2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? I am well and Alvin as far as I know has remained sleeping on the sofa after I made a quiet escape upstairs to get ready for work and for the day. Darkness fills the outside as I look out of my office window. I can see one yard light in the distance otherwise pitch black out there. Soon there will be light. I cannot get William (Bill) Shatner’s experience of going to space even though it was for only ten minutes and a few seconds. Can you imagine punching through the atmosphere and only seeing darkness as you enter space? No wonder he was so emotional. We humans can only dream of going to space and until recently it was only an experience shared by an elite few. These two private companies, these two billionaires have changed this Earth and hopefully even with a few of its regular citizens seeing space, they will appreciate the Earth and provide the drive for us to get our butts in gear and help this planet before it is not a choice. Every single human being on this planet can make a difference from the old to the young and everyone in between. I do know that the companies that make all of the throw away – single use plastics, oil and gas industry and so on, employee a great many people and contribute to the economy of every country but it is time to make some big changes. We have the intelligence to make those changes. It may not be pretty but we can do it.

Now that is a big topic for this time of morning but perhaps just a bit of a reminder that we can all make a difference. I try not to buy items that cannot be easily recycled. I do recycle. I reuse. I seldom buy new clothes but buy from thrift shops and the like. My daughter and I borrow things from each other instead of buying an item that we may only use a few times – we share those things. Most of the people living in North America only use a small fraction of the items that are live in their homes. We buy items for decoration. We buy items to decorate our bodies not just clothe them. WE have so much that is not necessary to live but rather are nice to look at. Something to ponder today. Perhaps you have some jewelry that you do not need or wear any longer. You could sell it, give it to a family member or friend or give to a charity to sell. I have found that as I age, I do not have the need or desire to have a bunch of new things. Also I am going through my house and finding new homes for things. Maybe you have someone that would appreciate that old family teapot that is gathering dust in a cupboard. You know what I mean. We hang onto things because they belonged to a Grandmother, Mother, Aunt and so on.

Time to head on downstairs. Get the coffee brewing and continuing to make the list of items that I no longer need. We can also repurpose things that we have as well.

Have an awesome day.

Yes, it is Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone!

Well it is a bright, sunny and beginning to warm morning here in Edmonton.

I can hear the geese honking in the distance.

Last night after work we took our second walk of the day.

Followed by the start of laundry and then the raking of the front lawn.

The neighbour that shares the front lawn with me did her own raking.

She has been feeding the bunnies which we have many all winter long.

So lots of bunny parcels mainly on her half but some transferred to mine.

We cleaned up most of it but I am sure that a little poop left behind would be great fertilizer.

At least it is natural.

 

I had been pondering the thought of having one of those landscaping / lawn companies, you know the ones, like GREEN DROP stop by.

Perhaps give the lawn a well deserved boost.

My neighbour gave her half some extra help and her lawn was so much healthier looking than mine.

I even watered mine some.

But after listening to Dr. Jane Goodall speak on Jimmy Fallon the other night and reading about bees and dandelions (which I usually have a few for sure).

I have decided to take the natural approach.

I will ensure that the lawn is properly hydrated (if no rain, then I will water).

I will leave the dandelions for the bees.

I will not put down any kind of “chemical” fertilizer on the lawn.

This is my pledge.

Now of course, it may be for naught if my neighbours surrounding me fertilize but I will do my best.

I am also planning a “trash/garbage” pick up day in the next couple of weeks.

This is where I take a day of vacation from work OR spend a good part of a Saturday or Sunday out in my neighbourhood picking up the trash.

Right now it is absolutely disgusting.

Might be sooner than later.

I use my own garbage bags (which reminds me I am almost out of the big ones that I usually purchase from COSTCO) and I have the garbage picker tools and disposable gloves.

So all of the necessary and safe equipment for the job.

I do this for my neighbours, for my neighbourhood, for my community and for the natural community most of all.

I constantly worry about birds and animals eating elastic bands that folks drop on the ground by the mailboxes.

I constantly worry about all the crap that people do not pick up.

So with the birds, animals and environment in mind, in my heart, I do this.

Unfortunately I do not go out as often as I used to.

Once upon a time I went out once a week now it is once or twice a season.

This is the time where it is the worst.

I would remind all of my humans out there, please pick up the trash when you see it on the ground.

You are out walking so much more now, why not slip a bag and gloves in your pocket.

Pick up that trash when you are out and about.

Why not?

Why is it that the majority of people just walk on by?

Please I am asking you.

Next time please pick up the trash no matter the size.

When you are packing up your trash to go out for pick up.

Be careful of how you pack it.

DO NOT THROW LOOSE PAPERS, CONTAINER in a BLUE BOX OR

WORSE leave BOXES stacked willy nilly to blow about.

Those are the boxes and styrofoam packing materials that I find on the street all of the time.

The styrofoam breaks down as it hits the curb and corners of the sidewalk breaking into much smaller pieces so of which are digested by birds and smaller animals.

These smaller pieces also end up going into the storm drains.

Easy to to.

PICK UP the trash.

Please.

 

I do apologize if this sounds like a rant as I would rather it sound like a public service announcement.

We all have to work together to make this planet a better place for all of the inhabitants.

We rely on the NATURAL WORLD.

Slowly and now so slowly we are disturbing, changing and destroying the natural world.

Let us come together and do some good.

There is good coming out of this pandemic.

The good is helping the natural world.

Marine life is returning in areas, the sky is clear from smog and pollution as people are staying home and some factories are closed.

This should tell us something.

It is a good reminder.

We have to stop and get things straightened out.

The next time we have a pandemic we may not be so lucky.

I am not taking away from the loss of life globally from this horrible virus.

 

Please have a good safe and happy Saturday.

Given the chance to do something great for the environment in your neighbourhood, please do so.

Do not leave what you can do, for others to do.

 

With kindness and a deep respect for our planet.

I/We remain,

As Always,

Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Oh my heavens it is COLD out there.

I thought that Mr. Alvin wanted to go out for like the third time this morning so I donned my coat and mitts and shoes but he stayed back.

No barking.

He did not need any kind of coaxing for the times that he was outside this morning.

Back into the house in a big hurry.

I do not blame him.

Please ensure that if you must go outside today at any time that you are bundling up in many warm layers.

Natural fibers like wool are always good to be wearing when it is bitterly cold outside.

I know that some folks are out walking their larger pups but please ensure they have boots and coats on.

Most of these dogs do not have long fur coats plus the pads on the bottom of their paws freeze very easily.

Be mindful.

 

Well today is Wednesday.

I have been posting my tips for the reduction of plastics and just all round tips for reducing waste and being mindful.

Mindful of what you are using and doing with all of this plastic stuff.

Really do you need to purchase five cases of water ….. most municipalities in Canada have drinkable water.

Do not forget that some of the microplastic from these disposable water bottles come loose and float around in the water.

We are drinking microplastics.

Not only plastics but all sorts of garbage are finding their way into the oceans.

Most marine life can be found with garbage in them.

Eventually they will die.

Wildlife are falling prey to our wasteful manners.

I do not wish to preach but sometimes we all need to step back and think about what we are doing to ourselves, to others, to the animal, bird, insect, and marine life on this planet.

To the trees and to the flowers and to the grasses.

Do you really need the latest fashion?

If you already have five black sweaters or more.

Take a trip to Goodwill or to a Consignment store.

People are setting up shops online selling gently used clothing items and more.

 

Well time to leave for work.

Finish getting ready.

 

Oh big news.

My son-in-law’s brother went home yesterday.

He had a heart transplant at the end of November 2019.

So happy he is doing well.

 

I hope that you are safe and warm.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 20th day of September, 2018.

Two more days until it is officially “FALL.”

Dark outside but no moisture overnight which I really like.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk with our friend last night.

I had not been taking Alvin’s water bottle with us for the past few nights as it has been cooler and not hot.

At points on our walk as it was longer … Alvin would stop and whine and look at me.

I figured he just wanted to go home because we were walking a greater distance but my friend thought perhaps it was because he was looking for a drink.

She said he is so used to having a drink or two along the way.

It was funny because lots of times when I did carry water, he would not want a drink, even when I stopped and asked him and put the water in front of him.

Not then.

Funny how we all want things when they are not there.

Well I felt like a “not good Momma” so last night I took water with us and he had a drink or two.

Note to Momma, always have water along.

I guess he is getting older and perhaps needs a drink even when it is not hot.

I should have known.

There is not a day that goes by where I do not learn something new or refreshing my memory on something old.

That is life.

Live and learn.

That should/could be my MOTTO.

Live and learn.

Words to live by.

 

On our walk the leaves on the trees and bushes by the lake are slowly turning yellows and oranges and reds.

The grass in spots was turning yellow and brown.

The air had that tad bit of coolness to it wrapped in the warmness.

It was a good night.

 

When we got home and after supper, I cleaned out the front flower bed.

Trimmed down the perennials and pulled the remaining annuals except for two begonias.

I also pulled and cleaned out the flower pots on the deck that held the Impatiens plants as they did not make the previous night.

They are a delicate plant and it was just too cold for them.

The Snapdragons made it with flying colours.

There is snow in the forecast for tomorrow so I may pop them back into the garage as by Monday it is supposed to be nice again.

Might as well enjoy them as long as possible.

Just the back flower bed and I have my yard work all done.

Deciding on whether to put the bistro table and chairs into the garage on not?

There is time for that.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember to live your life.

Take a chance, go for it.

Be happy ….. simple things …. simple pleasures.

 

Footnote:  on all the flyers in the post box and delivered to the door.  Think of all the trees we are cutting down to make these posters, flyers and such.  Most of them end up on the ground by the mail box or in our recycling.  I know this as I take them from the post box straight to the recycling and we pay for that service.  ARGH.  Perhaps it is time that we do something about this.  I am going to speak to the City and see what we can do.  With technology we do not need paper flyers and they could have a few in the stores for those who like to look at them.

 

Special Hello to: my friend V, love the new bamboo toothbrush and paste.  LOVE THEM.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 8th day of April, 2018.

The sun is shining and I think that I heard a bird chirping earlier in the morning.

There is now a light blanket of snow covering everything.

Over the course of the morning thus far it has been snowing in between the sunshine breaks.

The house is not quiet as me Alvin is back home once again.

We went to bed a bit later than normal and I read for awhile.

He did not get up until 6:22 a.m. and then only wanted to go outside, not wishing to eat.

So we headed back to the sofa until just after 8:00 a.m.

It still took him several minutes to eat which was about 8:30 a.m.

He shows no signs of distress or anxiety.

 

I think of all the creatures big and small on this earth so may not be quite so fortunate.

They are living in constant danger and fear.

Anxiety is a way of life.

How sad is that.

I just do not believe that we as humans have continued through the ages to be such mean, horrible, vindictive creatures.

Why?

What is the purpose?

Is it all about power, greed and money?

At some point in the near future we have to step away from that and simply to the right thing.

What would be so wrong about that?

I know that it is not everyone.

I know that there are so many good people.

But even us good people live in denial.

We do not look after the environment nor each other.

Let us face it ….. most people live their lives in denial and with blinders on.

As long as it does not directly impact our lives, we just say “It is not my fault”  or “Let the government fix things.”

Well I am here to tell you ….. it is YOUR fault and MINE.

Why would we think that the government would fix things when we do not?

We elect them.

 

Food for thought.

Please it all starts with being good residents.

Good residents of your home, of your neighbourhood, of your city or town, of your country and of this planet.

We should care about the future generations, what kind of planet will they live on?

If you have any kind of imagination, it is most scary, to say the least.

Start by picking up the trash in and around your home.

Pack your garbage and recycling properly.

There are winds in every area of CANADA.

Make sure that you check with your municipality to make sure that you are placing the proper items in the blue bins or recycling bags.

If not, they cannot be recycled.

This costs each municipality MILLIONS of DOLLARS each year.

It is up to each and every one of us to make this right.

Not the government and not your neighbour, it all starts with YOU …..

 

I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who strive each and every day to make this planet healthy and safe for every creature.

Always, Carol & Alvin