The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy Family Day to those places across the world that celebrate “Families” on this day. We had a beautiful sunrise around 7:30 this morning. It was so funny. Alvin woke me up about 4:15 and we went downstairs and he as per usual had his glucosamine chew and then went outside for a pee and then we hit the sofa. The next time we woke up was just before 7:30. He never sleeps that long before having breakfast. He does not seem to be out of sorts, he just slept. Back to the sunrise, it was glorious filled with an array of vibrant colours from the palette of an artist. Absolutely beautiful. The moon was out and that was the first time that I have seen the moon in a long time. Now the sky is a brilliant powder blue and the sun is shining so brightly. What a morning!

I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut yesterday. Definitely not his favourite thing in the world to do. Followed by a bath, his least second favourite thing to do. He was not really a happy little guy. I forgot until a few minutes into his haircut to give him an anxiety pill but it did not really seem to help him at all. It is only a fraction of a whole pill as prescribed by his Vet. I will have to speak to her because it did not help. I was gentle as always with him and praised him when he allowed me to trim his paws. He looks so handsome.

So what to do on this day. I really did not have anything planned. Although I could always clean out a closet or cupboards or even one or both of my pantries. I guess the closet in this room, the office would be a good choice. At this very moment, I have no desire to clean anything but then again I have not had my morning coffee. I can smell the aroma wafting up from the kitchen and perhaps after coffee and breakfast, I will tackle the office closet. I will have to gather up the trash and take out for tomorrow. Have to check the schedule to see if it is a garbage day with recycling OR food scraps with recycling day? I don’t put mine out every Tuesday as I never have enough to bother. But it has been a couple of weeks so I will put out whichever needs to go out. We had some fresh snow last night. Just before the snowfall my neighbour was out with his leaf blower clearing the fresh light snow from our sidewalks. Then a short time later there was another light blanket. There is no keeping the walks clean this winter.

I watched some good movies last night. On PRIME I watched “About Time” which was a heartwarming comedy about love and time travel with Rachel McAdams. It was so good. Even a bit teary eyed at parts. I loved it. Definitely “thumbs up.” The other one I watched was “5 Flights Up” with Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman. It was so good. I do not remember if that was on PRIME or NETFLIX. But definitely another good one to watch. Usually I am into action/drama but comedies seems to be on the menu last night. It is also nice to watch new movies, something that I have not watched before. I do tend to watch movies over and over and over again. Not sure why other than if I like/love them, then it is worth seeing them multiple times.

Well time to go and have that mug of coffee.

Enjoy your day.

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

P.S. I am a money magnet. Money comes to me easily and effortlessly.

Keeping the flow.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this fine sunny Monday morning? I am so lucky that today is a “day off” as the Province of Alberta celebrates “Alberta Family Day” Considered to be a stat holiday. My plans for this day are to gather my Steeped Tea and NORWEX paperwork for Income Tax. That time will come up soon enough and this time around I would like to be prepared. Also have to tally electricity charges, heat, internet and so on, those deductions that may be used in time tax when you are in business for yourself. I claim my commissions obviously as income. This is all in addition to my regular job. Anyway, that is the plan for this afternoon. Hopefully the temperature has warmed up enough that we can also go for a walk this afternoon. Yesterday I thought felt warmer was actually minus 28 celsius with the windchill. I guess it was warmer when compared to minus 45 or so with the windchill. Yesterday we had a great visit with my daughter. She stopped by the store and picked up a few items for us. I went out to the garage when she arrived, as this was the first time my daughter was driving the new car, well she backed the new car into the garage. It is huge compared to their other car, the KIA Soul. The back up camera got her parked within I would say three inches from my bistro table which is made of steel and river rock. That would have caused a serious dent. I am going to move that table so there is more room, I had not thought the car was that big but it is. Alvin was happy to see his sister. I helped carry the groceries into the house. When she came into the house after me, hand in hand with the most beautiful plant with pink flowers in a cute pink pot adorned with a pink heart, so pretty and a bag which she handed to me right away which I found to contain a box of one of my favourite treats from Dairy Queen – dilly bars. My other fav is the buster bars with nuts. I love the two and they are truly a treat for me. After the groceries were quickly put away, I made her a cup of coffee and began to dish the food. I made these egg treats which I am calling EGG MUFFINS ….. they are finely chopped veg (I used broccoli, red pepper, yellow onion and parmesan cheese) in the bottom of a muffin tin and then pour whisked egg over top. Easy peasy. So good. I also put in some spice and pepper but found that I could have added more spice for sure. We had sourdough bread toast with the egg muffins. The other thing to know is that I sprayed the muffin tin with a vegetable spray to help the muffins not stick. They did stick a bit but not too bad. We enjoyed our late breakfast/brunch/lunch together. Mr. Alvin was feeling left out and wanted what we were having of course. Afterward we enjoyed a couple of the “no bake energy bites” that I had chilling in the fridge and some coffee on the sofa. Our visits are always great and never long enough. But there is never enough time with my girl. When she went to leave a few hours later, she had asked if I wanted to drive the new car. I said YES. So I started the new car and drove it round from the garage down the back lane and onto the street that goes by the house and parked in front of the house. I must say it is a pretty sweet ride. I am so happy for them. It is a nice vehicle. Once we said our goodbyes, I went to the house and waved as she pulled away. Back in the house, Mr. Alvin had been watching from the window. I wanted him to see the car on the street so that he will know it is his sister next time she drives by. He knew the other car by sight. We received a text from Teddy & Kobi’s Mom that they had a Valentine’s treat for us and was wondering if they could pop by. Who can turn down treats, not me and Alvin. I always love when the pups come to the house ….. Teddy’s Mom puts him down and he runs like there is no tomorrow to the house. I of course, was ready with the door open and in he ran. Kobi’s Mom put her down closer to the house and in she ran. They jumped up and down so happy to see us. Their Mom came in mask covered to give us our gift which was chocolate for me and a bag of chew treats for the boy, and for a short visit. We always social distance. I feel so blessed that I had some company. Otherwise 24/7 it is only me and Alvin. Not complaining. Not complaining.

Well it is time to head on downstairs. I could not get my keister up from the sofa this morning so it was about 8:30 when we got up for the final time …. I will say that it was Alvin that got me up. He nudged me to say …. time Momma to get up. I am glad that he did. With a bright blue sky and sun shining …. it is going to be a great day.

I am grateful for all of our many blessings.

Continuing to live this day as all others with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Hello and Welcome to Monday, Family Day here in Alberta, Canada.

Unfortunately not a great day to be out and about.

It has been snowing steadily since we were first up about 3:30 this morning.

It is still snowing.

I have shovelled the deck already and looks like it will need another time shortly.

The front is buried in about six inches or so of snow.

I see more shovelling in the near future.

Teddy and Alvin are in the office with me.

Teddy on the blanket and Alvin at the door.

I am so grateful that we were able to take in a nice long walk yesterday.

We saw Aunt J and Kobi out for a walk.

She likes to get her out after she eats so that it gets her going.

 

Almost all of this weekend I have had an annoying headache.

Go to bed with it and waking up the same way.

Normally I do not like to take any kind of medication when I am under the weather.

Sleeping did not seem to help much so I took some medication.

Actually a few times.

Perhaps I have not been drinking enough water.

I will make a point of watching how much I drink.

It is easy to drink lots of coffee and tea and forget to drink just plain water.

I do know that headaches are a sign of dehydration.

So will watch today.

I have been drinking water since the first time I was up with Alvin.

 

Also I have been trying to upload/download photos from my phone to the computer.

Some of the photos will load and others will not.

I am trying to figure out why not?

It is odd.

 

Some photos from yesterday.

The boys being good while I am on the computer.

The germanium my friend gave me has grown and is blooming once again.

The crystal shining in the window.

My glass flower stem in the Spider plant.

Poinsettia plant still blooming.

The boys hanging out.

 

Last two photos are from this morning, actually only a few minutes ago.

Teddy was on the bed and had the chew treat that Alvin now has in this mouth.

Teddy dropped the chew treat and Alvin grabbed it and ran to the hallway.

Poor Teddy.

 

Well it is time to go and eat some breakfast and have some coffee.

Then time to shovel.

I have laundry to bring up from the basement.

Couple loads of towels and bedding to do.

Yes, change the bedding on our bed.

 

Family Day spending with the pups.

Aunt J is coming for tea later.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Headache is gone.

YAY, yes I know drink more water.

 

Happy Monday.

Short work week ahead.

That is always nice.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy,.

It is a NEW YEAR

Good Morning and Happy Friday.

Also Happy Valentine’s Day to all my LOVES.

Happy Valentine’s Day to EVERYONE.

This is also a long weekend for us in parts of Canada.

Family Day is this coming Monday.

What a great way to begin the weekend.

 

Last night I received a call out for assistance from Teddy’s  Aunt J.

Poor KOBI (puppy) has giardia.

She has been treated twice.

This is a parasite that puppies get from eating poop.

The parasite leaves the body in the poop but it develops into a cyst within hours.

This is the part that is infectious to other animals and people.

The surroundings have to be vacuumed, floors washed with a disinfectant, and any bedding, pillow covers, floor mats etc. have to be washed on a sanitation cycle every day.

My poor friend J, is exhausted.

Teddy has been treated by their VET so he is okay and poses no threat to Mr. Alvin.

Teddy will come and spend the weekend with us so that Aunt J can have a break, and Teddy, as well.

The puppy is busy without all of the added bonuses.

Alvin will get to see his best friend for Valentine’s Day.

I am sorry that I did not pick up a special treat for them.

But alas we have a container chalked full of yummy treats for puppies.

So I am quite certain that I can find something for the boys.

 

Well how do you spend Valentine’s Day?

Is it a big deal?

Not for me.

Perhaps somewhat when I was a younger woman and dating.

It was kind of important.

But not so much that I was upset if I did not receive flowers or a gift.

It is more of a retail grab these days than anything else.

Jewelry stores want you to buy diamonds for the special person in your life.

Florists want to sell you roses.

Candy stores want to sell you the biggest box of chocolates.

Then there are cards.

I do sometimes give my kids and grandpups a little treat.

Nothing huge.

Alvin gets a treat as he usually would and hugs with love.

I think that we should treat our family, friends, and all beings with kindness and respect all year round.

Not just make a big deal once or twice a year.

 

Life is life.

Make certain today and every other day of the year that you show your love and appreciation for all beings.

We cannot survive without each other.

Whether you are an elephant in Africa or a single woman in Canada or a bee in California.

We all need each other.

We are all linked.

When the chain is broken …..

Let us not go there.

 

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I honor you with kindness and respect today and always.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Our fur loves past and present ……

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 19th day of February, 2019.

WOW, it is warming up.

So much warmer this morning or at least it feels that way.

I just checked the temperature and it is -16 degrees celsius and -19 with the windchill.

Almost a tropical heatwave compared to the minus -30 to -40 degree temperatures we have had in previous mornings for the past couple of weeks.

YAY, we will be able to go for our regular walk this evening after work.

So excited.

Alvin will be happy.

We have been venturing out for short walks every day or so, lately.

It will be grand to get back into our regular routine.

We both are feeling it.

 

Family Day was great.

I got to hang out with my daughter and my boy, Alvin.

My son-in-law had to work.

How sad!

I made a pancake breakfast for us girls.

Alvin had some blueberries.

We had a great visit.

 

Back to work today.

I am so grateful that we had a long weekend and that I spent most of it with family and friends.

How lucky am I.

Blessed, really blessed.

 

I am so grateful to have such awesome friends and family.

Right, Mr. Alvin?

Yes, he is thinking.

He is snuggled up on this blue blanket beside me as I write this post.

We are fortunate.

We are blessed.

I know this and I feel this.

Every day.

Always take the time to show your gratitude.

I am grateful for our health, for our home, for all of our family and friends and for our life.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Enjoy…..

 

Special Hello to: my sister, Happy Tuesday, you beautiful girl, you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of February, 2019.

The sun is up.

Shining brightly on this Family Day.

This is a Statutory Holiday here so our office is closed today.

I am grateful to have another day at home with Mr. Alvin.

 

We were up at 4:00 a.m. as he had to go outside.

Thankfully we were in bed about 10:30 p.m.

I caught the first 30 minutes of the Elvis Presley Celebration.

Thankfully I had the mindset to record to watch at a later time.

 

The weather channel is forecasting warmer temperatures over the coming days.

YAHOO, walking will be in our future.

We did manage to take a short walk to the park yesterday afternoon.

It was cold but so much better than the past over two week period.

 

I have decided to take one hour every weekend to go through my on-line photos and delete the ones that are out of focus or duplicates.

When you have 30,000 photos on your computer – it is time to do something.

I also have about 10,000 hard copies of photos in boxes that need to be sorted.

A HUGE JOB.

 

Well I am thinking that today is a good day to make some pancakes.

My daughter might be coming over for a visit.

I love making pancakes for her.

 

So another day in paradise.

We are so blessed, me and Mr. Alvin.

 

My thoughts do go to all of the bunnies, birds and other wildlife that are desperately foraging for food.

We have quite a bit of snow.

 

Happy Family Day.

I  hope that you enjoy your time with your family.

Family may be described as any being that you “love.”

May be two-legged or four or winged or …..

Family are the ones that are ….

They may be of same blood, related or not ….

Family are the ones that you want to spend time with ….

Whether you spend the day playing board games or baking together…

Whether you talk on the phone or go to see a movie.

Just spend time together.

Just be.

Happy Family Day.

 

Special Hello to: all of my Family, related and those who are not, we love you and have a Happy Family Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 19th day of February, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly.

The wind is blowing so it is not real warm outside.

Today is FAMILY DAY here in Alberta.

So we have the day off from work.

Alvin and I spent the morning thus far up and down from bed and cuddling.

Isn’t that the way most people spend FAMILY DAY?

We had a grand time yesterday with our company.

Teddy and his Aunt.

Company was good.

Food was good.

After they left I watched some of the WINTER OLYMPICS followed by a MOVIE.

So it was late when we went to bed and then I read for awhile.

Alvin slept until 5:00 a.m. which was one whole hour than usual.

It would seem that six hours is the magic number of hours of sleep at night for him.

So this morning we were up and down.

But that is okay …. most of our work has been done already.

Garbage day is tomorrow so you know what that means.

Also there remains looming in the backyard the enormous snowbank in the grass area.

We had a huge amount of snow when I had the flu and I never kept that area shovelled.

So today is the day ….. I see shovelling snow and gathering up garbage.

Shovelling will mean fresh air and exercise so that is good.

I think that Alvin will need his jacket.

Always have to watch that his paws do not get too cold.

They can freeze, you know.

It is quiet in the house, usually is in the morning.

Alvin is laying at the entrance to the office on the rug.

I am clicking away on the keyboard writing this blog.

Life is good.

I am so blessed.

When Teddy’s Aunt J and I were talking last night at supper about family and friends, I told her that I was so blessed and also very grateful for my daughter and son-in-law, siblings and many friends.

My kids are supportive and wonderful.

My friends, well I have the best.

No matter how I may feel every once in awhile, I truly lead a charmed life.

Sometimes in the moment things may seem dark but by the end of the day the light is shining most brightly and life is good.

So it is a decision to put your mind over matter.

To have faith in yourself and others.

To truly believe that life is good and that things will work out.

It is also true that working out may not mean that you won the lottery.

So on this FAMILY DAY …… thank you to my incredible loving, supporting, generous and kind family.

They make me laugh and keep me grounded.

Thank you.

 

Happy Family Day to EVERYONE.

 

Special Hello to: my FAMILY whether you are blood or chosen to be, thank you.  I am grateful to have you in my every increasing circle of life.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 21st day of February, 2017.

Today was my paternal Grandmother’s Birthday.

She was born this day 116 years ago.

Her legacy lives on in her daughter and grand-children and great-children.

My daughter and I named our jewellery line/business after my Grandma Stella.

She was always full of surprises.

 

Yesterday was a quiet day.

I had coffee in the morning and a visit with my neighbour.

Alvin loved the attention and took advantage to say the least.

 

Well here we are back to work again.

The days off always seem to fly by but then again so do the workdays.

In approximately three weeks we will be moving our clocks ahead by one hour.

I do like moving ahead because it means less getting ready in the darkness ….

 

Food for thought.

Do you have something or someone in your life that makes you crazy?

In your thoughts all of the time?

Not in a good way.

Does this something or someone lead you to cry yourself to sleep some/most nights?

My advice:  if you have tried approaching the situation head on, and nothing changes.

Simple walk away.

Life is too short to be miserable some or most of the time.

 

Just my approach to life in my “golden” years.

Always surround yourself with love and light.

No drama.

Who needs it.

 

Have a great day.

I hope that you all enjoyed Family Day yesterday.

 

Special Hello to: You ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 20th day of February, 2017.

Today is “Family Day” in Alberta and in other parts of Canada.

We have the day off from work and celebrate family.

Yesterday my daughter and grand-pups came for a visit.

We girls had pancakes flavoured with chocolate honey from south of Edmonton.

They were so yummy.

Alvin is beginning to calm down around Miss Aspen.

They actually laid down on our sofa without any growling coming from Mr. Alvin.

It was so nice to have them here.

My neighbour “S” also came for coffee and pancakes and a visit.

Yesterday was my Family Day.

Following the company I went canvassing for the Heart & Stroke.

Not many folks were at home.

Last night Alvin and I just relaxed and watched a couple of movies.

It was a nice evening.

This morning I had coffee with my neighbour.

We always have great conversations.

So today not much planned.

I did plan to give Alvin a bath and may do so.

So icy out there that I think we may just hang out in the house and perhaps on the deck for some fresh air.

Wishing everyone a Happy Family Day.

Special Hello to: All my Family & Friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 15th day of February, 2016.

Today is “Family Day” in Canada.

Our province Alberta observes this holiday so I have the day off from work.

On the weather front ….. quite mild for this time of year.

Although can we still say that …..

With all of the changes to the environment I am not certain we can keep comparing from years ago.

Anyway weather has been nice.

Our neighbourhood is a big ice patch with a few clear dry spots from where some of us have worked on chipping and scooping away the ice.

Unfortunately or fortunately for me ….. it works both ways ….. the storm drain is right in front of my house …. so it is lower.

All of the snow and ice melts to the low spot in front of my house…..

I do work at keeping a line to the drain but people park in front and it can go from clear to six inches overnight making it difficult for me.

Oh well …. spring is on the way and soon the ice and snow will be gone, melted for another season.

I hope that you all had an awesome Valentine’s Day ….

I had a great one …… starting with that awesome package Friday night.

Yesterday an old friend, yes a man …. called to wish me a Happy Valentine’s Day which was very thoughtful.

Alvin and I enjoyed a walk.

I had a coffee in the morning with one of my girl friends.

Finished my route canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Fund.

Finished the 12 loads of laundry that I had started the day before ….. I had forgotten that I had so many towels.

Made a big supper with a big salad and huge pasta dish.

There will be leftovers for a week ….. just the way I like it ….. laughing out loud.

Nice to have enough for several days for sure.

To end the weekend my daughter is coming for coffee this morning.

Perfect way to end a perfect weekend.

So I had better get this show on the road.

Time to drain that pond from in front of the house once again….. yesterday afternoon I spent some time with my ice chipper (long handle with a blade of sorts)…. we have become great friends.

Makes me feel strong and mighty wielding that wood and iron/metal.

I broke up the ice and carried both the water and ice to the drain as my neighbour’s truck was over the drain so I could not make a small canal to get the water over there.

Life in the hood.

Happy Family Day whether you are here or there …..

Enjoy your time with your family whether two-legged or four.

I will have both of my babies here today and possibly my grand-puppies …..

Have a great day ….

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …. I just reread your lovely letter ….. wow your daughter and son-in-law are busy busy.

Always, Carol and Alvin