Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well it is a good day. The sky is overcast and there is a bit of a breeze. Second day where the temperatures have been on the cooler side. Which is a wonderful reprieve. Still feels like summer which is great. Not that cool for sure – perfect break. As I look out of my office window I sit in awe of the huge tree which is across the back lane from my house, it is so massive that it covers the rooftops and garages of some of the houses behind it. I never really took note of it before but now I have and looking closer it may be two large leafy trees close to each other. Absolutely beautiful. I am running a bit late this morning as I just could not get my poop in a group and just kept setting the alarm a bit later. We were first up just after 5:00 a.m. which is a bit later than usual for Mr. Alvin. Outside and then back to the sofa for a bit until breakfast time. Not too many days now until my vacation. I kind of wished that I had taken two weeks but I like to keep some in my pocket so to speak, in case something comes up. Oh well, I am taking 6 days which is good because I will go back on a Tuesday and not a Monday which is always nice giving me three short weeks in a row.

Yesterday my daughter came over in the late morning to help me get a urine sample from Mr. Alvin. I had tried once when he went outside but no luck. I decided that a small round margarine container might work better. When I took my lunch break we both went outside and she patiently followed him around keeping low and close and she got lucky on her first attempt. I transferred the sample to a glass jar for transport to the vet. We had a little visit and she had some of the apple crisp that was in the fridge from the previous night. I filled up some water bottles for her and then she was on her way. Oh with parcel in hand to post for my friend Val’s birthday.

I had no idea of how long it would take to hear back from the vet so just carried on with the rest of the day. After work I decided we should get out for a walk as it was so nice. Not too hot. Just perfect for me and Alvin. We walked over to our friend Pauline’s house, she was not there at that moment so we just walked around their backyard admiring the flowers for a few minutes before heading back home.

Once home, I checked my phone and found that the vet’s office had called. I called back as I had not been able to check my voicemail recently. Another story. The receptionist said that Michelle, had called but she had stepped out for a few minutes. So we left it at – I would try and access my voicemail and if not able to or if needed to, I would call back tomorrow. I was able to access my messages and listen to Michelle basically tell me that he, being Mr. Alvin would require a change in diet. I was struck by the message. I decided to just wait until today and call the vet and get more details. Michelle said that they would retest his blood and urine in six months. When they are open – I will call back. If only diet change that would be wonderful. I think that Alvin could sense my deep relief as he was very playful in the early evening.

I hope that you have a wonderful day as it is time for me to head back downstairs. Put on the coffee and then start work shortly.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 6 days till 65.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 27th day of November, 2017.

Well we have a bit of snow ….. the sticky stuff …… now covering the ice.

At least this should make our walking a bit more safe.

Alvin needs to go for a walk tonight.

We will do it.

 

Update on the clothes dryer saga.

This is the third week without one.

I have been air drying my clothes, which works fine.

Thankfully I have a closet full of towels and bedding so that is okay.

I will have a ton of towels and bedding to wash and dry once the dryer is working again.

I helped my friend with the dryer.

Found out that it was not of the fuses as he had thought.

So we ended up taking the drum out of the dryer and VOILE it was the heating element.

We could tell as you could see that the coil had broke apart in one spot.

Apparently that is what should happen.

My friend is going to find me a heating element.

Luckily this is something he will be able to fix.

I guess if we can take it apart we can put it back together.

Learning lots.

Not that I want to do it by myself next time but I know what to check and what to watch out for ……

Interesting.

 

I mailed all of my Christmas cards that were to be mailed yesterday but ONE …. it was the ONE that has to go out of the country.

The Post Office did not open until noon and I could not hang around that long so will have to get that done sometime this week.

Also got groceries …. I was surprised to see how busy both stores were ……. drugstore and grocery store.

Done for another week.

 

Well almost time to get my things on and head out for the bus.

Debating on which coat to wear and am grateful that I am able to have that debate.

 

Take care if you are in the middle of winter where you live …… drive carefully ….. whether walking or driving or riding a bike …. take your time…… those extra two seconds could save your life and they

will not get you to your destination noticeably sooner.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello: to friends …. we are grateful to have you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 29th day of November, 2016.

Crazy with the fog as of late.

Yesterday morning there were “fog advisors” in our area.

Now this morning there is fog again.

If the tales and perhaps the science is correct there will be lots of moisture in a few months.

Snow or rain that is the question?

So far this has been a crazy abnormal winter although it has not formally arrived for we, Western Canadians, and in Canada overall, November is Winter.

I am enjoying wearing my shoes to work and not having to carry or leave them at work.

We did have a bit of time that the boots were our choice of footwear but not as of now.

Likely December there will be snow.

 

We had a good sleep however in the morning I would also prefer to stay snuggled up to me Alvin than to get out of bed.

But I guess we have to make a living and part of that at this point in time has me leaving the house to go to the office.

I often think of those lucky folks who can work from home.

I do know that there are ups and downs, pros and cons to working from home but somedays and most especially this time of year – it would be nice.

Can you imagine?  No walk to the bus.  No waiting for said bus in snowstorms both in the morning and at night.

Oh well, where is the fun in that …. I guess.

 

Well after me “belly aching” about winter, buses, and snuggling in bed …. it is time for me to go and catch said bus.

I hope that you are doing well and that you have the most wonderful day.

Thank you.

 

On the upside I am working on Christmas Cards and letters.

Some are mailed and some are hand-delivered.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU.  Cannot imagine my life without you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of December, 2015.

Wow, it is crazy, awesome, fantastic, wonderful, divine, nice, great, WEATHER here in Edmonton.

This morning I did not need gloves but I wore my mini ones because my hands dry out easy.

SO Beautiful ….. I am so GRATEFUL for this wonderful WARM weather.

Yesterday it was melting ….. and what day is it again?  Smiling …..

 

Do you ever have a moment that you feel “OH WOE IS ME” and that moment turns minutes seconds and into minutes and into hours?

We all have them?

Funny how out of the blue then you can receive an email or see a sign and all of a sudden you are reeled back into reality.

Thinking all the while …. “I AM VERY BLESSED.”

It would seem that any time I find myself “HAVING A PITY PARTY FOR ONE” .…. reality brings me back and I realize how super lucky I am.

I have my own house …. more room than I actually need but suits me and Alvin all the same.

I am in good health as is Alvin ….

I have a daughter whom I treasure more than life ….

I have my constant companion her little brother Alvin whom I treasure just as much ….

I have an awesome, amazing good-hearted, super smart son-in-law and GRAND-PUPPIES. (sounds better than GRAND-DOGS)

I work in an office that always gives me a reality check.

I have friends and family all over the world who are simply the best.

I have a sister who is not just a sister but a dear friend.

I have so much and more.

So on this Thursday ….. I am just thinking that the possibilities are endless.

I have so much and can do pretty much whatever I choose.

Just have to choose.

Make the list and start working toward those dreams.

We just have to remember to live our lives and not let our lives live us, make sense.

There will always be those moments when you just cannot rise to the occasion.

That is okay.

Have your pity party and then rise up and carry on.

Today is TERRIFIC THURSDAY …..

We are in the countdown to Christmas.

Last night wrote more Christmas cards and will mail more today and then finish the ones to be mailed, tonight and mail tomorrow.

This weekend I get to BAKE.

I love to bake ….. “sugar cookies” …… “chocolate macaroons” …… “chocolate fudge” …… maybe a couple more items.

YAY …

Well it is time to go and finish getting ready to go to the office.

Have a splendid day…..

 

You are simply the best and do not forget this….. 

You can climb to the top and wave the flag ….

I know you can.

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina and in Saskatchewan who are the best ….. thanks guys.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of December, 2014.

Today is the Birthday of my dear cousin “J” ….. we are only one year apart and grew up together.

She is one of the best people that I know.

Kind, smart, compassionate, funny and everything that makes a great human being.

I have always aspired to be like her …….

Happy Birthday my dear cousin.

 

Well today is another busy Saturday.

I had to sleep in because I felt that I needed to.

First thing on the agenda is to start my laundry, have breakfast, perhaps a quick cup of coffee and then go the “Optometrist” to pay for the balance on my eye glass order.

I am so excited to get new glasses after five years with the same frames.

Am taking my camera to take a photo of them as I do not have a cell phone.

Then come home and start BAKING ………. will start with the sugar cookies as they take the longest…..

So excited and in between will write up Christmas cards for the remaining ones to mail and for work and nearby friends.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

Time to get this show on the road.

Special Hello to: my cousin “J” who always makes me laugh and smile.  She has always been a rainbow in my sky.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Afternoon and Welcome to Saturday the 22nd day of November, 2014.

It has been snowing for hours here in Edmonton.

Yesterday it was melting and most of the snow had melted.

How things can change in just a few hours.

Just a blink and we have winter once again.

I am so grateful to my daughter who had the day off yesterday and took all of the puppies for a nice long walk around our lake.

They would have enjoyed that so much.

Well today is my day off and I am in the midst of doing some laundry.

My daughter and I decorated the upstairs bannister and it looks so pretty.

I love turning the lights on at night with the Christmas tree …

Just so sparkly and pretty.

Next on my to do list for today is CHRISTMAS CARDS.

I need to sit down and type up my Christmas letters and make my list and then start writing.

Now that our Christmas photos are taken …. all I have to do is print some out.

I hope to have them mailed by the beginning of December ……

Well I hope that you are having a great day……

You never know where the day will take you ……

I am having a great Saturday ……

Special Hello to: everyone on this gorgeous planet of ours ….. Happy Day..

Always, Carol and Alvin

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