Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a beautiful morning today.

Bright blue sky with the odd fluffy grey white clouds dotting the sky.

Okay there are some bigger grey clouds but I believe that they are going to dissipate shortly.

The grass is this amazing green.

Everything is picture perfect.

The plants in my front flower garden are growing so fast.

 

Alvin enjoyed Humphrey’s company last night.

Some photos to share, of course.

The boys were outside in the backyard.

Alvin had come into the house but of course when I went out to see what Humphrey was doing in the back flower garden; he had to come along.

Except for work; Alvin is not far away from me.

Humphrey was sitting on the retaining wall for the back garden.

Which I may add is starting to look amazing.

Perhaps I have a green thumb after all.

Who knew?

Both Humphrey and Alvin appeared to be in detective mode.

Humphrey was starring and checking things out.

It took a while for me to figure out what he was so intent about ….

If you look ever so close you will see a little black bug.

He would go to catch it and the bug would run for cover.

Most of the time Humphrey just watched the little black bug go back and forth between the slabs of rock.

I could watch these boys forever.

Alvin was checking out something in the grass.

I thought that his black and white coat looked so handsome against the green grass.

Of course, I just had to snap a photo of the deck.

My flowers in the pots are beginning to take off as well.

Humphrey will be joining us this evening as well.

Always, look forward to have Alvin’s friends to visit.

 

I have a slight dilemma ….

The pergola over my deck was not built very well.

It was already here when I moved in ….

They did not use treated wood so the wood is beginning to burn black.

I am thinking of having it removed in the fall before winter.

It will likely last for a few years ( I checked with a friend ).

With or without?

That is the question.

I would appreciate your thoughts and comments.

 

Well almost time to head out for the day.

I guess my positive thinking did not remove those darker grey clouds.

Oh well, rain is a good thing.

Things were pretty dry around here.

 

Time to go as I have to put together a birthday gift for tomorrow.

It is the birthday of my walking buddy tomorrow.

Just in case she is able to go tonight – I want to have a little something for her.

 

I wish you sunshine and rainbows.

Be kind to your fellow humans, to every living creature and to the environment.

If we all work together ….. life will be grand for all.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 2nd day of April, 2019.

Dark outside so not sure if the sky is overcast or not.

We had some rain yesterday afternoon.

I am feeling much better now.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me as I write this post.

My security blanket on his security blanket.

What a great companion.

 

Last night Sir Humphrey the Cat stayed with us.

Boys did well.

Sometimes Humphrey keeps his distance and others like last night he jumped up on the sofa and walked my outstretched legs until he reached my chest.

He stopped and stretched one of his paws to touch my face.

Very softly he touched my face with his paw.

He sat there for just a few seconds and looked into my eyes.

I am not sure what he was looking for but it was sweet.

He that that twice last night.

A record for him.

Every time that Mr. Alvin went outside – Humphrey went outside.

He wanted to go down in the grass which is a mucky mess now and made it down there once without me seeing him.

I fixed it by shovelling some of the snow around the steps going down to the grass area.

He doesn’t like the wet snow so much.

Kept him clean that way.

 

Most of the snow in the back yard has now melted.

Even the ice build up on the front sidewalk seems to have melted.

So grateful to have almost dry sidewalks.

Likely not completely dry until the snow on the front lawn has melted.

How many sentences can one type with the word “melted” at the end?

Seems like 3 thus far.

Oh well.

 

Question?

If you could have just one WISH or realize one thought what would that be?

Would you like:

$10 million dollars

A new house

WORLD PEACE

A new car

END WORLD HUNGER

No more flooding

END DISEASE WORLD-WIDE

RETIRE

Start a charity to help animals.

Start a charity to help animals and people.

Library of Books

Fresh clean water for everyone on the planet.

Good healthy food for every being on the Earth.

Only JOY found on this planet.

 

I guess that the list could go on and on.

What would you like?

Would it be for you, your family and friends or for the world.

 

Time to head on downstairs.

We are “UBERING” today as my carpool was rear-ended on her way home from work last night.

So grateful that she was not hurt but the car did sustain damage.

I hope that you have a great day.

Ponder the question.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow humans …. remember to be kind to all living creatures.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day of September, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my friend and Steeped Tea leader “C” ….. Wishing her the best birthday ever!

Yesterday we celebrated the last Friday of Summer and it was beautiful.

One hitch on our walk last night was the return of Mosquitoes.

Not sure where they came from but they were out in strong force.

Thank goodness that my wonderful neighbour “S” who had the day off took Mr. Alvin for over an one hour walk yesterday morning.

So when we had to cut ours short – I was not feeling guilty.

We did pick up in the mail a parcel from Steeped Tea – my two free teas that I earned for sales in August.

YAY, Me.

Kind of off topic but then when I have I ever stayed on topic ….. LOL….. just ask my daughter.

Oh, sun is coming out ….. we woke up to cloudy skies and rain.

Perhaps the day will be sunny and warm after all.

 

Anyway earlier this morning I had the most unusual dream.

Here is what I remember.

Not sure where I was living but it was my house.

Couple of friends coming over.

My daughter was in the house, too.

One friend pulled up in her car and the ground on my front lawn (which was way bigger than my actual yard) gave way – a sink hole.

Down, down she and the car went.

My other friend and I stood on the edge looking down and could only see part of the car.

I yelled we have to call 9-1-1 … so I ran into the house to phone.

While in the house I thought that I should take some water outside.

But I could not locate a certain water bottle.

Everywhere I looked there was loose uncooked oatmeal.

In the drawers. Everywhere.

I asked my daughter to clean it up.

Finally somewhere I found a bottle to put some water in and outside I went.

Meanwhile, outside my friend had found a way to climb down into the hole which stretched a long bit.

She was near the car when I came out and yelled to me that our friend was okay except for a broken foot.

I did not question how she knew that but no matter.

It seemed like forever before the fireman arrived.

Somehow in between I had gone back into the house for something and they were all there upon my return.

They were all down in the hole by the car.  Pushing it.

Two women in dresses (not sure where they came from), my friend and some firemen.

My friend was rescued from the hole in my front yard.

We went into the house afterward for coffee.

Mm, come to think of it not sure if the injured friend went to the hospital or not.

Anyway while we were in the house a crowd of 50 or more people gathered to check out the hole.

They were everywhere.

Taking photos.  Throwing random things into the hole.  Others were trying to climb down.

That was about the end of the dream.

I just remembered feeling frustrated to have all these people hanging out at my house.

They made a mess.

 

Well in between writing my blog one of my neighbours came for a cup of coffee and now the sun is shining.

What the difference half a hour can make.

 

Time to get this show on the road.

There be toilets to clean, floors to dust/mop, laundry and so on to do.

Have an awesome Saturday.

I am going to enjoy this one so much.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog, thank you very much.

Happy Saturday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of May, 2016.

It is bright and sunny outside this morning.

COOL.

That is the word for today.

Our house is freezing and poor Alvin has been shivering as have I but to turn on the furnace at this point seems a waste.

So we are wrapped in blankets and have been snuggling.

I guess if the temperature is supposed to continue to be this low over night I will have no choice but to turn on the furnace.

This is the time that I wished Mr. Alvin had a sweater.

I guess poor timing with the hair cut.

Oh well we will survive.

Almost time to leave for work.

We both were snuggling extra time under the blankets this morning.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

I guess the question is:  OFF or ON?

Special Hello to: my faraway friends and family.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of January, 2016.

The past couple of days I have been home sick and am going to work today.

Still not feeling 100% but have to get back to work.

 

How has the world been the past couple of days?

I know that shots were fired in my daughter’s neighbourhood the day before last.

They are okay – thank goodness.

 

This whole mixed up world.

What is happening?

Why are we where we are?

Is anyone asking this question?

Does anyone care?

Is it because of man’s never ending need to be the most powerful / the richest?

Is it because we cannot stand to see someone else with more than us?

Is it because we never completely found compassion for one another?

Is it because we are never satisfied?

The list of questions could go on and on and I have to go to work but perhaps you see my point.

 

I have always tried to be kind and 98% of the time successful, I believe.

Is this a male / female thing?

I do not know.

But something has to change before we destroy ourselves and this beautiful gem in the universe.

Just feeling a little sad this morning ….. perhaps because I am not at my best …. it has me in reflection mode.

But I hope that one by one we can see the light and change things before it is too late.

Please go out of your way to be kind …. to help each other …..

Forget thinking that someone else will stop and help that person in need ….. it has to be you.

You are that person….

You must stop.

If we continue to pass by …. then we will not have learned perhaps the most important lesson of all …..

Compassion for those in need.

To help each other ….. to have community.

Without compassion there is no love.

Without compassion there is no kindness.

Without compassion there is …..

 

I hope that you have a wonderful day ….

Everything starts with you and me.

Special Hello to: my family and friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the Day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of November, 2015.

Another morning waking up to brown/green ground.

YAY …. for the 19th of November that is great.

I heard that the white stuff is everywhere outside our City … but not here.

For now.

I am going to enjoy it.

So nice being able to wear shoes or else boots but not slipping and sliding as you carefully plod along.

 

To answer the question …. still no.

Our unwanted guest still eludes us.

I will remain patient and hopeful.

SOON.

Perfection would be that it has gone back outside.

 

This morning back upstairs with my lemon water, breakfast, and gratitude journal.

Decided to just have breakfast in my office so I can relax with no shoes on my feet.

I am much more at ease upstairs although I do not wish to live my life on the upper floor of my house, that would be ludicrous.

However, I am doing much better than the first time they came into our home.

I spent three days and nights at my daughter’s house.

So this is definitely conquering my fears somewhat.

 

Well this week has been all about being Happy and being Kind.

How did we do thus far?

Feeling better about life?

Did you do a random act of kindness above and beyond your normal routine?

We have two days left this week to feel more Happy than usual and to go that extra distance with Kindness.

How about it?

I would love to hear from you.

We need to start a planetary movement.

BE HAPPY AND LOVE YOURSELF.

BE KIND AND RESPECTFUL TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS, YOUR FELLOW HUMANS AND EVERY CREATURE ON THE PLANET. 

STARTING NOW. GO ……

 

Happy Thursday ….

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S.

Just had to add this note.  After I wrote this blog and went into my bedroom, I opened the blinds and what did I see?

The white stuff all over the ground.

Guess it decided to snow less than half an hour after we got out of bed.

We officially have snow.

It may not last …..

Who knows.

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of September, 2014.

Oh, what a gloriously beautiful sunny warm morning.

It feels like summer again but with a hint of coolness to the air.

You know the feel that you have in early fall.

It is so nice outside.

I spent a couple of hours outside yesterday (it was beautiful, too) mowing grass, pulling weeds, trimming back my roses (which I am going to pull as they just are not doing well), emptying most of my plant pots (a few were not affected by the recent frost) and just general tidying up.  It was glorious.

This is truly my favourite time of year.

Oh, I hear the geese honking up a storm as they are preparing for “winter” or travelling south.

Some stay for the winter ….. others do not  ….. I should google to see why.

Anyway …. they were flying by and saying hello.

I certainly have enjoyed this weekend.

How much better than this does it get:

-started Saturday morning off with coffee at my friend “G’s” house.

-then home and Penny had gone to the Vet with her Momma & Dad so decided that me and the boys should go for walk.

-we did, it was so nice out.

-then home mowed grass and did yard work ….

-laundry and some cleaning.

-made supper.

-went for groceries after supper.

-then had tea and watched a Star Trek movie or at least part of one. (I have already seen them all a million times, so I know how they end).

-then to bed …. snuggles with Mr. Alvin ….

PERFECTION.

I hope that you had a perfect weekend thus far.

Today I am off to work at the store.

Just enjoying a cup of coffee and some quiet time before I leave.

Have a great Sunday.

Do something fun today.

If you have sunshine ….. go outside and enjoy ….. no boots or heavy jackets …….

Special Hello to: my sister back in Regina ……. HELLO ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of July, 2014.

Last night the skies were dull with the smoke from forest fires to the north, west, and east and yes, to the south.

So I guess one could say we are surrounded.

This morning still overcast ….. smoky skies, I think.

Just doing some thinking ….. for a change!!

Just kidding.

 

 

What makes a good blog?

What makes a good Mom?  a good friend?

What makes a good employee?

What makes a good dessert?

What makes a good surprise?

What makes a good walk?

 

Is there something common here?

A similar thread that weaves it’s way throughout each of these?

Well perhaps there is.

Think about it.

I shall think with you.

The answer, my answer:

” good is merely an opinion, a state of mind”

As we all know it depends on who answers the question.

 

Special Hello: tinkers ….. people who create…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of May, 2014.

How are you doing this Monday morning?

I hope that this finds you feeling great.

Question?

How do you sleep?

Do you have that Sunday night “syndrome” ..?

Waking up every few hours or just not able to shut down and go to sleep.

Tossing and turning ….. just cannot get comfortable.

I seem to have that ……

More or less Sunday nights have always been an issue for me.

I don’t consciously think about Monday morning but somewhere in my brain I must.

Something happens.

I have tried lots of things and find at 56 I am still not sleeping great on Sunday nights.

It is funny though as Alvin and I get up extra early and usually spend a few minutes on the sofa, I can always fall asleep there.

Thank goodness for that.

Well on the up side the sun is shining with promise to be a beautiful day.

If you have any ideas for Sunday night sleeping or just want to comment, please do so.

I am curious if there are many others who share this.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

To all the Mothers out there I hope that you indeed had a great Sunday.

Special Hello to: my sisters ….. my friends ….. all the Mothers …… keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to a Snowy Tuesday the 11th day of February, 2014.

Yes, it has been snowing off and on since last night.

Looks like shovelling will once again be on the evening agenda.

I do love the way the snow looks as it gently floats to the earth.

The way the snow flakes sparkle and shine in the sunshine and in the moonlight.

What do you love the best about this season … the one we call “WINTER?”

I wonder where the name came from?

Guess that would be something that I could google.

Isn’t the world wide web wonderful?

If you do not remember things from school (which was a long long long time ago ) you can ask the questions on-line and someone somewhere has the answer for you.

Isn’t that great?

Surely is.

Well on this snowy Tuesday I hope that you think of a question that you either cannot remember the answer to or that you simply do not know and ASK on the INTERNET.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Thank you …. I am feeling much better this morning.

Special Hello to: my beautiful sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin