2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Had a fairly good sleep and even slept in this morning. No reason to get out of bed and stay up at 5:00 a.m. or even at 6:00 a.m. other than I guess it is better for one to keep the same sleep schedule which includes going to bed and rising. I will admit that I am trying to find the best times and it appears to be a work in progress for us although we usually go to bed within an hour. At this very moment the view out of my office window reminds me of a snow globe. The snow is accumulating as it is below zero. I can see more shovelling in my future. Just when there was only a small amount on the deck and in the backyard. We still have a fair amount on the front yard but that is due to us facing north. All about the shade in the front which is nice as the living room faces in that direction. On those hot summer days when it is +27 or so degrees celsius that shade does not keep the living room cool …… we have fans for that…. The sky is completely overcast with no breaks so looks like this is set in for the day although the temperature is to be plus double digits today so if that happens we will end up with rain and the snow will melt quickly. Tomorrow’s forecast is for plus double digits tomorrow and rain. I am so glad that we had an extra long walk yesterday as we may not make it out today. I don’t mind walking when it is snowing or raining but for Alvin not so good. He runs the risks of moisture getting into his ears (even though I dry them when we get home) and getting a yeast infection. Not much fun for either of us.

What is going on the in world today? I have literally no idea. I only know what is going on in my house. With Alvin I have no idea what he is thinking. I can only react to his physical appearance which makes it hard. It would be nice perhaps to know what he is thinking although between the just moments ago shaking his head and sneezing, I am willing to place a bet that he is not so happy with me at this moment. Clearly he wants something. Now he is whimpering. Perhaps he has to go outside. When we arose from the sofa, he drank quite a lot of water and I coaxed him to go outside but he would not so likely now he has to go for a pee. Well we went down and outside and we are back. Guess you did not miss us as you did not know we were gone, lol.

The house is quiet as always other than Mr. Alvin running across the room. I like quiet but sometimes you need the company of other humans, right?

This is a good time for me to do some further writing.

Do you notice that when it is snowing or raining or the skies are just plain overcast and there is no sunshine that you somehow lose your get up and go? I sometimes do, okay actually lots of times I do. But sometimes when it is snowing or raining – I have the urge to clean out a closet or rearrange furniture. Always a good thing to do. Go through those closets and the pantry. Cupboards and drawers. I will say that one advantage about living with no other humans is when I put something down it stays in that spot until I move it. When I put something away – it stays away until I move it. So there are advantages of being the only human in the house but then sometimes it is just lonely. I would not say that I am lonely often as I usually find a way to entertain myself and after all, I have Mr. Alvin and he keeps me busy. I would think when you are part of a busy household filled with humans and perhaps a pet or two that sometimes you just would like to be alone. I guess for us humans it always remains something to find a happy medium. Like the work life/home life balance.

Well I guess it is time for me to get dressed, take the laundry down to the basement and get that started. There will be vacuuming to do and dusting as well. Bed has been stripped and made already so one thing off my list. I look forward to a cup of coffee on a Saturday ….. it does seem different than during the week. Mainly because I actually can drink it while it is hot/warm. Very enjoyable.

I hope that you are doing well amidst all that is going on in our world and in your life. If we remember to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience then we are doing our very best. I think that I could add love and passion to that list as well. If we love ourselves and live our lives with passion in addition to living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience ….. we truly have all of the bases covered for a well lived life. Food for thought.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to read my words. I see and know that some of you read this post faithfully everyday and I am truly grateful.

May life treat you well each and every day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well good morning and welcome to a SNOW GLOBE.

I decided last week to take today off as a vacation day as my carpool had booked today off.

So I am at home.

We were up earlier and then went back to sleep for a bit.

It has been snowing since about 6:00 a.m.

I do love the snow.

It is hypnotizing as it falls to the ground.

Yes it is.

I see lots of shovelling in my future.

 

The plan for today was to go to the grocery store and then work on the photos.

So now with all of the snow I am a little concerned about walking to the store.

I had planned to catch a taxi home so it will be just getting there.

Before all of this snow there was a considerable amount of ice in spots.

Now with the snow covering …. makes it not so easy to walk.

So now I am thinking that I will wait until after lunch and by then there should be enough snow to make it more safe to walk.

OR not.

I will go and shovel later, not much point at the moment.

Funny how Mother Nature can change your plans just like that.

Hopefully this will not last, the snow that is.

 

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me.

I bet he is wondering what is the Momma doing at home?

 

How are you doing this day?

Are you at work?

At home?

At school?

on Vacation?

I want to wish you the best day.

Whether you are working, relaxing or studying.

Just enjoy.

 

Well time to go and have that cup of coffee.

Coffee in the morning except on the weekends.

As always I am working on drinking more water.

To keep well hydrated.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Filled with Kindness and Respect, Always.

Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of January, 2018.

Today is the Birthday of my youngest brother, the baby of our family.

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday “T” …… Wishing you the most wonderful day.

Back at the “ranch” here in Edmonton it is softly snowing so I guess that means it has warmed overnight.

When Alvin and I were up at Midnight, 4:00 a.m. and 5:22 a.m. it was not snowing.

We have an errand to run today and I was hoping to take Alvin with me as he needs some food.

We also need to walk.

He is going a bit off his nut (British saying).

So as long as it is not bitterly cold we are WALKING.

Also need some things at the grocery store …. will see when I can get there.

I love watching the snow …. looks like a SNOW GLOBE.

The sky is white …. looks gloomy but wonderful.

Perhaps when we get out for some exercise (mostly Alvin), he will sleep better and also will not wish to go outside every five minutes.

Which it has been cold and he only stays outside for a few seconds, literally.

I think he just wants to interrupt me from whatever I am doing.

Oh well, he’s my boy and that is okay.

That bit of up and down, up and up is okay for me, it is more exercise.

When it is COLD and BITTERLY COLD, we all just want to EAT, WATCH TV cuddling under a cozy blanket and SLEEP.

So happy it is warming up.

Oh, last night I submitted another tea order, grateful for the orders and my customers.

Our new catalogue comes out this week and I am excited to see all of the new items.

Will be time to order the new ones.

 

I wanted to share on of the notes from Mike Dooley’s NOTES from the UNIVERSE book:

“Sometimes, when it seems

your wings have suddenly and

unexpectedly been clipped, maybe

just maybe, there’s more to learn by

staying where you are.

Maybe not.

You decide.”

 

This seemed to be so appropriate as of late and gave me comfort in my thoughts that yes, stay where you are.

Does not mean that I have been thinking of moving from my house, not that.

Somedays you just see or read something that seems to give you permission or the feeling that your decision was correct.

Perhaps this will strike a cord with you, maybe or maybe not.

But watch for signs.

If you ask the questions, generally speaking the answer will appear.

Whether from your gut or somewhere outside of you.

 

Time to go and put on some COFFEE and have BREAKFAST.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Be well, safe and warm.

Special Hello to: my little brother, Happy Birthday Buddy.  We love you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of March, 2017.

Wow, it looks like a snow globe here in Edmonton this morning.

The once almost bare covered ground is now completely covered.

Winter, Part II.

 

As you may have noticed I have been away for several days, actually the first three of March.

I have had probably one of the worst colds ever for me.

I missed three days of work (argh, not happy about).

So yesterday was the first day in over a week that I actually felt closer to being a human being.

I wasn’t sneezing and blowing my nose every few seconds.

Today, better yet.

So by Monday, this thing should be in the past.

 

My friend “V” sent me an ever so sweet “care package” ….. which was so thoughtful.

She is the best person.

It will take awhile to eat all of the items in the package as it was huge.

Alvin, our dear boy, well he got a packet of treats as well.

I attempted to take a video of him opening his gift but it did not work out.

He was super EXCITED …… the sounds he made ……

 

This morning friends called to see if I would like to accompany them to the grocery store and I said “yes, thank you.”

My fridge is bare of fresh produce and my body is craving a salad ….. and fruit.

 

I was going to give Alvin a hair cut and bath but have rethought that action and might just wait until next weekend or tomorrow.

 

Well I just wanted to say hello and write something as it has been so long.

I missed writing.

Time to call my neighbour and see if she would like a cup of coffee, as I would.

Breakfast – homemade bread made into toast with honey.

Does not get better than that.

 

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family who missed my blog …. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of December, 2016.

No more sleeps this is Christmas Eve.

Today is the day.

So glad that today is Christmas.

We are pretty much ready.

Just a few housekeeping last minute items.

Last minute dust job and vacuum and such.

It snowed last night so of course there is shovelling on my list before my company arrives.

With any lucky no more will fall before the company arrives.

 

As Alvin and I put on the final preparations for this Christmas we remember how different our Christmas will be without our beloved Penny and Elton.

We spent so many Christmases together, and they will forever remain in a special place in our hearts.

I would like to share a few photos of our special fur-babies as we think of them this Christmas.

Christmas 2015 – Miss Penny Lane Hobbs

Christmas 2015 – Elton John Hobbs and Penny Lane Hobbs

Miss Penny, again she is quite the model….

Alvin and Penny ….. he misses her…..

Ah, Miss Penny a few years back

Ah, my puppies ….. Elton and Penny.

 

Even though we lost our dearest Elton and Penny this last year and our hearts are aching for them, we think of all those other families who are struggling with loss this Christmas.

May their memories warm your hearts, and keep the conversation alive now and forever.

This Christmas we have additions to our family.

It will mean new traditions and more stories.

We will share with them our old stories and life will go on.

 

So on this Christmas ….

May you live your life with some “wreck-less abandon.”

Remember to be kind and generous.

Remember to be grateful …. always a good place to start.

May Santa bring you that special gift that makes you giggle with joy.

That would bring a smile to my face and more warmth to my heart.

Happy Christmas.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, near and far, we are thinking of you and wish you were here or we were there.

With Love Always, Carol and Alvin

Fall 2016 me and me Alvin …..

Merry Christmas To All and To All a GREAT NIGHT.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 5th day of December, 2016.

Well I can safely say that Edmonton now has winter.

It snowed like there was no tomorrow late yesterday afternoon early evening.

Looked like a giant snow globe had been placed over my neighbourhood.

By about 8:00 p.m. it slowed down but in its’ wake we got about six inches or so.

Hard to tell.

I did shovel once in the middle of it all and now I could shovel again.

It was wonderfully light and fluffy snow.

The kind that makes shovelling quick work.

It is minus 16 degrees celsius or so at this time.

The wind is howling so I will make certain to wear my longest winter coat, put up my hood and wear my scarf.

 

Yesterday I finally was able to complete my Tribute to our Beloved Elton.

As is all things after it was done and published on this site; I thought of so much more that I could have said and should have said.

Like this guy absolutely loved car rides and would sit proudly on his car seat looking out of the window.

Always sitting proper and not fussing about.

When Elton walked …. so cute…. he had this swagger ….. like he was the King of the World.

I loved to watch him walk as we would go for walks together.

Sometimes me, Elton, Penny and Alvin would go together.

The trio made for some fun walks.

One wanting to go each different way.

But I miss those times with all my heart.

There is nothing like the unconditional love of a “dog” …. they are truly our family.

Rest in Peace our wonderful fur babies.

 

So on this Monday ….. brrr cold.

I have fond memories to keep me warm.

 

Have a wonderful day.

I did manage to write cards and notes to family and friends at a distance.

More to do …… some every night.

 

Special Hello to: Family and Friends, Merry Christmas ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 25th day of March, 2016.

A short while ago when I looked out of my bedroom window it looked like we were in a shaken snow globe.

Now it appears to have stopped.

There is a fine sheet of snow covering the ground.

Mother Nature is trying to get that last bit of snow out before spring gets into full swing.

We need the moisture.

 

Well the house is quiet this morning as it was yesterday.

I did not notice it quite as much, as I was busy getting ready to go to work.

Soon my baby boy and my girl will be here.

My daughter is coming for a pancake breakfast and a visit.

Time for Alvin to come home.

I look forward to our visits and treasure them always.

Perhaps Elton will come as well ……

 

I had the most unusual dream last night and actually remember some of it.

There was this young woman not a child had come to see me, suitcase in hand.

She said she was here to stay with me.

Apparently we had made arrangements for her to rent my guest room.

My mind raced as I could not remember this girl or the plan, and I had currently had use of the room.

I can almost see her face.

It was so strange because as quickly as I did not bring her face to mind, I did somehow remember her.

It was very very odd.

We even sat down and had a cup of tea ( always have to be a good hostess ).

I guess this could mean a lot of different things ….

Perhaps something I had mentioned during the day would have spurred this dream ….

Or maybe something that is going to happen …. who knows.

Time will tell.

 

I guess now that I have been all spruced up (showered) and have the laundry collected and have written my blog …. time to get the laundry started and start preparing our breakfast.

We do not have a set set time as I do not wish to rush her ….. lucky thing for pancakes you can keep them warm and toasty in the oven ….. that is why I chose them.

 

Have a Happy Friday ……

This is a four day weekend for me and I am grateful to have some extra time at home.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. I will SKYPE you at 6:30 p.m. Sunday night ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 7th day of March, 2016.

Well we have “winter” once again …… it was like being in a snow globe yesterday afternoon and into the evening.

Over those hours the ground is covered in a thick white blanket.

We will need the moisture so it is all good.

 

Well it did not help my friend find her way in a somewhat strange city.

The GPS system in the car was outdated.

Needless to say it was a long out of the way trip to my house.

But she made it, and we had a great visit.

Shared a cup of “Steeped Tea.”

Note: to self …. alway check directions even if you have a GPS system in the vehicle.

 

Wow, here we are one week into March.

Next Sunday we push our clocks ahead one hour.

That will seem odd …. we lose an hour which takes a bit of adjusting.

Alvin and his internal clock – well that is another story.

 

Lots of “thoughts” this weekend.

I need/want to get back to my old positive self, as of late I seem to have gone over to the dark side.

Not entirely that is for sure …. not even half but I want to be 98% positive.

Makes for one JOYFUL Momma when your thoughts are on a silver lining that lack of…..

It is easy to slip into that negative Nelly mode for sure.

Sometimes you do not even realize.

But I do and I will get myself back to where I want/need to be.

 

Mr. Alvin is quiet this morning.

Curled up on the piece of rug that my computer chair is sitting upon ….. he is so cute.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I am going to have a wonderful day and hope that you do as well.

So happy that my friend made it safe and relatively “sound.”

 

Special Hello to: friends near and far …… Hello, How are you?

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 8th day of December, 2016.

Do you ever or often awake from dreaming all night and only remember a few flashes from those dreams?

Last night was one of those nights.

It felt like dreams from a fantasy world.

So hard to articulate for sure.

The one thing that I remember and this is so strange is this:  I was peeling away layers of what seemed to be my feet but looked like felt and glue.

There was no pain or joy associated with this flash.

Very strange.

Now at this time I have forgotten everything but the felt and glue.

Perhaps I should have placed a notepad and pen on my nightstand.

It always makes me wonder how our brain brings forth such imaginative tales.

Anyway back to reality.

 

It has been lightly snowing since yesterday.

I love to look out the window and see big flakes slowly coming down.

Always reminds me of a snow globe and I love them.

Alvin and I did a bit of shovelling last night ….

It was so easy as the snow is light and fluffy.

The best kind for shovelling.

So easy to move about.

 

I am excited about tomorrow as my daughter is coming late morning and we are going to have pancakes for “brunch” followed by an afternoon of making jewellery.

We are using polymer clay and I have been dreaming/thinking of making flowers.

So will have to sketch some designs and then figure best way to go about making them.

 

I hope that you are doing great.

Thinking and dreaming …. Dreaming and thinking.

Always the best combination.

You cannot do one without the other.

Have the best Friday ever.

Filled with laughter, kind deeds and respectful actions.

Happy Friday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my blog ….. I so appreciate your time.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. Funny thing this morning …. I was leaving the bathroom and happened to glance down as I took a step and saw a black ball (my work socks) laying in the middle of the doorway.  Mm, I thought do not think that I put them there.  Guess Mr. Alvin was trying to help me get dressed.  I always lay out my clothes on the bed before I wash, put on makeup and brush my teeth.  First time he has done this although I know he loves socks as usually when they are in the laundry basket he wrestles to get them through the openings in the weave on the basket.  To bring a smile to your face.  Then he tried to look all innocent when I said “Mr. Alvin.”

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 24th day of December, 2015 and Christmas Eve.

It is finally here …. the waiting is over.

Mother Nature has even joined in the excitement this day as it is ever so gently snowing.

The snow globe effect …..

While……

Me and the children are waiting patiently for Santa Claus to arrive ….

and Alvin, too.

Counting down the hours and minutes.

I remember back to when I was a young girl …. never could sleep Christmas Eve.

Just remember Santa Claus is a feeling ….. the feeling of wonder and awe, happiness and love.

Capture that feeling at Christmas and you will be set for life.

 

While I am a dreamer I am always a realist and while I, we are celebrating with our family and friends there are those who cannot.

There are many reasons ….

Perhaps they are alone in a hospital bed.

Perhaps they are homeless.

Perhaps they have no family or friends.

Perhaps there just is no money for the “trimmings.”

Or maybe they are not at home and cannot get there.

For whatever the reason…..you are not alone.

I want to WISH every human being on this planet all the LOVE that is celebrated and felt in my home, and in so many others.

I want to WISH every human being on this planet a place to call home, food in their bellies and to have the safety to just take a walk and gaze up at the stars.

We are all together ….. every decision I make, and you make affects someone, everyone, somewhere, everywhere.

So on this much celebrated day which should be the likes of everyday ….

I wish you love.

I wish you an easy life.

I wish you happiness.

I wish you joy.

I wish you laughter.

 

Merry Christmas Everyone from Me and Alvin …..

Have the Best Day and Remember to spread the Joy…..

You do not need another blue sweater or gift card to the mall.

There is someone out there perhaps close by who does ….

Merry Christmas …..

Be safe in your travels …..

 

Best Wishes

Carol and Alvin