2021

Good Morning ALL! Happy Sunday and I hope that you are all doing great? We are doing well and will be going for a walk after I write this post and wash off the charcoal mask from my face and get dressed. I guess going for a walk in my pj’s would not likely be a good idea. Someone might think that there is something wrong with me and report me to the authorities, lol. The sky was overcast earlier, it rained overnight and then sun was shining brightly and there are now clouds moving in. I think it is supposed to be another “rainy” day. We need the moisture well actually the ground needs the moisture so that the plants, grass and trees can grow and thrive. Always better when we have rain as opposed to watering them from the tap. I love sitting on my back deck taking in the beauty of the flowers and marvel at how much they grow. They seem to have grown overnight. Actually I think that they prefer the “rain” than water from the tap.

I hope that you had a great Saturday. Ours was quiet. We walked in the morning, did some laundry, I actually did some work with photos on my phone and computer. Trying to delete the duplicates and get both cleaned up. I do not need to have so many of the same shots and also need to delete the bad shots. Will get there. Today after our walk and coffee and breakfast, will work on the photos for a few hours again. One thing about working on the computer the time flies and what feels like ten minutes has been three hours. It is a “good” way to lose time but necessary in this case. I also did some writing ….. just a little….. some ideas ….. oh, that was yesterday. Will have to bring up the laundry from the basement that has been drying since being washed yesterday. Oh, yesterday on our second walk, we stopped at Alvin’s best friend’s house. He always wants to go in and I have to say “not today” as we cannot stop everyday. We had a nice visit and I had tea. When we arrived it was starting to thunder which would have lightning involved so Teddy’s Mom said she would drive us home and she did.

Dreaming, man have I been doing a lot of that lately. Strange dreams. I remembered a bit when I first got up and now have forgotten. I know that Alvin was in them and some folks that I have not seen for many years.

Last night I watched another David Attenborough movie on Netflix. This was about the past, current and future of this planet. Very interesting. I just wished that everyone was on the same page with respect to our planet. Clearly we are not. I am with him.

Here are some statistics from his movie that were interesting and downright scary:

1937 – World Population: 2.3 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 280 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 66%

1954 – World Population: 2.7 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 310 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 64%

1960 – World Population: 3.0 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 315 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 62% –

1978 – World Population: 4.3 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 335 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 55%

1997 – World Population: 5.9 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 360 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 46%

2020 – World Population: 7.8 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 415 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 35%

You should watch these movies they are so interesting and informative. We cannot survive without the biodiversity of the wilderness. Something to think about.

David was 93 years old when he made the movie.

I do hope that you will watch them. We all need to watch them and step up.

Time to wash off this mask and get out for that walk before we have some more rain.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday – 12 SLEEPS until CHRISTMAS EVE.

Wow, totally crazy to think and to know that there is less than two weeks until Christmas arrives.

All over the world we celebrate on different days and in many different ways.

We do a mix of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

When I was a child there was always church on Christmas Eve.

We opened presents on Christmas Day morning.

Our big meal was always Christmas Day supper.

As I grew and made my own way in the world – things changed.

Christmas was spent between families when I was married and in divorce.

For most of my adult life there has been compromise.

It always seems to work out and isn’t that what life is all about a “degree of compromise.”

I do like to spread the Christmas Cheer all throughout the season and throughout the year.

During the Christmas Season I like to visit with as many friends and family members that I am able to.

The Christmas Season for me runs straight through until New Years.

After all ‘Tis the Season.

 

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

I think this is around 1963.

Real Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

One of my favorite photos.

 

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

Another favourite photo

 

 

Four of the Five of Us.

Before the baby was born making it FIVE.

 

One of my favourite things to do is the wrapping of gifts.

To be surrounded by love and laughter.

tis the season.

Merry Christmas.

 

Well time to head downstairs.

My ride was here almost twenty minutes early.

I told you about the toilet.

It continued to be one of those days.

But I am happy to report that it ended on a great note.

My son-in-law’s brother that had the heart transplant.

Continues to improve and be stronger each and everyday.

So incredibly happy for this family.

Best Christmas present ever.

Best any kind of present ever.

 

Time to go.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 16th day of August, 2018.

Today is the birthday of our dear friend “V” who lives in Regina.

Funny story.

She was busy and did not get my “birthday parcel” to me (yes, she is the one who sends the most glorious parcels) for my birthday.

I was away as well.

So I was a day early and she was a tad late.

It worked out perfectly.

I wanted to find her something extra special while my daughter and I were on our trip to AIRDRIE.

Her parcel arrived yesterday and mine arrived yesterday.

TIMING.

I think so.

I found for my friend the most beautiful orange almost flower shaped dish made in England.

Antique.

Small not large.

It reminded me of dishes that my Grandma used to have and use for jam/jelly.

But really you could use them for anything including a spot by the sink to put your rings/watch in ….

Anyway I was pleased and she was pleased.

Happy Birthday to our friend.

Oh, when I mentioned to Alvin that I was going to the mailbox to pick up the parcel from “V.”

He got so excited.

Back to the house and he could not wait until the box was open.

Even before I had my utensil to open the box, he was jumping up, so happy.

I opened the box and the first present was for him.

I set it on the floor and grabbed my camera in hopes that I would get a decent video.

He quickly tore open the tissue paper.

Setting the pieces aside with his mouth as he went.

He got to one point where he needed my help and just stopped starring at the parcel.

Barking and barking.

So I helped him.

He loved his treats.

His Momma loved hers as well.

 

Well I am running late (nothing new, it seems).

 

Wishing you all a great Thursday.

Still smoky here in Edmonton.

That eerie view from the office window.

Wishing rain for the fires.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday GIRL …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 10th day of February, 2018.

The sun is rising and the sky is clearing and it is WARM outside.

What a great way to begin the weekend.

Just about to get ready to take Alvin for his regular appointment at his Doctor’s and to include his slightly overdue vaccinations.

Somehow or other I missed seeing the reminder card in the mail but noticed it on one of the recent receipts.

So today we have an enjoyable walk and also get him back on track.

Also today I am baking a chocolate cake for my friend’s birthday party tomorrow which I am hosting.

I have to research to find out some ideas for decorations, something easy but unique.

There of course is always laundry and cleaning the toilets.

That is one thing that I could do without …. cleaning out the white porcelain bowl.

Oh well, that is life.

 

Last night the City of Edmonton had their big trucks out in the neighbourhood.

They were valiantly attempting to scrap the streets and sand them.

But of course there were so many people parked on the streets, making that almost impossible.

Doesn’t anyone listen to the radio, news or read signs?

People.

 

Well I hope that this finds you having a perfect Saturday morning.

I am so excited to go for a walk this morning.

It is so nice outside for a change.

Nothing tropical but considerably warmer than usual.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: You, of course.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 5th day of February, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my friend “S.”

Well today is my first day back to work after being gone for a whole week.

Alvin was getting used to me being at home.

I will miss his snuggles the most.

He will miss having a beck and call Momma ….

He likes to go out to the back yard lots whenever I am at home no matter what the weather is like.

It will determine the length of his stay in the back yard, the weather.

 

So Monday …… what are you thinking about this morning?

Me, well I am nervous.

It almost feels like the first day.

Always is that way for me when I am gone for more than a couple of days.

 

The temperature remains cold but warmer than last week.

Oh, winter in Alberta, Canada.

 

This month is a huge birthday month for my family and friends.

My birthday calendar has some for almost each day this month.

I cannot believe that my youngest brother’s youngest turned 21 years old, yesterday.

Crazy.

Time it goes.

That is one measurement or thing in life that you do not have to worry about passing.

If you have a bad day or less than stellar one, well it will pass and then you can try again tomorrow or even later in the day.

We have so many opportunities to make things better.

I guess that is why there is 24 hours in one day and 365 days in a year and so on.

Opportunities.

All we have to do is take them.

Give it a try.

No one has a perfect life although sometimes the grass does look greener on the other side.

But you can have your perfect life.

The most perfect life for you.

Just for you.

So take a deep breathe and go to it.

Dream big …. why not?

Do it.

There is no time like the present.

Happy Monday, Everyone.

 

PS lucky me, I will have a ride to work on my first day back.  My neighbour just called.

 

Special Hello to: all those celebrating birthdays today including our friend “S.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Sunday, July 30th, 2017 and it is the 11th day until my 60th Birthday.

Only one more Sunday until my 60th Birthday.

That is just crazy.

I seem to remember when it was 60 days ….

Time flies.

 

Question:  Do you know someone that shares your birthdate?

I have a 1st cousin that was born on my 10th birthday.

That was an incredible birthday present or I thought so.

I also know a couple of others who share this date this me.

 

Question:  Favourite birthday gift ever?

I will have to get back to you on that …..

 

Always, Carol

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday, June 29, 2017 and it is the 42nd day until my 60th Birthday.

Well I have decided that perhaps so many lists is perhaps a “tad” overboard.

As with most folks over the age of 50, we continue to dream about the future, live for today and cherish all memories of days gone by.

Perhaps somedays our memories are more clear than the present but that is okay.

I intend to live to be 100.

My paternal Grandmother lived to be 97.

There are things to do and places to see during the next 40 years.

After all, I am only 6 six years into my “second” career ….. long way to go until “retirement.”

So perhaps a “Bucket List” to remind me of the things to do and places to see is likely a good idea.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our everyday lives that we forget about those dreams.

Bucket List is the next thing to do.

I will take an empty notebook and make some notes.

It was an excellent exercise writing down all of the things that I have done thus far ….. the good and the bad, joyful and not.

Sometimes we do need to be reminded of a lifetime filled with happiness, sadness, joy, abundance and lack thereof, and all of that.

Our lives as human beings are far from what we determine as perfection.

So stop trying to be perfect and live your life.

Moment by moment and I do try.

Sometimes my patience runs a bit thin and other times my patience saves the day and there is all that in between.

So here we are …. another day closer to 60…… wow…..

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 6th day of March, 2017.

More snow…….

Just shovelled and more…..

Seems like we have had more in the past couple of days than we have had all winter.

Maybe.

 

Well finally back to work.

Still have the nose part of the cold but otherwise feel pretty good.

Anyone who has a cold out there ….. feel better.

It seems to hang on for awhile.

Drink lots of tea with lemon.

 

Mr. Alvin and I enjoyed a lovely walk yesterday.

Our first actual walk in many days.

So nice to get out and breathe fresh air.

I know that he enjoyed the time outside.

 

Alvin and I finished putting together his sister/my daughter’s birthday present including the wrap and card part.

We are ready for her birthday.

Just because he is the brother that he is – he insisted to do up a special gift bag of his own for her.

He picked out the items that he wanted included and helped with the wrapping.

He loves gift wrapping.

 

Well looks like almost time to leave.

Have to bundle up and grab my lunch.

I hope that you have an awesome Monday.

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who help others including our four-legged friends and all others.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of August, 2016.

Oh my goodness there is such an amazing cool breeze filling the house at this moment.

I have all of the windows open to drink in this beautiful air.

It touches my arm and feels so good.

Comfortable for the boy as well.

We should have been up and gone for an early morning stroll as I had planned to do on my vacation days but alas the sofa called with tidbits of dreams that filled my mind.

Oh well, we shall walk later.

Last night later in the evening just as the last bit of sunlight filled the sky, Alvin and I sat outside on the patio sofa and enjoyed the stillness of the night.

It was so wonderful.

He loves to sit there with me any chance he has.

Yesterday was an amazing day every minute.

Started out with Elton and Casey dropping by to spend the day with me and Alvin.

We had a quiet early morning just visiting and going out into the backyard.

Enjoying each other’s company.

I guess it was just before ten in the morning when I head out to mail a couple of packages and to pick up some items to make a pot of chilli.

I was gone less than one hour.

When I was within ear shot of the house; I could see a big multi-coloured cat just leaving our yard and then I heard them.

All three were barking …. all three different voices….. all so cute.

They were happy to see me as I was happy to see them.

We spent the rest of the day doing bits of this and that.

A huge parcel arrived for me from my friend “V” back in Regina.

Some items were the tupperware that I had ordered when she was here to visit (she sells tupperware) and the rest of delectable goodies for my upcoming birthday.

There was an apron to match the one she wore when she cooked the best homemade soup on the planet and a beautiful mug in matching pinks and greens – birds of a feather – flock together.

There was a brownie peanut butter cup birthday cake and three kinds of cookies and I will mention here that two of the cookies were tucked into two of the pieces of tupperware and it was not until I opened them to wash them that I noticed the cookies.  What a delightful surprise.

She gave me a tupperware insulated lunch bag that is of nautical design and so nice.  There were two additional pieces of tupperware to boot and the winning $60 million lotto ticket for tonight’s draw.

What an awesome person she is, so thoughtful and kind and oh so generous.

This has been the week of wonderful parcels arriving at my house …..

In the afternoon my friend “P” stopped by to drop off some apples from her tree and was surprised to see me at home.

I haven’t seen here since I have been on vacation.

She was on her way to get her hair cut and I invited her to come for tea on her way home which she did.

We had such an awesome visit.

She loves puppies as well and they all got many a pat while she was visiting.

Mr. Alvin was just a tad bit jealous of Casey, I will say.

I made the chilli for supper and have enough leftover for the next million years.

I froze most of it …..

The kids picked up the puppies after work and after all their errands.

We had an awesome day.

Later just before our walk we delivered a Steeped Tea Catalogue to one of my neighbours and friends and of course had a wee visit.

Then we walked.

Then after I put the chilli in the fridge and freezer Alvin and I retired to the deck where we enjoyed the late night air and stillness of it all.

What a glorious day …..

I am so grateful to have such amazing family and friends.

I am so touched by the generosity and as I said most grateful.

Well time to get this late morning on the road.

My head was filled with all sorts of odd dreams this morning so I just let them happen.

Sometimes you just have to do that ….. even though there are things I should/could be doing.

After all is that not what vacation is for ???? to dream???

Happy Friday ALL.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” thank you, thank you, thank you.  You should have a parcel delivered today.  I have to check the tracking number.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 8th day of December, 2015.

Another absolutely gorgeous morning here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I feel so blessed this morning between the warm temperatures and cuddles with Mr. Alvin this morning.

Some mornings he will stretch out on my lap while I write in my gratitude journal.

It is one of my favourite things in the whole wide world.

He is such a character.

While here we are past one week into December.

Are you crazy busy running around?

Is December busy for you or do you just simplify the whole process and then enjoy the season?

I do my preparations in stages.

November 1st – Christmas Tree and inside of the house gets decorated.

November 1st – 15th – decorate the outside of the house with my neighbour

November 15th – 30th – writing up Christmas cards, sending photos and writing letters to be mailed/hand delivered

December 1st – December 10th – do Christmas baking

December 10th – December ….. the last on my to do list is wrap presents.

We keep that part of Christmas pretty low key now.

I enjoy writing Christmas cards, sending photos and a letter to family and friends.

I enjoy baking and sharing with family and friends.

I enjoy all of the get togethers over the holidays.

Those are more important than presents.

Spending time with friends and family is the best present ever.

On this Tuesday near the beginning of December, I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember your best gift to someone is you.

Special Hello to: my brother “T” …. I hope that everything goes perfectly today for you.

Always, Carol and Alvin