The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Easter Monday morning? I am happy that I remain on vacation till Thursday. The sun is shining brightly. Alvin and Mi-Mi are in the office with me while Aspen remains on the big brown armchair resting and looking out of the window. I cannot believe that their time with me is fast coming to an end. Hard to believe almost one week since they arrived. We have had a great time. The pups have all got along. I have enjoyed our walks. There has been a lot of relaxing time for me and the pups. I guess that I must have needed to be more still.

After I have coffee and do a couple of things I am going to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath followed by my shower and then I will start taking the pups for a walk. First Miss Aspen for our 45-60 minute walk and then the boys for about 25-30 minutes. I should be getting mobile and taking Miss Aspen for another walk during the day but I just do not have the get up and go to do so. I know that she would love it. I appreciate that she is so good and I feel badly that I am not being a better Grandma.

The temperature is supposed to be double digit plus temperatures today so that will be great and hopefully it will be calm.

Yesterday on our walk, the walk with Miss Aspen, we came across geese. She immediately goes into “hunting mode” with her head down and just looking intensely at the birds. The birds were right in the middle of the sidewalk by one of the nearby ponds. We could have turned around and gone back the way we came from but I was determined that we would walk all the way around the big pond. I held her close with the leash and said close. I also told her “good girl.” Although every instinct in her body was fighting to run, she held still and listened to her Grandma. What a good girl she is! That was the closest we have been to the geese. We came across more but they were up on the grass a bit away from the sidewalk so it was okay. She still had that look. Kind of scary and thank goodness she listens so well. We even stopped for a little boy just learning to walk – give her a pet. She is good with children. Most times if we come across other dogs, I just give them a wide berth.

I just got a text from my daughter and they are on their way to Red Rock Canyon for the day. It is so beautiful there. They will certainly love it. Great photo op. I took only a million, lol.

Well time to head downstairs and have that first cup of coffee calling my name. Get the counter cleaned of and prepare for Mr. Alvin’s haircut. I wonder if he will be more calm with the pups here. I am hoping so.

Happy Easter Monday.

Be well and enjoy your day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, Miss Aspen and Mi-Mi.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Sorry for the lateness of this post.

Today is one of the couple of late shifts that I am required to work for my job.

Since we started to work from home, the higher ups thought it would be nice for us to have our after hours phone line answered by staff for a few hours instead of the security company

that we have hired.

So couple of time or so each month we take turns working from 11:00 a.m.  until 7:00 p.m.

It is okay but I much prefer my 8:00 am. until 4:00 p.m.

After all it is not like I do not speak to my clients all day long.

Our “lunch break” ends up being at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

 

Today is to be another warm one for us here in Edmonton.

There is a breeze thank goodness as I want to take Alvin for a walk after I finish this post.

I should have got my back side out of bed earlier, oh what, yes I was up earlier, several times in fact.

Went to bed later and then up early with Alvin and the story goes.

Anyway, no complaints.

 

The surgery for my family member went went and he is doing great.

I have the office window open and can hear everyone’s dogs barking.

I am not sure if people leave their pups out for hours on end or not.

But I am inclined to investigate.

Cause some of the barking is not from large dogs.

 

Last night at 10:22 p.m. it was still light outside here in Edmonton.

I snapped some shots of the sky it was so beautiful.

Oh, I baked several dozen chocolate chip cookies last night, as well.

I love that the moon looks so far away in this shot.

By the time I came out later after dark it was up close and personal.

So beautiful.

My Irises starting to bloom in the front.

The first ones to bloom and were damaged in the hail on Tuesday afternoon.

Some shots from our deck as it was hailing.

 

Well Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting for me.

I guess it is time to go for a walk.

Then home and have breakfast and COFFEE.

 

Wishing you all the most perfect day.

Filled with sunshine and perhaps even roses.

I forgot to tell you about the roses near our park.

They are blooming and the fragrance is so divine.

Seems like heaven.

With this breeze it will carry and be enjoyed by all.

Especially by me, I love those roses.

Reminds me of my Grandma, who always had the most exquisite roses in her garden.

All different colours.

 

Happy Thursday.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well good morning and welcome to FRIDAY.

What a beautiful morning and what a beautifully warm evening we had.

Alvin and I went for a walk and after a short way we bumped into our little friend JACK and his Mom.

We haven’t seen each other for several weeks or maybe even months.

So we walked together, the boys sniffed and we visited.

Poor little Jack despite the warmer temperatures had to be warmed and carried from time to time by his Momma.

Last night was one of those night that Alvin had decided we were not walking all the way and when he turned for home, we all did.

I am grateful that this is Friday and for the weekend.

I enjoy my time at home with my home.

Sometimes we have company and there is a possibility that my daughter, Alvin’s sister might stop by for a visit.

Everyone lives such busy lives and with time passing like a speeding train, we often lose track of the time.

It may feel like it has only been a couple of weeks but in actuality it is two months.

That is time for you.

It waits for no one.

Last night I had thought of something that I wanted to pass to you all this morning but alas I have forgot.

Too many random thoughts running helter skelter through my mind.

Should have written those pearls of wisdom on paper.

Or in notes on my phone.

Oh well, perhaps they will come back to me at some point.

 

I wish you all on this Friday ….. good health, laughter with friends, family and strangers, abundance, joy and some time just for you.

If we all treat each other with kindness and respect, what an awesome place this world would be.

 

Happy Friday.

Oh, today is my paternal Grandma’s birthday.  She was born February 21, 1901 and passed in 1998 at age 97.

I think of her often with love and more questions.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of May, 2019.

Happy Birthday to a gal who has been family since I was a teenager.

Happy Birthday to L back home ….. have a great day.

 

The sky is partially overcast but I can see the sun rising with promises of perhaps a beautiful day.

Our sky tells us a story every day of what it will be like outdoors or even how we may be feeling at that moment.

There are times like this past week or two where it has been changing from minute to minute and hour to hour.

The rooftops, decks and lawns are all covered with what looks like a heavy frost but in fact is a frosting of sticky snow.

When we went to bed the rooftops, decks and lawns that we can see where all clear but not this morning.

Summer will be here soon and then it will be time to start thinking about where and what to plant.

My friend P who has the most gorgeous flowers and garden …. has a walkout (basement) full of flowers that she has already started.

They are away to Mexico for a few days so Mr. Alvin and I are on watering duty.

Every day they are getting bigger and bigger.

Once again she will win “my prize” for the most beautiful garden.

She has pansies and crocuses and others that are already blooming and lots of green in her garden.

My front flower patch still looks “not alive” but I am hoping that something will break through as I have many perennials planted there.

Time will tell.

She definitely has a green thumb.

Their home is filled with a wide variety of plants and small trees.

I look forward to watering duty today.

Lucky Mr. Alvin, as she left him a bag of treats so that he could have one or two while I was busy watering and checking the plants.

He knows they are there and gets so excited when we enter the house.

 

Well today on this Saturday.

Sticking close to home.

Always happy to hear some good news.

Right?

 

I have some tea orders to submit later today.

Summer Berry Sangria and Ginger Ale my favourite summer drink.

 

Well the laundry will not wash itself.

Kind of happy to be putzing around the house and getting things done.

I must have had a bug but am starting to feel my own self once again.

Perhaps in part to this weather.

No sun for me is the worse.

I need the sun even though I am not a fan these days of being out in the hot sun for extended periods of time.

Short times are perfect.

Maybe a couple of hours or so working in the yard.

But taking a break is good.

When I was young …… outside all day …..

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: all those people who have a green thumb, my Grandma Stella was one of them during her life on this earth.  Missing her.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 29th day of July, 2018.

Happy Birthday to one of my great nephews who turns “7” today.

I will be seeing him in two sleeps along with his Grandma (my sister), his Mom and brothers.

Lots to do before they arrive.

We were up early for a Sunday.

Up at 5:00 and Alvin ate and did his business.

To the sofa until 6:30 and then we went for a walk.

The forecast is for over 30 degrees celsius today.

Makes it HOT doing housework and for walks.

After I finish this post I will settle in and clean the bathrooms and floors upstairs.

Followed by same downstairs on the main floor.

Always better to do jobs like cleaning when it is somewhat cool.

I opened all of the windows at 5:00 a.m. so was able to reduce the interior temperature from 79 to 73.

Will close the windows shortly and keep all of the blinds closed this will keep the house cool for most of the day.

The front lawn has to be mowed this morning before it gets hot but have to wait as it is wet.

Placing Steeped Tea and NORWEX orders today.

Seems like there is a lot on my TO DO LIST.

How did that happen?

I cannot believe that August is only a few days away.

WOW.

 

We certainly enjoyed our early morning walk.

The birds were singing their songs and a few dogs were barking in the distance.

The grass wet with dew.

The fountain was running at our pond/lakes.

So nice to hear the water running in the background.

No one was out and about – just me and Alvin.

 

Well I guess there is no time like the present.

Get busy and get those chores done before it gets hot.

 

Always a good thing to do your chores early.

Then there will time to relax when it is hot.

Perhaps watch a movie this afternoon in front of the fan.

 

Yesterday I gave Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath.

He seems to fuss more and more.

 

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Enjoy the day.

Back to work tomorrow.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter who is the sunshine of my life.

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 Sunday the 28th day of January, 2018.

Wow, the sky is filled with BRIGHT beautiful SUNLIGHT.

YAY.

It is cold out but not minus 30 and not snowing.

Life is good.

Life is great.

My daughter called earlier and should be here shortly…

Shortly is now.

When I looked out the office window to hear some noise I saw that my neighbour was going into her garage so I ran to my room and my daughter just arrived.

She brought both puppies.

The last couple of times it was only the little one, Milo as he travels better than his big sister Aspen.

I grabbed my coat and put on my boots to go and help bring in the pups.

My daughter said that Aspen went out and jumped into the car (in the garage).

So that was a sign that she wanted to come along to see Grandma and Alvin.

 

Well I must go and visit with my family.

I hope that your Sunday is going as great as mine.

 

Special Hello to: you ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Friday, August 4rd, 2017 and it is the 6th day until my 60th Birthday.

It is hard to concentrate on anything else as my dear little sister arrives tonight.

She is flying in from Regina, Saskatchewan.

So looking forward to seeing with her and catching up in person.

 

Well I think over the past 50 plus days we have covered almost aspects of my life, thoughts, dreams and aspirations.

I have an idea for the day of my birthday for this post which will require some additional time.

 

One of my most favourite times of year is Christmas.

I love the colours, the music, the festive ambiance, decorating the tree and my house and BAKING.

I love sharing said baking with family and friends.

Here are some of my decorations:

These tiny Angels were made by my Daughter and my Mom shortly before she passed away.

Did I mention that I love to wrap gifts.

Christmas at my house

Wrapped gifts …. so beautiful….

One of my most favourite tree ornaments

 

Inside and Outside.

Maybe because it has been warm that I am really thinking about Christmas.

 

Just a few of my favourite time of year.

 

Have a wonderful Friday….

Always, Carol

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday, July 13, 2017 and it is the 28th day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay back to memories ….. this may take some doing.

I think I was at 1967?

1967: Having my birthday party at the lake with cousins, roasting hot dogs over a fire and a homemade birthday cake.

1968: My family packed up the station wagon and drove to McAllen, Texas where we rented a house and spent the winter.

1969: Baling hay in the summer with my sister and pulling weeds in our HUGE garden.

1970: A bright pink jersey peasant style dress, and my first dance at school.  I can still hear the music in my head and see everyone lining the walls swaying to the tunes.

1971:  Moved from the farm in Saskatchewan to British Columbia.  Some of the saddest days of my life.  Moving away from my best friend. High School…. Picked berries with my Mom & Sister for the summer.

1972:  Moved to Alberta, another new High School in another province.

1973:  My Grandpa died in a farming accident and I moved back to Saskatchewan to live with my Grandmother (age 16).

1974:  Moved from the farm into neighbouring small town (Saskatchewan).  Changing schools yet again.

1975:  First summer after High School Graduation and then started first real paying job with SEARS in Regina.

1976:  Major life change ….. got engaged.

1977:  Another life change …. got married. Another life change – I became an Aunt for the first time…… my first born nephew…..he is the best.

 

Always, Carol

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday June 22, 2017 and it is the 49 day until my 60th Birthday.

The list continues:

24.   My kelly green cardigan

23.   Walking barefoot in lush green grass

22.   Walking barefoot in warm soft sand at the ocean

21.   Smell of babies

20.   Being in my very own house/home

19.   Picking berries the summer of 1971 with my Sister and my Mom

18.   Learning to how dance with my Grandma Stella

17.    Walking down the back way to the Sherwood Village Mall with my daughter on our way to have lunch on my Fridays off from work.

16.   Memories of adventures / sleepovers with the little ones

15.  Memories of playing cards with my Grandpa Jim.

14.   My Grandma Stella’s homemade jelly rolls, cookies …. anything she baked.

13.   My Mom’s homemade fudge

12.   Coffee dates with girl friends

 

Always, Carol