2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on the second day of December 2021? When we went to bed the sky was clear and I could see the stars. At 3:00 a.m., stars, at 4:30 a.m., overcast and now at 6:30 a.m. it is snowing. That wet sticky stuff. At least it does not appear that we had freezing rain – so hopefully the roads are okay for everyone when they are out and about this morning. It is still dark outside as the days quickly approach the shortest day of the year and then like magic they will start to lengthen. Alvin is patiently waiting for me outside the office door. Yesterday we thoroughly enjoyed a couple of walks to the park. I long for our walks around the neighbourhood but if Alvin can or only wants to walk to the park and home that will have to suffice. He does not appear to be in pain. This afternoon he has his regular vet appointment and will have his long nail trimmed.

Today is payday so I was up a bit early to pay bills and as I was on the computer anyway, thought that I would do my post before heading into the shower. So grateful for three pays this month. It is nice to have when it is a more expensive than usual month.

This afternoon I am borrowing my neighbour’s car so that I can pick up Alvin’s food, mail my Christmas cards and get groceries. We can walk to his appointment later but so nice not to have to worry about carrying things or catching a cab. Not sure that I am ready to catch a cab just yet. Today is a busy day for sure. Lots to do. I hope that I can find everything on my list.

Do you think about how all the flooding and fires will affect the food chain? When crops fail inevitably prices increase and also some things may temporarily be off the shelves. How does it affect the economy, the money that people have to spend. How do the farmers manage? Pretty intense thoughts for this early in the morning but that is where my brain went. I think of all the farmers in British Columbia who have had not only their lives and that of the animals threatened or harmed but of their livelihood threatened or destroyed. I always marvel at how farmers seem to carry on despite so much uncertainty. This morning I am thinking of the farmers in British Columbia and everywhere. Thank you for all that you do. We appreciate you. I hope that you and your families and the animals are safe and well.

On this Thursday, be safe and well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Just a random beautiful photo of farm land. Not sure where it is but is very beautiful.

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels.com

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine Thursday morning. I/We are doing well. We had a good sleep and I just had a refreshing shower so feeling good. Earlier I looked out the window and remarked to myself that it looked so dry and that we could use a rain and voile when I was finished my shower it was raining. The forecast says “showers.” YAY, some moisture. Very happy for that. The lawns, gardens and fields need some moisture before planting. To be honest at this point I have been so far removed from farming that I am not really sure when they seed in the spring. It does depend on snow melt and if the fields are dry enough to seed. Then once they are planted rain is needed. Yesterday at lunchtime when Alvin and I went for a walk we got halfway and it started to rain. I had not put a sweater or raincoat on Alvin and don’t like him to get wet these days so we headed for home. We had walked for a few minutes and it stopped. We must have been in a pocket of rain. It happens. I wonder what would have happened would we have continued to walk? It was still a walk and chance for Alvin to do some hard core sniffing. I think that other than eating …. he loves to sniff things.

Last night we were to bed about what is becoming to be our new time as it is lighter later. We slept for a few hours before Alvin woke me up, I was able to coax him back to sleep until he wanted to get up. So I checked my cellphone to see what the time was and argh, it was 2:39 a.m. (yikes), downstairs we headed. I gave him his glucosamine chew and let him outside to pee. Once back in we hit the sofa for some more sleep. He wanted to get up a bit later as he figured it was breakfast time but I “politely encouraged/coaxed” him to remain on the sofa. It was 5:00 a.m. when we got up and I gave him his breakfast and yup, back to the sofa. I don’t remember the last time when I woke up from a dream that felt so real. I only remember bits and pieces. My daughter was going out of the country and was wearing some sort of traditional garb, a long flowy dress with a short jacket of the same material. Alvin kept getting lost and I lost my cell phone. One of the guys that I used to work with was there “Ron.” We were at an airport and a shopping mall rolled into one. I guess these days airports are like one big shopping mall anyway. One minute Alvin was with me and the next I was running to find him. I had him once he had his blue blanket draped over his body with his harness on top but no leash. My daughter was riding on this airport transporter car thing with Alvin. Then he was gone. I remember someone saying to phone my cell phone number and see if anyone picked up! At one point I could see Alvin outside some glass doors and he was with two other dogs and they were fighting. I ran to the door and grabbed him to see that he was badly injured. I held him in my arms as I ran to find someone to help. Then Ron was there and said that he would take us home. I told him that I could not find my cell phone. Then I woke up. What a dream. Very odd.

Time to head on downstairs and get the coffee on as this gal needs some caffeine this morning.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday.

Always doing my best to be kind, respect, compassionate and patient. Always working on patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of March, 2019.

A glorious bright sunshiny morning out there.

Warming up.

 

Today is the birthday of my son-in-law’s brother “D” and also one of my neighbour’s “D.”

Both guys with first names starting with D.

How about that?

Happy Birthday to you both.

 

Well the time changed in the middle of the night or super early this morning; whichever way you wish to look at it.

At the end of the day ….. we lost an hour.

We first woke up at 4:00 but it was really 5:00 ….. when we woke up at 7:38 it was that time as I changed the time on the downstairs clocks.

I figured when I was up at 4 or 5 ….. better to have the right time when we GOT UP.

So now it feels like 7:35 and not 8:35 a.m.

Funny how time makes you feel.

WE are so envious of Saskatchewan ….. the one place that does not change time.

They are the SMARTEST people ever.

The reasons that we changed the time back in the day was for farming.

Everywhere should the same.

I have never understood why setting the clocks ahead or behind really mattered.

If it is dark out …. stay in bed.

Or do things that do not require the light.

At the end of the day it will be the same difference.

Oh well, what do I know?

 

This afternoon I/We are invited to one of our neighbours for a belated get together for her birthday.

I am debating about whether or not to take Mr. Alvin.

She has two cats, one of them is used to dogs but not sure about the other one.

The second cat is newer to the household.

I seem to remember her saying that the second cat had been around dogs.

I can always take him and if it does not work out – bring him back home.

She is only a minute away.

I really do not like to leave Mr. Alvin on the weekends.

He is alone enough of the time.

 

Guess who came for an unexpected visit yesterday.

Guess who just copied the photo from Facebook and it takes up the whole page?

Humphrey came over in the late morning and went home in the early evening.

He loves the sunshine.

Both the boys hung out several times in the backyard.

When I snapped this photo, Humphrey was soaking in the sun while Alvin was in the house wanting more broccoli.

We had a great day.

Humphrey crawled up on me while I was watching a movie.

Snuggling in …..

Love this photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

My coffee is perked and I would love a cup right now.

The smell is driving me mad.

 

Have an awesome day.

Relax, spend time with loved ones and or friends…..

Happy Sunday.

Happy Birthday to D and D.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Boys …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD, COLD day has arrived.

Thankfully the worse part is usually first thing in the morning.

I believe with the windchill it is minus 42 degrees celsius this morning.

ARGH.

But this is winter in CANADA.

I remember COLD temperatures when I was a child on the family farm.

 

Well today is my last work day this week as I am off tomorrow with Alvin as he has his surgery.

It is going to be a long morning between the time we get up and leave for the Vet as he cannot have food or water.

Poor baby.

Of course, Momma will comply with the vet’s orders and I will stand beside my boy and not have food or water while we are together.

Once I drop him off – it will be time for a cup of coffee.

I always feel bad for him when he has to fast ….

But will make sure he has something to eat at the latest he can tonight along with water as well.

Not quite the same as breakfast but we will have to manage.

It will be a busy day at work trying to prepare for being gone for a couple of days.

 

I am grateful to my friend who will pick us up tomorrow morning and drive us to Alvin’s surgery appointment.

I am grateful to my friend who will also take me to pick Alvin up after his surgery and bring us home.

I am grateful that I am surrounded by kind and generous and supportive family and friends.

I am grateful to have this warm, safe place, our house we call home.

I am grateful that we always have food in our bellies.

I am grateful to be employed and to be surrounded by great co-workers.

I am grateful that Alvin and I are in good health and that we will continue to be so.

I am grateful for the rides to work this week with my neighbour, thank you.

I am grateful to one of my co-workers for driving me home this week.

I am grateful for the reminders that we all must be tolerant, kind, patience, supportive and respectful.

I have to work on the patience portion, for sure.

GRATITUDE can change your life for the better.

Live in gratitude and you will notice the difference for the better, much better.

 

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

I hope that you are all safe, warm and surrounded by love and respect.

I hope that you have a chance to laugh each and every day.

Laughter is truly the best medicine.

Have an awesome WEDNESDAY ….

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who work outside in the elements from fire fighters to oil rig workers to farmers to construction to meter monitors.  Please be safe and warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Monday, July 10, 2017 and it is the 31st day until my 60th Birthday.

When I think back to all of the different professions of the people that I have meet over my almost 60 years ….. it has been incredible.

I have known leaders of major corporations, people who have started and grown their own successful businesses, mothers, fathers, ministers, teachers, tax collectors, reinsurance brokers, dancers, singers, musicians, policemen, lawyers, doctors of all kinds, nurses, veterinarians, all sorts of customer service personnel, firemen, policemen, postmen, sheriff, house and business cleaners, construction workers, hair stylists, cooks, servers, bartenders, real estate brokers, insurance brokers, farmers, volunteers, new reporter(s), DJ, children’s author, adult authors, accountants, private pilot, airforce pilot, airplane mechanic, bank managers, professional photographers, IT specialists, claims adjusters, underwriters, foreman, electricians, plumbers, tow truck owner/operator, pharmacist, jewellers, bus drivers, mechanics, oilfield workers, driller on oil rigs, directional drillers, housewives, contractors of all kinds, managers of all kinds, social workers, hospital unit clerk,  data entry operators, cashiers, customer service clerks, bank tellers, administrative assistants, dental assistants, dentist, and too many others to count.

 

If you sat back and made a list of all the people that you have known over your lifetime and what did they for a living the list would be massive.  I know that I am missing a great many.

Surrounded by incredible people my whole life.

These people who have helped form the person that I am today.

It truly takes a village.

I am truly blessed.

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of February, 2016.

Today is the Birthday of my sister and two of my girl friends.

We wish them all the most wonderful of days.

May this day be filled with love and laughter.

May your year be filled with good health and abundance.

Happy Birthday “C”, “D” and “A” ……

 

Our weather has been absolutely incredible as of late.

The next few days are to be seeing plus temperatures ….. single digits but that is okay.

Hard to believe that it is February.

The lack of snow is not a good sign for spring and the farmers.

Who knows maybe we will have a wet spring and then it would all work out great.

I do not remember if the groundhogs saw their shadows or not.

Only time can tell.

 

I just heard a huge sigh from Mr. Alvin as he lays curled up on the small piece of rug under my office chair (it is longer than it is wide so there is room for him at one end).

It is amazing that 99% of the time when I am at home ….. he is right there at my side.

Dogs are such loyal creatures.

I can see where some of them seek out their human friends when they pass on.

So sad as they can not articulate their feelings ……

So for our time together on this plane of existence …… I will continue to treat him with kindness, love and respect.

My buddy …… my pal.

He looks so small when he curls up in a ball.

He is so cute ……

 

Well here we go again can you believe ….. time for me to finish getting ready for work.

The nights sure seem to pass by so quickly.

Last night I slept right through …… that is definitely an accomplishment for someone of my age ….. LOL.

 

Happy Tuesday ……

Remember to express your kindness wherever you may go …..

Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness.

 

Special Hello to:  Happy Birthday Ladies ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 15th day of August, 2015.

It is overcast here in Edmonton and the deck remains wet from the rain, overnight.

We could use some moisture so it is all good.

At least here in the city.

Farmers well that will be another story.

I am so excited to be back and as always it was something so simple.

Doesn’t it just figure.

Something I could have done myself …. something I did do myself.

When plugging the computer and equipment back in I plugged it into the wrong “jack.”

Can you imagine?

The young man “Abdul” was very sweet and did not make me feel “stupid.”

I did write a few lines on FB yesterday just after I was “live” again after one week.

The troubleshooters for our cable/communications company are in a country on the other side of the world from us.

They do not know the setups (this was from the tech that came to my house).

These people just read from a script so not their fault.

He said they do not usually mention the “jack” in the script ….

If they had – I would have tried putting it in the other jack.

It is very sad that it is always about the money.

Companies having to make more and more money.

Anyway I am very grateful to have television once again and the internet.

So on with life.

I found during the week …. the house to be quiet.

So we listened to more music.

Spent more time outside.

Watched movies on DVD.

Snuggled more.

I think it was a good thing at the end of the day.

I did miss writing my blog, watching my recorded shows and going on FB.

But it was a good thing all in all.

Today I am hosting my second “Steeped Tea” party and am so excited to announce that I am now a Consultant for Steeped Tea.

I love the product and look forward to learning more as time goes on.

Well I have a bunch of things to do before my guests start arriving and thank goodness my “leader” will be leading the party and I will be watching and learning.

I had a wonderful Friday …. my daughter and grand-pups spent the day and slept over.

She helped me put together the second desk for my office and it looks great.

I will post some photos once I get the room in order (not today).

We walked with the pups in the rain.

I won a big prize at our company barbecue on Wednesday.

It was all about popcorn (hot air popcorn maker, ceramic popcorn container, popcorn to pop and Chicago mix popcorn, liquorice, M&Ms and two movies).

The popcorn tasted so yummy as we watched a movie.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

So good to be back.

I hope that you are all well and enjoying your Saturday.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: all of my friends and family who sent me wonderful Birthday wishes … it was a wonderful day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 17th day of July, 2015.

Well it is raining here in Edmonton ….. and very windy.

We need the rain so it is good.

Mr. Alvin does not like the rain so much, it took much coaxing to get him to go out to go “pee,” earlier.

Doesn’t look like he will be going out anytime soon.

I tried a few minutes ago … he just stood outside the door and whimpered.

Almost broke my heart.

Eventually he will go …..

This morning I am going to the office extra early as we are having a pancake breakfast.

So our Social Committee for which I am a member does the prep for the breakfast.

So cutting strawberries here I come.

It is always a fun way to start the day.

I cannot imagine being in the parade in the pouring rain …….

Also I am very grateful as one of the ladies that I work with is picking me up …..

I figured that I would have had to leave the house at 4:45 in order to get there in time …. ARGHH.

I would have had to get up about 3:30 a.m. …….

So on this rainy Friday I am very grateful ….. we need the moisture so much.

Just hope that it comes down a bit slower …. actually I think it is just the wind that makes it sound worse.

I hope that you have a great Friday …. YAY it is the weekend.

Special Hello to: all the farmers ……

Always, Carol and Alvin