Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. Last night we were in bed by 9:00 p.m. as I am working from the office today. About 11:50 p.m., Alvin wanted to go outside so downstairs we went. He had a pee and then we were back in the house where we laid on the sofa. Thank goodness for a comfortable spot. We were just settling in when I heard a noise coming from the front porch, as I was half asleep, I did not think too much of it. Maybe a cat. Then a little while later I heard my phone ping several times, notification of someone texting me. Did not think much of that either. Then off to la la land. Alvin wanted to get up a couple of times before the alarm went off but I managed to coax him to lay back down. We were up to stay up at 5:00 a.m., after I gave Alvin his food, I checked my phone to see a text from the neighbour in the other half of the duplex. She had texted me at 12:33 a.m., she had heard someone on our front porch but did not know if I had company that was just leaving so she did not go outside. Now that is so funny that Mr. Alvin did not bark or make any kind of movement toward the front door. Very strange. Whomever it was did not try the door handle or I would have heard so what were they doing on the porch? I did turn on the porch light once I had read her text to see if someone had walked off with one of my potted plants or the wreath from my door but they were all there. Kind of gave me the creeps. Definitely will ensure every night that I lock the front door. I do but there has been the odd time where I noticed it unlocked in the morning, especially when I had watered the front flowers in the evening. Anyway, that was my excitement. NOT.

I am starting to get a bit anxious about next week as that is the start of three days each week back to the office. I do have someone to watch over Alvin but it is not the same, it is not me. Although I am very grateful that I have such amazing friends and neighbours who are helping me out. Soon, I hope I will be retiring and then it won’t matter. Soon cannot come soon enough, lol.

This weekend we have to go over the schedule with my friend and neighbor who is helping with Alvin.

Well I am going to go downstairs and outside with the boy and ensure that the main floor is as cool as I can make it. I will close all of the blinds so that it keeps the coolness in as it is supposed to be another hot one today.

I hope that you have an amazing day. Sure cannot believe this weather but am grateful for it. Last year when we were out to see the kids for Thanksgiving it was nice out as well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it certainly is a great day and a New Year.

Today is my little sister’s Birthday, she turns 61.

I turn 63 in August.

Happy Birthday to my darling sister.

Alvin and I wish her the best of days.

 

The sun is rising and wiping away the night sky.

The reflection of the sun’s rays are settling on a neighbour’s house and it looks so beautiful.

It cooled off a bit over night but still is warm considering it is February.

Yesterday Alvin and I walked to his regular appointment.

He had the bordetella (which I thought was a needle but was a drink), an exam, ears checked (he has an infection in his left ear) and nails trimmed.

The Vet administered medicine for Alvin’s ear.

Get this, only once and it will remain active for up to a month.

How about that?

Other than the one ear and a bit of tartar on his teeth.

Which by the way I do brush and by the way our Vet says are in good condition.

He has most of his teeth.

Which is a good thing for canine or human.

According to the chart at the Vet he is approximately 65 in human years.

Actually older than me.

Go figure.

He still has the heart of a pup, like me.

Also like me, sometimes our bodies are not that of a pup or young girl!

Oh well.

 

Looking out of the office window, the sky is a light powder blue.

So wonderful to have the morning sky brighten so much earlier than say one month ago.

 

Well my daughter, Alvin’s sister is coming for pancakes in a little bit.

So I should get dressed and get some housework done.

 

Wishing you a great day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of March, 2018.

Today is the first day of spring.

The air feels warm as earlier I was out picking up last night’s and earlier this morning’s poop.

Yes, I am a pooper scooper.

If you have a dog or even a cat.

You become a human pooper scooper.

Okay enough talk of that.

 

The air is warm and so far the sun is shining.

Although it does not seem to be as bright as even a few moments ago.

I am home (vacation day) today with me Alvin.

He has his second ear treatment as he has an ear yeast infection.

It seems to be working as he has not been scratching his ear.

Maybe a little bit on Sunday night but that is all.

Sure am happy about that.

I think he wonders why I am home.

 

With the official day of spring here.

It should not be too long.

I want to say something – last night I saw a bunny.

The bunny still had a large amount of “white” fur.

A bit of brown but not as much as I would like at this time of year.

Our weather forecast for the next couple of weeks although the temps are warmer – they are saying some “- – – -“.

I cannot say the word.

You know the four-lettered word that starts with “S” and ends with “W.”

ARGH.

I am so tired of ice …. ice and most especially the ice.

Yesterday just as I was walking by one of my friend’s house on my way to work, I slipped on some ice.

Picked myself up and continued to the bus stop.

When I got to work I saw that my pants now have a worn patch on the knee from the concrete / ice.

My knee has a the skin scrapped off.

No pain except for the fact that those are/were my favourite pair of pants.

I will find a way to fix them.

It is not a huge area.

It is not even a hole but I am quite certain that once they are laundered there will be a hole.

Oh well.

I am okay and the pants, well I AM going to fix them.

 

Time to go and get dressed and have some COFFEE before we head out for Mr. Alvin’s appointment.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful first day of spring.

I remember when I was a child walking into the pastures and seeing fields of purple.

Those beautiful furry little flowers named “crocuses.”

I loved the smell in the air and those flowers.

 

These days the air does not have that smell.

Crocuses, none in the City.

Good memories, though.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister who will remember those little purple flowers.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of July, 2017.

Hot day ahead and over the few days days projected to be in the 30’s.

Too warm for me.

Thankfully I do not have to work outside in the hot sun.

I wish “cool” thoughts to those who do.

 

Last night on the bus ride home I had a conversation with a young man who is in Canada from Ireland on a work VISA.

I so love the Irish accent.

He is a bricklayer by trade.

Said so hot working outside.

He told me that Ireland has not come back from a recession.

No work or not much so he decided to come to Canada.

Came by himself.

We had a great conversation.

He said there is more to do here than back home.

Ireland he said has only about 3 million people.

Mainly Irish as people do not often immigrate there.

Said it is beautiful there.

I told him of my Irish roots.

Very nice young man.

Made the hot ride from downtown to West Edmonton Mall so much more bearable.

Good company always does …..

 

I was walking down the street heading toward home from the bus last night after work.

When I spotted a beautiful dog off leash going in and out of yards across the street.

I watched him to see if his owner(s) were about and there were no humans to be found.

So I tried to coax him over to see if I could check his tags.

He/She came across the street with me watching for traffic and ready to stop any vehicles.

The dog came across and ran onto a lawn and then up the steps of that house and stood at the door.

I followed him/her but the dog growled at me so I backed off.

He/She was panting so bad as it was mighty hot and I had no idea how long the dog had been outside in the heat.

So I ran to the next door neighbours hoping they were at home.

A man answered the dog and happened to have a similar dog in the house (by coincidence).

He said they had two Golden Retrievers next door but they are never out.

So I finally after a couple of minutes coaxed him to come with me to the house next door.

When we got there the dog was gone.

My heart skipped a beat.

I asked the man if they were at home and then he went to the door and rang the bell.

A woman answered and I relayed my story and she said her dogs were at home and I said “Are you sure?”

She came outside onto the porch.

A dog barked and then came around the corner from the back lane.

The woman recognized the bark and called the dog.

The dog came to the house.

I reminded the woman to give the dog water as “she” was clearly thirsty.

She said that her grandchildren had been over.

I was thinking to myself “So you did not miss this big huge dog?”

No matter – happy ending.

Dog and Human reunited.

She thanked me and I went on my way.

I thanked the man who had helped me.

So happy that it was a happy story.

 

So good conversation on the way home and a rescue.

Great way to end the day after a long day at the office.

 

Special Hello to: Family and Friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Monday, July 3, 2017 and it is the 38th day until my 60th Birthday.

Wow, cannot believe July 3rd already.

Definitely getting closer to that day.

Not sure how I feel about it but I am certainly glad that I am able to feel.

This has been a great daily reminder of the life that I have lead until now …..

I can only obviously comment on on the first almost 60 years and the future one can only speculate.

In so many ways I am more than blessed.

Of course, I would not be human if I did not find something to complain about or stress over.

There are a great many people on this planet who are able to live totally positive joyful lives.

I strive to be one of them.

I am not there but am working on it everyday.

There is always something that reminds me of the path that I want to be on, and really all we can do is try.

If we intend to do something – eventually it will happen.

Intention ….

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 24th day of December, 2015 and Christmas Eve.

It is finally here …. the waiting is over.

Mother Nature has even joined in the excitement this day as it is ever so gently snowing.

The snow globe effect …..

While……

Me and the children are waiting patiently for Santa Claus to arrive ….

and Alvin, too.

Counting down the hours and minutes.

I remember back to when I was a young girl …. never could sleep Christmas Eve.

Just remember Santa Claus is a feeling ….. the feeling of wonder and awe, happiness and love.

Capture that feeling at Christmas and you will be set for life.

 

While I am a dreamer I am always a realist and while I, we are celebrating with our family and friends there are those who cannot.

There are many reasons ….

Perhaps they are alone in a hospital bed.

Perhaps they are homeless.

Perhaps they have no family or friends.

Perhaps there just is no money for the “trimmings.”

Or maybe they are not at home and cannot get there.

For whatever the reason…..you are not alone.

I want to WISH every human being on this planet all the LOVE that is celebrated and felt in my home, and in so many others.

I want to WISH every human being on this planet a place to call home, food in their bellies and to have the safety to just take a walk and gaze up at the stars.

We are all together ….. every decision I make, and you make affects someone, everyone, somewhere, everywhere.

So on this much celebrated day which should be the likes of everyday ….

I wish you love.

I wish you an easy life.

I wish you happiness.

I wish you joy.

I wish you laughter.

 

Merry Christmas Everyone from Me and Alvin …..

Have the Best Day and Remember to spread the Joy…..

You do not need another blue sweater or gift card to the mall.

There is someone out there perhaps close by who does ….

Merry Christmas …..

Be safe in your travels …..

 

Best Wishes

Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 30th of August, 2015.

One more August day after today …. where did it go?

I had a great August …..

Celebrated many family birthdays and also friends.

Went on a road trip to see my brother.

Signed up to sell “Steeped Tea.”

Coffee dates with my girl friends.

Lots of walks with Mr. Alvin.

Enjoyed the warm summer days of August.

Even won a prize at our staff barbecue.

September is looking to be a fun month.

One of my dear friends from Regina is coming on the long weekend for a visit with me and a school chum who lives in Edmonton, as well.

Two Steeped Tea parties as a Consultant.

Saturday movie and dinner night with three of my friends that I met from Bath & Body Works.

Busy busy …… today lots to do.

Always seems like the weekends zing by.

So happy that Mr. Alvin is feeling better.

He enjoyed our walk last night ….. sniffing about …… visiting with some of his doggie friends and human ones, too.

Enjoying my mug of coffee this quiet Sunday morning …. looking forward to getting laundry done, getting prepared for my upcoming tea parties and odds and ends.

Back to work tomorrow.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Let us be good neighbours to all about us.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming next Saturday for a visit ….. I am so excited.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Evening and Welcome to Sunday evening the 1st day of March, 2015.

Finally am feeling human once again.

Yesterday afternoon something hit me and I slept all afternoon … up for a few hours and then slept all night.

Then slept most of today as well.

Funny how by sleeping you can heal yourself.

I feel so much better …. my brain feels a tad foggy but that is due to being asleep for so many hours.

Thank goodness for my kids as they took the pups for a nice walk this afternoon.

YAY …..

Melting out there.

I just wanted to say a huge “thank you” to all those people who continue to read my blog.

The ones that have been with me since the beginning and to all those new people who continue to sign up…. you put me over the moon.

When I write this blog it is usually in the early morning hours and it is whatever pops into my head.

There are mornings where I am hit with a thought and write about it and other times it just pops into my mind as I write.

There are also times where I write and publish and then think of some other way of wording something or something I wished that I had written.

But all in all I just carry on and try to do better the next time.

I hope that you had a great weekend and I can honestly say that I am well rested ….. did not do much other than take Mr. Alvin to the Vet early Saturday morning and laundry.

That is it.

Take care and I will be back here tomorrow morning.

Special Hello to: all those people who read ….. it makes us want to write.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 18th day of March, 2014.

How was your St. Paddy’s Day ( realized the correct spelling )?

Mine was interesting…… all good on the St. Patrick’s side, anyway.

 

Here we are fast approaching the first day of spring, 2014.

Can you believe it is almost the end of March, already.

Wasn’t it just New Year’s Eve?

 

I am so grateful that the sun is warming the earth here and all around us.

I am so grateful that the snow is melting and that the earth is showing once again.

I am so grateful for the smells and sounds of spring.

 

So on this timely Tuesday – I am so grateful to be alive.

I was thinking this morning I wonder what my grandparents would think of what is going on around us if they were alive?

My Grandma Stella would have embraced the internet and all that it brings.

I could see her sending emails as she loved to write letters  …. perhaps in the beginning she might have been a bit reluctant but she would have converted and surfing the world wide “web.”

I am always amazed by how much of our glorious older people have embraced technology with cellphones and email.

 

I hope that you have an amazing Tuesday.

If you happen to find yourself in a situation that starts to remove your positive sunny outlook and peace of mind ….. stop take a deep breath.

If you can remove yourself from the situation.

If not, with your sunniest face ….. just carry on.

Find the right words …. always good to have a “catch word” that can bring you to your best place.

I have found myself as of late stepping off my glorious plane of peace and positive energy to the “dark side.”

It is not something that I am proud of nor to I wish to stay there but it has happened.

So I am going to practice what I “preach.”

After all, we are all human.

I hope that you have a lovely day.

Wish me luck and I, you.

Take care, my friends.

Special Hello to: my cousin “J” and my sister “C” ….. who have always been supportive and loving ….. thank you.

Always, Carol

P.S. very excited that our first Trade Show for our Dear Stella Jewellery is only four sleeps aways…… YAY

Thought for the day …..

Well a little late in the day but here goes.

After you look back at your day …..

What were your main thoughts?

Were those 60,000 some odd thoughts mainly happy, positive or just random fleeting thoughts?

Are you feeling the best that you can feel?

For the next week, try this exercise …. no matter what is happening in your life.

FOCUS on HAPPY, POSITIVE, JOYFUL THOUGHTS ……

Anytime that a not so positive one enters your mind …. just acknowledge it, and then think of something that makes you happy.

Think of a baby laughing …. the sound of a child’s laughter is the best,  and makes you feel so great.

Concentrate on feeling good.    Give out loving feelings to every creature,  human or other than you meet.

Just imagine how glorious life would be …. if we were all generating positive, happy,  loving vibes.

SO GREAT ….

Give it a try ……

I think that you will be pleasantly surprised.

I know Alvin was….. 🙂  LOL

Always, Carol