It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Sunday April 19th, 2020.

Forecast today is for double digit temperatures and to remain for the next couple of weeks.

I was tempted to turn my thermostat off yesterday but then decided there were still opportunities for freezing.

The sun is up and the blue sky is dotted with wisps of white clouds.

Well we had a fairly successful day yesterday.

One unexpected change and that was that Humphrey came to spend the day with us.

Due to company and just the way that things happened, I did the shovelling in the backyard.

Off the list.

Laundry completed.

Off the list.

Front coat closet, cleaned and winter items returned to the basement.

Winter / spring coats washed and put away accordingly.

Obviously spring/summer to front closet.

Mitts and scarves washed as well.

Off the list.

Switched winter clothes to spare room closet.

Switched summer clothes to my room closet.

I sure hope that I can fit into those summer clothes?

Argh.

Off the list.

Bathrooms cleaned.

Off the list.

Vacuumed.

Off the list.

Dusted.

Off the list.

We enjoyed a nice walk mid afternoon as well.

On our way home we passed by one of our friends who happened to be out on the driveway.

They were cleaning up after a driveway birthday party for her now 13 year old son.

I had forgotten.

We have a new teenager in the neighborhood.

She said they were surprised when her husband’s parents and his sister and children came to celebrate.

Everyone practiced the social distancing.

But her thirteen year old had a party with some of the family which was nice.

When I moved to Edmonton he was not quite 2 years old.

Wow, time flies.

It was a good day.

We had a garage visit with one of our friends near the beginning of the walk, which was great.

Another friend and her pup …. we chatted a few minutes later into the walk.

Near the lake we saw another friend and her pup.

A good day to see friends.

We were happy to see Humphrey as well.

 

I have a dilemma.

Alvin needs a bath.

I want to have a bath (but would rather shower).

I want to bath so that I can just have a good soak.

Usually I do not have the patience to sit in the tub for very long.

We want to walk.

So if we do the baths this morning.

Walking in the afternoon would be good.

Thank you I just answered my question.

So breakfast and coffee.

Followed by bath for me.

Then bath for Mr. Alvin.

Likely better if I go first.

By mid afternoon he will be long dry and hopefully more of the water on the sidewalk will have dried up.

 

I also want to call my siblings.

Seems like the days pass and I think about them like always, but don’t get to those calls.

I am sure that I am not alone.

I will admit that I am not great at making phone calls.

I love chatting when I am on the phone but making calls not so much.

 

Well I guess it is time to get this show on the road so that we can get those baths in while it is still morning.

Back to work tomorrow.

I am looking forward to using the big monitor.

So much better than just the laptop screen.

 

Quick story, last night while watching the ONE WORLD special, I happened to see movement across the street.

Turning my head I saw four large rabbits come down the grass from the other side of the street and run onto the street.

They all four ran down the street together.

It was so crazy.

I prayed that no cars would come along.

But they were okay.

We have lots of rabbits in our community.

 

I have also decided that I am going to take a day of vacation perhaps near the end of this week and spend some time out in the neighbourhood.

The trash that has accumulated is horrible.

I cannot believe how much.

I also found some styrofoam packing materials in my basement window well (outside).

Also cleaned up in front of my house and my immediate neighbours.

There are even a great many disposable gloves (the latex/non-latex ones).

I did not have the means to pick any of those items up so I left them.

I have disposable gloves and a trash picker so I will go and clean up the hood.

Usually when we are out and about, I do pick up certain items and put them in the trash.

It was easier when wearing mittens/gloves.

Anyway, note to people.

Please pick up the trash.

If we all do this ….

Then we are a team.

If it is just me or just you.

Then we are not a team.

Remember when packing your recycling items to place them in a bag not loosely in a blue bin.

Loosely packed means wind will blow them to my house or elsewhere.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Time to have breakfast and coffee.

Get those baths done.

Get this day going.

It is almost 9:00 a.m.

Where does the time go?

 

Happy Sunday.

Trying to live always with kindness and respect.

Sometimes there may be the odd slip up but that is okay.

 

With kindness and respect for all.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of April, 2019.

A beautiful morning with the sunrise and the frost glazing the rooftops and cars.

Love, love, love sunrise.

The pale oranges, pinks and blues.

So very delicate in the beginning stages until the SUN comes up.

I would love to paint this scene.

With some trees still barren looking black against the light colours of the sunrise.

So very beautiful.

I would xx out the houses and just have a grove of trees with the sunrise behind.

Oh, this makes me so happy.

What a glorious way to begin the day.

I am so blessed to see this out of my window each and every morning from spring until winter.

YAY.

 

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful walk after I got home from work.

It was not warm as such but nice all the same.

Who is going to complain after having snow, ice and minus 25 temperatures?

Not this gal.

That is for sure.

We watched for signs of buds on the trees and did see a few green blades of grass.

The bunnies that we saw yesterday morning from our living room window – were mostly brown.

A very good sign.

We were near the park on the return trip home when we saw this couple and a small dog.

They had encouraged him to move away from another dog.

When we were close enough to exchange words and of course, Mr. Alvin wanted to say hi.

They said that their dog was 16 1/2 years old.

He was grey but looked good.

The man said that he was having a good day and wanted to do a 5 K walk ( I think he was teasing ).

He did also mention that some days he does not want to walk.

I get that.

So nice to see a SENIOR out enjoying the spring air.

Good for him/her.

I did not catch the doggie’s name.

This gave me hope that Alvin could/would have many good years left on this earth.

Okay, not going there.

Not at this time of day …..

 

Well today is Tuesday.

I wanted to remind everyone to please keep the trash picked up around your property.

It only takes a few moments of your precious time.

I get that your time is valuable but we have to think beyond ourselves.

What about the animals and the environment?

How about that small plastic bag that blew onto your lawn?

The birds and animals eat that small plastic ring that you left sitting on the driveway because you really “didn’t notice” it.

They also eat that plastic bag that you figured would just blow away and you did not place it there anyway.

Really.

I did not put any of the trash onto the ground that I have been picking up.

I spent 2 hours on a cold WINDY Sunday picking up after others.

Because people simply do not care.

I would have loved to have been snuggling with me Alvin but I love my home, my neighbourhood, this EARTH.

I am trying to do my part.

Are you?

Only a few moments of your time will save lives and help to heal our earth.

We all have to do our part.

If we do not.

I cannot imagine what this earth will be like years and a generation down the road.

Such a pity.

What a waste.

Something to think about.

Just think if we all did something about the trash/garbage/pollution, what a better place our EARTH would be.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Food for thought, today.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers – put the word out – we need to work together to hopefully bring our EARTH back from the brink before it is too late.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of January, 2017.

Although I thought it was warmer yesterday – the temperature was warmer – but there were huge wind gusts all day.

At some points while standing and walking to and from the bus I thought I may blow away.

Now I think that would be quite the feat but nevertheless it was a strong possibility yesterday.

Today the temperature has fallen again but seems to be calm.

I have secured another ride with my neighbour.

Thank goodness for her.

I am so blessed.

Otherwise I would be walking to the bus stop and catching the bus.

Do not get me wrong it is not a bad thing but as you get a bit older the cold seems to affect you more.

Anyway when I have a ride I am grateful.

When I do not have a ride I am grateful.

At the end of it all I have a ride whether by car or by public transportation.

Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting for some nicer weather so that we can go for some overdue walking.

I just have felt with his poor little legs and the fact that it is pretty clear that he has the onset of arthritis that staying in the house instead of being out in the cold is a much better course of action.

He is taking glucosamine (I think I have the spelling right as there are no red lines, yay me).

Sometimes trying to spell words this early in the morning is not easy.

I love to spell and use new words when I can.

I will tell you this that we have been enjoying quiet evenings.

Once I get home from work and do the shovelling …. I am pooped.

The snow was drifted in on my front walk and was hard as nails.

It was not easy to shovel but I managed.

We did a quick cleaning of the deck (did not do the driveway).

Actually I am hoping that the driveway did not collect as much with the wind.

Oh, winters in Canada.

Oh, winters in Western Canada.

Oh, winters in Alberta.

Oh, winters in Edmonton.

Well almost time to finish getting ready.

It is almost funny that most of our conversations in the winter in Canada revolve around weather.

Could be worse, I suppose.

Have an awesome day.

Keep warm – Stay safe.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of January, 2017.

Another day in the deep freeze.

Thank goodness that I have been able to catch a ride in the morning with my neighbour.

I worry and think about all those souls who have no choice but to walk and then wait for the bus.

I hope that the buses are all on time.

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

So nice all round.

Both my neighbour and I were shovelling last night.

She did the front and I did the back and the driveways.

It is all good until it gets packed down when someone drives on it.

Mr. Alvin only stayed out with me a very short while.

I had him in the garage so at least he had some shelter.

He did not like being in the house without me.

But at least he was warm even if he was mad.

Better warm than not, I always say.

Well I must confess that I do like leaving the house a bit later…… bit longer in bed …… nice.

So strange when it is COLD out that all one wants to do is SLEEP and EAT.

You know not even eat …. more sleep.

So if you live where it is cold I wish you warmth.

Drive carefully if you must be out on the roads.

Some people do not think so you must be aware.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Back tomorrow.

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 15th day of October, 2016.

The sky has that almost grey hue that means maybe snow or freezing rain.

Not your typical rain clouds that is for sure.

Well it is safe to say winter has arrived.

The streets and sidewalks were dry until after I reached the safety of our office yesterday morning.

By the time other co-workers started to arrive it was snowing full force.

We were allowed to leave at 3:00 p.m.

My daughter came and picked me up and it took her 30 minutes from her office which was only about 10 minutes longer than summer.

But it took us from 3:30 until 5:10 p.m. to reach the Save-On store that is about a 6 minute walk from my house.

CRAZY.

The streets were perhaps a bit icy in places but people were driving like 30 miles per hour which slowed traffic almost to a halt in places.

We did enjoy a great visit on our extra long drive home.

Anyway we were happy to arrive at the store.

I was able to get groceries and stop by the Vet to pick up Mr. Alvin his food and a bag of treats.

Oddly enough it only took her 1/2 hour to get home which wasn’t much longer than usual.

She said there was no traffic….. that was about 6:00 p.m.

So we are ready to hunker down for the weekend.

Stay indoors and do housework and chill.

It is supposed to be +2 this afternoon so we will go out for a walk.

After getting home looking after Alvin, my daughter had a quick snack before leaving for home.

After she left I looked after “Cinder” my neighbour’s gecko and then shovelled out front and the deck.

I was not able to make it to the garage driveway as I was pooped.

It was the heaviest snow.

So will have to do the driveway today before it starts to snow again.

Needless to say last night was a quiet evening ….. relaxed and watched television after cleaning up a bit.

This is what was happening on October 15, 2015:

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 15th day of October, 2015.

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed another wonderful walk ….. a bit on the breezy side but warm.

I am so grateful for this great weather.

Mr. Alvin seems to have changed his clock already for the fall as he was ready to get up just after 3:00 a.m. this morning.

I managed to convince him to remain in bed until 4:15 a.m.

Thank goodness we were in bed by 9:15 p.m.

This is what was happening on October 15, 2014

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 15th day of October, 2014:

What a gorgeous day yesterday was …… sunny and warm.

Alvin and I enjoyed a lovely walk around the lakes in our neighbourhood.

This is what was happening on October 15, 2013:

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 15th day of October, 2013.

I hope this morning finds you feeling great.

Always remember that you have a choice.

A choice to have the best life you can imagine.

If you can think it …. you can have it.

Somedays I know it is hard to believe that it can happen.

But you must believe.

So ASK, BELIEVE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE.

This is what was happening on October 15, 2012:

Welcome to Monday, October 15th, 2012 …..

Wow, what a beautiful day it was here in  Edmonton yesterday……so warm that I was able to wear capris to work…

Today is supposed to be plus 13 C …… another capris day.

Gotta love that at the mid point of October in western Canada.

I am very grateful for this beautiful weather.

I am wishing that we have this warm weather pattern until November …. especially for Halloween.

***********************************************************************************************

It would appear by previous years that this is the coldest and snowiest October 15th in several years.

Nice to see that Mother Nature mixes it up from time to time.

Well I guess I should get this show on the road.

Time for laundry, clean the bathrooms and all that stuff.

We will go for a walk and see what the sidewalks are like.

Some of the neighbours have shovelled but not everyone.

Have a Happy Saturday.

Be safe and keep warm.

Special Hello to: YOU, my darling.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 12th day of December, 2015.

Alvin and I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to a fresh blanket of snow covering the deck and ground outside.

Last night when I arrived home from work to find that after snowing almost all day the sidewalks had been CLEANED.

I saw two young boys with shovels standing proudly by my neighbour’s house.

I found out later that they have been going from door to door to see if anyone would like their sidewalks shovelled for wait for it ….. “$3.00.”

Cannot imagine any children these days doing manual labour and only asking for $3.00.

I was duly impressed to say the least.

After chatting about them with my neighbour who invited them to shovel our walks after each snowfall; Mr. Alvin and I came across them on our walk .. they were just down the street.

I thanked them for shovelling and we spoke for a few minutes …. they even wished me a “Merry Christmas.” (first, before I had a chance)

Where did these boys come from?

Surely it could not be from the planet Earth.

I have not seen boys of that age so well mannered in decades.

They have brought back my sense of hope that we have a chance to fix all that is wrong with the world.

Now that might seem like a lot from two young boys that shovelled my sidewalk but I think we are on the right track.

We have hope ….

Hope is always a good thing for the future.

Without hope there is no future.

Now I forgot to ask them what they were going to spend their hard earned dollars on but that is a conversation for the next snowfall.

I will still have shovelling to do ….. the deck …. the driveway out back.

In fact, guess who was shovelling in her p.j.’s early this morning about 5:00 a.m. …… yes, it was ME.

Nothing like throwing on your winter coat and boots and mitts and shovelling at 5:00 a.m. while the Mr. Alvin does his business.

Okay time to get this show on the road.  It is 8:14 a.m.

We were up at 7:30 a.m. and I have gathered the laundry; stripped the bedding to be laundry …. put on fresh sheets and blankets.

Paid some bills on-line and worked out my budget for December and have now almost completed my blog post for today.

Then get dressed and make coffee to be delivered to my neighbour.

She is on her own like me so we do things for each other …. neighbourly ….. right.

The neighbours in the other half of my duplex have been away as his Mother passed away out of town.

Then it will be laundry and stuff while I wait for the call from my daughter.

She will call from her Doctor’s office just when she gets there and then I will don the coat and boots and grab my purse and head on over to the grocery store.

Grab some butter, potatoes and fruit … my daughter will pick me up and then we will stop at the Vet’s for food and toothpaste for Mr. Alvin.

WHEW breathe …..

Then HOME to make JEWELLERY for the afternoon……

and visit with my darling daughter so excited …..

Have an awesome day ……

Special Hello to: my sister ….yes tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of October, 2015.

My cousin has gone home, went to Costco, my daughter brought Alvin home & stayed for a visit …. all happened yesterday.

Oh, and some laundry, too.

Whew.

This morning the sun is shining and there are some dark clouds looming to the south.

I wish that it would stay bright.

I am strongly considering pulling my flowers, cleaning up the flower beds, putting away the patio furniture and ornaments and raking for a third time the massive mounds of yellow leaves from the front lawn.

It is kind of sad as the flowers are still blooming and looking great (will take some photos to show you) but when it freezes it will make them near impossible to be removed from the pots …. likely from the ground will be difficult, as well.

The neighbour to the south of me is building a garage.

It is not a regular one or two vehicle garage but a structure that appears to be a medium size house.

It has multiple windows, stairs, will have cupboard/work bench and the driveway is not your average one.

It goes to the edge of his property touching the back lane but goes all the way around the garage at the back and sides.

I do like the fact that his driveway is flat and not on an incline.

Crazy ….. very big.

That is what is going on in my neighbourhood.

Well I had the most glorious visit with my cousin as I have already shared with you.

I had a great visit with my neighbour to and from Costco.

I was so happy to see me Alvin and to have my daughter back at the house (she is such an amazing human and I feel better as a person when she is here).

So needless to say not too much housework was accomplished …. although I did wash my clothes but then bedding and towels are today.  I have started.

Well I had better get this show on the road …. get dressed …. finished my coffee and perhaps pour some into a to go mug and then I can drink it while I am working outside.  Will see if I can convince or “trick” Mr. Alvin into getting into his harness so he can be outside with me.  I like him to get as much fresh air as possible.

Oh, quick story about Mr. Alvin as I do not believe that I remembered to share this with all of you.

Friday night after work my daughter and son-in-law came to pick up Alvin so he could go for a sleepover which in hindsight I am so happy that I did so …. they both came in to get him.  My daughter along with Alvin’s things  (toothbrush and such) got into the car …… my son-in-law was with Alvin (who had his leash on, of course) and they were at the driver’s door of the car (the driver side facing the sidewalk so I could see clearly).  My son-in-law bent over to pick up Alvin and Alvin collapsed his hind end to the ground (it looked so funny).  This happened three or four times. I will admit that I did giggle for a bit. He has never done this at any other time that I remember.  Finally my son-in-law bent over and picked him up remarking “Oh, Alvin you are getting heavy.”  I was in the open doorway at the time so hear him and agreed.  So both of us have to work on our mid sections.  But it was so cute when he just collapsed to the sidewalk when my son-in-law went to pick him up.

Have an awesome Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who are trying new things …… good on you ……always good to stretch.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of March, 2014.

How are you?  I am great.

Last day to work at the office this week …..

Working at the store tomorrow night and Sunday, YAY.

Guess what more snow overnight!

I shovelled after work ….. the driveway, the deck and out front.

Good exercise, though.

Mother Nature always throws a few things at us during spring.

I guess it is her way of making us grateful for the beautiful weather once summer arrives.

Oh well, it is okay.

I am grateful it is only snow and we are prepared.

 

During my almost 1.5 hours of being out of bed – I have been thinking about things – life.

I guess the number one thing that has been crossing my mind once or twice during the past few weeks is this?

Am I doing what I am passionate about?  How about you?

Do I love what I am doing?  Are you sure?

I do know the answer.  Do you?

But I have been spinning my wheels trying to figure out how to change things around …..

Sometimes we get caught in a rut doing things because we “think” we do not have a choice.

We do have choices but then there are the bills ….. sometimes it always seems to come back to the money angle.

The job pays for a roof over your head, lights and heat and food in your belly.

So sometimes we end up doing things that we are okay with but are not really passionate about.

I hope that if you have been or are in this situation that you would share any thoughts you may be thinking.

I know as I crossed that bridge to the second half of the century …. I want to do things that make me happy.

Doing things that constantly stress you out …. that is not living your best life.

Well almost time to leave for work …..

Food for thought.

I am so blessed because so many aspects of my life are truly great ….. writing this blog …… making jewellery with my daughter ….. working at BBW …. and so much more.

I guess I may be a bit greedy ….. I want 100% JOYFUL.

Thank you so much for reading my blog and sharing your thoughts …..

Have a great great day.

Special Hello to: all my fellow writers …. this is one of the most joyful parts of my life and to share it with you is simply amazing.

Always, Carol and Alvin