Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. Wow, can you believe it is Friday already? Time flies whether you are having fun or not. I always like to say “time flies when you are having fun.” I would like to think that for the most part I am a positive person trying to exude positive energy. Of course, there are times when I am positively not positive. We all have our little moments and we hope they are just little moments. Life zooms from beginning until end and if we don’t stop and enjoy it ….. well it is gone and there are no do overs. My life is pretty sweet. I own my home (well the bank does but I will ), I am surrounded by great neighbours, I have wonderful friends and family, I am in good health, I have my trusty companion Mr. Alvin always at my side, I have a job and I can work from home, I live in the best country on the planet, we have 20% of the world’s fresh water in Canada (just thought I would mention that fact), I am able to write everyday (love to write), I can see and hear, touch and feel and smell, I well, the list could go on forever. Needless to say I am very happy and happy within myself. That is important. Absolutely. Joy within before you can spread that joy.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk yesterday at lunchtime. The air was warm on our faces as we walked along. Alvin only needed to wear his sweater yesterday and I could tell he was very happy about that.

This morning Alvin’s best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobie are coming to spend the day with us as their parents are going to their farm. Alvin is excited and wants to go downstairs already ….. Mr. patience, remember?

Gotta love this guy ….. he is truly spoiled ….. he wants what he wants when he wants it….. oh well …… what can a Momma do.

The sun is beginning to rise and clear away the night sky. I can see light ribbons of orange and light colours starting to fill the horizon. Love sunrises.

Well I guess time to go and put on that pot of coffee to perk. Go outside and pick up the earlier little parcel of poop. I haven’t mentioned that in a bit. LOL. I wish you a wonderful day …… don’t worry about the date ….. I believe it to be lucky as my youngest brother was born on Friday, the 13th of January, 1965. Happy Friday. Be safe and healthy and spread that kindness and respect wherever you go …..

Living my life with kindness, respect and love. Goodness shall prevail.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time

Hello, good morning ALL,

Well the sun was supposed to be shining today or at least that is what I thought that the weather person reported.

Not so at the moment.

It is nice but a bit crisp.

Hopefully it will stay dry for all of those garage sales out there.

 

After work last night after Alvin had his supper and I got changed into my after work clothes.

We went for a walk.

Noticed one of our neighbours was having a garage sale so we stopped by …

Picked up a few wonderfully gently used finds …. so excited.

Alvin enjoyed the garage sale until strangers started to show up and then he was ready to leave.

His friend RIO was in the house because poor little guy had just had some teeth pulled.

Then we were on our walk as we neared our friend P’s house he started to pull, I didn’t initially think anything about it but quickly realized as I raised my head that she was outside working in her beautiful garden preparing for winter.

After a quick chat and some treats for Alvin (milk bones), the first he has had in about two weeks (since he has been under the weather).

I tell you he really gobbled them up …

P decided to come with us for a walk so that we could catch up so she yelled to her husband that she was going for a walk with us.

He yelled down from the upper balcony “Hey Carol left a message that they were going for a walk and to call her.”

Talking to her as if Alvin and I were not there.

We both started to laugh and played along.

He was just teasing us.

Then we were on our way …..

Enjoying the beautiful evening.

Picture perfect.

On our way home we stopped by the garage sale where I picked out another item or two.

I decided as I could not handle Alvin and my treasures that I would take him home and come back.

Only a short walk.

So that is what I did.

Dropped Alvin off and back to the garage sale.

Where I scanned for more treasures and found one more items bringing the total to “7.”

I picked up some great finds.

On my way home, I saw Humphrey’s Mom in the middle of the sidewalk …. waving as she saw me.

She was talking but I could not hear her initially as I was just a tad too far away.

Once I got a bit closer, she realized that I had my arms full so she came down the sidewalk toward me to help me carry things home.

On the way home, she asked if Humphrey could spend the evening with us and I said “Of course, yes.”

The photos below are the boys and I just kicking back and enjoying the evening.

Perhaps Alvin might have been a bit miffed that Humphrey was stretched out on his favorite side of the sofa.

Stretched out he was.

 

I also have been recording the new television show “THE KELLY CLARKSHOW SHOW”

One of her guests was someone that I did not know about “Chance the Rapper.”

OMG, I am truly infatuated with this young guy.

Something about him ….

Seems like a wonderful funny, loving, caring, intelligent human being.

WOW, so cute to boot.

How could you not like that face?

The house phone just rang downstairs and by the time that I got to it …. went to voicemail but I saw it was Teddy’s Mom.

Grabbed the phone and checked her number and dialed.

Keeping ringing and then I heard my cell ringing upstairs in the office.

So was able to pick it up.

Teddy will be spending the day with us.

YAY.

 

Friday the 13th and a Full MOON.

Taken from my deck.

One of these years I will be able to get a photo of how it actually appears to the naked eye?

 

Well time to fly, Teddy is here.

I have to get dressed.

The coffee is ready.

There is laundry to do.

Life goes on.

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Kindness and Respect are catching on ….. each day I notice more random acts of kindness done with respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, we had the most beautiful sun drenched Thursday.

So happy that Alvin and I were able to enjoy it with a walk and the mowing of our backyard.

Happy Friday the 13th.

I believe it is going to be a great day.

My youngest brother was born on Friday the 13th in January many moons ago.

 

As the past couple of weeks have ALL about my boy, I thought that I would share a poem that I wrote to him on our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of being together.

 

ALVIN,

You came into my life almost a year ago ..

You were small, needy and unwell..

You made me feel anxious and sad,

Helpless and mad.

But then one day … the veil lifted.

I fell in love with YOU.

Loving your dog is unlike the love you have for a child, friend or sibling.

It is unconditional.

No strings attached.

No arguments or compliments

The view is one-sided

Or perhaps it is not.

But the feelings are felt.

It is true and inspiring.

You have taught me patience.

To be more loving.

You came into my life late one night.

Almost one year ago.

An idea not conceived thoroughly

But yet ….. it was …

You are where you are supposed to be.

Lucky ME.

I am blessed to have you in my life.

We are joined at the hip (sometimes at the foot) LOL.

But nonetheless we are joined.

I love you Alvin.

You bring me great joy.

Continual amazement.

I know that you understand me.

Each word ….. even when you tilt your head to the side.

I know you know….

Thank you so much…..

Love

Always, Your “Mom”

This KISS, this KISS (please stop, Mom you are embarrassing me!!)

 

Written on our first Anniversary together … January 19, 2011.

 

 

WIth kindness and respect the days are happier.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of July, 2018.

Overcast with a slight breeze this morning.

Last night or shall I say a few hours ago this morning, we had quite the storm.

The light show and the thunder roaring was enough to wake us up.

For some reason I could not close my thoughts last night.

Kept thinking about a situation/conversation at work.

ARGH, not great when that happens.

But today is a new day and all is good.

Looks like rain.

Also when Mother Nature was putting on her show earlier this morning, I decided to get up and check the window.

I always leave our bedroom window open at night.

Sure enough this time, the rain was coming in at an angle and the window sill was wet as was the floor.

So I grabbed a towel to wipe it dry.

I was happily surprised to see my flowers still standing this morning.

The worse of the storm seemed to be at the front of the house, from the north and at the back to the south is partially sheltered.

Anyway, I am happy, pleased, relieved that they continue to look their most beautiful selves – my flowers and plants.

 

Last night we decided to go for a walk about 8:00 p.m. – was 26 degrees celsius earlier and I feel that is too hot for us, older “farts.” (me and Mr. Alvin).

It was actually quite nice when we went.

We were so HAPPY to see our friend out in their back yard (she just had hip surgery near the end of June).

Alvin caught a glimpse of her and he ran for their back gate.

We chatted for a few seconds through the fence but Alvin was so loud we went in …. he calmed down and we were able to visit.

He gets so excited with the people that he loves.

She is doing so well.

So very happy for her.

 

Well here we are and it is Friday morning.

Thank goodness.

My daughter and pups are coming over on the weekend at some point.

We always love to see them.

 

Not sure what this day is going to bring.

We are hopeful that our update to our computer system will be running smoothly on Monday.

Testing was going pretty good, I thought.

 

Well folks have a great Friday the 13th.

Be safe and dry.

Be kind to yourself and to others.

We only have but one life so make it count.

You do not have to do things one may consider GREAT like inventing “electricity” or finding the “cure for cancer” BUT if we all do our very best it is enough.

We can be GREAT by treating others including animals and the environment with kindness and respect.

If we all did just that ….. the world would change dramatically.

Just think …. just dream …. just BE your good self.

Maybe you will be the one to find the cure for cancer or to write the next best selling novel.

You are important and you are great.

Have an awesome Friday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are lost – you are found.  You are important.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of April, 2018.

Yes, it is Friday the 13th.

Woke up to snow and it is still coming down.

Very fine …. almost like rain.

ARGH.

 

This was my note re the weather  from Friday, April 14, 2017

Well on a weather note:  SNOW.

Yesterday it was a snow/rain mix.

Today it is SNOW.

 

This was my note re the weather from Friday, April 15, 2017

No mention of snow.

It is so great to see the sunrise on my way to work.

The sky is afire in yellows, oranges and reds.

So pretty.

I have had to start wearing my sunglasses when I get onto the bus as it becomes so bright at one point during the ride.

 

Well it looks like it will be all about the weather today.

To many thoughts pointing in that direction.

Time to go and catch the bus for work.

Last day of the work week for me and a long weekend to boot.

Looking forward to this weekend as always for time with Alvin and friends.

 

Special Hello to: my sister

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

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

Well the ground is dry but there is a heavy frost on the cars.

It is that time of year.

Yesterday was cool but when the sun shone it was quiet lovely.

I love this time of year.

We were asked to watch one of our friend’s doggie for tomorrow.

I am excited and I tried to explain to Alvin and he just looked at me and turned his head this way and that.

Perhaps he understood what I was jabbering on about …..

I hope that we all have a wonderful Friday.

Remember to be kind …. on the phone ….. in person ….. in the written word.

I know that sometimes I can be less than what I want to be ….. always a work in progress.

Always learning to be better and knowing that somedays it is difficult to get to that “better place.”

Have an awesome day.

I am grateful for a good week and look forward to the weekend.

Happy Friday the 13th ……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who try everyday to be better than the day before …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

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 Friday the 13th day of November, 2015.

This has been the most unusual morning ever in our house.

We, I slept okay …. at least got some sleep.

The past couple of mornings I have been coaxing Alvin to stay in bed until the alarm goes off at 5:00.

So far so good.

As you know there has been an unwanted “guest” in our house.

Still not caught so heaven only knows where it is at this point.

For some reason I feel safe upstairs ….

So this morning when we went downstairs, just after turning on all of the lights on the main floor, I donned my trusty winter boots.

Bravely I opened the bathroom door and said to Alvin …. “please check for me” and he knew.

He just walked in and sniffed about and turn to me as if to say “it is okay, Momma” and ” I am hungry, already.”

He is my HERO.

So I scooped out some food from the container that is now in the bathroom because a trap is set on the floor of the pantry.

Took the bowl back to the front door where his water bowl is now located.

When he was done – I went outside with Alvin.

I just cannot be in the house without him at my side.

Once back in, with my trusty winter boots on I made my oatmeal, grabbed a glass of water with lemon and a banana and we went upstairs to the office.

Kind of feels like camping.

Our whole schedule has changed.

But maybe that is a good thing.

So I wrote in my journal upstairs before I ate because I cannot sit at the table.

Then checked Facebook … now writing my blog and lastly I will put on my face and get dressed.

I know it is crazy …. but this is my current reality.

For me, even to be in the house is a move in the right direction.

I even made a simple supper last night ….. veggie burger in the oven ….. grabbed a bun …. mustard and cheese … and veggies … done.

I hope that this change is not long term.

Just want my life back.

Well almost time to go and get ready ……

I hope that you have a great Friday.

When there is no choice there is always change.

This is my thought as of now.

Happy Friday the 13th ….. almost mid November now.

Special Hello to: all those celebrating a birthday in November …. Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of March, 2015.

Wow, Friday the 13th ….. I think it is my lucky day ….. well it is Friday after all.

I am so blessed.

Had an awesome Thursday ….. got lots accomplished at the office and met some incredible people that were shopping at “my” store.

Yesterday was one of my double duty days.

Say that three times fast.

I have decided now that I will be working seven days a week that I must make a list of the regular chores and schedule them in ….. otherwise I may forget to do laundry or mow the grass.

Then save some time for walks with Alvin.

Time for reading, writing and making jewellery.

Picking up trash around the neighbour and a couple of other projects I have on the go.

Also time for coffee with my girls.

Time for my daughter …. making jewellery ….

Time for me….. well that will all of the above things ….

Well I hope that you have an awesome Friday…..

Be grateful for all that you have and all that you are ….

You are the best and I am so grateful that you spend your precious time with me.

I do so appreciate it.

Always take time for you …. walking your doggie, walking yourself, coffee with your friends, yoga alone in the dark or on the deck in the sunshine.

Well here I go ready to tackle another day …. perhaps “tackle” is too strong of a word … but nonetheless.

Special Hello to: all of the people that I meet over the course of a week who constantly remind me that life is wonderful.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of December, 2013.

Friday the 13th …..

Somehow that always conjures up mixed feelings.

I like to think of it as an especially lucky day.

One of those specially blessed days.

Where everything is possible.

Where you can wipe the slate clean?

Carry on?

New beginnings.

One of those days.

Remember yesterday when you had an envious moment or THREE.

Well now you can truly start all over.

Truly you can do that anytime but why not celebrate starting anew on Friday the 13th.

So on this great end to the week and to this new beginning …. let us celebrate.

I hope that you just take this opportunity and run with it.

Be happy …. be kind ….

Do something nice for a stranger or someone you know.

You know that clerk in the mall …. maybe give them a gift card for a cup of coffee and a muffin.

You know that elderly couple who live three doors down ….. pull out some of that Christmas baking and one of your extra Christmas tins (you know the ones) and make up a little treat and to top it off … shovel their sidewalks.  This only works if you live in a place where there is snow.  If no snow …. just give them the “cookies.”

I think you know what I mean.

We or at least most of us have so much ….

We can afford to share.

Actually we can’t afford not to share …

Make sense?

Have a wonderful day.

It is getting closer.

I have been a good girl so I hope that Santa remembers to stop by my house.

I do not ask for anything big ….. perhaps some new socks or a notebook and a pen.

Special Hello to: my sister and nephew who are travelling this day to visit our brother.  Safe travels.

Always, Carol and Alvin