Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is Saturday, the day after …

I had a great 62nd Birthday.

Spent the day with Alvin and Humphrey.

Alvin and I had an early morning walk.

We pretty much lazed around the whole day long.

Listened to music and watched some television.

Sort of had a nap ….

My daughter came for supper and sweet treat.

My co-worker, the baker dropped off the sweet treats (photos coming).

Invited her for coffee …. we three girls had a great visit.

Here are some photos from my BIRTHDAY DAY.

The boys lazing around.

Nothing like mug of coffee and BISCOTTI

Humphrey in his favourite spot on the stairs.

Looks like I have a spot or two to repair … he did not chip the paint.

THE CUPCAKES

The green ones are:  Vanilla cupcakes with KEY LIME ICING and chocolate ornaments

The others are: Chocolate cupcakes with umbrellas and Teddy bears relaxing on the sand chocolate icing.

Only tried the Key Lime iced one and it was DELICIOUS.

This morning at another birthday bash I will have a chocolate one.

A friend and neighbour dropped by later in the evening with a lovely gift of shower gel, body lotion and a pumpkin apple candle ( I love that fragrance).

Snapped some photos of the boys.

A great day.

Now today one of my young friends is hosting a party for me.

We take turns.

I am taking some of the above cupcakes.

Special Special TREAT.

Humphrey is already in the house.

Teddy is coming this morning.

Almost time to hop into the shower and get dressed for the party.

Might have time to brew a mug of coffee before I leave ….

Lots of time.

Well it was a great BIRTHDAY.

Lots of birthday wishes via Facebook, phone calls from my siblings, a visit from my daughter and friends.

Hung out with two of my favourite fur boys: Alvin and Humphrey.

Does not get better than that.

 

Well time to fly.

Happy Happy Saturday.

 

 

A day filled with kindness and respect is a great day.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 27th day of April, 2019.

Well at 3:30 this morning we got up; we being Alvin, Teddy and me.

The grass was green and all was well.

We laid back down again until 5:00 a.m. and the pups had breakfast.

Went outside and did their business.

Then we got up at 5:58 a.m. and looked out to see what had happened below.

I took this photo with my tablet and had saved it to Facebook thus the size of the photo.

Now it is after 9:00 a.m. and there is several inches of the white stuff covering the deck.

The umbrellas on the patio tables are blowing in the wind.

I forgot about the plant that I had placed on the deck last weekend.

It is a type of grass so am hoping that it will survive the blast of snow and coolness.

 

So today is going to be a lazy day.

Will get some laundry going soon.

The snow has just made us want to sleep …. even the boys are thinking the same.

Movie day ……

It will be a quiet one.

Lazy day….. with my boys.

 

Wishing you all a great Saturday.

Hoping that wherever you are …. that you are safe and warm.

Good day to read a book …..

 

I am so grateful to my friend S who called to let me know that she had been trying to get us tickets to see the new AVENGERS movie ENDGAME but everywhere was sold out.

Just the mere thought made me feel like a million dollars.

Noticed that a few people had seen and were posting comments on FB, so I looked away.

I understand their excitement but I wished that perhaps they would not give details until the rest of us were able to see the movie.

Oh well, such as life.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of April, 2019.

Waking up to gloominess.

Where oh where has the beautiful bright sunrise gone?

The sky is that grey.

That gloomy colour.

The one that does not give you energy to get up and go.

Thankfully I have the pups for that …. Alvin and Teddy.

Playing already this morning.

I am so grateful that Teddy has arrived in our lives.

He gives us energy and Alvin plays now.

Even when Teddy is not around.

He grabs his toys and runs around the house; sometimes throwing them into the air.

Sometimes Alvin’s gregarious nature startles Teddy a bit, I think.

Perhaps a bit too “social.”

But they definitely are good friends.

Last night for dessert while hanging out with the boys.

I had a Baileys Banana Chocolate Frozen Dessert.

You know a little frozen banana pieces, throw in some coconut milk, a nice heaping tablespoon of dark cocoa and some BAILEYS, just a nice healthy splash.

VOILA ….. delicious.

As it was better frozen – I had to eat while in that state.

By the time I was done – a little buzz.

Just something I threw together while I watched “Kathie Lee Gifford’s last TODAY SHOW as a regular HOST.

I am sure going to miss that wicked sense of humour, her light, her kindness and her talent.

She can take a blah day or a sad moment and turn it all round with one lift of her eyebrow and a turn of her mouth.

In my previous post I did not mention her writing.

Songs, books both adult and children, plays and movies.

She sings, acts and really could have been a stand-up comedian.

 

Really there is not much this lady has not accomplished and is still accomplishing well into her 60’s.

I salute you Kathie Lee and look forward to hearing your news and music, and watching your movies.

Definitely a legend.

All the Best.

 

Bedtime for me and the boys.

They each had a chew treat.

Of course, Mr. Alvin wanted Teddy’s even though he had his own.

Oh, me Alvin.

What am I going to do with you?

 

The boys with me in my office while I write this blog post.

They patiently wait for me.

Well before a riot breaks out I had better grab the boys and head to the shower.

Too much sitting around for the boys can mean only one thing – “trouble.”

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

May the light shine on us always.

Good Health, Joy and so much laughter that you almost pee your pants.

That is what I wish for you …..

 

Special Hello to: my friend “LE” who is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of April, 2019.

Still dark outside but sun is shining in my heart.

I want to take this moment to send positive energy to family member and friends who are in need of some extra “help.”

My heart is open and I am thinking of you at this time.

May what you need come to you sooner than soon.

 

We all have our ups and downs.

No matter what is going on in your life; show gratitude.

 

I would like to take this time to say thank you for one of my favourite people in television.

She is one of a current duo.

Today is her last day on the 4th Hour with HODA; she is Kathie Lee Gifford.

I have watched her from Canada for most of her twenty-six years on television.

Firstly, she won our hearts with Regis and then with HODA.

Throughout those years she has made  appearances on other television shows, done commercials and movies.

Kathie Lee is boundless energy, love, kindness, witty, talented and so much more.

She makes us laugh and takes us to places where we may shed a tear or two.

Oh how she makes me laugh.

I will miss that part of her the most, I think.

This week once again she brings her strong faith and humour and energy to those final shows.

I wished that just once I had made it back to New York to see her and HODA in person; on the TODAY Show.

She gives everyone hope that is over 50, well over 60 – women and men that you can still change gears and do what you love.

There is no age limit.

Just do it.

She gives me hope; she gives us all hope.

I am proud to share the birth month of August with both Kathie Lee and HODA.

I share the same birthdate of August 9th with HODA.

Cheers to you Kathie Lee Gifford.

Wishing you all the Best for I know will be an amazing future.

Looking forward to seeing your movies.

Thank you.

 

Well time to go to work.

Special Hello to: Kathie Lee Gifford.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of February, 2019.

The sun is up.

Shining brightly on this Family Day.

This is a Statutory Holiday here so our office is closed today.

I am grateful to have another day at home with Mr. Alvin.

 

We were up at 4:00 a.m. as he had to go outside.

Thankfully we were in bed about 10:30 p.m.

I caught the first 30 minutes of the Elvis Presley Celebration.

Thankfully I had the mindset to record to watch at a later time.

 

The weather channel is forecasting warmer temperatures over the coming days.

YAHOO, walking will be in our future.

We did manage to take a short walk to the park yesterday afternoon.

It was cold but so much better than the past over two week period.

 

I have decided to take one hour every weekend to go through my on-line photos and delete the ones that are out of focus or duplicates.

When you have 30,000 photos on your computer – it is time to do something.

I also have about 10,000 hard copies of photos in boxes that need to be sorted.

A HUGE JOB.

 

Well I am thinking that today is a good day to make some pancakes.

My daughter might be coming over for a visit.

I love making pancakes for her.

 

So another day in paradise.

We are so blessed, me and Mr. Alvin.

 

My thoughts do go to all of the bunnies, birds and other wildlife that are desperately foraging for food.

We have quite a bit of snow.

 

Happy Family Day.

I  hope that you enjoy your time with your family.

Family may be described as any being that you “love.”

May be two-legged or four or winged or …..

Family are the ones that are ….

They may be of same blood, related or not ….

Family are the ones that you want to spend time with ….

Whether you spend the day playing board games or baking together…

Whether you talk on the phone or go to see a movie.

Just spend time together.

Just be.

Happy Family Day.

 

Special Hello to: all of my Family, related and those who are not, we love you and have a Happy Family Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of June, 2018.

A beautiful morning.

The sun is shining and there is a breeze which at this time remains cool.

We had a nice “storm” last night with a good rain and lots of thunder.

Thankfully the pups are not frightened of the those loud claps of thunder.

We managed to get a walk in before the downpour.

When we left the house it had not felt hot until we were half way through our walk and that was when Alvin decided it was time to go home.

So home we went.

We had a good night.

I watched a couple of movies and played with the pups.

All three of us slept great last night.

We were all up at 6:20 a.m. – YAY.

Breakfast was odd.

Teddy ate some of Alvin’s food and not his own and Alvin ate Teddy’s.

No harm no foul.

Everyone ate.

Teddy is not a breakfast eater for the most part so having had some of Alvin’s at least he ate.

Tonight I will make him the remainder of his food for supper before his Momma comes to pick him up.

We have had a lovely time.

One minor accident this morning but it was fixable.

Things happen.

 

Alvin has his regular appointment at the Vet this morning at 10:30 so Teddy will be coming with us.

Almost time for coffee (after I make it of course).

I can almost smell it.

Today will be laundry and cleaning.

THE NORWEX order arrived yesterday so I will sort it today to be delivered.

 

We are most grateful to live this life.

There are a few “downs” along the way but when I see what other people are living with and through; I cannot help but feel so much peace and gratitude.

I have been blessed with good health, supportive and wonderful family and friends.

I have a house, yes my very own home in partnership with the bank at the moment but in time I will OWN it.

I have me Alvin, who is the best partner one could ever ask for..

I have a full-time job and several part-time ones that I enjoy.

I can write to you every day.

I can dream or not.

I can be me.

So as we travel down the road during our days on this earth – if we are able to just be ourselves – our true selves, that is the most wonderful blessing of all.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Back to my Saturday, coffee, the pups and LAUNDRY ……

 

Special Hello to: Everyone who takes the time to read my words, it means so much to me.  I hope that perhaps some day you learn a little something but most of all I hope that they bring a smile to your

face and warmth to your heart.

Always, Carol & Alvin

The boys:  Teddy and Alvin – enjoying a chew treat.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of June, 2018.

Fast approaching the official FIRST day of summer and the longest day of the year.

Already it remains light at 10:30 p.m.

Bright and sunny this morning.

I had some unexpected company from Saskatchewan last night.

My nephew stopped by over an overnight visit on his way to work up north on a oil rig.

I love this guy so much.

He is 20 years my junior and feels like he has always been in my life.

First born nephew.

He is smart and funny, handsome and good-natured.

So much fun to be around.

He even took his “old Aunt” for groceries with no complaints.

We went for supper together.

Watched a movie at my house and visited.

Alvin loves him, too.

We gave up our bed for the night as he is a tall guy and the spare room bed is only a double.

Anyway he left earlier this morning.

The house feels empty.

We are on our way to get food for Mr. Alvin and possibly a bag of chew treats.

Then home to do laundry and prepare food for my kids who are coming for a visit and for supper.

Fruit pizza is for dessert so I have to get on it after returning from the Vet.

Supper is roasted root veggies: potatoes, carrots and parsnips lightly coated with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

Roasted chicken breasts.

If desired can place some RENEE’s Caesar dressing and sliced avocado.

 

Time to fly here.

Gotta get things done.

Certainly been a WONDERFUL weekend and is going to get better with my kids coming over.

PS:  my son-in-law came over while waiting for winter tires to get changed out on their car and spent the afternoon with Mr. Alvin.  They even did a walk together.

Have an awesome weekend.

Lucky here.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. so nice to see “T”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd of July, 2017.

Another family birthday …. Happy Birthday to my great nephew “B” …. Happy Day Buddy.

Sunny earlier and then the clouds rolled in.

We managed to get a walk in at the start of a small shower which did not last for our whole walk.

Alvin wanted to come home as soon as it started but I managed to coax him to keep trekking.

What a guy.

Just enjoying a cup of coffee on this rainy Sunday morning.

We need the moisture so no complaints here.

Quite the change from yesterday.

Well we are getting prepared for our company which will begin to arrive in less than two weeks.

Most of the stuff around the house is done …. just finishing touches …… groceries.

Well back to enjoying the cup of coffee.

Had the luckiest day yesterday.

One of my neighbours gave me a hand held clothes steamer and another one brought me three bags of KONO Hazelnut coffee straight from HAWAII and the first neighbour later brought over some watermelon and

during the cleaning of our office ….. I out of the blue decided to put out some cards ….. you know from past Mother’s Days and Birthdays ….. just because they are pretty …. and I FOUND …..

a $50.00 gift card for the movies.

I was going to use it toward a movie for friends and they would not let me so tucked it back in the card only to be found years later, 3 years later.

Can you believe it?

Also a couple of gals from work and me have been purchasing the odd lotto tickets.

One of the girls picked up lotto 649 tickets for yesterday and the Western Extra last three numbers were 9-5-7 (my birthday and year I was born).

It was a lucky day.

I am nervous to check the tickets.

Can you imagine?

What a day.

Time to run.

Neighbour coming for coffee.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. soon …. very soon.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of April, 2017.

Happy April’s Fool’s Day …..

It is overcast here in Edmonton (for real) and has been raining off and on for the past few hours.

I will point out that it had not rained here when we were up at 3:30 a.m. and 4:40 a.m. (Alvin’s clock is just a TAD bit off).

We have his regular appointment at the Vet at 10:00 a.m. so will be leaving in just over 1/2 hour.

We, er I just have time to have a cup of coffee which is downstairs having finished brewing when I was getting ready.

I can smell those toasty hazelnuts.

This is a new blend – come highly recommended by my daughter.

So my neighbour and I will be drinking hazelnut coffee for a bit.

Mmmmmm mmmmmmm mmmmm

Yesterday both on my way to work and on the way home I filled a regular plastic grocery bag.

I figured if I take something to put the trash in and have my trusty “purple glove” on that I can pick up most everything.

They are the non-latex ones as I am allergic and I have a good supply of them.

This way helps keep the trash down to a dull roar.

I am amazed by how much was on the walk home (knowing that I had picked up every little piece just last Sunday).

Kind of heart wrenching to think that so many people have no thoughts about the environment and just toss their “crap” on the ground as they go.

Oh well.

I am trying to do what I can.

 

Well I should get going here so that I can have that cup of coffee before his appointment.

I can always have another when we get home.

Luckily for us his Doctor is only about a few minute walk from our house.

So grateful for that ….

 

Well Happy Saturday everyone.

Have a great Saturday.

Enjoy the day …..

 

Special Hello to: my daughter who will have a gaggle of young lasses with her today and they are going to the movies.  Have fun.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 6th day of February, 2017.

It is COLD, COLD out there this morning in Edmonton.

Double digits below – 26 degrees celsius.

Poor Mr. Alvin had to take two runs at it to get outside.

He did his business very quickly.

Poor little guy.

I am grateful to have a warm coat, mitts, scarf and boots for the cold walk to the bus.

 

What a great weekend.

Yesterday we just spent inside except for some shovelling and I had to watch Alvin as it was so cold and he could only be outside for a minute or so.

Did some cleaning and watched a couple of movies.

I watched “Mother’s Day” with Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson and so many great actors.

I laughed and I cried.

It was a good movie.

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

 

Well it is almost time to hit the road ….. the cold ….. argh.

There are times these these when I wished that I was retired.

Oh well, it is all good.

 

Thank you Universe for a great weekend.

I had time with my girl, an outing, time with my boy, did some cleaning and laundry and made some jewellery and I RELAXED.

Perfect.

 

Have a great Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. shall we SKYPE soon …..

Always, Carol and Alvin