Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Alvin is snoozing outside the office door as I click click away on the keyboard writing this post. I am so grateful that we had such an beautiful fall thus far.

Even though the wind is howling and sounding like it is blowing things away, the air outside is warm. Fingers crossed for another warm day. Yesterday was beautiful. 20’s for October is amazing. Makes me want to do a happy happy dance. My friend Pauline came over and looked after Mr. Alvin. They even went for a walk to the park. Good to know that if I am not at home, he will walk when someone tries to take him outside. After work, I so wanted to go for another walk (went for a walk at work) but someone had other ideas so it was very short lived.

Did I tell you that I was having monitor problems which have now been rectified? Did you know that the port can actually break? You learn something new everyday. Thanks to my friend and coworkers’ husband who works in IT for fixing the problem. I truly learn something new each day. So I am happy to have the monitor working again. I could work with just the laptop but much easier with a second screen/monitor.

I took tomorrow off and have a full day planned between vet visit etc.

The wind howling made me think that I should change out my closets and bring up my winter wear. I don’t think we will have many sandal/flip flop days ahead. Would be nice but not likely!

I am looking forward to a cup of coffee this morning.

My friend Val said that a surprise package is being delivered today. I can hardly wait. Did not tell Mr. Alvin as he would get overly excited and anxious. He loves opening packages. That makes me happy.

Well it is time to head back downstairs. Plug in the coffee perk. Get this day going. I am up early as it is only 6:28 but that is okay. I have lots to do so might as well get an early start. One more trip outside.

Have an awesome Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The NEW Year 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We were in bed last night before 9:30 and I read for a bit, Alvin woke up at 4:00, we went downstairs for the usual and then to sofa until, wait for it ……. wait for it ……. 6:30 a.m. …… Can you believe it? I could not believe the clock. Of course, I did not add the 2:00 a.m. up for me to run to the bathroom. But all in all we had a great sleep. So grateful.

The wind is howling madly. I can see the orange horizon to the east, which is to my left, and darkness to my right. It won’t take long and the sky will clear of the dark. Even as I type these words the sky is becoming more light. So beautiful. I love the contrast between sunrise and night. I noticed that the water outside did not freeze overnight as I can see the puddles rippling with the wind. I guess this will help melt the snow once the sun begins to shine.

Mr. Alvin is making an odd whining sound as he looks to his water dish from his bed. Is he thirsty? Likely. Not sure why he does not just get up. Now he has stopped.

Most of the snow has melted on the deck and it is so dirty (not sure why) and I will be able to shovel the remaining snow from the grassy area so that he can do his business down there. That is Saturday chore.

I am off from work this afternoon as I am taking Mr. Alvin to the Vet for his appointment. Thankfully I can borrow Sonja’s car so we do not have to walk in these conditions.

I guess he wants his water and of course, he needs me to be right beside him.

Okay, back now.

Last night we played with one of his favourite toys. I threw it and he ran like the wind and grabbed it and brought it back to me so that we could play tug of war. So cute. It was funny after we had been playing for several minutes, I decided to grab my phone and take a video. He immediately stopped and then played a bit so I was able to grab a bit of video and it was not until I put down my phone and stopped recording that he was right back into the action. He knows that he does not get 100% attention when I have that thing in my hand. Smart cookie.

Well time to go. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Almost light now.

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

Oh, one more quick story. Yesterday near the end of my work day, I called the client who had sent me the most thoughtful Thank You card to thank her. Well actually I called her earlier and had to leave a message, she called me back and then I returned her call. YIKES. Anyway, we had a lovely chat. She said that her son helped her pick out the card for me. I loved that she thought that I should be getting a raise for all the hard work that I do and that she was grateful to be living in our housing and have affordable rent. She was so sweet. We had the nicest chat and then it was well past my stopping time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? Alvin and I are sleep deprived. Not sure why but he had me up almost every hour since 3:00 a.m., he does not appear to be feeling unwell so will monitor the boy. He had a low key birthday as I was working. He received birthday wishes from his sister and brother-in-law and pups. We ended up short staffed on the after hours phone line so I worked till 7:00 p.m. and as I had started at 8:00 a.m. it was a long day. I was returning phone calls all day long and then on the phones after hours. Tired of speaking on the phone. Unfortunately I have a few calls yet to return and I sure hope that the phones are quiet today. Maybe everyone will be busy watching the United States Presidential Inauguration. I am excited to watch it however the business part of it will happen this morning while I am working but I am recording it to watch later and also the Balls, I enjoying watching them dancing and the entertainment. So a busy day for a lot of people. Sending good wishes for a wonderful celebration for the American people.

I am grateful that we had a nice walk at lunchtime yesterday. It was funny almost as soon as I was finished on the after hours phones last night the rain started, the wind howled and blew so hard I felt that the roof may blow away. As I looked out of the front window which faces north, it was raining and the trees were almost blowing over AND out the back door it was snowing and windy. My shovel blew crossway against the porch out front which has never happened. At the back both garbage cans that are against the fence not too far away from the house were laying on their sides. I left them that way thinking they may blow away next time although as garbage was picked up yesterday and they are near empty. The rain and snow eventually stopped but the wind gusts well into the night and is still blowing this morning. So what a night. Perhaps it was the wind that kept Mr. Alvin up …..

He is whining loud at the doorway so I had better sign off for now.

We are okay despite the lack of sleep or at least I am banking on that.

Please have an awesome day.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 23rd day of January, 2019.

Well today is a COLD day for us here in Edmonton.

The wind was howling earlier but seems to be quiet now.

My nephew got the word and is heading back to work this morning.

We will leave for work at the same time.

It was great having him here with us.

The house will seem quiet without him.

Yesterday we went to see the movie Aqua Man.

It was really good.

Highly recommend it.

 

Well I should go and see my nephew off before heading out to work in a bit.

Have a great Wednesday.

Back to normal tomorrow.

 

Special Hello to: you and you and you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of June, 2018.

The wind is howling this morning and it feels COLD in the house.

I took this day as a vacation day so slept in this morning.

Besides who wants to get up early when it is raining and windy, not me for sure.

Especially when there is not a good reason.

Just snuggling under the blanket with me, Alvin, well that is the perfect thing to do when it is storming outside.

Not to complain as we did need to the moisture

The wind is just knocking the trees and everything about.

I am very happy that I moved the flower pots closer to the protection of the house.

Forecast is for another day of rain and tomorrow the sun is supposed to shine in between cloudy periods.

 

A nice warm shower will feel great this morning.

Might have to stay in there for an extra minute or two.

 

My daughter has today off as well.

It is her regular day off work.

We have plans to get together.

Will be nice to have her company.

 

Well June is turning out to be a mixture of weather.

I think so far May was warmer than June.

It is true that we Canadians spend a great deal of time conversing about the WEATHER.

Either it is COLD or it is HOT.

Either the winter is long.

Too much snow and or ice.

TOO windy.

Too much rain and not enough sunshine.

We talk about weather more than any other subject for sure.

 

Just had a call from my girl and she will be on her way shortly.

Guess that means that I had better get my poop in a group and jump into that shower.

For some reason “I think to say get my poop in a group” ….. it brings a smile to my face.

 

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: my sister … who always brings a smile to my face and has nothing to do with getting one’s poop in a group….. giggling and smiling here.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

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 Thursday the 26th day of October, 2017.

Last night the wind HOWLED and BLEW and HOWLED and BLEW.

We decided, well I decided not to walk as I feared we might blow away or worse be hit with flying garbage of some sort.

Better to stay at home and be safe.

We enjoyed our time together …. me and Alvin ….. snuggling on the sofa.

Relaxing.

I am so grateful to have this blog – an on-line diary if you will.

Always nice to look at and see what was going on …..

This DATE last year:

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 26th day of October, 2016.

Another one of many dark mornings to come.

Appears to have been raining overnight.

Still mild so sidewalks and streets should be ice free.

Please be careful …..

Wow only a handful of days left until Halloween and then my time.

My time to put up the tree.

My time to decorate the house inside and out.

My time to send Christmas cards, letters and current photo of me and Alvin.

My time to BAKE.

Our time to appreciate all that we have.

I am so grateful that I can make my own choices when it comes to the above.

I am so grateful for all those who watch over and look after us all.

I am so grateful for my family and friends.

It was a late night and early morning.

I honestly slept in a bit so have to cut this short.

So much running through my head.

One thing:  can I really leave the house with my hair like this?

Yes, I can because I have no time.

It is clean but a little wild.

Will blame it on “being older.”

It could work.

Maybe.

Good for a giggle.

Honestly it is not that bad.

Really.

Am I trying to convince myself?

Yes.

Time to go.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Live in the moment and be mindful.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. this year – my hair is good.  Had a shower so freshly washed.  Laughing Aloud……

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of August, 2015.

Wow, one glorious week of August ending and plus three to go.

The sun is shining here in Edmonton.

It was dark when I got out of bed this morning with the pups.

Elton, Penny and Mr. Alvin.

We had a great Thursday evening ….

Elton and Penny were so excited to go for a walk and Mr. Alvin hid under the table.

So I took Elton and Penny for a walk …. our regular route.

It was such a glorious walk.

As we left the house no noise then suddenly when we were out of view of the window I hear this forlorn howl (sounded like a wolf) and I thought was that Alvin.

Yup, that was Alvin……

Poor little guy.

Part of me wanted to go back and fetch him but the other part said two is enough ….. three is hard to wrangle.

Especially when they start “pooping.”

So I felt like a rotten Momma ……

By the time we got home he was “happy” to see us.

It was so nice out that I mowed our grass, front and back, both neighbours on either side of me, watered flowers and plants, for all of us and did some weeding.

By the time I was done it was almost 9:30 …..

Mr. Alvin had had some exercise by running and jumping on the deck.

His second favourite thing to do other than eating.

He is so cute.

He runs as fast as he can …. jumps from the bottom to the top step (three) on the upper deck….does this little hop and then does it all over again.

He always makes me laugh when I watch him.

Then he is tuckered out.

After all of that we came into the house – I made myself a cup of tea and watched a show that I had previously recorded.

Then to bed.

No drama.

Usually there is drama.

Everyone settled in and I read for a few minutes before going to sleep.

YAY …. Grandma ……

The sky is beginning to cloud over.

I have errands to run so will have to leave the pups alone but they will be just fine.

On my way there is a walkway that is always filled with garbage …. I cannot believe people.

Just throwing away empty drink containers ….. fast food bags ….. and more.

So I will grab my little disposable gloves and a garbage bag and clean it up on my way through to my shopping places.

Seems like I am always picking up garbage.

Sure wished people would think before tossing.

Oh well ….. it will be some extra exercise for me which I need.

Maybe it will help with my “spare tire” …….

Certainly cannot hurt.

Well I guess Grandma better get this show on the road.

Slept a bit later than planned but guess I needed it.

Have an awesome Friday.

Play safe and be happy.

Special Hello to: my daughter and sister who are two of my most favourite women ….. they are kind and good.

Always, Carol and Alvin