The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning as I see the sun rising. Just behind the houses to the east and south, I can see the colours coming up in the morning sky. How are you this morning? We are doing well. This morning just seconds after I turned on the shower, Alvin started barking from the bedroom. I knew why. He wanted me to be with him when he is having a drink, in fact, he won’t usually even drink unless I am right there and stroking his back. I don’t remember when this started but this is our new norm. I have tried to break him of this “habit” but to no avail. So I am not sure what will happen on those days when I go to the office (hopefully few and far between). Perhaps when I am not around he won’t be so fussy. I made an appointment for him to get his nails done etc and he is due for a bordetella shot (did I get that right?) and he needs food, toothpaste and movoflex. What a guy!

I am loving this beautiful weather despite the fact that it is almost impossible for us to walk. The streets are so messy icy in spots and the sidewalks in most spots are glare ice. I found the storm drain on the weekend but it is near impossible for me to get at just yet. Now if I had hours to spend out there chipping and shovelling away, yes, I could certainly do it. But there are so many people that do not even try to get the ice removed. That kind of makes me sad and a little mad. Here I am almost 65 and I am out there shovelling and chipping at the ice and cleaning it so that no one falls. Oh well, I cannot change some people or any people for that matter.

So nice to see it getting light earlier each day. This makes me so happy. Yay, we are one more day closer to spring and closer to clear dry sidewalks so that we can safely and happily go for walks.

I am thinking that I should do a VISION BOARD! Have you tried doing one? I think that I did one years ago but never really followed up and not sure where it ended up. So it is feeling like spring and time to make some changes. Never too late. Besides the world is quickly changing and if I do not make some changes soon, I fear that I shall be left behind. We cannot have that.

Oh yes, quick story before I sign off for today. Yesterday I received an email from one of our staff that receives the mail and uploads to our client files. The email had an attachment which was a photocopy of a beautiful THANK YOU card which was to me from one of my clients. I was so touched. Truly made my day. The power of a THANK YOU card. I am going to grab some THANK YOU cards and with as many stamps as I have – mail them to random people. Of course, I have to have their addresses, lol.

Maybe today is the day that you send your first card, make it a THANK YOU card to someone. I guarantee that you will make their day.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

We must all say “thank you” to the people in our lives.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this beautiful bright and sunny Wednesday morning? Alvin and I are okay. For some unknown reason he was up starting from midnight and every couple of hours until I am up for the day. I am feeling a bit on the tired side but hopefully it does not affect the day too much. Perhaps some caffeine soon will perk me up and I hope that night we sleep through the night.

I was looked through my posts back to near the beginning of this blog and found one that I thought was pertinent today and always and will share it now:

April 2010

I have been thinking lately of family and friends.  About how easy it is to lose track of people.  Recently I have connected with old friends on Facebook, and am thrilled to hear about their lives.  I find people fascinating, and it pleases me a great deal to hear from them.  To hear their stories.

My thought for this day is:  send an email or SKYPE someone you care about, do it right now.  Time is of the essence.  It can get away on you.  Take advantage of this new technology.

Make someone’s day……. you just made mine.

I am not sure how many people still use SKYPE now, likely more TEAMS or ZOOM but the idea remains the same. There is also INSTAGRAM in addition to Facebook and other Social Media platforms.

The point being reach out to family and friends. They might love to hear your voice over the telephone.

Whether you phone, use messenger, FB, Instagram, SKYPE, Teams or ZOOM or something else, the point is our family and friends need us more than ever.

Time can pass so quickly and it is very easy to say “I will call her or him tomorrow.”

Reach out today.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

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  Photo by Jou00e3o Jesus on Pexels.com

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you? We are great. There is great cause for celebration in my house. Actually I have been smiling and doing a little jig since 5:25 p.m. last night. I was just about to throw in my eggs with broccoli and tomatoes into a pan to be cooked when the phone rang. I removed the pan from the burner and turned it off quickly before reaching for my phone which was not far away. The caller was GUARDIAN (hospital where Alvin had his surgery). My heart felt like it did a small jump or perhaps it was me temporarily not breathing, as I answered the call. The caller identified himself as Alvin’s surgeon (said his name) and we chatted for a minute or so about his recovery before he explained the purpose for his phone call. He said that the results were all back from Alvin’s tests and were earlier than first expected. As I started to write down the most important things, I asked him to repeat something and he said don’t worry I am emailing you the reports and they will go to Alvin’s Doctor as well. First thing he said was no cancer anywhere, no Cushing disease, nothing bacterial and of course, he used different terminology and I sometimes had to ask him to explain in non-medical terms. At the end of it all of the tests which included testing the lining of his bladder, biopsy of his liver and of the stones from his bladder – everything came back negative. He said he of course is starting to show signs of aging but he is 12 and that is natural. The only change for Mr.Alvin is his diet. He will go on an Urinary Diet SO, I believe he called it. Diet I can handle. I told the Dr. S. that I had not given him any human food, none of his favorite treats like bananas and blueberry and carrots. I asked him if the fruits and vegetables that I gave him would hurt him in the future and he thought not. He also said to discuss his diet with his Doctor which I will be doing later this morning, in fact in two hours when his stitches come out. We had a nice chat. He also mentioned that he will need to keep his water intake around the two cups of water each day. That helps to keep the stones from forming. I am glad that I asked him how much water he should be drinking. I measured his water dishes and could tell that he drinks at least that much and perhaps a bit more each day. YAY, Mr. Alvin. At the end of our conversation I thanked him and the team profusely for the care and support that they have given to us. He said if I ever had any questions to email him. I have his email. How nice is that! Cannot say enough about GUARDIAN Emergency Animal Hospital. They are simply the best. Oh, I also asked about the dental chews that he has now in the pantry …. we went over the name etc. and he said that he could have one. Alvin had gotten so excited when I pulled his container out of the pantry so I was happy to comply.

We are also celebrating the 41st birthday of my beautiful daughter and Alvin’s beloved sister, Amanda. She is coming to pick us up and drive us to his stitch removal appointment this morning. Then she is going to pick up some groceries for me including the items that I need to make her “fruit pizza” birthday “cake.” A bit later she will go home so that she can get her family ready and then return here for a birthday celebration. A celebration of life, really. This day holds extra meaning today. A day filled with so many blessings and much gratitude. I have much to be grateful for and I know it. I feel it and I own it.

Happy Birthday to my darling daughter who is the most compassionate, kind, respectful, patient, funny, intelligent, creative, tech savvy, wonderful, thoughtful, gentle, loving of course, girl – woman. She will always be my little girl.

I cannot wait to celebrate later today.

I do know and believe with all my being that “Thoughts do become Things.” Alvin’s results were proof of that. I just kept thinking to myself ….. he will be in great health and only have to change his diet and he was.

Well time to go and have a shower, then breakfast and coffee and before long we will be at the Vet getting Alvin’s stitches removed. Tomorrow is supposed to be +10 degrees celsius and we will be going for a nice walk. Both of us have cabin fever ….. a need for fresh air and time with nature.

Continuing to live in kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well can you believe it …. Wednesday June 17th, 2020.

I seem to remember last week it was June 1st.

Half way through 2020.

WOW, that is just crazy.

Totally a good reason to ensure that you live your best life every single day.

Every day is counted in the same manner.

24 hours.

60 minutes in an hour.

60 seconds in a minute.

So why does it sometimes feel as though a week or a month or six months can pass in the blink of an eye.

For me, it is because I have so many things that I would like to do and then the time has passed.

But we cannot give up.

Keep dreaming and making those lists.

 

I know that with working from home …. I am challenged with staying away from the job during off work times.

As I am keenly aware of how much work keeps coming in …. it is difficult to leave it alone.

I am stressed and anxious about the never ending “mail”  that keeps arriving in my inboxes.

Daily or at least weekly we receive additional direction and added responsibilities.

I do know that I am not alone.

 

There are so many folks out there working from home.

Depending on what your job is …. during this Pandemic …. you may be swamped.

The neverending INBOX, that dreaded email.

Our life line to the outside world.

 

We also realize that we are blessed and fortunate to have employment during this pandemic.

I am great appreciative to be employed.

Knowing that I can continue to be financially responsible for me and Alvin means the world to me.

However, that does not stop those moments of sheer anxiety of how am I ever going to get this all done.

Then I begin to second guess my skills, intelligence and even my memory.

 

Time affects us all.

Whether too much or not enough.

This pandemic affects us all whether directly or indirectly.

We, you and me are not alone.

 

Just because you are working and do not have the virus.

Does not mean to say that you cannot be anxious and scared and have feelings of loneliness and dread.

So we have to be aware.

Aware of everyone’s feelings and know that is is okay.

Okay to be nervous, anxious and fearful.

 

We will get through this pandemic.

When, I have no idea.

But we will.

The human race will endure.

Things will be different as they are already.

Will we ever go back to the way things were?

No, I do not believe so.

Why would we want to.

We have learned so much in these past few months.

Time to build upon that knowledge moving forward.

 

Well my work desk is calling my name.

It is inches away.

See what I mean.

My coffee is ready for me in a to go mug on my workstation.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

It is cloudy and raining here in Edmonton in my neighbourhood.

Wishing you a day and a life filled with kindness and respect.

 

Living this life, my life, every DAY with kindness and respect for all life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Funny how some mornings you wake up and are full of energy and ready to go and others not so much.

The sky is overcast this morning and this is a “not so much” kind of morning.

We were up earlier at 3:45 a.m. – well actually Alvin had me up at 3:45.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and then we hit the sofa for what seemed like 5 minutes before he was up and wanting to eat.

Guess what time that was?

It was 4:15 a.m.

So I fed the boy, then outside, and we hit the sofa again.

Then it was 7:19 a.m

Thoughts of “Oh do we have to get up crossed my mind.”

I decided might be nice to return upstairs and lay on our bed.

We were there for a few minutes when we hear a loud bang.

Alvin’s head bolted up.

Then shortly after the sounds of a hammer.

Then a electric saw.

ARGH.

So then at 8:15 a.m. which is not early and not late – we are up.

I checked out of the window to see where the noise was coming from and noticed that the neighbours across the street (not directly) were/are working on their fence.

Oh well, I have things to do.

Shower, breakfast, gather up all the laundry that is air drying in the basement, wash the floors, move my flower pots back to their original spots (looked like a big storm with possible hail and more

wind) and at some point walk and move some of the flowers in the front flower bed.

Oh, I have two tomato plants to transplant.

But they are not growing very quickly so I am hesitant to move them outside.

I would like to do some work-work (office).

Today is Sunday so not sure if I want to spend any more time “working” as I already did 3.45 hours yesterday.

We are just so busy that I find putting in extra time here and there helps my peace of mind.

Actually truth be told more than here and there.

I generally put in extra time everyday.

That varies from one hour to multiple hours.

I am quite certain that I am not alone.

Now that we are working from home it is not easy to ignore “work” during off hours.

As it is starring one right in the face.

I see my work computer as I write this post and think I should be working.

Also not just for me but for my clients.

Everyone is nervous, worried and also most people think everything nowadays should be completed in the blink of an eye.

Which is not so.

So many folks now working from home have found their work loads have increased many fold due to the COVID19 pandemic.

So what do we do?

Oh well, I will do as I always do.

Work extra when I can.

Try to relax when I can.

Life goes on.

I do not wish to complain as I know that I am blessed in so many ways.

I have a beautiful home, great family and friends, Alvin and we are in good health.

You know what – no noise now.

I guess that was my wake up call.

Time to get this day going.

The sky looks dark as though it could start to rain anytime.

The bind is blowing.

I hope that neighbour is able to complete everything he needs to do today before the rain.

 

Yesterday was my friend’s birthday.

I did not have an opportunity to see her but we did chat on the phone.

She had just spoke with two of her sister who live in England.

How lovely.

Her gift & card are ready for the next time we see each other.

 

Another friend down the street asked if she could take Alvin for some time on Friday as she has the day off.

She is the Mom to Alvin’s girlfriend Abi, who passed away in February.

I hope that Alvin will go with her as she really needs some company and is missing Abi terribly.

You know Mr. Alvin is such a Momma’s boy and does not like to leave my sight.

 

Well I guess time to hit the shower and get this day going.

A cup of coffee and GO.

Thank you for reading and listening.

I hope that you are doing well in the midst of this pandemic.

So much is happening in the world.

If we can just listen to each other, love and respect each other and treat each other with kindness – the world stands a chance.

Reach out with a phone call, video chat, email or text to a friend or loved one.

Help an elderly neighbour.

Visit with a neighbour over the fence or in the backyard.

Do some volunteer work (yes, there are things we can do even during this pandemic).

We are all HUMAN BEINGS.

 

Enjoy your Sunday.

Living with love, kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Remembering these cupcakes that I commissioned a coworker to bake for my birthday last year.

Looking forward to more this coming one.

They were so o pretty and oh so o yummy.

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well folks we made it through another week.

This weekend marks the end of February 2020 and the beginning of a new month March 2020.

March is an extra special month for me as it is the birthday of my daughter.

Also is the birthdate of my Dad’s only sister, my Aunt, son-in-law’s brother, friend’s children, sister-in-law, niece in-law and some of my most dearest friends.

A busy month to be sure.

Which reminds me that I forgot to pop a card and letter into the mail for my Aunt.

I will do that this weekend and even though it may be late ….. always better to send than not to.

She is of the generation that cards and letters were important.

The largest way of communication next to the telephone.

Long before the days of email, texts and video chats and social media.

I have a good stock of miscellaneous cards as I still love to send them from time to time.

 

Last night on our walk …. oh, it was so beautiful.

We bumped into the gal that delivers our flyers down the street at the houses near the park.

We stopped for a chat.

The chat carried on for several minutes when all of a sudden I saw out of the corner of my eye and then did a quick spin …

To see by Alvin and me, this chocolate lab pup off leash.

There was a family coming down the sidewalk and I called out to them.

They explained as they got to us that this pup had just joined them.

He/She walked beside them the whole way.

Now as they were on a busy street they were concerned.

No one happened to have an extra leash.

As we were near the house of a friend, I ran up the walk to see if she could help us out with a leash.

She has two small dogs.

But no one was home.

Quick thinking, I thought of tying some poop bags together but that didn’t seem like a great idea, no one had a scarf (I would have given up my scarf, for sure) but I did have

my Bath & Body Works lanyard on my keys.

So I removed the lanyard and it worked perfectly as the pup did have a collar with a ring for hooking leashes.

We hooked up the lanyard and I asked if they were able to take the pup and contact the appropriate authorities and they said of course.

The pup seemed perfectly happy to be with them.

Alvin did okay with the pup considering there was no leash on the pup and hard to hold him/her.

There was a bit of growling on Alvin’s part but the pup was so good natured it did not last.

I hope, pray and wish that they found the pup’s home or the authorities did.

Such a beautiful pup.

There was no one out looking during the time we were out.

I am not certain where exactly the dog joined them.

Best of luck to you little one.

I should have carried my phone but did not have the appropriate place and my hands were full.

 

Well almost time to leave here.

My neighbour is feeling better and will give me a ride to work this morning.

Yesterday funny story.

I left home a few minutes earlier than what I normally would to catch a bus and when walking by my friend’s house, she was backing out.

She saw me and gave me a ride to the bus stop.

That helped greatly … no dodging ice …. yay, me.

I caught the earlier bus and was to work before 7:30 a.m. ( I do not start till 8 but like to be there early).

 

Well time to fly.

I hope that you have an awesome, amazing, wonderful day.

Isn’t the morning sky beautiful?

Getting more light everyday.

Take Care.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Treating the world with kindness and respect.

Trying …..

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of January, 2018.

Happy Birthday to a dear dear friend “L.”

Wishing her a very Happy Birthday.

The sun is out and it is raining.

Yes, it is raining.

January 6th and raining.

WOW.

Slept in a bit later than I had planned but oh well.

I will get everything done ….. just a later start.

Most of my work is in the house anyway …. so the time I start does not matter.

Must go and get that coffee on for my neighbour.

I make the coffee and we share the costs, great deal.

 

Last night I received another Christmas Card.

This one was friends who were spending time in the U.S.A.

Christmas Cards are one of my favourite parts of the Christmas season.

I love writing them up for friends, family, neighbours and co-workers.

I love to hand deliver and to mail them.

I always send photos to as many folks as I can.

A short note in each and some years,  I write a separate letter on pretty holiday decorated paper.

It is a huge part of my preparing for Christmas.

I love receiving them from all over the world.

They come from Sweden, the U.S.A. and all parts of Canada.

It is alike to writing letters which is an art form that has all but passed.

Christmas cards are not as popular as they once were now with the arrival of e-cards and email.

But it is a tradition for me that I keep close to my heart and will continue for as long as I am able.

I do believe that folks love opening the mail box to find cards.

I do believe that folks love receiving a card with a gift.

I do believe that finding a card on your desk at work makes you smile.

Christmas Cards ….. they are for me.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Wishing you all a great Saturday.

Special Hello to: my friend “L” who is having a birthday today.  Wishing that I was there.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 2nd day of October, 2015.

WOW, it is October now.

Well into fall.

The past few days have been absolutely gorgeous.

Alvin and I have thoroughly enjoyed our walks.

Last night when we were just about to turn down the path to the lake, I heard a young girl shout “Hello Carol.”

I turned to see a black car and a little girl’s face beaming out the window ….. one of the kids in our neighbourhood.

Now this was special …. you will never guess why??

I will tell you.

Because it is always Mr. Alvin who gets the recognition/attention.

Which is okay by me but when someone shouted my name ….. I was super excited.

YAY …..

Last night after work while Mr. Alvin was chowing down – I was going to make a phone call and found I had a message.

So upon checking said message … I found it was from my dear cousin “J.”

I wrote down the number and called her right away …..

Would seem she will be visiting my Edmonton today to see a play at the Citadel.

So guess what?

I get to have a visit …. overnight with my cousin, go see a play at the Citadel (theatre not movies) and go out for supper before the play.  ALL HAPPENING TONIGHT.

Now just seeing my cousin would have been cause enough to be SUPER EXCITED but to go out on top of it …. well there are no words.

I will really have to set my concentration on deep mode today….

I was worried about Mr. Alvin but then I thought well I will be home to feed him and let him outside etc …. I had an idea that perhaps he could have a sleepover at his sister’s house.

Called his sister and she said “of course.”

They will be in the neighbourhood at our Vet on way home ……

Perfection.

I am so blessed.

Slept in this morning …. couldn’t sleep ….. once too many times on the sofa with the microwave timer set.

Anyway my neighbour is giving me a ride to work.

So lucky ….. I am on top of the moon …….

So somedays when you think that life is going pretty well …. like my Steeped Tea sales are whistling a long …. it is the weekend soon ….. and then all of the above happens …. well ….. okay now I am babbling.

But I am HAPPY …… can you hear Mr. P. Williams just a singing that song … love his voice.  Oh and THE VOICE this season …. incredible ……. I have quite a few favourites…..

Well almost time to go and grab my lunch and make sure I have everything ready to make a quick change after work…..

Just beaming at this end …….

Have a great great Friday and I hope that you get that call that brightens your day or maybe a knock at the door.

Something extra to push your over the HAPPINESS PLUS METER.

Special Hello to: my cousin “J” who is coming my way and to my sister – got your email ….. talk soon.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 1st day of September, 2015.

WOW, it is September ….. yikes.

How many days until Christmas?

I guess first I had better look at Thanksgiving and Halloween and Remembrance Day.

All special days in their own right.

How is it that Christmas shines over all of the rest?

Perhaps maybe because of all the lights!

Okay, being silly here …..

Crazy, being funny at 6:30 in the morning.

I guess the “Matcha” must be working (green tea powder).

I don’t think that it makes one funny ….. just feeling better.

Well it is beginning to lighten outside.

Argh …. it is dark now when we get up in the morning.

The sun rises about 7:00 a.m.

Do you have plans for September?

Oh, and how could I possibly forget this weekend.

It is Labour Day.

One of my dear and long-time friends from Regina is coming to visit this weekend.

I am so excited …. can barely sleep or think.

I guess that is why I have not been sleeping proper.

It is always great when I have a chance to visit friends.

The years pass by and sometimes it can be a few in between visits.

Thank goodness for technology other than the telephone.

We can email and SKYPE.

Wishing you the best first day of September.

My favourite season is officially only a few weeks away.

I love everything about fall /autumn (depending on where you live).

The colours / the temperatures / the air / the scents.

Just the perfect time of year.

Well almost time to hit the road to work once again.

I hope that this day brings you closer to realizing your dreams.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who love the fall.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 15th day of March, 2015.

Today is the Birthday of my great-niece “S” …… Happy Birthday Darling.

Seems like she was just a baby a few months ago….. now she is 12.

I always loved when she would come for a sleepover with her Grandma, my sister.

I barely got over my daughter turning “35” and now this baby niece is 12 and I haven’t aged a bit.

Well okay maybe a bit …. couple years or so.

Time just has a way of getting away on us, and we forget just how important it is to take even though occasional “free moments” to tell those around you that you love them.

To remind each other that we are important……

To remember all of those shiny moments such as births…..

That is going to be my “note to self” …… try to contact in some way shape or form as many family and friends to tell them that I have not forgotten them and that I do think of them often and that I care.

Likely will be via FB or email but still I am going to reach out.

Considering that I work seven days a week now ….. but challenging oneself is always good.

So on this bright sunny awesome morning I ask you to contact at least one person that you have not been in recent touch with to say “Hello.”

Simple as that.

You can write, telephone, text, email, FB, tweet, SKYPE or any other form of communication you can think of ….. okay.

Let’s do it.

Have the best Sunday ever.

Thank you for being you ….

Special Hello to: my great-niece “S”

Always, Carol and Alvin