The Next Chapter

Good Morning. The sun is shining and it is early for a Sunday. Both Cookie and I woke up just before 7:00 this morning and up to start the day. I think the temperature is to be +14 or so today so we will spend some time out in the backyard.

Yesterday ended up being a busy day. Worked on the laundry. The grocery order arrived with a few minor glitches which ended up being my misunderstanding – if they say buy one get one free who knew you had to say two items and if you are ordering 2/$11.00 – order 2. Anyway I got that straightened out when I called the toll free store number. My friend that I was keeping her just found stolen car from the night before that was in my garage for safe keeping came to pick it up. My friend Pauline texted with some plant pots that she was giving away and wondering if I or Amanda would like them. I said yes and she came for a visit. We would have gone for a walk but I cannot take Cookie as her harness is too tight and it was cool without her sweater. We were having a good visit when the phone rang and it was the friend that had kept her car in my garage overnight and she was back to take me to Save-On to pick up the items that I did not receive from my on-line order. I decided that it would be nice to have the actual buy one get one free and the other 2/$… items (I now have lots of items to last me for awhile). So Pauline left and I got ready to leave for the store. Very quickly. Never fails when you are in a hurry, you cannot locate the cards you need in your wallet. I finally after an anxious couple of minutes my Save-On points card and you need it to get the deals. Pauline brought the flower / strawberry pots which are safely tucked in my garage. Amanda and I will have to draw straws to see who gets what, there are three of them. What a busy day! Especially the afternoon. Good busy for the most part.

I made a stir fry for supper last night and will have leftovers tonight.

I can hear Cookie downstairs as I type this post. Hopefully she is staying out of trouble. She likes to keep busy.

My coffee has been brewed and smells yummy from up here. She is whining so I had better fly.

In all of the excitement with Miss Cookie, I forgot to mention EARTH DAY which was yesterday. I kept the lights off and things to a minimum and went to bed early. I sure hope that we humans get this environment stuff all figured out quickly. We are definitely not great “keepers” of anything.

Happy Sunday everyone. I sure hope that the snow is melting in Saskatchewan.

Looking forwarding to summer! Flowers and sunshine.

They cleaned our streets – looks so good! I cleaned the garbage at the perfect time. YAY, me. Sometimes I have good timing.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin (My Forever Angel) & Miss Cookie

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! It is another beautiful morning out there. We were just outside a few minutes ago as Alvin was just finished breakfast ( I know, right!) and I wanted to move my plants back into the sunshine. We had storm clouds brewing yesterday late afternoon and I did not want to take any changes so I moved them in shelter of house and garage. We ended up getting only a few drops of rain and some wind. We were lucky. Someone would have been hit as they were scary looking clouds. There are a few clouds that look like they want to develop into something more but I am going to hold onto the moment and see beautiful blue sunny sky in my mind’s eye.

Today is an extra special day. My dear Cousin Lorette celebrates her birthday, my long time friend Deanna and her twin sister Lynn celebrate their 65th birthdays (we went to school together) and a young friend Frances Blue from my Bath & Body Work Days celebrates a birthday today. Happy Birthday to all these special women. I wish you good health, love, abundance and laughter.

The second day of our garage sale brought in a few people and a few sales. We closed it down at 3:00 with giving a nearby family some items and they bought a few items as well, win/win. We spent a bit of time reorganizing and then last night I went out and repackaged the like items that are going to be donated into manageable garbage bags. One of the girls will run them there this week. We all made a bit of money and disposed of some things. I am going to post some items on community groups as time allows. But I am happy.

I cannot believe that Friday is July 1st, 2022. There is so much talk of “celebrating” Canada Day but you know what – despite the fact that our history was less than perfect – that does not mean that our present and future have to be. Unfortunately in world history very few countries or continents treated any of their peoples with respect. Someone was always at war with someone. So instead of dwelling on things and blaming anyone – let us recognize what was done and show all the people living today – that we do not have that mindset and just be better. Be kind and respectful and compassionate to all peoples and living creatures. Who cares how you dress, how you identify as a human being or the colour of your skin or even your age – we are all HUMAN BEINGS and should be treated with kindness and respect and compassion. How about we finally live in PEACE!! This is 2022 for pity’s sake. We all make the world turn. We are all important. We are all HUMAN BEINGS! Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked together in peace and harmony! Okay there may be the odd heated debate or discussion.

On that serious note, I have to go to work. Coffee is brewed. I am grateful that I have friends that are not all “like me” if you will. We should learn from each other and be better as a result.

Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: wow only 43 days until I turn 65.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this gorgeous Sunday morning. The sun once again for the second day in a row is shining ever so brightly upon a clear blue sky. As there was yesterday – wind. I am so grateful for the beautiful wind this weekend.

The garage sale for the most part went really well. All the participants made some sales. We have decided to do this for a second day and are going to start at 10:00 a.m. Hopefully everyone will sell more and get the inventory down so that folks do not have to carry it back home to dispose of it. I am so grateful to all those people who turned out yesterday. We met some very nice folks and even some neighbours and friends came by and made some purchases, so grateful for their support.

Alvin did pretty good. I tried to put him in the house but he just barked. Finally with about 45 minutes to go and after he pooped I put him back into the house and did not hear a peep out of him. He may have had to go poop for a few minutes before I realized. But he had water breaks and he was looked after ( I did not ignore him). He was on a leash on my arm and he followed me around the garage. I will say that he was very happy to meet the people and for the most part everyone liked him and even commented on him and loved his name.

We had some bad news yesterday morning and my thoughts, prayers and every bit of positive energy that I can muster is going out to my Cousin and her family. Love you Cousin.

I was thinking that perhaps if I took Mr. Alvin for a walk now it might use up some of his energy so I will keep this post short.

Also we had one young man who is putting on some classes for old film cameras and was out at garage sales buying up old cameras. I took his phone number and will call him back. I have a couple of film cameras, if I can part with one or both of them. Also, a woman was looking for antique or old rhinestones to make a bouquet ( I didn’t ask if it was for her wedding). I took her phone number as well and will check out my jewelry and see if I have some vintage pieces (she said doesn’t matter if pieces were whole or broken because she can use them to fill in between the whole pieces). It was an interesting day.

Okay time to go so I can take a walk with the boy.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

I was speaking to my sister late yesterday afternoon and so grateful that they were finally getting some rain. So good to chat with you my darling sister.

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

P.S. 44 days now until my 65th birthday. Also met the new neighbours behind me at one point during the garage sale.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and It is Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

Another day closer to Christmas.

One week today is Christmas EVE.

Our weather has been wonderful.

 

I am always so happy when I have a ride home with my daughter.

We chat about our days and catch up with life.

She is the apple of my eye and the warmth in my heart.

Love her with all my being.

We went to COSTCO and surprisingly enough it was not super busy.

There were people but not so many that one feels like you have to duck and dart to move about.

We picked up the items that were on our lists.

I was happy to see several of my items and additional ones on sale.

Then back home, unloaded the car and then she was gone.

Just me and Alvin once again.

I quickly put everything away and then we went for a walk.

It was quite nice out not warm but not cold either.

On the return part of our walk the wind was cold on my face but refreshing all the same.

 

I just had to return to the sofa for a few more zzz’s this morning therefore have to cut this post short.

I apologize.

Perhaps all of everything is catching up and I am so looking forward to the Christmas break.

We will be busy with all of our extra charges but I will be at home and not juggling work and everything.

Life is good …. sometimes a bit busy … sometimes a bit complicated but that is life.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I hope that you are having a great week thus far.

Spend some time with a good friend, your children, or just you.

Enjoy.

Life is spent well with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 29th day of May, 2016.

It is another glorious morning with the sun shining and blue skies.

I am hosting another garage sale today and thank goodness for “light” blue sunny skies this weekend.

Alvin went to his sister’s for a sleepover and to be with them during the garage sale.

He gets so excited when people come and it is kind of boring for him to be stuck in the garage with me all day.

Not much fun.

I have a good feeling about this one and know it is going to be great.

Lots of people and lots of sales.

Bye bye stuff.

 

Last night I was invited to one of friend’s homes for a get together.

Family friendly.

In the beginning we sat in the backyard around a fire pit.

I was not there (only a couple of minutes from my house) very long when the skies started to cloud over and the wind got up.

We sat and roasted marshmallows and visited.

Then it started to “spit” (only a few drops) and we jokingly said “no it was sun rays” ….. trying to remain positive.

As it rained harder and harder – we pulled out the umbrellas as remained outside in the rain roasting marshmallows until it rained so hard we were forced to go inside.

That was after about one hour or so.

In the house we played cards …. so much fun.

Most Saturday nights it is me and Alvin at home – watch some shows or perhaps a movie but I do not go out anywhere unless we do a later walk.

We laughed and guess what I won the card game.

First time played it.

Luck of the Irish …. I do not know but it was so much fun.

I am so grateful to have been invited and for the evening out.

So grateful that Alvin was not home alone for that time, as well.

Likely another reason why I do not go out.

I figure he is alone all week while I am at work so he needs me at home all weekend.

Which is fair, I think.

Well time to get going and get some coffee on and have breakfast.

Get out and put up the signs and balloons.

Gather my stuff and IPOD and set up in the garage.

Actually everything is ready to go.

Have an awesome day.

 

The rain clouds are gone and sunny days ahead.

Life is great.

You just have to think outside the box …… just referring to a problem I had ….. but all is well now.

Remember if you are having a problem … try not to dwell on it ….. it is hard, believe me I know all too well.

If you just think of a solution that you might think initially would not work but then it does …. life is good.

Not everything is black and white.

There are people to help.

 

Have a great Sunday.

Now breakfast, coffee and GARAGE SALE.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter and son-in-law and Mr. Elton (who is doing so much better, we love you buddy) – thank you for caring for Alvin while I work the garage sale.

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of January, 2016.

A welcome sign this morning the sun is actually rising and the sky is somewhat clear this morning.

This winter the sky has been overcast so much that we miss seeing the sun shine.

With not having the sun shine it is actually depressing.

I know many people suffer from a type of depression when the sun does not shine from the lack of light.

Today we are good.

 

Yesterday was an awesome day my baby, my darling, my daughter came for a visit and surprised me and Alvin by bringing both Elton and Miss Penny along.

Our dear Penny is not the same energetic bouncy vocal girl she once was but that is what a serious disease will do to one.

Mr. Elton is in pretty good health other than his hearing and that makes for some interesting moments.

He cannot hear us and thinks we cannot hear him.

There are some things about getting old that I am not looking forward to …..

It was so great to have them all here with us and we ENJOYED IT SO MUCH.

The walls are still smiling and the air remains full of song this morning.

I made pancakes for we girls and afterwards we made jewellery.

Well actually my daughter made jewellery and I practiced making flowers.

I came up with the idea kind of in a day dream about making petals …. flowers.

Then ladies can place a drop of an essential oil on the flower ….. and it will be like having flowers with you.

Obviously you cannot just start making “flowers” to be used so it will take some practice.

I did make two and they look pretty good for the first time.

My daughter left me some clay so that I can practice.

I can tell you it is so relaxing and FUN.

In between our fun … I took a run (borrowed her car) to the grocery store.

It was a great day.

I felt like a million dollars with my family here with us.

I even managed to slip in a couple of loads of laundry throughout the day and early evening.

Alvin and I curled up on the sofa and watched a couple of movies that I had recorded and had the most relaxing evening.

The best Saturday ……

 

So on this Sunday there will be more laundry in my future.

I also want to call some folks and see about booking a tea party or two and secure some orders.

So phone calls also in my future.

So happy to see the sun shine.

The temperature is supposed to warm up so I can go for a walk with Mr. Alvin.

It has been a couple of very cold days so we did not go.

He did go in the back yard to bury his chew treat from time to time and take a run about.

 

I hope that you have a lovely Sunday ….. filled with a bit of work and relaxation time and above all LAUGHTER.

Happy Sunday.

Time for toast and coffee and perhaps banana to share with Mr. Alvin …. he is waiting.

Also share coffee with my neighbour ….. she buys the beans, I grind them and make coffee for us …. I make her a special one …. am I not the luckiest person.

I believe most days.

 

Special Hello to: everyone who reads my blog, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of August, 2015.

Wow another August Monday morning to enjoy.

The sun is coming up a bit later each morning …. shorter days.

The air is cool as summer slowly turns into fall.

I love late summer and fall.

Most especially fall.

After last week’s blast of hot hot air it is a good 10 degrees cooler during the day.

Much easier at night for people to sleep as it gets quite cool during the night.

The temperature in the house was 68 degrees F, this morning.

Well Alvin and I had an unusual Sunday as my neighbour in the other half of our duplex held a “front lawn sale” ….

We ended up out front from basically 9:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Few inside breaks as it was kind of cool to be just sitting …..

It was relaxing and fun.

I found some items that I could use so helped with her sales.

Alvin enjoyed all the folks who stopped by.

I had him on a leash and at some points sitting on my lap to help keep me warm.

Ended up with a winter vest on and thankfully I had put on socks (yup socks with sandals).

We even weeded our front flower beds in between customers.

Leftovers of peach salsa and tortilla chips for lunch and a couple pots of hot coffee.

Well time to get going to the office.

I hope that you all had some time to yourself and enjoyed your weekend.

If you were working I hope that you did take some “me” time.

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to: yes, sister …. so far this tea venture has been great …. am loving it.  Lots to learn.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of June, 2015.

How glorious has this weekend been?  ….. VERY.

Started out with a vacation day on Friday.

Spent the day fixing and making the outside look beautiful for Saturday as well as the inside of the house.

I also did some more baking.

Saturday, I held my very first “Steeped Tea Party” and it was a huge success.

Mr. Alvin was very excited about all of the company, the ladies, to say the very least.

He even had my friend’s puppy “Sadie” over to play …..

He definitely likes to be the centre of attention that is for sure.

At one point I saw this long red thing hanging out of his mouth followed by the roar of the ladies, only to find he had been smelling about, and found this piece of liquorice in a purse.

I will admit he looked so cute and so guilty with this liquorice hanging out of his mouth.

He managed to eat a small piece before I got it away from him.

His first and last liquorice.

Needless to say his Momma apologized to our guest.

We learned lots and had a great time.

I give my thanks and gratitude to all those ladies for their orders and attendance, it was off the charts.

I love this tea …… so much to learn about steeping tea and have learned that it is truly an art.

So looking forward to learning more ……

I knew some about the wellness properties of green tea but there is so much more.

After the tea party was over and the last of the guests departed my daughter and I headed out for the Shopper’s Gala.

That was fun, too.

More treats, free things and some shopping.

Quick trip to the grocery store and then home.

Once home it was clean up from the party followed by a walk with Alvin.

Good thing because it rained for awhile.

We had such a great day and I am so tired …. slept very late today.

Not tired ….. really.

Well I guess I better get this day going ……

It is going to be a quiet one and deciding what to get for free stuff from my party.

I love free stuff.

YAY …….

I encourage everyone to try tea so good for us.

There are even some blends that will help with having dessert after supper.

I have always been a dessert person ….. I have a serious sweet tooth.

So this will help.

I hope that you all have an awesome Sunday.

Filled with love and laughter.

I will have that memory of Mr. Alvin looking guilty and pleased all at the same time … with that long piece of liquorice hanging out of his mouth …… the laughter, too.  Great moment frozen in time.

Oh my boy ….. he should be in the movies ….. he is quite the star.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who drink and enjoy tea …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 14th day of November, 2014.

Happy Birthday Wishes to our friend “S” …… have a wonderful day.

Well last night was my second Thursday to work till 10:00 p.m.

Mr. Alvin woke up when I got home and then Miss Penny wanted to come downstairs.

So both of them followed me around as I prepared my lunch for today and a snack for last night.

The store was fairly busy so that was great.

My sales were very good.

I got a kick out of Alvin and Penny ……

When me and Alvin went to bed I could hear Penny scratching at the kid’s bedroom door …. so when she did not stop I decided she might as well come and sleep with us.

Oh, I forgot to mention we have a house guest for the weekend starting last night ….. our friend “CASEY” is back.

So the four amigos……

He is so darling.

Miss Penny slept with us and those puppies woke me up at 4:00 but I managed to get them back to sleep until 4:45 …… I didn’t get to bed until midnight.

Well I had better get going as I am on Aussie care ….. neighbour’s cat.

Her Mom gets home on Sunday.

I hope that you have a great day and I will at both jobs.

I love Friday nights at the store.

Special Hello to: our friend “S” …… it is your Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday, the 6th day of July, 2013.

Well yesterday was the garage sale.

I guess by all accounts it was a success.

We sold and gave away lots.

Made a few dollars, and that was good.

Garage sales are always interesting.

You meet all kinds of people.

Our neighbourhood and city is now filled with people from every corner of the planet.

Most people come and say hello and then speak their languages between themselves.

So you never know what they are saying …..

We had a ton of free stuff and that was a big hit.

Also most people barter.

I guess I am not a haggler as I wouldn’t think of bartering down a price.

Part of that process kind of bothers me.

Even when they had boxes and bags of free (good stuff) they still wanted the priced items for less.

Oh well, I have decided after four years of hosting a garage sale or two each summer that I am hanging up my “GARAGE SALE” sign.

Whenever I have things that I do not require they will go to Good Will.

Also I do not buy or request anything “ornamental” as I do not need anything.

I did meet some wonderful people that live close by and that is always good.

Meeting people from all over the world gives me ideas to use in my stories.

Well time to go and get some work done.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those people who have garage sales …..

Always, Carol and Alvin