2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Thursday, July 1, 2021 – Canada Day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. We are just home from a walk a few minutes ago and I wanted to write this post before it becomes too hot upstairs in my office. At the moment there is a cool breeze wafting in through the open window. I have all of the windows open the house and the temperature is 81 F, which is the lowest it has been in the house for more than a week now.

Last night when I was going to sleep I starting to compose this “poem” if you will and wished that I had got up and wrote down the words as they have changed and evolved as the morning goes on …..

O CANADA

I was born in Canada, raised in Canada and love my country.

I knew early on that some people were treated differently and not always because of skin color.

As a child, I knew of Indigenous peoples.

We hired some of the men from nearby reservations to help out on the family farm.

Why they only lived on the reserves?

I did not really know.

Why there were no Indigenous children at our school?

We learned where the different Indigenous peoples lived, like the Cree, the Sioux and the Blackfoot.

By the time I was a teenager and we had moved to other provinces,

There were some Indigenous children in our rural schools.

No one spoke of or mentioned “residential schools.”

Our history with some being of recent times,

Not written in books for us to read,

Is filled with acts of violence that we find reprehensible and horrific of other countries.

But it is not other countries that fills the news feeds,

Not places where there are religious wars or tribal wars but here.

In this place we call home.

This place called Canada.

This Canada Day we cannot celebrate,

We must not,

Celebrate,

Without acknowledging the hundreds of Indigenous children ripped from their homes,

In the name of religious beliefs and with government approval.

These children suffered more than we could ever know,

They missed their families.

They were not allowed to speak their languages.

They were abused and neglected by “pillars of our communities.”

Many were murdered by these same members of the church and government.

While others were experimented on by the military.

The children that lived through the abuse, neglect and horrors of what was done to them and others,

Continued and continue to suffer as adults.

Their families threatened to silence and worse.

The time has come for us all to stand up.

To stand beside our fellow Indigenous Canadians,

Speak out to the atrocities that they have suffered and continue to,

Recognize and acknowledge,

We cannot go forward without looking back.

O Canada.

My heart hurts for the babies, for the children.

We must hear them, now and forever, and never forget!

Written by CY Lewis on July 1, 2021.

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As I continue to live my life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

December 28, 2020 – close to a New YEAR

Good Morning ALL. Well we sure seem to be sleeping in although we are up earlier and then keep hitting the “snooze button” and returning to the sofa. The sky is most pretty this morning as the sun rises. It is filled with ribbons of blue and pinks and yellows. No visible wind. Looks like another beautiful day. Alvin and I went for a great walk yesterday afternoon. Not quite melting weather but single digits below zero, which cannot complain about this time of year. Today I am going to try on frames for my new glasses. I am excited and nervous as it will be much different than usual. They make appointments to do this, I am not sure exactly how much time I will have to pick them out as I forgot to ask that question when I had my eyes checked and realized that you had to make another appointment. Oh well, I will soon find out. My appointment is for 1:00 p.m. – I might see if I am able to text photos of me in the frame to show my daughter for advice. I am not sure how they have this all set up. I can see the sun starting to brighten up the eastern horizon. How rude of me, I forgot to ask how you are doing? Are you back to work or are you enjoying some extra well deserved time off? I am enjoying the later as our office closes for the time between Christmas and New Year’s. I have decided that I am going to take down the decorations and tree starting tomorrow as it takes a couple of days or so to do this. Big job. I want to have some days before I go back to work that are relaxing. Oh, who am I kidding? For the first time in my life, I am ready to have everything down and ready to bring in the New Year. I have taken down the Christmas decorations or at least started on New Year’s Eve but I cannot remember the last time that I had everything down and put away before New Year’s Eve ….. I don’t think it has ever happened. Perhaps some of my family and friends will remember? Anyway, I think that as this has been such a tangled, unbelievable, no word description of a year that I am going to start the NEW YEAR doing something different. Why not. I may give Mr. Alvin a haircut on the weekend. He needs more food so I will be making a trip to the Vet with on my way home from picking out frames or else will pop over there tomorrow. Likely tomorrow.

Wishing our neighbour and Humphrey’s and Bogart’s Momma a very Happy Birthday. She is feeling under the weather so wishing her a speedy recovery.

Nice to see the sun shine early in the day.

To my daughter and son-in-law as I do not remember who gave me which book, I started reading one of them last night and using my new magnetic bookmark (such a great invention). The book is good. Do not remember the title. Yesterday I wrote in my Christmas Card book – all of the lovely and thoughtful gifts that I received for Christmas 2020. Definitely spoiled this year.

I also went through the freezer and packed up a large container with baking – texted first – then delivered to a family who lives two doors down. I thought what Mom of four has time for much baking and I had so much and I certainly do not need any more. We had a quick visit with me on the sidewalk and her on the porch.

I hear a plane go in for a landing but the airport is 25 minutes away OR perhaps it is a big big truck on the highway. Not sure which but loud. LOL.

Well time to go and get changed and cleaned up. Perhaps I will put on some makeup today as I am going out. Might be a good thing when trying on frames.

Wishing you all a great Monday, December 28, 2020. The New Year is right around the corner and I have a feeling that although it may start off slow meaning we are not going to be rid of this virus as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Actually more than a feeling. My wish for the New Year is for people to listen to the Health Care Professionals. Wear Masks. Social Distance. Stay home. Wash your hands. If you think about it and I know that there were families out there that got together for the holidays not heeding the restrictions set out by the Government / advice by Health Professionals that the new cases are going to once again rise. Was it worth it? I will never understand the reasons why some people may think that it was a necessity to get together for Christmas. I would rather be alone and have another Christmas to celebrate than get together and then have someone die or me.

Sometimes we have to say something.

2021 is going to start quiet. We are going to listen. Christmas 2021 will be spectacular.

Well time to get this show on the road. Argh, almost 9:30. Where does the time go?

Have a great day. Be safe.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion.

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December, 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this Thursday morning? I am great. We are in serious countdown mode to Christmas. As one week today is CHRISTMAS EVE. Sometimes I forget that I am 63 and think that I am 8. Waiting for Santa to arrive. Believing that good will prevail is what always gets me through each day. Positive thinking – faith – believing that I can force change. We all can. So back to Christmas. Are you watching your favourite Christmas programs and movies? I am over the moon happy to have this 58 inch television hanging on my living room wall. So grateful to my kids for giving it to me as they have a new one. I thought that my other t.v. was great, the colour was great, picture was sharp or so I thought. But I have noticed things on the bigger screen that I never saw before …. it has been wonderful. Definitely going to be spending some time watching more movies over the Christmas break.

Our City has serious restriction protocols in place at this time until into January so we cannot have company other than the people in your “bubble” and my bubble is two extra people other than myself. So my kids are my “pod” for this time. There are so many new words or old words have new meaning in this pandemic. Like pod and bubble to name just a couple. But at the end of the day I am grateful that our government and leadership are listening to the scientists and medical professionals and clamping down. It is not ideal at this time of year for sure but it is for the best, so that we do not have spikes and lose even more dear souls. We also have to remember to reach out to those folks who are struggling. If you have a neighbour who is alone, seniors who live down the street or you know someone who needs help, please reach out. Even if you do not have the financial resources to help, perhaps you can give them information that can help or even just to listen. Now I know we cannot go into houses to help but you can talk from the sidewalk or facetime or phone. We still have phones you know. Please make this Christmas about more than you and your family. Make it about helping someone who is struggling …. you never know what a phone call can do to lift someone’s spirits, to give them hope. Besides I truly believe that we are all here to help one another. If we were meant to be alone …. there would not be 8 billion or so people on this planet. Reach out. Please. Let this be the part of 2020 that brings lightness to what has been a dark year for so many. We can do this.

With kindness, respect and compassion we will get through this pandemic.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to DAY FIVE of working from home.

We have company this morning.

Humphrey is joining us for the day.

Poor boy has a dew claw that is grown in.

The cat that has three legs.

I think Alvin has been talking to him and realized that he is hurting as he is whining.

Poor Humphrey.

Hopefully his Mom is able to get him into the VET shortly.

 

We only managed to get one partial walk in yesterday.

It was messy out and we got about halfway on our new route and Alvin had enough and turned for home.

I did make several attempts to sway him into continuing but alas we turned around and came home.

We received word yesterday that at this point it appears that we will remain closed to the public and continue to work from home until April 30th.

They will reassess the situation mid April and take it from there.

I am slowly getting into this and it is becoming less stressful.

I am grateful to have more time at home with Alvin especially as he is getting older.

I am grateful to have a much SHORTER commute.

I am grateful that I have a job and that I can work from home and continue to be paid.

 

Life goes on.

Yesterday I managed to have a nice chat with one of my dear friends.

She is the one that has the amazing yard and flowers every year.

We had been playing tag for quite some time and they had gone for a cruise at the end of January and home near end of February.

They had no outbreaks on the ship but when they arrived home they made sure to self-isolate.

Her husband has some heart issues so that was important.

 

After supper and clean up was done, I was on FB for a little bit.

Commenting on a friend’s post about her Dad’s birthday.

Another friend also posted.

At that moment, I wondered their connection.

But did not take the time to ask? (privately, of course).

A little while later, the friend asked me how I knew them.

Then we chatted via messenger for a nice long while.

Finding more connections we have …..

What a small world.

The Dad and that friend, I knew the family from my childhood.

One of the sister was a dear friend of mine and has since passed away from Cancer.

The friend that knew this family had so many connections to them herself and through her late husband (who was a dear friend of mine).

 

How wild and wonderful is this time on earth we call our lives!

Well I am running a tad late as I decided why would I get up so early when I could just rest on our nice cozy sofa.

THen the phone rang and it was Humphrey’s Mom.

The coffee pot is calling my name.

It always takes a few minutes to get everything set up on the computer.

 

I hope this finds you well.

Relaxing and less stressed this week than last.

Each day that passes and we make it through is a good one.

We will endure, we always will.

Will things be different after this has ended.

You betcha, things will be different.

Businesses will realize that they can continue business with employees working from home.

New business practices will arise.

Governments will make some stark realizations, and perhaps start working together to have a GLOBAL PLAN in place.

Unfortunately I think this will keep happening.

Humans are a strange creature and always doing things we were not meant to do.

 

Be safe and kind to others.

Fill your days with goodness and respect.

There is always something you can do for yourself and for others.

I think spring cleaning can be started.

Watch the videos of a little doggie named “Pluto.”

He makes me smile and laugh so loud.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, the sun is rising and the sky is clear.

Sunny day, oh I hope so.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and today with us, Humphrey.

Friends come in all sizes and shapes.

Don’t worry thankfully these are old photos and Humphrey is not wearing the bright yellow cone.

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well the sky is overcast this morning in Edmonton.

Alvin and I have been up for a bit now.

Just pondering the situation of the world.

This CORONAVIRUS has made some people into selfish bastards.

Or perhaps just shown their true selves.

I am going to use that word because that is what it seems.

Why else would anyone need to scour their towns and cities and buy up carts full of bathroom tissue.

It started there.

Now people are buying up meat in large quantities, cleaning supplies and all sorts of food items.

Lineups are out the door at grocery stores.

As the shelves become more bare and the stores are not able to keep up with the demand, as more and more people are infected.

Over time of course, this will affect the truck drivers bringing the food items to us.

What about the farmers, the factory workers and so on.

What will happen?

Greed through the ages and in 2020 it is running as rampant as ever.

If you think that it is funny or that you are out to make a profit ….. guess again.

At some point it will come back and bite you in the ass.

This whole thing has made me just plain mad and oh, so disappointed in the human race.

I know that it is not everyone but come on people.

If we stay calm and follow the “rules” set out by our Health Care Providers we will be okay.

Yes, I know that there will be deaths and that is of course very tragic and I could be one.

NO one knows.

But please this is 2020 and we should have learned a lesson or two by now.

 

I will, me, myself and I remain calm in this STORM.

Panic, I will not.

I promise to do the best to help others who cannot help themselves.

Please remember those who live from cheque to cheque.

There are many of us on the planet.

Ranging from young to old.

Buy what you need as you normally would.

 

As the snow gently hits the ground, I am in the realization that I am okay.

Alvin and I have food in the fridge and the pantry.

We have a warm home to live in.

I am grateful to all those who make this all possible for us every day.

Those folks who work in jobs where there is no “staying home” to weather this storm.

The Nurses, the Doctors, the City Employees and the list is long.

We are grateful to you.

Keep safe and in good health.

 

I hope that you have a good Saturday.

Be in good health.

Be KIND AND RESPECTFUL in all that you do most especially at this time.

 

Always, Carol &  Alvin

 

Remember the government, politicians and other leaders cannot do this by themselves, it is up to each one of us to do our part.

We are all human beings and must work together.

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of October, 2015.

Another gorgeous morning …. no rain, which is good.

Only a handful of days left until Halloween.

The house is decorated inside and out.

Bought “treats.”

Likely not the best decision I have ever made …. just have to keep those hands out of the candy bowl ……

Well here we are in the middle of autumn.

Sadly most of the leaves have fallen or were BLOWN off of the trees.

I must say that the ones remaining I am thoroughly enjoying …. love those rich warm colours.

Most people have been taking advantage of this great weather and getting their yards prepared for the next season.

I did mine a few weeks ago now …. only had to rake about 4 times …. but it is good exercise.

Our fall has been so gorgeous ….. some wind and the odd rainy day but overall beautiful.

Walks with Alvin at night … all I can say is that I could just keep on walking.

I want this to last forever.

But sadly I know it will not.

I do worry / think about global warming and hope that governments and citizens will start to be more accountable.

Well here it is almost time to leave for that old bus …. actually most of the buses seem relatively new …. so that is good.

The construction carries on in our surrounding neighbourhood and throughout the city ….. everyone taking advantage of this weather.

Good for business, I guess.

Okay …. enough thinking and time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you have a great day.

Take advantage of this day and go for a walk.

Take your puppy or a friend …. just go outside.

Enjoy.

Special Hello to: all my fellow inhabitants of the planet Earth – let us be better citizens, please.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2015.

We have a new government voted in last night in Canada.

The Liberal Party won with a majority vote.

So let us see what they can do for us.

Congratulations Justin Trudeau.

Change can be good.

 

I certainly know all about change.

In the years prior to moving to Alberta my life was pretty much the same.

With this I mean …. that I got up …. went to work and went home.

I did volunteer work and visited with my friends and family.

Work was for the most part the same.

Although we did implement a new computer system in the 90’s.

I knew my job …. lived in the same apartment …..

Since 2008 my life has been full of change.

Some good some not.

But all I can say is that you have to embrace whatever comes your way.

You always have a choice not matter what the situation is ….

Choice is to make it okay or not.

Why stress over CHANGE when it comes into your life.

Just hold onto to it, and run.

If you put a positive spin on change it will not seem so overwhelming.

Why stress ….. I think in these past few years that most people have been dumped right into the midst of change.

Change in the economy and to their jobs.

Change in family and friends.

Change in health.

Change.

So on this Tuesday …. when change comes your way ….. embrace it.

We do absolutely require CHANGE to grow.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Special Hello to:  so grateful for the video chat with my sister and great niece on Sunday night.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of May, 2015.

Waking up to a brand new world for Albertans.

After 44 years of Progressive Conservatives in government we have a new party leading the way, the New Democratic Party.

Perhaps a change will get us back on track.

Also woke up to SNOW ….. yes, SNOW.

I could hardly believe it and then my thoughts went back to last night and there was just something in the air.

Confirmed this morning when I looked out of the window.

“Oh, and when my friend and I arrived for bootcamp we were surprised to see a POLLING STATION.

They forgot to tell us….. oh well.”

On mornings like these it would be nice to just let Alvin out to do his morning constitutional and then go back to BED.

But that is not happening this day as I am off to work.

Yes, I have not forgotten to go and see Miss Aussie, she needs some attention, food, water and medicine.

Oh, and our new Premiere is a WOMAN.

So on this Wednesday I am grateful for the moisture even though it is not clear and requires me to carry an umbrella.

I am grateful for change in our government, which I believe to be a good thing.

I am grateful to be ahead of schedule this morning.

I am grateful to be alive and in good health.

I am grateful that Alvin loves to be on my lap while I write in my gratitude journal before breakfast.

So this is a “GRATE”day.

Well I have to add a couple of items to the outdoor apparel before leaving to see Miss Aussie and for my walk to the bus.

I hope that you have a grand day …..

Special Hello to: all of the Mothers out there this is our week …… we are grateful for each and every MOM.

Always, Carol and Alvin