The NEW Year 2022

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to a Rainy Thursday here in Edmonton,Alberta, Canada. The sky is filled with puffy dark gray rain clouds and it is windy. Wind is beginning to be typical of daily life here in Edmonton. At least it sure seems to be. When it is calm, we surely appreciate it.

How are you this morning? Alvin was up a few times during the night but that is okay, I am okay. He has an appointment with his Doctor this afternoon. Fingers crossed that the sky clears for us to walk over so that I do not have to bother a friend to drive us there. Thankfully Alvin’s Doctor is less than a 10 minute walk. Sometimes if he is sniffing a lot it can take 15 or so minutes, lol. I walked over after work yesterday and picked up some pain pills and his food and toothpaste for him. Now we are stocked and will not run out. We were not close to running out but I like to ensure that he has more than enough food just in case. Looking ahead, I suppose.

One more day and it is the long weekend. Three days off in a row, how lovely. I have decided that I am going to plant my flower pots as I do not wish my plants to become root bound. I heard that the weather is supposed to be better and warming up on the weekend. Most of the trees are at least partially full of buds and leaves. So pretty. So there is lots of green. I could cut the grass in the back but it looks so nice and green. But anyway no cuts for the next couple of days anyway as it has to dry out.

It is one month till the garage sale that I am hosting. Have to start getting the garage in order. I have some large items to post on the social media so that they do not take up room in the garage. Boxes to break down and some items that belong to my neighbour that I have to chat to her about. I am quite certain that this next month will fly by and I want to have the garage almost empty. I also have to secure a way to the ECO Station as I have lots of things or a fair amount to take there. Will be so nice to have the garage where it should be …. stuff wise. Isn’t it funny how we end up collecting stuff even in the garage.

Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful walk at noon yesterday. It was a bit cool but most enjoyable. Just as we were on the homestretch there were a few drops of rain so we did not get wet. I have yet to see any goslings and have been keeping an eye out for them. The only ones I saw were going down the street with their parents a few days ago. They are so cute.

Well time to head downstairs. I am only working for the morning so have lots of things to get done. I hope that you have an awesome day. Keep warm and dry and stay safe.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am nervous to listen to the weather channel as they were forecasting snow for most of the country east of us and even including the city of Calgary which is just south of us.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy Monday morning. I hope that you are well this morning. Alvin and I had a great sleep, yes we did. Lights out just after 10:00 as I was reading and still did not finish the book that I am reading. This will be the third time that I have read this book so I know the ending. I am re reading the Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. They are a nice light read and always make me smile. Rebecca or Becky as she is affected referred to, is just one of those characters that you can one minute shake your head in disbelief that someone would do that and in the next one you are feeling so sorry for her or so happy. She also reminds me of me in some aspects. I think she would likely remind most of the population of themselves. If you have never read the series, please do so. I am certain that you would them very most enjoyable. The characters are so well done. I hope that Sophie writes another new one soon. Maybe she has and I just have not heard. Reminder to check.

Well yesterday was a GREAT day. The to do list remains the same as I strayed greatly. Started out with the girls coming for coffee. We had a “muffin” day as everyone brought muffins in addition to my banana pumpkin with orange zest loaf. We had carrot cake muffins with cream cheese icing and then a mix of blueberry, chocolate chocolate chip, and raisin bran. I also had some oranges, (two kinds). We had a lovely visit. I just love these girls. I am so blessed to have such good friends near and far. After the girls left for home, I just settled down on the sofa with Alvin for some snuggles and to finish my coffee. In the end I watched a movie. Afterwards we went for a great walk. Mr. Alvin is feeling better and seems to have rounded the corner of concern and coming out the other side. In the afternoon, I tended to my flowers in the house, ended up trimming back and pulling one of my old bushes from the back garden. The bush used to be so pretty and then at some point it has turned into a thorn bush. I was tired of getting pricked all of the time so I trimmed it back and pulled most of the roots. I had to wear two sets of gardening gloves and the second pair on top were a heavy duty glove. Anyway, I was happy that I got it trimmed back and mostly out. I will need to get a small shovel and dig out the remaining roots. We just had a quiet afternoon for the most part. I made myself a big supper of pork chops and baking sheet of vegetables including sweet potatoes and carrots and onions and brussel sprouts. So good. After supper there was some action outside. A woman that I did not recognize looked like she was herding something as she moved about with her hand in the air. I looked out the window to see that a goose with two goslings was walking down the street. She was stopping traffic so that she could get the geese to safety. When I looked closer and actually went outside as were some of my neighbours, I saw two adult geese with the goslings. Little fluffy balls of cuteness. Nice of this stranger to get out of her car (someone else was driving) and help the geese. She herded them to the back lane which is busy enough but definitely more safe than our busy street where people drive insanely fast. I was happy to see kindness for the innocent birds. They will live to see another day and that is so wonderful.

The sky this morning is overcast. Not cold outside. I am happy that I decided to plant my flowers later.

After the geese were saved, I decided to take Mr. Alvin for a walk to the park. We bumped into another neighbour walking with her two dogs so we chatted and walked home together from the park.

Perhaps that is why we slept so good. FRESH AIR in the evening. Perhaps I will change our after work walk to after supper. Might be better for Mr. Alvin.

Time to go and have my first cup of coffee and start this day.

I hope that you have a great Monday. Be well and safe. I hope that there is something for you to laugh about today. Laughter is truly the best medicine.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. thanks Val for the text last night …….

P.P.S. to Pluto ….. I howled at the moon last night even though it was not visible at that time.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Wow, does it ever seem as though I just said those very words. The sun is shining brightly and the sky is a mix of clouds and clear blue sky. Kind of a ripple effect happening this morning in the sky. But the sun is shining and for now that is all that matters. Gone is the blanket of snow from yesterday morning that covered the ground. The snow incredibly stayed until late morning. It was pretty cool outside but warmed throughout the day. We went for a walk after work and it was okay. Definitely warmed than our previous walk. The temperatures are to be warming and that means only one thing, I CAN PLANT THE FLOWERS THAT I BOUGHT ON MOTHER’S DAY. Hopefully that means on the weekend. The flowers/plants are doing well as they have a nice southern exposure window and are warm and I have water ready for when they need a drink. My kitchen table has never looked more pretty. The lavender smells amazing even though I am congested with allergies. The begonias, pansies, violas, impatiens are all looking so beautiful. There are another two flowers that I do not remember their names. Pops of colour. Orange, Yellow, Purple, Pink and White. My tomato plants are doing well. I need to start thinking about where to plant all these beauties. Some out front while others in pots.

The buds on the trees are turning into leaves, the most exquisite green and even the grass is turning green. I sure wished that our front lawn was green instead of brown. It definitely needs a boost. Even the backyard is green in more places than not.

Soon we shall be seeing the goslings out and about with their Mamas and Papas. They are so cute. Baby ducks, or ducklings will be hatching soon, I think. Spring turning into summer.

I really need a cup of coffee this morning. Mr. Alvin was up and down all night. Quite possibly he may have an ear infection or his paws are really bothering him. I will check his ears and really wished that I could smell better. Poor guy and poor momma with not much sleep.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

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

Thank you for reading my blog over the last decade plus. I cannot believe I have been writing these posts since April 2010. Time flies.

Lots of changes and more to come, I suspect.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well here we are at Thursday once again.

July 11, 2019 ….. WOW crazy.

We are “enjoying” our summer thus far.

I think that every day that I can sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed, get up and stand up and walk away from said bed; is a good, no great day.

The sky is overcast once again but sunshine is in our future.

Tomorrow ….. warmer and sunny all day.

That would be wonderful.

Last night I decided to take my phone/camera on the off chance that the geese would be out and about.

There is so many of them … the chances were good.

I got lucky.

 

Not sure what happened with the one photo at the end …. perhaps hit flash or something but looks cool.

Even Mr. Alvin got into a photo.

I love this tree …. I believe that it s Russian Birch.

So pretty and smells so good.

 

Well I hope that you enjoy my geese photos.

Alvin almost completely ignored the birds last night.

He did look at them once or twice but did not run to them or bark.

We had a great walk and I was so pleased to have photos of the geese.

The babies are all grown up or pretty close now.

I tried to get some photos of the smaller ones but they kept pretty close to each other.

I was holding Alvin on the leash, his water bottle, poop bag and trying to take photos.

It was fun.

 

Time to leave for work.

Have an awesome Thursday.

Filled with Kindness and Respect, as always.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Sky grey this morning, I cannot even say that it is blue as it is definitely grey.

The wind is getting up.

Looks like another rainy day in paradise.

Yesterday the sun shone for a good portion of the day.

You could just see the change in mood across the folks that I came across yesterday.

People were smiling and out walking.

WOW, the numbers were staggering.

People …. families ….. single persons ….. couples …. walking with dogs.

The geese …. the babies are all grown up.

I even came across folks carrying a special water bottle for their dog whose name was Gary.

Oh, Gary and Alvin.

They enjoyed each other’s company.

We saw them twice during our walk ..

I was going to wear just a sweater today but perhaps will wear a light jacket.

Umbrella, of course.

That is been a main staple the past few weeks.

I hear that sunshine is coming.

One friend told me that we have had according to metrologist that a cold front that has been here for over a month is now on the way out.

YAY, well that is good, no great news.

Needless to say that last night Alvin and I enjoyed our walk tremendously.

He is on his blue blanket beside me, as usual.

Funny how this weather has been in the front part of our minds.

Whether we are getting dressed for work or just going outdoors.

Whether we are doing yard work or going for a walk.

Everything this time of year ….

I guess living in Canada …. everything outside is dependant on the weather.

Yup, that is correct.

 

Well I must fly.

I have a couple of things to tend to before leaving for work.

I hope that you have a great day.

Perhaps the sun is shining where you are ….

If not, just keep rolling with your sunny disposition.

What else can you do?

Glum is not an option.

 

Adding to our mantra of kindness and respect …. smiles!

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it is Saturday July 6th, 2019.

Almost one week into July already …. WOW.

Another rainy day although at the moment it is only overcast.

We have been managing to get walks in around the rain for the most part.

Last night we started our walk after work in a light rain, then it stopped and when we were almost home, the rain came down.

We were wet upon arriving home.

So lucky to have seen the multiple families of geese by our park.

The babies are no longer babies.

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

I am so happy that you love my new office wall colour.

I love it so much.

Now for the hard part …. how to place things and what to bring into the office.

So my mind has been swirling with ideas.

Some easy but all time consuming.

So I will get my plan in place before I jump into things.

The colour is amazing.

So brilliant and GREEN.

I love GREEN.

Makes me feel so ALIVE and gives me an all around good feeling.

The office desks are a deep rich brown almost black, perhaps like an expresso colour and my book cases are about that same colour.

They play well off of the vibrant green on the walls.

I love how the green changes in different light.

 

I have also decided to paint this green on a feature wall in the living room.

All of my main furniture in the living room is rich tones of browns except for a chair that is same green palate with brown.

My accents will match perfectly.

Can you imagine how well the Christmas tree will pop in that room?

WOW, wow, wow.

So happy.

 

Well as it was a busy week filled with things other than laundry and house cleaning – time to get at it.

I always find it so strange that I can tell myself when going to bed – that I would like to get up at a specific time and that is the time I wake up.

Last night I thought 7:00 a.m. would be a good time and that was the time that I woke up.

Also noting that Alvin wanted to go downstairs at 3:22 a.m. but that is, his clock not mine.

We did go downstairs at that time and afterward hit the sofa until I woke up at 7:00 a.m.

Our thoughts can literally bring about anything.

 

Well on that note it is time to fly.

I can see laundry, cleaning and a walk in our future.

Also checking on our friend’s flowers …. although they will not require watering today.

 

Happy Happy Saturday.

Enjoy your day.

Reminder to ourselves to be KIND and RESPECTFUL.

I know that sometimes there are people who throw us off being kind and respectful …

But find your way back.

It’s okay.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. longing for some sunshine but I heard a rumour that we are to have very hot temperatures this summer ….. time will tell.

 

 

 

 

I

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Woke up well not the first time at 3:30 when it was still dark but the next time at 5:09 a.m.; there was a strange beautiful golden glow out of the living room window.

Now at 6:18 a.m. the sky is beginning to cloud as was in the forecast.

Sometimes they can be right on the money.

The air has a slight coolness which is helped by the breeze.

I opened the windows upstairs and down to bring in that lovely coolness.

I love the morning air.

The way it tips lightly upon one’s cheek.

Lovingly chasing across your eyelashes.

Kissing your face as you move about …

I love the early mornings.

When there is quiet and stillness.

Through the office window I only hear the whir of cars in the distance and the swish of the trees blowing in the wind.

I love the sound of almost nothing.

How calming and wonderful.

I can imagine myself standing by the trees with the leaves swishing around me.

How wonderful.

Well that golden sky has pretty much disappeared at this point.

Some moisture is good.

I noticed that even though we have had some rain … the back grass area is still on the dry side.

I was thinking that I should water it but will wait and see what happens today with the rain.

 

Last night after supper about 7:00 p.m. – Mr. Alvin and I went for a walk.

It was a bit on the warm side but I took him some water and we walked slowly.

Well I did … Alvin ran ahead as always.

Yes, he is wearing his harness and leash.

We do not leave home without it.

Cannot lose my boy.

I noticed the geese on the pond by our park.

They were swimming in a single line.

Papa, Mama and the goslings.

Or at least that is the order that I imagine.

Definitely the babies were behind.

What a glorious sight.

 

Perhaps wearing a long dress on a forecasted rainy day good idea or not?

Oh well ….

I am dressed now.

 

Well likely time to go and close the windows before the rain begins.

I wish you much joy on this Tuesday.

May your heart and words be filled with kindness.

It does take work but the payoff is tremendous.

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Feeling great this morning as the sun rises higher in the sky spreading its’ light and clearing the night.

The grass is the most brilliant green, my favourite shade of green.

I love Kelly Green and the grass seems to be just that shade …. that wonderful hue.

Makes me smile.

I am wearing my favourite light cardigan …. yes, you guessed it “KELLLY GREEN.”

It makes me happy and if I could wear it everyday or had multiple KELLY GREEN sweaters / tops I would wear them everyday.

This shade of green goes with absolutely everything.

In my mind, anyway.

It goes with Alvin as we stroll down the street.

It provides a good back drop to my navy pants and black ones.

It lights up my face and brings me joy.

Definitely makes me smile.

Isn’t it great that a colour can do all of that?

Absolutely, it is.

Perhaps your Kelly Green is Purple, Blue or Pink.

Whatever it is …. make sure that you wear that colour a good portion of the time.

Making us feel joy is a good thing.

 

Last night Alvin and I walked with our friend P.

We took the long route and it was glorious.

The rain drenched grass and trees are so GREEN right now.

So beautiful.

P counted the goslings that were out and out with their parents.

The total was “30.”

All sizes.

I must take my phone and snap some photos with the camera.

Just in case you have not seen goslings as of late.

Perhaps you have not seen them at so many different stages of growth.

 

Almost time to leave for work.

My carpool is back to work after a nice vacation to Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Yesterday after I arrived at the bus stop in the morning – my neighbour pulled up in her car.

I didn’t call her for a ride as I did not wish to be a bug.

So I was blessed to have had a ride to work.

Great way to start the work week.

 

There is a breeze blowing the divine trees as I look out of my office window.

I feel so blessed to live in my own home.

I feel so blessed to have eyes that I can see the trees swaying in the wind and to see the GREEN.

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by love and support of family and friends.

I feel truly blessed that Alvin chose me.

What a great way to start the day.

 

Remember to be kind.

Be grateful.

Feeling grateful brings you to a good place.

We all need to be there.

Follow your heart and your instincts.

Life is great.

Some small bumps along the way.

But that is life, isn’t it.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Bright sunny morning with just a few clouds dotting the sky.

Yesterday was a glorious day weather wise.

In the morning it was bright and sunny beginning to warm.

Afternoon came around with rain clouds and rain.

One minute it was bright and sunny and the next there was a gentle downpour.

This went on and off all afternoon.

Alvin and I managed to score a wonderful walk in between showers.

Although I would not mind getting caught in a gentle rain shower.

Alvin, would be okay except would have to make certain that his ears were dry on the inside.

He is prone to ear problems so have to be careful.

On our walk we came across several families of geese.

I could tell as there were at least three different sized goslings.

So cute.

We walked by them and checked out their cuteness from the sidewalk.

I was prepared to move onto the grass on the other side.

But they did not seem to mind us as all.

One of the Papas and I will call the goose that as I really have no idea if it was Momma or Papa …. he stared me down as we walked by.

The air was so fresh and clean after the rain.

Felt so good …..

Great walk.

After arriving home I decided that it was a good time to stake up one of my plants in the front flower bed.

Alvin helped me find a stake in the garage.

He stayed in the house to supervise as I fixed the plant out front.

When I was out there …. our friends from down the street … spotted us and popped by for a visit.

J showed me Jazmin’s hair cut ….. she looked so good.

Jazmin is an elder dog with a heart condition, she is doing so good at the moment and I hope for a long while longer.

My friend helped hold the plant while I tied some garden twine to the stake.

Tonight or tomorrow night I have to transplant one of the lilies as the ferns are taking over the front garden.

Will move the lily to a different spot in the garden.

Well almost time to go and catch the bus to work.

Carpool is back in business for tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Will be nice to get home in good time once again.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Monday.

I hope that the sun is shining and if you need a rain shower, I hope that one comes your way.

I hope that love and kindness surround you on this day and always.

Happy Monday to you ALL.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

We had some wonderful rain yesterday throughout the day and into the night.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk with our friend P.

At the beginning of our walk we all saw the geese and goslings.

To our I will say almost horror we saw this family as follows:

1. Father holding a large dog on a leash just a few feet from the geese and their families.
2. Mother holding a bread bag.
3. Two children and one of them with a piece of bread in his hand reaching out to feed one of the geese while the babies were nearby.

Some things really wrong with this picture.

Why would you stand there beside the geese with this big dog that could have easily gotten away and killed the goslings or geese for that matter?

Bread, feeding them bread?

Have they not heard that bread is not good for the geese – they are unable to digest it properly.

Children with hands outstretched.

I was happy to see one of the geese that was being fed – hiss and snapped at the child.

You would think that would be a sign for them to leave.

No, they stayed …..

I know that they are cute but why oh why could they not watch them from a distance.

Putting up a sign NOT TO FEED THE BIRDS …

Well people ignore the signage.

The same way that people do with the KEEP DOGS ON LEASH signs.

Anyway I had to walk away.

The geese are beginning to become used to being fed and that type of scenario.

That familiarity will not suit them well, I do fear.

At the end we were pleased to see the goslings and how big they are becoming.

I hope that they are able to grow to adulthood.

 

Our walk was good …. we chatted ….. felt the raindrops as it started to rain on the homeward stretch.

We had a good conversation/chat and long walk.

It felt good.

Alvin …. enjoyed the walk.

 

I will say the best part of my day is the time that I spend with me Alvin.

Snuggling or playing with him.

Or walking together.

 

I hope that you all have a great Thursday.

Remember we should respect NATURE.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin