Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well today is Friday, August 9th, 2019.

It is the second day of my 2019 VACATION and

TODAY is my 62nd Birthday.

I will be spending the day with these guys:

Notice anything different about Humphrey?

No cone.

Alvin and I were out for a walk a little bit ago before we brought Humphrey over.

These were snapped at the park near our home.

Looks like my day might be overcast ….

But I know every cloud has a silver lining….

No I am not worried.

Well time to go and have my birthday COFFEE and breakfast.

Later will have coffee and BIRTHDAY BISCOTTI (treat from my friend V, thank you).

One of my coworkers does CAKES.

So I commissioned her to make me 24 cupcakes for today which I will share with family and friends.

I have asked for chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and vanilla cupcakes with key lime icing.

AND

Then my 3rd CARROT CAKE which will be delivered next Friday/Saturday when I will be having yet another party when my sister arrives.

Part of that cake will go with us to our brothers for yet another party.

This time will be celebrating his birthday and mine.

Lots of partying going on.

 

Well it feels like things are just getting better and better.

I am going with that thought.

Life is great.

I feel wonderful.

I am surrounded by thoughtful and caring and supportive family and friends.

Alvin is my constant companion.

I live in my own home, something I have wanted my whole life.

I am able to have flowers in my yard.

We have fur babies that visit us often.

I have two of the cutest grand pups ever.

Life is very very good.

Happy Birthday to me and also to HODA KOTB who shares this day with me.

I am the older between us.

I have a cousin who was born on my tenth birthday and some friends.

August 9th is a good day.

 

Time to fly…..

I guess this is one of the most recent photos of me ….. October 2018.

Perhaps time to take some more.

I like this one so it is a good one to share …..

 

Spread your kindness with respect and the world will be a great place to be.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of April, 2019.

Still dark outside but sun is shining in my heart.

I want to take this moment to send positive energy to family member and friends who are in need of some extra “help.”

My heart is open and I am thinking of you at this time.

May what you need come to you sooner than soon.

 

We all have our ups and downs.

No matter what is going on in your life; show gratitude.

 

I would like to take this time to say thank you for one of my favourite people in television.

She is one of a current duo.

Today is her last day on the 4th Hour with HODA; she is Kathie Lee Gifford.

I have watched her from Canada for most of her twenty-six years on television.

Firstly, she won our hearts with Regis and then with HODA.

Throughout those years she has made  appearances on other television shows, done commercials and movies.

Kathie Lee is boundless energy, love, kindness, witty, talented and so much more.

She makes us laugh and takes us to places where we may shed a tear or two.

Oh how she makes me laugh.

I will miss that part of her the most, I think.

This week once again she brings her strong faith and humour and energy to those final shows.

I wished that just once I had made it back to New York to see her and HODA in person; on the TODAY Show.

She gives everyone hope that is over 50, well over 60 – women and men that you can still change gears and do what you love.

There is no age limit.

Just do it.

She gives me hope; she gives us all hope.

I am proud to share the birth month of August with both Kathie Lee and HODA.

I share the same birthdate of August 9th with HODA.

Cheers to you Kathie Lee Gifford.

Wishing you all the Best for I know will be an amazing future.

Looking forward to seeing your movies.

Thank you.

 

Well time to go to work.

Special Hello to: Kathie Lee Gifford.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 18th day of April, 2017.

Well I saw a few mini snowballs escaping from the sky and coming down to earth.

It is dark with the overcast sky.

They are forecasting more snow ….. ARGH.

All I can think of is the poor little ROBINS in all this snow and colder temperatures.

I hope that they will be okay.

 

Well did you all have a wonderful weekend?

Mine was very nice …… mostly just hanging out with me Alvin.

Nothing wrong with that …..

To be honest I could have done things around the house but I chose to just do the necessities and to just relax.

It was great to have HODA KOTB back to the Today Morning Show with Kathie Lee Gifford.

She is one happy Momma.

So happy for her and Joel.

 

So back to work this morning.

Back to our routine.

Nothing like a routine.

 

Well it is almost time to leave for work.

I will be wearing my winter boots and coat (be prepared, I always say).

There is the potential for lots of snow and I do not wish to ruin my shoes.

 

Happy Tuesday ……

Special Hello to: my family and friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of April, 2017.

Yesterday we had a group of ROBINS in our neighbourhood.

They chirped and fluttered about in my front tree.

I had heard via FB that they were also in the yard of one of my friends that lives several blocks away.

The Robins are home.

I love Robins.

A true sign of spring.

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

This day is extra special because Miss HODA KOTB is back to the TODAY SHOW.

She adopted the most beautiful baby girl HALEY JOY back in February, and has now returned to work.

Have you ever been so touched by someone that you have never met?

Well I have.

People talk about wanting to meet singers and actors but me, I would love to meet HODA KOTB.

She is the epitome of perfection.

HODA is always smiling and joyful.

She loves singing and knows the words to every song.

She is kind and compassionate.

She is loving and caring.

She is genuine and warm.

She just has this way of making you feel better and wanting to be a better you.

If I am ever blessed to take another trip to New York City, I will make sure that I go see HODA and KATHIE LEE.

They go together like peanut butter and jam, they are perfection.

A great duo ….. the best in morning television.

I am over the rainbow happy for HODA.

So happy that both JOEL and baby HALEY JOY found her ……

 

I share a birthday with Miss HODA KOTB, August 9th.

I am a few years older but born on the same day.

Which is very cool.

 

Also several years ago long before there was the dynamic duo, back when the Italian Charm bracelets were the big thing, I found this charm that said “Today Show.”

Pretty sure that I still had a VCR when I found the charm.

I would sometimes watch the Today Show on my Friday off from work or when on vacation.

I really enjoyed the variety of this morning show.

Who knew that this many years later that charm would have so much meaning.

I love to write and dreamed that I wrote this best selling book and was interviewed by HODA and KATHIE LEE.

A trip back to New York City – the BIG APPLE.

Can you imagine?

No book yet but I still love to write.

 

Welcome back HODA and Congratulations.

 

So time to sign off for now.

Thank goodness for the PVR as I have a coffee date with my friends.

I am excited to watch the girls when I get back home.

 

Happy Easter Monday.

I am so grateful to have had a wonderful extra long weekend.

 

Special Hello to:  HODA ….. Welcome back.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of August, 2014 and my “57th” BIRTHDAY.

The sun is shining and there is a cool breeze coming in through the office/bedroom window.

Just back from driving my neighbour to the airport as she is going to Saskatchewan to attend a family wedding.

WOW, I AM FIFTY-SEVEN.

CRAZY ….. three years from being sixty.

Now that is crazy.

 

I wanted to impart some words of wisdom or maybe some fun facts about the year I was born.

But instead I shall just say what comes to my mind, as always.

I have not always been such a positive soul but I always wanted good things for others.

I always dreamed of living a life where I helped others.

I thought at one point that I would be a nurse.

I would have the house with the white picket fence and be surrounded by four children, and later grandchildren, and the husband.

Every summer we would host a big family reunion and everyone would come from far away.

We would celebrate our family and we were happy.

 

I always let my imagination guide and protect me when I was younger and quite possibly that is the reason why today I harbour no ill feelings to parts of my childhood.

I always love to write and create.

I always wrote in a journal and wrote poems and stories.

Somewhere on the shelf I was a writer just waiting for that moment.

My time to be that “New York Times” Best Selling Author.

Even though I am a Canadian.

I always dreamed of travelling to Australia, Europe and Hawaii.

Possibly South America.

 

I guess for the most part I have been pretty comfortable and at times things have been easy.

I have been disappointed in my choices.

Sometimes sad along the way.

But when I look back at my life thus far overall I am pretty content.

Content in choices, content in my own skin and content to try even though I may fail.

Success is nothing without failure.

Failure and Success are both opinions.

Like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

We are all beautiful …… I think.

 

So on this day …… a day that I was pretty sure would come along but sometimes scared that it would not …. I am grateful, proud and happy to be alive.

I am grateful to be Carol.

I am grateful to be surrounded by much love and laughter.

I am grateful to have my own house …. bought on my own.

I am grateful that I have one most beautiful and amazing daughter.

I am grateful to have a son-in-law and grand-puppies.

I am grateful to have me “ALVIN” ….. a son like no other.

I am grateful to learn everyday.

I am grateful to meet new people every week.

I am grateful that I took a chance.

I am grateful that I have learned and not been afraid.

I am grateful for my past, grateful for today and grateful that tomorrow will come.

I am grateful for each and every moment.

I am grateful that today at 6:20 a.m. – I turned fifty-seven.

I am grateful for every wrinkle …. for having great genes ….. barely any wrinkles ……

I am grateful that I can see the world, smell the world, taste the world and hear all the world.

I would post a photo of me but the most recent one is from last fall.

So that will be for tomorrow …… possibly photos of birthday celebrations.

 

Happy Birthday to my cousin “M” who turns 47 today ….. he was born on my 10th Birthday.

That was a cool birthday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks with a birthday on mine ….. or mine on yours ….. Happy Birthday also to one of my favourite television personalities “HODA KOTB,” who turns 50 today.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of August, 2014.

Happy Birthday to my niece-in-law “S” …. wishing you a great Birthday.

It is overcast and cool here in Edmonton on the day before my 57th Birthday.

I had the most wonderful time last night with my friends “K” and “K” from Bath & Body Works.

One of the K’s and I went shopping first ….. my first time in a long while.

I was so fortunate to purchase a beautiful scarf and then found a nice summer dress and they match.

We met the other K at the restaurant FAMOSO ( definitely spelled it incorrectly yesterday ).

OMG, so great … we had pizza and it was amazing.

The service was great ….. staff wonderful.

Even took a photo of us for my memory book ( in case my on-site one fails ).

Then we went and saw the movie “LUCY” and it was great.

My friend “G” had given me a gift card to the theatre with instructions to pay for everyone …… the girls were tickled pink.

How wonderful are the friends that I have ……. they are amazing and thoughtful.

Well we have an additional puppy here ….. looking after Mr. Casey …. a cute little guy.

Elton was just growling – not sure why but has stopped.

So lucky that the four of them get along ……

So on the day before my actual 57th Birthday …. I will say that I am so blessed to be surrounded by the best people on the planet.

I have amazing family and great friends.

The puppies are not so bad either.

Love “me Alvin” …… of course.

I am on cloud 9 ……. better yet cloud 7-7-7- ……..

Well time to go and grab some toast and then take the puppies for a walk.

Oh, this afternoon I was invited to my friend “G’s” house for coffee and another friend “S” will hopefully be there, too.

YAY.

I hope that you are surrounded by amazing people.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Also found out that my dear friend, her daughter (my niece) and grand-daughter (my great niece) are coming to Edmonton on the long weekend.

Special Hello to: Miss Hoda Kotb, Happy 50th Birthday; we share the same birthdate.  How cool is that!

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of August, 2014.

Only two sleeps now until my “57th” Birthday.

I am very excited as today I am meeting two of my co-workers from the store, and we are going for pizza at Famosa’s (hopefully I spelled that correctly) and then to a MOVIE.

The mall being West Edmonton.

I am going early so that I  can look around at the sales.

Usually when I got to the mall it is to go to work.

Last night I had lemonade and a visit with one of my friends and neighbours.

It was so wonderful.

We started out sitting in their backyard on their new swing ….. really nice.

Then when the storm hit we decided to go into the house (good idea).

This has been a great birthday week.

Got some work done around the house, walks with the puppy dogs and spent time with some of my friends.

It is time to go and take Mr Alvin for a walk as it was storming when we were to go last night.

He is patiently looking out the window.

Keeping an eye on the neighbourhood.

He hears some children ……

I hope that you all are having a grand week.

It has been so wonderful being at home.

Being able to set my own schedule.

Cooking for the kids.

Sleeping in.

Writing.

Only one thing missing “SKYING” my family and friends back in Regina.

So will be doing that on the weekend.

I have been enjoying watching the celebratory week on the Today Show for Miss Hoda Kotb.

Do you just love her name?

Very cool.

Okay, time to go.

Have a wonderful day.

Remember …… spend time with friends and family.

These moments shall not pass again.

Special Hello to: my sister C ….. let us SKYPE this weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of August, 2014.

Another gorgeous day ….. sun shining ……. bit of a cool breeze ….. will be hot later.

I sure love being at home.

I wished that I could have this week on an ongoing basis.

This morning slept in for a bit …… then wrote in my gratitude journal and enjoyed a glass of lemon infused water.

Followed by taking my grand-puppies for an early morning walk so that they would not get hot.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk before going to bed so fair is fair, right.

So now everyone has had exercise within the last 12 hours.

Last night my friend “G” called to say that she had to drop something off for me.

Okay, I said.

She brought me an early birthday card and a gift card to Cineplex.

Two of my friends from Bath & Body Works are taking me for supper and to a movie afterwards.

I mentioned to my friend that I would like to treat them because they are young and going to post secondary school ….. working part-time.

So what does she do gives me a huge gift card so that I can now pay for the movie.

Now don’t I have a great friend.

Yesterday in the mail I received a birthday card from my Aunt “L” and Uncle “R” ….. she always remembers.

I am so grateful.

Tonight I was invited to a neighbour’s for tea in their beautiful back yard.

I am so blessed.

I have been following the “Birthday Week” of a fellow August 9th birth and that is Hoda Kotb.

Now she is a bit younger as she turns “50” on Saturday and I turn “57” ….. how cool.

Then a week later Kathie Lee Gifford and her husband Frank celebrate.

I really enjoy the Today Show ….. my favourite talk show…..

Their sense of humour ….. their chit chat ….. even though most of it is scripted …… their guests.

How they get along.

So only three sleeps until the big “57” …… or “%&” ….. depending on which keys you hit.

I am so grateful to be here and turning 57.

I am so grateful for being in great health.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by the most amazing friends and family.

I am so grateful to have my own home.

I am so grateful to have me Alvin …..

I am so grateful to have the best daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies.

I am very grateful for this life ….. my life.

I hope that you all have an amazing Wednesday ….

Whether at home, at work or on vacation ….. enjoy …… every moment counts.

Special Hello to: my friends and family for making this truly the best birthday yet and it hasn’t even arrived.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – September 18, 2013

Chapter Two:

September 1, 2013

“Alvin, you found me”, I cry as my heart and soul are filled with a gratitude magnified by the love I have for my friend and I know we will find our way together.

September 2, 2013

There is silence between us – no words or barking – just silence in knowing that as long as we are together we will figure this all out and get back home where we belong and we continue on our way side by side.

September 3, 2013

“So me Alvin, what now?” as I search his body to make sure that he has no wounds and give him hugs  and wished that the fog would lift so that I could see where we are going.

September 4, 2013

“Well Mr. Alvin, I guess we had better get moving so maybe we can eventually walk out of this fog and actually find some help” with this Alvin begins to move forward slowly and we are on our way.

September 5, 2013

I have no idea how far we have walked or where we are but I know one thing it is getting colder ….. freezing in fact.

September 6, 2013

Thank GOD, Alvin has a fur coat and that I had not cut it recently but me on the other hand, I only have flip flops, cotton capri pants, a t-shirt and light jacket; the jacket hadn’t really been needed that morning but I needed a place to put my keys and poop bags for Alvin; my keys?

September 7, 2013

I reach into my pocket and touch the coolness of my keys; I am not certain how they are actually going to help us at this point but they give me a sense of peace in that they are our link to home.

September 8, 2013

At this point I am really grateful that I have my Alvin with me and that we are okay despite being cold and now we will just continue on – one step at a time.

September 9, 2013

As we walk along  I fight to see through the fog and in some places I think that I can see the outline of trees, but I am not sure; the only thing I know for certain is we are no longer near “home” and my heart skips a beat.

September 10, 2013

Thank GOD that I have my Alvin the best “sniffer” on the planet here with me as his nose guides us along this path to who knows where or when.

September 11, 2013

As we move along, Alvin does his thing as I listen to him carefully sniffing, and I hope that soon we find someone as we are both showing signs of dehydration, and I can hear my stomach rumble and I know Alvin must be hungry.

September 12, 2013

Out of nowhere I had a flash …. I suddenly remembered something ….. something that I knew would make Alvin one happy puppy dog ….. why didn’t I think of it sooner?

September 13, 2013

As I slowly reached into my other pocket the one without the poop bags I found a bag of doggie treats and I smiled knowing that my Alvin would have a bit of food in his belly and be happy; after all isn’t being happy all about giving something unexpectedly to others, and I am glowing.

September 14,, 2013

“Here Mr. Alvin” I say as I bend over and hand him some of the treats; Alvin found them quicker than I could find my pocket; I am so happy that I have some food for him and then he yelps for more.

September 15, 2013

Alvin quickly eats the small handful of treats; I am relieved that he has eaten and although I am hungry it is better for him to eat than me; I have to have faith that we will find our way home soon or somewhere like home.

September 16, 2013

Just not sure what to do now – guess we will just keep plodding ahead – not much else we can do – but how on earth did we get here?

September 17, 2013

Wow, it seems like it has been forever since Alvin and I first walked by our lake; now we are who knows where; destination unknown; it is funny that despite the time elapsed by my best guess has been much more than one day I do not feel thirsty; I am hungry but not starving and I do not have to pee (now that is a first); I wished that we did have water now that I think about it and wonder where did Alvin’s water bottle disappear to?

September 18, 2013

Well who knows, I guess we have bigger fish to fry; as it seems like we have been not only walking in a fog but my mind seems to be drifting that way as well; please someone help us; I just feel so helpless …….. and I want to be at home sitting on my sofa watching my favourite morning program “The Today Show” – the fourth hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda ….. please,  as I break into soft sobbing.

Thought for the day…..

Good Evening.  I decided early on that I would celebrate the day before writing on my blog.

Today is Friday, the 9th day of August 2013 and my 56th Birthday.

Also Hoda Kotb celebrated her 49th Birthday.

So cool to share a birthday with one of my favourite television personalities.

I had an easy wonderful birthday.

The only “work” I did was to wash a few loads of laundry, some dishes and water my flowers.

The rest of the day I spent reading all of the birthday wishes that my friends and family sent to me via Facebook and Email and by regular post.

Yes, I even received some birthday cards the old fashioned way in the mail.

Which is still my favourite method.

Oh, one of the best gifts I received was a phone call from my friend Lea who lives in Quebec.

She lived a few doors down from me when I moved to Edmonton and we became great friends.

When Lea and her family moved back to Quebec a couple of years ago, I was heartbroken.

She is the sweetest young lady and I guess in some ways reminds me of me when I was her age.

She is going into grade four in September.

I also SKYPED with my sister this morning and received a phone call from my youngest brother this evening.

My daughter and her husband and my grand-puppies came over this evening and brought me the most delightful chocolate cake.

To be exact it was a “Chocolate Parisian Creme” cake ….. so yummy.  Perfection.

To end the day Alvin and I took a wonderful stroll out by a neighbouring lake … the air perfect.

I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

Everyday I am thankful for each and every one of them.

I know that I haven’t mentioned everyone but you know that I love you and that’s okay.

I downloaded a few photos from today and want to share them with you.

Again it was a wonderful Birthday.

Also I am going to see one of my brothers on Sunday …. his actual birthday.

So I am excited to see him as it has been awhile.

Thank you so much to the Universe for this perfect day.

Special Hello: to everyone who has touches my life and continues to touch my life now and in the days and years to come.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Chocolate Parisian Creme Cake for my 56th Birthday.

It was so good – not super sweet – covered with cocoa and smelled wonderful.

Amanda, me and Alvin ….. in my backyard.

Steven my son-in-law and my daughter Amanda.

The grand-puppies were already in the garage ready to go for a car ride.