The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. As it turns out Mr. Alvin did not shake his head or rub his ears all day after the morning so I am just keeping an eye on him. If this changes, of course, I will get the boy in right away.

This is an odd morning. It froze overnight (that is not odd). There is fog in the air. Fog does not happen a lot here in Edmonton and when it does, it feels odd to me. I cannot see the sunrise and not sure if the sky is blue or grey beyond the fog. I hope it lifts soon. I hope that everyone that drives has a safe drive to work. I am thinking of my daughter driving in from the countryside. Also my neighbour just left for the office as well. So grateful to be working from home and not having to worry about walking to the bus on the icy sidewalks.

We went to bed a bit later last night as I try to figure out the best time for that to happen. I know how important sleep is to us all. I turned the lights out after reading for a few minutes after going to bed at 10:00 pm. It was 4:00 am, when Alvin got up to go outside and then almost 6:00 am, when he got up for breakfast and then we laid on the sofa till 6:45 am. What is wrong with this picture? I would like to have a routine where we get up and stay up at like 6:00 am, I just find it difficult as the years go by to get up early and stay up. Have to break that habit. I am proud of Mr. Alvin he did good.

Yesterday it was a snow/rain mix for most of the day with heavy and light periods. Most of the snow that fell on the sidewalks and streets melted but the snow on the lawns stuck. Yes, stuck. I am feeling like I will never see the grassy area in our backyard. All of the snow that I shovelled and moved about back there is back. More exercise I see. But I most certainly am not going to complain about a bit of snow and ice as it is almost April and it will be gone for another season in a few weeks. Patience is a virtue so that say and I work on that virtue daily.

I am so grateful to my friend Signe who picked up some canned pumpkin for Mr. Alvin. For some reason I had forgot when she picked me up some groceries on the weekend. She found a sale so we are good for awhile. YAY.

I am so blessed and feel so grateful to have such thoughtful and considerate friends. Saves me from slipping about on the sidewalks going to and from the stores OR catching a taxi.

When we were outside walking on Sunday, I heard some geese honking and some other birds that I did not recognize their song. Just heard a goose honking as I typed the words. Fantastic.

Well time to go and have some coffee. Time to get things set up – turned on for work. I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday.

Happy Spring!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I have an African Violet in my office with the most vibrant deep purple flowers and I love it.

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.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 13th day of August, 2018.

Woke up to some very dense FOG this morning.

Barely able to see across the street.

We went from 32 degrees celsius (HOT) on Friday to 17 degrees celsius on Saturday and cooler with RAIN on Sunday.

Not complaining about the rain, we did need the moisture.

I am hoping that the moisture will make its’ way to the drought stricken places around the country and the world.

Well yesterday ended up being a lazy day for me and Alvin.

It was raining pretty much all day and I did not have any get up and go.

You could say that my “get up and go got up and went away.”

Anyway, it was so nice to have some downtime after a hectic week and a bit of vacation.

 

GUESS WHAT?

My neighbour cut my hair yesterday.

Oh, how I wished that it had been short during our 30+ days but I am loving it all the same.

Nothing like having a hair stylist living across the street that comes to your home.

Photo of my BIRTHDAY FLOWERS.

 

Well Mr. Alvin has been very patient as I have been very lazy.

We have a few errands to do today.

Alvin needs food and some glucosamine.

I have a parcel to mail and also need to pick up a few food items at the grocery store.

Looks like it may rain so we had better get this show on the road.

 

Tomorrow is back to work.

Sure has been great having this time off.

 

Special Hello to: all those friends and family who spent time with me either in person, on the phone, on social media for my birthday “week.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 29th day of March, 2017.

It is SO foggy here in Edmonton this morning.

I can hardly see across the street.

Drive carefully anyone reading this in the area.

 

Last night after work my daughter picked me up and we went to COSTCO before heading home to Alvin.

We had a wonderful conversation and visit along the way.

I love our time together.

She is the absolute best daughter in the world.

 

Something that happened to Baby Milo has us all thinking about “SCENTS.”

Most of us want our homes and bodies to smell good, right?

We buy plug-ins with all sorts of scents, burn candles and even make our own using natural products including essential oils.

Have you ever even for one minute considered what these are doing to our babies, our four-legged ones?

For that matter to us.

We often times are driven by our sense of smell.

The idea that everything has to have a scent that is appealing to us.

Can you imagine how strong some of these scents are to our pups who have a sense of smell that is more highly-evolved than our own?

Something to consider.

Has your dog or cat sneezed?

You thought “how cute” or that perhaps they have a cold.

Maybe not.

If they become lethargic or “seem to be zoned out” or throwing up …… you should take them to the VET.

My daughter mentioned “that Alvin smells like my house.”

I never thought about that.

We become so used to the scents that they do not seem to be strong at all.

I was struck by her comment.

We were just in conversation about the adverse effects of all of these scent bearing products and others on our babies.

Well it is time to leave for work.

Please keep this all in mind if you have a dog or cat or any creature in your household.

 

Have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my kids and grand-pups ….. love you so much.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 26th day of January, 2017.

Does not appear to be foggy outside, so that is good for drivers this morning.

Forecasting 0 degrees for Edmonton today, +1 for tomorrow and +5 degrees celsius for Saturday.

Plus temperatures in January in Edmonton – well that is just crazy.

We are loving this mild weather for sure.

It makes going for walks more enjoyable and allows us to go for walks.

It makes walking to and from the bus actually nice.

A far cry from normal temperatures for this time of year.

So nice and I am so grateful for this wonderful reprieve from “winter.”

 

So Thursday already ….. another week almost over.

It has been an odd one….

You would almost think that there has been a full moon.

But this time … it is just the time of year.

Not much sunlight and despite the warmer temperatures it is still winter.

I think most of us feel some degree of depression at this time of year.

If you feel yourself slipping into  that place …. go talk to someone.

Talk to a professional ….. always best to seek someone who understands.

Maybe it is a simple as taking a vacation to a tropical destination …..

So many people with varying degrees of depression and other mental illnesses sometimes do not realize or understand that they need help.

Also for far too long those suffering have been afraid or embarrassed to come forward because of the stigma attached to depression and other forms of mental illness.

You are important and if you are not well, seek help.

I can tell you that when the sun does not shine, I can feel the dip in my well being.

I feel less joyful.

I feel less “sunny” and more “foggy.”

I feel less social.

The list could go on.

Take care of yourself.

Ask the questions.

Find the answers.

 

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. time to SKYPE?????

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of January, 2017.

Another foggy morning …..

Happy Wednesday.

 

Last night when I got off of the bus after work and was walking toward the entrance to my neighbourhood; I spotted my friends one of them being Alvin’s girlfriend “Abi.”

When her Mom saw the bus she wondered if I was on it and when she saw me …. they started walking toward me.

It was only a few seconds when Abi saw me and came running full speed to me.

Her Mom let the leash go and Abi ran to me.

Jumping up and giving me kisses and all the time making her Abi “happy to see me” sounds.

I was so taken.

What a great reception.

They joined me on the walk home.

Abi and her Mom live only a few houses from me and Alvin.

Such a great walk home.

 

Well I am running late somehow.

So have to cut this short.

Just wanted to share my happy story.

 

Special Hello to: Miss Abi and her Momma.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 22nd day of January, 2017.

Another overcast foggy morning.

The sky looks like a giant snowbank.

Amazing how the sun from its’ distance can actually make it seem light.

Alvin and I are having a great weekend.

Yesterday we took the long way to his vet appointment and enjoyed the walk.

He had his pedicure done and his Momma bought him some food and toothpaste.

We spent the day doing laundry (actually I spent the day doing laundry).

Alvin is no help unless he picks up a stray sock ….. (usually it is because he pulled it from the laundry basket).

Just did odds and ends of things.

I even worked on some more jewellery.

We had a change of plans for today but that is okay because I have lots around here to do.

The new Steeped Tea Catalogues arrived a couple of days ago so I see label writing in my near future.

I love Sundays …..

We can do whatever we choose.

What are you doing on this Sunday?

I am just going to do some odd jobs as my youngest brother is calling this afternoon to catch up.

Time passes so quickly that sometimes we forget or put off conversations with loved ones (family and friends).

So today is talking to my youngest brother day and I am excited.

Even though this is late …. have to get this show on the road.

We were up at 5:00 a.m. (you know “The Alvin” and his internal food clock”); we went back bed until 8:00 a.m. …..

Once downstairs we ended up on the sofa.

I love laying on the sofa because Mr. Alvin just plunks himself down beside me on the pillow.

We just laid there and of course, I fell back to sleep and then it was 9:30 or so.

What a lazy Sunday morning ….. which is okay.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Special Hello to: my siblings ….. Hello …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of January, 2017.

Another day in the deep freeze but a reprieve is on the way.

I heard that the weekend and next week are supposed to be nice.

That would be great.

Finally we have had some sunshine.

It seems as though most of this winter has been overcast / foggy.

Even though it is cold – I was grateful to see the sun yesterday.

 

Not sure what happened last night but I was feeling out of sorts just after supper.

Dizzy to begin with so we headed for bed before 8:00 p.m.

Then went through nausea and the other end.

Alvin just happened to have a “chewie” (which was my mistake as I was not paying 100% attention).

Once he has it there is not much chance of taking it away from him.

So he chewed and chewed.

He wanted to go outside twice before 11:00 p.m., and all the while I am feeling dizzy.

Going up and down the stairs was not fun, I will say.

Happy to report that I am feeling great this morning.

So grateful that it only lasted a short while.

There are so many colds and flus going around …..

I want to stay in good health.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

No road for this girl today.

Bundle up and go.

Keep warm – stay safe.

 

Note to self: treats are not to be around before bed.  (applies to dogs and children)

 

Have a happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers.

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Evening and Welcome to Sunday evening the 1st day of March, 2015.

Finally am feeling human once again.

Yesterday afternoon something hit me and I slept all afternoon … up for a few hours and then slept all night.

Then slept most of today as well.

Funny how by sleeping you can heal yourself.

I feel so much better …. my brain feels a tad foggy but that is due to being asleep for so many hours.

Thank goodness for my kids as they took the pups for a nice walk this afternoon.

YAY …..

Melting out there.

I just wanted to say a huge “thank you” to all those people who continue to read my blog.

The ones that have been with me since the beginning and to all those new people who continue to sign up…. you put me over the moon.

When I write this blog it is usually in the early morning hours and it is whatever pops into my head.

There are mornings where I am hit with a thought and write about it and other times it just pops into my mind as I write.

There are also times where I write and publish and then think of some other way of wording something or something I wished that I had written.

But all in all I just carry on and try to do better the next time.

I hope that you had a great weekend and I can honestly say that I am well rested ….. did not do much other than take Mr. Alvin to the Vet early Saturday morning and laundry.

That is it.

Take care and I will be back here tomorrow morning.

Special Hello to: all those people who read ….. it makes us want to write.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 10th day of December, 2014.

One day closer to Christmas ….. only 14 actual sleeps until Christmas Eve Day.

How did that happen?

We are experiencing such wonderful spring like weather here in Edmonton.

I do know what that can bring but we are grateful all the same to have some warmer temperatures this time of year.

Plus is always better than minus.

Well at least always in temperatures and school grades.

I always try to have a sense of humour in everything that I do ….

Sometimes people do not necessarily understand it but I do.

This is the time of year that we begin reflecting on the year gone by.

I always think wow did all of that really happen.

Most years I could write a book on my life, perhaps I should.

There were babies born, people passing, people getting ill, people getting better, changes at both my jobs, reconnecting with old friends, coffee dates, our first wedding jewellery made, and so much more.

Perhaps that does not really sound too exciting but when you have the details involved and lived it – trust me it was.

I am so grateful to live my life and know that it just keeps getting better and better.

There are moments of clarity and moments of fog.

But there are moments.

Moments to live and to live those moments is the most precious gift of all.

So on this Wednesday I am grateful for my life.

Every morning I write in my journal of the previous day’s events, my thoughts on said events and write down the first ten things I am grateful for at that moment and then give thanks for healing family and friends.

It is a great way to begin the day.

Well time to go to work.

Have a great one.

Remember there will always be moments of clarity and ones that are foggy.

Things are not always crystal clear and that is okay.

Special Hello to: my nephew in the hospital who everyday gets better and better.

Always, Carol and Alvin