Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL. Back to work Tuesday.

We had a great weekend. I accomplished most of the things that were on my TO DO LIST, we went for walks, relaxed, drank coffee, gave the boy a hair trim and a bath but not ready to go to work. I was thinking this morning about going to the office in the winter. What a dreadful thought!

Did you have a big meal for Thanksgiving? Alvin and I had a quiet time together. I baked sweet potatoes & brussel sprouts with onion, stove top stuffing and cranberries with pumpkin pie for dessert and it was yummy.

I could see my breath last night when we were outside before bed. The moon was shining so brightly the Harvest – Hunter’s moon, full as full can be.

I am always amazed by the different trees and how some can still be green and others almost void of leaves. For example: my tree has lost almost all its’ leaves and Sonja’s next door, her tree is still green and has all of its’ leaves. How can that be? Every year it is the same. Lucky for us, I suppose that the trees lose their leaves in stages. That way we can enjoy the colour change longer.

So the patio furniture remains on the deck. Definitely will be putting away this coming weekend and cleaning out the remaining three pots.

I was watching a recorded episode of THE VOICE last night. WOW, there are some great singers this year but whenever I watch I have that same thought. Just when you think they could not possibly find anyone else to top the previous season, they do. The mix of judges is great this year. John, Gwen, Camila and Blake. I like having Gwen and Blake on together and John. Great chemistry. Just getting to know Camila. I do love her voice.

It was difficult to get up this morning. We did do the start getting ready for bed at 9:30 last night but somehow Mr. Alvin was up at 3:00 or so, then I kept hitting the snooze button at 5:45 until we finally got up at 6:30. That is not going to happen tomorrow as after today I am in the office. I guess will have to find that sweet spot for going to bed. Where is it? I was so sure that I had found it but apparently not. Mr. Alvin is only consistent in that he is not consistent when it comes to sleeping. ARGH.

Today is another drawing of $70 million lotto MAX, I would love to win that jackpot. Financial freedom is what most of us long for, hope for, pray for – need. No mortgage and the ability to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, instead of waiting. Today is the day that all my dreams come true or at least start. Not having to go to the office in the winter would be a huge win. Please, let it be me.

Well it looks like the night sky is beginning to lighten and the sun will shine in a bit.

Plug in that coffee pot and enjoy a big mug.

I hope that you have a great Tuesday (almost said Monday, lol).

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Mr. Alvin had loose poop this morning, oh no!

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

YAY, it is Saturday and the sky is a beautiful blue and the sun is shining every so brightly.

There is a breeze.

Last night was only my second time away from Alvin since March 19, 2020.

The first time was last weekend when I had morning coffee with one of the girls.

Last night first evening time away and for about four hours.

I had such a great time.

There were four of us.

The fourth girl/woman was a lifelong friend of the friend who hosted the “Diamond Painting Party.”

We had pictures with beach motif, lovers walking down a tree lined lane, a red truck filled with pumpkins and a colorful tree.

We all took appetizers to have for the best kind of supper.

There was so much food ….

My peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and coffee cake with a thick fruit sauce were a hit.

We ate, laughed, ate some more, shared stories, opinions, had some drinks.

Enjoyed the evening.

After supper we did the Diamond Painting.

Best night ever.

When I came home to Mr. Alvin he was so happy to see me.

After the initial hello – he did let me know in his own unique way that now that I am home, pay attention to him.

 

So it is Saturday.

We were up early but not too early and then hit the sofa once again which seems to be our routine.

I am so happy that I had a great Friday night with friends and now Mr. Alvin is feeling like his old self, a great Saturday and Sunday to follow.

We might be finally able to meet the new puppy Bailey down the street.

I have to get in touch with Bailey’s Mom to see what time will work for us all.

I have laundry and cleaning to do.

Some yard work along the way to do.

Bit of weeding if the flower beds dry out.

Even if they do out …. I will wear my DAWGS or CROCS whichever they are ….. I know they are different companies.

Perfect little sandals for working outside.

 

Feeling pretty happy this morning.

Thinking wouldn’t it be wonderful if a close family member or friend won the $60 million Lotto MAX draw last night.

Someone who loved me so much that would love to share a bit with me.

That would be amazing.

 

Okay time to make coffee, drag the laundry down to the basement and have some breakfast.

Let’s get this day going.

Well actually I have changed the bedding and put out fresh towels in the upstairs bathrooms and am doing this post.

So I guess this day is already going.

 

Have the best day my friends.

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Happy Easter Sunday.

The sky is overcast and it is snowing.

We enjoyed a later walk yesterday after my daughter popped in with groceries and for a short visit.

I miss seeing her on a regular basis.

I guess I am not alone in that regard.

Also enjoyed video chat online with three girl friends yesterday morning.

Next best thing to physically seeing everyone.

Most of laundry was completed.

Floors washed and some cleaning accomplished.

Today will be tax day and finish the laundry and some odds and ends.

Thank you to one of my friends and her daughter who stopped by with an Easter gift and card.

A lovely chocolate bar and the winning lotto max ticket for next Tuesday.

I already  know what I am going to be doing with the $70 million dollars.

I do.

 

Early evening I set up a little Easter arrangement.

Snapped some photos.

 

Happy Easter to you all.

May you and your family be safe and healthy.

This is a different time for most of the world.

We will endure.

Happy Easter.

 

Played around a bit …. sorry for the almost duplicates.

Learning about my phone/camera even now.

 

WIth kindness and respect

I/We Remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of March, 2019.

YAY, another walk under our belts so to speak.

OMG, longest COLDEST winter in decades.

Last night there was a breeze that blew us around our walk and I felt the cold but Alvin all snug in his winter coat did not seem to feel it.

I guess the gust were more at my level, thankfully.

Another warmer day that the past few weeks on the way.

It has been cooling down at night but warming during the day.

We are so grateful.

 

About a week ago, the alarm clock that I had in the bedroom died a somewhat painful death as it would beep, flash and then work for a bit longer.

Poor thing did not want to give up.

It was not long after that that the battery died in my TIMEX Indiglo watch so that leaves us getting up on our own accord.

Now Mr. Alvin is known to be an early riser, more like middle of the night riser and for that matter I am starting to wake about 3:00 a.m.

Monday and Tuesday nights we had Humphrey over so we were in bed later than usual and then last night we hit the hay a bit earlier than usual.

So guess who woke up at 1:00 a.m. …… not me.

I managed to get him to settle back down for a few minutes but alas we were up and downstairs.

He went outside to pee (wished that he could use the indoor plumbing).

Then to the sofa for some sleep.

We were up another time or two but managed to get some good sleep before getting up to start our day.

 

Oh what crazy lives we lead.

I am so excited when I look out at the office window to see lightness in the eastern sky.

Looks so beautiful.

Dark blue running down to meet hints of yellow on the horizon.

I could lay on the ground and look at the sky all day and all night.

I love the morning and night sky the most.

 

If you are over the age of 50 you will appreciate the “getting up in the middle of the night.”

I am most grateful to be turning 62 this August.

I still cannot believe that I am 61, although my body reminds me on a regular basis.

My mind on the other hand keeps me somewhere in my 30’s with a smidgen of 50’s thrown into the mix.

I am most blessed to have friends and family of all ages.

Everyday I learn something new.

BRAINPOWER.

Keeping it real.

Or something.

 

Well time to hit the road ….. gotta pay the mortgage.

Although winning the group lotto at work this Friday would be GREAT.

NO MORTGAGE ….. perhaps a CAR…….can you imagine me with wheels of my own??

Yes, I can.

A girl can dream.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

 

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister who keeps me younger …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of February, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly and the sky is a beautiful blue.

Smoke from neighbours chimney signifies that it is still winter and the snow resting on the garage roof tops.

All this I see from my office window.

A birdie flew by …. ah.

The house is quiet without my Alvin.

He is visiting at his sister’s home since Thursday night arriving back home tomorrow morning.

I miss the little guy.

I think that I tossed and turned more than I slept …. too used to have Alvin snuggling next to me.

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

Some of the gals that I work with had purchased a LOTTO MAX TICKET for last night’s draw.

The draw was for $60 MILLION DOLLARS.

We did not win.

The lucky ticket was purchased in one of our ATLANTIC provinces.

Great to see them win for a change.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to have no thoughts about money.

Imagine having $15 MILLION as that would have been my share.

No mortgage, retirement sooner,than later, and so much more.

It would be wonderful to have access to that kind of money.

If you wanted to donate a large sum to charity – you could.

If you wanted to hop on a plane and go visit family and friends – you could.

If you wanted to hire a professional painter to paint your entire house – you could.

If you wanted to spoil yourself – you could.

If you wanted to pay for someone’s education – you could.

If you wanted to help your siblings and children to retire and make life changes – you could.

If you wanted to help a friend pay off their mortgage – you could.

If you wanted to buy a house for someone that would likely never have that opportunity – you could.

The dream will keep running.

Not giving up.

What would you do with $15 MILLION DOLLARS?

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

I guess it is time to go and have breakfast, make coffee, empty the dishwasher, tidy up the house and prepare for finishing up canvassing for the HEART AND STROKE FUND.

Followed by dinner and a movie.

Night out with the girls.

I usually stay at home, so this is a nice treat.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Special Hello to: all those folks who are celebrating birthdays today and this month.  It has been a busy birthday month.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day of December, 2016.

Only 7 sleeps until Christmas Eve.

A bitterly frosty cold morning here in Edmonton with a windchill of minus 30 degrees celsius.

Guess what they are forecasting minus 9 degrees celsius by tomorrow morning with a high of minus 3 degrees celsius for Sunday and guess what for Monday?

PLUS ONE …… with snow flurries and possible freezing rain.

How crazy within twenty-four hours we go from minus 30 to minus 3.

Oh well ….. next week is supposed to be relatively nice with single digit temperatures except for Friday when it dips to minus eleven.

The sky is so pretty this morning with hues of pinks and yellows.

The chimney smoke wrapping itself into the colour and disappearing into the sky.

 

Last night Mr. Alvin decided to wake up before 3:00 a.m. – I think perhaps his poor front paws are bothering him.

More than likely arthritis ….. he has started to lick them a lot.

He is now on some chewy glucosamine.

Will give it another week and then see where we are at.

Could also just be in part to the fact that we really have not walked for two weeks other than down the street to my friend’s which took all of three minutes.

I think he also has been sleeping too much as a result.

Perhaps his jumping off the bed days are numbered.

So am going to spend time training him to jump off on the cushioned stool that is at the foot of our bed.

He uses it to jump up but not to jump down.

My poor boy.

 

Last night one of my neighbour’s had invited me over for a visit.

I dared not tell him where I was going or he would have been upset that he was not going.

They have a family member who has allergies so he cannot visit inside the house.

However they love him and in the summer we visit outside with them all the time.

All I have to do is to mention their names and he gets very excited.

If they are outside working in their garden and we are walking by he makes a bee-line to cross the street to see them.

We had a nice visit.

 

Today I have laundry and some baking to do.

Also I have to return a call from my great nephew … he heard my voice message and was giggling when he left his message.

He said “Grandma, er I mean Anta, this is “A”, can you call me back.” …… with little laughs and giggles, so cute.

Get my Christmas gifts ready for the kids.

We are doing the reuse items idea.

Find something from around your house that you do not need and that they might want.

I know what I am giving my son-in-law but have too many ideas for my daughter.

It is a good way to stay within a budget and also to reuse things that are sitting idle.

Tonight I am going out for supper to a nearby restaurant with two of my younger girl friends.

So excited …

We decided not to exchange gifts and instead to go out for supper and visit.

This year is full of changes.

Just thinking wonder who won the Lotto MAX, if there was a winner ….. oh maybe it was me.

Can you imagine?

OH my that would be crazy to have $55 million dollars.

Happy days ahead …..for sure.

 

Tomorrow to end the weekend I am baking sugar cookies for one of my young friends who I promised if she bought the ingredients I would make them.

So I will be mixing, rolling, baking and icing cookies tomorrow.

 

Well time to get the laundry started so that my under wear is dry for tonight.

Yes, I did say that.

It is the truth and it is funny.

 

Well as the bright sunshine streams through my office window, I shall say good-bye for today.

With gladness of warming temperatures so that Alvin and I can walk.

Actually tomorrow will be baking cookies and WALKING WITH me ALVIN.

 

Happy Saturday ….

Be safe, keep warm and enjoy the weekend.

 

Special Hello to: ALL ….. Merry Christmas.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of September, 2016.

According to one of the meteorologists on the Weather Channel this is the last Friday of summer.

I guess it is just that as fall officially begins in a few days.

My favourite time of year.

Last night one of my neighbours came over for coffee, that was great.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk and met up with some of our friends so we had mini visits along the way.

The temperature was perfection.

It truly was one of the most perfect evenings on all counts.

Yay it is Friday and the weekend.

Tonight our Lotto Max jackpot is $60,000,000 dollars.

What would you do with $60 million dollars?

It is a huge amount for sure but I know exactly what I would do.

Bring it on.

I would never have to walk to the store for groceries again !!

Financial freedom.

Financial freedom.

Retirement.

Retirement.

Did I say Retirement?

Well I would investigate more creative options.

Food for thought.

One thing about winning that much money – you would have to be prepared.

Life would / could change over night.

Well almost time to hit the road this morning.

Hey guess what?

Last night after work I had to turn the heat off and the AC on …..

Just left it on and will turn it down a bit so it cuts in later when it heats up.

Isn’t that crazy …. air conditioning mid September, gotta love it.

Happy Friday.

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. Cheer up …. your life is about to change for the very best.

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 21st day of February, 2014.

Today is my Grandma Stella’s Birthday ….. she was born in 1901 and she would have been 113 today.

Isn’t that crazy ….. I wished that she was still here.

She was a unique and special person ….. she lived her life to her own “beat.”

Happy Birthday Grandma wherever you are …..

 

Sometimes when I wake up I feel very reflective.

Other times I am thinking of what is going to happen.

I am thinking “WINNING THE LOTTERY” …..

The jackpot is $50 MILLION and our group at work has a ticket.

It is about time that a group won again.

We sure could do lots of amazing things with that much.

It would be about $3.3 million each.

WOW, WOW, and WOW.

Doing my happy dance ….. 🙂

 

I am so blessed in my life and the money would just be the icing on the cake.

To have financial freedom.

 

So on this fearless Friday I am dreaming of the big win.

I am visualizing and feeling great.

Thank you Universe.

 

You know what at the end of the day –  I have already won big.

I have the best puppy dog a gal would ever ask for and the “best” daughter.

I have a great son-in-law and the cutest grand-puppies.

I have my OWN house ( I have always wanted my own place with a yard for flowers).

I have a rocking wonderful sister and two crazy good brothers.

Lots of nieces and nephews and cousins.

I have more friends than a person should be blessed to have ….

I am in great health.

I love my life.

 

There you  have it ….. I have WON big ……

I am so grateful.

Have the best day everyone.

Dream big and follow your heart.

 

Special Hello to: my family who are my support and my loves – you are my dream come true.

Always, Carol and Mr. Alvin …. my main “dog” ….