2021

Good Morning All! Well looks like we made it to the end of another work week. How are you doing? Do you have exciting plans for the weekend? Are you finished your yard work? I hear for Edmonton area the weather is not supposed to be great but as long as it remains relatively dry, I am good with it. I want the white stuff to hold off until after Halloween. That would be perfect. Maybe I will be able to get my Christmas decorations up before the first “—-fall”, I cannot bear to even say or write that word at this time. We had a good sleep last night and I just had a refreshing shower. Alvin had his appointment at the vet and for some reason he was very vocal – more so than he has been in a long time. Nothing new happened. I don’t know. He also had his last laser therapy session and managed to wriggle out of his goggles with only 16 seconds to go. So we had to stop and replace them on him. He was definitely not having any of it. Perhaps it had something to do with they ran out of his treats that I usually buy for him now (he has to have special ones) and they are pretty sure cannot be ordered anymore. So I guess no more treats when the bag in the pantry is finished. It is down to the last handful. We did enjoy a walk to the park and to our friend Pauline’s house where we found her outside in the garden. She was about to take down a bird feeder but could not quite reach it and decided to wait and have her husband do it later. We chatted for a few minutes before heading back home. Our walks take longer now so I have to be careful that we don’t dilly dally too long as I would not wish to be late for work. We left home for his appointment virtually right after I was off work at 3:00 and got him ready. Alvin’s thing now is to sniff every last blade of grass right down to the earth’s core. It is as though it may be his last time, very odd. He used to sniff but I could easily have him continue walking, no longer. I have to go and distract him otherwise I would end up dragging him. Not pretty. Anyway we ended up being early to his appointment and waited outside for a few minutes. A little girl in a nearby truck with her Dad had the window open and was commenting on how cute Alvin was. He always gets the attention. After the appointment – same deal. Thankfully I was not in too much of a hurry. I did go to the grocery store a little bit after we got home. I decided to feed Alvin his supper when I got home so that I would hopefully miss the rush at the store and I was correct. He was happy and hungry when I got home about one hour later. I enjoy that time alone with only myself to worry about and maybe keeping out of the path of another grocery shopper.

Whoops getting later here. Where does the time go? I have a question for you? Do you do things at the request of a friend or for a friend that you might not do for yourself? I am hoping you say “yes.” I think that I mentioned tonight I am going to my friend and neighbours to watch the newest addition of HALLOWEEN. I have never really got into this series / franchise of movies even though I really enjoy watching Jamie Lee Curtis on the big screen. So when my friend invited me to watch the movie with her and our other friend (me and the young ones), I felt that I could not say no. She loves these movies and waits impatiently for them to come out. Plus she is a good friend to me and Alvin. She also asked me to watch the previous one so that I knew the storyline. I did that last night. I would not say that the movie was bad but definitely not something that I would intentionally spend my time watching. That being said it was okay. So I am prepared for tonight. I also picked up some fruit which is the snack treat that I am bringing and the girls are taking other items. Even though I am not a fan of these “slasher” movies, I wanted to spend time with my friends. She lives close by which is nice. I can walk there and spend some time without having to leave Alvin for too long. I know …. yes I need time to do things for me….

Okay time to fly. Have a wonderful Friday. Maybe you are doing something for a friend, enjoy!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Merry Christmas ….

The sun is already up ….

We were up late last night and slept in this morning.

I managed to keep Mr. Alvin in bed until about 7:00 a.m.

The pups were up shortly after that ….

My daughter went back to bed and my son-in-law is still sleeping after an extra long day (he had to work).

We had a great Christmas ….

Had some late night snacks just after they arrived from an earlier Christmas feast with my son-in-law’s family.

Opening the gifts after that …

Mr. Alvin was the unintentional star of the night.

He absolutely loves opening gifts.

First he opened his gifts, Aspen and Milo’s gifts and then mine.

He does so great …..

There were toys and more toys and treats for the pups and a bandana each.

The boy got his duster with extender that he wanted and more.

The girl got some jewelry as what girls do not love some bling and more.

The Mama got spoiled.

I needed kitchen towels and a stir fry pan and those were two items that I received.

Along with scratch tickets, crystal ornament, HONEY, more kitchen towels, single serving Tupperware food chopper, Magnolia & Vine bracelet and extra charm and more.

I was so spoiled this Christmas.

Thank you to my family and friends.

Here are some photos and then I better go clean up some more and make some COFFEE.

Merry Christmas.

Oh and make some phone calls.

 

Bit of action shot so blurry

Some of my gifts.

Alvin enjoyed opening his gifts and mine.

Aspen and Milo just enjoyed their gifts.

We had a great Christmas Eve and now it is Christmas Day.

I went and spent over one hour with Humphrey and Cynder.

Giving them fresh food and water.

Cleaning the litter box.

Everyone wants a clean one of those ….

Time to go downstairs and make me some coffee.

Then call some family before I start to make brunch which I am thinking will be kind of like “lunch.”

There are no rules on this day.

We just go with it.

Whatever happens, happens.

 

I hope that you are having an awesome Christmas.

Merry Merry Christmas To You and Your Family.

Always, Carol & Alvin

I guess I should upload our newest photo.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 10th day of May, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sky is a little overcast as the sun rises in the east (like it would rise anywhere else, silly me).

Last night just a second after I arrived home and was going to open the back door for Alvin; the phone started to rang.

For a split second ….. let Alvin out or answer the phone, dilemma.

I let Mr. Alvin out as he had been waiting what must feel like an eternity and then picked up the phone.

It was my darling daughter.

She had stopped by Value Village on her way home from work.

Checking things out.

We are both whenever possible making purchases that are reflective of our values.

Values being reuse and recycle ….

Guess what?

I had found a pair of sandals in a flyer that I really wanted.

She found almost the exact same pair and from the same store in VV.

They were in perfect shape and less than 1/4 of the price.

Awesome.

I asked if she could swing by with them and she said yes, invited her for supper.

Alvin and I had a nice walk and then we had our girl here for supper and a visit.

SCORE.

Lucky Momma.

Well here it is once again time to leave for work.

The mornings go by so quickly.

I hope that you all have an amazing Wednesday.

Tomorrow is Thursday and PAYDAY.

Two good things …..

But first Wednesday.

Thank you.

Special Hello to:  thank you “V” in advance.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of November, 2016.

Sky is overcast at just after 8:00 a.m. and there is a light dusting of snow covering the ground.

Busy day ahead for me and Alvin.

Some company, laundry to do (always), cleaning (always), preparing for a TEA PARTY tomorrow at one of my neighbours and

then whatever else comes our way.

Yesterday I was so excited I took a small amount of vacation time and went to West Edmonton Mall from Work.

I wanted to check out the big sale at SEARS with hopes to buy some, wait for it, wait for it ….. new …. new

UNDERWEAR.

Yes, I was so excited to buy some new underwear.

It is a big deal as it is one thing that is super expensive and we always wait until what we have is almost falling apart.

I received a gift card from my neighbour for looking after her gecko, Cinder while she was away.

So I am proud to say that I spent the card and got some new underwear.

Now I have to part with the old stuff (some I was not able to replace it all).

Perhaps there will be a lotto win tonight so that I can replace every old piece.

Would that not be the best shopping trip ….. to buy all that…. mmm, a girl can DREAM.

Well hopefully I have made you giggle, laugh or just smile at this point.

If that is the case my job is done for today.

Take some time and smile.

Think of all of the people that you love and care for and for all of your great memories.

No matter where you are in your life or where you have been (trust me I know); you can always find good memories.

For some people they may be in short supply or for others they may be living a dream life, full of awesomeness.

No matter …… at some point there was something that was great/good.

I hope that you have a great day.

You are so special.

You are wonderful.

Take care.

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my blog, I so appreciate your time.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of January, 2016.

A New Year.

Alvin and I managed to stay up until Midnight ….

 

The sun is shining brightly in the sky …

 

 

This morning I am reminded of all the dear souls two-legged and four-legged that we lost in 2015.

Just received a call that …

Yesterday …. our friend “KOA” has left us.

The big yellow dog that would visit my neighbour.

Rest in peace KOA … we know she is in a better place and we wrap our arms around her Mom “K” who misses her so much.

We have been blessed to know, to have learned and to have been in their lives.

 

Today remember …. turn on the photos in your memory and watch their stories.

Remember all of the joyful times you spent together.

 

Take care …..

 

Special Hello to: everyone who has lost someone ….. we miss them, too.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 1st day of December, 2015.

YAY, it is December …. one of my favourite months of the year.

The other two are March when we daughter was born and January when I adopted Alvin.

I love this time of year.

For me, I love sending Christmas cards, letters and photos to family and friends who live at a distance.

That connection that only Christmas can bring.

For me, I love spending time with my friends and family (as many as possible).

For me, I love helping others as much as possible.

For me, sharing in all of the tasty treats that we only seem to make this time of year.

For me, I love the music ….. the joy it brings.

For me, I love the Christmas shows on television and the movies.

Nothing like watching The Grinch to remind us that even the most unhappy can change.

Tis the season.

The smells …. love it.

 

I do want to share a story that I read on FB last night.

Somewhere on this beautiful planet of ours a couple got married.

They could not afford a wedding cake so instead of going into debt they had platters of bread and butter.

The bread was stacked high.

They were happy and would not be reeling in a few weeks from a high bill from the wedding.

Who knows perhaps this was not even a real story but nevertheless we can all learn from it.

 

I think this is a reminder most especially for this time of year that we need to live within our means.

So many people are trying to keep up with their neighbours …. to what end?

Is it that important to have the newest cell phone?

Is it that important to buy that designer handbag or the newest computer?

Different story if you can afford them but so many people charge their purchases, and then pay the minimum when the bill arrives.

I have been there and am proud to say I do not have a credit card.

Buy what you need and need what you buy.

Words to live by.

 

Whoops I had better get going and get ready to go to work.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Filled with hope, love and respect.

Special Hello to: my sister …. have not heard from you in a few days…. miss you girl.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of November, 2015.

It is a great day as today my daughter and I are entered in a craft sale with our jewellery.

We are excited.

My neighbour and we girls are sharing a table.

Should be fun.

The temperature has warmed up again which is nice.

It is held in the lobby of a nearby hospital so there will be lots of people and today is also Black Friday so that will bring in folks.

Our first craft sale selling….

I am excited to see what wares others are selling.

It will be a wonderful day ….. spending it with my girl and one of my friends.

 

Another item to mention…..finally caught our four-legged  “rogue agent” that has been eluding us for the past while only to find there were two.

We only … I only saw the one.

Will have to keep an eye out …. double check everywhere to make sure no place they can get into the house.

 

Well this is to be short as time to make a cup of coffee and have some toast.

Have an awesome Friday.

If you are out and about on this “BLACK FRIDAY” …. be respectful of others.

No pushing or shoving.

Did you really need another black sweater no matter how good the price was?

Enjoy the mania …..

Be safe…

Happy Shopping..

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of May, 2015.

It is the long weekend here in Canada, and I also have today off.

So what do you think a person would be doing on their vacation day?

I thought a great way to get me started ,and because I missed a couple of classes is to go to BOOTCAMP.

The sky is overcast and it is windy.

The temperature in the house is 65 degrees …. but by the end of BOOTCAMP, I shall be nice and warm.

I did find my core …..

Now what?

It does require some work … oh, what am I saying …. it requires a lot of work.

I still have not got my head wrapped around fitting in yoga and some other exercises.

Once I get these into a regular routine with walking, life will be great.

But until then I shall do the best that I can.

I just keep telling myself that I am in great shape.

Always a work in progress.

This is one of those weekends where I have a TO DO LIST but I am going to what happens ….

Perhaps I shall clean the windows or maybe I will read my new book.

Perhaps I shall power wash the deck or maybe I will take an extra walk with Mr. Alvin.

Actually I decided that part of this weekend would be his ….. bath …. more playtime.

He needs some extra attention….. my little guy.

Well time to get ready for bootcamp.

Put on the lightest, coolest clothing that I own.

By coolest, I mean light weight.

Definitely not COOL …… if you know what I mean.

Oh well.

Grab the water bottle, yoga mat and TOWEL.

A girl always needs a little towel to wipe her brow!

Special Hello to: my sister …. we have to sKYPE this weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 20th day of February, 2014.

Last night I watched the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles being on the Ed Sullivan Show back on February 9th, 1964.

WOW.

Brought back lots of memories but not for me seeing the show as I was seven.

I have always loved their music …..

It evokes every feeling and memory one could imagine.

I have a few favourites and was pleased when those songs were played.

They had some amazing musicians playing in their honour.

Some of my favourite performances were by Joe Walsh – the times on his guitar and then when he sang ….. I had forgotten how great his voice was …..

Everyone turned out to celebrate.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson had front row seats.

Yoko Ono enjoyed the music and even got up to dance …. so cute.

There are so many things that I could write about.

There was a little blonde girl in the audience (belongs to David G) who was rocking out to the Beatles.

I guess her Dad keeps the Beatles alive in their music repertoire.

Well time to get downstairs and finish getting ready for work.

I hope that you were able to watch this show.

It was the best night of music ever.

The last song played was “Hey Jude” and I picked up Mr. Alvin and we danced.

Well rather I danced and held him.

He was not sure what was going on …. although I have danced with him previously.

Have a great day.

Thank you for reading …..

Special Hello to: Beatles Fans

Always, Carol and Alvin