2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? We are good. Thank goodness it is Friday. Snowing again. Lots of shovelling happening in our neighbourhood. Temperatures still on the cold side but then again it is the first week of February and we should not expect anything different. Although slightly warmer would be nice so that we could go for walks. I feel that our bodies are starting to go downhill. So that means we have to get with it and do more exercises in the house. I do shovel but only when it snows. Lately it has been snowing almost everyday so that is good. I started walking on the spot with hand held weights. That lasted three days. It was good I think but I need to keep it up. Lots that I could be doing but somehow when it is cold and dark …. all we/I want to do is eat and sleep and sleep and eat. Oh well. Thankfully I am not a night snacker. I seldom eat after supper/dinner. Just always been that way.

As I glance around the room and notice the rack displaying most of my purses; I feel slightly sad. Seldom do I use them these days. I have three downstairs that I switch about on the rare occasion that I leave the house to go somewhere that requires me to take “money” and stuff. Most of them are collecting dust hanging on the door rack. Thankfully I do not have a crazy amount of purses or I would really be sad. I guess the same goes for shoes. I do put on my boots everyday whether walking or picking up Alvin’s deposits in the backyard or when I am shovelling. But shoes only when I go to the office. I know that they say we should wear a pair of comfy shoes in the house so it helps protects our feet and although I have had no issue with my feet; perhaps it is something that I should look into. I do wear socks. Maybe barefoot would be better – your feet can breathe. What about makeup, jewellery and office clothes? Lots of things are sitting not in use. Although I have started to wear makeup more (not that I wore a lot anyway) and my jewellery and the top part of my office clothes, I have been wearing. I have some pants have I have not wore in almost one year; perhaps they will not even fit me at this point. I have no idea. Anyway food for thought. Us folks that are working from home – will have to start to use our items that are feeling neglected. Fill up that purse and carry it to your workstation and then tuck it out of the way. Wear those earrings and that bracelet. Add some lipstick. If you were going out in public – the mask would cover it and feel yucky – so take advantage of being at home, if you are at home. Maybe start wearing a pair of shoes. It has been an interesting almost one year since we starting working from home. I must say other than a couple of minor details; I love being at home. When the wind is howling and the snow is blowing …. I am safe and warm in my cardigan, tank top, relaxed pants and socks wearing lipstick and a bracelet and socks on my feet. LOL.

Well time to get this day going. Busy time of the month for me at work – who am I kidding most days of the month are busy for me. That is a good thing – I suppose. Although personally the odd slower day would be lovely.

I hope that you are safe, in good health and enjoying life.

Living each day with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the first meal from Chef’s Plate was yummy – Cajun-Spiced Turkey – not too spicy.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of April, 2019.

Another glorious sunrise.

Oh, how I love the morning sky.

I also love my companion, my boy, my friend Alvin.

He is snuggled up on the blue blanket which is made extra soft by the green lap blanket that my Grandmother crocheted many years ago.

I was thinking as I was putting on my jewellery how blessed I am to have found Alvin.

Of course, like any relationship on the planet there are moments that my patience may be stretched just a tad but for the  most part we are like two peas in a pod.

More alike than not.

He has shown me that life goes on.

He has shown me forgiveness.

He has shown me sheer delight in just going out for a walk and being more in touch with nature.

He makes me feel like a million dollars every time that I open the front door.

Always excited to see me.

He has shown me that you can get VERY excited about food.

He never ceases to amaze me.

He has shown me that no matter your age you can always make a new friend.

Case in point ….. Humphrey the Cat.

He shows me all the time with his friend Teddy – how important it is to have friends.

So on this Thursday, I salute my four-legged crazy, loving, social butterfly Mr. Alvin …. Cheers my great friend.

I am so grateful to my kids for finding him for me and me for him.

 

Alvin, one of my babies

Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

Me and Alvin

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

 

Feeling mighty blessed this bright sunshiny day.

Happy Thursday Mr. Alvin.

I hope that you all have a “Mr. Alvin” in your life.

He brings me great joy, companionship and curiosity.

Love you my boy.

 

Special Hello to:  Mr. Alvin ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 13th day of December, 2018.

Well short cute story.

I am sitting at the computer, just now.

Alvin is standing beside me, just looking at me.

He gave me that “did you forget something look.”

I said to him how cute he was and then I remembered that I had forgot to lay his blue blanket on the floor so that he could lay down.

Smart cookie, me Alvin.

His Momma, a little slow, today.

 

He was right up wanting a massage bright and early this morning.

Morning massages have got to be a regular part of our morning routine.

 

So last night after I had shut off the light and was settling down to sleep.

I was thinking of our Secret Santa Gift Exchange at work and the potluck lunch and our temp.

We worked on some things together yesterday and so before drifting off to sleep, I thought that perhaps she had not started before we drew names.

I thought how horrible she might feel to be left out and not that it was on purpose so I decided that I could be “her Secret Santa.”

Why not, I have gift bags, tissue paper and gifts.

Comes in handy to sell Steeped Tea, NORWEX and make jewellery.

There is always something in the house for those last minute gifts.

I also usually have a couple of other items that I picked up along the way.

So when Alvin got me up at 3:45 a.m. – I grabbed a gift bag from the office and a gift item.

After Alvin went outside and as we headed to the sofa for a bit more sleep, I set the microwave for another hour.

Once back up – I raced down into the basement to grab some tissue paper from my wrapping container.

Found some ribbon, some construction paper to make a tag and headed back upstairs.

I grabbed my tea tub and picked out something for her.

So then put the gift together – wrapping each item with tissue paper and placing inside the gift bag.

I placed two pieces of tissue paper one inside the other and tied them together with Christmas ribbon.

Then placed it in the bag.

That gives you that professional look and it stays together and in place.

The one thing that I could and can not locate is my single hole punch so that I could punch the paper to make a tag.

Guess I will have to staple the tag to the bag.

Oh well, I tried.

I was going for the “Martha Stewart” look and instead got the “Early Morning” Carol look.

Well almost time to finish up getting things together.

A salad from the fridge to add to the buns/butter for the lunch.

Sometimes you can do things last minute and they work out just fine.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

 

I put on a sweater this morning that my kids gave me for Christmas a few years ago.

It is long stretchy and black and I thought would look good with my black pants.

I guess I am not quite the same size as back then but it fits ….. perhaps a bit more snug than before.

Oh well.

That is life.

Hoping that the ice melts soon.

I have to chip some tomorrow night and bake cookies for my friend.

It will be a busy Friday night.

 

Well gotta go.

I hope that you have a great day and perhaps a giggle over my adventures.

Somewhere along the way – I dreamt that we had three more dogs in the house.

They were small and just showed up out of nowhere.

How does that happen?

What does that mean?

 

YIKES.

 

Special Hello to: all those Christmas ANGELS, thank you.  Always feels good to give.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of May, 2018.

The sky is bright filled with the morning sunlight and there is a breeze.

Coolness filled the bedroom this morning.

Grateful for that on a day that will be very warm.

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

Happy Mother’s Day.

We all play a role in Mother’s Day.

You may have given birth to a child.

You may have adopted a child.

You may have adopted or rescued a pup or a cat or a bird or a squirrel.

You may have given refuge to another human being.

It does not matter how or who you have given mothering to but it matters that you do.

To all those Mothers out there.

Happy Mother’s Day.

You arise early so that you can make breakfast for your charges.

You walk and talk with them.

You love them and comfort them.

You hope that they will be in good health.

You hope that they will be kind and good to themselves and to others.

You hope that their life will be abundant.

Above all else … you have faith.

So on this one day a year that is specially marked for us to celebrate our Mothers.

Let us do so.

Be creative.

Walk with them, talk with them, spend time with them.

Mothers do not WISH for you to bring them fancy jewellery, huge bouquets of flowers or dinners at a fancy restaurant.

They just want YOU.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To all the Mothers out there, the others that I know and the ones that I do not know.

You are precious.

There could not be life without you.

Happy Mother’s Day.

With Love….

 

 

Written by Carol Lewis on Sunday, May 13, 2018

 

 

Special Hello to:  MOMS, Happy Mother’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining gloriously in the morning sky.

It is after 9:30 a.m. and we have been up and down since 5:00 a.m.

I always think that I should have stayed up about 7:00 but I seldom do.

The drawing of the soft comfy sofa with our blanket snuggled next to Mr. Alvin just keeps me there.

Now I feel guilty that I am a couple of hours behind the schedule.

Part of me just says …. there are lots to hours to get things done.

No worries.

The YING and YANG of it all.

Oh well …. all is well.

 

Yesterday had a few turns and twists.

Many days I have a TO DO LIST for work in my mind – just as I do with my home things.

It wasn’t even 1/2 hour into it and due to technical difficulties with our system, I had to change the plan for the day.

It ended up being okay but kind of ticked me off, at least temporarily.

A little bit later in the morning a co-worker came and asked me if I would like two complimentary tickets to the big BUTTERDOME CRAFT SHOW in Edmonton this weekend.

I had seen the ad the night before on television and had been thinking how much I would love to go even just once.

So I said “yes” with no idea if I could actually get there.

Lucky for me, my daughter had been planning to go to COSTCO after work and was going to message me to pick me up after work.

So I let my carpool know that I would be catching a ride with my daughter.

YAY ….. craft show here we come.  I was so excited.

After work, my daughter drove me home and she went to COSTCO while I looked after Alvin and then made supper.

One of the few times that I actually left Mr. Alvin home alone for a few hours on a Friday night.

I am certain he was wondering what was going on??

We found parking very easily about 1/2 block away from the event and although we had to pay, it was only $5.50.

At the craft sale there were over 180 vendors.

Ranging from pet accessories to wool dryer balls to fudge to jewellery to pottery and more.

It was overwhelming.

Luckily there were no massive crowds.

We arrived just about 7:00 p.m. and were all ready to leave before 8:30 p.m.

My daughter let me pick out my Mother’s Day gift.

I picked up a slice of fudge.

Maple Walnut, my favourite next to chocolate.

The fudge was $9.00 (CDN), ARGH.

Thinking it was a TREAT, otherwise well I cannot think about it.

$9.00 really ….. I know they have to make money but $9.00.

My daughter picked up some homemade dog cookies for our pups.

I shared the fudge with them being my daughter & son-in-law and, she shared the cookies with Alvin.

Perfect.

What a glorious unplanned evening.

Something else happened during the day at work.

I received a phone call from my neighbour who asked me if I wanted to go and see the NEW AVENGERS MOVIE.

Well, of course I DO.

So that is great and we are going to a viewing at 3:25 p.m. today.

 

So a weekend of just doing the usual laundry, cleaning and then the neighbourhood trash pick-up added a couple of cool outings.

I am feeling so blessed and fortunate.

For the most part I feel blessed and fortunate.

I am, I am.

 

Also when I was changing the bedding this morning – I noticed this sheet set in my spare room closet.

I was thinking that it was the second set for the spare room bed but ALAS it was not.

So all this time I had another set that I had forgotten about and now it is like having a new one.

So now when I pick up a bottom sheet for the newer set, I will have three sets.

How luckily is that?

Crazy, I know.

 

Alvin is chewing away on one of his treats.

I can hardly wait to see the Avengers movie.

It is going to be great.

The sun is shining and I imagine the birds are singing.

The laundry and housework await me.

My heart is full and I am singing “Happy.”

 

Alvin will have another few hours alone when I got to the movie and then tomorrow when I do the trash pick-up but this is one of those weekends, the rare ones when I leave the house without him.

He will understand, I am certain.

 

Well I should get this show on the road.

I will share with you on Mother’s Day – my gifts along with photos.

 

Mm, the coffee tastes good this morning.

Time to get cracking.

Get dressed.

My neighbour has already come and gone with her mug of coffee.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend and that perhaps you have a surprise or two coming your way.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are travelling, be safe and have fun.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 31st day of December, 2017.

Happy New Year’s EVE Day.

The sky is a pale blue with hues of pale orange on the horizon.

Here we are again on the very last day of a year, this one being 2017.

Hopefully the last day of this deep freeze before heading into milder temperatures.

I have been reading over my blogs from previous years.

The blog from this day last year and from 2015.

It is funny how days can be so different from one year to the next.

Last year on December 31st Alvin went to his sisters for a sleepover and the year before we awoke to fire sirens (two doors down).

With my blog I try not to plan too  much ahead and just see where my thoughts and fingers guide me.

Today my mind is all over the place.

I am listening to the music that I put on my iPOD yesterday via the awesome setup that my kids gave me for Christmas.

I transferred “37” songs from iTUNES …. my favourites.

They range from Adele to Elvis, One Direction to Journey, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond to PINK.

Pharrell to Tina, Elton to Ed and Lady Gaga to Steppenwolf and Blue Suede.

I love listening to music.

Note to self:  I think I will listen to more music in 2018 and DANCE more.

Last night after I transferred this tunes to the iPOD I spent a long time just singing and grooving (dancing) to the music with Alvin looking on.

He likely figured that I had lost my mind OR worse was going to pick him up and make him dance with me.

 

This was the second Christmas that we participated in all gifts home made or reused from things that we had around the house.

I made out like a bandit.

My daughter made me two huge bulletin boards, they gave me the iPOD player with great speakers (awesome sound) and an ADVENT calendar that reminds me of the one on NATIONAL LAMPOON’s  

CHRISTMAS VACATION and it even plays music.

The only ones that were not a part of this were the pups.

My grand-pups did not listen and got me a lovely WHISK (which their Grandma needed).

How can you be a cook or baker with no whisk.

Not sure how it happened.

I used to have a couple of them.

The family arrived on Christmas EVE night and stayed until Boxing Day.

It was a glorious couple of days.

We ate, played games and ate more.

Always wonderful to be surrounded by your loved ones.

 

As this year winds to an end, I am reminded by all of the great times that we saw in 2017.

January saw another new SPRING/SUMMER CATALOGUE for STEEPED TEA.

I remain a consultant although not quite as active as previous years.

I do enjoy the tea and the other products as do several of my co-workers and friends.

February saw us, me and Alvin become debt free.

No consumer debt.

I guess mortgages are not considered to be debt as I still have one of those.

Alvin and I continue to walk as much as possible although the latter part of this year did slow us down a bit.

I write as much as possible.

 

Likely the best part of this year was the time surrounding my 60th Birthday.

My friend “V” from back in Regina sent me a BIRTHDAY PARCEL to end all BIRTHDAY PARCELS ….

Everything from jewellery to a deep dish apple pie.

I am so lucky.

I was so blessed to have my sister come for a whole TEN DAY visit.

On my actual birthday my daughter, sister and I went to FORT EDMONTON PARK and partook in HIGH TEA.

We spent the day walking around taking in the sights.

We went on the rides …. the swings and the carousel.

My youngest brother came for FOUR DAYS and part of it was spent with our other brother at his home in rural Alberta.

While visiting our brother in the country we visited with another nephew and his family.

We also visited with our nephew “J” ….. who continues to heal.

I commissioned one of my co-workers to bake my 60th Birthday cake, a carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

I can still taste it.  OMG it was heavenly.

My eldest nephew and family also surprised us with a visit.

Friends that moved to Quebec came for a visit.

So many wonderful surprises.

I am so grateful for all of the gifts, birthday wishes and visits this year.

I still cannot believe that I am 60 years old.

 

The year just seemed to come and go.

We were lucky to be in good health and to be surrounded by great friends and family.

Both CANADA and I celebrated milestone birthdays.

Happy 150th Birthday to our beloved country.

 

One of our neighbours across the street and down a couple of houses had a fire.

That happened at the end of June and it is December and they are still not back in their home.

It was a duplex so affected two households.

Reminder to be careful and aware.

 

I wrote the next couple of paragraphs last New Year’s Eve and it seems to be fitting to be used once again.  I feel the same way.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2018 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2018.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

PHOTOS from 2017

April 2017

 

EDMONTON ZOO (May) – our office went for a visit and barbecue.  My daughter was my date.

June 2017 – Alvin and Carol’s GREAT ADVENTURE.

 

 

JULY 2017 – Flowers and YARD

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2017 – garden project

HALLOWEEN 2017

FALL TREAT PARCEL from our Friend “V”

THE CAKE marking the BIG 60.

CHRISTMAS Decorations of 2017

Some of the baking …. the infamous SUGAR COOKIES

Aspen and Milo my beautiful grand pups.

Cutest photo of 2017.

Well it would seem like I could write and gather photos until the cows come home.

So I had better stop now.

If I missed mentioning you, please know this, you are in my heart and soul for all time.

I wish you and your family the most glorious 2018.

Remember to laugh and have fun.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who participated in my 2017, I am most grateful to each and every one of you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Afternoon and it is Sunday the 27th day of August, 2017.

Alvin and I had the best visit with our friends from Quebec.

It seems like they just arrived and then were gone.

The children are 13, 11 and 10.

I always forget that my friend “L” is only 13 as she is so grown up.

“M-L” is now 11 and not the shy little girl she was when they moved away and “D” well he is still soft spoken and very much a 10 year old boy full of wonder.

We had supper together, walked with Alvin and watered our friend’s flower garden, the girls picked out beads to make a bracelet and necklace upon their return home, and to end the evening we

watched “Galaxy of the Guardians Volume 2.”

It was a jammed packed evening but one I will remember always.

These children are like my own.

I am so grateful they came into my life.

They all took turns snuggling with Alvin on the sofa.

The morning came all too quickly.

I am quite certain that their Dad is going to miss them when they return back home to Quebec tomorrow and that their Mom is going to be very happy to see them.

I can honestly say that this has been one of the best Augusts that I have ever had in my entire life.

Lots of company and getting to spend time with some of the best people on this planet.

Well back to norm ….. it has been a hot day.

Thinking of family that live in Houston, Texas.

To all the residents of Houston and surrounding area you are in our prayers.

Well time to get a few things done …. back to work tomorrow.

Special Hello to: my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday June 24, 2017 and it is the 47 day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay now what after the 60 favourite things list.

I was thinking about a BUCKET LIST.

What is with all of these lists anyway?

Well truthfully, this would not be a surprise to people who know me as I am famous for writing lists, TO DO LISTS and such.

I like to write things down.

I have often thought a BUCKET LIST would be nice but perhaps today I will do it in reverse.

Not the things that I want to do in the future but some of the things that I have done over the years.

Okay so this is going to be another 60 things list ….. but things that I have done not necessarily favourite things but things that I have done/accomplished, okay.

Because going backwards can be tricky with the counting process I am just going to start at number 1.

1. Started cooking at age 6 (have been cooking now for almost 54 years).

2. Camped with cousins on a dry river bed and did not know and then the rain started and we had to leave.

3. Played in the water at Padre Island / Gulf Coast of Mexico as a child while spending the winter in TEXAS with family.

4. Bought first house on my own at age 52.

5. Adopted first doggie (Alvin) on my own at age 53.

6. Started making jewellery and had own jewellery business at age 53 with my daughter.

7. Worked first real RETAIL job (small town clothing store does not count).

8.  In said RETAIL job even had “number 1 sales per hour” in the whole company (not bad for someone at age 57 working with mainly young ones).

9.  First paid babysitting job at age 8 for neighbours with toddler and newborn.

10. Tasted first FAST FOOD at age 18.

11.  When a child walked from my Grandparents farm to ours which was about five miles away (after disagreement with my Dad and it was at night).

12. Had a mock wedding as a prank on my Mother (so much fun and she loved it, too and honestly she did not believe it).

 

Okay that was definitely harder than I thought but I will attempt to do this.  Likely you may learn things that I had even forgotten.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 7th day of June, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning ….. bright sunny skies.

Always a great way to start the day.

Another is snuggling head to head with me Alvin on our IKEA pillow on the sofa.

I could stay there forever.

Unfortunately I took an extra 15 minutes and now and rushing.

But it was worth it …..

Sometimes you just have to live dangerously.

Perhaps not quite on the edge but for me it is as I do not like to be LATE for anything.

On this Wacky Wednesday morning …..

Perhaps you need to stay with your children for an extra few minutes ….

Perhaps you need to snuggle with your puppy dog …..

Perhaps you need to go for a walk before work ……

Take those minutes because as we all know they will NEVER return.

Have a Happy Wednesday.

Time to fly to the bus ….. or walk really really fast.

Thank you for reading my blog and I love to make people giggle and ponder things.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …… Happy Wednesday …… relax for a few minutes, okay and I love the jewellery….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 21st day of February, 2017.

Today was my paternal Grandmother’s Birthday.

She was born this day 116 years ago.

Her legacy lives on in her daughter and grand-children and great-children.

My daughter and I named our jewellery line/business after my Grandma Stella.

She was always full of surprises.

 

Yesterday was a quiet day.

I had coffee in the morning and a visit with my neighbour.

Alvin loved the attention and took advantage to say the least.

 

Well here we are back to work again.

The days off always seem to fly by but then again so do the workdays.

In approximately three weeks we will be moving our clocks ahead by one hour.

I do like moving ahead because it means less getting ready in the darkness ….

 

Food for thought.

Do you have something or someone in your life that makes you crazy?

In your thoughts all of the time?

Not in a good way.

Does this something or someone lead you to cry yourself to sleep some/most nights?

My advice:  if you have tried approaching the situation head on, and nothing changes.

Simple walk away.

Life is too short to be miserable some or most of the time.

 

Just my approach to life in my “golden” years.

Always surround yourself with love and light.

No drama.

Who needs it.

 

Have a great day.

I hope that you all enjoyed Family Day yesterday.

 

Special Hello to: You ….

Always, Carol and Alvin