2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Monday, May 10, 2021? Alvin and I are okay. Not the same waking up and feeling of yesterday. Alvin clearly is not feeling well. I am going to make him an appointment with the Vet as soon as they are opened. Hopefully can get him in this morning or at least today. He right ear appears to be bothering him and he has loose poop bordering on diarrhea which he has had for a couple of days now. Oh my poor boy! I wish him good health.

I just had to shut down my phone as it needed to do whatever it is that it does!

Well the morning sky started out overcast as the sun rose but it appears to be clearing up now. A bit of a breeze happening.

I hope that all the women and girls out there had a great Mother’s Day. Alvin and I went for a walk about 11:00 a.m. and on our way past our friend’s house, I noticed that she was in the garden so I called out to her. We stayed and chatted over the fence for several minutes catching up on the latest news in our lives. Sounded like she was having a Mother’s Day weekend. With the rain the weeds were growing like they had been fertilized. She has the most gorgeous daffodils blooming at this time. We continued on our walk and as we were passing Alvin’s best friend Teddy’s house, I heard his Dad calling out to us and inviting us in. After a visit along with tea and treats we were on our way. Unfortunately Alvin had eaten some of the pups food when we first arrived before it could be put up out of reach. They leave their pups food out all the time as Teddy grazes and Kobi, too actually. I hope that does not make things worse for Alvin. At home again, I started preparing different things for supper taking my time. The kids arrived at 4:00 p.m. just as supper was ready to put on the table. We took a few minutes to get settled and dish up. Always a blessing and so nice to see my kids and grand pups. Oh and I took a few minutes to feed Mr. Alvin his supper which was a bit early. We chatted throughout supper catching up on all our news. Even sharing stories of my youth which came up when I was speaking to my daughter about her baby clothes and such. About that I had placed most of those items in black garbage bags inside of rubbermaid containers which I should not have done. I did manage to get most of the chemical smell out of one load washed three times. We discussed about what to do with everything. Clearly as a Mom most things store most memories for me than my daughter. After supper we down to the basement and we looked at a few things which brought up some good memories for her. She remembered that she had been nervous about going to the babysitting course as she didn’t think that she had anything “cool” to wear and then I brought out an outfit that I had put away for some occasion which she loved. Actually that story made my day as I did not remember. I was thinking that perhaps it may be time to start writing down stories of my childhood and over the years for future generations.

Well it is time to get going here and pay some bills. Put on the coffee and set up my workstation once again. I will say that I think that I will pack up my work stuff every end of the work week, made me feel a break between work and home. Plus it looked like my kitchen, my house again and not work. No complaining as I love working from home. Just like to have my space.

My daughter heard that the rain helped with the wildfires and that they are now able to contain. Thank goodness.

May you have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you on this absolutely gorgeous bright and sunny Sunday morning? The rain has stopped and the clouds have parted. I/We went to bed about 10:30 ish and were up at 3:45 and then at 6:15 a.m., I felt rested and we stayed up. First Sunday morning that I have felt so rested and stayed up so early (for me). What a great way to begin the day! Feeling on top of the world! I cannot wait to see my kids and grandpups this afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the women and girls in our lives and everywhere who continue to give us through good times and bad, all the love and support that we need each and every day. thank you from Carol & Alvin

I want to share some of the writings of my past Mother Day’s Cards:

MOM, to the world you are a Mother, but to your family you are the world.

For the love you give

from your heart every day

and the millions of little things

you do with so much care

thank you

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

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  Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

With love to you, mom ….. for all your patience, wisdom, guidance, and love.

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

These are the words written by my kids:

We’re so grateful to have you in our lives and are so proud of all you’ve accomplished. This year brings lots of change we’ll all get through it together. Love you so much.

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

Thank you for always being there for us, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and unconditional love mean the world to all of us! I know if the babies (pups) could speak, they would say the same!

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

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  Photo by Lum3n on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

I wish each and every woman and girl on the planet Earth a Happy Mother’s Day.

You are a Mother to us ALL.

Be safe and be well.

I hope that have a wonderful day.

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

Be well everyone.

Look after each other.

That is the only way we can do this thing called Life …..

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I made the brownies last night for today and they taste yummy. My first time from scratch. Also made the black bean burgers and they taste so good. Looks like tonight’s supper is going to be GOOD.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and welcome to a sunrise with partial overcast skies.

Yesterday was an odd day.

Cooler and ending in the late afternoon with a crazy amount of miniature snowballs and then rain.

It reminded me of hail but so small, I guess ice pellets.

Covering the deck and the grass.

Now there is only a hint that we had “snow” yesterday.

Mother’s Day 2020.

Despite Mother Nature’s attempt at throwing us a curveball; our day was wonderful.

My daughter came for a visit and brought the grandpups Miss Aspen and Baby Milo.

I guess Milo is no longer a baby but he is the baby in our family.

We had brunch with muffins, fruit, energy bites and cheese and of course, coffee.

We exchanged gifts from one Mother to another.

I will add you do not have to have human babies to be a mother.

Nor do you have to have puppies, kitties or any kind of animal or creature to be a mother.

We are all mothers in the global community.

The old saying “It takes a village.”

Well it does.

Everyone plays a role in raising the babies on this earth.

My daughter, son-in-law and grandpups gave me a watercolour paint set with a painting journal and a book on how to Paint with Watercolours in 30 Days.

I am set.

So excited.

I started to read the book and I have already learned so many things in just the first few pages.

This next weekend I will start at the beginning and I will learn how to paint.

I think that it is better to learn some basic techniques than by just going rogue and doing my thing.

“Doing my thing” can always come later.

We had a great time.

My daughter made a run to COSTCO and the grandpups stayed with Grandma and Alvin.

It was great to have them in the house.

Aspen loves having her belly rubbed and Milo loves to stand/lay on my lap.

Perfect Mother’s Day.

 

So here we go another work week.

Lots to do but that is good.

Nothing worse than boredom from lack of something to do.

Although I will say I do not think that I have ever had a job or day that was filled with boredom.

Likely that it is pretty good for someone of my age.

I still cannot believe that I will turn “63” this summer.

 

I am going to make an appointment at the VET for Alvin this week.

Certainly hope that they remain open for business.

He is long overdue and I have watched him with an eagle eye to ensure that his dew claw is not growing into his paw.

It has got so long.

I believe he is ready for his regular maintenance.

I will call and find out.

 

Well it is time to go and grab my coffee.

Get this Monday started.

I look forward to a walk at noon as we missed walking yesterday.

 

I hope that you all have a fantastic Monday.

Living with kindness and respect for ALL.

 

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday, the 10th day of May, 2020.

Overcast sky with a breeze.

Today is Mother’s Day.

This is an unique one, as they go.

Some children may not be able to visit with their Mothers due to COVID19 and others may live under the same roof.

But whatever your truth is or wherever you may be, you are still able to reach out and tell your MOTHER just how important she is to you.

She doesn’t want huge bouquets of flowers, diamond necklaces, big boxes of chocolates or fancy gifts; she only needs you.

Tell your Mom, your Mother on this Mother’s Day ….. how much you love her, how much your admire her, how grateful you are for everything she has done.

But most of all for just being your Mom.

Keep it simple.

Maybe even write a poem and mail it to her in a card (it would be late but that is okay).

You could write the poem and take a picture of it and text to her OR email her.

I thought perhaps it would be appropriate to share some of my posts from Mother’s Days gone by.

The first is from May 2010 shortly after I began to write this blog, and the other May 2017.

I hope that all the Mothers on the planet are able to have a wonderful day.

Just being safe and in good health.

That is the most important.

Without Mothers we would not be here.

Just to add some colour to this post,

how about some pretty flowers.

I do love flowers.

To add I am having the best Mother’s Day weekend.

Two of my friends came over yesterday morning and we had a fantastic coffee party on the deck.

Keeping in mind the social distancing.

One friend brought Tim’s coffee and donuts.

The other friend surprised we girls with a card, chocolates and a lotto max ticket. (I won $10.00).

Alvin’s BF Teddy came to spend the day and shortly after his arrival, Humphrey came and spent the day with us, too.

The boys all joined we girls on the deck.

When the sun was shining it was warm but when the clouds rolled over it was chilly.

But that did not stop the laughter or the smiles or the conversation.

Have an awesome Mother’s Day.

 

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

May 2010 Mother’s Day

I want to tell everyone that may not know or be aware that I have the best daughter on the planet.  Truly she is.  Amanda is warm, charming, loving, giving, compassionate, intelligent, artistic, creative,  and above all else LOVES HER MOTHER !!!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought that I would share some things with all of you.  My daughter,  really does love me.  We are best friends.  We love the same things.  Like shopping, movies, television, photography, jewellery, purses, puppies, and books.  I am truly the luckiest Mother on the planet.  Now if Al (Alvin) just felt the same.

I want to wish every Mother out there – a very Happy & Special Mother’s Day.

To all the children out there – make sure that you tell your Mothers that you LOVE THEM.  Treat them with the love and respect  that they so richly deserve.  Remember they changed your diapers, read you books, made your Halloween costumes, put band-aids on your “boo boos”, made cupcakes or cookies for the school bake sale,  and were always there when you needed a friend.  Trust me no one else on the planet would be changing your poopy diapers at 3:00 a.m. unless they were your Mother.  Okay, not to offend the Dads out there …… but really mostly the Moms are changing those smelly diapers in the middle of the night.

So CHEERS to all the Moms out there, have a great Mother’s Day weekend.

You deserve nothing but the absolute BEST.

Take Care.  Live Life to the fullest.

Thank you Amanda for being such a great daughter.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE !!

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

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of May, 2017.

Happy Happy Mother’s Day.

Yesterday after a long raining day the sun came out.

Now this morning it is partially overcast and windy but I can see the sun.

I wrote this on the fly on FB, as I wanted to wish all the Mothers  Happy Mother’s Day

My girl just called and they are coming over.

So happy to see them today.

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

Happy Happy Mother’s Day “Moms.”
Mothers come in all styles.

They may be yours by birth or they may not.

They may be rich or they may be poor.
They may be light or they may be heavy.

They may be yours, they may be mine.

They may stay at home or work away.
They may cook and clean or maybe hire another.
They may sew or maybe not.
They may bake or not.

But they are always your Mother.
They will always love you.
They will always care about your well-being.
Somedays it may not seem that way but in their hearts, it is true.

I want to wish each and every Mother a very special day.
I hope that you are as blessed as me.

Just remember to be a Mom does not mean you must give birth to a child …… it is the love, care and attention that you give to another being that makes you a Mother.

Happy Mother’s Day.

CYLewis, May 14, 2017

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and welcome to Wednesday affectionately known as “Hump Day.”

The sun is shining, the sky is that beautiful perfect blue with just the odd wisp of white clouds.

 

Another work day here in just a little bit.

Oh, how I love this commute.

If I went from this computer to my work one it would be not even three steps, closer to 2.5.

How is that for a commute?

I know that I am very blessed to be able to work from home.

Even though there are days, well I should say moments that I could “scream” with my job, I am grateful for it.

I am quite certain that anyone with a job has those days.

I love being here for Alvin.

He follows me around the house from room to room.

I love that I have at a minimum 1.15 hours extra each day to enjoy with Alvin.

That is the difference when working from home.

If I was catching the bus it would 2.5 hours.

So this is a huge time to have at home.

Enjoy this time.

I know that I am.

I have more time to putz in my yard and thankfully it is now spring and soon summer.

I can go for two walks each day with Mr. Alvin.

Just more time to enjoy.

I am loving it.

 

This coming Sunday, I invited the girls over for coffee on the deck (instead of inside the garage).

10:00 a.m.

Hoping the weather would cooperate.

Please no wind and not like the gale force winds at our last coffee get together in the garage.

I was chatting with another friend and she said to enjoy this coming weekend (as I work and she thinks I work too hard) and what would I be doing with my daughter for Mother’s Day.

Whaaaat? I said.

Mother’s Day.

No.

“Yes”, she said.

I ran over to the calendar on the fridge and low and behold “Coffee with Girls @ 10:00 a.m.” and right underneath in fine print “Mother’s Day.”

Yikes.

I cannot believe that all three of us missed that it was Mother’s Day.

Isn’t that a typical Mother thing to do, forget your special Day.

Although everyday should be Mother’s Day.

As I said to my friend just that “Everyday is Mother’s Day for me.”

So after we hung up, I quickly texted the girls.

One of the two just realized the date as her husband mentioned something.

Coffee will be on the deck on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

YAY.

 

Well my friends it is time to grab that cup of coffee and sign onto the computer and get to work.

I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would or could do my job from home.

95%, I can and the remainder we could likely find a way.

 

I wish you a sunny beautiful Wednesday.

Remember to breathe.

Life is always throwing us a curveball or two along the way.

This is just one of those.

So we do the best that we can.

We will get through this.

Hopefully when we do go back to work – we will fit all of our clothes.

I have not tried “button pants” as of late.

Perhaps they will be a thing of the past.

Not sure if that would be a good thing or not.

Okay, yes I am going.

Just so much to say.

Always, happens at the last.

 

Happy Wednesday.

With much kindness and so much respect for you.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 14th day of May, 2018.

Another gorgeous warm (hot) day on the way.

Alvin and I had a wonderful weekend.

We accomplished most of our items on the TO DO LIST.

Okay, perhaps it was “I” accomplished most of the items on the TO DO LIST.

But Alvin gives me great support as he is with me every step of the way.

With the exception of the trash pick up yesterday morning.

I was pleasantly surprised to fill only 1/2 of a bag and my arm was grateful.

I would love to have him along but cannot seem to figure out how to hold a leash, a large garbage bag and one of those pickers.

Two many things, too much room for error or accidents.

Alvin stayed at home relaxing when I went to finish up my self-determined trash route.

It feels good to get it finished before the street sweepers arrive.

I do not like when bits of garbage get swept down the storm drain.

Anyway it is done and just will maintain.

 

Yesterday was Mother’s Day.

My daughter came over for a pancake breakfast.

We had a great visit as we always do.

She located her most recent iPod which is a step or three up from the one that I have.

As she said she had it when she purchased her first flip phone.

The new old iPod will give me access to the internet and FB to send messages if there is WiFi.

So that will be nice.

Almost like having a cell phone.

She took me to the grocery store while she went to the drugstore.

I picked up mainly fruits and veggies.

Lots of folks picking up bouquets of flowers in the store.

After all, it was Mother’s Day.

What Mother does not enjoy flowers.

Only the ones with floral allergies.

Snicker, snicker.

After my daughter dropped me off and visited for bit, she was gone back home once again.

Time always flies when she comes to see us.

The rest of the day was great ….. watched a couple of shows that I had recorded ….. made oatmeal for a few days ….. made lunch for work today.

Had supper.

My neighbour gave me a lavender plant.

Will be re potting it tonight.

It is beautiful.

We waited until a bit later to go for a walk.

Saw two of our friends and stopped for a short visit and of course, Alvin received a treat.

Perfect day …. some work and some play.

 

Well here we go again.

Time to put the finishing touches on before leaving for work.

Alvin looks so cute with his black and white fur laying on a baby blue blanket.

Gotta love that guy and of course, I do.

 

Have a wonderful day.

I hope that you can make all of our dreams come true.

I wish you great health and joy.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: all you puppy lovers out there …. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining gloriously in the morning sky.

It is after 9:30 a.m. and we have been up and down since 5:00 a.m.

I always think that I should have stayed up about 7:00 but I seldom do.

The drawing of the soft comfy sofa with our blanket snuggled next to Mr. Alvin just keeps me there.

Now I feel guilty that I am a couple of hours behind the schedule.

Part of me just says …. there are lots to hours to get things done.

No worries.

The YING and YANG of it all.

Oh well …. all is well.

 

Yesterday had a few turns and twists.

Many days I have a TO DO LIST for work in my mind – just as I do with my home things.

It wasn’t even 1/2 hour into it and due to technical difficulties with our system, I had to change the plan for the day.

It ended up being okay but kind of ticked me off, at least temporarily.

A little bit later in the morning a co-worker came and asked me if I would like two complimentary tickets to the big BUTTERDOME CRAFT SHOW in Edmonton this weekend.

I had seen the ad the night before on television and had been thinking how much I would love to go even just once.

So I said “yes” with no idea if I could actually get there.

Lucky for me, my daughter had been planning to go to COSTCO after work and was going to message me to pick me up after work.

So I let my carpool know that I would be catching a ride with my daughter.

YAY ….. craft show here we come.  I was so excited.

After work, my daughter drove me home and she went to COSTCO while I looked after Alvin and then made supper.

One of the few times that I actually left Mr. Alvin home alone for a few hours on a Friday night.

I am certain he was wondering what was going on??

We found parking very easily about 1/2 block away from the event and although we had to pay, it was only $5.50.

At the craft sale there were over 180 vendors.

Ranging from pet accessories to wool dryer balls to fudge to jewellery to pottery and more.

It was overwhelming.

Luckily there were no massive crowds.

We arrived just about 7:00 p.m. and were all ready to leave before 8:30 p.m.

My daughter let me pick out my Mother’s Day gift.

I picked up a slice of fudge.

Maple Walnut, my favourite next to chocolate.

The fudge was $9.00 (CDN), ARGH.

Thinking it was a TREAT, otherwise well I cannot think about it.

$9.00 really ….. I know they have to make money but $9.00.

My daughter picked up some homemade dog cookies for our pups.

I shared the fudge with them being my daughter & son-in-law and, she shared the cookies with Alvin.

Perfect.

What a glorious unplanned evening.

Something else happened during the day at work.

I received a phone call from my neighbour who asked me if I wanted to go and see the NEW AVENGERS MOVIE.

Well, of course I DO.

So that is great and we are going to a viewing at 3:25 p.m. today.

 

So a weekend of just doing the usual laundry, cleaning and then the neighbourhood trash pick-up added a couple of cool outings.

I am feeling so blessed and fortunate.

For the most part I feel blessed and fortunate.

I am, I am.

 

Also when I was changing the bedding this morning – I noticed this sheet set in my spare room closet.

I was thinking that it was the second set for the spare room bed but ALAS it was not.

So all this time I had another set that I had forgotten about and now it is like having a new one.

So now when I pick up a bottom sheet for the newer set, I will have three sets.

How luckily is that?

Crazy, I know.

 

Alvin is chewing away on one of his treats.

I can hardly wait to see the Avengers movie.

It is going to be great.

The sun is shining and I imagine the birds are singing.

The laundry and housework await me.

My heart is full and I am singing “Happy.”

 

Alvin will have another few hours alone when I got to the movie and then tomorrow when I do the trash pick-up but this is one of those weekends, the rare ones when I leave the house without him.

He will understand, I am certain.

 

Well I should get this show on the road.

I will share with you on Mother’s Day – my gifts along with photos.

 

Mm, the coffee tastes good this morning.

Time to get cracking.

Get dressed.

My neighbour has already come and gone with her mug of coffee.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend and that perhaps you have a surprise or two coming your way.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are travelling, be safe and have fun.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 7th day of January, 2018.

A successful day on all front was Saturday.

Alvin and I had a great walk in the sunshine and warm air.

I managed to do all of the laundry, clean the bathrooms, make a lovely roasted vegetable supper and baked a spice cake for our coffee party this morning.

In between I watched the STAR TREK movies that were played on the SPACE CHANNEL.

I had forgotten that they were going to be on so missed recording the first two but recorded all of the rest.

I have most of them on DVD.

One of my favourite television series and movie series ever.

I miss William Shatner as Captain Kirk but Chris Pine reminds me of him, a great deal.

 

So I decided after writing about my beautiful Christmas Cards yesterday that I would snap some photos and give you a show of them.

Here they are:

the very first card was actually handmade by a family friend’s daughter, how colourful and great.

I am painting my office in the spring and will have one wall with all of my cards for Birthdays, Mother’s Day and Christmas all displayed.

When you hang them up on a string from corner to corner you can change them out whenever you like.

DYI, instead of wallpaper string up CARDS …… once this is done, I will post this project.

 

Well time to go and have breakfast and prepare for my company.

Happy Sunday.

Another warm day on the way before colder weather coming.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister.  SKYPE tonight at 6:00 p.m. my time?

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of May, 2017.

The sky is overcast with rain clouds and you guessed it, it is raining.

Thank goodness that I have an umbrella.

 

I hope that all of the Moms out there had a great Mother’s Day.

My daughter and grand-pups came by for a visit.

We had a great time and even fit in a walk.

I am very grateful to have such a wonderful daughter.

 

Well I may have to change my mind about turning the heat back on.

It is 60 degrees F in my house this morning.

Not sure what that is, celsius but it feels cold.

Thankfully Alvin has his fur coat to keep him warm.

He also has his blankets on his chair, on the sofa and on the bed for extra warmth.

I wanted to see what the difference would be on my heat/water/electricity bill without having the heat on and before we start to use the A/C.

I will see what tonight brings ……

Our office has been cold …. hopefully the bus is warm.

 

Well, almost time to hit the wet trail to the bus.

Wishing you all a Happy Monday.

Keep warm and dry.

 

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: all my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of May, 2017.

Happy Happy Mother’s Day.

Yesterday after a long raining day the sun came out.

Now this morning it is partially overcast and windy but I can see the sun.

I wrote this on the fly on FB, as I wanted to wish all the Mothers  Happy Mother’s Day

My girl just called and they are coming over.

So happy to see them today.

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

Happy Happy Mother’s Day “Moms.”
Mothers come in all styles.

They may be yours by birth or they may not.

They may be rich or they may be poor.
They may be light or they may be heavy.

They may be yours, they may be mine.

They may stay at home or work away.
They may cook and clean or maybe hire another.
They may sew or maybe not.
They may bake or not.

But they are always your Mother.
They will always love you.
They will always care about your well-being.
Somedays it may not seem that way but in their hearts,
it is true.

I want to wish each and every Mother a very special day.
I hope that you are as blessed as me.

Just remember to be a Mom does not mean you must give birth to a child …… it is the love, care and attention that you give to another being that makes you a Mother.

Happy Mother’s Day.

CYLewis, May 14, 2017