Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! How are you this cold Monday morning? I am doing well. Up and dressed and all of that. Today is an office today. Although I am not looking forward to going outside and would rather be tucked under the warm blankets still in bed, it is okay. I am always grateful for the days that I work from home. With a 5 second commute from upstairs to downstairs, more in bed under the covers keeping toasty warm time, lunch break in my own home, drinking my own perked coffee, after work turn off the computer at the end of my work day and I am home. More time at home doing the things I love especially in the evenings. The work/life balance is perfection. We spend so much time over our lifetimes working and away from home. I get it, I understand, we need to work to earn a living to live our lives. Money does not grow on trees, well it kind of does, or at least paper comes from trees although perhaps our money is not made totally from paper anymore. Anyway you get the picture. So I am grateful, grateful that when Mr. Alvin comes home, I will be home. Thankfully I am on Christmas break until January 3, 2023. Perhaps the New Year will have me working from home more, I love being at home. Home is my happy place with the lime green painted office walls to the plants in the kitchen window, I love my house, my home.

Countdown to Christmas: today is Monday, December 19th, 2022 and that brings us to “5” more sleeps till Christmas Eve. 5 more sleeps until I have my family under the same roof for a time. 5 more sleeps until Alvin comes home. 5 more sleeps until we open our gifts. 5 more sleeps until we continue to eat lots more goodies. 5 more sleeps!

Oh, we are almost at the shortest day of the year which is Wednesday, December 21st. We will go to work and come home in darkness. Then the days will start to get longer once again. I hope that the sun will start to shine more. We all need that brightness to fill our daytime.

Well it looks like I have to finish this post and head downstairs to finish getting ready for work. Throw my snack/breakfast/lunch into my backpack.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Yesterday was a nice day. I did a bit of work and I almost forgot that I had a little furry visitor. Cookie’s Dad reached out to see if she could stay with me while they went to a movie as they were celebrating their son’s birthday. Of course, I said “absolutely.” Miss Cookie came to stay with me. She was looking for Alvin and for her family as she kept jumping up on the chair and looking out of the window. We had some play time, she ate a bit of Alvin’s food and we just hung out. Cookie is an energetic little dog. Her Mom picked her up about 8:15 and we had a little visit. My friend has been working at her new job a lot as of late. An unexpected delight! I had a great Sunday. Bit of work, company and some downtime. Perfection!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Definitely need coffee at the office this morning. Something HOT.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Hello All, what a morning or rather what a night. It would appear that Mr. Alvin may have another ear infection or it may be that the rainy weather has flared the arthritis in his paws. He even did the butt drag for a moment a few minutes ago. Clearly something is wrong so off to the vet we go. I will call them as soon as they are open and fingers crossed that I can get in today. I cannot go another night with not much sleep. Work is hectic and I am pooped as it feels like things are coming at me from all directions. Did I say work is hectic that is perhaps the biggest understatement of all time. Okay perhaps I am exaggerating just a bit as I am feeling a bit sleep deprived. The wind is blowing this morning and it has been raining. Today is supposed to be +11 degrees celsius. Now that is a beautiful day. Hopefully the sun comes out as I do not wish to be walking Alvin to the vet for an ear appointment in the rain. He does have a raincoat and perhaps I could wrangle him into it as he is now comfortable with his new sweater.

We did enjoy a wonderful walk yesterday at lunchtime. The air was warm with a tinch of coolness but comfortable for walking. Alvin strutted along in his new sweater not giving any clue that just the days before he was not happy about wearing it. I am glad that he calmed down and loves it now.

How are you doing today? Tuesday morning? Are you working? Home or at the office? Or perhaps you are a front lines worker. Isn’t it funny we never or rarely heard that term but now it is every day. Life has changed so much since the the early part of the year. Does not even seem possible that I have been working home for almost one year. Wow.

I forgot that our time changes this weekend on Sunday, I believe. We FALL back one hour.

I just see red lights out by the garage and realized that it is the garbage guys. That would not be much fun picking up trash in the dark. Not much fun at all. Could be dangerous. I did not see any lights on the side but there must be as not everyone has lights down the back lane.

I am going to end this post as my brain is a bit foggy for lack of sleep. I hope and trust that everything will work out for each and every one of us. Things may not be perfect but that is okay. Life is a new perfect now. Change is the new norm. Whether that is good, bad or indifferent, I have not decided.

Take Care, be safe. Live with as much respect and kindness that you can fit into your days and your life. I believe that this is how we shall survive.

I/We shall remain, as always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. on the upside it is four sleeps until Halloween and five until Christmas, I mean my Christmas Tree goes up and I decorate the house.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well here we are at Monday morning.

The sky is filled with dark blue rain clouds.

Sounds like they have forecasted rain for this day.

Tomorrow my friend is taking me to the Devonian Garden to check out the new Aga Khan Garden at the Devonian Gardens just a few minutes away from my home,

and just outside the City of Edmonton.

Alvin is curled up on his blue blanket beside my chair.

I would love to be curled up beside him as it is cool in the house this morning.

It was difficult to remove myself from under the blanket that I was covered with on the sofa.

But it is time to get up and at it.

Vacation day or not.

There are things to do.

Vacation has to be a good mix of work and play.

My sister comes in just 5 sleeps so the house has to be ready.

We are getting there.

Today is Alvin’s hair cut and bath day.

Tomorrow the Devonian Garden which is a birthday gift from my friend.

There is some cleaning, laundry, shopping to do before Saturday but there is time.

Some planning …..

Hopefully the sun will shine some more as I find it difficult to push myself into action especially with days to go.

I guess procrastination would be the word.

Making a list always helps, I find.

I am looking up at my beautiful bulletin boards.

Thinking of what should be displayed on them.

There are still finishing touches waiting.

This is where I shall end this post.

Things to do …. list to make.

 

Living each day with kindness and respect for myself and for others.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning.

Well the skies are filled with deep dark clouds this morning.

I will make certain that I have my umbrella close at hand for my walk to work.

Catching the bus as my carpool is enjoying a camping vacation.

One more day after today and then I am on vacation for just over two weeks.

So excited.

Yesterday Humphrey spent most of the day with us and we will watch over him this week.

We, I also checked in on little Moo Moo, the cat several times during the day.

Her parents are home from their camping trip.

We slept in as we were both pooped from our busy weekend with the all of the pups.

Missing our opportunity …. the window … before the humidity was too much for us to walk.

I think we, well I know I had more walking in two days than I do on a regular basis in a week.

We got the remaining laundry completed, vacuuming done, dusting done, and tidying up.

Also wrote out a massive amount of birthday cards some to be mailed.

There are so many family and friend birthdays in August including this girl.

 

Favourite weekend photos:

I came across this quote somewhere along my journeys and it makes perfect sense to me:

“Sometimes all you have to do is shift your perspective to see someone else’s truth.”

Right?

I surely think so.

 

Well our household is in countdown mode for the “Visit of my beloved SISTER.”

11 sleeps until her arrival.

I can hardly wait.

I always love seeing my sister.

We could sit by each other and not say one word and I would be out of this world happy.

So excited my sister to see you.

 

Well getting close to departure time.

I wish you all a very Happy Tuesday.

 

Kindness and Respect are your tools for a very good life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, July 29th, 2017 and it is the 12th day until my 60th Birthday.

Holy Catfish ….. only 12 days and only SIX sleeps until my Sister C arrives and then after that only four sleeps until my baby brother T arrives.

So much excitement and company during my vacation time.

I only have a few more posts until the big day and I am trying to do something special for each day.

I have done advice, special memories, photos and more.

So on this Saturday what shall I do.

 

I will keep it simple on this date due to the fact that my grand-pups are coming to stay with me and Alvin for the afternoon and part of the evening.

So we want to be ready so that we can just play and enjoy each other’s company.

 

How about this and can only be one:

1.  Favourite song of all time:     I WISH IT WOULD RAIN DOWN By Phil Collins
2. Favourite singer of all time:    ELTON JOHN
3. Favourite actor, male or female of all time:   JOHN WAYNE
4. Favourite place in the world:  HOME
5. Favourite item to eat:  POTATOES any way
6. Favourite word: PEACE

 

Definitely a hard thing to do …..

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of August, 2015.

Wow, one week into August.

It has been a great one thus far.

In just three sleeps I will celebrate my 58th Birthday and in five sleeps one of my brothers will turn 53.

My sister turned 56 in February and our baby brother turned 50 in January.

It only happens for two years every decade.

Kind of cool.

I cannot believe that I am almost “60.”

It is not that I am afraid of that number or even growing old for that matter (for the most part).

It is just that wow …… it seems like I am still in my 40’s or younger.

I feel young and my friends and family keep me there.

I am so blessed ….. truly I am.

This morning the kids are dropping off the grand-puppies.

They are staying with me and Alvin for two nights and three days as they are looking after my son-in-law’s niece and nephew.

So we are excited.

It is always wonderful to have Elton and Penny visit us.

Alvin is beside him …. actually I only mentioned in passing quietly otherwise he would have been running around and looking out of the window ……

Well only a few minutes until they arrive.

After they get the pups settled they will drop me at my office on the way to theirs. (just like the old days) ….. NICE.

I took tomorrow off as a vacation day so will have some quality time with the pups.

The sun is coming up and shining on the neighbour in the back lane’s huge garage that stands almost done ….. apparently waiting for “paper work” from the City.

I hope that you have an amazing Thursday.

If today is your birthday have a wonderful one.

If today is not your birthday have a wonderful one.

Stay safe and have fun.

Special Hello to: my sister who is back home in Regina and my brother in Calgary ….. to our brother who hosted … THANK YOU.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 27th day of July, 2015.

It is overcast, breezy and a bit cool this morning but I LOVE IT.

Maybe rain today ……

Only four sleeps until my siblings and I are reunited once again.

Once a year the four of us get together.

I am so excited.

There is nothing like the conversation of siblings ….. no secrets ….. just great talks …..

Always love and much laughter.

I love that part most of all …… the laughter.

My brother “J” is a great “griller” so I am sure that he will whip up some fantastic.

We girls will make sure that the dishes are done.

My brother “T” will lend a hand where needed.

Friday …… I am so excited ….

I hope that you had a great Sunday.

Mine was awesome.

The trip to Costco was good ….. got everything I needed.

At Save-On I found the miracle grow for my flowers ….. they need an extra boost.

Wow, we have had 27 great days thus far in July.

August will be amazing ….. it is always …..

Perhaps because it is my birthday ….  no ….. I love August because fall is right around the corner.

Fall is my favourite season.

Well time to get on the road to work.

The bus won’t wait.

Alvin is in position …

Laying on the floor outside the office as I write these words.

Oh, my baby Alvin ….. love him so much.

This morning he wanted up to sit in my lap …. I love that …..

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: siblings …… enjoy your time together.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of November, 2014.

WOW, what a great day.

I can feel it in my bones that something spectacular is going to happen today.

I feel extra happy this morning.

We got to sleep in a bit later as our driver doesn’t have to be to work until 8:00 a.m. and both of us girls start at that time or later.

YAY.

I hope that you feel great this morning.

I am working my first Thursday shift in a long time until 10:00 p.m. ….. so will be a late night.

But I love working at the store so it is all good.

Well I hear our ride stirring so it won’t be long until we are leaving for another fun filled day at work.

I would say that I have two interesting jobs that is for sure.

I hope that you are doing something that you love and or that at least interests you.

My sister comes in just two sleeps and I am super charged and excited to see her.

Are you ready?

I am ready.

Are you feeling great?

I am feeling great.

Let us go and set this world on fire with excitement, kindness and love.

OKAY.

Have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister …. two more sleeps.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of August, 2014.

Another gorgeous day ….. sun shining ……. bit of a cool breeze ….. will be hot later.

I sure love being at home.

I wished that I could have this week on an ongoing basis.

This morning slept in for a bit …… then wrote in my gratitude journal and enjoyed a glass of lemon infused water.

Followed by taking my grand-puppies for an early morning walk so that they would not get hot.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk before going to bed so fair is fair, right.

So now everyone has had exercise within the last 12 hours.

Last night my friend “G” called to say that she had to drop something off for me.

Okay, I said.

She brought me an early birthday card and a gift card to Cineplex.

Two of my friends from Bath & Body Works are taking me for supper and to a movie afterwards.

I mentioned to my friend that I would like to treat them because they are young and going to post secondary school ….. working part-time.

So what does she do gives me a huge gift card so that I can now pay for the movie.

Now don’t I have a great friend.

Yesterday in the mail I received a birthday card from my Aunt “L” and Uncle “R” ….. she always remembers.

I am so grateful.

Tonight I was invited to a neighbour’s for tea in their beautiful back yard.

I am so blessed.

I have been following the “Birthday Week” of a fellow August 9th birth and that is Hoda Kotb.

Now she is a bit younger as she turns “50” on Saturday and I turn “57” ….. how cool.

Then a week later Kathie Lee Gifford and her husband Frank celebrate.

I really enjoy the Today Show ….. my favourite talk show…..

Their sense of humour ….. their chit chat ….. even though most of it is scripted …… their guests.

How they get along.

So only three sleeps until the big “57” …… or “%&” ….. depending on which keys you hit.

I am so grateful to be here and turning 57.

I am so grateful for being in great health.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by the most amazing friends and family.

I am so grateful to have my own home.

I am so grateful to have me Alvin …..

I am so grateful to have the best daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies.

I am very grateful for this life ….. my life.

I hope that you all have an amazing Wednesday ….

Whether at home, at work or on vacation ….. enjoy …… every moment counts.

Special Hello to: my friends and family for making this truly the best birthday yet and it hasn’t even arrived.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to a very SNOWY morning this 3rd day of December, 2013.

It has been snowing for over twenty-four hours now.

But I am happy to report it has finally stopped.

I shovelled last night about 6:30 and by the time I went to bed at 10:00 it looked like I had not shovelled.

So much snow.

Very beautiful though.

The way it glistens like diamonds as the street lamps light snow.

This is the fluffiest snow ever.

Just like lifting a puff ball.

Which is nice as Alvin still hasn’t start to help me shovel.

Well the countdown has begun.

23 days and 22 sleeps till Christmas …… is my math right.

Likely for some folks not enough days no matter which way you count it.

Well off to shovel some snow before I leave for work.

Have the best day and remember to be kind.

Smile, smile and smile.

It is contagious.

Special Hello: to EVERYONE……

Always, Carol and Alvin