A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am doing GREAT. Today is my last day of work and then I am on two whole weeks of vacation. So excited to begin my time off. Alvin is patiently waiting downstairs for me. I managed to get all of the extra items done yesterday and hopefully will be able to finish off all the mail that I have left before day’s end. Fingers crossed. Then things will be in a good place for my team.

VACATION

This is what most folks winter vacations look like:

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My winter vacation:

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A warm bath filled with lavender epsom salts. Perhaps a glass of baileys over ice. Maybe a candle burning with some music wafting in from my office (bedroom) next door.

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Going for walks with Alvin, (this is not Alvin, lol).

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Coffee with friends, not likely this dressed up and likely no male unless someone’s husband is at home. LOL.

I am sure by now you get the picture of what my vacation will be like. There are plans to download photos from my old computer to the external hard drive, sleeping in, walks with Alvin, deep cleaning in the house, figuring out the return to work and to the new work space re transportation for me (bus) and care for Alvin. Lots to do.

Time to head downstairs.

I will be back tomorrow. Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I, we are well. It is light outside and in fact the sun was shining brightly when I looked out of the living room window but now that I am upstairs in the office facing south, there is a blue veil covering most of the sky. The remainder of the night sky perhaps. The morning sky always amazes me with all the different aspects. Tomorrow is supposed to be +12 degrees celsius. Cannot wait. For some people that would be “flip flop” weather. Not me but definitely light sweater weather.

This morning in less than 2 hours my friends are coming for coffee. Remember how I said that we decided to get together every weekend from now on, so we are. YAY. I am excited to chat about the week since we last were together. It is great having friends that are younger as they have both have young teenagers and I hear stories of technology, friends, school, and so much more. They give me their perspective on the world and life. Different sometimes from my friends that are around my age for example. Having friends of all ages is a wonderful thing. I absolutely love it. Brings me joy and gives me a more round perspective on life and the world. Isn’t that what most people need is a broader view?

I wonder if all of my neighbours are up for the day? Do you sometimes think when you got up a bit later than you would have liked what others are doing? I do, does it matter in the grand scheme of things, not really. So I stress about it now? I only wonder.

Yesterday we had a nice long walk at my lunch break and it was nice. After work we walked only to the park and then home as I needed to prepare for my daughter’s arrival. I had all of the prep work done and was cooking supper when she arrived. The apple crisp (her favorite) in the oven and the vegetables prepared for stir fry and I had the chicken prepared as well. The water was on for the rice. I turned off the burners when I received a text that she was at the back waiting for me to open the garage door. Alvin and I went out and opened the big door and happily waited for her to park. Back in the house, burners on and started cooking. Stir frys are a quick meal so it did not take long before we were eating one of her favourite meals. We had the best visit and enjoyed supper and then apple crisp. I can tell you I had one happy happy daughter. Then before you knew it time to say goodbye until our next visit which will be next week. The following week they leave for VEGAS and the pups Aspen and Milo will be staying with us. I am on vacation during the time they are gone and cannot wait. So happy to be having a nice break surrounded by the pups.

Well it looks like the clock is slowly inching its’ way toward the arrival of my girlfriends so I best be getting this show on the road. Certainly will be enjoying my first cup of coffee this morning.

Today will be laundry and the usual but I need to figure out what to do in the backyard as the snow on the deck is basically non-existent. Too hard to take Alvin out the front every time he has to pee or poo and the backyard area is frozen ice/bit of snow on one end which would be okay but the area by the stairs and on the other side pointing to the north is one slime bucket, I do not know how else to explain it. The grass is bare in spots but so mucky and I certainly do not want him down there as it would be hard to clean both the area he used and to clean him. OH no!! So I have to figure out something. Perhaps with tomorrow be 12 degrees that area will dry up. I sure hope so. Anyway!!

I hope that you have a great Saturday!

Did anyone get pranked for April Fools? Not me. I do remember being pranked and pranking others in my youth.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? I am well. Alvin is still downstairs asleep on the sofa. Not sure how I was able to get upstairs without him following me but I have. So I will take advantage of a few minutes before he follows me upstairs. The sun is shining brightly and the sky is most beautiful powder blue. So nice to wake up to sunshine. We were up many times before now. The first time we were up was 11:30 p.m. and it was snowing (thankfully it did not amount to much) and then 3:30, 4:30, 5:00 and 8:30 a.m. So chopped up sleep for this Momma. Oh well I do feel rested now.

We had a great Saturday. I did several loads of laundry, vacuumed and washed the main floor, cleaned the main floor bathroom, watered all of the plants in the house and some other odds and ends. Shovelled the driveway. We had a nice walk to the park and home enjoying a small bit of snow that we had yesterday. For supper I made something new. I roasted some carrots and broccoli together with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and then the chickpeas with olive oil and some spices (curry powder and turmeric and pepper) in the oven. I made a pot of quinoa and also semi caramelized some onions. Once everything was cooked, I mixed them all in a huge bowl. So good. Most enjoyable. After dishes were done, I just snuggled with Alvin and watched a movie and a show that I had previously recorded, Ghosts. A nice evening.

Today we will definitely we going for a walk as it is supposed to be warmer than yesterday. A shower after I finish this blog. I have one more load of laundry to do and bring up the clothes that are air drying in the laundry room. Vacuum and wash the floors upstairs and dust and all of that including the two bathrooms. Seems like a much better idea to do one floor at a time. Or at least it did yesterday.

I was just going through things in my head ….. and I just heard Alvin whining downstairs. He just woke up and his Momma was not there. Must be a first, I think. Anyway I called out to him so he knew I was in the house and then went downstairs. He had a drink of water before wanting to go outside to pee. We are both upstairs now. It is so funny how having a few minutes alone feels so freeing. Not that I mind having him around, I love him but just to have a few minutes without someone right on my heels is nice, too. Usually he is wherever I am unless I am away from home. Honestly, the thought of leaving him at home alone causes me a bit of anxiety especially after two major surgeries and also being two years older. Mixed feelings about it all, I guess.

Last night I was thinking about “age” and how some people shy away from revealing that number while others shout it from the rooftops. I guess I am somewhere in between the two. This August I will turn 65 which is cool, I think. There are some perks to being that age such as special pricing and discounts. I always think as long as I can sit up and turn my legs to the floor and stand up, that I am doing great. Or at least I am starting the day from a good place. Age is some that is inevitable. It happens whether we like it or not or plan for it, and if we are lucky enough to have it happen. If we think about all those humans who have had their lives ended early whether by accident, disease or war, well then the rest of us are doing well. Of course, as we age our health can change, our memories may become a bit fuzzy and our bodies do not always want to do what we would would like BUT that is okay. There is so much we can do to keep our bodies and minds in good health that aging should not be scary. During the chapters of our lives much like a book, there is a beginning and many chapters in the middle before the end. So just keep picking up that book and working on each chapter. Enjoy your time on this earth instead of worrying about how old you are. Work on those dreams. I know, I have said that alot and am I working on them, yes in small ways. One of these days, I will surprise you all. That I am certain of.

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So I better get going and have that shower. My friend Amber is dropping off the jewellery from my Fifth Avenue Party. Cannot be in the shower when she arrives.

Enjoy your day. Get out there and live your live. I am so happy to see the bright sunshine, so happy.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this fine sunny Monday morning? I am so lucky that today is a “day off” as the Province of Alberta celebrates “Alberta Family Day” Considered to be a stat holiday. My plans for this day are to gather my Steeped Tea and NORWEX paperwork for Income Tax. That time will come up soon enough and this time around I would like to be prepared. Also have to tally electricity charges, heat, internet and so on, those deductions that may be used in time tax when you are in business for yourself. I claim my commissions obviously as income. This is all in addition to my regular job. Anyway, that is the plan for this afternoon. Hopefully the temperature has warmed up enough that we can also go for a walk this afternoon. Yesterday I thought felt warmer was actually minus 28 celsius with the windchill. I guess it was warmer when compared to minus 45 or so with the windchill. Yesterday we had a great visit with my daughter. She stopped by the store and picked up a few items for us. I went out to the garage when she arrived, as this was the first time my daughter was driving the new car, well she backed the new car into the garage. It is huge compared to their other car, the KIA Soul. The back up camera got her parked within I would say three inches from my bistro table which is made of steel and river rock. That would have caused a serious dent. I am going to move that table so there is more room, I had not thought the car was that big but it is. Alvin was happy to see his sister. I helped carry the groceries into the house. When she came into the house after me, hand in hand with the most beautiful plant with pink flowers in a cute pink pot adorned with a pink heart, so pretty and a bag which she handed to me right away which I found to contain a box of one of my favourite treats from Dairy Queen – dilly bars. My other fav is the buster bars with nuts. I love the two and they are truly a treat for me. After the groceries were quickly put away, I made her a cup of coffee and began to dish the food. I made these egg treats which I am calling EGG MUFFINS ….. they are finely chopped veg (I used broccoli, red pepper, yellow onion and parmesan cheese) in the bottom of a muffin tin and then pour whisked egg over top. Easy peasy. So good. I also put in some spice and pepper but found that I could have added more spice for sure. We had sourdough bread toast with the egg muffins. The other thing to know is that I sprayed the muffin tin with a vegetable spray to help the muffins not stick. They did stick a bit but not too bad. We enjoyed our late breakfast/brunch/lunch together. Mr. Alvin was feeling left out and wanted what we were having of course. Afterward we enjoyed a couple of the “no bake energy bites” that I had chilling in the fridge and some coffee on the sofa. Our visits are always great and never long enough. But there is never enough time with my girl. When she went to leave a few hours later, she had asked if I wanted to drive the new car. I said YES. So I started the new car and drove it round from the garage down the back lane and onto the street that goes by the house and parked in front of the house. I must say it is a pretty sweet ride. I am so happy for them. It is a nice vehicle. Once we said our goodbyes, I went to the house and waved as she pulled away. Back in the house, Mr. Alvin had been watching from the window. I wanted him to see the car on the street so that he will know it is his sister next time she drives by. He knew the other car by sight. We received a text from Teddy & Kobi’s Mom that they had a Valentine’s treat for us and was wondering if they could pop by. Who can turn down treats, not me and Alvin. I always love when the pups come to the house ….. Teddy’s Mom puts him down and he runs like there is no tomorrow to the house. I of course, was ready with the door open and in he ran. Kobi’s Mom put her down closer to the house and in she ran. They jumped up and down so happy to see us. Their Mom came in mask covered to give us our gift which was chocolate for me and a bag of chew treats for the boy, and for a short visit. We always social distance. I feel so blessed that I had some company. Otherwise 24/7 it is only me and Alvin. Not complaining. Not complaining.

Well it is time to head on downstairs. I could not get my keister up from the sofa this morning so it was about 8:30 when we got up for the final time …. I will say that it was Alvin that got me up. He nudged me to say …. time Momma to get up. I am glad that he did. With a bright blue sky and sun shining …. it is going to be a great day.

I am grateful for all of our many blessings.

Continuing to live this day as all others with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and today is Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

We had a huge storm last night which started late in the afternoon.

The sky got so dark that when the lightning hit, it appeared like a bright negative from a photo.

It was eerie.

The thunder roared.

The lightning seemed to be right close by.

I would think there was a lightning strike somewhere close by.

Thankfully not here.

This morning now at mid morning the sky is a bright blue and there is a breeze.

The pavement and sidewalk are dry but the wood deck remains wet as does the grassy areas.

Almost time for us to head out for a walk.

When we first got up there were still rain clouds in the sky and although I love to walk in the rain, not great for the boy.

He can get yeast infections in his ears if they get wet.

 

Well this is mid point through my second week of vacation.

I have enjoyed my vacation thus far.

Odd jobs were completed and relaxation has happened.

 

I saw a post on FACEBOOK of someone mentioning that “fall” is here and Bath & Body Works have their fall collection out.

I love fall but officially it begins in September although I think both Mother Nature and the Retail Gods have other ideas.

 

Also on this vacation break I would like to go for a nice long walk with Alvin into some of the other neighbourhoods.

We have not left ours for awhile.

I will watch the weather channel for a nice day not too hot.

Appears that we have some of those days this week.

I will take lots of water for sure for us.

We can take our time and enjoy some of the parks that surround us.

I will have to take a small purse to house my cell phone so that I can take photos.

Two necessities: water and phone.

 

Well time to get dressed as I was super lazy getting up this morning.

Sometimes when it is raining and wet – I just want to laze around.

Alvin did not seem to care as he snuggled right beside me on the sofa.

 

My tea order will arrive on Friday.

I am excited to see our new Fall/Winter Steeped Tea catalog.

Also to try the new teas, there seem to be more this time round.

 

Also one of my friends from back home has sent me a birthday parcel and it should arrive today.

Alvin will be excited as our friend always sends a little gift for him to open.

He loves to open presents.

Yes, he is an odd doggie.

I guess he has been around me long enough to appreciate opening a gift, a present.

 

He is patiently waiting for his Momma to get the show on the road.

Appears that I could actually wear long pants today and not be hot.

Wow.

 

I am wishing all of our friends with birthdays on this day – Happy Birthday.

I am sending positive energy and good thoughts to our Aspen who has been under the weather.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, that cool breeze coming in through the office window is simply delightful.

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

One of my fav birthday gifts from this year.

Actually all my gifts are my favourites.

One early evening out on the back deck enjoying the evening.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

As I sit here in my office with the window opened enjoying the sounds of the outdoors.

I hear a little bird.

Just one.

Sounds like he or she is asking a question?

Calling out to perhaps its’ mate.

Now there is silence.

Except for Alvin is sort of whining.

What does the boy want now?

We were up early and then to the sofa.

I guess that getting up at 6:30 does not quite give me enough time to do things properly before work.

I did manage however to get this far and still have 20 minutes before I officially begin work.

Just am so caught up in starting early.

It is in my bones.

I have always been the early bird when it comes to arriving at work or to a function of any kind.

Now I will say in the last few years, there have been a few times when, I was a few minutes late to our girls coffee dates.

Not by much and it does bug me.

But when it comes to work.

In all of my years of working only a handful of times in over 40 years have I been late.

Due to bus getting stuck in a snowstorm, carpool, and other reasons mainly beyond my control.

 

I think some photos would be perfect on this morning.

My geranium when it was indoors, not quite the same after being transplanted but perhaps it will just take awhile after the trauma of being transplanted.

I am in love with these potted flowers that my daughter gave me last weekend.

The colours are some of my favourite combinations.

I love this billowous cloud formation.

Feeling like I need this haircut once again.

Broccoli days for Mr. Alvin are now past.

 

Well time to head out to work.

I have oh so far to travel.

Less than one foot.

Isn’t that crazy.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday.

Happy Day.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 25th day of September, 2016.

Bright sunny morning and NOT windy.

So grateful for this nice morning.

It has been quiet …. we slept in ….. well we were up at 4:30 …. back to bed …. up and then hit the sofa for a bit.

Is that not what is referred to as a “lazy morning.”

Now we are up and at it.

Shared some coffee with my neighbour.

Working on some tea stuff.

After my mug of coffee is done we are going for a nice long walk.

I thought for something different we would walk to another neighbourhood.

Never know how many more beautiful Sundays we will have to do that so off we will go to see what we can see.

This afternoon I have a tea order to submit and then bake my son-in-law’s birthday cake for Tuesday’s supper.

It is so nice to have the time to just sit and ponder life.

To just kick back and enjoy the moment.

No worries.

Just happy in one’s own skin.

Just relaxed and enjoying life.

Feeling pretty content at this moment.

In the back ground music playing from my iPOD (actually my daughter’s).

Sun is shining brightly in through the office window.

Yesterday I took down all of the Spring/Summer ornaments / pictures from the main floor and brought up the Fall / Halloween decorations.

Not long before I am taking Fall / Halloween decorations down and bringing up the CHRISTMAS stuff.

Oh that is my favourite day of the year ….. November 1st.

Well unfortunately I have to work that day but I will put up the tree and begin the process of decorating the house.

Well I hear Mr. Alvin moaning and groaning – he is bored and would like to go for a walk.

Or maybe he does not appreciate the music that is playing.

Oh well…..

Time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you are enjoying the Fall weekend.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of June, 2015.

It is a bright sunny morning here in Edmonton with little breeze.

Hard to believe it is Monday morning already.

Me and Mr. Alvin had a great weekend ….. there were parts of it that I am pretty certain he would not agree were great but nonetheless it was pretty awesome.

It was almost like a spring cleaning kind of weekend.

The task that I am most proud of accomplishing was painting the porch.

It was windy and I did wear some but JOYFUL noise it is done and looks awesome.

All sparkling white and clean.

Sometimes it is those tasks that we put off because we are somewhat “nervous” or “scared” to do that gives us the most satisfaction when completed.

Now I feel like I can do almost anything.

So it was a great weekend.

We accomplished everything on the “TO DO LIST” and even had time for relaxing.

Snuggles with Mr. Alvin …..

My favourite time.

Yes, I cannot believe the weekend is over.

Time to move onto another week with another weekend coming up.

YAY.

So make some noise …. you deserve it …… you did it.

Now it is Monday …. the most dreaded day of the week.

Likely for the most part is because it falls after the weekend and most of us just want to stay home and sleep.

I do make the mistake of sleeping in ….. besides really who wants to get out of bed at 5:00 a.m. when you do not have to … well okay, I can think of one little guy ….. me Alvin …… he always wakes up early.  We always get up but not always stay up.

Well time to get this show on the road.

Happy Monday.

Just take a deep breath …..

If I can move my “Fanny Farkle” up and out, I know that you can, too.

We can do it.

Today is going to be awesome, fantastic, great, spectacular and amazing.

It will …..

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …. miss you all.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of January, 2015.

Well I decided to take an extra few minutes of sleep this morning ….

Now I am running a bit late.

So this will be short.

I apologize.

 

Just an observation.

Yesterday on way to bus (after work).

As I approached the corner to cross; I noticed one of our “meter people” placing a ticket on a vehicle.

As she placed the ticket on the vehicle the window came down on a vehicle waiting to cross at the lights and a young man yelled ” you are not making someone’s day” and then as the light changed he yelled that she was doing a bad job.  (not his exact words but you get the idea).

I firmly replied:  “You are doing a great job.”

Why does this have to happen?

 

Time to go.

Special Hello to: all those meter people.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of August, 2014.

The sky is overcast this morning and there is a medium breeze happening.

I am not sure if we will get rain or not but for comfort it is cool.

 

After a weekend away from home it always takes a day or two to get back into the groove.

To feel like you are back to normal.

Usually you stay up late when you are away from home ….. not the case this time ….. I was in bed earlier than most weekends and some week nights.

Usually you sleep in when you are away from home …… not the case this time …… even without Alvin ….. I was up EARLY.  (no naps either) – must have been the fresh air.

Usually you do not take out the garbage when you are away from home ….. not the case this time …… my brother thought it was a good idea to take the family with him to the dump.

Now that was a bit different ….. he works away from home and was on the back side of his break ….. so it was in his schedule ….. just thought it was funny ….. taking the family for an outing to the dump.

It wasn’t the kind of dump that I had imagined ….

It was actually neat and clean …….. no big piles of stuff.

Anyway enough about garbage ….

By the way did I tell you that my brother “J” runs a tight ship……. his house is always neat as a pin …… (and clean).

So if you were away from home and were feeling a bit out of sorts …. just remember it takes a few days to get back into the groove.

At least that is what I have found ……

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Tuesday.

Go out there and be kind, be happy and be good…….. right …..

 

Special Hello to: all those travellers

Always, Carol and Alvin