Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. I was outside with Mr. Alvin a little while ago to “clean up” from last night and it was so warm. The warm air kissed our faces. Just beautiful and now the sun is shining brightly. A slight breeze but so nice outside. I wish that this weather would stay all winter long. Hard to believe that today is November 20, 2022 already.

Yesterday was interesting. I was so far off my original plans it almost hurt, lol. We were up and at it early about 7:00 a.m. The first thing on the list was decorating the Christmas tree which was done and I will say with a bit of tweaking throughout the day and even this morning, I love it. Laundry was put on and I was upstairs putting things away when I decided to start replacing the “toilet handle.” I thought it may be a good idea to watch an YouTube Video about how to replace a toilet handle. I suppose that I should have been a bit wary when the inside of the toilet looked brand new. The videographer explained how it was to be done, showed the tools and it took him all of 3 minutes to do, actually might have been less. I figured – I got this. This smart 65 year old woman can do anything, I thought. Might have been a bit on the arrogant side but we will get to that in a minute. I took the tank cover off and gingerly set it on a floor mat out of the way. Then I unhooked the plunge chain (do not remember the real name) and with my pliers attempted to undo the bolt that held the toilet handle in place. Well needless to say that did not work so I went to the garage and looked for a different tool, some “open wrench” he called it. I thought that I had one but I did not but I brought in another wrench hoping it may work. Nope, it did not. I tried for over thirty minutes with no luck. Then I texted my daughter, then I texted my neighbours, then I texted their older son who got back to me right away. Lucky for me he was able to pop by with some tools and another thirty, forty or so minutes later it was done. Never, ever believe these YouTube Videos. The handle works were calcified and rusted a bit – after about 15 years. I have decided in the New Year that I am having the other two replaced as well as the towel bars and tissue holders. Time to update. I already hired my helper. Just so happens that he is working for a company that does renos so he knows how to do these things. I am so lucky. We had a great visit and some laughs. He even fixed the bedroom bathroom sink plunger thingy. YAY. After that, I had more COFFEE and then we went for a walk. Me and Alvin. Yesterday afternoon the weather was so nice. We are very blessed.

Basically between the Christmas tree and the bathroom toilet handle and some laundry – it was suppertime. Oh well, today I will get some cleaning done. Good thing that I do keep a clean house so the “cleaning” is not something that will take me hours. Oh, I also put up some garland that my friend Irene gave me with coloured lights and small coloured ornaments on the upstairs bannister. It looks so good, I am very proud. So I guess I did something else. To be honest, I was feeling just a tad unaccomplished.

My coffee is ready and I am ready to sit down for a mug before getting to work.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! Well today is Saturday and I am happy about the weekend. We were off to a rough start last night as Mr. Alvin was not happy about something and spent a considerable amount of time whining and going in and outside to the backyard. In the meantime, I had taken the ornaments off the tree, removed the lights and unpackaged and tested the new lights for the tree. It was well after supper (we ate very early and I had the dishes done before 5 p.m.) that our “fun” began. I had taken five of the six strands of new lights and plugged them in end to end, I had miscalculated a step and stepped on one strand of lights which broke one of them. Right away I picked up all of the tiny pieces and threw them into the garbage. Then I unplugged that strand from the line and went to see if I could remove the remainder of the bulb. I decided as the instructions were clear about only plugging in five sets of lights in one plug so I decided to just use the five strands for now. It took awhile to get the lights on and then I started to decorate the tree. I was not happy with how it was looking and Alvin was still miserable about something or other. At one point and it was just a few minutes after 8:00 p.m., he barked and then went upstairs, I had to follow to ensure that he made it up okay. Up on the bed he went while I turned on the bathroom light so he would have some light upstairs. I went back downstairs to continue decorating the tree. A few minutes later, very few, guess who was back downstairs. He was not having a good night. He was whining and barking and it is very hard on a person, “me.” Anyway, no matter what I did he was not happy and I was growing more miserable and mad by the minute so I made an executive decision to just stop and watch a bit of television without even the tree lights on. We say in semi-darkness watching television for a bit. I checked my messages and found one from a neighbour. Apparently they had accidentally sold me their Mom’s good hand blender at a garage sale a couple of months ago and were wondering if they could buy it back. I really had to laugh as I had wondered why someone (who cooked and baked a lot) would give up a KitchenAid hand mixer at a garage sale. I replied “of course.” I guess it was a good thing that it was me and not someone that they did not know. She offered me $30 but I texted back that I only paid $18. Definitely not taking more money for something – that would not be fair or even good on any level. We are friends. Sometimes accidents happen. I am just happen that they had not sold it to an unknown. We were in bed by 10:30 and I did not even read. It took me a long time to fall asleep because of the evening’s events but that was okay. Lucky for me, I did fall asleep and Alvin slept through until after 4:00 a.m. and then we were up at 7:00 (I was wondering why he kept bugging me and then I saw the time, well of course, he was hungry). Anyway, I removed the ornaments that I had put on the tree before I went to bed so this morning, I played with the lights and branches, rearranging and such. I reached a point where I was moderately satisfied with how the tree looked before starting to redecorate. I carefully placed the ANGELS all over the tree before starting to put on other of my favorite ornaments. When I looked at the clock and due in part to Mr. Alvin whining once again by the door and realizing that Humphrey & Bogart were outside and that is where he wanted to be with his friends. Even with a fence between them, he wanted to be out there. He is giving me that look so I suppose it is time to head back downstairs and finish the tree. It will likely take me another couple of hours or so. There be laundry to do and cleaning. A walk with the boy later this afternoon.

The sunrise is beautiful. Pale colours fill the sky. I am once again calm and laughing at how I stepped on and broke a light and then this morning I plugged the strand in and only some of the lights are working. Also this morning or was it last night, oh, last night, while removing the decorations I dropped one of the smaller red round ornaments. Back out with the broom. Okay two things have been broken and that is enough. Wish me luck. Perhaps it was not such a great idea on a Friday evening after a full week to be redecorating the tree. I should have just taken the ornaments off and left until this morning but oh well, would a, should a, could a.

Wish me luck again.

Have a great day.

I think that I will wait for awhile before attempting to fix the toilet handle, lol.

Need coffee.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: always brings me back to COFFEE.

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. Last night we were in bed by 9:00 p.m. as I am working from the office today. About 11:50 p.m., Alvin wanted to go outside so downstairs we went. He had a pee and then we were back in the house where we laid on the sofa. Thank goodness for a comfortable spot. We were just settling in when I heard a noise coming from the front porch, as I was half asleep, I did not think too much of it. Maybe a cat. Then a little while later I heard my phone ping several times, notification of someone texting me. Did not think much of that either. Then off to la la land. Alvin wanted to get up a couple of times before the alarm went off but I managed to coax him to lay back down. We were up to stay up at 5:00 a.m., after I gave Alvin his food, I checked my phone to see a text from the neighbour in the other half of the duplex. She had texted me at 12:33 a.m., she had heard someone on our front porch but did not know if I had company that was just leaving so she did not go outside. Now that is so funny that Mr. Alvin did not bark or make any kind of movement toward the front door. Very strange. Whomever it was did not try the door handle or I would have heard so what were they doing on the porch? I did turn on the porch light once I had read her text to see if someone had walked off with one of my potted plants or the wreath from my door but they were all there. Kind of gave me the creeps. Definitely will ensure every night that I lock the front door. I do but there has been the odd time where I noticed it unlocked in the morning, especially when I had watered the front flowers in the evening. Anyway, that was my excitement. NOT.

I am starting to get a bit anxious about next week as that is the start of three days each week back to the office. I do have someone to watch over Alvin but it is not the same, it is not me. Although I am very grateful that I have such amazing friends and neighbours who are helping me out. Soon, I hope I will be retiring and then it won’t matter. Soon cannot come soon enough, lol.

This weekend we have to go over the schedule with my friend and neighbor who is helping with Alvin.

Well I am going to go downstairs and outside with the boy and ensure that the main floor is as cool as I can make it. I will close all of the blinds so that it keeps the coolness in as it is supposed to be another hot one today.

I hope that you have an amazing day. Sure cannot believe this weather but am grateful for it. Last year when we were out to see the kids for Thanksgiving it was nice out as well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you doing well on this Thursday morning. I am pretty sure a few hours ago it was Sunday but somehow the calendar has now changed and it is Thursday, April 7, 2022. I am pretty certain that somehow time has increased its’ speed and the days are really passing as quickly as they feel to me. Am I alone in this?

This is a sad morning as yesterday we received news from a neighbor and friend that her beloved Jazmin passed away. Jazmin was almost 17 years old. We will miss seeing them on our walks and on our visits. Alvin will miss his friend. She was a sweet girl. Her Momma is lost at this time and I can feel her pain. We shall miss the cuteness that was Jazmin and know that she will be running fast through the fields of flowers with others that have gone before her. Good Night Sweet Jazmin.

The sun seems to be higher in the sky this morning. The sky is blue and there is no wind. A beautiful day by all counts.

My daughter is stopping by to see us after her appointment later today in the neighborhood. It will be great to see her. Alvin is appreciative as she is picking up his food, toothpaste and Movoflex from the Vet so his Momma does not have to carry it all home. His Momma is also appreciative.

I wish for us all that today will be filled with good news. I think that we all need some good news for a change. I am not a super religious person but a spiritual one but today I pray for some light to the darkness. I need, you need, the world needs some good news. The weight of it all is dragging us down.

On this Thursday, I wish you good health, joy, lots of laughter and abundance and some great news.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the you know what has almost all melted and the ground is drying up. We are happily walking twice per day and enjoying it so much.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are up and knocking off my to do list before I leave for work. I cannot remember the password for the APP that we are supposed to complete before going into the office. If I “change password” they will send it to my work email and that would mean that I would have to sign onto the laptop. Not going to happen. ARGH. Not happy but what can you do. We do have another option and that is to use the tablet at the front door to complete the “wellness” survey before we get into the common areas of the building. Oh well, at least I have another option if I cannot figure out the password.

It remains dark outside so I am not sure if we will have a beautiful sunrise or not? Perhaps we will. Because there is always a chance that we will. Right! Absolutely.

Today one of my best friends is having a second interview for a job. I am sending her good thoughts and positive energy. She would be perfect for the job. Intelligent and personable.

I think that Alvin knows I am leaving for the day. He was up at 12:30 but he did have to go outside. Then again at 4:30 so I just decided to give him his breakfast. I was up about 6:15 and he was barking the whole time that I was in the shower. To his credit he was wanting a drink of water and as you know he cannot seem to do that on that his own these days. He likes to have me beside him. What a guy! My next door neighbour is coming over later this morning and then again mid afternoon to check on him. Let him outside to pee, give him a little treat, make sure that he drinks some water and to provide some company. I am so grateful that she can do this for me. I am anxious about leaving him at home all day, not one day but two in a row. So having someone coming in makes me less so.

I have about 45 minutes until my ride arrives so I will make this post short this morning.

I was thinking about posting some helpful hints daily or every so often. Here is one. When you are shopping and have the option of purchasing something like peanut butter in a glass jar. Do so. Once you are finished the peanut butter you can wash it out and reuse the jar. You can use it for loose leaf teas, spices, pasta, even buttons or change. Multiple uses for this. I keep all of my glass jars and reuse them or give them to others that need them.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Sending out love and good energy and wishing that the Russian troops would lay down their weapons and walk away. Peace for Ukraine.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Friday morning? I am well. It is 7:19 a.m. and the sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky. There is a breeze lifting the coloured leaves from the trees and placing them gently onto the ground. My neighbour mowed the lawn yesterday and it looks so good as the grass had grown a bit longer. I looked out of my bedroom window as I was getting ready a few minutes ago to see that beneath our tree the grass is dotted with yellow/gold leaves. So pretty. Alvin and I had a pretty good sleep last night / this morning. He is patiently waiting for me downstairs.

Yesterday ended up to be an odd morning. As I mentioned we had a great sleep but we’re off to a bit of a late start as we fell back to sleep so that put the shower later, our walk later and my arrival time for coffee to be a bit later ONLY that is not what happened. It is funny how things can change in a blink of an eye. Just before we went for a walk, I was thinking it was cool in the house so I checked the thermostat and found it to be 66 degrees fahrenheit in the house with the heat set at 70 degrees (showing heat on) but could only mean one thing the furnace was not on. ARGH. I made a quick decision to take Alvin for a walk first and texted the girls to say that I would be a little bit late. When we got to the park we saw our friend Pauline out for a walk with her grandpup Georgie. We chatted for a moment and walked together for a bit as I explained what was going on with us parting ways and continuing onto home. When I got home I called Sonja to see if she knew what to do and she did not know about the pilot light on the furnace. So I called Kim and Dave. Then I texted the girls to advise that I would not be able to tend the coffee visit. Dave came over a bit later. We chatted and I explained what was wrong. We went into the basement and checked out the furnace and definitely the “pilot light” was not on. The Supervisor of the technicians that had gone to turn the furnace back on after the cleaning had not waited around to see if the furnace actually came on – he just flipped the switch to an on position. Dave with his phone flashlight read through the instructions on the bottom cover on the furnace (to be honest I had not read them, an eye opened for sure) and hit the reset button to turn on the pilot light. The pilot light came on but did not ignite. He had to try a couple of times which meant waiting for a few minutes in between (his analogy like lightning a barbeque). Finally he decided to remove the top cover where the pilot light is located and found it to be super clean and also found it was turned off. He turned the dial to on and then hit the reset button while placing the bottom cover back on and voile the furnace ignited. Thank goodness for such amazing neighbours. My “10” furnace cleaning rating just dropped by several points. I think that ensuring that the furnace is actually on and producing heat should be just as important as the cleaning. Right. People make mistakes. An oversight. Not on purpose, I know. But I am so grateful to have such great neighbours who are willing to drop what they are doing to help me out. If I had to call someone back out …. like the furnace guys ….. it would have cost me money. Anyway I am happy it is working and we have heat. I missed having coffee with my girls.

After Dave was gone, I put on a big pot of coffee and drank several cups. Had some toast and then decided to get working on the backyard. I mowed the grass. Cut down the perennials in my back flower bed except for the two bushes. Then went to town on putting away everything or almost everything from the deck into the garage. Rearranging as I went but it looks good.

I just heard a huge growl from the backyard and looked outside to see Sonja and Bogart on the deck. I guess the boys are not getting along at the moment so I asked if Humphrey could come over for a bit. So time to go.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? I am well but a bit on the sleep deprived side. Alvin woke up about midnight, jumped off the bed and stopped on the “white” area rug that I have surrounding the end of the bed to help soften his landing and started to wretch. I immediately without hesitation jumped up and quickly moved him to the floor without the rug. He threw up something. He was in the in between place where there is nothing more to come up but still feeling like something needs to come up. In the midst of it all I ran into my bathroom and grabbed some kleenex to clean up. Once he was done, I quickly gave a good clean of the area before grabbing my phone, and water to go downstairs. Alvin stood at the top of the stairs and I knew that he was too weak to climb down on his own. I deposited my items downstairs and ran back up to carry him down. Downstairs I grabbed a light jacket from the hall closet and while putting it on, gently guided Mr. Alvin to the back door. At the back door, I put on my outside shoes and we went out into the night. It was just after midnight by this time and he just walked over onto the deck and stood there sniffing the night air. I walked over to see if he would go down onto the grass area and all he did was run away from me. Not really thinking that he wanted to play but I think that he wasn’t quite himself. Anyway several minutes later back into the house, no pee. It was so quiet outside at that time of night, no noise from the highway a few miles away, just us out on the deck. Back in the house, I decided that we would lay down on the sofa instead of going back upstairs. Both of us did not settle down easily and before you knew it …. we were up at 4:15 ….. gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside where he did pee. I reset the alarm, then up, I do not remember exactly and gave the boy his breakfast which he gobbled down as per usual. He went outside and then we were back to the sofa for a few minutes more sleep. We did not get out for a walk. At 7:00 a.m., we were up to stay up. At least I was for the moment. Alvin stayed on the sofa while I ran upstairs to hop into the shower. When I was finished in the shower – I peeked around the corner to see him lying on the bed. He seems to be fine. His eyes appear to be clear. At this moment he got up from his position on the carpet outside the office and just stared at me and now he is laying on his tummy licking his paws. Well almost time to go to work. The clock is ticking away closer to start time. I really am going to need to cup or three of coffee this morning.

One thing to note ….. last night as I was eating supper (late afternoon) …. there was a knock at the door and a neighbour from two doors down was there to ask if I would like some more plants. She had bought some and then a friend of hers gave her more. So she had more than she had room for and so I graciously accepted. I thought of the neighbour in between us which is the one in the other half of my duplex. Last night quite unexpectedly I was sharing plants and planting more flowers in my front flower bed and in the back one and in one pot to boot. I also gave my neighbour a hand pulling weeds and preparing her flower bed to plant the flowers. There was plenty to fill her flower bed and to add more to mine. So grateful. Very kind. I thought it would be nice to give thanks by giving her a hand written “thank you” note and also a bag of my favourite fruit tea. So that is exactly what I did. Also good to give thanks.

Okay definitely have to go here. Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this fine Sunday morning? Alvin and I are doing well. Went to bed a bit early for a Saturday night before 9:30, the boy slept until I believe it was around 4:00 and then we were up at 7:00. Now that would have been a great time to get up and start the day but I just felt like snuggling on the sofa with Alvin. I feel asleep and the next thing I knew it was almost 9:00. WOW. I was grateful for the extra sleep. Nice to wake up to bright sunshine. Another windy day but perhaps it will subside. I am not sure why it is so windy in Edmonton. Is there an actual reason or just because? Yesterday we had an awesome day, up and did most of the things that I had planned to do, had a nice walk with Alvin and one of my friends that lives nearby came over for a deck visit. Oh it was so wonderful. I made coffee and we sat and chattered away for about two hours. By the time we finished up it was almost time to feed Mr. Alvin (4:20 p.m.). What a great day. Work and Play. Does not get much better than that for sure. I am grateful to my friend for coming to add some “play” to my day. Thanks “G.” I have one more load of laundry – Alvin’s blankets to wash and then continuing on the washing of my daughter’s baby/little girl clothings and baby blankets. I am removing the chemical smell from them. It is taking a few washings of each load but it is working. I then want to snap photos of each item so that my daughter has them. Will perhaps get them printed into a book for her. That way if she chooses not to keep them, she has a photo as a reminder. I am thinking that she will keep the special blankets. The clothing is in mint condition and I am sure that some little girls out there would like to wear some of the items. Most little girls clothing does not change much over the decades. Also was thinking that I should be deleting photos from my computer as I have them backed up with a company that I am paying for to do so. Makes sense to get them off the computer. Perhaps not all but a good portion. I am still going through my phone as well deleting duplicate and poor shots. Why is it so difficult to keep up and to do this. This is high on my TO DO LIST to accomplish before the end of the summer. Likely should have been doing during the winter but that did not happen so summer it will be. If I just spend one hour each day doing this ….. it would get done. Perhaps from now on, one hour before we would go to bed, we could come upstairs and I could work on it otherwise get up earlier and do it in the morning. Either would work. I need to get it done. It is much easier to keep putting it off until you can no longer. I am quite certain it is the 40,000 some odd photos on my computer that is slowing it down. I would be slow if I had that many photos in my memory. Whoops, of course I have that many and more and perhaps that is why I am so slow some days, lol. Oh well.

I watched part of one of my all time favourite movies “Black Panther” last night. It was on television so I set the PVR and recorded it so that I can keep watching it over and over and over again. Love that movie. So we will be watching from the beginning this evening my favourite movie. It is three hours long with commercials.

Time to get this day rolling. Mr. Alvin is being extra patient this morning. Lucky Momma. My flowers are looking beautiful and I am over the moon full of gratitude that they survived our recent “late spring storm” and look forward to enjoying them until September or so. I must make a note of spending more time on the deck. Taking my coffee breaks on the deck during the week would be a great idea. At lunchtime we go for walks.

Life is great. I am so grateful for each and every moment. Even the ones on the sofa like this morning where I had the oddest dreams with family that I have not seem for a long time. It was great.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this bright and sunny Saturday morning? I hope that you are doing well. Alvin and I are doing great and looking forward to a walk today as we missed our walk yesterday. I had to go to the office yesterday and then pick up groceries on the way home. My daughter was working yesterday so she gave me a ride as I do not wish to take public transit. NO offence public transportation. On the way home we went to COSTCO which had the longest line that my daughter had ever been in since the pandemic hit. It would seem that everyone decided to go to COSTCO last night at 4:40 p.m. Don’t worry about Mr. Alvin – he was well looked over by my neighbour who was over to let him out for a “pee,” for snacks and snuggles and then later for supper. I am over the moon grateful to have such kind and wonderful neighbours. Alvin did make sure that he was stuck to me like glue for the rest of the evening which actually is much the same as most days but even moreso. If you can imagine that. What a guy? Yesterday morning I finally was able to drop off the last Christmas present that I had …. yes, it was really late but isn’t it nice to have something to open when there are no other gifts around and always makes you feel better. This was the case with my friend Karen. She was tickled and I was as well. I always feel so good when I give. It was nice to see a handful of folks at work. Also was able to have a chat with our new retiree as yesterday was her very last day. How exciting? I remember when I retired once. I did have almost three years off which was incredible. Just like a long vacation. Everyday was the weekend.

Last night we had a quiet evening after my daughter left for home and I put the groceries away. She had picked up some sushi at COSTCO and I had some for the second time in my life. It was really good although my daughter did say it was not the best but still very good.

I had the oddest dreams all mixed mashed up with people, places and things. I won’t even begin to explain or describe. If it had meaning – I have no idea what they meant.

I guess there be laundry to do, an Alvin to go for a walk or perhaps two with, some rearranging and to put away the last bits of Christmas as I have given the last gift.

Wishing you a great Saturday. Time to reflect, to relax, to laugh and to enjoy along with some work of course. It wouldn’t be a weekend if we didn’t have some work to do.

Happy Saturday as I continue to live my life with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. – I am at a loss as what to give Mr. Alvin for a birthday gift? Any ideas?

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Finally the snow has stopped here in Edmonton or at least in my neighbourhood. So much snow has fallen. The sticky heavy stuff making shovelling difficult and time consuming. My neighbours and I shovelled the front sidewalks several times yesterday and there was still about a foot to shovel this morning. Thanks to my neighbour Sonja for shovelling the front. When we got up about 1.5 hours ago I went outside with Alvin so that I could pick up his poop from earlier in the morning (it had stopped snowing by that time) and that’s when I decided in my pj’s to start once again shovelling the deck and Alvin’s grass area. There is so much snow that it is hard – where do you put that snow? As I was shovelling I realized that Sonja was in her backyard, yes that is Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom. She was shovelling away singing to some tunes on her earphones. I got her attention and we both thought this is just the beginning. So much snow. She was further ahead of me and after a few minutes went into her garage so that she could shovel her driveway. Our garages are detached from our homes. After a few minutes I decided that I would go and join her and shovel the driveway. It is the place that is not visually noticeable from the house and better to do it now than later. Of course, she’s younger and in better shape and had a head start, not that it was a race but she finished ahead of me and said that she would go and start the front and see how far she got as she was also getting tired. I said “thank you,” of course and carried on shovelling the driveway. Oh, Alvin had been cold several minutes before so I put him into the house. It was shortly after I started shovelling the driveway, I found my mini gloves were not keeping my fingers warm so back into the house and into my big girl MITTS and also put on my high warmer boots. Back out and finished the driveway and then the deck. By the time I got back into the house, removed my boots and walked to the front door, my neighbour was heading up my front steps as she had almost finished the shovelling. What a workout we girls had this morning. She is almost on her way to look after some horses of a friend. The horse shelters have to be cleaned so she will be getting lots of exercise and really building up those arm muscles. To all my friends in Alberta and elsewhere – be careful shovelling. The snow is heavy. Take your time. Be safe.

Well it is definitely time for some COFFEE and I actually have earned the appetite that I now have ….. for a change.

Happy to see that the United States will have their first female Vice-President. It is about time. Congratulations to the new leadership team.

Well time to get this day going although I am feeling a bit tired after all that shovelling. I have vacuuming to do up and downstairs. Bring up the laundry that was drying in the basement. I want to bake some scones using the Steeped Tea mix. I think that I am going to make pancakes for breakfast as I have milk to use and do not wish to waste it. Also have to work on a project for Christmas but cannot reveal at this time. I am going to place a Pampered Chef order from a friend’s online party which will bring my Christmas shopping close to being done. I have Alvin, Aspen and Milo left and some stocking stuffers for the kids. I will do some baking in the early part of December and hand it out to friends and family. I did write up most of my Christmas Cards yesterday but still more to do. A few letters to do as well.

Have an awesome Sunday. I am so happy to see somewhat clear blue skies this morning and the sun was shining earlier, wasn’t it? I thought so??? Well at least it is not snowing. I am so relieved that it stopped.

Take care everyone. Be safe and I hope that you are in good health.

I/We shall continue to live our lives with kindness and respect for all living creatures and the environment. I guess after all it holds life including ours.

Always, Carol & Alvin