2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? I almost typed Friday. Guess I am rushing the weekend just a wee bit. Oh well! It has been one of those weeks. I lost my patience a couple of times but tried to remain composed which is so much better when you are working from home. Some days even though I am very grateful for my job – it drives me around the bend. I guess most people say that. There are many aspects that I enjoy about my job and others not so much. Okay enough of venting first thing in the morning. Not the way that I want to start to my day.

I do want to share something with you. We were up about 3:00 a.m. and outside. The sky was so crystal clear that even though we are in the city, we could see so many stars in the sky. In fact, the sky was so full of stars that I was in awe. First time in the city that I have been able to see so many stars. It reminded me of our trip to see the kids for Thanksgiving and how clear the night sky was and how many billions of stars I could see. I was also reminded of being a child and looking up to the sky and making wishes on the first star and then seeing so many others. I have always throughout my entire life being drawn to the sky. I most especially love the stars. Maybe that is why some of my fav television shows and movies are situated in space. Although they cannot see the stars, one could imagine they were surrounded by them. As I have not been to space, I do not know what you can see or not. The stars took my mind off of being outside at 3:00 a.m., I will tell you.

We enjoyed two walks yesterday. The after work walk was most especially special as we bumped into a neighbor who lives just off the park, she was out walking the puppy. We have spoke before but never had such a conversation and I enjoyed it so much. The puppy for which I have now forgotten her name is so adorable. Not tiny and full of energy. She reminded me of a poodle. We chatted for several minutes admiring each other’s pups. She loved Alvin, too. Rosie was the Mom’s name. We were walking with them back toward their home and to ours when Alvin started to pull big time. I could not see anyone or anything around so wondering why he was pulling forward. So we said goodbye. I thought maybe because he was hungry. As we walked we came across people with a dog and I could see our friend Kelly and her pup Jack and then I knew. He definitely could smell their scent even though they were partially hidden by the trees at the entrance. How cool is that? So we raced over to them. I have not seen Alvin move that fast since before his surgery and not even in recent times. He chased after Jack as though he wanted to play. Running fast. It was funny too watch and also made me a little anxious. But I could not stop him and I wanted him to do something that obviously he really wanted to do. We visited with our friends and then Alvin wanted to go. I think he was getting hungry for supper. By the time we got home it was well after 5:00 p.m. Also on the way, a car pulled up and I could see our friends Ali and Bailey. Bailey spotted us and was yelping and so excited. We quickly said hello and were on our way. Our evening was much more quiet, I will say but we had a great walk. I am so happy that I know so many people in our neighbourhood and that I can get to know some of them even more. It was a great end to a somewhat frustrating day.

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday. Get out and walk. You never know who you will bump into or meet. Even though there still is a pandemic – we can still chat outside and keep apart and safe.

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

Today I choose to laugh more and have more patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the Year

Good Monday Morning.

The sky is overcast and calling for light rain showers as I ponder whether or not we should walk.

I think when we are ready – if not raining – we shall go.

What a perfectly beautiful Sunday – Mr. Alvin and I enjoyed.

I was putting away the laundry upstairs when I heard Alvin bark from the backyard.

I knew it would not be long before he called …. as I was on my way downstairs to let him him, the front doorbell rang.

Answering the door on the way down I found my neighbours on the other side of the door.

Letting them into the house, I explained quickly as I walked to the back door to let the boy into the house.

Funny how the Universe works.

All weekend I had signs that “great/wonderful news” was on its’ way to me.

My neighbour Jessica said that they had been waiting all weekend for the time when they would both be able to come over to share their news.

They are getting married on October 3, 2020.

In fact, my daughter and son-in-law were married in October.

She said that they wanted to let me know and to invite me to to their wedding.

I was over the moon as I shared about the Universe sending me message all weekend.

They said engaged for seven years and that it was their ten year anniversary so it was time.

I told them how similar their story was to my own daughter.

I feel like their Mom next door.

Such a wonderful young couple.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many awesome people.

Young, old and everywhere in between.

I have the best neighbours, neighbourhood on the planet.

Funny how things work sometimes.

So I have a wedding to go to in October, I am so excited.

It has been many years since I attended a wedding.

 

Here are the photos of my backyard sanctuary.

My happy place.

Our happy place.

The place that Alvin and I love to be our backyard and our home.

I love how the sunlight hits in very cool and unusual ways.

What an awesome Sunday.

 

 

Yes, I am writing.

The book is coming along.

Of course, I just started but it feels like I have come so far.

So excited.

I cannot wait for it to be complete so that I can share with everyone.

 

Continuing to live my life with kindness and respect.

I hope that you are surrounded by kindness and respect and pay it forward each day.

We can do this ….

We can get through this…

We can make it happen.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, sorry but it is late afternoon already.

Yesterday first thing in the morning my son-in-law dropped my grandpups off for the day.

After I got them settled, I went for a walk with Miss Aspen.

She is the Yellow Lab Shepherd Cross.

This was just a few minutes after 8:00 a.m.

Our walk took us to our nearby park

We had some fun.

There was a Bunny being chased by some very aggressive Magpies.

We should have turned back but this silly Grandma thought we could scare the birds giving the Bunny time to make his escape.

It was a great plan in theory.

The reality was a far different story.

Needless to say I found out the hard way just how strong my girl Aspen is as I almost did a head plant into the sidewalk.

But managed to stay upright as I made that sill trip after her.

I was very careful during the rest of our walk.

Once we arrived back home I went into the backyard with Aspen, Alvin and Milo.

Humphrey the cat was in his backyard.

Aspen was trying desperately to get to him.

She would have pushed her way right through our fence.

She was very determined and she did not want to visit or make friends.

When she was a pup during her first year of life the poor dear had to fend for herself.

So she will go after rabbits, cats and birds.

She is fast and they do not stand a chance.

Needless to say I am careful with the cats and wildlife.

I did figure that the birds had a better chance of escaping.

Anyway it was an exciting way to start the day.

After that, I needed a COFFEE.

So perked up a pot of coffee and had a late breakfast.

We just had a quiet couple of hours or so.

About noon I went for a walk with Alvin and Milo.

We stopped by the garage sale.

Yes, the same one that I attended last weekend and Friday night.

They were happy to see Milo and Alvin.

We, I took a check around and picked up a couple of items.

Alvin and Milo and I continued on our walk after the garage sale.

We were on our way to the park when I heard my name being called and turned to see our friends had stopped in their van.

So we walked back to their vehicle.

They were wondering if I had a six foot high ladder as they were putting up Christmas lights and their son had borrowed theirs.

I just happen to have one and told them I would take it to them after we got back home.

When it arrived near Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy’s house we saw his Dad or actually Alvin spotted him up a ladder.

We were invited to go into the house so of course, the pups were up the steps in no time.

It was nice to see Teddy and his Mom.

We had a little visit and of course the babes had a treats before we continued on our way.

Stopped briefly at the garage sale and picked out one more item.

Leaving them there for pick up another time.

Which reminds me I have to go and pick up my items.

After we got home – I grabbed the ladder and walked it to my friend’s house.

Had a short visit and then back home.

We had a quiet rest of the afternoon.

Eating supper early.

Followed by some quiet time and then another walk with Miss Aspen.

Our walk was filled with more adventure.

While walking around the park there was a bunny running through someone’s backyard.

I managed to hold onto Aspen.

This time it was short lived.

After that a couple of small dogs who seemed friendly …. well ended up one was not.

So we carried on.

On the home stretch we walked by our new friend John’s house with Bug the black cat who spends some time on a leash basking in the fresh air.

Now I was watching for the cat as I know Aspen and cats.

I did not see her but Aspen walked close to the bush that circles their front yard and all of a sudden I heard a hiss.

Quickly called Aspen and pulled her back.

There was Bug in the bushes.

Everyone came out safely.

Thank goodness.

Finally back home …. we just had a quiet evening.

The kids were going to pick up the pups last night.

They ended up staying over last night.

Poor Miss Aspen was up at 3:00 a.m. with diarrhea.

Is this a reoccurring thing at my house?

Seems like poop and more poop.

Anyway it was poop and more poop throughout the night.

I felt so terrible as she had been whining/crying for a few minutes before I got my backside out of bed to take her downstairs.

Of course, we all went outside.

After that, we spent the rest of the night/morning on the sofa which was closer to the back door.

Poor Aspen.

Bad Grandma.

I texted my daughter about 8:30 a.m. to let her know about Aspen.

She came a bit later and spent some time here which was great.

Well that was my excitement.

Time to go and check on supper.

How about some photos?

The first photos from out on the deck were from yesterday and I am not sure what they were seeing?

I did not see anything but the pups certainly did.

Inside photos were from this morning while we were waiting for my daughter to arrive.

Well what a wild and wacky weekend we had …. I learned several valuable lessons.

1. Always wear running shoes not flip flops when walking with Miss Aspen.
2. When Aspen whines/cries in the middle of the night – Grandma needs to get the heck out of bed right away.
3. Pups make me happy.

Time to fly …. Alvin wants his supper.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of August, 2018.

Me and the pups are just hanging out.

We were up just after 5:00 to go outside and have a bit of breakfast (pups did, me not) and then back to the sofa to have a nap.

These photos are from 5 minutes ago.

They have their chew treats and are trying to get comfortable in the office as I write my blog and do some quick computer stuff.

This is the infamous BLUE BLANKET that I always refer to.

 

Each time I thought I had a photo of Teddy’s face, he turned about.

OMG, these boys, these crazy little guys.

Last night Teddy ran around like crazy on the deck, ducking in and around the flower pots and patio furniture.

Now he is investigating the office.

I have two additional charges for the weekend “Humphrey the Cat” and “Cinder the Gecko.”

Lots of babies to watch over ……

Needless to say this weekend is all about laundry and a bit of housework and THE BABIES.

They require my full attention.

 

I have been invited to an OPEN HOUSE for a friend who is selling FIFTH AVENUE JEWELLERY.

Mr. Teddy is now sitting on my lap.

Interesting keying and holding a doggie, thankfully he fits nicely on my lap.

I also have some STEEPED TEA ORDERS to submit – today.

 

So happy to see the sun shining this morning.

The house was 65 degrees this morning so I opened all of the blinds to let in the sunshine.

There was little smell of smoke this morning.

Everything got a nice watering – so one less item on my list.

I will however mow the grass in the back.

Hopefully the sun stays out so it dries.

That grass grows like crazy.

 

Well I should go and get this day going.

Already went to see Humphrey and Cinder.

They need TLC as well.

There is a breeze this morning.

 

I hope that you all have a great Saturday and weekend.

I am so ENJOYING being surrounded by these babies.

What a nice way to spend a weekend.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: all those lovers of animals…..isn’t it wonderful.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Master Teddy.

 

PS: my sunflowers are now well over my head.  Getting big.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of February, 2018.

The last day of February 2018.

What a great way to celebrate this day with the birthday of my nephew “D.”

Sending him out wonderful wishes for an amazing day.

The weather is supposed to be mild today.

 

I can feel it in my bones that today is going to be like the first day of the rest of my life.

Sometimes you have to stop and think about your life.

The manner in which you speak to people.

The way that you do things.

My work and home life are so different.

Time to bring my home life to work.

Time to be my true self.

Somewhere along this crazy journey I forgot myself at work.

You can get wrapped up in things and sometimes lose yourself.

That has been me.

I am usually a positive, happy, energetic human being.

I want to be that person during the day and not just at night and on the weekends.

Not that I am saying that I am miserable and mean and negative all the time during the day.

But I find myself more and more turning in that direction and it sucks.

Time to turn go back to me.

My true self.

Sometimes it is easy in different situations to get carried away and forget the things that mean most to you.

So today is the first day of the rest of my life.

I want to be fun, 99% positive (have to have the odd moment) and all the time retaining my hard work ethic.

I believe in working hard and earning my salary.

But after all we spend most of our waking hours at the office, at your job so we have to remember to have a bit of fun along the way.

Happy Wednesday.

I am back.

Thank goodness.

I remember.

Special Hello to: all those folks who struggle with the work and home balance of being there true self in the midst of it all.  I hear you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 28th day of May, 2017.

A bright gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

A slight cool breeze at this time making it absolute perfection.

I love these kind of mornings.

My neighbour is out trimming the lawn.

Her battery would not charge on her lawn mower and my push mower is too small to cut the grass which has grown at lightning speed over the past week and a bit.

We tried to start my son-in-law’s mower which I still have but to no avail.

My neighbour’s father is coming over so he will see if he can figure it out.

Off to a start.

Soon I will be out mowing the back yard again ….. I mowed it last weekend and it has grown lots.

After the grass gets cut it will be giving Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath.

Followed by a walk and perhaps some more laundry and few small chores around the house.

 

Yesterday was fantastic.

Started out with the birthday party of my friend “G” …… we did a good job hosting.

The decorations looked good, the cake turned out to be yummy and she loved her gift.

We had good conversation and even the odd laugh.

Afterward Alvin and I went for a short walk.

Our friends were busy and could not make it but we are going today.

THE ZOO.

OH my gosh.

I had the best 10 minutes of my life on the PADDLE BOATS.

My daughter accompanied me on the Office Event.

We had a barbecue supper, salads and dessert.

Then everyone went checking out the Zoo.

One of the first things we did was go on the paddle boats.

Neither of us had ever done that and it was great fun.

There was a narrow passage way around some trees and we did not make it through either time.

The boat got turned sideways and we had to back it up and up to get turned around to get out.

We laughed so hard – I almost peed my pants.

So much fun.

The Zoo staff did remark that the boats were hard to steer.

Best time ever.

We spent the rest of the evening walking around checking out the animals which including SEALS, OTTERS, ARTIC WOLF, VARIOUS MONKEYS, CALVES, SHEEP, GOAT, LAMA, OWL, and so many more.

ZEBRAS …… so beautiful.

Did not see tigers or Lucy, the Elephant.

Some of the little creatures were sleeping ……

We even rode on a small train that took us for a little ride.

As we walked around the zoo we laughed about how much fun we had on the paddle boats.

If I could have a small body of water on my property I would totally have a paddle boats.

Best fun …..

NOTE:  usually I do not post photos of people but decided sometimes you just have to and I know that they would be okay with that……

The tulip garden celebrating Canada’s 150 Birthday this year was beautiful.

Tulips are my daughter’s favourite flower.

The grounds are beautiful…..

Some breath-taking trees.

Perfect ending to a perfect day.

Surrounded by friends in the morning and my daughter for the evening (and of course, fellow co-workers).

GREAT DAY.

 

Now time to get back outside and finish the yard work.

My neighbour just finished mowing the front lawn.

We managed to get my son-in-law’s lawn mower going with her Dad’s help.

I have mowed the back and hand trimmed the edges.

Going to rake now.

Decided that Alvin can wait till next weekend for a hair cut.

I may even take next Friday afternoon off and do it then ……

Have an awesome Sunday …..

 

Special Hello to: my daughter, thank you for a great evening.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 2nd day of May, 2017.

Did you say day #2 of May?

When it that happen?

I guess today.

This week is going to be FANTASTIC weather wise and otherwise, too.

The sky is overcast but does not look like rain clouds.

Strange.

I guess we shall see if the forecast is correct.

 

Just have photos to share with you.

Two of my favourite things and the other well just something to share.

 

Photo #1: Alvin last week with long hair and snow.

Photo #2: Alvin last night before bed sporting his new hair cut and no snow.

I swear he is 5 pounds lighter with the new hair cut.

Definitely cute puppy dog alert ….. oh, how I love me Alvin.

Photo #3: Yesterday’s thunder/hail storm, proof of hail on the deck.

Photo #4: You can see the hail jumping up off the deck.

Photo #5:  My new favourite food to make.  Homemade pizza.  My recipe.

Simple:  Pizza with tomato pizza sauce with garlic and parsley, then sprinkle oregano, followed by wait for it ….

my new favourite thing – caramelized onions and topped with cheddar/mozzarella cheese mix.

I must say that I love caramelized onions and funny thing.

After cooking for over 50 years – I have never caramelized onions before now.

Just been seeing many chefs on HGTV and FOOD NETWORK doing this …..

OMG, so GOOD.  Cannot believe.  I am hooked.

So tasty, seems amazing and is CHEAP to make.

Great for everyone’s budget.

Photo #6:  Note to self, watch parchment paper under the broiler.

 

My mouth just waters – looking at the photos.

 

I hope that you are smiling now and ready for a new day.

Be kind and have fun.

After all what is the use of be alive if you cannot or do not have FUN.

Enjoy the day no matter what it brings.

If you are enjoying the day it will bring good things.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. did you make that request??

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 2nd day of February, 2017.

The house is quiet this morning and my heart is beating quickly as I am running late.

How does that happen when my boy is away for a sleepover …..

Likely because I decided to sleep in and because his Momma went to a “Thirty-One” party last night.

The company that sells storage containers and so much more.

Anyway this will be short.

Perhaps it was the two cups of coffee at the party or maybe it was because I did not have me Alvin to snuggle next to …..

But anyways it is what it is …..

Time is evaporating ….. time to go.

I hope that Alvin enjoys his sleepover and getting to know Miss Aspen a bit more ….. perhaps they will play more and easier this time.

It is a size thing for sure …..

Have a great Thursday all….

Special Hello to:  my boy …. and thanks to his sister and brother-in-law and the grand-pups.

Always, Carol & Alvin (even though he is not home).

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of April, 2016.

I like how April just rolls off the tongue.

I love the sound of the word April.

I love that spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner.

I look each day to see if the bulbs I planted last fall are starting to grow.

I love that most of the snow has melted … what would be left after a plus 22 degree day here in Edmonton.

I love that Alvin always has an eye on me.

I love that wherever I go he is sure to follow.

I love that I have my own house, a forever dream.

I love that I have a wonderful daughter.

I love that I have a great son-in-law.

I love that I have Elton, my awesome grand-puppy.

I love that we have so many angels around us.

I love every waking moment.

I love the sunshine.

I love so much “laughter.”

I love my family and friends.

Is it not funny how I went from saying how much I loved the sound of the word April to some of the things that I love.

One thing leads to another.

 

I hope that you have an awesome Sunday.

I hope that wherever you are that the sun is shining.

I hope that you are warm and happy.

I hope that you are surround by laughter.

I hope that you are safe with a full belly.

 

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: my sister and her fellow ….. have fun.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of December, 2015.

Another beautiful morning here in Edmonton weather wise and life wise.

I am feeling very blessed AND

There is a tad bit of being overwhelmed this morning with the list in my head of what needs to be done.

It is almost nine …. ARGH …. I had to sleep in ….. likely not the best plan but nevertheless I did.

Alvin has a pedicure this morning at 10:00.

I need to run to Shoppers DrugMart and Save-on (grocery store).

Laundry needs to be done.

More Christmas cards to write and deliver (not all today of course).

A few miscellaneous items.

Clean the HOUSE ….

BAKING ….. today and tomorrow.

Somedays it would be lovely to have a car, I think.

Oh well once I get my list written up and get that first cup of coffee into my belly, I will be much better.

Just do one thing at one time.

I should not be complaining as I lead a pretty great life.

Okay enough of WOE IS ME…..

I have my own home, I have family and friends who love and support me, I have me Alvin here, I have employment and I am in good health.

So much to be thankful for ….

If you are feeling a bit low and just need that boost.

Take a minute and write down all of the things you are grateful for ….

Come on …. there is always something to be thankful for ….. grab that pen.

I am going to get this day started and we will have fun …..

I love to bake ……

Have the best day everyone.

Special Hello to: my sister …. yes, we will SKYPE tomorrow evening.

Always, Carol and Alvin