It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Tuesday

The sun is rising and the sky is blue with a few night clouds still remaining.

The garbage guys just went down our back lane.

I opened the window and called out to them “THANK YOU.”

After doing so I realized that the man at the back of the truck had ear phones.

So unlikely he heard me.

Anyway, I feel better saying “thank you.”

 

There are three small words that can mean the world to folks at this time or any time, really.

They are:  “please” and “thank you”

Often times we forget our manners.

My Grandmother was instrumental in teaching me good manners.

I have followed them my whole life.

I am certain that there may be once or twice that in my mad rush or blind ignorance that I forgot, and I apologize.

Just a simple thank you can go a long way.

 

How about practicing:

At the grocery store say thank you to each and every employee working that day.

Say thank you to the person who graciously moves out of your way as you rush along.

Thank you to the person who drops off the flyers at your door every week.

Say thank you to your family and friends just because.

Walk about the house just saying thank you until it rolls off of your tongue.

Remember when asking anyone for anything to say please.

Walk about the house just saying please until it rolls off of your tongue.

 

If we are all practising self-isolation you likely are not seeing many people with the exception of grocery stores and perhaps the pharmacy/drugstore.

Whether you are at home or out picking up the necessities.

Remember this without those folks working their shifts and sometimes longer at your local grocery store and others ….. we would not be eating or able to survive.

That is the truth.

They are really risking their health and lives every time they go to work.

All the services that are deemed to be essential/necessities ….. whether we see these people or not ….. send them good thoughts.

Like shouting out to the garbage truck as they stop in our neighbourhood.

 

Practise good manners with self-isolation and social distancing.

We will come out of this better people.

That is my hope.

Less selfish.

More kind, supportive and respectful.

 

Well it would be time to grab my coffee and get to work.

I am grateful to be employed during these times and to be at home with my Alvin.

I am grateful to be in good health.

I am grateful for the warming temperatures.

I am grateful for walks with Alvin.

I am grateful for freshly perked coffee.

 

Thank you everyone for reading my posts.

I really do appreciate you spending some of your precious time with me.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

 

Always be kind and respectful.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of September, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast as the sun makes a good attempt to break though.

What a crazy weekend.

Saturday, I trimmed our front tree – a fair sized job – so happy that it is done.

Sunday, my daughter came had breakfast and a quick coffee and then we were on our way to IKEA.

We left my house at noon and got home, yes back here at 5:00 p.m.

Needless to say IKEA was busy.

Busy does not quite describe it.

Mothers with children.

University Students grabbing desks and school stuff.

Families looking at sofas.

Young couples looking as though they were furnishing their first home.

People were jumping over and walking over people.

No manners to be found.

I guess there was one fellow who had his manners with him.

The rest ….. well I am not one to curse … but I was cursing under my breath.

My daughter had measured and had made a list of all the items that she was looking to purchase.

She was redoing her office.

Needing a desk, a chair, shelving and a few other items.

WE were lucky and found the chair that she had wanted.

The chair was really comfortable.

We had to call upon an IKEA employee to do the paper work for the chair which meant she made sure it was in stock and then gave us a paper to give to the cashier when making payment.

She saw another desk that she liked better so we write it on the paper (IKEA gives you paper and a pencil to record the item and location of each item).

We looked around and I found a few items to purchase.

At one point I lost my daughter – it was my fault.

I strayed.

She found me.

I stayed with her after that … (pretty much).

The two items that once I got home fell in love with and they were two off white with gold circles pillow covers.

They look amazing on my brown leather sofa and they match perfectly all of my blankets and throws.

A few items we carried in the bright yellow IKEA bags until it was time to hit the warehouse section where we grabbed a cart with no sides, you know what I mean.

I know there is a specific name for them but it eludes me at this time.

We proceeded to gather the items on our list.

We realized right away that we would need two of the sideless carts.

So my daughter ran back to the entranceway of the warehouse to grab another one.

We were just at the CASHIERS which is where her desk was located when we realized that there were none left or at least none there.

We checked with an IKEA employee only to find out that they were sold out until Monday (today).

My daughter thought no way is she coming back here tomorrow.

I strongly agreed.

So off we went to find the other desk that she had originally chose (at home).

So she built her own desk.

A tabletop, legs, then needed the shelving cupboard to go under.

We managed to get that all sorted out.

Then at CASH my daughter gave the cashier the paper for the chair, once the order was all paid for we had to go to the other side of the building to the FURNITURE warehouse, get in line and give them

the paper for the chair.

They took the paper and we had to get out of the line-up while they went to get the chair.

They took my daughter once the number came up on the screen to get back into the line-up to get the actual chair.

WOW.

In between the wait, I ran to the food counter on the main floor and picked us up a treat.

Can you imagine $1.00 for a soft frozen yogurt and $1.50 for a sundae?

So while we waited for the number to come up we had a lovely cold treat.

We must have been in that area for over 30 minutes.

Putting the purchases in the car went well.

Everything fit.

It take some getting out of the parking lot and to the street that would take us to the exit to take us home.

ARGH.

But we made it.

It was quite the afternoon.

Even thought we were frustrated to no end, I would not have traded the time with my daughter for all the time in the world.

We even managed to laugh amongst the “cursing.”

Once home, got Alvin ready for a walk.

We stopped at our friends N & I ….. I came to the door but Alvin wanted N … had to see him.

So funny.

N said that he would come today and check our A/C.

I am so blessed.

It was supposed to be yesterday but who knew that IKEA would take five hours?

No me, not my daughter.

After that visit we were on our way.

When we reached Teddy’s home …. Alvin made a bee-line for the door.

There was a young man walking on the sidewalk but we cut over the lawn.

He kept walking toward their house.

Everyone including Teddy was happy to see us.

I apologized for the unannounced visit as it was about suppertime.

But there was no stopping Alvin so I figured a moment would be okay.

We ended up being invited in and had a nice visit.

Teddy’s Aunt was still there and the young man was my friend’s son.

So got to meet him.

Well turned out to be a great day.

I did not get Alvin’s hair cut and bath done so we will be doing that shortly.

Once I have breakfast.

Hard to be motivated when the sky is overcast and it is raining.

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do on this LABOUR DAY.

To all those folks who have been injured on the job and to all those folks who led the way to make things better for us all, thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

NOTE:  reminder to self not to attend IKEA on the long weekend before school starts……

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of October, 2015.

Dark crisp morning here in Edmonton.

On my way home from work last night, I ran into one of our friends “A” and her dog Abi (Alvin’s girlfriend).

They were just going out for a walk.

Abi was so excited to see me that I thought perhaps they should come in and after I fed Alvin we could join them for a walk.

Alvin at first was more excited to see me because he had to go outside and then he foodie that he is …. had to eat.

They had their time and then we went for a great walk together.

Alvin and Abi …. so cute together.

 

Four sleeps until the big day.

I can hardly wait.

On Sunday the 1st day of November my Christmas Tree is going up.

So excited.

I am grateful that I can put it up on my schedule ….. previously I was working at the store most Sundays.

Please do not get me wrong I am grateful to the “STORE” for hiring me when I needed a job ….

Not everyone is willing to take a chance on an employee that is over 50.

Funny thing you would think it would be the other way round …. more experience and all that stuff.

Anyway ….

Back to the TREE.

Sunday morning the Halloween decorations will come down as well as all of my other ornaments ….

Only Christmas things will be displayed.

I have so many beautiful items that I want them to be out front … and not in between a vase that doesn’t really match the Christmas theme.

I am going to check to see if my daughter will be joining me for the big event.

Hot chocolate and a Christmas movie playing in the background.

There is no better way to spend a Sunday ……

Exciting and relaxing all rolled up into one.

Just a few days until my favourite time of year.

Tree goes up.

House gets decorated inside and out.

Pull out my Christmas cards and start writing them so that they can be mailed before the end of November.

Decide on which photo of me and Alvin to get printed from our annual photo shoot.

I always send a photo with the card.

Each year the amount of cards I receive gets less and less.

I love writing each card to friends and family.

Sending a letter about our year and also a photo.

I think it is a way of people catching up with you when perhaps that is the only time of year that you communicate.

Not because you do not wish to but simply because life has a way of passing and there is no time.

Well almost time to get going to catch the bus.

Last night I brought my winter coats/jackets up from the closet in the basement.

Too cool in the morning for my light spring/summer jacket.

I hope that you have an amazing Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all you folks out there who will be putting their Christmas Trees up this weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of February, 2015.

It feels like it is warming up …..

Today is the 38th Birthday of my first born nephew “T” …..

He was born when I was 20.

That seems like a lifetime ago ….. guess that it was.

He was this energetic blonde haired little guy with “strawberry” coloured lips.

So so cute.

He was the smartest little one that I had ever known.

He asked the most absurd questions ….. things that I was pretty sure that I had not asked my Mother or Aunt.

So many stories to remember.

Whenever I take a trip down memory lane it always brings a smile to my face.

I always liked spending time with him as I was never bored and always kept on my toes.

NOW:

“T” has grown into this great father of three boys (payback) and husband…

He started his own directional drilling company ( he is the only employee ).

Works hard …..

I am always pleased when he stops by to see his Aunt on his way to a job.

We go out for supper and then visit at home.

Happy Birthday my darling nephew.

I hope that you have a great Birthday.

I hope that you have great memories of me and you.

I treasure ours very much.

Special Hello to: my nephew “T” on his 38th Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin.

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of August, 2014.

The sun is starting to rise as the morning sky is filled with delicious shades of yellow, pink and orange.

The moon last night was so big that it made me think we had changed orbit and were close to another planet.

So big and bold.

So big and beautiful.

I felt as though I could reach out and touch it.

It was so close.

That moon of ours ….. just wanted to snuggle for a bit.

How sweet.

 

Last night when we stopped off at the grocery store.

My daughter and I noticed a beautiful big dog tied to a concrete garbage bin.

It was doing the dance when the ground is too hot.

It was in the 30’s yesterday with the humidity.

Anyway, a young man who worked at the nearby liquor store was with him …. trying to get him to lay down on some shirts he had retrieved from the store.

A woman offered a water bottle and drained it on the hot cement.

I was so impressed by everyone’s generosity and so mad at the owner …. who could leave a poor dog out in the hot sun.

Another staff from the liquor store brought a big bowl of water out for the dog.

The young man would not leave the dog’s side and said he would stay until the owner showed up.

Such a kind and gentle dog.  Big and red.

He had with him for about 15 minutes at that point.

We had gone into the store and when I was done came out.

Still there.

The young man asked me to make an announcement in the store, so I ran back to have them do so.

Still no owner.

When my daughter was done … still no owner.

When we left the store ….. the dog was in good hands …… thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.

I was so impressed to see that people still cared.

I think that people simply do not think …… not that people do not care ….. like the owner.

Just was not thinking or at least that is my hope.

The young man was going to “chew him out.”

Anyway time to go.

Well time is passing by quickly.

Time to go and check in on Miss Aussie.

I opened the window for her after work and closed it at bedtime.

I know that she loves sitting in the window.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those great people who stop to help ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of July, 2014.

Last night the skies were dull with the smoke from forest fires to the north, west, and east and yes, to the south.

So I guess one could say we are surrounded.

This morning still overcast ….. smoky skies, I think.

Just doing some thinking ….. for a change!!

Just kidding.

 

 

What makes a good blog?

What makes a good Mom?  a good friend?

What makes a good employee?

What makes a good dessert?

What makes a good surprise?

What makes a good walk?

 

Is there something common here?

A similar thread that weaves it’s way throughout each of these?

Well perhaps there is.

Think about it.

I shall think with you.

The answer, my answer:

” good is merely an opinion, a state of mind”

As we all know it depends on who answers the question.

 

Special Hello: tinkers ….. people who create…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of November, 2013.

How are you this fine morning?

YAY, are you happy it is the weekend?

Perhaps you work as I do for part of the weekend.

I still look forward to the weekends.

I look forward to having coffee and working on our jewellery with my daughter and also having coffee with my friends.

I look forward to working at the store because it makes me happy.

Once in awhile there is a cranky customer and it throws me off balance but for the most part I love my job.

We have the best staff.

It is beginning to be a busy time of year for most people with the holidays right around the corner.

So remember to take time for yourself.

If you get rundown and or sick then you miss out on so much.

Remember to relax and enjoy.

Enjoy those moments that just happen.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those folks who work tirelessly in retail ….. I wish that employers would give all of their employees a bonus for the holidays ….. something to show how much they are appreciated.  After all without them they would not have a successful business.

Always, Carol and Alvin