The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! It is another beautiful morning out there. We were just outside a few minutes ago as Alvin was just finished breakfast ( I know, right!) and I wanted to move my plants back into the sunshine. We had storm clouds brewing yesterday late afternoon and I did not want to take any changes so I moved them in shelter of house and garage. We ended up getting only a few drops of rain and some wind. We were lucky. Someone would have been hit as they were scary looking clouds. There are a few clouds that look like they want to develop into something more but I am going to hold onto the moment and see beautiful blue sunny sky in my mind’s eye.

Today is an extra special day. My dear Cousin Lorette celebrates her birthday, my long time friend Deanna and her twin sister Lynn celebrate their 65th birthdays (we went to school together) and a young friend Frances Blue from my Bath & Body Work Days celebrates a birthday today. Happy Birthday to all these special women. I wish you good health, love, abundance and laughter.

The second day of our garage sale brought in a few people and a few sales. We closed it down at 3:00 with giving a nearby family some items and they bought a few items as well, win/win. We spent a bit of time reorganizing and then last night I went out and repackaged the like items that are going to be donated into manageable garbage bags. One of the girls will run them there this week. We all made a bit of money and disposed of some things. I am going to post some items on community groups as time allows. But I am happy.

I cannot believe that Friday is July 1st, 2022. There is so much talk of “celebrating” Canada Day but you know what – despite the fact that our history was less than perfect – that does not mean that our present and future have to be. Unfortunately in world history very few countries or continents treated any of their peoples with respect. Someone was always at war with someone. So instead of dwelling on things and blaming anyone – let us recognize what was done and show all the people living today – that we do not have that mindset and just be better. Be kind and respectful and compassionate to all peoples and living creatures. Who cares how you dress, how you identify as a human being or the colour of your skin or even your age – we are all HUMAN BEINGS and should be treated with kindness and respect and compassion. How about we finally live in PEACE!! This is 2022 for pity’s sake. We all make the world turn. We are all important. We are all HUMAN BEINGS! Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked together in peace and harmony! Okay there may be the odd heated debate or discussion.

On that serious note, I have to go to work. Coffee is brewed. I am grateful that I have friends that are not all “like me” if you will. We should learn from each other and be better as a result.

Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: wow only 43 days until I turn 65.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Wednesday, the 26th of January 2022. How are you today? Both Alvin and I are great.

Today is the BELL Let’s Talk Day. Today we destigmatizing mental health and raise funds.

The subject is no longer taboo. Finally!

For as long as humans have walked the Earth – we have stayed as far away from “mental health” conversation as possible. We shunned people with mental health issues and even worse.

Every family is touched by issues surrounding the brain.

Some may be small and barely noticeable to anyone including the person affected and others are noticeable a mile away. We are all affected by mental illness to some degree.

Although I used to think that I did not have any mental health issues but I was wrong. I like so many other human beings suffer from occasional bouts of depression which may be in varying degrees. Mine is “seasonal depression” and this is more common than one would think. This does not happen all of the time but mainly during long periods of overcast skies and blustery days. I just feel “blue” and not my usual bubbly self. So during these days I make sure that I surround myself with things that bring me joy and light. It helps.

Seeking professional help is important and surrounding yourself with positive influences is important as well.

You are important as is every other person on this planet. If you are not sure if you have depression or not, talk to a professional. They can help.

Everyone needs to “talk” to someone at some point in their lives. We cannot survive without talking – communicating our inner thoughts.

Have a great day and take care.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Monday morning? Well my four days off is over and back to work. We were in bed a bit later than normal but not by much. Mr. Alvin slept until 5:22 a.m. – so happy. Then we retreated to the sofa until 6:45 a.m. (cause the Momma just had to reset the alarm twice, lol). I know, I know, we should have got up and gone for a walk. The sun was shining and it was so nice out. Only 17 degrees at this time, 17 degrees celsius that is. A few clouds have rolled in at this time and there is a forecast for rain, we badly need some moisture so it sure would be most welcome. We can now get back to our regular schedule …. walk at noon and after work although I must admit that I did love walking early in the morning and perhaps as this is summer and you never know where the day will take us that we should just get up that bit earlier and head out. We will aim for that tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a good rain shower this morning. Crops and gardens and trees sure need a drink. I have been watering my flowers so they are doing well. Our front lawn remains green due to not been cut (does help by not keeping it too short).

Well we are now almost one week into July already. I always think how funny it is that it was June 30th last Wednesday which now seems like an eternity ago and now it is July 5th. WOW. Time. It is always the same but somehow seems to be passing at lightning speed. But it goes at the same pace as it always has – no different than from I was at age 5. Well I guess that is not quite true as there is that world clock or something that we can a second every once in awhile. I cannot remember how that works. I guess it is called “Universal Time” ( I googled it). I quickly read about the Atomic Clock. Interesting. Time is and has always been an interesting subject for each and every one of us living on the planet Earth. There is not one person on this Earth, I believe, that has not thought about time at some point in their lives. Likely for various reasons but still pondered. I think it is one subject that is common to us all. I think about time. So does my friend living in Sweden as does Queen Elizabeth as does someone living on the plains of Africa. We all do. That is being human. It draws us together and keeps us apart. Okay, how in the world did I get thinking about time. Anyway, see what I mean? Time, time, time.

Well it is time, lol. Time for me to sign off and head on downstairs and put on that coffee to perk. Place Alvin’s doggie bed in the kitchen so he is next to me and turn on some music. Then turn on the computer and prepare for the day.

I hope that you have an awesome Monday. Go for a walk when you have “time.” Be kind to yourself and to all others. Happy Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? Both Alvin and I are well. He/We/I were awake just after midnight and up and out and then back to “BED,” yup the actual bed not the sofa until guess what time? I was so excited “5:00 a.m.” Felt like I actually slept through the night. So that was a great way to start the day. Oh no, we did not stay up. The sofa always calls our names.

I am so happy that our sunrises seem to be happening earlier each day and I guess they really are, so nice. No snow yesterday that actually accumulated which was good. No walking. Seems to be a lots of no’s happening. We did some up and down the stairs. Alvin does get fresh air more than me when it is this cold as he has to go out for the obvious reasons and sometimes he likes to just go out on the deck for a few minutes under the careful eye of his Momma. Have to watch that the pads on the bottom of his paws do not freeze. It is something that most folks do not think about when they are out walking their dogs in the winter time and in the summer they can blister/burn on hot pavement and sidewalks. We rescued a dog on a hot summer day who has his/her pads badly burned. My family took the pup to the Emergency Vet for treatment. Unfortunately we never did find out where she belonged. Very sad.

Today is the Happy Birthday of one of my two nieces. Happy Birthday KENZI. Alvin and I are hoping that life is treating you well. Best Wishes.

As I look around my office, I see that I am surrounded by my favourite inanimate objects such as cards, photos and books. I love to read. Every night when I go to bed – I read. I love all sorts of books. My daughter also has a thirst for reading books and quite often passes hers to me which is great because right now who gets out to shop for books. I have another friend who reads with a passion and she sometimes passes a book or three to me. Books are so very important to us human beings. They can lift you up and take you to places that you never imagined. The power of words. I am grateful to have a room filled with the things that I love. A thank you card from the CEO of a company I used to work for, a very beautiful birthday card from my sister, lots of cards displayed, photos of me and Alvin, my daughter, places I have been and favourite sayings. All hanging up on my wall size bulletin boards made my talented daughter. I must say that my office upstairs is my favourite room in the house. Truly. Makes my heart sing and my heart warm. Do you have a favourite room/place in your home. I also had this room painted the most glorious shade of green. I love this room. Truly I do.

Well I think that it is time to head on downstairs and plug in the coffee. Busy day ahead. Alvin is being patient this morning. He went outside just before we came upstairs. We both had a good sleep.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday.

Oh, my Chef’s Place meal delivery order is coming today. This is the third one that I have tried. Fresh (cannot remember the name at this moment), GoodFood (which I love) and this one Chef’s Plate. Nice to try things that I would not normally cook and to have all of the ingredients. Just remembered it was called Hello Fresh.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Oh, I am working on patience, every day. Alvin will attest to that for sure.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I want to wish a Happy Birthday to my nephew in Calgary and one of my long time friends in Regina. They both celebrated birthdays yesterday and guess who forgot to send them birthday wishes. Happy Birthday to you both. May 2021 be filled with good health, great joy, much love and laughter and abundance.

Turnaround in our weather. Thankfully the temperatures are going up (warmer). One or so weeks of this frigid weather is enough for us. Tomorrow I am hosting a birthday party for one of my Edmonton friends in our garage. We will have heaters thanks to another Edmonton girlfriend. I can honestly say that I have never hosted a birthday party in a garage. I have hosted on the deck, in the house, in basements, on the beach, at McDonalds, in a park and so on but never ever in a garage. After work today, I am going to move around and organize seating and a table for us. Hang up some decorations. The Birthday Banner. The guest list is the three of us friends which includes the birthday girl. I must add Alvin to the list as he will NOT stay quiet in the nice warm house. He has to be attached to me all of the time. I have this perfect patio set that is made to resemble wicker but it is not. There is a small “loveseat” and two comfy chairs. They all have nice cushions which I just remembered will need to be brought out of their storage bags. I also have a small table that comes with the set and then a large round table. So I will move the large round table into the middle of the garage or close to the middle. Place the seating six feet apart. Make sure that everyone has a spot to set their coffee/tea drinks on and we are set to go. Set up should not take too long. Just some rearranging and we are good to go. In the morning, I will take the cupcakes (made from scratch, I might add) and some other treats to the garage along with a butler of coffee. The gift. Party time. I am so excited to spend good quality in person time with two of my best girl friends ever. They are amazing human beings and I am more than proud to call them my friends.

Well I guess it is time to head on back downstairs. Put on the coffee and start work in a few minutes. YAY it is Friday. It has been a strange week. Alvin seems to have a dislike for the headset that I put on so when I am on the phone which is often he barks. I even let him sniff the headset but to no avail, he still barks. When I was using the phone app, I could get up and take the phone with me, I cannot do that with the headset, as it is not cordless. So it has been frustrating. Sometimes he has to go out and other times not. What a guy.

Okay, it is Friday. Today is going to be quiet and a great day. Looks like it may be nice enough for us to take some semblance of a walk at noon today. I am so grateful. I think he needs to get out for longer than bathroom breaks.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and learning to be more patience. Learning. Learning, Learning.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All. How are you doing this Thursday morning? I am well, we are well. Alvin was whining at the office doorway until I explained to him that we do this every morning and to come in and lay down on his bed. He complied. WOW, I did not expect that but he actually understood. YAY, pack leader.

Have you ever thought about when you were much younger where we would be in the year 2021? Did you think that we would be zipping through the air in cars equipped for off ground travel? Kind of like the Jetsons. Or that we might be able to teleport from our homes to anywhere on the planet that had a “telepad.” That holograms were a household fixture. I guess having the automated vacuum systems that zip about and clean our floors is a start. Also being able to turn lights off and on remotely by using an app on your cell phone. Do you remember the communication devices on Star Trek and how they resemble some of our first mobile phones? From the imaginations of the movie makers to the minds of inventors. Not every item but it gives people ideas. I also thought that by 2021 we would be living in peace worldwide and we are not even remotely close. I do wish for world peace. But is that even possible for human beings? Not as long as we have a need for power and dominance and for material wealth. Also I would have thought that by the time we could fly to the moon we would have conquered disease and many of our day to day issues. A big one is “the use of single use plastics.” The other day on television the ladies on this Canadian talk show were speaking about single use plastics and “tampons” were near the top of the list. It has been many years since I have had to use feminine hygiene products but I totally agree, we can land on the moon but we cannot come up with something to replace all tampons? Some Canadian provinces are banning single use plastics by the end of 2021 and that is a start. But how about we hire some of our best and brightest to come up with replacements for all of these items that are bad for us and for the environment. There has to be a way. I guess 2021 could be the beginning of us pulling together and doing what is right for us, for every creature, for nature and for the environment.

This is a subject much bigger than the time that I have at this moment. We have to do something and sooner than later. Stop standing with our heads in the sand so to speak. Pull off the blinders.

Time to go to work.

Teddy and Kobi will be spending the afternoon with me and Alvin.

Living my life as I hope you are living yours with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Funny how some mornings you wake up and are full of energy and ready to go and others not so much.

The sky is overcast this morning and this is a “not so much” kind of morning.

We were up earlier at 3:45 a.m. – well actually Alvin had me up at 3:45.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and then we hit the sofa for what seemed like 5 minutes before he was up and wanting to eat.

Guess what time that was?

It was 4:15 a.m.

So I fed the boy, then outside, and we hit the sofa again.

Then it was 7:19 a.m

Thoughts of “Oh do we have to get up crossed my mind.”

I decided might be nice to return upstairs and lay on our bed.

We were there for a few minutes when we hear a loud bang.

Alvin’s head bolted up.

Then shortly after the sounds of a hammer.

Then a electric saw.

ARGH.

So then at 8:15 a.m. which is not early and not late – we are up.

I checked out of the window to see where the noise was coming from and noticed that the neighbours across the street (not directly) were/are working on their fence.

Oh well, I have things to do.

Shower, breakfast, gather up all the laundry that is air drying in the basement, wash the floors, move my flower pots back to their original spots (looked like a big storm with possible hail and more

wind) and at some point walk and move some of the flowers in the front flower bed.

Oh, I have two tomato plants to transplant.

But they are not growing very quickly so I am hesitant to move them outside.

I would like to do some work-work (office).

Today is Sunday so not sure if I want to spend any more time “working” as I already did 3.45 hours yesterday.

We are just so busy that I find putting in extra time here and there helps my peace of mind.

Actually truth be told more than here and there.

I generally put in extra time everyday.

That varies from one hour to multiple hours.

I am quite certain that I am not alone.

Now that we are working from home it is not easy to ignore “work” during off hours.

As it is starring one right in the face.

I see my work computer as I write this post and think I should be working.

Also not just for me but for my clients.

Everyone is nervous, worried and also most people think everything nowadays should be completed in the blink of an eye.

Which is not so.

So many folks now working from home have found their work loads have increased many fold due to the COVID19 pandemic.

So what do we do?

Oh well, I will do as I always do.

Work extra when I can.

Try to relax when I can.

Life goes on.

I do not wish to complain as I know that I am blessed in so many ways.

I have a beautiful home, great family and friends, Alvin and we are in good health.

You know what – no noise now.

I guess that was my wake up call.

Time to get this day going.

The sky looks dark as though it could start to rain anytime.

The bind is blowing.

I hope that neighbour is able to complete everything he needs to do today before the rain.

 

Yesterday was my friend’s birthday.

I did not have an opportunity to see her but we did chat on the phone.

She had just spoke with two of her sister who live in England.

How lovely.

Her gift & card are ready for the next time we see each other.

 

Another friend down the street asked if she could take Alvin for some time on Friday as she has the day off.

She is the Mom to Alvin’s girlfriend Abi, who passed away in February.

I hope that Alvin will go with her as she really needs some company and is missing Abi terribly.

You know Mr. Alvin is such a Momma’s boy and does not like to leave my sight.

 

Well I guess time to hit the shower and get this day going.

A cup of coffee and GO.

Thank you for reading and listening.

I hope that you are doing well in the midst of this pandemic.

So much is happening in the world.

If we can just listen to each other, love and respect each other and treat each other with kindness – the world stands a chance.

Reach out with a phone call, video chat, email or text to a friend or loved one.

Help an elderly neighbour.

Visit with a neighbour over the fence or in the backyard.

Do some volunteer work (yes, there are things we can do even during this pandemic).

We are all HUMAN BEINGS.

 

Enjoy your Sunday.

Living with love, kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Remembering these cupcakes that I commissioned a coworker to bake for my birthday last year.

Looking forward to more this coming one.

They were so o pretty and oh so o yummy.

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Wednesday Morning,

Alvin and I enjoyed another wonderful walk last night in the warm air.

So happy to see the sidewalks becoming more and more clear of ice and snow.

The moon has been glorious for the past few days.

Full, round and present.

I have seen some of the photos taken in New York City and the moon appeared to be sitting beside the city skyline of skyscrapers.

So beautiful.

The colour appeared different than it has here in Edmonton, a few thousand miles away.

2427 miles to be precise ( that is what google is for when we are not quite sure ).

My moon shots were not that great.

Perhaps if I played with the settings on my iPhone, I could have taken better shots but that is okay.

Not everyone is gifted with the eye for taking great, spectacular photos.

I am good at other things.

Like we all are ….

We all have our special gifts.

When you are having a moment and believe that you are not special, that just is not so.

Every single being on this planet, every spark of life, is special and holds a place within the biosphere we call Earth.

I know that it may be difficult some days to think in this way but we must.

No one person is any better than the next.

We all have our quirks, our desires, our ambitions, our creative energies, the way we comb our hair to the way we handle our days.

If we learn to stop, smell the roses, take the time to relax and just be.

Be well, be good within ourselves.

Perhaps maybe we may realize how special each creature is to our very existence.

I hope so anyway.

That is not to say that we all do not have those moments, oh believe, you me …. I have them.

We all do and that is part of what it is to be human.

We run the gamut of emotions.

 

Well it is almost time to head back downstairs to finish the “getting ready” process.

There be poop to pick up (as always), some last minute snuggles with my boy, lunch to grab out of the fridge.

The coat, the mitts, the scarf and the boots and remember to take my purse and phone.

 

I wish you the best of Wednesdays.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating today.

May you be covered in eternal joy, good health and enjoy much laughter and abundance.

 

Days to be filled with kindness and respect.

Today will be …..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of October, 2018.

I almost typed/keyed Monday ….. it is funny how habitual we are ….. first day of the work week for me is almost always Monday.

Mr. Alvin is curled up on his blue blanket on the floor beside me.

It is funny how the little things make you happy, make you feel content.

I feel that all is right with the world when Alvin is content, when he appears to be happy.

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

Life is filled with lightness and of dark.

Whether you see the light or feel the darkness.

We all pass the same way.

We are born, we eat and drink, we die.

So why is it that we feel the urge to label everyone.

Does it matter what colour your skin is?

Does it matter if you are woman or man?

Does it matter what your sexual preference is?

Does it matter if you believe in something greater than yourself?

Absolutely not.

We all are born onto this earth and we will all die on this earth.

We have to rethink our in between time on this earth.

So on this Tuesday …. just be a human being.

If you live in Canada, you are still a human being.

If you live in the U.S.A., you are still a human being.

If you live in Mexico, you are still a human being.

If you live in China or Russia, you are still a human being.

Nothing changes.

***********

Tuesday is grow day ….. learn something new.

Mr. Alvin moved from his blue blanket to sitting under my legs on the little piece of rug under my desk.

He likes to be close to me when I am at home.

 

So on this Tuesday, I hope that you are inspired to be a better human being.

I am.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who inspires me daily.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of September, 2017.

So grateful for the sunny blue skies of this morning.

What a great sight after several days of cloud and rain.

 

How can the rest of the world quietly stand by and listen to two “powerful” leaders bully and demean each other, and threaten nuclear war.

Are we not taking this seriously?

Perhaps we should.

It is the actions of mad men that truly scares me.

The stark reality of this is nuclear war if other countries do not intervene.

At the very least much unrepairable damage to the environment.

How can reports say this will not happen?

Are you kidding me?

Kim Jong Un  just wants a reason, and he will not step down on his own.

Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump are taking “leadership” to a whole other level.

I would be so incredibly embarrassed if my Prime Minister spoke or acted in this manner.

Maybe, everyone on this planet needs to step up and put an end to this craziness.

It is hard to believe that in 2017 we still have mad men leading countries and wars killing millions.

I guess nothing has been learned over the last thousands of years.

Feeling disappointed …..

 

Back to my current reality of doing laundry, cleaning the house, grocery shopping and such.

But I do think about the status of the planet and the human beings that inhabit it.

Feeling sorry that we are in this state of affairs.

 

Special Hello to: every creature on this planet and I wished that I had a way to stop the madness.

Always, Carol & Alvin