A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? We are okay here in windy Edmonton or at least it is breezy here in our neighbourhood. We were in bed by 9:30 and I read for a few minutes. I am rereading THE SECRET. At this point, I need some positive reinforcement in my life. Our office is filled with negativity and not by choice. Sometimes when choices are made – how it is reflected by the staff is not joined with the same enthusiasm. This is the case. But I have noticed over last decade that change happens on a regular basis with this employer, almost daily. So after a time, people are just deflated and tired. It always irritates me when we get told about “change is good” and blah blah, well change can be good but sometimes it is difficult to embrace. Anyway, I am going to stop there. I am grateful everyday by all the goodness in my life. I am grateful to be surrounded by loving, supportive family and friends. I may have mentioned that once or twice. I am so over the moon grateful that I had the opportunity to buy and live in this house and hope to continue to be here for many many years to come. Gratitude for the wind, for the snow, for the birds and the bees. Grateful for life, for the good health that I am blessed to have and grateful that Mr. Alvin is my trusty companion through this stage of my life. I am grateful that retirement is just around the corner, that will be the next step in my life. I look forward to that time where I can snuggle with Alvin, it won’t matter if he is up during the night because we can sleep in, walks whenever we choose, I can write more and perhaps get that book done, go through my photos and learn some technical stuff.

I wanted to share this with you. Are you older like me or just not tech savvy. Somedays I feel like life is just changing at a pace that I can not keep up with ….. who knew that watching hours of my beloved “Disney + channel” would result in an extra $55.00 on my cable/internet bill. Well it did. I was shocked when I saw how much my bill was and immediately contacted my provider to find out why. I learned a valuable lesson …… “streaming” …… well I guess streaming has nothing to do with water and more about extra money. Anyway, my provider gave me for six months free “unlimited” something or other, I just forget what it is called at the moment and I want to say this before I have to sign off. Oh, “unlimited data” that is the term. I guess to have unlimited data there is a $20.00 charge or at least with Telus. The young man on the phone explained everything and was very patient and kind. Lesson learned. So I need to get all of these terms figured out and make sure that I know what is going on. I had no idea that watching a day of Disney or many days of Disney would end up costing me $55.00 extra when I had already paid $125.00 for Disney. They find a way to take your money – all of these billion dollar companies. It is sometimes over the top frustrating.

Time to fly. I hope that you have a great day. Keep the positive thoughts coming in. Thoughts become things. That is my mantra once again. I kind of got away from it. It is so true. Keep positive.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. it was raining last night after supper and it is plus 4 or so here in Edmonton this morning. WOW.

2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? It is Thursday, December 9, 2021. There are 15 sleeps till Christmas Eve, 15 sleeps till Santa arrives. Are you excited? I am. I am a 6 year old girl locked up in the body of a 64 year old woman. I believe that says it all. When I was a little girl, I remember being so excited and wondering if Santa got my letter or was listening to me when I said aloud what treasures I would like under the tree. At my real age, I honestly do not remember specific gifts other than a watch which I was both excited and disappointed in receiving. I wanted something a bit more exciting and not so practical. I think that I was about 11, maybe 12. I remember my sister and I getting dolls. There was a horrible year when we girls received these toy machine guns complete with the rat-a-tat noise. I was mortified. We had three younger brothers and I do not remember what they received for Christmas that year but guns for girls. Can you imagine buying your young daughter a toy machine gun for Christmas. I am not sure what I told my friends when they asked what I received for Christmas. Why anyone would think that making toy guns for children was a good idea whether in the 1960’s or at any time is beyond me. But back then, it was as it is still today, all about the money, the sales. Whatever they can advertise whether it is good for children or not, they do. I will say that when I had my daughter, I made quite certain that she had age appropriate gifts and things that she actually wanted. But it was likely my Dad that bought the gifts and he did not think about what the girls would like or the boys but rather whatever he could easily find.

Thankfully yesterday, I was able to get some ice melt from my neighbour and I was able to clear most of the ice from my sidewalk and I also put some ice melt down for them and cleared some of the ice from their walk as well. It is still warm out but I am concerned that even though I scraped away the ice once it melted, the sidewalk was still wet and maybe have a very thin layer of ice on it this morning. I have a friend who is dropping off something this morning and I sure hope that the sidewalk is okay. I wished that I would have shovelled a path through the snow on our front lawn for people wanting to come up to the house. I will keep an eye out for her. What a crazy December. I guess we had thunder and lightning the other night before we had the rain. I can honestly say that I do not ever remember having thunder and lightning in December. But apparently it happened, I missed it. Oh darn, that would be one for the memory books. Anyway, be safe out there all you folks that have to drive to work or to school or for anything, really and on the sidewalks, put on those ice grips or something it is scary icy in places.

Well time to head on downstairs. Alvin did not go outside after his breakfast at 5:00 a.m. nor did he want to go out when I came upstairs. He must have to go.

Take care and be safe.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. thank you Gillian for picking up a few things from Costco for me. I cannot wait to try the new bread and now we have popcorn for awhile. Nice treat to have with all of the sweets.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well can you believe it …. Wednesday June 17th, 2020.

I seem to remember last week it was June 1st.

Half way through 2020.

WOW, that is just crazy.

Totally a good reason to ensure that you live your best life every single day.

Every day is counted in the same manner.

24 hours.

60 minutes in an hour.

60 seconds in a minute.

So why does it sometimes feel as though a week or a month or six months can pass in the blink of an eye.

For me, it is because I have so many things that I would like to do and then the time has passed.

But we cannot give up.

Keep dreaming and making those lists.

 

I know that with working from home …. I am challenged with staying away from the job during off work times.

As I am keenly aware of how much work keeps coming in …. it is difficult to leave it alone.

I am stressed and anxious about the never ending “mail”  that keeps arriving in my inboxes.

Daily or at least weekly we receive additional direction and added responsibilities.

I do know that I am not alone.

 

There are so many folks out there working from home.

Depending on what your job is …. during this Pandemic …. you may be swamped.

The neverending INBOX, that dreaded email.

Our life line to the outside world.

 

We also realize that we are blessed and fortunate to have employment during this pandemic.

I am great appreciative to be employed.

Knowing that I can continue to be financially responsible for me and Alvin means the world to me.

However, that does not stop those moments of sheer anxiety of how am I ever going to get this all done.

Then I begin to second guess my skills, intelligence and even my memory.

 

Time affects us all.

Whether too much or not enough.

This pandemic affects us all whether directly or indirectly.

We, you and me are not alone.

 

Just because you are working and do not have the virus.

Does not mean to say that you cannot be anxious and scared and have feelings of loneliness and dread.

So we have to be aware.

Aware of everyone’s feelings and know that is is okay.

Okay to be nervous, anxious and fearful.

 

We will get through this pandemic.

When, I have no idea.

But we will.

The human race will endure.

Things will be different as they are already.

Will we ever go back to the way things were?

No, I do not believe so.

Why would we want to.

We have learned so much in these past few months.

Time to build upon that knowledge moving forward.

 

Well my work desk is calling my name.

It is inches away.

See what I mean.

My coffee is ready for me in a to go mug on my workstation.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

It is cloudy and raining here in Edmonton in my neighbourhood.

Wishing you a day and a life filled with kindness and respect.

 

Living this life, my life, every DAY with kindness and respect for all life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, How are you?  Good Morning.

Well we did have a rain shower last night.

I missed the big event, thankfully.

Although my little buddy was awake ultra early ….. @ 2:30 a.m. ….. outside and then back to the sofa.

He was restless.

But he is good now and can rest during the day.

Me on the other hand can only hope that I can retain my “awakeness” and some sense of memory and all of that ….

Can you tell that my sleep was choppy?

Yup.

I can.

Kind of hard to formulate complete intelligent sentences when you are sleep deprived.

Oh well, it is Friday and I will manage.

Reminds me of when my daughter was a small child.

I guess this has come full circle.

 

Well I, we are excited as tomorrow the GRAND PUPS “Miss Aspen” and “Baby Milo” are coming to spend the day with us.

I also have a coffee party with the young ones in the morning for a couple of hours which I may cut short by a bit so that I can be with the pups.

Time is precious after all.

 

So these are my grand pups.

Miss Aspen in the top photo and Baby Milo in the bottom photo.

 

I placed my FALL or AUTUMN wreath on the door a few days ago.

I guess we are close to that time.

This photo is from a long time ago when the wreath was fairly new.

The wreath has a more weathered look now and I have it placed differently on the door.

Perhaps I shall take another photo.

 

Okay, I guess that I am babbling.

Am catching a ride with my neighbour as my carpool took the day off.

Just enough time now to have Alvin go outside for an extra bathroom break and grab my lunch.

I am catching the bus home so will be later and Alvin … well better to take an extra one.

 

I hope that you are having an awesome morning thus far.

Have a great Friday.

 

Remember to influence life with kindness and respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of September, 2018.

Dark outside as fall continues.

We had a rainy Wednesday but does not appear to have rained overnight or at least the front sidewalk does not show any additional moisture.

So that rain kept us from our walk.

 

How are you this day?

Did you have a good Wednesday?

I have to apologize to my son-in-law as I sent on-line Birthday Wishes but I neglected to call him on the phone and wish him a Happy Birthday.

I will see him on Saturday and can apologize in person.

It is strange how we can get so wrapped up in “our little piece of the world” that we forget to do things OR perhaps it is a sign that I am aging.

ARGH.

I am reading and doing puzzles and working with the hopes to stave off the forgetfulness aspect of aging that comes with many years.

They say to exercise your brain.

I would say that I exercise my brain every day at work.

There is always something new and always different information to analyze.

 

Mr. Alvin had me up at 3:00 for now apparent reason.

OR perhaps it was because we went to bed earlier than usual.

I don’t know but those early morning wakening play havoc with my brain.

Then we were up at 4:00 and then up to say up at 5:10 a.m.

Perhaps it is only because he had to pee.

Now I can relate to that …..

Age what a wonderful thing.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember whatever your age – exercise your BRAIN.

Learn something ….. do a puzzle …. do something.

So important.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 21st day of May, 2018.

Today we celebrate “Queen Victoria Day” with a statutory holiday.

A day at home with our loved ones.

How perfect is that.

Another simply gorgeous day has already begun.

The sun has been up for a few hours now and the sky is sprinkled with with a few clouds.

There is a BREEZE, a cool one at this time.

I have opened all of the windows to keep the house cool.

Later this morning I will close them unless the breeze stays cool.

Sure has helped to keep the house comfortable for me and Alvin.

Well three days of my extra long weekend have already passed.

Certainly I did get a few things on my to do list completed but still a few left to do.

I figure while it is cool, time to get the floors washed with my steam mop.

It has take a couple of days for me to recover from staying up all night.

I guess that is something to do while you are a young one and not when you are over 60.

Although it was great at the time.

Sometimes one just feels lazy and just wants to putz about.

Yesterday a good portion of my day was giving Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath.

Followed by a shower for me after being covered in his hair.

I baked some chocolate chip cookies and we went for a walk.

Oh, there were dishes washed and put away.

Some small chores.

I patched a pair of PJs that I love, and wish to keep.

Oh, I watched “BLACK PANTHER” last night.

It was one of the best movies that I have seen as of late.

The house is quiet as is the neighbourhood.

It is about mid morning now.

Soon the children will be up and outside.

People will be out walking their pups.

Me, after a quick breakfast and sharing coffee with my neighbour it will be on to getting those floors all washed.

I also feel the need to tidy up the garage.

I have stacked a few empty boxes in there and they must be broken down to put into the garbage.

Tomorrow is garbage day.

This morning before it gets hot I will get that housework done.

Sometimes it is just a matter of being in the mood and then I can zip through that list in no time flat.

I kind of feel like housework now.

So better get to it.

 

Mr. Alvin had some drops from his Doctor for his ears as they are a bit inflamed but not infection.

OMG, you would think I was doing something dreadful to him.

He clearly is becoming more difficult when it comes to his ears.

Not good for the Momma.

I could barely hold him still.

ARGH, my boy.

 

Well folks time to spring into action.

Actually there appear to be some clouds blocking the sun and this is a good time to get things done.

Then one can relax in the afternoon when it is warm or something like that.

I had some interesting dreams that at the time seemed like a good idea for a book and now they have evaporated from memory.

 

Have an awesome day.

Enjoy the time.

Each day is special.

Every moment.

Each one only comes once.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. we have to chat.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of May, 2018.

Today will be somewhat cooler than the past couple of days.

AT this moment the sky is overcast and there is rain in the forecast.

We certainly could use a good soaking …

Decided to check on the day from last year and this is what was happening weather wise:

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of May, 2017.

The SUN is SHINING and the sky is a pretty much that gorgeous powder blue with a hint of pink.

There appears to be a bit of a breeze.

With hope of a beautiful day.

We needed the rain but now we could use the sunshine and some warmth.

I have held on and have not turned the heat on in the house.

This morning it was 60 degrees F ……

Not sure how Alvin feels about the coolness but if he did not have a toasty warm fur coat on – I would not have put him through this….

I will say one thing both of us are sleeping better.

Alvin has been sleeping past his usual 3:00-3:30 a.m.

So perhaps it is hypothermia …. not really …..

But definitely the cool temperature is good for sleeping.

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of May, 2016.

Another gorgeous morning, sun shining and blue sky.

There has been smoke in the air due to all of the forest fires in the province.

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of May, 2015.

It is overcast and very windy.

We did however receive some rain overnight which is great.

Perhaps it will rain over the course of the day and that would be wonderful as it is so needed.

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of May, 2014.

Well as I look write this blog it is raining here at my house.

So I was thinking that I need to think of something cheery to bright my moment.

 

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

Sometimes it is nice to look back and see what the weather was like one year ago, two years ago or maybe five years ago.

It is so wonderful have this daily post to check in on my life last year or six years ago.

Some reminders that I have grown and some reminders that I need to step things up.

We learn in all sorts of ways.

Looking back by brain memory or a diary or an on-line blog are ways to do so.

I know what I was doing and feeling yesterday and five months ago and six years ago.

 

Well here we are once again, time to leave for work.

I hope that you have a great Wednesday.

Maybe think back on what you were doing this time last year.

Are you where you would like to be?

Are you happy?

Are you making progress or spinning your wheels.

Food for thought.

 

Special Hello to: You, today …. it is all about you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 5th day of March, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my Aunt “L,” who lives in British Columbia.

Wishing you a great day.

 

The snow finally stopped just after lunch yesterday.

Thank goodness for that …… six times I shovelled the deck …..

We had a nice walk yesterday but the park had not been plowed so we did not get too far.

 

I watched the OSCARS last night …. 90th Annual.

Very impress with 94 year old Eve-Marie Saint who presented.

She was in the movie “On the Waterfront” in 1954.

Her memory and voice was crystal clear.

 

Well I am running late.

I hope that you all have a great day.

I know that Saskatchewan was getting the snow that we had and I hope they are all okay.

 

Saw a bunny run by in the snow and he/she was still WHITE ….. ARGH.

 

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 20th day of October, 2017.

Well I am in the proverbial “dog house” although Alvin lives in my house, so I guess that really does not work.

Anyway yesterday was the 9th Wedding Anniversary of my kids.

My beloved daughter and son-in-law.

How could I have been so wrapped up in my “great Wednesday” that I forgot their special day.

My daughter said graciously “not to worry” and I know that she sincerely means it but still I feel like “BAD MOMMA.”

Cannot imagine if I had more than one child.

Odd thing is that I remembered on Monday (guess I should have made a sticky note) or PERHAPS looked to the right of my computer screen to the BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY calendar hanging there.

I would have seen it …..

But no, I did not.

 

Happy Belated 9th Anniversary to the best Daughter and Son-in-law, a Momma could ever have ….

They make me so proud.

Good and kind and compassionate people, they are.

I am so happy that “S” joined our family 17 years ago, he is a great addition.

Thank you for joining this rag tag group of people.

Both Alvin and I send hugs and kisses to you both.

 

Well here we go again, time to leave to catch that bus.

Better run …. er, walk real fast.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are celebrating time together ….. Congratulations.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 and it is the 7th day until my 60th Birthday.

WOW, just a few days now.

 

This is one of my all time favourite photos.

Not because it is a particularly great piece of photography but more because of the uniqueness.

Just the way the light shone and was captured by the lens.

Almost feels like a religious moment.

Most times it is the small things in life that have the most impact.

Just a moment captured in time.

One I will always smile and remember.

Shadow looks like a candle

 

Always, Carol