Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are at another Monday morning. More snow! I think that we are going to break some records this year for snow. Seems like every day it is snowing. Shovelling and more shovelling. This morning my neighbour shovelled our sidewalks before she left for work. I am working from home so I will shovel after work or perhaps at lunch break. I hope that we get some days where Alvin and I can head out for a walk even if it is a short one.

I am happy that Mr. Alvin has now started to do his business on the deck in the layers and layers of snow. Easier for me to see and to clean up and I do not have to worry about him jumping off the deck onto the hard frozen ground/snow.

Yesterday morning two of my friends came over for coffee. We had so much to talk about work, home, the state of the world. There was much chatter happening and even some laughter along the way. Much better than “tears” for sure. Another wonderful visit with these dear friends of mine. G was heading out to the grocery store in the afternoon so I tagged along as it had been over a month since I had been to the store. I had a few things picked up by my daughter and friends but not been for a serious grocery shop. I even found a sale on chocolate chips and evaporated milk and mini marshmallows so I have some of my Christmas baking supplies. Funny how a little trip to the grocery store can feel like a huge outing!

I baked some sweet potatoes, onions and carrots for supper with a piece of Highliner Cod. Honestly I do not remember the last time I had fish. Was so tasty. Tonight I am baking a Hamburger Quiche which uses YVES Mexican blend (meatless) instead of ground beef. I will have that to eat from for most of the week.

Time to head downstairs and turn on the coffee. Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: will download/upload some photos of the Xmas Decorations tomorrow.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning. We slept until 4:15 and then back to sleep until 6:07 and then well, I fell into a sleep where I was dreaming all sorts of things until 8:30 a.m. I guess I needed the sleep. I have an exciting day ahead. So excited. But first back to yesterday. So it was a warm sunny day. Alvin and I went for a walk at noon. We have started walking to our friend’s house which is about halfway and then turning around and heading home. It takes us about the same amount of time. Mr. Alvin seems to be slowing down and truly smelling the “roses” or in his case each “blade of grass.” He is definitely in the moment and does not want to be rushed. So in order not to be rushed and worry about getting back to work late, we only walk part way. I have found that I am enjoying the walk more this way. We saw the geese in the distance yesterday with their “babies” who by the way are no longer babies. They are getting so big. Sooo cute. The trees and grass are so green. The dandelions have made a yellow blanket across most of the grass near the water and trees in our park. The houses with yards that back onto the park are trying desperately to keep the grass near their homes and their lawns free of the little yellow flowers. If the dandelions stayed in flower and did not go to seed so quickly it may be a different story but alas they do not and people are not happy. I love the little yellow flowers but not so much when they are ready to sail away and seed the world. I had a productive day at work. When it was almost 4:00 p.m. – I received a phone call from my neighbour – advising that she was not going to need her car after all – I could borrow it if I wanted to. So I changed my grocery shopping back to Thursday after work. Once I was finished work which was a few minutes after 4:00 p.m., I made sure that Alvin had a drink of water and went “pee.” Gathered my list and bags and purse, of course and was on my way. The store was definitely more busy than I thought but everything seemed to go quickly. When I was finished picking up and paying for my groceries, I noticed that the Lotto Max Jackpot was up to $70 million again so I decided to pick up a ticket. I waited for a Cashier as they were all busy at the grocery tills. It was only a few minutes before I had the nicest young person. She was so polite and friendly. While she was getting my tickets and I was paying she told me that recently she had two men who had won some money. One had one $800 and one $25,000 – both had said if they won they would be back. Well they came back to “collect” and were kind of rude to her. She said that maybe she had brought them luck and one said no, he bought the ticket? the other said he bought a car. I told her I will be back and I will give her something. I understand the $800 winner but the $25,000? Why could they have not bought her a coffee at the very least. Would have been kind. Oh well, I don’t know their situations and perhaps they could not or even maybe did not want to share their winnings.

Well I have to get the show on the road. My friend Pauline is picking me up at 12:30. We are heading the Bird sanctuary which is across the road from the Botanical gardens where we hope to see a garden filled with lilacs. The scent is supposed to be enchanting. I cannot wait. This will be my first time to the Bird sanctuary and third or so to the Botanical gardens. Cannot think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

In the meantime, I need to get my photos downloaded from my phone to the computer and that could take a bit of time and then delete more from my phone so that I do not run out of memory when I am snapping photos and make sure my phone is 100% charged. Also the shower and get ready time.

Last night at the store I picked up three wave petunias and planted them last night. I cannot wait for them to be grow and bloom. So pretty.

I hope that you have a great Friday. Enjoy the weather.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am so grateful for wonderful friends and neighbours. I helped Sonja with an unwanted house guest last night. A wasp had come into her house. She is terrified of them. I am not. I am however allergic to their sting as I had a bad experience as a teenager and have tried to keep my distance since I was stung. Anyway, I sprayed some water on it to confuse it before I apologized for having to take its’ life and then swept it up in a paper towel. I do not have to tell you the rest. I do not like taking a life even a bug.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I hope that you are doing well. Alvin and I had a good sleep and I kept hitting the snooze button this morning, argh! The sunrise in the distance is so beautiful with hues of orange going up into the dark blue morning sky. No matter what the colour palette is, always gorgeous and is a good start to the day.

Well this morning I am going to the grocery store. My outing for the month, lol. Yesterday we hosted a small birthday party (there were four of us). The birthday girl was over the moon happy with her gifts. We did good. We had cake and fruit and coffee and some laughs and some near tears. Nothing new for us. I am so happy that we were able to get together. Then later Cookie’s Dad texted me wondering if they could come over for a visit. They came over just after 5:00 p.m.. His wife and daughter came along. First time I met Cookie’s Mom and she is lovely. I look forward to our next visit. She was so sweet and even offered should I go away on vacation or away that they would be happy to look after Mr. Alvin. Lots of company in small amounts but absolutely wonderful. Alvin was happy to see Cookie and she was super charged to see him. I missed her energy.

We also got in a short walk and ended up have a great visit on the sidewalk with the neighbours just down the street (the ones with the gorgeous yard). They were out chipping and moving ice and snow so that the water would drain. They were lucky and with some hard work located the storm drain. Mine will take some work but with us facing north, we just do not get the warm rays of the sun so takes much longer to melt. When we got home and after Alvin was settled in the house, I went back out and put some ice melt down and then a bit later did some ice chipping and managed to clear a bit of it away. Every bit helps.

Well time to go and have some coffee and I think that Alvin has to go outside. Better go.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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

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Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! Well looks like we made it to the end of another work week. How are you doing? Do you have exciting plans for the weekend? Are you finished your yard work? I hear for Edmonton area the weather is not supposed to be great but as long as it remains relatively dry, I am good with it. I want the white stuff to hold off until after Halloween. That would be perfect. Maybe I will be able to get my Christmas decorations up before the first “—-fall”, I cannot bear to even say or write that word at this time. We had a good sleep last night and I just had a refreshing shower. Alvin had his appointment at the vet and for some reason he was very vocal – more so than he has been in a long time. Nothing new happened. I don’t know. He also had his last laser therapy session and managed to wriggle out of his goggles with only 16 seconds to go. So we had to stop and replace them on him. He was definitely not having any of it. Perhaps it had something to do with they ran out of his treats that I usually buy for him now (he has to have special ones) and they are pretty sure cannot be ordered anymore. So I guess no more treats when the bag in the pantry is finished. It is down to the last handful. We did enjoy a walk to the park and to our friend Pauline’s house where we found her outside in the garden. She was about to take down a bird feeder but could not quite reach it and decided to wait and have her husband do it later. We chatted for a few minutes before heading back home. Our walks take longer now so I have to be careful that we don’t dilly dally too long as I would not wish to be late for work. We left home for his appointment virtually right after I was off work at 3:00 and got him ready. Alvin’s thing now is to sniff every last blade of grass right down to the earth’s core. It is as though it may be his last time, very odd. He used to sniff but I could easily have him continue walking, no longer. I have to go and distract him otherwise I would end up dragging him. Not pretty. Anyway we ended up being early to his appointment and waited outside for a few minutes. A little girl in a nearby truck with her Dad had the window open and was commenting on how cute Alvin was. He always gets the attention. After the appointment – same deal. Thankfully I was not in too much of a hurry. I did go to the grocery store a little bit after we got home. I decided to feed Alvin his supper when I got home so that I would hopefully miss the rush at the store and I was correct. He was happy and hungry when I got home about one hour later. I enjoy that time alone with only myself to worry about and maybe keeping out of the path of another grocery shopper.

Whoops getting later here. Where does the time go? I have a question for you? Do you do things at the request of a friend or for a friend that you might not do for yourself? I am hoping you say “yes.” I think that I mentioned tonight I am going to my friend and neighbours to watch the newest addition of HALLOWEEN. I have never really got into this series / franchise of movies even though I really enjoy watching Jamie Lee Curtis on the big screen. So when my friend invited me to watch the movie with her and our other friend (me and the young ones), I felt that I could not say no. She loves these movies and waits impatiently for them to come out. Plus she is a good friend to me and Alvin. She also asked me to watch the previous one so that I knew the storyline. I did that last night. I would not say that the movie was bad but definitely not something that I would intentionally spend my time watching. That being said it was okay. So I am prepared for tonight. I also picked up some fruit which is the snack treat that I am bringing and the girls are taking other items. Even though I am not a fan of these “slasher” movies, I wanted to spend time with my friends. She lives close by which is nice. I can walk there and spend some time without having to leave Alvin for too long. I know …. yes I need time to do things for me….

Okay time to fly. Have a wonderful Friday. Maybe you are doing something for a friend, enjoy!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of June, 2020.

Okay, much better this morning.

Guess what?

The sun is shining brightly and the sky is the most delicate of blues.

YAY, I love the sunshine.

Not necessarily to be out in the sunshine for long periods of time but I like the sun to shine.

Rain is wonderful as well but the sunshine is what makes my heart beat a little bit faster.

The sunshine is what makes me feel like I can conquer the world.

Oh, no worries.

I am not planning for a worldwide domination.

The sun simply makes me feel so good.

The birds are chirping and I heard a goose fly by honking along the way.

Perhaps the goose was looking for the rest of the flock.

There are two criss crosses making a large X in the sky from the jet fuel.

There are also a few wisps of white delicate clouds dotting the blue morning sky.

 

I am happy it is Thursday.

My Good Food order is being delivered today.

I have decided to do this once a month or so.

It is a great way to try new things and to have all the ingredients.

When you cook for only one person it goes like this.

Saturday and or Sunday you make a big meal.

You eat said big meal.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

By this time you are tired of said big meal it is time to start all over again.

I cook simply and use what I have in the house.

Of course, I buy groceries.

Well not personally these days.

I have not gone grocery shopping since the beginning of March, 2020.

Crazy, I know.

My daughter and one of my friends are my personal shoppers.

Not by design but by necessity.

They always tell me …. we have to go out ….. you don’t need to.

Am I not the luckiest one!

Now at some point I will have to brave the “new world” and leave my neighbourhood but until then I will be quite content to let my girls shop for me.

As long as they are okay with it …. I shall be, too.

 

You will not believe just the depth of green that our trees and grass hold with all of this rain.

If we get the right amount of sunshine …. the grass will be lovely this year.

Nice and green and lush.

Last year we had to much rain which is just as “bad” as no rain.

 

Well my friends looks like almost time to head over to the workstation.

Oh, so far away.

In the NEVER NEVER LANDS.

I got the “lands” from PLUTO LIVING.

OH my gosh, I do love Pluto and her Mom.

They have the best videos.

Good information and advice.

Funny stories.

From a perspective of a four-legged, oh if only Alvin could talk……

 

Yesterday I posted a photo of my new flowers again.

The name of the flowers are:  LANTANA – Havana Cherry.

They are butterfly magnets, love the summer heat and are drought tolerant.

The perfect flowers.

Now bring on some heat.

Just a little.

Definitely not 30’s for weeks.

No, no, no.

 

Okay now I really must go.

Time to fly.

The commute is so far.

To the NEVER NEVER LANDS.

That is what I shall call my work now …..

Wild laughter.

Yes, I am definitely smiling.

Alvin is whining and now barking.

Oh, me Alvin.

Better go.

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember to live with kindness and respect, always.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, Good Morning Everyone!

Well we went to bed a bit later than usual and I read my book.

I am reading the book “BIG LITTLE LIES.”

The one that has been made into a television series.

At first I wasn’t really getting into it but now I am hooked.

We are having a great weekend.

The weather has been crazy beautiful.

Perhaps FALL will be warm and sunny.

That would be wonderful.

Today just have to finish a few things around the house and get groceries.

Teddy spent the day with us yesterday.

The boys had fun.

We enjoyed a nice walk together.

I am going grocery shopping with Teddy’s Mom later this afternoon – which is perfect timing so that we can walk and I can get things done.

Unfortunately I seemed to have slept in a bit – okay a lot.

Oh well, we are up.

We were up at 4:00 a.m. – for a outdoor bathroom break (Alvin not me, lol).

Then again at 5:19 a.m. – Alvin had his breakfast (and his Mama refused, that’s me to stay up).

We were awake and awake – until final at …. we were up.

Cannot disclose that time …. as it was LATE.

I can smell the coffee perking.

YAY …. love the smell of coffee perking

 

While I was on the sofa early this morning and in between “snoring” –

I was thinking if you were either lying down or sitting comfortably on the sofa and closed your eyes.

Then just listened to the sounds around you.

Just listen to the sounds only.

Once you have identified them, do you quickly revert to the MILLION THOUGHTS TAKING OVER YOUR MIND?

I did.

I then instructed myself to listen to the sounds only.

After a bit there was only quiet.

 

Now this would not likely work if you, your spouse and children and the dog were up and about the house.

But before your world begins to take over …. just sit back and close your eyes and listen.

Just listen to the sounds …..

So relaxing.

What a great way to start the day.

 

 

Well that coffee is calling my name.

I hope that you enjoy the day and that wherever you are …. may the sun be shining and the air be fresh and clean.

Happy Sunday.

 

With a life filled with kindness and respect – there is joy.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 26th day of November, 2017.

The sky is overcast with no signs of the sun at just after 8:00 a.m. this morning.

Yesterday was glorious with the sun shining.

Alvin and I donned our winter apparel including my ice picks on my boots and we got about ten steps away from our house and Alvin was slipping and sliding.

He almost did a Bambi on the ice.

Even with my extra grips on my boots, I was no match for the ICE.

So we carefully turned around and went home.

I removed Alvin’s winter coat and harness and left him in the house ( he was not happy ).

Grabbed my ice pick and went to break up some of the ice by our house.

I managed to get our sidewalk to the street done ( by the way it does not look like it this morning ).

The ice in front of our house that was not there a day ago was not as easy to do.

I gave up after a few minutes.

Alvin spent time in our back yard in several different intervals throughout the day.

So disappointed to have missed a walk in the sunshine.

We will see what today brings.

 

This morning I am going for groceries and to post the Christmas cards.

Later my friend is coming to fix my dryer ( I guess the part arrived ).

Will be a busy morning and early afternoon.

 

Time to hit the shower and have coffee before shopping.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

 

Happy Sunday ….

If you have ice – be careful.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who amidst recent bad news – received some good news.  So great.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 7th day of August, 2017.

The sky is partially overcast here in Edmonton and we have already had a rain shower this morning.

The household is up and going already ……

Alvin had me up early and we were later going to bed.

But that is nothing new.

It has been great having my sister staying with us.

Yesterday we enjoyed our time at West Edmonton Mall and luckily were there early before the holiday weekend crowds began to show up.

Once early afternoon hit it was crazy busy with people scurrying about and by that time we were done so we grabbed a bus and came home.

Alvin was happy that we were not away for a long time.

Today we have some grocery shopping to do for the BIRTHDAY PARTY tomorrow night.

My brother arrives tomorrow night and also my sister’s son and family will be dropping in at some point as well.

It was unexpected for them as they were attending a wedding in Calgary but when my nephew had an extra week off from work they decided to come this way.

My nephew’s wife has a brother in a nearby smaller city not far from Edmonton.

So it all works out.

I am excited to see their three sons.

The eldest and I used to do everything together as I was living nearby from the time he was in his Momma’s tummy until I moved to Edmonton.

The next two were born after I moved to Edmonton and the elder of the two I saw only twice and the little guy, not once.

So it will be great to see them and catch up.

Of course, we have SKYPED before so I am not a total surprise to them.

Well time to get this show on the road as I have to prepare my shopping list.

Some housework to do today …… maybe a bit of decorating ……. a few streamers and balloons.

Have an awesome long weekend if you are lucky to have one …..

If not, I hope your Monday is a good one.

Special Hello to: all those folks celebrating a birthday on this day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 14th day of April, 2017.

Happy Easter.

Well on a weather note:  SNOW.

Yesterday it was a snow/rain mix.

Today it is SNOW.

Sorry for the FLASH / reflection showing in some photos …. sheds a special light.

It is snowing pretty hard and the sky is completely white/grey with no sign of the sun or blue sky.

Looks like it is here to stay for a while.

 

So much for going out to clean up the trash.

That was on my TO DO List for today, as well as walking to the store which has kind of lost its’ appeal.

The only thing is ….. the fridge is getting pretty bare….

ARGH………

I guess shovelling will be in my near future……

I will put on Alvin’s winter jacket and we will go for a walk a bit later.

We always have a spring storm so I guess this is it.

I left the shovels out which is good.

Hauled out the lighter winter coat and boots yesterday.

Back into the garage with the rake (should have already done so).

 

 

 

Even Mr. Alvin had to take a second look.

At bed time it was raining and when we got up at 4:30 a.m. there was a small amount of snow gathering on the deck.

Oh how snow can change your day.

Well time to get into the shower, have breakfast and some COFFEE.

I always think more clearly with a cup of coffee.

 

Happy Easter to Everyone.

If you are travelling this long weekend – may your travels be safe.

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: You.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. I can hear some birds squawking outside – I can imagine they are not too happy.  Hard to find food in this ……

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 11th day of March, 2017.

The SUN is trying to break through the cloud banks that cover the morning sky.

It is snowing as well ….. oh YAY.

More shovelling in my future.

But on the upside it is great exercise.

Because you are using different muscles that you would normally use in your every day life, I always take it slowly.

Stretch along the way ….. be careful.

If the snow is wet and heavy …… then really take it slow and steady.

 

Well this is a busy day as we prepare for my daughter’s birthday ….. hard to believe my baby girl will be “37” tomorrow.

Where has the time gone.

Three plus decades of my life has been watching her grow and become this amazing young woman.

She truly is just that ….

We want tomorrow to be extra special ….. after all you only turn “thirty-seven” once in a lifetime.

So we will have the house all in order, special cake will be made and the house will be decorated.

Should be fun with Alvin helping out ……

He will be running across the main floor with one end of the streamer in his mouth with Momma in hot pursuit.

We will have fun.

So grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, baking, decorating and don’t forget SHOVELLING are on my list for this day.

 

Time to get this show on the road.

Laundry up …..

Coffee drinking as I go.

Happy Saturday.

Hoping that you have an awesome day.

Smiles wherever you go.

Thank you for your time.

 

Special Hello to: my baby girl ……

Always, Carol and Alvin