more than enough food to eat.

May you have all that you need.

Perhaps you will share that joy and food with someone less fortunate than yourself.

Share your stories and your recipes.

Merry Christmas.

 

From us, me and Alvin, Alvin and I ….. Merry Christmas.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Sunday, July 23, 2017 and it is the 18th day until my 60th Birthday.

What makes me happy? joyful?

Simple things, actually.

I love walking with Alvin in the earlier part of the morning before it gets warm (in the summer).

I love reading a good book.

I love sharing a good cup of coffee with my daughter and all my friends.

I love snuggling with me Alvin on the sofa watching a movie.

I love good food, nothing complicated, simple, honest food.

I do love chocolate (try to do in moderation not always successful).

I love to laugh with my sister and my brothers.

I love ALL time spent with my daughter.

I love doing creative projects with my daughter whether jewellery making or something else.

I love good conversation with my super knowledgable son-in-law.

I love sitting on the deck in the summertime gazing up at the stars.

I love the simple things in life.

The smell of a baby.

The smell of the roses that line the pathway to our parks.

The touch of a cool breeze on my face.

Walking through puddles of water and splashing (just like a little one).

The list is a mile long but always simple things.

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good  morning and Welcome to Sunday the 16th day of July, 2017.

Overcast and much cooler this morning (which I love).

Even a rain shower to give the plants, trees and grass some much needed moisture.

Up a bit earlier this morning and changing bedding.

The day for towels and bedding to be laundered.

My daughter is coming for a visit today so I would like to have things done before she arrives.

The coffee is ready as I can smell the aroma wafting up the stairs.

Time for a shower before breakfast and that first cup of coffee.

Feeling really sticky from the humidity.

Well we had a good weekend me and Alvin.

For some reason I felt the need to rearrange and clean the basement so that is what I did yesterday along with some laundry.

Nice to have it refreshed.

Besides it was cooler in the basement for me and Alvin to hang out.

I have a television set down there so had it on for some background noise.

So here we go on another …..

I hope that you are keeping well and keeping cool but not cold.

Joyful and abundance.

All the Best on this Sunday and for all time.

 

Special Hello to:  My Sister ….. have to chat and get our visit schedule figured out ….. excited to have you come for a visit, and the young one and to see the other brother.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the Day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of May, 2016.

Started out to be bright and sunny and now the sky has clouded up.

Perhaps I need to take this opportunity and go with Alvin for a walk.

Most everything I need to do today can be done inside the house so rain will not both me.

Hard to believe once again we are nearing the end of yet another month.

I find time is just flying by.

As I sit here sipping on my coffee and writing my thoughts I can say this, I am so grateful for what I have, where I am and who I am.

To live in this city, in this country is amazing.

We do have our ups and downs but at the end of the day life is amazing here.

Now some people think that this is the land of milk and honey.

In some respects it is.

You can live in peace and you can realize your dreams.

But do not think for one moment that everything is handed to you or me on a silver platter because that is not the case.

We are able to work hard here and make our dreams come true.

My reality is: I live in peace.  I work hard.  Life is good but not easy, easy.  The cost of food and services has gone up a lot over the past couple of years.  So on one income it is a struggle but I/we (me and Alvin) manage to get by. Life is not fancy but we have a house which was my dream, and I make it work.  This year I may not have pots and pots filled with flowers but that is okay.  Some of the perennials that I planted last year are blooming out front, and a good friend gave me some other plants, and they are doing well.  So I am happy with that.  Sometimes you cannot have everything you want.  There are no exotic trips in my near future and no shopping sprees either but that is okay.  Neither are necessities.   I always think as long as I can pay my bills and feed me and Alvin, we are doing okay.  Someday there may be a trip, someday.  I live in peace and I am happy.  To be surrounded by great people is also my reality.  To be alive and breathing is my reality.  To have my companion Alvin is my reality.  To drink this cup of coffee while it is warm is my reality.  To have happy healthy family and friends I hope will always be my reality.

Take a look around you and count your blessings on the things that are truly important.  Life can be lived simply and simple is better.

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have already had a lazy morning and soon it shall be lunchtime.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: my sister who is always looking out for me……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of February, 2016.

One day before Valentine’s Day.

I am going to start this blog by sharing a great little story from yesterday.

Sometimes you have a day that is well not exactly what you had in mind ….. less than perfect.

Perhaps part of it …. began with me going to empty a glass of water into the sink but instead literally tossed it the opposite direction and onto the countertop.

The countertop that help my electric percolator and electric mix stand, and other stuff ……

But as the water travelled in slow motion through the air …. I realized what I had done. 

I never moved so fast ….. where was my brain at that moment …

During the day I struggled to accomplish what I had planned because I had several unexpected interruptions.

Now I did get several things done but not everything ….. oh well …. before I knew it I was on the bus heading home.

As I unlocked the door my friend “S” was just driving by and stopped for a moment to see how things were and to see if I would be making coffee later and I said “of course, I can.”

She had to carry on as someone drove up behind her ….

When I entered the house  Mr. Alvin was happy as ever to see me, and to go outside to relieve himself …. oh what the hay to go “pee” ….. much better word.

I decided to go straight outside and clean up after him ….. and also finished my conversation with the neighbour who had by now parked her car and was going into her house.

The plan was to feed Alvin, have supper and then make us a cup of coffee.

Originally I had planned to finish up canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Fund but it was snowing and blowing pretty hard making it hard to keep paper dry etc.

So another change in plans.

Oh well.

After I had given Mr. Alvin his supper …. I decided to go upstairs and onto the computer to send a FB message to a friend and to my surprise I had a message from another friend.

It read “GO CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.”

I blinked a few thousand times in utter excitement because when this friend says go check your mailbox …. you just know it is going to be GOOD … no I mean,  GREAT.

So I literally RAN down the stairs …. grabbed my boots and coat from the closet, a bag to put the mail in …. grabbed keys …. locked the house on my way out and carefully WALKED fast to the mailbox.

When I opened the mailbox door I saw the RED tag of the key for one of the PARCEL boxes and lots of flyers.

HEAVEN ….. I knew that I had a parcel ….

I threw the flyers and odd piece of mail into the bag…..

Holding my breath I opened the mailbox with the parcel inside ….

There was a huge box with my NAME and ADDRESS printed on it …..

The return address ….. yes it was from my friend “V” in Regina …..

I quickly closed the door and put the key into the letter slot and was on my way home.

I yelped with excitement and decided to stop and see my neighbour “S” ….. she was the one that I had seen just as I was arriving home.

She came to the door …. I was so excited …… quickly explaining that  there would be some good treats inside for sure.

I told her of the chocolate covered biscotti that this friend had sent me a couple of years ago AND said that we would have a treat with our coffee later.

Then she told me “thank you and to be careful walking down the sidewalk and home.”

I abided by her and in a couple of minutes was safely back home.

Parcel in my hot little hands.

OMG …. I do love receiving packages …..

Alvin was not sure what happened to his Momma.

So I grabbed the letter opener and some scissors and ran upstairs as my computer was on and my camera was upstairs as well.

I placed the parcel on my desk …..

THE PARCEL

THIS IS WHAT GREETED ME WHEN I OPENED THE BOX

THERE WERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF BUNS …. CINNAMON ….. CHEESE AND PLAIN AND THIS HUGE WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A COOKIE BUT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BEST BROWNIE EVER MADE.

The Brownie was/is heart-shaped and decorated with perfection.

I was totally overwhelmed ……

How extraordinarily kind, wonderful and thoughtful is my friend “V”.

My day went from being kind of a disappointment in some ways to being so WONDERFUL …. it felt like winning the lottery.

I had this overwhelming feeling that I was so extra special.

Alvin as I mentioned was not certain was had happened but he knew it all smelled great.

The next thing I did after snapping photos was to post my surprise to Facebook, thanking my friend.

Not only did she send all of the sweet treats but she wrote me a special letter, gave me a Valentine’s card, she put in some napkins with pink hearts and forgot to mention …. she had filled the card full of tiny red hearts that flew all over my desk and the floor when I opened the card.

I know that I am babbling and not using proper punctuation and all of that ….. but this is straight from the heart.

This gal knows that she is very blessed to be surrounded by the most wonderful people on the planet.

I do not take any of them for granted.

This morning I want to thank each and every one of my friends for choosing me to be a part of your life.

I know that without your love and support I would just be Carol.

This morning I want to send a special thank you to my friend “V” back in Regina ….

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

You are so kind and thoughtful.

You lightened my dreary day.

You made me scream with delight.

You made me feel special.

You filled my tummy with the most exquisite treat.

You are talented beyond words.

You are the best …..

Thank you.

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

So now I had better get this day going …. I have massive amounts of towels and bedding to launder as now my dryer is fixed thanks to other friends.

On this Saturday morning I am feeling so blessed to be surrounded by good, honest and caring people.

My friend and my family are the most incredible beings and I am so grateful to have them all in my life.

Thank you

 

Special Hello to:  “V” in Regina …… there are no words ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. ….. “V” …. my neighbour loved the brownie, too.

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 2nd day of May, 2015.

What a strange morning it has been weather wise.

When Alvin and I first got up at 5:30 – the sky was overcast, I could see rain clouds lining up.

Then we hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s and got up just after 8:00 to find bright sunshine.

Now it is just a few minutes after 9:00 and the sky is beginning to fill with clouds.

So I must get this show on the road as my plan was to go and vote in the advance polls for our provincial election followed by a little trip to the grocery store.

Oh and it is windy.

We sure seem to have been experiencing more wind the past weeks.

Not sure what is going on there or maybe it is just this gal’s memory playing tricks.

As I sip on a hot cup of coffee or rather a warm cup of coffee as you see I turned off the heat figuring not necessary and it is rather cool in the house.

But we are tough, and it is in the low 60’s (F) in the house so really that is not cold.

After all, Mr. Alvin is wearing his coat and I can always don a sweater to help.

So another busy Saturday and oh how I am loving having Saturdays at home.

Cleaning …… extra walks with Alvin …… doing whatever I chose and whatever needs to be done.

I miss my friends at the store but love having my time at home.

My thoughts are of them and also of the people of Nepal.

One of my co-workers from the office is from Nepal and just so happens she is visiting her family.

They are safe.

I keep them safe in my thoughts.

So on this Saturday think of how lucky we are and if you can lend a helping hand ….

Some people can go to Nepal and help but most of us can only send money or much needed items.

We should always do what we can to help others.

It does not matter where they live whether next door or across the ocean …. we are here to help each other.

I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

Stay warm, keep safe and treat the world with kindness and respect.

Special Hello to: my friend in Nepal and to her family …..

Always, Carol and Alvin