2021

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are, Saturday morning. What are your plans for this weekend? Maybe you are raking your yard for the last time before winter? Maybe you do not get snow and are just changing up the outside ornaments with Christmas fast approaching? Are you putting up your Christmas Tree yet? When do you put it up? I like to put it up early and enjoy it for as long as possible. Christmas brings me joy. I love the tree, the decorations, the colours of Christmas (the ones we have come to realize as “traditional” ….. the red, the greens, silver and white. I love RED. I do love the overall feelings of love and giving during the holiday season. Some people like to show this with an abundance of gifts. We all do things a bit differently. I think if we are all doing what makes up happy, that no one is being disrespected in the scheme of things and not being hurt or anything of that nature ….. then why not. Although I will say that these days with the state of the “climate” and the overwhelming amount of items that are in our landfills, on the ground, in our oceans and forests and ditches and everywhere ….. that perhaps we need to cut back. Really at the end of the day, most people are happy to be in each other’s company and have a good meal. Splurge on the meal. I know with COVID that we are still not able to have massive amounts of people on our homes during the holidays but celebrate it well with the people that are in our household. Play games, sing, watch your favourite Christmas movies and just talk and of course eat. We all are taken in by the advertisements on television, popping up on social media, in our news feeds and in our emails and in flyers. The thing is most of the advertising is done by the big box stores because they can afford to advertise and the “mom and pop stores or small businesses” cannot so they spread the word mainly by word of mouth. I have for many years either made some of my gifts to others, bought locally from friends and neighbours that have made things or supported their direct sales businesses. I have also cut back the amount of gifts that I give. These days the vast majority of gifts I give to friends and neighbours is homemade boxes/tins of baking. Everyone loves to have a sweet treat and not everyone has the time, the money or likes to do it. I like to do it. As you know my daughter helped me erect the Christmas tree on Thursday after work. Last night I spent a considerable amount of time stringing the lights onto the tree. I will say that is the most “unfun” thing about Christmas for me. I harken back to a time when I bought the tree and it was prelit. Oh, how I miss those years. Just take the tree out of the box, set it up and fluff it. Then decorate. So easy and way more fun. Oh well. Everything cannot be dancing around the room fun, I suppose. Mr. Alvin had me up extra early for a Saturday which is not bad. I have already stripped my bed and gathered all of the laundry. So I am off to a great start. The sun is rising and the sky looks so pretty.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. At lunch break I walked over to the Vet to pick up food for Mr. Alvin. Good thing I did not leave for this morning and they are closed on Saturdays once again due to staffing shortages. After work Alvin and I went for a walk. We got just into the park and he turned to go home. I tried to coax him to keep going and a few times it was back and forth but eventually I lost the “battle” so back home we went. It was so gorgeous outside that I just wanted to walk but he did not. Alvin is the boss when we are walking. I cannot tell if something is bothering him with his leg or paws or something else so he drives the distance always.

Well I suppose it is time to get this show on the road. Get dressed and get that coffee brewing. I am grateful that I hauled up all of the storage containers with the Christmas decorations last night and took downstairs the remaining “non Christmas” ornaments and decorations from the main floor. Up and down those basement stairs what a work out. There is laundry to do in between the decorating today and we will go for a nice walk. Hopefully we will have another beautiful day weatherwise and that Mr. Alvin is in the mood for a nice long walk.

Enjoy your Saturday!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 23rd day of December, 2016.

“1” more SLEEP till Christmas EVE.

Can you believe it?

Are you ready?

Is your heart beating a bit faster than usual?

Are you excited?

Are you nervous?

Are you sure?

I am all of those things.

I will profess I am a self-proclaimed CHRISTMAS “nut.”

I love the turkey, the baking, the Christmas pudding, the cranberries, the lights, whipped potatoes and gravy, singing of Christmas Carols, the music, the movies, the company, the, the, the ………………

I love everything about the holiday season although when it comes to gifts I have simmered down.

Mainly because I no longer have small children.

So I gift baking.

A tray of goodies here and a tray of goodies there.

Even recycling, reusing making something new for someone.

Christmas is really about sharing ….. sharing your heart with those around you.

Give from the heart and you will not be sorry.

I was able to sleep in this  morning as we have a Family Christmas Party/Breakfast at the office.

Getting close to the time to leave but I still have some time.

Enough time to write, catch up on FB and share a banana with Mr. Alvin.

He loves to have some banana every morning with his Momma.

Likely more about the banana than me, but I like to think it is about me and the banana.

I noticed earlier this morning (yup Mr. Alvin wide awake earlier than normal and wanting to get up) that we have a skiff of fresh snow.

So looking forward to Christmas with my family, new and old and to time away from the office, time to charge the old battery, to visit with friends and to relax.

On this day before Christmas Eve I hope that you are enjoying this time and not stressing too much.

No matter what it will always be perfect.

Perfection can always be a bit on the less than side, after all.

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my family and friends, new and old.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of November, 2016.

The sky is overcast, no frost on the cars and little snow on the lawns.

When one is writing a tribute to a loved one who has passed; you want to make sure that you get things just right, and say what you want to say, and

not miss anything.

In years gone by I have written Eulogies for my Grandmother, Nephew and then my Brother.

I wrote an tribute to our Penny who passed away just this past March, somedays it seems like yesterday, and others it seems like years.

Elton, our beloved guy was my first grand-puppy and he warmed my heart right from the beginning.

I will continue working on my tribute to him and will share when it is time.

In the meantime, life goes on and I know that ….

 

In everything that I have done over the past few days he is right there in my thoughts.

One thing I know that both Elton and Penny will never be forgotten.

 

This Christmas will be different without Elton and Penny for sure.

Milo will keep us hopping as he is the new addition, and is very much still a puppy at about three months now.

Bad Grandma, I have forgotten his actual birthdate – guess I had better write him down on our Birthday Calendar.

So it will be Alvin and Milo for now.

I am certain that the kids will adopt another pup (likely grown though) as Milo needs company.

Heaven knows there are so many pups out there that need a good home.

Any pup coming to live with my kids will have the best home ever.

The kids love them, and treat with them with respect and kindness.

So with Christmas right around the corner there are so many things to do.

I have put the tree and decorated the house both inside and out.

I have the Christmas Cards on the kitchen table ready to be written up.

The letter – yes that still has to be done – to say hello to folks and let them know what we have been doing in 2016.

Baking over the next few weeks.

Still a few things to do.

We have opted out of the gift giving this year between me and the kids.

We are not like the KRANKS and going on a cruise.

More like we are blessed, and do not need much so instead we will do some things.

Perhaps take in a local performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

Give to the less fortunate from children to seniors, and in between.

At our office, my department is giving special requested items to two seniors.

Sometimes I think they are the forgotten ones at Christmas.

Often times without family or friends they have no one except the staff at the homes where they live.

Let us not forget them this holiday season.

Remember the best gift of all is to give.

 

This morning my daughter is coming over so I must get going and prepare the pancakes.

I love making pancakes for her …..

I hope that you and your family are doing well.

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: Everyone and Merry Christmas to You All.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 22nd day of November, 2016.

Another Tuesday, how about that?

Dark outside, here in Edmonton.

It is awhile yet before the sun comes up and then as of late it has been overcast.

Even when it is winter and cold outside with the sun shining it makes things better.

I wished that the sun would shine.

It brings back the energy and joy to life.

I notice how much the lack of sunlight drains my body, mind and soul.

Not to the point that I require medical attention of course, but enough that I notice.

Perhaps that is why I love the extra lighting during the holiday season.

Christmas lights and all.

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

Poor Mr. Alvin and his internal clock.

He was awake sometime around 3:00 a.m. and wanting to get up.

I managed to coax him to stay in bed until 4:30 a.m.; however then I did not get much sleep during that time.

He does not appear to be sick or in any kind of pain ( I always think about that ).

This is the time of year that it takes some adjusting to the time change.

Even for we two-legged creatures.

I know for sure with me.

Oh well …..

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

I also want to send out all the positive good energy and love to my eldest grand-pup Elton.

He has been a force to be reckoned with for over 13 years.

His way or not.

We love the little guy so much more than words can say, and hope that he will be with us for many more days, weeks and months.

Whatever he can handle, we will take.

I hope that he is pain free,and is able to enjoy his remaining time with all of his family.

This is always a hard thing for everyone.

Our fur babies are just as important as our human ones.

Please help keep the positive energy flowing to him, I hope that it helps and I thank you.

In our hearts and minds, little guy.

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

I wish everyone a good Tuesday, keep safe and warm and always surrounded by love and joy.

Special Hello to: Elton, my boy.  Hugs to you special boy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 22nd day of December, 2015.

Only TWO days until Christmas EVE.

Can you feel it in the air?

This year it feels more like Christmas than it has in a few …

Likely as I was not working in retail …. there is something about people being grumpy …. grabbing and pulling to take the air out of your balloon.

I am very grateful for my time in retail as it has made my resolve stronger when it comes to my feelings of those who work in the industry of customer service.

I would ask that during these last few days before the big day that you treat those working in stores, restaurants and the like with care and respect.

They are working to support their families and themselves just like you and me.

They are no different …. we are all the same.

I treat the person who sweeps the floors the same as the person who runs the company.

We all have jobs to do and deserve respect ….

Remember you are no better and no worse than the person next to you.

We are all living breathing beings.

SO whether you are a Customer Service Representative in retail or the CEO of a big corporation, it does not matter.

Each job we do is important.

How about ……

Turn the frown into a smile.

Turn that hasty snide remark into a compliment or holiday greeting.

How about we start a new trend …. being nice to all those folks we encounter during the course of our days.

It doesn’t take anymore work to be nice than naughty.

I tell you …. you will feel like a MILLION DOLLARS.

Let us warm our hearts this Christmas and Holiday Season.

I would like to add that there are a great many folks out there that would come into the store and treat each of us with kindness and respect.

But it should be 100% of people that are nice not just a few.

We also need to extend this kindness and respect to every creature whether two-legged or four.

Happy Holidays.

Time to start the final stages of preparation for work.

I hope that you have an awesome Tuesday.

Are you smiling?

You will accomplish more with a smile than a frown…..

You will, trust me.

Special Hello to: my friend “M” and my sister who faithfully read my blog, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th day of December, 2015.

Only 7 sleeps until Christmas Eve …..

Where has the time gone.

Including today 5 working days until Christmas (the 6th one is our Family Christmas Party at work and then we go home early).

I am so over the moon excited to have 10 days off in a row.

YAY ….. so blessed and lucky.

 

Well this morning I could hear this beep like the noise the vehicle makes when it is backing up.

Only it seemed to be coming from downstairs ( as I am sitting in my office upstairs ).

So figured I had better go and check it out.

Lo and Behold I see the stove showing “END” on the panel.

OH my gosh ….. I had forgotten to turn it off last night.

Hopefully it will work after being on for about 12 hours ….. how bad is that.

Thank goodness it beeped otherwise it might have been tonight before I noticed.

NOTE TO EVERYONE … DO NOT GET DISTRACTED AND FORGET TO TURN OFF YOUR OVEN.

Thank goodness the oven is not too dirty …. although this will make the bit that has splattered as of late, will make it more difficult to clean.

Oh well, lesson learned.

 

Well how are you today?

Are you feeling on top of the world?

I will admit that when I first woke up my inner self was saying “just stay home” and the outer voice was saying “just go.”

You know when you are not feeling 100% but not really sick enough to stay at home but close?

I had that conversation earlier this morning but once I talked myself into just getting ready, I am feeling much better.

Just a few days of work left …. I can do it but sure am ready for a break.

 

Well almost time to don the winter gear and head to the bus to go to work.

Tomorrow is Friday already so that is good.

 

Have an awesome day ….. always listen to a mix of your inner and outer voices….

Compromise …..

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog …. Have a Merry Christmas and all the Best this Holiday Season.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of December, 2014.

WOW, only two sleeps until Christmas Eve and three sleeps until Christmas Morning.

Where has the time gone?

Have you been busy this holiday season?

I guess most folks have been ….. I know that I have been off the charts busy.

But busy is good as long as it is tempered with some “me” time.

I did take a few moments here and there but likely should have been a few more.

During these last few days before Christmas we should all take a few minutes and think about what you are grateful for …..

I am so grateful this holiday season to my daughter and son-in-law for always taking good care of me Alvin and me.

I am so grateful to work with two groups of amazing, interesting, fun and loving people.

I am so grateful to have the best family and friends on the planet.

I am so grateful that I am able to work two jobs.

I am so grateful that I have my own house.

I am so grateful that I am in great health (this should be a the top of the list).

I am so grateful for this beautiful weather.

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

Well I hear my ride getting close to being ready ( I am grateful for car rides to work, most especially in the winter).

I am grateful to all of you for taking your precious time to read my blog ….. it means the world to me.

I love to write.

Special Hello to: all my dear friends and family, to my co-workers and everyone that I meet each day while at work and walking down the street and in the mall.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of December, 2014.

Our weather here in Edmonton has been great over the past couple of weeks.

Sure makes for a great holiday season when the temperatures are not minus 30.

Okay crazy Christmas Eve is one week from this Wednesday ……

Where has the time gone?

How are you feeling on this Monday?

Seems like so many people are suffering from colds or the flu.

I hope that you are feeling well.

I am feeling great.

I was able to wrap all of the Christmas gifts and finished off the Christmas cards.

There might be the odd card that I forgot and can always send them this week.

We are having guests for Christmas Day …. so that will be nice.

Just wondering if you had noticed if folks are “naughty” or “nice” this holiday season?

You really notice how people are feeling when you work in retail.

But I will say this much most people seem to be patient and pleasant.

Which is great.

If you have been feeling impatient and not to pleasant then take some time to be alone and just relax.

Sip on a cup of tea and listen to some of your favourite music ….. maybe even a Christmas song.

You will find it much easier to get through the day and the season if you are “nice.”

I am using both naughty and nice in the broad sense of course.

We always want to be around people who are “nice.”

Almost time to go to work …. seems like I just left the office ……

Special Hello to: “ALL THE SANTAS OUT THERE.”  Keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of December, 2014.

Only 10 sleeps until Christmas Eve.

The weather here in Edmonton is spring-like.

The sun is up now and the sky is clear …. so beautiful.

It is peaceful here in my household.

Alvin is looking out our bedroom window taking in the neighbourhood as he always does ….

Penny and Elton are laying on the sofa downstairs.

A “Normal Rockwell” scene.

I am almost ready to leave for my Sunday shift at the store.

My past couple of shifts have been very busy so I can only assume that today will be the same.

I can only imagine what yesterday was like ……

People hustling and bustling about trying to get that shopping done.

I did spend more money this Christmas than I have in the past three.

But I did not get carried away.

It is all about spending time with loved ones.

Sharing memories and laughter.

Maybe a meal or three …. small gifts.

So on this Sunday the second last one before Christmas arrives, I hope that you are well and happy.

I hope that you have time to just kick back and enjoy the tree lights if you have one.

If not, I hope that you are able to just sit back and enjoy life.

Have a wonderful Sunday ….. time to enjoy a quick cup of coffee before I leave for work.

Special Hello to: Everyone this Holiday Season.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of December, 2014.

Twelve sleeps until Christmas Eve.

WOW …..

We are officially in countdown mode.

I have a couple of things to do and then I am ready for the big day.

Besides cooking of course.

We are experiencing amazing weather here in Edmonton …

Yesterday was plus 8 ….

Everyone is beginning to think we are in the tropics……going without coats and wearing short pants.

Not likely the best idea but I totally understand.

Quite a lot of our snow has subsequently melted and that is good.

Just can be a bit icy when walking especially home from work at night.

I just take baby steps and my time, of course.

I hope that you are in the throes of “kindness” and “generosity” this holiday season.

There is and will always be someone less fortunate than ourselves ….. just the way of the world.

We are so blessed to have abundance all around us …..

A roof over our heads, good food in our bellies and surrounded by love and laughter.

Make sure that you take the time to help someone less fortunate than yourself this holiday season.

You will feel amazing and it is better than any gift you might open on Christmas.

Helping a fellow human being or an animal in need.

Both need our help today and always.

Have a great Friday.

I will be back tomorrow.

Special Hello to: every living being on the planet Earth – on this Friday I wish you comfort and joy.

Always, Carol and Alvin