2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? It is Thursday, December 9, 2021. There are 15 sleeps till Christmas Eve, 15 sleeps till Santa arrives. Are you excited? I am. I am a 6 year old girl locked up in the body of a 64 year old woman. I believe that says it all. When I was a little girl, I remember being so excited and wondering if Santa got my letter or was listening to me when I said aloud what treasures I would like under the tree. At my real age, I honestly do not remember specific gifts other than a watch which I was both excited and disappointed in receiving. I wanted something a bit more exciting and not so practical. I think that I was about 11, maybe 12. I remember my sister and I getting dolls. There was a horrible year when we girls received these toy machine guns complete with the rat-a-tat noise. I was mortified. We had three younger brothers and I do not remember what they received for Christmas that year but guns for girls. Can you imagine buying your young daughter a toy machine gun for Christmas. I am not sure what I told my friends when they asked what I received for Christmas. Why anyone would think that making toy guns for children was a good idea whether in the 1960’s or at any time is beyond me. But back then, it was as it is still today, all about the money, the sales. Whatever they can advertise whether it is good for children or not, they do. I will say that when I had my daughter, I made quite certain that she had age appropriate gifts and things that she actually wanted. But it was likely my Dad that bought the gifts and he did not think about what the girls would like or the boys but rather whatever he could easily find.

Thankfully yesterday, I was able to get some ice melt from my neighbour and I was able to clear most of the ice from my sidewalk and I also put some ice melt down for them and cleared some of the ice from their walk as well. It is still warm out but I am concerned that even though I scraped away the ice once it melted, the sidewalk was still wet and maybe have a very thin layer of ice on it this morning. I have a friend who is dropping off something this morning and I sure hope that the sidewalk is okay. I wished that I would have shovelled a path through the snow on our front lawn for people wanting to come up to the house. I will keep an eye out for her. What a crazy December. I guess we had thunder and lightning the other night before we had the rain. I can honestly say that I do not ever remember having thunder and lightning in December. But apparently it happened, I missed it. Oh darn, that would be one for the memory books. Anyway, be safe out there all you folks that have to drive to work or to school or for anything, really and on the sidewalks, put on those ice grips or something it is scary icy in places.

Well time to head on downstairs. Alvin did not go outside after his breakfast at 5:00 a.m. nor did he want to go out when I came upstairs. He must have to go.

Take care and be safe.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. thank you Gillian for picking up a few things from Costco for me. I cannot wait to try the new bread and now we have popcorn for awhile. Nice treat to have with all of the sweets.

Christmas gone, Boxing Day Done.

Good Morning All. How are you? Someone I managed to miss writing this blog post yesterday. We slept in a bit after being up earlier, then the kids were up and we were visiting, having breakfast, then packing up their things and then they were gone. The morning was gone and then we were alone and it was early afternoon. Boxing Day used to be the day where I would pop out and pick up Christmas cards and wrapping paper for next Christmas. We did not leave the house except to the back yard. After the family left, I did laundry, put things away and did more dishes. We also had FACETIME with one of our friends down the block. She lives alone with her puppy Bailey. She only briefly saw her parents as they dropped of Christmas Dinner and her sister who is expecting could only visit from a distance outside. Very different from mine which actually did not change from other years. We chatted for almost two hours. While Alvin snuggled beside me on the sofa and just rested. I think that he was plum tuckered out. We had a great Christmas. Weather was amazing and we had a one hour walk all of us on Christmas Day. The sun shone and it was beautiful. Yesterday and today are overcast. Temperature not cold compared to other years. I spoke to my family on Christmas. Texted friends. We had baked chicken breasts, whipped potatoes and gravy, vegetables, cranberries, dressing (stovetop stuffing) and for dessert key lime pie and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. My daughter and I had the pie and my son-in-law was too full for dessert. So they took the ice cream sandwiches home with them. I gave them the lion’s share of the baking that was occupying my fridge and freezer. Not that any one of us really needs more “sugar” but I definitely do not. In fact, I may freeze the small container that I left in the fridge. I am tossing about freezing the chocolates that I received as well. Never thought that I would be saying this but I am “sugared out.” Too much. I feel like a large sugar cube. Now that Christmas is over and I was going to visit with some folks this week but the restrictions are on and I am following the rules. I want this VIRUS gone. It will only be gone if we follow the rules. So this week, I am going to stay home except for going to pick out my new glass frames tomorrow (they have massive protocols in place at my Optometrist’s office and Alvin will need food, so there will be a trip to the Vet likely on Wednesday. Will have to check and see what hours they are open. That is other than some walking. No visits from or visit friends. But that is okay. I want to do my part. What did you get for Christmas? I was spoiled by everyone this year. I received every kind of chocolate you can think of, baking, pj’s, two pair comfy pants, lots of beautiful scented items from my favourite store, Bath & BodyWorks, candles, a pretty top, a hand held blender with so many attachments (something new to learn), books, about ten different kind of hand creams (I think we all had them on the brain as we used so much as a result of washing our hands so often), towel for my stove, and I know I am missing items as that is why I am going to sit down and write down everything I received. After a few days ….. I don’t seem to remember everything. Alvin was spoiled and loved his toys and treats and his new leash.

My daughter helped me figure out why I could not upload photos to the computer. Remember when I decided to use my photo library as my screensaver, I guess it was too much and prevented me from uploading/downloading from phone to computer. So nice to have my photos from my phone to my computer once again.

Well cannot believe we are now two days past Christmas. Time flies. I am needing a shower. Then will get this day started. We were up early as usually about 3:30 and then again at 5:00 and then back to the sofa until 8:30. I needed that extra sleep.

I hope that Santa was good to you and that you were able to celebrate Christmas even though it may have been different.

Wishing you a great day. Hopefully you can relax on this Sunday. Take a breath. No cooking (I have enough food for several days with no cooking). I will be chatting with a dear friend a bit later.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.

With the different format on WordPress I will figure out again how to post some photos but that will be later.

Always, US, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME to Thursday.

Second last day of the work week for me.

Looking forward to a long weekend.

Teddy and Auntie J are coming over for supper and a visit on Saturday.

Our weather is taking a downturn on Saturday as temperatures are dipping to the minus 25 range.

ARGH.

I am not looking forward to that …..

 

How about a look back on this day a few years back.

I like to do this from time to time.

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

Happy Tuesday, November the 8th.  (2011)

I am so grateful for our great weather.

I wish that it would continue for many weeks to come.

Snow for Christmas would be nice.

You know the light fluffy stuff ….

Coming down softly on Christmas Eve just in time for Santa’s visit.

(A girl can dream, right!)

I know that some years Edmonton has had snow later on.

That would be great.

For all those souls basking in the white stuff ….. it will melt and very soon, I hope.

For this day ….. my thoughts are about the weather and Mother Nature’s designs on it all.

Apparently in 2011 we did not have snow.

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

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of November, 2014.

WOW, one week into November ….

Isn’t that wild?

Well I survived my first Thursday night shift at the store and by that I mean I am up and ready to go to the office and then onto the store for another four hours.

I do love working at Bath and Body Works but was wondering how it would go working until 10:00 p.m. on a Thursday night but so far so good.

It was nice being in the mall on a Thursday night.

It has been raining here off and on for the past day and the deck appears to be wet this morning.

It was so nice and warm as I walked home from the bus stop last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk but missed having my Alvin with me.

Well okay, then, I guess looking back on this day years back is slightly depressing.

I did not remember that we had no snow in 2011 and in 2014 it was raining.

There are a couple of things from 2014 that I will mention.

One is that I was working at Bath & Body Works back then and the kids & pups were living with us at that time.

I loved having them with us ….

Working a second job and sometimes 7 days a week had some ups and downs but it was great.

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

Last night Alvin and I walked over to Teddy’s house.

Warmed up and had a nice visit.

Of course, Alvin ran right over to Teddy’s food dish.

There is always something there for him to finish.

Thankfully they do not mind.

 

Well here we go again.

Almost ready to head downstairs and gather things up for work.

So happy that today is Thursday, payday.

That is always a good thing.

Wishing you an awesome Thursday.

We, including me always have things to work on.

If we take those moments to build ourselves then we can put that forward to others.

Being kind does not only apply to rewinding video tapes.

Oh, I guess that is old school now.

But you know what I mean.

 

Mr. Alvin is patiently laying on his blue blanket.

I decided to change my bracelet from the bangle to a chain one.

So better go and do that.

 

Happy Thursday everyone.

I hope that life is treating you well.

Stay warm and if it is warm where you are …. keep cool.

 

Always, Me and The Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of December, 2018.

Well I guess we had better start the countdown.

Right!

18 Sleeps until Christmas Eve Day

That means 19 sleeps until Christmas morning.

YAY …..

I have been a pretty good girl this year so I think that Santa will swing by our place.

Now I cannot be so sure of Mr. Alvin.

“Alvin, have you been a good boy this year?”

Nothing, no sound.

I will take that as a resounding “Yes.”

That means the jolly old elf will be stopping by.

I will have some of my world famous, okay Western Canada famous SUGAR COOKIES ready for him to snack on, along with a glass of “milk.”

Can hardly wait.

I could set up a camera and take some photos of his arrival?

Surprise, Santa.

 

Well today is payday, a dental checkup and mail Christmas cards day and work, of course.

A short work day as I have a visit to the dentist in between it all.

 

Well the carpool is coming early again today and then tomorrow.

So better sign off and get downstairs.

Cannot go outside without a coat and boots and stuff.

I saw a recreational vehicle with a snow blade on it go by.

It actually looked like a supped up golf cart with a blade to push snow on the front.

He was steaming down the road.

Wondering where he was going?

Our roads are a mess.

It will likely be awhile before the City plows them.

 

Keep warm and stay safe.

Be kind to others and to yourself.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. hope you are warm, my darling sis.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 18th day of November, 2018.

Our buddy Teddy left for home with his Mama yesterday morning so the house is SO quiet with only me and Mr. Alvin.

My plans for the day changed when one of my friends called to invite me to go with her to a neighbouring city “St. Albert” to the Enjoy Centre which is a greenhouse/nursery/retail space

where a large “Craft Sale” was being held.

All the vendors had made their wares.

There were all mediums of art: painting on regular canvases, ceramics, woodworking, stained glass and glass art, illustrator/graphic designers, doll makers, coffee brewers, jewellery of every possible

description, things for your pets, fudge and different types of candy, dried mushrooms, condiments, pie maker (not ordinary pies), and so much more.

We came across the paintings, Art by Monk.  She is a famous West Coast Artist and her work was amazing.

My friend and I were speaking to one of her agents and did not even realize that she was on the other side of the display, painting.

I saw a painting of a FOX that was incredible and had the nicest frame on it, as well.

So many things.

I was on visual overload.

I was so excited to come across the same artist “Mackenzie Jones” that my daughter and I bought rings from in a store in Canmore on our girls road trip this past summer.

Love our rings and I wear mine everyday.

Our second trip and each time I have bought a ring made locally and I wear them daily.

A fond reminder of our Mother/Daughter time together.

Needless to say in between the time Teddy left and I went on the craft trip, not much was done so today I have lots to do.

I did go for a short walk with Mr. Alvin in between the craft trip and the Christmas party.

 

Our “friends” Christmas party that was slated for December 1, 2018 was moved up as one of the girls is leaving for down east next week with her daughter and husband and

will not be here for the party.

We had it last night.

So much fun.

The girls provided the snacks and refreshments and told me only to bring myself as there was very short notice about the change in plans.

Even though I had just ate supper, it was not very long when I caved and had some goodies.

ARGH, it begins.

With no car not so easy to pop out and pick up items and no time to bake the “Oreo Cheesecakes” that was I going to bring.

We laughed and caught up in our news.

Some selfie shots were made but ended up only getting odd head shots of the three of us.

A time to laugh for sure.

Alvin stayed home and slept.

The gal that hosted the party gave us all a gift which we were not doing but she is a bad girl and doesn’t listen.

I received a bottle of “Vanilla Bean Noel” foaming hand soap from Bath & Body Works, a necklace of Christmas lights and light up and some peanut butter/chocolate Reese pieces.

So excited about the necklace as I will wear it to work.

We love our necklaces.

Best present ever.

 

She also picked me up some hand soaps from Bath & Body Works when they were at West Edmonton Mall yesterday morning to see Santa (with her daughter).

The mall was crazy busy and I was grateful she ran the errand for me.

The hand soaps were on for a really, really good price.

On the way home last night it was snowing.

It was still snowing a bit at 5:30 when we first got up this morning but had stopped when we got up to stay up about 8:15 a.m.

I was pleasantly surprised when I looked out the window to see the front walk shovelled.

Must have been my neighbour to the west …. so nice.

Earlier I thought I hear some noise out front but did not pay attention as we were snoozing on the sofa from 5:30 to 8:15 a.m.

Well time to get this day going.

I popped the first of four loads of laundry into the washing machine.

Coffee has been made so need coffee.

Such a great Saturday.

I seldom go out and almost never TWICE in the same day.

 

Lots to do today submit a Steeped Tea order, clean bathrooms, do some laundry, walk with Alvin and more.

Happy Sunday.

I hope that you were able to spend time outside of your home.

Another warmer day on the way.

YAY.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are artistic and make things.  You rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of December, 2015.

Only 6 sleeps until Christmas EVE.

It is a crisp morning here in Edmonton.

The wind is blowing a bit so that makes it feel colder.

But it is Friday and I have three days to work after today so I am HAPPY…..

YAY …. so Happy it is the weekend.

Tomorrow morning two of my friends and I are getting together for our Annual Christmas party.

We eat, drink lots of coffee/tea, exchange a small gift and LAUGH, we visit and LAUGH.

Isn’t that the best kind of party ….. we just have fun …..

So am more than excited for tomorrow morning.

 

Do you pick out your clothes to wear to the office/school the night before or do you wait until morning to chose?

I pick my outfit and jewellery the night before …. sometimes I change my mine in the morning.

The sweater I have picked out .. not quite sure but time is evaporating so I will just wear it.

Maybe because it is a loose weave crocheted typed sweater and I feel cold.

Oh well …… I am wearing it.

Just a sweater, right?

 

My grand-puppy Penny has a 4 p.m. appointment at the Vet so everyone might be here when I get home from work, would be a nice treat.

 

Well this is short but Mr. Alvin needs to go back outside ….. I know this is likely more info than you require but he did not poop …. always like him to do so before I leave.

Too long without going.

 

Well I hope that you have the best Friday ….

 

Maybe a giggle or three.

Sit on Santa’s knee ……

Whoa silly me …..

 

Special Hello to: all those folks not sure about what to wear …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 10th day of December, 2015.

Today …. this morning is about remembering holidays past and listening to Mr. Alvin with his deep groaning.

He has his chew treat in his mouth and then just let out a deep groan …. another one.

He is okay …..

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

Charlie Brown had nothing on our tree…..

All Five of Us in the New House …

My sister in the back row …..

Christmas at my house – I love to decorate.

Gifts wrapped and other the tree – not this year…..

That is the last thing on my Christmas TO DO List.

Wrapping this weekend.

Decorating the Christmas Tree is my favourite thing to do for Christmas……

It has become an annual event for my daughter and I…. we put on a Christmas movie,

drink hot chocolate and decorate the tree.

 

Ornaments my Mom made with my daughter …. their last time together.

They are my favourite treasured Christmas ornaments….

 

Baking 2015 ….. there is something about baking at Christmas time.

I love to package up trays of treats for family and friends…..

Some have already been delivered…..

 

Me with Santa a few years ago …..

 

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday …… remembering special days.

These are just a handful of special moments in time for me.

I have so many more that would fill this screen completely.

Have a Happy Happy Day…..

Special Hello to: YOU ….. have the best day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Today is Wednesday the 14th day of October, 2015.

Wow, can you believe it?

Where does the time go?

As of late, I have noticed several people over the age of 40 mention about how fast time goes.

The consensus of opinion was “once you have children” the time flies.

Do you remember when you were 5 and waiting for Santa to arrive?

Trying to figure out how he could come into your house because you did not have the obligatory brick chimney!

Do you remember when your Mum said only 5 sleeps until your Birthday party?

You thought 5 how much is that ?

When you are a child time seems to pass slowly but it is because you live in the present and the future seems far away.

Even one day.

As we get older ….. we live in the future …. our thoughts are always for tomorrow.

We also live in the past so naturally time will fly …..

I guess one thing we can learn from the children is to live in the present …..  live today.

Most days I am okay with the speed that time seems to go …

Others not so much.

Guess lesson learned …..

Always live for today ….. tomorrow will come soon enough.

If you always worry about today and think of tomorrow where are you really living?  Yesterday?

Yikes, too much heavy thinking for 630 a.m.

Time to leave for work.

The office is calling …..

Er, perhaps first being the bus.

Staying focused.

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of December, 2014.

How are you doing this Thursday morning?

I am doing great although I am a bit “tired.”

But tomorrow is Friday and I can sleep in a bit on Saturday.

Hard to believe that next week is Christmas.

I do think that as we get older that time seems to pass by more quickly.

I guess when we are young we only want what is ahead of us so therefore time seems to go more slowly.

But as we get older we more than likely think about and even wish for all the yesterdays.

So it makes sense, right?

Anyway kind of got sidetracked there …… now I am looking ahead to next week with some days off from both jobs so that I can refuel my engine and get back into “form.”

I do love this time of year ….. the music ….. the colours ….. the decorations …… Christmas trees ……. the feeling that is in the air.

If you had a red Santa sack with something in it …..

If you were standing in the middle of the mall ….

If people came up to see what you had….

If you said to them place your hand into Santa’s sack and asked them to say the “magic word.”

What words do you think they would most often say?

Here is a list of those words:

magic word?

ho ho ho

thank you?

please!

Santa

Merry Christmas

abracadabra

Which was number one?

please

I am pleased to say that most people were polite and said “please” and definitely are going onto the NICE LIST this year.

Me too, Santa gave me a task (sort of) and I get to be on the NICE LIST.

Does this sound cryptic?

I was handing out coupons last night at the store and decided to liven things up …. Christmas spirit and all.

It was fun and most people laughed …. which was exactly what I was going for ……

Most of all the majority of people said “PLEASE AND THANK YOU.”

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: every single human being and life form on this planet we call EARTH.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of December, 2013.

One more day closer to the big one.

Can you stand it?

Are you getting excited?

I still get excited after 56 years.

I still believe that Santa will put something under the tree especially for me.

I believe that we will all have a wonderful day.

Watch a Christmas movie or play a board game or perhaps even both.

I know that we will eat well and say afterwards “I wish that I would have stopped at one helping.”

I know that there will be dishes to be washed.

I know that there will be a floor to sweep.

Wrapping paper to be recycled.

Phone calls to make.

It will be a great day ….. my day.

I love Christmas.

It brings me hope ….

I hope that it brings hope to you and your family.

Hope keeps us living…..

BELIEVE.

If given the opportunity spread your wealth …. no matter the size.

Maybe you can see a Mom in the grocery store and you can tell she doesn’t have enough money to buy the food they would like to buy …..

You could pay for the groceries or maybe buy them a turkey or even a chicken.

Maybe there is a elderly person living down the block and you know they will be alone this Christmas.

You could invite them over for Christmas dinner.

There is always a way to make Christmas special and filled with hope.

To surprise a stranger is the best gift of all.

Show love and your generosity will be rewarded.

I firmly believe that what you give you will receive.

Have a great Tuesday …..

Special Hello to: all those lovely folks who read my blog …. I so appreciate it …. Happy Holidays to You and Your Family.

Always, Carol and Alvin