The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? I, we are doing well. Alvin was up a few times but I think we are so used to it and hitting the snooze that it is our norm. Say that three times fast. I just put on some Mary Kay lip gloss and I love this product. Not tacky or sticky – feels good and looks great. My makeup tip for the day. If you need just a bit of a lift – try some pretty lip gloss. Nothing fancy. Especially for those of us who are blessed to be working from home. I know people that have stayed in their pj’s all day but after two years that must get a bit old. I wear comfy bottoms and then dress up the top half. Sometimes I wear what would be work appropriate pants but most times I wear more dressy “sweats.” I don’t always wear a lot of makeup but always do my eyebrows (as they are getting lighter each year) and lips. Usually once or twice a week or if I have to go to the office, then I put on eye makeup and blush. So whatever makes you feel good. I do know that on the days when I have a shower, I am more likely to do the extra makeup like eyes and cheeks. That is just me.

It was cold last night. We had a bit of snow sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Not that we need more snow! Mother Nature, Mother Nature! Gotta love her. Once again there is a light blanket covering the bare spots on the deck, on the rooftops, the sidewalks and the streets. I cannot wait until spring and the ice melts and we can once again resume our twice daily walks. Both Alvin and I are missing our outdoor time. We go outside here and there – mainly on the back deck but it is not really the same. Patience, I keep telling him and myself.

Oh, last night I made another batch of the chocolate pudding. I doubled the batch so had to use one can of evaporated milk and one of coconut milk. It did not get super thick (but thick enough) as night before so perhaps I could have added a tad more corn starch. I am experimenting. It was very tasty. I will write down my changes and the recipes and post them. I love chocolate pudding. I suppose the recipe could be modified to be carmel, butterscotch and other flavours. Will get back to you on that.

Oh, the chili was really good. I have about 100 or so different varieties of chili that I make. I suppose that I should write those down as well. I cook so in the moment that I do not think of the future. Likely not a great idea for passing on ideas and recipes. I love to experiment and to use whatever items that I have at my disposal. Sometimes I may only have one item for a recipe so I really have to use my imagination but isn’t that what life is all about. Trying new things. I must confess that I seldom have everything in a recipe unless I am planning in advance. But I enjoy trying new things and seeing what I can create.

Looking outside it looks cold and dark. No light spots in the sky. Everything looks white from top to bottom. ARGH. Oh well it is February 16, 2022. Winter in Western Canada.

Time to go and have some of that coffee that I have poured into my to go mug to keep hot. I truly love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. LOVE, love, love.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Perhaps you will try something new. Changing things up is a good thing.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I feel like something fantastic is going to happen to us today. Just a feeling!

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of December, 2017.

My last Steeped Tea order for this year arrived on Friday – I packed it all ready for delivery.

As the whole order goes to my co-workers my neighbour was kind enough to give me a ride to work.

Taking it on the bus wold be almost impossible – in one trip.

 

Today feels like a day to share photos of Christmas Time now and then, just a few:

 

2017

2009-2016

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

2016 – I love what is under my Christmas Tree …….

We had a lovely weekend.

We walked each day which was great and it was the nicest weather yesterday afternoon.

I spent a couple of hours shopping with my friend “P.”

She had to run to Safeway and some other places so I tagged along.

I had decided not to cook a turkey this year and was going to make chicken breasts.

When we went to Safeway – my friend remarked on the sale on turkeys.

Well ended up she decided we should have a turkey and bought me/us one.

She said instead of giving me baking …. she went with a turkey.

I have such sweet and thoughtful friends.

Maybe turkeys are on sale where you live and maybe there is someone who needs a turkey.

I was not in need but am grateful for her generous spirit.

Not quite certain but I THINK that Mr. Alvin was not happy that I went out without him.

Poor little guy.

When I delivered some Christmas Sweets to some of the neighbours – he was not happy as I could hear him howling.

Yikes.

Thank goodness that was short lived.

I wrapped everything but two items that I am working on – have to put things into high gear.

Not long now.

 

Well almost time to start the final prep to leave the house for work.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Monday.

Just breathe ….. I know…… time is going so quickly.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 11th day of September, 2016.

Wow, for a split second there I thought something was wrong with me or the computer as I was so certain it was the 12th.

Whew.

Until I took a gander across the room to the calendar and it said SEPTEMBER 11th.

Isn’t it funny how something can completely throw you off track and get you so worried in like a nanosecond?

I had one million thoughts going through my brain at the speed of light.

Back to reality.

The sky is overcast and we had another good soaking last night.

The wind is howling away making it seem like it is bitterly cold outside.

I am so happy that Alvin and I enjoyed two wonderful walks yesterday.

We went out in the morning and then again after supper.

It was glorious.

So nice to enjoy the weather while we can.

Last night I decided to make homemade black bean / vegetable burgers.

I pretty much followed the recipe and definitely know what I will do a bit different next time.

They may not look like much but they are so full of flavour once you get past the consistency.

First attempt definitely a pass …..

Next time will be a touchdown.

I am not a big football follower but figured the terms just fit perfectly.

Today is going to be a quiet maybe enjoy some television kind of day.

Perhaps a movie.

We will wait and see what the day brings before going for a walk.

Hopefully the wind will die down.

Today is a do things on the computer kind of day.

I did the laundry and tidied the house yesterday.

Just debating about putting the deck furniture away but think I will wait for another weekend.

Most of my flowers and shrubs are doing great.

The ones that were not I pulled or trimmed back depending on whether or not they were annuals or perennials.

We still have a good week of weather ahead of us according to the long rang forecast.

Might as well enjoy it while we can.

So on this quiet Sunday – I hope that you are unable to enjoy time with your family and friends.

Maybe just a day where you can sit and relax ….. enjoy some laughter, good company and good food.

Take care.

Special Hello to: my friends near and far.  Thank you “V” for you never ending support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of August, 2016.

Oh my goodness there is such an amazing cool breeze filling the house at this moment.

I have all of the windows open to drink in this beautiful air.

It touches my arm and feels so good.

Comfortable for the boy as well.

We should have been up and gone for an early morning stroll as I had planned to do on my vacation days but alas the sofa called with tidbits of dreams that filled my mind.

Oh well, we shall walk later.

Last night later in the evening just as the last bit of sunlight filled the sky, Alvin and I sat outside on the patio sofa and enjoyed the stillness of the night.

It was so wonderful.

He loves to sit there with me any chance he has.

Yesterday was an amazing day every minute.

Started out with Elton and Casey dropping by to spend the day with me and Alvin.

We had a quiet early morning just visiting and going out into the backyard.

Enjoying each other’s company.

I guess it was just before ten in the morning when I head out to mail a couple of packages and to pick up some items to make a pot of chilli.

I was gone less than one hour.

When I was within ear shot of the house; I could see a big multi-coloured cat just leaving our yard and then I heard them.

All three were barking …. all three different voices….. all so cute.

They were happy to see me as I was happy to see them.

We spent the rest of the day doing bits of this and that.

A huge parcel arrived for me from my friend “V” back in Regina.

Some items were the tupperware that I had ordered when she was here to visit (she sells tupperware) and the rest of delectable goodies for my upcoming birthday.

There was an apron to match the one she wore when she cooked the best homemade soup on the planet and a beautiful mug in matching pinks and greens – birds of a feather – flock together.

There was a brownie peanut butter cup birthday cake and three kinds of cookies and I will mention here that two of the cookies were tucked into two of the pieces of tupperware and it was not until I opened them to wash them that I noticed the cookies.  What a delightful surprise.

She gave me a tupperware insulated lunch bag that is of nautical design and so nice.  There were two additional pieces of tupperware to boot and the winning $60 million lotto ticket for tonight’s draw.

What an awesome person she is, so thoughtful and kind and oh so generous.

This has been the week of wonderful parcels arriving at my house …..

In the afternoon my friend “P” stopped by to drop off some apples from her tree and was surprised to see me at home.

I haven’t seen here since I have been on vacation.

She was on her way to get her hair cut and I invited her to come for tea on her way home which she did.

We had such an awesome visit.

She loves puppies as well and they all got many a pat while she was visiting.

Mr. Alvin was just a tad bit jealous of Casey, I will say.

I made the chilli for supper and have enough leftover for the next million years.

I froze most of it …..

The kids picked up the puppies after work and after all their errands.

We had an awesome day.

Later just before our walk we delivered a Steeped Tea Catalogue to one of my neighbours and friends and of course had a wee visit.

Then we walked.

Then after I put the chilli in the fridge and freezer Alvin and I retired to the deck where we enjoyed the late night air and stillness of it all.

What a glorious day …..

I am so grateful to have such amazing family and friends.

I am so touched by the generosity and as I said most grateful.

Well time to get this late morning on the road.

My head was filled with all sorts of odd dreams this morning so I just let them happen.

Sometimes you just have to do that ….. even though there are things I should/could be doing.

After all is that not what vacation is for ???? to dream???

Happy Friday ALL.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” thank you, thank you, thank you.  You should have a parcel delivered today.  I have to check the tracking number.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of December, 2014.

Yes, one more day closer to Christmas.

My favourite time of the year.

I do love the decorations, the hustle and bustle, the baking, the Christmas Cards, the hooting and hall hauling, the music and the fuss.

I must admit I truly love this time of year.

I have another friend who loves this time of year as much as me.

She lives not quite a block away.

We had tea and homemade cinnamon buns last night at her house.

I love her decorations.

Every time we get together the hours seem like minutes, seconds even.

I absolutely love spending time with her ….

We talk …. we laugh ….. we talk ….. we laugh …..

Her husband usually chats at the start of our visit and at the end.

They are such a lovely couple ……

Looks like a trip to Costco this evening after work ……

Just we girls…..

I wonder how busy it will be.

I was surprised at how many shoppers were at the mall last Sunday.

Seems early but likely not.

We seem to forget from year to year.

Well today is another day.

Each second is new and precious.

Even though there are a few seconds here and there that I could do without for the most part I am over the moon grateful for my life.

I have learned so much by my errors or slips in judgement or from lack of information.

Life is all about learning.

I am a student of life.

I guess that is a good thing.

So take the time today to learn something …. even a new word.

Always worthwhile.

You never know when you could use that word or that action you learned to help yourself or others.

So off to the office I go.

Thank you for reading – it means the world to me.

Special Hello to: all those people who create and share their creations with the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin