Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are feeling and doing GREAT this Wednesday morning. Today I work from the office so I am trying to keep my energy levels high and positive. To be honest I love working from home and being with Alvin and going to the office well it is okay but there is no comparison. The air is warm outside this morning. Hard to believe it is going into the last week of November. Although I did hear on the weather channel last night something about “our temperatures being close to normal,” I guess they should know as they keep track of these things and I do not. Alvin and I went for a lovely walk during my lunch break. So nice outside. I love my ice tracks.

I made my list, well sort of all how much baking I need to do to cover Christmas 2022. There are three parties of various sizes, friends and neighbours and family on the list and of course some for Christmas. Trying to keep it down to a dull roar this year. We really do not need that much “sugar.”

I learned that a fellow coworker from my SGI days passed away and her funeral was yesterday. She was the age of my sister. How incredibly sad! Always a reminder when someone passes away – that we need to live and love our lives each and every day. You never know. Be kind and have fun.

Still pretty dark outside at 6:09 a.m. – we are running ahead of time this morning. We will have time to do some cuddling before my ride arrives.

Well I suppose we will head back downstairs. I do want to ensure that Mr. Alvin goes outside again before I leave and that he drinks some water.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: just a tad over one month until Christmas Eve!

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this morning? We are well. Another night where Mr. Alvin was up and down. I think it may be his arthritis. Poor guy. He has pain meds when he needs them and of course takes glucosamine daily. Which I need to go and pick up more this week. Starting to snow about 4:30 this morning, just lightly.

Last night I was thinking:

“What have we learned in 2020”

Patience

To be more patient

Not to take family and friends for granted

To be grateful at all times

That grocery shopping is a good outing

That we gave Nature a deep breath and that they would like more

To be good to nature in 2021

All creatures are important to our planet

To be responsible

To be compassionate

It is okay for women to go without makeup (who makes these rules anyway)

We no longer need heels

To Live simply

We do not need so much “stuff”

Have an organized house and workspace is important

Yes, you can do anything you put your mind to

Technology

Learning things

To laugh more

Taking care of our Mental Health

Going for a walk

Being in Nature

Exercise is important for body, mind and soul

Getting up from your desk (home) or at the office and moving about

To dance even if someone is looking

Smile even if you are alone

Call, text or email those you love or even those you do not

Keep in contact

Snuggle with your dog, cat and children more

Play board games

Appreciate just being quiet

Masks are mandatory to wear in a bank now

How to bake break and a good banana loaf

That stretchy pants and sweats are okay for everyday wear

On that note, I have to go and get to work in a few minutes.

I guess I/We have learned a lot in 2020.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and learning to be more patient everyday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning,

The sky is clear and there is a bit of a breeze.

The sun is shining brightly.

It is cool in the house this morning.

I did not have to open the windows this morning.

 

Today at noon my daughter will be coming for lunch.

It will be great to entertain her for lunch and for a visit.

We are excited to see her, as always.

 

I am excited to hear – how was your weekend?

Did you get outside for a walk?

Did you sleep in?

Did you see a friend?

Did you talk to a family member?

Did you do laundry?

Did you read a book?

Did someone give you something?

Did you cook a meal?

Did you feel guilty?

Did you eat something that you should not have?

Did you dance?

Did you sing?

Did you have a shower or bath?

Did you have moments where negativity ruled the conversation?

Did you drink tea and or coffee?

Did you wash dishes or throw them into the dishwasher?

Did you post something on social media?

Did you sweep or vacuum the floor?

Did you water your flowers?

Did you pull weeds?

Did you feel like you could do anything you put your mind to?

Did you deadhead flowers?

Did you chat with a neighbour?

Did you see a cat?

Did you walk your dog?

Did you wish upon a star?

Did you see the almost full moon last night or earlier this morning?

 

Well I can say that I say “yes” to all these questions.

You see we all have so much in common.

More in common than not.

 

We have to remember that ….. we are more the same than different.

When you see someone that may not look the same as you?

Or sound the same as you?

Just remember my questions to you.

If you asked them these questions …. it is likely they said “yes” as well.

 

We are human and part of the same family.

We may not be the same colour.

We may not have the same beliefs.

We may not be from the same place.

But we are human and as such we all deserve to be treated equally.

To be treated with kindness and respect.

 

So on this Monday, I am reaching out to all my fellow human beings and asking them to treat ALL the people they meet with kindness and respect.

I would add to this as well ….. treat every creature big or small with the same kindness and respect.

Can you imagine what a wonderful world this would be?

I can.

Can you?

Will you?

Thank you.

 

Well time to head downstairs and turn on the work computer.

 

I shall treat all with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is an interesting morning.

I did not notice when we were outside earlier that there were every so tiny balls of snow on the deck.

As the sky lightens they are noticeable.

Noticed some on the shingles outside my bedroom window.

There is a coolness to the air definitely this morning.

The sky is overcast with medium blue clouds which appear to be lightening.

The first photo was a question on the Weather Channel however I think some of the points are a great idea to begin to put into play.

My tree out front through my bedroom window.

Still so many green leaves but lots of yellow golden ones and so many on the ground.

They are making a crunchy bed below.

Today will be spent inside and outside.

If the day allows I will be climbing up on my trusty tall step ladder to clean out the eavestrough outside my bedroom window.

I should have down it during the nice weather but alas I had forgot about the taller ladder.

I have a five foot one which I use in the house all the time.

The tall one is from my friend and neighbor so I don’t think of it even though it is in the garage.

Anyway.

Last night I put away the table umbrellas and some of the furniture.

There are a few things to finish outside in preparation for the upcoming cold months.

There is a list a mile or so long to do inside the house.

Those things that are not noticeable to the naked eye but things one puts off during the summer months to spend the precious time outdoors.

So almost time to start laundry and put the COFFEE on …. I do need coffee.

We went to bed pretty early and Mr. Alvin decided he needed to go outside at 2:00 a.m. and then we were up at 5:00 a.m. so he could eat and finally I caved a bit later and we are up.

Actually have been up for a bit now.

Changed our bedding and gathered up laundry in upstairs.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

Might require a nap a bit later.

We will need to walk a bit later.

Last night I caved as after catching the bus to the vet and carrying Alvin’s food, glucosamine and one can of wet food home, I was cold and tired.

Been a long day and week.

We went for one short walk to our friend’s house to deliver her tea order.

 

I hope that you enjoy this Saturday as will I.

I do like doing things around the house and if possible will finish the prep work outside today otherwise it will be tomorrow.

 

Life is filled with kindness and respect and it begins with ourselves.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 4th day of July, 2017.

Bright sunny morning …. beautiful day.

Happy 4th of July to our neighbours in the United States.

 

We, me and Alvin, had a wonderful extra long weekend.

Lots of down time, me time, our time, work time, work time, relaxing time ……

Good weather and had great company.

Even a bit of shopping (do groceries count?)

Made a RHUBARB crisp with the rhubarb my friend “T” gave me.

OMG so good.

 

So on this day ….. Tuesday …… LISTEN and BE KIND.

Often times, we do not listen to ourselves or to others.

So much rides on this two things.

 

Special Hello t0:  my sister ….. getting closer.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 14th day of June, 2017.

Overcast now and was raining earlier.

I was “putting on the face” a few minutes ago and hear these voices and then they broke into song.

I realized that it was Sir Elton John and James Corden.

You see last night before I went to bed I had been watching a couple of the Karaoke Carpool with James Corden and his Special Guests.

I always turn on the computer before I start getting ready so that I can just sit down and write my blog without having to wait for the computer to start up.

Anyway nothing like hearing “Your Song” first thing in the morning.

Great way to start the day and I am grateful.

I will say this James Corden is my new favourite guy.

He is funny, smart, can sing, is compassionate and caring.

If you have not watched his Carpool Karaoke Videos – you must.

He has interviewed and sung with some of the greats:  Adele, Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder,Ed Sheeran, Lady GAGA, and the list goes on …….

Anyway it is getting onto time to leave for work.

I was so happy to hear some music before leaving the house as usual it is quiet except for the odd thud as Alvin jumps off the bed onto the rug below or the odd bark …..

Happy Dancing …… I am Happy Dancing.

Have an Awesome Wednesday.

Even though the skies are grey – they are clear to me.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …… always thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Special Hello to:

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of May, 2017.

The SUN is rising in the eastern sky and the view from my south facing window is gorgeous.

Blue sky with high lights of sun beams.

How lucky am I?

Very…….

 

Well today I wrote my “3286” entry in my Gratitude Journal.

That translates to approximately 9 years in a row of writing every morning.

I pretty much have been writing every morning for decades but this is all about GRATITUDE.

It is an awesome way to begin each day.

Also this is my 7th year of writing this blog.

Cannot believe how quickly the time is flying by.

This past January was 7 years since I adopted Mr. Alvin.

My daughter turned 37 years in March.

I will be 60 in August.

I have worked at my office job here for 5 years last November.

So many milestones.I am one lucky woman.

 

If you sometimes think that you have not accomplished anything or are just feeling lowly …. sit down and make a list.

I guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

Well it is time for me to leave and Alvin needs to go outside.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday morning the 20th day of May, 2015.

The sun is shining at 5:50 a.m. here in Edmonton and has been up for a bit.

It is so nice to have lightness out when I arise from bed at 5:00 a.m.

I love this time of morning before the day gets loud and busy.

I love snuggling with Mr. Alvin on my lap as I write in my gratitude journal at 5:00 a.m. just after he has had his breakfast.

I love the SUNSHINE.

I love that the temperature is much warmer this morning.

I love that the temperature inside the house was 69 this morning without the thermostat on.

I love that I am me.

What do you love?

Take a couple of minutes and write down some of the things that you love.

Write down the first ones that pop into your head.

Just be in the moment.

If you do not have pen and paper just think list them in your mind.

My list could / would go on forever.

I love my daughter and son-in-law and grand-puppies.

I love the dew on the grass in the morning.

I love birds singing.

I love green grass.

Guaranteed you will be smiling and feel a million times better when you think about what you love.

I am so grateful this morning that Mr. Alvin is feeling better.

His Doctor said sometimes they get “bugs” …… too ( not the ones that fly around like a bee or fly ).

Have an awesome day ……

Life just gets better and better.

YAY, I have some extra time to snuggle with Mr. Alvin before I leave for work.

Always a great way to start the day ….

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

Special Hello to:  Hello family …… we miss you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 29th day of January, 2015.

How are you this morning?

Another weekend about to arrive.

What are your plans?

Mine are pretty much the same from week to week.

I have a list of things to do on Saturday my day off for the week.

The list can range from laundry which is always on the top to running out to take Alvin to the Vet to have his pedicure to coffee with my girl friends to making jewellery to cleaning.

It is a varied list for the most part from week to week.

NICE.

I am very blessed and even though sometimes my “EGO” gets in the way ( I do not like when it rears it’s ugly head as I always go over and over the situation and give myself heck ).

I guess most people have a moment or three.

I try very hard every day to be polite, helpful and kind and not to let my feelings which are my EGO take over a situation.

Because it usually means I let a comment or situation be personal and most times they are not.

Last night I let some comments get my EGO and I regret a couple of things that I said and not that they were particularly mean or low-spirited but I felt regretful for letting the words leave my mouth.

You know what I mean.

I believe that most people let it happen from time to time.

Sometimes it is just that we take things personally when they are not meant to be .

Anyway …. that is my “thought” for this Friday.

Try to … I will be a better, more thoughtful, kind and generous person today.

Thank you for reading and I love your comments.

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers ….. great job.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S: this thought has always ran through my mind ….. who are the people who get to design the “facial tissues boxes” ….. the KLEENEX boxes and such.  They always do such an awesome job.  Now I want my kleenex boxes to match my decor.  I would love to design these boxes.  I think this would be one of the best jobs on the planet and you never hear about it.

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of December, 2014.

WOW, only two sleeps until Christmas Eve and three sleeps until Christmas Morning.

Where has the time gone?

Have you been busy this holiday season?

I guess most folks have been ….. I know that I have been off the charts busy.

But busy is good as long as it is tempered with some “me” time.

I did take a few moments here and there but likely should have been a few more.

During these last few days before Christmas we should all take a few minutes and think about what you are grateful for …..

I am so grateful this holiday season to my daughter and son-in-law for always taking good care of me Alvin and me.

I am so grateful to work with two groups of amazing, interesting, fun and loving people.

I am so grateful to have the best family and friends on the planet.

I am so grateful that I am able to work two jobs.

I am so grateful that I have my own house.

I am so grateful that I am in great health (this should be a the top of the list).

I am so grateful for this beautiful weather.

I am so grateful to live in such a great country, Canada.

Well I hear my ride getting close to being ready ( I am grateful for car rides to work, most especially in the winter).

I am grateful to all of you for taking your precious time to read my blog ….. it means the world to me.

I love to write.

Special Hello to: all my dear friends and family, to my co-workers and everyone that I meet each day while at work and walking down the street and in the mall.

Always, Carol and Alvin