2021

Good Morning ALL! It feels like forever since I last wrote a post. Well Christmas is all over for yet another year. We had a fantastic Christmas. My daughter’s friend who just happens to be a pharmacist tested us all on Christmas Eve and yes, we were all NEGATIVE. Definitely one of times when I wanted the results to be negative. No worrying about securing an A+ grade. We ate until we almost burst on Christmas Eve filling ourselves with, let me see if I can remember the menu. Hot Cheese Dip with Baguette, Butterfly Shrimp, Mozzarella Sticks, Boursin Cranberry with Cracked Black Pepper Cheese “Ball”, crackers, Guacamole with corn chips, vegetable tray, and a sweet tray of baking. We also had nuts and chocolate. I see where the CHEESE was the star of the show. Likely not the best plan but oh well. We enjoyed the food. After we ate we played a game that my son-in-law got for Christmas (he opened it early), BLOCKBUSTER. Now we did not have the patience for the rules so we made up our own and I never laughed so hard. We had the best time. The game is all about movie trivia. So much fun. After the game was over we opened gifts. Now this is funny, I am now thinking after we ate then we opened gifts and then played the game. We were up until after 2:30 a.m. No, pretty sure we played the game and then opened gifts, yes that is correct. We played the game until about midnight and then it took us 2.5 hours to open our gifts. We opened one at a time. Then we had fours pups with gifts although the only one really interested in opening gifts was Alvin, Mi-Mi did make an attempt. I always love watching Alvin as he impatiently opens his gifts. He had his paw on the bag and then with his nose and mouth pulled out the tissue paper. So much fun. He loves opening presents. My daughter had a couple of her stocking gifts laying beside her, wrapped and he was tearing open the paper. Cute not someone was not impressed, lol. I was happy to see that the pups got along. Earlier I had been concerned that perhaps Mi-Mi and Cookie would be at odds but they were not. Actually a couple of times the quiet Miss Aspen let out a sharp bark at Cookie when she got too close.

Everyone was spoiled this year. I made quite the haul. I believe everything on my list with the exception of having my mortgage paid in full was under the tree. Some of the things that I had asked for were: Debbie Travis’s new book about life, filled with photos and recipes AND Rebel Homemaker, the first cookbook from Drew Barrymore and Chef Pilar Valdes, filled with photos, recipes and stories. Also on the list were fuzzy Christmas socks, Cuisinart paring knife, Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap, and a Day Planner for 2022. In addition to these gifts, I got a package of Player’s choice scratch tickets and won $5.00. Ecologic Paper Towel which can be used 200 times and is biodegradable and a Packet of tea. I also received a poinsettia plant and turtles chocolates from our guests. Late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, some friends dropped a card and baking off for me and some treats for Mr. Alvin. We are so lucky. Mr. Alvin received from his sister and family – a cute Reindeer stuffed toy and from his momma – the most beautiful blue and green turtle. He also received more edible gifts. So we were totally spoiled. That was Christmas EVE. We did not get to bed until after 2:30 closer to 3:00 on Christmas Eve. The kids had our room and our guest the “guest room,” me, Alvin and Cookie slept on the sofa except it took awhile to get a little someone to settle down. I had placed the baby gate up so that she could not go upstairs and she whined until I got up from the and placed her on the “green” chair with Rudolph, her favorite sleeping spot. I had to do this about 10 times before she finally stopped. So it was well after 3:00 when we got to sleep.

Alvin woke up at 5:00 and then we were up about 7:30 to stay up. Not much sleep. Most of the house was up about 8:30. We had coffee which we all needed. It was us girls that were up and my son-in-law stayed in bed for awhile beyond us. Amanda’s friend left about 10:00 as she was going to pick up her girls and open gifts with them. We invited them back for supper with us.

We had a late brunch with quiches, the veggie tray and some cheese. Lots of coffee was drank. I made a second pot. Throughout Christmas Day, I quietly putzed. Taking the gifts out from under the tree and reorganizing them. Washed the dishes that did not fit in the dishwasher and once the main floor was tidied up, I went to the basement and put away the gift bags, folded up the tissue paper – all to use another day. The kids had done some wrapping in the basement after they arrived on Christmas Eve. Once the cleaning and tidying was done, I had some more coffee and checked out the recipes for fresh cranberry relish and dressing. We had a quiet but enjoyable afternoon. We had planned to have supper about 7:00 p.m. but our company arrived a bit later, and then she wanted to test her daughters with the rapid covid test (like the one that we did the night before). It was closer to 8:00 p.m. when we had supper. The girls were negative. Thank goodness everyone was negative. We had a lovely supper of roast chicken breasts, whipped garlic potatoes and gravy, dressing, fresh cranberry relish, corn, peas and homemade buns (from one of my friends). Our dessert was baking which consisted of fudge, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan tarts, chocolate caramel candy and some cookies from the BON TON Bakery. Anyway, we ate too much but it was good (if I do say so myself). Usually I do not like to make new recipes when there is company but both the dressing and the relish were so good. Will make them again.

The girls opened their Christmas gifts from us.

After clean up, we sat down and had another good game of BLOCKBUSTER. My son-in-law and I took on the other four girls. They won but it was a close fun game. We close on a Christmas movie category. Can you believe that I lost on the category? We named so many movies before we could not name anymore. If I could have included all of the HALLMARK movies that I have been watching – we would have won but they were excluded. Oh well.

Dee and the girls left just before midnight. We were in bed shortly after. This time the kids took Cookie to bed with them. She settled down and we all had a good night sleep. In fact, it was not even Mr. Alvin who was up first – it was the other pups at 6:15. My daughter and I fed the pups and then laid back down again. It was almost 10:00 when we all woke up. I guess we needed the sleep. I was happy that the kids decided to stay for another day.

We had a bit of breakfast and visited. My daughter and I had packed up most of their things.

The best gift of all was not really a physical gift but my son-in-law arranged for me to go to the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, to go to space via a virtual reality headset. Both my son-in-law and daughter had tried it and warned me that I may be dizzy or nauseous and that I may not be able to keep the headset on for a long period of time BUT I surprised then when I squealed with delight during my space trip. I got to literally touch the space station, saw the stars and the sun and earth. I felt as though I was an astronaut in space. It was the most coolest experience of my life. I would have stayed there all day long. I loved it. After the space trip, I was able to go Africa and come up close and personal with a zebra, saw giraffes and an elephant and a large cat not a lion this time. I definitely would like to do this again and again. I had no idea that you could buy virtual reality headset – I thought it was only in the movies.

After the VR experience, I packed up food for the kids and they loaded up the car. They left for home in the afternoon. Then it was just me, Alvin and Cookie left. The noise and excitement all done for another year. We had the best Christmas ever. So much fun.

Well I have trapped Alvin and Cookie in the office with me and they are getting a bit restless so time to sign off. I wanted to catch you up in our last two days – in our Christmas.

The outside temperature is bitterly cold. Minus 30 without the windchill. Supposed to be cold all week. I guess we won’t be going anywhere. I am grateful that I asked my daughter to pick up more food for Alvin and as it would turn out that is the only food that Miss Cookie will eat. Yikes. Oh well. At least she is eating.

Time for a shower and to rescue the pups from the office.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, that you are safe and warm and happy and most of all in good health.

Until tomorrow.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie Monster (that is my new name for her), lol.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday …. one day closer to Christmas.

Are you keep tracking of days?

I am and am not.

Just know that I wrapped gifts last night, the baking is done, Christmas cards are mailed and mostly delivered.

I have a handful left to deliver this weekend.

Only to clean and then cook …. oh and I guess I have to pick up a bit more at the grocery store.

Then I am ready.

Ready Freddy ….. ready.

My daughter is picking me up from work tonight as I have to replace the blade from Alvin’s electric clippers and then to COSTCO.

 

I just found out this morning that my sister adopted a beautiful feline.

She is a beautiful fluffy girl named RAIN.

Welcome to our family.

I look forward to meeting you one day.

 

Thankfully it stopped snowing.

Seems like I shovel in the morning and then shovel again when I get home from work.

Last night I didn’t shovel as it wasn’t much so will shovel tonight.

Unless one of my neighbours gets to it first …. I have been shovelling both sides of us.

Trying to be a good neighbour.

 

Alvin was in a hurry to get into the office this morning and I don’t know why.

He was whining as I was drying my hair.

Now he is sleeping on the blue blanket beside me.

I guess he knows that this is the last step before heading on back downstairs.

Where we go outside once again ….. he does his business and I do the cleanup.

Lucky woman that I am.

Oh, well …. it is okay.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

 

I am so grateful to be able to live in this beautiful home with my boy.

I am so grateful that I have wonderful family and friends.

I am so grateful that my siblings and I are “close” even though we are not close in distance.

I am so grateful to be employed and like my job.

I am so grateful that I have clean clothes to wear each day.

I am so grateful to have shoes, boots, a warm winter coat and all the trimmings.

I am so grateful that I can pay my bills.

I am so grateful that I am in good health and am joyful.

I am grateful to be alive.

 

Last night while we were upstairs getting ready for bed, I noticed two rabbits on the front lawn.

They were nibbling away at the food that my neighbour leaves for them.

All white now.

I guess winter is here.

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Be respectful and kind to all you meet.

Sometimes it may be difficult but we have to try.

At some point it will become a habit and then it comes naturally.

I hope that it does for you.

Better to tip the scales on the kindness and respectful end than to to be mean and miserable.

 

Always, Me and Alvin

Merry Christmas ….

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of January, 2017.

Guess what day today is?

It is a very special day in my household.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was on this day seven years ago that I adopted my handsome wonderful companion, buddy and friend.

So we are celebrating his “8th” Birthday as we are not exactly sure how old he is ….. how great is that.

He can be any age, really.

So today we are saying No. 8.

Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis.

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together thus far as much as I have ……

Love you Buddy with all of your quirks.

I love watching you bury your chew treat in the back yard winter or summer.

I love watching you searching for something by putting your whole face in the snowbank as if you could see in there all the while I know the power of your sense of smell.

You are so funny and always make me smile and laugh.

I want to post some photos from over the years and also my blog from April 2010 written about our first days together.  The other night I was reading some of my older blogs and came across this – oh so many memories.

Alvin, the story begins …. Chapter 1

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Last night my daughter Amanda was over to watch the Golden Globes with me.  We both love to watch the award shows.  Avatar won for Best Motion Picture and James Cameron for Director.  Sandra Bullock for Best Actress in a Drama.  We had supper and enjoyed the evening.  Over the past few weeks and months we had been discussing the possibility of me “adopting” a dog. Why not, I thought.  This past eighteen months has been chalked full of firsts for me.  I have always loved dogs.  We had checked out the Humane Society’s web-site a few times but the smaller dogs went fast.

On this day, I was taking care of my “O” my neighbour’s cat.  This is one of those cats that is definitely an one person feline.  I had been around her a little bit and knew what to expect.  Deep down, I believed that she would get to “love” me or at least like me.  LOL.  Anyway, I made sure that I had my legs covered, and also carried the “cat toy” …. mouse on a stick supplied by O’s Mom for protection.  The first day, O jumped, swatted and hissed all in one smooth motion.  Oh, this is a cat that has a heart condition and takes medication for it.  Crazy.  Anyway both of us got through both visits that day.

Back at home, my daughter had sent me the link to an animal rescue web-site so that I could check out the doggies.  There was one in particular that she thought fit the bill.  He was so cute.  His story very sad.  So I went onto the web-site and “fell in love” (so cute), before I knew it I had contacted these folks about adopting this dog.  It was important to act fast as all of the smaller dogs were adopted quickly.

By evening, I was contacted by a gal from the rescue society.  She told me that there had been lots of interest in this puppy.  So she was going to contact her superior to see about making the next move.  Someone would call me the next day.

Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Another successful visit to “O”‘s house.  One would never know that she had a heart condition.  I am so grateful that each morning it is getting lighter, earlier and earlier.  Spring is on the way.  Big news this morning.  Received a phone call from the foster Mom of a little dog.  Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  We are going to see him tonight.  The whole family is going.  It is important that Elton and Penny like this possible new addition to the family.  I am going to run out to the nearby “Bone & Biscuit” store and pick up some food and toys, just in case.  I want to be prepared.  Oh, have to get some treats, too!   I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time.  This could be my very first dog.  Wow, this has been a year of firsts for me.  But I am so grateful for all of them.  We are going after supper, and it is a bit of a drive from here so will write all about our visit tomorrow morning.  YAY.

DAY “1” – Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Guess what happened last night? It was crazy.  Took us a little while to find the place because it was out in the country. But we did.  We were introduced to this cute little guy.  His name is Alvin.  He is a cocker spaniel mix.  Puppy.  They think that he is about one year old.  Has a black & white coat with the most handsome brown eye-brows.  Elton & Penny seemed to like him well enough.  He has a sad story but is blessed to have such great foster parents.  I know that he is going to have a great life.  So no looking back.  Okay, get on with it.  I know.  I am too wordy sometimes (okay, LOL all of the time).  Arrangements were made for me to adopt him last night.  He is on antibiotics and other medicine.  Whew.  Hard to believe – it happened all so fast. One minute we were trying to find the place, and the next we were on our way home with three dogs in the car.  He was so stressed, the poor little guy.  Thank goodness for the “blue blanket” that his foster parents had given him, as he was drooling so bad the whole car ride home.  When we got back to my house – it was surreal.  It was late when we got back so once I introduced him to each room of the house, and he had some water and a bit of food, it was off to bed.  I had no plans of him sleeping in my bed but I felt so “sorry” for him that he ended up there.  He was so stressed that neither of us got any sleep.  I was reminded of my first night home from the hospital with Amanda.  I kept imagined that he stopped breathing, which was crazy !!

It was an early morning considering neither of us slept much last night.  He has to be fed every three hours, and has medicine so I am busy.  Also first full day of looking after “O” next door.  Should mention that I made my first mistake with Alvin.  After he ate his first meal today I thought that I would send a quick e-mail to Amanda.  I thought that he would be like Elton & Penny and that I would have a few minutes before he needed to go outside.  He did not make it.  First lesson learned.  I do not have much carpet in the house and he did manage to miss it.  Thank goodness for that……

Guess what happened when I got home from feeding “O” in the morning?  It actually started when I left the house.  Alvin stood at the living room and cried.  Sounded like a baby’s cry.  Separation anxiety, I was told later.  I made a quick trip next door as I couldn’t bear him crying.  When I got home, I unlocked the door and faster than a real “bolt of lightning” something black and white passed me.  I twirled about and almost fell on my “butt”.   Thank goodness that I had my boots and coat on as I did not have time to grab them.  I ran down the steps,and down the sidewalk as he got nearer to the street.  Man, puppies are quick.  Just as he was about to step onto our busy street, I bent over and swooped him up.  My heart darned near jumped out of my body.  I was so scared.  What a first day !  This was only the morning.  The rest of the day went fairly smoothly.  Lots of feedings, administering medicine and pooping.  Thank goodness he is trained.  As he is not neutered it will be awhile before we can go on walks.  So it will be playing fetch for exercise for a bit.

Oh, the life of a pet owner…….

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin and his buddy Penny, oh the memories of the two of them.

Resting on the deck ……

My favourite photo of Alvin ….. laying on his belly at the top of the stairs …. looking like he has no body….

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Looking out the office window …. which was our temporary bedroom at the time.

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Winter …

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin and Me …..

One summer day – our adventure.

Alvin and Elton playing tug-o-war and then checking out the Christmas gifts.

Alvin and the newest additions to our family …. Baby Milo and Aspen.

Always waiting on his Momma….

I could post a million photos of my boy but will end here.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Here’s to many more happy years together.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday Boy of course ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 26th day of December, 2016.

The sun is peering out through the cold winter sky.

Another cold morning.

WOW, Christmas is over already.

I missed writing yesterday.

My kids and two new additions to the family arrived on Christmas Eve late afternoon.

One of the new additions had not as yet met us and we wanted to introduce Alvin to her on neutral ground.

They said that is always better.

So we took them for a walk until Mr. Alvin’s paws were cold and we had to retreat to the house.

I will say that Alvin did pretty good but definitely better day two.

Baby Milo was his energetic self.

Miss Aspen calmly investigated the house.

She is a beauty.

Milo and Aspen have the same colouring.

We spent the evening keeping an eye on the pups and eating.

Eating and eating.

Is that not what people do on Christmas Eve.

We watched a Christmas Movie and then opened gifts.

This Christmas we did not buy gifts but decided to choose something from our homes to give or make something from things around the house.

It worked out perfectly.

Everyone LOVED their gifts.

I definitely think this will be an ongoing tradition in our homes.

Yesterday was quiet but wonderful.

We got up ….. had breakfast ….. coffee…… relaxed.

Made the turkey …… had a short nap and it was time to get supper on the go.

We had a lovely supper ….. ate way too much.

The pups were starting to get settled (most especially Alvin).

Then it was all over.

The family left after supper.

Alvin and I just cleaned up and then I had a rum and EGG NOG with ice.

I will say it tasted way better than I remembered.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I watched the modern version of the “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Well here it is almost noon ……

Time to go and have a shower and freshen up.

I was looking around earlier and thinking that I would take the decorations down.

But will wait until tomorrow.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas.

We remembered our babies that left us last year and enjoyed making memories with the new ones.

Life is good when you are surrounded by family, love and “good food.”

Happy Boxing Day.

Special Hello to: all our Family and Friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

The newest additions to our Family:  Miss Aspen and Baby Milo.

Welcome babies to our Family.

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 9th day of June, 2016.

It is overcast this morning and has been since early on.

Last night after work as soon as Alvin had finished eating and having a drink we went for a walk.

We got almost half way round the lakes when it started to rain, big drops.

That was my cue to get us back home.

Sure enough it started coming down harder and harder.

We were only home about three minutes when the heavens opened and it POURED.

Mixed in with the rain were bits of ice – hail, about the size of a nickel, I would say.

I was so happy that we made it inside before the hail.

I do not mind getting wet although we would have been VERY wet, soaked to the skin.

We can use the moisture and it is a good thing.

I hope that the rain went up north.

Well today is a vacation day for me that is the reason for a much later than usual blog.

My grand-puppy Elton is spending today and tomorrow with us.

Yes, I have tomorrow off.

SO excited to just bum around.

I have some work to do on my tea business and perhaps re-organize another garage sale if the weather will be nice this weekend.

Otherwise for today …. the plan is to RELAX.

Just chill with my BOYS, my pack, my peeps.

Looks like the sun might be coming out.

Well I hope that you have a glorious Thursday.

Time to go and enjoy a big mug of COFFEE.

Take care.

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S. Elton is doing great and we are so happy.

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of August, 2015.

Wow, one glorious week of August ending and plus three to go.

The sun is shining here in Edmonton.

It was dark when I got out of bed this morning with the pups.

Elton, Penny and Mr. Alvin.

We had a great Thursday evening ….

Elton and Penny were so excited to go for a walk and Mr. Alvin hid under the table.

So I took Elton and Penny for a walk …. our regular route.

It was such a glorious walk.

As we left the house no noise then suddenly when we were out of view of the window I hear this forlorn howl (sounded like a wolf) and I thought was that Alvin.

Yup, that was Alvin……

Poor little guy.

Part of me wanted to go back and fetch him but the other part said two is enough ….. three is hard to wrangle.

Especially when they start “pooping.”

So I felt like a rotten Momma ……

By the time we got home he was “happy” to see us.

It was so nice out that I mowed our grass, front and back, both neighbours on either side of me, watered flowers and plants, for all of us and did some weeding.

By the time I was done it was almost 9:30 …..

Mr. Alvin had had some exercise by running and jumping on the deck.

His second favourite thing to do other than eating.

He is so cute.

He runs as fast as he can …. jumps from the bottom to the top step (three) on the upper deck….does this little hop and then does it all over again.

He always makes me laugh when I watch him.

Then he is tuckered out.

After all of that we came into the house – I made myself a cup of tea and watched a show that I had previously recorded.

Then to bed.

No drama.

Usually there is drama.

Everyone settled in and I read for a few minutes before going to sleep.

YAY …. Grandma ……

The sky is beginning to cloud over.

I have errands to run so will have to leave the pups alone but they will be just fine.

On my way there is a walkway that is always filled with garbage …. I cannot believe people.

Just throwing away empty drink containers ….. fast food bags ….. and more.

So I will grab my little disposable gloves and a garbage bag and clean it up on my way through to my shopping places.

Seems like I am always picking up garbage.

Sure wished people would think before tossing.

Oh well ….. it will be some extra exercise for me which I need.

Maybe it will help with my “spare tire” …….

Certainly cannot hurt.

Well I guess Grandma better get this show on the road.

Slept a bit later than planned but guess I needed it.

Have an awesome Friday.

Play safe and be happy.

Special Hello to: my daughter and sister who are two of my most favourite women ….. they are kind and good.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good morning and welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of July, 2015.

The sky is dark blue to the south and I can see the sun peering over the houses and shining brightly on my neighbour’s garage.

This morning while I was putting on my makeup – Alvin stood by the register – looked down – barked – kept starring down.

Sniffed …. took his hunting posture.

He did this for a few minutes and then gave up.

Oh, please GOD that it only have been a bug …..

It is with a heavy heart that I write these words.

I have mentioned on several occasions about my neighbour’s cat, Miss Aussie.

Miss Aussie passed away yesterday.

She had some health issues, and in the end just stopped eating.

Miss Aussie lived a great life.

Her favourite treat was “halibut” ….. yes, her Momma would buy her that fish.

She loved it …..

She kept us all hopping, literally …..

She would always swat at me when I came to the house.

Alvin loved her even though he never was able to get too close to her.

I will miss seeing her sitting on the living room ledge watching the world go by.

She really was a beauty ….. so pretty.

Gorgeous long hair.

After six years of being her neighbour, she was finally starting to warm up to me.

One time when I was watching over her while her Momma was away, she jumped onto the sofa and sat about two feet away, I was so excited that I could barely sit still.  This was huge for Miss Aussie.

Another time she walked right up to me, and did not take a swipe.

She was definitely a one woman cat.

Her Momma loved her so much and will miss her always.

Me and Alvin will miss her.

All those who knew her will miss her, too.

We loved you Aussie ….. we love you.

Miss Aussie,

Born 1999 – 2015.

Rest in Peace our friend.

Special Hello to: all those folks who lost a beloved friend, a family member in their pet.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of December, 2013.

One more day closer to the big one.

Can you stand it?

Are you getting excited?

I still get excited after 56 years.

I still believe that Santa will put something under the tree especially for me.

I believe that we will all have a wonderful day.

Watch a Christmas movie or play a board game or perhaps even both.

I know that we will eat well and say afterwards “I wish that I would have stopped at one helping.”

I know that there will be dishes to be washed.

I know that there will be a floor to sweep.

Wrapping paper to be recycled.

Phone calls to make.

It will be a great day ….. my day.

I love Christmas.

It brings me hope ….

I hope that it brings hope to you and your family.

Hope keeps us living…..

BELIEVE.

If given the opportunity spread your wealth …. no matter the size.

Maybe you can see a Mom in the grocery store and you can tell she doesn’t have enough money to buy the food they would like to buy …..

You could pay for the groceries or maybe buy them a turkey or even a chicken.

Maybe there is a elderly person living down the block and you know they will be alone this Christmas.

You could invite them over for Christmas dinner.

There is always a way to make Christmas special and filled with hope.

To surprise a stranger is the best gift of all.

Show love and your generosity will be rewarded.

I firmly believe that what you give you will receive.

Have a great Tuesday …..

Special Hello to: all those lovely folks who read my blog …. I so appreciate it …. Happy Holidays to You and Your Family.

Always, Carol and Alvin