Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 2nd day of August, 2018.

YAY, officially on VACATION.

Seems like I have been waiting forEVER.

We are having a GRAND time here at my house.

Alvin has settle in with the company.

My sister spent most of the day with Alvin yesterday while the rest of the gang went to St. Albert.

My niece-in-law’s brother and family live in nearby St. Albert.

WIN WIN for everyone.

Alvin had some quiet time with the Aunt.

The sister saw her brother.

The cousins visited.

The brothers reunited.

The elder of the three great nephews had been away visiting grandparents in British Columbia.

The heat may have finally cracked.

It has been very hot and hot in our house.

We managed to keep it somewhat cool with a fan and opening windows when it is cool.

Last night after the gang arrived back to the RANCH we sat on the deck and just enjoyed the coolness of the night air.

The night sky was alive with sheets of lightning.

Then out of the distance came the thunder.

The elder nephew pointed out the speed that the clouds were rolling in from the EAST.

Out of nowhere the wind picked up.

We made a quick decision to move the flower pots and furniture on the deck within somewhat of protection of the fence and the house.

The smaller boys picked up their toys, the ladies grabbed drinks and we ran into the house.

Then the heavens opened up and it RAINED.

When we looked out the front window it was coming down in sheets and the trees seemed to bend in two forced by the wind.

At one point there was this crack of thunder so loud that we ALL jumped.

Oh, did I tell you that they surprised me with an early BIRTHDAY PRESENT.

This cool space aged looking black TOWER electric FAN that you can program to come on at certain times.

Mr. Alvin will be so happy.

His Momma was so happy.

Even had the elder Nephew with help from his Momma set it all up.

So thoughtful and what a perfect gift.

 

Well we elder gals are up as is Alvin.

Alvin and I were up earlier as you know he has to eat and stuff.

I guess after a quick breakfast – we “elder” gals are going to make a little run to the grocery store.

The others will sleep unless Alvin wakes them up …. actually only one will be in Alvin’s line of fire and that is the elder nephew as he crashed on the sofa.

 

PERFECT vacation.

Everything is working out great.

Time for breakfast, then shopping and then COFFEE.

 

I hope that you all are having a great Thursday.

Sometimes you do not have to PLAN things for them to be perfect.

Another lesson learned.

Never too old to learn.

Sometimes you just have to have faith that things will work out.

 

Special Hello to: YOU, thank you so much for taking time to read my thoughts and stories.  Much appreciated.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of July, 2018.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin and I went for a walk at 5:00 a.m. just as the sun was beginning to rise.

The sky was different hues of pinks and red/oranges, so pretty.

There was not a soul out until we were on our way home and then we saw a lady and her pup.

Thankfully it was cool even without a breeze.

We opted not to walk last night as I felt it was too warm for us.

Perhaps more for me …. I don’t know.

I am always aware of Alvin and his fur coat.

 

Well it is Tuesday.

The traffic is humming at this time as people make their way to and from work or perhaps just leaving on a vacation.

We are pet/house sitting for a neighbour this weekend.

The next weekend my daughter and pups are coming for a sleepover weekend, yay.

Then basically one week until my sister, niece and great nephews arrive for a visit.

So excited.

Then I will be off on vacation for about 10 days.

During that time my daughter and I will take a road trip together.

I cannot wait.

Will miss Mr. Alvin but will be good to get away.

I always love my adventures with my girl.

We try to go off the beaten trail just a bit (but being safe) and get some amazing photos.

 

Our office is closed while we install a new version of our computer program.

During the closed time we will be in training and spend some time cleaning our workspaces and odds and ends.

Always something to do.

Excited to see this new version in place.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

I was able to cool the house down some with the windows open and the fan going.

Will go downstairs and spend some time with my boy.

Perhaps he needs another massage.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Keep safe and cool.

Be kind to those around you and always try to do the right thing.

Not necessary your “right” but what is best in the situation.

 

Special Hello to: my family, near and far.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of August, 2017.

The sky is overcast this morning and a cool breeze is coming in through the window.

Looks like smoke covering the morning sky.

Well, this afternoon my sister flies back to her home in Saskatchewan.

We have had the best time.

My sister and I along with our youngest brother and her son went to see our other brother.

We spent two nights with him and also visited our nephew and his family and his youngest brother (yes, a nephew).

It was nice to be in the country for a couple of days.

The weather was quite warm and cooled off nicely at night.

We forget just how noisy the city can be until we spend time in the country.

My brother that lives in the countryside celebrated his 55th Birthday on Friday, August 11th.

We had a great visit with our family.

So much fun catching up and laughing.

That is my favourite part, the laughter of family.

Sharing stories of times gone by and current ones.

 

My daughter is bringing Mr. Alvin home later this morning.

We will have a visit and some coffee before taking my sister to the airport.

So excited to see Mr. Alvin as it has been several days, I believe the longest we have been apart.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do before my sister leaves and most importantly spend as much time together as we possibly can.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who sent birthday wishes my way …. so grateful.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of June, 2016.

Just listening to the buzzing of the lawnmower as my neighbour mows the grass in her backyard.

She has her sister and nephews visiting for the weekend.

Patience she has as she is letting the older boy help mow the grass to earn money to buy a new dirt bike helmet.

I can hear her words of encouragement along the way.

They cut the front and it looks so wonderful.

Looks like all our grass truly needed was the nectar of the gods ….. rain.

So happy for the rain over the past couple of weeks.

The next several days coming up are to be mid twenties.

I am so grateful that I have great neighbours.

We share mowing in the summer (although she is ahead of me) and shovelling in the winter.

I do love having the windows open in the summer and listening to the sounds of summer …. birds singing, lawnmowers, rain drops, people’s voices as they do tasks outdoors.

So happy for the weekend.

 

I must mention about my date with my daughter after work yesterday.

I caught the bus to city hall and in Winston Square they were having a “small container home” on display and you could walk through it.

It was a cool experience and I would say that yesterday there were hundreds of people out to take a peek.

Unfortunately I do not remember the name of the company that makes them but they are made out of shipping containers.

Very modern and sleek in the inside.

The wave of the future.

Minimalist.

People are getting away from the materialistic lifestyle of the last 50 or so years.

They take up less space ….. cost less …. better for the environment.

It was a great experience and I am grateful to my daughter for the invitation.

Over 700 as of yesterday afternoon had RSVP to attend the event over the weekend.

 

Well I guess it is almost time to get this show on the road.

The birthday party is almost at hand.

 

Have a wonderful Saturday.

If it is one thing that I have learned over the past few years and it is less is more.

That is one of the reasons for multiple garage sales ……

We do not need so much …. only trouble is many people think they do.

 

Special Hello to: my niece “D” congratulations on receiving your Nursing Degree ….. we are so proud of you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – November 22, 2013

Chapter Four:

November 1, 2013

Oh, how I loved that dress, and my mind flashes back to the junior high school dance where I first wore that beautiful pink and then I see my favourite books floating in mid air and my best friend “Dee” is there.

November 2, 2013

Alvin is staying very close as we begin to take in this enormous space, and our nervous energies feed each other, and I think of Alice in Wonderland, and  what shall our next move be as a bright purple balloon drifts by.

November 3, 2013

It is absolutely amazing the dress, my friend, balloons, family, old boyfriends, my house, Christmas, all of the things that I have loved during my life are appearing as Alvin and I make our way through it all.

November 4, 2013

I realize throughout all of the memories that my “four” are no longer walking with us and have disappeared.

November 5, 2013

“Where did they go?” I mutter aloud as if I half expect Alvin to answer and yet I know that we are “down the rabbit hole and things are about to get very interesting.”

November 6, 2013

What do I do – what can I do – nothing makes any sense – why would they do this – am I a guinea pig of sorts – are they watching us – who are they – are the questions that flood my mind as we just walk not knowing what will happen next.

November 7, 2013

As we walk further into this new world, I begin to notice that we in fact are not alone.

November 8, 2013

I do not see anyone but I can feel “eyes” watching us as we go deeper into this place, and then out of no where the thought of “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” comes to my mind; like something out of a movie.

November 9, 2013

Carefully I look about not wanting to miss a single thing, and carefully monitoring my thoughts with hopes that I can find out my location without disturbing my “hosts” when in the distance I see a dim light.

November 10, 2013

As I approach the location of the light it becomes brighter and brighter with only about 50 footsteps away I can begin to see what lies ahead of us.

November 11, 2013

Could I ever have imagined this in my wildest dreams, I think not, as the images begin to sharpen and come into focus.

November 12, 2013

I stop, we stop, and I rub my eyes in disbelief as I look ahead and see what appears to be a glass wall with images of ….. ME.

November 13, 2013

There, only a few feet in front of us are ME at different ages, different stages of my life with some I recognize, and other versions are new to me.

November 14, 2013

I am shaking in disbelief and wonder at what is ahead of me; am I dreaming?

November 15, 2013

Alvin has been quiet for awhile just sniffing around the space when suddenly he yanks hard on the leash pulling me off balance knocking me to the ground.

 November 16, 2013

As I lay there collecting my senses, Alvin rushes back to me tail wagging and licks my face; I giggle, looking up completely stunned, I see myself.

November 17, 2013

Wow, is that really me I think to myself and then utter a soft “Hello”  as the other “me” smiles back at me…… 

November 18, 2013

“Please tell me where I am,”  I say to her, and as I utter the words, she tells me without speaking that I am wherever I want to be.

November 19, 2013

Okay, I think let me give this a try as my mind unleashes the imagination that has been locked up as of late and before I could say anything we are curled up on a oversized leather sofa in front of a fireplace looking out of an enormous window to a breathtaking view of the mountains which are covered with snow; my heart leaps with excitement.

November 20, 2013

I had this dream when I won the lottery, and our family spent Christmas in this huge log cabin celebrating and being together it was amazing … oh, I feel so good.

 November 21, 2013

Happiness, I feel an overwhelming sense of pure joy as I continue to take in my surroundings but then boom I come to my “senses” and wonder where is everyone?

November 22, 2013

Almost as quickly as that thought occurred  …. out of the corner of my eye I see my nephews James, Henry and Blake walking toward me, and there in front of me is my daughter; “Oh my god” I squeal with delight as I run to her, and squeeze her tight.

Thought for the day……

Good Tuesday Morning and Welcome to the 23rd day of April 2013.

Did you remember that yesterday was “EARTH DAY?”

I must admit that when I was writing my blog yesterday morning, I forgot.

But I did do my part.

After work and later when I would usually turn on the lights, I kept them off.

I always try to only keep on the lights that I absolutely need to see.

If I am out of the room … the lights are off.

How did you do?

Did you turn the lights off and go for a walk?

Alvin and I had a delightful walk last night.

Most of the sidewalks were dry so that was great (meant I did not have to give Alvin a bath when we got home from our walk, yay).

It was so warm that I only wore a “bunny hug” (yes, I am from Saskatchewan, Canada) or perhaps you know it better by hoodie and a vest.

The vest was more for keeping my keys and poop bags in the pockets.

It was great.

Well I should run and I hope that you all have an amazing day.

The sky is starting to clear as it was overcast for awhile earlier.

Looks like another beautiful day.

I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are and that you are having an awesome day.

Take care.

Breathe, smile and things will be okay.

Take the time today to do something for someone without wanting anything in return.

Special Hello: to all my nieces and nephews ….. Auntie/Anta misses you.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, December 26th ….. the day after Christmas or more commonly known in Canada as “BOXING DAY” ….

Today is the day that folks rush out and see what deals they can get ….. there are SALES everywhere.

Me, I am going to stay at home and relax.

Tomorrow is back to the office ….

 

Just got off the phone with one of my nephews and we had a great talk ….. I love our conversations.

He is a great young man.

Yesterday I was blessed to speak with one of my brothers (called the other one but no answer) and my sister, another nephew’s wife and one of my great nephews.

So I am so happy to have spoke with so many family members.

 

My daughter just called and is on her way over to have pancakes.  We have so much food so she is going to take some (most of it, hopefully) home.

 

I had an awesome Christmas.

One of my favourite gifts was a “kick butt” shovel from my son-in-law which I used this morning.

It has a blade on the bottom to cut through ice.  Works perfectly.

 

Gotta go…… have a great day.

Thank you……

Special Hello to: all those shoppers …. I hope you find lots of deals.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin