Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL (it is just barely morning). What a great last almost 24 hours we have had. There is something about having your brother, his husband and your daughter and your pup in the house at the same time. We laughed and cried as we shared news and talked about “the old days.” Some of us remembered things a bit differently but it was all good. Just after the boys arrived, my brother and I left the house to go to the grocery store. Likely not a great idea for Mr. Alvin as he was left with my brother-in-law who is a lovely human being but Alvin really didn’t know him. Todd said that he tried to get him to go outside with him but did not work instead he sat on one of his beds and looked out the living room window waiting my return. Clearly no separation anxieties here, lol. I get it – for most of the time he sees only me and he had not met Todd before and to be honest, I never really thought about it. Note to self. Do not leave the house right away after bringing someone new inside. It is funny not funny ha-ha that Todd has never been to my house here in Edmonton and I moved here in 2009. My brother has been here several times over the years. My poor Todd is awaiting double hip replacement so it was not easy going up and down stairs but he does not let that get in his way. He is a real trooper. Good mindset about his whole ordeal. He will be 54 in a few days. Hopefully after waiting for over two years, the surgery will happen soon. It breaks my heart when you know someone who has been waiting to have surgery and in constant pain. So it seems to be the standard thought process to give you drugs that you may or may not become addicted to help with the pain instead of doing the surgery right away. Drugs that over time damage and destroy your muscle/joints and whatever else. So why not do the surgery sooner than later. I wonder what the real reason is? We also realized that my brother and Alvin are on the same pain medication – just a different dosage. We had a real giggle over that.

I was so happy that my daughter decided to stay and visit. We had a cold supper if you will which was great. After supper and the sun went lower in the sky we sat outside on the back deck. It was wonderful listening to the laughter coming from my house. It has been awhile since I have had that many people enjoying the deck and each other’s company. I am so grateful that they took the time and came out of their way to come from Calgary to Edmonton before heading to Regina with final destination Winnipeg – then the lake. I remember to a few days ago when we were out at my daughter’s. I love the laid back lifestyle. So much fun.

Well it is almost time to head downstairs and get the laundry going and set up the fans and close all the blinds before it gets too hot in the house.

I am grateful to the Universe for bringing some of my family together for a great evening. I drank a bit and even had a few puffs of a cigarette (my brother-in-law smokes). I was a bad girl but sometimes you just have to be “bad.” We had good food, laughed, cried, shared stories, took pictures and just enjoyed being together. Does not get better than that.

We made a pact that next summer for us to get together again but we will make sure that our sister and other brother will be there, too.

Well I should go. Get things back to normal and do laundry. Always laundry.

Have a wonderful Saturday. Oh, I have to check my lottery ticket from last night -that would be a perfect end to a wonderful time. Especially if it were enough to share with family and friends.

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

I do love to entertain. This morning I made buns with two kinds of toppings, some cut up raw veggies and a container of unbaked chocolate macaroons. That was my gift to the boys – the macaroons. A request made by them. We celebrated my birthday and Todd’s which is coming up last night. Now they will have a good snack to have on their trip.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. we had some rain earlier this morning.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

The sky is overcast.

Some of my flowers closest to the house are still draped with sheets.

I covered them just in case of frost as it was only to be +1 celsius last night.

There was dew on the grass this morning so luckily no frost.

I removed the sheets from the flowers on the upper deck by the garage and also took the tomato pot and other flowers out of the garage.

The sky looks like rain so I will have to pull of the sheets and rearrange them shortly.

I am happy no frost.

I have been texting my siblings in the mornings to say hi and a quick update on things.

My brother that lives in the countryside about 2 hours from Edmonton says it is -3 celsius there now.

There would be frost.

The next couple of weeks show beautiful weather in the forecast.

One day even +24 which is crazy beautiful for this time of year.

I would take 18-21 until end of November.

That would be delightful.

The chances of that happening …. not sure.

But not likely.

But with Climate Change ….. nothing is impossible.

 

My heart goes out to our neighbours in the south.

The loss of human life, animal life, birds, insect life, plant life, trees, businesses and homes is staggering.

I worry about the animals, those creatures who are not able to escape the fiery infernos.

There is no way to get out and my heart screams in pain for them.

The smoke in Vancouver, Canada which is north of the fires looks like the fires are there.

With the winds the smoke is travelling hundreds of miles.

Causing havoc in its’ wake.

The devastation is off the charts.

I wish, I hope and I pray for the fires to be extinguished immediately.

I thank each and every person who walks out the door in the morning into the fires to extinguish them for others.

 

On this day as I sit on a chair keying these words, I am so grateful for my life.

We are blessed to live where we do.

I am grateful for the rain.

I am grateful to be safe and alive.

I am grateful for my own house.

I am grateful to always have more than enough food for me and my dog Alvin.

I am grateful that we are both in GOOD health.

I am grateful to be surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends.

I am grateful to laugh each and everyday.

I am grateful for this moment and every one to follow on this day.

I am grateful to be employed.

I am grateful that I am able to work from my home.

I am grateful for everything.

 

On this day and everyday we must not fret over small things.

Don’t worry about things you cannot control.

Be grateful and show that gratitude.

Be kind and respectful.

 

Have an awesome day.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning.

Today is Monday, August 17, 2020.

First day back to work after two weeks of vacation.

Alvin is wondering what the heck is going on.

Once I have finished this post – it will be out for our walk as we are going to have another day in the 30’s.

Too hot at lunch and at 4 p.m. to be out walking with a fur coat on.

 

We had a great weekend ending with the birthday party at my friend’s home for her Mother.

There were great snacks including fruit.

My friend made her Mom’s birthday cake and it was delicious.

Also yesterday was my friend from Regina’s 60th Birthday and I was lucky enough to have a chat with her on the phone on her big day.

Seems like so long ago that I turned 60 but alas it is not as I was 63 this year.

 

Also this past weekend I was the HOST for a Fifth Avenue Jewelry party.

This time not in person but on-line.

My friend who is a Jeweler with Fifth Avenue Jewelry out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan did four live “shows.”

We had a good turn out to view the jewelry.

I like doing the shows “live” on Facebook ….. had an opportunity to view 30+ pieces of jewelry each segment.

So it was great.

 

Well Alvin and I had a great vacation.

Hard to believe it is over for another summer.

Missing from our August 2020 vacation this year was a visit from my sister and our annual siblings trip to see our brother AND girls road trip with my daughter.

I did miss seeing my sister and brothers and also taking a short trip with my daughter.

Hopefully next summer we will be able to travel more easily.

If everyone wears a mask in public, cleans their hands often and does the social distancing – perhaps this will be possible next summer.

 

Well it is almost 7:00 a.m. and time for us to head out for a walk before starting work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

May you be shown kindness and respect by all others, and in turn show kindness and respect to all others.

What goes around – comes around.

Keep safe and cool.

Enjoy the summer days remaining.

I am excited for FALL.

My favorite season.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect.

Learning new things everyday.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

Friday April 10, 2020.

So quiet in the house.

But then again it is always quiet in our house as it is only me and Alvin.

I was thinking this morning of all those single folks such as me, sitting alone in their homes.

I have a brother and sister who are among us single folks.

My heart goes out to all those folks who are alone.

The quiet can be almost crippling sometimes for some people.

Even for me.

I am blessed to have Alvin who gives me the push to go for walks.

I do like walking and I have him to keep me company.

More and more people in my neighbourhood are out walking.

Whether they are alone or pairs or in family groups.

People are out and about ….

It is too hard to stay in the house all of the time.

As long as we practice “social distancing” when outside being outside is SO good for us.

The fresh air and the exercise and the socialization.

If it you are by yourself out walking like I am with Alvin.

Even folks we do not know we always say “hello.”

That is socializing.

We all need that now more than ever.

I do think of folks who live on farms, in small towns, in rural settings.

People who going to visit friends and neighbours was the world to them.

For the past three days we have been outside for TWO walks.

Yesterday we bumped into Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his sister Kobi and Mom.

So we set up a playdate for Alvin and Teddy.

Teddy will be coming over this morning and stay until sometime this afternoon.

I am happy that Alvin is still able to spend time with his friend.

Oh and while out on our walk after work.

I noticed the garage door was up from across the street as we neared our friends house.

So we crossed and while practising social distancing we had the best visit in their garage.

Alvin of course, got some pats and attention.

We talked about weather, the world economy and at home, getting groceries, working from home and so much more.

I told them about my geranium as we talked about our flower gardens and that they may not be.

But I said that I would gladly share some of my geranium so that she could have some pretty pinkness in her garden.

I was so happy to have a visit with them even if it was from a distance.

They are older than me and I worry about them.

Even though they are in good health.

I think that people are beginning to come with creative ways to met with friends and family during this time.

When the snows melts we could gather in garages and on front lawns.

Probably not able to have too many people but in small groups of three or four and practice the social distancing.

We can visit.

So important not only to wash your hands, eat properly, gets lots of sleep, stay hydrated but to have social contact is important to our sanity.

We don’t have to be touching to have social contact.

Just be close enough to chat which is okay ….. six feet or two metres apart.

This summer may be different for a great many of us.

Unlikely that we can run out and pick up flowers from the local nursery or maybe we will.

I hope so.

 

I was going to share some photos of my geraniums but alas I am suffering from technical difficulties.

So will do that later.

Teddy will be here soon and I still have to have breakfast.

We slept in ….. yup …. we did.

Bed later as I read until quite late.

Poop to pick up.

Toast to make.

Coffee to perk.

Quiet day ahead …. Alvin with his friend, walking and just vegging.

We have three days ahead to do laundry and do my taxes and whatever else I decide to add to the list.

Oh, the sun is coming out.

More snow will melt.

YAY.

 

Happy Friday.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a WINTERY WEDNESDAY.

Last night it started snowing and has not stopped.

The snow was up to Alvin’s neck on the deck when we got up at 3:30 a.m.

Yup, we were up and I fed him and shovelled some of the deck.

Not quite sure why but we were both wide awake at that time.

There will be shovelling to do again before I leave for work.

 

Yesterday was UKRAINIAN Christmas.

I realized after I wrote and published my post yesterday that I completely forgot about writing about Ukrainian Christmas.

The reason for me leaving up the Christmas Tree and decorations.

I was honoring my friend of forty-seven years who passed last year.

He was a kind, sweet, gentle Ukrainian man.

He would give you the shirt off his back or the shoes from his feet.

He cared for animals and life.

He loved his garden and flowers.

He farmed with his brother and when his brother passed he farmed alone.

Managing it all by himself.

A big job for two but for one, so much.

He would always call me and teasingly, ask, if I had a boyfriend or if I had got married.

I would always say “No.”

I know that he was just checking to make sure I was okay.

I would call him from him to time, as well.

He was fond of the photos that I sent him at Christmas time with a card.

A photo of me and Alvin.

He had a smile that would light up the saddest of folk.

He was generous to a fault.

He was like an older brother and treated my siblings as such, as well.

When I learned of his passing; I felt as though I had lost a part of me.

Well I guess that I had.

He was my older brother.

You left us way too early and I will miss you, always.

Yesterday you were in my thoughts and will never leave my heart.

I see your star shining on a clear Alberta night keeping watch over us all.

Thank you my brother.

********

 

Please be careful out there ….. lots of snow.

I pray for rain in Australia.

Please save the animals in Australia.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday …. one day closer to Christmas.

Are you keep tracking of days?

I am and am not.

Just know that I wrapped gifts last night, the baking is done, Christmas cards are mailed and mostly delivered.

I have a handful left to deliver this weekend.

Only to clean and then cook …. oh and I guess I have to pick up a bit more at the grocery store.

Then I am ready.

Ready Freddy ….. ready.

My daughter is picking me up from work tonight as I have to replace the blade from Alvin’s electric clippers and then to COSTCO.

 

I just found out this morning that my sister adopted a beautiful feline.

She is a beautiful fluffy girl named RAIN.

Welcome to our family.

I look forward to meeting you one day.

 

Thankfully it stopped snowing.

Seems like I shovel in the morning and then shovel again when I get home from work.

Last night I didn’t shovel as it wasn’t much so will shovel tonight.

Unless one of my neighbours gets to it first …. I have been shovelling both sides of us.

Trying to be a good neighbour.

 

Alvin was in a hurry to get into the office this morning and I don’t know why.

He was whining as I was drying my hair.

Now he is sleeping on the blue blanket beside me.

I guess he knows that this is the last step before heading on back downstairs.

Where we go outside once again ….. he does his business and I do the cleanup.

Lucky woman that I am.

Oh, well …. it is okay.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

 

I am so grateful to be able to live in this beautiful home with my boy.

I am so grateful that I have wonderful family and friends.

I am so grateful that my siblings and I are “close” even though we are not close in distance.

I am so grateful to be employed and like my job.

I am so grateful that I have clean clothes to wear each day.

I am so grateful to have shoes, boots, a warm winter coat and all the trimmings.

I am so grateful that I can pay my bills.

I am so grateful that I am in good health and am joyful.

I am grateful to be alive.

 

Last night while we were upstairs getting ready for bed, I noticed two rabbits on the front lawn.

They were nibbling away at the food that my neighbour leaves for them.

All white now.

I guess winter is here.

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Be respectful and kind to all you meet.

Sometimes it may be difficult but we have to try.

At some point it will become a habit and then it comes naturally.

I hope that it does for you.

Better to tip the scales on the kindness and respectful end than to to be mean and miserable.

 

Always, Me and Alvin

Merry Christmas ….

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday – 12 SLEEPS until CHRISTMAS EVE.

Wow, totally crazy to think and to know that there is less than two weeks until Christmas arrives.

All over the world we celebrate on different days and in many different ways.

We do a mix of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

When I was a child there was always church on Christmas Eve.

We opened presents on Christmas Day morning.

Our big meal was always Christmas Day supper.

As I grew and made my own way in the world – things changed.

Christmas was spent between families when I was married and in divorce.

For most of my adult life there has been compromise.

It always seems to work out and isn’t that what life is all about a “degree of compromise.”

I do like to spread the Christmas Cheer all throughout the season and throughout the year.

During the Christmas Season I like to visit with as many friends and family members that I am able to.

The Christmas Season for me runs straight through until New Years.

After all ‘Tis the Season.

 

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

I think this is around 1963.

Real Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

One of my favorite photos.

 

Me and my sister from a Christmas long ago …. I think about 1960…

Another favourite photo

 

 

Four of the Five of Us.

Before the baby was born making it FIVE.

 

One of my favourite things to do is the wrapping of gifts.

To be surrounded by love and laughter.

tis the season.

Merry Christmas.

 

Well time to head downstairs.

My ride was here almost twenty minutes early.

I told you about the toilet.

It continued to be one of those days.

But I am happy to report that it ended on a great note.

My son-in-law’s brother that had the heart transplant.

Continues to improve and be stronger each and everyday.

So incredibly happy for this family.

Best Christmas present ever.

Best any kind of present ever.

 

Time to go.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Well Hello, it has been a while.

My last post was August 18, 2019.

Today is my first day back to work.

ARGH, not quite certain how I feel about that but likely after a few minutes it will be like I was never gone.

I knew things were back to normal this morning when Mr. Alvin was scrunching up the bath mats after I had gone into the shower.

Life is as we knew it.

 

To Honor:

I would like to take this time to speak about two of my BEST guy friends that passed away.

My friend Les passed away the day before we left on the girls trip.

He had been battling multiple illnesses for many years but never let anything get him down.

Les was perhaps one of the most positive, happy people that I have ever known.

Always kind and generous.

Before life changed our geographical positions we would get together for coffee and sometimes for lunch or dinner to catch up.

We worked together for many years.

He was a good, honest, caring individual.

Les had a way of making you feel special.

I will carry his essence in my heart until the day that I pass.

His goodness and joy with me forever.

I miss him and will continue to think of him.

To his wife and family – I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart.

 

My friend George passed away earlier in the year.

I only found out when I went to call him as we were going to visit him during our last road trip.

He was another man that was always filled with joy, kindness and generosity.

I met George when I was 16 years old so I have known him most of my life.

He came into our lives and was an angel to me and my siblings.

George was a great man.

He was the big brother that I never had…..

He loved to joke around.

Again geographical position changed things.

It did not matter how much time had passed he was happy to see me/us and catch up.

Truly one of the best people that I have ever known.

To his brother and his wife – I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart.

 

I am grateful to both these men who came into my life and changed it forever.

There are no words.

I will truly miss them.

It is a hard reminder that we need to keep in closer touch with our friends and loved ones.

Life can be short.

We all know that life is not a forever gig.

So we have to ensure that we are better friends and family.

 

Les and George, I salute you both.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Miss you …..

Hugs ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Time to go to work……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is Saturday, the day after …

I had a great 62nd Birthday.

Spent the day with Alvin and Humphrey.

Alvin and I had an early morning walk.

We pretty much lazed around the whole day long.

Listened to music and watched some television.

Sort of had a nap ….

My daughter came for supper and sweet treat.

My co-worker, the baker dropped off the sweet treats (photos coming).

Invited her for coffee …. we three girls had a great visit.

Here are some photos from my BIRTHDAY DAY.

The boys lazing around.

Nothing like mug of coffee and BISCOTTI

Humphrey in his favourite spot on the stairs.

Looks like I have a spot or two to repair … he did not chip the paint.

THE CUPCAKES

The green ones are:  Vanilla cupcakes with KEY LIME ICING and chocolate ornaments

The others are: Chocolate cupcakes with umbrellas and Teddy bears relaxing on the sand chocolate icing.

Only tried the Key Lime iced one and it was DELICIOUS.

This morning at another birthday bash I will have a chocolate one.

A friend and neighbour dropped by later in the evening with a lovely gift of shower gel, body lotion and a pumpkin apple candle ( I love that fragrance).

Snapped some photos of the boys.

A great day.

Now today one of my young friends is hosting a party for me.

We take turns.

I am taking some of the above cupcakes.

Special Special TREAT.

Humphrey is already in the house.

Teddy is coming this morning.

Almost time to hop into the shower and get dressed for the party.

Might have time to brew a mug of coffee before I leave ….

Lots of time.

Well it was a great BIRTHDAY.

Lots of birthday wishes via Facebook, phone calls from my siblings, a visit from my daughter and friends.

Hung out with two of my favourite fur boys: Alvin and Humphrey.

Does not get better than that.

 

Well time to fly.

Happy Happy Saturday.

 

 

A day filled with kindness and respect is a great day.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of January, 2019.

Warming up and snowing.

Rides to and from work today, thankfully no riding on the bus.

Teddy comes for a couple of days as his parents are going on vacation.

Love having him in the house.

He brings joy to me and Alvin.

Lightens our moods.

I guess it is the energy of youth.

Hopefully it will work out so that we can walk over and pick up Teddy after work.

I have the song “HAPPY” by Pharrell Williams playing over and over in my head.

I would like it to keep me in this place.

Actually woke up feeling happy this morning.

That is a first in awhile and not that I have necessarily woke up grumpy but just not feeling gleeful.

Today is going to be full of glee.

I am on top of the world.

Yes, I am.

Keeping up the positive, joyful energy.

I guess there will be shovelling in our future.

The pups will enjoy the fresh snow.

Alvin will be burying his chew treats in the snow for sure.

What am I saying …. will be …. pretty much every one that I give him goes outside.

He takes his time and very careful digs with his paws and his nose a bed to bury his beloved treats.

I love watching him putting them to bed.

When he digs them up …. just as cute.

Carefully and with precision he brings them back to the surface and into the house.

Full circle.

How about some photos for a snowy Wednesday.

Random shots from my gallery.

I love this plant arrangement my neighbour gave me before Christmas.

Sadly only part of it remains alive but it is alive and transplanted.

Teddy, Alvin’s BFF with a chew treat almost his size.

Me and my siblings when we were very young.

One of my most favourite photos.

Ah, my babies, so cute.

How can you not love those faces?

Aspen and Milo patiently waiting for treats and Alvin, not so much.

I love this old canister, a great find from our trip last summer.

Nothing like mountains in the smoke

Books, one of my most favourite things.

Ending with some pretty flowers.

 

Gotta run and catch my ride.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family, you raise me up and keep me going.

Always, Carol & Alvin