2021

Good Morning ALL! What a whirlwind of previous days we have had here in Edmonton, weatherwise. The wind has howled. The clouds have rolled in and I mean rolled in. I am not sure if I have seen clouds motoring that quickly ever or at the very least in a very long time. One minute the sun would be shining and the sky would be blue as I looked out of my kitchen window and then I turned and looked out of the living room window only to see darkness. I would run to the living room (which is not far) to see these huge dark looming clouds preparing to pour some moisture down upon us along with wind. I moved my flowers back onto the deck from the garage in the morning before I started work. When the winds got up throughout the day, I moved some of my pots to the shelter of the house. I snapped some close ups of my beautiful plants and will download them from my phone to the computer later on. The sun is shining brilliantly this morning and there is a breeze. I will say after being such a hot Monday, then hot and humid Tuesday today is a welcome relief. Luckily for us last night it did cool down. Oh Summer Weather. Now for some reason I have one of the songs from GREASE stuck in my head. “Summer Nights,” I think it was called. Anyway, worse things could be stuck in my head.

Yesterday after work we headed out for our walk. We missed the one at noon because I wasn’t sure if it was going to pour on us or not. So we stayed home. After work we got ready quickly and headed out the door. Alvin was pretty much leading the way as always to the park. When we arrived at the park, we usually turn and go into the park but no he had other ideas. He pulled with all his might as he kept on going. I knew where he was going. As he was a guy with a mission, I just let him go. Alvin was firm in his plan and would not give an inch that was for certain. He did stop at one point to pee. Not surprised. All dogs have to do that at least once on a walk. As we got closer and closer to Teddy’s house he ran faster and when it came to the street to turn down, he knew exactly where he was going. Up their driveway ahead of me and then up to the door. I ran the doorbell and I could hear Iris say, just give me a minute and then her husband opened the door. I apologized for just showing up as I always do and he said as they always do “we love to have you, don’t apologize.” In fact, a few minutes after our arrival as Iris had been upstairs she remarked “you know if the pups were kids, they would all be at your house or here” and that could not be a more true statement. I said that I would try to not apologize when we arrive unannounced as if it was not a good time, I know they would kindly let us know. We went in and then out onto the deck where we enjoyed a cool drink. I had can of ginger ale. Not much for pop, but I do enjoy ginger ale occasionally. Alvin was quite vocal for a time on the deck and we were not quite sure what he was trying to say and then he calmed down. We had a great visit and then we were off home. Home to have supper for both of us.

We spent the evening quietly. Just putzing and watching recorded episodes of “BEAT BOBBY FLAY” and I really enjoy them as they are 30 minutes long and go quickly and I learn a lot from these cooks and chefs. I love seeing his guests interacting with him. Plus it is funny.

Well looks like the time has really passed quickly and I had better head on downstairs and get signed onto the computer and plug in my coffee. Good thing that I prepared it before coming upstairs.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Remembering to live each and every day and moment as full of kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude and adding thoughtfulness and listening. I have to work on listening.

Happy Wednesday.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME TO WINTER.

We had some snow over the course of the evening and just before bed; I swept the blanket that was covering the deck.

Awoke to several inches warming the deck.

So safe to say we have winter.

Unlikely at this point that it will melt and actually I prefer to have it just cold enough to keep the snow from melting and creating a slushy mess.

Now that being said …. just a bit more …. would certainly be enough.

 

Lucky for us we had a wonderful walk last night.

It was really mild and no wind.

Perfect for walking.

As we approached Teddy’s house last night … I had to stop Alvin for making a beeline to his house.

But just as I was doing that …. Teddy spotted us from an upstairs window ….. there was no turning back at that point.

He started barking and jumping up and down.

Teddy was happy to see his friend and me.

So we went to the door and rang the doorbell.

As soon as I did …. Alvin started to bark.

Teddy’s Aunt came to the door.

She was happy to see us and figured it just wasn’t anyone walking by and she was right. LOL.

It was Teddy’s BF Alvin and his Mom.

Teddy practically jumped into my arms.

He just kept staring deep into my  eyes as though he had not seen me for a long time.

So cute.

We had a nice visit.

Alvin found one of Ted’s chew treats and went to work on that while we chatted.

J was making some soup using up items from the fridge.

After a nice visit and once Alvin was done with the chew treat, we headed out for home.

 

Life is always better when you have a friend.

 

I still had to make supper and no leftovers to be had.

I made a simple chili and some oven roasted sweet potato pieces.

 

We had a nice evening ….

I guess it would be winter boot wearing day today.

Must remember to put a pair of shoes in a bag.

 

Happy Tuesday to Everyone.

If we treat others with kindness and respect; we will be treated with kindness and respect.

Wishing those who need some extra positive energy …. a good day.

I wished that I had the power to heal.

My heart goes out to each and every one of you on this day.

Be well.

Be safe.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 2nd day of February, 2019.

Well this is going to be the second day of our “winter storm.”

Snow on the way or perhaps it hasn’t stopped.

All day yesterday whenever I looked out the window it was snowing.

Not the fluffy stuff, nope.

It looked like rain but was snow.

I had shovelled in the morning before I left home for work and of course, shovelled again upon arriving home from work.

Nothing like starting and ending the day with SHOVELLING.

Actually I don’t mind and it is great exercise.

Thankfully it was not heavy heavy snow.

Temperatures are taking a dip starting yesterday and working downwards over the next several days.

With any luck it will remain calm.

We are up well we were up earlier at 3:22 a.m. – yup someone other than me had to go “to the bathroom.”

I know what that is like so I cannot tell him to stay in bed.

When you have to pee you have to pee, right.

Most women get this ….

When you are expecting it is a huge thing and as we get older same deal.

Anyway …. I obliged him.

We hit the sofa for some solid sleep and I dreamt like it was 1922.

Stories kept changing and it felt like I had read several short stories with me being in every one.

So just before 7:00 a.m. …. yes, can you believe it …… WE ARE UP.

I have changing bedding on our bed, sprayed cleaner in the toilet bowls upstairs and put the ointment in Alvin’s eye.

Writing this post and then will get this day really going.

Breakfast first for us both as Alvin is quite the gentleman and usually waits for me.

Then cleaning, vacuuming and some book work.

The new Steeped Tea Catalog is out so I have to tell all my customers.

There are plenty of new items including the flowering teas.

Excited for that.

Teddy went home just after 5:30 p.m. last night.

His Aunt picked him up.

When he saw her car pull up …. he jumped off my lap and to Alvin’s chair to look out the window.

Barking all the way.

So happy to see her.

So quiet after he left.

We had a great time with Teddy as per usual.

He sure loves to play and has even put the “play bug” into Alvin.

 

I have a birthday party to attend just before 3 p.m. today.

One of my young friend’s who lives just a few doors away celebrated her 41st birthday yesterday.

Her daughter is hosting a “surprise birthday party” today.

Not so much a surprise but that is okay.

My friend is working with her to make it seem like a surprise.

What a mother will not do for her child and what a child will do not do for her mom.

We even have a secret door knock.

When “M” called me yesterday to let me know that her Mom would be back home by 3:15 p.m. and to be at their house before that time so that we could get ready for her arrival;

she also told me that there was a secret door knock.

I giggled and told her “please keep it simple or I may forget.”

So what did she say “knock three times and then ring the door bell.”

I replied “well that is easy as I remember an old song named “Knock Three Times.” and then ringing the doorbell makes sense.

Birthday party here I come.

Oh, I need coffee, too.

Cleaning and cleaning.

I need to do that ….

Been to busy the past few weekends to do a deep clean so have to get that done.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello: to all those folks who dream big and live even bigger.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of November, 2017.

Woke up to SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW.

Poor Mr. Alvin did not wish to go out to the back yard.

The first snowfall always makes him hesitant.

 

We had an awesome Halloween.

I dressed up as a Hippie and it went over well.

Pretty comfortable costume, I will say.

That is the mark of a great costume – if you can comfortably wear it all day or most of the day.

We got to pick the best costumes at our office and at noon we had the best POTLUCK ever.

The food was great and the treats even better.

I had a pasta (macaroni) with cheese and veggies.

It turned out so yummy.

I wrote the recipe down.

That is the trouble I always make up recipes and then do not usually write them down.

I am getting better at writing them down.

Last night the first treater showed up at our house at 5:45.

I was sort of surprised to see the boy get out of a vehicle.

I asked him as he was older, I would say 11-12 approximately “if he lived in the neighbourhood?”

He said no.

I asked him where and he named an area about 10 minutes or so away.

AS I was asking questions, asked him why they would drive to our area and he said we give bigger and better treats.

Yikes, I thought.

So because we give better treats people are driving their kids here.

There were several vehicles that stopped and let kids out.

Some would be due to the weather but some come from elsewhere.

Funny ….

I had about 92 treaters.

There were a couple of times that my steps were filled with children so I may have missed one or two.

This is the least amount that I have had since I moved to Edmonton.

Two cute stories from last night.

First one:  the doorbell rang and there were three boys and a man standing just a few feet away from the steps.

I answered the door with the obligatory “Happy Halloween” and proceeded to hand out some treats.

The man stood more into the light and said “Hello” …. we just wanted to thank you again for bringing our dog home ….

One of the boys said “yes, thank you so much for bringing (cannot remember dog’s name) home.

I almost cried.

This is a dog that had accidentally got out of the yard.

Anyway, it has been about three years since this happened and every year they stop by to thank me.

How sweet.

Good deeds do not go unnoticed.

The second story …..  Alvin was on his leash as he loves to check out the children and as we know so many of them ….. he was right with me at the door.

One of the Dad’s said from the darkness ….. “Hi, Alvin …. he is so cute” and stepped into the light and here was this guy that I had met on the bus.

So Alvin is a star.

We had fun.

I took some photos on my tablet but unable to get downloaded but here are some from work and home from my camera.

Then gotta run.

Decided better not to post photos of people as I do not have their permission.  The two officers (reflections) were/are masked.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  you

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of December, 2016.

The countdown is on – only 20 sleeps until Christmas Eve Day.

Yesterday we had baby Milo here for a visit while his parents were out for a Birthday/Christmas party.

Wow, he is for sure a puppy as his energy level is through the roof.

But he as are all babies is so cute that even when his yellow fur ball self was running from one of the house to the other all his Grandma could do was smile and say “Alvin, you once upon a time

had that much energy.

Bless his heart Alvin did play with the little one.

They both love to fetch ….. and then pay tug of war.

It was cute.

I took a video and will post it soon.

I was able to get everything done before his arrival so that was nice.

This morning at 4:30 which seems to be Alvin’s new wake-up time came quite fast after we went to bed at 11:30 p.m.

So up we got and after what seems like 3 seconds Alvin was done eating (actually I think it takes longer for me to make the bed and for us to get downstairs) and I let him out.

When I opened the door I could hear a dog barking which is odd for that time of morning.

At first I didn’t think much at first.  (it was early).

Alvin after doing his business stood on the deck and raised his shoulders and head to the sky and let out this yell, not his usual thing.

So into the house and for the time it took us to go back upstairs I realized that I had better investigate.

I opened the office window which opens to the south side of our house and to where the barking was coming.

I could tell from his bark that it was a small dog – likely smaller than Alvin.

So I closed the window, told Alvin I gotta go and help him/her.

Ran downstairs donned my coat and boots and grabbed the keys to the garage (it is detached from my house).

Opened the back door and across the deck and unlocked the garage, turned on the light and opened the big door.

Once out I listened for a moment to get my bearings.

Once done, I knew it was the folks behind me but there is no access to the front door without going down the length of the back alley and then up the block and around the corner and into the

crescent to their house (and I had to listen once again to make sure it was the right house).

I could hear the little one still barking.

So I rang the doorbell, once twice and three times no one came.

So I opened the screen door and knocked as loud as I could on the door.

Finally a woman came to the door.

I told her when Alvin and I got up this morning I could hear your dog barking in the backyard.

She seemed kind of confused as first and then acknowledged that they must have left her in the backyard.

She said Thank you and closed the door.

After a couple of minutes the barking stopped.

Thank goodness.

It was cold outside.

I am grateful that it is not tonight as it is supposed to be almost minus 20.

Lesson learned anytime you hear a doggie barking in the night or early morning go and investigate.

Well I am off to a coffee date.

I definitely need coffee this morning.

Have a great Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who help others including the four-legged kind and all creatures.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of July, 2016.

The skies have already ran the spectrum of sunny to completely overcast.

This morning shortly after getting out of bed (well actually off the sofa as well all know that Mr. Alvin always gets up at 5:00 a.m. or sooner, weekday or weekend).

Got dressed and washed up and decided to go for walk first thing before breakfast and before COFFEE.

Yes, I know a walk before COFFEE, what is wrong with me?

I felt bad as Mr. Alvin did not really have a walk as such yesterday …. also weather reports are for thunderstorms off and on today.

After I grabbed my sunglasses, water bottle for Alvin, poop bags for Alvin (most likely), key and flip flops and Mr. Alvin and his harness/leash we were ready to go.

Not too far down the street we can across a patch of wet sidewalk – the only patch of wet sidewalk for miles.

Okay for at least a block or at least as far as I could see.

I could see the water running down the storm drain.

I could hear a sprinkler going ….

In my mind I thought on our way back if it is still running I will investigate further.

We kept walking and walked down by our park and man-made lakes.

So pretty down there.

There was a bit of a cool breeze making it lovely.

Alvin would stop and sniff along the way ….. me enjoying the cool morning air.

On our way home I saw some broken glass on the street by a company truck.

I was not completely sure who the truck belonged to but took a guess and promptly walked up their steps, and rang the doorbell.

Mr. answered (yes, it was one of the neighbours I had met when he was out with his children and I was walking with Alvin) and I asked if that was his work truck out front and he said “yes”.

I then explained that someone had smashed the driver’s door on his truck.

We walked to the truck together.

It appeared that only the window was smashed as the door lock appeared to still be in the lock position.

Thank goodness for that.

But who does “stuff” like that and I want to say the sh– word here, so badly but I will not.

After a short chat we headed off toward home.

Argh, that patch of water on the street.

Well I could not let it ride.

I had to  do something.

THE HUGE waste of water here.

So we went up to the duplex where the sprinkler was turned on and knocked on the door, nothing.

So we went up to the duplex on the side sharing the side with the sprinkler and knocked on the door, nothing.

So then we went up to the other half of the duplex where the sprinkler was turned on and knocked on the door, nothing again.

I went back once again to the house with the water running and knocked again.

So I just made an executive decision to walk over and investigate closer.

Someone definitely had just turned on the sprinkler as a prank as the water was bouncing off their neighbour’s house and in a matter of time there would be water in someone’s basement.

The grass was totally saturated and my feet as well as Alvin’s were soaked as we walked to where the tap was to turn it off.

I will go over later and let them know what happened.

I am pretty confident that it was just kids out with nothing better to do in the middle of the night but to break things and cause havoc.

Sure wished that I could get my hands on the little buggers . …. yes, I said that word, too.

Makes me mad that there is no regard to other people’s property.

Also with the water ….. the amount of water that was wasted would be in the hundreds of gallons if not thousands as I am certain by the saturation of the ground that it had been running for several hours.

Funny how no one heard as each of their homes had the upstairs windows open?

Anyway we got home …. dried off our tootsies and had breakfast.

And here we are ……

Well I have a few more cleaning things to do today and also want to work on some Steeped Tea stuff.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Take care and if you see something out of place …. do the right thing.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ….. two sleeps now.

Always, Carol and Alvin