2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this beautiful Friday morning. Alvin and I are doing great. Just had a refreshing shower. Going to write this post and then head out for a nice little walk before starting the last work of the week. I thought that I would share something that is most important to me. We all lead hectic, busy, sometimes stressful, sometimes anxious, lives and we sometimes need to be reminded of the words we say to ourselves.

This is the Daily Affirmation that I say to myself in front of the mirror every morning three times. Now of course, affirmations should be repeated multiple times and with meaning so that you believe what you are saying.

Daily Affirmation

I am healthy. I am strong. I am powerful. I am happy. I am grateful. I am wealthy. I am loved. I am appreciated. I am lucky. I am prosperous. I am divine. I am confident. I am proud. I am blessed. I am beautiful. I love the person that I am. I release my obstacles and make room for new opportunities. I love my life.

We all need to be more positive and this gives us a boost in the right direction. If we show love and love who we are, love what we have …. our lives will be filled with love.

Positive talk. Positive chatter.

Time to go for a walk with Mr. Alvin. Have an awesome day. Look after you. You are important.

Happy Friday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of November, 2018.

It remains dark outside at 8:01 a.m. in the morning although there is a bit of lightness beginning to happen.

Our days are getting shorter and shorter until the shortest day just a few days Christmas.

 

Alvin has his regular pedicure etc. appointment this morning at his Doctor Karen.

Teddy will be here in less than one hour and he will accompany us.

I was so grateful when my carpool was able to stop at the Vet last night so that I could pick up Alvin’s supply of food, toothpaste, shampoo and treats so that I would not have to carry

all those items and wrangle Alvin and Teddy.

There really isn’t too much wrangling going on but always good to have some control of the boys.

 

I love having coffee on the weekends.

I perk freshly ground coffee in my electric percolator.

Makes the best coffee.

Reminds me of the old coffee percolators that sat on the stove top.

Mmmmmm.

 

Today I must get the photos to COSTCO on-line to be printed.

These are the photos that will accompany most of my Christmas cards.

Also today will be the perfect day to get writing cards.

I feel as though I am late.

The time passes so quickly ….. evaporates one might say.

 

Mr. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hall carpet.

Not on his blue blanket, odd or not.

He will be most excited to see his friend Teddy.

 

Well time to fly here and get a load of laundry in before our guest for the day arrives.

Lots to do.

I am always happy to have Master Teddy in our house as he brings excitement and added joy.

 

I hope that you all have a great day.

Remember to hold dear ones close.

Tell people that you care about that you love them.

Tell those people that perhaps you are not perhaps “not fond of” – something nice.

Really it never hurts to just be nice, be kind to everyone.

Regardless of the relationship that you share with them.

 

Happy Saturday.

Yikes, Christmas is getting closer.

Baking and Cards ……

I have to sit down and figure out how much baking that I have to do.

Another item on my list for today.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are stuck today …. just look in the mirror and say to yourself …. I can do this….. Remember you can do anything you put your mind to…..mind over matter.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 19th day of November, 2018.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me as I write this blog.

The house is quiet except for the click clack on the keys and our breathing.

I can hear neighbours rustling outside as they scrape the frost off their vehicle’s windshield.

Temperatures still quite mild for this time of year.

To be +6 or so today which is so nice.

Last night when we went for a walk it was raining.

As we left the house we saw one of our neighbours and chatted while we walked.

She is one of Alvin’s favourite people.

It was not a cold rain but was not raining especially hard so we walked to the park and home.

Not far but at least a bit of exercise for both of us.

We have some snow on the lawns and decks and on the extreme side of the streets.

It will likely be a bit icy this morning after raining yesterday and below freezing temperatures overnight.

 

Feels like a morning to share some photos from previous winters:

My daughter, Alvin and I went on this photo adventure on Saturday. It was minus 30. We got some “cool” shots. Alvin thought it was a real deer….. grr

One of the first winters in Edmonton – so much snow.

So happy to see his guy out and about …..

A few years back – so much snow.  No place to put the snow.

First snowman me and my sister made since we were kids ….. (2009)

In flight ….. gotcha

 

Well here we are once again.

Time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Be kind to yourself.

Take that walk.

Smile in the mirror at yourself and there will be a smile returned.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 15th day of February, 2018.

Alvin and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

We had a surprise package from our friend “V” from Regina.

She sent both of us treats and even a homemade dish for my supper.

TACO PEROGY …. it was amazing.

We are very blessed and are so grateful.

This has been such a long winter with not many walks and both Alvin and I are feeling our middles most especially expanding.

I guess it is time to break out the yoga mat and get to it.

Will have to start walking the stairs on my breaks, yes that would mean actually taking them.

I find that I spend way too much time at my desk, sitting.

I mean other than the time I am working.

I drink coffee at my desk and eat my lunch at my desk.

TOO MUCH SITTING.

This morning after looking in the mirror – it hit me – GET TO IT.

One should get to it before it gets out of hand and then becomes difficult but NEVER impossible.

Perhaps some of the goodies will be frozen and some given to my daughter and family.

At the end of it all, I am very grateful, as is Mr. Alvin.

I took a video of him but not time to upload/download it this morning.

 

Well here we are again and almost time to leave for work.

Our friends came over last night.

Teddy and his Aunt J, we had a great visit.

It was a good night.

Too many treats for the boys, though.

 

Happy Thursday.

I hope that wherever you are – that you are safe, warm and happy.

Special Hello to: my dear, to our dear friend “V” who always treats us extra specially.  Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of October, 2016.

Dark dark now and just wait this weekend we turn our clocks back one hour.

Instead of it being 6:12 as it is now it will be 5:12 a.m.

Alvin has had a head start on that change.

This morning we were up at 4:30 a.m.

Oh my boy ……

 

Guess what!

I have news.

Yesterday I went to Costco with my daughter.

Guess what one of my purchases was?

You will never guess.

LIGHT BULBS.

It would seem that I had some burned out in every room.

Now when I turn on the lights there is no place for those dust bunnies to hide.

I could not believe the difference.

I can see my kitchen once again.

Almost every room was in dim mode.

As my daughter said “good lighting for beauty.”

Which is true.

Both of the light bulbs in my downstairs bathroom burned out at the same time which I thought was strange.

How does that happen?

Anyway whenever I was in there had to leave the door open as there are no windows.

So looking in the mirror gave me a nice glow …..

The upstairs main bathroom looks like you are on a stage and ready to belt out a tune.

Honestly I felt like I should have sunglasses on.

My bathroom now I can truly see to put makeup on and do my hair ….. before it was touch and go.

Always checked things out when I got to work.

Slightly kidding here.

Makes for a better story.

I bought two boxes and replaced 11/12.

The combined total in both boxes was 12.

Yikes.

Note to self: ask to go to Costco more often.

Well almost time to hit the pavement.

My friend “V” sent me a message last night to tell me there is another package on the way to me.

OMG, what a girl.

The theme is “orange” so wonder what might be in that box?

I cannot wait.

Definitely something good to look forward to tonight.

It is a great Wednesday.

Lights on and someone is definitely at home.

Have a great Wednesday.

Remember to have a sense of humour.

My friend and co-worker and tea drinker “K” is taking me to StarBucks (her treat) for a pumpkin coffee.

Cannot wait for coffee break.

Well time to fly.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: all those friends out there making your friends feel so loved.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 28th day of February, 2016.

Today is the second last day of February – remember this year we have an extra day.

It is a bright sunny morning – the dinner birthday party was a huge successful.

Something I do seldom I did – had a couple of drinks and well up a bit later than usual.

Guests brought some refreshments ….. oh, my.

( Do not worry I was up at 6:00 with Mr. Alvin – he did sleep in for him as we were up until midnight).

The Birthday Girl was happy and all my guests loved supper and the cake.

So sweet both the Birthday Girl and My Guest brought me flowers ….. am I not the luckiest girl, I think so.

So it was a success ….. Mr. Alvin had four-legged company which was great.

So I leave this with you …… on a day that fills me with inspiration .

 

 INSPIRING

Inspiration comes from the oddest of places, at the strangest of times.

Inspiration can arrive with a knock on your door, say around 4:00.

Inspiration can take you places that your heart has always wanted to go.

Inspiration can make the day so much more fun.

Inspiration can come from watching the neighbourhood children running down the sidewalk.

Inspiration can come from catching one’s smile in the bathroom mirror, at just the right time.

Inspiration just sometimes arrives.

Inspiration can come from watching your dog meet his first love.

I am inspired each and every day by something.

It can be a dragonfly flying in my back yard.

It can be the scent of the roses on a summer’s day.

Making me wish that I was a maker of perfume and could bottle that heavenly scent.

It can be from watching the clouds float on by.

It can be from life – such as it is – such as it will be.

Inspiration gives us wings – gives us wings to fly.

Be inspired.  Whether it by something big or something small or nothing at all.

Just be inspired.  Be inspiring.  It is inspiration after all.

To have uplifting influence on ….. I like this dictionary meaning.

 

Written by CYLewis on August 23rd, 2010 (inspired by my friend Carolyn, who I am always in awe of ……)

 

Have the most wonderful day …..

Take a walk …. help a friend ….. be kind to yourself.

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 27th day of February, 2016.

Wow, can you believe it?

It is raining here in Edmonton?

The deck was wet when Alvin and I were first up at 5:30 a.m.

Looks like it has stopped now but raining at night at the end of February …. well that is just crazy.

The forecast was for snow flurries today ….. so that will be a lovely mix.

Rain through the wee hours of the night/morning and then snow in the afternoon.

Okay, then.

 

Well today is a busy day in our house as we prepare for a birthday dinner party for one of my friends who lives down the street.

It is an extra special one …… she turned 70 this week.

We, I will do the laundry, clean the floor, bathrooms, dust, get ready and then ice the special carrot birthday cake I baked last night and final step will be cooking the pasta supper.

So lots to do ….. so this will be short.

I do not like to rush and we already slept in as it fast approaches 8:30 a.m.

Wow, how the hours on a Saturday roll on by.

 

It will be fun as I love to entertain.

The extra strength ADVIL is helping maintain the pain from my strained neck / headache so that is good.

Hard to work when your body is not in top shape.

Anyway, no woe is me here ….. that life life there are things that pop up or out from time to time and you just deal with them and carry on.

 

I hope that whatever you are doing on this wonderful Saturday that you enjoy the day.

Always be grateful for what you have ….. where you are in life …… and then do each thing a bit better each day.

Keep on dreaming ….. one dream at a time ….. your life is amazing.

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Special Hello to: all those folks who are feeling less than special …… take a deep breath….. look in the mirror and repeat these words:  ” I am worthy. I am good. I am deserving. I can do anything.”

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning Dear Readers,

I was just thinking as I was “washing my face and putting on some eye-makeup” that I look pretty “darn” good for 53 (54 in August).  There are no apparent wrinkles, my complexion is the best that it has ever been, my neck looks smooth, and I feel that I look vibrant and attractive.  LOL.  Seriously…..   So my thought for the day (not just telling everyone that I look “good”) is this ….. “LOOK IN THE MIRROR, REALLY LOOK IN THE MIRROR.  WHAT DO YOU SEE?  I SEE A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING.  ONE THAT IS KIND AND WISE.  LOVING AND GIVING.  THOUGHTFUL AND GENEROUS.  WARM AND INTELLIGENT.  FUNNY AND THOUGHT- PROVOKING.  THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN WRINKLES OR NOT.  THE ODD BLEMISH.  CREPY NECK.

IT IS WHAT IS ON THE INSIDE THAT REALLY COUNTS.  WHAT’S ON THE OUTSIDE IS REALLY ONLY AN ILLUSION.  So despite my earlier confessions about my visit with myself in the mirror earlier this morning ….. I REALLY DO SEE THAT I AM A HUMAN BEING ALONG WITH ALL OF YOU.  WE ARE.  WE ROCK.

So have a great great day my fellow HUMAN BEINGS.  Wherever life may take you on this Thursday ….. take care, be present and aware, be kind and loving and for pete’s sake SMILE….

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

RECIPE FOR A GREAT DAY

Arise with a smile on your face feeling like you have just been told the best news ever.

While you are washing the sleep from your face, look into the mirror and say to yourself  “My goodness you are one beautiful human being”.

Walk around the house saying “thank you” …..

To every living being you meet greet with a big hearty HELLO with a SMILE on your face.

While you are washing the day from your face, look into the mirror and say to yourself “My goodness you are one beautiful human being.”

While you are lying down to sleep – give thanks for such a great day, and for tomorrow.

I guarantee this will work and makes for the best day.

Also if you are blessed enough to have a pet or more and some children in your life …… well that is another great recipe……

Take Care and HAVE A GREAT DAY !!!