2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this “bright and sunny” Thursday morning? I am so grateful that the skies are pretty clear and that the sun is shining after a few days of clouds, rain and snow. It did freeze hard over night as I noticed the water that I have out for the bees froze over and there is frost on the cars. Most of the snow has melted now and the grass and trees appear to be renewed, is that possible? Of course, they gratefully soaked up the moisture in both forms. My lawn has not looked this good in years. Between the fertilizer that our neighbours threw on a few days ago and the extra moisture ….. well it looks like a lawn again. I was thinking that we may have to replant which I suppose throwing on some extra seed would not have hurt. If I would have had some grass seed in my garage I would have done so, at the beginning of the rain. Food for thought. I am going to pick up some seed to have on hand. Even our back patch of grass is coming back. Yesterday and earlier this morning there were a bunch of little birds flying about our backyard near the bird house. There was also a Magpie that was swooping in and about every once in awhile. They are pretty but not good for the little birds. Anyway, I am certain that by noon, or perhaps before I can remove the cover that is protecting the flowers in the front flower bed. Did I forget to mention? Yes, I did, that I pulled the cover back and checked some of the flowers and they are okay. If they survived last night, we all should be good. I also shook and dipped with a measuring cup all of the excess water off of the handmade tarp so that it would not crush them and not freeze. Fingers crossed.

I am looking forward to a walk with Mr. Alvin at noon. He needs to get out as I think he has a bit of cabin fever or at least he has been more anxious that usual. He barked short piercing barks the whole time I was in the shower. I kept calling out to him and hoping to calm him down but it did not work. I even tried singing my “put one paw in front of the other” song but to no avail. Luckily, he is okay now. What a guy. I tried to explain about how lucky that he is as I have noticed this poor little orange cat running on the front sidewalk and across the street. Poor cat looked like he or she had not had a good meal in a long time. So many cats on the loose in our area. Very dangerous as we have had coyotes in the nearby parks. Plus there are hawks and other birds of prey that can swoop down and take away little cats. I hope that he finds a home, soon.

Well time to head on downstairs and put on the coffee, need to smell that delectable aroma and drink some of that pure joy liquid before I start work. I am grateful that all my flowers survived this late spring snowfall and the wind. Thank goodness for a garage. I don’t have a car but man on man, that building has come in handy for storing and housing the vehicles of company.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thursday. May you laugh and smile and be surrounded with kindness and joy.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on patience I am patient. I am patient. I am patient.

ALLways, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! How are you doing this Sunday morning? Did you sleep well last night? We slept straight through for six hours and then up and then back to the sofa. Nice to have a solid amount of sleep. The skies are overcast this morning. We managed to get all of our housework completed yesterday. Only have to bring up the clothes that are air drying from yesterday and put them away. I think that I may clean out my bathroom cabinet. It wasn’t long ago but I feel it could be better organized. Likely time to put away the winter coats and things as well. But perhaps I will do that on the Easter long weekend as I will have four days off and a project or two is always good to have. There will be time for lots of walks and if the weather remains dry – I may get out to do a neighbourhood trash pick up. I have been picking up trash everyday now for awhile. It blows in front of my house or onto the lawn. Trash sticks in the storm drain grates and in the gutters. Garbage is everywhere. Seems to be so much this year. I cannot remember if I mentioned this when we walked to Alvin’s vet appointment on Wednesday there is a walkway. In the bushes on the walkway were what seemed like a hundred disposable coffee cups from McDonalds, Starbucks and Tim’s and others. I wanted to cry. It was obvious that people were finished their drinks and then tossed them into the bushes. What is wrong with people? Now this almost 64 year old woman who was appalled by their actions has to take her time and garbage bags to go and clean up their messes. On the bright side it is exercise for me. Also there are blue disposable masks everywhere and I mean everywhere. Come on people! Are you neighbourhoods like mine? People cannot say that it is only the old or poor neighbourhoods that are dirty and filled with trash for that is definitely not true. I am truly disgusted by some people. I wish that people would just carry their cups and masks and what have you to the nearest garbage bin or home. Also another reason for trash blowing about in our ‘hood is the lack of proper placement when putting out their garbage. Most especially the recycling. When Alvin and I are out for our walks, I see people put papers, egg cartons loose in a blue bin or cardboard box and what happens when the wind comes up ….. they end up at my house or on the street for me to pick up. So many people just leave crap laying on their lawns, in the gutters and on the sidewalks in front of their homes. They sometimes even walk around items instead of picking them up and putting said trash in their garbage bin. There is hope coming for garbage as we will eventually all have bins with lids and then garbage cannot blow about. Also will help keep the crows, ravens and magpies out of the trash. Hopefully it won’t be another decade until we have bins for recycling. I guess that is a heavy duty rant for a Sunday morning as I smile.

Well I guess someone needs a cup of coffee or three. Alvin is impatiently waiting at the office doorway giving me that look. What look? That look ….. impatience. Perhaps he has to go back outside. He went before we can back upstairs for me to have a shower. Oh well, old bladder, I get that. LOL.

I hope that you all are having a great weekend. I am looking forward to our walk this afternoon.

Have a wonderful Sunday. May you have some quiet relaxing time throughout this day.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience (always working on).

ALLways, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, sorry but it is late afternoon already.

Yesterday first thing in the morning my son-in-law dropped my grandpups off for the day.

After I got them settled, I went for a walk with Miss Aspen.

She is the Yellow Lab Shepherd Cross.

This was just a few minutes after 8:00 a.m.

Our walk took us to our nearby park

We had some fun.

There was a Bunny being chased by some very aggressive Magpies.

We should have turned back but this silly Grandma thought we could scare the birds giving the Bunny time to make his escape.

It was a great plan in theory.

The reality was a far different story.

Needless to say I found out the hard way just how strong my girl Aspen is as I almost did a head plant into the sidewalk.

But managed to stay upright as I made that sill trip after her.

I was very careful during the rest of our walk.

Once we arrived back home I went into the backyard with Aspen, Alvin and Milo.

Humphrey the cat was in his backyard.

Aspen was trying desperately to get to him.

She would have pushed her way right through our fence.

She was very determined and she did not want to visit or make friends.

When she was a pup during her first year of life the poor dear had to fend for herself.

So she will go after rabbits, cats and birds.

She is fast and they do not stand a chance.

Needless to say I am careful with the cats and wildlife.

I did figure that the birds had a better chance of escaping.

Anyway it was an exciting way to start the day.

After that, I needed a COFFEE.

So perked up a pot of coffee and had a late breakfast.

We just had a quiet couple of hours or so.

About noon I went for a walk with Alvin and Milo.

We stopped by the garage sale.

Yes, the same one that I attended last weekend and Friday night.

They were happy to see Milo and Alvin.

We, I took a check around and picked up a couple of items.

Alvin and Milo and I continued on our walk after the garage sale.

We were on our way to the park when I heard my name being called and turned to see our friends had stopped in their van.

So we walked back to their vehicle.

They were wondering if I had a six foot high ladder as they were putting up Christmas lights and their son had borrowed theirs.

I just happen to have one and told them I would take it to them after we got back home.

When it arrived near Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy’s house we saw his Dad or actually Alvin spotted him up a ladder.

We were invited to go into the house so of course, the pups were up the steps in no time.

It was nice to see Teddy and his Mom.

We had a little visit and of course the babes had a treats before we continued on our way.

Stopped briefly at the garage sale and picked out one more item.

Leaving them there for pick up another time.

Which reminds me I have to go and pick up my items.

After we got home – I grabbed the ladder and walked it to my friend’s house.

Had a short visit and then back home.

We had a quiet rest of the afternoon.

Eating supper early.

Followed by some quiet time and then another walk with Miss Aspen.

Our walk was filled with more adventure.

While walking around the park there was a bunny running through someone’s backyard.

I managed to hold onto Aspen.

This time it was short lived.

After that a couple of small dogs who seemed friendly …. well ended up one was not.

So we carried on.

On the home stretch we walked by our new friend John’s house with Bug the black cat who spends some time on a leash basking in the fresh air.

Now I was watching for the cat as I know Aspen and cats.

I did not see her but Aspen walked close to the bush that circles their front yard and all of a sudden I heard a hiss.

Quickly called Aspen and pulled her back.

There was Bug in the bushes.

Everyone came out safely.

Thank goodness.

Finally back home …. we just had a quiet evening.

The kids were going to pick up the pups last night.

They ended up staying over last night.

Poor Miss Aspen was up at 3:00 a.m. with diarrhea.

Is this a reoccurring thing at my house?

Seems like poop and more poop.

Anyway it was poop and more poop throughout the night.

I felt so terrible as she had been whining/crying for a few minutes before I got my backside out of bed to take her downstairs.

Of course, we all went outside.

After that, we spent the rest of the night/morning on the sofa which was closer to the back door.

Poor Aspen.

Bad Grandma.

I texted my daughter about 8:30 a.m. to let her know about Aspen.

She came a bit later and spent some time here which was great.

Well that was my excitement.

Time to go and check on supper.

How about some photos?

The first photos from out on the deck were from yesterday and I am not sure what they were seeing?

I did not see anything but the pups certainly did.

Inside photos were from this morning while we were waiting for my daughter to arrive.

Well what a wild and wacky weekend we had …. I learned several valuable lessons.

1. Always wear running shoes not flip flops when walking with Miss Aspen.
2. When Aspen whines/cries in the middle of the night – Grandma needs to get the heck out of bed right away.
3. Pups make me happy.

Time to fly …. Alvin wants his supper.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 18th day of September, 2018.

No moisture overnight.

Sidewalks are dry.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket and sound asleep.

He can sleep anywhere, so cute.

I sure love that guy.

 

Happy Birthday to “G” …… he came into our lives almost ten year ago.

Alvin and I wish you the best birthday.

Have an awesome day and take some time off work.

Can someone reading this post please pass this message to him.

You know who you are.

Smiling….. thank you.

 

Last night I put away the last of the furniture from the deck.

Actually I have a river rock top bistro table and two chairs remaining.

I will leave them out for now.

The bistro table is heavy so might need a hand putting it into the garage.

The flowers are hanging in their inside of the garage although we have not had much sunshine as of late.

Perhaps it is time to just dig them up …. they are still so pretty.

I feel that they are cold in the garage …. my poor little flowers.

Still have to do something with the lavender as it smells too good to waste.

Keeps me busy.

Oh, I have lots of snapdragon seeds for next year.

 

Last night we walked with our friend “P.”

We did the walk in just over 45 minutes.

About halfway into it or so …. Alvin wanted to turn around …. but we urged him to continue.

He did …. we did.

With the snow and rain on the weekend we did not walk Saturday or Sunday.

Always good to get exercise whenever you can.

Especially when you like “treats” and both Alvin and I like the treats.

I will say that his treats are more healthy than mine

 

We noticed on our walk last night that the gulls, pigeons, magpies and crows are all starting to hang out on the rooftops.

I bet near the chimneys for warmth.

 

Well here we go for Tuesday.

Another Tuesday.

I hope that you have an awesome Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and  Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of April, 2018.

As April winds down and Spring has definitely sprung; we are happy for the months ahead.

Summer: no socks, sandals, capris, sometimes shorts (not short shorts for me), light sweater or somedays just a top.

Happy Days.

So nice not to spend 5 minutes or so donning your outer apparel.

I saw a Robin the other day as I was chatting to a friend when we were out for out walk.

That was the first Robin that I had seen thus far this spring.

We usually have Robins by our home.

I have a bird house in the back yard.

Usually there are some of the smaller birds debating over who gets the house this year.

Most times the Magpies and the Crows scare the little ones away.

A handful of times I have had a Hummingbird in my backyard.

Oh, how I love those little ones.

So gorgeous.

Another creature that I love is the Dragonfly.

We used to see huge ones around our house at the front and the back.

The past couple of years they have all but disappeared.

Not sure why.

Here are a couple of photos, they were big.

Soon it will be time for planting flowers.

One of my favourite times of year.

I love to get my hands dirty.

I love to watch the flowers grow and show off their beautiful blooms.

All things baby soon.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Cute story.

This morning while I was brushing my teeth, Alvin was in the bathroom with me.

Cause where else would he be?

He sat there and just starred at me brushing my teeth.

I was so hoping that perhaps he could understand better when I was brushing his and perhaps let me really brush them well.

Not so much.

I brushed his right after mine.

He was more than happy to jump up onto the bed and lick his tasty toothpaste while I “brushed his teeth.”

I do get them brushed, most specially the front ones but the back ones are another story.

Just keep trying every day and have done this for the past 8 years.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Happy Spring.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V”

Always, Carol & Alvin

(Somehow this appears not to have been published on Wednesday, so better late than never, I guess).

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of September, 2017.

Woke up to sunshine and a slight breeze.

Of course when we were first up it was still dark but that is another story.

There are no sounds except for the clicking of the computer keys as I “type” these words and the sound of Alvin licking his paws in the hallway.

The house is relatively quiet.

The office window is closed keeping out the morning sounds and the cool morning air.

Perhaps I will open the window to feel that coolness on my face.

I opened the window and can hear the leaves rustling as they blow in the breeze.

It begins as the leaves are begin to dry out and soon shall fall from the trees.

Autumn / Fall is only a few short weeks ago, officially anyway.

Now the birds are beginning to chirp, and I can hear magpies and crows.

“No, Alvin” I say as he starts to bark to reply to their conversation.

The sky just turned a bit dark and there is rain in the forecast.

No watering for me last night with the rain which was nice and looks like perhaps not today.

Good for the water bill and better for the flowers, plants and grass.

Time for a shower and then I am going to make myself some pancakes before meeting my friend for a walk with her pups.

Hopefully we make it out before the rain.

Time will tell.

I hope you have an awesome Sunday.

 

 

Open a window or go outside, close your eyes and listen.

Do not talk just listen.

Listen to the sounds of nature.

Listen to the leaves blowing in the wind.

Listen to the birds chirping and cawing and having a conversation.

Smell the air.

Feel the air.

Enjoy these moments.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: the people affected by floods and fires, we hope you are safe, warm and dry.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of August, 2016.

The sun is shining.

The morning air still has a crispness to it with the coolness of the breeze.

I can hear magpies squawking away.

There is a hum of traffic from the highway that goes around our city.

This is Saturday morning in Edmonton.

My house is quiet except for the clicking sound from the keyboard as I type these words.

Alvin is curled up at the end of our bed waiting patiently for me to finish and get this day going.

 

Last night we watched part of the open ceremonies from Rio De Janeiro ….. very colourful and different.

I especially enjoyed how they incorporated a piece of the ceremony about the ENVIRONMENT.

The whole premise of the ceremonies was about us all, mankind.

Maybe with an audience of about three billion people it will open some eyes.

I love how they gave each of the 11,000 athletes a sapling to plant.

11,000 trees, how splendid.

We, I did not watch it all as it got too late for me but I recorded it to watch later.

Well done Rio.

 

Well two days before I am back to work for a couple of days and then off for the rest of the week.

Nice short work week – two days.

Wouldn’t that be nice for always.

 

I baked some bran muffins and infused them with hydrated fruit tea from my collection of Steeped Tea.

They turned out so yummy.

Who would think that you could add tea to muffins.

When they were baking it seemed glorious in the house.

Alvin really wanted some.

But did not think muffins would be a good thing for him.

He is such a foodie.

 

Well time to get going here.

Check the lotto tickets.

Do some laundry.

Change bedding …..

Make coffee for me and my neighbour “S” ……

 

Happy Saturday everyone.

Enjoy your weekend.

 

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S.  Alvin is no longer on the bed, I guess he decided to be closer to me as he is lying outside the office door.  He truly is a Momma’s boy.  Gotta love that little guy.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of January, 2016.

Well it is a fine morning here in Edmonton.

I imagine if there birds other than crows/magpies they would be singing a merry tune.

My experience from crows/magpies they sound like they are talking in a gruff tone not really singing a merry tune.

But they are all part of our ecosystem and I respect that.

 

January seems to be zipping along.

Did you make resolutions this New Year?

I did not …..

When I was much younger I used to get on that bandwagon and come up with a list usually small but one nonetheless.

Sometimes I was successful and sometimes not.

I have found it is much better to just resolve to live your life each day to the fullest and be your best.

Whether it is how you eat, sleep or exercise.

Or whether it is how you treat yourself and others.

Just do your best.

That is all any of us can do, really.

I have found in my going on 59 years on this planet that there are just some things that happen that you have no control over.

So you assess the situation and take it from there.

It is all in how you handle yourself and each situation that makes life great or not so great.

Better to go easier on yourself ….. be the best YOU.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

I love Tuesdays ….. I love any day that I get out of bed, my feet touch the floor and I am ALIVE.

Now some of those days may turn out less than perfect but there again perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

My perfect is not your perfect.

Right.

So today I feel great, I think that I look pretty great and today is a great day.

 

Take care.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow human beings …… today is a great day.

Always, Carol and Alvin