2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing on this rainy Tuesday, June 8th, 2021? Both Alvin and I are great. We, Alvin slept through until 5:00 a.m. – that is amazing. So at least I feel as though I had a decent sleep. It is raining as I alluded to in my opening sentence. It just started raining about half an hour ago. I have to run out and ensure that the downspout is turned the right way and clean up you know what from a little while ago when Alvin was out. The forecast is for rain off and on for the next couple of days. There were points yesterday where the sun did shine. Last night I made an executive decision to put most of my flower pots in the garage and the others close to the garage and to the house for some shelter as they do not require that much moisture. Also yesterday one of the girls on my work team let us know that it was hailing at her home. So decided not to take the chance. I cannot do anything about the plants in my flower beds but at least I can help out the flower pots. I very much want them to last until say October. So I watch the weather – if it looks like a huge downpour / hail is in the forecast I move them into the garage or to some shelter. The garbage guys just picked up the trash. I love when I can look out of my office window and see green. The trees are full leaved now and are beautiful.

Yesterday my kids made a quick stop to drop off some items that they picked up at the freecycle and some items they no longer wanted and that I could use. I got a chair that I am using in my bedroom, two chairs for the kitchen and a desk and a flower pot. The flower pot is an exact match to a ceramic one that I acquired a few years ago. Sweet deal. We had a short visit and then they were off.

As it was raining at noon we did not go for a walk and in the morning we were reeling from lack of sleep so our walk waited until after work. It was actually quite nice at that time. I wore a light spring jacket as it was a bit cooler.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I went from 3000 photos on my phone to 285. I went through most of them. The ones remaining are a few that I choose to keep and the remaining are ones to be uploaded to my computer. YAY, me. Feels so great.

I cannot remember if there was anything else that I was going to tell you or not. Oh, last minute ….. Master Teddy is coming at 10:00 a.m. to spend the day with us. His parents are going to the farm for a bit and Kobi is going to the groomers. So Teddy will come and hang out with me and Alvin. Alvin will have company while I work. He will be happy.

Well time to get going. I want to check on the downspout and do the other thing in the backyard …. starts with p and ends p ….. three words. Can you guess? Think about it. I gave you some clues in my post.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. one more thing. Yesterday the doorbell rang so we went to the door to find this gray-haired older man standing on the bottom step holding a sign. The sign was from Canada Roofing. The guys that are going to do our shingles. Only thing is they have not confirmed this and I have not signed a contract as yet. Kind of out of order, I would think. Anyway just wanted to share. I am excited to finally have new shingles on our home.

2021

Good Saturday Morning ALL! I hope that this day finds you feeling great and ready for whatever the day may bring to you. We had a rather odd start but I am feeling good and Alvin seems to have recovered from his early morning tummy upset. Thank goodness. Might need a nap later but that is okay. I have gone through my clothes closet and moved “my winter clothing” to the spare room closet. Or at least the rest of the items that I had not already moved. Honestly, there are only a few steps from one closet, to the other so not a long way to go in case, I need something. Bedding changed and ready for the laundry, clothes ready for laundry. I was writing in my head the list of things that I need to get done around the house. For example: painting the fence, fixing the fence (couple of boards that need to be replaced and I have the boards, just need help to switch them out), having the furnace vents, dry vent cleaned and A/C serviced, replace the roof shingles on the house, and a few more items. So lots to get done. I know you know this. All homeowners have those regular maintenance items to look after and that makes sense. Of course, there are the things to do inside the house as well. I would love to have the whole inside painted except for my office which was painted two years ago now, I believe. Before the pandemic. I have many lists. Then the immediate items like vacuuming, dusting, laundry, cleaning etc. Enough to keep us all very busy.

I am excited to finally remove the covering from my front flower bed and allow the flowers to just be, to drink in the sunshine and the warmth of the sun. Thankfully it looks like they have survived. I was surprised and shocked, really, to see that some of the plants that were not blooming are now blooming. They were when I removed the sheets yesterday for the day time. A good sign. My poor babies in the garage will be happy to get out into the sunshine. These are the first things on the list to do once this post is completed and I am dressed for the day. So grateful that from this day forward the overnight temperatures look to be on the plus side. Hopefully Mother Nature had her fun, one last blast of late spring weather and now we can enjoy. I am grateful for the moisture even though I could have done without the snow and howling winds. Our grass is nice and green. Grass in the backyard could use another cut. Life is good.

Well I am going to leave you with this: Always remember to take some time for yourself. I know the list is long of things to do when you have only the weekend or a couple of days off to do everything around the house but it will get done. Remember to take a coffee, tea, cold drink, or just a water break even on the weekends. Most especially on the weekends. Time to just BE. Close your eyes and just shut out the noise, the words, the thoughts (if you can). This usually takes some practice but it can be done. Really important. We all need to take time for ourselves. I know that you have heard this only a billion times but if we do not look after ourselves how can we possibly look after others or do anything for others or even ourselves. You are important to the world, to your family, to your friends, to your community. You are!

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

Always, Love Carol & Al.

2021

Good Morning ALL! Happy Easter. Trust this will find you all well. Perhaps even enjoying a bit of chocolate from a delivery from the good ole’ Easter Bunny. I can still taste some of my favourite Easter treats. The marshmallow eggs covered in chocolate, Oh Henry Easter Eggs filled with peanuts and caramel and chocolate, solid milk chocolate Easter Bunny and more. Another favourite food item: Hot Cross Buns. Love those fruity buns. Alvin and I did not see the Easter Bunny this morning and did not find any special treats, but I guess at 63 …. he figured that I no longer required those delectable items. I think that he guessed incorrectly,lol. Maybe next year. We were up over two hours earlier than yesterday morning. Guess we just needed that sleep.

No worries, despite our late rise yesterday I had a very successful day. I spent almost 4 hours out cleaning up the neighbourhood. Shockingly I picked up over 50 of the blue and black disposable face masks. On one of the walkways I picked up in excess of 60 disposable coffee cups. There were so many shingles and the two large black garbage bags that I was carrying were getting so full and heavy that I had to leave a few behind. We have had so much wind over the past few weeks. My arms and back were sore by the time that I got home. In fact, I could not even finish and had to almost drag the bags home and pick up another bag and go back out to finish the 1/2 block by my house which I almost filled a bag doing. I am always surprised by how many people walk by me not wanting to make eye contact, do they think that I am a criminal or what? But then sometimes there are a couple of people that stop me and say thank you. I am not doing this for the gratitude but it sure is nice when it happens. I posted the story on FB mainly because I was appalled at the number of face masks that I found in our neighbourhood. I was totally disgusted by the number. No reason to be throwing them about.

I also heard a dog barking a few minutes into the trash pickup, and seemed close by so I turned to see this little yellow dog running to me and barking. The dog was on a busy street and I almost had a heart attack as I dropped my trash pickers and garbage bag and ran to the dog. He/she was alone. My heart sank. Now what? The closer I got the more she/he would run away and then back to me. As I approached the corner, I could see a man and his dog on a leash out for a walk coming toward me and I asked if was his dog and he said no. He did what he could do and I just stopped traffic trying to figure out what to do. Every time I approached the dog it just ran about. We were on a extremely busy street or couple of streets actually. I physically used my body to stop traffic. Just stood in the middle of the street so that no one could turn as I tried to keep the pup safe. As the cars backed up – a man and small boy came out, I asked if was their dog and he nodded. They both tried to coax the dog to them and finally after a frightening few minutes the boy was able to grab his tail and then scooped the dog up into his arms. They walked away. Then it was over. I apologized to the drivers of the vehicles and moved out of their way and went about my trash pick up. I did have a brief conversation with the man and his dog. We were both surprised that the owner of the dog said nothing, no thank you, nothing. Perhaps he did not know English or I just scared him. Anyway, I was so relieved that the dog was safe. I guess there had to be some excitement on my walk.

When I got home, Alvin was patiently waiting for me. I took the garbage to the back fence and then put in the garage until trash pickup. Once back in the house, time for a shower, I felt so dirty. But before the shower, I gave myself a haircut. My hair was quite long and now it is not. I haven’t had this short for awhile and am pleasantly surprised at how good it looks. Then a long warm shower. Once I was dressed, I put on Alvin’s harness and we went for a walk. I had a visit with neighbours while we were out. Then just enjoyed our walk. When back home, Alvin had his supper and I decided to order pizza as a treat to myself. It was so yummy. Always feels good to do some community service. I do want to mention that some of my friends that commented on my FB post about the trash pick up – said they saw lots of disposable masks just laying on the ground in their communities as well. I would think that this is a problem everywhere. What is wrong with people? I will say this, I was thinking that perhaps this is part of the reason that the pandemic is not going away and why our oceans and lakes and rivers are becoming filled with trash. People just do not seem to care. Easier to turn a blind eye and walk away. Well I will say this, eventually you will have no choice, it will be on your doorstep, your neighbours and mine. If everyone kept in front of their homes and packed their garbage properly …. it would help so much. On that note, I will say Happy Easter. I do hope after my “rant” that people are doing well and are safe.

Happy Easter

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Remembering each day to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Happy Easter ALL

Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Well it is an overcast rather dull looking day out there. Alvin and I were outside in the backyard a little while ago chatting with Bogart who was sitting atop of the railing on their deck trying to figure out a way to get over to us. Alvin was on the ground at the fence trying to figure out a way to get through the fence. Apparently we have pets that would like to visit. If it were possible we would put a door in the fence for them to visit but then Bogart might want to visit other neighbors and that would not work. Sonja and I were thinking about doing the “pet door” in our adjoining fence before Bogart came into our lives and it would have worked for Humphrey and Alvin. That would have been noteworthy for sure as how many have “pet doors” in their fences.

Last night as the first new snowflakes were fluttering down from the night time sky; I noticed how delicate and fluffy they were as they floated by me while I was standing inside at the back door looking out the window. So beautiful, each one so different. With the appearance of a tiny pillow, a little puffy throw that would nicely cover a small bee or other such insect. So very pretty. There was only a fine layer of fresh snow on the ground and covering the deck when we got up this morning. Now it is coming down with a bit more thickness than last night. I see shovelling in my future. Well there was a tad of it earlier but there will be more. Love fresh snow. So pretty.

One thing that I forgot to do and should do when I am finished this post and before the roof is covered in snow and perhaps it already is, is to gaze up from the deck and see if I lost shingles in that last huge windstorm that we had the other night. One of my girlfriends told me that another neighbour actually lost part of their roof whether she meant shingles, I forgot to confirm. Anyway shingles lost for sure, I know.

Well it is is the weekend. I have much on my TO DO LIST as I prepare for Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. I will be baking some cupcakes, vanilla today for the human guests. All three of us. I will also prepare a package to send home with Teddy and Kobi for their Mom & Dad to enjoy as they cannot join us. I will recheck the restrictions as I know some had been loosened a bit. We are taking the precautions as we do not wish to get the virus nor do we want to spread should I be one of those humans that is asystematic. For lunch for the humans just a simple pasta salad with lots of veg and chicken and then instead of a baguette, the next best thing …. garlic bread in baguette form. I have both a CHICKEN CAKE from Bone and Biscuit for the pups to enjoy plus some yogurt cups that I want to check out for them. I have little treat bags to do up for the guests. Regular laundry and cleaning and stuff.

Time to get this show on the road. Oh, almost forgot that I am going to watch the 6th episode of BRIDGERTON next. What a show. Even made this old gal, blush a bit. Good thing that Mr. Alvin was not watching, he would have turned away in spots for sure. LOL.

We wish you a wonderful Saturday. Remember to take some time just for you.

We will continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion and I am adding patience (mainly for me and Alvin).

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

As the deep dark blue grey clouds slowly take over the sky; I feel kind of sad.

The trees are swaying in the wind.

I am glad that I moved my flower pots on the deck into the shelter of the house.

Just in case there is a downpour.

Not sure why dark foreboding clouds makes one feel sad but just a little.

Usually I am a happy person.

Content in my own skin.

I can see the sunrise to the far east where there remains a bit of clear sky.

We missed the rain yesterday but looks like today will be the day.

A bit cooler this morning.

I was shocked at how fast it cooled down last night early evening.

 

Well I am running late and have a couple of things to do one of which is outside.

Have to pick up that poop.

There is always poop in our lives.

Oh well …. poop it is.

Now that brings a smile to my face.

How about to yours?

 

I can hear the rain … just back.

Made a mad dash down the stairs, grabbed my jacket and a poop bag and before hitting the door threw on my “dawgs.”

Managed to pick up the poop, yay me.

Without getting wet.

The raindrops are huge.

Perhaps it will be a rainy day.

 

Last night after work on our walk as we neared Teddy’s house – we saw many men scurrying about.

They were on the roof and on the ground.

Teddy’s house was having the shingles replaced.

Teddy’s Mom drove up just as we neared the house and gestured us to come in.

Alvin was a bit nervous with the loudness of the machinery and the men.

But we managed to get into the house safe and sound.

We had a great little visit.

Always nice to see them.

 

Well time to go now.

I wish you a great Wednesday.

Remember to be kind to yourself and to others.

Remember to be respectful to yourself and to others.

Just imagine what kind of beautiful place this world would be – if everyone was kind and respectful.

Kindness and RESPECT.

The two magic words.

Go forth and show the world your kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin