Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

Another gorgeous fall day on the way.

The mornings are usually on the cool side but by noon the temperature is warm.

I went for a walk yesterday at noon.

Figuring it was the first walk by myself in close to a decade.

Usually I walk with Alvin or I am walking with someone or to somewhere.

This time totally on my own ….. just enjoying the beautiful fall day.

I saw a few folks that we know and first thing everyone said was “Where’s Alvin?”

He is definitely known and loved.

The leaves on the trees are the most colourful hues of yellow and reds.

Not too many green leaves left at this point.

Despite the many attempts at the wind to blow off the leaves they are hanging on.

There is something about the smell of the air in the fall.

Perhaps my imagination ….. goodness though …..

Even the wild roses at the entrance to our park are still blooming.

I love their fragrance.

 

Last night I had a good sleep …… even though we both get up during the night and Alvin gets up early …. I sleep better with him than without.

My boy, my boy.

I know that he is well cared for and hopefully enjoying his time at his sister’s house.

He is such a homebody …… always takes him a few days to acclimatize to new surroundings.

But on the other hand he does seldom leaves home so it is a big deal when he does.

 

I will say that it takes me a while to get used to the dark mornings.

In the summer it is light at this time …. bright sunshine…..now not.

Although it does look like rain ….

I will start to clean up some of the garden that is starting to go.

Always amazing how long some of the flowers and plants last as the temperatures fall.

 

Oh, last night I was watching “THE MASKED SINGER.”

WOW, I love that show.

Not sure why I haven’t been watching it but it is great.

Okay sometimes I am slow to the table ….. they are starting their 4th Season.

Incredible costumes and talent.

The only downside is all the costumes ….. what happens to all of them.

More items for the landfill.

Okay, perhaps should not go there.

Sometimes hard to think any differently.

 

Well I guess it is starting to get closer to work time.

It always seems to creep up faster every morning.

Likely in my head ….. I know.

 

I hope that wherever you are …. that you are safe and in good health.

Wishing you much kindness and respect.

From here in Alberta, Canada.

Living with kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

What a lovely morning and awesome day  this is already.

We of course were up at 3:00 (actually this time I woke up and then there is no going back).

Downstairs and gave Mr. Alvin his Glucosamine chew and then back to the sofa for a couple of hours.

 

I settled right into a dream.

This dream has come to me on several occasions.

What it means or doesn’t mean is beyond me.

I am at a party, a big corporate party.

Everyone is dressed to the nines.

I decide to change purses in the hotel and bring only a small purse with only the necessities.

Somewhere before the buffet dinner, I lose my purse and spend a great deal of time trying to locate it.

In fact, dinner carries on without me.

I do sneak and fill a bowl with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Back later for a piece of cake as the dessert table is massive.

I look in the kitchen (why, don’t know) and everywhere.

No one seems to notice me including my date (not sure who that is).

The night ends without me finding my purse.

I give instructions to the coat check person and to the staff.

I think it was held at a big HOTEL, for some reason.

Back at the hotel, I am distraught at the loss of my purse.

My debit card, a new lipstick, keys and other small items.

I decide that I had better cancel my debit card.

Keys well no ID had an address although with the debit card maybe they could figure it out at some point.

I don’t know what technology is out there and I know thieves are smart.

That is providing someone actually stole my purse.

I loved that purse.

I know I did but for the life of me when asked for a description I could not provide one.

It was the strangest dream.

First time I have remembered such details.

Oddly enough, I keep going back to the same party night after night.

Every night the same story.

At some point, I think I even found the purse or what I thought was my purse.

The housekeeping staff located a purse.

No memory of what happened to my debit card, lipstick and keys and other small items.

So strange.

Just one big loop.

Around and around.

Well that is it, all of the dream.

So weird and odd.

 

Almost time to head back downstairs and finish our morning routine.

Grab lunch out of the fridge.

Go outside with Alvin ….

Boots on ….

 

We enjoyed a walk last night and changed it up and got in a bit longer walk.

Oh how we long for dry sidewalks.

Last night on the way home from work in one of the neighbourhoods along the way that we drive into to get around a traffic bog, I noted a couple of small caterpillars clearing snow.

I remarked that possibly the City had contracted them to clean the neighbourhoods.

What do you think I saw when Alvin and I were walking home ….

A Caterpillar.

I was grateful but upon looking out of the bedroom window this morning, I realized that he had pushed up a ridge in front of Humphrey and our houses.

ARGH.

Oh well he did help somewhat for sure.

 

Time to fly.

Have an awesome day.

I hope that you have funky odd strange weird dreams, too.

Gets the imagination working trying to figure them out.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Sunday, November 11, 2019.

Remembrance Day.

 

Today, Canadians and citizens worldwide remember their loved ones who paid the ultimate price of our freedoms with their lives.

Some of those brave souls came home after the war not whole; whether body or mind.

I say brave souls as it was not only the soldiers who gave up their lives but nurses, doctors, horses and dogs.

The loss of life, all life from the World Wars  I and II staggers the imagination.

Have we learned anything from WAR, I wholeheartedly say no.

 

Although I am not a proponent of fighting or war; I will say this that without our citizens leaving our country.

I am afraid the loss of life may have been higher.

I am proud that we as a country have filled the role of peacekeepers throughout the decades since these wars.

 

My wish is that someday soon we, the humans on this planet, shall learn to live peacefully.

That our differences will be our strengths.

That kindness and respect shall prevail.

That death due to wars of any size is a thing of the past.

 

Perhaps if we Remember …. their loss will not be in vain.

That war will be a memory of the past.

 

 

With Respect,

Always, Carol and Alvin Lewis

 

 

On this day, 35 years ago, a baby boy was born.

We were neighbours.

All these years later, I have and always will be known as Auntie Carol.

All these years later, he will always be known as my little boy.

Alvin and  I want to wish him a very Happy Birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 8th day of April, 2018.

The sun is shining and I think that I heard a bird chirping earlier in the morning.

There is now a light blanket of snow covering everything.

Over the course of the morning thus far it has been snowing in between the sunshine breaks.

The house is not quiet as me Alvin is back home once again.

We went to bed a bit later than normal and I read for awhile.

He did not get up until 6:22 a.m. and then only wanted to go outside, not wishing to eat.

So we headed back to the sofa until just after 8:00 a.m.

It still took him several minutes to eat which was about 8:30 a.m.

He shows no signs of distress or anxiety.

 

I think of all the creatures big and small on this earth so may not be quite so fortunate.

They are living in constant danger and fear.

Anxiety is a way of life.

How sad is that.

I just do not believe that we as humans have continued through the ages to be such mean, horrible, vindictive creatures.

Why?

What is the purpose?

Is it all about power, greed and money?

At some point in the near future we have to step away from that and simply to the right thing.

What would be so wrong about that?

I know that it is not everyone.

I know that there are so many good people.

But even us good people live in denial.

We do not look after the environment nor each other.

Let us face it ….. most people live their lives in denial and with blinders on.

As long as it does not directly impact our lives, we just say “It is not my fault”  or “Let the government fix things.”

Well I am here to tell you ….. it is YOUR fault and MINE.

Why would we think that the government would fix things when we do not?

We elect them.

 

Food for thought.

Please it all starts with being good residents.

Good residents of your home, of your neighbourhood, of your city or town, of your country and of this planet.

We should care about the future generations, what kind of planet will they live on?

If you have any kind of imagination, it is most scary, to say the least.

Start by picking up the trash in and around your home.

Pack your garbage and recycling properly.

There are winds in every area of CANADA.

Make sure that you check with your municipality to make sure that you are placing the proper items in the blue bins or recycling bags.

If not, they cannot be recycled.

This costs each municipality MILLIONS of DOLLARS each year.

It is up to each and every one of us to make this right.

Not the government and not your neighbour, it all starts with YOU …..

 

I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who strive each and every day to make this planet healthy and safe for every creature.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of May, 2017.

The sky is overcast …… where is the sunshine this morning?

Another glorious weekend……

So great having a three day weekend.

Back to work.

 

Last night while looking out of my south exposing office window ….

Using my imagination …..

Taking in the tall lean trees which remind me of an Italian landscape …

Nestled in between red and brown rooftops…..

I was taken away …..

Slightly closing my eyes …..

I was taking in a view of a place far away from my neighbourhood….

Thank you imagination ……

 

In reality I am not far away.

But if you consider this ….

Someone out there is likely imagining a neighbourhood such as mine or yours.

We are never alone in imagination.

 

Have a wonderful day and imagine away to your heart’s content.

It is imagining your life that brings you your life.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Hey, I even remembered to put out the trash last night.

 

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those DREAMERS out there ….. keep on dreaming.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of January, 2017.

This morning feels like a poem.

I would like to share a poem that I wrote in 2010.

Wishing you all a wonderful Tuesday.

Wishing that we all use our imagination.

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

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 friends and family sprinkled all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 10th day of October, 2016.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone.

It is snowing here in Edmonton.

Very fine snow.

As soon as I am finished my cup of coffee I am going for a walk with Mr. Alvin.

That fine snow may turn to much heavier snow as the day progresses.

Yesterday with the sunshine it was quite nice and we so enjoyed our walk.

I am so grateful to have had a wonderful long weekend.

We were not able to go and have a Thanksgiving meal with the kids due to my son-in-law having the flu and icy roads.

But we will get together next weekend for a meal.

My ear became unplugged this morning and I can once again hear properly.

I am so grateful for that.

Yesterday I decided to go through my fridge and pantry and use up more things making Carol’s Thanksgiving.

I whipped up a batch of cookies that I fondly named “Carol’s Thanksgiving Peanut Butter Pumpkin Raisin Cookies” and also “Carol’s Quinoa

Thanksgiving Casserole.”

My neighbour tasted the cookies this morning and agreed they were yummy and I gave her some of the Casserole to take home to try.

I am very pleased with the end results.

Considering I just threw them together.

To give you an idea of what was in the main course:  Cooked up in separate pot some Quinoa.  Also some carrots in a separate pot.

I sautéed two large yellow sweet onions, garlic, pepperonis, large tin of diced tomatoes (crushed),

previously made black bean burgers that had been frozen – cut them into small bite sized pieces,

spices: three of my favourite spices:  cumin, turmeric and coriander and chopped dried cranberries.

After all it is not Thanksgiving without the cranberries.

simmered away …..

threw in can of sweet corn niblets.

Once everything had simmered and heated through.

In large bowl threw in the cooked quinoa and then the pot of goodness.

Mixed together.

Now I may have missed something as I was just tossing things together as I went.

My favourite way of cooking.

If I have something that I knew would work I just tossed it in.

The combination of the black bean burgers which fell apart and became this rich amazing backdrop for the sweet onions, corn, spices and tomatoes.

It was so good.

It tasted like Thanksgiving.

Well as I figured the snow has already turned to larger flakes so I should get this show on the road.

I hope that on this day …. this Thanksgiving that you try something new.

Use your imagination.

I should have posted some photos of my dishes.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends all over the world, have a great day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 7th day of August, 2016.

The sky is overcast this morning and there is a breeze.

A good time to get out for a walk before it gets warm.

I have been dreaming so much as of late.

No reason.

Odd things.

People that I do  not remember meeting.

Times I do not remember attending.

Imagination?

Who knows.

I wish that I could record these things as I sleep for when I wake up only remnants of the stories remain behind.

The odd face or sound.

Little pieces of what felt like an unusual and interesting story.

Something that could be written about ….

I wished that I could remember.

Perhaps if I write down what I do remember I could piece it together and then again likely not.

It will be food for thought, I suppose.

I wonder what I will dream about tonight.

Perhaps the future, perhaps today or maybe yesterday.

The moon or the stars.

My family or friends.

Love or loss.

Heart-break or great joy.

Memories …..

Maybe it will all come flooding back to me …. or maybe not.

Well dreams are interesting beasts.

I should go and leave you with these thoughts.

Thoughts of what was,

Thoughts of what is and thoughts of what could be.

With each fleeting moment – remember to hold your loved ones close.

Have a good Sunday.

Special Hello to: all my family – please know this wherever you are and whatever you are doing – you are in our thoughts.

Always, Carol and Alvin