The Next Chapter

Good Morning! How are you this Friday morning? The trees are swaying in the wind against the morning sunrise sky. So pretty. YAY, we made it to Friday. I hope that today is quiet at the office. My daughter will be bringing Aspen & Milo here to spend the day with Cookie. My son-in-law will come here once he is done walking the “line.”

Cute story. Miss Cookie was whining like she wanting up on my lap. She usually does not sit still for too long but I bent over and picked her up which was a process as she runs away and then comes back. Finally I had her on my lap. She wanted to get up on the desk. At one point she had her paws on the desk looking at the screen. I would say “we have a new blogger” coming along. I wonder what kind of stories she would write. Would be pretty interesting I would think. What a character she is! Her Dad texted me yesterday and they will be home tomorrow night at 11:00 p.m. (time they touch down so it will be closer to 12:30 or so when they physically get home. I am usually not up at that time so will see if they want to wait and pick her up in the morning although they will likely sleep late. Oh well, whatever happens she will be happy to be home. I know she missed her pod, her pack.

Oh, I did grab some photos with one hand of Cookie up on the computer desk looking like she was ready to key something. She actually stood on the keyboard and when I said something, do not remember exactly what it was, SIRI came on and said “I found this on the web.” Okay, lol.

I hope that life is treating you kindly. Wishing you and me patience with everything that comes our way on this day.

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

These babies will be hanging out together today ………

Cuteness

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) & Miss Cookie

Last Half 2022 – December 1, 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are with Christmas fast approaching. How are things with you? Do you celebrate Christmas with all the bell & gifts or do you have a more faith based traditions. Perhaps somewhere in between. We all have our own way of celebrating the holidays – this season. I do like giving gifts, I love the decorations, the smells, baking and most of all spending time with friends and family. Oh and the tree, of course. I must admit that I spoiled Mr. Alvin this year, I don’t remember if I mentioned this perhaps I did, but here we go again. I bought him a Christmas sweater, an actual Christmas sweater, his first one. I also got him a new colourful fancy harness and a cute toy. I figure going into his 14th year that we should do it up big. I cannot wait for him to open his gifts. He loves opening presents, so this will be fun.

I guess we are in official countdown – 23 sleeps till Christmas Eve and 24 sleeps till Christmas Day.

This weekend is baking time. I am most excited to get into that rhythm …. hauling out the supplies, the recipes. Mixing and scooping and cutting out shapes (I do round for my sugar cookies). The smell of cookies wafting throughout the house. We are going to have fun. Alvin will not be too happy as I will be busy running around the kitchen but I will be home with him and that is what matters most.

Yesterday is was stormy. The roads were icy and the visibility was down. We were sent home about 3:00 p.m. so that we would miss the rush hour traffic and to ensure that we got home okay. I called my daughter as she has a long drive to let her know about the status of the roads and she was able to leave work early as well. Our drive was okay but my daughter reported that the roads were not good. I am so happy that we all got home safe and sound. After I got home, I hooked up my laptop and worked for awhile longer before feeding Mr. Alvin who was ready for supper when I opened the door. After he ate, I went shovelling. Shovelled the front including the neighbours, then part of the deck and the driveway before starting my supper. I threw together an odd combo that turned out to be yummy. I roasted/baked chickpeas with frozen brussel sprouts, caramelized an onion, chopped up some fresh celery, a red bell pepper, some grape tomatoes and then mixed all together. It was very yummy. I added some chili jelly on top. Supper was most enjoyable considering I had no idea what to eat when I got home.

Well the clock is ticking away and I must get back downstairs and finish getting things ready to go to the office. The storm died down and it stopped snowing. Thank goodness.

Happy Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. hey Val, you were correct, I found a little poopette on top of the bed this morning. Pretty sure something else did not put it there. I am most relieved. Must be an age thing, lol. My poor boy.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 4th day of April, 2017.

Appears to be a good day weather wise.

The snow from yesterday did not last.

Good to have the moisture but it would be nice to have a good rain.

Tomorrow marks the 7th Anniversary of my very FIRST Blog ….. I just could not wait until tomorrow so thought I would share the first one all over again.

Mainly I wanted to see if this blog was going in the original direction or if I changed my focus.

You can be the judge.

Thank you to everyone for their support and comments over the years.

This is my life and I wanted to share some of it with you.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

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Hi Everyone,

I want to share my “world” with you.  Writing has always played a major role in my life in one way, shape or form.  My dream is to be a published writer, a creator of works to share with the world.  This is my beginning.  My New Life @ 51 will start going back almost two years.  It was just after I turned “51” that I decided to retire after near thirty years with the same company, and  move to a new city in a new province.  Lots of surprises and gifts along the way.  Being “50” something is a bit different from “30” something especially in this day and age.

My life has always been near chaos to some degree.  I decided it was time while I was still young enough to make some monumental changes, to just go for it.  Needless to say my decisions caused much speculation amongst my family and friends. Playing a major role in my motivation was having my only child, my daughter living hundreds of miles away.  We only saw each other a couple of times each year.  She moved in August of 2002 to further her education, and this was the summer of 2008.  We missed each other terribly,  and I missed so many birthdays and just days.  Well, it was time to make some changes!

They say that timing is everything but I think you make your own.  Timing that is. Staying positive, and being optimistic are important tools to living your life.  They certainly have helped me during the past year and a half.

I hope that you will enjoy my “BLOG” and that perhaps I can help to inspire you to make changes, and try something new.  It doesn’t matter how big or how small a change is but spreading your wings is a good thing.  Learning something new keeps your brain alive and functioning. Keeps you young.   Also I want to share some of the things that I have learned during my almost “53” years on this good old planet Earth.  Maybe a recipe for my favourite cookies (everyone rants and raves over) or how to entertain a two year old.  Just the stuff of life.

If you follow my adventure on this BLOG, I promise to entertain you, educate and inspire and above all, make you LAUGH. Laughter is so important in our lives, and we should all laugh more often.  Belly laugh…… till your eyes fill with “water” !!

Anyway, here goes …………  🙂

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Special Hello: to all those who have read my blogs and continue to do so, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 22nd day of January, 2017.

Another overcast foggy morning.

The sky looks like a giant snowbank.

Amazing how the sun from its’ distance can actually make it seem light.

Alvin and I are having a great weekend.

Yesterday we took the long way to his vet appointment and enjoyed the walk.

He had his pedicure done and his Momma bought him some food and toothpaste.

We spent the day doing laundry (actually I spent the day doing laundry).

Alvin is no help unless he picks up a stray sock ….. (usually it is because he pulled it from the laundry basket).

Just did odds and ends of things.

I even worked on some more jewellery.

We had a change of plans for today but that is okay because I have lots around here to do.

The new Steeped Tea Catalogues arrived a couple of days ago so I see label writing in my near future.

I love Sundays …..

We can do whatever we choose.

What are you doing on this Sunday?

I am just going to do some odd jobs as my youngest brother is calling this afternoon to catch up.

Time passes so quickly that sometimes we forget or put off conversations with loved ones (family and friends).

So today is talking to my youngest brother day and I am excited.

Even though this is late …. have to get this show on the road.

We were up at 5:00 a.m. (you know “The Alvin” and his internal food clock”); we went back bed until 8:00 a.m. …..

Once downstairs we ended up on the sofa.

I love laying on the sofa because Mr. Alvin just plunks himself down beside me on the pillow.

We just laid there and of course, I fell back to sleep and then it was 9:30 or so.

What a lazy Sunday morning ….. which is okay.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Special Hello to: my siblings ….. Hello …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 31st day of December, 2016.

Snowed overnight.

Guess shovelling is in my near future.

My daughter picked up Alvin for a sleep-over last night.

Sure seems quiet in the house and took me a bit to fall asleep last night.

Miss his cuddles for sure.

Oh, me Alvin.

So,

The very last day of 2016.

Let me see 2016.

Alvin and I managed to stay up until Midnight welcoming in the New Year, 2016.

It seems like every new year is born with hope for a wonderful year ahead.

I guess going into 2016 we knew that it would be less than wonderful but we held hope.

We lost our Penny mid March and life changed.

Elton had major surgery in April, the scary kind that someone older generally does not recuperate from but he beat the odds and came back to us.

He gave my kids more time; the time they needed to start to heal from the loss of Penny.

They took the time, and made the most of what would be Elton’s last remaining months with our family.

He passed away on November 22, 2016.

We miss them both very much.

Our four-legged fur babies – our family.

Baby Milo came into our family in October about one month before Elton passed.

A golden puppy who lit up the room with his bouncy baby energy.

In their short time together they bonded, and Elton once again had a “sibling.”

Just days before Christmas my kids once again found a doggie who needed love and a good home and adopted “Aspen.”

She is just over one year old, same colouring as baby Milo and such a gem, so loving despite her time before being rescued.

It always amazes me on the deplorable behaviours of some human beings.

I cannot believe but I have seen on many occasions; despite how absolutely horribly some dogs are treated; how loving and wonderful they are …..

So amidst the sorrow we found joy.

Joy is a good place to be.

We take this time to remember all of our loved ones whether two-legged or four that we have lost this year.

There were many.

You will always be in our thoughts and hearts, forever.

They have formed who we are, and we have learned so much from their time on this earth.

Our puppies took the forefront of our year, and everything else just happened.

 

Of course the everything else that happened included a record number of garage sales held between May and August.

Still selling Steeped Tea and working full-time.

Many walks with me Alvin and so many cuddles.

Spending lots of time with friends throughout the year.

Sharing stories and laughter.

Before we knew it the year was over.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2017 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2017.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

Special Hello to:  All the creatures on this planet.  Happy New Year.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Photo Album of 2016

 

A surprise treat delivery from my friend “V” who continues to send wonderful delectable surprise to Alvin and me.

Relaxing at Grandma’s house.

Surprise gift in the mail.

Enjoying an adventure with me Alvin.

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of October, 2015.

Another gorgeous morning …. no rain, which is good.

Only a handful of days left until Halloween.

The house is decorated inside and out.

Bought “treats.”

Likely not the best decision I have ever made …. just have to keep those hands out of the candy bowl ……

Well here we are in the middle of autumn.

Sadly most of the leaves have fallen or were BLOWN off of the trees.

I must say that the ones remaining I am thoroughly enjoying …. love those rich warm colours.

Most people have been taking advantage of this great weather and getting their yards prepared for the next season.

I did mine a few weeks ago now …. only had to rake about 4 times …. but it is good exercise.

Our fall has been so gorgeous ….. some wind and the odd rainy day but overall beautiful.

Walks with Alvin at night … all I can say is that I could just keep on walking.

I want this to last forever.

But sadly I know it will not.

I do worry / think about global warming and hope that governments and citizens will start to be more accountable.

Well here it is almost time to leave for that old bus …. actually most of the buses seem relatively new …. so that is good.

The construction carries on in our surrounding neighbourhood and throughout the city ….. everyone taking advantage of this weather.

Good for business, I guess.

Okay …. enough thinking and time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you have a great day.

Take advantage of this day and go for a walk.

Take your puppy or a friend …. just go outside.

Enjoy.

Special Hello to: all my fellow inhabitants of the planet Earth – let us be better citizens, please.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 5th day of July, 2015.

Wow almost one week into July of 2015.

Summer is zipping along.

Today is overcast and COLD ….. yes, I am saying COLD.

The high for today is about 20 degrees celsius compared to the 30 degree weather of last week and Friday …. feels cool.

I will be putting on a sweater in the house.

I do hope that it rains as we could use some moisture.

Nice change to be on the cool side, though.

Yesterday my daughter picked us up (me and Mr. Alvin) and we travelled to their house.

They live about 15 minutes away by car.

Just a short drive.

Mr. Alvin does not appreciate a car ride.

I love their new house ….. the smell of a new house ….

But he made it there and back.

My daughter took me to some of the places that they have discovered since moving to their new home.

This indoor market that has a cool cafeteria style restaurant ( we stopped for lunch, yummy ).

The big deal for us was to explore a couple of antique stores ….. we spent a few hours just looking at all of the dishes, jewellery, cans, furniture, small household gadgets.  So much.

I found a couple of items.

One was a twisted copper wire wreath.

It fits in my main bathroom which has copper coloured accessories.

The other was a hand painted box with a drawer (could be used for almost anything …. jewellery….. office supplies…..teas.

Good prices on my items.

The other big find for me wasn’t at an antique store but at the local Winners store ….

Alvin has short legs and I wanted to replace the IKEA ottoman that I had with something a bit bigger.

I found a long ottoman which had a big label “MADE IN THE USA” …… so that was a bonus.

Like to use and buy items made in Canada or the USA.

The ottoman matches my current bedroom colours which was nice.

Unfortunately it is taking Mr. Alvin some time to get used to it.

He did use the ottoman twice, but this morning after jumping up onto the bed using it, he jumped over it coming off the bed.

Oh my Mr. Alvin ….. hopefully he will warm up to the new piece of furniture which was bought just for him ….

Well time to go and have a late breakfast ….

Mr. Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed the time with our family.

Mr son-in-law is healing nicely from his fall down the stairs ( remember do not text and go down stairs).

I had the best five days off (including this weekend) from work.

WE are going to enjoy this last day before back to the regular routine.

Have a happy Sunday.

Perfect day for walking …. not warm.

It is windy though.

Special Hello to: my friends all over the planet ….. hi everyone.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S. I started a new necklace …… lots of small seed beads so it is going to take a while to complete.  Am excited.

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday May 21st, 2015.

Beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Today is TRY SOMETHING NEW day …..

or at least for me.

I am wearing my hair off my face and up.

I always have bangs so this is definitely new.

Perhaps I have done this in the privacy of my home but not out in public.

I do remember I had my hair french-braided back in the 70’s, and it was off my face then.

Time for a change.

Most change is due to necessity and same this time.

When I washed my hair night before last I went to bed with wet hair.

I knew this was wrong but did so anyway.

My bangs went crazy.

So let’s see what happens today.

It feels good and that is all that matters.

Perhaps it is time to go and purchase some more headbands.

So go forth in the world today and try something new.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those who try something new and to the rest who want to but are not just quite ready.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 5th day of May, 2015.

Well the sky is overcast as it approaches sunrise.

Perhaps we shall have some rain today.

That would be nice.

Last night I learned some valuable lessons.

The husband of one of my friend’s came over to fix one of my bathroom taps.

It took him all of about 90 seconds to fix it …. really.

I was slightly embarrassed to say the least.

I was pretty sure that I had tried at some point over the past “months” to turn the end of the tap.

But it was pretty easy for him ….

No doubt … he is stronger than me.

Anyway ….. check …

Another item off of the “TO DO” list.

There were a couple of other items that I need to fix and one of them again I have found will be a quick fix.

Just a trip to the hardware store and voila … done.

So if you ever think that there is something that you cannot do …. think again.

I have learned not to put things off because I think that I cannot do them.

Just try a little harder … that is my new motto.

I am so happy that my bathroom tap finally has the proper water flow.

I did learn that the tap has a water saver gadget inside and it was plugged.

So in six months …. guess what I will be doing.

I think that this spring … I am going to make a list of all the things that need to be looked at …. all of the things that need to be done on a six-month or annual basis and then if I do not know what to do …. I will ask “M” …… no longer am I going to wait.  The time has come.

Well the time has come …. time to go and look after Miss Aussie …. she needs her medicine and breakfast and then come home give Mr. Alvin a hug and snuggle for a minute …. grab my lunch and umbrella and head off to the bus to go to work.

So on this Tuesday …. I hope that you will do something you have been putting off …. it might just be easier than you think.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE ????

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 20th day of March, 2015.

Awoke to a fresh blanket of the white stuff covering everything.

The deck is white.

The rooftops are white.

The street is white.

One last snowfall ….. Mother Nature has a great sense of humour.

The past couple or so days at work have been odd.

Due in part to some staff leaving on a voluntary lay-off.

Government cut-backs …. funding…..

But there was something else that played a part in the mood.

Everyone has been feeling in a kind of “funk” …..

We figured out what was possibly making us all feel at odds with life in general and that is the MOON.

When the Moon is closest to the earth it is called a Supermoon.

WOW, what a connection

Also in addition to the Supermoon is the Solar Eclipse and Spring Equinox.

If that isn’t enough to throw us all into a major FUNK ……

 

At this same time, I have felt empowered to make some major changes in my life.

Might as well do it on the first day of spring….

Sometimes after going in the same direction for an amount of time you must stop and makes some changes.

I always consider things to the fullest.

I am not one to make a change without due consideration.

I felt a major relief once I gave myself permission to make this change.

It is a big one.

I think that we all find that happens at some point over our lifetime.

We just go about doing what we think we need to do and then one day it is like someone takes the blindfold off, and gives you permission to try something new.

Nothing ventured – nothing gained.

I am looking forward to this next chapter with a full heart and at the same time some “heartache.”

Life goes on.

Back to winter boots ….

Ah, it is Friday …… working all weekend at the store…..

Special Hello to: all those folks making changes.

Always, Carol and Alvin