Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are doing okay. Up first at 4:00 and then at 5:30 for the day. I woke up with a headache that I cannot seem to shake. Might have to take something. Back to the office today, tomorrow and Friday. Not too excited about that but it is okay. I have resolved my thoughts about going to the office. Sometimes you just have to get over it and do go ahead. Not much point in going on and on about it at this point.

The air did not seem too cool this morning and the morning sky was delightful with the moon still shining ever so brightly and what appeared to be stars, although I suppose some may be satellites. I have been using the feature “Siri” on my phone this morning. I had no idea that she would turn on the flashlight or could look up the spelling of a word in the dictionary. She is my new best friend. Very cool. I said “thank you Siri” and she said “my pleasure.” Who knew they even built ”manners” into the program. I am impressed.

My friend and neighbour from a few doors down is coming over to check in on Mr. Alvin for the next three days. She did not get booked for hours at her new job. Lucky us.

Yesterday my neighbour mowed the lawn before I had a chance to rake up the remaining leaves that had not blown away – the lawn has red and gold stains. Good fertilizer, I suppose. I had been thinking of putting some of the fallen leaves onto my back garden but did not get to it.

I heard from a friend that today is supposed to be cooler and windy. I thought that was yesterday, lol.

I suppose it is almost time to head downstairs and put the finishing touches on preparations to leave for the day. I shall miss my guy but I know that he has someone to check on him so that makes me feel a bit better in the worry department.

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: coffee at the office

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well it is Tuesday, June 28, 2022. We are almost halfway done 2022. I am not sure if that is really good or bad. I would like the time to slow down a bit. Especially when I made it to the top and am going down the other side. Yesterday Alvin and I enjoyed two walks. The lunch time one was considerably longer than after work but good to be outside in the fresh air. The temperature was perfect for walking. I noticed that most of my plants are still wet and we haven’t had any markable rain since last Friday. So we sure did receive a lot. I decided to do something different this morning.

This is one of the first posts that I wrote. I start this blog in April of 2010.

From June 22, 2010

“Thought for the day …… it all starts with m-a-n-n-e-r-s”

Why is it that people these days forget to say please, thank you and your welcome?

Perhaps it is because most people are too busy thinking of how things affect them to see what is going on around them.

Manners are so important.  Parents, please teach your children to say “PLEASE, THANK YOU and YOUR WELCOME”.

Something so seemingly small – can carry so much weight.

I must say that – that was one of the first things that I taught my daughter when she was a little girl.

Whenever she was away from home – people would always remark to me on how polite she was ….. that meant the world to me.  If you are going to teach your child anything – manners are the most important and will get them the furthest.  Not only the fact that they will get far with being polite, but it is the RIGHT THING TO DO.  Somewhere along the way – we got so hung up on ourselves that we forgot others.  Our communities are so important as is our sociability with others.

I am trying to teach my dog “Alvin” to have manners.  It might take me awhile but I am going to do it.  GOL (giggling out loud)

So that is my thought for the day, “it all starts with manners”.  Say “thank you” when someone opens the door for you.  Say “please” when you are asking for something.  Say “your welcome” when you are done.  So easy.  Give it a try.  Take the time to hold open a door for someone and say “Your Welcome” (even if they do not say thank you) and SMILE.  Believe me, people will start catching on.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.  Remember your manners and to smile.  We only have this one life so why not show everyone that it matters.  Believe you me …… it matters.

P.S. I saw that smile on your face,  and that twinkle in your eye…….  🙂

Oddly enough, I do think that this may have changed. Or at least the children that I know seem to be more polite.

I hope that you have a great day. Alvin to this day still uses the paw up to “ask nice.” He just had to have manners, I would not have it any other way!

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

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

PS: only 42 more sleeps / days until my 65th Birthday. I think that I am excited. Another milestone. Nothing wrong with that. I cannot wait until my 100th Birthday and I will be having a BIG PARTY! LOL.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Tuesday

The sun is rising and the sky is blue with a few night clouds still remaining.

The garbage guys just went down our back lane.

I opened the window and called out to them “THANK YOU.”

After doing so I realized that the man at the back of the truck had ear phones.

So unlikely he heard me.

Anyway, I feel better saying “thank you.”

 

There are three small words that can mean the world to folks at this time or any time, really.

They are:  “please” and “thank you”

Often times we forget our manners.

My Grandmother was instrumental in teaching me good manners.

I have followed them my whole life.

I am certain that there may be once or twice that in my mad rush or blind ignorance that I forgot, and I apologize.

Just a simple thank you can go a long way.

 

How about practicing:

At the grocery store say thank you to each and every employee working that day.

Say thank you to the person who graciously moves out of your way as you rush along.

Thank you to the person who drops off the flyers at your door every week.

Say thank you to your family and friends just because.

Walk about the house just saying thank you until it rolls off of your tongue.

Remember when asking anyone for anything to say please.

Walk about the house just saying please until it rolls off of your tongue.

 

If we are all practising self-isolation you likely are not seeing many people with the exception of grocery stores and perhaps the pharmacy/drugstore.

Whether you are at home or out picking up the necessities.

Remember this without those folks working their shifts and sometimes longer at your local grocery store and others ….. we would not be eating or able to survive.

That is the truth.

They are really risking their health and lives every time they go to work.

All the services that are deemed to be essential/necessities ….. whether we see these people or not ….. send them good thoughts.

Like shouting out to the garbage truck as they stop in our neighbourhood.

 

Practise good manners with self-isolation and social distancing.

We will come out of this better people.

That is my hope.

Less selfish.

More kind, supportive and respectful.

 

Well it would be time to grab my coffee and get to work.

I am grateful to be employed during these times and to be at home with my Alvin.

I am grateful to be in good health.

I am grateful for the warming temperatures.

I am grateful for walks with Alvin.

I am grateful for freshly perked coffee.

 

Thank you everyone for reading my posts.

I really do appreciate you spending some of your precious time with me.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

 

Always be kind and respectful.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of August, 2018.

It is still dark out so likely the sky is overcast by the smoke, the air is cool.

Feels like FALL.

I love fall so that would be quite okay with me.

Alvin’s BF Teddy is staying with us for a few days.

They have had a barking match this morning as their was only one chew treat in the bedroom.

I was getting ready and could not RUSH back downstairs to grab another one.

NOTE: to self always have two of everything around.

Seems strange having two of them around when I am getting ready for work.

Teddy has slept over before but usually is on the weekend and getting up so early isn’t a problem.

They have been good.

Just want the same item.

So cute.

Just like us.

 

Last night after work my daughter and I went to COSTCO.

I am always amazed at how busy that store is ….. so many people.

I was so impressed with one older man as his wife was walking ahead of him and he was pushing their cart.

I stepped aside with our cart and waited on them to pass by.

He said “thank you” as they went by.

First time ever someone has said thank you in that situation.

WOW, made my day.

Sometimes we forget our “manners” ….. it is the “please” and “thank you” those simple words that really make the difference.

If you were rushing along trying to get your groceries the same as everyone else and all those other folks did was to cut you off ….. making you frustrated ….

Wouldn’t it be NICE if someone said “thank you” along the way.

NOTE: Please say “thank you.”

If more folks remembered their manners each day the world would be a bit better place.

Being kind …. having manners.

So important.

 

Today go out into the world and remember those simple words “please and thank you.”

You will make someone’s day.

You might also SHOCK the pants off them.

 

Well someone is losing their patience here in the office and that someone does not have two legs.

So gotta run.

Remember, be kind and have manners.

We / You / ME can do this.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to always say please and thank you.

Always, Carol, Alvin and for a few days, Master Teddy.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of November, 2016.

Last November 30th of 2016.

I cannot believe that in three years it will be 2020.

I am excited for that date to come around ….. not quite sure why.

 

Have to share a “somewhat cute story.”

After work I always or mostly always catch a city bus to my home.

Last night I caught the usual bus downtown; we stopped at West Edmonton Mall per norm.

I have got to know one of the bus drivers, an older gentleman and so nice.

So we usually chat from downtown until West Edmonton Mall and then the bus clears out and I can sit down.

We chat about bus schedules, our dogs, family and life in general.

This time I decided to continue our conversation and did so once everyone had hopped on and was seated.

When we got to the bus terminal “Lewis Farms” …… yes it has my last name.

Very cool.

Sidetracked.

Okay back to the story as it will soon be time to leave for work.

So he dropped us off and I walked across to the bus stop where I catch the bus that will take me within walking distance of my house.

I was waiting at the stop …. first in-line ….. wait for it.

Usually I am by myself for a few minutes as no one wants to wait outside.

Last night people started to line-up behind me.

After a few minutes the bus arrived pulling over to where we were standing.

Just before he came to a full stop three teen-age girls walked from behind everyone and came over beside me.

The bus stopped virtually right beside me.

This all happened in a matter of seconds.

They were beginning to cut in front of me to enter the bus, and I said in my most stern voice  ” HOW RUDE” and “nicely” got in front of them; onto the bus taking the first empty seat.

One girl said “We are all going to the same place” as they walked by me on the bus.

I was going to say something like “I know, so why did you cut in front of the line?” and my better self said do not continue this conversation.

Another older woman smiled at me when she got on and said “thank you.”

Why is it that some people think they can get away with bad manners.

Not around this cookie.

I felt like “MANNERS REBEL” ……

Anyway I do not think people should get away with being smart asses and that is what they thought they were going to do “push the old lady out of the way” …. not this old lady.

Perhaps they will think again before jumping the line or maybe not.

Perhaps it will give other people who are constantly taken advantage of “say something.”

Anyway now it is time to leave for work.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Snow flurries are in the forecast for tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who never say anything …. perhaps you should.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of September, 2016.

Third last day for September 2016.

I believe it was only five days ago that we were welcoming in the month of September 2016.

Honestly I do not believe where the time goes but go it does.

So mid week.

Last night we had my Son-in-law’s birthday supper celebration.

I was able to leave work one hour early which helped me to finish the preparations for the supper.

Supper was just finished as they arrived.

The boys were happy to see them.

Everyone enjoyed the meal.

We decided a while back to cut back on the gift giving (unless someone is in dire need of something) …. so this year I decided

to give the gift that keeps on giving and that was “Girl Guide Cookies.”

Help the Girl Guides with their fundraising campaign and give a gift to someone else as well.

So I had ordered a box from a girl at the office and then the night before when we were out walking one of my neighbours was sitting on

her front door step with her little girl and we stopped by for a quick visit.

They were waiting to be picked up for Sparks and we chatted about the cookie sale.

So I ordered a box from her.

Good thing as the first order fell through – yup.

My neighbour said she would bring them to my house last night which was perfect timing.

So just after we finished eating and before birthday cake I saw some people including kids on the sidewalk and knew it was the cookie deliverers.

Right on time.

So I bought two boxes.

The little girl said “thank you for the money.”

Very cute.

Manners, always important.

Remember she is a “Spark.”

My kids were very pleased about the cookies most especially my daughter as they are her favourites.

I quickly slipped the boxes of cookies into the gift bag that I had prepared the night before and proceeded to give the bag to my Son-in-law.

He opened his cards from me and Alvin and then his gift.

We enjoyed chocolate cake for dessert.

Perfect evening.

After they went home we went for a walk.

I was surprised by how fast the sun was going down.

That time of year …

It goes up and comes down in a blink of an eye.

It was another beautiful evening.

Well time to go to work once again.

The nights go quickly.

I hope that you have an awesome Wednesday.

Be good to yourself and to others.

Perfect combination.

Always good to note not just for you but for me, as well.

Special Hello to: all those folks who give so much but forget about themselves.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 20th day of June, 2016.

WOW,  ten days remain in June of 2016.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton, sun shining bright in the blue sky.

Alvin is tired as we had a busy weekend.

He was up at 4:30 but was happy to lay down on the sofa with me after he ate his breakfast and went outside.

It is funny because he always stays in the bathroom for a few minutes when I am in the shower and then goes and lays down on the bed.

Just checking on me.

If I drop something in the shower he is quick to respond by jumping off the bed to come and check on me.

My faithful buddy.

I do wish however that he would jump onto the ottoman at the foot of the bed.

He will use it to jump up but not down.

Thank goodness for thick plush rugs …. to break the fall ….. a bit easier on his joints.

If he would wait for me and I could lift him down that would be great but to catch him is near impossible.

Yesterday my daughter and grand-puppy Elton came for a visit.

I made pancakes and we had a visit before tackling a trip to Costco.

I will say one older couple did say excuse me ….. at least someone has manners.

It would seem that people are just in their own little world and anything else they do not see or it does not matter.

Just do their thing and that is all that matters.

What a brutally unkind society we are turning into ….

Just imagine if everyone were kind and had manners and CARED what a wonderful world this would be.

Oh well, at least there are some and that is a good thing.

Well here it is once again time to get this show on the road.

I seem to say that a lot.

Oh and last night on our walk we happened to see our friend “P” out in her garden.

She was putting in some last minute flowers that her daughter have given her ….

I told her of the great deal that I received at Costco.

It was the last day and I got 18 Impatiens plants for $2.98 and 3 Geraniums for $2.98 (less than $6.00 for 21 plants).

I plants them yesterday afternoon.

My friend also gave me some more flowers for my new flower bed by the sidewalk.

How blessed am I?

So happy to have flowers on my front steps and out front.

Well gotta go ….

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: my friends who are leaving on an Alaskan Cruise this Wednesday, how wonderful.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of June, 2015.

It is a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton ….. the sun is shining ….. bit of a breeze ….. birds are singing.

We had a shower last night along with lightning and thunder…..

Well, it is pretty much perfect.

Alvin is laying outside the office on the rug with his front paws crossed over and his back ones (that is a bit of surprise) and from time to time he opens his eyes and stares at me.

He is quite the character.

Definitely an early bird.

4:30 a.m. …… seems to be his time to get up.

He wakes up around 4:00 – 4:10 or so and then I manage to get him to settle back down until 4:30.

Then 4:30 strikes ……

Alvin always does the “Ask Nice” …. by placing his paw on me …. how can you refuse someone with manners?

I am so grateful that our sofa is comfortable as sometimes I get some of my best rest there.

Oh well, that is my boy ….

Set in his ways.

That is middle age for you.

Four sleeps until my daughter and I go to see our nephew who was in the coma and is now in a brain-injury rehab hospital.

They have the best facility and he is making great progress.

My sister, her boyfriend and my youngest brother are going to meet us there.

She is coming from Regina and my brother lives in Calgary.

My sister’s fella has a son and family in Calgary.

Family all over the place.

It will be great to see everyone on Sunday.

Well here it is almost time to go and catch the bus …..

Seems like I just walked in the door after work.

One other thing I wanted to share ….. this morning in my bathroom which faces north ….. the blind is not quite down and there is about a space of one inch where the sun is coming in …… the sun ray glistens as it goes across the room as if it were a runway of diamonds.  I do not think that I have noticed this before now.  It is absolutely breathtaking.  Tiny diamonds floating across the room.  YAY …… would that be nice or what.  Likely dust particles or something.  Too scientific for my brain at 6:25 a.m.

Okay time to run.

I hope that you have an amazing day …… the a/c is set for Mr. Alvin so that he remains comfortable.

Special Hello to: my sister and brother so excited to see you guys …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of December, 2014.

How are you doing this Thursday morning?

I am doing great although I am a bit “tired.”

But tomorrow is Friday and I can sleep in a bit on Saturday.

Hard to believe that next week is Christmas.

I do think that as we get older that time seems to pass by more quickly.

I guess when we are young we only want what is ahead of us so therefore time seems to go more slowly.

But as we get older we more than likely think about and even wish for all the yesterdays.

So it makes sense, right?

Anyway kind of got sidetracked there …… now I am looking ahead to next week with some days off from both jobs so that I can refuel my engine and get back into “form.”

I do love this time of year ….. the music ….. the colours ….. the decorations …… Christmas trees ……. the feeling that is in the air.

If you had a red Santa sack with something in it …..

If you were standing in the middle of the mall ….

If people came up to see what you had….

If you said to them place your hand into Santa’s sack and asked them to say the “magic word.”

What words do you think they would most often say?

Here is a list of those words:

magic word?

ho ho ho

thank you?

please!

Santa

Merry Christmas

abracadabra

Which was number one?

please

I am pleased to say that most people were polite and said “please” and definitely are going onto the NICE LIST this year.

Me too, Santa gave me a task (sort of) and I get to be on the NICE LIST.

Does this sound cryptic?

I was handing out coupons last night at the store and decided to liven things up …. Christmas spirit and all.

It was fun and most people laughed …. which was exactly what I was going for ……

Most of all the majority of people said “PLEASE AND THANK YOU.”

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: every single human being and life form on this planet we call EARTH.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Always, Carol and Alvin