2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing on this bright and beautiful Saturday morning? Alvin and I are really good. He slept through until 4:30 this morning and then we hit the sofa and were up and down. He heard the neighbor cat who was sitting on our deck railing and I heard Bogart’s Mom, so we went out and had an early morning “visit” while coaxing Bogart to go back home. That was about 6:00 a.m., I believe. Anyway, I think it could be said that Mr. Alvin is an earlier riser and even though most of my life I have “had” to get up and going early, I am not an earlier riser. Not saying that I could or would sleep till late morning but not a 4:30, 5:00 kind of gal. I think the most perfect time to rise is 6:45 or 7:00 a.m. but on the weekends it usually is 7:30-8:00 a.m.. Some mornings you just want to remain curled up under the blanket even if you are not “sleeping” or even tired. Just a relaxing thing to do. Perhaps planning the day or just letting your mind dreamily wander from topic to topic. Anyway we are up and at it now. After this post, it will be a quick early breakfast and coffee before I give Mr. Alvin another hair cut and bath. I think it will be warmer today than has been forecast as it was nice earlier and I was outside on the deck in my pj’s with no shoes only socks and no jacket. The sky is a brilliant blue and I noticed that there are BUDS on the trees. That is a wonderful sign that in a few weeks or sooner we will wake up one morning and there will be LEAVES on the trees. Because that seems to be how it works. With a snap of one’s fingers! We enjoyed our walk at lunchtime yesterday.

Our evening was quiet. I figured out something with Alvin. We were chilled on the sofa and he was cuddled at my left side. I was kind of watching television and was doing one thing or another on my smartphone when he put his paw on me. I put the phone down and gave him a massage. After a bit I realized that he just wanted me to put the phone down and that it had nothing to do with attention or a massage. Once I put the phone out of reach – he laid down and that was it. When we are on the sofa ….. no phone. I now realized how much I am on that rectangular piece of technology. If I am on it alot what about others with pets OR with small children. It is likely that we all are guilty of spending way too much time on it. After all, at the end of the day, it is a phone that can access the internet. How much time do we have to be on the internet and on social media. Do we really care about everyone’s business? Do we really need to know that you baked a cake, got your COVID vaccine or bought a new pair of shoes? Do we really need to post some that happens in our life immediately as it happens? No, I do not think that we do. I am going to put my phone down and away. After all it is a phone. I let my other phone go to voicemail because that is why I paid for that option. A convenience so that I did not miss important calls. One thing that I don’t do and that is carry the phone with me when I am out for a walk. Our walks are for me and Alvin and a phone is not a part of that time. I do notice folks most especially younger ones out walking with others or with their pet and they are walking looking at the screen, not paying attention to what is around them and definitely not any never mind to their pet. Pay attention folks, pay attention. I am also going to limit my time on social media. I have been keeping posts to a minimum. Social media and smartphones seem to bring out the addictive nature in us all.

Funny how one can go from a beautiful morning to cell phone talk. Anyway, I am pretty sure that everyone can relate to what I am saying. We have to take a step back and put the phone down. If my Alvin is noticing and giving me the nudge to put away the phone …. then clearly I have a problem. Keep the phone out of instant reach.

One more thing. Life slips away quickly ….. put the phone down. No one is going to care at the end of it all that you liked every post or posted that photo! Call someone instead. Go for that walk without your phone.

Well those are my thoughts for this Saturday morning. I had better get the coffee perking and have my breakfast so that I can get Mr. Alvin’s haircut in good time and then move onto housework.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remembering to live with kindness, compassion, respect and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday.

Welcome Wednesday.

Yesterday seemed more like a Monday than a Tuesday.

At work our connection to the INTERNET was down for most of the morning.

We are so independent on the WORLD WIDE WEB.

Not just my office but everyone – everywhere.

The world almost comes to a crashing halt when the connection is lost.

Very sad.

To be so dependant on ONE thing.

Anyway.

 

Last night was cold so I opted for us to stay home after work instead of walking.

Alvin is starting to feel the cold and when it is a certain temperature – we sometimes just stay put.

Otherwise we walk.

Exercise helps to keep us agile and breathing in the fresh air so so good for our lungs.

Walking is good for our bodies, minds and souls.

So we do love to walk whenever possible.

 

I had almost forgot but my friend that sells FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY or FAC (Fifth Avenue Collection) reminded me that I am hosting a party on February 29th.

Luckily “technology” came to the rescue.

She set up a FACEBOOK party and I invited my friends and family.

I did make a couple of phone calls, okay TEXTS to invite a few more folks.

As someone who is not really a lover of speaking on the telephone, I do like texting.

Keeping in mind ….. to keep them relatively short.

 

Update on baby KOBI, the diarrhea is dissipating and hopefully she is on the mend.

This has been hard on her, Teddy and Aunt J.

Aunt J has scrubbed, wiped and disinfected the house every day to keep the bacteria from growing and spreading.

Fingers crossed and a little prayer or THREE.

 

Well it is getting close to the time for us to head downstairs.

Time to go out and pick up Alvin’s little bundles of good health.

Grab my lunch.

Grab my coat, scarf, boots and mitts.

Purse at the end.

I am grateful to my daughter who gave me this purse that makes into a backpack.

It is very roomy and I use it most especially in the wintertime so that I only have to carry one bag.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Be safe and warm.

Keep each other with kindness and respect.

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

I love these photos …. angling the camera down and looking up …. well I like this look.

My hair has grown quite a lot since the photo was taken.

AL his handsome self.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of March, 2019.

HELLO EVERYONE.

We are back.

I had the most glorious weekend at my cousin’s home.

We talked and ate and ate and talked.

Talked about being “kids” in rural Saskatchewan.

We talked about our family and friends.

We spoke about our “roots” and those who have gone before us.

Reviewed the family history that my cousin has researched.

There were photos and more photos to peruse.

My cousin is a great cook.

It was a perfect weekend.

I did miss “me Alvin.”

He spent the weekend with my daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups.

They were having so much fun – he stayed an extra day.

The boy returned home last night and I had a great sleep with him back at home.

Sunday night not so much.

Now getting back into the routine.

That can take a bit.

We even had a nice walk last night.

Starting to dry up but Alvin did manage to find some “mud.”

Thankfully I had placed a towel at the front entrance.

Definitely will be bath time and perhaps a trim on the weekend.

 

Oh, woke up to tiny, tiny snowballs laying on the deck.

I guess we had some snow overnight.

ARGH.

 

Oh, I ran into technical difficulties yesterday morning when I went to write this post.

I received an error message stating that WORD PRESS was not available.

I apologize for not being back yesterday.

I did learn something last night when I called our INTERNET PROVIDER.

I learned that even though I could access Facebook – it was not current information.

Apparently some media platforms “load” and update later.

That was the case with my email as well.

Now I know that I have not quite got the “language” correct but I am sure someone will understand what I mean.

Anyway JOEY helped me and now I am back.

Also the Cable was down as well.

I thought it was strange that after almost ten years on WORD PRESS that I was not able to access the site.

Oh well.

Some early morning “excitement” but more like “dread” when I was not able to write my post.

Especially when I had time ……

 

I am grateful this day to my kids for taking such extra good care of me Alvin.

I am grateful to JOEY for helping me to get the INTERNET and CABLE working again.

Powering down …..

I am grateful to have Alvin back at my side.

He is on his little blue blanket beside me.

I am grateful to have a great LIFE.

Thank you.

 

Have an awesome day.

Looks like almost time to go.

Back to it.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello: to all those folks who take the time to read my posts, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 13th day of December, 2017.

Another beautiful “spring-like” day on the way.

A good bit of the ice has melted and I am truly thankful for that.

Mid week, that is a good thing.

We are having our “floor” Christmas potluck today.

I am taking a veggie ….. “corn” ……. not too exciting but everyone loves corn, right?

Sure hope so.

Alvin and I have been enjoying our evening walks in this gorgeous weather.

Good for body, mind and soul.

My sprained hand is healing.

On the days that I use it more ….. well I know it for sure.

But life goes on.

Sometimes you just have to power through things.

Tonight my girl is picking me up after work and giving me a ride home.

Love rides home with my daughter.

Catching up and all.

A technician is coming from TELUS this evening to hopefully get my “internet” in order.

Always something.

Well time to go and get that corn packed ….. I need to put my purse and the corn in one bag so that I can carry them with my good hand.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

I hope that life is treating you wonderfully well.

Happy Day ….. Christmas is just around the corner.

Special Hello to: My Sister …… we will SKYPE soon.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 3rd day of October, 2015.

It is overcast and windy here in Edmonton.

Just a few minutes ago my cousin left for home.

We had a wonderful evening.

Short but so great.

I was reminded over the course of the evening and this morning on how much I miss our conversations.

She is such a well read and good thinking person.

With common sense and logic.

I have always valued our talks and have learned so much from her.

Sometimes in our everyday lives we forget the importance of good conversations.

You know the proper exchange of information and opinion.

No one being right.

No one being wrong.

Just good talk ….

There are no words to express how much I needed that conversation at this point in my life.

In today’s world we read what is posted on multi-media, and then react.

Sometimes it is a positive experience and sometimes, less than.

I like the back and forth ….. the “Ying” and “Yang” of conversation.

Now, I know as I love to write that we express in words both our feelings and opinions otherwise there would not be books.

But somehow the art of conversation seems to have gone by the wayside.

Or at least to what I have noticed.

So many people have cell phones and are busy checking info on the internet, posting on FB and such.

To talk face to face or hold a conversation has become “old school.”

Much like letter writing……

Okay I am definitely showing my age.

I just wanted to share my recent experience and to remind us all about how important it is to just talk.

So maybe on this Saturday you go and see your Grandmother or your Dad or a neighbour ….. have a cup of tea or coffee and just chat ….. about the world, about your flowers, about conversation.

Thank you cousin for bringing me some good information and breathing some fresh ideas into my conversation, and helping me to remember …. we are all humans living on this planet and all we want is to LIVE.

Sometimes a visit is so much more than just a visit.

This was the case.

I am so grateful to my cousin “J” …..

I feel my old self again …… by the way the play was well done, and having a late supper (after the play) and chatting till 2 a.m. priceless.  By the way it was super cool to be at the opening night for the 50th Anniversary of the Citadel.

Thank you.

On a fun note:  Alvin went for a sleepover to his sister’s house …… oh, how I miss my boy…..he, as does his sister, brings me great joy and appreciation for life.

Happy Saturday ……. Enjoy.

Special Hello: to my cousin “J” …. safe trip home and thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 15th day of August, 2015.

It is overcast here in Edmonton and the deck remains wet from the rain, overnight.

We could use some moisture so it is all good.

At least here in the city.

Farmers well that will be another story.

I am so excited to be back and as always it was something so simple.

Doesn’t it just figure.

Something I could have done myself …. something I did do myself.

When plugging the computer and equipment back in I plugged it into the wrong “jack.”

Can you imagine?

The young man “Abdul” was very sweet and did not make me feel “stupid.”

I did write a few lines on FB yesterday just after I was “live” again after one week.

The troubleshooters for our cable/communications company are in a country on the other side of the world from us.

They do not know the setups (this was from the tech that came to my house).

These people just read from a script so not their fault.

He said they do not usually mention the “jack” in the script ….

If they had – I would have tried putting it in the other jack.

It is very sad that it is always about the money.

Companies having to make more and more money.

Anyway I am very grateful to have television once again and the internet.

So on with life.

I found during the week …. the house to be quiet.

So we listened to more music.

Spent more time outside.

Watched movies on DVD.

Snuggled more.

I think it was a good thing at the end of the day.

I did miss writing my blog, watching my recorded shows and going on FB.

But it was a good thing all in all.

Today I am hosting my second “Steeped Tea” party and am so excited to announce that I am now a Consultant for Steeped Tea.

I love the product and look forward to learning more as time goes on.

Well I have a bunch of things to do before my guests start arriving and thank goodness my “leader” will be leading the party and I will be watching and learning.

I had a wonderful Friday …. my daughter and grand-pups spent the day and slept over.

She helped me put together the second desk for my office and it looks great.

I will post some photos once I get the room in order (not today).

We walked with the pups in the rain.

I won a big prize at our company barbecue on Wednesday.

It was all about popcorn (hot air popcorn maker, ceramic popcorn container, popcorn to pop and Chicago mix popcorn, liquorice, M&Ms and two movies).

The popcorn tasted so yummy as we watched a movie.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

So good to be back.

I hope that you are all well and enjoying your Saturday.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: all of my friends and family who sent me wonderful Birthday wishes … it was a wonderful day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Good Afternoon and today is Sunday the 9th day of August, 2015 and my 58th Birthday.

Well I found out this morning that I will not have internet or television until Friday when they come to make a service call.

Technology is a wonderful thing until you do not have it.

I am over at my neighbour’s on her computer so that I could write my blog.

It breaks my heart not to write for a whole week …..

It has been a great birthday …… two birthday cakes ….. balloons ….. lots of presents.

We celebrated yesterday ….. in the morning with two of my friends and at supper with my kids.

Got to have coffee with friends and cake, go shopping to IKEA and get the desks that I want for my office at home followed by supper brought to me by my daughter and son-in-law along with yet another birthday cake and more gifts.

I feel truly spoiled and so blessed.

A great day.

Oh, I cannot forget the joint birthday party I had last Friday with my siblings and nephew.

I had wanted to share photos …. I only have access to the ones previously shared.

I am one lucky lady.

Here are some of my passions and loves ……

Sisters

Me and my Manda

My brother whose birthday is August 11th …..

Jeff and Five of Five (Tyler, Cindy, Carol & John) – 1992

AKA: Conehead

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. just missing Miss Penny.

My Mom, nephew Troy and Amanda ….. memories

One of my favourites…1980’s

Flowers

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Christmas at my house

One of my favourite things to do ….. bake sugar cookies.

Jewellery …. ours

My version of taco salad …. salad … and all the fixings.
Another passion of mine.

Love dragonflies … they visit my house.

Me and my sister …. the good old days. I am on the left holding a dolly

FLOWERS FOR FRIENDS

First snowman me and my sister made since we were kids ….. (2009)

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….

Good Morning and Welcome to a Snowy Tuesday the 11th day of February, 2014.

Yes, it has been snowing off and on since last night.

Looks like shovelling will once again be on the evening agenda.

I do love the way the snow looks as it gently floats to the earth.

The way the snow flakes sparkle and shine in the sunshine and in the moonlight.

What do you love the best about this season … the one we call “WINTER?”

I wonder where the name came from?

Guess that would be something that I could google.

Isn’t the world wide web wonderful?

If you do not remember things from school (which was a long long long time ago ) you can ask the questions on-line and someone somewhere has the answer for you.

Isn’t that great?

Surely is.

Well on this snowy Tuesday I hope that you think of a question that you either cannot remember the answer to or that you simply do not know and ASK on the INTERNET.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Thank you …. I am feeling much better this morning.

Special Hello to: my beautiful sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Welcome to Wednesday the very first day of May, 2013.

How are you today?

Feeling great, I hope.

I am feeling wonderfully well.

 

Just was thinking about ideas and money.

I had recorded the “Katie” show and watched it last night.

It would seem that “homemade” is the way to go these days.

All it takes is a “depression” or a “recession” and people not have money pouring in to take us back to those simpler times.

It is quite true, though.

 

I know from personal experience that we can sometimes get carried away and think we need or have to give “material things” to others.

If you live a good life ….. where you are genuinely grateful for others … then buying them something is not necessary.

I at this point of my life “keep it simple” …… I do not buy what I do not need.

It is as simple as that.

How often in years gone by …. did I think  “Oh, I would love that top that I saw in the store window, and even though I did not have the “actual cash” for it but had one of those “credit cards” … I would tell myself that I deserved it and then would buy it.  Please forgive this very long sentence.  But it is an entire thought.  Over time it all adds up and then we find ourselves in a not glorious place.  I think most of the people in North America are finding themselves in that very position.  It does not help matters when retail is advertising like crazy on the radio, television, the INTERNET.

But we need to be realize too and I learned this only a few years ago “money is not your life”  and that you are who you are with or without it.  If you are being real.  Understanding that yes you do need a certain amount to live.

Anyway I think I may have digressed from my original thought pattern but then again it happens.

So back to the top, making things.  Creating your own food, clothing and gifts for starters is so self-pleasing.  Makes one so proud.

Let us share our recipes, share our creative genius.  Help others.  If you have an idea that would help someone – then share.

 

I am going to start posting the things that I do in this current life.

From cooking to shopping and living.

 

So have a great day and I will be back again tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone for taking your precious time to read my words, I do really appreciate it.

Special Hello to:  my fellow bloggers ….. words are so powerful and so much fun.  Keep writing and reading.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin