Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. Well it is dark here in Edmonton and raining. The one good thing is that the temperature is warm so not freezing rain and does not appear to be icy outside. The deck usually is a good indication and it was okay earlier when Alvin and I were outside. What a night with the U.S. Elections. Looks like it may be a long day or two while waiting for the results. I have been doing a lot of reading about their election process and it is complex. Popular vote does not mean you win the election. You must have the majority of the electoral college votes in order to win the Presidency. The Democrats appear to have won the House of Representatives but the Senate could go either way. Also if no candidate reaches 270 majority of the electoral college votes then the House of Representatives elects the president, choosing from the three candidates who received the most electoral college votes; each state delegation gets one vote. The Senate would elect the vice-president through each senator casting one vote for one of the remaining top two candidates.

Apparently this has only happened once before in 1824 when Quincy Adams was elected president by the House of Representatives. Interesting. Note that was made: unless there is a strong third-party candidate, it’s unlikely that 270 or more electoral college votes would not be achieved.

So time will tell. It is interesting to note that record number of citizens got out and voted.

Back in Canada, we sit back and patiently wait to see what happens.

Also, back in Canada, Mr. Alvin is waiting “un” patiently to go downstairs while his Momma writes this post. Okay, I am coming “buddy.” Just a minute.

Time to go.

Time to plug in the coffee percolator and have a mug of that delectable nectar called COFFEE …… yum. Need that this morning.

We shall continue to live with kindness and respect for all others and ourselves.

I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. My long weekend is over but I am working the late shift today so start work at 11:00 a.m. (which worked out pretty good, I would say). The sun is coming up with hopes of yet another beautifully warm day. Yesterday was warm but overcast the majority of the day. I had a super productive day and accomplished everything on my to do list including multi-tasking walking with Mr. Alvin and picking up trash as we went. I have this tong like hand held tool and then of course a garbage bag. Worked pretty good. Not the most ideal thing walking with a dog and picking up trash but we managed and I was happy to get the trash picked up as it had been annoying me for awhile. I do not understand how people can walk over, around or whatever trash in front of their homes and cars. Anyway, it is done. I raked my lawn and Humphrey’s Mom’s as we are joined and bagged the leaves (1.5 bags) and then raked the backyard. I did the raking first and then did the trash and walking. Finished decorating for Christmas in the morning. Did some laundry throughout the day. Wrote up some Christmas cards and letters. It was a GREAT DAY. Question: do you think that perhaps Christmas Cards will make a come back as people won’t be travelling as much this holiday season?

This morning Humphrey’s Mom is bringing Bogart over to stay with us while she takes her car into the shop. Bogart had some surgery yesterday. He is wearing a cone which he does not like. Thankfully he has a great Momma who had found these soft material cones for cats. So Bogart like Humphrey will not ever have to wear those hard plastic ones.

I guess today is the election for our neighbours to the south. Wonder what will happen. I read about their election and about the electoral college and all. Too much room for people to play with the results. I don’t think that the drama is over just yet. Their President seems to enjoy “drama.” Good luck United States, I hope you make the better choice.

Well I will say this again and again, I am grateful to live in this country and to be a Canadian. I am grateful to be working from home. I am grateful that our leaders both politically and medically are doing the best for us, all.

Time to head to the shower. Just going to have a lazy dazy morning until Bogart arrives and I have to work at 11:00 a.m.

Wishing you a great Tuesday. May you be safe and in good health. May you spread kindness and respect to every living creature you meet. Take care.

Living with kindness and respect, I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the YEAR.

Good Morning,

Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Todd and to our Mom, who is an Angel watching over us all.

Surrounded with family and friends.

Happy Birthday.

 

We had some serious rain last night and I was happy that we had our walks in the morning before work and at lunchtime.

I had planned for us to go this morning but it is wet with lapses of fog.

Yes, fog.

It rolls in and out.

Sun shines.

Then fog.

So I am glad that we stayed at home.

Forecast looks good for noon and after work.

I would like to get back to two walks each day again.

We had been walking twice a day for several weeks before Alvin had some health issues.

Now that we are back to normal, I want to take advantage of that time.

 

I thought it might be interesting as a Canadian to watch and listen to the United States Democratic and Republican Conventions.

Last week I listened to the Democrats and now this week the Republicans.

It has been interesting, I will say that for sure.

There have been some great speeches and some less than stellar ones, in my opinion.

I have only watched one night thus far of the Republican Convention.

 

I wonder why it is that some people find it better to “bad mouth” their opposition instead of outlining their platforms.

Digging up what they deem to be “dirt” so as to injure the chances of the opposition winning.

So?

What will they do differently?

What will they do to make the next four years better than the last four?

What will they change?

How will they make those changes?

After all isn’t government supposed to lead a country!

Some folks just seem to bask in drama, I get that.

But to lead a country, leaders need to lead.

Right?

 

Keeping their personal opinions on the back shelf and doing what is right for the people in their country.

Keeping those opinions out of the media.

But then again perhaps it is all about character.

The people want the best person for the job.

The person that will lead them into the next four years, the future.

The person that will not alienate their country’s neighbours and divide its’ citizens.

 

Politics, politics.

What can one say?

I wish the United States all the best in this upcoming election.

Remember to VOTE.

Voting is what gets you change.

Good Luck.

 

 

Well the fog has rolled in again.

Alvin is resting on his little bed that I made for him in the upstairs office.

Time once again to go and grab that first cup of coffee and get this work day going.

We have training later this morning and then more training this afternoon.

In between I have calls to return and mail to do.

Never a slow moment.

Especially after returning from vacation.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 23rd day of March, 2018.

Well the storm hit sometime between 9:30 last night and 4:15 this morning.

There is a new blanket of snow on the deck and on the ground.

The biggest thing is the WIND.

Very strong wind this morning.

Not good coupled with snow.

Most especially for those living in the rural areas and driving on the highway.

Great way to begin the weekend.

 

HOWEVER this blustery, stormy day has a HUGE RAY of SUNSHINE.

That would be MICHELLE OBAMA.

Yes, she is here in our city.

Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States is speaking at ROGERS PLACE today.

I am so blessed to have won a ticket to go and listen to her speak.

SO excited.

No words.

It was a huge surprise yesterday.

I think that I am still in shock.

I remember watching her on television when her husband was running for President.

She has a manner about her ….

She is elegant and gracious.

She is intelligent and compassionate.

She is a great speaker.

I cannot wait to listen to her speak and see her in person.

 

Well time to get going here.

I hope that you all have an awesome Friday.

Still in shock …. cannot believe that I am going to see Michelle Obama.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60.

Today is Sunday June 25, 2017 and it is the 46 day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay now what after the 60 favourite things list.

I was thinking about a BUCKET LIST.

What is with all of these lists anyway?

Well truthfully, this would not be a surprise to people who know me as I am famous for writing lists, TO DO LISTS and such.

I like to write things down.

I have often thought a BUCKET LIST would be nice but perhaps today I will do it in reverse.

Not the things that I want to do in the future but some of the things that I have done over the years.

Okay so this is going to be another 60 things list ….. but things that I have done not necessarily favourite things but things that I have done/accomplished, okay.

Because going backwards can be tricky with the counting process I am just going to start at number 1.

 

Here are the next 12 items:

 

13. Rode on the hovercraft between Vancouver and Victoria back in, I believe it was about 1997 (they do not use them anymore).

14. Volunteered to canvas for Diabetes, Cancer, and Heart & Stroke many times over the years and as recent as 2017.

15.  Belonged to the Jaycettes  many years ago in Regina.  They did so much work in the community from fundraising to organizing neighbourhood watch groups.

16.  Also belonged to Downtowner Optimist Group in Regina (great experience helping community’s children) and had different roles from member to Vice President to President.

17.  Joined Capital City Cleanup (cleaning trash in my neighbourhood) when I moved to Edmonton and still do this on my own and not in an official capacity.

18.  Had supper in the revolving restaurants in both Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada.

19.  Sat in the shade of lilac bushes as a toddler which was happened to be where there was a nest of baby mice and spent the next several decades being deathly afraid of them.  Also had a terrible nightmare that our root cellar as a child was filled with water and I had fallen in, it was dark of course, red eyes swimming toward me (rats) did not help with my phobia.  I am proud to say after a few experiences with them in the latter years has helped me.  After moving to Edmonton in my CLEAN, not old house, I had them (mice) and first time I spent three nights at my daughter’s house.  The next two times and hopefully the last I managed to live here.  Found that it does not matter how clean your house is …. if it is COLD outside, they will find a way to come in.  PROUD to say that even though they scare me they no longer terrify me.

20. As a teenager help save the life of a young boy who had been playing with fire in a barrel (someone was burning garbage).  As, I was leaving the cafe and turned down the back alley to go home I heard him screaming and saw him on fire.  I quickly sprang in action and got the flames extinguished so that he did not have worse burns.  Left him lying on the grass, and ran for help which was close by.  Thankfully he survived.

21.  As an adult I had several occasions either on my own where I happened to be in the right place at the right time and helped a young one in distress.  I am thankful.

22. On my only trip to New York City I visited the World Trade Centre.  Visited a company we worked with and it was quite the experience.  Rode up in the first bank of elevators and then had to get off and onto the second one.  Because of security concerns back in 1994, someone from the company I was going to see had to come and personally accompany me to their offices.  I remember the view from their offices.  We also had drinks on the concourse at the harbour which was amazing.  An experience I shall treasure always.

23. Travelled to Victoria, British Columbia by myself in 2010 and spent a few days exploring the city and admiring the beauty of Victoria.

24.  Started second “career” at age 54.  I plan to life until I am 100 so have lots of years left to do work and then “retire.”

 

Sure is a test of the memory banks.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of November, 2016.

Just spent the past two days at home sick.

I am always amazed at how one minute you can be feeling great and the next minute not.

Sunday night I made my lunch for work, got my clothes “laid” out and went to bed.

I wasn’t in bed five minutes when I got these uncontrollable shivers.

Never had those before and it was crazy I just could not warm up.

Later in the morning it shifted to be really hot.

Must have had a fever.

Feeling much better but not 100% today but I have to get back to work.

Busy time of the month at my job.

Two days was a lot to miss.

 

Last night before I went to bed the new President had not been elected.

Woke to Trump being the 45th President of the United States.

Surprised but not.

The people of the United States wanted CHANGE and change they now have.

I am always amazed by how badly someone can behave over and over and then gets the job.

Not just any job but the leader of a major country.

Not sure how this is going to play out but time will tell.

Perhaps he will surprise us all.

My blog is not to be a political platform for my personal views so I am going to leave it as this.

 

On a different front, weather wise our temperatures have been crazy warm for this time of year.

YAY, no snow as yet.

I hope that it can wait for a couple more weeks.

 

I hope that everyone is doing well.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all my American friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin