Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! Can you believe that today is November 6, 2022 already. Yikes. It has been a snowy snowy November thus far. Colder, too. Our clocks were turned back last night at 2:00 a.m. which has already played havoc with our minds and bodies. I will admit that I am happy that the time goes back as it gives us one more hour in bed and when it is a reasonable time in the morning – we can see outside without the aid of a flashlight. It was snowing earlier when we got up. In fact, we went to bed at our usual time last night as the Momma was tired after a full day of decorating the house in all of our Christmas attire and the much later than usual Friday night. Mr. Alvin was awake and had to go outside at 1:30 a.m. The one thing about winter and senior dogs. You cannot just open the door and let them go out or at least I do not like to, so it means grabbing my winter coat, boots and mitts before heading out and if it is dark outside, I need my phone and with help from SIRI, the use of the phone flashlight. It is a whole deal but I gladly do it, as I do not wish my boy to slip and fall.

With all this snow and all of the shovelling so far, I am thinking it is going to be one of those winters where the snow banks are taller than me me. My computer brought up photos of a winter since I moved to Edmonton where the snow banks were taller than me. Who really wants that memory jog? But it is history and I thought it was important for whatever reason, lol, to take the photo, so I will not delete it.

Mr. Alvin is finally pooping on the deck in the snow. Easier for me to clean up and less likely someone will get injured jumping off the deck into the snow. I am going to shovel some of the excess snow off the deck onto the grass area so he will not jump off. There is quite a lot down there now.

My friends Gillian and Signe are coming for coffee and a visit this morning. I need to get outside and shovel the sidewalks. A couple neighbours have already been out. I have been shovelling every day. But it is good for the arms and good cardio.

I will post photos of Christmas decorations once I have taken a few more. I am almost done my shopping. As per usual, I am supporting small business and direct sales. That is the way to go. Helping where I am able. I do have to get some photos printed of our “family photo from summer” to pop into the Christmas cards. This year I am cutting back on the cards that I give to people that live near to me. There are a few that look forward to the card and photo so I will continue hand delivering those. I hope that stamps stay at the same price. Then baking. The big question. Everyone has been asking me. Are you doing your baking this year? What are you baking? That has not been yet decided. I will for sure do some but whether I give boxes of treats to 50 different families, not sure. I will do my best. I do know that everyone appreciates the treats.

Time to head downstairs. Get that walk shovelled. Put on the coffee and be ready for company.

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

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we got to bed on time and the lights were out before 10:00 p.m. but Mr. Alvin was up and needed to go outside at 1:13 a.m., so out we went. The air was much colder and the grass and deck covered in frost. I am thinking that I will need to start wearing a long jacket / coat when I go outside in the late night, early morning hours as I could feel the cold through my pj’s. Once back inside the house, we “hit” the sofa for some more zzz’s. Alvin woke up close to the alarm time so I coaxed him back to the sofa until 5:30. Yes, we have been up and at it since 5:30 a.m. I do not feel the fogginess that I was feeling yesterday when I was attempting to write this post. Thank goodness for that. I am grateful that we are still able to work from home two days each week but I miss being home all the work week. I can only imagine how much I will miss it once the temperature dips much lower and there is snow on the ground. Wishing that we were able to work from home the majority of the time especially over winter.

We had a good weekend overall. Yesterday was quiet for both of us. We had a nice long walk in the afternoon. On our way to the park we saw a neighbour and friend that we had not seen in an especially long time. So we stopped and chatted catching up on all our news. Then we were on our way once again. We walked over to Pauline’s and when we did not see her outside; we turned around and headed for home. Barely turned turned around, I heard a familiar voice “Well hello there, Carol & Alvin.” Both Alvin and I perked up, turned around and headed for Pauline’s gate. She had been looking out the window as her grand cat “Molly” was outside on a leash enjoying some fresh air and she was checking on her. We stepped inside the gate but I kept Alvin on his leash as Molly is not quite used to pups. Alvin really wanted to go and say hi but he remained on the leash. We had a great chat. I always enjoy our chats and her wisdom. She always gives me a clear perspective on things helping me to see the direction I need to take, if I need direction. We did not stay too long as she was having company for an early supper and we needed to get home as it was starting to rain. All the way home there was a light rain. When we returned home, I grabbed a towel and made certain that Alvin was completely dry.

Some mornings I think that I should make and have some coffee before I leave for work. Now we have “free” coffee at work but there is nothing like my perked coffee. But with the soaring price of coffee, that thought will remain tucked away in my memory banks for another time like the weekends.

Still dark outside. The daylight is becoming less and less as we approach the shortest day of the year which is around December 21st. I am starting to formulate the plan for Christmas decorations and gifts and of course, baking. Keeping it more simple than last year.

Well time to head downstairs and ensure that Mr. Alvin goes outside for one last pee before I leave for work and make those final preparations. Put up the “baby/puppy gate,” refill his water dish, ensure that he has another drink, grab my “breakfast” to go to work for later, put my laptop bag and purse closer to the door, decided on which coat/jacket to wear and grab some mini gloves.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

I am grateful for all the many blessings in my life. I am grateful to my neighbors and friends for taking such great care of Alvin while I am at work. I am grateful that we have the means to pay all of our bills on time, to have money for food and whatever we may need. I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and support.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: grateful for time.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this finds you in good health and happy. Alvin and I are doing great. I am enjoying my vacation and wished that it was permanent. Wouldn’t it be nice to be on vacation all the time – well I guess for me that would be retirement! Yesterday was a great day. In the morning I checked in on my charges Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder – fed them and all that. Of course, Alvin was looked after before I headed out to my birthday party at my friend Gillian’s house. Our friend Signe and Gillian’s husband Kris were there as well. We had so much fun. I was totally spoiled. They are way too good to this “woman.” I have photos to share and will keep this post short as I want to go and enjoy my first mug of coffee on the deck before the sun is too hot. I already have been over and looked after my charges next door and also took Alvin for a walk, changed bedding and a few other things. So feels good to be up early.

Well I have no idea how to delete a photo or to make the one smaller. Something changed in WordPress and I am lost.

Photos of my charges. Birthday party. So blessed.

Humphrey

Bogart

The Cake

Decorations

Food

Birthday Girl

Adjusting the Hat

Guests

Betty White Book

So excited

Lucky girl

GIFTS

Friends

Decorations came home

Last Night

Time to head downstairs, Mr. Alvin is restless.

Wishing my niece-in-law Sara a very Happy Birthday and my friend Karen from work. August is a huge birthday month for family and friends.

Happy Birthday Ladies.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: ONE Day until 65! I think it is going to be a great year.

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are having an excellent weekend! Mine has been pretty great thus far. Yesterday I did several loads of laundry, decorated our Christmas Tree and the house and some cleaning in between, raked the front and back lawns, and we went for a nice long walk. It was so nice out yesterday. Will be a bit cooler today but in the grand scheme of things still pretty nice outside for this time of year. We had the time change last night. Alvin woke up at his usual 3:00 a.m. which was actually 2:00 a.m. and every hour or less until we were up to stay at 7:30 the new time. Our clocks changed at 2:00 a.m. last night/early morning. So I am feeling a bit on the “tired” side but not too much considering the up and down to the sofa for all those hours, lol. What a guy that Alvin is? I sure hope that it does not happen tonight although I guess I won’t be comparing the time, it will be what it is. My clocks are all changed and thankfully my phone is “smart” and automatically changes itself. The sky is overcast this morning but I can see hues of orange on the horizon to the south. Today will be mainly about Mr. Alvin as it is time for a haircut and bath. I have to bring up the laundry that is hanging to dry in the basement ( I hang most of my clothing and unmentionables, lol), then have coffee and breakfast and then look after Mr. Alvin. We will walk mid afternoon as it is warmest then. I am going to bake a rhubarb crisp which will be dessert for basically the week. Thanks to my cousin and one of my neighbours.

I will share photos of our Christmas decorations and bear in mind that even though I decorated yesterday since the photos were snapped, I have made some changes. For example: I decided to move the shelving unit/plant stand in the kitchen from under the bay window to on an angle by the window on the left side looking out. I am not sure if this will work when I set up my workstation but thought it was worth a try. There have been other subtle changes but that is okay. Also I only used 2/3 of my Christmas decorations and 1/2 of my ornaments for the tree. Decided to be a bit more minimalistic this time around but not sure if that is really noticeable, lol. Oh well. Oh, forgot to mention that I went for mainly a white/silver theme tree this year. There are only a couple of ornaments that do not fall into that colour scheme. Nice change.

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  Tried something new

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  Alvin

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  Christmas tins Kitchen

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  Watching the Grinch

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  Guest bedroom

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  Main bathroom upstairs

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  Master bedroom

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  Master bedroom

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  Main floor bathroom

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  Main floor bathroom

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  Rudolph in a special spot

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  The softest Santa ever!

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The top of the tree remains a work in progress. I will likely change around the ornaments on the tree from time to time until I finally stop. I decorated more in my bedroom that ever before. That is the blue dresser you see in the photos and the chair. Even the bathrooms were decorated and that is changing again as I have a Christmas scene that I did not hang up and it will replace my DREAM painting which is in main upstairs bathroom. The family room in the basement has a little tree and some ornaments up. I still have to pack away all of the upstairs ornaments etc. that I carried downstairs to be out of the way. Lots of work left to do. Anyway this is what I was busy at between Friday night and last night.

I hope that you have a lovely Sunday.

Happy Sunday to my Sister.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I/We shall remain, As Always Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Saturday.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and the temperatures are warming up once again.

Last night Mr. Alvin and I went for a walk.  One day two doors down was salting and chipping at the ice.

So we had to walk around the salt.

We found as we walked along so much salt on the sidewalks … Mr. Alvin could not get around it all.

He began to lift his paws, I carefully wiped them off.

We just gave up and went home.

I was disappointed as was he.

The milder temperatures are nice until it turns cold.

 

Well I believe that I may have some photos to share this morning, finally.

It will be a photo day.

The metal enclosure which could not keep Miss Kobi in/out.  The baby gate that she eventually found a way to get around.

She is our little “escape artist.”

Looking so cute and innocent.

Even though it had been raining and then turned to snow both Kobi and Alvin had to go outside.  Most especially Kobi and then Alvin followed her.

I do not think that he wanted her to be alone outside.  What a gentlemen.

The living room after clean the floors and put away the toys.  The birthday party (except I have no photos of just the cupcakes).

The pups.  I came home to a pee pad shred and all over the place, I picked up the largest pieces before I was able to snap some photos.

I had to let the pups all outside while I cleaned up the mess.

 

Well it is almost time to leave for work.

We are trying out a new parking space.

A bit more economical.

Parking is crazy expensive downtown.

 

Well we are back to normal.

Wishing you all a great day.

Spend it with respect and kindness.

 

Spread joy…..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning,

Welcome to Saturday the 2nd day of November, 2019.

It feels as though we are up extra early but here it is 8:00 a.m.

We have been up for a bit now as I have made the bed, gathered laundry and got dressed.

Of course we were up about 3:00 a.m. for Alvin’s routine “glucosamine chew” and bathroom break.

Then we hit the sofa for some more sleep.

Of course we were up at 5:00 a.m. so that Alvin could eat his breakfast.

He has a routine.

Now when the time changes in the middle of the night …. tonight…..

We will be disrupted for a couple of weeks until he settles into a new routine.

I am just along for the ride.

Oh well, it has been quite the experience thus far.

 

So last night.

My daughter was feeling better as she has been sick for about a week.

She went to work but by late morning was out of energy.

I know that feeling.

We decided to see if leaving work early by one hour was an option and it was, thankfully.

It feel as though I had, had a whole day off.

So nice.

During the drive to my house we decided to detour to COSTCO.

Being home sick does not help get your groceries.

We ended up home about the same time I normally get home so Alvin did not know the difference.

The late afternoon was nice once again so once Alvin had finished outside and having supper, we all went for a glorious walk.

As we approached Teddy’s house we saw his Auntie J’s car.

She was to arrive last night.

Aunt J is there to stay with Teddy while his parents go to VEGAS for two weeks.

So nice to see her and next weekend we will get together for supper and a visit.

In between we will catch some walks together if the weather allows.

Back home after the walk ….. on went the COFFEE POT ….. followed by starting supper.

Once supper was in the oven ….. we gathered up some of the Halloween decorations and took them downstairs.

My daughter remarked “that if you are going downstairs for something you might as well take something with you”

A great idea, actually as the Halloween stuff had to go downstairs at some point.

We went downstairs to bring up the Christmas Tree.

Originally my daughter was going to spend the night but being sick she thought a sleepover might be better another time.

So we brought up the tree.

Had supper.

Decided on a Christmas Movie, THE NUTCRACKER.

We always have a movie on in the background.

Moved around the chairs in the living room to accommodate the tree.

Assembled the tree only to find out that only the top lights worked on the tree.

Last year some had burned out but not that many.

The tree does not owe me anything as it is now ten years old.

Dilemma, what to do.

Luckily I had purchased extra lights last year.

By this time my daughter had to go.

I am once again grateful for her assistance.

She suggested checking out U-tube for some helpful hints on how to remove the lights from a prelit tree.

Removed her groceries from the fridge/freezer and she was on her way.

I took a look around and decided to clean up from dinner before getting into the Christmas decorating.

Once dishes were done, I sat down with a cup of coffee to assess the situation.

After watching a couple of short videos I decided that my earlier idea of snipping off the lights with my wire cutters was the best idea.

I did find out however an easier way to do this.

After everything it was after 8:00 and my energy and desire to decorate had wanned, so I just kicked back and put together a plan for tomorrow which is today.

I figured that I had all weekend which I do.

So here we are ….. Saturday morning.

Time to get things started.

Put on Laundry, the COFFEE, of course, have breakfast and then start taking off the lights.

Once done I will string the lights and then decorate.

It will take some extra time but that is okay.

A story for later.

Alvin is perhaps losing the bit of patience that a dog has …. he wants to go downstairs.

 

I hope that you have an awesome first weekend in November.

We did receive some moisture last night.

Rain followed by bit of snow.

Might be slippery out there.

I am hopeful that the temperatures will once again return to plus temperatures.

Happy Saturday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Funny as much as I love to decorate the tree and the house for Christmas; I am okay with just getting the tree up the first night and decorate the next day.

A few years ago, I would have worked through and had the tree and house decorated before going to bed.

Older and wiser?

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of November, 2018.

So funny how fast time goes.

I was up in the office and speaking to a friend on the phone and realized that I had not flipped the calendar in this room.

Flipping to already the 4th day of the new month.

WOW.

Last night and early this morning it rained.

Still some snow on the deck as I did not shovel it all.

OH well.

I did however finish the decorating yesterday.

I have one more big project left to do and that is to rearrange / clean out this room, my office.

All of my plants had to be moved upstairs …. all four of them.

I do not like a room that is too crowded with things so time to rearrange.

But as I have a long weekend coming up I may leave until then.

I took photos of the newly decorated main floor.

Did anyone spot the one lone Halloween / fall item that photo bombed Christmas?

It has been since removed.

I also found another strand of lights and decided it would be best served on the mantel with that collection of snowmen and trees.

It looked so beautiful when I turned the lights on and these photos do not accurately show that.

I do have one thing that drives me crazy and that is the cords from the television.

I had them fixed with my old television and when I got the new one, years ago now I did not have it redone.

So I will locate some plastic zip ties and get them all into one bunch ….. shortly here.

I realized that even though I do this once a year most of the decorations end up in close to the same spot.

Well time to go and change the clocks.

We are officially ONE HOUR BEHIND.

YAY  or NAY, I do not know.

Just have to remember that when I call my sister and brother and friends they are ahead of us.

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY.

I see a bath on the horizon for Mr. Alvin.

His BFF arrives on Tuesday night and Alvin needs to be his best self …..

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. we girls had a great night.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 2nd day of November, 2018.

Did you flip your calendar?

Doesn’t it seem like October?

Where did it go?

The months seem to be passing in supersonic mode.

Anyway Welcome November ….

We woke up to SNOW this morning.

A beautiful fresh blanket.

Not the wet stuff …. but a nice blanket of light snow that is easy to shovel.

I already shovelled a bit of snow off the deck.

Last night we enjoyed our walk.

Just as we neared Teddy’s house, Alvin spotted the garage door open.

Made a beeline for the house.

Teddy’s Dad invited us in to say Hello.

In we went.

You cannot turn down a nice invitation like that ….

They are such awesome people.

Teddy’s parents.

Teddy will be coming for a visit for 12 days or so starting next Tuesday night.

I know that Alvin is excited.

He will have a “brother” for near a couple of weeks.

Good for him to have some company.

He is getting a bit better at sharing although he does have a long way to go.

Well it is 6:30 a.m.

Where did the time go.

Of course, Mr. Alvin has been having been up at 3:30 the past few mornings.

ARGH.

But we do have a bit of extra sleep on the sofa after he has done what he needed to do.

So that helps.

I guess we change our time this Sunday.

One hour back.

Not sure if that is good or not.

Any and all time changes take a certain amount of adjustment.

That is for sure.

Thankfully it happens on the weekend.

Well nice to just slip on blue jeans this morning for work.

I so appreciate our casual Fridays.

Also last night I took down the few outdoor Halloween/Fall decorations that I had put up.

As well as the indoor ones.

Which was good now with the snow.

I am going to put away the FALL wreath before I leave for work as well.

TONIGHT …. oh, tonight.

My daughter is picking me up from work.

With a couple of quick stops at grocery store and vet – food for all of us …. we will head home.

Home where I shall make a stir-fry for supper.

One of my daughter’s fav meals.

Then after supper ….. the TREE will go up.

Followed by decorating the house all weekend.

My daughter is spending the night.

I am not physically able to put up the tree.

Although if I was pushed perhaps I could.

Nothing is impossible.

Just the tree is 7.5 and heavy to assemble by oneself.

Well time to fly.

Likely more like sledding …. snow …. smiling.

Boots and winter coat for sure this morning….

 

Happy Friday.

So excited.

Happy Dancing.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. love you, my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin