Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of October, 2018.

It has been an odd morning here in our house.

Nothing bad for sure, just odd.

We were up at 4:00 originally which is not out of the ordinary for us.

Alvin had his breakfast, some water and outside for a bathroom break.

At 4:02 a.m. I set the microwave timer for 75 minutes which would have brought us to 5:17 a.m.

Then we hit the sofa for that extra sleep.

Next thing I know I checked my watch and to my horror it read 5:40 a.m.

I had to rub my eyes and recheck the time.

I must have slept through the timer.

Up fast and into the kitchen.

I wrote in my gratitude journal ….. slept in no time to write……thinking I am grateful that I still had time to do most everything else if I got to it.

So I ate breakfast,

Showered.

Got dressed.

Now writing this post.

 

At the rear of my house (which is where my office is located) I can hear a small dog barking in the near distance.

I think it is the same dog that barks most of the time.

This leads me to believe that the dog is outside all of the time.

I believe that I am going to investigate in the daytime (after work).

Poor little thing.

Why have dogs if they cannot stay in the house, especially if they are small.

There are no lights out back and when I opened the window it was pitch black (at this time).

Poor little thing.

 

I look at my little Alvin and think to myself that both him and I are so lucky.

So blessed to have found each other.

There are days perhaps when one or the other of us might be less than patient with the other but we would never hurt the other one.

I would NEVER leave him outside all of the time.

At the end of the day, I know he is snuggled next to me and is safe.

 

I am surprised that no one has called in a complaint to the city for the barking?

Why the once for Alvin and none for this little guy?

Perhaps if the city came out …. they could help him out.

Well in the meantime I will look into this matter.

Discreetly, of course.

 

Well almost time to leave as I am catching the bus today as my carpool is sick.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

If you are going to have a pet …. be respectful of them.

They are living breathing creatures just like us.

 

Special Hello to:  my daughter and son-in-law who are the best parents to my grand-puppies.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 31st day of March, 2018.

The last day of March 2018.

Today is the birthday of a dear friend of mine from Saskatchewan “P.”

Wishing my friend the most wonderful birthday.

 

We had a guest for a sleepover last night.

Master Teddy.

His Momma dropped him off about 7:15 p.m. last night and she also stayed for a little visit.

Teddy’s Mom also brought both Alvin and Teddy this huge chew treat.

Somehow during that few minutes afterward Alvin was chewing on one and Teddy had none.

We looked all over the main floor and nothing.

Could it be that Mr. Alvin ate the huge treat in that short of time.

We looked under the sofa and chairs.

Under the pillows and throw blankets.

In the corners and everywhere.

Not to be found.

After our investigation it was plain to see that Alvin had been the culprit.

Eating most of both of the treats.

We visited for a few more minutes and then it was just me and the boys.

Deciding that Teddy should have some of the last remaining treat, after all it was his.

I managed to wrangle what was left of the second one and cut a piece off for Teddy.

Alvin had no problem sharing his new bed with Teddy.

Nice to see that someone loves the new bed.

Both black and white.

On older and one younger.

Both cuteness galore.

Having fun with these guys.

Alvin is learning to share ( a little ).

 

You never know what will happen at night time.

Teddy has a cute little black & white blanket and a stuff animal “Eyore”  (possibly not correct spelling).

Alvin thought that he should have it so I had to wrestle it away from him a few times.

 

While I was reading the boys started to get comfortable.

Alvin slept near the pillow at the head of the bed close to me.

Teddy had his blanket, Eyore and was by my legs.

I find it uncomfortable to sleep in one spot for the whole night.

I usually go from one side to the other after I have finished reading.

At one point the little one was sleeping in between my legs as I lay on my side.

But both settled in and both managed to snuggle close to me.

Nice to feel “wanted.”

Teddy ended up on the outside side of the bed next to me with Alvin beside me at the top of the bed.

It is always interesting to see what Alvin will do and he has not really surprised me.

He is a Momma’s boy.

 

Alvin as usual was up early but Teddy would have slept (given the opportunity).

At this time Teddy is laying on our bed chewing on a treat and Alvin has his treat on the blanket in my office.

He keeps going back and forth.

He really wants the treat that Teddy has but after being scolded earlier for attempting to take the treat from him, he has listened.

Imagine that.

Alvin listening.

Well time to go and get dressed and have some coffee.

We are enjoying this sleepover.

 

Later my daughter and family are coming over for a visit and for supper.

Will be interesting to see FOUR puppies …..

Funny …. Alvin is laying in the doorway to the bedroom watching Teddy.

What a guy.

 

Well I must get going here.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” back in Saskatchewan enjoying a birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of October, 2016.

One month from today is the day that I typically put up and decorate my Christmas Tree.

This year I believe that November 1st falls on a Wednesday so I may take the liberty and put up my tree on the Friday.

It will be a couple of days later than usual but there are times that it is beyond my control.

Most times since I moved to Edmonton it has become a Mother – Daughter time together decorating the tree.

Also since I moved I purchased a much bigger tree and this Momma finds it difficult to put it up by herself.

Now I can do it but would prefer to have help whenever possible.

 

Now I do not wish to get ahead of myself as we are celebrating all things falls for the month of October.

Last night after our walk I raked the leaves from the front yard.

I almost filled a blue bag full of yellow leaves.

Now this morning you would never know that I had cleaned up the leaves as there is an even bigger blanket covering the grass.

But this morning it is gloomy to say the least.

No sunshine in the near forecast.

It was raining when we got up both times.

Now it has stopped.

Today is laundry and bit of cleaning day. AND

Time for Mr. Alvin to have a haircut and a bath.

I also have to run to the store for a few things and pick up my bus pass.

I sure hope that it stops raining …… carrying groceries and an umbrella can be tricky.

 

Looking out of my office window there are some green leaves covering trees and some red and some yellow.

They are poking out from between closely standing homes.

I always thought it was strange but I do understand the reason but do not necessarily agree with it.

Everyday on the bus we drive through a neighbourhood that has been around for over 50 years at least.

The yards are huge …. likely over an acre.

You could put three houses side by side in the space in these yards compared to the new neighbourhoods.

What other than taxes could be the reason?

Perhaps space but heck we live in Canada and space is not a restricted commodity.

I guess depending on where you are building it may be.

But really, how many people really want to spend on average $400,000 to see inside their neighbour’s window.

I swear that in one of the newest neighbourhoods along my bus route you could literally put your hand out of the upstairs window and touch the

house next door.

Really …..

Why?

These are my thoughts for today as I sip on a nice cup of coffee.

I guess it is time to get dressed and get going on my projects for the day.

Giving Alvin a haircut and bath usually takes me about three hours.

Not his favourite things to do that is for sure.

 

So happy that this is the weekend.

Happy to spend time in my home.

So happy that I put away the deck furniture and cleaned up most things.

YAY me for being progressive and not putting it off.

 

Have a GREAT Saturday.

Thank you for reading my blog.

I am forever grateful.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter, my sister and my friends, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of November, 2015.

This has been the most unusual morning ever in our house.

We, I slept okay …. at least got some sleep.

The past couple of mornings I have been coaxing Alvin to stay in bed until the alarm goes off at 5:00.

So far so good.

As you know there has been an unwanted “guest” in our house.

Still not caught so heaven only knows where it is at this point.

For some reason I feel safe upstairs ….

So this morning when we went downstairs, just after turning on all of the lights on the main floor, I donned my trusty winter boots.

Bravely I opened the bathroom door and said to Alvin …. “please check for me” and he knew.

He just walked in and sniffed about and turn to me as if to say “it is okay, Momma” and ” I am hungry, already.”

He is my HERO.

So I scooped out some food from the container that is now in the bathroom because a trap is set on the floor of the pantry.

Took the bowl back to the front door where his water bowl is now located.

When he was done – I went outside with Alvin.

I just cannot be in the house without him at my side.

Once back in, with my trusty winter boots on I made my oatmeal, grabbed a glass of water with lemon and a banana and we went upstairs to the office.

Kind of feels like camping.

Our whole schedule has changed.

But maybe that is a good thing.

So I wrote in my journal upstairs before I ate because I cannot sit at the table.

Then checked Facebook … now writing my blog and lastly I will put on my face and get dressed.

I know it is crazy …. but this is my current reality.

For me, even to be in the house is a move in the right direction.

I even made a simple supper last night ….. veggie burger in the oven ….. grabbed a bun …. mustard and cheese … and veggies … done.

I hope that this change is not long term.

Just want my life back.

Well almost time to go and get ready ……

I hope that you have a great Friday.

When there is no choice there is always change.

This is my thought as of now.

Happy Friday the 13th ….. almost mid November now.

Special Hello to: all those celebrating a birthday in November …. Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Evening and Welcome to Monday the 23rd day of March, 2015.

Sorry …. what a morning …..

I decided to go back to sleep for a few extra minutes.

Then my kids both were sick so had to make other arrangements for the ride to work.

My daughter said I could take the car but I decided not today.

So I called my neighbour.

We both work downtown.

The first time the call went to voicemail.

The second time she answered and said she had been running late and had wanted to be gone already ….

Lucky for me I had ten minutes before she was going to leave so I brushed my teeth, put on my eyebrows, got dressed, rushed downstairs, grabbed my lunch, grabbed my boots, purse, bag and coat … locked the door and was gone (in less than ten minutes).  WHEW.

I got to work by 6:50 a.m.

Anyway … I felt bad as I was not able to write my morning blog.

“Forgive me” …….

After rushing …. sometimes that can jinx your day but I actually had a very productive awesome day.

When I got home I made a quick trip to the grocery store.

NOTE TO SELF:  EAT SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GO GROCERY SHOPPING.

Argh …. spent way too much ….. reminder for next time.

My veggie burger is in the oven so I thought this would be the perfect time to send you all a little note.

Better late than never, I suppose.

Also, talk about mucky out there ….. melting snow …… mud ….. dirt …..gravel…..

I sure hope that you guys had an awesome day.

Well time to go and get the trimming ready for my burger ….. the bun, avocado, mustard, cheese …. my mouth is watering.

Have a great evening.

Special Hello to: my new friend “Lisa” …. thank you so much for reading my blog.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of March, 2015.

How are you doing this morning?

I am doing well.

The sun is shining and I can see the neighbouring trees blowing in the wind.

Thank goodness for the wind ….. it will help dry up the water/ice.

It was so icy on the way home from the bus last night.

I literally took careful and deliberate steps all of the way home.

This is my last Saturday off for a bit so I have a few chores to do.

I was thinking that I need a boost so I will colour my hair.

Mr. Alvin, I think it is bath time and perhaps a slight hair trim.

The house is quiet as the kids were out late at my son-in-law’s brother’s 50th birthday celebration.

I worked until well after 10:00 p.m. so was home after 11:00 p.m.

I love when Alvin sits on the bed and looks intently out of the window.

He zeros in on something ….. could be a cat ….. could be a wild “bag” that is flying around the ‘hood.

My darling.

I look forward to the time when I can spend more of my time at home with him.

How lovely to once again go on two walks everyday.

Especially in the summer/fall.

Well time to get this day in motion.

I am dressed – check

Bed made – check

Glasses on – check (just being silly because sometimes you just have to be)

Blog written – check

Time for coffee – check (have to made said coffee)

Time to start laundry – check

Have a great day – check

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers …. what a cool way to get to know the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin