Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 8th day of September, 2018.

The sky appears to be multitude of pinks, greys and blues this morning as the sun begins to rise in the morning sky.

Yesterday was over 26 degrees celsius and we enjoyed it.

Today is forecast to be around 20 degrees celsius and then we have rain with mid teen days.

I hope that all of the farmers out there were able to complete the harvest of all their crops.

Sounds like British Columbia is having rain and rain in their forecast so hopefully the fires will all go out soon.

Today Master Teddy – Alvin’s BFF is coming to spend the day with us.

His Papa is going to the farm and his Momma is working so he will come and keep us company.

Just a great play-date.

He is such a happy little guy and always brings such joy to our house.

Both Alvin and I love to have him here.

Bundle of energy that one.

Alvin has his regular 5 or so week pedicure and check-up so Teddy will accompany us.

 

Oh, I did not have to catch the bus home last night as my daughter picked me up from work.

We went to COSTCO.

COSTCO was busy as usual.

For some reason it took us longer than usual.

After my daughter dropped off me and the groceries and said HI to her little brother.

Alvin of course had his supper.

I put away all of my purchases.

Then went to change out of my work clothes.

After our usual Alvin go round the table or actually under the kitchen table, he was in his harness and we were out the door.

Just Alvin, his water bottle and me.

Poop bags and keys in hand.

It was so beautiful last night.

We thoroughly enjoyed it.

When we arrived near Teddy’s house we saw his Papa outside walking back toward the garage.

Alvin made a dash for him and our friend yelled out in his soft voice “Alvin, hello.”

He invited us into the house.

Teddy ran and jumped up into my arms and gave me a kiss.

He is so darn cute.

I quickly undid Alvin’s leash and he was off – checking every place for food.

Teddy eats a bit here and a bit there so they leave his food out all day.

Not me Alvin.

He eats whatever is out and then looks for more.

We had a nice visit and then off as I needed to get the lawn mowed.

Last night mowed the front and back, trimmed some of the plants in the front flower bed and watered everything as no rain in the forecast until tomorrow.

Well here it is almost time for Teddy to arrive and I need to put on a load of laundry and get that part of the day going.

I hope that you have an amazing Saturday.

Take some time to “stop and smell the roses.”

We actually have roses lining the entrance to our park and I always stop.

It is a reminder to be still and enjoy.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all of my friends all over the world.  Thank you for joining me on this adventure called “life.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of January, 2017.

Another gorgeous plus temperature day in the hood ….. Edmonton.

We have been loving our walks and it is so nice to be able to get out for a leisurely walk with my boy.

I love looking back and checking on temperatures and what was I doing on this day.

So here is the memory for this day in 2012.

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

……………………………………………………………………………

 

Happy Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 ……

On this “cold” winter’s morn …… I hope that you are toasty warm.

I always get such a kick out of my dog Alvin.

We have this morning ritual.

As I have shared before he now thinks that he is a lap dog.

Which is okay by me.

But anyway back to this morning.

Most mornings when I go to pick him up …. he walks around for a few seconds before letting me pick him up.

This morning he stood still waiting for me.

Then once up on my lap.

He takes a few moments to stand in one spot and look around …..

He usually turns almost all the way around before he settles down in my lap.  Looking about the room.

(He especially took a long hard look at the bowl of bananas sitting in the middle of the table.  LOL.  He loves bananas, and has a bit every morning with me.)

But it is how he does it that is so darn cute.

He very gingerly steps one paw at a time … ever so carefully….

I love my Alvin with all of his little quirks … he always puts a smile upon my face.

Like now he is lying on the hall floor and was looking at me …. then he sighs and turns around.

I sure would love to know what he is thinking…..

But it is all of the little rituals, the things that we share …. that makes our relationship special.

The belly rubs at the top of the stairs each night after his supper ….

Playing fetch …. him dragging me along our walk … (not all of the time….)

Always remember it is the little things that make life great ….

I have a great life and I hope that you have a great one, as well.

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice who continues to inspire me on a daily basis,  and I think of her always …..

Always, Carol

………………………………………………..

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice …. my lifelong friend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 26th day of August, 2016.

Yes, Alvin it really is Friday.

I am sure by now most people are wondering if it really is true.

I was so certain that Wednesday was Thursday so added an extra day to my week.

Maybe not physically but mentally.

After all it is the mental condition that drives everything.

How you feel, if you can feel, what to do or not to do, to be or not to be.

Yes, of course physicality plays a role but the old adage “mind over matter,” holds true forever.

Until we evolve into something totally different it will always be mental over physical.

It is the way that people get through horrible physical tragedy.

Okay perhaps this is getting just a tad serious and it started out just talking about it being Friday.

Man, can I ever stray from the path.

I am always happy for the weekends but not because I do not like my job but because I get to spend more time with Alvin.

He is my sunshine for sure.

Not to leave out my amazing daughter or my great son-in-law or my grand-puppy Elton they are my never ending rainbow.

Speaking of rainbows last night when we were out for a walk we bumped into a lady walking with her dog.

We found out in about ten seconds his name was Noah and he was cute.

An older boy ….. the boys got along ….. Alvin and Noah…..there were a few barks ….. lots of sniffing.

The lady was smitten with Alvin.

She thought he was the cutest …… so I made sure that I gave Noah lots of compliments, fair is fair.

Well we continued to chat and walk.

We ended up walking in the rain …. just a nice rain not downpour.

A rainbow came out.

We both remarked.

After we parted ways and on our direct path to our house we saw the beginning and ending of the rainbow it was crystal clear.

The first one that I have seen all summer that I saw the start and end.

So beautiful..

Oh, I hear the geese honking away.

Well Mr. Alvin needs to go outside and I need to grab my Quinoa salad that I made for our office potluck.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of April, 2016.

YAY, it is Friday morning and the weekend has arrived.

They are forecasting plus 20 degrees here in Edmonton today.

CRAZY for this time of year.

 

Yesterday Elton spent the day with Alvin.

After work I had the pleasure of going for a walk with both my boys.

It was great and something that I have not done for a long time.

I do walk with Alvin every night but Elton not for some time.

It was so nice.

They are different peas those two.

Elton is the distinguished older gentleman who can kick up his heels when he chooses.

Alvin on the other hand is the impatient cute middle aged one.

I loved having Elton here.

Good for me Alvin, as well.

Elton has this little trot when he walks.

He was running and so happy last night ….

Just like the old days …..

We had a great night and then as we were heading home we saw the Momma and Poppa coming down the sidewalk to meet us.

The kids were happy to see Elton and of course me and Alvin.

Beautiful night.

 

The tea order arrived and I had it sorted before supper.

I baked a cake for Saturday’s tea party.

Life is good.

Things are in order ……

Alvin gets a hair cut tonight after work so that should be fun.

I want him to look his best at the party tomorrow night.

 

Well looks like time to leave for work.

One more thing to share.

We had some extra time earlier this morning as Alvin decided to get up ultra early so we hit the sofa.

I must have fell right asleep as I started to dream.

I dreamt of my old co-workers mostly especially “G” and “L”  …. most the whole department was there.

When the timer went off on the microwave I literally jumped off the sofa ……

It was a great dream.

I was slim, trim and even had on a pencil skirt and heels.

Not my work attire these days.

 

Anyway time to fly.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to: my co-workers back in Regina ….. miss you guys.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 18th day of August, 2015.

Wow, it was raining overnight ….. deck still wet.

I thought that I heard the pitter patter of raindrops through the night.

Now the sky is beginning to clear and soon the sun shall be shining.

YAY …. beautiful day here in Edmonton.

Last night Alvin and I went for our walk earlier than our usual after supper/between bedtime.

It was so nice …. not hot and it was quiet.

I would suspect that most people were either on their way home from work or eating supper.

He sniffed along the way as he does.

He is so cute …. my puppy dog.

Tonight my group leader is coming over to assist me with my submitting my first order.

How exciting …. Steeped Tea here I come.

It seems like every few months I decide to change things up or sometimes life just changes things.

I guess change is good ….. sometimes perhaps a bit tiring ….. we find that as we get older.

Somedays you just want to roll out of bed as you naturally wake up ….

Maybe take a stroll in the morning about 7:00 a.m. …..

Maybe after lunch … say mid afternoon ….. curl up on the sofa for a nap.

Well I keep telling myself change is good ….. it keeps me learning …. keeps me going.

Going where …. sometimes not so sure …. but that is okay.

Well almost time to hit the trail to the bus ….. the trail is lined with sidewalk and roses …. how blessed am I.

I hope that you have an amazing Tuesday and wherever life finds and take you that you enjoy it.

Our lives are usually much too short so hop on the change bus and go.

We can do it together.

We gather strength and energy from each other.

Today I give you mine ….. just in case you are feeling a bit low on strength and energy.

Take care.

Special Hello to: all those folks who find something new each day to learn and gather strength and energy from …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of August, 2015.

Wow, one glorious week of August ending and plus three to go.

The sun is shining here in Edmonton.

It was dark when I got out of bed this morning with the pups.

Elton, Penny and Mr. Alvin.

We had a great Thursday evening ….

Elton and Penny were so excited to go for a walk and Mr. Alvin hid under the table.

So I took Elton and Penny for a walk …. our regular route.

It was such a glorious walk.

As we left the house no noise then suddenly when we were out of view of the window I hear this forlorn howl (sounded like a wolf) and I thought was that Alvin.

Yup, that was Alvin……

Poor little guy.

Part of me wanted to go back and fetch him but the other part said two is enough ….. three is hard to wrangle.

Especially when they start “pooping.”

So I felt like a rotten Momma ……

By the time we got home he was “happy” to see us.

It was so nice out that I mowed our grass, front and back, both neighbours on either side of me, watered flowers and plants, for all of us and did some weeding.

By the time I was done it was almost 9:30 …..

Mr. Alvin had had some exercise by running and jumping on the deck.

His second favourite thing to do other than eating.

He is so cute.

He runs as fast as he can …. jumps from the bottom to the top step (three) on the upper deck….does this little hop and then does it all over again.

He always makes me laugh when I watch him.

Then he is tuckered out.

After all of that we came into the house – I made myself a cup of tea and watched a show that I had previously recorded.

Then to bed.

No drama.

Usually there is drama.

Everyone settled in and I read for a few minutes before going to sleep.

YAY …. Grandma ……

The sky is beginning to cloud over.

I have errands to run so will have to leave the pups alone but they will be just fine.

On my way there is a walkway that is always filled with garbage …. I cannot believe people.

Just throwing away empty drink containers ….. fast food bags ….. and more.

So I will grab my little disposable gloves and a garbage bag and clean it up on my way through to my shopping places.

Seems like I am always picking up garbage.

Sure wished people would think before tossing.

Oh well ….. it will be some extra exercise for me which I need.

Maybe it will help with my “spare tire” …….

Certainly cannot hurt.

Well I guess Grandma better get this show on the road.

Slept a bit later than planned but guess I needed it.

Have an awesome Friday.

Play safe and be happy.

Special Hello to: my daughter and sister who are two of my most favourite women ….. they are kind and good.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 9th day of July, 2015.

It is another glorious morning here in Edmonton.

Me and Alvin hit the pavement/grass for a wonderful walk this morning.

Oh, it felt so great.

I think we should rework our morning routine and walk.

One man was about, and was wearing a down-filled jacket …. oh, that must have been warm.

I feel energized.

Mr. Alvin is napping…..

With the heat of the past few days a morning walk is perfect.

I love walking behind Mr. Alvin as he sniffs about ….

My favourite place to walk is by the lake….

So he had his nose into the grass as he walked about.

Walking behind him and watching his little wiggle made me smile.

Oh, he is so darn cute …… I love me Alvin.

I cannot think of a more perfect way to begin the day than to be out walking with me Alvin.

I love saying “me Alvin” …… it sounds musical to me.

Well it is almost time for me to leave for work……

Always fun trying to figure out what to wear on these hot days.

The office is generally cool/cold and then sweltering on the bus ride home.

Oh well ….. I am grateful to have air conditioning at work and grateful to have a ride home where I have air conditioning.

Tonight some friends are coming for iced tea ….. I am trying to replicate that drink from our tea party.

Wish me luck.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Remember to hydrate on these hot summer days.

Drink lots of water …….

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of June, 2015.

How glorious has this weekend been?  ….. VERY.

Started out with a vacation day on Friday.

Spent the day fixing and making the outside look beautiful for Saturday as well as the inside of the house.

I also did some more baking.

Saturday, I held my very first “Steeped Tea Party” and it was a huge success.

Mr. Alvin was very excited about all of the company, the ladies, to say the very least.

He even had my friend’s puppy “Sadie” over to play …..

He definitely likes to be the centre of attention that is for sure.

At one point I saw this long red thing hanging out of his mouth followed by the roar of the ladies, only to find he had been smelling about, and found this piece of liquorice in a purse.

I will admit he looked so cute and so guilty with this liquorice hanging out of his mouth.

He managed to eat a small piece before I got it away from him.

His first and last liquorice.

Needless to say his Momma apologized to our guest.

We learned lots and had a great time.

I give my thanks and gratitude to all those ladies for their orders and attendance, it was off the charts.

I love this tea …… so much to learn about steeping tea and have learned that it is truly an art.

So looking forward to learning more ……

I knew some about the wellness properties of green tea but there is so much more.

After the tea party was over and the last of the guests departed my daughter and I headed out for the Shopper’s Gala.

That was fun, too.

More treats, free things and some shopping.

Quick trip to the grocery store and then home.

Once home it was clean up from the party followed by a walk with Alvin.

Good thing because it rained for awhile.

We had such a great day and I am so tired …. slept very late today.

Not tired ….. really.

Well I guess I better get this day going ……

It is going to be a quiet one and deciding what to get for free stuff from my party.

I love free stuff.

YAY …….

I encourage everyone to try tea so good for us.

There are even some blends that will help with having dessert after supper.

I have always been a dessert person ….. I have a serious sweet tooth.

So this will help.

I hope that you all have an awesome Sunday.

Filled with love and laughter.

I will have that memory of Mr. Alvin looking guilty and pleased all at the same time … with that long piece of liquorice hanging out of his mouth …… the laughter, too.  Great moment frozen in time.

Oh my boy ….. he should be in the movies ….. he is quite the star.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who drink and enjoy tea …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 4th day of May, 2015.

It is raining at this moment …. or at least it was ….. we could use the moisture so that is good.

Mr. Alvin and his chewy bone are like a pair.

After I voted on Saturday I stopped by our local “Bone & Biscuit” store and picked up a couple of treats for Alvin.

When I got home I gave him the first one.

It was pretty big.

He carried it around the house hiding it along the way.

Alvin likes to him them for a long while before actually eating them.

That first one last well into the night on Saturday.

Yesterday when our company arrived I decided to give him the second and last one that I had bought.

He is still hiding it.

He brings it to bed ….. hides it behind the decorator pillows until I removed the pillows from the bed.

Then he hid it at the foot of the bed …. not really hiding it …. as it was in plain sight.

Then this morning he brought it downstairs …..

After he ate he wanted to take it outside.

Then he brought it back in and when he sat on my lap it came to the table.

He dropped it on the table before snuggling onto my lap.

Then I went to the bathroom …..

He always wants to come in …. in came the treat.

Alvin pushed it behind the bathroom vanity.

When we left the bathroom, I had to get it out as he just stood there and gave a little bark.

It was too tight of a space for him to get back into …..

After breakfast he brought it back upstairs and hid it in the bathroom where I was putting on makeup.

It remains there for the moment as he is stretched out on the carpet in front of the office.

He is so darn cute.

He has hid his chewy behind the cushions on the sofa, on the chair, on the mat by the back door, in the corner by the back door, downstairs in the family room …. anywhere really.

I just wanted to share my morning thus far.

Well almost time to leave as I am on Aussie patrol ….. have to go and look after one of my neighbour’s cat.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Happy Monday everyone.

Special Hello to: anyone that has a dog or cat or any companion …. they always make us smile.  I am smiling now.