It is a NEW YEAR.

Okay MARCH 1st, 2020.

The sun is shining and I can only assume that somewhere the birds are singing.

So happy to see the sunshine this morning.

Yesterday was a gloomy gray snowy day.

I did manage to clear some of the ice pond that had taken “temporary” residence out front of our home.

Today is doing some odd chores around the house.

I have to get the basement in order or at least start.

We will try to go for a walk today and did not manage to get out yesterday.

With the snow covering the ice in many spots – just way too dangerous for us “older type” folks.

My friend who came to do the jewelry party last night is just recovering from a bad fall at work on the ice.

She fractured her elbow in two places, injured but did not break her shoulder, and had a concussion.

That was at the end of January and she is just back to the jewelry business and her job as a nurse.

She has a family so it was hard to do things with her injuries.

I should clarify that she was not at her job as a nurse or selling jewelry.

She has a teenager and a smaller child.

The teenager helped with the little one.

Her husband just started a new job so lots going on with her.

I was a bit disappointed that no one was able to come to the party but we had a great time, visiting and looking at jewelry.

I do love jewelry for sure.

I purchased some bangles and earrings.

So excited to wear them.

 

As I look out of the office window the snow on the garage roof is glistening, sparkling in the sunlight.

So beautiful …. just like a billion diamonds or crystals.

 

Well my friends.

Off to get dressed and have COFFEE and breakfast.

WE were up past 11:00 p.m. last night which is very late for me and Alvin.

Up at 4:30 briefly and then up at 7:00 to stay up.

Already finished a letter and birthday card to my Aunt.

My Dad’s only sister.

I started them yesterday but want to mail today so it stands a chance to make it to her by her birthday.

It will be close.

 

I hope that you have a splendid Sunday.

Filled with relaxation time, lots of laughter, good food and good company.

Happy Days ahead.

Be Kind and Respectful to yourself and to all others.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the last day of February 2020.

the 29th …. the extra day once every four years.

The sky is overcast so I hope that doesn’t mean the white stuff will be falling from the sky later.

Yesterday was incredibly warm, think in the +6 degree fahrenheit range.

So of course some of the snow melted from the backyard, front yard and from neighbours and has pooled in front of my house.

Well actually part of mine and Humphrey’s house.

It is a mess of ice and water.

I see some ice picking in my future today.

Last night after work I went for groceries.

It was ugly getting out and then parked back out front.

I wished that the City would have had the big grader come down and scrape the street.

Instead we had a mini cat come down and plough.

Helped some but not enough.

Last night before groceries, Alvin and I attempted to go for a walk but after getting splashed by cars/trucks driving by …

Because of course, no one wants to slow down for those of us on the sidewalks.

I had bumped into a neighbour who was walking with her puppy and she was frustrated as well.

We were chatting on the sidewalk in front of her house when two trucks went by and splash us.

When we raised our arms in protest, they looked stunned.

Then bless their hearts a couple of vehicles went by and crawled along to ensure we did not get wet.

I honestly do not believe that people plan or intentionally want to splash water and mud on anyone.

But into their own little worlds and not paying attention.

Anyway.

It was nice to get out and have some fresh air.

It was nice to go shopping as well.

Something not at home and not at work.

 

Tonight I am hosting a 5th Avenue Jewelry party.

So after this I am going to get the laundry going, make breakfast, have coffee, clean and do some baking.

Excited to see some bling.

To try some pieces on.

Always a fun way to spend an evening.

There will be a few of us.

Alvin likes having company once he calms down.

 

Well as I might be deicing out front as much as possible.

I better get going.

Funny how the night before last there was only a small amount of ice out front.

Warm temperatures are appreciated but then it takes time and effort to keep the ice away.

 

Yesterday was my second eldest nephew’s birthday.

I forgot until almost the end of the day.

Bad Auntie.

I apologize to him.

Happy Birthday Buddy to one of the best guys I know.

He is hard working, a good father and husband.

An all around good one.

We are grateful to have him in the family.

 

So on this overcast gray kind of day.

I wish that you treat yourself with kindness and respect and some quiet time.

Treating others with kindness and respect is a given.

 

Happy Saturday.

Enjoy the last day of February 2020.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and here we are Monday morning.

We had a great weekend.

We were able to walk, Alvin had a haircut and bath, did some, no all of the laundry, some cleaning and worked on my photo project.

I have over 30,000 photos on my computer.

There are duplicates and triplicates and poor shots.

So I am attempting to reduce the overall number so that it is easier to manage.

I could not even tell you how many that I have deleted.

I must get better when I use my phone at deleting the multiple shots and less than perfect ones.

Hey, it is a project.

It will happen over time.

 

Appears that we had some freezing mini snowballs land on the deck last night.

They were not there when we went to bed.

Hard to tell out front as my neighbour put down some “pet friendly” salt.

I also left snow snow on my front walk to the street so that I have some traction when out and about.

 

Did you watch the OSCARS last night?

My favourite gown was REGINA KING’s.

It was absolutely fairytale princess.

Pink and so beautiful.

 

My favourite speech was Joaquin Phoenix when he won for BEST ACTOR for THE JOKER.

The most surprising wins were for PARASITE, the South Korean movie directed by Bong Joon Ho.

I am going to make a point to watch all of the nominated movies over the next while as they become available for rental.

 

Well here it is time to get going.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

May you be surrounded by loving, supportive kind and respectful beings.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Hello,

Sunday morning.

Sky is overcast.

I was just outside picking up poop from early morning.

Now as I glance out of my office window, it is lightly snowing.

I was going to wait until perhaps it warmed up a bit to go for a walk with Alvin, but perhaps we should go sooner than later.

It is not cold out by any means and Mr. Alvin has his warm winter coat.

Yesterday I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut.

It took less time than usual and likely the best one in a long while.

Lately it has been a struggle to trim his paws, most especially his front ones.

But even though he did not like having them done.

I managed between treats and patience to get them done.

YAY, Momma, the pack leader, not.

 

Today I have some projects to do, well actually one project.

I will tell you about it later.

Not that it is top secret or anything like that but I will show you later, how is that?

Keep you guessing.

 

Man, I could use a cup of coffee.

I will say that I am pleased that Mr. Alvin actually slept from 10:30 p.m. last night till 4:00 a.m. this morning.

 

As I glance around my office which is one of my happy places in my house, I see cards, notes and photos, books, and small treasures.

All reminders of a life well lived to this point.

I do love my life.

There are days or rather moments in time, where perhaps I was less than enthusiastic about some things but for the most part, I am over the moon.

I am surrounded by loving and supportive people.

I have the best companion on the planet, Mr. Alvin.

I have, who are included in the loving and supportive people above,  my daughter and son-in-law, they are incredible young people who give me the strength to want to be here.

I have the best sister on the planet and brothers, too.

I have cousins and friends, friends and cousins.

I am employed which is a good thing in this economic crisis.

I like my co-workers which is something not everyone can always say.

I am able to support myself and Mr. Alvin.

I am in good, no great health.

I am so blessed to live in this beautiful house.

I can plant flowers and veg, if I desire.

I have grass to cut in the summer and snow to shovel in the spring/fall and winter.

I am blessed to be able to cut the grass and shovel the snow.

I may not outwardly have a huge smile plastered/painted on my face but I am ALWAYS smiling inside, in my heart and soul.

So before the snow starts really coming down, I am going to take Mr.Alvin for a walk.

It is icy in spots so it would be good to walk before the snow covers the ice.

I am grateful for my life ……

 

Thank you so much for reading this post and perhaps some of the others.

Writing gives me such great joy.

As I live my life with kindness and respect to all other living creatures, I hope you do as well.

Life is too short to not.

 

Happy Sunday to You All.

It is a Happy Sunday for Us.

 

One of the best things about today is that it marks the 43rd birthday of my eldest nephew.

Happy Birthday T.

Wishing you the best day.

Surrounded by your family.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, yes it is Thursday morning.

Dark outside and will be for several more weeks …. months but that is okay.

It is almost dark by the time that I arrive home from work.

In a short time it will be dark before I arrive home.

Last night I hitched a ride home with my daughter.

So nice to catch up and talk about what was on our mind.

Some work talk and Christmas.

After my daughter continued onto home; I ran, no actually I walked and picked up Mr. Humphrey.

He was to spend the evening with us.

After I brought him to the house a short while later, Alvin and I went for a walk.

Another short one but still fresh air and some exercise.

If Alvin wants to go home I let him lead the way.

I do not want him to get cold.

After we got home, I got Alvin settled in the house before going outside to the front to shovel the sidewalks for us and for Humphrey’s Mom.

I am so grateful that I have great neighbours.

Humphrey’s Mom shovelled the walk before I arrived home from work on Tuesday night after the large snowfall.

 

We had a nice evening.

Me and the boys.

I wrote some more letters for my Christmas cards.

Writing letters is a dying art form.

Most people do not send Christmas Cards.

They tend to send emails or a shout out from Social Media.

Maybe a emoji or GIF (is that the correct term) of something Christmas.

I will always send some Christmas cards and letters as long as I can hold a pen and write.

Sometime tells me that I have MANY good writing letters and cards left in me.

I would like to be doing this at 100 years old.

Wouldn’t that be awesome.

In fact, I started making cards when I was 8 years old.

The first card was a Valentine’s card for my grandparents.

Decades later when I was looking for something in my Grandma’s dresser drawers; I found a box with some cards and one of them was this card from 8 year old me.

She had saved most of the cards that I had sent to her over the years.

The Christmas Cards, the Birthday Cards, Mother’s Day and the letters that I had mailed from wherever I was living over the course of my life.

I spend a few years living with my Grandmother after my Grandfather died so she was like a Mother to me.

 

Well looks like time to sign off for another day.

I wish you well.

Happy Thursday.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I am most grateful.

 

Special Hello to You ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Bright blue sun filled sky this morning.

Welcome to the weekend.

Last night we had rain.

This morning we have “black ice.”

I have a decision to make regarding Alvin’s 10:00 a.m. appointment with Dr. K.

It is a regular one for nails and anal glands.

I am thinking that I should ask to see if I can push it to a later time today before they close at 2:00 p.m.

Our sidewalks are a skating rink and even with the ice picks on your boots, it can/could be dangerous walking to the clinic.

Some photos from last night.

Humphrey joined us for a couple of hours.

He loves Alvin’s bed curled up looking at the Christmas tree, so cute.

Then the rain.

Yes, it was.

Raining last night.

I was so wishing that I had left my downspout connected.

Now you see about the black ice this morning after it froze.

The temperature is not cold but enough to make it dangerous for walkers and for driving of course.

I threw in some photos of my Snowman and Snowwoman, just because they are so cute.

 

Yesterday at work, we said goodbye and congratulations to a friend on her retirement after 27 years of work at our office.

It was very sad and exciting all at once.

I am happy for her as she looks forward to some major changes.

 

Well I guess this will be short as it is almost time for the clinic to open and I want to see if we are able to change Alvin’s appointment time.

I wish you all an awesome Saturday.

Be safe.

With kindness and respect, always.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 2nd day of April, 2019.

Dark outside so not sure if the sky is overcast or not.

We had some rain yesterday afternoon.

I am feeling much better now.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me as I write this post.

My security blanket on his security blanket.

What a great companion.

 

Last night Sir Humphrey the Cat stayed with us.

Boys did well.

Sometimes Humphrey keeps his distance and others like last night he jumped up on the sofa and walked my outstretched legs until he reached my chest.

He stopped and stretched one of his paws to touch my face.

Very softly he touched my face with his paw.

He sat there for just a few seconds and looked into my eyes.

I am not sure what he was looking for but it was sweet.

He that that twice last night.

A record for him.

Every time that Mr. Alvin went outside – Humphrey went outside.

He wanted to go down in the grass which is a mucky mess now and made it down there once without me seeing him.

I fixed it by shovelling some of the snow around the steps going down to the grass area.

He doesn’t like the wet snow so much.

Kept him clean that way.

 

Most of the snow in the back yard has now melted.

Even the ice build up on the front sidewalk seems to have melted.

So grateful to have almost dry sidewalks.

Likely not completely dry until the snow on the front lawn has melted.

How many sentences can one type with the word “melted” at the end?

Seems like 3 thus far.

Oh well.

 

Question?

If you could have just one WISH or realize one thought what would that be?

Would you like:

$10 million dollars

A new house

WORLD PEACE

A new car

END WORLD HUNGER

No more flooding

END DISEASE WORLD-WIDE

RETIRE

Start a charity to help animals.

Start a charity to help animals and people.

Library of Books

Fresh clean water for everyone on the planet.

Good healthy food for every being on the Earth.

Only JOY found on this planet.

 

I guess that the list could go on and on.

What would you like?

Would it be for you, your family and friends or for the world.

 

Time to head on downstairs.

We are “UBERING” today as my carpool was rear-ended on her way home from work last night.

So grateful that she was not hurt but the car did sustain damage.

I hope that you have a great day.

Ponder the question.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow humans …. remember to be kind to all living creatures.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Another nice day yesterday and now we have lots of ice covering the sidewalks.

So our walk was a bit on the precarious side last night but we managed to walk.

 

Well today is Thursday.

Payday for lots of people.

Pay bills and wait for the next payday.

Isn’t that the way that it goes.

But for all those people who complain that after the bills are paid; they only have a few dollars left ….. you have a pay check and your bills are paid.

I think for some people complaining is a chronic habit.

Certainly can be an annoying habit.

I am grateful that I have a job, somedays it is frustrating and stressful.

But nonetheless, I am happy to have it.

I am grateful that I have money to pay my bills.

Wasn’t always the case.

I am grateful that I can work one job to make a living.

Okay and sell Steeped Tea and NORWEX  –  but you get the picture.

I am most grateful to live my life.

I am so grateful for my family and friends.

Okay, now it is time to leave for said job.

I hope that you enjoy the poem and have a wonderful Thursday.

Take a deep breathe and just do it.

You know that you can.

 

………………………………………………………………

 

Sometimes you just need some poetry and I just happen to have some.

This is one of my favourites from my repertoire or better known as my notebook.

 

IN MY IMAGINATION

In my mind, there is a place

Where the sun shines all day

And it rains some nights

Where the tulips bloom to my delight

Where the water is crystal clear

And sparkles like diamonds in the sun

Where peace is not just a dream.

In my mind, there is a place

In my imagination

I found my dreams they all came true

I could touch the stars

And walk on the moon,  and then visit Mars.

In my mind, there is a place

In my imagination

I met you there on a sandy beach

When the sun was shining just before the rain

You took my hand, and you kissed my cheek

In my imagination.

In my imagination.

In my mind, there is a place

In my imagination

Somewhere that I can go

Kick off my shoes, walk in the sand

Meet you again in my imagination

Under the stars

In my imagination

Please remember to go

Meet me there

In my mind, there is a place.

Written by Carol Yvonne Lewis, January 8th, 2010

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. love you my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of December 2018.

Another quite nice day on the way – weather wise.

Yesterday I was feeling more energized after the tooth extraction on Friday.

Dental Assistant did say to relax for 48 hours.

So I did a few things on Saturday and the remaining chores yesterday.

Got a real workout vacuuming all three floors one right after the other.

Usually I do them different times.

Cleaning things as I went.

Poor Alvin ….. he just always wanted to be on the side of the vacuum cord beside me.

He definitely is a “Momma’s Boy.”

House is clean, yay.

 

Last night we went to the Christmas Zoo Light Event at the Edmonton Zoo, of course.

My son-in-law was not feeling well so we asked my friend’s daughter to go with us.

So we three girls hit the Zoo.

The Zoo is a quick drive from my house.

My daughter who has the car – had a bit of a drive – but not too bad.

When we arrived at the Zoo parking lot we were greeting by a ICE RINK.

Seriously it gleamed in the lights.

Very carefully with small penguin steps we walked to the Zoo.

Inside the Zoo area it was icy but at least there was sand/gravel in places.

To be fair there was a bit of sand/gravel in the parking lot near the entrance.

We were greeting at the entrance by OLAF from Frozen.

So cute.

I even had a hug from OLAF, I am in love.

Next stop was the REINDEER.

There were two of them out and about with their Zoo Assistants.

Talk about beautiful antlers.

I noticed a chunk of snow stuck to the side of one of the REINDEER and made a comment (not too loud but hoping that perhaps one of the staff heard and would brush it off).

Thankfully they did not allow the people including us very close.

They “drew” a line in the snow actually it was a row of rocks and asked everyone to stay on the other side.

I love the Reindeer.

 

During our first few minutes at the zoo we heard an announcement about someone falling on the ice – calling for an ambulance.

Sounded serious.

I never heard the sirens.

 

There was a bridge covered in flashing lights.

So pretty.

 

We walked around and my daughter took some photos of us near some of the light displays.

A couple of the large trees were covered in lights and were so pretty.

We happen to walk by the housing for the Eagles.

One of them was out and my daughter and I happen to walk over.

We just admired him/her.

Right behind us comes a couple of women and a child.

Wouldn’t you know that they would be out with their cameras and on with the flash.

The poor Eagle was traumatized by the light.

I tried very nicely to say something but nope they did not stop.

My heart feel low at that moment.

What is wrong is people?

I could not believe the stupidity.

How would they have liked someone shining this bright light in their eyes.

Honestly…. lately I am never surprised by the lack of common sense in people.

 

We walked to the IGLOO (not a real one) to warm up (actually for the young one).

We saw Santa and Mrs. Claus – waiting to have their photos taken with the children.

 

On the way back to the exit – we came across the gift shop.

Wouldn’t you know it – it was open.

We went in and both the girls did some shopping.

My daughter picked up a couple of items for a gift for one of her friend’s baby.

Our young friend picked up a few things.

 

When we left we once again walked very carefully to the car.

Once in the car, I said to our young friend to sit in the front so she could have the “bum warmer.”

Just after we were all in the car ….. she turned to me and gave me a Reindeer card and then one to my daughter.

I had seen her purchase them in the gift store and did not know that they were for us.

What a sweetheart – so thoughtful.

 

Well I am catching the bus so have to get with it.

Might be icy so am wearing my ice picks.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  Everyone …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

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

Feels not too bad outside this morning.

I can always tell by the way that Mr. Alvin reacts to going outside.

If he hesitates for too long ….. then it is cold.

Our walk last night was not even half of our regular walk due to the ice.

As it was almost dark when we left home – taking a chance and slipping, no.

Happy that we were able to get out for some fresh air and exercise.

Especially for Mr. Alvin as he is stuck in the house all day long.

I was lucky that I had a nice walk at lunch break.

 

Can you believe it?

The 20th day of November already.

U.S. Thanksgiving almost here – Thursday, November 22nd, 2018.

Canadian Grey Cup – the 106th game is this Sunday, November 25th, 2018 here in Edmonton.

Lots going on this week.

Alvin has his regular pedicure and “stuff” this Saturday morning.

Although it does not rank up with Thanksgiving and the Grey Cup – it is VERY important to Alvin and to me.

 

How about Christmas?

The 5th Monday from today is Christmas Eve, December 24th.

YIKES.

ARGH.

OMG.

Perhaps I did not count correctly.

Double checked, no I am right.

Where did the time go?

Sure wished that I could bottle “TIME.”

Guess I would have “Time in a bottle.”

I am grateful that Christmas is pretty low key in our family.

My biggest jobs are baking and Christmas cards.

But both take some time, quite a lot actually.

I mail about 75 cards and then hand deliver another 50 cards.

All of the cards that I mail have a handwritten note/letter.

Most of the cards have a photo or two.

This takes time.

I have the cards already bought.

My daughter has taken the photos and edited them.

I just have to send them to be printed.

Then pick up stamps and then of course, mail them.

The baking I make 4 or so different items.

I end up with about 500 individual pieces.

These are packaged up and mostly given away to friends and family.

I make up individual packages and take to my immediate co-workers at the office.

So this is where most of my time is spent.

Decorating takes me some time but I have that all done.

Sometimes it pays to do things early.

My daughter and son-in-law have a pact that this year we are breaking for the first time in years.

We had been either making each other’s gift(s) or it had to be something from your house.

Something gently used and an item that you knew that person would like.

We are still doing part of that but we can spend a bit of money this year.

 

Tomorrow night, I am attending a GUIDE COOKIE SALE with my friend and her daughter.

I think that I will just give away the cookies that I purchase.

Or at least most of them.

I am always amazed by the number of different cookies at this sale.

They have tables and tables filled with cookies.

Hard to make a decision.

 

Well here we go again.

Time to go back downstairs and put the finishing touches on getting ready before heading out the door.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket.

I love listening to him breathe.

I could snuggle next to him all day long if I had the time.

Such a good guy.

 

Okay, time to fly.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

I hope that you have a great day.

Remember if you have lots to do to prepare for Christmas.

Start early.

Do one thing at a time.

Break it down.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …. hello …. have a great day.

Always, Carol & Alvlin