Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Can you believe that it is the weekend once again? My how the time flies. I have a long list of things to accomplish over the next weekends until Christmas. Alvin needs a haircut but I don’t want to do it too soon or he may need a trim and then he has a vet appointment on December 1st and definitely needs a trim before then. So I have decided on Sunday, tomorrow, in the afternoon I will give him a haircut and bath. I believe that the temperature is too be mild for this time of year. There is always laundry to do. Some of the gals that placed Steeped Tea orders from me are coming to pick up their “teas” this weekend. My daughter said that she is coming for a visit. I have that Christmas project that yes, I have not gained any momentum on that as yet. I put it together and it has sat for weeks. I just got stuck. I have other ideas and now cannot make a decision for love nor money. Oh well, there are still “how many days and weeks until Christmas Eve.” I have not counted as yet and that is likely good. Anyway, I always seem to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat (just so you know I would never place a bunny in a hat like that). I mean that I will somehow magically get the project done. I always do somehow. There be cleaning to do and I always would like to make some “energy bites” and “scones.” I love the versatility of both of these as you can make them your own depending on what you have in your pantry and fridge. The energy bites are: oatmeal, coconut, dried cranberries, almonds (the roasted ones from COSTCO) with honey and peanut butter and likely will throw in some M&M’s leftover from Halloween (tucked away for just this). The scones I will add perhaps blueberries. I still do not have eggs. Remember my last time with making scones. The eggs gone very bad!! Anyway that is part of the plan. Always things to do. I am happy that most of my shopping is done and some of the wrapping. Need to pick up things for the fur babies who in our circle have increased in numbers over the past year. We have the grandpups Aspen and Milo. We have our neighbours, the cats Humphrey and Bogart. We have Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi. Then I cannot forget Mr. Alvin. So lots of babies.

Well the clock is ticking away and it is 9:04 a.m. already. I have only changing bedding on our bed and have written this, oh and I guess I have entered in a couple of contests/draws from store receipts. Who wouldn’t like to win a VISA gift card or free groceries. Me, I would.

I hope that you are well. The sunrise is beautiful once again. When I was outside with Mr. Alvin about 45 minutes ago – it was delightful. Definitely will get a walk in today. Looking at my mid section and Mr. Alvin’s – well we have to get outside more often and for longer when the weather permits. I guess we both have to cut down on our food intake. Pretty difficult when we both love to eat. Isn’t it funny how our four-leggeds are more like us than not.

Wishing good health, some fun and laughter and abundance. I hope as I continue to live my life with kindness and respect that you are as well.

Oh, last night I had a great visit with my neighbours down the street. I snapped some photos of their beautiful decorated yard. Oh, I guess I have to figure out why I am not able to upload / download photos from phone to computer. Yes, that has been on the list for awhile. I have to write these things down so that when I can capture my daughter for help, I don’t forget. My poor girl – always has a long list of things to help her “old” Momma with.

Happy Saturday. Alvin is laying outside the office door waiting “patiently.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday Morning.

Partially overcast windy morning.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous.

There was some wind as seems to be the new norm here in Edmonton.

Yesterday was a busy day for me and Alvin.

I left some tasks to be completed today (smart on my part, right?).

Between laundry, cleaning bathroom fans, toilets, sinks, changing light bulbs, vacuuming, dusting, washing down the deck, putting out all the patio furniture, cleaning out the garage and going for a

walk – that was enough for one day.

It felt great to get so much accomplished.

I even got to have some visits with friends along the way.

First of all, my friend G brought me some eggs and helped with change some light bulbs.

The upstairs fixture in the hallway needed bulbs.

I was able to get one of the bulbs changed but the second bulb would not come out.

So when the phone rang and I checked the message a few minutes later to find that she wanted to bring the eggs over.

I texted right away and described my dilemma, she came to help.

I noticed last night when I turned the switch on that light comes on a split second later than the other lights on that same switch.

ARGH, that is not right.

When Alvin and I took a late walk we saw our friends N & I out in the yard.

N was power washing the driveway and I was putzing in the garden.

Then after several minutes we continued on our way.

I am glad that I took some water for Alvin as he did get thirsty along the way.

Just down the street from these friends other friends were out cleaning the garage.

Seems like everyone was cleaning out the garage yesterday.

I know why.

So we stopped and visited.

They had a bunch of things to recycle and would have been for a garage sale, but garage sales are cancelled this summer.

I also heard that our Eco Station is closed so not recycling.

That is not good.

This family is a couple just slightly older than me who have three grown children.

The two daughters are adults and are not married.

The sisters live in a condo not far away.

They come to visit often.

The family also has a dog named RIO.

Alvin and Rio are friends.

They are the most delightful family.

Immigrated to Canada when the children were young.

I don’t remember which country but they speak Spanish.

Cannot remember if South American country or Latin/Central America, but not Mexico.

They are caring and thoughtful.

After a nice visit we continued on our walk.

On our way home they gave us a bag of treats/food that they had bought for Rio who is fussy.

Well everyone that knows Mr. Alvin knows, that he is not (not fussy).

He enjoyed some new food for supper.

After returning home we had supper, did dishes and finished up the laundry.

I think I might have a couple of loads left.

Today I will wash the floors with my steam mop and make the energy bites.

I found some stamps so I want to write a few letters over the next few days.

 

Well time to get going another semi late start.

But why not, I say.

It is nice not having to answer to anyone other than Mr. Alvin.

That sounds like of harsh.

I can do most things in my own time and at my own pace.

I think that I am going to put the cushions from the patio set back into the garage as it looks like rain.

Also the patio set that sits on the third level needs a new umbrella.

I think that I am going to put that umbrella in the garage.

It has been windy and the bottom of the umbrella is torn.

If I have company to sit under it, I can always bring it back out.

Just looks like it is going to be another windy day.

 

I wish you a great day.

Make certain that during these times that you listen to instructions given by your federal and local health agencies.

Do the social distancing – it is important.

I have a funny feeling that when the flu season hits this fall we may have some more serious problems.

Just a feeling.

Work from home if you can.

Eat probably and rest.

Make sure that you hydrate.

Wash your hands often.

Be careful and be smart.

This is affecting folks worldwide.

You are not alone.

If we think our economy is failing.

We are not alone.

This has affected every economy globally.

Personally I feel that the leaders of every country should be working on a global plan for the economic survival of this planet.

We cannot afford to leave anyone or any country behind.

We need to work together globally.

So we can get through to the other side of this pandemic.

 

Time for breakfast and COFFEE.

I love that first cup of coffee in the morning.

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning from an overcast Edmonton.

There is rain in the forecast and I am hoping that I can get everything done quickly so that I can take Mr. Alvin for a walk.

Blog and then shower and then walk.

 

How are you doing today?

Are you getting enough rest, keeping hydrated and eating well and exercise.

How could I forget the exercise.

 

Today I thought I would take our minds off things by posting some photos.

Yesterday Teddy came to visit Alvin.

I did some baking (yes, I did).

GUESS WHAT?

I baked a banana cranberry orange with coffee spice loaf.

It is the first time in my 62+ years that I have made one that turned out perfectly.

Baked through and through.

I even changed the recipe somewhat.

So good.

The ENERGY BITES ….. made almost 4 dozen of them.

Changing up, using what I had.

Ended up using Chipit Kisses, Cranberries and Sliced Almonds.

WIth the other regular items such as oatmeal, coconut, peanut butter and honey.

They are tasting pretty good.

I managed to get all the laundry done except for one load (that will be for later today).

 

I was trying to capture two friends hanging out each with a chew treat.

Treat kept moving.

Alvin just watching.

 

 

 

This is the recipe for the Energy Bites.

See how much you can mix things up.

Try some of your fav ingredients.

 

My best creation EVER.

Voile, a BANANA CRANBERRY ORANGE COFFEE SPICE LOAF.

First time ever that I have baked one of these and they turned out perfectly.

I have made muffins until the cows came home.

Banana cakes galore but not until yesterday did an attempt at a loaf ever turn out.

I am over the moon.

It tastes so good.

I made sure to try it out when it was still warm.

 

 

I fed the boys and after supper.

Teddy had a boost of energy as he quickly threw most of the toys from the bed.

 

 

Well time to hit the shower.

Freshen up.

Then hopefully head out for a walk.

 

Wishing you a great Sunday.

Perhaps you will go for a walk.

Or maybe read a book.

Watch your favourite movie or a new one.

Watch a series that you have recorded and not found the time to see.

Bake a cake.

Phone a friend.

Colour a picture.

Learn something new.

Check out all the FREE online courses, on the internet.

So much to do….. now you have the time.

 

Take care.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to take photos of my gernamium plant.

It is crazy blooming and growing so big.

This photo was from a few weeks ago.

I will take some photos later and show you the actual size of this plant.

It has taken to the spot that it is home.

The pink flowers are so gorgeous.

So many buds just waiting for the perfect moment to explode in perfect pinkness.

 

Happy Sunday.

With kindness and respect.

We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin