The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary to my good friends Val & Howard. Wishing you many more happy, healthy years ahead.

Another morning with skies filled with smoke. No wind. Seems to be even more thick than yesterday. I will have to check to see how far away the wildfires are from the City of Edmonton. We have a forest area to the west of the City – not too far from my neighbourhood. The only break is the road before houses begin. I hope that today is the day that the Province of Alberta receives some much needed rain. I would be happy if we had a good soaking rain that last for two weeks. Just nice steady rain. One that would soak into the ground. Not sure about the two week time period but definitely several days. The ground is so dry. Yesterday my friend G came for a visit and told me that her sister and family are on Evacuation Alert which means be prepared to evacuate if situation worsens. If situation worsens an Evacuation Order will be issued and that means Evacuate now, situation is dangerous. People are gathering pets, important documents and having a place to escape to, ready on a moment’s notice. I pray for rain and that no more loss of life.

Photo day.

Below are the yellow Begonia plant and Lavender plants that I purchased on Thursday night. In the fridge is part of my diet plan for the next few days while my mouth heals from the multiple extractions. I am grateful that I at least love applesauce, yogurt and jello and pudding. Eggs are on the list but honestly lately they do not seem to be agreeing with me. So they will not be an everyday food. I can also have soup and that is in the pantry and potatoes on the counter. Love potatoes. Baked and then mashed with butter. Prepared I am. The red and pink flowers are from some of the many plants that I have and they are called Kalanchoe. I did some reading up on them and they can go outside so I might move some of them outdoors, maybe. After speaking with G and Amanda yesterday, I am thinking that perhaps this is not the year to have a deck, porch and flower beds full of flowers. Water is precious and with all the smoke there will not be much sunlight for growth. I have perennials in my back flower bed which are starting to come back to life and although I thought that I had pulled the plants in the front flower bed, they are about six inches tall now. I am grateful that they grew despite my efforts. The bottom three photos are my grand-pups who spent a few hours with me yesterday while their parents went to visit a friend and to meet her boyfriend. These days, I do not think it is a good idea to leave your pets at home while you are away if you live in the countryside, in any area close to wildfires. I will gladly have them here anytime. They depend on us to keep them safe! You can see the smoke in the last photo of the pups looking out the window.

Yellow Begonia & Lavender

Soft Food Stores

Orange Jello

Eggs

Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoe Plant

Miss Aspen

Master Mi-Mi (Milo)

Watching out the window

Hopefully the smoke will dissipate today and the sun will shine. I hear people working outside and honestly breathing in that air is not good for you. If you have to be outside, then be prepared. I could even smell smoke in the basement when I was doing laundry yesterday.

Time to hit the shower and freshen up before going downstairs. Up a bit later this morning. For some reason I could not go to sleep last night. Oh, I broke down and had some coffee. Waited till it was only warm and then had some. When I went over the sheets that the Dental Office gave me and went over in my head the instructions from the Dental Assistant there was no mention of coffee, only smoking and not drinking anything hot. So I am okay, I think. A wise woman who has undergone multiple dental surgeries told me that she had not heard “no coffee” and that all drinks had to be cool-warm not hot. I will not drink too much but I so missed the smell of coffee perking. I am going to transplant the Lavender and Begonias into bigger pots and I have some of the Kalanchoe Plants that need larger pots so will move them as well. I have a few things on my to do list for this day. Time to hit the shower.

Happy Sunday All – be safe and be well.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

Always, Carol & Alvin, My Forever Angel

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you have been enjoying this long weekend. Perhaps you live somewhere on the planet is not having a long weekend, in that case, I hope that you had a great weekend all the same. The sky is a brilliant powder blue with wisps of white slender clouds dispersed through. The sun is shining ever so brightly. There is a bit of a breeze.

I PLANTED some of my flowers early, meaning I planted some of them late yesterday afternoon – early early evening. After I had supper. I just could not wait. The pansies, violas, lavender, two other plants that I do not remember their names, three tomato plants and oregano. I found that my grass and lavender plants that had wintered in the garage covered with layers of sheets may have survived. The grass is partially green and alive so I pulled the dead spears and gave it a good drink of water. Time will tell. The lavender I wanted to change pots so I placed it in a smaller pot with fresh dirt and water. My Canna Lily seems to be the same as last year. A few long leaves from the same bulb. The same one that wintered in the basement. Maybe a smaller pot! I will just put it back out in the sun and see what happens. Today I will be planting the flowers out front. I have a flower bed that needs some colour. Those good old ferns are coming up. I thought they were all pulled but they are hardy creatures. I will leave them. If they survive and are coming up and green, they deserve a chance at life. YAY. I have impatiens that are pink and then some beautiful begonias. The begonias are a rich coral, yellow, white and pink. I cannot wait to plant them. I think that I will put the begonias in pots on the steps and the impatiens in the flower bed. My daughter gave me some seeds for borage plants. Time to get them into the ground. Also I am changing my geraniums that have been keeping residence in my kitchen since last summer and oh so pretty pink flowers and putting them into bigger pots on the deck. I hope that they do well. Yesterday I put them outside for a few hours. I cannot wait for everything to be planted and growing and the beautiful colours that will be outside my home in the front and back. One plant that I do not have this year is petunias. Perhaps I will be able to get a basket or two at some point and set them on the deck. Love petunias! Oh, almost forgot that I have to finish the back garden. Couple of small bushes need to be finished pulling out or cutting down and see if they come back. There are a few weeks and some dead leaves on some of the perennials which are slowly starting to turn green. It is a space that does not get too much direct sunlight but does get some. I need to change things up in there. In time.

I, we are enjoying the weekend. Last night after just a few hours short of 4 days I decided to abandon putting on the socks when Alvin goes into the back yard. I washed his paws and dried them before bed and put on the salve. We won’t go for a walk today and give him one more day. I checked his paws as good as he will allow and they appear to be healed or I don’t see anything red, which is a good sign. He really was pretty good about the sock thing. Yes, I have photos to share. I will get them uploaded? downloaded?

Time for coffee. Mr. Alvin got me up this morning. I guess with all of the up and downs, my body just wants to remain cozy and warm under the blanket on the sofa. Thankfully Mr. Alvin had other plans and forced me to get my fanny farkle off the sofa. Good thing!

I hope that you have a great Monday – whether you are at home – at work – wherever you might be!

Thank you for reading my post. I am so grateful for you and your time.

Happy Monday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am grateful to be alive, to have our beautiful home shortly to be surrounded by pretty flowers, for good health, for good friends and family, for employment, for sunshine and rainbows, for good food and you!

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

Second last day of April.

Can you believe it?

Today is a great day for many reasons.

My kitchen tap is getting fixed today.

Hip Hip Hooray.

So excited.

My daughter is popping by for a visit and lunch.

No hugging, I know.

Keeping the proper distance, we shall.

One of my friends is picking me up some light bulbs.

Then there shall be light.

So a great day.

I was lazy as we were first up just before 4 p.m.

Then up a couple of times afterward until up at 6:30 a.m.

Which is super late for us.

So running a bit late.

In this case, I am going to share some cheery photos.

Who does not like green, flowers and pets? and perhaps some geese?

I apologize.

Sometimes you just need that extra bit of zzz’s.

 

Greens, anyone?

Two friends just looking out of the window

Mr. Dave, gone but not forgotten.

A true gent.

Penny, Alvin and Elton.

Always looking for a bit to eat, a treat.

Miss Penny and Sir Elton gone to heaven.

Our little angels.

Two of my favourites: Mr. Alvin and Flowers.

Who does not like pretty colours dancing on the wall.

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

 

Well time to fly downstairs and grab my coffee.

Then to work.

I have a meeting this morning and lots of work to do.

This afternoon I am off as my kitchen tap is getting fixed.

So happy about that.

A visitor, too.

Great day.

Bit of work and a bit of play.

 

Wishing you days filled with kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & MR. Alvin

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and finally we are in the last two or three days of this bone chilling cold snap.

Cars, trucks, buildings, houses, animals, humans; none of us have totally warmed us since this all started.

The roads are frozen so hard.

Icy intersections are many.

We are so blessed that our power has remained flowing and that is due to the harding crews in the power stations/offices.

We are truly grateful.

 

We will be so happy to get out walking once again.

My clothes are beginning to feel tight and not because I am eating more but because I am not walking.

We all need fresh air.

The kind that does not freeze your lungs when you open you mouth.

I am grateful that Alvin and I have a beautiful warm home during any temperature.

 

Today is the last day in our temporary location and Monday we will be back in our “old digs.”

Newly renovated.

A new day.

 

I think it is time for some colourful flower photos.

Flowers for planting from a few years back

I hope that you have a safe, warm and wonderful Friday.

Kindness and Compassion should be our way of life.

Always a good reminder in case we stray.

Some situations …. some times, we forget.

 

Happy Friday

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello to a gloom grey sky.

Just going to be a quiet day for us.

I think because of the gloomy skies, it would be a great time to share some colourful photos.

Photos taken over the years.

Flowers and Nature always bring a smile to my face.

Hopefully will bring a smile to your face.

 

 

I always find that when the sky is grey and rainy – flowers bring joy to my world.

Also Alvin does that as well.

Our children, our fur babies, adult family and friends …. they all bring us joy.

Wishing you a quiet, happy, healthy Sunday ….

 

With kindness and respect our days will be good.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of February, 2019.

That darn Weather Report says colder weather on the way.

Hopefully when Alvin and I walk to his follow-up Vet appt. in a little bit (930); it is not too cold.

We did not make arrangements for a ride.

Thankfully it is only about an 8 minute walk.

Also wishing a Happy Birthday to our friend “A” who lives a few doors down.

It is her Happy Birthday today as well.

Also a girl I know back home.  Happy Birthday “M.”

Lots of birthdays on this day.

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So, today is the DAY.

Today is my beloved sister’s “60” Birthday.

I cannot believe she is 60 ….. where has the time gone.

Seems like yesterday we were teenagers and young adults.

I will say this …. we always had fun … no matter where we were or what we were doing.

We have laughed and cried together.

We have worked together (for same company).

We have lived together for a bit of time.

Always there for each other.

Yes, we have had our “spats” but at the end of it all, we always made it out of the mud and on our way.

She has been my longest friend.

No one can make me laugh like my sister.

I love her sense of humour, her smile and her laugh.

She is one of the most intelligent beings I know.

My sister is dependable, loyal and herself.

Wishing my baby sister the most wonderful 60th Birthday.

Yes, I know I am giving away your age but sister, 60 is huge.

It is just a number.

But a glorious one.

Happy Birthday Sister C.

The pups wanted to get in on the WISHES.

Happy Birthday from Miss Aspen, Master Milo and Mr. Alvin.

Purple flowers – Lavender for a February birthday.

How about an ANGEL FOOD CAKE with Fresh Strawberries …. next visit …. will make you one!

Wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday.

Wishing you a great day and year to follow.

May you have good health, be filled with great joy, love, and abundance.

AND always, surrounded by the ones that love you.

With love from your family

Me, Alvin, A & S, Aspen and Milo.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl, of course.

Always, Carol

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to the 19th day of October, 2019.

 

Another gorgeous day on the way.

Today is special for another reason.

Today we celebrate the 10th Wedding Anniversary of my daughter and son-in-law.

It was a day much like today is forecasted to be.

Sunshine and low teen temperatures.

Alvin, Aspen, Milo and Mum wish you both the most wonderful day.

You both have been through so much but always figure things out.

Alvin said to give hugs and kisses to you both.

I think that is a great idea.

Hugs and Kisses to you both from me and the pups.

 

Happy Happy Anniversary to you both.

 

The babies                                                Our tree reminds me of that day …. all the leaves had fallen, as well.

A SUNFLOWER to bring light into your life forever.

LAVENDER to bring good sleep every night of your lives.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN SLOW – a reminder to take things easy and relax, not to worry, just chill.

Stop and smell the roses.

 

PATH through a forest to remind us to just walk ahead and keep dreaming and also good exercise.

Alvin said to say that about the “good exercise.”

Take in the scenery whenever possible.

 

Even taking a couple of days to recharge is always a good thing.

 

Well I have to leave for work.

It was a rushed morning.

Happy Anniversary to my kids …. have an awesome day.

May the rest of your lives be filled with much love, joy, good health, energy, abundance and richness.

 

Special Hello to: my kids ….. Happy Anniversary

Always, Mom, Alvin, Aspen and Milo

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 9th day of Sunday, 2018.

The sky is blue with nice white clouds and the SUN is shining.

It is a bit later than yesterday as we were up earlier and then elected to hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

There is a breeze.

Today with some reluctance I will pull my flowers and prepare for winter.

Not all of the flowers but most of them.

The snapdragons are just starting to get nice so I will leave them and try to protect them from incoming frost.

I also want to research how to preserve the LAVENDER plant that I have and how to make little Lavender packets or bouquets.

Last night was beautiful.

Teddy went home just after 6:00 p.m. after a great day with the little guy.

The boys played but mostly just hung out.

Teddy accompanied us to Alvin’s regular appointment to have his pedicure and stuff.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk after supper.

 

We, I just had an easy day.

Cleaned out the pantry and shelving by the back door – nice to have restored some kind of order.

The tea cupboard has also been cleaned out.

Laundry or some of it done.

 

AND I set up the JENGA game on the counter and then on the table …..

In between I played JENGA.

Oh, how I love that game.

One of the few games that one can play by themselves.

I could play it all of the time.

One of my co-workers, actually one of the managers gave me the game as a “late birthday gift” as she knew how much I loved it.

Also I never seem to get to a place that would sell games.

So grateful to her and know that I am truly blessed for such generosity.

I find it relaxing and truly FUN.

If you are living by yourself – it is a great game to have set up.

You can play it over the course of the day.

Or you can sit down and play.

If you have someone at home to play with you, that is great as well.

 

Well there is a list of things to do and I see that the sky is beginning to cloud over.

I know that the forecast calls for clouds but I was hoping that the sunshine would have stayed longer.

Guess I had better get dressed, eat and make coffee and then get to the yard work.

ARGH, I wanted the sunshine to be around for today.

Perhaps it will come back.

I hope so.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister (I had a great Friday and weekend).

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of June, 2018.

How about Friday photos?

My life in photos ….. last night.

After the rain …..

The grass was glistening …

The flowers standing proud and tall ….

A rainbow …..

Favourite items ….

Most favourite guy …. me, Alvin ….

I cannot help but smile when I see the bright colour checks reflecting from the sunshine to the MOSIAC to the wall.

The biggest smile is on my face as I take the photos of Mr. Alvin with that chew treat dangling from his mouth.

Looking so somber …..

Gotta love my boy …. what a cutie …..

Thank you Alvin ……

At 4:08 a.m. this morning we were first up and there was one lone bird in the back yard or close by that was singing up a storm.

Sounded so beautiful.

Hopefully the birdie was okay.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter and family …… thank you guys for your love and support.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 22nd day of May, 2018.

‘Tis a bright and shining morning.

Not much of a breeze this morning which is great in some ways as it is trash day and several bits would have been air borne for sure.

We just arrived back home from a 30 minute walk this morning.

I figured it was the last day of my long weekend and we should take advantage of it.

Back to the grindstone tomorrow.

This week is to be a HOT one so perhaps we shall get our acts together and go for a walk in the morning before work.

We have time if we get it together.

 

I finally got the photos uploaded to my computer.

I chose some of my old favourites and some new ones this year.

I love the reds and purples and yellows.

Different from the pinks and purples of yesteryear.

Flowers bring smiles to our faces.

 

 

The ferns in the front flower bed are racing to the sky.

I love the impact of the greens, reds and blue in the front flower bed.

In the back it is purples, greens and yellows, mainly.

 

Time to have breakfast.

Wanted to get these photos up for you to see.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister “C” and my friend “V”

Always, Carol & Alvin