2021

Good Saturday Morning ALL! I hope that this day finds you feeling great and ready for whatever the day may bring to you. We had a rather odd start but I am feeling good and Alvin seems to have recovered from his early morning tummy upset. Thank goodness. Might need a nap later but that is okay. I have gone through my clothes closet and moved “my winter clothing” to the spare room closet. Or at least the rest of the items that I had not already moved. Honestly, there are only a few steps from one closet, to the other so not a long way to go in case, I need something. Bedding changed and ready for the laundry, clothes ready for laundry. I was writing in my head the list of things that I need to get done around the house. For example: painting the fence, fixing the fence (couple of boards that need to be replaced and I have the boards, just need help to switch them out), having the furnace vents, dry vent cleaned and A/C serviced, replace the roof shingles on the house, and a few more items. So lots to get done. I know you know this. All homeowners have those regular maintenance items to look after and that makes sense. Of course, there are the things to do inside the house as well. I would love to have the whole inside painted except for my office which was painted two years ago now, I believe. Before the pandemic. I have many lists. Then the immediate items like vacuuming, dusting, laundry, cleaning etc. Enough to keep us all very busy.

I am excited to finally remove the covering from my front flower bed and allow the flowers to just be, to drink in the sunshine and the warmth of the sun. Thankfully it looks like they have survived. I was surprised and shocked, really, to see that some of the plants that were not blooming are now blooming. They were when I removed the sheets yesterday for the day time. A good sign. My poor babies in the garage will be happy to get out into the sunshine. These are the first things on the list to do once this post is completed and I am dressed for the day. So grateful that from this day forward the overnight temperatures look to be on the plus side. Hopefully Mother Nature had her fun, one last blast of late spring weather and now we can enjoy. I am grateful for the moisture even though I could have done without the snow and howling winds. Our grass is nice and green. Grass in the backyard could use another cut. Life is good.

Well I am going to leave you with this: Always remember to take some time for yourself. I know the list is long of things to do when you have only the weekend or a couple of days off to do everything around the house but it will get done. Remember to take a coffee, tea, cold drink, or just a water break even on the weekends. Most especially on the weekends. Time to just BE. Close your eyes and just shut out the noise, the words, the thoughts (if you can). This usually takes some practice but it can be done. Really important. We all need to take time for ourselves. I know that you have heard this only a billion times but if we do not look after ourselves how can we possibly look after others or do anything for others or even ourselves. You are important to the world, to your family, to your friends, to your community. You are!

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, love, patience and GRATITUDE. Always with gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Al.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Well I guess that I did not make an error this is the new format for WordPress.

It will take a few posts before I get this down for sure.

I found out where the categories was so that it won’t come up as miscellaneous.

Now if I can just figure out spacing and such.

Today is the big day.

The wedding of my neighbours. I am so excited that I did not sleep much last night and in fact, just arising now. I have a couple of hours to have some breakfast and coffee before I have to start getting ready.

My daughter is coming at 11:30 or so and we have to leave the house by 12:30 as it is out of town. The TEA CEREMONY begins at 2:00 p.m. followed by the WEDDING CEREMONY, then while the happy couple are having photos taken, the guests enjoy refreshments and take in the beauty of the countryside and the retreat facility before enjoying supper provided by a secret food truck. Oh, and everything is outside providing that the weather remains nice. Forecast is for 20+ celsius today.

I am really looking forward to this time. The only part that is a bit unnerving is the mask wearing as I only know the bride and the groom. I have met her Father only. But I am okay not knowing people and generally have an easy time meeting new people. I guess time will tell. More the mask thing and social distancing at a wedding. The amount of guests is not huge. Time will tell, I did say that already.

Then the next thing is what to wear and what shoes to wear and which purse to take. Okay I am definitely rambling. I picked out the navy dress that my kids gave me for my birthday (it is nice but not fancy), topped with a coral mid sleeve cardigan and a scarf that has a mix of navy, blues, coral and white shades. The shoe I had picked out some sandals that had covered toes but I have not really wore them in years and will they be comfortable to wear for that length of time or should I wear a more summery sandal that I know will be comfortable but as soon as the sun begins to drift downward it will get cold. The jewelry aspect is the only part that I really know what to wear. I have so many beautiful pieces that I want to wear and need to wear, especially as I am actually going out. So you see my dilemma although it is not life threatening it is driving me a bit off the deep end. PURSE, another problem. Has to be big enough to put my phone/camera, battery charger cord thing, my zip bag with an extra mask (I will be wearing one), ID, kleenex, some lip balm, and whatever else I feel that I may require. I am so used to being at home and having everything at my beck, this is an unique situation for me at this time.

Okay, enough of that. I will have my daughter here when I am getting ready and she will give me direction in the clothing / shoe / purse areas. No need to worry.

Time to head on downstairs and have some toast, a banana and some much needed COFFEE.

Oh, I hear sirens close by. Oh dear.

Tomorrow my boy comes home from visiting at his sister’s since a week ago today. We were chatting on the phone last night and she put us on facetime, I would say that he has forgotten me but then I think he was just confused. I know that he will be happy to be home but I am grateful that he is doing well at their home. The week has gone by quickly. Definitely did not get much of what I was thinking of doing this week but that is okay. It is not as though Alvin keeps me from doing things. He is a great companion and I love him dearly.

Okay, time to go.

Take Care and Be Safe. Treat all others with Kindness and RESPECT. It is so important now more than ever.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Happy Saturday Everyone!

The sun is shining with a high of +6 degrees celsius.

The snow and ice are actually quite quickly disappearing from our landscape.

The once pool or pond of water in my backyard has gone.

There is a smaller bank of snow which I am going to break up and shovel over so that it melts more quickly.

There is only a couple of shovels of snow left on the deck.

I have been trying to keep the snow mould down to a minimum as I shovel and then sweep and pour clean water on.

Once dry sweep again.

So once the temperatures are warm enough with no hint of freezing overnight I will take either a pressure washer or garden hose and clean the deck.

I have a pressure washer but it is currently housed at my daughter’s house.

My neighbour has one so I could always borrow it.

But I will get it all nice and clean before bringing out the deck furniture.

The front yard still has snow but that is melting and where there were three to four banks a week ago there are perhaps one foot with clear spots.

So it is going for sure.

No snow covering the rooftops.

But what I am over the moon happiest about is the temperature for tomorrow +16 degrees celsius.

The forecast is double digits for the next two weeks so the cold temperatures should be behind us.

Then we can all get our yards cleaned up and start spending some time in the backyard and on our decks.

I am hoping that all of my perennials come up okay as I do not think that there will be nurseries opening.

Or perhaps they will, I do not know for sure.

I am grateful to have my geranium.

It is full of blooms and is so huge.

It will be ready to be transplanted.

I think that I will find a huge pot in a few weeks and put it on the deck.

It appears to like the southern exposure.

On those super hot days I can move it into the shade.

 

Yesterday my Director brought me a brand new computer monitor.

We all have new ones at work as we were going to start using two monitors.

Really with our jobs they are a necessity.

Now with the laptop and the monitor it seems like a workstation.

Having a full large screen is wonderful.

The best part was I set it up all by myself.

I am no techie so I was so proud.

I had a little moment ….. just me and Alvin.

He was proud of his Momma, too.

 

Well today.

What is on your list for the weekend.

We slept in a bit ….. after 8:00 a.m.

I had the craziest, most strange dream.

So real.

Then we were up.

Oh, we were up at 5:00 a.m. when Alvin got up to have his breakfast and go outside.

That is another reason to get that back grassy area in top shape so that he can go to the bathroom there.

I keep that clean.

Always picking up the poop.

That is part of my job as a pack leader.

Yes, it is.

 

Anyway back to today and for tomorrow:

Laundry

Clean out closets and put winter things away

Clean off the deck

Break up the remaining snow in backyard so it will melt more easily

Vacuum

Dust and Clean

Bathrooms

Bath Alvin

I usually shower so thought at some point I may have a luxurious bath

Work on the basement ( still putting things in order down there )

Go for walks

Relax and Enjoy this weather.

 

Well that is my plan for the weekend.

I will do what I can.

Likely all of it.

 

I hope that this finds you in good health and safe.

As summer approaches us and we want to go outside and be with others more and more.

Remember you can visit but keep the social distancing rules in place.

There can be outdoor visits in your front yard.

You in the garage and visitors at the entrance way.

Have someone bring their own chair.

You have your chair.

No one has to clean things afterwards.

If we all work together ….

We will get through this.

 

Take care.

Live with Kindness and Respect.

Enjoy your time at home.

Be grateful for what you have ……

Things can change quickly.

 

With Kindness and Respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 7th day of May, 2019.

May is just zipping along.

Raining this morning giving the air a freshness and bringing about greenness – life.

Yesterday morning in England ….. Prince Harry and wife Meghan gave birth to a baby boy.

The wait is over.

Congratulations to the Royal Family on their new arrival.

Now for the name.

 

 

We continued with our watering duty last night although the plants do not need water every night – I want to check.

Our walk was delightful ….. taking in the ducks and geese along the way.

Fountain on at our pond …..

Love the sound of water….

 

Well last night Mr. Humphrey spent a few hours with us.

Humphrey is so photogenic.

He knows when you are taking pictures.

I did miss some cute shots but what can you do.

They move.

 

Now you know that the last three photos ….. someone is getting a bit too close for comfort.

You can almost guess what is going to happen next?

Yup. Humphrey gave Alvin a “love tap” and Alvin cried out and jumped off the sofa.

I spent some time trying to convince Alvin that the green blanket on the other side of me was just as good.

But he is set in his ways.

That is his side of the sofa.

Just when I thought that he was getting better at sharing.

 

Well the sky remains overcast as it continues to rain lightly.

I guess an umbrella is in my future.

My ride is picking me up EARLY this morning as she has to make a stop after she drops me off.

So I will get a head start to my work day ….

Actually every day is a head start to my work day ….

Usually I am there before the folks that start at 7:30 a.m.

When you carpool …. it happens.

I like early.

 

Have an awesome day.

Shout out to the in-laws who adopted a puppy.

Puppy is so cute.

 

Special Hello to: YOU on this rainy day …. have a great one.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 and it is the 7th day until my 60th Birthday.

WOW, just a few days now.

 

This is one of my all time favourite photos.

Not because it is a particularly great piece of photography but more because of the uniqueness.

Just the way the light shone and was captured by the lens.

Almost feels like a religious moment.

Most times it is the small things in life that have the most impact.

Just a moment captured in time.

One I will always smile and remember.

Shadow looks like a candle

 

Always, Carol

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of May, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining and the day has more than begun.

Feeling a bit lazy and wanted to stay in bed or actually I had been directed to the sofa BUT Mr. Alvin had something else in mind.

He let out little barks not even barks actually, until I got up.

Alvin will not let me stay in bed past a certain time.

Not sure why.

Well actually part of it is that he likes to lay down on the spot that I was on.

Crazy guy.

But thankfully I am up as I have LOTS to do.

When you are the only one in the household all the chores both inside and outside are yours to do.

Not complaining as it was my choice to buy a house (which I love).

There is always the first couple of weeks getting everything in order outside before it is just maintaining over the summer.

Soon the grass will need to be mowed.

The flower beds need to be watered.

I want to wash down the deck and then put out the furniture.

Wash down the house as well.

Then at some point closer to June purchase some flowers.

There is a small piece of siding at the back of the house that needs to be tacked back down.

Unfortunately it is on the second floor so I need a taller ladder so I will borrow one and get that done.

I have asked to borrow one so will do that over the next couple of weeks.

Just have to wait until I have someone to hold the ladder and to give instructions as I have not repaired siding.

So as a homeowner there is always lots to do.

But it is fun ….. at the end of the day.

It is like most things in life …. sometimes we grumble just a bit during the ride but we are happy when we have arrived.

Right….

Well I must get to it ….. Alvin certainly is not going to change the bedding or start the laundry.

He is good company as I go about my chores.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

I am most grateful that I have a Saturday to have …..

It is a good day to be alive.

It is great to be here, now.

I am looking forward to having the deck covered in flowers.

Also my perennials in the front bed are coming up ….. there be green in that bed.

I am so excited for that …..

Okay, deep breath and get going.

Happy Saturday.

 

Smiling now…..

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back home ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 8th day of March, 2014

HERE WAS MY POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR YESTERDAY WHICH I DID NOT POST AND WISHED WOULD HAPPEN.

YAY, we finally caught the MOUSE …… it is gone forever and may it rest in peace.

At least it had lots of good meals.

I am so grateful that we no longer have a mouse in our house.

It was a long nine days.

Thank you everyone for your support and ideas.

Now the sensors will keep future ones out.

A few bars of Irish Spring soap cannot hurt either.

YIPEE YIPEE YIPEE ….

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you.

What a great start to my weekend …..

Well unless it is in one of the five traps that are hiding behind every big object on my main floor away from Alvin’s reach …. it is still here.

I am at a loss ….. I simply want “it” gone ….. it has dragged my life for long enough …… I feel like it isn’t my house and I feel like the outsider …. gently and carefully making my way around each room so that I do not come in contact with it.

Nothing seems to work ….. woe is me.

It does seem to be eating all the peanut butter ….. 

Well I better get downstairs as it is going onto 10:00 a.m. and I have lots to do …..

I am brave ….. I am bigger than it …. I am going to catch it today …. not me personally …. I will have my house back again.

I hope that the sensors are working and keeping them outdoors where they belong.

Now if it was Mickey or Minnie that would be another story but it is not.

I know this has been a lot of strange and woeful blogs but I can only write what is going on and how I am feeling.

So thank you so much for reading and the support …..

Maybe I need to bring in the big guns “a cat” …….

Have a great Saturday my friends …..

Special Hello to:  Dave and Baby, my sister’s cats …. oh, how I wished that Dave could come for a visit!!

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 26th day of October, 2013.

It is a bright sunny warm morning here in Edmonton.

We are so grateful to have yet another beautiful day.

Giving us time to get everything done outside and in.

Today Mr. Alvin is getting a hair cut and bath.

Two of his most “favourite” things in the whole wide world for sure ( just being sarcastic).

I am looking forward to coffee, laundry, cleaning, a walk with Alvin later,  and the above as I do the hair cut and bathing of Mr. Alvin.

So on this beautiful day I hope that you are enjoying your Saturday.

May only grace and beauty surround you with positive energy and abundance.

Take care my friends …..

Back tomorrow.

Special Hello: to all those folks who are enjoying the great outdoors on this fine day.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday, December 28th, 2012 ……

I hope that if you were back to work yesterday everything went well, and if you were still on Christmas break ….. that it was great, too.

Alvin went for a play-date and is going to his sister’s house today as well.

Today is my double-work day…… follow up working at the office by going to the store.

They are into the third day of the semi-annual sale so it should be busy and fun.

I enjoy meeting all the people that visit the store and also seeing the familiar faces.

Should be fun.

Guess what ….. we are out of the deep freezer …. supposed to be -7 celsius…. so great.

Last night I walked Alvin home from his sister’s house after work …. so at least he got a bit of a walk.

It has been way too cold for the little guy the past few days.

So we are always happy when we can get outside for some fresh air and exercise.

So what is on the agenda for this weekend?

Tomorrow bright and early I am skyping with my sister and then catch up on housework and laundry.

Sunday I work at the store (not sure what the shift will be).

Well almost time to get into the final gear here.

I hope that you have a great day and that you are able to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fresh air and exercise are always good for the body, mind and soul.

Enjoy.

Special Hello to:  friends and family.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Welcome to Thursday, September 13th, 2012.

Well here we are ….. the middle of another month.

The mornings are a bit cooler here in Edmonton …

The days noticeably shorter…

The moon is noticeable for I think a longer period after sunrise…

The trees are starting to change colour…

The animals are starting to prepare…

INCLUDING US????

So have you packed away your summer clothing, shoes and jackets?

Have you pulled out your flowers that are no longer bright and vibrant?

Are you rearranging your garage to put all your summer stuff away?

Have you cleaned your windows, checked the seals around the windows, cleaned your bathroom fans, cleaned your furnace, or started?

I am still wearing my summer clothing, most of my flowers are still doing okay despite the dip in temperatures the night before last, my stuff is still on the deck, I have begun the getting your home ready for winter part.

I have a furnace cleaning booked for the end of September.

When you own a home there is always lots to do ….

Last night I enjoyed a lovely walk with Alvin…

It was a perfect evening … no breeze …. temperature just right for walking.

Rescued a baby jack rabbit (only a couple or three weeks old) from my basement window well!

That is another story.

Bought the winning lotto ticket (have to check and see how much we won).

Watched “THE VOICE” …. love that show.  The judges are a perfect mix of entertainers and personalities …. they work well together.

I LOVE THAT SHOW.  It is my favourite.

Well on that note I shall say “farewell” until “morrow” ….. which is my day off ….. but I will write something just for you…

Have a blessed, grand, wonderful, awesome, spectacular, great, fantastic, WOW kind of a day ….

Special Hello to: all those volunteers who help people and animals …. you TOTALLY ROCK and are amazing.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin…