Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we got to bed on time and the lights were out before 10:00 p.m. but Mr. Alvin was up and needed to go outside at 1:13 a.m., so out we went. The air was much colder and the grass and deck covered in frost. I am thinking that I will need to start wearing a long jacket / coat when I go outside in the late night, early morning hours as I could feel the cold through my pj’s. Once back inside the house, we “hit” the sofa for some more zzz’s. Alvin woke up close to the alarm time so I coaxed him back to the sofa until 5:30. Yes, we have been up and at it since 5:30 a.m. I do not feel the fogginess that I was feeling yesterday when I was attempting to write this post. Thank goodness for that. I am grateful that we are still able to work from home two days each week but I miss being home all the work week. I can only imagine how much I will miss it once the temperature dips much lower and there is snow on the ground. Wishing that we were able to work from home the majority of the time especially over winter.

We had a good weekend overall. Yesterday was quiet for both of us. We had a nice long walk in the afternoon. On our way to the park we saw a neighbour and friend that we had not seen in an especially long time. So we stopped and chatted catching up on all our news. Then we were on our way once again. We walked over to Pauline’s and when we did not see her outside; we turned around and headed for home. Barely turned turned around, I heard a familiar voice “Well hello there, Carol & Alvin.” Both Alvin and I perked up, turned around and headed for Pauline’s gate. She had been looking out the window as her grand cat “Molly” was outside on a leash enjoying some fresh air and she was checking on her. We stepped inside the gate but I kept Alvin on his leash as Molly is not quite used to pups. Alvin really wanted to go and say hi but he remained on the leash. We had a great chat. I always enjoy our chats and her wisdom. She always gives me a clear perspective on things helping me to see the direction I need to take, if I need direction. We did not stay too long as she was having company for an early supper and we needed to get home as it was starting to rain. All the way home there was a light rain. When we returned home, I grabbed a towel and made certain that Alvin was completely dry.

Some mornings I think that I should make and have some coffee before I leave for work. Now we have “free” coffee at work but there is nothing like my perked coffee. But with the soaring price of coffee, that thought will remain tucked away in my memory banks for another time like the weekends.

Still dark outside. The daylight is becoming less and less as we approach the shortest day of the year which is around December 21st. I am starting to formulate the plan for Christmas decorations and gifts and of course, baking. Keeping it more simple than last year.

Well time to head downstairs and ensure that Mr. Alvin goes outside for one last pee before I leave for work and make those final preparations. Put up the “baby/puppy gate,” refill his water dish, ensure that he has another drink, grab my “breakfast” to go to work for later, put my laptop bag and purse closer to the door, decided on which coat/jacket to wear and grab some mini gloves.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

I am grateful for all the many blessings in my life. I am grateful to my neighbors and friends for taking such great care of Alvin while I am at work. I am grateful that we have the means to pay all of our bills on time, to have money for food and whatever we may need. I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and support.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: grateful for time.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? Alvin and I are doing well. We had a reasonably good sleep last night which was awesome. There is a breeze this morning and the skies are filled with rain clouds. The ground outside is wet. We definitely could use some rain at this point. No complaints from this gal. I love that word. “Gal.” Please note that I have no idea if there is a deeper meaning other than when referring to a girl. Oh, the wind is getting up as I watch the trees sway back and forth. Yesterday we had a lovely walk around our “ponds” over the noon hour. We saw some of our neighbours out and about. After work I thought after our long day “at work” that perhaps a walk would loosen me, us up. So off we went. We were only a few doors down when we came across our friend Crystal just parking her car after arriving home from somewhere. She had the youngest son with her “Zane.” He is the sweetest little guy and loves Alvin with a quiet passion. As soon as he saw us, he was over like a rocket. Giving Alvin some kisses and hugs. He wanted so badly to come for a walk with us and hold onto Alvin’s leash. Well Alvin could easily pull the little guy over but I was there for support. I asked Crystal if okay and she said of course as she had to go and pick up the mail from the community mailbox. I said that we would just walk to the park and back which would only be a few minutes. Well Mr. Alvin was definitely not certain of what was going on. He kept looking for me even though I was right there. I had to jump in once in awhile as Zane was definitely not he pack leader between him and Alvin. But we managed and Zane was happy and Alvin was just confused and not really happy that I was not holding the leash. We got to the park and back to their house with no boo boos, thank goodness. Alvin does not like anyone other than me holding the leash. He will tolerate his sister and brother-in-law but that is it. He is a one human …. dog. For sure. Anyway it was cute and a fun way to start my evening.

Yesterday my place of employment officially changed their name from Capital Region Housing Corporation to CIVIDA. It did provide some issues yesterday with all things computer, if you know what I mean. But those issues will get fixed and life will go on. I like the name, it is shorter for one thing. I am certain that I will mess up the name or say the old name from time to time. Change always takes a bit of time for adjustment. That is okay. I have been through so much change with this company over the past ten year.

Last night I watched a movie that I had recorded. It was amazing. Malika the Lion Queen narrated by Angela Bassett. She was the perfect choice to narrate this movie. The story of a lioness from Africa. If you have an opportunity to watch it …. please do. It is happy, sad and really runs all one’s emotions. Not only was the story interesting but I learned so much about lions. I will never forget Malika.

Well it is time to hop off of the computer, get the coffee perking and hop onto a different computer for work. I wish you a wonderful Thursday.

Living this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on the patience. Some days it is easier than others.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 1st day of October, 2018.

Dark outside as the season settles in with no chance of sunrise at this time of day until late spring – early summer.

Woke to a tiny bit of wet on the deck and on the sidewalk this morning.

We enjoyed our walk yesterday afternoon after the coffee party.

The leaves were various shades of green, yellow, orange and red.

Our tree in the front is all yellow and has started to drop leaves.

If a wind comes up I am quite certain they will be all on the ground.

I have held off raking as there are currently more on the tree than on the ground.

I do love to rake the leaves and jump through them.

Just a note my snapdragons have survived another weekend.

They are the colours of fall: yellows, corals, peaches and pinks.

 

We had a great weekend.

Walked and had company.

I think that Alvin misses Teddy.

 

Yesterday one of the girls hosted the coffee party.

Her parents are visiting from Newfoundland.

So nice to see them once again.

My friend, her daughter and parents attended the Paul McCartney Concert last night in Edmonton.

I was just a slight green with envy.

Lucky guys.

 

We started to plan our Christmas party.

Christmas ….. it seems so far away but yet it is not.

 

Well today begins a new month.

My daughter and son-in-law’s ten year wedding anniversary this month.

Grand-pups birthday this month.

Thanksgiving and Halloween.

Lots of birthdays.

 

I hope that you all have a great Monday.

May your day be filled with wonder and fulfillment of dreams.

May your day be filled with love and kindness.

May you lead the way with love and kindness.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister, how are you?  SKYPE?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to the 22nd day of September, 2018.

Today is officially the FIRST day of FALL.

My favourite time of year.

The air is a bit cooler, the leaves are hues of yellows and oranges and reds.

Fall always feels a slower time of year.

Birds are beginning to fly south.

The grass no longer needs to be trimmed each week.

We start or have started to put away our summer things.

Cleaning out flower pots and garden areas.

We put out our fall wreaths and items.

This is what the first day of FALL looks like out my back door and windows:

Methinks it looks more like the next season, Winter.

But alas it is not to be here for too long or so the weather people report.

My poor sunflowers are drooping so low they are almost touching the ground.

I feel so guilty that I did not trim them before the snow.

The impatiens flowers appear to be okay except the poor little flowers are covered in snow.

The only items that reminds me of FALL on the deck are the ornaments of a scarecrow and pumpkin in one of the tall flower pots.

But in Canada, in Alberta – the weather can change in a heartbeat.

In parts of Eastern Canada they are having a “heat wave” extending the summer and out WEST, well here we are.

Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining.

A bit of snow does not get me down.

Only the farmers and construction workers are left waiting to see what happens.

Fall or no FALL.

Dry again or not dry again.

 

Mr. Alvin was up off and on since 3:00 a.m. today and so I am feeling a bit out of sorts.

Not bad though.

Once I have had my morning coffee I will be off to the races.

Lots to do.

I took a vacation day on Monday to have a nice extra long weekend.

Plans to reorganize my office, clean out my clothes closets and go through photos on the computer and clean out emails.

Perhaps that will be a lot for three days but time will tell.

Always laundry and some cleaning to do and walks with Alvin.

Walks in the snow with Alvin.

That will be fun.

Remember to put towels by the front door.

Noting that to myself.

 

Time to fly.

Happy first day of FALL.

Perhaps the seasons will reverse and we will have winter until December and then fall for December through till April.

That might be nice.

Although brown at Christmas time – just does not feel quite right.

 

Oh, my I forgot to mention that my daughter picked me up from work yesterday.

We stopped by the grocery store and vet.

She stayed for supper and a visit.

She brought me some clothes from a clothing swap.

Oh, I am a lucky woman.

New pants, jeans and a beautiful purple sweater.

I am so lucky.

 

Special Hello: to my sister …. Merry Christmas …. time to put up your tree…… just kidding and I hope that you are smiling now.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 16th day of September, 2018.

Day two of snowing.

Earlier this morning about 5:00 a.m. it was raining and since about 7:00 a.m. it has turned from rain to wet snow to just snow.

The pavement and sidewalks as they hold the heat are just wet.

The rooftops, grass and my deck are starting to once again look like winter.

ARGH, it is way too early to have snow.

Seems like only yesterday that it was winter.

I do love WINTER but would prefer that it started in like December or even mid to late November, but before mid September.

Well that is just crazy.

Mother Nature must be really holding a grudge this year or perhaps it is of our own doing.

Oh perhaps a bit of both.

 

At the end of the day I am grateful that we are having a bit of snow and not the flooding from the hurricanes to the south eastern areas of the United States.

Everyday people are posting photos of animals that are stranded due to the flood waters.

I understand that sometimes you have to just grab and run but why would you leave a poor dog tied to a tree or to a post in the yard.

I would understand if you had a cat and it ran away and you could not grab it but …..

I will never understand leaving them behind, I will never understand stranding them.

Any living creatures that are in your household are your responsibility.

We have to be good beings and do the right thing.

The one photo that will haunt me forever is one of a dog tied to a tree and all you can see is his head and those eyes.

I only hope that whoever took the photo rescued that poor dog.

 

I do know that there are a great many good people out there who risk their own lives to help all others whether two-legged or four.

They will always hold a special place in my heart.

They are the folks that we should all aspire to be.

 

This morning is coffee date with my two young friends.

I always enjoy spending time with them.

It has been awhile as they were busy over August.

Lot to catch up on.

I baked chocolate chip cookies with an extra special treat SMARTIES.

We will have some strawberries and gold fish crackers.

I know kind of an odd mix but it is just something to nibble on.

 

Well time to go as there is laundry to put away.

Get the coffee ready to turn on.

Finish the dishes that are in the sink, waiting patiently for me.

 

Also, I had to take one of my beloved sunflowers out of the garden as yesterday it broke off and was laying on the ground.

So sad.

First year that I have had sunflowers.

They were so tall and were starting to have those amazing yellow flowers and heads filled with seeds.

Maybe next year.

Will get some earlier.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Sunday.

Oh, I rented from my cable company “BOOK CLUB” and watched last night after supper.

IT was so FUNNY.  Almost peed my pants, funny.

OH and I made the most delectable supper with quinoa, roasted chicken, homemade peanut sauce and chopped green onions, celery, carrots, and broccoli.

So good.

 

Okay, I am going now …… sometimes I just babble.

I know.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who made this crazy beautiful birthday cake for her Mom’s special day.  It was amazing.  She is so talented.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of June, 2018.

The sky is filled with rain clouds, the trees are swaying in the wind and the sun is desperately trying to peer through the darkness.

It has been raining for a few hours and the pavement is wet, the grass is happily smiling a rich green, the trees are singing for the rain as they are moving about in the wind.

I can hear the rain drops coming down to the ground.

We needed the rain, the moisture, that balance.

 

Last night as the dark clouds filled the sky and the odd rain drop began to fall; I decided to move my flower pots into the protection of the house.

I could not have every pot in total cover and not that I wanted to as they need that glorious nectar that falls from the sky.

So they still receive the moisture but are protected in the event of hail and strong winds.

I noticed that some of the flower petals had fallen off and were covering the soil inside the pots.

What can you do?

 

We are going to visit a friend later this morning rain or shine.

So hopefully it is not pouring although I can carry my large umbrella and Alvin can walk close beside me.

He really needs a summer rain jacket.

He has one but it does not really fit him anymore.

At least it is not cold outside and we can always dry off later.

 

What are you doing today?

Is it raining where you are?

What do you do on a raining day?

Stay inside?

Go for a walk?

Read a book?

Write a book?

Watch a movie?

Eat popcorn?

Go shopping?

Do housework?

Hobby/craft time?

Go through closets?

 

I hope that wherever you are that you are enjoying this day.

Perhaps it is a work day for you or perhaps a day of leisure.

No matter what … enjoy.

Take in the sights and sounds around you.

Hold them close.

Appreciate them for what they are ….

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. who is one of the best joke tellers I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 27th day of March, 2018.

Well Mother Nature has decided that we needed more snow.

She is not ready to give up on winter just yet.

We have a light blanket covering the ground, decks, rooftops …. everything.

It would appear to have stopped.

Today I am taking a vacation day to take Mr. Alvin to see his Doctor for the final treatment for the left ear and follow-up on his right ear.

Hopefully he gets a good report.

He has been shaking his head and scratching some.

ARGH,  my poor boy.

I did keep the outer portion of his ear nice and clean.

 

I was so lucky to get a ride home last night from my friend and we discussed the possibility of car pooling.

We have a IMPARK lot right beside the building where I work and it is only a few blocks from where she works.

So we could park by my office and she would walk to her office.

Parking is so costly downtown.

We will only do it if it does not cost either one of us more than what we are currently spending.

It would be so nice to get home earlier and have an extra 40 minutes or so with Mr. Alvin.

 

Guess what?

Master Teddy is coming for a sleepover on the weekend.

He arrives Saturday morning and goes home on Sunday.

We are so excited.

First time overnight.

I am certain he will be okay.

He is comfortable with us so he will be okay.

Hard to believe Easter weekend is just a few days away.

 

Wow, seems so funny to be at home on a Tuesday.

Nice, though.

 

Well better get this show on the road.

Late breakfast and coffee.

Then get us ready to leave for Alvin’s appointment.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Special Hello to: back at you, my sister.  SKYPE this weekend?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 5th day of March, 2017.

Today is the birthday of my Aunt “L.”

Wishing you a wonderful day ……

 

The sun is shining most brightly and through the window it is almost blinding.

It is cold outside and the once almost bare ground is completely covered in snow.

Winter has returned.

Oh winter in Western Canada.

Shovelled yesterday but thankfully the sun was the most fluffiest I have seen.

I am happy to see the sunshine as it elevates my energy levels.

Still feeling the effects of the cold but definitely feeling much better.

 

So today will be somewhat quiet.

Just preparing for work tomorrow.

 

So grateful to my friends for taking me to the grocery store and for food for Alvin, yesterday.

Saves me a trip or two this week.

I am truly blessed as I have the best family and FRIENDS on the planet.

 

Have a Happy Happy Sunday.

ENJOY the day.

Special Hello to: my friends ….. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to the 2nd day of April, 2016.

It is a bright and sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I am up and showered – freshened up.

Time to write in my gratitude journal, have breakfast (share my banana with Alvin) and then share a pot of coffee with my neighbour “S.”

This morning I am off to clean-up the trash around the neighbourhood.

It does not look like I even went out about a month ago as there is so much.

So I will put on some comfortable old shoes, my sunglasses, grab some garbage bags and some disposable non-latex gloves and my keys and be on my way.

Whoops almost forgot my handy dandy GARBAGE PICKER UPPERS…..

It will likely take me about 1-2 hours to clean things up as I will do a big loop and of course, the walk-way to 62nd Avenue (which is CRITICAL again).

I know for a fact that MacDonalds and StarBucks do not throw their coffee cups into the wind so that they blow into our neighbourhood.

Why oh why cannot people just take them home and throw them into the garbage.

Perhaps too easy.

Are people really that stupid?

Uncaring.

I just do not believe that say you throw your StarBucks coffee cup into the bushes/grass on the walkway today.

Then someone comes behind you and does the same thing.

Everyday you walk there and it just looks worse and worse.

Does that not bother anyone except me?

Anyway I am going to make it beautiful.

The way it should be.

My wish is to educate people.

Also I am going to plead once again with the City and the Neighbourhood Association to please put up a garbage bin.

I hope that next time you are walking about enjoying nature and sipping on your coffee or cold drink that you will think about taking the cup home instead of throwing it onto the ground.

Now obviously I realize that not everyone does this or else our world would be completely filled with cups.

Have a great weekend.

Please keep your neighbourhood clean and tidy.

All you have to do is keep in front of your house clean and secure trash on pick up day.

Thank you.

This is my public service announcement.

Have a great Saturday.

No poems for me today …..

 

Special Hello to:  to all those folks who help to keep our planet clean and tidy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of October, 2015.

My cousin has gone home, went to Costco, my daughter brought Alvin home & stayed for a visit …. all happened yesterday.

Oh, and some laundry, too.

Whew.

This morning the sun is shining and there are some dark clouds looming to the south.

I wish that it would stay bright.

I am strongly considering pulling my flowers, cleaning up the flower beds, putting away the patio furniture and ornaments and raking for a third time the massive mounds of yellow leaves from the front lawn.

It is kind of sad as the flowers are still blooming and looking great (will take some photos to show you) but when it freezes it will make them near impossible to be removed from the pots …. likely from the ground will be difficult, as well.

The neighbour to the south of me is building a garage.

It is not a regular one or two vehicle garage but a structure that appears to be a medium size house.

It has multiple windows, stairs, will have cupboard/work bench and the driveway is not your average one.

It goes to the edge of his property touching the back lane but goes all the way around the garage at the back and sides.

I do like the fact that his driveway is flat and not on an incline.

Crazy ….. very big.

That is what is going on in my neighbourhood.

Well I had the most glorious visit with my cousin as I have already shared with you.

I had a great visit with my neighbour to and from Costco.

I was so happy to see me Alvin and to have my daughter back at the house (she is such an amazing human and I feel better as a person when she is here).

So needless to say not too much housework was accomplished …. although I did wash my clothes but then bedding and towels are today.  I have started.

Well I had better get this show on the road …. get dressed …. finished my coffee and perhaps pour some into a to go mug and then I can drink it while I am working outside.  Will see if I can convince or “trick” Mr. Alvin into getting into his harness so he can be outside with me.  I like him to get as much fresh air as possible.

Oh, quick story about Mr. Alvin as I do not believe that I remembered to share this with all of you.

Friday night after work my daughter and son-in-law came to pick up Alvin so he could go for a sleepover which in hindsight I am so happy that I did so …. they both came in to get him.  My daughter along with Alvin’s things  (toothbrush and such) got into the car …… my son-in-law was with Alvin (who had his leash on, of course) and they were at the driver’s door of the car (the driver side facing the sidewalk so I could see clearly).  My son-in-law bent over to pick up Alvin and Alvin collapsed his hind end to the ground (it looked so funny).  This happened three or four times. I will admit that I did giggle for a bit. He has never done this at any other time that I remember.  Finally my son-in-law bent over and picked him up remarking “Oh, Alvin you are getting heavy.”  I was in the open doorway at the time so hear him and agreed.  So both of us have to work on our mid sections.  But it was so cute when he just collapsed to the sidewalk when my son-in-law went to pick him up.

Have an awesome Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who are trying new things …… good on you ……always good to stretch.

Always, Carol and Alvin