Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Mainly sun filled skies for this Wednesday morning.

Breezy.

Alvin my trusted companion once again on his blue blanket.

Keeping me company.

I guess he is my muse!!

 

How many of you out there are over 50?

How many of you have a spouse?

How many are single?

How many of you out there are on your own and over 50?

How many of you out there are over 50 and retired?

How many of you out there are over 50 and working full-time?

 

As many as I know that are over 50, likely more so are over 55 and retired – there are as many still working.

There are a dozen reasons for both.

The main reason is MONEY.

Isn’t that always the way.

I guess health could play a large role as well.

 

I was just thinking of all the folks that I know that are retired and of all of us that are working.

Sometimes working is a means to an end.

If you want to have a house, pay your bills and have food on the table.

Then working is what you have to do.

 

Kind of a heavy topic for this time of morning.

But as I am in this moment.

That is what I was/am thinking about.

 

I do like working but then again I would love to be at home with Alvin.

What can you do?

Write a book?

Working on it.

Yes, I am.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Where does the time go?

Time is a fleeting thing ….. oh my.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of April, 2019.

Waking up to gloominess.

Where oh where has the beautiful bright sunrise gone?

The sky is that grey.

That gloomy colour.

The one that does not give you energy to get up and go.

Thankfully I have the pups for that …. Alvin and Teddy.

Playing already this morning.

I am so grateful that Teddy has arrived in our lives.

He gives us energy and Alvin plays now.

Even when Teddy is not around.

He grabs his toys and runs around the house; sometimes throwing them into the air.

Sometimes Alvin’s gregarious nature startles Teddy a bit, I think.

Perhaps a bit too “social.”

But they definitely are good friends.

Last night for dessert while hanging out with the boys.

I had a Baileys Banana Chocolate Frozen Dessert.

You know a little frozen banana pieces, throw in some coconut milk, a nice heaping tablespoon of dark cocoa and some BAILEYS, just a nice healthy splash.

VOILA ….. delicious.

As it was better frozen – I had to eat while in that state.

By the time I was done – a little buzz.

Just something I threw together while I watched “Kathie Lee Gifford’s last TODAY SHOW as a regular HOST.

I am sure going to miss that wicked sense of humour, her light, her kindness and her talent.

She can take a blah day or a sad moment and turn it all round with one lift of her eyebrow and a turn of her mouth.

In my previous post I did not mention her writing.

Songs, books both adult and children, plays and movies.

She sings, acts and really could have been a stand-up comedian.

 

Really there is not much this lady has not accomplished and is still accomplishing well into her 60’s.

I salute you Kathie Lee and look forward to hearing your news and music, and watching your movies.

Definitely a legend.

All the Best.

 

Bedtime for me and the boys.

They each had a chew treat.

Of course, Mr. Alvin wanted Teddy’s even though he had his own.

Oh, me Alvin.

What am I going to do with you?

 

The boys with me in my office while I write this blog post.

They patiently wait for me.

Well before a riot breaks out I had better grab the boys and head to the shower.

Too much sitting around for the boys can mean only one thing – “trouble.”

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

May the light shine on us always.

Good Health, Joy and so much laughter that you almost pee your pants.

That is what I wish for you …..

 

Special Hello to: my friend “LE” who is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of February, 2019.

Today was my Grandmother’s Birthday.

She was born this date in 1901 and passed in 1998.

Last night just as I was getting ready to leave the office, I decided to quickly check on Facebook to see if I had a message from Teddy’s Aunt about walking.

When I noticed a message from my friend “V” back home …. she told me that a friend and co-worker from back home in Regina had passed away.

She only recently turned 56.

No forewarning.

She is way too young to be gone.

One of the smartest, most sharp witted, compassionate, friendly people I know.

She loved her family dearly which included fur-babies.

Always posting photos.

She will be missed.

I remember going to her for advice generally about work issues.

I always commented on her beautiful gold chains with a wide variety of charms/pendants, which she always wore in layers.

We will miss you our dear friend.

Sending my thoughts and prayers to my friend’s family and friends.

 

Having two people pass in close proximity of each other can really throw a curveball at one’s own mortality.

Makes you think about things.

Definitely have to be more aware of “sweating the small stuff.”

We are all guilty of that …..

Work harder and smarter about exercise and health.

Make certain that you tell your family and friends that you love them.

ALWAYS.

Today I am sad for all the missed memories these two great people will miss.

Not for what they would or could have done but for the memories.

The memories of graduations, weddings and grandchildren.

All of the important things, the real important things in life.

The people …..

 

I hope that you have a great Thursday.

Be safe, Be kind and Live your Life.

 

Special Hello:  ALL my family and friends, I love you all more than words can say.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2015.

We have a new government voted in last night in Canada.

The Liberal Party won with a majority vote.

So let us see what they can do for us.

Congratulations Justin Trudeau.

Change can be good.

 

I certainly know all about change.

In the years prior to moving to Alberta my life was pretty much the same.

With this I mean …. that I got up …. went to work and went home.

I did volunteer work and visited with my friends and family.

Work was for the most part the same.

Although we did implement a new computer system in the 90’s.

I knew my job …. lived in the same apartment …..

Since 2008 my life has been full of change.

Some good some not.

But all I can say is that you have to embrace whatever comes your way.

You always have a choice not matter what the situation is ….

Choice is to make it okay or not.

Why stress over CHANGE when it comes into your life.

Just hold onto to it, and run.

If you put a positive spin on change it will not seem so overwhelming.

Why stress ….. I think in these past few years that most people have been dumped right into the midst of change.

Change in the economy and to their jobs.

Change in family and friends.

Change in health.

Change.

So on this Tuesday …. when change comes your way ….. embrace it.

We do absolutely require CHANGE to grow.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Special Hello to:  so grateful for the video chat with my sister and great niece on Sunday night.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 15th day of April, 2015.

It is a glorious morning here in Edmonton …. sun is shining and I am on vacation for the rest of the week.

Today is the day that my daughter and son-in-law receive the keys to their brand new house.

The house … their home that they had a hand in designing.

So excited for them.

This morning was the second last morning with the trio of pups gathered beside me as I sat at the kitchen table sharing a banana with them.

As we shared the banana I told them this would be our second last morning of sharing a banana at Grandma’s house before they were once again living in their own home.

Kind of sad but happy as well.

I will miss this time we shared in the mornings.

Alvin will be sad not to have them here every day ….

The key hand over is this afternoon so once it has been done the kids will come and pick us up so that we can all go and see the new house.

I am so happy for them and EXCITED to see the new house.

Photos are great but not the same.

 

Last night was week two of the bootcamp that I have been attending with my friend “G.”

It was great.

I found that I have a “CORE” and it was on fire last night.

The first week I do not remember so much “core” work but last night we did.

At one point I could feel the muscles pulling and straining and the pain that followed.

It was a great workout.

So for the next few days I am going to work on my core ….. walking is not enough, clearly.

It was great finding my core and now I must keep it.

We tend to forget just how important our midsection is for our overall health.

 

Well time for a shower and then help my daughter with the last of the packing.

An exciting day and a sad one, too.

I will miss having them here but it is time for me and Alvin to resume our lives together.

At least now I am only working one job which gives me more flexibility with living my life.

I know that sounds silly but really when you are working six or seven days a week …. there is no time for relaxation and doing the things you need and want to do.

 

Well time for a shower and a cup of coffee.

I am grateful to be at home for a few days.

So nice.

I wish you a great Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: family and friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 9th day of April, 2015.

Well it is just after 6:30 a.m. and the skies are lightening as the sun begins to rise in the sky.

I love this time of morning in my mind even though my body usually takes much longer to appreciate this time of day.

What can you do?

Keep trying until you get it 100%, I suppose.

Well our weather here in Edmonton has been great.

Yesterday was gorgeous.

Today the same.

We girls have been taking the pups for a nice walk each night.

I will admit that I am a bit stiff after Tuesday’s “bootcamp.”

But that is to be expected as it was months ago since I went to try it for the first time.

This time I signed up ….

Every Tuesday for eight weeks.

I want to strengthen my core.

It definitely needs some work.

Strong core …. strong body and mind.

Well almost the weekend.

I am so excited to have my first full weekend.

Will be home Friday night right after work.

Saturday I already have planned.

Alvin has an appointment with Dr. Karen …. just routine stuff.

No worries …. he is in great health.

Followed by some “paperwork” and picking up the trash in the neighbourhood after lunch.

There is one walkway between our neighbourhood and a busy street that is absolutely deplorable.

I have been walking by it every night for the past week and time it is …..

To get my garbage bags and my picker and get to work.

I want to have a pristine neighbourhood.

Clean and pretty …..

No paper blowing around.

No cigarette butts laying all over.

CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.

So that no puppies accidentally eat something they should not.

It will take me some time but I will do it.

Well it is almost time to leave for the office ……. this is the fourth last ride with the kids before they move into their new house.

By the way, they had their walk through yesterday and they loved it.

Only small things were found ….. like painting.

So that is great.

I hope that you have a great day.

I will be back tomorrow.

Special Hello to: my family and friends back in Regina.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 22nd day of January, 2015.

Another beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Supposed to be plus 7 today …… good for melting.

It is a “bit” icy in the morning so be careful anyone living in the area.

I am so grateful this morning to live in a great country, Canada.

I am so grateful that I was able to buy my own house, my home.

I am so grateful that my daughter found “me Alvin” for me.

I am so grateful that wherever I live …. I always meet the best of people and have the greatest friends.

I am so grateful to be alive.

I am so grateful to have choices.

Every morning before breakfast I write in my gratitude journal and it keeps me in the right place.

So on this day take the time to be grateful for where you are …. what you have ….. even sometimes it is not about what you have but perhaps what you do not have …..

Food for thought ……

I hope that you are always surrounded by loving and caring family and friends; have enough food to eat and clean water to drink and that you are safe and in good health.

For all the creatures big and small on this planet I wish you that you are always surrounded by loving and caring family; have enough food to eat and clean water to drink and that you are safe and in good health.

Always important for all of us to be on the same page.

Please treat all living creatures with love and respect.

Special Hello to: my family wherever you are ….. have a great Thursday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to the 24th day of December, 2014 and Christmas Eve.

This is my second favourite day of the year with the first tying with the birth of my precious daughter and the adoption and bringing home of “me” Alvin.

On this day I am even more grateful for all of the many blessings in my life.

I am in great health,

I have my own house,

I am able to work two jobs,

I have wonderful family and friends (actually the best ones),

I have me Alvin who is a bright light in my life,

I am able to meet new people everyday of my life,

I can write via this blog and reach the far corners of the Earth,

I am alive.

 

So on this Christmas Eve:

I wish you good health.

I wish you to be surrounded by family and friends.

I wish you much laughter.

I wish you much love.

I wish you great joy.

I wish you the gift of gratitude.

I wish you peace, comfort and faith.

I wish you a Merry Christmas.

 

Have a great day.

I am going to work at the office where will be holding our Annual Family Christmas Party.

We are usually done just before noon and then can go on with our day.

If you are travelling today – be safe.

No texting or talking on the cell when you are driving.

Use HANDS FREE DEVICES.

 

Merry Christmas.

Special Hello to: YOU and YOU and YOU ….. you are the best and are important to me and to the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of September, 2014.

This morning as it is a bit later the sun is shining brightly.

I am feeling so grateful this morning.

Grateful that I have a roof over my head …

Grateful that it is my own house….

Grateful that I have the best kids and grand-puppies and of course, me Alvin….

Grateful that I am always surrounded by the best friends and family that anyone could ever ask for …..

Grateful that I am in great health …..

Grateful that I have siblings who remind me that all things are possible…..

Grateful that even when the sun doesn’t shine the world is bright ….

Grateful that a cup of coffee with a dear friend is a great way to start the weekend…..

Grateful that I have such wonderful neighbours…..

Grateful that I have a computer so that I can write this blog…..

Grateful that I live in this amazing country …..

Grateful that all things are possible.

I ask you to take a few minutes on this Saturday to sit back and list on paper, on the computer, on your phone or just in your head or aloud ….

ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR …….

Grateful to be able to see and hear the world around me.

So thankful for the beauty that Mother Nature bestows upon us.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. yes SKYPE soon …. maybe tomorrow morning before I work at the store …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of September, 2013.

Another gorgeous morning albeit it is only beginning to get light and it is 6:40 a.m.  🙂

That’s okay we are entering my most favourite season of all – FALL.

Now on another unrelated topic……. ( I am over 50 and it is okay for me to veer like this, LOL)

Wow, it is so funny how one can get caught up in the moment and forget that at that moment everything does not revolve about you.

Yes, I know it’s true.

Even though most days I think that it does (LOL, really laughing out loud).

Sometimes,  I get caught in a moment of frustration or something and momentarily lose my “positive energy.”

Now usually I do not let this reflect on “whomever” is around me but then I might retell the story later and that is not good.

I do try and put a positive “fun” spin on it and usually at my expense.

But I do try and keep my days and nights – well you know the waking time fun and positive.

I like most people have my moments of self-doubt and frustration over things …. usually it is money.

They say it cannot bring you happiness but on the other hand without it sometimes it is hard to be happy, too.

I should perhaps explain this a bit further.

Making sure that the bills are paid on time doesn’t necessarily define or not one’s happiness level but it is the stress that can disturb your positive energy flow.

Don’t you think that as long as you can bring the flow of money into your life and that you are healthy and can pay your bills in full and on time and … and perhaps have a bit to play with ….. that is good.

I hope that this is making some sense.

I will admit that most of my life no matter how things were  (health or finances or relationships), I always found the silver lining …. so basically I am a happy person.

I have always been grateful for what I have …. a roof over my head and food in my belly….

I was always grateful to go to school when I was a kid.

Anyway on this topic I could go on and on.

I guess at the end of it all ….. I would say:

I am a single over fifty lady who lives with her BF Alvin ( I do have human friends, LOL), I work two jobs, I have my own home and mortgage, I am in good health, I have great family and friends, I like to think that I am creative, I love to write and am working on a story and make jewellery with my daughter, love to have a cup of coffee with my friends,  and I love to live my life.  Somedays I falter slightly when things go awry but for the most part I am one happy lady.

So if any of this makes sense and hits home and helps I am grateful.

I hope that you have a great great Thursday….

Special Hello to: all those pet owners out there ….. HELLO

Always, Carol and Alvin

Sometimes there are rainbows hidden in the most “un” obvious places.

Roses are my rainbow.

Grandma Stella these are for you … from my garden.