2021

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are, Saturday morning. What are your plans for this weekend? Maybe you are raking your yard for the last time before winter? Maybe you do not get snow and are just changing up the outside ornaments with Christmas fast approaching? Are you putting up your Christmas Tree yet? When do you put it up? I like to put it up early and enjoy it for as long as possible. Christmas brings me joy. I love the tree, the decorations, the colours of Christmas (the ones we have come to realize as “traditional” ….. the red, the greens, silver and white. I love RED. I do love the overall feelings of love and giving during the holiday season. Some people like to show this with an abundance of gifts. We all do things a bit differently. I think if we are all doing what makes up happy, that no one is being disrespected in the scheme of things and not being hurt or anything of that nature ….. then why not. Although I will say that these days with the state of the “climate” and the overwhelming amount of items that are in our landfills, on the ground, in our oceans and forests and ditches and everywhere ….. that perhaps we need to cut back. Really at the end of the day, most people are happy to be in each other’s company and have a good meal. Splurge on the meal. I know with COVID that we are still not able to have massive amounts of people on our homes during the holidays but celebrate it well with the people that are in our household. Play games, sing, watch your favourite Christmas movies and just talk and of course eat. We all are taken in by the advertisements on television, popping up on social media, in our news feeds and in our emails and in flyers. The thing is most of the advertising is done by the big box stores because they can afford to advertise and the “mom and pop stores or small businesses” cannot so they spread the word mainly by word of mouth. I have for many years either made some of my gifts to others, bought locally from friends and neighbours that have made things or supported their direct sales businesses. I have also cut back the amount of gifts that I give. These days the vast majority of gifts I give to friends and neighbours is homemade boxes/tins of baking. Everyone loves to have a sweet treat and not everyone has the time, the money or likes to do it. I like to do it. As you know my daughter helped me erect the Christmas tree on Thursday after work. Last night I spent a considerable amount of time stringing the lights onto the tree. I will say that is the most “unfun” thing about Christmas for me. I harken back to a time when I bought the tree and it was prelit. Oh, how I miss those years. Just take the tree out of the box, set it up and fluff it. Then decorate. So easy and way more fun. Oh well. Everything cannot be dancing around the room fun, I suppose. Mr. Alvin had me up extra early for a Saturday which is not bad. I have already stripped my bed and gathered all of the laundry. So I am off to a great start. The sun is rising and the sky looks so pretty.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. At lunch break I walked over to the Vet to pick up food for Mr. Alvin. Good thing I did not leave for this morning and they are closed on Saturdays once again due to staffing shortages. After work Alvin and I went for a walk. We got just into the park and he turned to go home. I tried to coax him to keep going and a few times it was back and forth but eventually I lost the “battle” so back home we went. It was so gorgeous outside that I just wanted to walk but he did not. Alvin is the boss when we are walking. I cannot tell if something is bothering him with his leg or paws or something else so he drives the distance always.

Well I suppose it is time to get this show on the road. Get dressed and get that coffee brewing. I am grateful that I hauled up all of the storage containers with the Christmas decorations last night and took downstairs the remaining “non Christmas” ornaments and decorations from the main floor. Up and down those basement stairs what a work out. There is laundry to do in between the decorating today and we will go for a nice walk. Hopefully we will have another beautiful day weatherwise and that Mr. Alvin is in the mood for a nice long walk.

Enjoy your Saturday!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, here we are it is Monday morning.

We have had one day at our changed time.

I would say we are doing okay.

 

I had a great coffee date with my young friends yesterday morning.

The hostess baked a pumpkin loaf which was so yummy.

She sent the remainder home with me, I am so lucky.

Following the visit with the girls; Alvin and I went for a walk.

It was just starting to snow.

The itsy bitsy tiny snowflakes that look like very very small snowballs.

It was not cold out which was nice but we both had our winter coats on all the same.

Once back home, I tackled the tree.

Adding on the Angels, the berry fillers and poinsettia heads.

Now the tree is perfection.

I carried up one hundred million rubbermaid containers filled with all sorts of Christmas decorations.

I have so much stuff.

Each time I pull something out of the container, I was reminded of a different time, of someone or some place.

Such great memories.

I found that Alvin’s green chair fit in the kitchen beside the on its’ side IKEA bookcase once it was slid further down.

YAY, me.

Everything looks nice and cozy.

Nice and cozy it is.

Now this week I have to clean up the basement as it looks like the TASMANIAN DEVIL whirled through the space.

Leaving no container untouched.

Leaving no space unfilled.

YUP, I am that TASMANIAN SHE DEVIL.

At my best.

I think that Alvin is happy it is over and I can get back to snuggling and paying attention to him.

 

This time of year always gets me to thinking.

Of all the ANGELS that left us recently and long ago.

Of what I should do, what I can do and what I will do.

So many thoughts and only so much time.

I guess that I had better be getting to it.

 

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

Gather up my lunch and stuff.

Pick up the poop outside.

All of that and more.

 

I wish you a wonderful Monday.

May your life be filled with all good things.

If you consider for just one moment ….

How blessed you, we are ….

There may be a neighbour or a friend who is going through hard times.

A gift of time ….

A gift of something you don’t need and they could use.

Something from your gift closet for their children for Christmas??

There is always something that you can do for others.

Unfortunately there is always a need …..

Spread your good fortune, your blessings.

With Kindness and Respect ….

What a wonderful world this would/could be!

 

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of September, 2017.

Just starting to get light but too dark to put on my sun glass clips when I leave the house.

But partway into the bus ride the sun will be up and I will need them.

Funny this time of year.

 

I have just started reading a book that I acquired.

Written by past United States President Bill Clinton.

The name of the book “Giving” How each of us can change the World.

As I read the book and hear of how many and how much has been given for years and continues to be given, I wonder:

1.  How much would it take to fix the Environment, is it even possible?
2.  How much would it take to end world hunger, is it even possible?
3.  How much would it take to bring peace to the world, is it even possible?

Food for thought?

 

Well I am running late ….. just some questions that I doubt can ever be answered ….. not in my lifetime.

Have a wonderful day as we each ponder these questions.

 

Special Hello to:  all those who give and make a difference.

Always, Carol & 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

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 10th day of April, 2014.

WOW, it is my day off …. got to sleep in and snuggle longer with “me Alvin.”

Always a treat.

In less than one hour two of my girlfriends are coming for “coffee” and a visit, of course.

I am so excited.

I love having company.

We should all take a break from our hectic routines and just kick back and enjoy.

There is nothing like time spent with your girlfriends or guy friends whichever or combination.

Have a beverage and maybe a treat if you are organized.

I would have made chocolate cranberry scones but I ran out of time.

Perhaps the thought will count……

So on this quiet …. slightly overcast morning ….. I hope that life is treating you with the love and respect that you deserve.

I hope that you are giving life the love and respect it deserves.

Make sense?

Just always remember you receive what you give.

It always boils down to that.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: my siblings ….. love you all ….. the ones on earth and the one who left us way too early ….. miss you little brother.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of November, 2013.

It is fast approaching the crazy time of year when people feel the urge to buy everything in sight.

Most people spend way beyond their means.

I learned that lesson all too well.

For the past few years I have made the holidays about those people that I love, and not about buying the perfect gift that I thought they would want.

I made special gifts, took advantage of free items, refurbished items, gave my time.

Essentially, I gave from my heart not my pocketbook.  The first Christmas that I did this I spent $5.00 and that was on doggie treats.

With all the commercials, flyers and such it is almost impossible for people not to feel that they need to shop.

We should pay attention.

Take a look around the trash on December 26th.

How many things are tossed away because people did not like them or want them.

Selfish, perhaps.

But we have gone way too far.

Simplify.

Take the time to find out what a loved one might really want …. that might be a home cooked meal or someone to watch a child or a pet while they go out for an evening.

AGAIN FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE REALLY LIKE AND NEED – NOT JUST SOME HIGH TECH GADGETS TO BE LIKE THE JONES.

Give your time to a local hospital or senior’s home or animal shelter.

Perhaps it might be a small basket of items that your sister might love – like her favourite shampoo, soap, socks or lipstick.

Make a hand-made book of coupons for different things using your time.

Simplify.

Our landfills are an indication of how commercial we have become.

Anyway …. my point is this.

Just give from the heart not from your pocketbook.

Have a great day and don’t stress about the holidays.

Give your time …. it is invaluable.

I think this Christmas we should all make something for loved ones or give the gift of your time.

Spend less …. less stress.

Give yourself a challenge to see just how little you can spend on Christmas but giving at the same time.

You will be pleasantly surprised.

Special Hello to: ALL THOSE FOLKS WHO GIVE WITH THEIR HEARTS …

Always, Carol and  Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Welcome to Friday, December 21st, 2012 and we are only “3” sleeps until Christmas Eve ….

How did that happen?

Oh, by the way I apologize for writing this a bit later this morning.

Alvin woke me up at 4:30 (actually before) and I caved, so we went downstairs.

Then I checked to see if he wanted/needed to go outside, he didn’t.

So we hit the sofa for some zzz’s and then at 5:00 he got me up to have his breakfast.

This is my first day off and I wanted to sleep in so after he ate and went out, we hit the sofa and got some extra sleep.

So up just before 8:30 ……. whew…..

Guess I know who wears the pants or is the pack leader in this household.  LOL.

 

So are you ready for Christmas?  Perhaps you keep it simple which is absolutely great  or maybe you go just a tad over the top ….. whichever way is great ….. always do what works best for you and your family.

As long as we always think of others …. whether you give your time at your local food bank or “soup kitchen” …… donate winter clothing to a shelter ….. give some money or food to help the homeless or folks who have need some extra help….. as long as you give,

that is really what it is all about this holiday season.  Maybe there is a family in your neighbourhood who is struggling ….. you could always help out by getting together with your other neighbours and collecting foodstuffs and perhaps some gifts if they have children….but mainly the food.  There is always something we can do.

Personally my motto is to help and be kind all year long but at Christmas go that extra mile….

Even if you think “I barely have enough for me and my family” …… really you do ….. perhaps you have an extra winter coat that you haven’t wore for years and it is in perfect condition….. there is always something and besides “time” is always needed at this time of year.

I think you know what I mean.

Just remember to take the time to be “kind”… and remember your humanity….. sometimes I think we get so caught up in our lives that we forget about those around us.

We don’t always see if someone needs help or if we do, we do not reach out to help.

WE SHOULD.

Okay, so we know what we have to do, and I hope that you have added someone “extra” to your list this year and I thank you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those folks who give freely of their time during the holiday season.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those folks who part with some of their hard-earned cash to help someone in need.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those folks who go that extra mile …..

Thank you.

I hope that wherever you wander on this Friday, December 21st that you are safe, warm and extremely happy.

Special Hello to: YOU ….

 

Always me and Mr. Alvin,  who gives to his Momma everyday