2021

Good Morning ALL! Hard to believe we are now at FIVE sleeps until Christmas EVE. I am starting to get SUPER excited for Christmas. Later this afternoon our little neighbour Cookie is coming over to spend the next two weeks with us. We are preparing for her arrival. I got most of the laundry done yesterday. Spare room bedding all washed and changed, should someone other than my kids spend the night. I made a double batch of fudge as somehow we ran out of fudge and we cannot have that. I had to make a bit of change to it as I was short of chocolate chips so I added a bit of peanut butter. So will see how that goes over. I sure hope that no one has any allergies to peanut butter. It is the only item made with peanuts. I did my last shopping which included gifts for Mr. Alvin, Aspen, Milo and Cookie. That took two hours and I will say quite a lot of money, things should have increased over the past year or so. I am grateful that I did in fact have the money to pay for them although I was a bit disappointed that Shoppers did not honour the President’s Choice Gift Card that I received from my Employer. Oh well.

Last night I wrapped the gifts for the pups and one extra item that I picked up for my son-in-law’s stocking. Alvin was sniffing around the table where I was wrapping as he did smell in the shopping bag some little peanut butter treats that I picked up along with their main gifts. I added ribbon and secured the treats for the pups and put them into the fridge. Once the gifts were wrapped I debated about putting them under the tree as we know what happened last year. I had them on the kitchen counter and then thought that would be four more gifts under the tree which would look nice so I went to put them under the tree and guess who was in there like a dirty shirt? You got it, Mr. Alvin. So back to the counter they went. Last year I was in the kitchen working and I heard this rustling in the living room so I quickly went to check things out only to find someone had found his gift amongst all the presents under the tree and was starting to open it. OMG. I did not wish a replay of last year. So the gifts will remain on the counter in the kitchen.

This morning I will vacuum, dust and clean the bathrooms and the floors. Hoping to get out for a little walk with Mr. Alvin before our company arrives. It is to be minus 12 celsius this afternoon which is the warmest temperature according to the long range forecast for awhile. So we shall see. I have shovelling to do because it snowed more overnight. Thank you to our neighbour Steve for shovelling the front walk decreasing the amount that I have to do. There is snow in the forecast so I will have to stay on top of it. The sun is shining which energizes me. The coffee has perked so time for a coffee break. Lots to do before 4:00 p.m. and luckily there is pizza left from Friday for more leftovers tonight. Planned that right, yes, I did.

Happy Birthday to my great nephew LEVI who turns THREE today. I cannot believe you are three. We wish you a wonderful day and year to come.

Have an awesome day everyone!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are well. For the second morning in a row we slept in. This morning we were woke up by the phone ringing. Which was a good thing. I think it is safe to say that this last week of incredibly hot temperatures has taken a toll on us and likely the rest of the country. It is only 17 degrees outside now and it is 8:16 a.m. – what a difference. Top temperature for today is to be 21 degrees celsius and rain. We did have a bit of rain earlier. We were up at 5:00 the first time.

The last couple of days have been very eventful and I cannot believe that tomorrow is back to work already. Thankfully the workplace remains at the kitchen table. Did I say that I love working from home. So much less stressful and no commute. Sure love that. I can be home right after I am finished work. Home for Mr. Alvin.

Saturday morning as I mentioned we were up and down and then not up until close to 9:00 a.m. I had a shower and was shocked, really shocked to find the water cold and did not warm up at all. In my heart, I knew that it was likely the hot water heater. My home is about 15 years old. After the shower and my brief post to you all, I headed down to the basement to find that there was water leaking from the bottom of the hot water tank. That is never good news. I googled to find out for sure and it was not one of the “fixable” things that were mentioned. Not surprised. I texted a few people for guidance. My daughter replied right away. She helped me find a plumber to call. I called the company and set up an appointment for 3:00 p.m. (by the way the technician/plumber was here at 2:30 p.m. which is always a good sign). He assessed the situation and I agreed to go ahead and replace the old one. We did the paperwork and then he started to process to drain the tank while he went back to the shop to pick up a helper and the new tank. About one hour later they were back – about 4:15 p.m. They started right to work. By I think it was 6:00 p.m. – the new tank was installed and the old tank was removed. I was grateful that they took the old tank, I had originally not thought of that. YAY, new tank. There is a smell to the water so I emailed the company and they called first thing this morning and are sending someone out. Luckily I have several jugs of water in the fridge for me and Alvin. I did do a load of dishes in the dishwasher and some by hand. So hopefully that is okay. So that is my hot water tank story.

I forgot to mention about Friday. Thankfully Friday was a bit cooler than the rest of the week. We had been up early and gone for a walk. I had booked the day off as vacation which was nice especially after having Wednesday off for Canada Day. We were just “chilling” trying to keep cool watching some television when I laid back on the pillow and before you know it I heard a voice and woke up to hear my daughter entering the house. She had planned to come over but I didn’t know the exact time. It was nice to have about a two hour nap on a Friday morning. Amanda and brought Milo (her smallest dog) with her. We visited and had coffee. Decided that we would take the box of items that I had collected from my basement reorganization to GOODWILL and then hit Save-On for a couple of items. So that is what we did. The fans were blowing for the pups and they had lots of water. We were gone less than two hours. I ended up finding five or maybe it was six tops, mainly sleeveless ones because that is what you buy when it is hot and one pair of jeans. Actually years ago I had these lightweight cotton not really denim pants that had an elastic waist and were so comfy to wear in the summer. I found a pair not quite as lightweight as the others from years gone by but close enough and they had an elastic waist. I was going to try them on but haven’t yet with all of the excitement. I did try the tops yesterday and they all fit. Anyway, it was great to get out for a bit. 24/7 – Alvin has been my constant companion. I really enjoyed my outing. We filled a bin at GOODWILL with the items from the basement and three big bags of clothing (previously cleaned my closets). Once back home – Amanda picked up Milo and they were on their way home. So nice to have company for both me and Alvin and an outing to boot. For some reason I think there was something else I wanted to tell you all but for the life of me I have forgotten. Also my neighbour is away for the weekend so I have been checking in on Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder.

At the end of it all, I have a new hot water tank and some new tops and a pair of jeans. What a weekend!

Well we should head out for a walk before they come to check our water.

Luckily I have water in the fridge for us to drink and for COFFEE. Walk first and then coffee.

I hope that you are keeping safe and cool. So grateful for cooler temperatures for today and next week. Looks like Friday/Saturday will be warm.

Also I set up an appointment for July 14th to have my central a/c serviced so for the next hot weather we will be ready.

Have an awesome Sunday. Looking like this is my cleaning day …… I have had lots of “relaxing time” so need to get some things done, lol.

Remembering to always live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Saturday Morning.

This begins the busiest weekend likely for me prior to Christmas.

Last night after work we did our usual Alvin outside, Alvin had supper and then we went for a nice walk.

The temperature was nice and we even had a chat with the little boys who live down the street.

They were excited to see Alvin as usual.

We continued and managed to get all the way around …. I kept moving my flashlight about so that Alvin would see the light.

Upon arriving at home it was time for me to have a quick bite to eat before heading out for groceries.

The grocery store was busy but I managed to make my way about picking up the things that were on my list and a couple of items that were not.

That is always the case.

I did eat before I went or I fear it may have been much worse.

One of the staff while in the baking supplies aisle – asked me if I had found everything and I replied, actually I could not locate a small bag of chopped walnuts.

We walked over and she found a couple of bags that were pushed to the back of the row with something else covering and I hadn’t looked far enough.

YAY, I thanked her and walked to pay for my groceries.

While in line waiting a person came with a couple of items so I instructed them to go ahead, then the cutest young couple came with only a few cases of heavy pop and shampoo/conditioner

so I said “please go ahead.”

They said “No, that was okay.”

But I insisted.

Not even in the express line.

After I had some of my groceries waiting to be rang through another lady came with only a few items but it was too late, I did help her with a heavy item by clearing some space.

Nice ot help out.

Paid for my things and was on my way.

At home Alvin was excited to see me and had to sniff in all of the bags.

Then it took a bit to put things away but I left out the baking supplies.

Today starts round one of baking after Alvin has a hair trim and bath.

Will work on laundry in between.

I just realized that I had not “downloaded” or whatever the term is from the computer to my iPod of my Christmas music.

I have placed the gifts to be wrapped on the spare room bed to view and see what I need to get.

Looks like the pups are number one on that list.

 

Did I mention that it is snowing?

Well it is …..

Nice fluffy flakes.

 

Happy Saturday.

Gotta run as it is after 9:00 a.m. already.

We were up late …oh and I wrote out a bunch of cards for work last night before bed.

Up late and up early and then hit the sofa.

We all know how that works ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 21st day of December, 2018.

Woke up to tiny white snow balls covering the ground with more following.

The crunchy ones.

At least it will cover the ice and give us some traction when walking.

We will finally be able to go for walks with no worries of salt or falling on the ice.

YAY, so happy for that.

 

Our move into our new work space went well.

I am unpacked and received my first phone call at 9:20 a.m. yesterday.

We only work until noon today and then the office is closed to the public until January 3, 2019 (staff goes back on January 2, 2019).

After the office is closed we will have a catered Christmas lunch and then we go home.

I was so pleased to hear that I scored two storage cabinets from our old office.

We had a cherry wood furniture and it will not be used once the building has been renovated so we had an opportunity to bid on pieces that we wanted.

We had these stand up storage cabinets with doors (like an armoire) and five shelves.

Very solidly built.

I got them for a very good price and one of my co-workers is going to bring them home with me after work today.

So grateful for him.

He is one of those guys that gives 365 days a year.

He is kind and funny.

J, picked up one for his wife for their kitchen as well.

Last night I cleaned off the IKEA shelving unit that I had by the back door to ready for the new one.

It will be wonderful to have storage with doors.

Keep dust away.

The IKEA one is in the kitchen.

It works.

The second one will eventually make it from the garage to the basement where it will house all of the jewellery supplies and perhaps some crafting items.

So, so excited for these.

 

Tonight is going to be a busy night with final preparations for the Christmas party at my house tomorrow night.

Another batch of fudge for the party.

Some laundry.

Charging camera and tablet batteries.

I think we may even squeeze in a walk this evening.

We can always stay up late.

After work and the cabinet is placed – will head to the grocery store for final items.

 

I am so excited to have the next 11 days off.

Time to relax, have fun, rejuvenate and enjoy.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Grateful to have another ride today and grateful to be employed.

I am grateful for this life, I call “mine.”

Grateful for all of the people who have entered and exited my life.

Grateful for the kind words and for the lesser ones.

Grateful for the wind and the rain.

Grateful for the sun and the snow.

Grateful for all the creatures that have crossed my path.

Grateful for me, Alvin.

So grateful for YOU.

Day of a gratitude.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time out of their busy schedules to read my blog, means a lot to me.

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of December, 2018.

Well today is a BIG day.

Our office has slowly been moving into a new temporary location as our current office building is going to be renovated.

Today I am going to have to move my spider plant.

Actually not mine but someone it ended up that way.

I grabbed a blue recycling bag to cover it with and hope it will survive the walk.

It is not far and it is not cold.

The bag should offer enough protection.

So…..

Today is our turn to move.

Actually they will move us later today.

We have been moving in stages.

I am excited to move as it is a nice change.

New surroundings.

We are closer to the bus – for those times that I have to catch public transportation.

I am right beside a window – the first time in a long while.

Newer building.

Different setup.

A good change.

Our files are being packed so today is the day for us to pack the remainder of our work stations or desks.

YAY, excited for the move.

A new office when I/We go to work in the morning.

 

A couple of minutes ago, Mr. Alvin reminded me to put his blue blanket on the floor for him to lay upon.

It is funny, right, that even without words ….. he can make his “voice” heard.

This time I understood what he wanted.

I know there are sometimes I am not quite certain but have a good idea.

What a guy.

 

Well Christmas is truly knocking on our doors.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up from work and we are heading to COSTCO.

She is picking up her glasses and likely some groceries as am I.

The last bit from there before Christmas.

I will still need a few things from SAVE-ON and THE BONE AND BISCUIT (some cookies for the pups, they have to have something in their stockings).

Then I will be ready.

It will be a matter of preparing a few items for the Christmas Party on Saturday and then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

So excited.

I am excited to have an actual party with lots of people other than my birthday party.

First time in a while.

First big Christmas party in years, perhaps several decades.

WOW, I did not date myself.

This is one of the photos that my daughter took of me and Alvin at Thanksgiving.

October 2018.

We were one block from her house in a smaller city not far from Edmonton.

You would never know that it was bitterly cold with a big wind and then it started to rain.

She, my daughter, can always make us look great.

We are both getting on and she makes us look young.

So grateful for these photos of me and Alvin.

It was a tradition that I started the first fall/autumn after I adopted him.

I have nine photos of us.

Perhaps one of these days I will share them.

I might have to do some searching for them.

Always fun to look at photos.

Different hairstyles and makeup.

A wrinkle here and a pound there.

But that is life.

 

Well not long and time to leave for work.

My neighbour is giving me a ride this morning.

YAY.

Perfect Wednesday.

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

 

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …… I hope that you have a few moments to relax and enjoy visiting with your Mom.  Please say hi to her for us.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of August, 2018.

Almost another August onto the books.

Our temperatures have dropped below seasonal averages to anywhere between 14-18 degrees.

Still not bad that is for sure.

It has been raining here off and on for the past couple of days.

I pray that it reaches the FIRES and puts them OUT.

 

Last night my daughter picked me up from work.

We stopped at Safeway and picked up a few items.

One of the things that I wanted to pick up there as I only recently found out that they sold was ADULT BUS TICKETS.

So instead of going to Save-On and Shoppers as my daughter had to stop at Safeway …. I figured one stop shopping.

When came time to pick up the bus tickets …. alas they were sold out.

We ended up going to Shoppers ….. always have to have a PLAN B.

I laughed because what else can you do.

I do enough “crying” at work … not really.

After our shopping we came home and threw together a little supper for the two of us.

I made some corn on the cob in the microwave.

A trick that I learned from my brilliant sister earlier this month when she was visiting us.

We also had some Chicken Curry Soup …. from the deli at Safeway.

Crackers and cheese.

YUP, I even bought “saltines” for the occasion.

Simple but yummy.

Sometimes that is the best, right.

We had a great visit and supper.

 

The plan was to go for a walk after supper with Master Teddy and his Aunt J but alas it was raining.

So no walk for us.

I hope that tonight it is not raining as a walk is a must.

Perhaps if only a light rain ….. we will go.

 

Other quick story.

Yesterday in the afternoon at work.

One of the Managers came to my desk.

I was about to call a client and she motioned for me to hang up.

So I did.

She said come on, let’s find a empty space and play JENGA.

What … JENGA.

YAY, I love JENGA.

We had played during some down time at work on day and it was so much fun.

So we played a couple of games of JENGA.

When the blocks came down the first time, we both yelled/screamed.

Brought a staff person running.

After that …. we held it.

I am so grateful to her for giving me a much deserved break from the craziness that is my job.

We are so busy …. that made me take a break …. which most days I do not in the afternoon.

The second game I WON as well, and we were more quiet.

YAY, JENGA, I love that game.

I would like that game.

 

Well almost time to go back downstairs and finish getting ready for work.

It does not appear to be raining at the moment.

I hope that you all have a great Thursday.

I hope that if you are farming …. you are finish the harvest or at least that it is dry so that you can finish.

Happy Thursday.

One more day before the long weekend.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 26th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining and the air is that morning cool.

There have been mornings where it just seemed hot from the get go.

There is a welcome breeze which helps.

 

Busy weekend ahead.

We are on pet sitting duties beginning today and for a week.

The pets include our energetic Master Teddy who is joining us this morning at 11:30 a.m. until mid evening AND our neighbour’s Humphrey the cat and Cinder the Gekko.

So we will be busy.

In between mowing the grass, watering plants (later on), laundry and a bit of housework.

 

The neighbourhood is beginning to come alive.

Someone close by has a motorcycle running and now has taken off.

Alvin has disappeared from his blue blanket as with all of the windows open he can hear the noises from all around and has gone to investigate.

 

Last night after work my daughter brought me home with a stop at Value Village.

We are doing our best to reuse and recycle whenever possible.

Which is most times.

We both found a couple of items that we were happy to purchase.

Then home for Alvin.

She stayed for a short visit before heading home.

 

I spoke to my neighbour and was able to borrow her vehicle to go for groceries, so check another item off the TO DO LIST for the weekend.

While in the store I struck up a conversation with a nice man.

Actually he spoke first.

I have found most men as soon as anything is said will quickly mention about their wives.

Not sure if they notice that I am not wearing wedding rings or what is the thing.

Anyway he was quite nice. (and cute)

There were so many people in the store all rushing about.

We chatted about that for a minute.

I was alongside the veggies that get sprinkled from time to time and he was coming back to get a bag.

Anyway after our first encounter we bumped into each other during our time in the produce section.

Nice to actually have a conversation with a man that I did not know that did not quickly rush away.

Living the dream.

 

After returning home and putting groceries away which by this time was close to 7:30 p.m.

I got Alvin all ready to go for a walk.

We stopped to see if Presley, Vader and his Momma could go for a walk and they agreed to come along.

We had a nice visit and walk.

By the time got home it was after 8:00 p.m. and time for supper.

Just an easy egg with toast and tea.

Busy few hours but very productive.

After supper watered the flowers.

So nice to be light out until after 9:00.

 

Well the coffee is ready and I have to eat breakfast.

Went to bed late and was up early and then back to the sofa.

ARGH.

I want to go and visit Humphrey before Teddy arrives.

Alvin wants my attention.

Laundry to do.

 

I hope that you are enjoying this day.

Live your life.

Do not let your life live you.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter – I love spending time with you …… happy Saturday my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of February, 2018.

This is what happens when you are home for a week, suddenly it is February 4th.

WOW, Hello February.

We may not be off to the best of starts but alas we have started the month and that is what counts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NIECE “M” who is 21 years old today.

WOW, I cannot believe it.  Have a wonderful day.

I was able to get to the Doctor yesterday and am happy to report that I am on the mend.

No bladder infection (did I just write that for the world to see), no chest congestion, blood pressure and such all A-OKAY.

Doctor even said I was his easiest patient.

I am thinking he meant best prepared.

I only had to wait for about one hour so that was not bad.

The only thing was I was in a room filled with SICK people, coughing and sneezing.

Some folks freely coughing and sneezing into the air with no respect for those around them.

No masks …… I tried to cover my mouth and nose as to hopefully keep those germs away from me.

I am feeling better and do not wish to go through this again anytime soon.

In Saskatchewan, when visiting a medical clinic you are asked if you have a cough, cold or flu and if so, you are required to wear a mask.

What a GREAT IDEA?

I had thought of that while at home but did not have one to wear.

I should have asked them for one.

Next time, I will.

I plan to bring up this idea to Alberta Health Service.

 

After seeing the Doctor, I went to the grocery store where I called and booked a taxi.

Worked out perfectly, I was able to take my time and not having to rush.

Taxi was pretty much on time.

The driver was nice and carried my groceries to the house for me.

I tipped him “well.”

 

The sky is bright with the sun that is rising in the east.

It is cold but warming up.

Thank goodness.

 

Just a few things to do around the house to prepare for work tomorrow.

Wow, it seems like forever since I have been to work.

 

Alvin is going to wonder what happened or not.

I like to think that he will miss me as he usually follows me wherever I go around the house.

Even yesterday when we were out back and I was shovelling.

I was only out for a few minutes but he was cold and rightly so.

So I let him into the house and he cried for me.

Ah, poor baby.

That was it for the shovelling.

 

Well I guess I should get this show on the road.

I am so grateful to family and friends for their phone calls, emails, FB messages during my “sick time” at home.

Still cannot believe that I was home for a whole week.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 29th day of June, 2016.

Only one more day left in June, 2016.

This morning I am leaving the house 15 minutes earlier than usual due to the interruption in bus service.

Meaning that they removed my bus from the regular schedule.

Hopefully it is only for the summer months.

If I leave at my normal time I wait for 20 minutes at the bus stop and then arrive at work just in time, not late but not early.

I am old school and need to arrive early ….

So with extra time this morning I will stop at the Save-On by work and pick up bananas which we are out of ……

 

I was thinking while in the shower about what I would write on my blog this morning.

My mind went to Alvin.

How our beloved dogs and cats make us feel like a million dollars.

They warm our hearts.

They are food for our soul.

Comforting and loving.

My most favourite times with Alvin are sitting on the patio sofa and he jumps up and lays down beside me and we just sit there.

No expectations.  Nothing to do.  Just be.  Just starring into the air.  Sometimes he is sniffing …. catching the scent of whatever passes his nose.

The other is at bedtime …. he takes a few minutes to get settled.

Always at the end of it all …. he lays down at my side and nestles close.

He always makes me feel loved, wanted and needed.

He brings me joy and contentment.

So much for a little guy.

Well time to fly ….. gotta leave extra early.

I did not quite articulate what I was thinking earlier but I think you get the idea.

Always …. he is at the door to greet me after a long day.

Thank you me Alvin.

 

Special Hello to: all the pups and kitties out there, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of December, 2015.

Today is the Birthday of my dear cousin “J.”

Alvin and I want to wish her the very best day and a wonderful 2016.

 

Yesterday was a productive day for me.

This is what I accomplished and in no apparent order:

• Alvin had his pedicure, we took a Christmas card and photo of us and had a nice visit with Dr. K and the staff.
• Made special coffee for my neighbour.
• Did four loads of laundry.
• Continued to write up Christmas cards and have only a handful left to write up for the office.
• Cleaned the bathrooms including the toilets.
• Swept the floors upstairs and on the main floor.
• Went to Shoppers Drug Mart and used my Optimum points and scored $85.00 FREE.
• Went to Save-On for groceries.
• Changed my land line to our HOLIDAY GREETING.
• Cleaned the kitchen.
• Cleaned the pantry.
• BAKED:  two kinds of COOKIES for a total of 7 dozen and made three batches of FUDGE. (started baking at 7:30 p.m.)
• BED AT 11:45 p.m.

 

We had a great day.  It was funny at the end of it all – I did not have a sense of accomplishment.  This morning when I wrote down what I had done, it feels great.

Today it is back to baking.

As soon as finish this and have breakfast.

Baking SUGAR COOKIES today …… that is my number one priority.

 

Also it was so strange after going to bed so late …. we woke up at 7:00 this morning …. now of course, Alvin wanted to get up earlier but I coaxed him to stay in bed.

I felt so awake and ready to begin the day and it was 7:00 a.m. – seven hours after we went to bed.

Now I should have just stayed up and by now would have been baking but alas my inner voice WON out and we went back to bed thinking okay I will get up at 8:00 ….. nope whenI woke up it was 8:45.

Joke’s on me.

I am not sure why this happens but it always does.

We should just stay up when we wake up …..

Oh well …. time to get this baking day underway.

Thank you for reading my blog ….

 

Special Hello to: my cousin “J” ….. hope you have a wonderful day cousin …..

Always, Carol and Alvin