It is a NEW YEAR.

Happy Monday Morning Everyone.

No colourful sunrise as yet but am hopeful that we shall see some sunshine today.

More snow yesterday and overnight.

 

Yesterday I snapped a couple of closeups of Mr. Alvin.

Is he not the cutest boy?

He has such a cute innocent face.

His eyes …. I guess only one is visible…

When I am eating something and he comes up close with his face and turns on the cuteness …. those brown eyes can melt you into a puddle.

 

A Story of Six Bunnies

Over the past few days I have become enthralled with the bunnies that gather in the nighttime on our front lawn.

Okay, on the front snow covered lawn area.

Last night as I started to turn off the lights in the house before we went upstairs to bed, I noticed five rabbits out front of our house.

One came bounding over to join them.

We watched the bunnies as they munched away on the food that my neighbour so graciously has left for them.

It has been a hard winter for these little ones with all this snow.

At one point in the second photo, I saw two of the rabbits leaving the group to the other side of the street.

They stopped along the side where there was an abundance of soft fresh snow (not packed down by traffic).

One of the bunnies laid down and rolled around in the snow.

Well yes he/she certainly did roll.

Then jumped up while the other bunny watched.

I giggled as I watched the playfulness of the bunny.

The little one did this a few times before continuing to the other side of the road.

I figured perhaps I could grab some better photos so we raced upstairs and I took the photo on the left.

The one on the right captures the two bunnies, the one on the left was the one playing in the snow.

 

This morning from our bedroom window.

Appears to have been a party happening in our front yard (my neighbour and ours together).

The tracks filled the front yard or at least most of it.

There are tracks from every direction.

There was lots of good food and good company.

I should have put out some liquid refreshment.

 

Well that is what was happening in our neck of the woods as Al Roker would say.

I am an Al Roker fan (Today Show).

 

Well the time is passing and is almost time to start working.

 

In addition to watching the bunnies yesterday I made another banana cranberry orange with coffee spice load and a massive pot of the best chili ever.

I am so proud of both.

Good eatings ahead.

 

Time for caffeine …..

Have an awesome day.

 

It is the small things in life that mean the most.

A snuggle with Alvin.

Video chat with my daughter.

Text from my sister.

Fresh made banana loaf.

Smell of chili bubbling away on the stove.

A bunny rolling in the fresh snow.

Fresh perked cup of coffee.

 

Time to go.

 

As Always, I/We

Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday.

Welcome Wednesday.

Yesterday seemed more like a Monday than a Tuesday.

At work our connection to the INTERNET was down for most of the morning.

We are so independent on the WORLD WIDE WEB.

Not just my office but everyone – everywhere.

The world almost comes to a crashing halt when the connection is lost.

Very sad.

To be so dependant on ONE thing.

Anyway.

 

Last night was cold so I opted for us to stay home after work instead of walking.

Alvin is starting to feel the cold and when it is a certain temperature – we sometimes just stay put.

Otherwise we walk.

Exercise helps to keep us agile and breathing in the fresh air so so good for our lungs.

Walking is good for our bodies, minds and souls.

So we do love to walk whenever possible.

 

I had almost forgot but my friend that sells FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY or FAC (Fifth Avenue Collection) reminded me that I am hosting a party on February 29th.

Luckily “technology” came to the rescue.

She set up a FACEBOOK party and I invited my friends and family.

I did make a couple of phone calls, okay TEXTS to invite a few more folks.

As someone who is not really a lover of speaking on the telephone, I do like texting.

Keeping in mind ….. to keep them relatively short.

 

Update on baby KOBI, the diarrhea is dissipating and hopefully she is on the mend.

This has been hard on her, Teddy and Aunt J.

Aunt J has scrubbed, wiped and disinfected the house every day to keep the bacteria from growing and spreading.

Fingers crossed and a little prayer or THREE.

 

Well it is getting close to the time for us to head downstairs.

Time to go out and pick up Alvin’s little bundles of good health.

Grab my lunch.

Grab my coat, scarf, boots and mitts.

Purse at the end.

I am grateful to my daughter who gave me this purse that makes into a backpack.

It is very roomy and I use it most especially in the wintertime so that I only have to carry one bag.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Be safe and warm.

Keep each other with kindness and respect.

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

I love these photos …. angling the camera down and looking up …. well I like this look.

My hair has grown quite a lot since the photo was taken.

AL his handsome self.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, good morning one and all.

Well today is thankfully Friday.

I am excited for two reasons.

Tomorrow my daughter is popping by and I am hosting a Fifth Avenue Jewelry Show/Party/Event.

I love to entertain and I love jewelry.

We are going to have fun trying on jewelry for an evening.

Of course, there will be some visiting going on as well.

 

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful long walk in our park.

We bumped into Miss Rosie and her Dad.

First time that Alvin got to meet Rosie.

I think she scared him just a bit.

She is young and full of energy.

But all things considered they did well.

I saw Rosie in the early morning before leaving for work with her Mom.

All things Rosie yesterday.

They are a nice family.

I also learned something from Rosie’s Dad.

He told me that they usually start their walk over by the park south of us and then make the loop through this park and then back home.

During their walk in the first park they were stopped by a PEACE OFFICER who told him that “dogs are not allowed to walk on the grass in the park, as it is treated as parkland.”

Surprisingly enough people can.

Dogs are supposed to walk on the sidewalk.

So my question I thought of later was this:

“Where do they poop, on the sidewalk?”

Silliest bylaw I have heard in a long time.

Poor pups now they cannot even walk on the grass.

For all the taxes we pay and now Alvin cannot walk on the grass in the park.

I am not a happy camper?

No grass to sniff?

Argh.

Now what?

 

Well it is almost time to head off downstairs.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

 

I am going to continue to work on being patient.

Patience is a virtue, so I have heard.

 

Happy Friday.

 

With Kindness and Respect, I shall enter yet another moment in time.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is Saturday, the day after …

I had a great 62nd Birthday.

Spent the day with Alvin and Humphrey.

Alvin and I had an early morning walk.

We pretty much lazed around the whole day long.

Listened to music and watched some television.

Sort of had a nap ….

My daughter came for supper and sweet treat.

My co-worker, the baker dropped off the sweet treats (photos coming).

Invited her for coffee …. we three girls had a great visit.

Here are some photos from my BIRTHDAY DAY.

The boys lazing around.

Nothing like mug of coffee and BISCOTTI

Humphrey in his favourite spot on the stairs.

Looks like I have a spot or two to repair … he did not chip the paint.

THE CUPCAKES

The green ones are:  Vanilla cupcakes with KEY LIME ICING and chocolate ornaments

The others are: Chocolate cupcakes with umbrellas and Teddy bears relaxing on the sand chocolate icing.

Only tried the Key Lime iced one and it was DELICIOUS.

This morning at another birthday bash I will have a chocolate one.

A friend and neighbour dropped by later in the evening with a lovely gift of shower gel, body lotion and a pumpkin apple candle ( I love that fragrance).

Snapped some photos of the boys.

A great day.

Now today one of my young friends is hosting a party for me.

We take turns.

I am taking some of the above cupcakes.

Special Special TREAT.

Humphrey is already in the house.

Teddy is coming this morning.

Almost time to hop into the shower and get dressed for the party.

Might have time to brew a mug of coffee before I leave ….

Lots of time.

Well it was a great BIRTHDAY.

Lots of birthday wishes via Facebook, phone calls from my siblings, a visit from my daughter and friends.

Hung out with two of my favourite fur boys: Alvin and Humphrey.

Does not get better than that.

 

Well time to fly.

Happy Happy Saturday.

 

 

A day filled with kindness and respect is a great day.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 11th day of February, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly but it is COLD outside, brrr, cold.

Really COLD, did I tell you it was super cold out.

Yes, it is.

Just in from picking up poop from earlier this morning and shovelling off the back deck.

Still have the front to do but it can wait.

We are hosting a birthday party at our house this morning.

One of my girl friend’s celebrated her 40th Birthday on February 1st, 2018.

I was down with the flu and had to post phone the celebration.

The balloons are up and the streamers.

I personalized the streamers by writing her Name with Birthday Wishes and “40.”

Looks good.

Remember Teddy, the 4 year old pup that stays with us from time to time.

His Aunt is looking after him while his parents are in Mexico for a month.

They will be coming for coffee and a visit this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

I guess this day is officially “party/visit/fun” day.

Good thing that I got everything done yesterday.

I have not met my friend’s sister “J” as yet.

 

On this COLD Sunday I hope that this finds you well and preparing to have an awesome Sunday.

Whether you are home or at work, have the best day.

Own it / make it wonderful.

It is all in your hands, it is up to you.

Only you can make your day wonderful.

Happy Sunday.

This photo of Alvin is not from today but I think it is a good one of him.

Just wanted to share.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of August, 2017.

The sky was sunny earlier but clouds have come rolling in just a little bit.

But inside our house the atmosphere is BRIGHT as my dear sister arrived for a visit last night.

My daughter and I met her at the airport.

We were waiting patiently at the ARRIVALS gate but we did not realize that she was on a small prop plane and they walked in from the tarmac and did not come through the regular arrival gate.

But we did hook up …… so happy she has arrived.

Now the fun can begin …..

We had to sleep in as we were both exhausted after working for the day and then she flew here and of course we were up later.

But time to get this PARTY started.

Sounds like we will have some additional company as my nephew, his wife and three sons will be stopping by at some point.

My nephew will join us on our sibling road trip to see our other brother.

Keeping this short today.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 2nd day of February, 2017.

The house is quiet this morning and my heart is beating quickly as I am running late.

How does that happen when my boy is away for a sleepover …..

Likely because I decided to sleep in and because his Momma went to a “Thirty-One” party last night.

The company that sells storage containers and so much more.

Anyway this will be short.

Perhaps it was the two cups of coffee at the party or maybe it was because I did not have me Alvin to snuggle next to …..

But anyways it is what it is …..

Time is evaporating ….. time to go.

I hope that Alvin enjoys his sleepover and getting to know Miss Aspen a bit more ….. perhaps they will play more and easier this time.

It is a size thing for sure …..

Have a great Thursday all….

Special Hello to:  my boy …. and thanks to his sister and brother-in-law and the grand-pups.

Always, Carol & Alvin (even though he is not home).

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of January, 2017.

Yes, 2017.

Happy New Year.

I hope that you all had a wonderful time last night.

My evening was awesome.

One of my neighbours invited me over along with two other friends of hers.

We had good food, mainly non-alcoholic drinks (which is fine by me), chatted and played cards.

We laughed and shared stories.

It was so much fun.

It was a nice change from sitting at home although I missed snuggling with Alvin.

So here we are ….. Alvin will be home in a little bit which is great.

He is slowly getting used to Aspen our newest addition.

Her size kind of intimidates him.

Both the sky and the ground match in their white grey hues this morning.

Sure would be nice to see the sunshine.

Seems like we have not seen much of old Mr. Sun as of late.

Temperatures are to be cooling down just in time to go back to work but that is okay.

One more day before heading back to the office.

It was a great week or so off ….. relaxed ….. ate way too much …… spent time with family and friends both in person and via SKYPE.

Time to go and have a “late breakfast” …….  I got to bed late and in turn eight hours later I am up at 10:30, argh.

Happy New Year to You All.

Special Hello to: All my Family and Friends …… thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of April, 2016.

YAY, happy that it is now the weekend.

Last night after work Alvin and I set out on our routine “early evening” walk.

It was about 5:30 p.m.

We were walked to the park and were about halfway round when I heard my name being called.

I looked away from Alvin to see our friends “P and A” sitting on their patio sipping on drinks.

So we toddled on over to say hello.

Alvin was desperately trying to get in through the gate.

They have the one that is steel/iron or the like and he can get his nose in ……

He wanted the door to be opened so that he could say hello.

We quite often see our friends in the summer.

P is an avid gardener and has one of the prettiest ones in the area.

She is English and her garden lives up to the “English Garden” reputation.

Anyway …… they invited us in.

Mr. Alvin was so excited.

They said gates were closed and nothing he could get into so off came the leash.

Now they live off the park that surrounds our man-made lakes and they have a BIG backyard.

They had crocuses blooming and at the moment some yellow daffodils.

I remember crocuses on the farm when I was a young girl.

Fields of purple….. so lovely.

He ran and ran and rolled and rolled.

He loves their backyard.

They asked if I would like a glass of wine …. now I am not much of a drinker period and wine is not really my forte but I decided to throw caution to the wind (and it was windy) and have a glass.  Whew, long sentence, I know.  I was thinking it all in one breath.

So out came the extra chair and a glass of white wine.

It was actually yummy and we visited and I sipped on the glass.

There was a cool wind blowing so eventually we took the “party” inside.

I joked about not eating and was feeling tipsy after half a glass.

Oh my …..

Alvin was treated to some yummy stuff and they from time to time look after their “grand-puppy (an actual puppy) …. wait for it “GEORGE.”

The cutest bundle of brown joy if there ever was …..

He was not there but Alvin enjoyed some of his treats.

We visited and had a great time.

They are such a wonderful couple.

Two hours later Alvin and I walked into our house.

First thing on the agenda … supper.

A quick bowl of soup and I felt much better.

I will say that this morning I had a bit of a headache – ARGH a hangover ….. at my age.

Oh well, it was so much fun.

They invited us to come over when they have a fire … they have an iron fire pit (so it is contained).

We will have a party with hot dogs and marshmallows and maybe even a glass of wine.

Food first …… definitely.

Well I am now getting ready to go and spend a couple of hours with my friend “J” whose grandson is in the Stollery Hospital here in Edmonton.

The family (Mom, Dad and big brother) are stay at Ronald McDonald House.

So my friend thought it would be nice for me to take a tour and to meet her elder grandson who is 2.

They live in Regina / Moose Jaw.

Tomorrow is my training party for my new consultant to Steeped Tea.

I guess I have a team …..

So a busy weekend and I am also meeting the girls for coffee tomorrow morning.

Usually I am at home except for a stop to the grocery store.

I am sure that Alvin would be okay …. I just feel badly to leave him alone.

Gotta run and eat and have some COFFEE.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Hang out with some friends …..

Special Hello to: all of my friends … I am truly so blessed.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of December, 2015.

Wow, it is crazy, awesome, fantastic, wonderful, divine, nice, great, WEATHER here in Edmonton.

This morning I did not need gloves but I wore my mini ones because my hands dry out easy.

SO Beautiful ….. I am so GRATEFUL for this wonderful WARM weather.

Yesterday it was melting ….. and what day is it again?  Smiling …..

 

Do you ever have a moment that you feel “OH WOE IS ME” and that moment turns minutes seconds and into minutes and into hours?

We all have them?

Funny how out of the blue then you can receive an email or see a sign and all of a sudden you are reeled back into reality.

Thinking all the while …. “I AM VERY BLESSED.”

It would seem that any time I find myself “HAVING A PITY PARTY FOR ONE” .…. reality brings me back and I realize how super lucky I am.

I have my own house …. more room than I actually need but suits me and Alvin all the same.

I am in good health as is Alvin ….

I have a daughter whom I treasure more than life ….

I have my constant companion her little brother Alvin whom I treasure just as much ….

I have an awesome, amazing good-hearted, super smart son-in-law and GRAND-PUPPIES. (sounds better than GRAND-DOGS)

I work in an office that always gives me a reality check.

I have friends and family all over the world who are simply the best.

I have a sister who is not just a sister but a dear friend.

I have so much and more.

So on this Thursday ….. I am just thinking that the possibilities are endless.

I have so much and can do pretty much whatever I choose.

Just have to choose.

Make the list and start working toward those dreams.

We just have to remember to live our lives and not let our lives live us, make sense.

There will always be those moments when you just cannot rise to the occasion.

That is okay.

Have your pity party and then rise up and carry on.

Today is TERRIFIC THURSDAY …..

We are in the countdown to Christmas.

Last night wrote more Christmas cards and will mail more today and then finish the ones to be mailed, tonight and mail tomorrow.

This weekend I get to BAKE.

I love to bake ….. “sugar cookies” …… “chocolate macaroons” …… “chocolate fudge” …… maybe a couple more items.

YAY …

Well it is time to go and finish getting ready to go to the office.

Have a splendid day…..

 

You are simply the best and do not forget this….. 

You can climb to the top and wave the flag ….

I know you can.

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina and in Saskatchewan who are the best ….. thanks guys.

Always, Carol and Alvin