Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. A much more quiet morning than yesterday’s. We had Teddy and his little sister Kobie here overnight on Friday as you know, and they went home about 5 p.m. yesterday. I always enjoy when the pups arrive at the house. Iris can put Teddy down on the sidewalk and he makes a beeline for our house and Kobie she has to hold securely and carry to the house. There is a feeling of excitement when they arrive. Alvin comes to life and well me, I love seeing them. Kobie wanted up. I picked her up and she just gazed into my eyes. She has the most gorgeous dark eyes with long lashes. As she looked in my eyes she put her nose right up to mine. Makes you feel liked you are the most special human in the world. Teddy was so excited to see his buddy Alvin and Alvin in return. Their Mum stayed for a visit before leaving as it was getting late (actually past our bedtime but it was a Friday night so that was okay).

We slept on the sofa Friday night. I was drenched in furbabies. Teddy curled up behind my knees, Alvin beside me on the pillow and Kobie basically on my head (she curled up on top of the pillow). I sure wished that I could have had taken a photo of that night time set up. Now it did not remain that way and there were lots of movement over the course of the night mostly from Alvin. I forgot to take the chew treat away from him, the ones that Teddy’s Mom had given them upon their arrival. Argh, it was up and down and down and up. Anyway we survived and with no defined time to get up we did sleep in a bit later, thank goodness. I do enjoy having the pups here. Alvin loves having them here although I will say this when we were having a sit down on the sofa yesterday afternoon both Kobie and Teddy were someone sitting on my lap and started to wrestle/play and at times would go back and forth on the sofa running on or over Alvin ….. that Mr. Alvin did not even flinch if it was Teddy who walked/jumped over him but when it was Teddy ….. he growled. Funny. The pups usually have a hard core play/wrestle match for about twenty minutes each day. Good exercise for sure. Most times the playing takes place on the floor.

Meal time is always interesting. Alvin is what I have deemed the “FOOD MONSTER” as he will eat almost anything, anywhere at anytime. Teddy could care less. He is a bit on the fussy side and seldom eats breakfast although he does like to chew on Alvin’s hard food and will usually eat some supper. Kobie is sort of like Alvin but not as hard core. She ate some breakfast and will eat supper. Last night I had just set up the feeding arrangement for supper when Iris arrived to picked them up. Alvin of course, gobbled his food down just as she got to the door and the other two ….. we decided to pack it up and they would have it at home. Like I said ….. food time in this house ….. with Alvin …. is you cannot get his food out fast enough. He does chew his food but eats so fast. Sometimes I like to feed him by hand to slow that process somewhat.

After the pups left for home …. our normal quiet takes over. I decided that I was going to check the ON DEMAND movie schedule to see if the new Kathie Lee Gifford movie “Then Came You” with Craig Ferguson was there yet. I was so pleased to see it on the listing. I have been waiting forever and hopeful it would come to Canada. Of course, after supper and clean up ….. we, well I watched her movie. It was so well done. Not often the lead characters are over 55. Elizabeth Hurley and Ford Kiernan were also in the movie. I really enjoyed Ford’s character. The movie ran the gamut of emotions but mostly it was funny. The chemistry between Kathie Lee and Craig is so evident and makes for a great movie. The music was great as well as was written by KLG and her writing partner Brett James. They even had a scene where they sang in the movie. Well done KLG, well done.

Well now it is Sunday morning. Today is the birthday of the gal that I used to carpool with so I must send her birthday wishes. Happy Birthday Candie. Hard to believe that I used to see her almost everyday and now have not seen her for months. Funny how life can change so quickly.

The girls are coming for coffee …. cannot wait. Have to jump into the shower first …..

I hope that you are doing great. Living with kindness and respect, that is the best. The sun is rising and the sky is that most beautiful pink orange at the horizon gradually turning to blue. Today is Sunday. YAY.

Happy Sunday.

I/We shall remain, As Alway, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Six sleeps until Halloween and seven sleeps until CHRISTMAS TREE GOES UP ….. I am shouting that in my mind ….. cannot wait. I will have to check and see if my daughter can help me erect the tree. I do need help setting it up …..

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of April, 2019.

Still dark outside but sun is shining in my heart.

I want to take this moment to send positive energy to family member and friends who are in need of some extra “help.”

My heart is open and I am thinking of you at this time.

May what you need come to you sooner than soon.

 

We all have our ups and downs.

No matter what is going on in your life; show gratitude.

 

I would like to take this time to say thank you for one of my favourite people in television.

She is one of a current duo.

Today is her last day on the 4th Hour with HODA; she is Kathie Lee Gifford.

I have watched her from Canada for most of her twenty-six years on television.

Firstly, she won our hearts with Regis and then with HODA.

Throughout those years she has made  appearances on other television shows, done commercials and movies.

Kathie Lee is boundless energy, love, kindness, witty, talented and so much more.

She makes us laugh and takes us to places where we may shed a tear or two.

Oh how she makes me laugh.

I will miss that part of her the most, I think.

This week once again she brings her strong faith and humour and energy to those final shows.

I wished that just once I had made it back to New York to see her and HODA in person; on the TODAY Show.

She gives everyone hope that is over 50, well over 60 – women and men that you can still change gears and do what you love.

There is no age limit.

Just do it.

She gives me hope; she gives us all hope.

I am proud to share the birth month of August with both Kathie Lee and HODA.

I share the same birthdate of August 9th with HODA.

Cheers to you Kathie Lee Gifford.

Wishing you all the Best for I know will be an amazing future.

Looking forward to seeing your movies.

Thank you.

 

Well time to go to work.

Special Hello to: Kathie Lee Gifford.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 8th day of January, 2019.

Brrr, it be COLD out there.

Poor Mr. Alvin wasted no time going outside to do his thing and back into the house.

I really did not even need to call him this morning.

This is the COLDEST morning this winter so far.

Make sure that you dress warm and have mitts, scarf and warm socks in addition to your coat and boots.

Always be prepared.

 

I was thinking of how people communicate.

In my “travels” I came across a young woman who is a non-verbal due to medical reasons.

That does not stop her from TALKING or getting her thoughts across to others.

Cell phones are a great tool for someone who has the ability to use their hands and fingers; but just not able to speak.

I still remain one of the three folks on this earth who do not have a cell phone.

Actually I think it is down to two; as I forgot that Kathie-Lee Gifford now has one.

We all communicate in one way shape or form.

As long as we are able ….. how wonderful.

 

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

I am on my way out to pick up poop from my No. 1 little pooper.

We all poop.

Just glad that I do not have to pick up mine.

Okay, perhaps this is not the topic for this place but I actually love that word.

Poop.

Just giggle and laugh.

Poop.

Just poop.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who makes me laugh and works so hard, thank you for being my friend. (PS will get that info to you tonight).

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 18th day of April, 2017.

Well I saw a few mini snowballs escaping from the sky and coming down to earth.

It is dark with the overcast sky.

They are forecasting more snow ….. ARGH.

All I can think of is the poor little ROBINS in all this snow and colder temperatures.

I hope that they will be okay.

 

Well did you all have a wonderful weekend?

Mine was very nice …… mostly just hanging out with me Alvin.

Nothing wrong with that …..

To be honest I could have done things around the house but I chose to just do the necessities and to just relax.

It was great to have HODA KOTB back to the Today Morning Show with Kathie Lee Gifford.

She is one happy Momma.

So happy for her and Joel.

 

So back to work this morning.

Back to our routine.

Nothing like a routine.

 

Well it is almost time to leave for work.

I will be wearing my winter boots and coat (be prepared, I always say).

There is the potential for lots of snow and I do not wish to ruin my shoes.

 

Happy Tuesday ……

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of April, 2017.

Yesterday we had a group of ROBINS in our neighbourhood.

They chirped and fluttered about in my front tree.

I had heard via FB that they were also in the yard of one of my friends that lives several blocks away.

The Robins are home.

I love Robins.

A true sign of spring.

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

This day is extra special because Miss HODA KOTB is back to the TODAY SHOW.

She adopted the most beautiful baby girl HALEY JOY back in February, and has now returned to work.

Have you ever been so touched by someone that you have never met?

Well I have.

People talk about wanting to meet singers and actors but me, I would love to meet HODA KOTB.

She is the epitome of perfection.

HODA is always smiling and joyful.

She loves singing and knows the words to every song.

She is kind and compassionate.

She is loving and caring.

She is genuine and warm.

She just has this way of making you feel better and wanting to be a better you.

If I am ever blessed to take another trip to New York City, I will make sure that I go see HODA and KATHIE LEE.

They go together like peanut butter and jam, they are perfection.

A great duo ….. the best in morning television.

I am over the rainbow happy for HODA.

So happy that both JOEL and baby HALEY JOY found her ……

 

I share a birthday with Miss HODA KOTB, August 9th.

I am a few years older but born on the same day.

Which is very cool.

 

Also several years ago long before there was the dynamic duo, back when the Italian Charm bracelets were the big thing, I found this charm that said “Today Show.”

Pretty sure that I still had a VCR when I found the charm.

I would sometimes watch the Today Show on my Friday off from work or when on vacation.

I really enjoyed the variety of this morning show.

Who knew that this many years later that charm would have so much meaning.

I love to write and dreamed that I wrote this best selling book and was interviewed by HODA and KATHIE LEE.

A trip back to New York City – the BIG APPLE.

Can you imagine?

No book yet but I still love to write.

 

Welcome back HODA and Congratulations.

 

So time to sign off for now.

Thank goodness for the PVR as I have a coffee date with my friends.

I am excited to watch the girls when I get back home.

 

Happy Easter Monday.

I am so grateful to have had a wonderful extra long weekend.

 

Special Hello to:  HODA ….. Welcome back.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of August, 2014.

Only two sleeps now until my “57th” Birthday.

I am very excited as today I am meeting two of my co-workers from the store, and we are going for pizza at Famosa’s (hopefully I spelled that correctly) and then to a MOVIE.

The mall being West Edmonton.

I am going early so that I  can look around at the sales.

Usually when I got to the mall it is to go to work.

Last night I had lemonade and a visit with one of my friends and neighbours.

It was so wonderful.

We started out sitting in their backyard on their new swing ….. really nice.

Then when the storm hit we decided to go into the house (good idea).

This has been a great birthday week.

Got some work done around the house, walks with the puppy dogs and spent time with some of my friends.

It is time to go and take Mr Alvin for a walk as it was storming when we were to go last night.

He is patiently looking out the window.

Keeping an eye on the neighbourhood.

He hears some children ……

I hope that you all are having a grand week.

It has been so wonderful being at home.

Being able to set my own schedule.

Cooking for the kids.

Sleeping in.

Writing.

Only one thing missing “SKYING” my family and friends back in Regina.

So will be doing that on the weekend.

I have been enjoying watching the celebratory week on the Today Show for Miss Hoda Kotb.

Do you just love her name?

Very cool.

Okay, time to go.

Have a wonderful day.

Remember …… spend time with friends and family.

These moments shall not pass again.

Special Hello to: my sister C ….. let us SKYPE this weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of August, 2014.

Another gorgeous day ….. sun shining ……. bit of a cool breeze ….. will be hot later.

I sure love being at home.

I wished that I could have this week on an ongoing basis.

This morning slept in for a bit …… then wrote in my gratitude journal and enjoyed a glass of lemon infused water.

Followed by taking my grand-puppies for an early morning walk so that they would not get hot.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk before going to bed so fair is fair, right.

So now everyone has had exercise within the last 12 hours.

Last night my friend “G” called to say that she had to drop something off for me.

Okay, I said.

She brought me an early birthday card and a gift card to Cineplex.

Two of my friends from Bath & Body Works are taking me for supper and to a movie afterwards.

I mentioned to my friend that I would like to treat them because they are young and going to post secondary school ….. working part-time.

So what does she do gives me a huge gift card so that I can now pay for the movie.

Now don’t I have a great friend.

Yesterday in the mail I received a birthday card from my Aunt “L” and Uncle “R” ….. she always remembers.

I am so grateful.

Tonight I was invited to a neighbour’s for tea in their beautiful back yard.

I am so blessed.

I have been following the “Birthday Week” of a fellow August 9th birth and that is Hoda Kotb.

Now she is a bit younger as she turns “50” on Saturday and I turn “57” ….. how cool.

Then a week later Kathie Lee Gifford and her husband Frank celebrate.

I really enjoy the Today Show ….. my favourite talk show…..

Their sense of humour ….. their chit chat ….. even though most of it is scripted …… their guests.

How they get along.

So only three sleeps until the big “57” …… or “%&” ….. depending on which keys you hit.

I am so grateful to be here and turning 57.

I am so grateful for being in great health.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by the most amazing friends and family.

I am so grateful to have my own home.

I am so grateful to have me Alvin …..

I am so grateful to have the best daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies.

I am very grateful for this life ….. my life.

I hope that you all have an amazing Wednesday ….

Whether at home, at work or on vacation ….. enjoy …… every moment counts.

Special Hello to: my friends and family for making this truly the best birthday yet and it hasn’t even arrived.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – September 18, 2013

Chapter Two:

September 1, 2013

“Alvin, you found me”, I cry as my heart and soul are filled with a gratitude magnified by the love I have for my friend and I know we will find our way together.

September 2, 2013

There is silence between us – no words or barking – just silence in knowing that as long as we are together we will figure this all out and get back home where we belong and we continue on our way side by side.

September 3, 2013

“So me Alvin, what now?” as I search his body to make sure that he has no wounds and give him hugs  and wished that the fog would lift so that I could see where we are going.

September 4, 2013

“Well Mr. Alvin, I guess we had better get moving so maybe we can eventually walk out of this fog and actually find some help” with this Alvin begins to move forward slowly and we are on our way.

September 5, 2013

I have no idea how far we have walked or where we are but I know one thing it is getting colder ….. freezing in fact.

September 6, 2013

Thank GOD, Alvin has a fur coat and that I had not cut it recently but me on the other hand, I only have flip flops, cotton capri pants, a t-shirt and light jacket; the jacket hadn’t really been needed that morning but I needed a place to put my keys and poop bags for Alvin; my keys?

September 7, 2013

I reach into my pocket and touch the coolness of my keys; I am not certain how they are actually going to help us at this point but they give me a sense of peace in that they are our link to home.

September 8, 2013

At this point I am really grateful that I have my Alvin with me and that we are okay despite being cold and now we will just continue on – one step at a time.

September 9, 2013

As we walk along  I fight to see through the fog and in some places I think that I can see the outline of trees, but I am not sure; the only thing I know for certain is we are no longer near “home” and my heart skips a beat.

September 10, 2013

Thank GOD that I have my Alvin the best “sniffer” on the planet here with me as his nose guides us along this path to who knows where or when.

September 11, 2013

As we move along, Alvin does his thing as I listen to him carefully sniffing, and I hope that soon we find someone as we are both showing signs of dehydration, and I can hear my stomach rumble and I know Alvin must be hungry.

September 12, 2013

Out of nowhere I had a flash …. I suddenly remembered something ….. something that I knew would make Alvin one happy puppy dog ….. why didn’t I think of it sooner?

September 13, 2013

As I slowly reached into my other pocket the one without the poop bags I found a bag of doggie treats and I smiled knowing that my Alvin would have a bit of food in his belly and be happy; after all isn’t being happy all about giving something unexpectedly to others, and I am glowing.

September 14,, 2013

“Here Mr. Alvin” I say as I bend over and hand him some of the treats; Alvin found them quicker than I could find my pocket; I am so happy that I have some food for him and then he yelps for more.

September 15, 2013

Alvin quickly eats the small handful of treats; I am relieved that he has eaten and although I am hungry it is better for him to eat than me; I have to have faith that we will find our way home soon or somewhere like home.

September 16, 2013

Just not sure what to do now – guess we will just keep plodding ahead – not much else we can do – but how on earth did we get here?

September 17, 2013

Wow, it seems like it has been forever since Alvin and I first walked by our lake; now we are who knows where; destination unknown; it is funny that despite the time elapsed by my best guess has been much more than one day I do not feel thirsty; I am hungry but not starving and I do not have to pee (now that is a first); I wished that we did have water now that I think about it and wonder where did Alvin’s water bottle disappear to?

September 18, 2013

Well who knows, I guess we have bigger fish to fry; as it seems like we have been not only walking in a fog but my mind seems to be drifting that way as well; please someone help us; I just feel so helpless …….. and I want to be at home sitting on my sofa watching my favourite morning program “The Today Show” – the fourth hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda ….. please,  as I break into soft sobbing.

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and welcome to Wednesday, June 6th, 2012.

I have been dreaming for the past several nights.

The feelings that I have from the dreams have all been positive.

I do remember that I met someone (so there is definitely hope yet).

I remember travelling and writing.

I only remember little things nothing really specific other than a guy, being in a foreign place (not sure where) and writing.

I have been dreaming for the past couple of years of being on the fourth hour of the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda.

It is funny because several years even before they were part of the morning line-up, I had purchased a charm.

You know the ones that clip together and make I think they were called “Italian bracelets” ….. anyway …

I found in a little store in the Cornwall Centre back in Regina ….. this charm that said “TODAY” like the show….

So I guess that was a sign ….. of things to come.

So I will keep dreaming …. I hope that you do, too.

Our life is only as great and amazing as we dream it to be.

That is how I believe it to be.

So have a grand day.

Go out there and dream ….. remember to DREAM BIG.

What is your “Today Show Dream” ?

Special Hello: to all those dreamers …..

 

Always, Carol and Alvin