Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning. We are well. Up at 3:00 to go outside for a bathroom break – not me, you silly, Mr. Alvin. My funny for the moment. I could see the stars or at least a few along with some satellites. The air was cool which was refreshing. I was shocked to see the temperature on the main floor was “69” degrees fahrenheit. Upstairs not sure. We then hit the sofa for a few more hours and were up shortly after 6:00 (yes, I hit the snooze button, but only once). Then up and gave Mr. Alvin his breakfast. I am so happy that he loves his new wet food. He has always been a foodie and will pretty much eat anything you put in front of him so one has to be careful. At the end of the day, I am very grateful that he did not turn his nose up at the new food. Not sure what I would have done. Then the usual things readied the coffee pot, made our bed including putting the decorator pillows back on and our few special stuffies (previously were Amanda’s) and I had a shower. Now I don’t have a shower everyday. Really unless you have been outside rolling around in the dirt, or covered in bug spray or sweating from working outside then every second day or so, works fine. I usually use my hair as an indicator. Now I am here writing/typing/keying these words.

I can hear the loud hum of cars, trucks and other motor vehicles on the highway which surrounds the City of Edmonton. People going somewhere. The breeze wafting in through my open office window is delectable. Also I have learned over this heat wave and since the temperatures have dropped so much during the evening as of late, that if I leave the main floor windows open, the main floor cools off and then I leave all the windows upstairs open as well. We have not had rain in the forecast for a few days.

We are going to go for a walk this morning. Yesterday morning we were really late leaving the house but had time for a good walk, not the full one we have been doing but I figured if we are out and about breathing in that fresh morning air, then the length is immaterial. After all, it is Mr. Alvin sniffing every secret “fragrance” along the way that is truly what is important. As he ages, he has definitely slowed down and truly “smells the roses.” No longer does he rush ahead of me to see what is ahead, he stays close by and smells everything. He does love the rose bushes by the park. He makes me happy. What a guy!

We certainly can learn a thing or two from our four-legged buddies.

Well today after work someone is coming to pick up the scrapbooking and craft items that I sold to her. It is time to keep only what I am going to use and not everything that I am not. I am excited for someone to have them.

Over the summer, I have been selling and giving away items and even trading some items to just simplify my life. Less is more. Honestly western society, most especially North America has been smitten over the last many decades with materialism. The more stuff the better. Well it is that stuff that is clogging our lakes, rivers and filling the oceans. Time to stop. We do not need all these things. After all, you cannot take it with you. Food for thought.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Time for a walk. Reflection and fresh air.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: thank you for your time and I appreciate you reading these posts.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you doing very well. Both Alvin and I are good. I think that Alvin has had a turnaround in how he has been feeling. Part of how I can tell is from his “poop.” Argh, yuck, you might say but poop is important for animals and humans alike. It can tell a lot about your current state of health. Al was having some loose stuff happening, I will skip the details. This morning it was more firm and that is a good thing. Yesterday was an odd day. I had BIG plans but then they completely changed. OH well, I say, Oh well. I did some laundry in the morning, cleaned bathrooms and reorganizing a bit. By the afternoon, after being up so often Friday night, that I laid down beside Mr. Alvin on the sofa and ended up falling the asleep. Yes, I had a nap. I woke when something happened in a dream. This is what I remember: I happen to see our old neighbour Sherry outside looking around as if she did not remember she used to live in the other half of our duplex so I opened the door to check on her. I was so caught up in what was happening with her that I did not notice that Mr. Alvin slipped out quietly through the open door and was gone. When I realized he was not there, I happened to look down the street and there he was walking down the sidewalk toward the park. That is when I screamed and woke up. I really did scream. Poor Alvin in real life. I hope that my now neighbours did not hear me, I don’t think I had the window open at that time. Anyway, no one came over or called. So all good. But when I woke up to find myself drooling and Alvin right beside me on the sofa, I breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed so very real. Yup, drooling, I was. I had fallen asleep sitting up with my legs up on the sofa and head back on the back cushion of the sofa. Very comfy. Anyway, I still have that scared feeling running through my veins.

The sun shone for most of the day and it was nice out. After I woke up I checked on the laundry and then decided it was time to go for a walk. We had a great walk to the park and did our usual walk. When we first got into the park we came across this woman and a little white dog. So cute. Anyway, Alvin decided he wanted to say hello. We, humans decided to chat. I found out that her dog’s name was Bailey and Bailey is 16 years old. She has a heart condition but is on medicine. Bailey’s Mom’s name is Gail (not sure if this is how she spells her name or not). So they are going to be moving into our neighbourhood in June and she was just bringing Bailey here to get her used to the new place. What a good Momma. We had the nicest chat and I learned so much. I happen to mention to Gail about my concerns about Alvin, about how I thought that perhaps he may have the onset of dementia. She said that one day a while ago, Bailey would get lost (at home), starr into nowhere and have accidents. She took her to her vet and found she did have the onset of dementia. There is a human drug for Parkinson patients called “selegiline” (not sure of the spelling, I forgot to look it up) and you can buy it at Safeway. So she gave her the medicine and after 5 weeks, she was much better. The vet said if you catch it in time, you can stop or greatly reduce the effects. So I will keep an eye on Alvin and take him to the vet if required. I had no idea that there was a drug out there – that helped with dementia to that degree. If you catch it soon enough. All about the timing. We had a great chat. I am so happy that I fell asleep and that the dream woke me up when it did and that we met Gail and Bailey. After our walk, I worked on the laundry, cleaned up my plants and watered them. Baked a banana loaf. I checked a basic recipe and then decided to have some fun so I added pumpkin instead of oil or butter and orange zest. OMG, it turned out so good. I cannot wait for the girls to try it this morning. This morning is coffee visit with my pals Gillian and Signe. In less than one hour.

Considering we had a quiet day yesterday, I am going to clean out the office closet. I have things neatly put away in there and I think that there are items that I can sell or give away or even toss. Better to see if someone can use them. Remember spring is the time to go through closets, things stored away and decide if those items bring you JOY. Do they make you happy? How often do you look at them? Do you really need or use them? We in North America get so stuck on keeping things. Hoarding is getting to be a problem for a lot of people. That is a whole other topic for another day.

Time to get Mr. Alvin downstairs as he is patiently waiting. I will make myself a cup of coffee before putting on the pot for Gillian. Signe is not a coffee drinker she likes a specific kind of tea and she always bringings her own. I have the banana surprise loaf and some oranges for a snack. Which will be breakfast for us all.

I have decided to hold off and plant my flowers, tomatoes and oregano next weekend. If it gets colder after that, I will have to put them in the garage overnight. I do love having the plants filling the kitchen table.

Have an awesome Sunday. Thank you so much for reading my posts, this blog. I love to write, share stories about my life with Alvin and my thoughts.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. do what makes you feel good ….. you can clean the toilet tomorrow…..enjoy the sunshine!

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and well here we are today is Thursday.

Almost one week in the newly renovated office building.

I actually kind of like my new workspace.

What is taking a bit of getting used to it is so open.

If we use the stand up desk … you can see your neighbour.

It is loud as there is are upper dividers.

Nothing on the walls to absorb some of the sound and echoes.

But all in all, it is okay.

 

Last night Alvin and I shovelled the driveway and deck.

The stripping on the bottom of the garage door came part way off so I called one of my neighbours to the rescue.

Thankfully their older teenage son was home and came to help.

I am most grateful to have such great neighbours.

After that situation was handled; I went to shovel the front.

As I was shovelling the porch I happen to look down and see that the walk and the front of my house had already been shovelled.

My neighbour shovelled.

So then I went and shovelled Humphrey’s Mom’s front sidewalk and then to the house.

I am so blessed to know and be surrounded by such good people.

Got some exercise and fresh air.

We did not make it out for a walk which was disappointing as the snow was too deep for Alvin.

Not everyone had shovelled when we would have gone for our walk.

 

I have been posting some tips for reduction of Plastics on Facebook.

Especially single use plastics.

Most people are also posting tips.

Which has been nice.

At the end of the day it is not just plastics; it is everything.

We in North America are just crazy over the top consumers.

I look around my house and see all of the “stuff” that I have accumulated over the years.

Most things I never use.

To be honest.

Some things once a year and they remain in storage during the rest of the year.

I just want to be more aware and want others to be the same.

We will not always agree on everything but we need to try to do with less.

 

Well time for me to sign off for today.

Be Kind and Respectful to yourself, to others, to animals, to the environment and to this Planet.

We only have one.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of February, 2019.

Just looking out the window on this Sunday morning at the snow covered ground, rooftops and the grey-white sky; honestly just makes me want to hibernate until this is all over.

Back and front of my house …… snow, snow and more snow.

 

But unfortunately cannot.

Another brutally COLD day on the way.

Roads are icy so I heard from my friends who were out and about yesterday.

I am quite certain that nothing has changed since yesterday concerning that status.

I am quite content to just stay put in the house with me Alvin on this Sunday.

There are floors to wash and a tea order to submit.

I also have some odds and ends of things to do and then of course, prepare for the work week.

Lunch to make and clothes to lay out.

Better to be prepared.

 

Oh, the birthday party, yesterday.

That 10 year old can really throw a party right from the decorations to the food and the guests.

It was awesome.

Really see that in her future.

Great organizer.

We had an awesome time.

 

I wish all my Canadian family and friends that are living in the areas affected by this COLD weather; warmth and safety.

Stay inside if you can.

If you cannot, be prepared.

Whether walking or driving.

Do not take any chances.

Dress in layers and have proper emergency items in your vehicle for extreme COLD.

Happy Sunday.

I guess winter had to hit at some point.

Funny how it happens just as the groundhogs predict an early spring for us and longer winter for the Maritimes.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks affected by this bitterly cold weather all over North America and beyond.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of August, 2018.

The sky is overcast and it has been RAINING off and on since last night.

Oh, we are grateful for the rain.

I hope that RAIN comes to those areas affected by the forest fires everywhere.

It seems as though the vast majority of the WESTERN COAST of NORTH AMERICA is on fire.

My heart goes out to the folks, my soul hurts for the animals and wildlife that have not been able to escape the fiery inferno.

 

It seems like only yesterday that my house was filled with family.

It seems like only yesterday that my daughter and I were setting out on our trip, my birthday adventure, our mini vacation.

It seems like only yesterday that I celebrated my 60th birthday and now I am 61.  “How did that happen?”

Time flies.

 

Both Alvin and I are feeling lazy today.

He has not even ate breakfast (likely because he had lots to eat last night).

Teddy was with us from Friday morning until late yesterday afternoon.

 

One of my co-workers who happens to be this amazing baker – dropped off my BIRTHDAY CARROT CAKE in the morning.

IT IS GORGEOUS.

 

Yesterday afternoon one of my dear friends came to share my birthday cake.

We had a great visit.

She brought me a sweet pea bouquet from her garden as well as a bag of apples and some other gifts.

She has quite the green thumb.

I see an apple crisp in my future.

Teddy’s Mom brought me apples from her garden a few days ago.

Lots of apples.

In the evening our friends “A” and “J” and Jazmine (pup) from just a few doors down.

One from one way and J&J from the other way.

One friend brought me a beautiful AFRICAN VIOLET plant ( I see a theme rising here).

Candles were another theme.

We had wine, coffee, water and CAKE.

Just the birthday cake.

This is the most glorious CARROT CAKE.

This year it is a layer cake and is so delectable.

I could eat it morning, noon and night.

Then I would not be able to get into my clothes.

So much visiting with dear friends last night.

 

I have received emails, messages on FB, cards, people coming to see me, phone calls – feeling so loved.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by the BEST PEOPLE on the planet.

 

Well time to go and check on Humphrey and Cinder, our charges.

Their Momma comes home today.

 

I feel like toast and coffee ……

 

I am working on my vacation story in my head and will have it done soon.

So much to tell you.

 

Laughter is the best medicine and I am grateful for the laughter that my family and friends share with me.

Life whether long or short must be enjoyed to the fullest.

 

Time to go and check on Sir Humphrey and Miss Cinder.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday. July 1st, 2017.

The sky is overcast on this 150th Birthday of this country known as Canada.

As with most countries on the planet our history has not been without bloodshed.

Our history has had the ENGLISH, FRENCH and SPANISH  coming over from across the ocean, and then laying claim to North America.

The U.S.A. and Canada share that part of history.

Over the past few hundred years people have left the United States and come to Canada.

People have also left Canada and moved to the United States.

There is so much we do not know and will never know.

It would be great on this 150th Birthday of CANADA that we could find a way to live together without debate or causing harm to one another.

We do live in relative peace, and I am so grateful that we do.

We need to find a way to move forward.

More and more people are leaving their homes all over the world for a multitude of reasons and coming to Canada.

It is so important that we find a way to live together in peace and harmony.

So on this 150th year …. this day that we celebrate Canada let us find a way to do the best for one another.

We all need to move on and make sure that all CANADIANS old and new are living good productive healthy lives.

We are all in this together.

We can do this …. we can.

Traditions over the last 150 years shows the peoples of this VAST country to be kind, generous, compassionate, and easy-going.

Please let us continue on this path and beyond.

Happy CANADA Day.

 

Special Hello: to my family and friends all over CANADA and the World.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of July, 2014.

I hope that everyone in North America had a great week of celebrations.

We celebrate Canada Day on Tuesday, July 1st and on July 4th our friends and neighbours to the south, the United States celebrated their birthday.

A full week.  Eating.  Fireworks.  YAY.

There were a great many of our fellow North Americans that have been caught in flooding due to the enormous never ending rainfall, also forest fires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

We hope that they are all safe and receiving help where needed.

Last night or actually earlier this morning we had quite the light show.

I am reminded of the power of Mother Nature.

One moment it was still – the next what seemed like torrential downpour.

Then it ended.

Then the thunder and the lightning.

A couple of times it was so sudden that I jumped up in bed.

I wonder how Alvin did ….. he is at his sister’s house.

It is overcast here this morning and windy.

Well time to get the laundry going, start moving things to the garage for the garage sale next weekend.

I am preparing the house for my daughter and son-in-law and my two grand-puppies who will be living with me and Alvin while their new home is being built.

It is a great time to donate, recycle, sell and give away items no longer needed.

I am so excited.

I have most of the upstairs done.

Just have to rearrange the basement and the garage somewhat.

Also string the bracelets for the wedding jewellery as next Saturday we are having a “jewellery fitting.”

I love the sound of those words.

I have heard of dress fitting but never jewellery fitting.

Sounds appropriate.

On this somewhat dreary but exciting day nonetheless, I hope you are happy and safe.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: my sister …… we have to talk …… and catch up.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of March, 2014.

WOW, Happy March …… just a few weeks until it is officially spring.

It sounds like most of North America is experiencing frigid temperatures.

Here in the western Canadian prairie provinces we are more prepared for extreme temperature changes.

Although the minus 60 some windchill temperatures are near the norm.

I hope that on this very cold March 1st that everyone is safe and warm.

So important to also remember your pets – these are not the temperatures that they should be outside for more than a few minutes.

They can get frostbite and much worse.

Fur coats do not protect them at these temperatures.

Also your cows and horses and other farm animals should be in the barn or in some protected enclosure.

If you see a homeless person – get help.

No one should be outside for more than a few and I mean very few minutes in these temperatures.

So with more people staying indoors on this first day of March ….. use this time to have some fun.

Gather the family and play some board games.

Watch a movie together …… have a family meeting.

Find out what is new with everyone.

HAVE FUN.

This is a great opportunity ….

 

Also if you do not have to go out ….. stay home.

Do not chance your vehicle not starting as the tow truck companies will be hours behind being able to assist you for a boost.

If you must go out …. dress in layers …… cover your body ……  cover your head.

If you must go out in the car …. carry booster cables …… carry extra clothing and blankets …… water, candles, and chocolate (something to give you a quick boost).

If you have a cell phone keep it with you.

 

Take care on this Saturday and I hope that you all have a great March.

Special Hello to: all of the people who are staying home and having fun with their families.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Yay, today is Tuesday, February 28th, 2012.

This is a special February because we have one extra day …..

Well it is official …. I heard that we broke the record for the most snowfall in one day.

We definitely have more from that one snowfall than we have had all this winter combined.

It is strange to see so much snow after seeing the bare ground for a number of weeks.

Oh well, that is winter on the prairies in Canada….. you never know.

I think Mother Nature likes to spice things and that is why we never know ahead of time what the weather truly will be like.

At least I would like to think so….

 

So on this Tuesday …. (which is a short work week for me, I am so excited)…… I have been thinking of how blessed I am.

Like most people there are moments when I think “ugh, why me? or things were going so good” …….

Well we do have a choice ….. things will go great if you choose them to do so.

I have had my share of ups and not quite so up …. but at the end of the day …… my life has been pretty great.

I have travelled all over North America, have amazing friends all over the world, a family that is so wonderful …. it makes me breathless, my own home, my faithful companion Mr. Alvin (my dog) and I am in good health.

There is a list that is too long to blog but I think you get the idea.

We do have a lot to be thankful for and on each day we should always take the time to be grateful.

 

Also, I am so grateful for you …. thankful, that you took the time to read my blog …. to share in my life’s experiences.  Thank you.

Special Hello:  to my “readership” …… you all rock…

 

Always,  Carol and Mr. Alvin ……

P.S. I am still striving to hit the one million readers and am happy for each one along the way.

Thought for the day……

Good Friday Morning …… EDMONTON, CANADA, NORTH AMERICA AND THE WORLD…..AND THE UNIVERSE !!!

How are you this fine morning?

Are you feeling great?

Are you grateful for everything that you have?

Are you feeling full of excitement, joy, abundance and love for the day ahead?

Are you ready to give it your all?

Are you happy, smiling and ready to go?

Did you say YES?

That is awesome.  ME, too.

So have an amazing, awesome, brilliant, wonderful, loving, terrific, fantastic DAY.

May your day be full of “moments to mention”, your favourite things, love and laughter.

I also wish that some of the items on your “dream list” come true today.

Perhaps you have wished for the sun to shine or coffee with your best friend.

Maybe that you have everything you need in your fridge and pantry to cook supper tonight.

No matter what it is …… big or small ….. my dream today … my wish for you …. IS THAT ONE OF YOUR WISHES/DREAMS COMES TRUE TODAY.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello:  Wayne, Linda, Les & Gwen, Cindy M, Ingrid, Deanna, Janice and YOU!

Always, Carol

P.S. I love you Amanda….