2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? We are doing well. Up in good time for my late shift start for work today. There is a bit of a breeze coming in through the windows but not much. The plan is to have a quick shower after I write this post and go for a nice morning walk before the heat of the day sets in. My “lunch break” due to the late start is not until 3:00 p.m. which will be near the high for today. I love morning walks. There is something about the air, fresh and calm. Perhaps the goslings will be out in sight with their parents. They grow so quickly.

Happy Happy Birthday to my friend Gillian ….. wishing you the most wonderful day. May you be surrounded with love, laughter, great joy, good health and abundance. Happy Birthday my friend.

I cannot remember if I mentioned this to you or not but I noticed on the weekend that NETFLIX has in its’ new releases “SAHARA.” One of my most favourite movies of all time. It stars, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn (love him), Penelope Cruz, Rainn Wilson, William H Macy, Delroy Lindo, Lennie James and Lambert Wilson. The story follows a treasure hunter who partners with a WHO doctor to find a lost Civil War Ironclad Warship in the Sahara Desert with lots of turns and twists. Great Movie. Little bit of everything. I watched it twice over the weekend.

Today Canada Roofers come out to give us our quote. I cannot wait until the shingles are replaced and will be relieved. Especially with summer coming and the possibility of rain storms. We will remain safe and dry with our rubber shingles.

We had a somewhat quite day yesterday. I looked after Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder, went to COSTCO in the morning with one of my girl friends, gave Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath not long after I returned home from COSTCO, did a load of laundry, had supper and we went for a nice walk after supper. My neighbour came home from her weekend getaway to Jasper with her boyfriend. They mowed the grass out front and it looks great. Best it has looked in many years. I guess the fertilizer helped/worked. They sprayed for weeds as well. Trying to get the unruly weeds begone. Watered the flowers as well last night and they continue to look beautiful and my pepper plant is growing.

I can hear the birds singing in the distance. Quiet except for the birds.

The sky appears to be overcast a bit to the south.

Time to hit the shower and get out for our walk. If it is hot at my lunch break at 3 p.m. we cannot walk. Better to get out now.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Continuing to live this life with as much kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude as is possible.

I am blessed and I know that ….. with good health, amazing family and friends, a beautiful home, to be employed, and for a great companion Alvin. Each day I am filled with gratitude for my life, it is a good one.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

I

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well another windy raining evening.

Everything is so GREEN as a result of the moisture, which is nice.

So nice to have a bright sunny day and then rain in evenings and or overnight.

My neighbour took care of the front lawn yesterday.

Thankfully I am still watching how much I am on my feet and although I have not put on shoes, am thinking that is still a day or two away.

I did put on my CLARKE flip flops with the thing between the toes.

Is there a name for that?

OMG, I totally forgot.

Yikes.

Anyway we walked just inside the park last night after work and then home.

Alvin really wanted to keep going but this time it was his Momma who cut the walk short.

Baby steps, my toes are still quite black and blue and although not painful, no sense in rushing things.

I must say though, I really miss our daily walks.

Our bellies are definitely agreeing with that statement.

 

I made the third meal from the GOOD FOOD package last night.

It was a COD dish with oven roasted potatoes, a green bean with cherry tomatoes, dill and olive salad.

Quite tasty.

 

Not much new in this corner of the world.

Which at this time, I am thankful for.

Quiet is fine by me.

 

The sky is beginning to clear.

Still quite a breeze so I will leave the windows closed.

Yesterday I had things blowing around.

I have cards and what not pinned to my wall mounted bulletin boards and things were jumping around a bit.

Looked like some pieces might have sprouted wings and flown away.

 

Well time to get to work.

I am not sure why the mornings seem to be passing so quickly but they do.

Wishing you a fantastic Wednesday.

Filled with amazing kindness and lots of respect.

We all deserve this ….. each and every “one” of us.

Yes, we do.

 

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of August, 2017

Well the day is drawing near.

Putting the final touches on the preparations.

Mowed the back lawn and fixed up the yard in the back.

Inside, just a few more last minute details.

One more sleep and that would be tonight and then tomorrow later in the evening we go to the airport to pick up my sister.

My daughter and I will pick her up from the airport.

Mr. Alvin is going to be surprised.

Company.

He loves company.

 

Thank you again to my friend who sent me the most thoughtful birthday parcel.

So kind and I love everything including the “treats” for Mr. Alvin.

He knew as soon as the door opened that he had something coming.

My, how I wished that my sense of smell was that good……

In between all of the wrapping and the box – he could smell his treat.

He did not even eat supper until I unwrapped the parcel and gave him his “treat.”

I would say that we are both terribly spoiled.

Thank you again my friend.

 

Well here we are once again and it is almost time to hit the road ….. to the bus stop.

One more day after today to work and then vacation until August 22, 2017, first day back.

So excited.

No words.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to:  our friend “V.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of May, 2017.

What a gorgeous morning outside.

I had planned this weekend to work hard and get everything or most items done on Saturday so that Alvin and I could take a walk to one of the “northern parks.”

It was our “spring, early summer” adventure before it gets too hot.

So yesterday after four hours Alvin had another haircut and bath.

OMG, I had even more anxiety than he had by the third hour….. if he would just let me know it ….. the haircut would be over in likely about one hour.

After that, it was six loads of laundry, mowed the front lawn including my neighbours that we share and the back, weeded by the garage on both sides, vacuumed upstairs and main floor, cleaned two out of the three

bathrooms, made pizza for supper and made chocolate pumpkin muffins ….. and then crashed.

We did not even go for a walk ….. we both were done.

So this morning after getting up ….. having breakfast ….. got dressed and headed out.

We spent about two hours outside walking and even sat down at the North park on one of the benches.

I placed Alvin on my lap and we sat there enjoying the cool breeze.

WHERE ARE THE GEESE?

Then we  saw some two geese and a gosling managed to snap some photos.

Bear in mind some are a bit shaky as I was holding Mr. Alvin who was sniffing and investigating on his leash, the camera, and his bottle of water.

So it was tricky to say the least.

As I was trying to take some photos of the geese with the goslings – a lady stopped and held Alvin while I quickly snapped some photos.

Also I had to keep stopping to delete some old photos.

Note to self:  time to buy a new memory card.

I always download the photos but I do not like to delete them all.

It was fun …..

Mr. Alvin wanted to come home even before we got past the middle park.

But I pushed him to go further.

We stopped for several water breaks (for Mr. Alvin).

I carry water for him but not for me.

So here are the photos that we took on our little adventure and then I need COFFEE

 

The geese are the first ones that we saw.  These photos are from what I nicknamed the “Northern Park.”

 Oh, the goslings were so cute.  Two adult geese were watching over the gaggle of goslings.  I could not count how many there were …….

Wild roses ….. the fragrance filled the air.  The roses by our park are not blooming ….. I hope they do.

Okay time for that coffee which has been brewed for several minutes now.

Ready to kick back and relax.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those nature lovers …… nothing better than a walk with trees, geese, roses and a cool breeze and Mr. Alvin, of course.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of July, 2016.

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

After she left and Alvin had had his supper and stuff, I decided to mow the grass in the backyard.

While out there it began to rain.

Very slowly at first.

Taking its’ time.

Big drops but only a handful and not enough to stop my mowing.

Alvin however did not think in the same way.

At first he went by the back door which is partially sheltered by the overhang of the roof.

As I mowed it slowly began to rain a bit harder.

Finally done after like five minutes (not a big area) but in reality likely closer to ten.

I put the push mower into the garage.

Ran back into the house to grab my gardening gloves.

Then back to the garage to get the rake and the garbage bag and the clippers.

Did a bit of trimming and ….

Just got the grass gathered with the rake when it started to come down.

No time to place it into the garbage bag.

Figured my time was up and I high tailed it into the garage where Alvin was waiting for me.

We both watched as the rain came down hard.

I picked up Alvin and held him in my arms as we watched the rain together.

It was actually relaxing.

At some point after several minutes it slowed down and I said to Alvin “Are you ready to run for it?”

Not waiting for an answer I put him down and we ran for the house.

Both wet but not soaked.

Well now it is time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Happy Friday Everyone.

Special Hello to: my son-in-law for all his good ideas and to my daughter who just is the best for no reason.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 20th day of September, 2015.

Three more days until it is officially fall, September 23rd.

There was no rain when Alvin and I were first up at 4:30 a.m. ….. I have an early bird for a household companion.

Woe is me …… well actually not, because he does lay down after he goes outside and eats breakfast.

Now it has been raining for a few hours not exactly sure how many.

I am so grateful that I spent the time outside yesterday doing yard work.

Mowed the front including my neighbours and the back.

Raked it all including some leaves that have turned and fallen.

Pulled flowers and cleaned out some of the “13” flower pots that I planted.

The impatiens out in the front flower bed are doing well thus far so I left them.

Also left some of the pots out back as they were doing well.

Rearranged and tidied up the garage.

Pulled some weeds between our garages and our houses.

Watered the remaining flowers …..

Even enjoyed a snack and coffee on the deck in the sunshine.

It was fabulous.  So nice.

Back inside: I finally rearranged the basement (after the dry wall now complete); did six loads of laundry, vacuumed and dusted and bathroom…… whew.

Closet in the office will have to wait for another day……

Alvin was outside this morning and he was looking up and barking.

He barked for a few minutes before I figured out what he was barking about ….. it was the lily pad ornament and piece of rock that I had set up on the railing by the garage but had forgot to put away inside.

Mr. Alvin reminded me to put it away …… a bit late but better late than never, right.

What a guy.

I am going to whip up a batch of pancakes.

My daughter is coming for a visit this afternoon and we will have pancakes for a snack/late lunch.

Alvin gets another haircut and bath.

Seems like I just cut his hair …. yes, only a few weeks ago.

Later when my friend finishes her Steeped Party sales I will enter them and submit the party.

I also have to run out for a couple of errands at the store / drugstore.

Then after supper I am going to simply relax and watch some of the new fall line-up.

I hope that you are having a great Sunday and make sure that you take the time to relax.

So important to your well being.

I know sometimes if you are the only one that does the house work, outdoor stuff, you work, children and or pets, part-time job, and whatever else you may have on your plate or all of the above…… taking the time to RELAX does not feel like an option but you must.  If you are not well then none of those things will get done.

Well it is time for this gal to get the show on the road ….. whip up the pancakes and make them so just have to warm them up….. so easy peasy.

Then cutting Mr. Alvin’s hair well that is not exactly the easiest most especially his paws.

But I will do my best as always.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all the inhabitants on the this planet whether two or four-legged, fish or fowl … Hello.

Not to forget the Ants, LadyBugs, Dragonflies and such.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of August, 2015.

Wow, one glorious week of August ending and plus three to go.

The sun is shining here in Edmonton.

It was dark when I got out of bed this morning with the pups.

Elton, Penny and Mr. Alvin.

We had a great Thursday evening ….

Elton and Penny were so excited to go for a walk and Mr. Alvin hid under the table.

So I took Elton and Penny for a walk …. our regular route.

It was such a glorious walk.

As we left the house no noise then suddenly when we were out of view of the window I hear this forlorn howl (sounded like a wolf) and I thought was that Alvin.

Yup, that was Alvin……

Poor little guy.

Part of me wanted to go back and fetch him but the other part said two is enough ….. three is hard to wrangle.

Especially when they start “pooping.”

So I felt like a rotten Momma ……

By the time we got home he was “happy” to see us.

It was so nice out that I mowed our grass, front and back, both neighbours on either side of me, watered flowers and plants, for all of us and did some weeding.

By the time I was done it was almost 9:30 …..

Mr. Alvin had had some exercise by running and jumping on the deck.

His second favourite thing to do other than eating.

He is so cute.

He runs as fast as he can …. jumps from the bottom to the top step (three) on the upper deck….does this little hop and then does it all over again.

He always makes me laugh when I watch him.

Then he is tuckered out.

After all of that we came into the house – I made myself a cup of tea and watched a show that I had previously recorded.

Then to bed.

No drama.

Usually there is drama.

Everyone settled in and I read for a few minutes before going to sleep.

YAY …. Grandma ……

The sky is beginning to cloud over.

I have errands to run so will have to leave the pups alone but they will be just fine.

On my way there is a walkway that is always filled with garbage …. I cannot believe people.

Just throwing away empty drink containers ….. fast food bags ….. and more.

So I will grab my little disposable gloves and a garbage bag and clean it up on my way through to my shopping places.

Seems like I am always picking up garbage.

Sure wished people would think before tossing.

Oh well ….. it will be some extra exercise for me which I need.

Maybe it will help with my “spare tire” …….

Certainly cannot hurt.

Well I guess Grandma better get this show on the road.

Slept a bit later than planned but guess I needed it.

Have an awesome Friday.

Play safe and be happy.

Special Hello to: my daughter and sister who are two of my most favourite women ….. they are kind and good.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Well, GOOD MORNING ALL and WELCOME TO MONDAY, September 17th, 2012.

How are you this morning?  I hope that you are feeling great and ready to get this day started.

I had a great weekend.

Friday, I spent most of the afternoon in my office going through stuff …… and I am “proud” to say that for as much as I accomplished there is still lots to do.

But that is okay….. I set up another desk (table like) so it extends my regular desk and shuffled my book cases around so now the room looks twice as big.

If you walked into this room you would think that I am done but I have several containers in the closet and in the spare room to go through.

But one day at a time.  It will get done …. and having it done perfectly all at once sometimes is not possible, and that is okay.

 

I am grateful for the beautiful weather this weekend and that I was able to spend some time outside.

Yesterday, I cut the front and back lawns …. (including two of my neighbours as we take turns).

The grass out front was not very long.

I am grateful that my daughter was able to come over for coffee, and share her latest photo shoot stories as well as work on our Dear Stella photos.

We posted some new jewelry and have already sold two pieces, YAY for us.

I am grateful for the walk last night with Alvin and for a visit and walk with one of the neighbours down the street that also has a cock spaniel.

Their dog is not social with any other dog except he has taken a shine to Alvin.  They told me that other dogs seem to aggressive.

So isn’t that great for Mr. Alvin …… my kind and gentle spirit.  He is such a wonderful guy.

Well today is the day that I start work a 1/2 hour early …. so I have to run.

I hope that you have a great day ….

I am grateful that I was able to share this time with you all.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: all those people who rescue animals and people …. you ROCK and we are grateful.  Be safe.

Always, Carol and Mr. Alvin