2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this smoky cloudy morning? My thoughts are going to the people and all the animals living in the areas affected by the wildfires/fires. I cannot imagine. Here in Edmonton it is smoky and yesterday I had to close the windows as the smell of smoke was begin to affect my breathing. I am praying for rain for BC with no wind or lightning.

Does it not always seem to happen that when things all go wrong it is all at once.

My venting ….. as Alvin is barking downstairs and I decided to write this post on my computer upstairs just for a change to feel somewhat normal. Although our lives are not normal at the moment.

So yesterday I had been wearing two very delicate gold bracelets and noticed one was missing. I searched high and low but it is gone. Somewhere in the house or outside. I have a feeling it fell off outside and went down in between the cracks on the deck.

I ran to the mailbox to pick up the mail which I have not done in a long time. There was a package for me. I was so excited. When I opened the package, I found the earrings that I had ordered from Fifth Avenue that had been on backorder. I gingerly unwrapped them to find that the posts were bent on the ends and the backs were on so tight that I barely got one off. Definitely cannot wear them. Damaged before even the opportunity to wear them. Makes me so sad and a little mad.

Going back to the a/c servicing that was supposed to be on Wednesday that we had patiently waited for and then did not show up. When I called the company yesterday morning, I found out that the person I spoke with when they were late showing up – had cancelled the appointment and scheduled it for Saturday when they come to check out the hot water tank. The hot water tank was positioned in a way that blocks off access to the sump pump.

Alvin barking and whining downstairs.

It is not often if at all that I spend my whole post with negative thoughts. I apologize but I just had to get them out. Just seems that everything is going to hell in a handbasket.

Then Alvin has surgery next Friday.

Too much and I am feeling a bit frazzled.

Please forgive this venting as I am well aware in a better state of mind that I am very blessed. I live in a great house/home, I have a yard, I am employed, I am in good health, I have incredible family and friends and so much more. But sometimes life gets the better of us and I am afraid I am at that point. Deep breaths, I know.

I have a headache from the smoke and from someone’s barking. I know he just has anxiety from me not being in his sight but …… oh, I wish.

Okay, I have to go now.

I will be back tomorrow and I will be in a better frame of mind, I promise.

Trying to life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? We are good. Thank goodness it is Friday. Snowing again. Lots of shovelling happening in our neighbourhood. Temperatures still on the cold side but then again it is the first week of February and we should not expect anything different. Although slightly warmer would be nice so that we could go for walks. I feel that our bodies are starting to go downhill. So that means we have to get with it and do more exercises in the house. I do shovel but only when it snows. Lately it has been snowing almost everyday so that is good. I started walking on the spot with hand held weights. That lasted three days. It was good I think but I need to keep it up. Lots that I could be doing but somehow when it is cold and dark …. all we/I want to do is eat and sleep and sleep and eat. Oh well. Thankfully I am not a night snacker. I seldom eat after supper/dinner. Just always been that way.

As I glance around the room and notice the rack displaying most of my purses; I feel slightly sad. Seldom do I use them these days. I have three downstairs that I switch about on the rare occasion that I leave the house to go somewhere that requires me to take “money” and stuff. Most of them are collecting dust hanging on the door rack. Thankfully I do not have a crazy amount of purses or I would really be sad. I guess the same goes for shoes. I do put on my boots everyday whether walking or picking up Alvin’s deposits in the backyard or when I am shovelling. But shoes only when I go to the office. I know that they say we should wear a pair of comfy shoes in the house so it helps protects our feet and although I have had no issue with my feet; perhaps it is something that I should look into. I do wear socks. Maybe barefoot would be better – your feet can breathe. What about makeup, jewellery and office clothes? Lots of things are sitting not in use. Although I have started to wear makeup more (not that I wore a lot anyway) and my jewellery and the top part of my office clothes, I have been wearing. I have some pants have I have not wore in almost one year; perhaps they will not even fit me at this point. I have no idea. Anyway food for thought. Us folks that are working from home – will have to start to use our items that are feeling neglected. Fill up that purse and carry it to your workstation and then tuck it out of the way. Wear those earrings and that bracelet. Add some lipstick. If you were going out in public – the mask would cover it and feel yucky – so take advantage of being at home, if you are at home. Maybe start wearing a pair of shoes. It has been an interesting almost one year since we starting working from home. I must say other than a couple of minor details; I love being at home. When the wind is howling and the snow is blowing …. I am safe and warm in my cardigan, tank top, relaxed pants and socks wearing lipstick and a bracelet and socks on my feet. LOL.

Well time to get this day going. Busy time of the month for me at work – who am I kidding most days of the month are busy for me. That is a good thing – I suppose. Although personally the odd slower day would be lovely.

I hope that you are safe, in good health and enjoying life.

Living each day with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the first meal from Chef’s Plate was yummy – Cajun-Spiced Turkey – not too spicy.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 19th day of February, 2016.

We received a fresh blanket of snow last night ….. somewhere between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Not too much so it is okay.

Supposed to be plus temperatures after today so it will go soon.

We did not have much snow thus far so might be a dry spring unless it rains.

YAY, it is Friday.

I always look forward to the weekends …. spending time at home with Alvin and sometimes seeing friends for a visit and coffee/tea.

 

February is feeling like spring …. I wonder.

Still have not seen a bunny ….

Mother Nature will let us know soon enough, I suppose.

Well I have some things to do before I leave for work.

You know those things that you just think of and cannot put out of your mind.

I wish you a great Friday and weekend.

See you later.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. sorry about the earrings.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Good Afternoon and today is Sunday the 9th day of August, 2015 and my 58th Birthday.

Well I found out this morning that I will not have internet or television until Friday when they come to make a service call.

Technology is a wonderful thing until you do not have it.

I am over at my neighbour’s on her computer so that I could write my blog.

It breaks my heart not to write for a whole week …..

It has been a great birthday …… two birthday cakes ….. balloons ….. lots of presents.

We celebrated yesterday ….. in the morning with two of my friends and at supper with my kids.

Got to have coffee with friends and cake, go shopping to IKEA and get the desks that I want for my office at home followed by supper brought to me by my daughter and son-in-law along with yet another birthday cake and more gifts.

I feel truly spoiled and so blessed.

A great day.

Oh, I cannot forget the joint birthday party I had last Friday with my siblings and nephew.

I had wanted to share photos …. I only have access to the ones previously shared.

I am one lucky lady.

Here are some of my passions and loves ……

Sisters

Me and my Manda

My brother whose birthday is August 11th …..

Jeff and Five of Five (Tyler, Cindy, Carol & John) – 1992

AKA: Conehead

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. just missing Miss Penny.

My Mom, nephew Troy and Amanda ….. memories

One of my favourites…1980’s

Flowers

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Christmas at my house

One of my favourite things to do ….. bake sugar cookies.

Jewellery …. ours

My version of taco salad …. salad … and all the fixings.
Another passion of mine.

Love dragonflies … they visit my house.

Me and my sister …. the good old days. I am on the left holding a dolly

FLOWERS FOR FRIENDS

First snowman me and my sister made since we were kids ….. (2009)

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to the second day of summer Sunday, the 22nd day of June, 2014.

It is bright and sunny out this morning and the air has a slight coolness from the breeze, making it practically perfect.

This morning I was reminded as I gathered the jewellery that I always wear …. you know the rings and watch and then touched off with bracelets and a necklace, perhaps earrings.

One piece that I have worn every single day since it was given to me back in the summer of 1976 – a jade ring.

The ring is smooth and green ….. an ever ending circle of friendship.

It was a gift from my then best friend, Carolyn.

My forever friend, Carolyn, I might add.

We met in Grade Twelve.

She got married right after high school.

She had gone on a trip to the United States and had brought it back for me.

It is strange that I have no other piece of jewellery that I have consistently wore for that length of time.

This summer is is thirty-eight years since she gave it to me.

We were inseparable for a long-time and always kept in touch.

But somehow like many relationships go they slowly slip away.

I miss her.

We have and had such an amazing friendship that no matter how much time had elapsed we would just pick up from that point, like we had just spoke that day.

To my knowledge she still lives back in Regina and hopefully someday we will meet up again.

I am grateful for the jade ring a fond reminder of love and friendship.

Special Hello to: my friend Carolyn wherever you are ………

Always, Carol and Alvin