Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you doing well. Hard to believe today is Monday, November 28, 2022. Almost the end of November 2022. Where has the time gone? Almost time to start the countdown to Christmas. Do not want to start too early, lol.

Yesterday I borrowed my neighbour’s car and went shopping to the nearby strip mall where I went to Shoppers Drug Mart and Bone & Biscuit and Save-On-Foods. The first place that I went to at Shoppers was the Post Office to mail a small parcel and Christmas Cards, what did I find, CLOSED sign. I was grateful to find out from a clerk who happened to be walking past that the Post Office would open at Noon. This was about 10:45 am, so that was okay. I had some things that I wanted to pick up at Shoppers so I consulted my list on my phone. Sometimes I bring a paper list but this time it was more efficient to have the phone so that I could delete the items that I bought without carrying a pen. After that I headed to the Bone & Biscuit to pick up Christmas gifts, possibly a new sweater and harness for Mr. Alvin, only to find that it was closed until noon. What is this new business, lol? So I took my purchases and placed them in the car and was off to the grocery store which I knew for a fact that it was open. When I arrived inside the store I grabbed a cart and consulted my list. There were a number of customers in the store but it was not too bad. The cashier was young, friendly and I really appreciated the way that he packed my groceries. I almost forgot to drop off the batteries that I had placed in the bags provided (they were in with my bags that I had brought to the store). Old batteries dropped off. Another items off my list but in hindsight I forgot to grab more bags! OH well, next time. I checked over the receipt to ensure that nothing was charged incorrectly as he had initially charged the wrong price for a non-food item that I had picked up for a gift. Who knew that I would find something that was requested on my pick for Secret Santa. Loaded up the car and then back to Shoppers to mail the parcel and Christmas cards including one to Sweden to my longtime “pen pal” Ingrid. No lineup, how wonderful. Then I was off to Bone & Biscuit where I checked my list for the items that I wanted to purchase for Mr. Alvin, Aspen and Milo for Christmas. I found a sweater, new leash and toy for Alvin and then a toy each for my grandpups. Success. I even received 10% off my purchase due to the points that I had accumulated. Then back to the car, loaded up and on my way home.

Once I was home, I unloaded the car with a few trips and then returned the car keys to my friend. She was down with something and had been resting on the sofa. Poor girl. Her boyfriend was relaxing on the sofa, just having a quiet lazy day. He drives long distance trucking. Alvin was enjoying sniffing around the bags. I had to put the bag up that had his Christmas present in it. They must put something inside those items or else just the scent from the store lingering, I do not know because I semi hid the bag in the spare room behind a large rubbermaid which is containing other Christmas presents and he keeps going in and sniffing. He cannot get to the bag with his gifts but he sure knows something is in there. Funny. I unpacked and as I was putting the groceries away, I realized that one item was not there. I looked back over everything and not there. So I texted my friend to see if I could borrow her car once again and before you know it, I was on my way, back to the store. ARGH. Back at the store, a young man who had just come back from bringing cards into the store, came back to Customer Service and asked if “he could help me,” I said yes and explained the situation. He said that he remembered one of the cashiers had a list of the items that were left at cash and had returned them to their places in the store. He just had to find the list. He found the list and then another clerk came to Customer Service. They were able to secure another item for me and then I was on my way. YAY. Normally, I would have not bothered but this item was almost $10.00. Too much money to throw away. After I put everything away, I got Mr. Alvin into his harness and sweater (not new ones, although I did try them on and they fit perfect) and we went for a walk. I was so fast trying them on that I think he will forget what they looked like, lol. We enjoyed a walk. Then back home. I decided to bring up the ladder and change the light bulbs and clean the light fixture by the back door. Could not get it down so I texted another neighbor’s son to see if he could come and help me, he said yes. In the meantime, I replaced a bulb in another fixture. I am so blessed and was happy to get these chores done and for the help. I e transferred him some money for helping me as this was the second weekend in a row, I reached out to him. I cleaned out and rearranged the back cabinet / pantry before starting supper. After supper it was a quiet evening.

Whoops time is slipping away and is almost time to start work. I have the coffee ready to plug in.

Have a great Monday. Stay warm.

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

I am grateful to be surrounded by great people.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! What a first few days of FALL we are having here in Edmonton on our street. I hope that you are doing great on this bright sunny Saturday morning. Yesterday at the office, I was there. I caught a ride with one of my coworkers and we have a plan to carpool for our future rides to the office. After work my daughter picked me up, we stopped at the store and then home. Mr. Alvin was well looked after as my neighbor Sonja had popped in several times during the day ensuring he was fed, watered and went outside. She even gave him supper so that I could go to the store on my way home from work. I am beyond grateful to her for always helping us. She takes such good care of Mr. Alvin. Oh, and a pleasant surprise from my daughter when she announced that she may sleepover and she did! So great waking up with that human in the house.

When we arrived home from the store and as we were bringing the groceries and things in from the car one of our friends Ali and her pup Bailey were walking by on the opposite side of the street. Bailey spotted us and immediately started to squeal. I motioned for them to come over and as we brought things into the house – we had a visit. We love our Bailey and she gives some of the best kisses. Another gal was walking her dogs Eddy and Bruno who are labs and big but friendly. Bailey got excited again. She has just got to know them and loves the boys. Then they were all gone and we started to put things away.

We decided to pick up something from the store for supper, something already cooked from the deli. So supper was sushi and potato wedges and for dessert, Saskatoon ice-cream. A very unlikely combination I will admit but good all the same. That is what happens when you pick up food from the grocery stores.

After supper we got ready to go for a walk. Other neighbours were out walking and had just picked up their mail so we chatted with them as we walked. We did not even get to their house and Mr. Alvin stopped and turned around heading for home. I tried to change his mind but he wanted to go home. We were not home very long and it started to rain. There had been some clouds in the sky but nothing in the forecast. Perhaps he could tell something was coming. Oh, our weather forecaster Mr. Alvin.

For the evening we decided to watch a movie and watched “LIGHTYEAR” and oh my goodness, if you have not seen it, you must. It had a bit of everything, good storyline, great characters, love story, heroes, sad, happy, incredibly funny and more. Highly recommend it.

Well time to get the coffee on as we both are coffee drinkers.

Amanda is going to stay and help me with a few tasks before heading out. She is planning to go to COSTCO, yup, COSTCO on a Saturday. She needs gas so she will decide when she gets there whether it is worth going into the store, too.

I hope that you have a great day. I am over the moon happy ……

So great to have my girl here. Mr. Alvin opened the door to her room this morning at 3:00 a.m., I guess just checking to make sure she was still here. He loves her so much. They love each other.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Amanda.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are great. Alvin slept till 4:00 and then again till the alarm went off at 6:00. We are up – the boy has been fed – I have put on the coffee – went outside with Alvin and picked up “poop” – did my EVO thing for the office – made bed – brushed teeth – washed and put on makeup – dressed and woke up the girl. Yes, my daughter slept over. So nice to have another human in the house. I think even Alvin slept better. She picked up some groceries for us and food for Alvin from the vet before coming over yesterday late afternoon. I made chicken stir fry and we had a great supper. Dessert was some of Val’s yummy cinnamon buns and biscotti. We watched some television after a brief cleanup. We walked about the trip and I saw her photos and some videos. I think she would have liked more time there as it went very quickly. But they were happy to get home to see their beloved pups “Aspen and Milo.” I hear that Miss Aspen misses her window seat.

Well today is to the office for the day. I have everything all organized for Mr. Alvin. My friend Gillian is coming over during the lunch hour to give me a treat, make sure that he drinks some water, goes pee and has some company. I will turn the television on although it will go into sleep mode after 4 hours. I wonder if there is a way to turn that “mode off.” Nice for him to have some voices or music in the background.

The sky is kind of grey but there does not appear to be a huge wind. Yesterday at noon when we went for a walk, I was eating my hair the whole way. We only walked about halfway. Just too hard to fight the wind but it was nice out, although I did have a light jacket on.

Well I am off to ensure that the boy has a good drink of water and to make sure that I do not forget anything. Have to take the laptop and stuff to work along with lunch, water and coffee and my purse. Lots of things to haul but at least I am not having to carry it to a bus stop.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin & Amanda

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well this morning! Also sending positive thoughts and energy out to all my friends and family. I hope that the fog is lifted, the job is secure and more orders come in, that good health is once again restored and life is less complicated. Last night we were in bed a bit later than usual, shortly after we laid down, Mr. Alvin was frantically rubbing his ear against the bed as he laid down, then he would jump up and shake his head and then lay down and lick his paws. I tried to soothe him as much as possible and after a few minutes of this, I got an idea. Off downstairs I went. In the drawer I secured one of his tramadol pills and in the fridge grabbed his wet food. In a small bowl I placed the pill inside a bite sized piece of food, put the food back in the fridge, rinse the spoon and went back upstairs. He was very happy to have more food and very easily took the pill which was hidden inside. In a little bit of time, he had calmed down and was able to sleep. He has not shook his head or rubbed his ear yet this morning. Was it possibly that his paws were bothering him so much that he did not know what was hurting. Or what? I do not know for sure. His ears look good. I was so careful when I gave him a bath not to get any water in his ears. So for today, I will monitor him and if he shows any signs of discomfort or pain, I will be calling the vet to make him an appointment. My poor boy. At this moment he is laying on his round dog bed which has a new home in my upstairs office.

Yesterday we had a nice walk at noon. It was a bit cool and windy but not bad for this time of year. After work I made another great escape by borrowing my neighbour’s car and going to both Shoppers and Save-On Foods. Both stores were surprisingly busy for that time of day. I guess most people had the same idea as I did. While in the checkout at Shoppers I noticed that they had self-serve areas and happened to say it to the Customer Service Clerk who said “Yes, they were put in back in May” and I replied “Oh I hadn’t realized it was that long since I was in the store and continued to tell her about my neighbours and daughter who for the past 18 months have been picking up my groceries. Lately I have been going myself but only once every couple of weeks. Sometimes my daughter picks me up things in between or another friend grabs me coffee from Costco or other items, if I need or on a good sale.

I was back home in less than one hour. At home first thing after parking, hauling the groceries to our porch and returning the keys to my neighbour and then placing the bags inside the door – I quickly gave Mr. Alvin his supper. He does not appreciate being late for supper. He is so funny that way. A foodie for sure.

The sunrise looks beautiful with streaks of pink and orange in between the layers of blue sky. I love this time of day ….. I especially love sunrises and sunsets. The colours bring me joy. Well on that note, I am going to sign off and head back downstairs. I hope that you have an awesome day. May your ears be clear, your hands and feed be pain free and may you be able to have a nap anytime you wish and that you sleep through the night! Be in good health.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? When Al and I were first up at 3:30 a.m. – it was dry, next time we were up at 5:30 it was overcast and the deck was wet and it was lightly raining and it continued. Until a few minutes ago the sky was grey with rain clouds but now the clouds are breaking up and I can see clear blue sky to the south. I cannot believe that the forecast had the rain starting and ending down to the hour and were correct. How is that even possible? Luck? Perhaps. It is windy. The temperature was to be 30 today but has been reduced to 29 but what is the difference of one degree? Likely won’t feel any differently.

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day. We were up in good time. I wrote my blog, had a shower and went for a walk before my friend, S came over for a visit on the deck. We had a great visit in the sunshine. Mr. Alvin was barking and was getting warm so we moved from one side of the deck to the sofa. He laid down and I sat next to him. He settled right down. We, girls continued our visit. My friend still had some sunshine. I love my talks with my friends, I get caught up on all things children and with them. I learned so much yesterday morning. Also another thing that happened after our walk. I checked my phone to find two missed calls from our friend G, who usually comes with S for coffee and visits. Quickly called her back to find out that the “upright freezer” that I had been eyeing up at the COSTCO store where her husband works was on sale. He had not noticed and yesterday was the last day of the sale. It was a huge $60 off so I could not refuse. Lucky for me, they have a truck and could load up and bring it over to me after he was done work and that is exactly what happened. I am so grateful to have an upright freezer. Now there is no chance of me falling in and not being able to get out. For some reason I had that in my head and what would Mr. Alvin do? Would be funny for sure! Also for a second time I had groceries delivered to me. This time from Save-On Foods. They were a few minutes with their delivery but the driver called me to let me know he would be late and to make sure that okay to leave on the steps. I advised him that I would be at home and it was okay. Poor guy. Last night we watered the flowers and plants after a hot day. Yup, watered everything and everything had another good drink this morning. Thankfully it has stopped raining.

Sometimes you just never know what can happen during the course of a day.

What a day we had. Good on all fronts. I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you to my daughter for ordering the groceries from Save-On to have them delivered. I tried to use the APP and had nothing but problems. My daughter to the rescue as always. So grateful to have her ….. she is good to her Momma. Sometimes technology drives me crazy.

Well looks like it is almost time to head on downstairs and put on the coffee, turn on some music, and grab Mr. Alvin’s bed from the living room and set it up in the kitchen so he can lay down there when he chooses. Usually he flip flops between the kitchen and sofa in the living room.

Too bad we could not get out for an early morning walk but to walk in the rain is not a great idea especially when there was thunder and lightning. Better to be safe. Hopefully the temperature will allow us to walk at noon. Most days we get in two walks so I guess if we miss one here and there we will be okay.

I am continuing to write the story that I started Saturday night ….. another chapter …..making more notes. Going in the right direction. So grateful for that ah ah moment.

I wish you a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning,

No additional moisture overnight, thankfully.

We had a great Sunday.

Humphrey spent the day with us and went home just before our bedtime.

Even had a nice walk in the mid afternoon.

Teddy and his Mom came for a visit.

The boys (Alvin, Teddy and Humphrey) hung out after our tea and visit while we went to the grocery store.

First off, we went to the Co-op.

They had some bathroom tissue on the shelves but it was not on sale or at least not for a good price.

After we were finished at Co-op, we went to Save-on Foods, the grocery store closest to my house.

Teddy’s Mom prefers Co-op and me, I guess Save-on.

I quickly gathered the items that I wanted leaving the bathroom tissue until almost last.

There was not one package on this huge row of shelving …. not one ….

A clerk was there folding up a box so I asked him and he said “Sorry, we have sold.”

I said “Are you kidding?”

He said “No.”

I could not believe it.

In the 11 years that I have lived in Edmonton, in this neighbourhood, not one time have they completely SOLD OUT of bathroom tissue.

I think that people are just going a tad off the deep end.

Why just bathroom tissue?

That seems to be the question of the day.

ARGH, was all that I could think of, ARGH, I thought.

Thankfully I have enough for this week and maybe a bit longer if I treat it as if it were GOLD.

I heard in the store or somewhere that the trains are not getting through.

Trains….

Most of our groceries come by truck, do they not?

I always thought so.

I know grain travels by railcar and vehicles are brought from coast to coast via train, but bathroom tissue.

Maybe.

Anyway, it is crazy.

 

One more quick story.

At Save-on Foods yesterday while at the check-out.

I was going to use my free 200 points from last weekend when I pulled out the FREE apple juice.

I believe it was for FIVE free cartons of juice.

I said to the Cashier that I would not be using this free juice and wondered if he could give it to a Mom coming through or Family.

He looked at me strange but agreed.

The man behind me to whom I had been speaking about the bathroom tissue shortage …. said “Hey, I never thought of that” and started rummaging through his wallet.

Perhaps I started something.

Pay it forward.

FREE stuff at the grocery store, don’t throw away those little coupons, pass them on.

There is always a family out there that could use them.

 

 

Well this morning I am catching the bus.

Going to catch the earlier one as the one that I used to catch only gets to me to work right at the stroke of start time.

Heaven above that I show up that close to start time.

Oh well, I guess I am held to higher standards.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Oh, last night was a full full moon.

Which will make for an interesting day, I am sure.

If this was Saturday, it would only be 4:57 not 5:57.

No wonder I feel tired.

Somewhat.

Considering that I don’t feel as though I slept at all.

Alvin actually did not wake up until I got up minutes before the alarm went off.

YAY, Mr. Alvin.

Okay, I am going now.

 

Off to get this one going.

Poop pick up (coat on first of course) and grab lunch etc.

 

Remembering to be kind and respectful.

Yes, we must.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 22nd day of December, 2018.

Well we are up and at it already.

Starting the final preparations on our first office Christmas party.

But first I would like to share a story or three from yesterday.

Yesterday was our last day of work before the Christmas break.

Some of the staff already moved over to our new office space went back to the old building to help with the final cleanup.

There were cords of all description to gather, odds and ends to gather and either mark for move, storage or trash.

I helped for a few hours before returning to the new office as I had some work to do before we closed at 12:30 p.m.

Just before 1:00 p.m. we enjoyed a hot turkey lunch with all of the trimmings.

It was so good.

We also enjoyed some entertainment, a magician.

He was really good.

Even with a group trick …. it worked.

We were all amazed.

I volunteered to help with a trick.

Following there were some draws for gift baskets.

I did not win but that was okay.

After that my friend J and I went back to the old office to pick up my cabinets.

The wind was blowing and it was snowing.

We managed to load both of the cabinets onto his truck and then head for my home.

The traffic was heavy as likely most every other office downtown were off early.

So we got to my house about 4:30 and unloaded the cabinets.

I left one in the garage and brought the other one into the house and placed it in the nook behind the back door.

It was almost 5:00 before we were done and on the road again.

Poor Alvin likely wondered what the heck was going on.

I asked J to drop me off at my neighbouring SAVE-ON FOODS store so that I could pick up the last of my groceries for tonight’s party and for Christmas.

I hemmed and hawed about whether to call a taxi before or after getting the groceries and at the last minute decided to call afterwards.

So I raced around the store picking up my items so that I could call and get home to Alvin and to the list of things that I had wanted to do last night.

I finished in record time.

It was about 5:35 p.m. when I called for a taxi, a Co-op one and the dispatcher said 5 to 30 minutes, so I thought that’s not too bad.

I picked up a lotto ticket for the $60 million draw from last night (have not checked my ticket yet) and then proceeded to wait outside for the taxi.

It was snowing and blowing so I waited in the section where they house the Christmas trees which is open.

Standing there in the blowing snow, I waited.

First it was 10 minutes, then 20.

They were playing Christmas tunes, so I sang quietly and danced to the music to keep warm.

Watching people come into the store and minutes later leaving the store.

Then it was 30, then 40, then 45.

By this time I am starting to get aggravated but no choice but to wait.

I had bought ice so did not wish to wait inside where it was warm.

Then it was 55 minutes and a YELLOW CAB pulled up and dropped someone off.

I without even thinking – started to wave at the taxi.

I could see him acknowledging me as he drove up and around to come back to my spot.

He rolled down the window and I quickly explained about the other taxi and the long wait.

The driver asked me where I was going and I told him not even 5 minutes away and odd question, he asked me how much I was going to pay.

I think that he meant was it cash?

I told him a few times, thank you for stopping and asked for his name, he told me “Abdi.”

Anyway in a minute he was helping me load my groceries and I kept the bag with the eggs with me inside the car.

In a short short time, I was home.

I gave him the money, “ten dollars.”

The ride only ever costs $5.00 or so.

It actually went up as the first time that I started to catch a taxi it was four dollars and change.

Anyway, I had my things and was home.

Poor Alvin.

Thankfully when I was home at 4:30 – he had gone outside to pee.

Otherwise he would have been floating.

I apologized to me Alvin and let him outside.

Then off with the coat and started to put the groceries away.

By this time we are fast approaching 7:00 p.m.

Considering I originally left home just before 7:00 a.m. – a long day.

I felt tired.

I went to grab the bag with the ice and frozen peas and did not see it.

I looked everywhere.

In the store I had used a different bag – it was the one that I had used to carry my SAVE-ON bags.

Just to put the ice and frozen peas in so that they would keep each other cold.

Not anywhere.

I even looked on the porch as the bag was dark red and black.

Nope.

Then the realization set in that I had left it in the trunk of the cab.

ARGH.

OH now.

I felt like crying.

Over a bag of ice and frozen peas.

But I needed the ice for tonight and the peas for Christmas Day dinner.

I had been so happy that I was able to get ice that was not frozen into one block.

Had been so happy.

In a quick thought I remembered that I had asked for his name and I knew that he was on his way to pick up a fare at COSTCO.

So I got the cab’s phone number and called the company.

The dispatcher likely thought I was a little crazy.

But I asked for help.

She was going to ask her Supervisor and call me back.

The call never came.

So I am out a bag of ice and two bags of frozen peas.

Now I will have to ask one of the girls coming tonight to please bring a bag of ice.

After all of that I was frazzled.

But in the words from FROZEN ….. “Let it go, Let it go.”

Managed to do some laundry and a couple of things including cleaning the cabinet and offloading items from other areas to their new home, and then to bed at 10:00 and we slept until about 4:00 a.m.

That is when Alvin needed to go outside and he actually ate his breakfast.

Okay that is my sad story.

I am beginning to think that I will have to count bags or something.

It was not long ago that I forgot the rug on the cart at COSTCO and the bag of avocados (which must have been missed at the cashiers as we were not charged for them).

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

I hope that this crazy story brought a smile to your face.

Cause I have to smile now.

Not much point in crying ….. have a party to get ready for ….. the time will fly….. already 9:15 a.m.

Laundry to go and check on …..

Have a great Saturday.

 

Special Hello to my sister and all of my girl friends back home in Regina …. Happy Saturday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of April, 2016.

Another month in April almost complete …. hard to believe.

 

Yesterday was a stellar day in our household.

Our beloved Elton continues to beat the odds and is making a full and “speedy” recovery from his surgery on Tuesday.

The kids went for a visit yesterday and he was so excited to see them he just stood and wagged his tail and then began to eat his food.

The staff said he wouldn’t eat before they arrived.

He continues to astonish the Doctors and all of us.

We are so grateful that he remains with his family that treasure the little guy more than words can say.

 

The other was just as much a surprise as Elton’s amazing recovery was this.

On our way home from our walk we stopped by the mail box to retrieve the mail.

Usually flyers and junk mail.

There was an medium sized white envelope that was addressed to me by way of a typed label.

There was no return address.

There was no means of identifying by the post mark.

When I got home I quickly opened it.

Inside the envelope something was neatly wrapped in white paper, carefully the corners were pressed.

Opening that I found a small yellowish enveloped so sealed that I had to use my letter opener to get into it.

Inside I found a small card decorated with three little flowers.

I opened the card to find a $50.00 Save-On Grocery Card (the store is walking distance from my house).

The card read:   JUST BECAUSE and beside it a “Happy Face.”

No signature …. no means of discovering who this most generous person is ….

I am running out of time here as I have to go to work.

But I must tell you the timing is perfection as between Alvin’s $1200 Dental Bill and the $800 Unexpected Energy Bill, it has left me “temporary” in a bind.

Getting there and the gift card was so thoughtful.

Sometimes you never know what you will find in the mailbox.

Maybe it was not a cheque but it was so much more.

Someone took the time and got me something I could use.

So very grateful.

 

We also stopped by and saw one of our neighbour’s who had recently fell and broke her hip and is now home recovering.

Another speedster in the healing department.

She is in such good health she will be up and doing her gardening soon.

Thank you.

 

Yesterday was a blessed day all way round.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who think there is no one watching over them ….. there surely is ……

Always, Carol and Alvin