Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Alvin is snoozing outside the office door as I click click away on the keyboard writing this post. I am so grateful that we had such an beautiful fall thus far.

Even though the wind is howling and sounding like it is blowing things away, the air outside is warm. Fingers crossed for another warm day. Yesterday was beautiful. 20’s for October is amazing. Makes me want to do a happy happy dance. My friend Pauline came over and looked after Mr. Alvin. They even went for a walk to the park. Good to know that if I am not at home, he will walk when someone tries to take him outside. After work, I so wanted to go for another walk (went for a walk at work) but someone had other ideas so it was very short lived.

Did I tell you that I was having monitor problems which have now been rectified? Did you know that the port can actually break? You learn something new everyday. Thanks to my friend and coworkers’ husband who works in IT for fixing the problem. I truly learn something new each day. So I am happy to have the monitor working again. I could work with just the laptop but much easier with a second screen/monitor.

I took tomorrow off and have a full day planned between vet visit etc.

The wind howling made me think that I should change out my closets and bring up my winter wear. I don’t think we will have many sandal/flip flop days ahead. Would be nice but not likely!

I am looking forward to a cup of coffee this morning.

My friend Val said that a surprise package is being delivered today. I can hardly wait. Did not tell Mr. Alvin as he would get overly excited and anxious. He loves opening packages. That makes me happy.

Well it is time to head back downstairs. Plug in the coffee perk. Get this day going. I am up early as it is only 6:28 but that is okay. I have lots to do so might as well get an early start. One more trip outside.

Have an awesome Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a snowy Saturday morning.

What happened to the beautiful sunrise?

What happened to the clear blue sky?

What happened to the feeling of spring?

Feels like winter will never end.

That feeling of dread.

Is that because we are all feeling that things will never end?

That our way of life has somewhat changed forever.

It is a possibility.

Some things will never be the same, that is likely.

Perhaps it is ?

You know how your thoughts become things?

Right.

Perhaps we all collectively need to change our “thoughts.”

We can do this.

 

Everyone close your eyes.

Visualize a bright sunny day.

The air is warm.

You are out walking in your sandals or running shoes.

You are wearing a light sweater and comfortable pants maybe even shorts.

The slightest whisper of a breeze lands on your cheeks providing a cooling effect.

You have your sunglasses on because it is nice and bright.

As you become closer to the entrance to the park, the fragrance of wild roses overtakes your senses.

You just have to stop and take in that wonderful aroma as it tingles every part of your nose.

The shade of green that colours the grass makes you feel happy.

As you walk you have this feeling that life is great.

You just want to dance.

You are feeling joyful and safe and filled with gratitude.

Your little dog walks ahead of you at the full length of the leash.

He is loving life as he sniffs about.

Life is perfect.

You are feeling glorious.

This is the perfect day.

 

This is the perfect day.

 

Wishing you the most perfect day.

We can do this.

We have got this.

We can change this ……

We are the world…..

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Time to get dressed, changed bedding, gather the laundry, have breakfast, perhaps do some shovelling (forgot about the driveway during the last snowfall, argh).

There are things to do.

One of the television stations (old school) is playing some of the JAMES BOND movies today.

The ones with Daniel Craig.

At least two of them for sure.

Wishing you a grand day.

Be safe and in good health.

Remember to eat some oranges and broccoli.

Go for a walk if you are able OR do some stretches.

 

I/We are with you,

In kindness and with respect,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  answering the after hour calls last night from 4-7 p.m. went went.  I was answering with a couple of lads from the office and we made a great team.

A friend brought me groceries yesterday.

Life is good.

Forgot story from last night.

Two lads walking down the sidewalk across the street from my house.

Dressed in onesies ….. full length ….. like baby sleepers.

One was leopard print and the other a bright green.

Not sure where they were going or what they were thinking.

It definitely make me smile.

AND

There was a bunny in the yard across the street from us.

Alvin was situated in his chair looking out the window at the bunny.

A German Shepherd and his female pack leader came walking around the corner.

The dog got wind of the bunny.

Hilarity ensued.

The gal was pulled by this huge dog over a snowbank and onto the street.

She was holding on for dear life.

The bunny of course, gone.

Once they were out of site.

The bunny was back.

Bunny came across the street and was eating when my neighbour who feeds the bunnies.

Came out and started to put out some food for them.

The bunny left to the safety of across the street.

As soon as she was gone into her house.

Bunny was back.

Alvin enjoyed the show.

The photos were all taken from behind the blinds.

 

 

Happy Days.

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well Happy Friday morning.

It is true that you never know how a day will start, the middle or how it will end.

I must share with you my Thursday.

The day was pretty good.

Was getting lots accomplished at work.

I received a phone call from a coworker who said please “Read the SKYPE message that I just sent you, you need to see this message.”

Will say for sure that in that nanosecond I was truly intrigued by the note.

Read the message while she stayed on the line and then said “Yes, your client is here with some flowers for you.”

She is waiting in the lobby.

I said thank you and then quickly went to see the client who brought me flowers.

This dear lady is moving away from Edmonton, and wanted to thank me.

Not only did she bring me these beautiful white Oriental Lilies but she hand-made me the most beautiful blouse and sandals.

I will share some photos (later).

We were standing in the middle of the lobby both teary eyed.

I was moved that someone would be so generous not only with the cost of the flowers but to actually make a blouse just for me.

Unfortunately the blouse is “just a tad” too small for me but the sandals and the lilies fit perfectly.

I was floating on air with gratitude for the fact that someone was leaving for better career opportunities and was taking time out to show her appreciation.

What a great world we live in.

So the rest of the day was a blur.

Hard to settle down after that …. too excited.

Caught the bus home.

After Alvin went outside and had his supper.

We went for a walk.

Teddy was to come over after supper.

On the home stretch of our walk …. who did we see but Teddy’s Mom.

She stopped on the side of the street and said that “they were going to have Dairy Queen for supper and wanted to buy me a burger.”

I said that’s okay, thank you but I have leftovers.

She said “wait a minute, let me turn around.”

So she turned the car around to be facing our house.

Our friend politely said that they wished to buy us supper and what kind of burger would I like, had to have fries and her husband said “she have gravy, too”

and a Cherry Milkshake.

OMG.

 

What you don’t see is the way that my darling Alvin watched me with those puppy dog eyes as I sipped on the CHERRY MILKSHAKE.

He did want the chicken burger, too but the milkshake really seemed to grab his attention.

Unfortunately, technology and I still are having a learning curve …. apparently when I was snapping some photos of him looking at me and the milkshake, I was actually snapping about a thousand frame per second.

Okay, perhaps that is just a tad over the top …. actually it was 196.

I had some of him licking the bottom of the milkshake container as I was sipping away.

He really wanted some of that milkshake.

I apologize for missing out on some great shots.

They are on my phone so perhaps I will be able to upload/download them at some point from my phone to the computer.

I hope so.

 

Ended up that Teddy’s Dad has to work today so Teddy will be coming tonight instead of last night.

Well getting close to my time to leave to catch the bus.

Feeling mighty fine this morning.

At the end of my Thursday I received flowers, new blouse/top, new sandals and suppers including the most delicious CHERRY MILKSHAKE.

Doesn’t get much better than that…..

Well tomorrow I will have my grand pups Miss Aspen and Baby Milo for two days.

Along with Master Teddy.

So I guess it does get better!

What a lucky gal, I am.

 

Sometimes or most times we have no clue as to what the day holds in store for us.

All we have to do is to be kind to ourselves and others.

Treat ourselves and others with respect.

Then your day will be wonderful even without pups and flowers.

 

Happy Friday.

No breeze.

Clouds have disappeared and the sun is shining.

To be a warm one.

Time to close the windows and keep in the cool air for the boy.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to a foggy morning here in my neighbourhood.

It may not be the same downtown or in the south end of the city or in the north.

I have found that the City of Edmonton is stretched out over a large area that the weather can be totally different from one area to the next.

The fog is beginning to lift and the sky is partially cloud filled.

The air has a tinge of coolness so that it is comfortable.

The house was not warm/hot this morning but I opened the windows about one hour ago and that will help to keep it cool inside for the pups.

They are resting together on the blue blanket on the floor beside me.

 

Last night I had the best time.

Went shopping to West Edmonton Mall with one of my friends.

I have not really done any shopping for me in ages so it was great.

I had a gift card from her and some other gift money.

There were a great deal of sales on in the mall.

I was surprised to see just how many folks were out on a Wednesday night.

I was very happy to find some sandals …. Clarks ….. not the ones that I saw on DSW’s website but they were similar and felt so good.

I do not think that I have ever put on a pair of shoes and they felt so good.

In total I bought three pair of shoes.

Got some new pyjamas, pair of jeans, two long cardigans and a short-sleeved top.

The retail staff were amazing …. so helping and very nice.

I felt like a million dollars.

Not that shopping makes me feel rich or anything.

Just the fact that I was able to actually go shopping and find some things and able to buy them.

This does not happen often.

Cannot remember the last time.

I try very hard to leave my carbon footprint at a minimum where possible.

Buying things from Thrift stores and swap meets is usually what I do.

So this was nice.

I do love hand me downs (as such) and have worn them my whole entire life thus far.

But sometimes it is nice to get some new things.

No more holey pj’s.

Giggling aloud.

It was great to have someone along as she was honest on how things fit and colours and such.

So I only got what was “GREAT” and not something was cheap on sale and was just okay.

Definitely a lesson for people.

Always better to go with someone.

I so much appreciated her honesty and assistance.

It was wonderful.

Decided not to wear the new sandals today as I may treat them – have to read the labels.

 

Well almost time to take the pups out for one more “bathroom break.”

They did great yesterday.

Alvin was up a couple of times and the last time we went downstairs, he went outside and then we retired to the sofa.

It did take a few minutes to get everyone comfortable.

Three always does take a bit more work.

 

Well I am one excited, happy, grateful, blessed, happy, Oh I said that already girl.

Lucky to have a beautiful home, great family and friends and good health.

To be surrounded by four-legged darlings.

Life is great.

Living …. One day at a time.

Listening to the birds chirping outside the office window.

 

Time to go.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Kindness with Respect go a long way.

Spread the goodness.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin & Teddy

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and  Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of April, 2018.

As April winds down and Spring has definitely sprung; we are happy for the months ahead.

Summer: no socks, sandals, capris, sometimes shorts (not short shorts for me), light sweater or somedays just a top.

Happy Days.

So nice not to spend 5 minutes or so donning your outer apparel.

I saw a Robin the other day as I was chatting to a friend when we were out for out walk.

That was the first Robin that I had seen thus far this spring.

We usually have Robins by our home.

I have a bird house in the back yard.

Usually there are some of the smaller birds debating over who gets the house this year.

Most times the Magpies and the Crows scare the little ones away.

A handful of times I have had a Hummingbird in my backyard.

Oh, how I love those little ones.

So gorgeous.

Another creature that I love is the Dragonfly.

We used to see huge ones around our house at the front and the back.

The past couple of years they have all but disappeared.

Not sure why.

Here are a couple of photos, they were big.

Soon it will be time for planting flowers.

One of my favourite times of year.

I love to get my hands dirty.

I love to watch the flowers grow and show off their beautiful blooms.

All things baby soon.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Cute story.

This morning while I was brushing my teeth, Alvin was in the bathroom with me.

Cause where else would he be?

He sat there and just starred at me brushing my teeth.

I was so hoping that perhaps he could understand better when I was brushing his and perhaps let me really brush them well.

Not so much.

I brushed his right after mine.

He was more than happy to jump up onto the bed and lick his tasty toothpaste while I “brushed his teeth.”

I do get them brushed, most specially the front ones but the back ones are another story.

Just keep trying every day and have done this for the past 8 years.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Happy Spring.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V”

Always, Carol & Alvin

(Somehow this appears not to have been published on Wednesday, so better late than never, I guess).

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 10th day of May, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sky is a little overcast as the sun rises in the east (like it would rise anywhere else, silly me).

Last night just a second after I arrived home and was going to open the back door for Alvin; the phone started to rang.

For a split second ….. let Alvin out or answer the phone, dilemma.

I let Mr. Alvin out as he had been waiting what must feel like an eternity and then picked up the phone.

It was my darling daughter.

She had stopped by Value Village on her way home from work.

Checking things out.

We are both whenever possible making purchases that are reflective of our values.

Values being reuse and recycle ….

Guess what?

I had found a pair of sandals in a flyer that I really wanted.

She found almost the exact same pair and from the same store in VV.

They were in perfect shape and less than 1/4 of the price.

Awesome.

I asked if she could swing by with them and she said yes, invited her for supper.

Alvin and I had a nice walk and then we had our girl here for supper and a visit.

SCORE.

Lucky Momma.

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

The mornings go by so quickly.

I hope that you all have an amazing Wednesday.

Tomorrow is Thursday and PAYDAY.

Two good things …..

But first Wednesday.

Thank you.

Special Hello to:  thank you “V” in advance.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 7th day of September, 2014.

The sky is a bit overcast but the sun keeps peeking out from time to time and there is a bit of a breeze.

There is that coolness to the air that this time of year brings but yet it is warm and comfortable.

I think this is the favourite season for women over a certain age.

Well at least it is for me.

I love the change in temperature, the colour changes to the trees and foliage.

I love that in between time …..

The time we go from flowers in bloom with all the patio/deck furniture out and enjoying that cup of coffee in the sunshine on a weekend morning to a bare deck but sitting on the chair no flowers still enjoying that cup of coffee.

From wearing shorts and a t-shirt to wearing long pants, t-shirt and sweater.

From sandals to sandals because there is no snow yet….

I love summer do not get me wrong but there is something about cleaning out the flower pots and putting away the patio furniture and putting away the summer things.

There just is.

I cannot place my finger on it …… but I guess maybe if I had to guess it would be a strange clean/tidy as Mother Nature prepares us for winter …..

Anyway now most of my flowers not all are ready to have the pots cleaned out ….. I have a few that are still blooming nicely …. might as well keep them out as long as they are looking good.

Even Alvin is preparing for winter …. I can tell his coat is getting thicker … if that is possible.

Well all thoughts today are to preparing for the next season …..

All thoughts are looking forward to the colour scheme that is coming and in some cases arrived.

I hope that you had a great weekend.

Mine was excellent.

Got lots done with the help of my kids …..

I spoke to a close friend of mine and although she had some bad news I just know in my heart that everything will work out.

Keep her in your prayers.

I am surrounding her with good and positive healing energy …. cannot hurt.

AS I do with  all family and friends and anyone I know that needs some extra goodness ….. good thoughts always.

Special Hello to: all my girlfriends back in Regina …. sure do miss you all and our getting together for coffee…… hopefully one of these times soon I can come and we can all get together for COFFEE.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of April, 2014.

Well as I write these words and look out of the window the sky is mainly overcast.

There is rain in the forecast but sunshine is on the way.

I love this time of year because it gets light early even when we do not see the brightly coloured sunrise.

Soon we can don our summer wear ….. capris and shorts ….. short sleeved tops and light sweaters …. and SANDALS.

Ooh, my feet an breathe again ….. fresh air…..

I guess it is time to finish putting away my winter gear.

I had packed away most of the coats, boots and mittens and such.

But had left a winter coat, one pair of boots and some mitts ….. because we did have a cold snap.

I will be pulling out that big blue rubbermaid and washing my summer clothing ……

So nice to start wearing bright and light clothing.

I would like to get some summer dresses this year.

I noticed at THE GAP they had some beautiful dresses.

So perhaps I will pick one up……

Also another great thing about spring…summer is the birds.

I love to watch the robins, hummingbirds, bluebirds and such.

So pretty and lovely.

I have a bird house in my backyard and although they start to build the nest the birds never seem to stay.

Not sure why.

We do have an abundance of ravens and crows.

I think they bully the smaller birds and chase them away.

I think ravens and crows have a place in the grand scheme of things but sure wish they would not chase the smaller birds.

Oh well, maybe this summer I will have a family of birds nesting in my backyard.

That would be grand.

Well better hop to it and finish getting ready as it is my early start at work today.

I hope that you have a great day.

Thank you again for reading my words it means the world to me.

Special Hello to: my friend Val …. a great baker and friend.

Always, Carol and Alvin