The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? I, we are doing well. Alvin was up a few times but I think we are so used to it and hitting the snooze that it is our norm. Say that three times fast. I just put on some Mary Kay lip gloss and I love this product. Not tacky or sticky – feels good and looks great. My makeup tip for the day. If you need just a bit of a lift – try some pretty lip gloss. Nothing fancy. Especially for those of us who are blessed to be working from home. I know people that have stayed in their pj’s all day but after two years that must get a bit old. I wear comfy bottoms and then dress up the top half. Sometimes I wear what would be work appropriate pants but most times I wear more dressy “sweats.” I don’t always wear a lot of makeup but always do my eyebrows (as they are getting lighter each year) and lips. Usually once or twice a week or if I have to go to the office, then I put on eye makeup and blush. So whatever makes you feel good. I do know that on the days when I have a shower, I am more likely to do the extra makeup like eyes and cheeks. That is just me.

It was cold last night. We had a bit of snow sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Not that we need more snow! Mother Nature, Mother Nature! Gotta love her. Once again there is a light blanket covering the bare spots on the deck, on the rooftops, the sidewalks and the streets. I cannot wait until spring and the ice melts and we can once again resume our twice daily walks. Both Alvin and I are missing our outdoor time. We go outside here and there – mainly on the back deck but it is not really the same. Patience, I keep telling him and myself.

Oh, last night I made another batch of the chocolate pudding. I doubled the batch so had to use one can of evaporated milk and one of coconut milk. It did not get super thick (but thick enough) as night before so perhaps I could have added a tad more corn starch. I am experimenting. It was very tasty. I will write down my changes and the recipes and post them. I love chocolate pudding. I suppose the recipe could be modified to be carmel, butterscotch and other flavours. Will get back to you on that.

Oh, the chili was really good. I have about 100 or so different varieties of chili that I make. I suppose that I should write those down as well. I cook so in the moment that I do not think of the future. Likely not a great idea for passing on ideas and recipes. I love to experiment and to use whatever items that I have at my disposal. Sometimes I may only have one item for a recipe so I really have to use my imagination but isn’t that what life is all about. Trying new things. I must confess that I seldom have everything in a recipe unless I am planning in advance. But I enjoy trying new things and seeing what I can create.

Looking outside it looks cold and dark. No light spots in the sky. Everything looks white from top to bottom. ARGH. Oh well it is February 16, 2022. Winter in Western Canada.

Time to go and have some of that coffee that I have poured into my to go mug to keep hot. I truly love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. LOVE, love, love.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Perhaps you will try something new. Changing things up is a good thing.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I feel like something fantastic is going to happen to us today. Just a feeling!

2021

Good Morning All! How are you this Saturday morning? We are doing well. My first time in weeks using the computer to write this post and it feels a bit strange. Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting downstairs for my return. I have been upstairs for a bit as I had a shower, put on makeup (yes, I did), got dressed, made the bed (yup) and a few other little things (okay brushing teeth). I am so happy that we had our first sleep upstairs in five weeks. It did not go quite as I had planned or hoped. There was a glimmer of hope that he would be so happy to be in the bed again that he would not react to the harness and leash although he has been wearing it the previous couple of nights on the sofa. I had washed his harness and dried in the dryer. Usually I let it air dry and I think that perhaps it may have shrunk a bit. Anyway, it just looked uncomfortable. So I put him in the main bathroom while I ran back downstairs to get the one dog collar that I have and put that on him. Now he has only ever wore a collar a couple of times since he came to live with me so he was freaked out by the whole thing. Perhaps it was more that we were upstairs, I don’t know and will never really know. We will see what happens tonight. He/We slept until just before 5:00 a.m. which was good considering we went to bed at 10:00 p.m. I gave him his breakfast and we went outside in the cool morning air. Once done I thought we would have a bit more sleep on the sofa. This time I was going to try and just keep my arm over him but he kept jumping up. I honestly think that those metal gate things are giving him anxiety. So I got his bed out of the kitchen and put in the living room. I laid back down on the sofa and although it took him a couple of minutes he did lay down on the bed. So that will be our future routine when we get up in the morning. If we keep doing it he will get used to it and not get so freaked out. When we got up the second time it was 7:22 a.m. and just now a huge ROAR of THUNDER. The once clear skies are overcast and perhaps we are going to have some rain. That would be nice. Although I did plan to take him for a walk in the next few minutes and almost my friends are having my birthday party here at 10:00 a.m. It was supposed to be at Gillian’s house but with Alvin, I cannot leave him for that long or at least not yet. It is one thing being upstairs. Back to getting up…. I gave him a pain pill and anti-anxiety pill and some food. He has actually been quite good since I came upstairs. Only a few barks.

Perhaps he will finally get used to the new routine. I have to start getting ready upstairs and it would be great to do this post on the computer. I am still figuring things out on the phone. The set up is a bit different. I was not able to change the category and it has been saving as miscellaneous and things like that.

Well I had better get going. I have a few things to do before the party starts. I guess there will be no walk. Don’t need to get rained on or to be struck by lightning. Good thing that Mr. Alvin is not scared of storms.

So this is our life. Living with a senior dog and being a senior, Yes, I will be 64 on Monday. That just seems not right. My mind is still in the 1970’s most days.

I hope that you are doing well. Thank you for continuing to read my posts, I so appreciate it.

Time to go back downstairs. I am going to make coffee early ….. need some.

Feels strange to have makeup on ….. I have not even been putting my “eyebrows” on lately.

I think it is raining. Good thing that I did not have the chance to water the flowers. HAIL. It seemed like hail as coming down so hard. The party may be delayed if the rain does not stop. ARGH.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? We are good. Thank goodness it is Friday. Snowing again. Lots of shovelling happening in our neighbourhood. Temperatures still on the cold side but then again it is the first week of February and we should not expect anything different. Although slightly warmer would be nice so that we could go for walks. I feel that our bodies are starting to go downhill. So that means we have to get with it and do more exercises in the house. I do shovel but only when it snows. Lately it has been snowing almost everyday so that is good. I started walking on the spot with hand held weights. That lasted three days. It was good I think but I need to keep it up. Lots that I could be doing but somehow when it is cold and dark …. all we/I want to do is eat and sleep and sleep and eat. Oh well. Thankfully I am not a night snacker. I seldom eat after supper/dinner. Just always been that way.

As I glance around the room and notice the rack displaying most of my purses; I feel slightly sad. Seldom do I use them these days. I have three downstairs that I switch about on the rare occasion that I leave the house to go somewhere that requires me to take “money” and stuff. Most of them are collecting dust hanging on the door rack. Thankfully I do not have a crazy amount of purses or I would really be sad. I guess the same goes for shoes. I do put on my boots everyday whether walking or picking up Alvin’s deposits in the backyard or when I am shovelling. But shoes only when I go to the office. I know that they say we should wear a pair of comfy shoes in the house so it helps protects our feet and although I have had no issue with my feet; perhaps it is something that I should look into. I do wear socks. Maybe barefoot would be better – your feet can breathe. What about makeup, jewellery and office clothes? Lots of things are sitting not in use. Although I have started to wear makeup more (not that I wore a lot anyway) and my jewellery and the top part of my office clothes, I have been wearing. I have some pants have I have not wore in almost one year; perhaps they will not even fit me at this point. I have no idea. Anyway food for thought. Us folks that are working from home – will have to start to use our items that are feeling neglected. Fill up that purse and carry it to your workstation and then tuck it out of the way. Wear those earrings and that bracelet. Add some lipstick. If you were going out in public – the mask would cover it and feel yucky – so take advantage of being at home, if you are at home. Maybe start wearing a pair of shoes. It has been an interesting almost one year since we starting working from home. I must say other than a couple of minor details; I love being at home. When the wind is howling and the snow is blowing …. I am safe and warm in my cardigan, tank top, relaxed pants and socks wearing lipstick and a bracelet and socks on my feet. LOL.

Well time to get this day going. Busy time of the month for me at work – who am I kidding most days of the month are busy for me. That is a good thing – I suppose. Although personally the odd slower day would be lovely.

I hope that you are safe, in good health and enjoying life.

Living each day with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the first meal from Chef’s Plate was yummy – Cajun-Spiced Turkey – not too spicy.

December 28, 2020 – close to a New YEAR

Good Morning ALL. Well we sure seem to be sleeping in although we are up earlier and then keep hitting the “snooze button” and returning to the sofa. The sky is most pretty this morning as the sun rises. It is filled with ribbons of blue and pinks and yellows. No visible wind. Looks like another beautiful day. Alvin and I went for a great walk yesterday afternoon. Not quite melting weather but single digits below zero, which cannot complain about this time of year. Today I am going to try on frames for my new glasses. I am excited and nervous as it will be much different than usual. They make appointments to do this, I am not sure exactly how much time I will have to pick them out as I forgot to ask that question when I had my eyes checked and realized that you had to make another appointment. Oh well, I will soon find out. My appointment is for 1:00 p.m. – I might see if I am able to text photos of me in the frame to show my daughter for advice. I am not sure how they have this all set up. I can see the sun starting to brighten up the eastern horizon. How rude of me, I forgot to ask how you are doing? Are you back to work or are you enjoying some extra well deserved time off? I am enjoying the later as our office closes for the time between Christmas and New Year’s. I have decided that I am going to take down the decorations and tree starting tomorrow as it takes a couple of days or so to do this. Big job. I want to have some days before I go back to work that are relaxing. Oh, who am I kidding? For the first time in my life, I am ready to have everything down and ready to bring in the New Year. I have taken down the Christmas decorations or at least started on New Year’s Eve but I cannot remember the last time that I had everything down and put away before New Year’s Eve ….. I don’t think it has ever happened. Perhaps some of my family and friends will remember? Anyway, I think that as this has been such a tangled, unbelievable, no word description of a year that I am going to start the NEW YEAR doing something different. Why not. I may give Mr. Alvin a haircut on the weekend. He needs more food so I will be making a trip to the Vet with on my way home from picking out frames or else will pop over there tomorrow. Likely tomorrow.

Wishing our neighbour and Humphrey’s and Bogart’s Momma a very Happy Birthday. She is feeling under the weather so wishing her a speedy recovery.

Nice to see the sun shine early in the day.

To my daughter and son-in-law as I do not remember who gave me which book, I started reading one of them last night and using my new magnetic bookmark (such a great invention). The book is good. Do not remember the title. Yesterday I wrote in my Christmas Card book – all of the lovely and thoughtful gifts that I received for Christmas 2020. Definitely spoiled this year.

I also went through the freezer and packed up a large container with baking – texted first – then delivered to a family who lives two doors down. I thought what Mom of four has time for much baking and I had so much and I certainly do not need any more. We had a quick visit with me on the sidewalk and her on the porch.

I hear a plane go in for a landing but the airport is 25 minutes away OR perhaps it is a big big truck on the highway. Not sure which but loud. LOL.

Well time to go and get changed and cleaned up. Perhaps I will put on some makeup today as I am going out. Might be a good thing when trying on frames.

Wishing you all a great Monday, December 28, 2020. The New Year is right around the corner and I have a feeling that although it may start off slow meaning we are not going to be rid of this virus as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Actually more than a feeling. My wish for the New Year is for people to listen to the Health Care Professionals. Wear Masks. Social Distance. Stay home. Wash your hands. If you think about it and I know that there were families out there that got together for the holidays not heeding the restrictions set out by the Government / advice by Health Professionals that the new cases are going to once again rise. Was it worth it? I will never understand the reasons why some people may think that it was a necessity to get together for Christmas. I would rather be alone and have another Christmas to celebrate than get together and then have someone die or me.

Sometimes we have to say something.

2021 is going to start quiet. We are going to listen. Christmas 2021 will be spectacular.

Well time to get this show on the road. Argh, almost 9:30. Where does the time go?

Have a great day. Be safe.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion.

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning Everyone!

What a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sky is clear after an evening of rain.

The grass is even more green (did not think was possible).

The flowers and trees and plants had a nice drink of water direct from Mother Nature.

Alvin is sitting facing the doorway as he sometimes does.

Not sure if that is his getting ready to run pose or what exactly he is thinking.

What a guy.

 

Yesterday my daughter took a shopping trip to The COSTCO, yup an adventure, always.

She picked up a few items that I figured I needed ( actually I did ).

But somehow I always manage to miss asking for something and this time it was dishwashing tablets.

Lucky for me that I only run the dishwasher once or twice a week so I am good for two or three more weeks.

Will pick them up next time.

The most exciting item that I got other than pea pods and oranges was a new PILLOW for sleeping.

I was thrilled when it came time for bed to try it out.

So the pillow obviously from Costco.

It is called “novaform” by Innocor Comfort.

First time that I have had a memory foam pillow.

I will say that I had the best sleep in likely years or perhaps ever.

The memory foam supported my head and neck perfectly.

I am so happy that I had this last minute idea and asked my daughter to grab me a pillow.

She picked out just the most perfect one for me.

I guess next time will get one for Alvin for those times where actually lays on the pillow.

Guess what there is even a FIVE YEAR Warranty on the pillow.

I have never heard of that before and that makes me happy.

When you have a good sleep – somehow you feel as though you can achieve anything.

Also very thankful today is Friday after my first week back to work.

I can hear the kitten Bogart meowing outside next door likely playing with his big brother Humphrey.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

A mug of freshly brewed coffee.

Just had a refreshing shower, even dressed up and put on makeup.

I am expecting GREAT things today.

Perhaps an unexpected visitor?

Who knows but today is going to be spectacular, fantastic and the beginning of something more than I could have ever dreamed.

That is going to be today, Friday, August 21, 2020.

 

Have an awesome day.

Filled with kindness and respect for all.

Light up the world with your good energy.

Be safe.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

P.S. I wrote the dedication to my first book last night and have a title and the cover.  On my way.

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Tuesday Morning.

Overcast but warm here in Edmonton.

There are patches of clear blue sky up there but mainly deep dark rain clouds fill the sky.

Some of our neighbours have trees that have beautiful white flowers and they have a sweet pretty scent.

The only thing is I have an allergy to them.

Congestion, oh well.

They look so pretty and smell so good.

Earlier this morning when we were outside the birds were singing away.

I know why Alvin likes to just sit on the deck with eyes closed and sniff.

He is relaxing …..

 

 

Happy to report that Alvin has had some real good poops, thank goodness.

The “D” word is one word that I hope I never have to hear again.

My poor little guy, he has been through a lot.

Thankfully he is on the mend.

 

I was thinking the other day about things that I have not done for the past almost 2.5 months, here is my list:

1. not using my “work” purse(s).
2. I have used a small one three times when went to the vet with/for Alvin
3. good shoes/sandals
4. make-up (only a few days have I applied other than eyebrows)
5. work clothes (I mainly wear work tops but more comfy bottoms as I had been going for walks at noon and hope to soon get back to them)
6. had coffee at work (I make coffee each morning and have gone through more coffee beans than ever)
7. car pooled to work
8. drove a vehicle once since I have been at home
9. gone to a grocery store
10. left my neighbourhood (gone to vet but they are 6 minute walk from our house)
11. work jacket
12. had to pay for carpool or bus tickets
13. no commute

Changes in our lives in the past 2.5 months:

1. home with Alvin 24/7
2. can walk multiple times per day
3. can wear whatever I like to work
4. fewer visits with family and friends
5. higher water and electrical bills
6. bought more coffee beans to grind
7. not been shopping at all – other than vet
8. working from home
9. my office is for personal and for work
10. with no commute to work, more time to live my life with Alvin (we have over 1.5 extra hours each day)
11. can enjoy more time in nature
12. can enjoy more time in my back yard

 

I am so happy that I have been home for Alvin while he has not been feeling his best.

There are likely a great many items that missed the list as you know I write this off the cuff in the morning before work.

Now I am writing about one hour later than usual.

 

Time to go and grab that cup of coffee.

I can hear the garbage truck clanging away in the distance.

They just picked up on our back lane.

I only have garbage every second or third week.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday.

Filled with love and laughter.

We just gotta laugh, for sure.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect,

is the only way to live our lives.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well HELLO FRIDAY, April 24th, 2020.

 

I have long since forgot how many days exactly that I have been working from home.

To be honest 95% of the time it is wonderful.

I love the “short” well actually no commute to my work.

I love sharing more of my time with Alvin.

I love being able to walk for 1/2 hour at lunch and then right away after work.

I love arising a bit later (truth be told even Mr. Alvin is starting to wake up a bit later).

I love being able to stay up a bit later to enjoy the evening light.

100%, I absolutely adore having more time at home.

Who doesn’t like working in their sweats and a tee-shirt and no makeup.

Bad hair days …. who cares.

It does not matter …. whatever you are comfortable in.

Some days it is office attire with makeup and others it is not.

More time for walking.

More time to get housework, yard work and exercise done.

It is nice being able to have more free time on the weekends.

I am off work at 4:00 p.m. (not granted some days I leave 10-15 minutes later but that is okay).

I can have supper and dishes done well before 6:00 p.m.

When working at the office by 6:00 p.m. – Alvin would have his supper etc, we would have walked and I may have started supper.

Usually it would be 7:00 by the time supper and dishes were done and sometimes later.

So even though there are moments throughout my day that I could honestly pull my hair out by the roots, I do love being at home.

I know that there is no separation between home and work.

But I have come to terms with that fact.

Life is meant to live.

If we continue to wrap ourselves in the negative before too long it is over.

What a waste.

 

I am off today at 3:00 p.m. (took one hour off).

The plan is to go for a walk right away, then come home and start the laundry and then rake the front lawn.

I have been raking the back out of necessity for Alvin.

Luckily the mucky mess is drying up (in the back).

The front needs some TLC.

Tonight will be the second of the three meals from HELLO FRESH.

Excited for that.

Tomorrow Mr. Alvin needs a haircut and bath (yup again).

My daughter is dropping some items by and for a visit (miss her).

Whether Saturday or Sunday – we hope to visit with our friends in their backyard.

Tomorrow is supposed to be really nice so I want to take advantage of the warmer temperatures.

 

Well almost time to grab that cup of java and start work.

Technically I do not start until 8:00 a.m. but I like to get things started and I have a contest to enter (matching pets through work).

Have to submit my entry.

Wish me luck.

 

I hope this finds you and your family in excellent health, safe and having lots of giggles.

Happy Friday.

 

With Kindness and Respect,

I/We Remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and today would be TUESDAY, the 7th day of January 2020.

As I was getting ready this morning …. washing my face and applying moisturizer followed by a wee bit of makeup.

I was thinking “there really isn’t a magic pill for life.”

Every year people spend millions and billions of dollars collectively on face creams, diets and fads hoping to wipe away time.

It does not happen like that.

There are a great many entrepreneurs on this earth and they have made a lot of money attempting to “find that magic pill.”

If you are fortunate to have good genes plus doing basic hygiene such as washing your face and applying some moisture; it may appear that you have slowed down time.

Perhaps you have done just that.

But human beings are vain creatures.

If you think about it planet wide we spend billions and likely trillions of dollars on makeup and entertainment.

Not every person on this planet can go out and buy the newest make from SMASHBOX or URBAN DECAY or CLINIQUE.

Not every person on this planet can go to a music concert.

Does not matter whether you live in Canada, the United States, China or Africa.

At the end of the day it is all of the “stuff” that we are using in an attempt to turn back the hands of time that fills our lakes, rivers, oceans and landfills.

Cosmetic containers and half used or old makeup are only a few of the items that are cluttering up and destroying our planet.

We certainly need to give our heads a shake and although this industry does employ a great many people; does that offset the damage it is doing to the environment.

I know that the oil & gas industry, pharmaceuticals and the list goes on, does more harm than good to the environment.

But perhaps it is worth taking a moment to consider.

Also did you know or even think about all of the companies that still test on animals?

Are you kidding me?

In this day and age, this should not and must not happen.

Educate yourself when you purchase something that makes you feel good.

At the end of the day for that feeling is it worth it?

I am working on it everyday.

Read.

 

Well it is time to head on downstairs.

The poop awaits.

 

Have an awesome day.

Keep it simple.

We can always do better.

I am nowhere near perfect but I am trying always to do better than yesterday.

Sending my prayers and positive energy and thoughts to the animals and people of the Continent of Australia.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of December, 2018.

Well today is a BIG day.

Our office has slowly been moving into a new temporary location as our current office building is going to be renovated.

Today I am going to have to move my spider plant.

Actually not mine but someone it ended up that way.

I grabbed a blue recycling bag to cover it with and hope it will survive the walk.

It is not far and it is not cold.

The bag should offer enough protection.

So…..

Today is our turn to move.

Actually they will move us later today.

We have been moving in stages.

I am excited to move as it is a nice change.

New surroundings.

We are closer to the bus – for those times that I have to catch public transportation.

I am right beside a window – the first time in a long while.

Newer building.

Different setup.

A good change.

Our files are being packed so today is the day for us to pack the remainder of our work stations or desks.

YAY, excited for the move.

A new office when I/We go to work in the morning.

 

A couple of minutes ago, Mr. Alvin reminded me to put his blue blanket on the floor for him to lay upon.

It is funny, right, that even without words ….. he can make his “voice” heard.

This time I understood what he wanted.

I know there are sometimes I am not quite certain but have a good idea.

What a guy.

 

Well Christmas is truly knocking on our doors.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up from work and we are heading to COSTCO.

She is picking up her glasses and likely some groceries as am I.

The last bit from there before Christmas.

I will still need a few things from SAVE-ON and THE BONE AND BISCUIT (some cookies for the pups, they have to have something in their stockings).

Then I will be ready.

It will be a matter of preparing a few items for the Christmas Party on Saturday and then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

So excited.

I am excited to have an actual party with lots of people other than my birthday party.

First time in a while.

First big Christmas party in years, perhaps several decades.

WOW, I did not date myself.

This is one of the photos that my daughter took of me and Alvin at Thanksgiving.

October 2018.

We were one block from her house in a smaller city not far from Edmonton.

You would never know that it was bitterly cold with a big wind and then it started to rain.

She, my daughter, can always make us look great.

We are both getting on and she makes us look young.

So grateful for these photos of me and Alvin.

It was a tradition that I started the first fall/autumn after I adopted him.

I have nine photos of us.

Perhaps one of these days I will share them.

I might have to do some searching for them.

Always fun to look at photos.

Different hairstyles and makeup.

A wrinkle here and a pound there.

But that is life.

 

Well not long and time to leave for work.

My neighbour is giving me a ride this morning.

YAY.

Perfect Wednesday.

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

 

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …… I hope that you have a few moments to relax and enjoy visiting with your Mom.  Please say hi to her for us.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60.

Today is Monday June 26, 2017 and it is the 45 day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay now what after the 60 favourite things list.

I was thinking about a BUCKET LIST.

What is with all of these lists anyway?

Well truthfully, this would not be a surprise to people who know me as I am famous for writing lists, TO DO LISTS and such.

I like to write things down.

I have often thought a BUCKET LIST would be nice but perhaps today I will do it in reverse.

Not the things that I want to do in the future but some of the things that I have done over the years.

Okay so this is going to be another 60 things list ….. but things that I have done not necessarily favourite things but things that I have done/accomplished, okay.

Because going backwards can be tricky with the counting process I am just going to start at number 1.

 

Here are the next 12 items:

25.  Attended all different schools from Grades 9 to Grade 12 in three different Canadian provinces.

26.  Sold through direct sales:  AMWAY, Fashion Two-Twenty make-up, Tupperware twice in two different provinces and Steeped Tea.

27.  Wrote Eulogies for four different family members and gave three of them.

28.  Started to write poetry at age eight years.

29.  Jobs have done over the years: Babysitting, Berry picker,  Executive Assistant (summer job), Keypunch operator, Bank Teller,  Claims Dispatch Clerk, Mapping Clerk, Reinsurance Underwriter, small town Ladies Clothing Shop, Customer Service Clerk at Retail store with largest sales at West Edmonton Mall, House Cleaning, File Clerk and Housing Clerk.

30.  Wrote Groom’s speech for my friend to give at her brother’s wedding.

31.  Broke handle off new shovel while digging out dead cedar tree from my back garden area two years ago.  Still do not believe that one.

32.  Grateful to have attended concerts for two of my favourite entertainers:  Celine Dion and Sir Elton John.

33.  Good at making meals from virtually nothing.  I love challenging myself to using everything in my pantry and fridge.

34.  Love making up new recipes.

36.   Grew up on the farm and helped with everything from stacking bales when haying, to housework, to looking after siblings, to cooking, gardening and other chores all before age 14.

37.   After moving from the farm in Saskatchewan to British Columbia …. my Mom, Sister and I spent that first summer picking berries.  Hard work but definitely had payoff.

 

Sure is a test of the memory banks.

Always, Carol