The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this rainy Saturday, July 2, 2022? Both Alvin and I are rested. You are likely wondering about that statement. So here is the story: last night we went to bed well after 10:00 closer to 10:30 and then I read for awhile. I do remember getting up once (me) to go to the bathroom and then back to bed, Mr. Alvin did not stir. The next time I looked at the time, it was 6:52 a.m., wow, can you believe it? I really had to look at the time more than once. It was not until I got up that the boy stirred. Up, he had his food and “medicine” and we went outside, gladly it was only raining lightly. Then back in the house. I was wondering how he managed to sleep for almost 8 hours in a row. Likely it was due to the walking and spending over 1.5 hours outside in Pauline’s garden and then a little while later having a haircut and bath. The haircut and bath are two of his least favorite things to being doing and he was clearly stressed, anxious about having it done. So he may have been exhausted. As of me, well I have not had 8 hours of continuous sleep in likely 8 years or more. Except for the few times that Alvin has slept over at his sister’s house. He doesn’t like car travel so does not happen often. He is quiet this morning but he is not usually loud anyway. It is raining outside now so I guess watering the flowers was not necessary but who knew, it would really rain. They needed a drink of water. Anyway, I did not over water them so all is well. I had watered my plants, too. Yes, I remembered to move the lavender plant so that she will not get even more wet. She is still drying out and I hope that her roots are not rotting from all of the water. The soil is slowly drying out. I guess time will tell. So that is the story. Oh, I remembered to take my phone and snap some photos of my friend’s beautiful flowers but alas I am experiencing technical difficulties and they are not uploading. But I will get them posted. You have to see her gardens, absolutely beautiful. I even snapped some photos of the roses at the entrance to the park. It was a great couple of hours that spent outside yesterday. On top of all of that, I managed to do several loads of laundry, clean out some kitchen drawer, made some small changes with a few pieces of furniture in the living room. I honestly only sat down for the time that I had late breakfast at like noon and then for supper so maybe 30 minutes and we were up at 7:00 so that would account for me being pooped. Even after supper I was running up and down the stairs with laundry. The stress of Alvin’s haircut goes onto me, as well. All in all, it was a wonderful day.

We are happy to live in this house, in this neighbourhood, in this city, in this province and this country. This whole world – every country has a story that they are not proud of and I would hope that in 2022 we are doing better at being kind and respectful to others, not just human beings but all living creatures and the environment but sadly that is not the case. Just remember this, it is not the actions or feelings of the average everyday citizens that are making these decisions it is the so called leaders. I am not the past leaders, political or religious and not the current ones. I am a good person, I treat everyone with respect and kindness. So when people make blanket comments about all of this, it hurts my heart. I try to do the best that I can in my world. My actions reflect who I am. I was not what I would deem to be privileged but perhaps that word is being used with a more broad meaning. I do not blame my upbringing nor do I blame certain people for my lot in life, I can make choices. It is my choices that have brought me to this place. I just wanted to say something and perhaps I am not the most eloquent “speaker” or “writer” in the world. Sorry for the severe change in topic. But yesterday and all the yesterdays for awhile, I have been thinking about Canada and her past. I love my country despite her past. If we gave up on “people” for their pasts, there would be nothing. I am disappointed that in 2022 there are still wars and that we are not working together for the common good.

I hope that you have a great Saturday. There is always food for thought. We can always do better. It is raining harder now. My coffee is ready and I need it this morning.

Photos to follow.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 38 days until my 65th Birthday.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? I, we are doing well. Alvin was up a few times but I think we are so used to it and hitting the snooze that it is our norm. Say that three times fast. I just put on some Mary Kay lip gloss and I love this product. Not tacky or sticky – feels good and looks great. My makeup tip for the day. If you need just a bit of a lift – try some pretty lip gloss. Nothing fancy. Especially for those of us who are blessed to be working from home. I know people that have stayed in their pj’s all day but after two years that must get a bit old. I wear comfy bottoms and then dress up the top half. Sometimes I wear what would be work appropriate pants but most times I wear more dressy “sweats.” I don’t always wear a lot of makeup but always do my eyebrows (as they are getting lighter each year) and lips. Usually once or twice a week or if I have to go to the office, then I put on eye makeup and blush. So whatever makes you feel good. I do know that on the days when I have a shower, I am more likely to do the extra makeup like eyes and cheeks. That is just me.

It was cold last night. We had a bit of snow sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Not that we need more snow! Mother Nature, Mother Nature! Gotta love her. Once again there is a light blanket covering the bare spots on the deck, on the rooftops, the sidewalks and the streets. I cannot wait until spring and the ice melts and we can once again resume our twice daily walks. Both Alvin and I are missing our outdoor time. We go outside here and there – mainly on the back deck but it is not really the same. Patience, I keep telling him and myself.

Oh, last night I made another batch of the chocolate pudding. I doubled the batch so had to use one can of evaporated milk and one of coconut milk. It did not get super thick (but thick enough) as night before so perhaps I could have added a tad more corn starch. I am experimenting. It was very tasty. I will write down my changes and the recipes and post them. I love chocolate pudding. I suppose the recipe could be modified to be carmel, butterscotch and other flavours. Will get back to you on that.

Oh, the chili was really good. I have about 100 or so different varieties of chili that I make. I suppose that I should write those down as well. I cook so in the moment that I do not think of the future. Likely not a great idea for passing on ideas and recipes. I love to experiment and to use whatever items that I have at my disposal. Sometimes I may only have one item for a recipe so I really have to use my imagination but isn’t that what life is all about. Trying new things. I must confess that I seldom have everything in a recipe unless I am planning in advance. But I enjoy trying new things and seeing what I can create.

Looking outside it looks cold and dark. No light spots in the sky. Everything looks white from top to bottom. ARGH. Oh well it is February 16, 2022. Winter in Western Canada.

Time to go and have some of that coffee that I have poured into my to go mug to keep hot. I truly love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. LOVE, love, love.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Perhaps you will try something new. Changing things up is a good thing.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I feel like something fantastic is going to happen to us today. Just a feeling!

2021

Good Morning ALL! We are officially one sleep away from Christmas EVE. I am so excited. Feeling, I must admit like a small child excitedly awaiting the arrival of SANTA CLAUS. Do you remember when you were a child at Christmas time? I understand that not all of us had the same experiences. Good or bad or indifferent. For me, I remember putting on Christmas concerts with my siblings for my parents and grandparents. I loved going to the Christmas Concerns at church, the music was my favourite part. We sang “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” (which was my favorite all time Christmas song). I guess it was the innocence of things at that moment in time. The feelings that were in the air no matter what was happening in your household at the time, if you went elsewhere there was joy, simple absolute joy. You just felt it. I felt it. I wish everyone, everywhere whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you the “joy” that we all should feel in our lives every day.

Well Miss Cookie is settling in, I would say. We had a great sleep. Everyone cooperated. Even Mr. Alvin. Last night my friend Pauline popped in to Wish Us a Merry Christmas and we exchanged gifts. I gave her a beautiful tea cup and saucer which she loved and she gave me the most glorious little tree with lights in a teacup surrounded by two pups ornament. Hard to explain but it is so sweet, I absolutely love it. She said when she saw it – it reminded her or me. As I sold Tea, (cup), loved Christmas (the tree with lights) and loved dogs (pups by the tree). How thoughtful. It is my new favorite ornament. Poor Miss Cookie was so wound up and it was loud so we could not have much of a conversation, we tried. I even held Cookie to calm her down. She was running, biting and just being annoying. I almost thought she was jealous of me having company! Just a few minutes after Pauline left, both pups laid down on the sofa and were quiet. WOW. Another mystery of the world. I was happy and grateful to have time with my friend no matter what was going on. I miss our walks and our great chats. She is a wonderful friend. I do have the best friends. Hopefully will get to see more of them in 2022.

Well time to get on downstairs and see what the munchkin “Cookie” is up to. WE all know exactly where Mr. Alvin is.

I wish you a sparkly, happy, fun, joyful, happy, healthy, wonderful, fantastic Thursday, December 23, 2021. Have a great day!

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

P.S. I have my fingers crossed that the skies stay clear and the snow stays away. There is more shovelling to do again. I have to shovel the driveway which I forgot to do yesterday, argh. lol.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of April, 2019.

Well up in good time this morning.

I am on Humphrey duty so am going to check on him this morning before leaving for work.

We will go and pick him up again after work and he will spend the evening with us.

OMG, the boys are so cute.

Last night Alvin was kind of off his game for some reason.

Not quite sure.

He was barking while sitting on the sofa with Humphrey.

Humphrey gave him a soft swat in his general direction as if to say “enough buddy, enough.”

I coaxed Alvin to sit on the other side of me until he calmed down.

He got over whatever it was and the boys settled in for the evening.

In and outside, they went.

 

Well a few more weeks and it will be flower time.

I noticed that some of my perennials in the back garden are up and green.

YAY.

So far so good.

I can hardly wait to wash down the deck and put out the deck furniture.

Too early at this point.

Did you hear the news in Saskatchewan?

I do not want to say the word but it begins with a “S” and ends with a “W.”

ARGH.

But even though Easter is later this year …. there is always a possibility of some of that stuff.

Won’t last long which is great.

Another double digit day.

YAY.

 

I am thinking that I will go out on the Easter long weekend and pick up the trash in my neighbourhood.

Almost every time we go for a walk I pick up something.

Still so much.

As I have extra days next weekend besides Saturday and Sunday – feels like a good time.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

 

Well I should get going and check on that Mr. Humphrey.

Make sure he did not eat all the food that I gave him last night (likely not).

Good idea to check and see if he used the litter box.

Check on his water.

Peek in on Miss Cinder.

She does not get mentioned in my posts often.

 

Happy Friday.

May the force be with you.

Keep smiling.

Keep showing kindness even if you are not feeling “it.”

Keep feeling gratitude for your life and all that you have.

Keep the faith.

 

Special Hello to:  sending positive energy and good feelings out to you all on this day.  Keep well, and I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts for always.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 28th day of March, 2017.

Another beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

So nice to be able to wear shoes and a light coat/jacket.

Alvin and I are enjoying our walks in the evenings.

So nice not to have to worry about ICE and COLD.

We are meeting up with folks that we have not seen since last fall.

 

This morning Alvin up early as ever and afterward we hit the sofa for about one hour.

I fall into this dream sleep ….. what an odd dream.

One of my old co-workers was in my dream from Regina.

For some reason in the place that I lived there was no power.

Strangely it was off.

Only one room had lights.

I could not find my purse or anything and the time was passing quickly for me to leave for work.

Only I had no money or fare for the bus.

All of a sudden I was in a restaurant and my old friend “R” was there having lunch with a couple.

Makes no sense.

Finally it was 10 minutes to the time that I was supposed to be at work.

I would be late.

There was a bit more to it ……. but that is the just of it.

Most times when I wake up my dreams are only a feeling; I do not remember details.

This is odd.

 

Well now it is time to go and last up the shoes and don my jacket as it is time for work.

I have lights, I have my purse and bus fare.

Oh, what a strange dream.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my sister and my daughter ….. two VERY important ladies in my life.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of February, 2017.

WOW, another new month.

February 2017 …. has a nice ring to it.

Snowing this morning here in Edmonton.

It was a cold walk to the bus yesterday morning after being so spoiled with over zero temperatures for the past couple of weeks.

But this is winter and part of it is cold temperatures and snow.

So we just dress for it and then grumble about it.

That is what we do.

We are grateful for all that we have and for where we live but from lack of sunshine and only on some days, we just grumble about it.

That is okay.

 

I love turning the page on the calendar and seeing the new picture.

I have a calendar from Zoe’s, an animal rescue society.

The animals are all rescues and the captions along with the photos are guaranteed to melt the coldest of hearts.

I love the Happily Ever After Stories …..

I am proud to say that “me Alvin” is a rescue and he certainly rescued me right back.

That is what they do……

 

Yesterday I posted my very first blog from way way way (okay not that many ways but it certainly feels like a long time ago) back on April 5, 2010.

I love to write.

I love to give information.

I love to share.

I love to make people laugh.

So if I am doing any of the above, I am feeling pretty great.

To my sister and family and friends back home; I miss you all as well.

 

Well looks like almost time once again to hit the cold hard icy road …. literally …. not physically.

Yesterday I hit an icy patch and went down on my knees.

That was on the way to the bus.

Will be extra careful this morning and will remain upright for sure.

 

Have a Happy Happy Wednesday.

Making dreams come true one day at a time.

I hope that your dreams are coming true one day at a time.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends back in Regina …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of December, 2016.

Our weather has warmed yesterday and for today and the next few to follow.

 

My thoughts as of late are to all of those wonderful souls that have passed during this past year.

Some have been famous.

Some have been family.

Some have been friends.

Some you know and some you do not.

They made us laugh.

They shared their lives, their stories.

They will always be with us in the air that we breathe, and in all that surrounds us.

Their stories will continue in us.

To all of those who are missing your mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents, beloved fur-babies: pups and kitties, you are in my thoughts.

I wrote this poem almost twenty years ago.

I would like to give this a tribute to all those wonderful spirits we have said goodbye to in 2016.

 

 

BEYOND THE SUNSET

The sun melts into hues of gold and pink,

as the sky darkens.

A peaceful sigh, as she closes her eyes.

She sees the roses in her garden.

The fragrance soft but strong in the air.

She sees her children and theirs.

She feels her husband’s touch.

She remembers times gone by.

It has been a great life!

She is not afraid,

The time has come.

The Lord extends his hand,

And she follows him home.

Written by Carol Lewis on September 29/30, 1998 for my Grandma Stella.

 

Special Hello to: Rest in Peace our darlings. Rest in Peace.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of July, 2016.

It is partially overcast and breezy here in the City of Edmonton this morning.

YAY, it is the weekend.

So excited for this one.

Time with Alvin, tea tasting with my team leader and team mates, coffee with my girls and a visit from my daughter.

Does not get better than that.

In between I had better get some laundry and cleaning done, ah, do I have to???

Last night one of my neighbours have me a hair cut.

It has been awhile since I actually paid for a hair cut.

Normally I do it myself.

But I was feeling like I needed to treat myself and so I did.

She was going to charge me $25.00 (came to my house) but was late getting here so only charged me $20.00.

Close to being FREE, gotta love that.

I feel so refreshed and free and NEW.

So today I am going to present a new me and a cheery fresh outlook …. get back to me.

Sometimes all it takes is a hair cut to get you back on track.

I feel GREAT this morning.

So that is my thought for the day ….. try something new or just do something you have not done for awhile to refresh your outlook.

Something that will give you that little boost to get going.

I honestly have felt blah, not sick or anything, just that my get up and go had got up and left.

Now is that not a mouth full.

But so true.

If you do not have that get up and go ….. it is hard to do anything other than what you immediately have to do and even that is a strain.

But I am back ….. better than usual.

I feel GREAT.

So here we are once again ….. almost time to leave for work.

Oh, great news.

My friend “V” from Regina …. the one that bakes a wicked biscotti and I mean the most delectable creation on this planet and her treats for Valentine’s and Easter were to die for ..

Well anyway she is coming to  Edmonton to see her brother and she is going to spend some nights with me.

I am so excited.

A visitor.

Well gotta run.

Life is so good.

Something even more wonderful is coming, I can feel it.

I could not before but it is coming …. a dream fulfilled, I think, I know.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” so grateful that you are coming to stay with me during your trip to our city.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of August, 2015.

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

I can tell by the temperature in the house that it is warmer this morning than the past few.

The sky is a pale blue with hints of a deeper blue and smudges of pink and orange.

I love the morning sky ….. reminds me of the tie dying days …..

The sun is coming up to shine down on us today.

How are you feeling today?

I feel great.

You know some mornings you just feel like you could conquer the world but in a nice way of course.

I know that today is going to bring some great news.

I am beyond happy.

I have a great life.

I am surrounded by friends and family.

I live with my good little buddy “Alvin” who keeps me centred.

I am blessed to meet friends every day …..

We always meet some new folks from our neighbourhood when we are out and about.

I love getting to know people.

If you are every feeling lonely or down in the dumps.

Try this …. if you have a doggie go for a walk.

You should be walking him or her anyway ….. but nevertheless, go.

If you do not have a doggie then go outside.

Walk down your street.

You must say Hello to everyone you meet.

I have started to say to people after our encounters “thank you for your time.”

It made me feel wonderful just saying the words.

I would love it if someone would acknowledge my time.

I believe we must be more kind and loving to everyone.

Be respectful of time and space.

Well time to go to work.

Alvin needs to go outside one more time.

I hope that you are surrounded by love and laughter.

Two very important things ….

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Special Hello to: to our friend “V” you celebrated a birthday a few days ago ….. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of December, 2014.

Another day closer to Christmas.

I am so excited to do some Christmas baking this Saturday.

The plan is to make sugar cookies, macaroons and fudge.

Those are the main ones and if something else sneaks in there that would be fine as well.

I love to bake.

I am going to try and be a bit fancy decorating the sugar cookies this year.

Will have to figure something out …. no ideas at the moment …. just know that I want to make them different and pretty.

I hope that you have your list made and that you are zipping along with each task on it.

Just take one day at a time.

That is what I try to do.

If you look at the number of days left you might just feel overwhelmed.

Also even if you do happen to run out of time …… Christmas always turns out.

It is more the feelings that you have and are surrounded by than actual physical things.

More than a feeling …….

Well almost time to go to work.

Today I work at the office and then tonight at the store.

I love helping people find just the right gift.

Thanks again for reading my blog.

Have a fantastic day.

Oh, by the way I went to have my eyes checked yesterday afternoon and they are actually better distance wise and a bit less so close up.

No surprise.

I ordered some new specs and sunglasses and then there will be a new me.

It is like dressing up in a costume …. I always feel like a new person when I get new glasses.

The same applies to hair cuts.

Which reminds me …. almost time for me to trim my hair.

Yes, I cut my own hair.

Just basic but it works.

Happy Wednesday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Special Hello to: anyone with a Birthday this month ….. Happy Birthday …..