Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! As the month is winding down it is time to reflect on what has been. October was a good month with warm days, some rain, leaves turning colour, meeting old and new friends on our walks, spending time with friends and family, enjoying those days that we can work from home and just breathing in the breath of life. Wow, today is October 28, 2022. Almost Halloween! I am working from home so have decided this year not to dress up. One of the few times that I have not dressed up on Halloween and that may change. I would not dress up until later in the day if I changed my mind. Yesterday at lunchtime, I decided to walk over and pick up Alvin’s two cases of canned food that was specially ordered in for him. Firstly, I stopped at the convenience store close to the vet clinic and cashed in my lotto tickets (won $2.00 yay) and picked up some tickets for tonight and tomorrow. I love money. I called the vet to let them know that I was outside as this has been the protocol for quite some time as they leave the front door locked so they can monitor the amount of people in the clinic at any one time. Makes it safe for the staff. “B” opened the door and greeted me, once inside she grabbed Alvin’s food for me while I picked up a bag of the treats that he is allowed. Do not want to run out of them, lol. The girls were concerned about me carrying two cases home but I reassured them that I had brought with me two bags and could carry one in each hand. I would be okay. Just then I heard a voice and out from the back came Dr. Karen with her coat on and purse across her body “saying that I can give you a ride home.” I was very grateful and of course took her up on the offer. I said goodbye to the girls and made an appointment for Alvin before I left for 30 days from his last appointment for his ears. If he needs to go back soon for his nails etc., then I will take him. On the way home we talked about Halloween. Dr. K mentioned about how they decorated the house (outside) and I was blown away when she told me they usually have over 300-400 kids/people come to see the house and for treats. WOW. She does not live far from me but I was not quite sure exactly the location. Karen said “we can just take a quick trip over and then you can see the house.” Well it is definitely within walking distance for us. Her house was done up to the ten’s. OMG. So well done and they were only 2/3 completed. Very impressive. I told her that we would pop by after work on Monday as I work from home. It will still be light and before the kids come over. She said that she would have something for Mr. Alvin. Then she took me home. I hope that the weather holds for Halloween. It rained sometime after the first time we were out last night and there remain some dark rain clouds in the sky. Fingers crossed for nice weather for the kiddos and parents on Monday.

I took today off and I am so glad that I did, as we enjoying some extra cuddles on the sofa before getting up to start this Friday. One of my friends needs some help trimming her tree and needs my ladder and tree trimming tool so we will do that a bit later when it warms up although it is not cold outside now. My daughter is stopping by after work and a trip to COSTCO to have supper with us. I have planned to have some roasted root vegetables, a salad with raspberries and biscotti for dessert. Almost time to head in the shower and then get this day going. We will have time for a walk this afternoon. I have a few other items on my to do list for today and this weekend. Next weekend the decorations for Christmas begins so I want to clean the blinds and wash the baseboards this weekend, some extra cleaning.

We were outside a little while ago when I noticed that a piece of my neighbours’ siding was loose and blowing in the wind. I ran back into the house and grabbed my phone to take a photo and send it to them. I would not want them to open their patio door just as the siding fell down. It could injure someone and also if they can rescue that piece and with a ladder, move it back into place, then they will not have to buy a new piece. Siding may be hard to find and in this colour.

I hope that you have a great Friday. Enjoy.

Off to have a nice warm shower and then have coffee before getting down to business.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this beautiful October morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We are enjoying another absolutely gorgeous morning. Standing outside in the backyard in my pj’s is not uncomfortable on this lovely day. I did have a sweater on as well. Still feels warm. I believe the temperature is to be about 24 degrees celsius today.

We have been enjoying a great weekend. Yesterday in addition to some cleaning, putting away laundry, Alvin and I had an enjoyable walk, I went for groceries. This time my list included items that I would need to make specific recipes so that I am not without an ingredient. I am also going to bake some apple muffins this morning. The coffee is perking so when this post is finished, I will have a mug of coffee and bake some muffins. Muffins will be a good snack for me to take to work to have for breakfast. I cannot believe that it is time to return to the office three days each week. I miss the time at home already.

Last night after supper Alyaa, her husband and daughter came over to discuss instructions for looking after Alvin. I also found out that Alyaa did get the casual/part-time job. Good for her and I was worried for us. But for this week her husband who has to come home for his daughter at noon will come and look after Mr. Alvin. They are hoping that her hours will not be as many as this week. The job was supposed to be only a few hours each week, and is turning into more. So we will figure it out, I guess week by week. It may involved asking some other friends and neighbours to come and check on Mr. Alvin. I will definitely need to get more keys cut. It will work out but may require some further planning on my part. Oh, what an interesting life!

Definitely will get some of those apples used today that are taking up real estate in my fridge. The crispers are full of apples so I cannot put any vegetables in them. I will make a huge apple crisp as well. I was planning to give the boy a bath today and possibly with scissors just trim his paws (if I can get close without him freaking out).

Yesterday I was looking out of the living room window and with a big gust of wind, it was raining leaves from our tree. So pretty but incredibly sad. I would like the leaves to stay on the trees for awhile longer. There are still several trees that have not turned colours as yet.

Oh, I got into this movie series yesterday while putzing in the house and last night: Fast & Furious. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the movies were and enjoyed them a lot. The amount of well known actors in this movie was crazy good. Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Paul Walker, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, and so many more. I only watched two or three of them and not in full but I want to for sure. The cast is long and interesting. There were about three of them on yesterday maybe four so I have recorded them to watch in their entirety at a later time. Looks like there are at least ten in the franchise so I will be playing catch up. Great story lines and if you like action, which I LOVE, you will definitely enjoy them.

Well time to head back downstairs. Have that first mug of coffee and start baking some muffins.

Enjoy this beautiful day. I will be bringing “BOBI” upstairs to vacuum as well. Definitely will have to stay upstairs with her.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the Year

Good Monday Morning.

The sky is overcast and calling for light rain showers as I ponder whether or not we should walk.

I think when we are ready – if not raining – we shall go.

What a perfectly beautiful Sunday – Mr. Alvin and I enjoyed.

I was putting away the laundry upstairs when I heard Alvin bark from the backyard.

I knew it would not be long before he called …. as I was on my way downstairs to let him him, the front doorbell rang.

Answering the door on the way down I found my neighbours on the other side of the door.

Letting them into the house, I explained quickly as I walked to the back door to let the boy into the house.

Funny how the Universe works.

All weekend I had signs that “great/wonderful news” was on its’ way to me.

My neighbour Jessica said that they had been waiting all weekend for the time when they would both be able to come over to share their news.

They are getting married on October 3, 2020.

In fact, my daughter and son-in-law were married in October.

She said that they wanted to let me know and to invite me to to their wedding.

I was over the moon as I shared about the Universe sending me message all weekend.

They said engaged for seven years and that it was their ten year anniversary so it was time.

I told them how similar their story was to my own daughter.

I feel like their Mom next door.

Such a wonderful young couple.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many awesome people.

Young, old and everywhere in between.

I have the best neighbours, neighbourhood on the planet.

Funny how things work sometimes.

So I have a wedding to go to in October, I am so excited.

It has been many years since I attended a wedding.

 

Here are the photos of my backyard sanctuary.

My happy place.

Our happy place.

The place that Alvin and I love to be our backyard and our home.

I love how the sunlight hits in very cool and unusual ways.

What an awesome Sunday.

 

 

Yes, I am writing.

The book is coming along.

Of course, I just started but it feels like I have come so far.

So excited.

I cannot wait for it to be complete so that I can share with everyone.

 

Continuing to live my life with kindness and respect.

I hope that you are surrounded by kindness and respect and pay it forward each day.

We can do this ….

We can get through this…

We can make it happen.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 27th day of October, 2018.

Wow, I could have slept longer or at least stayed laying down if Mr. Alvin had not kept at me to get my butt up.

We have been up and down since about 3:00 a.m. hence the reason for me being a sleepy head.

Anyway all is well …. we are both up and the day has started.

I snapped some photos as another beautiful day on the way.

I am happily shocked and surprised that my SNAPDRAGONS are still blooming.

It is almost the end of October, 2018.

WOW.

So I have some photos for you to check out.

The sky looks like an artist’s canvas with streaks of white, yellow, dark blue and grey.

The sun is piercing with it’s brightness.

What a glorious sky.

So beautiful.

A few minutes ago when I snapped the above photos the sky had more pinks and light blues but now is as described above.

Funny how the sky had change in mere minutes.

I am sad that I will be digging up the rest of my flowers but wanted to enjoy them as long as possible.

There should be lots of seed pods for me to pick for spring.

You would never know it is almost the end of October from the above photos other than the scarecrow and a few less flowers in my back yard.

Isn’t life grand.

 

Last night my daughter picked me up after work and we made a trip to COSTCO.

I still have lots of fruits and veggies so I only needed a couple of items.

Bananas and tomatoes.

A staple in our kitchen.

My daughter stayed for supper and I shared some homemade chilli with her.

We had a visit which was pleasantly interrupted by my friend who popped by to grab the chair to fix in his garage.

After she went home I received a phone call from my youngest brother who lives in Calgary.

We had a great chat.

He is starting his own blog and asked for some tips.

 

Well I guess it is getting late here and there is lots to do.

Next weekend on Friday my daughter is sleeping over and we are putting up … wait for it ….

the CHRISTMAS TREE.

I am over the moon excited for that as it always gives me extra energy and makes me smile.

 

Have a great Saturday.

Happy Birthday to one of my friends “S” who celebrates a birthday today.

 

Special Hello to: my brother T …… enjoy blogging.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of October, 2018.

It is raining outside this morning.

It started just before we went to bed and continued off and on throughout the night.

Seems funny hearing the rain coming down and even more funny watching it take away the remaining snow.

There be green grass once again.

How about that?

Guess what?

Guess what?

My SNAPDRAGONS are still blooming and looking so pretty.

Hard to believe that they survived minus temperatures and two heavy snowfalls.

They sure are hardy little troopers.

WOW.

 

Last night after work we went for an one hour walk with our friend “P.”

I love our walks and our conversations.

We learn more about each other every time that we are together.

She is such an amazing friend to me and Alvin.

He loves our walks with her, too.

 

Well today is Friday ….. so excited for the weekend.

No big plans but lots of little things that I would like to get accomplished.

I think that Alvin has his regular appointment tomorrow morning (they always call the day before to confirm/remind).

We appreciate that.

Often times we book it and of course, it is 5 weeks into the future.

Sometimes I don’t remember …. but they always call.

 

Alvin laying on his blue blanket – what a guy.

I love listening him to sleep.

His breathing.

 

Just so grateful to be surrounded by loving, compassionate, thoughtful, caring, supportive souls.

Thoughts out to someone who has an appointment today …. only good news.

 

Wow, it is really coming down.

Thinking I may have to pull out the umbrella …. thankfully I left the rain spout down …..

 

Happy Friday.

How about we start this day and every day by doing something thoughtful for someone.

Does not have to cost money or take a lot of time.

Just do something that would help someone else.

How about for a stranger?

We have to be more kind and generous to ALL others.

We are all the same after all.

Look at us.

A head, body, arms and legs.

We are the same.

The only differences are the ones that we make.

Really we are ALL the same.

Treat each other with kindness and respect.

Life can be short or it can be long.

Make your life and that of all others around you …. joyful and abundant.

 

Special Hello:  YOU …. thank you for reading this post and for being a good human being.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 2nd day of October, 2018.

Well here we are October 2018.

My how the time flies.

No snow on the ground this morning which is always a good thing.

On our way home from a walk last night it started to snow.

Luckily they all melted upon touchdown.

 

Yesterday I read something about budgeting.

You know how they say do not spend more than 30% of your income on rent/mortgage.

You know how they say to save 10% of your earnings.

The new thing now was “budget for food.”

One said $200.00 per person per month including the extras like hygiene products and toiletries.

I am pretty sure that I spend over $200.00.

A few years ago when money was a lot tighter than now, I spent $50.00 per week, maximum.

It was not easy to buy fresh fruit and veggies on that budget.

Some items were just out of my league.

Both of those items have increased substantially since that time.

So I have decided as we just started October, that I am going to be super mindful of what I spend.

I am going to keep the $200.00 monthly amount in my head and see if I can do it.

It will be hard as I have to pick up laundry soap soon.

I spent $30.25 last night at the grocery store, so now I am down to $169.75 (did not even use a calculator).

Thankfully the $200.00 does not include Alvin.

I will keep posting on my progress.

Will see how I do.

I quite honestly do not know how large families do it.

If you are budget conscience and have some tips, please let me know.

Also I guess it depends if that report came out of the U.S. or Canada?

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk with the leaves and the geese.

Love FALL.

So nice to see the water fountain still going.

I love the sound.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who budget and are successful.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 30th day of September, 2018.

The trees are moving slightly as the sun is giving a big push to break through the clouds of the morning sky.

We had a nice day yesterday.

It was quiet with me, Teddy and Alvin.

We went for a nice walk in the afternoon.

My daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups arrived just after 5:30 p.m.

I received three sweaters that my daughter at picked up at a clothing swap.

Feels like Christmas.

They ordered food for the birthday party and it arrived at 5:50 p.m.

So good ….. I loved the shrimp with cashew nuts and veggies.

Rice was a nice change, too.

There was SO much food.

The four pups all got along great.

Master Teddy followed Baby Milo around wherever he went.

So cute.

For dessert we had a Dairy Queen ice cream log.

It was good.

We played games and visited and had a wonderful evening.

My son-in-law enjoyed his gifts.

Helps to sell good products and have things on hand for special occasions.

 

After they left we, well I watched a couple of shows that just started their fall season and then to bed where I continued to read the book.

I am managing to get through it rather quickly.

And enjoying it.

Dan Brown can certainly get one to thinking.

Both Alvin and I slept through the NIGHT ….. up at 5:00 a.m. and then back to the sofa until 8:40 a.m. ….

I needed that sleep.

So now time to get ready and go to a friend’s for a visit and coffee.

My girls …. the young ones ….. I miss our regular get togethers.

 

Well time to go and I am so grateful for this relaxing, calm, happy weekend.

Have an awesome Sunday.

The last day of September as tomorrow is OCTOBER.

Now how did that happen.

Alvin and I will certainly be going for a nice walk after I return home.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are starting something new and are nervous, it will be okay.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of October, 2017.

Well the ground is dry but there is a heavy frost on the cars.

It is that time of year.

Yesterday was cool but when the sun shone it was quiet lovely.

I love this time of year.

We were asked to watch one of our friend’s doggie for tomorrow.

I am excited and I tried to explain to Alvin and he just looked at me and turned his head this way and that.

Perhaps he understood what I was jabbering on about …..

I hope that we all have a wonderful Friday.

Remember to be kind …. on the phone ….. in person ….. in the written word.

I know that sometimes I can be less than what I want to be ….. always a work in progress.

Always learning to be better and knowing that somedays it is difficult to get to that “better place.”

Have an awesome day.

I am grateful for a good week and look forward to the weekend.

Happy Friday the 13th ……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who try everyday to be better than the day before …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of October, 2017.

Yesterday was a great start to my “work” week.

I accomplished everything on my work “to do” list.

As I was waiting for the bus with a guy that I know from the office; this car stops and someone was waving.

We looked at each other and wondered aloud was this someone that knew one of us? or thought that they did?

After a few seconds and before the light changed I decided to just walk closer to the car so that I could see who it was,c and it was for me.

A gal that I had met on the bus that lives in a neighbourhood north of me had noticed me so stopped to see if I would like a ride home.

How simply wonderful is that?

Pretty great, I will tell you.

As it turns out she had started to carpool with her son and he is on a week vacation so she is continuing to drive.

She works downtown so she drives right by bus stop.

She had wondered if she would see me.

We had a lovely chat on the way home and she advised that she should be able to give me rides home all this week.

My bus friend said that she will pick me up from my work.

Also said that her son loves tea and has started to drink more and wanted to see a catalogue.

BONUS.

Also our Canada Post is having FREE shipping on parcels every Tuesday in October for those who have this certain small business card, for which I do.

Anyway I had been unable to set up an on-line shipping account until yesterday.

Last night I went to my friend who uses it and was able to print the postage label for my parcel.

BONUS.

What a crazy great day.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk after work.

I think that today is going to be even better.

So put on your easy going positive cap and walk out your door.

No worries ….. be joyful.

Good things happen.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Yes, my sister I had a great day yesterday.

We will SKYPE soon.

 

Special Hello to: my dear friend “V” ….. always in our thoughts.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 7th day of December, 2016.

This is Day Three of the Big Deep Freeze and only 1  1/2 weeks to go ( not 100% certain about that but that is what they forecasted a couple of days ago).

One never seems to warm up when it is almost – 30 degrees celsius with the windchill.

Any wind just seems to pierce through your layers and ping against your skin.

But I am not complaining – just stating the facts.

We, I am so grateful for a beautiful November.

We did have some in October actually quite a lot and rain.

What a mix.

 

Last night when we were taking a few minutes watching a show before bed.

Alvin rested his head on my lap.

I was so touched.

He never does that …..

He looked so darn cute.

 

Well here it is time to start bundling up for the walk to the bus in the deep freeze.

Not so bad if you have good layers on ……

This morning I am pulling out the big guns …. big warms boots, big mitts … the ones that are good for these temperatures.

I am prepared.

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Talk to you later.

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

Always, Carol and Alvin