Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I trust that you are well and enjoying the weekend. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is shining and there is the most refreshing breeze wafting through my office window as I type these words. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hallway carpet, waiting for me. Another glorious weekend. Everything from walks to visits to video chat and in between some work got done. Yesterday morning we started out the day with a walk and I was happy that we were able to do what I refer to as a full one / normal one, then there was some laundry, coffee, breakfast, more laundry, cleaning and laundry. Our friend sent us an email inviting us for a visit as she missed us in the morning. We were just in process of getting Alvin’s harness ready to put on when there was a loud knock at the door, I was not expecting anyone so I carefully opened the door, to our surprise on the other side of the door was Pauline and Georgie. They had decided to walk over and pick us up so we could walk together. She also gave me a very thoughtful thank you card with the most beautiful floral design on the front. I thanked her and set it on the counter and continued getting us ready to go. A few minutes later we were out the door, I picked up Alvin and carried him down the steps as I have been doing as of late. Helping to keep him from injuring his knees. We walked and chatted and even saw neighbours outside along the way. When we arrived at the park Pauline suggested that we go the back way through the grass (which recently had been cut) the opposite side of the park which does not have a sidewalk. It was nice as the grass was wet and cool. We took a shortcut through the trees between the second and third pond which had us walking on some stones to come out near her house. My flip flops were wet and I was almost going to take them off to cross the stones as I thought more safe in bare feet but decided to go slow and most of the stones had more flat tops and rounded. It only took us a minute or so to cross. The pups got a bit wet as there was water up near the stones/rocks. Next thing we were through their gate and in the backyard where I removed Alvin’s leash and a minute later decided to take off his harness as it was warm outside. He was happy. Pauline grabbed a couple of cushions for the chairs that sit under the deck on the patio out of the sun. Then she was in the house to get our refreshments. While she was in the house Georgie jumped up on my lap while Alvin paced the patio sniffing and what not. We had iced tea and banana bread. She also brought out some photos of their Ontario trip to show me. Sometime during the visit I had lifted Mr. Alvin up on a third empty chair which was in between us, and he relaxed while we chatted. Georgie on Pauline’s lap. It was about 5:00 p.m. when Pauline noticed that the sky to the west was beginning to get some very ominous clouds developing and suggested that we may want to go home before the rain. I took a quick look and decided that we best be going and grabbed Alvin’s harness and his water bottle and put on his leash and said our goodbyes and were on our way. We were coming by Lucy’s house and she was outside doing yard work, we quickly said hello and pointed to the sky and advised that we had to get home before the storm hit. A little while later we saw a neighbour walking her two yellow labs and pointed out the storm. We hightailed it home. Just about home and saw our neighbour who recently had surgery out front speaking with her neighbour. We stopped briefly to say hello before going the last couple of minutes to our house. I think we were home not even 10 minutes when it began to rain. The storm was not like Thursday night and I was very happy about that. After that I fed Mr. Alvin his supper, turned on the last load of laundry and the dryer. I got my supper in the oven and then texted my sister. We ended up having a video chat via messenger as my cell phone cuts in and out and one cannot have a very good conversation that way. I am chalking it up to dead zones in the house which appear to be increasing over time. I plan to call Telus who is our provider in the area and see what can be done. Just seems like there has not been time to do so. If it were a matter of calling and speaking to someone right away that would be one thing but it is always a long wait and then I would be cutting in and out. I will perhaps try and contact them on-line. I had a great chat with my sister and had a late supper at 7:30 p.m. I cannot remember the last time that I ate that late but it happens. We were out and about and enjoying life. Who cares, right. Most important things we had great walks, good exercise, good company and visits with family and friends! Last night was quiet. I watched a movie followed by bed. That was our Saturday.

Today my daughter Amanda and one of my grandpups, the little one named Mi-Mi or Milo is coming for a visit and will spend the night. She will go to the office from here and then pick up Mi-Mi after work. We have lots to do this afternoon and evening.

Time to fly and have a shower. I brought up all of the laundry that had been drying and put it all away. I dry most of my clothes on racks. They last longer that way.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Enjoy the morning, maybe even get out for a walk.

We might get out after my shower or wait for the others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: now 30 days till turn 65. The card was beautiful with a gift inside for looking after her garden while they were away. I called her to thank her for her generosity and that it was not necessary but she insisted. Smells like weed outside, not the garden variety – coming in through my open window. Smells like skunk ….. lol

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

Raining through the night and earlier this morning but has stopped now.

Funny how that happens.

I missed watering my flowers on Monday night and then gave them a good drink last night.

Well they are well watered now.

Some of my flowers and plants are beginning to fade.

The nights are beginning to cool now.

I suppose it won’t be too long before I need to prepare for the next season.

Will check the long range forecast for frost.

I will leave everything as long as possible.

As long as the flowers are blooming I like to leave them and sometimes near the end they are beginning to look a bit less than perfection.

 

W for Wind.

Man oh man, have we been experiencing a lot of wind these days.

Seems like every year Edmonton gets more and more wind.

A nice breeze is fine but gale force is not.

Alvin and I have almost blown away on some of our walks and then sometimes we just stay home.

 

This is one of those mornings where for some reason I do not have a lot to say.

Fancy that.

Usually I start and don’t have time to write everything that I am thinking.

I almost never plan what I am going to write ahead of time.

Just sit down and start typing the things that come to my mind.

Sometimes they are silly and sometimes very serious.

 

I want to extend our sympathies to our neighbours on the passing of their beloved fur baby “Capone.”

He was a big guy and so sweet.

I remember when he was a puppy.

My how time flies.

We have lost so many of our fur baby friends and family this year.

Abi (Alvin’s girlfriend), Casey (long time family friend), and now Capone and our Mabel who was my brother and family’s girl.

Rest in Peace my darlings.

We shall miss you forever and keep you forever in our hearts and minds.

 

With kindness and respect for all,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Today is the day that I am going to see the Aga Khan Garden at the Devonian Gardens with a friend of mine.

So excited.

I can hardly wait to see the flowers, shrubs and trees.

I was just checking my messages and then happened to noticed that I am almost out of storage on my phone.

Not the greatest of timing especially when I plan to take lots of photos today.

The sky is overcast and it was raining overnight.

An umbrella and jacket will accompany me today.

There is some break up in the cloud cover.

I am sorry that Mr. Alvin cannot go along with us.

I think he would enjoy it.

 

Last night I snapped some photos of my flowers.

I just love taking close ups or any shots of my flowers or any flowers for that matter.

The vibrant colours of the flowers.

The odd angles and the softness.

Nature is wonderous.

These photos are of my back garden and flower pots on the deck.

None taken of the front.

There is a breeze as I can see the trees swaying in the distance from my office window.

 

Well time for a shower before we head out for our adventure at the Edmonton Devonian Gardens.

Should be so much fun.

Oh and coffee, as I sip on some of that deep golden nectar.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket.

 

I did start / begin to place photos on the bulletin boards but have decided that it is going to take a bit of time as I keep changing my mind.

Does not need to be filled overnight.

 

So grateful to be on vacation.

 

Treating others with kindness and respect brings one joy.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of November, 2018.

We missed the first freezing rain that went through our area but woke up to ice.

Appears that overnight we had freezing rain.

Time to be extra careful whether walking or driving.

I can see the glare ice on my sidewalk.

BE CAREFUL.

 

Tonight our friend Humphrey the Cat is going to be spending some time with me and the Alvin.

Also a few hours tomorrow night.

It will be interesting to see how spending the evening together goes.

Now both are used to seeing each other.

Both are used to cats and dogs and dogs and cats.

They were together the other night and so growling or hissing happening.

I will be careful watching them.

Also have to ensure that Humphrey does not scratch anything with this claws.

Will have to semi prepare things and perhaps bring one of his smaller scratching posts over to my house.

I am excited to see them interact.

Perhaps they will just say hello and then go there own ways?

Who knows.

Time will tell.

 

Earlier I saw some cars and a truck drive by so people are out driving.

Our temperatures are to reach +3 later today.

The joys of winter.

I should write a book on the JOYS OF WINTER IN CANADA.

Certainly could fill a book with our Canadian Winters.

The GOOD, The BAD and The UGLY?

What do you think?

 

Well I am thinking of our drive to work this morning and hoping that the City has been out sanding/salting whatever they put on the ice.

It won’t help 100% but some traction is better than nothing.

If you are reading this and living in Edmonton area – please be careful.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  EVERYONE TODAY – YOU ARE ALL SO GREAT.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 12th day of September, 2018.

Dark out and raining.

Last night after our walk; we put the remaining flowers into the garage.

They are doing so great that I wanted to have them for awhile longer.

They are watered and if the sun shines they will get some light through the windows.

This cold snap is only to last until next week and then we will have some mid teen temperatures.

The flowers will love that.

I was going to wear a long sleeved top today and it felt warm.

I also put on socks as am going to wear shoes with them today.

I also am wearing full length jeans today.

All of a sudden my body temperature soared.

So off with the long top and on with no sleeved-top and short sleeved shrug of sorts.

That helps.

The first time that we start to wear warmer clothes feels odd, feels strange and WARM.

Also changed my purse from summer white to fall/winter black.

I have other colours as well but somehow it feels like should be black.

Alvin is snuggled in all his cuteness on the little blue blanket.

 

With winter just around the corner and who knows how short that corner is …. I am thinking that I need to get doing yoga/pilates SOMETHING on a regular basis.

Somehow that “roll” is not going away …. walking is good but does not take that away once it has formed.

Oh the joys of being past 50, er um, now past 60.

No excuses.

There are plenty of folks past 60, even 70 and 80 that are slim and trim, and super healthy.

I was so inspired by CHER at 72.

Now I know that she has had some help along the way …. but you do not keep that figure without exercise.

So I am going to get back into it …..

I have recorded several 1/2 programs so that there is a variety.

Even found some to help with the midsection ….

That is what I need the most.

You know it is a problem when … well you know.

Who knows …. perhaps I can even get Alvin doing some exercises.

He will certainly wonder what I am doing.

 

Well here we go again …. almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Perhaps it is night where you are ….. if that is the case ….. have a great night.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “V” ….. who is one of the busiest and most hard working women I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

These beauties are safe in the garage.

Still looking to dry some lavender.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 10th day of September, 2018.

We did not receive any RAIN overnight and it was dry when we first were up at 4:45 AM.

When we arose from the sofa at 5:25 a.m. it was wet outside.

It is dark and raining.

What a great way to begin the work week.

I am glad that I started to do the fall cleanup yesterday.

Alvin enjoyed a nice long massage this morning.

This is begin to be a “thing.”

Something that we do almost each and every morning.

 

How was your weekend?

Did you have time to relax?

Did you go out?

Did you walk?

Did you cook?

Did you spend time with your loved ones?

 

My weekend was GREAT.

Yes, I snuggled with Alvin and Teddy on Saturday and played JENGA with myself.

I went outside.

Yes, we walked everyday.

Yes, I did.

Yes, I spent the weekend with Mr. Alvin and saw my neighbour S, and friends Teddy, his Momma and his Papa.

 

So happy this Monday as my carpool is back to work from vacation.

I enjoyed our conversations and her company.

Nice not to have to catch the bus.

 

I guess you could say life is pretty good.

No complaints.

 

Mr. Alvin is snoring on this blue blanket.

Fifteen minutes until I leave for work.

Mr. Alvin is up.

 

Well it is a Monday.

First day of my work week.

 

I hope that you had a great weekend.

That you did have fun, relaxed and all of that.

Enjoy this day as September 10, 2018 will not come this way again …. unless we get caught up in a time loop.

Well that would be scary.

Perhaps we are in a time loop.

Maybe that is why every so often things just feel the same.

Food for thought.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: my son-in-law …. have a great day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

PS:  Hello Daughter …… Miss Aspen and Baby Milo…..

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 24th day of June, 2018.

Another beautiful sunny morning.

Alvin slept from 10:00 p.m. until 6:40 a.m. (he must have been pooped after his sleepover with Teddy.

He had a moment this morning and did not wish to walk down the stairs.

So I gingerly picked him up to carry him downstairs.

He wasn’t really happy about that and perhaps he did not trust that I could manage carrying him down the stairs.

I was carefully as after all he is “me Alvin” and I would never intentionally put him in harm’s way.

We made it to the bottom of the stairs and I carefully set him down.

After that he has been up and down the stairs.

He has been looking around and not sure if he thinks that perhaps Teddy is here somewhere.

 

Yesterday my daughter and Milo came for an unexpected visit.

Timing was perfect as I was giving Mr. Alvin a haircut.

Teddy just watched and perhaps was thinking “Yikes, I may be next.”

Even with the two of us we were not able to get Alvin’s front paws trimmed very short.

So it is what it is.

He looks good and will be much cooler.

Now after tomorrow the temperatures are cooling off.

I give him a trim/cut once a month.

Timing.

The boys had fun playing and hanging out.

Milo and Teddy got along well.

So great to have Teddy come to hang out with Alvin.

We enjoyed having him over.

 

Happiness means something different for everyone.

What brings you great joy?

What makes you feel giddy with joy to the very bottom of your being?

Happiness for me is being in good health, being surrounded by family and friends and being at home.

I have always wanted as long as I have lived to have my very own home.

This belongs to me (and to the bank), and I am so grateful to call this mine.

I can come home every night after work to my little piece of heaven.

I have flowers in the spring until fall.

I have room for me Alvin to relax and to run around.

There is room to sit for me, Alvin and company.

I can sit under an umbrella and sip on a cup of coffee and read a book, if I wish.

I can lay down if I wish but have to watch out for the “ants.”

They seem to be living everywhere these days.

I can take in the sunshine, the moon, the stars.

I can breathe fresh air sitting on my deck.

I can be proud of what this is and I am.

I can admire the flowers.

I can watch the clouds rolling by.

I can smell the fragrances of the flowers.

This is it.

Happy Days.

These were taken last night about mid evening before the sun went down.

 

 

 

 

 

Love the reflection of the night sky in the garage window.  It was so perfect out last night.

Well I guess I had better fly into the shower and then head out for coffee with my girls.

Always enjoy our get togethers.

Happy Sunday.

Enjoy what you have …..

Big or small …..

It is yours……

 

Special Hello to:  my sister – these flowers are for you …

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of May, 2018.

Today will be somewhat cooler than the past couple of days.

AT this moment the sky is overcast and there is rain in the forecast.

We certainly could use a good soaking …

Decided to check on the day from last year and this is what was happening weather wise:

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of May, 2017.

The SUN is SHINING and the sky is a pretty much that gorgeous powder blue with a hint of pink.

There appears to be a bit of a breeze.

With hope of a beautiful day.

We needed the rain but now we could use the sunshine and some warmth.

I have held on and have not turned the heat on in the house.

This morning it was 60 degrees F ……

Not sure how Alvin feels about the coolness but if he did not have a toasty warm fur coat on – I would not have put him through this….

I will say one thing both of us are sleeping better.

Alvin has been sleeping past his usual 3:00-3:30 a.m.

So perhaps it is hypothermia …. not really …..

But definitely the cool temperature is good for sleeping.

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of May, 2016.

Another gorgeous morning, sun shining and blue sky.

There has been smoke in the air due to all of the forest fires in the province.

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of May, 2015.

It is overcast and very windy.

We did however receive some rain overnight which is great.

Perhaps it will rain over the course of the day and that would be wonderful as it is so needed.

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of May, 2014.

Well as I look write this blog it is raining here at my house.

So I was thinking that I need to think of something cheery to bright my moment.

 

**********************************

Sometimes it is nice to look back and see what the weather was like one year ago, two years ago or maybe five years ago.

It is so wonderful have this daily post to check in on my life last year or six years ago.

Some reminders that I have grown and some reminders that I need to step things up.

We learn in all sorts of ways.

Looking back by brain memory or a diary or an on-line blog are ways to do so.

I know what I was doing and feeling yesterday and five months ago and six years ago.

 

Well here we are once again, time to leave for work.

I hope that you have a great Wednesday.

Maybe think back on what you were doing this time last year.

Are you where you would like to be?

Are you happy?

Are you making progress or spinning your wheels.

Food for thought.

 

Special Hello to: You, today …. it is all about you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 2nd day of March, 2018.

Well no storm happened overnight.

There was strong gusty winds but no snow as yet.

Hopefully it dissipated.

I would not want to wish a “winter storm” onto anyone.

 

Alvin has been “not his usual” self this morning.

When I was getting ready I leaned and with my hand gently caressed his neck and back of his head.

Normally he would walk away and shake it off but not this time; he put his paw up to “ask nice.”

He did not want me to stop.

Oh, how I love me Alvin.

What a guy.

 

Well I am running late …. we had something happen out of the norm last night and ended up going to bed late and it was semi stressful for both me and Alvin.

No worries, we are okay.

Anyway, am wishing could stay here and snuggle with my boy but I am off to work.

Thankfully it is the weekend.

 

Just a thought ….. sometimes we all like things that are slightly off character.

Maybe a hug when you are not the hugging type.

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Stay safe, keep warm and love the one you are with.

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who are feeling lonely, you are loved.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of September, 2016.

Well we had rain overnight and it was raining at 5:30 a.m. when Alvin and I first were up and about.

Later being now 9:00 a.m., the skies have cleared and the sun is shining.

We are just getting ready to leave for our regular six week pedicure and “anal gland squeeze” for Mr. Alvin.

Oddly enough the bum thing does not bother him but his nails being trimmed does.

Now I do get it as a couple of times they have nicked the quick (passed the nail).

His “quicks” are longer than usual.

But I think it startles him more than actually hurts too much.

They are so good at our Vet and treat us, him like family.

He is good for his shots and the bum thing but just does not care too much for getting his nails done.

Funny thing too …. at the Doctor’s they clean and check his ears and he does not fuss too much but at home YIKES.

Later this morning Elton is coming to spend part of the day with me and Alvin as his parents are taking a nephew mini golfing.

Nephew’s birthday was beginning of September but it is sometimes hard to schedule with kids these days.

They are so busy with all of their different activities and their friends.

I am happy that it is the weekend.

Pleased that the sun is going to shine as I must start preparing things for the next season.

I do not wish to trim and pull flowers and bushes because they are looking so good as yet.

With all this moisture they are lasting longer.

As I was reminded by one of my gardener friends …. most years we stop watering once the temperature starts to cool off and that is one of the main

reasons they are finished.

I must trim my big tree out front.

Last year I did it a couple of times by now and this year with all of the rain I have not.

Well it is almost time to leave for the Vet.

I hope that you all have an amazing Saturday.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …. keep writing.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Previous Older Entries

Follow My New Life @ 51 on WordPress.com