Second Half of the NEW YEAR …. final quarter

Good Morning All. Some of us set our clocks back one hour last night or this morning. When Alvin woke up several hours ago I looked at my phone that I had charging in the bedroom and it said 1:14 a.m. Alvin is not unlike me and has to go pee in the middle of the night so up we got and outside he went. I watched. He did his business and came into the house and then we hit the sofa for more sleep. I noticed that the clocks on the stove and microwave had said 2:16 when we went downstairs. My phone automatically updated to the correct time. I am always confused for the first few days. Reminding myself to change all of the clocks. Anyway the next time we got up my phone said 6:44 and the stove/microwave said 7:44 a.m. and it feels later not earlier. So up we have stayed at the revised time of 6:44 a.m. Alvin had his breakfast. For the second day I have noted that he has not eaten all of his food. Yesterday he ate his biscuits treats, banana and carrots and his supper with no issues. So perhaps he is beginning to get full on less in the morning. I guess we have been eating at different times lately. So important to get back on a schedule for both of us. Eating at same times at good for us and for digestion.

The sky is begin to lighten as the sun starts to rise in the morning sky. Did you bask in the glory of that Halloween Full Moon last night? How / what did you and your family do? Did the kids go treating? Did you hand out candy? I felt guilty as I did not hand out treats however I did pack up large treat bags and personally delivered them to all of the children that I know well in the neighbourhood. We had little visits with everyone and they showed off their costumes and candy delivery systems. I think that I had almost as much fun as other years. Almost. I kept peaking through the blinds to see if there were kids out and about. I only saw three or four total. Some of my friends reported having about 50 which is about half of normal amount of treaters. These friends said their children received huge amounts of treats as a result. I am happy to see that people took precautions for the safety of the children. Warms my heart that people were smart about Halloween in my neighbourhood. I can not speak for other areas but am happy that we did the right thing. In a little while once I am finished writing and dressed and had a cup of coffee, it will be time to go into the basement and start hauling up the CHRISTMAS decorations. Firstly, I will have to take down all of my Halloween decorations and pack them away. Down and then up. My daughter will come around noon and help put up the tree and I hope that by then, I will have most of the main floor decorated and furniture moved about ready for the tree.

I also entered but not submitted tea orders last night. I am so excited to get some HOT CHOCOLATE. The order will be submitted tonight as advised. Just waiting for a few more orders.

Also am excited that I booked tomorrow off as a vacation day. The temperatures for today and the following three days are to be double digits with warmest day being 15-16 degrees celsius which is very warm for this time of year. Must remember to change the calendar as well. Tomorrow will be a good time to give Mr.Alvin a bath and possible little trim.

Walking with Alvin will mean no sweater in these temperatures and light jacket or sweater for me.

Happy November 1st, 2020.

Well time to get this day going …. lots to do.

Living life with kindness and respect and happy to do so.

I/We shall remain, as Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone,

Back to work after a great weekend but a sleepless Sunday night.

Alvin is settling in at my daughter’s house.

I do miss him but I know he is being well looked after and is a nice break for both of us.

Sometimes you just need to change things up a bit.

 

I am also very angry this morning.

Just a few minutes ago I received a text from my neighbour asking if I had taken a box into my house for her.

Usually if we are out walking and I see a box on her step, I put it into her house.

Within a nanosecond of her text, I realized that the big black truck that had stopped out front of our houses was stealing from her.

It was in the afternoon and I do not even remember the exact time.

I was on the main floor and saw this black truck slowing down and kind of looking which I thought was looking for a house number.

They stopped and a man got out and walked out of the range of my sight and then shortly thereafter came back with a box and put it in the box of the truck.

They drove off.

I remember for a second thinking “Oh my neighbour must have received a package by mistake and owners came to pick up.”

Which has happened before but no, someone stole her “food box” right in front of my eyes.

I feel really bad as I innocently watched the crime take place.

Please folks keep your eyes out as people are desperate for many reasons.

Food boxes are not cheap and I cannot imagine that the company would replace it.

Be aware of strange vehicles in your neighbourhood.

If you are expecting a delivery and not going to be home, please ask a neighbour that you know and trust to keep an eye out for it.

I wished that I had known.

 

Well it is time to have that cup of coffee and start work.

I hope that you are well and safe.

Be aware.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Living with kindness and respect.

 

As Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I did manage to get some photos deleted from both my phone and computer.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day.

It is sunny with a full on powder blue sky and there is a breeze wafting in through the office window.

Making this the most perfect Saturday morning.

Today June 20, 2020.

Hey 20, 20 20.

Cool.

Just realized that ….. okay slow to the party!

What can I say?

Added bonus I can hear the music of birds drifting in the breeze through my window.

 

Well we had a great Friday.

In the morning one of our neighbours and friends stopped by with Starbuck coffee for a little visit.

Alvin and I went for a walk at noon.

After work I cooked my first of three new meals from Good Food.

It was yummy.

After supper we walked over to our friends down the street.

We spent just over three glorious hours swinging on their patio swing.

Alvin sat in between us here and there.

He ran around the back yard not as much as previous year.

He was more content to just walk around sniffing.

Somehow in this immaculate yard he managed to find a bone of some sort tucked into the bed of river rocks under their deck.

The deck is off their dining room so it is raised and you take stairs up from the backyard.

Anyway, he found that darn bone.

We managed to get it away from him, not an easy task once he has his jaws secured.

In the beginning it was just me, Alvin and Irene.

A few minutes later her husband and our friend Norbert came down and joined in the conversation.

We had a great time.

Alvin loves them.

Norbert tried getting him to run after a ball he found in their shed but he was not really interested.

The train has left the station in that regard or at least most days.

It was so nice to sit outside in a private backyard enjoying great company on a Friday night.

They have the most lush and most delectable colour of green lawn that I have ever seen.

 

In 2020, the June solstice occurs on Saturday, June 20, marking the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

So what that means for us, is the longest day of the year.

Perhaps it might be close to 11 p.m. before the sun actually goes completely “to bed” and darkness befalls us.

 

Well on this longest day of the year.

It will be the usual suspects …. laundry, putz in the yard and garden, bit of cleaning.

RELAXING.

I see that on my calendar.

A walk sooner or later.

Likely later.

Supposed to be a warm one today.

 

Time to go and put on the coffee pot.

Get this party going.

Okay perhaps not quite anyone’s idea of a party but let’s get this going …..

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember to laugh and relax.

So some chores.

Perhaps help someone outside your household with a task or chore.

Living with kindness and respect.

 

As we continue our day living with kindness and respect,

I almost forgot to mention this good news.

Just as we were leaving last night to go out …. Humphrey’s Mom announced the newest member to their family.

A baby kitten name BOGART.

Welcome to our family and neighbourhood “little one.”

I see visits in our future for sure.

 

Happy Days.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Oh, no another photo subject !!!

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of April, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly as it is almost 7:30 a.m.

Alvin and I have been up for awhile now.

I switched my winter clothes with my summer clothes – one closet to the other.

DONE.

I had the most productive evening last night after work:  Alvin had his supper, raked the back yard, spray washed the deck, washed two loads of laundry, moved my winter coats and boots to the basement

and moved summer jackets to the front closet, brought out most of the patio/deck furniture, made coffee for me and my neighbour, supper, submitted a tea order, did dishes by hand, cleaned the house a bit and was

in bed by 10:10 p.m.

With the cleaning of the deck last night – managed to spray wash myself.

The end on the garden hose is slightly cracked making it impossible to connect the sprayer properly.

So I got wet along with my neighbour who was in her yard.

She came over to help me and I ended up using her hose to clean the deck.

What a night …. thankfully it was really warm so after the initial blast of cold water, I was fine and dried quickly.

 

This morning our little friend TEDDY is coming to spend the day with us as his parents travel outside the City of Edmonton to their farm.

I wanted to have most of my chores completed so that I had time to spend quality time with Alvin and Teddy.

The deck and back yard are all cleaned up so they can play before it gets to hot.

Supposed to be +27 degrees celsius today.

My neighbour is going to help me put out the base for the one patio table and lift the other table down to the deck area closest to the house.

Then we will be ready for sitting outside.

I have an idea for a short story so am making notes.

Time to have breakfast before our company arrives.

Tomorrow I am going to clean up the trash in the neighbourhood and pick up a few things at the grocery store.

Also rake the front lawn.

Always lots to do.

Soon the perennials will begin to grow, I sure hope so, anyway.

Looking forward to the buds on the trees.

 

I am inspired by the sunlight and Teddy’s arrival.

He is a little bundle of energy that makes you want to get up and go.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend.

May the “sunlight” be with you.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends, who are my “sunlight.”
Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of April, 2018.

The sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky.

The air inside the house is on the “cool” side as I turned the thermostat downwards, not off, just down.

Today is to be +20 degrees celsius.

 

Last night Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk together after work.

Most of the snow / ice has melted.

There was a fairly large patch of water covering the sidewalk but we walked around it the best we could.

My shoes and Alvin’s paws managed to get wet.

Although I was not deliberately trying to get mine wet.

What a guy!

We picked up some trash along the way.

As there always seems to be some laying about.

Next weekend will be my big trash pickup.

 

So happy for this weather.

Finally, I believe that I can put our winter clothing away.

Alvin will no longer require his winter coats.

That will be my Saturday project.

 

I do love going through my closets and containers.

Checking on what needs to find a new home and what to keep and wear for the summer months.

I do need to bring my shoes upstairs and see what I have.

 

Alvin just popped into the office.

He was sniffing about as dogs will do.

I have a little blue blanket in the office which usually is draped over the arm of my chair.

I placed it on the floor, he gave it a couple of kicks and then has curled up.

He almost never curls up on the blanket.

Usually just sits or lays down.

So cute.

 

Well almost time to put the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I wish you all a Happy Day and as I was reminded that everyday is EARTH DAY.

I love that.

It certainly is …. everyday I do my best to help our environment and I hope that you do, as well.

Have an awesome EARTH DAY.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who love to read.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of September, 2017.

Yesterday we broke the highest temperature for September 7th, 2017, which was I believe 1928.

It was over 31 degrees celsius.

The bus ride home was indeed HOT and the bus was packed full.

Luckily for me I was standing right beside the bus driver so it was not too bad.

Today the temperature is to be a few degrees cooler which is great.

 

Not last night but Tuesday and Wednesday evenings on our way home from our walks two young men were sitting on the benches in the entranceway to the park, smoking weed.

I could smell that distinct odour as we approached.

It is a family neighbourhood ….. no consideration.

Pretty sure it is still against the law to smoke weed in public.

I know that some laws are changing regarding weed.

Oh well.

 

Last night Alvin for some unknown reason decided to toss and turn and kept us both up most of the night.

I hope that I am productive and on the ball today.

Luckily it is Friday and we have the weekend.

 

With the full moon yesterday and last night at sunset the sun was this big huge ball of orange hanging there in the evening sky.

It was so beautiful.

We were on our way on our walk and I did not have a camera otherwise it would have been a great shot.

 

Well folks time to run …. got to go and catch that steamer, I mean bus.

Have an awesome Friday.

Hope it is productive, fun and relaxing all muddled together.

We can do this.

 

Special Hello to:  all those people who ride public transportation …

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of May, 2017.

Well quite the difference this morning.

Yesterday was sunny and HOT – 28 degrees celsius.

This morning WINDY and raining and has cooled off.

Last night when I arrived home from work I found the house quite warm so I turned on the A/C.

Poor little Alvin.

We even put off our walk until later in the evening.

 

On the way to the park we stopped at our friends house to see how Presley was doing and of course, the family.

They lost their beloved Lola this passed Saturday to an unleashed dog.

Please be responsible and if taking your pup for a walk – put a leash on him or her.

No reason to be out and about and not paying attention to your doggie.

If you have them outside for a walk and fresh air in a public place – on a leash and actually spend time with them.

Now due to this irresponsible person this pit bull will either have a very poor qualify of life due to the restraints placed on him or may have no life at all.

Breaks my heart.

Such unnecessary damage done ….

I want to add one more note here ….. I notice so many folks out walking with their dogs with their heads bent down gazing at that rectangular screen.

They have no idea who is coming or going.

They have no idea if their doggie eats something they should not.

Pay attention.

 

Well time to leave for work.

I will  be taking my umbrella but with this wind not sure if it will do much good.

Thankfully it is not raining at this moment.

Perhaps I will make it to the bus stop without having to use the umbrellie.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Be kind and responsible.

 

Special Hello to: You.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of May, 2017.

The sky is overcast …… where is the sunshine this morning?

Another glorious weekend……

So great having a three day weekend.

Back to work.

 

Last night while looking out of my south exposing office window ….

Using my imagination …..

Taking in the tall lean trees which remind me of an Italian landscape …

Nestled in between red and brown rooftops…..

I was taken away …..

Slightly closing my eyes …..

I was taking in a view of a place far away from my neighbourhood….

Thank you imagination ……

 

In reality I am not far away.

But if you consider this ….

Someone out there is likely imagining a neighbourhood such as mine or yours.

We are never alone in imagination.

 

Have a wonderful day and imagine away to your heart’s content.

It is imagining your life that brings you your life.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Hey, I even remembered to put out the trash last night.

 

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those DREAMERS out there ….. keep on dreaming.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of March, 2017.

It is gloomy out this morning and was difficult to get out of bed this morning.

Likely due in part to me falling asleep on the sofa early in the evening and then between Alvin and I waking up at odd hours throughout the night.

Oh well, such as life.

We are good …..

I was hoping that the sun would be shining.

Sunshine always energizes me.

Overcast makes me sleepy.

So it is the weekend.

Time to get some things done around the house like laundry again.

Seems like I just did laundry and here we are again.

 

It is also that time of year to start the neighbourhood garbage pickup.

Every night as of late on my walk home from the bus (because it is in the daylight) I see so much trash on the ground.

Honestly it does make me mad and disappointed.

Either today or tomorrow I will go and do some outdoor cleaning.

But it does bring me joy to have a clean neighbourhood.

I do wish that people would take notice and perhaps pick things up instead of dropping them on the ground.

Part of the garbage problem is the way people pack their recycling.

A good portion of the trash is paper and boxes.

For some reason people tend to think tossing paper and small boxes on top of each other or in a open container is a good thing.

NOT so much.

WIND.

We have wind here.

 

Okay I am done my rant.

Sorry for this.

Time to get this show on the road.

SHOWER.

I need a shower.

Warm me up and wake me up.

 

Happy Saturday.

Have fun today.

Alvin and I will get out for a walk at some point and that is always fun.

 

Special Hello to:  all my fellow bloggers.

Always, Carol and Alvin