Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of October, 2018.

It has been an odd morning here in our house.

Nothing bad for sure, just odd.

We were up at 4:00 originally which is not out of the ordinary for us.

Alvin had his breakfast, some water and outside for a bathroom break.

At 4:02 a.m. I set the microwave timer for 75 minutes which would have brought us to 5:17 a.m.

Then we hit the sofa for that extra sleep.

Next thing I know I checked my watch and to my horror it read 5:40 a.m.

I had to rub my eyes and recheck the time.

I must have slept through the timer.

Up fast and into the kitchen.

I wrote in my gratitude journal ….. slept in no time to write……thinking I am grateful that I still had time to do most everything else if I got to it.

So I ate breakfast,

Showered.

Got dressed.

Now writing this post.

 

At the rear of my house (which is where my office is located) I can hear a small dog barking in the near distance.

I think it is the same dog that barks most of the time.

This leads me to believe that the dog is outside all of the time.

I believe that I am going to investigate in the daytime (after work).

Poor little thing.

Why have dogs if they cannot stay in the house, especially if they are small.

There are no lights out back and when I opened the window it was pitch black (at this time).

Poor little thing.

 

I look at my little Alvin and think to myself that both him and I are so lucky.

So blessed to have found each other.

There are days perhaps when one or the other of us might be less than patient with the other but we would never hurt the other one.

I would NEVER leave him outside all of the time.

At the end of the day, I know he is snuggled next to me and is safe.

 

I am surprised that no one has called in a complaint to the city for the barking?

Why the once for Alvin and none for this little guy?

Perhaps if the city came out …. they could help him out.

Well in the meantime I will look into this matter.

Discreetly, of course.

 

Well almost time to leave as I am catching the bus today as my carpool is sick.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

If you are going to have a pet …. be respectful of them.

They are living breathing creatures just like us.

 

Special Hello to:  my daughter and son-in-law who are the best parents to my grand-puppies.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of October, 2018.

Yay, it is the weekend.

The weekend that we give thanks.

We should always give thanks.

Our buddy Teddy will be coming this morning to spend the day with us.

Alvin needs a hair trim (mostly his paws) and a bath.

He does not like the hair cut.

Bath he tolerates.

Looking to fulfil my part of our collaborative art project (with my daughter).

Laundry is already starting.

Again Mr. Alvin wanted to get up to stay up at 3:00 a.m. ISH.

ARGH.

But I took him downstairs and he did go outside (so that was good).

Then back upstairs to BED where after many minutes of saying “back to bed” etc. – he finally curled up and stayed there until almost 7:00 a.m.

He is quite the character.

This morning I decided as it is Thanksgiving and part of being grateful is LOVE.

If you are in gratitude you are in love.

I wrote this back in August 2010 and it is in memory of my grand-pups Elton and Penny who have since passed but are NOT FORGOTTEN.

Even Alvin remembers when I mention their names.

Wags his tail.

We miss them every day.

So grateful that they were a part of our lives.

I am so grateful that I lived out here for a few years and was able to spend lots of time with them both.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Supposed to be +10 degrees celsius today.

It was nice when I raked the leaves from the front lawn.

I did both mine and my neighbours to the tune of three bags full of leaves.

I enjoyed every moment of that experience.

Likely the most leaves we have had to this point.

Mostly my leaves.

I love FALL.

 

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

 

WHAT I LOVE

I love my family.

I love my dog Alvin.

I love the rain.

I love the sunshine.

I love the smell of roses.

I love being me.

I love a beautiful fall morning.

I love my friends.

I love people that walk their dogs.

I love the dew in the morning.

I love a knock on my door.

I love that first cup of coffee in the morning.

I love my grand-puppies, Elton & Penny.

I love the smell of babies.

I love a nice long walk.

I love the smell of fresh laundry.

I love the smell of my perfume, CHANCE.

I love my nieces and nephews, each and every one.

I love meeting people.

I love to travel.

I love my hair.

I love my feet.

I love a shiny penny found on the street.

I love “Maggie May” playing on the radio.

I love a fresh strawberry.

I love good conversation.

I love this beautiful planet.

I love the smell of the forest.

I love the smell of my flowers on a hot summer day.

I love chatting with my friends on Facebook.

I love the thought of love.

I love the feeling of love.

I love the grace of love.

I love the action of love.

I love, love.

That’s what I love.

CYLewis, written August 23rd, 2010 (inspired by my doggies who are patiently waiting downstairs for me, hey Alvin, Elton & Miss Penny).

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are inspired to write about LOVE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of May, 2018.

A gorgeous morning.

Slight breeze.

Sunshine.

Perfection.

 

Alvin slept until the alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. – we were up to stay up, then.

We are on pet patrol – meaning I am pet sitting for a friend and neighbour.

So in order to look after everyone – we are staying up.

Poor Humphrey was not impressed that I did not stay for long this morning.

Cinder, the gecko – well she does not utter a word.

I was over several times on the weekend and stayed for longer periods of time.

Humphrey is the Cat.

He is a good guy and likes to go outside.

What a great weekend – surrounded by animals and children.

…………………………………………………………………………….

May 28, 2010 – Watching my Grand-puppies. (This was before I started “Thought for the Day”).

Appears that having fur babies around me has been happening for a long time.  These ones were extra special to me and I think of them everyday.

My kids left this morning for a week.  They flew to Toronto.  So Elton and Penny are spending the time with me and Alvin.  I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised at how well behaved they have been.  It was off to a bit of a slow start with last night.  Elton must have missed his Mom and Dad because he just couldn’t settle down.  Alvin spent the night following Penny around the bed.  Yes, they all slept with me.  They are cute and I love them.  Well, have to run.  I will share some stories later of our time together…….  It will be an earlier night as I believe I slept for a total of 3 hours last night.

Ah…… poor Grandma…..  🙂

…………………………………………………………………………..

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of May, 2014.

Wow the skies are playing magic tricks this morning.

When I first was up the sun was rising.

Then it was shining.

Now the sky is overcast.

If I wait for another minute the sun will be shining once again.

Mother Nature in all her glory.

So beautiful.

We have certainly needed and enjoyed the moisture received over the past few days.

Our grass is such a nice green now.

I hope that wherever you are  ….. that you are enjoying perhaps green grass and trees and pretty flowers.

Maybe you live near the ocean and are enjoying walking in the sand.

I am so grateful that I have eyes to see this beautiful planet.

I am so grateful that I have ears to hear all the sounds on this beautiful planet.

I am so grateful that I can tell everyone about everything I see and hear.

I am so grateful that I can smell all the fragrances and aromas all around me.

Thank you.

I hope that you are enjoying every piece of this planet …..

Take it in and enjoy.

Treat it all with love and respect ….. every bit.

……………………………………………………………………………….

I guess over the years weather, Mother Nature and our babies have been most important.

I love to look back and read what was happening on the same date years ago.

Well time is a rolling along.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket – which has become a routine for him.

So happy to see the sunshine but there is some rain in the forecast for Wednesday.

We could use some moisture.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who write …. I love to read, keep writing and sharing.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of December, 2017.

My last Steeped Tea order for this year arrived on Friday – I packed it all ready for delivery.

As the whole order goes to my co-workers my neighbour was kind enough to give me a ride to work.

Taking it on the bus wold be almost impossible – in one trip.

 

Today feels like a day to share photos of Christmas Time now and then, just a few:

 

2017

2009-2016

Me and my sister from a Christmas long ago …. I think about 1960…

2016 – I love what is under my Christmas Tree …….

We had a lovely weekend.

We walked each day which was great and it was the nicest weather yesterday afternoon.

I spent a couple of hours shopping with my friend “P.”

She had to run to Safeway and some other places so I tagged along.

I had decided not to cook a turkey this year and was going to make chicken breasts.

When we went to Safeway – my friend remarked on the sale on turkeys.

Well ended up she decided we should have a turkey and bought me/us one.

She said instead of giving me baking …. she went with a turkey.

I have such sweet and thoughtful friends.

Maybe turkeys are on sale where you live and maybe there is someone who needs a turkey.

I was not in need but am grateful for her generous spirit.

Not quite certain but I THINK that Mr. Alvin was not happy that I went out without him.

Poor little guy.

When I delivered some Christmas Sweets to some of the neighbours – he was not happy as I could hear him howling.

Yikes.

Thank goodness that was short lived.

I wrapped everything but two items that I am working on – have to put things into high gear.

Not long now.

 

Well almost time to start the final prep to leave the house for work.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Monday.

Just breathe ….. I know…… time is going so quickly.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of August, 2017.

The sky is begin to brighten as the days grow shorter with our sunrises later.

The grand-puppies are coming to spend the day with Alvin.

I only just mentioned to him and it brought him running from outside.

Hard to believe that the weekend is over.

Whenever you are having fun the time flies.

Well I will have to make this short as I have a couple of things to do to prepare for the grand-puppies arrival.

I hope that you all had an awesome weekend.

Ours was FANTASTIC.

Happy Monday to you all.

 

Special Hello to: my friends all over this country and the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 and it is the day before my 60th Birthday.

Wow, the time really has flown.

It has been quite the experience trying to come up with new things relating to me and my life for each post for 60 days.

There are so many August Birthdays between Family and Friends that it almost fills up my birthday calendar.

I am hosting my birthday supper this evening and am excited.

Cooking some of my family’s favourites.

One of my co-workers bakes cakes so I asked her to do mine for me.

She dropped it off at the house yesterday.

It is gorgeous.

Will post some photos tomorrow.

Carrot cake – my favourite and I cannot wait to dig in.

My sister’s son and family are unexpectedly in the area so they will be dropping by for a visit this afternoon.

My brother from Calgary will be arriving later this afternoon.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies will be coming for supper.

Cannot wait.

Well time to get going.

Tomorrow is all about photos.

Life in photos ……

Always, Carol

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 and it is the 8th day until my 60th Birthday.

The 8th day will be my Birthday.

How about some cute photos on this 8th day until my 60th!

Something to bring a smile to your face and mine.

Elton and Penny, the grand-puppies.

They were the best grand-pups ….

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Ah, Miss Penny a few years back

Just TOO Cute……  Elton and Penny.

Alvin and Penny ….. Besties.

First snowman me and my sister made since we were kids ….. (2009)

I love this photo ….. my boy lying on the top of the stairs.

Love Dragonflies

Baby Milo and Sir Elton – Fall 2016

Aspen and Baby Milo – Christmas 2016

Hens & Chicks ??? A plant!

Man it is cold out here?  Can I come in now?

Snowy Owl – so beautiful.

There be GEESE ….

Ah, the babies.

His spot ….

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of February, 2017.

Well after some snow last night, I see shovelling in my immediate future.

Front sidewalks, deck and driveway at the back.

I just have to recant a cute story from actually just a few minutes ago.

Alvin wanted to go outside.

He took with him one of his chew treats.

Just as he went out – we both noticed a Magpie sitting on top of the fence with one of Alvin’s chew treats in his/her beak.

Well, I chuckled out loud while Alvin jumped up to try and retrieve the chew treat but the Magpie was too quick and flew away.

It was one of the cutest things that I have ever seen but happened so quickly that I had no chance to grab my camera.

Note: to Alvin, do not leave your chew treats on the deck.

I would have loved to have seen the Magpie picking it out of the snow.

Time to go and shovel.

My daughter and grand-puppies are coming for a visit this morning.

I guess that will depend on the highway.

I would not blame her if she passed …..

The plan is to have pancakes with a surprise ingredient.

I will not say as she usually reads my blog.

So if you have snow or even if you do not …..

Somedays you just need some beautiful flowers.

Okay, perhaps a lot of pretty flowers.

After you glimpse these beautiful flowers – simple close your eyes and imagine the most glorious fragrances.

Now what a great way to start your Sunday.

Summer of 2009, my first summer here in Edmonton

More pretty flowers……from my first summer in Edmonton

FLOWERS FOR FRIENDS

Happy Valentine’s Day

Finding a place to showcase this piece…

Beautiful roses,
Not long away,
My gift to you,
Happy Easter …..

Flowers for Easter ….. Happy Spring.

Flowers in the garage ready to be planted.

 F

More flowers

My flowers …. so proud

Flowers still blooming late in the season

The flowers are from over the past few years. Some from my garden, others from Devonian Gardens near Edmonton, a painting, special occasions and more

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina……

Always, Carol and 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 Monday the 21st day of December, 2015.

YAY, there are only 3 days left until Christmas EVE.

Both Alvin and I are super excited this Christmas.

We are travelling a short distance to spend Christmas with my daughter, his sister and my son-in-law and his brother-in-law and the grand-puppies, his niece and nephew.

YAY, Spruce Grove here we come.

Just a few days ….

Christmas dinner will be catered.

Can you believe it?

I feel so pampered and blessed.

We even get to pack a bag …… how cool is that …. a sleepover.

Visiting and playing games and relaxing …. that will be my Christmas.

How wonderful is that?

 

The next few days will zoom by …..

Next thing we know it … Christmas will be here.

Today is the cookie exchange at work.

3 dozen iced sugar cookies will be on their way shortly to the office.

Thank goodness that I am able to catch a ride with my neighbour.

 

I am all ready for the big day.

So excited.

 

All my family and friends that I cannot see for this holiday season you hold a special place in my heart and mind.

I think of you each day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.

Merry Christmas to each of you and the most wonderful New Year.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Pack up those cookies ….. and lunch, too.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Cookies for work.

The fudge wanted to get into the photo with the cookies…..