Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Well we are one week into the second half of this NEW YEAR.

It certainly has been a roller coaster kind of ride thus far.

Who would have thought on New Year’s Eve when everyone is thinking about the New Year – that we would have a worldwide Pandemic?

Not me that is for sure.

This year has been stressful, caused anxiety I would say for most people on the planet.

Of course, certainly some more than others.

 

Children were disrupted in their school  year.

Likely the middle school aged children were the happiness to be away from school.

The little ones and the ones graduating not so much.

Although I believe that most schools did offer some online schooling which was great.

 

Parents losing their jobs or working from home adding to the household stress.

Children and their parents home together, 24 / 7 for months.

Not something we see everyday.

 

Then there are single folks and folks without children.

Some working and others not.

Whether you have a house full or not, we have all given our heads a shake in disbelief as the days pass.

By now most of us that are working from home have settled in, I have for sure.

Alvin loves having me at home and I really enjoy being here with him.

We have somewhat of a routine although I find that I am changing things up a bit here and there.

Which is likely a good thing.

 

Parents with school age children are likely happy that it is summer vacation.

Now they just have to worry about keeping them entertained for the summer months.

Although that is a word when used in this context, I am not fond of.

Children should be learning to do things on their own to some degree.

Bringing forth that imagination and such.

But this is a topic for another day.

Reading …. they should definitely be reading more.

 

This pandemic has given the human race much to ponder and consider.

I believe that we have learned so much and have even more to learn for the future.

The nature world has certainly enjoyed the respite from us pain in the butt, human beings.

 

On this Tuesday, we should pause and be think about things that we can do to make life for all.

Picking up trash.

Keeping your yard and neighbourhood clean.

Planting trees.

Being kind and respectful to yourself, to others and to nature and the environment.

 

Well time to head out on the long tiring commute to my workstation.

It is oh so far …….. away …… so far …… at least six inches ….. oh my!!

 

Enjoying my days and nights with me Alvin.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. thought there was a storm a brewing last night so I carefully placed most of  my potted plants into the garage.

What – no storm!

Oh well, better to be safe than sorry.

AND

I somehow managed to break off the arm on my glasses while doing yoga after work yesterday.

HOW?

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning,

Wow, this year so far has been filled with incredible highs and incredible lows.

This past week I would say has had some incredible lows.

Three nights this week of virtually no sleep countered with last night with first time up at 3:30 a.m. has made for a very long week.

One great thing to happen is my daughter is coming to visit today and I shall whip up some pancakes.

I don’t have my usual ingredients but that has never stopped me from making something.

I have found in life you have to be able to use what you have and go from there.

 

Just like this fence adventure and I shall call it that ….. I finally got things sorted out and just have to chat with my neighbours about the final tally.

I researched and spoke to people and then negotiated.

Negotiation is not something that I find easy to do ….. selling is more my thing.

That being said I guess negotiating is part of selling.

Now working for someone else and selling is one thing …. like retail.

I love that …. and I am good, no very good at selling things.

Anyway, I am more than happy with the final result in this case.

 

Perhaps after having a shower will perk me up and that is next on my list to do.

Last night I did some laundry so that reduced the number of loads for today.

I will say that with not having to go to the office, my laundry is considerably less.

Now basically one outfit for the day not two or even three.

I think that perhaps Alvin may need to go outside before I slip into the shower.

Will check with him first for sure.

 

The rain has stopped and it is very windy.

Clouds still fill most of the sky although it does appear to be brighter in the distances.

Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 20 degrees celsius.

Now that would be nice.

Something to note that yesterday afternoon it was snowing, yup it was.

Mostly it was wet snow and melted as it touched the ground.

The point is on May 22, 2020 it was snowing.

 

At this moment both of us long to go walking but until he is back to normal, not taking any chances.

Not a pretty sight to have diarrhea on a walk, the clean up is a nightmare.

 

Well my daughter will be here in approximately two hours and I have things to do in preparation of her arrival.

I hope that you are having an incredibly “high” kind of day filled with all good things.

 

This life of ours now is unique for our time for most of us.

I hope that we are able to figure out a “new norm” and that it is one that is good for everyone including animals and all creatures including the environment.

We need to be more kind and respectful in all areas.

Take our new norm, go forth and spread that kindness and respect into your daily life.

This is a good thing for sure.

 

Well I better get this boat on the water …..

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with all sorts of goodness.

You deserve this most definitely as do we all.

Take care and be of good health.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Sometimes we just need some photos of cuteness and the beauty of nature.

My grand pups Milo and Aspen

My beautiful geranium waiting to be transplanted outside.

My little cuteness,  my boy, Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 29th day pf April, 2019.

Wow, second last day of April 2019.

This morning the sunrise is crazy beautiful as it rises there are some puffy dark blue clouds that appear to be suspended from the clear blue sky above.

Looks like someone just added them with a paint brush.

Oh so pretty.

 

I was thinking this morning as I was getting ready for the day about how much we all take for granted our lives.

We take for granted our health, our family and friends.

Our jobs and our homes.

Usually it is not until we lose something or someone, that we realize this.

How precious every aspect of our lives is …..

When you can swing your legs off the bed and touch the floor and stand up.

Be grateful.

When you can turn on the tap and have clean healthy water to drink and use.

Be grateful.

When you can walk for exercise and enjoyment.

Be grateful.

Every time you make a mortgage payment on your home.

Be grateful.

Every time you pay your taxes be grateful as that money goes for health care, roads and more.

Every moment of every day is a blessing.

A blessing that we can breathe clean air.

A blessing that we are surrounded by family and friends.

A blessing that we have homes and a bed to sleep in at night.

A blessing that we have jobs to make that mortgage payment and to buy food.

A blessing that we are alive.

So on those days when you are feeling woe is me; remember.

Life is a blessing.

Be grateful.

Yes, I know perhaps there will be days that are less than perfection.

But at least we have those days.

Please do not spend your precious moments walling in self pity or complaining about someone or something.

Spend your time being grateful.

Life will always be better if you spend it in a state of gratitude.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

The sky is blue.

The clouds are delightful.

I am alive.

I have my buddy Alvin at my side.

Thank you.

I am most gratefully for all that I have and that I saw my kids yesterday afternoon.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you and you and you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 DAYS TO 60

Today is Tuesday, July 18, 2017 and it is the 23rd day until my 60th Birthday.

I will just have to add the ones that I miss when I think of something.

 

2000: Came in without most of the problems that were forecasted regarding the computers, which was a huge relief.

2001:

2002:  My beloved daughter moves to Edmonton, Alberta and two days later I go on a vacation to the U.S. with a friend.  It was perfect timing so I would be moping around the apartment missing my girl.  Still missed her but was not at home to be reminded every moment.  Visited Las Vegas and area and went to San Diego and the day trip to Mexico (the crossing was out of a movie and not a good thing). A close family friend’s daughter had first of her three children.

2003: My first great niece was born ….. such a cutie pie.

Well I received a HUGE reminder of something that happened in 2004.

2004:  My daughter graduated from the Photography Program at NAIT and then went on to work for one of the City Councillors.  How did I forget those items???  Maybe I am thinking too hard.

2005: My first born great nephew and the apply of his “Anta’s eye.”

2006:

2007:  Elton John concert?  or was it 2006?  Regardless of when it was amazing.  We lost our little “J” ….. another heartbreak.

2008:  My first born nephew marries, I retired from working at same company for 30 years and my daughter marries all within a couple of months.  Attend Celine Dion Concert in Edmonton.

2009: Buy my first house, 1/2 duplex in Edmonton close to my daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups and move to Edmonton at end of March.  My beloved J passes.

2010:  Enjoying semi-retirement.  Back to Regina for a visit with my girl. How could I have possibly forgotten this:  I adopted my darling ALVIN CHARLIE LEWIS in January 2010 and my life once again was transformed.  I am so happy that Me Alvin is not too good on the computer or else I would be in BIG trouble.  OMG, how did I forget.  Just going with the flow.  I will post the years as I think of things for the last decade.

2011: Started working at Bath & Body Works at West Edmonton Mall.  Now that is a start to going back to work.  It was hard work but amazing.  That was in April and then in July I started as a temp at Capital Region Housing Corporation.  What a year.

2012:

2013: Working two jobs ….

2014:  I had the highest sales per hour in the company at the store. My daughter, son-in-law, Elton & Penny moved in with me and Alvin for almost one year while their new house was being built.  We loved having them with us.

2015:  Kids moved into their new house in April.  House was not the same after they moved out.  Worked last shifts at Bath & Body Works, miss the girls and the store in April.  Started to sell Steeped Tea in August.

2016:

2017:  This is a big year for me and all those who were born in 1957.

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60.

Today is Monday June 26, 2017 and it is the 45 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.

 

Here are the next 12 items:

25.  Attended all different schools from Grades 9 to Grade 12 in three different Canadian provinces.

26.  Sold through direct sales:  AMWAY, Fashion Two-Twenty make-up, Tupperware twice in two different provinces and Steeped Tea.

27.  Wrote Eulogies for four different family members and gave three of them.

28.  Started to write poetry at age eight years.

29.  Jobs have done over the years: Babysitting, Berry picker,  Executive Assistant (summer job), Keypunch operator, Bank Teller,  Claims Dispatch Clerk, Mapping Clerk, Reinsurance Underwriter, small town Ladies Clothing Shop, Customer Service Clerk at Retail store with largest sales at West Edmonton Mall, House Cleaning, File Clerk and Housing Clerk.

30.  Wrote Groom’s speech for my friend to give at her brother’s wedding.

31.  Broke handle off new shovel while digging out dead cedar tree from my back garden area two years ago.  Still do not believe that one.

32.  Grateful to have attended concerts for two of my favourite entertainers:  Celine Dion and Sir Elton John.

33.  Good at making meals from virtually nothing.  I love challenging myself to using everything in my pantry and fridge.

34.  Love making up new recipes.

36.   Grew up on the farm and helped with everything from stacking bales when haying, to housework, to looking after siblings, to cooking, gardening and other chores all before age 14.

37.   After moving from the farm in Saskatchewan to British Columbia …. my Mom, Sister and I spent that first summer picking berries.  Hard work but definitely had payoff.

 

Sure is a test of the memory banks.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 31st day of August, 2016.

It is a beautiful morning and already quite warm but thankfully there is a breeze.

Last day of July 2016.

Crazy how fast the summer seems to go.

We just arrived back from a walk and while we were out bumped into our neighbours “I” and “N” out for a stroll.

Of course, we stopped and chatted for a bit before continuing on our way home.

They were on their way out and we were on our way in.

The garage sale yesterday would be considered a hit.

Lots of people and we all sold a reasonable amount of things and even made some cash to boot.

This is the last sale that I will be having for a while.

I think that I have had four or five this summer.

Summer is precious so next year if I have one it will be ONE.

The clouds are rolling in to the south.

They have forecasted rain for today so I am happy that we were able to get our walk in already just in case.

You never know with the weather.

Well today will be a quiet one.

I will just do some laundry and perhaps decided what jobs need to be done over my vacation.

Once it stops raining I will mow the grass as it is so tall again.

With all the rain it just grows like mad.

Well time to go as I just got up and took Alvin for a walk without having breakfast (he ate of course).

We stayed resting on the sofa for awhile as I just was feeling lazy.

I hope that you have a wonderful last day of July 2016.

Enjoy yourself ….. maybe even go for a walk.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: family and friends ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2015.

We have a new government voted in last night in Canada.

The Liberal Party won with a majority vote.

So let us see what they can do for us.

Congratulations Justin Trudeau.

Change can be good.

 

I certainly know all about change.

In the years prior to moving to Alberta my life was pretty much the same.

With this I mean …. that I got up …. went to work and went home.

I did volunteer work and visited with my friends and family.

Work was for the most part the same.

Although we did implement a new computer system in the 90’s.

I knew my job …. lived in the same apartment …..

Since 2008 my life has been full of change.

Some good some not.

But all I can say is that you have to embrace whatever comes your way.

You always have a choice not matter what the situation is ….

Choice is to make it okay or not.

Why stress over CHANGE when it comes into your life.

Just hold onto to it, and run.

If you put a positive spin on change it will not seem so overwhelming.

Why stress ….. I think in these past few years that most people have been dumped right into the midst of change.

Change in the economy and to their jobs.

Change in family and friends.

Change in health.

Change.

So on this Tuesday …. when change comes your way ….. embrace it.

We do absolutely require CHANGE to grow.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Special Hello to:  so grateful for the video chat with my sister and great niece on Sunday night.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 18th day of July, 2015.

It is a bright sunny breezy morning here in Edmonton.

I always appreciate the weekends and being at home.

Sure sometimes I am not fond of having to clean the bathrooms …. but I am at home.

When you go from having two jobs and working seven days a week …. having the weeknights and weekends free ….

Well it is amazing …..

I love sitting here writing on my blog with the window open listening to the children a couple doors down as they play in their back yard.

I love snuggling with Alvin every chance I get ….

I love watering my flowers and taking in their beautiful fragrances.

I love going for walks after supper with Alvin and enjoying our neighbourhood and each other.

I do actually love to clean and today is a cleaning day……

I love doing laundry and listening to my favourite songs.

I love dancing with Alvin and he “tolerates.”

I love thinking and planning what I am going to do ….. writing up a TO DO LIST.

So many things to do and now I do have the time.

There is time to relax.

There is time to write.

There is time to entertain.

There is time to visit my friends.

There is time to go for walks.

There is time to live my life.

But always at the end of the day I am very grateful to have had the second job when I needed it.

I worked with great people and most days had fun working.

Of course, there is always that one customer that would “sink your ship” but then there would be several that would make you feel like a million dollars.

So worth it and really every person should have to work retail.

All in all, I have a pretty amazing life.

I have my own house ….. which ten years ago I would not have thought possible.

I have a dog ….. never would have thought that would happen.

I lived for six years within walking distance to my kids (the last year under the same roof).

Some days there might be a small dark cloud that follows me around the house ( I do not mean Alvin ) but I try to let that be for a short time only.

Most of the time I feel that I have rainbows shining over me …..

My pot of gold is my life …… me Alvin … my daughter…. all my family, friends …….

Well it is time to go quickly to a neighbour’s garage sale as I said that I would and then come get Mr. Alvin and walk to the Vet to pick up food for our Miss Penny (who is visiting tomorrow with her Momma).

THEN WORK …….. but I will enjoy it ….. blast the music and in between it all dance with Mr. Alvin.

Special Hello to: all those folks who feel like there are dark clouds over head ….. you can change it …. bring on the rainbows.. your life is your life ….. make it what you want it to be.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of March, 2015.

Happy Birthday to my son-in-law’s brother “D” who turns “50” today.

So many birthdays this month.

In two days my baby girl, my only daughter turns “35.”

Now that is scary …… really 35 ….. it cannot be.

Where has the time gone.

 

Well it would appear that spring may have arrived here in Edmonton.

Well at least for the next couple of weeks we will experience plus single to low double digit temperatures.

The icy sidewalks are finally melting and walking home is not such a terrifying experience.

Last night one of my friends from the bus who happens to be a neighbour from down the way ( just met on the bus ) and I walked my regular path.

It has been so icy as of late …. it is the street from which I fell a few weeks back.

So thank goodness for the little things which is pretty huge.

I am so grateful to be able to walk at a regular pace home from the bus stop.

Soon the snow and ice will have melted.

The ground will be relieved to be able to breathe once again.

Life will start to show up all around us ….. leaves on the trees …… baby bunnies ….. the birds will be back.

YAY, I love spring.

 

I was thinking yesterday morning when I opened my blog and looked at the photo of me and realized that maybe I should put a more recent one up.

I do love that photo but it is a few years old now.

I will of course leave the one of me at a much younger age …. 🙂

Maybe I will post one of me and Alvin …… time will tell.

Right now I have a lot on my plate …. working two jobs ….. seven days a week.

But I do want to get back into writing more …… especially some of the other categories ….

I will …..

Thank you so much everyone for taking time out of your busy lives to read my thoughts …. it is so appreciated.

Well almost time to leave for the office.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Smile lots ….. keep the faith …… stay positive.

I try to do this everyday ….. there are some days it is a bit harder than others but I do try.

After all, we are human …..

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends back in Regina …… thank you for always being there.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 10th day of December, 2014.

One day closer to Christmas ….. only 14 actual sleeps until Christmas Eve Day.

How did that happen?

We are experiencing such wonderful spring like weather here in Edmonton.

I do know what that can bring but we are grateful all the same to have some warmer temperatures this time of year.

Plus is always better than minus.

Well at least always in temperatures and school grades.

I always try to have a sense of humour in everything that I do ….

Sometimes people do not necessarily understand it but I do.

This is the time of year that we begin reflecting on the year gone by.

I always think wow did all of that really happen.

Most years I could write a book on my life, perhaps I should.

There were babies born, people passing, people getting ill, people getting better, changes at both my jobs, reconnecting with old friends, coffee dates, our first wedding jewellery made, and so much more.

Perhaps that does not really sound too exciting but when you have the details involved and lived it – trust me it was.

I am so grateful to live my life and know that it just keeps getting better and better.

There are moments of clarity and moments of fog.

But there are moments.

Moments to live and to live those moments is the most precious gift of all.

So on this Wednesday I am grateful for my life.

Every morning I write in my journal of the previous day’s events, my thoughts on said events and write down the first ten things I am grateful for at that moment and then give thanks for healing family and friends.

It is a great way to begin the day.

Well time to go to work.

Have a great one.

Remember there will always be moments of clarity and ones that are foggy.

Things are not always crystal clear and that is okay.

Special Hello to: my nephew in the hospital who everyday gets better and better.

Always, Carol and Alvin