The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Another sunny cold day here in Edmonton. I am down with a headache. Alvin is well.

Just wanted to say hello.

Have a good day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I am sorry I missed writing this blog yesterday but I was “home” sick with a headache. All better today and back to it. I had a pretty decent sleep last night which I think was the problem in the first place. The weather forecast for today is +5-6 degrees celsius for Edmonton and area. So happy for that. We will enjoy our lunchtime walk.

I wrote this the other day and had meant to share and then forgot.

“Every day you wake up is an opportunity for change, to be better, to learn more, to take chances, to dream, to fulfill dreams, to LIVE.”

On this Wednesday January 6, 2021 – I am most grateful to be in good health, grateful that Mr. Alvin is in good health, grateful to be employed, grateful to be working for home, grateful to have this beautiful home, grateful to have good food in my belly, grateful for my family and friends and most of all, grateful to be alive.

Today is the 60th Birthday of one of my long time friends in Saskatchewan. Happy Birthday Linda. Alvin and I want to wish you all the best of health, love, laughter, joy and abundance.

This is a big month for Birthdays. I have several friends and family members and Mr. Alvin’s birthday is this month.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

Continue to live your life with kindness, respect and compassion as shall I.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a very Windy Tuesday.

The sky was overcast earlier but is beginning to clear.

With hopes of a bright sunny day with no rain.

We do need the sunshine.

The crops and gardens need the sunshine as do the animal life including we humans.

 

Last night after work we went out for our walk.

It was super cloudy with a great chance of rain or so I thought by the looks of the sky.

But I wanted to get a second walk in if it were possible.

We were just a few doors down when I heard music turning my head to listen, I was startled by someone calling my name.

One of our friends down the street was in her front yard and was partially hidden by her tree.

She wanted to chat.

Her son had made her a new wooden television stand and she had a brand new t.v.

He did a beautiful job as the pieces of the stand were carved and then put together.

Very nice.

So we chatted and was nice to catch up.

During this time it started to pour so when we left no further walking.

We ran to our house.

I dried Mr. Alvin off including his ears.

He is prone to yeast infections in his ears if they get wet.

So always watching them.

 

Last night after supper,  I had brand new combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors installed on all three levels of my house.

So happy to have that done.

The last ones had expired as I did not realized that they had to be replaced.

They are hard-wired HOWEVER the battery life of the detectors only last a specific amount of time before need to be replaced.

The new ones are 10 years.

2030 they will need to be replaced.

Will check the date on the box to ensure that they weren’t sitting on the shelves for a year or more.

Very happy it has been done.

Another job checked off my TO DO LIST for this summer.

I am most grateful.

 

I noticed on the front door wreath last night I had a little visitor.

I suppose he/she stopped to take a rest perhaps thinking what a pretty flower.

Sorry it was not a real flower.

So beautiful.

DRAGONFLIES are one of my most favourite creatures on this Earth.

Also reminded me to find a way to clean that wreath which is starting to look a bit on the dingy side.

 

Well time to get to work.

We were up early before settling on the sofa.

I believe it was 3:30 a.m.

I gave MR. Alvin his very last pain med with hopes that he could settle down and sleep.

I woke up with a headache.

Go figure.

So decided against coffee this morning.

Just water today.

 

Time to go.

Wishing you a great day.

Maybe something will come off your “TO DO LIST.”

Remembering always to live with kindness and respect for all living creatures and our environment.

I/We, shall remain,

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

Living … One day at a time

Good Morning …. New Year’s Eve Day.

Woke up earlier to being congested with a headache.

Went back to bed twice.

Mr. Alvin really wants me to get up so I am up.

Still not feeling great but will just get on with it.

The sky is partially overcast with blue cloud cover and the sun peeking through in spots.

I have things that I had planned to do today but now off to a late start.

Oh well, nothing that cannot wait.

It is the last day of 2019.

Tomorrow is a NEW YEAR and a new DECADE.

How exciting.

 

Well I do apologize for this being a short post as Mr. Alvin would like to go downstairs.

Perhaps he has to go outside.

I should get dressed as still in pjs.

It is almost 11:00 a.m.

ARGH.

But what can you do.

REST is best.

Not too difficult to change bedding and throw some laundry in the washing machine.

Just little jobs.

Perhaps having a shower would decongest me.

 

Well 2019 as every other year has seen good and bad.

There will always be births and deaths, it is life.

Work has been work.

Temporarily in a new space but our old building is now renovated and we move back shortly.

Met new people in the neighbourhood.

Enjoyed company of family and new and old friends.

Was able to go on another great road trip in the summer with my daughter.

My sister drove to visit and joined us girls on our annual road trip.

Finally had my office painted after several years of discussing and loving it.

Hung up the bulletin boards that my daughter made for me two years ago for Christmas.

The office is now a happy space

Alvin’s best friend has a new little sister.

My sister adopted a new four legged friend named RAIN.

I remain selling STEEPED TEA and NORWEX.

Summer of 2019 was wet and cool.

Christmas of 2019 was mild.

All in all it has been a good year.

I look forward to this new one starting tomorrow.

Will rest today so that I can start the new one in a good place.

 

Well time to get this day going.

I think that Mr. Alvin has to go outside.

 

Happy New Year’s Eve.

I hope that you have a great day.

Whether you go out on the town or just stay at home.

Happy New Year’s Eve.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Brilliant morning but not for me.

Once in awhile I get hit with allergies.

Today is the day.

Going to go back and hopefully be able to sleep the worst of it off.

The headache part for sure.

Snuggles with Alvin will help as well.

 

What can you do?

Have a wonderful day.

 

Still Living … one day at a time.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of June, 2017.

Woke up extra early this morning but not on my own with thank to Me Alvin.

So feeling a bit tired and have a headache.

Oh well, it is Friday after all.

The sun was shining earlier but now it has clouded over.

Rain is in the forecast.

We had a wonderful walk with our friends “S” and Presley last night.

 

The air was perfect …..

I keep forgetting to mention the ROSES ….. they are in bloom ……

The fragrance is amazing …….

I love the smell of roses in the early morning.

They line the a path that takes me part way to the bus.

It is like walking in heaven.

 

Well Mr. Alvin had his Momma up at 3:40 a.m. – yes …… you are correct.

So even though we hit the sofa for some zzz’s ….. I am a bit tired.

 

So time to go here.

Listening to Adele in the car with James Corden – Carpool Karaoke.

They are singing a Spice Girls song ……

Tell what you really really want ……

I do not want to leave but I have to run and catch the bus.

 

Thank you for Friday.

Special Hello to:  all those people who write all over the world ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of February, 2017.

Yesterday I woke up with a raging headache that knocked the socks right off of me.

I stayed home from work and slept virtually all day.

Finally headache is gone and I feel so much better.

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

Today belongs to two special women in my life.

The first being my one and only sister “C.”

My sister is an awesome Mother and Grandmother and Sister and Aunt.

We have been through life together.

Been single Moms together.

We have laughed and cried together.

Danced together.

Been mad at each other.

Travelled together.

Partied together.

But will, and have always been there for each other.

She is funny, smart, nice and cool, and I am grateful that she is my sister.

No matter how far we are apart; we are always together.

Happy Birthday my Darling …..

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

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

My first BF ….. SISTERS
Happy Easter Sista …..

Me and my sister …. the good old days. I am on the left holding a dolly

One of my favourites…1980’s

Professional photo…. 1990’s

Me and My Sister ….. 2009 …. first visit at my new house in Edmonton.

 

The other special woman that shares a birthday with my beloved sister is my dear friend, “D.”

We met about thirty-five years ago.

We were both single Moms at the time, and had so much in common.

She is the most fashionable person I know.

Not only does she dress crazy well but she can decorate like no one else I know.

Not only does she always look amazing but she is smart and funny as well.

Happy Birthday my Friend.

 

Happy Birthday Ladies and I hope that life continues to treat you with great regard.

Thank you for being a part of my life and of my heart.

These are for you both.

Flowers and Chocolate Macaroons.

Wow, what a day this is ….

Special Hello to: my sister and my friend “D” …… Happy Birthday Ladies.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 27th day of February, 2016.

Wow, can you believe it?

It is raining here in Edmonton?

The deck was wet when Alvin and I were first up at 5:30 a.m.

Looks like it has stopped now but raining at night at the end of February …. well that is just crazy.

The forecast was for snow flurries today ….. so that will be a lovely mix.

Rain through the wee hours of the night/morning and then snow in the afternoon.

Okay, then.

 

Well today is a busy day in our house as we prepare for a birthday dinner party for one of my friends who lives down the street.

It is an extra special one …… she turned 70 this week.

We, I will do the laundry, clean the floor, bathrooms, dust, get ready and then ice the special carrot birthday cake I baked last night and final step will be cooking the pasta supper.

So lots to do ….. so this will be short.

I do not like to rush and we already slept in as it fast approaches 8:30 a.m.

Wow, how the hours on a Saturday roll on by.

 

It will be fun as I love to entertain.

The extra strength ADVIL is helping maintain the pain from my strained neck / headache so that is good.

Hard to work when your body is not in top shape.

Anyway, no woe is me here ….. that life life there are things that pop up or out from time to time and you just deal with them and carry on.

 

I hope that whatever you are doing on this wonderful Saturday that you enjoy the day.

Always be grateful for what you have ….. where you are in life …… and then do each thing a bit better each day.

Keep on dreaming ….. one dream at a time ….. your life is amazing.

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Special Hello to: all those folks who are feeling less than special …… take a deep breath….. look in the mirror and repeat these words:  ” I am worthy. I am good. I am deserving. I can do anything.”

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of September, 2015.

It is a warm, bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

WOW, it is the weekend and I am so happy.

Mr. Alvin has his regular monthly pedicure / other checks appointment this morning.

When I mentioned the receptionist name “J” he jumped up and gave me a kiss.

Safe to say that he loves this girl.

It is so funny he is always excited to go and see “J” and the other girls that work at the Clinic but when he is having his nails done he is not so happy.

At least I do not have to carry him there ….. now that would be something.

After I write this blog it will be time to get ready and go.

After I get home I am going to make me a pot of coffee and set down and write up my TO DO LIST.

There are items that must get done over the next few weeks plus the routine items such as laundry and cleaning.

Did you have a good week?

I hope so.

It was good at the office ….. busy as per usual.

I like to be busy but it is always nice if one can be “caught up.”

It has never happened since I started at the office.

It is the nature of the beast so to speak that one always has an inflow of work.

Never to be “caught up.”

Well one of the things on my list is to clean out the closet in this office.

I have kind of stashed things in there since the kids moved in April.

Well that is not entirely true.

It has always been my gift closet, craft storage, odds and ends storage.

But it is time to go through it and see what is needed and what is not.

Last weekend I cleaned out the guest closet and it looks great.

One closet at a time.

Closets are always interesting.

We always seem to put things behind doors just in case we might need them.

Eventually the doors barely close and you have to make some decisions.

Otherwise you become a hoarder or sorts.

I am not making light of this issue for sure.

So many of us ….. keep things thinking we might need them at some point.

Part of this comes from not wanting to do without.

Part comes from perhaps laziness.

Part comes from history …. depressions ….. wars….

There are all sorts of reasons.

But for me, it is the thought I might use it.

I have found that since I turned 50, I do find it easier to “toss” and “give” things away when I am not using them.

There is something freeing about it actually.

Well I had better go and get ready to start this day.

I have a bit of a headache … maybe because I have not had coffee yet.

But it will have to wait until we return from the Vet.

That is usually a quick visit …. so I won’t have to wait too long.

I wish you a Happy Saturday.

I wish you great pride in whatever you accomplish or not.

I wish you time to relax.

I wish you to be surrounded by love and laughter.

Special Hello to: my friend “M” who brings back fond memories.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of February, 2015.

Sorry I missed you all yesterday but I was home sick with a headache.

Happy to report am feeling better today and am off to work.

The temperatures are beginning to warm up once again ….

Supposed to be plus temps soon.

Do you have nights when you cannot turn off your thoughts to go to sleep?

I had one of those last night.

Likely due in part to the fact that I had slept off and on for most of the day.

Oh well, I am up and will have some coffee when I arrive at work ….

To jump start the day.

 

I hope that you all are doing great …..

Perhaps you are going to work ….

Maybe to school to learn a profession …..

Maybe on your way to  a tropical locale….

Or maybe you just rolled over because you are retired and can stay in bed …..

Whatever you are doing and for wherever you are …. I wish you all well.

I will be back tomorrow …..

Hopefully better able to pose some reflection ….. a thought or three.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ….. love seeing her food posts.

Always, Carol and Alvin