It is a NEW YEAR.

Well I hear we are finally in the last few days of this “cold snap.”

Both Alvin and I will be happy to be able to resume our walking.

 

How are you today?

I am well.

Do you reflect at bedtime and in the early morning hours conversations that you had the previous day?

I do, most of those conversations are from work.

I always think “why did I say those words?”

I tend to be an emotional conversationalist.

I take things personally when I should not.

Now that is not every conversation that I am emotional or take things personally all of the time.

Just sometimes.

Not emotional that I suddenly burst out in tears or yell and scream.

Not always filled with my opinions.

Not that, but I could do better.

I think that by putting my concerns in writing I can see what is in front of me and hopefully will help me.

I am by nature a kind, generous person OR at least I believe that I am.

But perhaps others do not see me this way.

So I am repeating to myself on a regular basis starting today the following mantra:

“I am kind and professional.”

Perhaps this way I can keep my personal opinions and emotions out of the equation.

Please do not think that I wish to be cold and unemotional either, that is not the case.

I am always trying to do better.

Sometimes it is all in phrasing.

If someone on the other end of the phone is being difficult and emotional; it is not always easy to bring that down.

I always do better face to face.

Phoning is not my favourite way to have a conversation (my family and friends will attest to that).

Anyway, the cards are on the table.

I am going to be better.

Not a resolution.

This is a promise.

Always better not to fuel the flames.

 

Well time to head out and play find the poop from earlier this morning.

When we were first up at 2:30 … it was snowing.

I like a challenge.

Do I really?

Mmm, not so much.

Not all the time, anyway.

Sense of humour, trying.

I love my Alvin so it is all good.

 

I hope that on this Thursday that you are well.

That life is treating you kindly.

That you are treating life with kindness.

See it works both ways.

I know that for sure.

 

Be safe and stay warm.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Well we are closing the gap on the middle of November, 2019.

In less than 2 weeks it will be one month until Christmas Day.

 

Another year to reflect upon.

I am so excited for 2020.

Not that I am wishing the days away or anything like that but I am looking forward to the New Year.

In this moment, Alvin is resting on his blue blanket as I click away on the keyboard.

In this moment, I am awake perhaps not 100% rested but I am awake.

In this moment, I am dressed and ready to set upon this day.

In this moment, I am happy to be writing these words.

In this moment, I am happy to be me.

 

We were so blessed to have a nice walk, our regular walk, last night.

The sidewalks were wet mostly but not icy.

Such a relief.

Yesterday we had plus temperatures here in Edmonton and that is the forecast for today.

We were mostly alone as we walked.

It was dark by the time that I caught the bus home from work, looked after Alvin, changed my clothes and then headed out for our walk.

The sun sets mighty early these days.

Thankfully it was not pitch black out and of course living in the city there are lights.

In places around the lake the street lamps are a bit too far apart for my liking.

I understand why but still ….

Alvin wanted to turn around and go home a few times as we walked in the park in the darkness.

I told him “not to worry and that I would keep him safe.”

Poor boy.

In his older age he is not as brave and fearless as he once was.

Although most days when he hops across the threshold to go in or out; you would never know that he is coming eleven years old in January 2020.

 

Well as the seconds pass here it is becoming closer to our time to go downstairs.

Finish the last minute items.

Grabbing my lunch.

Going outside with Alvin and picking up any little bundles he left out there for me.

Then donning the boots, the coat, scarf and mitts.

So grateful that the weather is staying warm.

Grateful for the little layer of crusty snow covering the ice.

 

Be careful out there.

Happy Wednesday.

 

If we spread kindness with respect all day long ….. the world will be a better place.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Somedays you just have to reshare “cuteness.”

Guaranteed to bring a Smile to your face 

  and Joy to your heart.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning ….

What a glorious Monday morning it is.

When I was outside with Alvin about one hour ago it felt warm considering I had a nightgown and sweater on exposing my lower legs.

So off to a great start.

Each weekend or the time off that you have from work is precious.

Most of us have a billion things to do on the weekends or on our time off away from the job.

There is always laundry, cleaning, yardwork, shopping for groceries at the minimum.

If we are able to take time to relax …. that would be in front of the television watching a movie or the like with a glass of wine or your favourite beverage.

But is that really relaxing?

Not really.

But we ALL do the very best that we can.

I am more fortunate than most as I do not have children at home although some would say that Alvin might rank a close second.

He is my partner in crime that requires help being fed and bathed and groomed.

But other than that …. I have more flexible time.

I can/could sit on my bed, in the middle of the floor or sit on a comfy chair and just meditate for some time.

But do I do this on a regular basis …. not really.

I did for a time but find it difficult to sit “quiet” without doing something.

This week I am going to make a point of sitting “quiet.”

Quiet means with NO outside distractions.

Now Alvin I have no control over but I will say if he has been fed and gone outside, he general would lay down beside me if I am on the sofa or bed.

So this is the week that things change.

I have also done quite a lot of reading and everyone says that it is important to do some weight bearing exercises as you get older.

So this week I am going to start doing some of those.

Off to an easy start, nothing to crazy.

I have some hand weights which will be perfect.

Now just for some proper instructions and I will be off to the races ….

We all try to do the best that we can.

But I think even though we think that we do – there is always room to pump it up a bit.

So that is my personal challenge for this week.

To start ….

More quiet time … no outside distractions like the television or phone (yes, I can see where these can get you into trouble).

Trying some weight bearing exercises.

I want to be in the best health that I can be in as I get older.

Never too late to start.

 

Okay the clock on the wall says that it is time to get this show on the road.

Well I hope that you have an awesome day.

Turn the lights out and lock the door when you leave for the day.

Remember a walk on your break is always better than a cookie and coffee.

Happy Monday.

 

 

Kindness and Respect always place the perfect reflection on you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of September, 2018.

I almost said June …. not sure what I was thinking about …. ???

It was dark but dry but when we got up this morning and nothing has changed thus far.

They are forecasting temperatures of about 14 degrees celsius, which would be BEAUTIFUL.

Last night Alvin and I went for a walk after work with our friend “P.”

We walked around the big lake to the north of us (first of all we walked to our friend’s house as we were ready more quickly than I first thought).

It was beautiful.

Some of the leaves are changing colour to hues of yellow and orange while the others are bitterly hanging onto to their greens.

Lots of folks out walking with loved ones both two and four-legged.

The SUN was shining and there was just the perfect warmth-cool mix to the air.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk.

We will be going again tonight.

 

After our walk and before supper, I decided to put away the remaining or at least the bigger pieces.

Leaving only the bistro table (which I should not lift into the garage) and its’ two chairs.

The deck looked so bare.

I decided as we only have a couple of days left without the forecast of moisture (rain & snow) to put the flowers back onto the deck.

I had placed a few pots into the garage last week.

Kept them watered and they lived.

The only pot that I left in the garage is the lavender plant as I want to dry the flowers and put it in the basement to winter there.

 

I decided mid point in the week is a good time to put up some photos.

The ones with the snow were from this past Saturday and the one with the flowers in the “sunshine” are from last night.

There was even a reflection on the fence by the sunflowers, do you see it?

All I can say is my poor Sunflowers from Saturday.

The one on the left, actually broke right at the base of the stalk and was just kind of there.

Poor thing

 

 

My friend P said that the Snapdragons are quite hardy.

The impatiens …. they were starting to get weak in the garage.

Anyway, that was last night.

I am glad to see some colour on the deck even if it is only for a couple more days.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome Wednesday.

Happy Birthday to my old neighbour who built a new house, and moved to a neighbourhood about 6 minutes away by car.

Happy Birthday “S” ……

 

Special Hello to: my sister and my friend V …… ladies you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of August, 2016.

Last night it poured and poured and there were mighty roars of thunder and bolts of lightning.

The sky appears to be clearing which is nice.

Sunshine after the rain is always good.

There is a long list of people who share this date, this Birthday with me:

My Cousin “M” who is exactly to the day ten years younger than me, today is his 49th Birthday.

A friend back in Regina “A” who turns the big 40 today.

An old friend “D” who is exactly one year younger than me.

Happy Happy Birthday to all my friends, and may you all have a wonderful Birthday and year to follow.

 

I think it is strange how we always reflect on life twice a year.

Once on your birthday and the other when ushering in the New Year.

At this point today I am more than happy.

I have my own house which I have always, always dreamed of having …..

I am in good health.

I am surrounded by loving, supportive family and friends.

I have my partner in crime who is visiting for a few days at his sister’s house making our home very quiet.

That would be me Alvin.

My four-legged boy.

Miss you buddy but it is good for you to venture away from home once in awhile, out of your comfort zone.

He is a Momma’s boy and loves being at home.

Travelling in the car not so much.

I have been a few places …. done some things ….. I have created many things.

My most proud creation was/is my daughter.

So when you can rattle off a bunch of things that are positive and good and you live a good life ….. then reflection is a good memory.

 

I am thinking that I am going to take my umbrella as I do not think we are out of the woods yet.

So excited after work tonight my daughter is picking me up from work and we are going to West Edmonton Mall.

We will grab a bite to eat before going to see the new STAR TREK MOVIE.

I am beyond excited.

I love the Star Trek movies.

To see it on the big screen is also amazing.

 

Well here it is almost time to leave the house once again for work.

I hope that you all have a super great day.

I am.  I will.

 

I always want to extend my sympathies to family and friends who have lost dear ones these past few weeks.  You are in my thoughts and in my heart.

 

Special Hello to:  Happy Birthday loved ones and friends who celebrate this day with me.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of January, 2016.

I thought it would be fun to check out previous posts from years gone by.

This one is from today’s date but back in 2013.

To be honest I was going to share the one from this date in 2012 but the story made me cringe (something that scares me).

So I picked another one.

I think it is good to go back and see what was happening and what I/we were thinking.

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday.

By the way, just wanted to share that Alvin’s sister did not forget his birthday ….. she gave him a big bag of treats ….. he was so happy.

He loves them and is grateful to have such a wonderfully thoughtful sister.

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

 

Good Monday morning and welcome to January 21st, 2013.

We received another covering of snow last night, and it was still snowing when Alvin went out around 5:00 a.m.

I love how Alvin stands in the doorway ….. he sniffs ….. “pretend sneezes” and then if he really has to go …. he will go outside.

Meanwhile the temperature in the house has dropped by two degrees.  ( Just kidding ).

But he surely does take several minutes working up the courage to go outside.

Most especially when it is cold or raining.

I do not blame him …… poor little guy and all the other animals that have to do the same.

What’s new with you this Monday morning?

Did you have a quiet weekend?

Spent relaxing? or did you Work?

I did a mix of both and I suspect that most of you did as well.

Well today is my early start so have to run.

I hope that you stay warm and safe on this day.

I hope that you are happy, healthy and abundant.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: all those new pet owners ….. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

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

Have a fun Thursday and spend a couple of minutes in reflection.

Looking back can be interesting.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers ….. isn’t it great to have a place to go back in time?

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of April, 2014.

Earlier this morning when Alvin and I first got up (he is an early bird).

When Alvin was outside doing this morning ritual; I sat in the chair in the kitchen by the window and this is what I saw.

It appeared to be a reflection of the moon.

I had the kitchen light on as you will see in the second photo.

But it was so cool.

Unfortunately my little camera could not zoom enough to get a proper photo but still this looked so amazing.

Something great to see so early in the morning.

Early morning sky – my kitchen light is in the forefront

Morning sky through window in kitchen 

 

 

 

The moon all alone ….. one gorgeous beacon of light.

Now in the first photo you may think it was the reflection of the light in the kitchen but it was not.

Anyway that was the perfect way to start my long weekend.

Doing laundry and lots of fun stuff today ….. Alvin is getting a hair cut and Momma gets to colour her hair.

I hope that you all have an amazing weekend.

Happy Easter Everyone …..

Special Hello to: all those photographers out there and all of the crazy beautiful photos you snap.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday, the 14th day of May 2013.

As I look out of my office window that faces south I can see the reflection of the sunrise on nearby houses.

It is glorious.

A rainbow of colours.

Sunrises are one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and amazing sights.

Now that we have moved from waking up in the darkness to waking up and it is becoming light ….. it gives us “steam” for the day.

I know that seeing the sunrise and shine gives me energy and I feel amazing.

While getting ready this morning I noticed a small almost round bead of light on my bedroom wall where there is no light.

I cannot figure out what is reflecting and making this beautiful rainbow bead of light.

It is so pretty and I just stood there …… basking in the moment.

Wondering where did you come from?

Light does make us feel good.

So on this Tuesday the 14th day of May, I urge you to make sure that you get some sunshine.

Take a walk before work, on a coffee break, lunch break, before or after supper ….. just go outside and enjoy.

Put on your sun block and hit the road so to speak.

I know that you will feel better….. light……energy……exercise……fresh air……we are happy now.

Have a great day.

Take care …… see you tomorrow.

Special Hello to: YOU

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Today is Wednesday, April 4th, 2012.

On this day …. I am remembering family.

There are so many cousins, Aunts and Uncles and even my siblings.. nieces and nephews that I would love to see.

Sometimes there are things that are beyond your control …. even with all of the positive influences on the planet and beyond …

But I do wish that I had the time and means to spend more time with all of my family near and especially far.

At the end of the day …. I find in reflection that I have missed out on learning about, and being with some very “cool” people …. my relatives.

They have interesting stories and are great people.

My heart is filled with love and my soul with the richness that they have brought to me since my birth.

So my family wherever you are ….  you are and always will be in my heart and soul.

Even when I am not able to be physically with you ….. I am with you …. for now and forevermore.

Take care my loved ones…… I hear your laughter and see your smiling faces in my mind’s eye.

I shall treasure all those moments that we have had …..

Special Hello:  to my FAMILY ….. you ROCK …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..perhaps the NEW YEAR !!

Well, here we are …. December 31st, 2011 ….. winding down the last few hours of this year.  I wonder where did the time go?  It has been a crazy year for me, Alvin and my family.  Upon reflection, the events of this past year have made through conversations; me realize that yes in fact, I do have something worthwhile to write, and have published into a book.  It has been a dream on mine as you all know …. to be a published writer in my life-time.  I have been writing since I was a child.  There has been many a poem, short story, lyrics for songs and starts to novels …. more than I can say.  But it has been this last year ….. that has really awaken the “writer” in me and made me realize that yes, I have the stuff that is required to be an author.  I love words and love putting them together in whatever form may “hit” me at whatever time.  So with the love and support of family and friends I boldly enter my next chapter …… 2012 will be my biggest and best year ever.  Forgive all the “I’s” ….. but I know it to be true and I believe it to be true….. this is MY YEAR ….. 2012.  I am going to make all of my dreams come true.

Instead of making New Year’s Resolutions ….. I am going to make a few statements, and work on them throughout the year.

1.  Every week I shall endeavour to go though a drawer, box or cupboard …. the HOUSE, and make certain that each and every single item in my house is something that I will continue to use for the next year.  If an item is not being used … it will be given to someone who would value it , sold or recycled.  A portion of any sales will be given to charity.

2.  I will walk with Alvin at least six nights each week.  (every night I will give Alvin a belly rub as has become our nightly ritual)

3.  I shall begin and finish my first book during this year being 2012.

4.  I shall be the best person that I could ever be ….

5.  I shall continue to be a positive energy …. a beaming light …… a grateful human being to all my family and friends and to all that I encounter ….. whether two or four-legged (or perhaps one with a fin)……

6.  I shall remember to laugh each day.

7.  I shall smile for no apparent reason.

8.  That is all …. I was going to write ten things but have decided that seven is enough.

I hope that love, joy, laughter, abundance, perfect health and wealth rain down upon you this day and for the coming year.

May you treasure the moments with yourself and loved ones.

May you smile for no reason and laugh till it hurts.

May you continue to be the best you.

May all your yesterdays highlight your todays, and bring promise to tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ….. ONE AND ALL.

Special Hello to:  my family and friends who I could not have sustained any kind of “sanity” this past year….. details to follow in my book ……

Always, Carol