The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? I am well. Alvin is still downstairs asleep on the sofa. Not sure how I was able to get upstairs without him following me but I have. So I will take advantage of a few minutes before he follows me upstairs. The sun is shining brightly and the sky is most beautiful powder blue. So nice to wake up to sunshine. We were up many times before now. The first time we were up was 11:30 p.m. and it was snowing (thankfully it did not amount to much) and then 3:30, 4:30, 5:00 and 8:30 a.m. So chopped up sleep for this Momma. Oh well I do feel rested now.

We had a great Saturday. I did several loads of laundry, vacuumed and washed the main floor, cleaned the main floor bathroom, watered all of the plants in the house and some other odds and ends. Shovelled the driveway. We had a nice walk to the park and home enjoying a small bit of snow that we had yesterday. For supper I made something new. I roasted some carrots and broccoli together with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and then the chickpeas with olive oil and some spices (curry powder and turmeric and pepper) in the oven. I made a pot of quinoa and also semi caramelized some onions. Once everything was cooked, I mixed them all in a huge bowl. So good. Most enjoyable. After dishes were done, I just snuggled with Alvin and watched a movie and a show that I had previously recorded, Ghosts. A nice evening.

Today we will definitely we going for a walk as it is supposed to be warmer than yesterday. A shower after I finish this blog. I have one more load of laundry to do and bring up the clothes that are air drying in the laundry room. Vacuum and wash the floors upstairs and dust and all of that including the two bathrooms. Seems like a much better idea to do one floor at a time. Or at least it did yesterday.

I was just going through things in my head ….. and I just heard Alvin whining downstairs. He just woke up and his Momma was not there. Must be a first, I think. Anyway I called out to him so he knew I was in the house and then went downstairs. He had a drink of water before wanting to go outside to pee. We are both upstairs now. It is so funny how having a few minutes alone feels so freeing. Not that I mind having him around, I love him but just to have a few minutes without someone right on my heels is nice, too. Usually he is wherever I am unless I am away from home. Honestly, the thought of leaving him at home alone causes me a bit of anxiety especially after two major surgeries and also being two years older. Mixed feelings about it all, I guess.

Last night I was thinking about “age” and how some people shy away from revealing that number while others shout it from the rooftops. I guess I am somewhere in between the two. This August I will turn 65 which is cool, I think. There are some perks to being that age such as special pricing and discounts. I always think as long as I can sit up and turn my legs to the floor and stand up, that I am doing great. Or at least I am starting the day from a good place. Age is some that is inevitable. It happens whether we like it or not or plan for it, and if we are lucky enough to have it happen. If we think about all those humans who have had their lives ended early whether by accident, disease or war, well then the rest of us are doing well. Of course, as we age our health can change, our memories may become a bit fuzzy and our bodies do not always want to do what we would would like BUT that is okay. There is so much we can do to keep our bodies and minds in good health that aging should not be scary. During the chapters of our lives much like a book, there is a beginning and many chapters in the middle before the end. So just keep picking up that book and working on each chapter. Enjoy your time on this earth instead of worrying about how old you are. Work on those dreams. I know, I have said that alot and am I working on them, yes in small ways. One of these days, I will surprise you all. That I am certain of.

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So I better get going and have that shower. My friend Amber is dropping off the jewellery from my Fifth Avenue Party. Cannot be in the shower when she arrives.

Enjoy your day. Get out there and live your live. I am so happy to see the bright sunshine, so happy.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy Family Day to those places across the world that celebrate “Families” on this day. We had a beautiful sunrise around 7:30 this morning. It was so funny. Alvin woke me up about 4:15 and we went downstairs and he as per usual had his glucosamine chew and then went outside for a pee and then we hit the sofa. The next time we woke up was just before 7:30. He never sleeps that long before having breakfast. He does not seem to be out of sorts, he just slept. Back to the sunrise, it was glorious filled with an array of vibrant colours from the palette of an artist. Absolutely beautiful. The moon was out and that was the first time that I have seen the moon in a long time. Now the sky is a brilliant powder blue and the sun is shining so brightly. What a morning!

I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut yesterday. Definitely not his favourite thing in the world to do. Followed by a bath, his least second favourite thing to do. He was not really a happy little guy. I forgot until a few minutes into his haircut to give him an anxiety pill but it did not really seem to help him at all. It is only a fraction of a whole pill as prescribed by his Vet. I will have to speak to her because it did not help. I was gentle as always with him and praised him when he allowed me to trim his paws. He looks so handsome.

So what to do on this day. I really did not have anything planned. Although I could always clean out a closet or cupboards or even one or both of my pantries. I guess the closet in this room, the office would be a good choice. At this very moment, I have no desire to clean anything but then again I have not had my morning coffee. I can smell the aroma wafting up from the kitchen and perhaps after coffee and breakfast, I will tackle the office closet. I will have to gather up the trash and take out for tomorrow. Have to check the schedule to see if it is a garbage day with recycling OR food scraps with recycling day? I don’t put mine out every Tuesday as I never have enough to bother. But it has been a couple of weeks so I will put out whichever needs to go out. We had some fresh snow last night. Just before the snowfall my neighbour was out with his leaf blower clearing the fresh light snow from our sidewalks. Then a short time later there was another light blanket. There is no keeping the walks clean this winter.

I watched some good movies last night. On PRIME I watched “About Time” which was a heartwarming comedy about love and time travel with Rachel McAdams. It was so good. Even a bit teary eyed at parts. I loved it. Definitely “thumbs up.” The other one I watched was “5 Flights Up” with Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman. It was so good. I do not remember if that was on PRIME or NETFLIX. But definitely another good one to watch. Usually I am into action/drama but comedies seems to be on the menu last night. It is also nice to watch new movies, something that I have not watched before. I do tend to watch movies over and over and over again. Not sure why other than if I like/love them, then it is worth seeing them multiple times.

Well time to go and have that mug of coffee.

Enjoy your day.

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

P.S. I am a money magnet. Money comes to me easily and effortlessly.

Keeping the flow.

2021

Good Morning ALL! We slept in a bit later than usual this morning. The sun is shining brightly and it is brrr cold outside. In fact, Mr. Alvin didn’t go out after he ate his breakfast a few hours ago and had it not been for Cookie braving the cold a few minutes ago, I doubt he would have gone out. He likely would have waiting until he could wait no more. It is so cold outside. I feel for any folks and animals and birds that are outside in this weather. I see some people out walking with their dogs. One couple has these two huge dogs, I think they are labs. They have coats and boots on them. The dogs seldom miss a walk and they usually go twice per day. Another woman walks her dog who is not quite so large but with no coat or boots. The dog has a shaggy coat and I pray the pup is okay. Unfortunately as much as Alvin needs or may like a walk, I will not take him out in this weather. He barely can tolerate going out to the backyard (actually to the deck which is covered in lots of snow). Anyway, please if you have a dog or cat, keep them in the house. Our pets can not tolerate these deep freeze temperatures.

Alvin was sawing logs much longer than me and Cookie this morning. She got up and was pulling toys out of Alvin’s toybox. She found out than she dragged up onto the big chair by the window. The toy was about 1/2 her size. She is a strong little thing. We are over the halfway point until her family returns to home to Edmonton. We have been texting and they are having a great time. I am thinking that upon their return, I am going to carry Cookie and her things back home, masked of course. Likely a good idea. Her stash of pee pads is dwindling quickly. I may have to reach out to one of my friends down the street and see if I can borrow some.

Alvin is laying outside the office door as he always does. I have noticed that he is playing a bit more than usual and I think it is always more fun to play when you have a playmate. A human is not quite the same as another four-legged. Next month, Mr. Alvin turns 13. I cannot believe it. WOW.

I truly have been lounging about, relaxing, and unwinding these past few days. It seems like I should be taking down the decorations and the tree but I have decided not to as I am afraid that Cookie will get underfoot. Perhaps or not. We have been just hanging out. I did some laundry yesterday so not totally lying about on the sofa watching movies. It has been great watching some movies that I have not seen in awhile. I also started to read one of my new books. JOY by Debbie Travis. It is great. I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I also have been enjoying coffee every morning. When you are at home in the house and it is bitterly cold outside, something hot just tastes so much better. I have heard that when you are cold you should drink something cold and same in the summer when it is hot, you should drink something hot. I can see that making sense. But when you are warm and it is cold outside, a mug of hot coffee tastes all the more sweet. I am almost finished the second bag of Starbucks “Christmas Blend” and am sad. I do so love that coffee. It is not bitter, not sweet but somewhere in between. There is no after taste in your mouth when you are finished. It is the perfect coffee and I love it. So this morning I will definitely enjoy one of the mugs of that blend for this year.

I finished the leftovers from our Christmas dinner last night. So great to have leftovers. Now to get through all of the chopped up vegetables. Perhaps a stir fry would be nice.

Today is Wednesday, December 29, 2021. We are only two days away from New Year’s Eve. Are you celebrating outside your home this year? I will remain inside with the pups. The weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday is almost tropical compared to the days leading up. I will definitely be taking Mr. Alvin for a walk. It may be too cold for Cookie and trying to get outside without her escaping will be interesting. But I will try.

I wish you a great Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

P.S. Miss Cookie just walked up to Alvin and started to lick his face. He turned his head and she kept licking. He did not jump up or growl at her. WOW. I think he may be enjoying his new temporary room-mate.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Recovered from the celebrations. We have been sleeping in the past couple of mornings. I mean we were up at 4:00 and then went downstairs and Mr. Alvin reluctantly went outside to pee. It is so bitterly cold that no one wants to go outside. At least not in my household. Poor guy, finally after three attempts at leaving the house he went outside. Two hours or so later when they got up for breakfast it was the same deal except Alvin would not go outside. So I am figuring by now he must have to go poop so I will keep this post short. Cookie did not even leave the comfort and warmth of the pillow on the green chair. With Rudolph keeping her company. I so wished that Alvin would try the pee pads. I would think that he has seen Cookie in action. Anyway, he is only outside long enough to do his business and then back inside where I gingerly wipe and warm up his feet.

I can hear the garbage employees outside. Not politically correct to say “garbagemen.” Those poor souls. I only saw the driver and this is not the truck that has the automatic arm that lifts the bins onto the truck. So I am not sure if the driver has to hope out and pick up the recycling or perhaps they were off ahead a bit keeping warm. I so appreciate what they do in the bitter cold of the winter and in the heat of the summer. I appreciate them all of the time but especially when the rest of us are in the house staying warm or in the house keeping cool.

Happy Birthday to Sonja, Humphrey & Bogart’s Mom. Wow, December 28th, 2021 already. Soon we will be ushering in yet another New Year! Seems like 2021 flew by extra fast. Or at least for me.

I was thinking that perhaps I would take the Christmas Tree down today but thought otherwise as I have Cookie here and she will be underfoot. So I will leave it up until she goes home. Her Family is scheduled to be home on January 3, 2022. I guess things will stay up until the following weekend. A bit late but that is okay. I can concentrate just on resting. That is what I/we did yesterday. I watched LITTLE WOMEN (2019), Sleepless in Seattle and Nottinghill. I enjoyed them all. I watched something else later in the evening – now what was it? OMG, I have forgotten. Anyway, it was nice to just relax watch movies. This week will truly be one of rest and relaxation. Too cold to go for a walk. Too cold to leave the house although I am thinking that I should check the mail and see if anything came in last week.

I guess as we reflect on yet another year that has been filled with stress and distress, we can choose to find those moments that were filled with joy and happiness. I am over the moon filled with gratitude that my employer has decided that we may continue to work from the comforts of our own homes. I love being at home with Alvin. Home is the best place to be for me. I am grateful that Alvin recovered from his surgeries. I am grateful that I was able to spend time with my daughter, son-in-law, grandpups and friends. I am grateful for technology so that I can video chat with my sister. Life is good. Of course, there are some things that I could definitely live without but for the most part, my life is pretty great.

So on that note, I shall say goodbye for this post for this day. I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday and it is Tuesday, right? OMG, I am lost on the days and have to keep counting from Christmas Day. Yikes. LOL.

“Cookie, what are you up to?” I heard rustling from the spare room. She is by my side once again.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin & Cookie Monster (my nickname for her).

P.S. she zips along the floor and I wonder when she is not in my range of sight what she is up to? I just had a thought that perhaps today should be a STAR TREK movie day. That is if I can find them. Not sure if they are on NETFLIX and I do not have the DVD player hooked up. OH well, there will be some series that we can watch. I am certain of that. Maybe something new or one that I started. Nice to have a day to watch things and see the whole season of a show.

Welcome to December, 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this Thursday morning? I am great. We are in serious countdown mode to Christmas. As one week today is CHRISTMAS EVE. Sometimes I forget that I am 63 and think that I am 8. Waiting for Santa to arrive. Believing that good will prevail is what always gets me through each day. Positive thinking – faith – believing that I can force change. We all can. So back to Christmas. Are you watching your favourite Christmas programs and movies? I am over the moon happy to have this 58 inch television hanging on my living room wall. So grateful to my kids for giving it to me as they have a new one. I thought that my other t.v. was great, the colour was great, picture was sharp or so I thought. But I have noticed things on the bigger screen that I never saw before …. it has been wonderful. Definitely going to be spending some time watching more movies over the Christmas break.

Our City has serious restriction protocols in place at this time until into January so we cannot have company other than the people in your “bubble” and my bubble is two extra people other than myself. So my kids are my “pod” for this time. There are so many new words or old words have new meaning in this pandemic. Like pod and bubble to name just a couple. But at the end of the day I am grateful that our government and leadership are listening to the scientists and medical professionals and clamping down. It is not ideal at this time of year for sure but it is for the best, so that we do not have spikes and lose even more dear souls. We also have to remember to reach out to those folks who are struggling. If you have a neighbour who is alone, seniors who live down the street or you know someone who needs help, please reach out. Even if you do not have the financial resources to help, perhaps you can give them information that can help or even just to listen. Now I know we cannot go into houses to help but you can talk from the sidewalk or facetime or phone. We still have phones you know. Please make this Christmas about more than you and your family. Make it about helping someone who is struggling …. you never know what a phone call can do to lift someone’s spirits, to give them hope. Besides I truly believe that we are all here to help one another. If we were meant to be alone …. there would not be 8 billion or so people on this planet. Reach out. Please. Let this be the part of 2020 that brings lightness to what has been a dark year for so many. We can do this.

With kindness, respect and compassion we will get through this pandemic.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Saturday December 12th, 2020 which is only “12 sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day?” Are you busy baking? Busy wrapping gifts? Shopping? Cleaning? Cooking? Crying? Having a sadness episode? Watching a lot of Christmas movies? Playing board games with your family? Giving your pup a bath? Watching this glorious sunrise? All of or none of the above. For whichever you are doing know that you are not alone. We are all having an unique experience this year, this holiday season, this Christmas 2020. That’s okay. Whatever we do, wherever we are, we will get through this together. There is not one person on the planet (unless they are away from technology) that is not or has not been affected by the PANDEMIC. So you are not alone. It is how we deal with emotionally, respond to physically, press forward with that will bring us more together than ever before in human history. I truly believe this. I see much more kindness and compassion happening this year. That is so great for us all. Take a deep breath and if you feel like releasing a tear or two that is okay. This year has been so overwhelming for most of the people on the planet. Even Mr. Alvin has been wondering “what the hay is going on?” We can do this. We can.

Okay, so last night I had my eye appointment. I have always had the same Eye Doctor but this year I got a wonderfully funny cute (can I say that, well I just did) male Doctor. I always enjoy my visits to the Eye Doctor but this younger man (well considerably younger than me, anyway) was a breath of fresh air. He had such an amazing sense of humour and definitely is in the right profession. Apparently my vision has improved. Wow, is that crazy or what. I have super healthy eyes when he reviewed the photos some other staff had taken earlier. The whole experience starting at the door. You walk in through the outside door into a little area where there was a table with hand sanitizer set up. The door at that side of entranceway was locked as per the sign and as I entered the door was opened by the receptionist who asked me (hard to tell with the mask on at first) so I responded with I am Carol Lewis and I have an appointment at 4:40 p.m. Why not give the information and save some time. I took off my mitts, placed them in my coat pockets and sanitized up my hands and followed her into the office. She went around the counter and asked me a few questions and then asked me to have a seat. The chairs in the reception area were all spaced at least six feet apart. There were two folks in the waiting area. One by one they went in and finally it was my turn. A young man sporting a black mask called my name and I stood up and he asked me to follow him. So I did. Into this room with three machines. He asked me to sit down on the stool at the first machine, I complied. I also noted and mentioned, “hey you guys are tag teaming.” as there was a young woman at the second machine. So I had the puff of air, saw bright lights and had multiple photos taken of my eyes in just a few minutes. Also had a couple of giggles with the staff. Why not enjoy the experience. Then I was back into the waiting room for a few minutes before the Doctor asked me to follow him. Oh yes, that was not a difficult request. I sat down in the exam room. Doctor Joel asked me several questions and I answered them. We had a couple of laughs. He told me that my eyes were in great health and to keep doing whatever it was that I was doing. He asked if I liked “salmon”? and for a fleeting moment I thought “is he asking me out for dinner?” (not really but makes for a great story and I bet you were smiling, right?). Dr. J proceeded to explain how the salmon has lots of OMEGA 3’s and they are good for the eyes and to help keep them moist so no dry eyes. I explained that while I love salmon I actually don’t eat a lot of it. He went on to mention avocados and I said now I eat a ton of them. He said great. I was amazed by how many different health conditions and diseases can be identified by looking at photos of the eyes, the back story. Very cool and so interesting. He asked if I was wanting to get new glasses, I said yes and he advised that I would have to set up another appointment to come and pick out frame. Totally understand. Luckily they are open most of the week between Christmas and New Years. After we were finished he handed me my prescription and I followed him to the reception area where we chatted for a moment before he went back to look after the last patient. Dr. Joel mentioned in a timid tone at first as if it may be a sensitive topic for me, When you come in for your next visit you will be “of a certain age.” I smiled and said, you mean 65. We laughed. I told him that does not bother me and that I am happy to get older as long as I live to be older. He explained the benefits once you turn 65. Lucky me. Once the receptionist was done, she gave me the bill of the remainder owing (I was shocked that my insurance only covered half of the $125 exam fee). Anyway I paid the bill, made my appointment to go and pick out frames. I was just doing up my coat to leave when I saw this woman on the other side of the door and realizing it was my friend Iris, Teddy’s Mum, who had given me a ride to my appointment and had come back to pick me up. She had said to call her but turns out she had to go out so waited for me. Am I not, the luckiest gal in the world. I have so many wonderful, thoughtful, kind friends.

On the way home, we stopped at the Bone & Biscuit so that I could go and pick up Christmas gifts for Mr. Alvin and my grandpups Aspen and Milo and some treats for them and to include Teddy and Kobi. Ssh, don’t tell anyone. Now to get things wrapped.

Last night after supper and clean up, I just watched a bit of t.v.

Lots to do today. Some baking, laundry, cleaning and Iris and the pups are coming for a visit. I had better get this show on the road. I was even up early and look it is 9:03 a.m. already. Light outside and appears it is windy. I already have a load of blankets that should be done washing by now, changed bedding and gathered laundry, got dressed and now finished this post. WHEW.

Wishing you an awesome Saturday. Living our lives with kindness, compassion and respect for ALL others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. something went wrong when I was trying to publish this post. It was in an auto saving mode for what seemed like forever. So I went ahead while I thought it was doing its’ thing and did another load of laundry, had breakfast, did some tidying up and cleaned up poop outside. When came upstairs not published and here it is almost 11:00 a.m. So I went back in again and went to the draft version but part of the post did not show. So anyway, I got it finished and will try again. Oh well, nothing like a bit of technical difficult to start your Saturday. LOL.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well looks like another rainy day in paradise.

Paradise is not always sand with palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze near a massive body of water under a hot sun.

I live in my own little paradise.

I live in my own home which I have longed for my whole life.

It is mine, I obtained it on my own with only assistance from the bank and I pay them dearly for it every single month.

There are paved roads outside my home on the street lined with sidewalks for pedestrians and the like.

I have green grass instead of sand.

I have flowers instead of palm trees.

We have a breeze almost everyday.

There is a park nearby with water but not for swimming.

I have running water that flows upon my command in my home with a bathtub and showers to boot.

We have varied temperatures each day.

The sun shines and the rain falls in my paradise.

In my paradise I live close to some wonderful people I call friends.

Alvin has his best friend living nearby.

We are truly blessed.

Speaking of Alvin’s best friend Teddy.

Yesterday we were out for our second walk of the day and just coming up to where Teddy lives.

Every time we pass by Teddy’s house Alvin turns to go in.

Since March I have had to say “Sorry buddy not today.”

Until yesterday.

Teddy’s Dad was outside on his way to the mailbox when we spotted each other.

We said hello as Walter gave Alvin a pat on his head.

I said how Alvin always turns in to their house.

He said I think that Iris sent you a text for a get together.

Go into the house.

So we walked up the sidewalk (someone ran).

There was no doorbell ringing as Alvin started to bark and I could hear Iris say “Alvin, oh Teddy it is Alvin.”

With Kobi in her arms and Teddy running to Alvin she opened the door.

We practiced social distancing and enjoyed a wonderful visit on their deck.

Teddy and Kobi kept running and jumping so happy to see us.

Teddy spent some time snuggling on my lap outside on the deck.

We enjoyed a glorious visit on the deck.

So much so when we finally got home it was almost 6:30 p.m.

We left home just before 4:30 p.m. (after work and yes, I was late leaving my desk).

So this is my paradise.

Home and friends.

Friends and home.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand pups live about 20 minutes away.

Well time to go and do the laundry in this paradise as the maid service “sucks.”

I will say that.

The butler sleeps all day or is always wanting a treat.

Imagine that!

Just another day in paradise.

I believe that is a line from a song song by Phil Collins (a fav of mine).

Just another day in paradise.

Coffee is brewed.

Life is good.

Have a great day in your very own paradise.

Paradise is not always defined by the traditional tropical setting.

Paradise is wherever you are ……

Happiness is ….

Yup, it is.

I like that word “yup” with no reason why.

 

Living with Kindness, Respect and a Generous Spirit.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Perhaps it is almost time for Christmas in July, “MOVIES.”

Oh, how I love Christmas with the Kranks.

 

Inside my PARADISE,

 

 

Life is GREAT.

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning.

Hello Monday.

The sky is overcast between early morning and snow.

There are no colours in the sky to the east.

We will not see the sunrise from this vantage point.

I feel sad as I missed seeing the SPACE STATION in the night sky.

I believe it was last night.

That would have been cool for sure.

 

Alvin is resting on his little bed beside me.

Coffee is brewing.

Work awaits me …. my start time is 8:00 a.m.

I always sign on before so that I can be all set up and ready to go and yes, sometimes I start early.

I am 62, it is a hard habit to break.

Being early and giving a job 150%.

I am trying to stick to taking breaks and lunch.

Alvin is a great reminder as he already knows our schedule.

Thank goodness, do not even need a watch to be reminded.

He is one smart cookie.

 

The next few days are to be cooler than previous ones.

Yesterday we enjoyed a nice walk.

On our way home I had to put up the hood on my coat.

But other than that it was pleasant.

The streets / sidewalks were frozen in the morning when we walked so easy on the paws.

Friday Alvin was a big muddy mess when we arrived home from our second walk of the day.

Weather, Canada, Alberta, end of March …… it is always a surprise.

Are we really surprised?

No, not really.

After all, we are Canadians and the weather changes sometimes within an hour or less.

 

Yesterday I had a video chat / facetime (I don’t really like that term) with my daughter.

It was great.

We walked around our houses …. showing anything that changed.

Showing all the pups, Alvin, Aspen and Milo.

I took the opportunity to show off my plants.

They are doing great.

Big and bigger.

 

We had a quiet day after the chat with our girl.

Watched television and I worked on my bead painting that I started on the 14th of March when we had a girl’s night.

That seems like forever ago.

I am still not finished the painting but it is coming along.

I will post pictures when I have finished.

 

Hopefully you had a great weekend.

Able to rest and recharge.

Perhaps did some video chatting with family and friends.

Maybe cleaned out a closet or two.

Read a good book and likely finished.

Watched a movie or zipped through a taped t.v. series or on demand.

 

Whatever you are doing on this day be safe.

Think about yourself and others when you go about your day.

Stay in the house unless you are walking or absolutely have to leave for work or food.

It is really important that we follow the instructions set out by Medical and our Leaders.

If you think it will not happen to you, you may be surprised.

Keep an eye on the young ones most especially the teenagers who always think they are invincible.

No one is ….

So follow the instructions.

Get lots of rest, keep hydrated, eat properly, get exercise, keep commonly touched areas clean.

Keeping your anxiety/stress levels low is also important.

 

Okay on that note, I am going to have that cup of freshly brewed coffee before I get signed onto my work laptop.

Please look after yourself and those around you.

Do the social distancing …..

We have the technology so there is no need to be running about to visit your best friend for example.

You can see their pretty face ….. video chat.

 

In kindness and with respect,

We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well it is a bright, sunny morning here in Edmonton, Alberta.

Alvin actually slept until a reasonable hour this morning and then of course we hit the sofa for a few more hours of sleep.

Sometimes it is even nice to just lay in the quiet and just be.

No voices or sounds but our breathing.

 

Yesterday we had a good day.

My decision to stay away from SOCIAL MEDIA and leaving my cell upstairs in the office was a great decision.

Before I went “dark”, I sent quick texts to my daughter, sister and a few friends that I usually have daily contact with so that they would not worry if they did not reach me.

Also did not wish for my house phone to ring off the wall either.

It was a good decision.

I think it was cutting off the demon before my body and mind could not stand the constant barrage of opinions, news and such.

I no longer feel as though I am going to implode.

I felt wonderful yesterday.

The majority of the massive feeling of anxiety was bringing my job home with me.

I have always felt as though my house was my safe place away from the madness, the stress, that is sometimes my job.

Not really in a bad way as I am grateful to be employed in a time where folks do not have work and I am grateful to be working from home.

But at the same time, now work has invaded my space, my sanctuary, and my phone.

We have our phone system set up with an APP on our mobile phones, so we can call out without giving out our personal phone numbers and people can call in.

So now my cell phone is not just for personal use, I have to use it for work.

It was less than a year ago that I did not have a cell phone, who would have known.

Anyway, we shall see how tomorrow goes.

I guess I will have to adapt and ensure that I step away when I or if I am feeling anxious.

Thankfully I have Alvin here with me.

 

Yesterday the good day that I started to tell you about.

Well I even cleaned out the “junk drawers” in the kitchen.

Those spaces where every little thing goes to hide.

It always amazes me at how fast they fill up and with the most interesting items.

Checked that off the list and it was not even on the list.

 

I did some laundry.

Alvin and I went for a walk.

Cleaned the bathroom.

Washed the main floor.

My neighbours in the other half of the duplex and I chipped away at the ice out front on the street and managed to drain the lake that was out front.

We are so proud.

It took us just over an hour despite the interruptions by passing vehicles.

Funny how most people slowed down and some did not.

Would they think that we are out doing this for our health and that we wanted to have dirty water splashed all over us?

I guess they must.

Anyway, it was nice to chat with them while we worked.

Alvin watched out of the window.

We had a quiet night after supper.

 

I watched a movie called “Dark Waters.”

I heard the name but did not know what it was about.

DUPONT ….. I learned some things. C8 and Teflon.

This all happened during my lifetime and even recently but I do not remember.

Makes me want to check my pots and pans.

Anything coated with teflon is not going to remain in my house.

I know that the list is likely long of the items that we use on a daily basis.

They gave out a staggering and very frightened statistics at the end of the snow.

One being that 99% of the world human population have C8 in their bodies.

C8 causes cancers amongst other things.

I urge you all to watch this movie, it was disturbing in places but informative.

 

Well it is Sunday.

Time to go put on some coffee and have some toast.

Then I am going to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath before vacuuming the upstairs and washing the floors up here.

 

I hope that you are having a good day.

Be safe and I hope you remain in good health.

Practice the social distancing and stay home when you can.

I would think we will have the cleanest homes and will have all of our odd jobs completed by the time this is over.

Who knows how long that will be.

 

I am grateful to have supportive, generous and amazing family and friends.

Take care.

Remember we must be kind and respect to all our human counterparts and also to all of the animals and life out there.

We need each other now more than ever.

Maybe the reduction of manufacturing will help the environment.

Maybe we will learn to do with less.

We should.

 

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Alvin is ready to go back downstairs and I need some COFFEE.

 

Take Care.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning World.

Welcome to Sunday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The SUN is SHINING brightly.

I can imagine the birds singing as I sit here clacking away on the keyboard.

My trusty companion Alvin is laying on his blue blanket on the floor beside my chair.

The sky is the purest of the palest of blues that I have seen in a while.

YAY, I love Sundays.

The coffee is perking away and I am energized by the aroma as it wafts throughout the house.

Life is good.

 

Last night I was invited to attend a “paint night” with my young friends.

We had a hoot.

The painting is not actually painting in what we traditionally know it to be ….

but rather with this little plastic stick of sorts you pick up a bead that has a round head and flat bottom and lay it onto the picture.

It reminds me of paint by numbers but the picture is sticky and you attach beads.

The pictures are pre numbered of course and they are small beads.

All of our paintings were different views of the sunrise and sunset.

Morning, daytime and evening.

I cannot wait to finish mine.

Definitely longer than a one evening project.

I only did about a 1/4 and then stopped to just concentrate on visiting with my friends.

But so much fun.

We chattered away catching up on our our news and the world’s.

All three of us brought some goodies to share.

There was the taco dip and chips, veggie and fruit tray and dip, “energy bites,” goldfish and breton crackers, and this crazy yummy chocolate pudding with whipped cream and graham cracker

crumb dessert.

We had coffee and wine.

I am so grateful to have these gals as my friends.

We support and love each other.

They have young families so I am kind of like the Grandma or an older Aunt.

I have seen their children grow over the last almost ten years.

They were really just babies when I moved here and met them.

The laughter that emanates from the room when we are together is crazy.

I love these ladies.

 

Well time to head back downstairs and have some of that glorious coffee.

Just relax for a bit before changing and getting on with the day.

I have towels in the dryer to bring up and put away.

I would like to go through and put in order my papers for taxes (yup, I did not put things in good order like I was going to at the start of the year).

Go for a walk later if the temperature is okay.

 

Yesterday morning we hopped quickly over to the vet to pick up some food for Mr. Alvin.

He has enough for maybe a week but sometimes hard to gage and I did not want to run out part way through the week.

Mmm, what else.

Get ready for work.

I know that I had a couple of other things on my list ….. wipe out the oven.

 

I hope that you had an awesome Saturday night with family and or friends.

Perhaps you spent the evening watching your favourite movies cuddling with your puppy dog.

Maybe you played cards or a board game with your kids.

Whatever it was …..

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Life is good.

Be kind and respectful to one another.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Hello My Beautiful Sister ……