Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 31st day of December, 2017.

Happy New Year’s EVE Day.

The sky is a pale blue with hues of pale orange on the horizon.

Here we are again on the very last day of a year, this one being 2017.

Hopefully the last day of this deep freeze before heading into milder temperatures.

I have been reading over my blogs from previous years.

The blog from this day last year and from 2015.

It is funny how days can be so different from one year to the next.

Last year on December 31st Alvin went to his sisters for a sleepover and the year before we awoke to fire sirens (two doors down).

With my blog I try not to plan too  much ahead and just see where my thoughts and fingers guide me.

Today my mind is all over the place.

I am listening to the music that I put on my iPOD yesterday via the awesome setup that my kids gave me for Christmas.

I transferred “37” songs from iTUNES …. my favourites.

They range from Adele to Elvis, One Direction to Journey, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond to PINK.

Pharrell to Tina, Elton to Ed and Lady Gaga to Steppenwolf and Blue Suede.

I love listening to music.

Note to self:  I think I will listen to more music in 2018 and DANCE more.

Last night after I transferred this tunes to the iPOD I spent a long time just singing and grooving (dancing) to the music with Alvin looking on.

He likely figured that I had lost my mind OR worse was going to pick him up and make him dance with me.

 

This was the second Christmas that we participated in all gifts home made or reused from things that we had around the house.

I made out like a bandit.

My daughter made me two huge bulletin boards, they gave me the iPOD player with great speakers (awesome sound) and an ADVENT calendar that reminds me of the one on NATIONAL LAMPOON’s  

CHRISTMAS VACATION and it even plays music.

The only ones that were not a part of this were the pups.

My grand-pups did not listen and got me a lovely WHISK (which their Grandma needed).

How can you be a cook or baker with no whisk.

Not sure how it happened.

I used to have a couple of them.

The family arrived on Christmas EVE night and stayed until Boxing Day.

It was a glorious couple of days.

We ate, played games and ate more.

Always wonderful to be surrounded by your loved ones.

 

As this year winds to an end, I am reminded by all of the great times that we saw in 2017.

January saw another new SPRING/SUMMER CATALOGUE for STEEPED TEA.

I remain a consultant although not quite as active as previous years.

I do enjoy the tea and the other products as do several of my co-workers and friends.

February saw us, me and Alvin become debt free.

No consumer debt.

I guess mortgages are not considered to be debt as I still have one of those.

Alvin and I continue to walk as much as possible although the latter part of this year did slow us down a bit.

I write as much as possible.

 

Likely the best part of this year was the time surrounding my 60th Birthday.

My friend “V” from back in Regina sent me a BIRTHDAY PARCEL to end all BIRTHDAY PARCELS ….

Everything from jewellery to a deep dish apple pie.

I am so lucky.

I was so blessed to have my sister come for a whole TEN DAY visit.

On my actual birthday my daughter, sister and I went to FORT EDMONTON PARK and partook in HIGH TEA.

We spent the day walking around taking in the sights.

We went on the rides …. the swings and the carousel.

My youngest brother came for FOUR DAYS and part of it was spent with our other brother at his home in rural Alberta.

While visiting our brother in the country we visited with another nephew and his family.

We also visited with our nephew “J” ….. who continues to heal.

I commissioned one of my co-workers to bake my 60th Birthday cake, a carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

I can still taste it.  OMG it was heavenly.

My eldest nephew and family also surprised us with a visit.

Friends that moved to Quebec came for a visit.

So many wonderful surprises.

I am so grateful for all of the gifts, birthday wishes and visits this year.

I still cannot believe that I am 60 years old.

 

The year just seemed to come and go.

We were lucky to be in good health and to be surrounded by great friends and family.

Both CANADA and I celebrated milestone birthdays.

Happy 150th Birthday to our beloved country.

 

One of our neighbours across the street and down a couple of houses had a fire.

That happened at the end of June and it is December and they are still not back in their home.

It was a duplex so affected two households.

Reminder to be careful and aware.

 

I wrote the next couple of paragraphs last New Year’s Eve and it seems to be fitting to be used once again.  I feel the same way.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2018 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2018.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

PHOTOS from 2017

April 2017

 

EDMONTON ZOO (May) – our office went for a visit and barbecue.  My daughter was my date.

June 2017 – Alvin and Carol’s GREAT ADVENTURE.

 

 

JULY 2017 – Flowers and YARD

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2017 – garden project

HALLOWEEN 2017

FALL TREAT PARCEL from our Friend “V”

THE CAKE marking the BIG 60.

CHRISTMAS Decorations of 2017

Some of the baking …. the infamous SUGAR COOKIES

Aspen and Milo my beautiful grand pups.

Cutest photo of 2017.

Well it would seem like I could write and gather photos until the cows come home.

So I had better stop now.

If I missed mentioning you, please know this, you are in my heart and soul for all time.

I wish you and your family the most glorious 2018.

Remember to laugh and have fun.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who participated in my 2017, I am most grateful to each and every one of you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of September, 2017.

Welcome September.

Gorgeous sunrise.

The sky is this incredible pink with hues of blue and purple.

So pretty.

 

So on this Friday.

I am going to take myself just a little less seriously.

Take a “laugh break” throughout the day.

Be kind to others and to myself – always.

Be in the moment.

This is my Friday mantra.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

Special Hello to: all those folks starting the month with a birthday, Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of February, 2017.

Yesterday I woke up with a raging headache that knocked the socks right off of me.

I stayed home from work and slept virtually all day.

Finally headache is gone and I feel so much better.

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

Today belongs to two special women in my life.

The first being my one and only sister “C.”

My sister is an awesome Mother and Grandmother and Sister and Aunt.

We have been through life together.

Been single Moms together.

We have laughed and cried together.

Danced together.

Been mad at each other.

Travelled together.

Partied together.

But will, and have always been there for each other.

She is funny, smart, nice and cool, and I am grateful that she is my sister.

No matter how far we are apart; we are always together.

Happy Birthday my Darling …..

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

Me and my sister from a Christmas long ago …. I think about 1960…

My first BF ….. SISTERS
Happy Easter Sista …..

Me and my sister …. the good old days. I am on the left holding a dolly

One of my favourites…1980’s

Professional photo…. 1990’s

Me and My Sister ….. 2009 …. first visit at my new house in Edmonton.

 

The other special woman that shares a birthday with my beloved sister is my dear friend, “D.”

We met about thirty-five years ago.

We were both single Moms at the time, and had so much in common.

She is the most fashionable person I know.

Not only does she dress crazy well but she can decorate like no one else I know.

Not only does she always look amazing but she is smart and funny as well.

Happy Birthday my Friend.

 

Happy Birthday Ladies and I hope that life continues to treat you with great regard.

Thank you for being a part of my life and of my heart.

These are for you both.

Flowers and Chocolate Macaroons.

Wow, what a day this is ….

Special Hello to: my sister and my friend “D” …… Happy Birthday Ladies.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

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

BRIGHT AND SUNNY.

One of my most favourite things on the planet is FLOWERS.

I love them.

The different palette of colours.

How each petal is different .

How the scents just carry you away to the best places.

Here are some of my flowers over the years since I have moved to Edmonton.

I must download this year’s flowers from my tablet to the computer.

I have some lilies that are burgundy and so pretty.

My front flower bed is do well despite some hard rainfall and hail.

So today I just want to make you smile.

Perhaps you will go for a walk and check out the flowers in your neighbourhood …. that is if you do not have any at your home.

Happy Saturday.

Flowers

AND Dragonflies, I love them.

Each one is different and so beautiful.

FLOWERS FOR FRIENDS

Summer of 2009, my first summer here in Edmonton

“Someone else loves flowers, too.”

Flowers for Easter ….. Happy Spring.

Wishing you the best day.

Now back to work.

My friend is coming for a visit and things have to be just SO.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ….. only three sleeps now.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. Alvin is excited for the new company.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of January, 2016.

It is a beautiful glorious morning here in Edmonton.

I turned on some music as I was getting ready and it has made me feel so wide awake and wonderful.

What a great way to start the day with some of your favourite songs playing in the background as you wash your face, comb your hair and slip into your clothes.

 

I have always loved a little bit of everything ….. a variety of music and artists.

Much the way I have lived my life with variety.

Always good to like a bit of everything.

 

I am 58 and I love the “boy band” – One Direction ….. most especially the song “The Story of My Life.”

I am 58 and I love “Disturbed’s” version of “The Sound of Silence.”

I am 58 and I love Andy Grammer’s, Honey I’m Good ….. makes me want to dance.

I am 58 and I love Meghan Trainor and John Legend.

I am 58 and I love Elvis and Gordon Lightfoot.

I am 58 and I love Tina Turner and Aerosmith.

I am 58 and I love Bing Crosby and Alicia Keys.

 

I am 58 and I love Elton John, Johnny Cash, Adele, Celine Dion, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Pink, Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, Rufus Wainwright, Kelly Clarkson, Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, David Bowie, Van Morrison, Vance Joy, Lorde, Sam Smith, Jordan Smith, Bon Jovi, Cher, Madonna and the list goes on.  I love new and old and everything in between.

Mix it up with your music, with your food, with your life.

Try something new and do not be afraid.

If you love Rock try Country.

If you love Pop try Rap.

If you love Rap try Pop.

If you love Alternative try Gospel.

New is good.

 

Well it is almost time to put the finishing touches on before heading out the door to work.

Just listening to Hello by Adele ….. who else…. she has the most amazing voice.

 

Have a great day filled with new things and great adventures.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: all my music lovers across the planet ….. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 2nd day of September, 2013.

Another breathtakingly gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

I love listening to music when I am getting ready for work on the weekends.

During the week it seems I don’t think of it but on the weekends before working at the store.

It has become a ritual ….. listening to my favourite “current” songs.

I love “PayPhone” by Maroon 5 and also “Daylight”,  also “Try” by Pink, “Set Fire to the Rain” and “Someone Like You” by Adele and …..

Music always seems to energize me and get me in a great feeling mood.

I love the words and also the melody.

Sometimes I pick Alvin up and dance with him….

Sometimes he is okay with it other times I think he suffers in relative silence likely “thinking “Oh Momma” …..

But that is it for today ….. listen to some music and grab a partner and dance or just kick up your heels on your own.

I hope that you have a great great Monday ….. Happy Labour Day.

I also like Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Son, Terry McDermott, Cee Lo Green and the Lumineers (they are on my downloaded list that I listen to often).

Special Hello to: music lovers …..

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Welcome to Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012 ….. another gorgeous morning here in the City of Edmonton.

The sun shone yesterday although it was a bit cool but all in all, a gorgeous autumn day.

This past weekend was so beautiful …….  I so love this time of year.

My roses were still blooming last weekend …. the  most prettiest pink in all of the world.

I took some photos and must download them …..

They remind me of my Grandma Stella ….. delicate but so strong.

When everything else was touched by frost they remain untouched.

Thank you for the roses and also for my Grandma Stella.

She taught me so much,  even though sometimes I was irritated by her (there was a 56 year age difference).

She was 56 when I was born in 1957.

I was 16 years old when I came to live with her (as my grandfather had died in a farming accident);  she was 72.

I am so grateful to her for instilling in me manners, love of dance and music and the arts as well as academia.

She was a teacher who loved music.

Thank you Grandma Stella ….. I shall always be appreciative of our time together and what you taught me.

Do you have someone who left an impression on you?

A positive impression …..

Be grateful for those who helped along the way and for those who may not have been a positive influence but imparted “wisdom” that you learned from, all the same.

Thank you, thank you, thank you …… for all those souls who I have met and learned from along my path.

Today is for you.

Celebrate what you have learned, and give back to others …..

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to:  all those Grandmothers out there who are teaching their grandchildren the important things in life …..  🙂

Always, Carol and Alvin

Helpful Hint …..

Try doing this after a hectic day at the office:

Go outside and sit on the grass in your yard.  Get comfortable.  Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths.  Then open your eyes,  and drink in all the beauty that surrounds you.  If for some reason you do not have a nice grassy spot to plunk yourself down on ……. sit on the deck or anywhere outside (preferably somewhere quiet) and CLOSE YOUR EYES.  Imagine you are sitting by a lake watching a family of ducks swimming by.  Ah, the baby ducks are so cute. Maybe the sun is coming up or just going down …… see how pretty the sky is with all those shades of orange and pink. Use your imagination, and just SEE a wondrous place – maybe a waterfall or a mountaintop.  Stay in this position relaxing for as long as you can or wish.

Just remember to take a few minutes each day to be quiet.  If you are new to meditation it is good to start with just being quiet.  I know from experience it is difficult to just be, and not to think.  It does take time and practice to quieten your mind.

Meditation is good for the body, soul and mind.  Once you have mastered “not thinking” you can begin to reflect on life.  Keep your thoughts positive.  Always remember your mind is powerful, and truly what you think and how you think is every much as important as what you feed your body.  For some reason our minds tend to think random “negative” thoughts on a regular basis.  It takes time and patience to keep those thoughts at bay. Truly your thoughts do become things.

Enjoy life.  Have yourself a wonderful day.