It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday Morning.

Partially overcast windy morning.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous.

There was some wind as seems to be the new norm here in Edmonton.

Yesterday was a busy day for me and Alvin.

I left some tasks to be completed today (smart on my part, right?).

Between laundry, cleaning bathroom fans, toilets, sinks, changing light bulbs, vacuuming, dusting, washing down the deck, putting out all the patio furniture, cleaning out the garage and going for a

walk – that was enough for one day.

It felt great to get so much accomplished.

I even got to have some visits with friends along the way.

First of all, my friend G brought me some eggs and helped with change some light bulbs.

The upstairs fixture in the hallway needed bulbs.

I was able to get one of the bulbs changed but the second bulb would not come out.

So when the phone rang and I checked the message a few minutes later to find that she wanted to bring the eggs over.

I texted right away and described my dilemma, she came to help.

I noticed last night when I turned the switch on that light comes on a split second later than the other lights on that same switch.

ARGH, that is not right.

When Alvin and I took a late walk we saw our friends N & I out in the yard.

N was power washing the driveway and I was putzing in the garden.

Then after several minutes we continued on our way.

I am glad that I took some water for Alvin as he did get thirsty along the way.

Just down the street from these friends other friends were out cleaning the garage.

Seems like everyone was cleaning out the garage yesterday.

I know why.

So we stopped and visited.

They had a bunch of things to recycle and would have been for a garage sale, but garage sales are cancelled this summer.

I also heard that our Eco Station is closed so not recycling.

That is not good.

This family is a couple just slightly older than me who have three grown children.

The two daughters are adults and are not married.

The sisters live in a condo not far away.

They come to visit often.

The family also has a dog named RIO.

Alvin and Rio are friends.

They are the most delightful family.

Immigrated to Canada when the children were young.

I don’t remember which country but they speak Spanish.

Cannot remember if South American country or Latin/Central America, but not Mexico.

They are caring and thoughtful.

After a nice visit we continued on our walk.

On our way home they gave us a bag of treats/food that they had bought for Rio who is fussy.

Well everyone that knows Mr. Alvin knows, that he is not (not fussy).

He enjoyed some new food for supper.

After returning home we had supper, did dishes and finished up the laundry.

I think I might have a couple of loads left.

Today I will wash the floors with my steam mop and make the energy bites.

I found some stamps so I want to write a few letters over the next few days.

 

Well time to get going another semi late start.

But why not, I say.

It is nice not having to answer to anyone other than Mr. Alvin.

That sounds like of harsh.

I can do most things in my own time and at my own pace.

I think that I am going to put the cushions from the patio set back into the garage as it looks like rain.

Also the patio set that sits on the third level needs a new umbrella.

I think that I am going to put that umbrella in the garage.

It has been windy and the bottom of the umbrella is torn.

If I have company to sit under it, I can always bring it back out.

Just looks like it is going to be another windy day.

 

I wish you a great day.

Make certain that during these times that you listen to instructions given by your federal and local health agencies.

Do the social distancing – it is important.

I have a funny feeling that when the flu season hits this fall we may have some more serious problems.

Just a feeling.

Work from home if you can.

Eat probably and rest.

Make sure that you hydrate.

Wash your hands often.

Be careful and be smart.

This is affecting folks worldwide.

You are not alone.

If we think our economy is failing.

We are not alone.

This has affected every economy globally.

Personally I feel that the leaders of every country should be working on a global plan for the economic survival of this planet.

We cannot afford to leave anyone or any country behind.

We need to work together globally.

So we can get through to the other side of this pandemic.

 

Time for breakfast and COFFEE.

I love that first cup of coffee in the morning.

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Mr. 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 Thursday the 20th day of December, 2018.

Okay, we finished packing yesterday and spent the day in a dust bowl.

People were sniffing and sneezing.

It was dirty as some places that not seen the light of day for awhile.

You know how that is, right?

I am excited to move into our temporary workspace down the street.

Not far away which is nice.

Today we will unpack and get settled.

Tomorrow the office is open in the morning to the public and closed at noon as we will have our corporate Christmas Lunch.

Lucky me, my neighbour gave me a ride to work yesterday and will do so today and tomorrow.

So happy that I do not have to walk in baby steps to the bus.

I have my “ice picks” strapped onto my boots but you still have to be careful.

Deep sigh of relief.

Tomorrow last day and then I am off for “11” days including weekends.

So excited.

Tomorrow night I have a long list of things to do: starting with picking up the remainder of groceries for the Christmas party and for Christmas; bath Alvin, make another batch of fudge, and I know

that I had other things on the list (have to seek out that list, OR did I even write things down.

I forget.

Down to the wire.

Oh yes, wrap gifts that would be helpful.

Some items cannot go under the tree until the last night because of the pups.

Last night my daughter picked me up from work and we went to COSTCO.

I thought it might be really crowded to the rafters but luckily not bad.

Tonight I have to take the bus to Alvin’s Vet and pick him up some food.

Cannot have the boy without food.

Okay, clearly I am rambling here.

Things are all mixed up.

Oh well, I hope that you are smiling or chuckling.

Almost time to hit the “dusty trail” ….. wishful thinking.

I hope that this finds everyone doing well.

Both Alvin and I are doing VERY well.

We are as you know putting on the final touches for Saturday’s Christmas party and for Christmas.

Mostly everyone is done.

Just the final touches.

Oh, one more thing.

I am cheating this year.

I found at COSTCO (imagine that) a box with a frozen turkey breast.

So I bought two.

The instructions sounded ultra easy so we shall see.

Still will have the wonderful aroma of turkey roasting in the oven.

Time to fly.

Special Hello to: my friend “D” who I just found out reads this blog and that makes me happy & grateful.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

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

The sky is overcast and there appears to be no breeze.

I can see the sun through the clouds.

Yesterday was the most beautiful day.

It was warm but not too warm.

Cool enough but not too cool.

Sunshine and no rain.

Bit of a breeze, perfection.

A few days ago we were left a plastic bag with a tag on it.

It was a Church group that were gathering food stuffs for the Food Bank.

Alvin and I only had a few cans in the pantry but we gladly gave 50%.

I placed the bag on my doorstep as per the instructions.

I kept checking over the next few hours.

Then at one point Mr. Alvin jumped up onto his chair and I glanced out the window to see a Mother and small Son picking up the bag ….. she smiled and mouthed the words “THANK YOU.”

My heart exploded.

Perfect timing for both of us.

It would be great to be at a point where people did not have to access the food bank.

I am so grateful that I have been able to provide for me and Alvin without assistance.

We also enjoyed a wonderful walk …… when we approached the park I saw a man let his large dog off leash ….. we turned and went another way.

I will not take any unnecessary chances with me Alvin.

We enjoyed the different route …..

Also picked up some papers that were littered about …..

Community Service – check.

 

This morning Mr. Alvin and I are preparing for company.

Originally it was to be Miss Aspen, Baby Milo and their houseguest Miss Betty Ann.

But Miss Betty Ann has shown some negatives tenancies toward Baby Milo and Alvin on another occasion that the kids are opting to leave Miss Aspen and Betty Ann at their house.

They are only bringing Baby Milo to visit.

Miss Aspen can handle herself and is good with Betty Ann so no worries there.

I guess four pups might have a been a lot but it would have been okay.

We were prepared.

We are looking forward to spending time with Baby Milo.

Will miss Miss Aspen and seeing Betty Ann.

The kids definitely know best.

 

When the kids come for Baby Milo we will have an ice-cream cake for my son-in-law’s Birthday which is on the 26th (next Tuesday).

His favourite is ice cream cake.

 

Well better go and have breakfast and let Alvin outside again as he is waiting patiently for me to finish writing my blog.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello: to all those folks working tirelessly to make a positive change for this world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of March, 2017.

Wow, where did that month go?

Yikes.

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed the most wonderful “wet” walk.

Most of the way around our lake found water on the sidewalks so my shoes got wet.

Thank goodness I wore my SKETCHERS barefoot and did not wreck my shoes.

 

I must share my experience from last night.

A friend of mine does various types of Holistic Healing which includes: Integrated Healing, Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatics, Viscera and Energy Healing.

After my session, I felt so wonderful.

Actually during the session I could feel a difference in my energy.

My shoulders have always held any and all stress and tension.

Even if I do not think that I am stressed my shoulders are tense and solid.

After she worked unblocked the energy in my shoulders I felt so soft and good.

Hard to explain.

Funny story quickly as we were up once again ultra early and now I am running a bit behind.

After my friend set up her table in the living room and instructed me to lay down, Mr. Alvin started to bark.

We both tried to quieten him but to no avail.

This friend has the most quiet, kind manner and she just spoke to him as she wanted me to just relax.

Finally she said “Alvin, you just want to be with your Momma” and popped him up on the table with me where he stayed until almost the end of my session.

So Alvin inadvertently had a Energy Healing session as well.

It was so much fun.

I feel so good this morning even though my sleep was mixed with Alvin getting up so early.

Time to fly here.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my friends who heal.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

Wow, I blinked and woke up this morning to THURSDAY, March 22nd, 2012.

How did that happen?

I am always in a state of AWE when I look at the calendar ….

For the most part I try to keep focused just on the day at hand and not lean into the “where has the time gone, OMG it’s what !, time flies as you get older and so on.”

So with all of that in mind …… I focus and keep my mindset on doing the best that I can in that moment ….. being aware of the task at hand ….. unless I am sleeping, and then I hope that I gave good instructions to my subconscious mind before slipping into the sleep state.  What do you think about before you go to sleep?

I must admit that I am a work in progress.

Sometimes it takes awhile to change “habits” ….

For me, when I lay me down to sleep (part of a childhood prayer) ….. I give thanks for all that I have and then give thanks for tomorrow and try to set up positive attentions.

It does help …. I have found that when I wake up I feel more energized.

Also it draws your attention away from ….. man, I have all of that work to do …. ah, am I ever going to catch up or on……and the like….. not really positive thoughts…

So anyway, I believe that you understand.

It is time for me to sign off and finish getting ready to go to work.

I hope that you have the best day ever…… start dreaming …… attract that dream life ….. that dream mate….. that dream job or house…. whatever it might be.

It might …. be a great cup of coffee every morning for the rest of your life……

Special Hello: to all my fellow coffee drinkers ….. HELLO …..

Always, Carol and Alvin ….