The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a nice surprise to wake up to SUNSHINE. I thought we were supposed to have the opposite. I will take this in a heartbeat. Now I can go out and pick up trash in the “HOOD.” I slept in a bit later than I wanted but still pretty early so I am just doing a few things like having coffee and eating breakfast and then I am on my way to clean up our neighbourhood. At least as much as I can do today. I have decided to take one bag at a time. Too hard to carry multiple bags for blocks and blocks although it can be quite the workout. I am excited to clean up the crap that I have been seeing on our walks. Although I do pick up the odd thing when I am walking with Alvin. It is hard to walk with him and pick up trash. Besides kind of ruins the walks if I am doing both. Could you see me with Alvin on his leash in one hand, his water bottle, a garbage pack and trash picker in the other. OMG. Not happening. Besides if I get out earlier then we can hopefully get a walk in while the sun shines.

So this post will be short. We had two shorter walks yesterday with the second one being after 8:00 pm last night. It was really nice out. Quite enjoyable.

I did go out right after work and pick up groceries. Thanks for my neighbour for lending me her car. I am grateful that I get to drive once in awhile. Don’t want to lose my skills, lol. It was nice to escape my “lovely partner in crime and sometimes brat Mr. Alvin” for a little while. Good for him too. I was gone for less than one hour. He was fine. Don’t worry I love him and he is always well provided for …..

It seemed last night in the grocery store that the average price of anything was $7.99. YIKES. I am so grateful that I only have to provide for me and Alvin. Cannot imagine buying groceries for a large family. Even junk food costs a lot of money now.

Okay time to get going here. COFFEE is calling my name and I have to make it first.

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Mixture up above this morning.

Front of the house ….. bright sunshine

Back of the house …. clouds rolling in ….

This week, last week and the coming week ….. all with rain in the forecast.

Well for now the plants and trees and lawns are enjoying it so much as you can tell by the vibrant greens of the plants.

My IRISES are blooming.

They are a miracle flower.

The stems are so long and thin it is a miracle that they can hold up this beautiful LARGE flower.

I could not help but to snap multiple photos …..

They do not last for a long time and I wanted to enjoy them while I can.

I am hoping that you enjoy them, too.

Alvin was looking out the window from his favourite chair last night as I snapped a couple of photos of the IRISES.

The tree photos are from this morning.

So excited to see bright sunshine and blue sky.

I still cannot get over the green.

Feeling LUCKY IRISH, today.

I should have worn GREEN.

 

Back to last night.

Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful walk.

The geese were out gobbling up food near the water at the entrance to park last night.

There were multiple families and the baby goslings all different sizes.

So cute.

I could have stood there or sat in the grass (a patch without goose poop) and watched them all night.

Alvin just sniffed paying no attention to them whatsoever.

They were watching him though.

Very carefully.

 

Lucky me, I do not have to catch the bus this morning as my neighbour is giving me a ride to work.

My carpool is on vacation, camping.

 

Well it is almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you all have an awesome Wednesday.

Yes, my friend V it is Wednesday already.

Time flies when you are having fun.

 

Reminder be kind and respectful.

It always begins with self.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Ah, Alvin is snoozing on his blue blanket beside me.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Bright sunny morning with just a few clouds dotting the sky.

Yesterday was a glorious day weather wise.

In the morning it was bright and sunny beginning to warm.

Afternoon came around with rain clouds and rain.

One minute it was bright and sunny and the next there was a gentle downpour.

This went on and off all afternoon.

Alvin and I managed to score a wonderful walk in between showers.

Although I would not mind getting caught in a gentle rain shower.

Alvin, would be okay except would have to make certain that his ears were dry on the inside.

He is prone to ear problems so have to be careful.

On our walk we came across several families of geese.

I could tell as there were at least three different sized goslings.

So cute.

We walked by them and checked out their cuteness from the sidewalk.

I was prepared to move onto the grass on the other side.

But they did not seem to mind us as all.

One of the Papas and I will call the goose that as I really have no idea if it was Momma or Papa …. he stared me down as we walked by.

The air was so fresh and clean after the rain.

Felt so good …..

Great walk.

After arriving home I decided that it was a good time to stake up one of my plants in the front flower bed.

Alvin helped me find a stake in the garage.

He stayed in the house to supervise as I fixed the plant out front.

When I was out there …. our friends from down the street … spotted us and popped by for a visit.

J showed me Jazmin’s hair cut ….. she looked so good.

Jazmin is an elder dog with a heart condition, she is doing so good at the moment and I hope for a long while longer.

My friend helped hold the plant while I tied some garden twine to the stake.

Tonight or tomorrow night I have to transplant one of the lilies as the ferns are taking over the front garden.

Will move the lily to a different spot in the garden.

Well almost time to go and catch the bus to work.

Carpool is back in business for tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Will be nice to get home in good time once again.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Monday.

I hope that the sun is shining and if you need a rain shower, I hope that one comes your way.

I hope that love and kindness surround you on this day and always.

Happy Monday to you ALL.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 12th day of November, 2016.

Today would have been my Dad’s 83rd Birthday.

We did not have the best relationship.

He would not have won any Father of the Year Awards but at the end of the day; he was still my Dad.

We start the day with only a bit of brightness which may be the sun this Saturday morning.

I believe they might have forecasted rain for today but I hope that does not happen.

 

Yesterday my daughter and I worked hard to prepare for the Craft Show that we are attending today in just a few hours.

We readied our remaining jewellery inventory.

It is always an amazing time when I get to spend moments, minutes and hours with her.

She is the best.

I never tire of telling the world about this incredible woman that I know and she just happens to be my daughter.

My Steeped Tea Leader “C” will also be at the event with Steeped Tea of course, so that will be great.

I have no idea how big this is or how many people will attend but I am happy to be there with my girl.

 

Well this will be short today.

Please remember that no matter what your relationships are like with your family – they are still your family.

If we show respect and give respect there will be respect at the end of the day.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all those families torn apart by differences and such; life is too short; try to work for better days.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. Wish us luck with the CrAfT SALE today ….

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 11th day of November, 2016.

Special day for more than a couple of reasons.

First, Happy Birthday to my nephew “T” …. not by blood but is family.

He has been family to me since the second he came into this world.

I have known him since that day.

He has a warm heart and great smile.

Alvin and I want to wish you the best day ever.

We miss you and look forward to spending time with you again in the future.

Happy Birthday Buddy ….. have a great great day.

***********

Today is also the date that we remember those brave souls over all time who have

volunteered to leave their homes and families and what was

familiar to them to defend our country.

We say from the bottom of our hearts “Thank You.”

We appreciate your lives and service to our country.

May PEACE rule this Earth one day so that no blood is ever shed again.

Remember to live your life in Peacefulness.

Remember to Remember that all life is precious.

 

Special Hello to: all those brave souls who give up so much for us each day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of April, 2016.

Another bright and sunny gorgeous day ahead of us here in Edmonton.

Yesterday was a jam packed day for me.

First thing in the morning my friend “J” from Regina picked me up and we went for a tour of the Ronald McDonald House here in Edmonton.

Her grandson is in the Children’s Hospital (the Stollery), so his parents and older sibling are staying at the RMH.

I was so impressed by this place.

First thing walking in the door there is an air of love and calm even though there were oodles of people walking about.

It was bustling with volunteers as it is these dear folks who do most of the work.

Volunteer groups cook meals every single day of every year.

I heard that a group of ladies come in every Thursday, and bake dozens of cinnamon buns, cookies, cakes etc..

My friend’s son said with “a smile on his face” it is difficult not to put on weight in this place

I found out that there are only a handful of actual paid employees for the Ronald McDonald House.

They have 32 rooms for families to stay in for a nominal fee.

They do not have to worry about a bed to sleep on, food to eat or transportation to the hospital.

They have a teacher who teaches the children in the mornings.

They have laundry facilities and three kitchens.

There are volunteers to drive the bus to take families on special outings and for the shuttle to the hospital.

They have lists up for folks who have time to help out with …. like wipe their tables after eating.

Perhaps sweep the floor …. help load the dishwasher or empty them.

So much is donated and this warms my heart.

All of their day to day is looked after so that they can focus on their sick children.

Such an awesome place filled with kindness, generosity and love.

It was so great to visit such an amazing place and given the opportunity I would very much love to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House.

I thoroughly enjoyed this time.

Always remember that so many worthy organizations depend on volunteers to help out.

So if you happen to have a few hours or a day each week give one of these groups a call.

You will feel so good helping others.

If everyone volunteered what a great world this would be.

 

Well I am running a tad late here …. another busy day for me.

Poor Mr. Alvin ….. I will make it up with lots of snuggles and a long walk later this afternoon.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who volunteer.  Thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 30th of August, 2015.

One more August day after today …. where did it go?

I had a great August …..

Celebrated many family birthdays and also friends.

Went on a road trip to see my brother.

Signed up to sell “Steeped Tea.”

Coffee dates with my girl friends.

Lots of walks with Mr. Alvin.

Enjoyed the warm summer days of August.

Even won a prize at our staff barbecue.

September is looking to be a fun month.

One of my dear friends from Regina is coming on the long weekend for a visit with me and a school chum who lives in Edmonton, as well.

Two Steeped Tea parties as a Consultant.

Saturday movie and dinner night with three of my friends that I met from Bath & Body Works.

Busy busy …… today lots to do.

Always seems like the weekends zing by.

So happy that Mr. Alvin is feeling better.

He enjoyed our walk last night ….. sniffing about …… visiting with some of his doggie friends and human ones, too.

Enjoying my mug of coffee this quiet Sunday morning …. looking forward to getting laundry done, getting prepared for my upcoming tea parties and odds and ends.

Back to work tomorrow.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Let us be good neighbours to all about us.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming next Saturday for a visit ….. I am so excited.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 11th day of November, 2014.

This day we remember all those who lost their lives to keep their homelands and peoples safe.

We keep in our thoughts and recent memories those who continue to leave their homes to work toward a peaceful planet.

Fighting in a war is not something that I think is a good thing but sometimes it is necessary.

There has always been in our history those who live for power and to suppress those around them.

Greed in our history has always run rampant.

I would hope that someday on this beautiful blue green planet that we find a way to live in peace.

I hope that the need for power and greed melts away.

We need to live peacefully.

To show kindness and respect to those around us.

That kindness and respect is to our environment and all life forms on this planet.

That would be true peace.

I do think that someday we will live in peace.

So Remember on this Day to live peacefully and with kindness and respect.

Special Hello to: all those families with members away from home working on peace.

We thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of September, 2014.

WOW, over halfway through this beautiful month of September.

The trees are starting to turn those glorious fall hues.

As Alvin and I were walking around the lake last night it made me realize that this would be the perfect time to have my daughter take our annual photos.

We have had one done of us each fall since I adopted Alvin.

I love to see the changes in us, mainly in me, though.

But both of us are very blessed as we seem to be aging gracefully.

So happy for that…..

So on this beautiful Thursday morning …. still dark outside though …..

I am thinking of all those families out there …..

Whether it is made up of Moms and Dads and children.

Whether it is made up of Moms and children ….

Whether it is made up of a Mom and her puppy …..

Whatever the combination is ……

Take some photos to celebrate your blessed family.

Time is precious as are they and what better way to mark that than a photo of everyone.

I love looking at photos.

It brings back memories of people and places and our beloved furry friends.

I hope that you have a great Thursday.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: all those families ……

Always, Carol and Alvin