2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this gorgeous bright sunny Thursday morning ( lol, I almost typed Wednesday)? Both Alvin and I are well. We got a good night sleep. Very grateful for the sleep. Always a great way to begin one’s day with a good night sleep. Alvin and I had a good walk yesterday and even though the temperature was in the single plus digits celsius it felt warm. By mid afternoon it was about 17+ celsius. Everyone was out walking. I had ordered my supper through SKIP THE DISHES. First time. I found out that between the delivery charge, the tip and taxes there was way less left on the gift card that I had received from my employer and I did not know how it all worked so I had to keep changing my order to have it fall within the “budget.” I thought by the charge of the food that some of the charges were included in the total but guess not. I am not sure that I would use this service again. Besides I am not one to order out for food. I do like ordering a pizza from Royal Pizza (best pizza place) once in awhile but other than that, I prefer to eat at home, something that I made even it was toast and eggs. Anyway, it was a nice change. At the end of it ….. I guess I helped give someone some earnings so it was worth it.

There is not much on our plate today other than regular old work. I am in the sixth week of training someone at work. Tomorrow I actually go into the office. My neighbour is going to check in on Alvin. He will definitely need to go outside to pee and need a treat during the time that I am away.

Saturday is supposed to be +18 or so and I have invited my two friends over for an outside coffee/tea visit in the morning on the deck. I have more than enough room to ensure that everyone is comfortable and is physically distanced from each other to keep within the restrictions set out by our health care professionals and government officials. I cannot wait. To share some stories and laugh, to laugh. Alvin is a pretty good story teller but laughing not so much.

Well I guess that is about it for today.

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Keeping on smiling and laughing and staying well. Take some time out of your busy day just for you. If you have to lock yourself in the bathroom to do so ….. do it. Just relax.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love & Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd of July, 2017.

Another family birthday …. Happy Birthday to my great nephew “B” …. Happy Day Buddy.

Sunny earlier and then the clouds rolled in.

We managed to get a walk in at the start of a small shower which did not last for our whole walk.

Alvin wanted to come home as soon as it started but I managed to coax him to keep trekking.

What a guy.

Just enjoying a cup of coffee on this rainy Sunday morning.

We need the moisture so no complaints here.

Quite the change from yesterday.

Well we are getting prepared for our company which will begin to arrive in less than two weeks.

Most of the stuff around the house is done …. just finishing touches …… groceries.

Well back to enjoying the cup of coffee.

Had the luckiest day yesterday.

One of my neighbours gave me a hand held clothes steamer and another one brought me three bags of KONO Hazelnut coffee straight from HAWAII and the first neighbour later brought over some watermelon and

during the cleaning of our office ….. I out of the blue decided to put out some cards ….. you know from past Mother’s Days and Birthdays ….. just because they are pretty …. and I FOUND …..

a $50.00 gift card for the movies.

I was going to use it toward a movie for friends and they would not let me so tucked it back in the card only to be found years later, 3 years later.

Can you believe it?

Also a couple of gals from work and me have been purchasing the odd lotto tickets.

One of the girls picked up lotto 649 tickets for yesterday and the Western Extra last three numbers were 9-5-7 (my birthday and year I was born).

It was a lucky day.

I am nervous to check the tickets.

Can you imagine?

What a day.

Time to run.

Neighbour coming for coffee.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. soon …. very soon.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 30th day of December, 2016.

Wow, today and tomorrow and then a New Year.

The sun is shining brightly this morning and I had to close the blinds so that I could be on the computer.

Definitely not writing this at my usual time of 6:00 a.m. when it is still dark outside.

I have loved being at home with Mr. Alvin …… doing things as they happen.

Yesterday we took the Christmas Tree down and all of the decorations.

Did some laundry.

Alvin and I walked over to his Dr.’s office and I picked up some food and treats for him.

It was a nice walk.

We had a quiet evening.

The house looks so different without the Christmas decorations.

Actually looks empty.

I had eleven rubbermaid containers filled with ornaments and decorations not including the tree.

Those containers were not the little ones either.

Hard to believe that that much stuff was on the main floor between the kitchen and living room.

It was a different Christmas for us but very nice.

The kids enjoyed their gifts as did the pups.

Another Christmas come and gone.

All of the preparations reminds me of a wedding day.

Crazy the time that goes into one day.

But that is what we humans do ….. things are always over the top.

I am grateful that we being me, my daughter and son-in-law are trying to live a more simple life.

Not buying things just to have them.

Every year I go through the house and give/throw/recycle many items.

The only things that are not multi used are my things for Christmas.

That is my one guilty pleasure so to speak.

I have been thinking after a seed of an idea was given to me by one of my friends.

That perhaps I will start making personalized gifts for family and friends.

I guess that I have actually always done this but 2017 I will do on a larger scale.

This morning I am going out to pick up some groceries and use the remaining credit on my Walmart gift card.

I am not usually a big fan of that store but as I have the card I will go and use it.

One of my friends is going out and said she could drop me there and then pick me up after she is done her shopping elsewhere.

After that shopping I have another friend coming over for a visit …..

I have a couple of phone calls to make between tonight and going back to work.

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Cute story:  Most mornings Alvin has me up way earlier than we need to be so he eats and does his business and afterward we lay down on the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

I have this rectangular pillow which I lay my head upon and then cover with our special warm red blanket.

Not long ago this happened.  I lay down and cover with the blanket.  Alvin plunks himself down beside me with his head right beside mine on the pillow.  He snuggles so close.

The first time he did this I almost had the big one as he really plunks himself down but never hitting me.

Anyway then I cover us both with the blanket and we snuggle.

So cute.

Another reason why I love this little guy.

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Well time to get this show on the road.

Shower time to freshen up before shopping.

I can only imagine the people in Walmart.  Too many likely.

Have a great day.

One more day before we celebrate the New Year.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: YOU ALL.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Feels like a time to share some photos of our beloved babies.

Some left us this year and some joined us this year.

A full year of Sorrow and Joy.

Great memories.

 

Alvin at Christmas 2015

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Miss Penny

Baby Milo and Miss Aspen.

Our newest family members.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 24th day of June, 2016.

The sun is shining and there appears to be a breeze as I gaze out my upstairs window.

Last day of work for this week.

The house is quiet with only the sound of my fingers tapping on the keyboard.

Alvin went home with his sister, brother-in-law and Elton last night.

It was easier as I am hosting a garage sale tomorrow and the day he gets too excited with all of the people coming and going.

I cannot leave him in the house and being outside in the garage with me for that length of time is not good for him either.

So he is on a two night three day sleepover.

My coffee buddies were getting together last night after the kids were in bed to make a craft for each of their children’s teachers.

They invited me for coffee.

Of course, I joined in ……

We ate grapes, blueberries, raspberries and watermelon.

I drank coffee …..some enjoyed another beverage.

We had a blast.

We took these flower pots, put a bed of green foam in the bottom of each, glued in a grassy moss stuff, made a cute flower, added leaves, placed a gift card and button on each flower and also a key chain with an inspirational saying from the child to the teacher.  They were so cute.  Wrapped in cello – coloured on the bottom and clear over that …. wrapped with a small tag and cord.

They look so good.

So this was out of the blue so worked well as I do not like to leave Mr. Alvin alone ….

I managed to get the back lawn mowed, prepared something for the mail, empty the dishwasher, make supper and do the dishes, get my lunch and clothes ready for today and walk the pups all before Elton’s Mom and Dad arrived after work.

Then had time for supper and a couple of extra things before heading out.

I figured it would be nice to go out forgetting the getting up part as I did not get to bed until almost 11:00 p.m. – strange being so light out.

Well I have to run as I did things in revers this morning … up shower and get dressed and then do my blog and now go write in my gratitude journal and eat breakfast.

Have an awesome Friday everyone.

Special Hello to: the girls “S” and “G” ….. thanks “S” for being such a great hostess and to the girls for asking me to join them.  It was so much fun.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 8th day of May, 2016.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.

I want to wish every Mother out there – a very Happy & Special Mother’s Day.

To all the children out there – make sure that you tell your Mothers that you LOVE THEM.

Treat them with the love and respect  that they so richly deserve.

Remember they changed your diapers, read you books, made your Halloween costumes, put band-aids on your “boo boos”, made cupcakes or cookies for the school bake sale,  and were always there when you needed guidance and support.

Take your Mother in your arms and give them the biggest hug that you can.

Moms, you deserve nothing but the absolute BEST.

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This morning I asked Alvin the following questions and I will give you his response each time:

“Alvin, did you buy Momma a card for Mother’s Day?”

“He looked at me and wagged his tail.”

“Alvin, did you buy Momma flowers for Mother’s Day?”

“He looked at me and wagged his tail.”

“Alvin, did you get me a gift card for Mother’s Day?”

“He looked at me and wagged his tail.”

Me Alvin loves me and that is all that matters.

What a good boy.

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I hope that you are happy, safe and secure this Mother’s Day surrounded by your loved ones.

Happy Mother’s Day …. Moms.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister who is a Mom and a Grandmother …. I will talk to you about 6:30 p.m. via SKYPE if that works for you.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of April, 2016.

Last day of April and to think that Mother’s Day is literally one week from tomorrow.

The sun is shining brightly and there is a slightly cool breeze at this time.

A bit later than I usually write this blog but we were up ultra late (after midnight) and first up at 6:00 (Alvin had to have breakfast).

Back to bed for a few more zzz’s as I have determined this to be a cold more than allergies.

My nose is red and dry ….. I would really like to just curl up on the sofa with my coffee and watch television all day but life goes on and there are things to do.

Isn’t that how it works?

Right.

We always need clean clothes and towels.

The floors need to be swept / vacuumed.

Things need to be dusted.

Paperwork to do …..

I really wanted to go and clean the walkway to 62nd Avenue for the fourth time this spring.

It is disgusting.

Each time I walk through I want to scream.

What is wrong with people?

I would love to find a way to make people more responsible for their throwaway stuff.

Someday.

One piece of garbage at a time.

Alvin is getting restless.

 

We sure enjoyed our walk last night.

We walked on the grass all around our lakes in the park near our house, and it was so nice.

I saw from across the lake four teenage boys throwing rocks into the water near some geese.

We were walking in that direction anyway so I took the opportunity to impart some wisdom.

As we got nearer there was one boy on the sidewalk away from the others.

Alvin was growling at him as we approached.

Only the second time he has ever growled at a human being.

The kid was on his cell phone… so not sure what was going on with Alvin.

Anyway I politely checked out the situation by slowly moving toward them.

They said they were throwing rocks into the water but not at the geese.

I politely returned by saying “If you were the geese would you like someone throwing rocks near you.”

I also pointed out that the lake was their home, and should be treated with respect.

The young man that was doing all the talking did not quite not what to say.

I did not continue further as they had stopped, and moved away from the water, rocks and the geese.

As they got nearer to the boy on the sidewalk – one asked what kind of dog Alvin was, and they smiled when I told them his name.

It ended up “friendly” but I could not resist making sure these kids knew it was not acceptable to treat wildlife in this manner.

I honestly do not think they were bad – just nothing better to do.

Well I guess I had better get going …. my clothes will not be climb into the washer on their own.

Laundry time.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday …. last day of April, 2016.

 

I also want to thank my daughter for driving her Momma home from work yesterday, following that drove me to the grocery store, and to the Vet’s to grab some food for her brother.

Yes, I used my $50.00 gift card.

Perfect.

What would I do without my girl.

She is the most gracious, thoughtful, kind-hearted human being, and I cannot believe that she has some of my genes floating around inside her.

Everyday I am so proud of the most wonderful person she has become, and continues to be.

She is simply the best.

We love her very very much.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone …..

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog – it is so appreciated.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of April, 2016.

Another month in April almost complete …. hard to believe.

 

Yesterday was a stellar day in our household.

Our beloved Elton continues to beat the odds and is making a full and “speedy” recovery from his surgery on Tuesday.

The kids went for a visit yesterday and he was so excited to see them he just stood and wagged his tail and then began to eat his food.

The staff said he wouldn’t eat before they arrived.

He continues to astonish the Doctors and all of us.

We are so grateful that he remains with his family that treasure the little guy more than words can say.

 

The other was just as much a surprise as Elton’s amazing recovery was this.

On our way home from our walk we stopped by the mail box to retrieve the mail.

Usually flyers and junk mail.

There was an medium sized white envelope that was addressed to me by way of a typed label.

There was no return address.

There was no means of identifying by the post mark.

When I got home I quickly opened it.

Inside the envelope something was neatly wrapped in white paper, carefully the corners were pressed.

Opening that I found a small yellowish enveloped so sealed that I had to use my letter opener to get into it.

Inside I found a small card decorated with three little flowers.

I opened the card to find a $50.00 Save-On Grocery Card (the store is walking distance from my house).

The card read:   JUST BECAUSE and beside it a “Happy Face.”

No signature …. no means of discovering who this most generous person is ….

I am running out of time here as I have to go to work.

But I must tell you the timing is perfection as between Alvin’s $1200 Dental Bill and the $800 Unexpected Energy Bill, it has left me “temporary” in a bind.

Getting there and the gift card was so thoughtful.

Sometimes you never know what you will find in the mailbox.

Maybe it was not a cheque but it was so much more.

Someone took the time and got me something I could use.

So very grateful.

 

We also stopped by and saw one of our neighbour’s who had recently fell and broke her hip and is now home recovering.

Another speedster in the healing department.

She is in such good health she will be up and doing her gardening soon.

Thank you.

 

Yesterday was a blessed day all way round.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who think there is no one watching over them ….. there surely is ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 27th day of January, 2015.

Four days left of what is normally our “coldest” month of winter.

We had a very “un” normal month of January.

With the last four days I hope that they continue being “different.”

Gotta love not being normal.

 

Well I think that celebrating people no matter their vocation is important.

Some of you felt the same.

So perhaps we start celebrating those closest to you ….. maybe you have a store that you revisit all of the time and you even know one of the associates by name.

How about next time you go to the store when you know she/he is working and drop off a coffee gift card.

Several years ago I did that with the girls at Shoppers in the “Glam” department ….. there were several that worked on a regular basis.

So I went to Starbucks and picked up a few gift cards.

The girls were so tickled …..

Good customer service should begin with each of us.

How about if the customers gave back.

Not a bad idea.

Not just retail but anyone that you do not normally give some type of gift to …. tip etc.

Well I hear my ride almost ready.

So time to fly.

I hope that you will give this a go.

Everything begins with each of us.

Have a wonderful day.

I appreciate each and every one of you.

Special Hello to: all those people who read my blog ….. thank you so much.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Well good afternoon and it has been Saturday the 18th day of January, 2014 all day today…..

Was that a good effort at being comical?

It is a gorgeous day here in Edmonton.

Spent late morning and part of the afternoon out shopping with my daughter.

We had a blast.

I had a gift card to use and was able to pick up every item that I had on my list.

So excited got new pillows and underwear …. YAY.u

Almost every person big or small (meaning young or old) were wearing “bunny hugs” or “kangaroo jackets” or “hoodies” – all depending on which neck of the woods you are living….

Once home we had a small lunch and coffee and then she and the puppies went back home.

I had wanted to do some ice chipping but where to start.

The sun is already starting to get lower and in less than two hours it will be dark.

We have had some much snow and cold weather that all of my good work at keeping the sidewalks and the storm drain open have gone down the “tubes.”

It is such a big job…… where to start.

On the up side my tree and 98% of the decorations are down.

Any guesses what is left up?

Leave me a comment and take a guess at which one of the follow items is still up?

1.  wreath on outside door

2.  greenery, garland and lights on the upstairs bannister

3.  Holiday Centrepiece

My thoughts for this time is that I am so glad that I was able to take down most of the holiday decorations and that the laundry is done.

Next weekend Mr. Alvin gets a haircut and bath….. sure hope that the weather stays nice.

Well a few items left on my to do list before Alvin’s supper and mine.

NOTE TO SELF – get exercising.

Special Hello to: family and friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin