The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Thursday, January 27, 2022? Alvin and I are well. Dark outside at this time but cannot wait until the sunrise. They are so beautiful. Sometimes filled with shades of pinks and purples other times yellows and oranges. No matter the colour palette – they are so gorgeous. There is something about a sunrise that just brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I should have downloaded/uploaded the photos that I snapped the other morning with my phone. So pretty.

Well Mr. Alvin has started something as of the past few weeks and that is sometimes he will not drink from his water dish/bowl without me beside him and actually touching him. He barks if I am in another room forcing me to stay with him while he drinks. I am not sure what has got into him. He can see, I am sure of that. But his anxiety level seems to have increased. I will continue to be patient with him and help him through his senior years. Just like he helps me. He has medication for anxiety but I do not want to give him pills all the time because he seems calm most of the time. Anyway, something to monitor. Keeping him happy, relaxed but most of all healthy during these times is paramount. We, I need him to be in good health.

Yesterday a small fleet of small caterpillars with blades were out moving the snow around. They did not have the trucks out hauling away the snow. I am not sure if the City is planning on doing that or not. Should check the City Website and see. A City of Edmonton vehicle was parked out front on the street yesterday and she was checking out the neighbour who parked their truck on their lawn. She spoke to someone on the phone and took some photos and left. It was later when the cats showed up in the neighbourhood moving snow around. One of the drivers got out of his machine and went to their door and spoke to them. The Mrs. came out and moved the truck off the lawn. They pushed all of the excess snow onto their lawn. They have a massive amount of snow on their lawn. Hopefully it melts and does not flood their basement in the spring. Thankfully most of us are up sloping down to the street. So we should be okay. Anyway they can now park on the street. I was wondering if they are going to do that with all of the snow? That would be a mess. Time will tell. There were some of the big graders out here yesterday as well. In all of the almost thirteen years since I moved here, I have never seen that many graders/cats out for this length of time.

Well that is my news for now. I am looking forward to that first cup of coffee this morning. I can smell the aroma floating up from the kitchen and it tickles my nose and warms my heart and soul. I love, love, love COFFEE. Did I say that I loved coffee, lol? Yup, I do.

Have a wonderful day. If you love coffee, I hope that you are able to have a cup or the beverage of your choice. Something that would be a good way to start the day. Be safe and kind to yourself and to others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. yesterday I helped my neighbour give Mr. Bogart his pain meds and medicine. Not an easy thing to do with a big cat. He weighs I think she said “17” pounds. He had to have surgery to put in shunts as he was playing too hard with his brother and was injured. Yikes. Wishing Bogart a speedy recovery.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Another Sunday morning. It is snowing. We sure have a lot of snow. I was out shovelling on the deck and I am running out of places to put the snow. It felt heavy but it is likely because it was morning and I had just got up and gone out with Mr. Alvin. On the plus side, it feels warmer. When I look outside the sky is white, the ground is white, the rooftops are white and snow is falling. We are literally covered in snow.

Yesterday I finally cleaned the area rug in my bedroom. I love my Bissell Crosswave, it works like a charm. Man was the water ever dirty. So happy to have that job done. I also cleaned the hallway rug as well. Lots of laundry was done yesterday as well. Looks like I have shovelling in my near future and I will round up the garbage and put in garage so that it is ready for Tuesday. With all of the pee pads from Cookie’s stay I may have to wait to put all of the garbage out. Oh well, not the end of the world.

Alvin is waiting patiently in the hallway, I believe as I cannot see him from my home computer as I moved it to the desk closest to the window and have my work computer near the door to the office. Today will be a quiet day for us. I am so excited for this week as with warmer temperatures we can go for walks. Our neighbours adopted an 8 month old female pup named Addy and she will be younger sister to Humphrey and Bogart. Her new very excited parents brought her over to meet us yesterday. She was very well behaved. Alvin barked once at her but I think it was a bark to say “okay young one, this is my house and I am the senior here.” Both did well together considering she is a puppy. I cannot wait to see her again. She was outside in the backyard with her Dad a few minutes ago. He went into the garage and she waited patiently outside the door.

Well I suppose I should get going and make some coffee before heading out to shovel, doing one last laundry as I forgot to wash Alvin’s sweater and he will need it this week when we walk. He has a jacket but it will be too small and the sweater covers all of him and keeps him warm. He does have a big warm jacket but he doesn’t like to wear it much. Actually it is almost too big for him. Perhaps I should see if it would fit Addy. I will see.

Have a great day. Be kind and respectful to yourself and to ours. We have to do better this year, we must. There is something about 2022 that tells me that. Something about the number.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday morning – April 11, 2020.

The sky is a bright beautiful blue filled with amazing sunlight.

YAY.

The snow is slowly melting.

Across the street from our house most of the snow has already melted uncovering brown grass waiting to turn to green.

On our side of the street facing NORTH we still have a couple of feet of snow.

But it is melting.

 

Yesterday we enjoyed 1.5 hour walk visiting with friends as we went.

I was amazed at how many people that we knew as we walked about.

The air was a bit cool but sunny and wonderful.

Alvin’s best friend came for a visit.

He was so happy to see Teddy and Teddy, Alvin.

I wouldn’t say that they really played but they did enjoy each other’s company.

In the afternoon we three went for a walk and met up with Teddy’s Mom and little sister Kobi.

There were a pair of Canada Geese out by the big pond.

We kept the “social distance” as we walked along.

There are so many more people out and about these days.

Perhaps we will all be in better physical condition after all this is over.

At least the folks in my neighbourhood as they are walking in huge numbers.

I think that is good.

Fresh air and sunlight are good for us all.

I understand if you are sick staying at home but otherwise outside following the “rules” is good for us all.

 

Last night I just finished a book that my daughter had loaned me.

Something like Happy by EVA WOODS.

I really enjoyed this book and her style of writing.

If you have an opportunity to read this book, please do so.

High recommendation.

This is the perfect read for this point in time.

 

Well today, time to get some work done around the house.

Changed bedding and once finished here I will be popping into the shower.

I have a 11:00 a.m. ZOOM meeting with two of my friends.

This should be interesting.

Our CEO had a ZOOM meeting with staff but several of us were “locked out” so to speak.

Someone said that ZOOM had a 100 capacity and well we are over 100 staff.

That makes sense.

Anyway I understand that we can see each other so I better get prettied up.

Or at least look descent.

After that my daughter might pop by …..

It is hard not to see our families if they do not live with us.

But we have a visit following the rules.

There is laundry to do and taxes.

Walking to do.

Cleaning bathrooms again.

Seems like I just did them.

 

Well I should get this show on the road.

I hope that you are all doing well.

Perhaps that Easter Bunny will hop over to your house over the weekend filling it with lovely chocolate treats.

Maybe there will be a floral delivery?

Maybe a video chat with family and friends.

I hope this finds you and your family well.

 

With kindness and respect

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Lilies Just for YOU.

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of February, 2019.

This month seems to be passing by in light speed.

Already we are half way through and was it not the 1st day just last week.

WOW, crazy.

 

As I look out of my office window the sky is a grey-white colour just a tone darker than the snow that is covering the ground and rooftops.

No snow overnight so that is good.

When I shovelled yesterday it was difficult to find a place, a spot to put the snow.

The deck and grassy area in my back yard have SNOWBANKS.

At the front, I am shovelling above my shoulders, which is not easy.

 

Last night Teddy and his Aunt J arrived about 3:30 p.m. for a visit before having supper with us.

Aunt J brought all of the fixings for a pretty much traditional Mexican taco meal right down to the limes.

It was fantastic.

I realized how much I love refried beans, so good.

Mexicans eat a lot of beans and they are so healthy for us.

We had a great visit and during our conversation I suddenly realized about the wildlife and their struggle for food this winter.

How can they find food when there is so much food.

Some folks are leaving out food for the wildlife.

Thankfully there are some berries on the trees for the birds.

But the pickings are slim.

We do not often think of the wildlife and their struggles between nature and man.

Without wildlife – I doubt we would continue to exist.

We would forever damage the balance, the natural order.

 

The evening was great.

The boys, Alvin and Teddy had fun.

Mostly just collapsing in each other’s company.

Isn’t that what friends do?

They are good just to be around each other, no fancy conversation or entertainment.

They did have chew treats and there are toys.

 

About 8:00 p.m. or so they left for home.

We had such a great afternoon/evening.

Great conversation and food.

I showed off some of the Steeped Tea as she loves tea and had heard all about it from her sister, Teddy’s Mom.

I was happy to give her some different teas to try.

 

The rest of the evening was quiet.

I finished off the few dishes that did not fit or belong in the dishwasher.

We just watched a bit of television before retiring to bed about 10:00 p.m.

 

Saturday was a great day.

I almost forgot that while I was out shovelling,  one of my neighbours happened to be on her way to her car when she saw me.

She came over and we had a brief chat before coming into the house so she could say hi to Alvin.

Which by the way is doing incredibly well.

 

My sister called but I will share this story next Saturday as it pertains to her birthday.

 

Today will be quiet.

Perhaps a bit of laundry and if warm enough we will end out this afternoon for a walk.

Maybe should check the temp this morning before it snows.

Hoping it does not snow.

 

What a weekend.

Fantastic pizza on Friday night.

Great Mexican food and company on Saturday.

We are only at the half way point.

What will Sunday have in store for us.

No plans but you never know.

 

Special Hello to: all our friends and family.  We love and appreciate you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of April, 2018.

Well the sky appears to be about the same colour as it was yesterday morning and we had a fantastic day.

The temperature in the late afternoon was +10 degrees celsius, so at the peak it was likely over 12.

So grateful to see the snowbanks from our front laws disappearing.

They have rain in the forecast for Saturday which reminds me that I have to fix my front downspout.

I had rigged it together and finally it gave way last fall.

So I put the bottom piece in the garage.

It isn’t really that bad … just need an elbow piece or something to hold the top to the bottom.

I will come up with something after I go through the garage this evening.

It must be fixed tomorrow night.

I am not really a “handy person” but I can manage to get things done.

Sometimes I have to call a “friend” for help and other times I search on the WORLD WIDE WEB to find assistance.

If there is a will, there is a way.

I love that saying.

So that is my “thing” for today …. “if there is a will, there is a way.”

If you think about it.

Over your lifetime, many times you have willed yourself to do things that may or may not have come easily, right?

I know that I have.

Life is not always going to be perfect and easy – not matter how much we visualize, practice good energy and the like – there is always something or someone that can break down your zen.

So you will things …. and then there is a way.

Perhaps it is too early in the day for being “wise” and providing any kind of wisdom.

But I am trying.

 

Well here it is time to go and place the finishing touches on leaving for work.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Keep visualizing, practicing good energy and the like.

It is always better to see the “silver linings” in all that we do.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who practice goodness every day and to those who should.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 18th day of April, 2018.

Well the snow went by us yesterday with the exception of a few flakes later in the evening.

Otherwise we had mostly sunshine yesterday.

This morning the sky is the most glorious yellow and pink hues on the rise but a few scattered clouds from the night hovering above.

Looks like a beautiful day ahead.

I am going with a positive mindset as this snow has to go.

The water in our backyard has all but disappeared.

The streets are dry again and the sidewalks will be there as soon as the snowbanks on our lawns have melted.

Summer is just around the corner.

I heard a Crow cawing yesterday.

So excited to see my first Robin as they are one of my favourite birds.

 

Alvin and I hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s this morning.

So nice to have that extra time snuggling.

 

I was able to print off the RECYCLING DO AND DON’TS from the City of Edmonton’s website.

Just want to ensure that I am doing everything properly.

Sometimes folks it does not hurt to check and make sure that you have not strayed from the proper way to do things.

We all innocently forget sometimes.

 

I hope that you all have a great day.

Today we all will learn something new.

Doesn’t have to be rocket science – just something new.

Whether the name of a bird or a flower.

How to plant a garden?

What to plant in your garden?

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Saskatchewan …. always nice to catch up.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of October, 2016.

Well no moisture overnight.

The sidewalks are dry.

Do I risk it and wear shoes?

Who knows.

That is Edmonton, one never knows what to wear.

I know that there are many other places that are the same.

You can go to work with snow in the morning and freezing temperatures and by early afternoon it is sunny and plus 15 degrees celsius.

That would be Calgary.

Weather is an interesting item for sure.

I always check the weather channel for hints about the upcoming day(s).

One that that I will  mention about the weather channel is the new format they are using – is not user friendly.

Not liking it.

I suppose I should let them know.

Not that it would be changed for me but perhaps there are others that are not fond of it either.

They are trying to put way too much information on the television screen and it becomes “white noise” so to speak.

Weather.

I did see on the long range forecast that it is supposed to be plus 10 on Friday.

That would be crazy.

Perhaps the remaining snow would melt and we could have fall back minus the coloured leaves.

Oh well.

A girl can dream.

It did not feel as though we had fall long enough.

One day the leaves were green, the next they were yellow and orange and the next they were gone from the weight of the snow.

I hope that you had a relaxing enjoyable weekend.

Mine was good.

Able to relax and enjoy some walks without trudging through snowbanks.

Always a good thing.

Well almost time to start getting all of the items on for my walk to the bus and then from the bus to the office.

The lighter winter coat, scarf, mitts and perhaps the boots.

I have not made up my mind as yet.

I will wait until the last minute and see what my gut tells me to do.

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to:  all those folks who take their precious time to read this girl’s blog.  Thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin