It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to January 1st, 2020.

I was thinking that I have to come up with a new “title” for my morning posts and all I can think of at this time is “It is a NEW YEAR.”

Can be subject to change.

Alvin and I stayed up until after midnight.

Some of our neighbours (not real close by) were setting off fireworks which for second time gave Mr. Alvin a start.

Actually just before bed, I opened the back door to let him out to the backyard and there was a loud bang which startled both of us.

I was kind of happy that I had slept a bit longer yesterday as I normally do not stay awake / up until after midnight.

Actually we even on most weekends are in bed no later than 10:00 p.m.

Last night we both brought in the New YEAR, 2020.

I wanted to be awake for that first second of the New YEAR.

It was great to hear Bryan Adams sing.

These are the photos that I took on December 31st, 2019.

One of our neighbours and friends stopped by to give Mr. Alvin a Christmas gift.

Is he not the luckiest boy/dog on the planet?

He opened it like a pro.

My photos that I put together for our NEW YEAR WISHES on social media (ok, just facebook).

Fireworks in Edmonton at the Legislative Buildings …. I snapped the photos from the comfort of my home (via television).

Today is the first day of our New YEAR, a new decade.

Perhaps a time for new beginnings.

 

Happy New YEAR Everyone.

Me and Alvin are just going to hang out together on this beautiful day.

We were already outside and it is beautiful so a great day for a walk.

Perhaps a longer walk if Mr. Alvin is up for one.

Back to work tomorrow so will get my clothes together and make a lunch.

 

Wishing you all the most glorious New Year.

The best of all things for 2020.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. now when to take down the Christmas decorations, I cannot decide (but not today) and time to start planning Mr.Alvin’s 11th birthday party.

Also this is going to be a pancake breakfast kind of first day of the New Year.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Beautiful Sunday morning.

Alvin and I were up early and just came back from a walk.

As we walked around the ponds in the park, I for a moment closed my eyes.

I could feel the cool breeze lightly dancing on my face.

I could hear the boom of the water from the fountain as it rushed up and then down.

I could hear the chirping of birds as they enjoyed the early morning.

I could smell the roses ….. the fragrance from heaven.

What a glorious walk.

Made me dream of walks like this everyday.

 

It wasn’t until we were away from the water that I noticed in the field (houses back onto) in the park …. a bunch of birds were flying about.

As I looked more closely I saw this big bag of garbage in the field.

A small flock of sea gulls, crows and magpies were ripping through the bag scattering garbage all over the field.

What a nice sight for those folks to awake to.

As we walked around on the sidewalk I noticed some garbage outside of that area …. a smaller bag …. so I grabbed a poop bag and squeezed it in..

ARGH.

From beauty to not.

All within a few moments.

As we keeping motoring on …. water bottle, garbage and Alvin, in tow.

I noticed as we came out of the park – another garbage bag ripped open littering the street.

Not sure why folks would put their trash out several days before the garbagemen arrive.

OH well.

I did pick up what I could …..

I did my small part.

 

On a lighter note.

These photos tell the story.

Alvin had his supper before these photos up insisted upon having some veg.

So I gave him this big head of broccoli.

He was sitting at the back door looking at me with the broccoli in his mouth.

By the time I could grab my phone/camera ….. these were the best shots I could get.

I only wished that you could have seen him at first …. looked like a green soother in his mouth.

That is my boy …..  silly.

 

My grand pups did not spend the afternoon/evening with us after all.

Their parents thought less stress for Miss Aspen to stay at home.

She needs to have GRAVOL to travel.

Poor girl.

Alvin does not love car rides either.

I get it.

We did have an unexpected visit from the kids after the ceremony.

The ceremony was held close by at the DEVONIAN GARDENS.

Teddy did join us for the day.

We had fun.

We had a walk just after he arrived before the heat of the day set in.

Quiet evening…..

Watched a movie.

 

Well the girls are coming for coffee this morning.

We had better have breakfast here …. I got sidetracked putting away some things in my office.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Looks like another hot one on the way.

 

Remember KINDNESS and RESPECT make for better todays and tomorrows.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 10th day of April, 2017.

Another Monday Morning ….. but the only 10th of April 2017.

I had the most perfect Sunday …..

Started with pancakes, hot cross buns, fruit and coffee with my favourite daughter and best neighbour.

My grand pup babies came with my girl.

We had the best visit …. lots of laughter ……

We even squeezed in a  wonderful walk with our pups ……

Mr. Alvin did not even push his way to the front of the line …..

It does not get better than that …..

To be surrounded by “family” on a Sunday is priceless.

 

Precious Moments:

Sitting at the kitchen table with my daughter sharing our lives.

Lying on the sofa at 4:40 a.m. with Mr. Alvin’s head next to mine on the pillow, snuggling close.

Mr. Alvin laying on the bath mat outside the shower with his head away to “give me privacy” but remaining close.

Walking down the street with my daughter, baby Milo and Miss Aspen and Mr. Alvin.

Making pancakes and coffee a Sunday routine and sharing them with the girls.

Talking to my friend, and setting up a coffee date for next weekend.

 

It is the small things in life that truly bring us the most pleasure.

So when you are feeling down …… close your eyes and think of the walk in the park with your daughter; snuggling on the sofa with your doggie, or sitting on the porch enjoying the warm spring air.

Whatever moments, whatever precious moments belong to you ….. remember.

No matter what happens in those moments they are precious as they will never come again.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Take a moment and reflect.

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …. thank you for the ST order and to my friend “G” for hers……so grateful.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of December, 2015.

Only 6 sleeps until Christmas EVE.

It is a crisp morning here in Edmonton.

The wind is blowing a bit so that makes it feel colder.

But it is Friday and I have three days to work after today so I am HAPPY…..

YAY …. so Happy it is the weekend.

Tomorrow morning two of my friends and I are getting together for our Annual Christmas party.

We eat, drink lots of coffee/tea, exchange a small gift and LAUGH, we visit and LAUGH.

Isn’t that the best kind of party ….. we just have fun …..

So am more than excited for tomorrow morning.

 

Do you pick out your clothes to wear to the office/school the night before or do you wait until morning to chose?

I pick my outfit and jewellery the night before …. sometimes I change my mine in the morning.

The sweater I have picked out .. not quite sure but time is evaporating so I will just wear it.

Maybe because it is a loose weave crocheted typed sweater and I feel cold.

Oh well …… I am wearing it.

Just a sweater, right?

 

My grand-puppy Penny has a 4 p.m. appointment at the Vet so everyone might be here when I get home from work, would be a nice treat.

 

Well this is short but Mr. Alvin needs to go back outside ….. I know this is likely more info than you require but he did not poop …. always like him to do so before I leave.

Too long without going.

 

Well I hope that you have the best Friday ….

 

Maybe a giggle or three.

Sit on Santa’s knee ……

Whoa silly me …..

 

Special Hello to: all those folks not sure about what to wear …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 12th day of December, 2015.

Alvin and I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to a fresh blanket of snow covering the deck and ground outside.

Last night when I arrived home from work to find that after snowing almost all day the sidewalks had been CLEANED.

I saw two young boys with shovels standing proudly by my neighbour’s house.

I found out later that they have been going from door to door to see if anyone would like their sidewalks shovelled for wait for it ….. “$3.00.”

Cannot imagine any children these days doing manual labour and only asking for $3.00.

I was duly impressed to say the least.

After chatting about them with my neighbour who invited them to shovel our walks after each snowfall; Mr. Alvin and I came across them on our walk .. they were just down the street.

I thanked them for shovelling and we spoke for a few minutes …. they even wished me a “Merry Christmas.” (first, before I had a chance)

Where did these boys come from?

Surely it could not be from the planet Earth.

I have not seen boys of that age so well mannered in decades.

They have brought back my sense of hope that we have a chance to fix all that is wrong with the world.

Now that might seem like a lot from two young boys that shovelled my sidewalk but I think we are on the right track.

We have hope ….

Hope is always a good thing for the future.

Without hope there is no future.

Now I forgot to ask them what they were going to spend their hard earned dollars on but that is a conversation for the next snowfall.

I will still have shovelling to do ….. the deck …. the driveway out back.

In fact, guess who was shovelling in her p.j.’s early this morning about 5:00 a.m. …… yes, it was ME.

Nothing like throwing on your winter coat and boots and mitts and shovelling at 5:00 a.m. while the Mr. Alvin does his business.

Okay time to get this show on the road.  It is 8:14 a.m.

We were up at 7:30 a.m. and I have gathered the laundry; stripped the bedding to be laundry …. put on fresh sheets and blankets.

Paid some bills on-line and worked out my budget for December and have now almost completed my blog post for today.

Then get dressed and make coffee to be delivered to my neighbour.

She is on her own like me so we do things for each other …. neighbourly ….. right.

The neighbours in the other half of my duplex have been away as his Mother passed away out of town.

Then it will be laundry and stuff while I wait for the call from my daughter.

She will call from her Doctor’s office just when she gets there and then I will don the coat and boots and grab my purse and head on over to the grocery store.

Grab some butter, potatoes and fruit … my daughter will pick me up and then we will stop at the Vet’s for food and toothpaste for Mr. Alvin.

WHEW breathe …..

Then HOME to make JEWELLERY for the afternoon……

and visit with my darling daughter so excited …..

Have an awesome day ……

Special Hello to: my sister ….yes tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of December, 2015.

Another glorious mild morning here in the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I had a wonderful “tea” visit with my friends and neighbours down the street.

We shared stories and laughed.

Isn’t that what life is all about …. sharing stories and laughing.

I love spending time with them.

Mr. Alvin stayed at home and was not very happy about that as I could heard my poor baby howling as I walked away from the house.

I felt bad but sometimes he just has to stay at home.

 

This season remember to be extra kind to folks.

Think before you speak.

Sometimes we get so caught up in something that we open the gate, and before you know it something inappropriate has ran out.

Just be kind.

Words are more mighty than the sword.

We just need to be more respectful to each other.

 

Well I have to run along here.

We had rain yesterday afternoon …. yes December 8th in Edmonton ….. RAIN.

So it was icy on the walk home from work.

This morning as it froze overnight I will have to walk on the streets and not on the sidewalks so I have to leave early to be safe.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

 

It is just as easy to be nice as it is to be naughty.

Food for thought.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over the world …. Happy Wednesday.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 29th day of November, 2015.

The second last day of November …. where did it go?

I think that we say and think that every single month.

Time just has a way of marching on, right!

That is why it is so important to live each day to the fullest.

Now fullest does not necessarily mean that you have to get up at 5:00 a.m. and go to bed at midnight filling the day full of doing things.

Fullest to me, means that when you go to bed at night that you have done your very best.

I believe that living each day to the fullest is not so much about the number of things that you accomplished from your “list” but more about how you felt, and reacted to situations/people through the course of your day.

We all tend to judge ourselves and others.

How about we try not to.

Turn those nasty thoughts and remarks into a happy dance.

Instead of making others feel bad and making yourself look “like a butt” try to make others feel good …. say something pleasant / do something nice.

You will feel so much better.

Just be your very best self.

Be kind …. Be respectful …… do what you can do to that end.

Do not be disappointed or critical of yourself just do better that is why we have tomorrows.

Living each day to the fullest ….. I smiled at everyone.  I treated myself and others with kindness and respect.  I felt good about how I handled each situation and each encounter.

Food for thought.

Now it is time to get this day going …. Mr. Alvin’s haircut and bath were rescheduled to today as yesterday got away on me.  Finish the laundry and have some fun with me Alvin.

Thank you.

Special Hello: to my fellow humans …. let us always do better today than yesterday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

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

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

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

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

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

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

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

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

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

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

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

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

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

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

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

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

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

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

Clearly she was worried.

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

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

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

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

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

We chatted for a few minutes.

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

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

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

There was always the lost and found.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

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

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

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

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

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

Then it will be laundry.

 

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

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

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

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

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

Just saying.

 

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of November, 2015.

Wow another weekend come and gone.

It was raining yesterday and the streets are gleaming.

It hovered at the freezing mark so hopefully the sidewalks are okay for walking.

I had a most splendid weekend as did Mr. Alvin.

We enjoyed all of our company ….. some stayed  for a few minutes others for longer.

A great time was had by all.

I would say that we are well prepared for the upcoming craft sale, YAY.

Lots to do before then but that is okay.

Alvin continues to carry that chew treat around the house “burying” it from time to time.

Sometimes he leaves it outside (sometimes laying on the deck and others he actually buries it in the dirt).

Although now that the ground has froze it makes it more difficult to do so.

I have some news …. remember I was mentioning about the GALA that we went to on Saturday afternoon.

Well they had some baskets full of makeup type goodies that they draw for …. I WON ONE.

How exciting.

There was perfume (2), mascara, couple of different eye shadows and lip stuff, a tote bag and nail art.

I am so blessed to have had a fun weekend.

Not much house type work done but that is okay.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

I am still deciding whether to wear winter boots or shoes.

ARGH …..

This in between and if I only knew the actual state of the sidewalks and streets.

Special Hello: my sister and great niece, thank you for Skyping last night …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 3rd day of November, 2015.

WOW, what a difference a day can make …. I feel so much better.

Funny how a sore throat can turn into something else over the course of a couple of days.

Lots of “Steeped Tea” ….. different HERBAL blends, sleep, and of course, cuddles with Mr. Alvin.

A winning combination.

I missed writing yesterday as I was feeling pretty miserable.

 

Yesterday it was raining here, and at times you could see snow flakes in the air but by the time they made touchdown, melted.

So pretty but we would be happy if they waited until December to make their stay official.

 

Well back to work today.

Always feels like the first day after I have been away even if it has been only one day.

Strange?

 

I would like to think that Mr. Alvin liked having me home but perhaps not as I messed up his routine.

Who knows …. he would never let on.

He is just that way …. does not wish to hurt anyone’s feelings.

 

Well almost time to leave for the office ….

Another wonderful ride on City Transit.

Actually the bus ride is pretty good.

I only wish that when people were sick they would stay at home.

People sniffling and snorting, coughing and sneezing ….

I know it is not always possible to stay at home but sure would make less other people sick.

 

Okay that is my rant …. wish for the day.

I wish that you all are feeling wonderful and are surrounded today by love and laughter, kindness and respect.

Special Hello to: family … yours and mine.

Always, Carol and Alvin