The Next Chapter

Good Morning! How are you this Monday morning? Yes, it is Monday already. Don’t you think that the weekends go far too quickly? I had a fairly good sleep but woke up around 4:00 and then dozed off and on until the alarm went off.

Yesterday a flock of medium sized birds of which I did not recognize flew into my tree. There must have been well over one hundred of them. They dangled and say for a moment while I struggled to take a photo or video. By the time I was ready most of them had flown away and to a neighbouring tree (I did get a short video there). It was like a beautifully orchestrated dance. Safe to say that spring is here. Oh, I hope so.

I had been thinking of reading up on the external hard drive and finishing off my taxes but after spending most of Saturday on the computer, I thought “no.” Instead I cleaned. The upstairs. Cleaned the bathrooms. Washed the cabinets, the sinks, the toilets, went through the cabinets (spring clean) and vacuumed. I vacuumed the stairs and the main floor. Just did some cleaning which is good for the soul.

Oh and big news. I had decided to bake a banana pumpkin loaf. Likely should have turned the oven on first to preheat but instead I put together the loaf and then turned on the oven. It did not warm up. I reached out to my neighbour but she did not get back to me and found out a bit later that they had gone out. By that time, I had googled two things. How long can you keep batter in the fridge and can you use the microwave to bake this type of loaf. Surprisingly enough positive searches for both. I ended up popping it into the microwave and after about 12 minutes off and on, it was done. Knife came out without batter. I let it sit for a minute before taking the knife and going around the outside edges to loosen it before turning it over onto a tray to cool. A little while later, I gave it a slice. Voile, it was cooked. Then to taste, well not the same consistency as baking in the oven but it was done and edible. So in case your oven stops working – you can use the microwave and not waste the batter. I had taken chicken out of the freezer so had to pan fry it. Not my favourite way of cooking chicken that is for sure but it works. Now I am oven less until I am able to get it fixed. I think it is the heating element, I had it replaced several years ago. Hopefully that is all.

Time to head downstairs. Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Tuesday, December 7 and we are “17” sleeps until Christmas Eve. WOW. I missed the boat doing the daily countdown. I would imagine most of you do not need me to tell you how many sleeps it is until Christmas, lol. For sure not. How are you today? I clicked on the SNOOZE twice this morning. Last night was like a Sunday night and I tossed and turned and turned and tossed and then Alvin was up and it was 3:00 a.m. Downstairs we climbed. He had a glucosamine chew and outside to pee. Then back to the sofa for some more sleep. Pretty much right away into a deep sleep. It was about 4:30 when Alvin woke up and wanted his breakfast but I coaxed him back into the sofa and we then slept until almost 5:30. He ate and went outside. Then back to the sofa. I know that I was dreaming but I have absolutely zero recollection on what. I had good feelings when I woke up and wanted to continue to be in that place. But where was it? Do you ever wake up and want to go back to wherever the dream place was? This was the first in a while but I felt so good there, in that place, so relaxed and joyful. I will try and keep in that zone for every minute of this day. When I find myself going to the “dark side” – I will simply close my eyes and feel GREAT.

I sure hope that the temperatures are warmer this week so that Mr. Alvin and I can get out for a walk or three. We haven’t been out since last week. I think that he misses them for sure. My trusty companion is laying on his belly on the hallway floor. He is so darn cute. I noticed that usually once a day he grabs one of his toys and tosses it around and then carries it either to a resting spot on the sofa or onto his dog bed. What a guy! Sometimes I wished that I had been able to have a companion for him. In hindsight, it is always 20/20. I guess I just have to try to be a better companion for him. Play more. I am a good snuggler but playing hasn’t always been my thing. But for his sake – it needs to be. Now that being said if I am in the same room when Alvin grabs his toy, I do play tug with him and then toss the toy if he will give it up. So I guess I do play. Just have to play more. Likely good for me, too. Right. We all need to take life a little bit less serious. I know that I am way too serious. How about in the next 17 days – we have fun. Each day. Laugh more. Toss that doggie toy about. Do some funny dancing. Maybe I could dance with Alvin. We used to dance. Dancing was me holding him in my arms with his head at my shoulder and swaying to the music and there were some good steps in there, too. But he is a solid 30 pounds so makes it a bit more difficult. But I need to bring my core back. Just like in the summer when he had his surgery and I had to carry him outside and everywhere and then carefully bend over and place him on the ground. I found my core but over the last month or so, it has been misplaced. So I am on the hunt to bring my core back. Oh, that CORE!

Well it is time to get back downstairs. Work is calling in a bit and I have to put on the coffee pot. I can smell that STARBUCKS Christmas blend calling my name. It is so yummy. My favourite blend of all time.

Have a wonderful Tuesday! Remember to LAUGH and if you have lost your core, start looking for it.

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. my lips are chapped and I used Burt’s Bees Lip Balm everyday. How can that be?

AND I iced 18 dozen sugar cookies yesterday and wrapped some Christmas presents. Alvin was sniffing around under the tree looking for something for open. Will have to watch the boy.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and today would be Wednesday, the 27th day of November, 2019.

Yes, it is.

Can you believe it?

Less than one month till Christmas.

I love this time of year.

Yesterday one of my coworkers gave me a fancy outdoor light bulb that dances in multiple colours.

She had changed her outdoor light fixture; it no longer fit and was new last year.

There is no other way to describe it.

Photos, I took photos.

Just a minute.

There be a party going on at my door.

I didn’t have my tree on the porch lit up at the time so it would be even more colourful.

Love this bulb.

What a great invention.

I cannot help but to look over and over at the photos.

Alvin wasn’t quite sure what to think.

After I changed the bulb and had gone back into the house.

I turned on the light and opened the door.

Alvin slowly walked to the doorway but not all the way.

I think that dogs cannot distinguish colour but he would have seen the movement.

Likely wasn’t certain what to think.

He knew I was happy, though.

Sometimes it is the smallest things in life that can make you feel so good.

 

Tonight after work my daughter is driving me home.

I love when she brings me home.

We catch up in the 30-45 minute drive.

So much fun and I love chatting with my girl.

She is the best daughter ever.

Sorry, folks.

She just is.

 

Well we did not make it out for a walk last night.

It just felt too cold and I had a chill.

Hopefully tonight will be a bit warmer.

I know it will only get colder.

There was some ice mixed in with the snow.

It was icy when I was leaving the office.

 

Well I suppose it is almost time to go back downstairs.

Grab my lunch.

Go outside and do the poop pickup.

Not that I particularly like poop or anything like that but I do like the word.

For some reason it does not bring to mine horrid stuff.

Anyway …. that is how I feel.

 

I hope that you are having a good day thus far.

Wishing you all the best for this day and always, of course.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my post.

So grateful for you.

 

Spread kindness and respect and the world will be a better place.

 

Always, Carol & Al

 

P.S.  did I say that we had some …. yes, we sure do.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Beautiful Sunday morning.

Alvin and I were up early and just came back from a walk.

As we walked around the ponds in the park, I for a moment closed my eyes.

I could feel the cool breeze lightly dancing on my face.

I could hear the boom of the water from the fountain as it rushed up and then down.

I could hear the chirping of birds as they enjoyed the early morning.

I could smell the roses ….. the fragrance from heaven.

What a glorious walk.

Made me dream of walks like this everyday.

 

It wasn’t until we were away from the water that I noticed in the field (houses back onto) in the park …. a bunch of birds were flying about.

As I looked more closely I saw this big bag of garbage in the field.

A small flock of sea gulls, crows and magpies were ripping through the bag scattering garbage all over the field.

What a nice sight for those folks to awake to.

As we walked around on the sidewalk I noticed some garbage outside of that area …. a smaller bag …. so I grabbed a poop bag and squeezed it in..

ARGH.

From beauty to not.

All within a few moments.

As we keeping motoring on …. water bottle, garbage and Alvin, in tow.

I noticed as we came out of the park – another garbage bag ripped open littering the street.

Not sure why folks would put their trash out several days before the garbagemen arrive.

OH well.

I did pick up what I could …..

I did my small part.

 

On a lighter note.

These photos tell the story.

Alvin had his supper before these photos up insisted upon having some veg.

So I gave him this big head of broccoli.

He was sitting at the back door looking at me with the broccoli in his mouth.

By the time I could grab my phone/camera ….. these were the best shots I could get.

I only wished that you could have seen him at first …. looked like a green soother in his mouth.

That is my boy …..  silly.

 

My grand pups did not spend the afternoon/evening with us after all.

Their parents thought less stress for Miss Aspen to stay at home.

She needs to have GRAVOL to travel.

Poor girl.

Alvin does not love car rides either.

I get it.

We did have an unexpected visit from the kids after the ceremony.

The ceremony was held close by at the DEVONIAN GARDENS.

Teddy did join us for the day.

We had fun.

We had a walk just after he arrived before the heat of the day set in.

Quiet evening…..

Watched a movie.

 

Well the girls are coming for coffee this morning.

We had better have breakfast here …. I got sidetracked putting away some things in my office.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Looks like another hot one on the way.

 

Remember KINDNESS and RESPECT make for better todays and tomorrows.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of February 2019.

Well back to work.

Have to leave Mr. Alvin alone now after four days at home with him.

I always love our time together.

The weather remains cold but now it is snowing.

I would like to make a correction to the name of one of the movies that I noted on my post yesterday.

It was The Incredibles 2 not The Invincibles 2.

When I realized that I had posted the wrong name, I felt very silly.

Not the end of the world, of course.

But still felt silly.

Correction done.

 

How are you doing today?

Feeling great and full of energy.

Ready to take on your world.

Ready to be the best YOU ever!

I hope that you have the most awesome Monday in recorded history.

 

Did you watch the Grammys last night?

I think that Alicia Keys did great.

Man, can she play the piano and sing!

Love, loved, loved Dolly Parton.

Great singer and song writer.

Probably one of the best song writers ever.

She has written so many of the greatest songs recorded.

Diana Ross, 75, are you kidding me?

She looks incredible …. and that dress.

Love her music.

MOTOWN, some of the best music ever.

I really enjoyed Lady Gaga singing Shallow from A Star is Born.

Can you imagine if Bradley Cooper was singing with her?

Off the charts, for sure.

I only watch until I heard all of the above so that was just after 8:30 p.m., I think.

 

Well “here we go again.”

I have had that song in my head and singing all morning.

Not sure if Alvin really appreciates my gift??? or not???

 

Wishing you a fantastic Monday filled with kindness, respect and always laughter.

We have to have laughter.

Always, a giggle or three.

 

Special Hello to: My Daughter, My Sister and My Dear Friend – thank you ladies, you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 31st day of December, 2017.

Happy New Year’s EVE Day.

The sky is a pale blue with hues of pale orange on the horizon.

Here we are again on the very last day of a year, this one being 2017.

Hopefully the last day of this deep freeze before heading into milder temperatures.

I have been reading over my blogs from previous years.

The blog from this day last year and from 2015.

It is funny how days can be so different from one year to the next.

Last year on December 31st Alvin went to his sisters for a sleepover and the year before we awoke to fire sirens (two doors down).

With my blog I try not to plan too  much ahead and just see where my thoughts and fingers guide me.

Today my mind is all over the place.

I am listening to the music that I put on my iPOD yesterday via the awesome setup that my kids gave me for Christmas.

I transferred “37” songs from iTUNES …. my favourites.

They range from Adele to Elvis, One Direction to Journey, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond to PINK.

Pharrell to Tina, Elton to Ed and Lady Gaga to Steppenwolf and Blue Suede.

I love listening to music.

Note to self:  I think I will listen to more music in 2018 and DANCE more.

Last night after I transferred this tunes to the iPOD I spent a long time just singing and grooving (dancing) to the music with Alvin looking on.

He likely figured that I had lost my mind OR worse was going to pick him up and make him dance with me.

 

This was the second Christmas that we participated in all gifts home made or reused from things that we had around the house.

I made out like a bandit.

My daughter made me two huge bulletin boards, they gave me the iPOD player with great speakers (awesome sound) and an ADVENT calendar that reminds me of the one on NATIONAL LAMPOON’s  

CHRISTMAS VACATION and it even plays music.

The only ones that were not a part of this were the pups.

My grand-pups did not listen and got me a lovely WHISK (which their Grandma needed).

How can you be a cook or baker with no whisk.

Not sure how it happened.

I used to have a couple of them.

The family arrived on Christmas EVE night and stayed until Boxing Day.

It was a glorious couple of days.

We ate, played games and ate more.

Always wonderful to be surrounded by your loved ones.

 

As this year winds to an end, I am reminded by all of the great times that we saw in 2017.

January saw another new SPRING/SUMMER CATALOGUE for STEEPED TEA.

I remain a consultant although not quite as active as previous years.

I do enjoy the tea and the other products as do several of my co-workers and friends.

February saw us, me and Alvin become debt free.

No consumer debt.

I guess mortgages are not considered to be debt as I still have one of those.

Alvin and I continue to walk as much as possible although the latter part of this year did slow us down a bit.

I write as much as possible.

 

Likely the best part of this year was the time surrounding my 60th Birthday.

My friend “V” from back in Regina sent me a BIRTHDAY PARCEL to end all BIRTHDAY PARCELS ….

Everything from jewellery to a deep dish apple pie.

I am so lucky.

I was so blessed to have my sister come for a whole TEN DAY visit.

On my actual birthday my daughter, sister and I went to FORT EDMONTON PARK and partook in HIGH TEA.

We spent the day walking around taking in the sights.

We went on the rides …. the swings and the carousel.

My youngest brother came for FOUR DAYS and part of it was spent with our other brother at his home in rural Alberta.

While visiting our brother in the country we visited with another nephew and his family.

We also visited with our nephew “J” ….. who continues to heal.

I commissioned one of my co-workers to bake my 60th Birthday cake, a carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

I can still taste it.  OMG it was heavenly.

My eldest nephew and family also surprised us with a visit.

Friends that moved to Quebec came for a visit.

So many wonderful surprises.

I am so grateful for all of the gifts, birthday wishes and visits this year.

I still cannot believe that I am 60 years old.

 

The year just seemed to come and go.

We were lucky to be in good health and to be surrounded by great friends and family.

Both CANADA and I celebrated milestone birthdays.

Happy 150th Birthday to our beloved country.

 

One of our neighbours across the street and down a couple of houses had a fire.

That happened at the end of June and it is December and they are still not back in their home.

It was a duplex so affected two households.

Reminder to be careful and aware.

 

I wrote the next couple of paragraphs last New Year’s Eve and it seems to be fitting to be used once again.  I feel the same way.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2018 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2018.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

PHOTOS from 2017

April 2017

 

EDMONTON ZOO (May) – our office went for a visit and barbecue.  My daughter was my date.

June 2017 – Alvin and Carol’s GREAT ADVENTURE.

 

 

JULY 2017 – Flowers and YARD

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2017 – garden project

HALLOWEEN 2017

FALL TREAT PARCEL from our Friend “V”

THE CAKE marking the BIG 60.

CHRISTMAS Decorations of 2017

Some of the baking …. the infamous SUGAR COOKIES

Aspen and Milo my beautiful grand pups.

Cutest photo of 2017.

Well it would seem like I could write and gather photos until the cows come home.

So I had better stop now.

If I missed mentioning you, please know this, you are in my heart and soul for all time.

I wish you and your family the most glorious 2018.

Remember to laugh and have fun.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who participated in my 2017, I am most grateful to each and every one of you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of September, 2017.

Up later this morning due to part to being “pooped” and Alvin up earlier.

Somedays you just need to stay in bed a little longer than others.

I know they always say to keep your weekday bedtime/rising routine the same on the weekends but honestly that is a little difficult.

So we have been up for a while now …… did a few chores …… made coffee for me and the neighbour and her new room-mate her University bound cousin.

Lots to do ….. you know laundry ….. cleaning ….. laundry ….. more cleaning and throw in a few walks and some television and you have a weekend.

Oh and submitting a tea order (always a good thing to do).

Also reorganizing the garage with my neighbour as she had been storing some items with me since her Dad moved and downsized.

They will do hers today and take his items that he is keeping out of mine.

That will be tomorrow …. likely.

This morning Alvin and I had a dance to a song from SHREK ….. I can hear the words “It was you that I have loved all along” ….. cannot remember the title of the song.

Poor Alvin …. wants to enjoy it but at the end of the day ….. he is not much for dancing with his Momma or likely anyone ….. unless it is on the ground …. then perhaps.

There was rain in the forecast and about 4:00 a.m. this morning we got about 569 drops …. I counted them on the deck.

The air was cool and feels like it is warming up …..

Oh, I need a shower ….. feeling warm…….

I hope that you have a great Saturday ….. maybe have a giggle or three …..

 

Special Hello to:  my friends “V” and “J” back in Regina …… two of the best ladies on the planet.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 25th day of August, 2017.

Today is / was my Mom’s Birthday and she would have been 79.

Happy Birthday Mom and I hope that you are laughing with all of our Angels.

 

Okay so thought at this very minute is BANGS.

I envy those ladies who have the patience and have all their hair the same length.

I have always had bangs as you can see from my front page.

I do love bangs but when mine have a mind all their own.

The rest of my hair looks great but my bangs this morning were doing a little jig on their own.

One hair up and another one down all along the way.

So after trying a few things – decided to just wet my bangs and blow them dry.

It worked but took precious time.

Now it is time to go …..

 

I hope that you are having an excellent hair day.

Funny how a few little pieces of hair can disrupt your morning.

I am happy now that they look more normal.

They did have a little dance to start the day and who can argue with that.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello: to all those people who got up this morning and looked at their hair and said “dancing again” ……..

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday June 22, 2017 and it is the 49 day until my 60th Birthday.

The list continues:

24.   My kelly green cardigan

23.   Walking barefoot in lush green grass

22.   Walking barefoot in warm soft sand at the ocean

21.   Smell of babies

20.   Being in my very own house/home

19.   Picking berries the summer of 1971 with my Sister and my Mom

18.   Learning to how dance with my Grandma Stella

17.    Walking down the back way to the Sherwood Village Mall with my daughter on our way to have lunch on my Fridays off from work.

16.   Memories of adventures / sleepovers with the little ones

15.  Memories of playing cards with my Grandpa Jim.

14.   My Grandma Stella’s homemade jelly rolls, cookies …. anything she baked.

13.   My Mom’s homemade fudge

12.   Coffee dates with girl friends

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of February, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my niece “M” who turns 19 today …..

 

Wow, here we are I sat down at the computer about 15 minutes ago and am just writing my blog now.

Guess where I was …..

FB …..

I had to send a quick message to my daughter and then was drawn in by a couple of music videos.

It got me to thinking.

Earlier, this morning while getting ready I picked up Mr. Alvin from the bed where he was sitting and danced to one of my new favourites of Adele’s …. “When We Were Young” …. love it.

He was nervous …. I guess because I did it without warning …..

I love dancing with him …. although as of late it is becoming an upper body workout hanging onto him ….. “oh, that dreaded winter weight.”

Anyway, I digress ….

I believe that the world would be a better place if instead we settled things with singing competitions.

Music, I believe can soothe the savage beast and in this case I mean “MAN … not men “HUMANS.”

Something to ponder …. consider ….

 

With it now being time to go downstairs and get the boots, coat, scarf, mitts …. oh and grab the lunch …. and LEAVE FOR WORK.

I hope that you will stop what you are doing … take a few minutes and listen to some MUSIC.

Listen to something new ….. a new song …. a new artist …. a new genre …..

 

Happy Thursday ….. music …. birthday ….. and PAYDAY.  What a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my niece …. Alvin and I wish you a wonderful day.

Always, Carol and Alvin