The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this rainy Saturday morning? Perhaps the sun is beaming down upon you? Not at the moment here. It was raining when we were up earlier and we were up early. I decided to go to bed a bit early and read so when the lights went out it was likely about 10:00. Mr. Alvin was up at Midnight and I took him outside. We settled on the sofa and he was up on the hour after that starting about 2:00 a.m., very restless. Last night before bed, he seemed like his old self. Not quite as anxious and not whiny. Perhaps this cooler weather is playing havoc with his paws. I can imagine arthritis is not much fun. He seems to be okay this morning. I was wide awake at 6:00 so stayed up for a bit doing a few things and then decided to come back upstairs and just rest on the bed. We both fell asleep until a little while ago. Okay not such good sleep routine, our patterns are definitely bordering on the “off” side but it is what it is. If we don’t get 8 hours or close to it, we lay back down. Sometimes it is funny how a couple of solid hours of sleep can make or break the day. Anyway, all is well.

The trees are really coming out. Th leaves I mean, so green and beautiful. The grass with this added moisture is starting to turn green. Our poor grass/lawn out front has finally got some patches that are alive and not dead/dormant. Looks like the sun may shine after all. The clouds are breaking up and I see some clear patches.

Well you are likely wondering how we did yesterday with me going to the office. In addition to Gillian coming over at noon, our neighbour Sonja popped by about 3:00 p.m.. He ate, drank water and went outside at noon and did the same at 3:00 p.m. The girls did notice that he was a bit more anxious than usual. I can see that. Going into work is against our routine and as we get older, as dogs get older, routine plays a very important role. So I get that. He was having an off week. Hopefully he will continue to feel his old self. Oh my gosh, I pray for his old self. Anxiety and all. So the office. One of our group had hurt her knee and is unable to do much walking so we were down another body and our Manager was ill and did not attend the office. So no meeting. We did our mailouts as per schedule and then worked on mail etc. Our cubicles and desks are set up in squares with two desks and staff facing each other with dividers in between. The group that are the most vocal are all together, the gal that I came to work with faces one of them and then I am in another group where there is no one at present. My back faces them. So two of us found it very distracting. But I get that they wanted to catch up and some are more chatty than others of us. Not to say that I do not like to talk because that is so far from the truth. But at work, I like to do my job and not “visit.” With these low rise dividers and open air, it can get loud. We are not the only ones on this floor and it can get very loud and distracting at times. So I just tried to tune out the noise and get some work done. I did manage to get a few days worth of mail completed which was great. I still have more to do but getting closer to being current. Although where I am at is acceptable in our job. I am one of those old school bodies that just needs to have everything done and I do not like having things undone. Anyway, it was nice to see the team in person but other than that, I would have liked to have been at home at my kitchen table. I did notice that my chair did not feel comfortable and the lights were annoying. I am very grateful that for the most part I can continue to work from home. I am very grateful for that.

So today, I am thinking of working on the basement. I started going through things during the last two weekends and need to finish before the garage sale in June. It would appear that the forecast is not looking great for planting my flowers, tomatoes and oregano. So will keep inside for another week. My kitchen table looks amazing.

My girl friends are coming for coffee tomorrow morning. So I will pull the leaves out on each end and push the plants to the far end so we have room for our coffee. It will look like we are in a flower garden. How lovely! Today I want to bake something. I am thinking of a banana loaf with pumpkin? Not sure.

So a few things to do. Working on that book in my head. I do have lots of notes and stories already written down so really it would be just a matter of putting them together. So I am getting my mind wrapped about that. I think we need some good stories. We have stories about dogs and people but how many about an older woman and a dog. Not many. I have often joked that there should be a movie about Mr. Alvin as he is just so charming, sociable and magnetic. He has had that effect on people since I brought him home. Just something about him and his name always brings a smile to people’s faces. No one forgets his name. I am and will all remains Alvin’s Mum and I am good with that.

Okay, time for coffee and I definitely need that this morning.

Have an awesome day. Hug your family and pets if you have them. If you are on your own, look in the mirror and say “hello you awesome human being.” Be kind to yourself and to all living creatures.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. sometimes a mirror is a good friend …… look at your reflection ….. you are your own best friend. We need to treat ourselves like we are our own best friend. Start with you and see what a difference your other relationships will be. Love thyself and then you will love others.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you well and having a great morning thus far. We are up and ready for this day. The sky is overcast but it is warm outside which is a plus. Looks like more snow on the way. I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when we did have some wonderful bright sunshine filling blue skies. So pretty. My daughter came for a visit while she was in the neighbourhood at the Dentist so I took a late lunch break so that we had some time together. Alvin was so happy to see her and very pleased when she sat down on his bed and gave him some rubs. It was great to catch up although we both had so much to say but then forgot at times just what we were going to say. Excitement. It was great spending time with her and I am always grateful for all the time we have with her. She is one of the best people I know.

Teddy did not end up coming for a sleepover so that was disappointing but his Mom said that he was clingy and she just felt that he needed to stay home. But she would bring him over for a visit again before they return to the farm. So that will be nice. I totally understood.

Last night I called one of my friends. We had a lovely chat and caught up on all our news. We miss our walks as usually we walk together over the summer, fall and after the sidewalks clear in the spring. Her husband is celebrating his 69th Birthday today. We wish him a wonderful day.

Yesterday I was watching one of my recorded “talk” shows and they gave some great ideas for trying to lessen the impact of the food ever increasing prices.

1. Buy staples such as: dried beans, lentils, pasta, rice and quinoa and canned goods. If there is a sale stock up. The shelf life is a long time and you do not have to worry about them going bad in two weeks.
2. Purchase frozen green vegetables in the winter time when they are not in season. Frozen vegetables are picked at the height of goodness and are flash frozen for maximum freshness.
3. Do not purchase berries in the winter time as they are not in season and are expensive and do not taste anything like summer berries. Instead purchase tropical fruit like bananas, oranges and pineapple. The oranges and pineapple may seem expensive but they go further than berries and last longer.
4. Cabbage is another vegetable that is usually cost effective and can be added to many dishes. Filled with Vitamin C.
5. If you are purchasing meat such as chicken, buy it whole. When it is cut up for convenience you pay so much more. A whole chicken depending on family size will do for at least two meals. You can always make soup out of the bones and little pieces and who doesn’t love chicken soup with vegetables, noodles or whatever you like.
6. Also if you purchase fresh herbs, clean them, chop in small pieces and freeze in small bags or containers and then you will have for later. Most people use them for one recipe and then into the bottom of the fridge they go never to see the light of day again until they are passed their goodness.

Those are my tips for today. I think if we all work together. We can make things just a bit easier. Maybe it is a time to go back. Less time using electricity. Turn off the lights. Do not leave the television on all day (I am turning mine off).

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and it is Tuesday on this dark not so cold morning.

I snapped some photos on the way to work yesterday morning.

The sky was amazing but I am not too sure that the photos reflect the beauty.

I am still learning how to work my phone camera and one day I hope to be proficient.

Always easier during the daylight but dark is tricky.

Also Alvin had his appointment right after work.

We made it early to the appointment.

YAY for us.

He had the usual done and all is well.

He only fussed about the front nails being trimmed and not quite as vocal as usual.

Alvin spotted the 2020 SCARS Calendars for purchase on the counter.

He has good vision.

So we picked up one of those.

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society.

They are the great group of folks that helped to rescue my Alvin.

I am forever grateful to them.

Maybe one year he could be on the calendar as a success story.

I should contact them.

Alvin’s Doctor had this Christmas Tree on the wall made out of paper complete with special decorations.

We were told that each decorations had a prize and they were $2.00 each.

Fundraiser.

Alvin and I love to support so we purchased a few ornaments and won some cute prizes.

We decided that we should share his prizes with his niece, nephew and his friends.

So we will at Christmas.

Also there were some beautiful Christmas ornaments hanging on a display.

Found out that our Doctor is multi talented.

She made them.

I absolutely loved them.

They were part of the prizes but alas I did not win one.

But as I loved them so much ….. Dr. Karen let me pick one out.

The first photo looks like a tree is growing out of the new apartment building.

Always room for improvement.

Inside a vehicle.

The last photo …. I just realize not a great shot is of the ornaments.

So pretty.

 

Well I am running a tad late.

Time to fly.

Have an awesome day.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Filled with Kindness and Respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning Y’All …..

Light snow earlier this morning ….

Back to the routine.

We had a great long weekend.

Yesterday my daughter, Alvin’s sister stopped by for a visit and a trip to the grocery store.

Also great to see our girl.

We had a wonderful walk and happy for warmer temperatures.

Spoke to my nephew on the phone for his 35th Birthday.

I remember the day that he was born …. seems like yesterday.

On Sunday, we had Humphrey spend the day.

We had Teddy and Aunt J over for a visit and supper.

Did some work.

Shovelled some snow.

Tweaked the Christmas decorations ( that is ongoing for me ).

 

Nothing like having a Humphrey Cat under the tree.

He looks rights at home there.

I was a bit nervous, will admit to that.

I added some tiny lights that run off battery pack to the trees on the mantle and to the stairway.

You can just see them in the last two photos on the top row.

 

I love my tree.

Photos just do not do it justice.

 

Happy that we had a great weekend.

Remembering those near and far.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Al.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and it is the first day of time change for Alberta.

We turned the clocks back by one hour this morning.

Nice too have it bright at an earlier hour for sure.

Happy November.

 

Well time to share yesterday.

As I realized Friday evening when my daughter I erected the Christmas tree and turned on the lights that they would have to be replaced.

Last year I had “YouTube” to see what suggestions others had regarding this subject.

There was really nothing that I had not thought of so I grabbed my trusty tin/metal snips in the morning and set to work.

In between was working on the laundry.

I had checked the weather to see what the day would bring and there was rain in the afternoon forecast so I set the timer for one hour and at noon,

we headed out for a walk.

It was actually quite nice.

Upon arriving back at home I checked on the laundry once again before setting back to snipping the lights from the tree.

I worked on the lights for a total of over 7 hours between morning and afternoon.

You never really appreciate how much “lights” there are on a prelit Christmas tree but there are a great many.

It was a painstaking process.

Snipping the little holders and in some cases the electrical cords.

Yes, they were unplugged.

My hands were cut and my arms scratched.

I wore a sweater but then got hot so off and on.

I had to stand on the ladder to do the top and found my ankles and feet sore after a time.

My back was throbbing at the end of it all.

I am most grateful that it is done.

Poor Alvin was whining throughout the time.

He was verbalizing how I felt.

Once done, I stopped to have supper and of course before I ate, Mr. Alvin had his supper.

After supper and cleaning up, I spent a couple of hours putting on a couple of strings of lights and the decorations.

Once sitting back and relaxing having a cup of tea, I realized something was missing from the tree.

My box of ANGELS and berries and such.

I was too pooped to go and find the container.

Located it this morning and will finish that later today.

In about one hour I am going to have coffee with the young ones.

My young friends.

So enjoy catching up with them.

Well that was my weekend.

It was a test of patience which I failed miserably.

As Mr. Alvin can attest to ….

Well failed miserably is likely a tad to strong as I did have time where I just settled into the work listening to Christmas movies.

Life.

I am happy that my tree is up and mostly decorated.

Looks pretty good.

 

Sometimes it is the little things that can test your patience.

Yup, the little things.

Time to get this show on the road.

I have laundry to put away.

Then time to get out of pj’s and go out for coffee.

Am looking forward to the break.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Sending you much kindness and respect for your day.

 

Always, Carol & Al

I

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of December 2018.

Another quite nice day on the way – weather wise.

Yesterday I was feeling more energized after the tooth extraction on Friday.

Dental Assistant did say to relax for 48 hours.

So I did a few things on Saturday and the remaining chores yesterday.

Got a real workout vacuuming all three floors one right after the other.

Usually I do them different times.

Cleaning things as I went.

Poor Alvin ….. he just always wanted to be on the side of the vacuum cord beside me.

He definitely is a “Momma’s Boy.”

House is clean, yay.

 

Last night we went to the Christmas Zoo Light Event at the Edmonton Zoo, of course.

My son-in-law was not feeling well so we asked my friend’s daughter to go with us.

So we three girls hit the Zoo.

The Zoo is a quick drive from my house.

My daughter who has the car – had a bit of a drive – but not too bad.

When we arrived at the Zoo parking lot we were greeting by a ICE RINK.

Seriously it gleamed in the lights.

Very carefully with small penguin steps we walked to the Zoo.

Inside the Zoo area it was icy but at least there was sand/gravel in places.

To be fair there was a bit of sand/gravel in the parking lot near the entrance.

We were greeting at the entrance by OLAF from Frozen.

So cute.

I even had a hug from OLAF, I am in love.

Next stop was the REINDEER.

There were two of them out and about with their Zoo Assistants.

Talk about beautiful antlers.

I noticed a chunk of snow stuck to the side of one of the REINDEER and made a comment (not too loud but hoping that perhaps one of the staff heard and would brush it off).

Thankfully they did not allow the people including us very close.

They “drew” a line in the snow actually it was a row of rocks and asked everyone to stay on the other side.

I love the Reindeer.

 

During our first few minutes at the zoo we heard an announcement about someone falling on the ice – calling for an ambulance.

Sounded serious.

I never heard the sirens.

 

There was a bridge covered in flashing lights.

So pretty.

 

We walked around and my daughter took some photos of us near some of the light displays.

A couple of the large trees were covered in lights and were so pretty.

We happen to walk by the housing for the Eagles.

One of them was out and my daughter and I happen to walk over.

We just admired him/her.

Right behind us comes a couple of women and a child.

Wouldn’t you know that they would be out with their cameras and on with the flash.

The poor Eagle was traumatized by the light.

I tried very nicely to say something but nope they did not stop.

My heart feel low at that moment.

What is wrong is people?

I could not believe the stupidity.

How would they have liked someone shining this bright light in their eyes.

Honestly…. lately I am never surprised by the lack of common sense in people.

 

We walked to the IGLOO (not a real one) to warm up (actually for the young one).

We saw Santa and Mrs. Claus – waiting to have their photos taken with the children.

 

On the way back to the exit – we came across the gift shop.

Wouldn’t you know it – it was open.

We went in and both the girls did some shopping.

My daughter picked up a couple of items for a gift for one of her friend’s baby.

Our young friend picked up a few things.

 

When we left we once again walked very carefully to the car.

Once in the car, I said to our young friend to sit in the front so she could have the “bum warmer.”

Just after we were all in the car ….. she turned to me and gave me a Reindeer card and then one to my daughter.

I had seen her purchase them in the gift store and did not know that they were for us.

What a sweetheart – so thoughtful.

 

Well I am catching the bus so have to get with it.

Might be icy so am wearing my ice picks.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  Everyone …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of November, 2018.

So funny how fast time goes.

I was up in the office and speaking to a friend on the phone and realized that I had not flipped the calendar in this room.

Flipping to already the 4th day of the new month.

WOW.

Last night and early this morning it rained.

Still some snow on the deck as I did not shovel it all.

OH well.

I did however finish the decorating yesterday.

I have one more big project left to do and that is to rearrange / clean out this room, my office.

All of my plants had to be moved upstairs …. all four of them.

I do not like a room that is too crowded with things so time to rearrange.

But as I have a long weekend coming up I may leave until then.

I took photos of the newly decorated main floor.

Did anyone spot the one lone Halloween / fall item that photo bombed Christmas?

It has been since removed.

I also found another strand of lights and decided it would be best served on the mantel with that collection of snowmen and trees.

It looked so beautiful when I turned the lights on and these photos do not accurately show that.

I do have one thing that drives me crazy and that is the cords from the television.

I had them fixed with my old television and when I got the new one, years ago now I did not have it redone.

So I will locate some plastic zip ties and get them all into one bunch ….. shortly here.

I realized that even though I do this once a year most of the decorations end up in close to the same spot.

Well time to go and change the clocks.

We are officially ONE HOUR BEHIND.

YAY  or NAY, I do not know.

Just have to remember that when I call my sister and brother and friends they are ahead of us.

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY.

I see a bath on the horizon for Mr. Alvin.

His BFF arrives on Tuesday night and Alvin needs to be his best self …..

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. we girls had a great night.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 3rd day of November, 2018.

The air feels warm this morning and it is later, much later than I usually write but then again it is the weekend, after all.

The sun is already getting high in the sky.

Last night my daughter picked me up after work.

We stopped at the grocery store and picked up some groceries part of which was the fixings to make a chicken stir-fry.

One of our favourite meals.

Surprisingly I cannot remember the last time that I made this for supper.

Oh, during the day it SNOWED and SNOWED and SNOWED some more.

Looking out the window it would appear to be well into winter and not the first BIG snowfall for the season.

We have had a couple of other snowfalls but not quite as much as this one.

So my daughter shovelled the driveway to the garage while I made COFFEE, an absolute must for a Friday evening’s Christmas tree decorating.

Followed by making the stir-fry for our supper.

We picked up a date square for dessert as they were on sale.

Not that we needed it but I thought it would be nice.

After all of the shovelling and supper and dishes were over.

We brought up the tree and ornaments and set to work.

By the time we started it was already 8:00 p.m.

My daughter chose a Christmas Movie from Netflix …. not one that I had seen before.

The movie was filmed in Regina …. my sort of home town ….. I guess I spent a good chunk of my life there.

Was cool to see familiar homes, the shopping mall and other places.

I do not remember the name of the movie at this time.

So by 9:00 p.m. we had the tree up and adjusted the lights.

There appears to be at least one if not two strands of the pre-lit lights burned out.

My daughter brought an extra strand of lights and I had one so we made them work.

I placed a few ornaments on the tree before joining my daughter to watch the remainder of the movie.

Enjoying our coffee before bed.

Those two things do not mix well.

Alvin wanted to have some attention so I made an executive decision to finish the decorating today.

We had a great night.

Putting the tree together and making the lights look nice.

Visiting.

I love having my daughter for a sleepover.

Alvin wasn’t sure at first as he figured this might be a ploy to get him into the car and leave.

He does not like “road trips.”

This morning once again as he has done all week, Mr. Alvin awoke at some super early hour.

I begrudgingly got up and followed him downstairs.

He did go out and went pee so then I only felt a twinge of guilt as I had tried to get him to go back to sleep.

I have to remember he is getting older as well and as I do, sometimes we need to PEE during the wee hours of the morning.

This morning I couldn’t sleep …. decided to just get up.

Emptied the dish washer, did some shovelling, made coffee and made ready the batter for pancakes.

My daughter also decided to get up earlier than we had planned.

While I cooked the pancakes she put some music on the iPod … the newer one that she gave me.

It holds way more music and that is great news.

So the Christmas music is now playing.

We enjoyed pancakes with blueberries and bananas.

A few pieces of banana for Mr. Alvin.

After breakfast she helped bring up (actual most) the rubbermaid containers filled with Christmas decorations.

Then it was time to go.

My son-in-law made a play-date with the pups and forgot about her sleepover.

I went along with her and we stopped at the vet to grab some food for the boy.

Then she dropped me at home.

Such a great night and morning.

One for the gratitude journal and this post and for the memory banks.

I just put on a load of laundry once home from the vet.

Then this post.

The music is playing.

A reminder for me to get going on the decorating.

I wish each and everyone a wonderful Saturday.

Time to start decorating.

I will post photos tomorrow.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Live for today and dream about tomorrow.

I try not to get hung up on yesterday as it is over.

We can only change what is ahead of us.

No worries.

Be happy.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, my friend …. thank you for always being there.  Have an awesome day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 22nd day of October, 2017.

The sun is up and there are dark blue clouds covering most of the sky to the south.

The air is crisp, cool and still.

My bathroom fan and light are on awaiting my presence to enjoy a morning shower.

Alvin is relaxing in the hallway waiting for me as he does not like to be in the office.

Perhaps it is because of the floor (laminate).

He prefers to lay on something soft, I cannot blame him for that.

I captured the cutest photos (on my tablet) of him this morning.

We have already been up a couple of times much earlier than now and settled on the sofa as somehow the thought of staying up at 4:30 or 6:20 on Sunday does not interest me much.

So when it was time to get up, I got off the sofa and he continued to lay on our rectangular pillow.

Oh, so cute.  His head on the pillow and his body sprawled out on the sofa.

He stretched and starred at me.

Grabbing the tablet and took some photos.

The camera would have been easier but it was upstairs and the chances of him remaining on the sofa where pretty much NIL.

I will have to figure out how to get those photos off the tablet and onto the computer.

Previously I have posted them to FB.

I will post them on my blog.

These photos will pretty much guarantee a smile to your face.

Well I hear that shower fan telling me I am ready to move around the wet air, the steam.

Light saying you are using unnecessary electricity, yes, I know.

Anyway have the most awesome day.

I am working on projects for Christmas.

Pretty much all the big jobs were done yesterday so today can be a fun day.

Walk and project day …. fun projects …. making stuff.

 

Happy Sunday.

See you tomorrow.

Enjoy your day.

 

Special Hello to: my Friends and Family all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 28th day of March, 2017.

Another beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

So nice to be able to wear shoes and a light coat/jacket.

Alvin and I are enjoying our walks in the evenings.

So nice not to have to worry about ICE and COLD.

We are meeting up with folks that we have not seen since last fall.

 

This morning Alvin up early as ever and afterward we hit the sofa for about one hour.

I fall into this dream sleep ….. what an odd dream.

One of my old co-workers was in my dream from Regina.

For some reason in the place that I lived there was no power.

Strangely it was off.

Only one room had lights.

I could not find my purse or anything and the time was passing quickly for me to leave for work.

Only I had no money or fare for the bus.

All of a sudden I was in a restaurant and my old friend “R” was there having lunch with a couple.

Makes no sense.

Finally it was 10 minutes to the time that I was supposed to be at work.

I would be late.

There was a bit more to it ……. but that is the just of it.

Most times when I wake up my dreams are only a feeling; I do not remember details.

This is odd.

 

Well now it is time to go and last up the shoes and don my jacket as it is time for work.

I have lights, I have my purse and bus fare.

Oh, what a strange dream.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my sister and my daughter ….. two VERY important ladies in my life.

Always, Carol & Alvin