2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine FOGGY here in Edmonton morning? Alvin and I are doing well although he may say something different as he is squeaking by the office door. He is getting pretty used to me jumping every time he makes a sound. My fault not his. There has been some thick fog out there this morning although it has dissipated somewhat already. I am feeling more back to my old self this morning. It is not the end of the world if we do not go with this roofing company. Sometimes if we get a “bad feeling” or experience doubt it is better to just walk away. Both myself and my neighbour had those feelings. It was not just the feelings it was the information as well. Anyway, we are on the search for another roofing company and we will find the one that is right for us. Right credentials, right products, right price. We will secure the best company for the job and for us.

Yesterday we had quite a lot of rain in the afternoon. Alvin and I managed to get a beautiful walk in over my lunch break. We even saw some of our friends over the course of our walk and stopped for a little chat. We made it back home with minutes to spare so not late for work. My flowers are doing great with all of this moisture, I think that they grew overnight. The front flower bed is coming to life and the colours are beautiful. Even my snapdragons are all starting to come up or at least I believe it is them. I love flowers, the colours and the scents.

Life is continuing along. Not much new. Just chugging along. Experiencing life as I should. Trying to keep the positive thoughts flowing and remembering that “thoughts do in fact become things.” I know this to be true.

I have recently changed my thoughts to ones of retirement, being mortgage free and new shingles on my roof. Likely would be a great idea to make a vision board to help me in my new vision.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Almost time to head downstairs, get on that pot of coffee and put on some music. I love to start my day with music now that I can.

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. one of my neighbours spotted a pelican in one of our park “ponds” / “lakes.” I did not think we had them here in Alberta but apparently we do. I cannot wait until I see one.

Second Half of the YEAR.

Good Morning,

Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Todd and to our Mom, who is an Angel watching over us all.

Surrounded with family and friends.

Happy Birthday.

 

We had some serious rain last night and I was happy that we had our walks in the morning before work and at lunchtime.

I had planned for us to go this morning but it is wet with lapses of fog.

Yes, fog.

It rolls in and out.

Sun shines.

Then fog.

So I am glad that we stayed at home.

Forecast looks good for noon and after work.

I would like to get back to two walks each day again.

We had been walking twice a day for several weeks before Alvin had some health issues.

Now that we are back to normal, I want to take advantage of that time.

 

I thought it might be interesting as a Canadian to watch and listen to the United States Democratic and Republican Conventions.

Last week I listened to the Democrats and now this week the Republicans.

It has been interesting, I will say that for sure.

There have been some great speeches and some less than stellar ones, in my opinion.

I have only watched one night thus far of the Republican Convention.

 

I wonder why it is that some people find it better to “bad mouth” their opposition instead of outlining their platforms.

Digging up what they deem to be “dirt” so as to injure the chances of the opposition winning.

So?

What will they do differently?

What will they do to make the next four years better than the last four?

What will they change?

How will they make those changes?

After all isn’t government supposed to lead a country!

Some folks just seem to bask in drama, I get that.

But to lead a country, leaders need to lead.

Right?

 

Keeping their personal opinions on the back shelf and doing what is right for the people in their country.

Keeping those opinions out of the media.

But then again perhaps it is all about character.

The people want the best person for the job.

The person that will lead them into the next four years, the future.

The person that will not alienate their country’s neighbours and divide its’ citizens.

 

Politics, politics.

What can one say?

I wish the United States all the best in this upcoming election.

Remember to VOTE.

Voting is what gets you change.

Good Luck.

 

 

Well the fog has rolled in again.

Alvin is resting on his little bed that I made for him in the upstairs office.

Time once again to go and grab that first cup of coffee and get this work day going.

We have training later this morning and then more training this afternoon.

In between I have calls to return and mail to do.

Never a slow moment.

Especially after returning from vacation.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and welcome to a sky filled with a soft palette of pinks and oranges.

The sky looks as though you mixed some fog in with the sunrise.

It is absolutely gorgeous.

I just snapped a photo but the camera lens just does not grasp that wondrous beauty.

 

Humphrey unexpectedly has joined us today while his Mom is going out of town to visit family.

So Alvin will have some company while I clean the house and prepare for my girls to visit tonight.

We, three friends are going out for supper to a nearby restaurant called “Original Joes.”

This is our “Christmas party.”

Once supper is over we will retire to my house for a visit, perhaps a few drinks and maybe even a sweet treat.

Everyone can walk home from my house so not drinking and driving will happen.

There will be some cleaning and laundry to do today.

My friend who sells the FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY is dropping off an order today around noon.

I will go with Alvin for a walk at some point.

We walked last night for our full walk.

Last night I visited my friends down the street.

We had such a great visit.

I was there for over three hours.

The time passed by so quickly.

 

With respect to our our family member who had surgery yesterday.

He is doing well and I pray that each and every report is great news.

It will definitely mean more hospital time but under the circumstances that is a must.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I actually took Monday off so that I would have some extra time at home finish Christmas cards and letters.

Some downtime.

Works has been crazy busy for me but I can finally see the light.

 

Well time to get dressed and start the laundry.

Check on the boys.

Alvin keeps walking back and forth so that means Humphrey is now upstairs.

I guess he likes to keep an eye on him.

Company?

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

I hope that life is treating you well.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Even though sometimes it is hard to be kind and respectful – we still have to put our best foot forward.

I had a bad day yesterday.

Not everyone is always happy about decisions.

I should know that by now.

 

 

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to a foggy morning here in my neighbourhood.

It may not be the same downtown or in the south end of the city or in the north.

I have found that the City of Edmonton is stretched out over a large area that the weather can be totally different from one area to the next.

The fog is beginning to lift and the sky is partially cloud filled.

The air has a tinge of coolness so that it is comfortable.

The house was not warm/hot this morning but I opened the windows about one hour ago and that will help to keep it cool inside for the pups.

They are resting together on the blue blanket on the floor beside me.

 

Last night I had the best time.

Went shopping to West Edmonton Mall with one of my friends.

I have not really done any shopping for me in ages so it was great.

I had a gift card from her and some other gift money.

There were a great deal of sales on in the mall.

I was surprised to see just how many folks were out on a Wednesday night.

I was very happy to find some sandals …. Clarks ….. not the ones that I saw on DSW’s website but they were similar and felt so good.

I do not think that I have ever put on a pair of shoes and they felt so good.

In total I bought three pair of shoes.

Got some new pyjamas, pair of jeans, two long cardigans and a short-sleeved top.

The retail staff were amazing …. so helping and very nice.

I felt like a million dollars.

Not that shopping makes me feel rich or anything.

Just the fact that I was able to actually go shopping and find some things and able to buy them.

This does not happen often.

Cannot remember the last time.

I try very hard to leave my carbon footprint at a minimum where possible.

Buying things from Thrift stores and swap meets is usually what I do.

So this was nice.

I do love hand me downs (as such) and have worn them my whole entire life thus far.

But sometimes it is nice to get some new things.

No more holey pj’s.

Giggling aloud.

It was great to have someone along as she was honest on how things fit and colours and such.

So I only got what was “GREAT” and not something was cheap on sale and was just okay.

Definitely a lesson for people.

Always better to go with someone.

I so much appreciated her honesty and assistance.

It was wonderful.

Decided not to wear the new sandals today as I may treat them – have to read the labels.

 

Well almost time to take the pups out for one more “bathroom break.”

They did great yesterday.

Alvin was up a couple of times and the last time we went downstairs, he went outside and then we retired to the sofa.

It did take a few minutes to get everyone comfortable.

Three always does take a bit more work.

 

Well I am one excited, happy, grateful, blessed, happy, Oh I said that already girl.

Lucky to have a beautiful home, great family and friends and good health.

To be surrounded by four-legged darlings.

Life is great.

Living …. One day at a time.

Listening to the birds chirping outside the office window.

 

Time to go.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Kindness with Respect go a long way.

Spread the goodness.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin & Teddy

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of January, 2018.

The sky is overcast and appears to be one enormous snow bank.

The air is filled with fog.

So when you look outside it appears to be white, white and more white.

WINTER.

 

We have had a great weekend, lots of company which both Alvin and I love.

Yesterday Master Teddy spent the day with us.

The boys get along well which is nice.

Alvin is not so much one to play but they had their moments.

Teddy follows me wherever I go, much like the Alvin.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand-pups stopped by as they had been out and about.

So at one point we had three people and four pups.

They all got along however that being said Baby Milo was not quite sure how to take Teddy.

Teddy likes to cuddle and got the attention of my daughter.

Teddy also happens to remind both my kids of their past boy Elton.

The kids brought some heavy duty chews for Alvin and the pups.

Alvin was on that for hours…. he loved his birthday present.

We drank coffee and ate some Steeped Tea Scones that I baked earlier.

GREAT VISIT.

In between, I did all of my household chores.

This morning the girls are coming for coffee.

Or were.

Just had a call from one of my girls and she has the flu/cold.

Sending her good energy to be well soon.

We will have one of our friends with her daughter and daughter’s friend.

Looking forward to the company.

 

Recently I have had some comments on my blog and thought that I would just say this.

I write about my daily life and to offer positive thoughts about life in general.

I try to keep this blog on the light, humorous side however as life goes, sometimes this is not possible.

I write because I love to write.

I am not a journalist and do not have a degree.

I am just a person like you.

Only wishing to share some of my stories and experiences and perhaps along the way to make you smile, laugh and enjoy.

If we learn from one another, what better gift is there.

 

I wish you all a wonderful day.

Special Hello to:  all those folks who take the time to read my blog, my words.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 23rd day of January, 2017.

Another Monday morning here in Edmonton.

Forecast is for sunny skies today.

When Alvin and I went for a walk in the late afternoon we saw a Mother and Daughter taking photos in the park near our house.

In the entrance to the park there is an area that is up on a small hill looking down to the three man-made ponds/lakes.

Of course the water is frozen over.

They were taking of them of each other but with the magnificent white background.

You see yesterday the sky was overcast in white (looked like a giant snowbank).

There was fog in the air.

The trees and plants were covered in hoar frost.

The ground was covered in snow.

So a complete white backdrop.

Alvin and I were in red and black and would have made a great photo with the difference in colour.

So now I will just have that memory.

Perhaps there will be another chance to snap up another photo in the near future.

It was absolutely breathtaking.

Memo to self …. keep that frame in your mind.

 

Well here we go again …. time to leave for work.

Time zips by.

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: all those people who are away on vacation …. hope you are enjoying your time away from home.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 3rd day of December, 2016.

The sky is partially clear as the evening cover dissipates with the morning sun.

Looks like we may have sunshine this morning.

Most of the past couple of weeks have seen our skies blanketed in cloud cover with fog filling the air.

It makes me happy, and I am most certain the other million or so people living in the Edmonton area are happy as well.

We have a busy few weekends ahead of us with Christmas just around the corner.

This weekend I am preparing for the Christmas Event being held at my house next Saturday.

Now while Alvin will not be a part of the Event as he will be at his sister’s house with Milo and his brother-in-law; I felt the need to give him a trim and bath.

So that he is all ready for Christmas.

His fur grows so fast ….. and well a bath cannot hurt.

We managed to do some laundry last evening (we, meaning me), write up some Christmas cards and letters and go for a walk and I rearranged the basement.

Some of the ladies coming next Saturday are bringing their children so will be a good place for the kids to go.

I have a family room with a television in the basement.

Still more cards to do and will just keep writing them whenever there is a spare moment so that they are mailed within the next few days.

After this we, me will have breakfast because that Alvin had his Momma awake at 3:00 a.m. but I explained to him “that it was not time to get up.”

Then again at 3:30 a.m. but I caved and we got up and I let him go outside ( he did have to pee ), so all good and then to the sofa for sleep until breakfast for him.

Up at 4:35 a.m. and he ate and then up again at I don’t remember as it all seems like a blur …. finally up to stay up just after 8:00 a.m.

Anyway off to a brilliant start.

After breakfast we are going for a walk as this will be our only opportunity for the day and plus he will likely go the full distance of our regular walk.

As of late it has been dark after work and he only wants to go about 1/2 or perhaps a little less ….

Can you tell that I am not quite awake yet?  Perhaps I should make coffee before the walk, no better not.

After the walk …. Alvin’s hair trim and bath.

More laundry.

Coffee in there.

Christmas Cards.

Cleaning the bathroom.

Vacuum.

Yikes, do I really have all that to do.

Also have to confirm attendance and invite more folks to the Christmas Event next Saturday.

Oh, and Milo is coming for a visit about mid afternoon as his Momma and Daddy are going to a Christmas party.

Well time to fly here.

Oh, big thing that I have to do is write everything down……. get every detail on my TO DO LIST as without it I may miss something.

The next days are so filled with things to do.

I hope that you are having a great Saturday wherever you are living on this great planet called Earth.

I hope that the sun is shining for you or if it is night time that the sky is clear and the stars are twinkling for you.

I hope that good times are here for you.

I hope that you share those good times with others.

I hope only the best for you.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Special Hello to:  YOU, truly you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 29th day of November, 2016.

Crazy with the fog as of late.

Yesterday morning there were “fog advisors” in our area.

Now this morning there is fog again.

If the tales and perhaps the science is correct there will be lots of moisture in a few months.

Snow or rain that is the question?

So far this has been a crazy abnormal winter although it has not formally arrived for we, Western Canadians, and in Canada overall, November is Winter.

I am enjoying wearing my shoes to work and not having to carry or leave them at work.

We did have a bit of time that the boots were our choice of footwear but not as of now.

Likely December there will be snow.

 

We had a good sleep however in the morning I would also prefer to stay snuggled up to me Alvin than to get out of bed.

But I guess we have to make a living and part of that at this point in time has me leaving the house to go to the office.

I often think of those lucky folks who can work from home.

I do know that there are ups and downs, pros and cons to working from home but somedays and most especially this time of year – it would be nice.

Can you imagine?  No walk to the bus.  No waiting for said bus in snowstorms both in the morning and at night.

Oh well, where is the fun in that …. I guess.

 

Well after me “belly aching” about winter, buses, and snuggling in bed …. it is time for me to go and catch said bus.

I hope that you are doing well and that you have the most wonderful day.

Thank you.

 

On the upside I am working on Christmas Cards and letters.

Some are mailed and some are hand-delivered.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU.  Cannot imagine my life without you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of April, 2016.

Another beautiful spring day on the way.

Tomorrow is to be 20 degrees celsius – summer?

It will be a good day to pick up the trash from around the neighbourhood.

I noticed so much on our walk last night.

Sad as I have already been out once near the end of winter – beginning of spring.

Oh well, it is my contribution to our neighbourhood, and I love our area looking beautiful.

Also is great exercise.

 

As it is Friday, I thought that I would share another poem with you.

I wrote this one on Earth Day in 2011.

THAT GIRL – JUST A GIRL

I am that girl

The girl who smiles everyday

The girl who passes your way

The girl who has a dog

The girl who writes on her blog

The girl who loves life

The girl someday a wife

The girl next door

The girl never a bore

The girl who loves boys

The girl playing with the kids and their toys

The girl who loves flowers

The girl finding her inner power

I am just a girl who loves to dance

I am just a girl starting to take a chance

I am just a girl who loves her dog

I am just a girl reaching out of the fog

I am just a girl with a pure heart

I am just a girl whose smart

I am just a girl who loves to share

I am just a girl who even takes a dare

I am just a girl who loves to shop

I am just a girl loving a new top

I am just a girl who loves starry nights

I am just a girl who believes in what is right

I am just a girl who has a song in her heart

I am just a girl eager to bake that tart

I am just a girl trying to make this poem rhyme

I am just a girl living her life …. this time

I am just a girl who loves to write

I am just a girl who even just might

I am just a girl who thinks so much more

I am just a girl not afraid of a chore

I am just a girl whose funny

I am just a girl loving a bunny

I am just a girl taking the time

I am just a girl a song out of rhyme

I am just a girl

I am that girl….

Written by Carol Yvonne Lewis

Earth Day, April 22nd, 2011 in Edmonton, Alberta.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …… thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

No reason other than I love the way the moon is sitting above our rooftops and the street light.

It was just after sunset.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 29th day of December, 2015.

The air seems to be foggy but not at ground level.

It looks like a Thomas Kincaid painting as I look out of the office window.

Well here we are at the halfway point of my ten days off …. where has the time gone?

It would seem that I ask that question a fair amount.

Or maybe it is because I have truly just been “relaxing” for most of these five days.

Guess it is time to figure out what I would like to do and get it done.

I thought last night if we went to bed closer to our regular time that I would want to get up and at it earlier but to no avail.

Just finding it tough to get my wheels turning …..

Oh well ….

Later this morning a friend who lives by the lakes/park down the street is coming for tea and bringing her grandchildren’s puppy “George.”

She is looking after him for a week while her daughter and family are away skiing.

Alvin will have a playmate for a bit so that will be nice.

 

I guess we are into countdown mode …. three days including today until 2016.

2016 will be a great year for us all, I can just feel it.

2015 was good but 2016 will be great.

 

Well I guess on that note I should hop into the shower and get this day going.

Alvin even slept in this morning ….. not his usual 4:45 ( it was 6:15 ) ….. surprised me.

We are both being lazy…..

 

I hope that you have a Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers as we wind down another year.

Always, Carol and Alvin