Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of April, 2016.

Another bright and sunny gorgeous day ahead of us here in Edmonton.

Yesterday was a jam packed day for me.

First thing in the morning my friend “J” from Regina picked me up and we went for a tour of the Ronald McDonald House here in Edmonton.

Her grandson is in the Children’s Hospital (the Stollery), so his parents and older sibling are staying at the RMH.

I was so impressed by this place.

First thing walking in the door there is an air of love and calm even though there were oodles of people walking about.

It was bustling with volunteers as it is these dear folks who do most of the work.

Volunteer groups cook meals every single day of every year.

I heard that a group of ladies come in every Thursday, and bake dozens of cinnamon buns, cookies, cakes etc..

My friend’s son said with “a smile on his face” it is difficult not to put on weight in this place

I found out that there are only a handful of actual paid employees for the Ronald McDonald House.

They have 32 rooms for families to stay in for a nominal fee.

They do not have to worry about a bed to sleep on, food to eat or transportation to the hospital.

They have a teacher who teaches the children in the mornings.

They have laundry facilities and three kitchens.

There are volunteers to drive the bus to take families on special outings and for the shuttle to the hospital.

They have lists up for folks who have time to help out with …. like wipe their tables after eating.

Perhaps sweep the floor …. help load the dishwasher or empty them.

So much is donated and this warms my heart.

All of their day to day is looked after so that they can focus on their sick children.

Such an awesome place filled with kindness, generosity and love.

It was so great to visit such an amazing place and given the opportunity I would very much love to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House.

I thoroughly enjoyed this time.

Always remember that so many worthy organizations depend on volunteers to help out.

So if you happen to have a few hours or a day each week give one of these groups a call.

You will feel so good helping others.

If everyone volunteered what a great world this would be.

 

Well I am running a tad late here …. another busy day for me.

Poor Mr. Alvin ….. I will make it up with lots of snuggles and a long walk later this afternoon.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who volunteer.  Thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of April, 2016.

YAY, happy that it is now the weekend.

Last night after work Alvin and I set out on our routine “early evening” walk.

It was about 5:30 p.m.

We were walked to the park and were about halfway round when I heard my name being called.

I looked away from Alvin to see our friends “P and A” sitting on their patio sipping on drinks.

So we toddled on over to say hello.

Alvin was desperately trying to get in through the gate.

They have the one that is steel/iron or the like and he can get his nose in ……

He wanted the door to be opened so that he could say hello.

We quite often see our friends in the summer.

P is an avid gardener and has one of the prettiest ones in the area.

She is English and her garden lives up to the “English Garden” reputation.

Anyway …… they invited us in.

Mr. Alvin was so excited.

They said gates were closed and nothing he could get into so off came the leash.

Now they live off the park that surrounds our man-made lakes and they have a BIG backyard.

They had crocuses blooming and at the moment some yellow daffodils.

I remember crocuses on the farm when I was a young girl.

Fields of purple….. so lovely.

He ran and ran and rolled and rolled.

He loves their backyard.

They asked if I would like a glass of wine …. now I am not much of a drinker period and wine is not really my forte but I decided to throw caution to the wind (and it was windy) and have a glass.  Whew, long sentence, I know.  I was thinking it all in one breath.

So out came the extra chair and a glass of white wine.

It was actually yummy and we visited and I sipped on the glass.

There was a cool wind blowing so eventually we took the “party” inside.

I joked about not eating and was feeling tipsy after half a glass.

Oh my …..

Alvin was treated to some yummy stuff and they from time to time look after their “grand-puppy (an actual puppy) …. wait for it “GEORGE.”

The cutest bundle of brown joy if there ever was …..

He was not there but Alvin enjoyed some of his treats.

We visited and had a great time.

They are such a wonderful couple.

Two hours later Alvin and I walked into our house.

First thing on the agenda … supper.

A quick bowl of soup and I felt much better.

I will say that this morning I had a bit of a headache – ARGH a hangover ….. at my age.

Oh well, it was so much fun.

They invited us to come over when they have a fire … they have an iron fire pit (so it is contained).

We will have a party with hot dogs and marshmallows and maybe even a glass of wine.

Food first …… definitely.

Well I am now getting ready to go and spend a couple of hours with my friend “J” whose grandson is in the Stollery Hospital here in Edmonton.

The family (Mom, Dad and big brother) are stay at Ronald McDonald House.

So my friend thought it would be nice for me to take a tour and to meet her elder grandson who is 2.

They live in Regina / Moose Jaw.

Tomorrow is my training party for my new consultant to Steeped Tea.

I guess I have a team …..

So a busy weekend and I am also meeting the girls for coffee tomorrow morning.

Usually I am at home except for a stop to the grocery store.

I am sure that Alvin would be okay …. I just feel badly to leave him alone.

Gotta run and eat and have some COFFEE.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Hang out with some friends …..

Special Hello to: all of my friends … I am truly so blessed.

Always, Carol and Alvin