Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well it is dark out and not even that early as is just after 7:00 a.m. I guess we are into the beginning of that time of year when we get up in the dark and leave work in the dark. Thankfully we are not at the later part of that statement just yet. The shortest day is in December, 2022 – so a bit of time away. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous – actually the whole weekend was wonderful. This week is going to be nice except for Wednesday is supposed to be 11+ celsius which is cool compared to 20’s as of late. I am so grateful for this beautiful fall weather. Enjoying the leaves raining down and seeing the kiddos crunching on them as they walk across the lawns. I am one of those kiddos. Love to walk on the leaves. When I rake the leaves, I am going to spread some of them on my back flower bed. One of my friends gave me that idea so that they insulate and protect the plants. Great idea. Might be fun removing them in the spring but will worry about that later.

I suppose this coming up weekend being Thanksgiving might be a good time to put away the patio furniture. Clean out the remaining flower pots. I have three and they are on the front porch. The impatiens might be done by then but not sure about the pot. Time will tell. I am glad that I decided to bring a good bunch of my plants into the house. Some are wintering in the basement and others are on the main floor and upstairs. All three floors have plants. Nothing like having green and flowers blooming in the deepest part of winter. When it is storming outside and there are flowers blooming – makes me feel happy. Flowers will do that.

Well tomorrow afternoon is Alvin’s regular vet appointment so I took the afternoon off. Wednesday through Friday it is off to the office. Found out yesterday on FB that one of our coworkers has COVID. ARGH. I have decided that whenever I am away from my desk that I will wear a mask and not get within close proximity to anyone. Better to be safe. Reminds me that I must go and get that fourth shot. I will phone and see if I can get in on the weekend. Maybe Saturday.

Yesterday I baked 2.5 dozen Apple Cinnamon muffins with some pumpkin and a loaf. Not sure why but I decided to double the recipe (NEVER DOUBLE A MUFFIN RECIPE) and then the consistency was out of whack so I added some pumpkin puree. They turned out great but would have been easier and less messy had I stuck to the recipe and made one batch at a time. I also chopped about 20 cups of apples for the freezer and have about 100 to go. Seriously might be close to that. I have two super big bowls full of apples to get chopped up. So everyday after work – I plan to chop some apples and then finish on the weekend. Will be so nice to have them in the winter time for some muffins or an apple crisp or even a pie. Mmmmm good.

I decided not to give Mr. Alvin a bath but did manage to trim his paws, just a little bit.

Well time to head back downstairs and put on the coffee. I really need coffee this morning. Last night we went for a walk after supper just before 7:00 and met up with Cookie and her Dad so we walked together. Went further than we have been for awhile. Nice to have company and someone to chat with other than Alvin. He usually never replies, lol.

I hope that you have a great Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: my friend Gillian popped by in the early afternoon to drop off the coffee and freezer bags that she picked up from Costco for me. Coffee has now increased from $11.99 to $18.99. Time to cut back on the coffee, methinks. We had a nice visit and she liked the freshly baked muffins. I gave her some of the chopped apples for a crisp or muffins. People will be revisiting their monthly budgets.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. OH my goodness! we were up at 4:13 and yes, the boy had an early breakfast and then back to the sofa for some more sleep. I woke up just before 7:00 and decided as it was still dark and I wasn’t ready to get up for the day, we laid down and then it was 7:30 and we came upstairs, then we laid down on the bed and I just looked out the window thinking about things and looking at the street lamp. All of a sudden it was much lighter out and I came into the office where I had turned on the computer when we first came upstairs and it was 8:48 a.m. WOW, time flies. Guess I should have stayed up at 7:30 as this post would have been done, a load of laundry would be washed and in the dryer and a second load would have been in the washer, I would have had the coffee on, the bedding would have been changed and I would be starting to eat breakfast. WOW, how can that happen. There is something about it being dark and the weekend that keeps me from wanting to get up and at it. I don’t have this problem during the work week but then again I know that I must get up and work. I guess that is the difference. Likely I am not alone in this but I wished that I would have stayed up. Oh well, it is done. Now to get this day cracking.

Another gorgeous sunrise. I do love when the horizon seems to be filled with hues of pink and orange. So pretty.

Alvin is sitting in the hallway just looking at me and likely wondering why?

We had a great Friday. Alvin’s bestie Teddy and his little sister Kobi spent the day with us from 8 to 5. Kobi is such a little character. Still very much a puppy and so full of energy. Alvin and Teddy well they do have their moments but mostly they are happy to just hang out. Thankfully it was nice outside as she wanted to go outside and just investigate the snowbanks in the backyard. So cute. Despite the interruptions I managed to get lots of work down. Also our parcel came from our good friend in Regina. Chalked full of delicious treats and this very cool cookbook, actually more than a cookbook. I am going to give you all the name as the author and chef is going to give a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book to help support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. How wonderful is that. The book is “One Loaf at a Time” by CJ KATZ and on the other side “One Bowl at a Time” ….. virtually two books in one. There are stories of the Pandemic and how it affected CJ and her family, the province of Saskatchewan and Canada and the world Photos of the folks who graciously gave their recipes for this worthy cause. She even mentioned the “toilet paper” hoarding, the shortages of flour and sugar and other baking ingredients as those of us who were at home started baking and cooking. Some people had nothing much to do with having to stay at home, so they learned to cook and to bake. Have you heard the term “the COVID 15” which relates to the weight gain over the past few months which I think may have been early on and is likely more more. I heard that phrase somewhere and not note that I have not read that in the book thus far. She mentions how retail placed arrows on the store floors to try and move people in the same direction and keeping them 6 feet or 2 metres apart. This is a great book. The photos of the food are so good that they make you want to start grabbing the ingredients from your cupboard/pantry and start baking/cooking. I am so proud of my friend as she has a recipe in the book as well. They are friends, how cool. In addition to this great book I received a “cinnamon bun loaf”, some little muffins for Alvin which he shared some of which Teddy and Kobi, butter tarts, apple tarts, shortbread, moonpies (I think they are called), and more. There are packages of different kind of cookies and other sweet treats and some goldfish crackers that I have never seen before and more. Totally spoiled we are. One quick story. You know that Mr. Alvin is a master gift opener. If not, he is. I placed his wrapped gift (which was the muffins) on the floor. Of course, Teddy and Kobi, most especially Kobi circled nearby as he very deftly with his nose and mouth and holding the gift with his paw opened it. I took the video and once he got it mostly open, I grabbed it quickly before he accidentally ate the plastic that the muffins were in. So cute. I am so grateful to be blessed with the most generous friend(s) on the planet.

Well I guess it is getting way late here and Mr. Alvin is not changing the bedding nor is he gathering the towels for the laundry nor is he putting on the coffee for his Momma. He is leaving it all up to me. What a great guy!

I hope that you are doing great. We are getting close to DECEMBER now. Only couple more days now. YAY. Next weekend I will start and finish the Christmas baking. Pretty sure I have all of the ingredients that I require as the pantry and cupboards are jammed packed full of items.

Have a great Saturday.

Enjoy your morning coffee, tea or juice. Go for a nice walk. Don’t forget to do something nice for someone. There is not a better feeling than to help someone in need. That way you will have more energy and feel so much better about things. Show some gratitude. It works. Believe me, it works.

Alvin and I will continue to live our lives showing kindness and respect and compassion for all. We might be having a “sidewalk” visit today with our friends Ali and Bailey down the street. Bailey is no longer that little puppy. She is getting big. We see her sometimes out walking with her Grandpa.

Happy Saturday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Hello to Thursday.

I just read something as I was signing on …..

“Love is anything but logical”

Interesting.

Heart over Head.

Head over Heart.

 

Last night after work I looked after Mr. Alvin right away.

Outside and then his supper.

While he was eating I ran to the mailbox to retrieve the parcel that our friend “V” from Regina mailed to us.

Alvin watched me and did not eat while I ran to the mailbox.

Now that is strange ….. he always eats.

Anyway, once back in the house, he did eat while I got changed from work to “play” clothes.

After Alvin was done into his harness and jacket so that they we could run over to the Vet to pick up his food.

As per always we played the run around the table for a few minutes.

I even got down on my knees to gently coax him to come out as he nervously shook.

Finally I was able to coax him to come out and put on his jacket and harness.

Outside he always knows exactly which direction to take.

We were about halfway to the Vet when we saw a woman and her small dog in the near distance.

As we approached the doggie got more excited.

We stopped and chatted and ended up walking together.

Her three year old dog Pippa (yup, named after Katherine’s sister, Pippa) was so cute.

Her Mom said how she had recently lost another of her dogs due to dementia.

That was even a thing with dogs.

I guess so.

She said looking back there were so many signs.

The dog that passed was “11.”

She got mixed up with day and night.

She depended on the other dog when out for walks.

Even more subtle signs before the above two.

They walked with us to the Vet, so nice.

I hope that we meet up with them again.

At the Vet, picked up Alvin’s food and toothpaste.

We made his appointment for his regular stuff and the receptionist mentioned that his Bordella (did I spell correctly??) shot was due.

So this coming up Saturday at 11:00 a.m. – Alvin will have a shot, checkup (as that always happens with the vaccines), nails trimmed and anal glands cleaned.

After we got home, I ran over to pick up Mr. Humphrey who spent the evening with us.

The boys were very happy to see each other.

My daughter mentioned that she may visit this weekend (we are certainly excited about that news).

Yes, back to the package.

Alvin lost his mind once again when I brought out the package which I had tucked into the fridge as I wasn’t sure if something needed to be kept cold.

There was a package of homemade doggie cookies for Mr. Alvin.

I hit the motherload.

There were three kinds of buns including my fav “cheese”, apple pie tarts, two kinds of muffins, mini chocolate bars, a organic milk chocolate bar, coconut almond candy and some sauce/spice

mix from Epicure and a hot dog holder and condiment container from tupperware.

My friend certainly knows how to spoil me, us.

 

The boys just chilling….

 

Well it is time to split.

Get back downstairs.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Thursday it be.

Weather it be warming up.

It was so nice after work yesterday.

 

Happy Thursday.

Treating each other and ourselves with kindness and respect always wins the day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of October, 2017.

Well there is no SNOW on the ground this morning which is a good sign.

More time without the pretty stuff.

We went for a short walk last night as the wind was freezing cold.

So thankful to be getting a ride home and to be getting home so VERY early.

Yesterday was home by 4:45 p.m. and we even made a couple of stops.

WOW …. normally on the bus I get home … well, let me think about that for a second ….. THERE IS NO NORMAL …. anytime between 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Feeling pretty spoiled this week, to be sure.

Nothing says FALL like a parcel from our good friend “V” ….

Truth be told ….. she spoils us ….. with goodies all year long.

She knows how to spoil me and Mr. Alvin.

There was a bag of treats for the boy.

Muffins, Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, Caramel Chocolate tarts, Brownies like a cupcake with chocolate icing and a piece of KIT KAT chocolate bars and a DEEP DEEP DISH APPLE PIE.

Now this would have been more than enough treats for us ….. she also gave me the most gorgeous turquoise pendant.

I am wearing it today.

I, we are so grateful to have such a thoughtful, kind and generous friend.

 

Footnote: to the treats for Alvin.  He went overboard and guess who was up SICK last night about 1:30 a.m.?  Not the Momma.  Note to self: do not keep letting him have treats …. he has no self control.  Have to teach him …. NO…..never too late to learn something new.  “ALVIN…”

There is so much to be thankful for this week and all the weeks of my life.

I am surrounded by great people.

I live in peace and joy.

I live knowing that if I truly would like to do something (legal of course), I may do so.

I live knowing I can make my dreams come true.

I live knowing that life is great at any age.

 

Whoops time to fly.

Have an awesome Thursday.

Happy Thursday.

 

Special Hello to:  my dear friend “V” who keeps me full of homemade sweet delectable treats …… thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of August, 2016.

Rain cleared up and now time for some sunshine.

I want to share some of the beautiful and wonderful treats that have come my way this week.

Let us start with Sunday.

My roses are the most delicate of pinks I have ever seen.

They are blooming like they have never bloomed before and oh so gorgeous.

These little darlings have decided to take a peek through the railing – I suppose just to see what is on the other side.

Thought you might enjoy them.

Everyone loves a Tuesday when parcels arrive one in the mailbox and the other on my doorstep.

The parcel in my mailbox was addressed to both Alvin and his Momma, well that would be me.

I picked up the parcel before going into the house and Alvin knew, he could smell because right away he jumped up to see

what had arrived.

But good Momma that I am – I made us both wait until after Alvin had supper and our walk before we opened the package.

Can you believe my friend?

She was just supposed to be sending me this new toothpaste that she uses and loves.

She gave me a small tube and I loved it, too.

My friend ordered me some and then mailed it to me.

Only thing is ….. my friend ….. well she can never just mail one tube of toothpaste.

The box as you can see in the photos was LARGE.

OMG, the goodies that filled it were/are amazing.

There were cheese buns, regular buns, this delectable pumpkin loaf with walnuts and fruit with chocolate icing, pumpkin – carrot muffins, Saskatoon berry chocolates, some healthy soy sauce in a cool spray bottle, a brush for when she comes to visit and bakes me buns (she said that), small tongs and a package addressed specially for Mr. Alvin.  Oh my he was so excited.  He jumped up.  In fact as you can see in the photo his Momma did not get a clear shot as he inspected the package and read the note addressed to him (he is home schooled) ….. he absolutely loved his special treats for his teeth.

Now if that was not enough of wonderful treats my last tea order arrived.  I packaged up the orders and ready to deliver tomorrow.

The first photo is all MINE ….. so excited.

I am happy to try out my new MATCHA Shaker and all the new teas and things.

So as you can see  …… the special delivery GODS were shining down upon my on this Tuesday.

I just know that this week is going to be epic … full of more wonderful surprises.

P.S. not to be excluded from the greats treats but my neighbour from the other half of my duplex stopped by for a visit just night before last.

They are settling into their new house.  Alvin and I are so excited to go in September for a visit.

Well …… see what a week.

Met some new people …… loving this week.

Well here it is time to leave for work once again.

The evenings seem to zing by as do the small amount of time I have in the mornings.

I always feel bad leaving Alvin as it must be lonely …..

Wishing you a great Wednesday.

Almost time for a new month to begin.

August has been wonderful.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back in Regina, thank you once again for the lovely Surprise Package.  The pumpkin loaves with the chocolate icing are my new favourite.  Alvin loved loved loved his treats and I will not tell him that they are good for him.  LOL

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of July, 2015.

The sun is desperately trying to break through the smoky haze that has taken over our skies for the past few days.

I can only imagine what it is like near the fires.

The smoke filling the air …. hard to breathe.

I was thinking of all of the poor creatures that lived in the forest with no where to run unlike we two-legged ones that can jump in a car or be flown out of the danger zone.

My heart bleeds today for them all.

If they are fortunate to escape the fire zone then what?

They end up in a habited area and then we do the unthinkable because we think they are a threat to us.

I am just grateful to be where I am …..

This has been an odd weekend.

The basement pretty much done ….. the “DRYWALL” ( I thought of the name ).

When I was vacuuming the more fine dust the filter on the vacuum decided to be done.

A bit later I found a wee small dead mouse behind the furnace tucked behind a small opening ….

Where and when ….. OMG ….. they creep me out.

I also hooked up the dryer vent hose and levelled the dryer (all by myself, found that it wasn’t difficult). YAY, me.

I was just about to start laundry and entered the laundry area (furnace) and found water by the furnace.

It had run down into the area under the stairs ….. grabbing towels I got it wiped up …

Thinking it was the humidifier … I called my neighbour as she had removed the top part by the filter.

She came over and we found it was not the humidifier …. she called her friend’s husband who is a plumber, heating and a/c guy ( they were here in just a few minutes or so it seemed).

He was pretty certain that the a/c pan that is enclosed in the furnace unit was over flowering because it was plugged somewhere and then the water has to come out somewhere …..

So he cleaned it all out and the water stopped running.

Note to self: must have the a/c unit on the furnace checked annually.

It was an invaluable lesson.

Just seemed like one thing after the other.

So glad that it is fixed and that the a/c continues to work when we need it to …..

Once again and I am in continuous gratitude to be surrounded by great people …. truly I have the best neighbours on the planet.

This morning I am on my way to another friend’s place just down the street for coffee and muffins.  A third gal, neighbour and friend is going to be there as well.

This weekend I am so grateful.

I also want to send some love to Miss Aussie, neighbour cat who had surgery on Friday and needs some love and positive energy to make her well.  Come on girl you can do it.  We love you …… Alvin, too.

Well I should go and do a couple of things before heading out to socialize ……

I hope that wherever you are that life is treating you well and that you are treating life well.

Spread the love, gratitude and positive energy …..

Thank you.

Special Hello to: to all those folks who try something new and spread their wings daily.

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 19th day of June, 2015.

It is a glorious morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining, the wind is blowing and the humming of the vehicles passing by on the highway a few blocks away.

All music to my ears.

I am off today from the office ….. took a day of vacation.

Tomorrow morning I am hosting a “Steeped Tea Party” and just wanted to be in “perfection” readiness.

So excited as I have not hosted anything for a long time.

It is always nice to do some baking, invite family and friends over to try something new or relish something old.

Happy Day.

In a little while my daughter will arrive.

She took their car in to the tire shop to have the tires changed and will come to my house after for a visit.

YAY for me and Alvin.

Alvin loves when his sister comes to visit.

Last night was one of those evenings when Alvin and I go for a walk that we stop and visit with neighbours along the way.

So great to have so many friends.

I think it is always important to know your neighbours.

It is good for everyone.

I have the best neighbours and I know so many of them.

Sure helps having the most social dog on the planet.

Mr. Alvin …… he likes to check things out.

Well time to go and get this day rolling ….

Finish writing up my “TO DO LIST” so that I do not miss anything….

No surprises from that aspect.

I like to be prepared.

Almost time to plug in the coffee …….

We hope that you all have an amazing Friday.

Maybe today will be the day that you will go for a walk and meet one of your neighbours that you do not know.

Maybe today you could take a batch of cookies or muffins to that elderly couple across the street.

Maybe today when you do go outside for a walk and see some trash blowing along … you could pick it up and place it into the garbage.

Maybe today is the day that you take some time for yourself and meditate ….. to grow stronger.

Maybe today is the day …. that your dreams will come true.

I hope all the best for you today, tomorrow and always.

Special Hello to: my sister ……. Hi gorgeous ….. we have to SKYPE….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Wow, today is Monday, September 3rd, 2012 ….. this is the month that we officially change seasons to “FALL” or “AUTUMN” …. but not for a few weeks.

This is my favourite time of year ….. the temperatures are usually warm but not hot, sometimes a rain shower but not downpour and the leaves begin to change colours.

I love all of the colours that Mother Nature showers upon us….. the richness of autumn.

The smells of this time of year ……

I was so blessed to have had a four day weekend this time around ….. found out when I called the store later on Saturday that I was not booked for a shift on Sunday.

It was a very pleasant surprise.  I do love working there, though and miss the staff when I am not there.

I have the office window open and there is a nice cool breeze blowing in and freshening up the house.

Yesterday on my day at home: I baked banana with raisins, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate three ways ….  muffins, loaf and a cake.

I used up half of the frozen bananas that I had in the freezer (cleaned the fridge/freezer the day before).

I even was brave and did not completely use a recipe as I did not have a couple of things so I took some liberties which is not common for me to do when I am baking.

But everything turned out wonderfully well and so yummy.

Alvin even wanted some but of course, I did not indulge him.

So on this last day of my extra long weekend I am going to work on some jewelry with Amanda.  She is planning to come over later.

I still have to repack up the things that did not sell at the garage sale.  Some things I will leave on Kijiji and others will go to charity.

I will call one that can come and pick things up ……

So have a great day and enjoy your time wherever you are …. home or at work……

Just having time is wonderful …..

I am so grateful for this day ….. to be at home with Alvin … later creating some jewelry pieces …. being with my daughter …..  I am so blessed.

Special Hello to:  YOU AND YOU AND YOU …..

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

I am reminded on this rainy morning to remain “positive”, “happy” and “AWAKE”.

Sometimes when it is raining we become blue, a bit sad and want to sleep.

But get yourself up,  put on some happy music, make some muffins or take a walk in the rain.

Even those rainy mornings can be uplifting.

Enjoy your day, wherever life may take you.

Always, Carol