It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a bright, blue sky, breezy morning here in Edmonton.

We seem to having a lot more wind here than we did when I moved here over ten years ago.

The garbage truck just went by ….. stopping and starting as they do along their route.

Geese honking and other birds chirping away.

Our window is open in the office so we are hearing all of the sounds that our neighbourhood is making as it slowly comes to life.

Not many people up and out.

So many of our neighbours are working from home.

I do know some of my neighbours that are slowly beginning to go back to their places of employment.

I love this time of day.

Perfection.

If I had my poop in a group or ducks in a row, I would have been organized earlier and sat out on the deck and drank a cup of coffee all the time enjoying the morning.

But alas did not happen.

Oh well, next best thing, window open, coffee in a travel mug and will enjoy as I start to work.

I have my coffee up here and ready to go.

I have been dragging my keister the past few mornings likely due to my watching how much I stand and such.

But anyway that is okay.

Perhaps on Saturday morning …… read my book on the deck and drink some coffee.

Alvin loves to lie on the deck and enjoy the sun until it gets too hot.

 

Did you plant flowers this year?

What kinds?

Are they doing okay?

Flowering?

 

Thanks to my darling daughter I have impatiens, petunias and marigolds.

Most of my perennials are up and some are even flowering.

I cannot believe that one day my ferns in the front flower bed were barely a spot of green and already they are several inches tall.

Before I know it they will be reaching for the sky …… over two feet tall.

They grow so fast.

The irises and others are up.

Unfortunately I don’t remember all the names of the shrubs and plants I have in the back and front gardens.

Oh and lilies.

Love the lilies.

The recent rain has definitely helped plants and the grass and trees grow, bud and bloom.

The grass is this most beautiful green, I guess kelly green.

So, so pretty.

The dandelions dot most lawns and they were in full glory a week or so ago.

Then they go to seed.

I hope that the bees got to them before they were sprayed or went to seed.

I feel so bad for Mother Nature and then Man happens.

 

Well time for coffee and get signed onto work computer.

 

Wishing you the most grand of Tuesdays.

Filled with some laughter, even on a Tuesday you must have a giggle or three, oh come maybe four giggles.

Our life is way to serious.

We must laugh along the way.

If we all live in kindness and with respect.

Even if we slip or have a moment, we all do.

Climb back up and live again in kindness and with respect.

 

Happy Tuesday.

With kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of April, 2019.

Well up in good time this morning.

I am on Humphrey duty so am going to check on him this morning before leaving for work.

We will go and pick him up again after work and he will spend the evening with us.

OMG, the boys are so cute.

Last night Alvin was kind of off his game for some reason.

Not quite sure.

He was barking while sitting on the sofa with Humphrey.

Humphrey gave him a soft swat in his general direction as if to say “enough buddy, enough.”

I coaxed Alvin to sit on the other side of me until he calmed down.

He got over whatever it was and the boys settled in for the evening.

In and outside, they went.

 

Well a few more weeks and it will be flower time.

I noticed that some of my perennials in the back garden are up and green.

YAY.

So far so good.

I can hardly wait to wash down the deck and put out the deck furniture.

Too early at this point.

Did you hear the news in Saskatchewan?

I do not want to say the word but it begins with a “S” and ends with a “W.”

ARGH.

But even though Easter is later this year …. there is always a possibility of some of that stuff.

Won’t last long which is great.

Another double digit day.

YAY.

 

I am thinking that I will go out on the Easter long weekend and pick up the trash in my neighbourhood.

Almost every time we go for a walk I pick up something.

Still so much.

As I have extra days next weekend besides Saturday and Sunday – feels like a good time.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

 

Well I should get going and check on that Mr. Humphrey.

Make sure he did not eat all the food that I gave him last night (likely not).

Good idea to check and see if he used the litter box.

Check on his water.

Peek in on Miss Cinder.

She does not get mentioned in my posts often.

 

Happy Friday.

May the force be with you.

Keep smiling.

Keep showing kindness even if you are not feeling “it.”

Keep feeling gratitude for your life and all that you have.

Keep the faith.

 

Special Hello to:  sending positive energy and good feelings out to you all on this day.  Keep well, and I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts for always.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of June, 2018.

An absolutely gorgeous morning out there.

Alvin and I were up at 4:30 a.m.; he had breakfast and went out to the back yard.

At 5:00 a.m. we went for a walk; our usual route.

The air was slightly cool; perfection for a walk.

We were the only two and four-legged creatures out and that was so nice.

The only others up and out were the Geese and some Robins and other BIRDIES.

What a grand walk.

Our temperatures are going to be in the high 20 degree celsius and above this week.

It will not likely cool down enough for us to walk comfortably so an early morning stroll is just right for us.

I actually feel much better after our early morning walk which was followed by writing in my gratitude journal, breakfast of fruit, a shower, dressed and now my blog.

We both enjoyed walking in the early morning.

Surprising how light it was – the sun rises early here.

Actually was perfect daylight.

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Photos.

Fruit Pizza – this was dessert from our family supper on Saturday night.

Front Flower Bed – just had to share my IRISES.  They are the purple flowers, perennials.  THE ferns have almost taken over the bed but you can see the other flowers peeking through.

Love to see the green.

Well almost time to leave for work so better get this show on the road.

We had a great weekend with lots of company from near and far.

Good food and great company.

Does not get better than that.

I promises Alvin a hair cut and bath this coming Saturday.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my friends and family.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining very brightly this morning and the sky is the palest of blues.

There appears to be no breeze as the trees are standing still south of my office window.

I am so grateful to have five days in a row off from work.

Five days at home with Mr. Alvin.

This morning he has his regular Doctor appointment to trim his nails and stuff.

Later this morning my daughter and I are going flower shopping.

We will go to the same greenhouse/nursery that we have in prior years.

It is only a short drive from my house.

Family operated business and it is always good to support local.

They have a great selection of flowers, plants, and anything you may wish to have for your garden and yard.

So excited to have flowers ….

My perennials are coming up nicely in the front flower bed …. the ferns are in first place according to height.

The back flower bed is a bit behind the front but it is tucked in the corner so it takes longer for the plants to come back.

So much to do on this extra long weekend.

But for now …. time for breakfast …..

Keeping this short today …

Excited for tomorrow …. the Royal Wedding and we will be up extra early …. well not really as Mr. Alvin has us up usually before 4:00 a.m. ….

But early for a Saturday.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of April, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly as it is almost 7:30 a.m.

Alvin and I have been up for awhile now.

I switched my winter clothes with my summer clothes – one closet to the other.

DONE.

I had the most productive evening last night after work:  Alvin had his supper, raked the back yard, spray washed the deck, washed two loads of laundry, moved my winter coats and boots to the basement

and moved summer jackets to the front closet, brought out most of the patio/deck furniture, made coffee for me and my neighbour, supper, submitted a tea order, did dishes by hand, cleaned the house a bit and was

in bed by 10:10 p.m.

With the cleaning of the deck last night – managed to spray wash myself.

The end on the garden hose is slightly cracked making it impossible to connect the sprayer properly.

So I got wet along with my neighbour who was in her yard.

She came over to help me and I ended up using her hose to clean the deck.

What a night …. thankfully it was really warm so after the initial blast of cold water, I was fine and dried quickly.

 

This morning our little friend TEDDY is coming to spend the day with us as his parents travel outside the City of Edmonton to their farm.

I wanted to have most of my chores completed so that I had time to spend quality time with Alvin and Teddy.

The deck and back yard are all cleaned up so they can play before it gets to hot.

Supposed to be +27 degrees celsius today.

My neighbour is going to help me put out the base for the one patio table and lift the other table down to the deck area closest to the house.

Then we will be ready for sitting outside.

I have an idea for a short story so am making notes.

Time to have breakfast before our company arrives.

Tomorrow I am going to clean up the trash in the neighbourhood and pick up a few things at the grocery store.

Also rake the front lawn.

Always lots to do.

Soon the perennials will begin to grow, I sure hope so, anyway.

Looking forward to the buds on the trees.

 

I am inspired by the sunlight and Teddy’s arrival.

He is a little bundle of energy that makes you want to get up and go.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend.

May the “sunlight” be with you.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends, who are my “sunlight.”
Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Monday, July 24, 2017 and it is the 17th day until my 60th Birthday.

I love flowers ….. any kind of flowers.

Whatever flowers I can get my hands on are the ones that I plant.

This year I have several perennials in my front flower bed thanks to my friend “P” who has the most beautiful garden.

Also she gave me some Snap Dragons that are growing like mad and looking so beautiful.

Last night we had a storm advisory out so I made sure that I tucked the flowers in the shelter of the house.

Some years I have carried them up to the top landing and placed in them the garage.

Some of the pots are a bit heavy for moving up the stairs to the garage.

These are some of the flowers that I have planted since I moved into my own house.

Beautiful roses,
Not long away,
My gift to you,
Happy Easter …..

Flowers and Alvin …..

Flowers for Easter ….. Happy Spring.

 

Reminds me of my Grandmother.

One of my roses…..from me to you because everyone needs to receive a flower…

Flowers ready for planting

Front flower bed Summer of 2016

More flowers

My flowers …. so proud

Impatiens above and below (one of my favs)

 

Geraniums

The flowers below are Summer of 2017

Love Petunias

First time that I have had lilies ….

These Snapdragons are so pretty.

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 Sunday the 11th day of September, 2016.

Wow, for a split second there I thought something was wrong with me or the computer as I was so certain it was the 12th.

Whew.

Until I took a gander across the room to the calendar and it said SEPTEMBER 11th.

Isn’t it funny how something can completely throw you off track and get you so worried in like a nanosecond?

I had one million thoughts going through my brain at the speed of light.

Back to reality.

The sky is overcast and we had another good soaking last night.

The wind is howling away making it seem like it is bitterly cold outside.

I am so happy that Alvin and I enjoyed two wonderful walks yesterday.

We went out in the morning and then again after supper.

It was glorious.

So nice to enjoy the weather while we can.

Last night I decided to make homemade black bean / vegetable burgers.

I pretty much followed the recipe and definitely know what I will do a bit different next time.

They may not look like much but they are so full of flavour once you get past the consistency.

First attempt definitely a pass …..

Next time will be a touchdown.

I am not a big football follower but figured the terms just fit perfectly.

Today is going to be a quiet maybe enjoy some television kind of day.

Perhaps a movie.

We will wait and see what the day brings before going for a walk.

Hopefully the wind will die down.

Today is a do things on the computer kind of day.

I did the laundry and tidied the house yesterday.

Just debating about putting the deck furniture away but think I will wait for another weekend.

Most of my flowers and shrubs are doing great.

The ones that were not I pulled or trimmed back depending on whether or not they were annuals or perennials.

We still have a good week of weather ahead of us according to the long rang forecast.

Might as well enjoy it while we can.

So on this quiet Sunday – I hope that you are unable to enjoy time with your family and friends.

Maybe just a day where you can sit and relax ….. enjoy some laughter, good company and good food.

Take care.

Special Hello to: my friends near and far.  Thank you “V” for you never ending support.

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 Wednesday the 20th day of April, 2016.

It is overcast but not with rain clouds this morning.

We have wildfires burning to the north and west of our location.

We are in the “area” that could be affected should they not contain them.

Unfortunately with not much snow this winter and although we enjoyed not having to shovel everyday and plough through snow walking and driving …. we pay the price come spring.

It is so dry.

I have started watering my front flower bed that has perennials.

There are a few green leaves on them but I am not sure that they made the winter.

I transplanted them last fall.

I hope so but time will tell.

The lawns are a mixture of brown and green.

I am afraid that without spring showers and summer rains brown will be our reality as it will be too much water to keep them green.

Just a friendly reminder for everyone on the planet ….. please be careful.

Do not throw away that cigarette butt or set off fireworks just because they are pretty.

You might find yourself in the midst of a raging fire.

Let us be careful this spring / summer.

Do your part, please be a good citizen of your neighbourhood and of this planet.

Pick up the trash …… don’t be a misguided inhabitant.

Well it is time to leave for work.

Our office has been cool so it is sweater weather.

Somedays it is warmer outside than in the office.

But on the other hand ….. I would rather don a sweater than the alternative.

Cannot take off clothes.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …..

Always, Carol and Alvin