The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I was up in good time just before 7:30. Changed bedding, gathered laundry and then got ready to go for a walk. According to my phone when I checked the temperature it said “10+” so I pulled on a light sweatshirt and my jean shorts and running/walking shoes and was on my way. I will say that one of the best inventions is the little socks that barely cover your foot and that have that non-slip material on the heel. No more having your feet so hot. No more going barefoot and getting blisters and no more wearing shorter socks that fall down. So win/win. I actually bought a few more pairs yesterday at Shoppers Drug Mart when I was taking a stroll on my lunch break. I had to pick up the office winning lotto tickets. I have not checked them but I am feeling good about them. One draw was last night and one is for tonight. Will check later.

The wind is quite strong and there are wind warnings out for later on. My heart goes out to the areas of Alberta and close to Edmonton that have wildfires burning. Most of these fires are caused from careless humans. When will we learn. The loss of wildlife can not be calculated. Insects, birds, small animals and even the large ones. Being spring the babies are at risk. Parents will not leave their babies. Can you imagine? Breaks my heart. If you happen to be a person who smokes, please extinguish your butt into a container that has water in it not on the ground. One spark when it is dry and you have people evacuated from their homes. What about all the domestic farm animals? People have to leave and cannot get all of their animals out? We have to be better. My children are close but not close enough to be evacuated. I have relatives in one of the areas that was recently evacuated. If you ever have to be evacuated from your home for any reason – please take your pets. When people were evacuated from the wildfires in Fort McMurray eight years ago, many of them left their pets behind. They are as important as family. Be prepared. Every life is important. Some of the pets were rescued by different organizations but many died because they were left behind. Another good reason not to leave your cat roaming the neighbourhood. I sure hope that these winds die down soon as this will not help the situation. I pray they calm down, the winds.

I made a detour from my story about the morning walk. It was a brisk walk and was a solid 35 minutes. I feel great. Nature was in her glory. The leaves are starting to come out looking shiny & new. My tree is a bit slow and is just budding. The sunshine glistened off of the water in the park close to my house. So beautiful. The ducks were swimming about and every once in a second one would tip over into the water to grab some food. I love watching them. When Alvin was a puppy he loved just sitting with me on the water’s edge watching the ducks and geese in the water. I remember taking him for walks by the big park/pond and he would stop to look at the water and birds. So I would just sit down on a patch of grass (this was before all of the foliage lined the pond) and he would sit on my lap and watch them swimming back and forth. No barking just intently watching them. We would do this for long periods of time and on many of our walks over the years but mostly when he was young. There were people out riding bikes, walking with and without their beloved pups. I spoke to a couple of people in passing. I saw for the first time a long-haired German Shepherd. Absolutely gorgeous. Glad he was having a walk while it is cooler out. Another gal had a little pup who is 8 and they just found out she has diabetes. My heart goes out to them. I wished the pup a long healthy life. I saw Robins. A male and a female. So great to be outside in nature. A good way to start the day, to start the weekend. Last night after work I went for a walk as well.

Time to head downstairs with my laundry baskets and start that laundry. I can smell the aroma of the freshly perked coffee as I put it on before I came upstairs to write this post.

I hope that you are safe and are having a wonderful day. Remember to go outside and take a walk in nature. Hopefully you have a green space close to your house. Take Care. Thanks for reading my posts. Very appreciated.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a Friday, June 3, 2022, we had from beginning until end. There was a slow start to the morning which was nice. My friend Pauline picked me up shortly before 12:30 p.m. and we started our afternoon adventure. We took a different route to our destination due to construction and what not. The conversation was great. Our first stop was the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary. So not just birds. We saw a bit of everything from a turquoise green billed duck to a bunch of rabbits who entertained us with one even laying down in the middle of the path with no immediate intentions of going anywhere. We saw a squirrel and a duck at different points just sitting on the boardwalk. I will say that walking on the boardwalk was a bit nerve wracking. The sun was warm as we walked along both the boardwalk through the marshlands and the path through the meadows. We were very happy when there was some shade. But no complaints. The time spent was well. I had the best time. We saw birds that we had never seen before and so much more. After taking in the Nature Sanctuary we drove just a short way down the highway to the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens. I have been there a handful of times before and loved it. First time that I have been there in late spring before the flowers are really blooming. We had really gone to see the grove of lilacs which we hoped to be in full bloom. We were a bit disappointed to see this was not the case. There were a few that were blooming as you will see in the photos that I will post. After we took in the Japanese Gardens we sat down for refreshments in the shade of the newly built area. We found there to be a few people wandering about the gardens but not as many as would be in the summer and on the weekends. We also saw two pairs of geese with little goslings barely a few weeks old and also a mallard duck with babies as well. They are way behind the ones in our neighbourhood who are almost starting to get their feather. A grand time we had. We sat down in the shade a few times just to chat and relax. We were not in a hurry. The afternoon was perfect and I was happy that I had taken water and wore comfy shoes for our adventure. I arrived home about 5:00 p.m. and Mr. Alvin was more than happy to see me. Pauline came in for a minute to explain where to put some plants that she had brought in when she picked me up. After supper last night I made sure to put them in the flower bed and in pots. Mr. Alvin did not have a great night. Bed at 10:00 and up at midnight until 2:00 a.m. or so along with me. We went downstairs at midnight and then were up and down for hours. We were up late when he finally settled down. I can smell some “gas” smells coming from him with a reminder no more human food. He virtually begged for some blueberries and strawberries yesterday morning and I caved in, that was the last time. Clearly he cannot take them. I do not want a repeat of last year for sure. Not for him or for me. Anyway, the sky is overcast this morning and I will post some photos.

Clear to the bottom

Bat House

no rush

turquoise bill duck

Botanic Gardens

Tulips

Well time to head back downstairs as it is almost noon and I have been working on this since before 10:00 a.m. I wanted to post all of my photos and tried to get them in order but technology is not always my best friend. So I have posted a few photos from my great afternoon adventure of June 3, 2022.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. You never know where the day will take you.

2021

Good Morning All! How are you doing this Friday morning? We are well. Third day in a row that we were up and stayed up at 6:30 a.m. – no turning on the snooze button.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS

Up we are,

Listening to the hum,

of cars in the distance.

As I write these words.

Looking around,

this room,

I see hints of my life,

Photos, cards, books, plants, art and stuff.

All things that one would collect over time.

Alvin moans, then whines,

afraid to cross the floor.

Words of encouragement to help him,

cross to the hallway.

Silly boy …. but that’s okay.

Life has always been interesting,

full of surprises and not,

Mostly just the regular everyday.

Living each day as best that I can,

What else is my lot?

I fill my days with work,

happy to be employed,

working from home these days,

So happy about that.

Writing each day makes me happy.

Perhaps one day I will get my ducks,

in a row,

maybe they will fly and soar,

I will get to those heights.

As I put together my words, the writings into a book.

That is my dream.

What is yours?

Does everyone dream of something better?

Of a passion?

Of a different life?

I guess so, we are human,

of that I am certain.

Well as the minutes pass away,

it comes closer to the time,

to start work for the last day this week.

Then my work at home begins,

you know laundry and cleaning.

In between we shall enjoy our walks,

me and Alvin,

our time together.

We do not know how long it will be,

so enjoying each moment, each minute,

each day is important.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Do something that you love?

Something that you love with your whole heart?

Take that chance,

take it now.

We will continue to live each day,

with kindness, respect, compassion

and of course patience,

always working on patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Written this day Friday, March 19, 2021

Living … One day at a time.

Hello to a gloom grey sky.

Just going to be a quiet day for us.

I think because of the gloomy skies, it would be a great time to share some colourful photos.

Photos taken over the years.

Flowers and Nature always bring a smile to my face.

Hopefully will bring a smile to your face.

 

 

I always find that when the sky is grey and rainy – flowers bring joy to my world.

Also Alvin does that as well.

Our children, our fur babies, adult family and friends …. they all bring us joy.

Wishing you a quiet, happy, healthy Sunday ….

 

With kindness and respect our days will be good.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 8th day of May, 2019.

Semi overcast sky this morning with hopes of bright sunshine throughout the day.

No moisture this morning.

 

Last night after work, Alvin and I went for our walk.

We stopped at our friend’s house and watered / checked on her plants.

Plants doing great.

We continued our walk to Alvin’s best friend’s Teddy’s house.

Everyday we pass by and he always wants to go in and almost everyday I say “not this time, Buddy.”

This time, it was okay.

As it would happen Teddy’s Dad was just going into the house from work, and he was excited for us to come in for a visit.

When the door opened – Master Teddy was so over the moon happy to see his Dad, his best friend Alvin and me, Aunt Carol.

While his Dad went into the garage to put some things away, I let the boys out into the backyard.

After all …. Teddy had been holding it for several hours by this time.

I know what that is like for Alvin.

We were visiting when Teddy’s Mom came home.

I do not know many folks who would be happy to see company upon arriving home from work.

These are such lovely, warm and caring folks, all I can say is that Alvin and I are lucky to call them friends.

Teddy’s Dad suggested that the Teddy and his Mom walk us home while he went for a bike ride.

We ended up walking by the big lake/pond north of us.

It was absolutely wonderful.

So many folks out walking with their pups of all sizes.

Alvin and Teddy made new friends.

We met a couple of old friends, as well.

We saw ducks, ducks building nests and muskrats in and out of the water.

The air was soft and warm as it touched our faces.

Perfect outing.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Great night last.

Great day on the way.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. hello my girl.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of July, 2018.

What a gorgeous morning, clear blue skies.

This morning when Al and I went for a walk at 5:15 a.m. – there was quite a lot of activity at our lakes/park.

The birds everything from ducks, geese, robins and more where chirping, quacking, singing and communicating.

There were frogs and crickets.

The ponds (not actually lakes) were alive with all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures.

It was glorious to listen to it all as we made our way through the park.

 

Another HOT HOT one on the way.

OMG, yesterday was so hot.

The fans and air conditioning barely keeping things cool.

 

Somedays you just need to share some photos.

Here are some photos from my “61” BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

The partying beings ….. a tad early but who am I to rain on my parade.

Why not celebrate for a month?

Right.

Party complete with Birthday Banner and Balloons.

Nothing like FRESH GLORIOUS FRUIT

Homemade CARROT CAKE to die for ….

The Birthday Girl hiding behind your PRESENTS.

Oh, I love presents.

So blessed …. received yoga pants & top and sweater and long no-sleeved fancy tank top.

I had so much fun with my girl friends …. we laughed and laughed.

 

AFTER the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups came for the afternoon & stayed for supper.

Both Aspen and Milo looked out the window pretty much the whole time that my daughter was out.

She slipped out for a few minutes.

Oh the babies.

My LILIES be blooming.

They are the most gorgeous shade of red, the ferns are taking over the front flower bed.

Who does not like impatiens?  I kind of missed most of the flowers.

They are filling up two pots on the front step.

What a glorious Sunday I had.

Absolute perfection.

 

Well here we are at Tuesday.

Will be trying to keep cool.

Thank goodness it is cool at 5:15 am when we go for a walk.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you for reading my blog.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

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

Happy New Year’s EVE Day.

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

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

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

I have been reading over my blogs from previous years.

The blog from this day last year and from 2015.

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

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

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

Today my mind is all over the place.

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

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

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

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

I love listening to music.

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

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

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

 

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

I made out like a bandit.

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

CHRISTMAS VACATION and it even plays music.

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

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

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

Not sure how it happened.

I used to have a couple of them.

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

It was a glorious couple of days.

We ate, played games and ate more.

Always wonderful to be surrounded by your loved ones.

 

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

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

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

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

February saw us, me and Alvin become debt free.

No consumer debt.

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

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

I write as much as possible.

 

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

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

Everything from jewellery to a deep dish apple pie.

I am so lucky.

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

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

We spent the day walking around taking in the sights.

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

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

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

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

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

I can still taste it.  OMG it was heavenly.

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

Friends that moved to Quebec came for a visit.

So many wonderful surprises.

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

I still cannot believe that I am 60 years old.

 

The year just seemed to come and go.

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

Both CANADA and I celebrated milestone birthdays.

Happy 150th Birthday to our beloved country.

 

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

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

It was a duplex so affected two households.

Reminder to be careful and aware.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

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

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

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

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

PHOTOS from 2017

April 2017

 

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

June 2017 – Alvin and Carol’s GREAT ADVENTURE.

 

 

JULY 2017 – Flowers and YARD

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2017 – garden project

HALLOWEEN 2017

FALL TREAT PARCEL from our Friend “V”

THE CAKE marking the BIG 60.

CHRISTMAS Decorations of 2017

Some of the baking …. the infamous SUGAR COOKIES

Aspen and Milo my beautiful grand pups.

Cutest photo of 2017.

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

So I had better stop now.

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

I wish you and your family the most glorious 2018.

Remember to laugh and have fun.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of September, 2017.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

So grateful for these warm beautiful sunny days.

What a great way to celebrate FALL.

The leaves on the trees are turning to yellows, oranges and reds.

Still lots of green ones waiting to turn.

The grass in most areas remains a bright green mainly due to the rain last week.

So it is a gradual process and that is the perfect way to bring in FALL.

I love this time of year.

There is something comforting about it all.

The smell of fall …… oh, the taste of FALL.

Who does not love pumpkin.

Me, I do, I do.

Every year more and more products add some with pumpkin to their fall line-ups.

Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin chocolate, pumpkin lip gloss ……

You name it and someone has made it.

Alvin and I have been enjoying our walks ….. the colours in our park are amazing.

Parts of the park are more visible now with some of the leaves having dropped from the trees.

So now you can see clearly across the lake to the other side of the park.

So pretty.

Some ducks and geese swimming about ….. just adds more pleasure to our view.

Happy FALL.

 

Well it looks like it may be almost time for me to grab my lunch and shoes and go.

Nice to be able to wear only a sweater again.

Also nice to be dry when I get to work.  LOL.

 

Have a great THURSDAY everyone.

Special Hello to: my sister, Hello.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 14th day of November, 2016.

So dark out at 6:00 a.m. – easy to tell the season.

Beautiful day yesterday.

Alvin and I enjoyed a morning walk visiting with neighbours along the way.

Our weather has been absolutely incredible for this time of year.

We had rain Saturday and even into the night.

The grass is green.

On our walk yesterday I noted that the water on our lakes is still flowing no frost in sight.

On the lake were some ducks.

I guess they did not get the memo.

I am pretty certain they normally do not hang around here for the winter.

But Mother Nature has been temporarily tricked.

I hope that they will be safe and “warm.”

Alvin and I had a good weekend.

I spent several hours over Friday and Saturday with my daughter preparing for and then entered in a craft sale.

It was disappointing but at the end of the day it was great to spend the time with my daughter.

I guess we have to determine where and when we want to spend our time.

Our time is more valuable than money.

That goes without saying.

Even though I will be the first to say that without money it is difficult to have stress-free time.

If you cannot pay your bills or buy food – not good.

Sometimes we get in over our heads just to have some of the things that we think we want or need.

That is not good.

But human nature is always wanting.

Thinking we need when it is more like we want.

Well here it is almost time to leave the house for another Monday morning.

I wish you all a wonderful, stress-free, productive Monday.

Think about what it is that you really need and focus on that instead of all the things that you want.

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “V” who always makes me feel better than I am.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, the 26th day of June 2013.

How are you this gorgeous morning?

I am doing great.

I have a short story to share with you all.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we noticed a Momma Duck and four baby ducklings swimming on the lake.

They are so cute.  Momma leading the way and the four little ones all in a straight line behind her ….. she wears the “pants” in that family.

Our lakes have all exceeded their “banks” so the three are now one big lake with lots of room for the ducks and geese and the muskrats.

Anyway, back to the story.

We came across this lady who was taking some photos of the ducks.

Alvin ran over (on his long leash) and started his “hello” ritual except this time ….

She bent over to give him a rub on the head and he kissed her several times ….. it was so cute.

She said “what a cute and friendly puppy?”.

I said “yes, he is very social.”

Then she asked his name and I told her …..

Then in his Alvin fashion he waggled his tail so fast I thought it was going to fall off.

Followed by he dropped to the grass and started rolling around.

Now he has never done this before ….. with one exception – actually two.

His dog girl friends …..

He would get up and grab some attention from “Kelly” and then back to rolling.

What a show he put on ….

We laughed so hard.

I said “boy, he really likes you”

She replied “oh, he just made my day …. my week.

That was one of the most fun walks we have ever enjoyed.

Between the ducks, Alvin’s show and meeting a new neighbour …. wow, it doesn’t get better than that.

Sometimes it is the small things that are the most important; in fact I would say most of the time that is the case.

So enjoy this Wednesday and I hope that an “Alvin” finds you and gives you some love and well deserved attention.

Take Care and thank you for reading my blog.

Special Hello: to my Dee and family who are coming to visit their “Auntie” (me) for the long weekend.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin