Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 26th day of January, 2019.

Last night it was raining and raining hard.

This morning it is +2 degrees celsius in the afternoon forecasted to be +5 or so.

Remembering it is Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA and almost the end of January, 2019.

There is a beautiful sunrise this morning and it started about 7:30 a.m. …. so nice to see sunrise earlier.

The sky is clearing the morning covering to display a beautiful palette of oranges, pinks and yellows.

So, so pretty.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me.

 

Last night I had a complete change of plans.

One of my friends messaged me about going out for supper.

She said that it was being paid for by our other friend’s husband.

Our friend’s husband” gave us a gift card to Original Joe’s, a restaurant in our neighbourhood so that we girls could go out and celebrate her birthday.

We were supposed to go out on the 1st of February which is her actual birthday but her husband would be working away from home and they have a young daughter.

Who is old enough to be alone after school but they don’t like leaving her alone at night.

Makes sense to me.

I was planning to do laundry, call my sister and do some cleaning as my cousins are coming for a visit and supper today.

So I contacted my sister and she was okay with changing to Sunday.

I thought laundry could wait.

So long story short, I went out with the girls for a nice night out with them.

I do not go out much so figured it was a good idea.

Late on Thursday I noticed that the growth on Alvin’s eye had changed colour so after work yesterday I called our Vet to see if I should bring him in today or if okay to wait

until his appointment next Saturday which is the 2nd of February.

The vet was busy so I asked if they could call us back as I wanted to take Alvin for a walk.

Said yes.

Just after we arrived back home and I had our coats off and Alvin’s paws dried off, the phone rang.

Dr. K wants to see him this morning to see if the growth needs to be removed or not.

I am thinking yes.

So we switched his appointment from next Saturday (his regular exam and vaccinations) to today at 10:00 a.m.

I am kind of nervous but I know that of course he will be okay.

I also contacted my cousin to let them know as this might push back their arrival time depending on how long we are at the vet.

So that has been my last less than 24 hours …..

All good things, right.

Always look at the silver lining.

If and I am quite certain it will be a yes, he needs the surgery … perhaps while he is under they will clean his teeth.

That would be a good thing.

I have a dental appointment next Thursday to put on the permanent crown.

Teddy comes for a sleepover on Wednesday night and for a day or so.

Never rains but it pours.

Thankfully the crown costs will be covered by my insurance which is great.

Just have to pay it up front and put in my claim.

The sun is almost up and I think that the load of laundry I put on 30 minutes or so ago should be done.

Might as well get the second one going before I have a shower.

Hopefully I can have a cup of coffee before we leave.

Keep us in your thoughts, at least positive energy for Mr. Alvin.

I am certain that all will be okay at the end of it all, but doesn’t hurt to have some positive energy streaming.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of December, 2018.

For a split second I started to type January, erased and then started to type November.

WOW, in a hurry to see the New Year.

Skirting the last month of the year?

 

Well folks we definitely have WINTER in a big way.

More snow now that we have had so far this fall/winter.

Considering officially WINTER has not started.

We are currently in the throes of winter.

Thankfully the snow that has been falling is the fluffy kind.

So shovelling is easy, peasy.

My neighbour and I have collectively shovelled the front since the snowfall on Saturday about ten times.

I shovelled the deck in the later part of the afternoon yesterday and this morning you could not tell.

Also shovelled the driveway for the first time since the snow began to fall and surprisingly enough there was only about 5 inches.

I was pleasantly shocked/surprised.

Poor little Alvin …. almost getting lost in the snow.

So at 5:30 a.m. – I was out shovelling.

At least there may only be one foot by tonight instead of two.

The deck is beginning to look like one giant snowbank.

I love this fluffy snow though.

When the light shines it appears to be a billion trillion diamonds.

So beautiful.

 

Well Mr. Alvin is laying on his little blue blanket beside me.

Just resting away.

 

Well I should go and shovel the front before leaving for work.

The street is one big snowbank with a couple of tire tracks down the middle.

When vehicles one has to pull over and then watch them spin trying to get back on track.

 

Have a Happy Monday.

I hope that you are safe on your travels.

 

Special Hello to:  all those people who take the time to help ….. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of January, 2018.

Well we are into the later part of this first month of January 2018.

Our weather has been wonderful for the most part.

Mainly ice and not much snow.

We enjoyed a great walk last night ….. it was +1 after work.

Fantastic.

 

Well Alvin’s sleeping until the “alarm went off” was short lived although I will take 4:30 am, any day.

Oh my boy.

I know he is enjoying this weather.

Most especially in the morning.

When it is minus 30 with the windchill, I feel so badly about him having to go outside to do his business.

 

Well for some reason, I am running a bit late.

Some mornings it is hard to get my get up and go, going.

Yikes, that is a mouthful.

 

Oh well here we go to a wonderful Tuesday.

I hope that have a great day.

 

Special Hello to: all those people celebrating a birthday today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of December, 2017.

The sun is up and shining brightly.

Still a cold day.

Thank you to our friend and neighbour for driving me and Alvin to his appointment yesterday.

This cold weather has put me in hibernation mode.

I just feel like sleeping.

I have decided that in order to get to things that I am going to take down the Christmas decorations.

Sometimes I leave everything up until well in January and other times I have taken things down before New Year’s Day.

This may be the earliest.

Oh well, that way I can clean as I put things away and will have the weekend to do some visiting.

The sky is beautiful although a ridge of deep blue purple coloured clouds just slipped over the bright sun.

I think that Alvin is growing restless ….. we cannot wait until the warmer weather arrives.

It is in the forecast for next week, thank goodness.

 

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching.

Three sleeps.

2017 out and 2018 in.

Have you thought about what you would like to do specially for 2018?

Are you planning to travel?

Are you planning to do some renovations?

Are you planning to read more?

Are you planning to cook more healthy food?

Are you planning to exercise more?

I believe at the end of it all, most of us would just like to be in good health, happy and be surrounded by good people.

 

While I am taking down the Christmas decorations I am going to ponder what to do, to be in 2018.

Sounds like a plan.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and that you are warm, safe and happy.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 26th day of January, 2017.

Does not appear to be foggy outside, so that is good for drivers this morning.

Forecasting 0 degrees for Edmonton today, +1 for tomorrow and +5 degrees celsius for Saturday.

Plus temperatures in January in Edmonton – well that is just crazy.

We are loving this mild weather for sure.

It makes going for walks more enjoyable and allows us to go for walks.

It makes walking to and from the bus actually nice.

A far cry from normal temperatures for this time of year.

So nice and I am so grateful for this wonderful reprieve from “winter.”

 

So Thursday already ….. another week almost over.

It has been an odd one….

You would almost think that there has been a full moon.

But this time … it is just the time of year.

Not much sunlight and despite the warmer temperatures it is still winter.

I think most of us feel some degree of depression at this time of year.

If you feel yourself slipping into  that place …. go talk to someone.

Talk to a professional ….. always best to seek someone who understands.

Maybe it is a simple as taking a vacation to a tropical destination …..

So many people with varying degrees of depression and other mental illnesses sometimes do not realize or understand that they need help.

Also for far too long those suffering have been afraid or embarrassed to come forward because of the stigma attached to depression and other forms of mental illness.

You are important and if you are not well, seek help.

I can tell you that when the sun does not shine, I can feel the dip in my well being.

I feel less joyful.

I feel less “sunny” and more “foggy.”

I feel less social.

The list could go on.

Take care of yourself.

Ask the questions.

Find the answers.

 

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. time to SKYPE?????

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 18th day of January, 2017.

Another gorgeous “spring-like” day is on its’ way.

How wonderful is that?

Pretty great for January.

Tomorrow is a big day in our house as it is Mr. Alvin’s 8th Birthday.

We will keep it low key but it goes without saying that he will receive an extra couple of treats.

Hard to believe that we have been together 7 years already.

I guess it is Happy Anniversary to us, as well.

Crazy.

I remember our first month together.

Thought I was going to lose my mind.

But we both lived and here we are.

I must apologize as this will be short ( over slept ) due to dreams and Alvin.

Alvin has this thing about getting up about 4:00 p.m. (which is really too early for him to eat, but sometimes what can you do).

Well I lost my purse in the dream just as the timer on the microwave went off and so had to reset it to find out if I got my purse back.

Actually I forgot it on the bus and then did not know where to find the bus.

Ended up wherever I was – someone brought it to me when I was not looking.

All of a sudden it was there …… whew.

Gotta go …..

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Be extra kind today ….. maybe you will be able to return a lost item to its’ owner.

Special Hello to: my daughter – enjoyed our visit on route to Costco.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

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

The sky is alive with sunshine ….. thank you.

It is not too often this winter when I have got up to sunshine.

Now we were up at 5:00 a.m. as that is when Mr. Alvin’s tummy says “it is time to eat.”

But now when we are up to stay up at just before 8:30 a.m. ….. it is so nice to see the sun.

Actually is energizing ….. which is a good thing.

Because part of me just wants to go back and lay down …. relax ….. not to think of all the things that I should be doing.

Yesterday was a good day and quite productive in many ways.

We had a great time at the International House of Pancakes.

The food was good but way too much and if I should ever enter that house again, I will know exactly what to order.

Just “three buttermilk pancakes.”

They were yummy but I left them until I was finished the other items and then could not eat much of them.

Now I know why North Americans are over weight ….

But the way that restaurant had a “wait list.”

People were giving their names and waiting in “line.”

This was at 10:00 a.m. ….. is that not crazy.

To be honest I seldom eat outside my house …..

By “weight issues” are from not enough exercise and lack of portion control.

I do try and eat  healthy except for my sweet tooth.

But even in this climate of people losing their jobs …. that place was full.

Now that may not be the case for every restaurant but I was taken aback by this sight.

It is great for the folks employed at IHOP.

By the way, the young man that served us said that IHOP is opening more restaurants in Edmonton and in other provinces.

Said young man was from British Columbia and his boss asked him to come to Edmonton to help get this location going and now he has been here for two years.

Even bought a house here ….. but soon is leaving to help with a new location in Manitoba.

I wonder if now is the time?

In a “recession/depression” …… women buy the make-up so that they will look good and men buy liquor…

Now that was from the 30’s …. I wonder if that holds true today?

Interesting.

 

Well today I am going to get booking some tea parties so that I can hold some before February is a distant memory and I want to also start canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Fund.

Easy enough to do, right?

Yes ….. time to go and have breakfast and then have some coffee.

I am also going to SKYPE with my sister after supper ….. thank goodness for that method of communication.

Next best thing to being there …. nice to actually see who you are speaking with ….. I think.

 

Well I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Take some time for you ….. whether to quietly sip on a cup of coffee or tea.

Maybe go for a walk …. take the puppy.

I guess if you are a sports fan this is a big day …. the Super Bowl ….. I always thought it was at the end of January.

 

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who write …… keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 29th day of January, 2016.

Wow, another three days and we will be putting another January to rest, to bed.

February is a great month ….. we celebrate the HEART.

What could be better than that …..

We do it in a multitude of ways ….. with flowers and chocolate.

By fundraising and canvassing for the Heart Fund.

We send cards and make up our own.

We take loved ones out for a nice meal.

But truly the best way to celebrate the HEART month is to give of yourself in a kind and loving manner.

So as we say goodbye to the first month of the New Year ….. what can we/I say?

It was one of those months and for the most part considering the New Year is supposed to be a new start and all – generally January is mixed.

Our weather has been mixed …… few cold miserable days …. many warm ones.

So on this third last day of the month perhaps if we think about the outgoing month we can help make the next one GREAT.

I am putting my THREE not so great events behind us and moving forward.

February is going to be the best one ever ….

I can feel it in my bones.

We are saying good-bye to this month with mild weather which is always a blessing.

I cannot say enough good things about my new “spikes” ….. “tires for the feet” ….. they are GREAT.

I love them ….. even the clicking sound they make when you are not walking on ice and snow.

Well almost time to get this show on the road once again.

I hope that you have an incredible FRIDAY ….. may the winds of change bring US ALL all things WONDERFUL.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. almost SKYPE time once again ….. YAY.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday, the 28th day of January 2016.

Well four days left in the first month of 2016.

Our weather for the first month of 2016 has been amazing ….. so much warmer than an average January in Western Canada.

The one thing that comes with rain and warm temperature in the winter is ICE.

Well that walk for me and so many others who catch the bus to work yesterday morning was so treacherous.

I left my house twenty minutes earlier because of the ice knowing full well it would be a long slow journey to the bus.

I went from my steps to the snow covered lawn and when I made it to the sidewalk out front of my house.

The sidewalk was sparking in a sheet of ice.

Perfect for skating but not so much for winter boots.

So I kicked some of the snow onto the sidewalk and was able to safely cross the sidewalk onto the street.

I managed to cross to the sidewalk on the other side only to find another sheet of ice so very carefully I stepped up and into/onto the snowbank on the edge.

Only one thing the snow was deeper than my boots ….. so I could feel my boots filling …. lucky for me it was warm out so I did not feel the wet right away.

I very slowly and cautiously carried on as far the mailbox.

Here I had to step down and go around …. some of the ground was okay …. I held onto the mailboxes as I crossed to the next snowbank.

Always in between crossing back lanes to the next sidewalk and snowbank.

When I got to the street that I usually take to the walkway to the main street again it was icy ….. so I tried to step in spots where there were chunks of snow and stayed away from the sidewalk.

Managed to get to the walkway.

When I looked down it this is what I saw.

A long sidewalk that gleamed in the street lights …..

One side snowbank up to my knees.

Other side snowbank up to my knees lined with rose bushes.

The entrance to the walkway had the snow piled up so I had to do some climbing and did I mention I had a big bag of teas that I was delivering to work??

YIKES.

I took a deep breath and said a little confidence builder ….. “You can do this.”

Up and slowly stepping until I got down to where the snow was only knee deep.

It wasn’t too bad until I reached the rose bushes and because they were close to the edge I had to gingerly hold on to them and make my way along.

It seemed to take forever but was only a few moments.

The walkway is quite long but I did it.

When I got to the entrance to the main street I took a look about ….. ice everywhere.

Again hit the snowbank and kept on going.

Some places I was able to walk on the street but these streets are busy with people going to work and they are not watching for ME on the street where they are driving.

Plus most of our streets are lined with cars on both sides …. which does not help.

Finally I arrived at the last street to cross before the last sidewalk to the bus.

Just took my time ….. slipped a few times but did not fall.

Sometimes I think that is worse as when I got onto the bus I could feel the tightness in my shoulders ….

Oh well all in the day ….. all in the life.

When I got to to the bus stop I was so relieved.

There were points that I almost turned around and went home but then I thought what am I going to say and besides no vacation days left ….. so I had to go.

When the bus arrived it was an icy few steps but thankfully the driver let down the step so that it was easier to get onto the bus.

When I sat down I was so happy….

My thoughts did go to getting off the bus …. downtown would likely be icy.

When I got off of the bus I saw this small sanding machine being driven down the street and that was good.

I took the long way around to the office as I knew that the entire street by this one company would be in good order for walking and it was.

I managed to get to work with a few minutes to spare …..

P.S. my socks and pants up to the top of my boots were wet …. they dried quickly.

This leads me to the next thing …. one of the girls that I work with offered to drive me to MARKS or CANADIAN TIRE and pick up these rubber pulls on that have spikes on them.

Perfect for walking on ice.

So after work off we went stopping at MARKS first ….. instead of looking about ….. we just asked the CASHIER and she pointed them out.

“Studded Snow Tires for your feet” …. that is what they are called.

It was the best $30 that I have ever spent …. well almost anyway.

I tried them on when I got home and they fit perfectly …..

With all of the melting there was a big pool of water and ice out front of my house (it dips down there to the storm drain)….

Why not, I thought …. oh and yes, I looked after me Alvin before going ice chipping.

Long story a bit short ….. I could walk with them on …. no slipping.

This morning I am excited for my walk knowing that I will be safe and not have to worry about falling onto the ice.

I will be careful of course ….. that goes without saying.

It will be a much different experience than yesterday.

Well time to head out …… have a great day.

If you live where there is ice …. you need to pick these up ….. “Studded Snow Tires for your Feet.”

Have a great Thursday ….. whew almost the weekend.

Special Hello to: all fellow humans who live where there is ice and snow.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 27th day of January, 2016.

It was raining here in Edmonton yesterday afternoon and well into the evening.

I would have thought with the warmth on my walk home from the bus stop that the sidewalks would have been okay but they were not.

They were so icy ….. so I walked on the street.

It was a slow careful walk home.

My sidewalk which was free from snow was covered with ice and I had to creep up the side walking partially in the snow that covers the lawn …. just to stay upright.

Needless to say I am not really looking forward to the walk to the bus this morning.

Careful and slow.

That will be the name of the game.

I will be leaving home a few minutes early ……

 

Also Mr. Alvin was wide awake this morning and ready to get up.

I am not quite sure what was with him and I only managed to keep him in bed until 4:40 a.m. ….. yikes.

Funny how that last few minutes in bed means so much ….

Anyway we were up and now I am almost ready at not even 6:00 a.m. …… YAY for ME.

 

My tea order arrived yesterday.

So all sorted …. I need to get it delivered.

All of the orders except for one go to my office.

So I will get it there …. just like the Post Man through rain or snow of fear of sleet …. something like that.

I think a sense of humour will be high on the list this morning.

 

Something tells me that I should have bought through ice cleat things …. you strap them to your boots.

Oh well ….. I will walk on “water” this morning ….. ER, I mean ICE.

What an odd January …. should be minus something not plus.

Not complaining just concerned.

 

Well here we go again another month almost finish never to appear again.

It is funny I barely remember last January and that was only one year ago.

Does that happen to you?

The time seems to evaporate and only extreme good and bad seem to remain in our memory.

 

Well I guess I might as well get this show on the road.

I am nervous … I will admit.

But I will get there ….. the bus will arrive and I will be at work.

 

Special Hello to:  all my friends and family and people of Edmonton tread carefully this morning.

Always, Carol and Alvin