Good Morning! Well the sun is shining brightly and there remains smoke in the air. I opened the window and then closed it as the smell of smoke was too much. I certainly do not want the inside of the house to smell like smoke. My heart goes out to all those families affected by the wildfires. I heard that our Prime Minister is visiting Alberta. Likely there are a lot of mixed feelings about his visit. But you know what that is his job to see the people of Canada in good times and in bad. When he visits he can well better make decisions that affect the people who need assistance and help.
There is some wind this morning but no where near the wind of this time yesterday. So that is a good thing.
Last night after supper I walked with my friends. Bruno is having a hard time. His Momma comes home late this evening. His Dad says another trip to the Hospital. Poor boy. I hope that he will be okay. One of his legs seems to be swollen. I am not sure how Eddie will do without Bruno should something happen to him. It was smoky last night but there was enough of a breeze that it was okay. Still not my favourite time to be walking with or without pups.
This morning we are going to the last two of our sites to check things and pick up trash. I am not looking forward to be outside for hours in the smoke but I guess there are others like the firefighters that are out outside in this day in and day out. So I will not complain.
Well I kept hitting the snooze button on my phone this morning so I have to head downstairs so that I can have breakfast and coffee before I leave for work. Luckily my ride is coming a few minutes later than our normal time.
Have a wonderful day. Keep safe.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! Yay, we made it to Friday. The sun is shining against a bright blue sky and there does not appear to be a breeze. I sure hope that the areas affected by the wildfires had some rain, some desperately needed moisture. I think of the people affected but most of all the animals, the wildlife, the birds and the bees. My heart hurts for them. Some unable to escape the smoke and fire. Most of these fires were started by someone, a human not an animal. Makes me mad and sad. What is wrong with people? Animals have lost their lives and some people have lost everything. You are all in my thoughts and I hope that “humans” are able to get these fires under control/stopped with no more loss of life.
Last night I walked with Alejandro and the pups Eddie and Bruno. Bruno is the eldest and will be 10 soon and Eddie is 7, I believe. Bruno was not doing well. His Dad was going to take him to the Guardian Hospital (24 hour Emergency) last night after our walk. He has diarrhea and is taking prednisone as had cancer. I think instead of chemo. Not sure of exact details. When Jeanette was telling me, part of my brain shut down as I thought of Alvin. Anyway, poor Bruno is clearly not doing well so his Dad was going to take him to the hospital. Fingers crossed that he will be okay. Poor guy.
The renovations are starting next week so for at least Monday and Tuesday we are working from home, some of the office staff. The ones that are at the office most of the day and I am one of them. YAY, I am so excited to be home again. I don’t mind the office but no distractions will be great. Hopefully I can get caught up or at least make a substantial dent in mail etc.
Well this is short as for some reason I felt the need to hit the snooze button twice. Yes, twice. Not sure why as I went to bed and turned out lights just after 9:30.
Wishing you a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! How are you this morning? Can you believe that it is Thursday? Time is certainly flying. The sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly in the morning sky. Sunrise and sunset are happening earlier and later with each passing day. There does not appear to be wind this morning so that is good. There are still signs of the hail from Tuesday night.
Yesterday morning at work the six of us from our site office went out and inspected two more of our sites. Some picked up trash and others did a visual inspection of yards and other things. It sure got hot early and I had worn warm pants and layers so I was able to take off my jacket but still was very warm. We were back to the office by noon.
I almost missed having a walk with Jeanette, Eddie and Bruno as I was eating and they needed to go earlier. They went ahead and Alejandro (her husband) was with them when I met up with them in the park. There was a love fest happening with three pups when I arrived. Eddie, Bruno and another yellow lab. I found out shortly after arriving that it was Miss Sadie (whom I know) but she was with her Dad and I am used to seeing her with her Mom or the kids. Anyway it was great to see her. After a bit more playing we carried on with our walk. Jeanette was leaving at midnight for Miami, Florida to see her parents who were visiting her brothers. Her parents were coming from South America. I am happy that she was able to go and spend some time with them. She will be home in a week. Meanwhile Alejandro will be walking with Eddie & Bruno. I am going to tag along whenever I am able. I love those dogs, they bring me joy. They are a good reminder of walks with Mr. Alvin.
Bruno taking a restEddieEddie & Bruno
The first two photos are from our walk last night and the third is a photo that Jeanette sent to me. They are so handsome, these boys.
Looks like we are fast approaching Mother’s Day weekend. Do you have plans with your Mother? Are you a Mother? My daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups Miss Aspen and Mi-Mi will be coming over on Saturday. We will order in supper as a treat. I cannot wait to see them.
Well after having a shower and putting on some makeup, it would seem that I am running a bit late. Not really late that I have to rush but I am so used to take a slow approach to my mornings at home, that it feels like I am rushing. Not really. Okay, now I am rambling. LOL.
One more week with the temporary crowns and then next Thursday, I will be getting the new crowns. Looking forward to having them but not really to the extractions and fillings. More freezing. Oh well, soon will be caught up in all of the dental stuff.
Have a great Thursday. Sending positive energy and rain to extinguish the flames of the wildfires.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning. Welcome to Wednesday. Well what a week I have had already! Been interesting. I have the windows open all over the house to bring in the cool morning air. Today is to be +28 degrees celsius. The grand pups will be coming over this morning in about 1/2 hour so I want the house to be as cool as it can be for them. Then before I leave for work, I will close the windows and blinds except for Aspen’s living room ones, her happy place to ensure the coolness lasts as long as possible. Pretty warm for the beginning of May.
Yesterday, I ended up spending over 5 hours at the dentist for two appointments (yes, same day). I had my teeth ex-rayed, a checkup and cleaning. Followed by a root canal plus. The dentist had started the impressions or whatever they are called for the two crowns that I will be getting in about two weeks. He ran out of the material that they use so I have to go back tomorrow to complete the process so that they can have the crowns made. I must have seen for one thing or the other all of the staff. The dental assistant that was assisting the dentist on the root canal must have been new. I have never in all my years of dental visits gagged during procedures. When she was preparing me for the root canal and after the freezing just went in, she was trying to take the impressions and kept getting it wrong. So in and out with things in a short amount of time and my gag reflex was working in override. Anyway, she was nice and I knew that she was new as the dental gently corrected her on how to hand him tools and such. So quite the experience. Anyway, I love my dentist even though he did give me heck in a nice way for not coming in for a long time for check up and cleaning and stuff. It is true. Your teeth are important. I missed out on using a lot of coverage. Anyway, the Pandemic, Alvin had two surgeries, Alvin was sick and then passed and work has been over the top. Sometimes life gets in the way and what are you supposed to do. One thing I was happy to see that Wanda was still operating the front desk. She is so nice. All in all, a good experience. Will be nice to get the crowns on. For the next couple of weeks or so only soft, easy foods and have to be careful as I have a temporary crown in my mouth. Sure looks a lot better than the gaping hole (there was enough of a tooth left to salvage and I am grateful for that).
Back to work this morning. I have to fly as I have to eat and prepare for the grand pups. I was happy to have had time here with them yesterday. I worked from home for two hours before my first appointment. I was able to leave the living room window open while I was at home. My son-in-law was here when I arrived home from the first appointment. He had opened the window and Aspen was happily resting her head on the window sill taking in the fresh air and watching the bunnies. In fact, there were three bunnies playing on the front lawn and she got so excited she knocked the screen loose. So have to be careful with having the screen open. It was bunny city here yesterday. They were having fun for sure.
Have a great day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel).
P.S. The fees that were not covered by my insurance, the ones that I paid out of pocked. I put in a claim on my health spending account yesterday late in the afternoon and this morning it was deposited into my bank account. How wonderful is that? Very great.
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
Good Morning! Welcome to Monday morning. Wow, that was a quick weekend. We had mostly a relaxing one me and Cookie. Yesterday I did small chores and also baked a triple batch of chocolate chip cookies. I am taking some with me to work this morning. The sky is partially overcast with rain in the forecast for this morning. Does not look windy for my vantage point. Miss Cookie is downstairs. She runs up and down until I go down. Cookie cuddled beside me this morning before we got up. First time.
I decided that I would leave the blockade off the stairs as on Saturday she pushed it over while trying to get up there. So I will leave all the bedroom doors and then office door closed. Will place a pee pad on the landing upstairs, just in case. That way I don’t have to worry about something falling on her. She is so fast and does not take “no” for an answer, she reminds me of another pup, Kobi. She was fast than lightning and she never gave up. No, was not in her vocabulary. Cookie is older than Kobi but they have the same mindset.
Alvin was much more chill. He was more into food. If there was food upstairs then he would have broke down the gate and whatever blocked his path. No food, he did not care. He loved to look out the window just as all the pups seem to do. She does come when I call her which I just did. Thought I heard a noise down there. OMG. Hopefully all is okay. She is here but what did she do?
Time to head downstairs.
Have a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) and Miss Cookie.
Good Morning! Rainy night and morning in Edmonton. I can hear the rain drops hitting the sidewalks. Starting to get light out there. Thankfully only rain! According to the forecast for today from yesterday when I last checked it is only to be +3 celsius today, argh. But it will warm up.
Well I am so proud of myself. I decided to google how to move photos from computer to WordPress as something changed in the process since I used my old computer. Anyway, I found the easiest way is to drag and drop. It was so easy and I could pinch myself that I did not know how to do that earlier. Would have saved some time and aggravation. So there are a photos from spring cleaning and a few extras. This post is all about photos. I am so happy that I can do this easily now.
My last day of the four day weekend was great. I cleaned the main bathroom upstairs, figured out the photo thing, Cleaned some of the stair well walls. Ordered groceries and guess what! The delivery guy came hours early as he couldn’t find the other address, so instead of mine coming between 8-10 p.m., they were here before 7:00 p.m. Was great having them early so that I could get to bed on time. Definitely worth the $9.95 delivery charge. I think you actually save money as you are not picking up extra items along the way.
I texted my friend Pauline to see if she wanted to go for a walk and didn’t hear back so later I called her and we arranged to meet up at 4:45 at the entrance to the park. When I was leaving the house, I noticed a container sitting on the bench. As I looked closer I found that it was a container full of cookies from our friends Savannah and Grayson (he is not quite 2) wishing me a Happy Easter. I set them in the house and quickly texted her a thank you. Pauline and I met up and had a great walk. She invited me over for a cup of tea and I graciously accepted. I was home around 5:00 p.m. and had leftover chili for supper. What a great way to end a four day weekend. The willows by the water were budding.
Cleaning and rearranging things feels so good. Feels like a new upstairs except for the guest room, which I will need to get done before my daughter sleeps over next. I hope that I can find a new home(s) for the books. Photos in no apparent timeline.
Pictures hung upFrom our friend Cindy P.Office before ChiliLeft to doWashing wallsSpare room waitingNeighbours burning stuffScary flamesEaster ProjectTreatsMore chocolatey goodiesFirst T/W mealCloset cleanFront Closet Main floorFor AlvinFor AlvinCloset makeoverOffice nowOffice Closet nowWaiting to do this specialOfficeBookcases Books to give awayBathroom doneBedroom Bedroom
The area rug from my bedroom fits perfectly in the office and controls the chairs from rolling. Who knew by moving the shower curtain from the right side to the left would brighten up the room so much. It was a great thought! Still cleaning to do but that is okay. Lots done and feels wonderful.
Have an awesome Tuesday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Alvin was with me the whole way in my spring cleaning. Keeping me company spiritually. I will always think of him and miss him with my whole heart.
Good Morning! The sky is blue and the sun is shining. I got up early for a day off and had a shower already. Last night after work I struggled to change out the new oven element for the new one. The first parts were easy of course, unplug from the electrical receptacle (of course), remove the oven racks and set side, undo the two screens that hold the element in place, done. BUT then it came to remove the element from the wire connectors. Nope they would not budge. I must have watched 20 videos and some of them twice and in all of them, the moderator easily pulled/disconnected the wires. There were some texts to friends and to my daughter. Not for me an easy task, I did not want to pull too hard on the wire connectors and wreck them. I was able to finally to get in touch with my neighbour who came over right away. Steven said that they were really tight (so I did not feel so helpless ). I then found out that I had the wrong replacement element. The one that my daughter had picked up had different way of connecting the wires. So this morning we are off to Home Depot to hopefully exchange. I have the receipt on my phone. Hopefully they can do a straight exchange and I am glad that I did not throw away the bit of light cardboard that was wrapped around part of the element with the brand name and instructions. No one’s fault, I had no idea it was different. My oven story. So instead of something that took supposedly a few minutes ended up being almost two hours ( I had to stop in between and have supper, lucky for me I had leftovers to be warmed in the microwave). My ride just said morning and I know they are early risers so I wanted to make sure that I was up early – just in case he calls and said “ready to go.” I should have asked the time but in all the shambles of the situation, I simply forgot. Oh well, definitely not the end of the world. I could likely do without the use of the oven for awhile but I like to bake or roast things more than anything. I did realize that my oven needed to be cleaned. Not my favourite job that is for sure. I spent part of the evening cleaning the oven and stove. I had to be careful because the wire connectors are exposed and I did not wish to get them covered in anything (the stove remains unplugged). Certainly a lot easier to clean without the element in place. I am so grateful to have such great neighbours. I wish that I was better at fixing things and technology. Cookie baking I got.
The Easter bags with my coworkers were a hit. Our Manager hid some chocolate eggs for us to find. Mostly around our desks. It was a nice early morning distraction from the coming day. Remember I do love the commute.
Well I have lots to do this weekend. This morning an unplanned trip to Home Depot. Then finish with the stove and then start washing walls and baseboards and light fixtures etc. I will start with the upstairs. Big job on my list is the office closet. It needs an overhauling. Also time to redo my wall size bulletin boards. Rearrange and put up some new things ….. cards for Alvin ……. Perhaps one of the boards will be for me and one in memory of him, of me “Alvin.” I sure miss him. Feels quiet and lonely in the house by myself. He is looking out of the bedroom window with his favourite Teddy Bear & Gnome by his side wrapped in his blue blanket. Life is always changing.
I look forward to coffee this morning. Wishing you a wonderful Good Friday and Happy Easter Weekend. Be safe, be well and have fun. Remember to laugh, to smile. Sometimes we forget in all of the stuff we call “life.”
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)
P.S. I hope that the Easter Bunny does not forget me this year. Not sure when the cut off is for home delivery, lol.
Good Morning. Well I wished that I had not decided to check to see what my utility bills were to pay them. My EPCOR bill for heat, electricity and water and the extras like garbage and sewage was $522.44. Over $200.00 more than it was last month. Holy smokes, I almost hit the floor. What the heck! What is going on? I quickly checked my EPCOR account / bill to see that the natural charge skyrocketed from last month and I did not even look at the electricity. Someone is making money hand over fist. Let’s get real out there …… what do they think we are, made of money! There is no reason why these costs have to be so high. I am one person. I guess I am going to have to turn my heat way way down because this is bananas. Anyway, rant is over.
Definitely running a bit late now. I need a pot of coffee and I do not even think that coffee will help me now. I just cannot believe that my bill increased by over $200.00 from last month. I am in shock. What do large families?
On the upside, it is Thursday and a long weekend lies ahead. Thank goodness. Last night after work I went for a nice walk and at lunch break as well. Also my daughter swung by after work and brought with her a heating element which she had stopped to buy for me. So tonight I will install the element. Looks like it should be pretty straightforward.
I have the treat bags ready for the office. Happy early Easter.
Wishing you a great day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! Well it is Wednesday and one more day after today until a four day weekend for me. I am excited to have four days off in a row. Time for a break. Easter sure came quickly this year. How are you this morning? Are you having a good week? Are you working or going to school or perhaps you are retired or in between dreams? After work yesterday, I quickly got changed and grabbed the necessities, my jacket and put on my runners. Yes, the ones that my daughter picked up for me at the thrift store are really comfortable and perfect for my walks. I was heading not just for a walk but to the grocery store. Two reasons. Save-On had 15% off and because my oven is not working – I had to go with plan B for the office “Easter” treats. So I found some little Easter bags and picked up several sweet chocolate treats to fill them. The bags were made of a light canvas like material and had a draw string closure with ribbons and they had sewn fake Bunny ears in the inside of the front so that they would stand up. Very cute. They actually had a couple of different ones. Af first I found blue and pink ones and then I found the ones that I just described. They are better for adults. I also made out of various colours of construction paper egg shaped cards and decorated them with stickers. Oh, yes, I bought a package of Easter stickers and am going to put a sheet of them inside each bag. Happy Easter to my FIVE co-workers. Our Manager is going to “hide” some treats tomorrow morning to celebrate Easter for us. After the last near month of acclamating to the new way of doing our jobs, we need some fun and some chocolate. You are never too old for an Easter Egg hunt. Our office is small so I am thinking it will be an easy one. I like easy (sometimes). So tonight after I go for a walk, I will finish putting together the treat bags for the office. One of these days, I will get the photo thing worked out so that I can share with you all of the photos that I have been snapping. The photos that I have been sharing are ones that I already have in my photo library in word press. I know. Sometimes this technology thing is just too much. Maybe in between spring cleaning I will figure out the photos and why I am not able to upload them from photos on this computer to word press. Likely something very easy but then again my daughter could not figure it out and she is very tech savvy.
Oh, the store was busy last night. I even saw my neighbour Savannah and her little boy Grayson (oh my goodness, cuteness). He would not say hello Carol but he did say bye Carol (he is not quite two). I think he did well. My name is not easy to say.
After I returned home and was putting things away, I happen to see my friend Alyaa and her daughter Donia coming up the walk. I opened the door and she was holding a tray of food. As it turns out she had made too much of this dish and wanted to share with me. I would akin it to “pizza” but a Middle Eastern twist on the Western version. A thin crust with light topping of spiced ground beef with onions and peppers. (Was really good). We had a lovely visit and so many laughs. She is such a wonderful person. Guess what? Miss Cookie will be staying with me later on in April for just over a week while they travel to the United States to see Alyaa’s sister. I am excited to have Cookie with me.
Well bedtime came quickly last night.
Whoops I better get “hopping” here as I want to get my coffee perking and have breakfast. The sky is lightening and the morning is definitely here. I hope that you all have a wonderful day. Be safe, be well and have fun. Laugh with a friend, your spouse, with anyone. Laughter, we did more of …..
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
My New Life @ 51 