It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a dreary looking snowy March day.

We received some snow last evening but thankfully it did not amount to much.

Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful walk.

Pays to walk on the other side of the street.

Guess that could be said for life as well.

Busy day ahead.

Go and pick up Mr. Humphrey, laundry, coffee break and cleaning.

My daughter and family will be stopping by after their vet appointment at noon today.

Tomorrow I am also looking forward to Teddy and his Mom stopping by for tea and we are going to do a bit of shopping.

So work and company.

Perfect mix.

 

On this Saturday morning with Alvin at my side.

We are grateful to be here.

Grateful to have electricity, heat and water.

Grateful to have family and friends near.

Grateful to have each other.

Grateful to be in good health (that is so important).

Grateful to have tea to sip upon in the evenings and coffee in the mornings.

Grateful for weekends and weekdays.

Grateful for work and for play.

Grateful to Mother Nature for a mix of weather.

Grateful for life.

 

Well I see that it has begun to snow again.

So I had better get this show on the road.

Crazy we have already been up for more than one hour and I feel as though nothing done.

Do you stress or worry about not getting everything done?

Well you are not alone.

Today on this Saturday, we will do what we can and enjoy it all.

Relax, work, play, work, play and relax.

Mix it up.

You will never have those moments back again.

If you have an opportunity to play, then play.

If you have an opportunity to see someone, then see someone.

If you have an opportunity to try something new, then try that something new.

If you have an opportunity to help a friend, neighbour or stranger, then do so.

Every moment brings possibilities and in that moment it is ours to grasp.

 

Happy Saturday.

Happy Saturday.

Play in the snow.

Snuggle with your favourite neighbour’s cat.

Walk your doggies.

Talk to your family, friends and even your pets.

Be Happy.

Be Yourself.

Treating the world including yourself with kindness and respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning.

Well the skies are filled with deep dark clouds this morning.

I will make certain that I have my umbrella close at hand for my walk to work.

Catching the bus as my carpool is enjoying a camping vacation.

One more day after today and then I am on vacation for just over two weeks.

So excited.

Yesterday Humphrey spent most of the day with us and we will watch over him this week.

We, I also checked in on little Moo Moo, the cat several times during the day.

Her parents are home from their camping trip.

We slept in as we were both pooped from our busy weekend with the all of the pups.

Missing our opportunity …. the window … before the humidity was too much for us to walk.

I think we, well I know I had more walking in two days than I do on a regular basis in a week.

We got the remaining laundry completed, vacuuming done, dusting done, and tidying up.

Also wrote out a massive amount of birthday cards some to be mailed.

There are so many family and friend birthdays in August including this girl.

 

Favourite weekend photos:

I came across this quote somewhere along my journeys and it makes perfect sense to me:

“Sometimes all you have to do is shift your perspective to see someone else’s truth.”

Right?

I surely think so.

 

Well our household is in countdown mode for the “Visit of my beloved SISTER.”

11 sleeps until her arrival.

I can hardly wait.

I always love seeing my sister.

We could sit by each other and not say one word and I would be out of this world happy.

So excited my sister to see you.

 

Well getting close to departure time.

I wish you all a very Happy Tuesday.

 

Kindness and Respect are your tools for a very good life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Thankfully a bright sunny Sunday morning sky after much of Saturday was overcast and raining.

Bit of a breeze so comfortable outside.

We had Alvin’s regular 5 week appointment yesterday.

He had his pedicure, nail trim, which is not one of his most favourite things to do.

That is a definite NOT.

Hear a crow “caw” “caw” “cawing” outside my office window.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket as I type/key these words.

My office is as bright as the morning sky.

I love the new paint colour in my office.

Just makes me happy as soon as I come into this room.

Back to yesterday …. when we arrived home yesterday morning …. it was about 11 a.m.

I set to work turning on the laundry, sipped on a cup of coffee before heading outside to do some garden work.

I knew that the window of sunshine would be limited.

Grabbed my garden tools, some dirt that I had in the garage, a plant and went into the back raised garden.

My friend had given me a plant during the week that had to be transplanted.

First pulled the weeds as finally it was mostly dry in that garden.

Transplanted the plant.

Also moved some of another plant that has been spreading like mad to a new location with the garden.

Unfortunately I do not remember the names of these plants.

ARGH.

My “Hens & Chicks” plants which are succulents are now able to see out from under the one plant that I moved as it spreads like wildfire.

Now I only moved a portion of said plant.

Spreading the dirt.

Weeds pulled.

Looks great ….. did some watering…..

Perfection.

Had to run back into the house and grab my phone so that I could take some photos which I will share with you all shortly.

Very proud of my little flower/shrub garden.

Starting to look most lovely.

The other chore that I did was change the garden hose that was attached to the house.

Remember the hose that my friend gave me some weeks ago, finally had the time and good weather to get that changed over.

I could not get the hose round onto the hose station that is attached to the house.

So I gathered the hose and placed it into a rubbermaid garbage can (which was clean and used for recycling bottles etc).

This morning I will have to remove the hose and fix it as the can filled partially with water yesterday after all the rain.

I now have captured some rain water.

In addition to these chores, I weeded and watered the flower flower bed.

My lilies are beginning to bloom.

The ferns are doing well as are the other plants that fill the front bed.

Photos:  in the first photos … the new plant is in the back of the garden … best seen in the last photo … the short light green plant between the two tall green ones.

Which now I cannot remember the name.

This is their second year and they have not bloomed.

Might be due to not so much direct sunlight.

But pretty all the same.

I just could not help but to share my flower pots.

Some close up shots … colours so rich and vibrant.

I love this colour combo.

So pretty.

The rain started just as I had completed my gardening and continued for most of the day.

There was a short break in the rain and we took that opportunity to head out for a walk.

Even had to wear a jacket.

ARGH, July.

 

Well the coffee is brewed and there are chores to do.

Unfortunately Alvin cannot help with them.

I knew that he would if she could.

Happy Sunday.

 

Great to see the sunshine.

 

Kind actions with Respectful thoughts …. awesome.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Oh, now clouds beginning to roll in …..

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to the weekend.

So excited.

We had a huge rainstorm with booming thunder and lots of light up the sky lightning.

Woke us up.

Alvin wanted to go outside.

So just as it started to hail …. Ma in her summer nightie and coat ran out in the hail to move her flowers.

I only have four pots this year in the backyard and I did not want them to get flatten.

Ended up that the hail was quite small … about pea sized and appears that did not do much damage.

The puddles are still visible this morning as I look out the window of my office.

One of the neighbours does not have an actual paved driveway so obviously the dirt will puddle.

After work my daughter and I went to COSTCO.

I don’t mind checking things out.

She is happy that now her Ma has a cell …. she cannot lose me.

Sometimes we use to lose each other and then it could take a long time to locate the other.

After arriving at home, we split some items and my daughter left for home.

I put the groceries away and then made a beautiful salad for supper.

One of our friends called to invite us for for a visit in their backyard.

They live down the street and have the nicest backyard.

First photos Alvin was patiently waiting for my friend’s husband to come out to the backyard.

He loves him so much.

I will say that most of the time Alvin was either laying on the swing between us girls or rolling around in the grass.

I tried to play frisbee with him although once or twice he tried to pick it up ….. he did not quite get it.

I guess you cannot always teach old dogs new tricks.

He did run around like a crazy pup when I pretended to be a monster (like we do on the deck at home).

He ran back and forth and had a blast.

The grass is so lush and beautiful.

 

Well I guess we need to end this post as Teddy will be here shortly.

I still have to put in the first load of laundry.

I had planned to do laundry last night but then received the invite.

We were happy to be invited out so we grabbed the opportunity.

Then breakfast and coffee.

Always need that cup of coffee.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

This afternoon my grand pups arrive.

They will stay with us while their parents attend a wedding in the City.

 

So happy to be spending the day with the pups.

I will take Alvin and Teddy for a walk before the others arrive.

Not able to take all four.

 

Remember Kindness and Respect will bring you the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin & soon Teddy …..

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of July, 2016.

What a glorious past couple of days and I am sad that my friend will be going home tomorrow.

We have one more evening and early morning together.

Alvin has grown quite attached, and even Mr. Elton was happy to have a new friend.

You know him he sometimes takes a while to warm up to people.

Last night when I arrived home from work in the rain I opened the door to find my friend standing in the kitchen starting to make buns.

She had arrived to the house a few minutes before that and was making the preparations for the buns.

So lucky me now has fresh cinnamon buns, cheese buns and regular buns.

How grateful, and happy for those treats am I.

It was another fast paced evening between the kids coming for Elton, watching over my “Cinder” (neighbour’s pet), making supper, we walked, the buns, of course, visiting, clean-up and visiting.

The minutes just zipped by.

It was another 11:30 night but I am so happy to have had this opportunity.

She is such a great person and friend.

Alvin is so smitten with her ….. he lays beside her in the protection pose.

So cute.

He is wondering this morning as she is still in bed as there is no reason for her to be up and out at this crazy early time.

The air is so humid.

So humid in fact that by the time I leave the house my eyebrows have come off.

Okay shall I explain.

Everyone knows as you get older you hair lightens and finally turns white or grey.

Well mine have lightened a LOT.

So I have befriended an eyebrow pencil.

I have been using them for years just to add a bit more depth and colour.

Well now I really need that good old pencil.

So I had better check them out as I fear they have melted in this humidity.

Well almost time to pack my lunch into my back pack and head out to work.

Almost the end.

This weekend marks the beginning of K-Days (big city fair).

We are having a pancake breakfast at work tomorrow morning so that will be nice.

Short day as we close so that everyone can take in the parade.

Busy weekend ahead with Open House for Steeped Tea at my neighbours, garage sale in my garage for a friend, my Tea Tasting on Sunday.

Time to go here.

I hope that you have an amazing Thursday.

Special Hello to: all those people visiting friends and family – we thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the Day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of May, 2016.

Started out to be bright and sunny and now the sky has clouded up.

Perhaps I need to take this opportunity and go with Alvin for a walk.

Most everything I need to do today can be done inside the house so rain will not both me.

Hard to believe once again we are nearing the end of yet another month.

I find time is just flying by.

As I sit here sipping on my coffee and writing my thoughts I can say this, I am so grateful for what I have, where I am and who I am.

To live in this city, in this country is amazing.

We do have our ups and downs but at the end of the day life is amazing here.

Now some people think that this is the land of milk and honey.

In some respects it is.

You can live in peace and you can realize your dreams.

But do not think for one moment that everything is handed to you or me on a silver platter because that is not the case.

We are able to work hard here and make our dreams come true.

My reality is: I live in peace.  I work hard.  Life is good but not easy, easy.  The cost of food and services has gone up a lot over the past couple of years.  So on one income it is a struggle but I/we (me and Alvin) manage to get by. Life is not fancy but we have a house which was my dream, and I make it work.  This year I may not have pots and pots filled with flowers but that is okay.  Some of the perennials that I planted last year are blooming out front, and a good friend gave me some other plants, and they are doing well.  So I am happy with that.  Sometimes you cannot have everything you want.  There are no exotic trips in my near future and no shopping sprees either but that is okay.  Neither are necessities.   I always think as long as I can pay my bills and feed me and Alvin, we are doing okay.  Someday there may be a trip, someday.  I live in peace and I am happy.  To be surrounded by great people is also my reality.  To be alive and breathing is my reality.  To have my companion Alvin is my reality.  To drink this cup of coffee while it is warm is my reality.  To have happy healthy family and friends I hope will always be my reality.

Take a look around you and count your blessings on the things that are truly important.  Life can be lived simply and simple is better.

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have already had a lazy morning and soon it shall be lunchtime.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: my sister who is always looking out for me……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of May, 2016.

Overcast and a bit windy ….. is RAIN on the way?

Sure hope so even though I am hosting a garage sale tomorrow and Saturday.

It is in the actual garage so we will be dry as will our customers.

 

I was thinking this morning as I was readying myself for work ….. ” ***** ”

What would it be like to be the “tissue box designer.”

Can you imagine?

Coming up with different scenes to have placed on a box of tissue for all the world to see.

I would love to do that.

 

How many other jobs out there interest you?

Something out of your current box but something you could totally do if given the opportunity.

Something to ponder for the next day or so.

 

For me it is time to go to work.

Alas the sofa was calling my name over and over this morning ……

Thank goodness I have tomorrow off ….. thank goodness for vacation days.

 

Have a great day.

I would love to hear from you as to your ideas on different jobs outside the mainstream office worker, retail, doctor, lawyer, plumber kind of thing.

 

Special Hello to:  Elton, thank you for spending the day with Alvin.  He told me last night in his own way that he had missed you and was so happy to have had the day with just you.

We love you Sir Elton ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of April, 2016.

Last day of April and to think that Mother’s Day is literally one week from tomorrow.

The sun is shining brightly and there is a slightly cool breeze at this time.

A bit later than I usually write this blog but we were up ultra late (after midnight) and first up at 6:00 (Alvin had to have breakfast).

Back to bed for a few more zzz’s as I have determined this to be a cold more than allergies.

My nose is red and dry ….. I would really like to just curl up on the sofa with my coffee and watch television all day but life goes on and there are things to do.

Isn’t that how it works?

Right.

We always need clean clothes and towels.

The floors need to be swept / vacuumed.

Things need to be dusted.

Paperwork to do …..

I really wanted to go and clean the walkway to 62nd Avenue for the fourth time this spring.

It is disgusting.

Each time I walk through I want to scream.

What is wrong with people?

I would love to find a way to make people more responsible for their throwaway stuff.

Someday.

One piece of garbage at a time.

Alvin is getting restless.

 

We sure enjoyed our walk last night.

We walked on the grass all around our lakes in the park near our house, and it was so nice.

I saw from across the lake four teenage boys throwing rocks into the water near some geese.

We were walking in that direction anyway so I took the opportunity to impart some wisdom.

As we got nearer there was one boy on the sidewalk away from the others.

Alvin was growling at him as we approached.

Only the second time he has ever growled at a human being.

The kid was on his cell phone… so not sure what was going on with Alvin.

Anyway I politely checked out the situation by slowly moving toward them.

They said they were throwing rocks into the water but not at the geese.

I politely returned by saying “If you were the geese would you like someone throwing rocks near you.”

I also pointed out that the lake was their home, and should be treated with respect.

The young man that was doing all the talking did not quite not what to say.

I did not continue further as they had stopped, and moved away from the water, rocks and the geese.

As they got nearer to the boy on the sidewalk – one asked what kind of dog Alvin was, and they smiled when I told them his name.

It ended up “friendly” but I could not resist making sure these kids knew it was not acceptable to treat wildlife in this manner.

I honestly do not think they were bad – just nothing better to do.

Well I guess I had better get going …. my clothes will not be climb into the washer on their own.

Laundry time.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday …. last day of April, 2016.

 

I also want to thank my daughter for driving her Momma home from work yesterday, following that drove me to the grocery store, and to the Vet’s to grab some food for her brother.

Yes, I used my $50.00 gift card.

Perfect.

What would I do without my girl.

She is the most gracious, thoughtful, kind-hearted human being, and I cannot believe that she has some of my genes floating around inside her.

Everyday I am so proud of the most wonderful person she has become, and continues to be.

She is simply the best.

We love her very very much.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone …..

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog – it is so appreciated.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of April, 2016.

It is cool overcast and calm at this moment here in Edmonton.

Forecast is for cooler temperatures over the next few days and RAIN.

We do need the moisture so very badly so I WISH it happens.

A nice steady rain for a couple of days will do wonders.

 

This past month or so has been filled with so many ups and downs.

More downs than ups for sure.

I am trying to wrap my head around and bring myself back to the positive place I usually reside.

But it is difficult.

It seems that tragedy happens in bulk form.

Not bad enough that something terrible happens to someone but does it have to happen more than once in  such a short time?

We hope …… We WISH ….. We Pray.

I know that when you are in that place and cannot bring yourself up into the light that sometimes the darkness takes over.

Now I am not saying that my life is ridden deep in misery because it is not.

I really have a good life …..

Sometimes I could throw the financial aspect of my life at the door if that was possible ….

Sometimes I feel as though I went through the wrong door…. and yet..

Sometimes I just feel drained …..

But mostly I am good.

I have wonderful family and great friends.

I have Mr. Alvin ….. one of the loves of my life.

So I am going to think good thoughts and breathe.

Bring myself to the light and know that things will again work out.

Darkness always brings opportunity for light.

I will stick to that thought ….

Oh life ……

Today I send good energy and love to my grand-puppy “Elton” and to two of my friends “I” and “S” …..

Heal them and make them well again.

Time for a nice hot shower to rid me of this “feeling” …..

Take care everyone.

Things will always get better ….

We have to go there …. we must.

 

I hope that your life is good.

Have a great day and surround yourself with love, joy and laughter.

Also take photos either with a camera, your phone or your EYES ….

Photos are good to have remind us of those joyous times.

Because sometimes it is hard to bring those thoughts without the images.

 

Special Hello to: my family and my friends ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of June, 2015

You will never guess what I saw in the sky at 5:15 this morning!

Something so beautiful and unexpected.

So much so that I ran and grabbed my camera.

Well it was a RAINBOW.

There were clouds and a rainbow on the south side of my house.

There was sunshine at the north end.

Funny how that works.

Followed by a few drops of rain and quite warm out for this time of day.

What a wonderful way to begin the day with seeing a rainbow.

Last night after I set the sprinkler to water the front lawn; Alvin and I set out for a walk.

We got to the corner and Alvin spotted our friend “I” out trimming one of her bushes.

So he pulled toward her but I held him back as we had to cross the street first and watch for traffic.

After a check for cars we made a beeline for her house.

Needless to say a few minutes later we were chatting on her front porch steps joined by her husband.

They both love Alvin and do not miss an opportunity to visit him, and me, of course.

Giggling out loud on this end.

Over half a hour later we left to have a quick walk before returning home to turn off the sprinkler.

Needless to say the ground was quite wet.

It got a good soaking.

Oh, my social butterfly …….

Well looks like an “umbrellie” is in store for today ….

So I had better get this show on the road.

I hope that you have a great day.

I wish you rainbows and sunshine.

I wish you love and laughter.

Have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: my friend “M” ….. so great to reconnect after so many years.

Always, Carol and Alvin