2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing on this rainy Tuesday, June 8th, 2021? Both Alvin and I are great. We, Alvin slept through until 5:00 a.m. – that is amazing. So at least I feel as though I had a decent sleep. It is raining as I alluded to in my opening sentence. It just started raining about half an hour ago. I have to run out and ensure that the downspout is turned the right way and clean up you know what from a little while ago when Alvin was out. The forecast is for rain off and on for the next couple of days. There were points yesterday where the sun did shine. Last night I made an executive decision to put most of my flower pots in the garage and the others close to the garage and to the house for some shelter as they do not require that much moisture. Also yesterday one of the girls on my work team let us know that it was hailing at her home. So decided not to take the chance. I cannot do anything about the plants in my flower beds but at least I can help out the flower pots. I very much want them to last until say October. So I watch the weather – if it looks like a huge downpour / hail is in the forecast I move them into the garage or to some shelter. The garbage guys just picked up the trash. I love when I can look out of my office window and see green. The trees are full leaved now and are beautiful.

Yesterday my kids made a quick stop to drop off some items that they picked up at the freecycle and some items they no longer wanted and that I could use. I got a chair that I am using in my bedroom, two chairs for the kitchen and a desk and a flower pot. The flower pot is an exact match to a ceramic one that I acquired a few years ago. Sweet deal. We had a short visit and then they were off.

As it was raining at noon we did not go for a walk and in the morning we were reeling from lack of sleep so our walk waited until after work. It was actually quite nice at that time. I wore a light spring jacket as it was a bit cooler.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I went from 3000 photos on my phone to 285. I went through most of them. The ones remaining are a few that I choose to keep and the remaining are ones to be uploaded to my computer. YAY, me. Feels so great.

I cannot remember if there was anything else that I was going to tell you or not. Oh, last minute ….. Master Teddy is coming at 10:00 a.m. to spend the day with us. His parents are going to the farm for a bit and Kobi is going to the groomers. So Teddy will come and hang out with me and Alvin. Alvin will have company while I work. He will be happy.

Well time to get going. I want to check on the downspout and do the other thing in the backyard …. starts with p and ends p ….. three words. Can you guess? Think about it. I gave you some clues in my post.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Continuing to live this life day by day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. one more thing. Yesterday the doorbell rang so we went to the door to find this gray-haired older man standing on the bottom step holding a sign. The sign was from Canada Roofing. The guys that are going to do our shingles. Only thing is they have not confirmed this and I have not signed a contract as yet. Kind of out of order, I would think. Anyway just wanted to share. I am excited to finally have new shingles on our home.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. Wow, can you believe it seems like I said it was Friday only a day or so ago. I am happy it is Friday not just because it is the end to the work week and beginning of “home time” but because we are having company for the day. Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day with us, they will be arriving in less than one hour. Mom and Dad are going out to the farm for the day. We are happy to have extra cuteness in the house. I love how Teddy wants to sit on my lap even when I am working and how Kobi likes to get right up and put her face to mine and just stare into my eyes and then she will my nose. Perfect ending to a perfect week.

Alvin and I went for a nice “full” walk yesterday at lunchtime. We even had a short driveway visit with our friends down the street Susana and her little dog “Rio.” What a cool name, right? I love his name and his Momma’s. She was dropping him off to spend the afternoon with her parents as he was bored at home with her. How sweet. I get that. Another MAJOR reason that I am so over the top happy to be working from home, so that I can be here every day for Mr. Alvin. Now I will have to go to the office about once every month or so but him having to stay home alone one day out of 20 work days that is okay. I also am able to have my neighbour come and check on him which is great. The benefits of working from home besides wearing sweatpants. Which I have on today with a nice top. I honestly do not wear them everyday. In fact, yesterday I wore what I would have worn to the office. Most days I semi dress up – at least the top half and I guess half of the time the bottom as well. Nice to be home in case there is a delivery. In case someone needs us. I cannot imagine leaving the three pups here alone. But they were good and we have in the past. Life. You surely never know what is going to happen.

Well guess what, I finally got the craft project in the final stages. I have it designed if you will and now just have to finish putting it together. I don’t wish to give it away. It is a Christmas project after all. Wink, Wink. I like to have at least one major Christmas project each year. Well Mr. Alvin is sitting in the hallway he was looking and me and now he turned and has his back to me. I am assuming he wants me to go downstairs and is giving me the cold shoulder, if you will. What a guy. I understand as he likely has to go outside.

I hope that this day brings you joy, some giggles, maybe a bit of sweetness whether chocolate or a visit from family or friends via a video chat or phone call or even a sidewalk visit, social distancing, of course. Our weather here in Edmonton is good at this time so an outdoor visit wearing the appropriate outerwear is possible. Have a great day. Maybe you could do something nice for those older neighbors down the street. Maybe you could pick up some groceries, ring the doorbell of neighbors that you know are struggling at this time and leave the groceries on their step. (Keep an eye to ensure that they actually got the items you left). Do something nice. Perhaps you are able to adopt a dog or a cat. There is always something we can do to help. By helping others you are helping yourself. Now that the numbers are wilding high at this time – we truly have to think of all others as our actions have major consequences. Wear that mask. Keep social distancing. Do this so that we can heal this planet and save off this pandemic. Stay safe and be well.

Time to go and pick up Mr. Buddy’s little parcels outside in the backyard. Also put the coffee on to perk and get signed on for work before the babies arrive. Also my dear friend “V” has mailed another parcel to us from Saskatchewan. The Post Office is slow making deliveries these days and it will arrive today. Both Alvin and I are so excited. Another good thing for this Friday.

Happy Friday Everyone.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness and respect and compassion for all. Life is too short not to!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of February, 2019.

Yay, it is the weekend.

Weather has definitely been warmer the past few days.

Alvin and I have been enjoying our walks after work.

Last night we picked up Teddy and Aunt J and they joined us for the remainder of our regular route.

Feeling a lot less cob webbed having that lovely fresh air being absorbed through our skin, nose and mouth.

 

Tomorrow is my sister’s 60th Birthday.

I cannot believe we are both in our sixties.

Where has the time gone?

Once upon a time we were little girls.

Our mother made our dresses and everyone thought we were twins.

For the longest time even though we are eighteen months apart – we were practically the same size.

In fact, we had friends and neighbours that the oldest two children were boys, 18 months apart and almost the exact size.

When we were all lined up for a photo we could have passed for quadruplets.

We grew up on a farm.

Surrounded by cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and horses.

There were always animals around.

Oh, we had at least one dog and many cats.

My sister and I loved animals from the beginning with the exception of her fear of birds.

Likely due to the chickens chasing her when she was young.

We worked hard as children on the farm.

Always house to clean and chores to do.

When there was time to play we usually used our surroundings in our games.

Both my sister and I loved school and our grades reflected that love.

Even when we did not live close by we were always in touch with each other.

Long distance.

Over the years we have remained close.

Now our babies have grown and there are grand babies.

She lives in Saskatchewan and I live in Alberta.

We may not chat every day or even every week but we REMAIN ALWAYS CLOSE in our minds and hearts.

Happy early Birthday my wonderful, beautiful sister.

Will chat tomorrow.

 

Well almost time to finish getting ready, last day of work for the week.

Then time to work at home.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, love you my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of January, 2019.

We are now half way past the middle of the first month of the New Year.

So far, it has been a pretty good month.

The temperatures are cooling off as of today for a few days.

Another busy night.

Some nights when you think it is going to be a quiet one, turns out not to be.

All of a sudden it was after 7:00 and I was not finished eating.

I submitted a NORWEX order last night and we went for a walk before supper.

So I was late starting but then just a few bites into supper a friend called.

I was not about to say “Hey, I am eating, can I call you back.”

TACO SALAD is okay warmish ….. cool.

So we chatted for over 1/2 hour.

Nice to catch up.

Then it was almost 8:00 and the dishes were not done, lunch was not made and so on.

I do like to go upstairs and start the “good night” routine at 8:30 p.m.

Oh well.

Just another one of those nights that so many people do on a regular basis.

Mine are usually quiet and I plan them that way although sometimes plans change.

I applaud all those people who are work all day and then have children and “stuff” throughout the evenings.

I used to be one of them …. a single Mom ….. working all day ….. did some direct sales on evenings and weekends, did volunteer work, managed our home

but my most important job, if you will was being with my daughter.

Now she is all grown up and no longer needs me to look after her.

Now I have Mr. Alvin.

Oh, Mr. Alvin.

He will be “10” on Saturday.

That is the date that I adopted him 9 years ago and they estimated his age to be one at that time or so.

So I am electing Saturday to be his tenth year celebration.

Looks like his BFF, his coming (not planned) to spend the day with us as his parents are going to the farm.

Sunday, will be his celebration with family and hopefully Teddy, as well.

I cannot believe that next year we will be together for ten years.

We should be celebrating.

That is the longest period of time that I have lived with a “guy.”

 

Well looks like time is evaporating as almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome Wednesday.

I know that I will.

Surrounded by blessings.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my, Mr. Alvin …. oh, Alvin where are you?

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 26th day of April, 2018.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

Am loving these sunrises.

Alvin is sitting at my feet on the rug that is under my office chair.

He certainly does not do this very often.

I have his blue fussy blanket beside him to lay on but he has chosen … okay spoke too soon.

He is up and on his blue blanket.

We are enjoying our walks and the path that we take is slowly starting to dry up.

Last night the geese were out in full force around the lakes (more like ponds).

We walked virtually right by them both ways on our walk and Alvin did not stop to look nor did he bark.

The geese ignored him, as well.

Seemed strange to me.

Guess everyone had their own agendas.

 

Our friend Teddy will be coming over to spend Saturday with us while his parents go to their farm.

It will be a fun, energized day.

Lots to do this weekend.

Put away winter and take out summer clothing and shoes and such.

Wash down the deck.

Perhaps bring out some of the patio furniture.

But it may be too early …..???

 

I still cannot believe that Alvin did not at least sit and watch the geese.

When he was a pup and we used to walk over by the big lake – he would sit and watch them for hours at a time.

He was enthralled with them.

Did not bark – just watched them.

Perhaps those were the first geese that he had ever seen.

Those were the days.

Oh, when my baby was a baby.

He may be older now but he remains my little pup.

 

I have to listen out the back door as from the office I can hear what sounds like a bark from a smaller dog.

Just wished people would treat their dogs and cats and pets with better respect.

Perhaps the owners should be left outside day and night, summer and winter.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Wearing capris today …. living on the edge.

Perhaps will wear a light jacket, though.

Not quite time to wear short sleeves outside in the morning.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 14th day of April, 2018.

The sun was shining brightly when we got up for the day.

Now it is slightly overcast.

They were forecasting a temperature of +8 celsius for us in Edmonton, today.

We shall see.

Anyway the snow melted considerably yesterday and soon we shall see blades of green grass coming up.

I love those first blades of green grass, so fresh and beautiful.

The buds on the trees are exquisite.

As a child, spring captured my heart and imagination.

The fields full of purple fuzzy flowers named crocuses.

The buds on the willow trees in and around the sloughs (ponds).

Rabbits at that in between shade between white and brown.

Birds returning home to nest.

My favourite being the Robins.

I love ROBINS.

Babies being born on the farm.

Calves were perhaps my favourite but the pigs were also very cute.

We temporarily had the runt of a litter come join us in our house.

That little pig.

I can still seeing him trying to run on my Mother’s waxed living room floor.

I am certain that we gave him a name but some 50 years later, I have forgotten the name.

As we get older it is more important to write the stories of our youth as we might remember the story – just not all of the details.

I also remember the snow melting and water running and the smell.

There was a definite fragrance to spring.

That has long since gone.

I am not certain if it was a farm thing or a young girl thing or a young girl’s imagination.

So on this Saturday at the mid point of April, I am just going to enjoy and appreciate this time, this spring.

 

Alvin has his regular “pedicure” appointment this morning.

He needs more food, imagine that.

Lots to do this Saturday.

Laundry, clean the house and just be ready.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers ….. thinking of the good old days.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Wednesday, July 12, 2017 and it is the 29th day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay so what can I say that I have not said before ….. mmm, let me think about this?

How about one memory from each of my almost 60 years?

Some may be good and some may be sad but memories are memories.

It takes a bit of both to make a lifetime.

Okay here goes:

1957:  BORN AUGUST 9TH, – Absolutely no memory of this date at all.

1958: Still no memory comes to mind.

1959: My baby sister was born on February 23rd.  I do remember her when she was a baby (we are 18 months apart).

1960: Cooling off on a hot summer day in the shade of one of our many lilac bushes on the farm when I felt something scratching at my little bottom.  Jumped up and found that I had sat on the edge of a nest of baby mice.  Thankfully no Momma Mouse only tiny pink things ….. but scarred me for most of my life.

1961:  Sliding down a big hill of snow in our yard on the farm.

1962:  My first baby brother was born on August 11th,  two days after my 5th Birthday.

1963:  I started Grade One and my second baby brother was born on November 10th.

1964: Summer we moved into the big house that my Dad built on the farm.  Went from three rooms to ten not including the basement.

1965:  My third baby brother was born on January 13th and I turn 8 this August.

1966:   Turning nine meant another year older and even more chores on the farm.  Remember loving school.

 

Tomorrow 1967 …..

 

Always, Carol

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, July 30, 2017 and it is the 40th day until my 60th Birthday.

CORRECTION:  JULY 1ST, 2017 ….

The sky is overcast and it is to be a warm day here in Canada as we celebrate our 150th Birthday.

 

Yesterday at work I was reminded of my most favourite summer.

It was the summer of 1973.

One of my school friends and I had decided to go to Edmonton and get summer jobs.

My cousin and her husband were gracious to let me stay with them.

I got a job as an Executive Assistant at a large corporation.

We had both applied and I got the job.

I am still to this day not certain how that came about …..

The man I worked for was so kind to me.

I do not remember doing much actual work and was terribly spoiled.

I had zero office experience and remember learning how to use the “paper copier.”

He treated me to coffee and treats from the “Coffee  Cart” that came around the office at coffee time.

Even had me go and do some shopping.

In addition to having that great start to my off the farm work experience my cousins treated me to a summer to remember.

We went camping and ended up in a flash flood as we had set up camp on a dry river bed.  Quick exit.

They took me to see Charlie Pride at the Jubilee Auditorium and so much more.

BEST SUMMER EVER.

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of January, 2017.

Today marks the 52nd Birthday of my youngest Brother, “T.”

I remember when he was born, I was 7 turning 8 that August.

We had just moved into our new house on the farm.

All news things at that time.

From Edmonton to Calgary all of us wish him the best day and year to follow.

 

Well today being Friday is a good thing.

The weather is warming up.

Supposed to be +5 degrees celsius on Sunday.

Cannot believe that as yesterday was minus 30 with the windchill.

This morning somewhere around minus 20.

Oh winters in Canada.

Yesterday was minus 40 something with the windchill back home in Regina.

I was thinking of my family and friends back there.

Good thing that warmer weather is on the way.

YAY.

We are ready for it.

Flip flops and shorts for sure.

Also nice to see the sun shining for longer periods each day.

 

Well here we go again, almost time to leave for work.

Today is back to taking the bus.

Have been fortunate to have had a ride with my neighbour Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to work.

I forgot to mention another plus about the car.

This is so important.

The bum warmers in the seats.

Best invention ever.

It was so nice.

 

Time to fly.

Have a great great day.

Special Hello to: my little brother, Happy 52nd Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 8th day of August, 2015.

Today is my niece-in-law’s 39th Birthday ….. Happy Birthday “S” ….. we hope you have a great day.

We have lots of friends and family birthdays in August.

Mine is tomorrow.

I will be “58”

Have you ever just sat and thought about all of the things that you have done and seen in your lifetime thus far?

I have …..

Here are some of the things that I have done or accomplished and seen from birth until today.

• lived on a farm
• had one sister and three brothers
• changed diapers before started Grade one
• went to school, learned to read and to write (loved biology)
• earned first money babysitting for neighbours at age 8 (back in the day)
• wrote poetry throughout my childhood (my Grandma kept ones I wrote to her)
• still writing years later
• drove a tractor and combine
• spent a winter in Texas as a child and swam in the Gulf of Mexico at Padre Island
• taught my siblings school that winter (they all passed with flying colours including me)
• lived in three Canadian provinces (Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta)
• went to four different schools in three different provinces from Grade 9 to 12
• black and white to colour televisions
• computers
• man on the moon
• went in a prop plane to California in the 70’s.
• gave birth to my daughter
• visited Victoria, B.C. (twice) … love antique shops
• Canadian Cities visited: Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, WInnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton
• Visited the Rocky Mountains in Canada
• Banff and Jasper, Alberta Parks
• visited the World Trade Center in New York in 1994.
• went to a musical on Broadway in New York
• visited Las Vegas twice
• visited Las Angeles, California and walked in the Pacific Ocean
• belonged to the Downtown Optimist Club in Regina
• was Optimist of the Year (very proud moment) and held various positions within the organization
• visited Montreal, Quebec and Quebec City ……
• continued with Volunteer work in Edmonton – Capital City Cleanup Block Captain (keeping area clean)
• retired early after 30 years (with same company)
• back to work now four years
• worked first real Retail Job after age of 50
• was top seller in said job
• adopted my first dog in 2010 (over 50) – me Alvin
• started my blog after age 50
• corresponded with a Wall St Journal journalist (after age 50)
• saw 58 years of the sun, moon and stars
• always had great friends ….. still do
• raised a gifted daughter ….. photographer ….. artist …. good person
• bought my first house on my own in Edmonton, this house (after age 50)
• started making jewellery with my daughter
• sold different things over the years like Tupperware, Fashion Two Twenty makeup ……
• visited several U.S. States over the years.
• most important, I am alive to celebrate another Birthday.

When you start making a list you suddenly realize that your life has been busy.

If you read this blog and you know me …. can you think of anything else notable?

Well time to have a shower and get ready for my “Birthday party”.

My friends “S” and “G” are having a party for me at our coffee date.

I have very thoughtful friends.

With the sun shining and a cool breeze I shall start this Saturday.

Grand-puppies here to keep Mr. Alvin company while I am out.

It is funny I keep thinking of things and adding them to the list ….. time to go though.

Make that list and see that you yourself have been an important part of this planet.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Special Hello to: “S” Happy Birthday …… Also my cousin “M” who was born on my birthday.

So many birthdays……

Always, Carol and Alvin