2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? Another cold cold morning here in Edmonton. I noticed a light blanket of snow gracing the deck. Surprise, surprise there is not extra snow out front. How can it snow at the back of the house and not at the front? Mother Nature definitely has a sense of humour. Another morning where Alvin got up about 4:00 ….. had his breakfast ….. did his outside business and then we were to the sofa until my alarm went off at 6:45 ….. so much better.

This morning I was thinking ….. I am going to do a top 10 or 12 list of my favourite things around the house. Not living creatures or Alvin would top the list. These are in no certain order ….. just as I think of something.

1. My sparkle ball earrings from Hillberg and Berk which were a 60th birthday gift from my sister.
2. Photo books of Alvin, Elton & Penny and my Daughter & Son-in-law’s wedding which were gifts at different times from my daughter.
3. Geranium plants a gift from a friend (they bloom all year round).
4. Christmas Star with removable red charm from a friend.
5. Hand towels made by a friend to hang on the oven door.
6. Book, Becoming Michelle Obama given to me by a friend.
7. Purple crossbody ROOTS purse given to me by me.
8. Hand made, hand painted dough Lady given to me from my Mom and made by Mom.
9. Lavender Rose Bone China Dish Set that was my Grandmother’s.
10. Little wooden car painted by great nephew (given to me when I moved to Edmonton).
11. Royal Doulton figurine of a lady in white holding a flower, a Christmas present long ago from my sister.
12. A wok type pot/pan that my kids gave me for Christmas a few years ago, it is the perfect pot.
13. A bookmark made my longtime childhood friend when I moved to Edmonton and it was signed by friends of a ladies group that I belonged to ….

Well that is a quick list. Take a few minutes and look around your house and jot down your favourite things.

Makes you think.

Well time to head on downstairs. Have a wonderful Wednesday.

I think today is going to be “bra free” day ….. okay perhaps a bit more information that you need or wanted. Other women I know have spoke of this and I have not done this in the past. Today is the Day. “Bra Free Wednesday, February 10, 2021.” This is the day.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sky is that pale blue with a hint of pink, oh so very pretty.

There is a refreshing coolness to the air but you can tell it is warming up.

The trees are not moving …. no breeze.

Alvin is on his blanket beside me.

My guard friend.

My companion.

He follows me everywhere.

 

We started our Sunday morning by an early morning walk.

Everything worked in tandem to perfection.

We thoroughly enjoyed that walk which made me think we should one again start taking those early morning walks.

Although during the week it would have to be about 2.5 hours earlier than Sunday.

I had time to do a few chores before our friend G joined us for coffee and a visit.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by great people.

Humphrey came for the day as his Mama had plans for the day.

It was one of those hot muggy days.

Nothing to complain about for sure …..

Last night it rained again.

This mornings puddles in the back as per usual.

I have all of the windows open to cool the house down for Alvin.

The bathroom on the main floor is always cooler as it is on the inside wall and has no windows, of course.

So I will leave that door open.

It is his place to go in case of an emergency.

 

Do you spend time during your day thinking about things?

What do you think about?

Your life?

Money?

Your health?

Friends and Family?

Shopping?

Food, cooking?

Computers?

Technology?

Lack of things?

Too much of something?

We all have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day.

So I guess we have to think about something.

Most of our thoughts are just random bits of nothing, I suppose.

A thought as you are walking …. oh the grass is a brilliant shade of green.

Or looking at the sky …. will it rain today?

Not every thought is share worthy.

Can you imagine that for one moment?

If we share every thought that we had with the world?

I suppose it would be an even louder world than it is.

As I get older …. I every much appreciate SILENCE.

The quietness of things.

Just sitting still …..

No television.

No sound or few sounds.

No noise.

I find it comforting and calming.

I guess one could say that is meditation ….

Being still.

Being quiet.

 

Well here it is almost time to go prepare things for the day.

For Alvin, that is.

See if he has to go outside once again.

Close windows.

Open door.

Fresh water … no, I did that already.

Good Mama.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

If you are able try to take a couple of minutes to be still.

Sit on the grass under a tree.

Sit on the sofa with no television on.

Lay on your bed.

Just close your eyes.

Breathe deeply ….

Release ….

Again ….

Relax.

Happy Monday.

 

Remember Kindness and Respect are what you would like to have – so why wouldn’t you think that others would feel the same?

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of January, 2019.

Another blast of COLD for this winter’s day.

But on the upside it is going to be warming up and be around zero on Saturday.

YAY.

 

I was thinking last night after listening to someone speak about the following:

 

I realize now that it has been my love of writing everyday in my journal since I was a young teenager that has brought me safely to this place.

Before journalling was thought to be more than just writing your thoughts down on paper in a diary or journal; I did that/this.

Perhaps I was one of those slightly ahead of the curve.

Writing is both fun and therapeutic.

I am here now because I was able to write down my thoughts and see my life on paper.

Writing has done so much for me.

I have always wanted to be a published writer – maybe even a New York Best Selling Author.

I have wrote in addition to my diary-journal, short stories, poetry, essays and most recently an on-line daily blog.

If I can reach one person and make them smile, touch them in some way, give them information or an idea – I am over the moon.

At the end of the day writing gives me great joy and good health.

What more could one ask for ……

 

Time to leave for work.

Somehow the time evaporated this morning.

Perhaps a few less minutes on the comfy sofa….. LOL.

 

Special Hello to: all those writers out there …. you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of January, 2018.

Well interesting turn of events.

One reason that warmer temperatures in the winter time is likely not all good; freezing rain.

Alvin wanted to get up extra early this morning (3:45 a.m. to be exact).

After the little guy ate his breakfast and had some water, I opened the door for him to go outside.

The deck was wet, the culprit, rain.

Not certain what exact time it happened, but it happened.

Now I have a dilemma, do I add my ice spikes things to my winter boots, for traction.

I guess better to be save than sorry.

On one hand they help a person to stay upright when it is icy and on the other hand any places where there is bare sidewalk, well let me just say they make a scraping irritating noise.

Also slippery in the office in the places there is no carpet.

Do I or don’t I?

That is the question of the day.

I have 5 minutes to decide.

Likely will and will need a couple of minutes time to get them on my boots.

Oh well, could always be worse.

I do love the warmer temperatures.

Be safe to all the drivers and walkers out there today.

 

Cute story from last night:  Alvin and I were out for our walk.  Enjoying it, I thought.  Just a few minutes into the walk I hear this dog crying and looked across the street to see Alvin’s girl friend “ABI.”

She was out for a walk with her Momma and noticed us.

Abi bolted to cross the street but was gently pulled back until the traffic cleared and then she ran like a LION was chasing her.

Abi came right over and gave Alvin some attention and then to me, she gave a “kiss.”

I love ABI and she loves us.

We had a little visit and both the doggies were lifting their paws, which was strange for Alvin as we had only been out for a few minutes and it was warm out.

Anyway, I decided if for whatever reason he was ready to go back, we would just walk back home with them as they live on the other side of us.

So we did.

Always love seeing Miss Abi, she is gorgeous.

 

Well time to run and get ready.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  if icy or wet or whatever the weather is, stay safe and warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 20th day of December, 2017.

WOW, one more day until WINTER is official.

Then the daylight hours begin to get longer.

It will be nice to at least leave work in the daylight and not in the dark.

Tonight Alvin and I are hosting one of our friends.

Our friend who grows the most amazing garden of flowers.

Their yard always looks so beautiful.

We are excited for her visit.

She is the gal that I went shopping with on Sunday that insisted on buying us the turkey.

Yes, turkey is back on the menu.

That is okay.

I love turkey.

 

At this time of year, we begin to reflect of the year that has almost passed.

Did we accomplish everything that we wanted to do?

Did we meet new people?

Did we laugh enough?

Did we eat enough green vegetables?

Were we good to our family and friends?

Did we visit everyone enough?

Did we help our neighbours?

Did we …. could we ….. should we ….

Always lots of questions?

One important question?

Did you take time for YOU?

Are you well rested?

Are you happy?

Are you okay with you?

So many questions.

At the end of the day …… be kind to yourself and you will be kind to others.

 

Have a great Wednesday.

Gotta run.

Breathe ….. I know this time of year ….. is BUSY.

But there is always a few minutes to sit quietly somewhere and be quiet.

Just breathe.

 

Special Hello to: You, my friend.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 7th day of June, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning ….. bright sunny skies.

Always a great way to start the day.

Another is snuggling head to head with me Alvin on our IKEA pillow on the sofa.

I could stay there forever.

Unfortunately I took an extra 15 minutes and now and rushing.

But it was worth it …..

Sometimes you just have to live dangerously.

Perhaps not quite on the edge but for me it is as I do not like to be LATE for anything.

On this Wacky Wednesday morning …..

Perhaps you need to stay with your children for an extra few minutes ….

Perhaps you need to snuggle with your puppy dog …..

Perhaps you need to go for a walk before work ……

Take those minutes because as we all know they will NEVER return.

Have a Happy Wednesday.

Time to fly to the bus ….. or walk really really fast.

Thank you for reading my blog and I love to make people giggle and ponder things.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …… Happy Wednesday …… relax for a few minutes, okay and I love the jewellery….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of November, 2016.

Well here we are with only three days including today left in the month of November, 2016.

Can you believe it?

I think that I say this every month but I have found as I get older the months simply “fly” by.

They come in with all of the pomp and circumstance of a new month for that year, and then the days go so quickly that we almost forget that we have had that month.

I guess in a way it is kind of funny, if you think about it.

Sometimes perhaps we spend too much time thinking about time.

Do we have enough time to do all of the things that we need to do?

Time is passing so quickly.

What time is it?

Will I be on time?

I am afraid that I will run out of time to do  all of the things on my “bucket list.”

How many minutes before the bus arrives?

I am late.

The list goes on and on.

That is the human race everything revolves around time.

I understand our need to be on time, to have enough time and about time passing so quickly.

I think “TIME” is the one thought that is constantly on our minds.

So perhaps on this Monday ….. if possible …… just be in the moment.

Do not think about those moments before or those afterward ….. just live in the moment.

Hard to do, I agree.

But if you can well worth it.

Even if you only are able to complete this “task” a few times a day – it will take away from that constant bombardment of “time.”

Take care and have a great day.

Special Hello to: my kids and baby Milo who are living now without their beloved Elton and Penny ….. take care my darlings.  Think of all the great times…you have wonderful memories.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of January, 2016.

Happy Tuesday morning to you all.

We are going into a warming trend for at least today …..

So amazing that overnight it can be minus 20 and during the day minus 3.

The sun certainly makes a huge difference.

We have not seen much of that big ball of fun over the past couple of months.

It seems to be hiding behind the cloud cover.

I miss the sunshine.

Most of our winters we do have more sunshine than clouds.

Oh well ….

 

Mr. Alvin is laying by my chair “chawing” on the chew treat.

He has two or three of them ….. at least one outside.

He loves to bury them in the snowbanks on our deck.

It is so cute after he spends about ten minutes out there he comes into the house with a snowy nose.

He looks so funny and cute all at the same time.

What a guy.

 

Well it is Tuesday … any way that you slice it.

I guess I need to get with 2016 as the calendar hanging up in my office is from 2015.

Somehow this year I only managed to get two calendars …. one is at the office and the other is in the kitchen.

I will just have to watch for some more and perhaps just take advantage of the calendar on my computer.

That would save paper, too.

 

Just wondering how your resolutions are going for the New Year or perhaps you did not make any.

I did not make any as such, and will live each day as full of good healthy choices as possible.

Now there remains some Christmas baking in my house ….. so not all of my choices have been healthy.

I have been giving some away as well ….. must give more.

 

Well I guess it is almost time to put the finishing touches on getting ready for the day.

I hope that you have an amazing TUESDAY ….. with or without resolutions, it is all good.

Thank you for reading my blog and for sharing yours.

One thing I do want to do this year is read more of other people’s blogs.

That is high on my list.

 

Happy Day …..

Special Hello to: all of my fellow bloggers …. keep writing ….. keep reading ….. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 12th day of December, 2015.

Alvin and I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to a fresh blanket of snow covering the deck and ground outside.

Last night when I arrived home from work to find that after snowing almost all day the sidewalks had been CLEANED.

I saw two young boys with shovels standing proudly by my neighbour’s house.

I found out later that they have been going from door to door to see if anyone would like their sidewalks shovelled for wait for it ….. “$3.00.”

Cannot imagine any children these days doing manual labour and only asking for $3.00.

I was duly impressed to say the least.

After chatting about them with my neighbour who invited them to shovel our walks after each snowfall; Mr. Alvin and I came across them on our walk .. they were just down the street.

I thanked them for shovelling and we spoke for a few minutes …. they even wished me a “Merry Christmas.” (first, before I had a chance)

Where did these boys come from?

Surely it could not be from the planet Earth.

I have not seen boys of that age so well mannered in decades.

They have brought back my sense of hope that we have a chance to fix all that is wrong with the world.

Now that might seem like a lot from two young boys that shovelled my sidewalk but I think we are on the right track.

We have hope ….

Hope is always a good thing for the future.

Without hope there is no future.

Now I forgot to ask them what they were going to spend their hard earned dollars on but that is a conversation for the next snowfall.

I will still have shovelling to do ….. the deck …. the driveway out back.

In fact, guess who was shovelling in her p.j.’s early this morning about 5:00 a.m. …… yes, it was ME.

Nothing like throwing on your winter coat and boots and mitts and shovelling at 5:00 a.m. while the Mr. Alvin does his business.

Okay time to get this show on the road.  It is 8:14 a.m.

We were up at 7:30 a.m. and I have gathered the laundry; stripped the bedding to be laundry …. put on fresh sheets and blankets.

Paid some bills on-line and worked out my budget for December and have now almost completed my blog post for today.

Then get dressed and make coffee to be delivered to my neighbour.

She is on her own like me so we do things for each other …. neighbourly ….. right.

The neighbours in the other half of my duplex have been away as his Mother passed away out of town.

Then it will be laundry and stuff while I wait for the call from my daughter.

She will call from her Doctor’s office just when she gets there and then I will don the coat and boots and grab my purse and head on over to the grocery store.

Grab some butter, potatoes and fruit … my daughter will pick me up and then we will stop at the Vet’s for food and toothpaste for Mr. Alvin.

WHEW breathe …..

Then HOME to make JEWELLERY for the afternoon……

and visit with my darling daughter so excited …..

Have an awesome day ……

Special Hello to: my sister ….yes tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of November, 2015.

Today should be all about remembering and it would have been that way …. until about 23 minutes ago.

There is a dark shadow lingering in my house.

Alvin and I got up about 4:30 a.m. …. per usual and then once he had eaten and gone outside we hit the sofa for some extra ZZZ’s.

It was about 6:15 when Alvin jumped up off the sofa and tore off into the kitchen.

My heart skipped a beat.

I jumped up onto the arm of the sofa and turned on the kitchen light and found Mr. Alvin in hunting stance by the stove.

He was sniffing and barking and barking and sniffing.

So I know that this is some creature that does not belong in our house behind the stove.

He stood there what seemed like forever ….. then walked back and forth to the fridge sniffing as he went…

He walked over across the room and just starred at the stove.

I quickly moved his water dish into the living room and ran upstairs as somehow I feel safe up here.

We are in my office with the door semi closed so he has to stay with me.

He is whining at the door so I know my day will not be as planned and my near future is scary.

It is too early to be calling my neighbour but we shall hang out here as long as I can keep him here.

My daughter and son-in-law live too far away.

I feel so alone.

Thank goodness for Mr. Alvin otherwise I would not have known.

It is funny one should be here as I just moved some boxes of food from the upper cupboards back into the pantry.

They are up on the higher shelves in the pantry but it was likely not a smart move.

When I can I will be placing all boxes into a rubbermaid container for safe keeping.

Why is it they have to come into my house?

I keep a clean house.

There are not bits of food laying about.

My heart is racing and I just want it gone.

I want my house back again.

I could just cry …. my eyes are tearing up and my throat rasping …

What do I do?

I am afraid that Mr. Alvin will catch it and OMG I do not want it in his mouth.

He is standing at the door to the office … now pacing.

I know that he wants to go back downstairs and but I cannot.

I feel almost glued to the chair.

I wished that I had a solid row of cats that were hunters standing all around my house protecting us ….

It could be an invisible row ….

Please bring magic to me now.

I am afraid.

I have to make a decision shortly before Alvin goes crazy.

Time to call my neighbour …. my saviour.

I just want to be snoozing on the sofa. ….. why today?

I guess better today than tomorrow.

 

Special Hello: to all those folks in my position…. I understand

Always, Carol and Alvin