The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Woke up with a headache but have to shake it off as I have things that need to be done today at work. The sky is starting to rise as the sun positions to rise. Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day. On my lunch break I walked over to the mall and cashed in my winning lottery tickets. I won $2 and a free play. Better than the opposite. I also picked up the winning $62 million lotto 649 for last night’s draw. The walk was so nice. By the time I got back to the office, I was warm with my sweater underneath my jacket. My coworker & carpool had an appointment in the afternoon and left work early so I caught the bus home. Nice walk. The ice and snow on the walkway near to my house thankfully had dried up. YAY. Spring, truly is here. The snow has mostly melted from my back yard and the front. Another week or so and I will be able to rake. Definitely waiting until the ground has thawed completely. I may not rake the leaves up as I heard it is good to leave them on for awhile. Perhaps wait until grass starts to turn green.

When I arrived home, my neighbour (other half of duplex) came out. Jess said that she had something for me, I asked if I could quickly run and grab the mail. My parcels were here from TSC (The Shopping Channel) – the quilt and sheets for my bed had arrived. YAY. When I got back to the house, Jess handed me a bag and told me that she wanted to give me something special as a memory of Alvin. I will have to put the photo here as it is a whirly that has a photo of Alvin on it ….. for outside …… it is made of tin and is so beautiful. I will post a photo later. So grateful to everyone near and far for their love and support. There isn’t a day that goes by where I do not shed a tear for Alvin, I miss him so much. He was the best guy and friend and companion.

I made the executive decision to call a repairman to “fix” my stove. The company I called charge a $99 diagnostic / come out charge so I figured why not? If I can fix the stove – better than something to go to the eco station or wherever old appliances go. The appointment is for 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Fingers crossed that it is an inexpensive repair and that I have my stove back again. Time down will be three weeks on Sunday. ARGH.

I am sorry for this to be short but hard to think with a headache. So I shall sign off.

Have an awesome Thursday! Yup, only one more day now till the weekend. Whoops, sorry – do not need to be rushing the days. Sometimes, I do, sometimes I need to ….

The rabbits are almost completely brown now.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I trust that you are well and enjoying the weekend. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is shining and there is the most refreshing breeze wafting through my office window as I type these words. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hallway carpet, waiting for me. Another glorious weekend. Everything from walks to visits to video chat and in between some work got done. Yesterday morning we started out the day with a walk and I was happy that we were able to do what I refer to as a full one / normal one, then there was some laundry, coffee, breakfast, more laundry, cleaning and laundry. Our friend sent us an email inviting us for a visit as she missed us in the morning. We were just in process of getting Alvin’s harness ready to put on when there was a loud knock at the door, I was not expecting anyone so I carefully opened the door, to our surprise on the other side of the door was Pauline and Georgie. They had decided to walk over and pick us up so we could walk together. She also gave me a very thoughtful thank you card with the most beautiful floral design on the front. I thanked her and set it on the counter and continued getting us ready to go. A few minutes later we were out the door, I picked up Alvin and carried him down the steps as I have been doing as of late. Helping to keep him from injuring his knees. We walked and chatted and even saw neighbours outside along the way. When we arrived at the park Pauline suggested that we go the back way through the grass (which recently had been cut) the opposite side of the park which does not have a sidewalk. It was nice as the grass was wet and cool. We took a shortcut through the trees between the second and third pond which had us walking on some stones to come out near her house. My flip flops were wet and I was almost going to take them off to cross the stones as I thought more safe in bare feet but decided to go slow and most of the stones had more flat tops and rounded. It only took us a minute or so to cross. The pups got a bit wet as there was water up near the stones/rocks. Next thing we were through their gate and in the backyard where I removed Alvin’s leash and a minute later decided to take off his harness as it was warm outside. He was happy. Pauline grabbed a couple of cushions for the chairs that sit under the deck on the patio out of the sun. Then she was in the house to get our refreshments. While she was in the house Georgie jumped up on my lap while Alvin paced the patio sniffing and what not. We had iced tea and banana bread. She also brought out some photos of their Ontario trip to show me. Sometime during the visit I had lifted Mr. Alvin up on a third empty chair which was in between us, and he relaxed while we chatted. Georgie on Pauline’s lap. It was about 5:00 p.m. when Pauline noticed that the sky to the west was beginning to get some very ominous clouds developing and suggested that we may want to go home before the rain. I took a quick look and decided that we best be going and grabbed Alvin’s harness and his water bottle and put on his leash and said our goodbyes and were on our way. We were coming by Lucy’s house and she was outside doing yard work, we quickly said hello and pointed to the sky and advised that we had to get home before the storm hit. A little while later we saw a neighbour walking her two yellow labs and pointed out the storm. We hightailed it home. Just about home and saw our neighbour who recently had surgery out front speaking with her neighbour. We stopped briefly to say hello before going the last couple of minutes to our house. I think we were home not even 10 minutes when it began to rain. The storm was not like Thursday night and I was very happy about that. After that I fed Mr. Alvin his supper, turned on the last load of laundry and the dryer. I got my supper in the oven and then texted my sister. We ended up having a video chat via messenger as my cell phone cuts in and out and one cannot have a very good conversation that way. I am chalking it up to dead zones in the house which appear to be increasing over time. I plan to call Telus who is our provider in the area and see what can be done. Just seems like there has not been time to do so. If it were a matter of calling and speaking to someone right away that would be one thing but it is always a long wait and then I would be cutting in and out. I will perhaps try and contact them on-line. I had a great chat with my sister and had a late supper at 7:30 p.m. I cannot remember the last time that I ate that late but it happens. We were out and about and enjoying life. Who cares, right. Most important things we had great walks, good exercise, good company and visits with family and friends! Last night was quiet. I watched a movie followed by bed. That was our Saturday.

Today my daughter Amanda and one of my grandpups, the little one named Mi-Mi or Milo is coming for a visit and will spend the night. She will go to the office from here and then pick up Mi-Mi after work. We have lots to do this afternoon and evening.

Time to fly and have a shower. I brought up all of the laundry that had been drying and put it all away. I dry most of my clothes on racks. They last longer that way.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Enjoy the morning, maybe even get out for a walk.

We might get out after my shower or wait for the others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: now 30 days till turn 65. The card was beautiful with a gift inside for looking after her garden while they were away. I called her to thank her for her generosity and that it was not necessary but she insisted. Smells like weed outside, not the garden variety – coming in through my open window. Smells like skunk ….. lol

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this wonderful Tuesday? I am doing well. Today marks “9 sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day. Time is definitely zipping along. Well our cold snap appears to be dissipating which is good for us and I heard on the weather report yesterday that Christmas Eve is to be about plus lower single digits temperatures. WOW! If the report is correct and Mother Nature does not throw a wrench into things we will have nice temperatures until at least Christmas. Oh and I do not blame Mother Nature on our weather as we have done enough damage to the environment ourselves. But let us move on from this spot and keep it light and positive. I have mentioned this before that I send Christmas Cards and letters out each and every year at Christmas. This card and letter writing started when I was very young, the first card I remember making was for my grandparents at age 6. I also made them Valentine’s cards and Birthday cards. When I was 11 years old my family spent the winter in Texas (yes, United States) in a city called McAllen which was located not far from the Gulf Coast. I wrote my best friend back in Saskatchewan, Canada letters as often as I could. When we moved from the farm in Saskatchewan when I was 14 to British Columbia, I continued writing my grandparents and my best friend. I made cards for birthdays, Christmas and other occasions. It was much later that I actually starting buying for special occasions and bought them I did. I send cards to all my family and friends for every birthday, Easter, Valentine’s and Christmas and everything in between. I love receiving cards almost as much as I love to send them. Yesterday I received THREE Christmas cards in the mailbox. One from my Aunt & Uncle who live in British Columbia and the other two were from Regina, Saskatchewan. Both friends and past co-workers. There were letters and photos. One of the best things about Christmas and the Holiday Season is cards, letters and photos. I was hoping that perhaps with so many people being at home due to COVID19 that maybe the art of sending Christmas cards and writing letters would make a comeback. This is one thing that is easy and inexpensive to do. The positive impact that it has on the both the sender and the recipient is huge. So good for mind and soul. We all could use a bit of that right now. Right! It is not too late. You can even write up a nice card or make one and give it to your neighbour down the street OR mail it to your Aunt who is alone.

Last night after work I delivered two more gifts and more treat boxes to my girlfriends. Alvin walked with me to make the first delivery and it was cold out so I brought him home and then I made the second delivery alone. We are going to hold our Annual Christmas get together via ZOOM. I was hoping that perhaps I could figure out how to do it via my new smart television set but am thinking not OR maybe on my phone. I am getting there – for the phone that is. Would be easier that using the computer upstairs and besides would feel more like a Christmas party if I was close to the Christmas tree and decorations. I have a few upstairs. Might have to move my smaller tree that is sitting on the upstairs landing and place it in the office. We will be able to take our walk today as it is warming up.

I wish you a bright and happy Tuesday. Alvin and I are hoping that you and your family are safe and in good health. We continue to be safe, in good health, bright and happy.

Living our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and YAY today is Saturday.

It is bright outside but only due to the recent snowfall.

Sky is overcast but the sun is trying to punch through the clouds.

Alvin and his best friend Teddy are laying together side by side on the blue blanket.

What a joyous sight.

Once the photos stop downloading I will snap a couple of photos for my next post.

If there is time before they move.

Last night after work and we were done with Alvin eating etc., we went for a nice walk.

Once home I called Aunt J and she brought Master Teddy right over.

The boys were so excited to see each other.

Me, too.

Seems like forever since they have been here to visit.

Aunt J did not stay but to have a quick visit by the door.

I could tell in her eyes that she was exhausted.

It has been a horrible last couple of weeks for her with puppy KOBI and that terrible parasite.

I know that Teddy missed her last night but soon was okay just to settle in with his best friend.

 

Not long after Teddy arrived last night and moments before I was going to eat my supper, there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door to see one of the little boys from a couple of doors down the street.

He handed me a Valentines Card, a heart shaped red lollipop and two boxes of smarties.

One of the boxes of smarties had only red and pink smarties inside.

What a nice treat for after supper.

He is the most kind and generous of little boys.

He is quiet, sweet and so helpful.

He is the one that always wants to help.

He is polite and compassionate and has manners.

Can you imagine a little boy of “7” bringing a Valentine and treats to your door?

I am not 7 either.

He would not have been prompted by his parents either.

His parents did a great job with him.

 

The pups last night at bedtime.

Teddy was playing a game with the blanket.

This morning he was playing under the blanket (hide and seek) but the camera was downloading / uploading photos to the computer so I was unable to take photos.

Alvin was watching him.

Then he joined them.

Love these little guys.

I had a great evening.

 

My day was mixed.

I had planned to go for lunch with one of my clients.

We did but long story short it was not great ….. the coffee shop we went to had closed (how I had forgot, I will never know).

She with her walker.

Normally was not even a five minute walk but with her walker and recent injury, it took about 20 minutes or so.

My poor friend, I don’t know what I was thinking.

We ended up going to the 7-11 which had a little counter set up.

It was okay but not what I had imagined.

I felt terrible.

Not sure what I was thinking.

The Starbucks would have been closer even though we had to cross more streets and I guess there were a couple of small restaurants close to it.

Next time, I will have my poop in a group.

Also she slept in and did not hear when I phoned her at 10:00 a.m.

She missed the DATS bus when it arrived and caught a taxi which cost her a small fortune.

I called DATS (Disabled Adult Transit System, I think) from the 7-11 but they said would be a two hour wait but at first refused to pick her up.

I kept at them but finally the woman said two hours.

Way too long in the downtown 7-11 which had lots of people coming and going.

I could not leave her there by herself for two hours and I could not wait.

So I called a taxi.

I offered to pay but she said she could pay for it.

Unfortunately it was a costly lunch for her.

I paid for lunch although she wanted to ….

I had a little gift for her and remembered to give it to her when she was in the taxi.

Thankfully the taxi came within ten minutes of calling them.

I was thirty minutes late for work but my boss was forgiving.

It was nice to see my client but not what I imagined that it would be.

She in her grace said not to worry.

She was just happy to have a visit with me.

How lucky, how blessed am I.

Between this client, the little boy from a few doors down and the pups.

I am feeling so special.

 

Well time to get going.

Breakfast is late for me.

Pups ate earlier.

Alvin ate really early just before 5 a.m. and Teddy ate about thirty minutes ago.

I just would like a cup of coffee.

That will happen once I get the first load of laundry into the washer.

I am going to work on the photo project.

Going through my photos and deleting the duplicates etc.

Also I am going through my photo boxes and doing the same.

More the out of focus photos.

For some reason I have a problem throwing them away or deleting them.

So we will have a busy day.

In between we shall go for a walk.

Hopefully the sun will shine.

 

Wishing you an awesome Saturday.

With Kindness and Respect.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of May, 2018.

Some clouds loom in the morning sky as the sun rises to the east.

Cooler today as per the forecast.

Yesterday we had a bit of rain – which we need.

 

Funny story.

After work last night – I let Alvin outside as per usual.

When he was done – back into the house – dished out his supper.

My friend from Regina had let me know that there was a package waiting for me in the mailbox.

I had ordered some tupperware.

So while Alvin was eating his supper; I thought that I would run and grab the parcel.

He was standing on his chair with his front paws on the arm looking out of the living room as I came up the sidewalk to our house.

Quicker than quick – he was off the chair and at the door – jumping up.

You see he knows when a parcel arrives it is always from our friend back in Regina.

He must be able to smell inside the parcel with his extra sensitive sense of smell.

Alvin followed me as I kicked off my shoes and made my way through the living room and into the kitchen.

I placed the box on the kitchen table and went to grab my letter opener which doubles as a “parcel opener.”

He was up on his hind legs and barking.

So excited.

I barely had the box open and he was more than ready to see what our friend had sent to him.

I spotted a package with his name on it and quickly grabbing my camera from its’ perch hoping that I would be able to catch a video.

I did.

Oh my goodness – so funny.

Well I am super disappointed as apparently I cannot put a video on my blog due to security reasons.

But I can post photos – strange.

Anyway as you can see from the blue tissue paper that is what was left.

He shredded it.

It was oh so cute as he held the package with one paw and using his mouth starting to rip at the tissue paper.

He pulled at the tissue paper with his mouth turning his head and causing a thud with each movement of the package.

It was priceless.

At one point when I asked if he needed help – he turned his head and gave me a quick “glare.”

He just kept going.

Finally after ….

a more than valiant attempt to remove the ribbon but that was a bit much after 57 seconds of video, I figured he was done.

So I took his parcel and helped him open his present.

He loved his chew treat.

He would not even eat supper for the longest time.

Finally I coaxed him to eat by hand feeding him.

Okay, spoiled I know.

Then he carried it around and then he buried it.

We went for a walk and met up with friends and got home after 6:30 (we left the house at 5:15 p.m.).

Anyway had a nice walk and a visit.

When we arrived back home – Alvin was all about digging up the treat.

Then hiding it in the cushions of his chair and the sofa.

ARGH, it was dirty but I bit my lip and figured ….. I can clean up when he is done.

He went back and forth between burying the treat and digging it up, hiding it and finding it.

Finally just before bed – he ATE it.

He had several hours of pure enjoyment from that treat from his/our friend.

Thank you again for always thinking of my boy.

Me, well the Momma did not do so badly either.

Did you see the biscotti that I got?

I was only going to eat one but had to have two and put the others away for another day.

Cheese bun was perfect with supper and the dinner bun for lunch tomorrow.

Lucky we are.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who spoils us and we love her for the most wonderful human being that she is …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of April, 2018.

Starting to get light earlier now, thank goodness.

Alvin is sitting on his blanket that is on the floor in the office.

I love how he likes to be near me.

What a cutie pie.

Today feels like a photo day.

Just sharing photos of me and Alvin over the years.

Mostly Alvin but I joined him here and there.

We have been together since January 2010.

Happy Alvin Day ….

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin at home…..

Baby Alvin

Alvin ……

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin in the snow…..

Me and Alvin 2010

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Me and Alvin 2012

Alvin opening his package from our friend “V.”

Me and Alvin 2016.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who have a puppy or two.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of March, 2018.

I know what I was doing on this day thirty-eight years ago.

Bringing the most wonderful baby girl into the world.

She is the light of my life (sorry Alvin but she is the first born).

WOW, it is crazy how time flies.

It truly feels like only yesterday that you turned one, then going to kindergarten, then elementary and then high school graduation.

She has packed so much into her 38 years and I am so pleased to have played a part in this doll’s life.

Wishing my Darling GIRL the best BIRTHDAY ….

To the MOON, to the STARS, to the whole UNIVERSE, I love you.

Alvin loves his big sister, too.

WE both do.

Have an awesome day my darling.

May the next thirty-eight years bring you much joy, love and may you find whatever you are looking for and dreaming about.

Throw in a dash of PERFECT HEALTH, have to have that for sure.

****************************************************

 

Here are some photos from before the party as the Momma was getting prepared for the PARTY.

 

 

I made my girl a “TREASURE BOX” and placed some items that we thought she would like.  Most especially a beautiful English bone china cup and saucer and the Butterfly Book (just for her).

Underneath the gifts, I placed some butterfly paper, photo of a butterfly and a photo of me and Alvin.  This was the bottom of the box.

On the top I did another butterfly paper, a flower that I made out of polymer clay and decorated with some jewellery and adorned it with photos of my daughter’s loves.

 

OMG, those CUPCAKES were amazing.  My son-in-law did a great job picking up the “BIRTHDAY CAKE.”

We did eat supper before the cupcakes…..

It was a great night.

Ending with a gift of SEQUENCE.

Perfect evening.

 

Needless to say that Alvin and I had a great weekend.

We walked, he had a hair cut and bath.

He looks so handsome.

I love having a hair cut and Alvin not so much.

Our weather feels like spring.

YAY.

I can feel it.

I saw a bunny the other day and it is turning brown.

Definite sign of spring.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my Birthday GIRL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of February, 2017.

It is a bright and sunny morning here in Edmonton with promises of warmer temperatures.

Yesterday was beautiful with a slight cool wind but nothing near the minus 30 temperatures in the days before ….

We also had a massive change of plans yesterday.

We left the house for our walk just after the strike of noon and arrived home just before 5 p.m….

We were on our way to the big lake to have a nice leisurely walk when Alvin spotted a neighbour out on her deck and the rest we shall say is history.

We were about ten minutes into the walk, if that, we can never say no to her as she is an older dear living by herself and she loves Alvin so much.

He would not have gone anywhere else after seeing her …. we had to go into the house.

She ended up over the course of the afternoon with a house full so it was lovely.

I had met her son, grandson and his girl friend a couple of years ago on New Year’s Eve.

Just before we were about to leave (then another hour later) one of my neighbours and also a friend and her Jazmine (dog) stopped by.

So instead of having a long walk, finishing laundry before supper and doing some dusting etc.  ….. we spent the afternoon visiting.

Today is almost another version of yesterday.

Starting with coffee at my friend G’s house celebrating another friend’s birthday.

Followed by tea tasting at my neighbour and fellow Steeped Tea Consultant’s house.

Then I shall canvas for the Heart & Stroke followed by walk with Alvin (in a different direction), supper and at 6:00 p.m. it is SKYPE with my sister.

Busy day.

Well time to get going to have some snuggles with Alvin before shower time and leave for the birthday party.

I hope that you have a fantastic Sunday.

Perhaps you will have a change of plans resulting in a wonderful morning/afternoon.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: my friends and family.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of November, 2016.

The sky is overcast, no frost on the cars and little snow on the lawns.

When one is writing a tribute to a loved one who has passed; you want to make sure that you get things just right, and say what you want to say, and

not miss anything.

In years gone by I have written Eulogies for my Grandmother, Nephew and then my Brother.

I wrote an tribute to our Penny who passed away just this past March, somedays it seems like yesterday, and others it seems like years.

Elton, our beloved guy was my first grand-puppy and he warmed my heart right from the beginning.

I will continue working on my tribute to him and will share when it is time.

In the meantime, life goes on and I know that ….

 

In everything that I have done over the past few days he is right there in my thoughts.

One thing I know that both Elton and Penny will never be forgotten.

 

This Christmas will be different without Elton and Penny for sure.

Milo will keep us hopping as he is the new addition, and is very much still a puppy at about three months now.

Bad Grandma, I have forgotten his actual birthdate – guess I had better write him down on our Birthday Calendar.

So it will be Alvin and Milo for now.

I am certain that the kids will adopt another pup (likely grown though) as Milo needs company.

Heaven knows there are so many pups out there that need a good home.

Any pup coming to live with my kids will have the best home ever.

The kids love them, and treat with them with respect and kindness.

So with Christmas right around the corner there are so many things to do.

I have put the tree and decorated the house both inside and out.

I have the Christmas Cards on the kitchen table ready to be written up.

The letter – yes that still has to be done – to say hello to folks and let them know what we have been doing in 2016.

Baking over the next few weeks.

Still a few things to do.

We have opted out of the gift giving this year between me and the kids.

We are not like the KRANKS and going on a cruise.

More like we are blessed, and do not need much so instead we will do some things.

Perhaps take in a local performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

Give to the less fortunate from children to seniors, and in between.

At our office, my department is giving special requested items to two seniors.

Sometimes I think they are the forgotten ones at Christmas.

Often times without family or friends they have no one except the staff at the homes where they live.

Let us not forget them this holiday season.

Remember the best gift of all is to give.

 

This morning my daughter is coming over so I must get going and prepare the pancakes.

I love making pancakes for her …..

I hope that you and your family are doing well.

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: Everyone and Merry Christmas to You All.

Always, Carol and Alvin