The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. I can just see the sun and blue sky barely peeking out from behind some light cloud cover. I hope that we have some sunshine today as we have had mainly overcast skies the past while. SUNshine always makes us feel better. I feel much better when the SUN shines. I am excited because two of my girlfriends are coming for coffee/visit and what was a surprise early birthday party for one of them. We had to blow the surprise due to some unforeseen things which I cannot share. But I am happy to say that we are having company. Both Alvin and I are excited. I had baked the birthday cake the other night and iced it last night, prepared the fruit, put up some decorations (very simple) and did some cleaning. So this morning I just have to put on the coffee. Earlier I put out fresh towels and the others into the laundry. Changed bedding which is part of my regular Saturday morning routine. We were outside a bit ago cleaning up “poop” from the snow covered deck. Man he poops a lot as I had cleaned it up after work. They eat and then they poop. Anyway off the poop story and “baack” to the company coming for 10:00 a.m. We are ready – just have to make the coffee which I will do in a little while as I am feeling in need of a cup of coffee. I can always make more. The birthday girl is bringing her daughter who is now a teenager, hard to believe. Seems like yesterday that she was a toddler. I have been here for some time, that move from Regina seems like only yesterday.

Also I am excited because the Space Channel is showing all of the STAR TREK movies the older series, which I love and could watch another million times if given the opportunity. I love them. Thank goodness for technology – I can record them and watch at my convenience. Sometimes I leave them on the PVR for awhile and rewatch but then I have too many shows recorded and have to start deleting them.

So time to go and take the laundry downstairs and get a load ready to turn on later. I am going out for groceries with G, either after the party of tomorrow whenever she goes. I have not been out for awhile, since earlier in December, I think. Time to get out. I guess I did go to the office in January. Sorry Mr. Alvin is whining away, so time to fly here.

Have an awesome Saturday. If the sunshines get out and enjoy it. We all need to take a bit of time away from the chores and that to do list.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the girls finally get to open the second part of their Christmas gifts that did not arrive before Christmas. YAY.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

Well there is a breeze blowing out there.

The sky is clear with hues of oranges as the sun rises.

Looks amazing.

Love sunrises and sunsets.

 

So how are you doing today?

I am doing well.

House is quiet of course without my partner in crime, Mr. Alvin.

He is doing well at his sister’s house.

Now today she has to go into the office so time will tell.

My son-in-law is at home so it will be interesting to see if he “sticks like glue” to him.

My daughter has been telling me that he goes wherever she goes.

If she is working …. he is under her desk or on the dog bed beside her.

If she is in the kitchen …. he is in the kitchen.

In the bathroom …. he’s there, too.

Pretty much the same as with me.

Although occasionally he will sit on the chair while I go into the basement or upstairs.

But most times he is with me.

I am sure that he will have many stories to tell me when he arrives home on Sunday.

Last night they received their first robot vacuum cleaner.

My daughter says with all of the dog hair ….. they had to try something.

She sent me the cutest video.

All three dogs engaging …. watching ….. wondering the vac as it maneuvered around the floor.

Alvin watched intently and kind of followed BoBi, that’s her name.

Aspen walked up to it and then backed away.

She did not want to turn her back to the machine.

Milo had been on the stairs, he came down walked up to it and then away.

Cutest video ever.

They all reacted differently much the way humans do when we encounter something new.

Interesting and funny to watch.

The machine is quite loud.

BoBi is quite loud.

Anyway it was nice to see the pups in a video.

 

Last night two of my girl friends were over for a Diamond Painting evening.

We all are working on projects and felt that it would be fun to get together and work on them.

So great to have a week day get together.

I love my girls.

I am working on my FALL one that yes, I started in July on our other Painting Night with the girls.

Yup, I am falling short on completion date.

Fall is here and I am not done.

Hopefully Fall last for awhile.

Fingers crossed.

 

Did anyone watch the U.S. Presidential Debate?

I will only say this …. I expected nothing less from Trump and was a bit concerned for Joe Biden.

These are interesting times in the world that is for sure.

 

Well it is time to grab that mug of coffee and start work.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday as I was starting to type Tuesday.

Yikes, the week is going quickly.

Take Care and Be safe in all that you do.

I am going to go for a walk at noon.

Not walked since Saturday.

Exercise would be good for me.

Continue to live your life with kindness and respect,

As will I,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Monday Morning.

Despite my non-intentional attempts to throw a wrench into my weekend, the weekend turned out to be success.

Now mind you I was not able to give Mr. Alvin a haircut or a bath.

I was not able to wrap the few gifts that I am exchanging.

I WAS ABLE TO FINISH THE CHRISTMAS BAKING IN ONE WEEKEND.

The Mincemeat tarts (don’t really count them) will do closer to Christmas or really anytime.

Just open the tart shell box and the jar of mincemeat and bake.

Does not get much easier than that.

I could not make the mincemeat for the price of the jar from the store.

Well for some reason I was off my game this weekend and forgot to take photos of all the baking.

It would not have fit on the table.

The missing item was the CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.

FUDGE = 76 bite size pieces

SUGAR COOKIES = 18 dozen – (5 of which were earmarked for the girls, the young friends) = 13 dozen for home and work.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES = 10 dozen

= TIRED and SO HAPPY it is done.

 

We managed to get some walks in over the weekend which was good.

I spent pretty much all of my waking hours this weekend on my feet.

Between baking, laundry, baking and walking.

No time to sit around.

But OMG so happy to have it done.

I believe that Mr. Alvin is happy as well.

He spent most of the weekend going in and out to the back yard.

He could feel that I was not going to have time for time.

I didn’t have time for me.

So grateful that I can do what I love.

I do love to baking.

Not always in these quantities but I love to bake.

 

Well, okay time to stop writing.

Time to go downstairs and finish getting ready.

Pick up the poop from earlier this morning in the backyard.

I like to keep it done.

No surprises in the spring when it melts.

That can be down right nasty.

 

I hole that you had a great weekend.

This weekend deliver a few cards to friends in the neighbour along with some treats.

Wrap presents.

Hopefully will be able to pick up the blade for Alvin’s clipper this weekend so that he can have his long overdue haircut on Saturday.

That will be enough.

Oh, tonight place a NORWEX order.

 

Happy Monday.

With kindness and respect I shall get through another year.

2019 has been quite the year.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and welcome to a sky filled with a soft palette of pinks and oranges.

The sky looks as though you mixed some fog in with the sunrise.

It is absolutely gorgeous.

I just snapped a photo but the camera lens just does not grasp that wondrous beauty.

 

Humphrey unexpectedly has joined us today while his Mom is going out of town to visit family.

So Alvin will have some company while I clean the house and prepare for my girls to visit tonight.

We, three friends are going out for supper to a nearby restaurant called “Original Joes.”

This is our “Christmas party.”

Once supper is over we will retire to my house for a visit, perhaps a few drinks and maybe even a sweet treat.

Everyone can walk home from my house so not drinking and driving will happen.

There will be some cleaning and laundry to do today.

My friend who sells the FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY is dropping off an order today around noon.

I will go with Alvin for a walk at some point.

We walked last night for our full walk.

Last night I visited my friends down the street.

We had such a great visit.

I was there for over three hours.

The time passed by so quickly.

 

With respect to our our family member who had surgery yesterday.

He is doing well and I pray that each and every report is great news.

It will definitely mean more hospital time but under the circumstances that is a must.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I actually took Monday off so that I would have some extra time at home finish Christmas cards and letters.

Some downtime.

Works has been crazy busy for me but I can finally see the light.

 

Well time to get dressed and start the laundry.

Check on the boys.

Alvin keeps walking back and forth so that means Humphrey is now upstairs.

I guess he likes to keep an eye on him.

Company?

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

I hope that life is treating you well.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Even though sometimes it is hard to be kind and respectful – we still have to put our best foot forward.

I had a bad day yesterday.

Not everyone is always happy about decisions.

I should know that by now.

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 4th day of March, 2019.

Well here we are – Monday morning.

Alvin and I had a great weekend.

We had company, did some housework and laundry and relaxed.

I had coffee with two of my girl friends yesterday morning.

Love these gals – we always have a great time – laughing and chatting.

A great mix of work and play.

 

We went for a walk yesterday afternoon as I felt it had warmed up.

Alvin started to lift his paws only a few houses away from home.

So we turned around and headed back home.

He enjoyed going in and out to the back yard.

There is a patch of the deck that is snow/ice free near the house that always gets the warm sun, so he likes to sit or lie there, and ponder life.

Or at least that is what I choose to believe that he is thinking.

Or perhaps he is thinking oh this is nice and quiet.

Or perhaps he is thinking where is my girlfriend OR I would like a treat.

He loves to dig in the snow.

Yesterday he was at the top section of the deck near the garage by the railing digging away.

Not sure what he was looking for but he was really getting into it.

Finally he pulled his head out of the snow and cautiously went down the steps from the top part of the deck.

When I say cautiously I mean super cautious.

He goes back and forth for a minute or more before he jumps down.

Sometimes he goes down each of the three steps or he just jumps to the bottom.

I worry about him as he is getting older.

Then he came to the steps on the side of the deck that lead down to the “green area” which is partially shovelled and the other part is a big snowbank.

He has made a path in the snow and very carefully he went up.

They know when it is safe or not.

I could tell.

He went so far and turned around and came back down.

Not reaching the area that was by the railing from this side.

Alvin has so many chew treats buried in the snow and just laying about on the deck in the back of our house.

I love watching him.

Oh, my Alvin, how you make me smile and warm my heart.

Cuteness by the 10th power and more.

 

The boy, Mr. Alvin is laying on his blue blanket waiting for me to finish.

He loves his routine and I try to keep it as close to the same as I am able.

I guess I am a pretty regular routine kind of gal, so we are a perfect match.

There was a reason he picked me on that COLD January night in 2010.

I am so grateful.

 

Well here we go again, time to leave for work.

Almost time.

I hear that spring is on it’s way and is getting close.

We are happy for that news.

WALKS and WALKS ahead of us.

 

Have the best Monday ever.

Smile to yourself and to everyone you meet.

Something as simple as a smile can bring joy and relief.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, back VEGAS.  Welcome Home and Happy Monday, sister.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 1st day of October, 2018.

Dark outside as the season settles in with no chance of sunrise at this time of day until late spring – early summer.

Woke to a tiny bit of wet on the deck and on the sidewalk this morning.

We enjoyed our walk yesterday afternoon after the coffee party.

The leaves were various shades of green, yellow, orange and red.

Our tree in the front is all yellow and has started to drop leaves.

If a wind comes up I am quite certain they will be all on the ground.

I have held off raking as there are currently more on the tree than on the ground.

I do love to rake the leaves and jump through them.

Just a note my snapdragons have survived another weekend.

They are the colours of fall: yellows, corals, peaches and pinks.

 

We had a great weekend.

Walked and had company.

I think that Alvin misses Teddy.

 

Yesterday one of the girls hosted the coffee party.

Her parents are visiting from Newfoundland.

So nice to see them once again.

My friend, her daughter and parents attended the Paul McCartney Concert last night in Edmonton.

I was just a slight green with envy.

Lucky guys.

 

We started to plan our Christmas party.

Christmas ….. it seems so far away but yet it is not.

 

Well today begins a new month.

My daughter and son-in-law’s ten year wedding anniversary this month.

Grand-pups birthday this month.

Thanksgiving and Halloween.

Lots of birthdays.

 

I hope that you all have a great Monday.

May your day be filled with wonder and fulfillment of dreams.

May your day be filled with love and kindness.

May you lead the way with love and kindness.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister, how are you?  SKYPE?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of December, 2017.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day.

Wow, that came upon us quickly.

Seems like it was yesterday that it was December 1st.

Almost Christmas and almost the end of another year.

This has been a great year up until my “fall” off the bus back on December 7th.

I cannot believe that it has been just over two weeks since it happened.

 

This morning is overcast and it has been snowing ever so slightly.

The air is cool but not bitterly cold.

I received a couple of voice messages that my glasses are ready to be picked up so will go pick them up today.

Yesterday was productive.

This morning two of my girl friends are coming for coffee and tea.

Followed by preparing our dessert for Christmas Day.

I am making chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches and OREO mini cheesecakes.

Something different.

Anything goes with turkey.

Turkey back on the menu.

 

Well I guess it is time once again to fly …… get things ready for my company.

I hope that all is well in your house.

I hope that you are settling into some days off.

If you have to work today …. I wish that you are able to take a quiet break and breathe.

 

May your days be MERRY and BRIGHT and

May all your Christmases be light …… enjoy this time.

 

Special Hello to: EVERYONE ….. Happy December 23, 2017.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

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

The sky is light and the sun is up as it is late.

I used a day of vacation so that I could be at home with Alvin and to give him a hair trim and bath.

There are several things that I need to get done before Christmas so this gives me the opportunity to do so.

Well I was pooped so I did sleep in after our original start time of 4:00 a.m. which was a nice treat.

So just sipping on a up of coffee in my PJ’s at after 10:00 a.m. and it feels great.

Sometimes you just have to do it.

Lots to do but I will get them done.

Nice to be home and chilling with my boy.

Listening to the Christmas shows on the television.

Our temperatures are beginning to drop as some ARTIC AIR blasts through.

Winter in Western Canada.

There was ever so light of a dusting of snow last night.

Fluffy and white.

Mostly ground showing.

 

So time to go and drink my mug of coffee before it gets cold.

I am so excited for Christmas with my family.

Tomorrow morning coffee date with two of my girl friends.

YAY …….

What a great day to hold Christmas on Monday.

Monday will not be blah or dreaded this year.

Enjoy your time with your loved ones.

 

Happy Friday …..

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “I” who lives in Sweden…..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 22nd day of November, 2017.

Woke up to a fresh thick blanket of snow ….. temperatures warming up.

To be plus 5 degrees celsius tomorrow.

One day minus 20 something the next plus.

Go figure.

 

Last night I attended a “Snowflake Tea” hosted by the Girl Guide Troops in our area.

The daughter of one of my friends is in Guide ….. cannot remember which level.

They had a cookie sale.

It was held in the basement of a church and so many people and so hot.

Lots of yummy things to purchase – was hard to make a decision.

When we three friends sat down to have a cold drink from a variety of cold juices we compared our hauls.

Everyone found something different.

Imagine that.

I missed out on the fudge ….. missed my radar… will have to work on that…..

There was fudge somewhere, sugar cookies of all sizes, shapes and decorations, ginger cookies and gingerbread men, slices and squares and so many different kinds of cookies.

It was a nice outing.

Sorry to have to leave Alvin at home but that would not have been a good place for him.

I seldom go out during the week but this was for such a good cause – fundraiser for the Girl Guides.

 

Footnote:  I had decided not to make “my” Sugar Cookies this Christmas and try something else.

When we were talking about baking and I mentioned that I was not making sugar cookies this Christmas my girls were both outraged at the possibility.

What, a Christmas without Carol’s Sugar Cookies.

No, they said …. You have to make them.

They sent bribes and “crocodile tears” my way and twisted my “rubber arm” …..

Sugar Cookies are once again back on the baking list.

Oh, well…..what can you do?

 

Time to get this show on the road.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my sister, we are doing great.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 29th day of October, 2017.

Windy overnight and the sky is clearing although to the east the dark blue clouds crouch into the light.

No moisture overnight and that is good.

Each day without at this point is a good thing.

Two days until Halloween and then only a few sleeps after that until we decorate for Christmas.

Yesterday Alvin and I puppy sat our little friend “Teddy.”

He is a bundle of energy and loves to cuddle.

He really did not like to be outside but definitely followed me wherever I went.

We had a great day.

I worked on some of my Christmas crafts throughout the day and played with the pups.

This morning it is coffee with my girls in the hood.

We try to have coffee quite regular but sometimes our lives get crazy and we miss a few weekends.

Each one takes a turn hosting although I think it must be my turn by now.

Seems like it anyway.

Oh now, just had several sneezes in a row.

I have had this “cold” thing for a little bit now but nothing much.

So many people at work and on the bus coughing and sneezing and hacking away.

 

I hope that you all had an awesome Saturday and that your Sunday is amazing.

Remember take some time for yourself.

Play with your pups.

Spend time with your children.

Go for a walk with your spouse.

Remember to tell your loved ones that you love them.

Even when your day is going to heck in a hand basket …. find the good …. find the positive and let it set sail.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends new and old all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin