Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning !!

Sun is shining and the sky is blue and I can imagine the birds are singing somewhere if not outside my house.

What a beautiful FALL morning.

Today is also the birthday of my favourite son-in-law.

My only son-in-law but that is beside the point.

He is my one and only and favourite.

Later this afternoon the family will arrive.

My daughter is planning weather permitting to take our annual photos.

That is mine and Mr. Alvin’s.

Then she has requested that perhaps I can snap some for them as well.

They do not have many of the four of them.

Absolutely I will.

Once photos are done, we will be ordering in supper.

I am not sure what is on the menu for tonight and that is okay.

We all like the same things so whatever they plan is okay with me.

They did not want me to cook, I don’t mind.

I did bake my son his birthday cake.

A vanilla or white cake from scratch and fingers crossed it tastes good.

Time will tell.

If not, there will be a story to tell.

I can tell it does not look like a fluffy cake but that is okay.

As long as it is moist and tastes good.

Am I concerned, not really but perhaps a tad.

Wishing my wonderful son/son-in-law a very Happy Birthday.

Cannot wait to see him and my daughter and the grand pups later.

 

Last night we ended work a bit early for some of us and had a virtual drink together.

Actually the drinks were real – we just met on our team chat for some time together to unwind.

I had a drink of BAILEYS.

It was great …..  everyone shared and it was a good way to end the week.

 

After the boy had his supper and what not, I gave him a bath.

He needed to be freshened up.

I want him to look his bestest best for the photos.

Also the plan is for him to return home with the family for a visit until next Friday.

I did laundry and baked the cake and put away my workstation from the kitchen table.

So just some cleaning and bit of laundry and I have to have a shower and freshen up.  LOL.

 

I cannot believe how quickly the leaves on the trees have turned.

There are more yellow, orange and red ones than green now.

My flowers are managing to still look pretty good.

I think though I am going to start pulling and trimming back some likely over the week.

They reach a point where you are not easily able to pull them out.

 

Well the coffee is ready and I love my first cup of coffee in the morning.

The aroma of freshly perked coffee is amazing.

One of my favourite smells.

A great way to begin the day.

 

Oh, I have to ice the cake.

I only have a bit of icing sugar and have some almond milk.

Hopefully I can come up with a nice covering for the cake.

Has to be perfect for the son.

I would like it to be.

 

Well have an awesome Saturday.

I hope that you are well, safe and enjoying time with your family and or friends.

Take Care.

Continue to live with kindness and respect for yourself and all others.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

My tree from a few years ago.

At this time there are a few green leaves but it will look like this.

I also will have some raking to do shortly (actually now).

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Wow, it is Friday, November 1st, 2019.

Hard to believe.

HALLOWEEN was amazing this year as it is ALL years.

The office staff did an incredible job with costumes.

So much imagination.

Part of the group that I work with dressed up as the Monopoly Game and Characters.

Wow, they were good.

They won the big prize for the group.

I think it was a PIZZA Party.

Very cool.

The individuals were everything from me as Harry Potter to a Mummy to Witches.

Some of the groups were Zombie Plumbers and Dancing Horses.

So great.

 

I was a bit disappointed in the number of treaters that came to our door.

I was very proud of Mr. Alvin.

He did not attempt a big escape or scare the children.

Most of the time in between he sat in his chair looking out the window for the kids.

It was so CUTE.

We had 53 and usually we average about 100 give or take.

Likely had to do with so many of my immediate neighbours either were not home or had their lights off.

My porch light had burned out a long time ago and sadly I forgot to change it.

That likely played a role in the low numbers.

But I am most happy that ALL of our friends in the neighbourhood with children came to visit.

The one that made me smile the most was our neighbour’s son who was 8 years old when I moved to Edmonton.

He turned 18 at the beginning of October; he dressed up as a turtle.

Came to show me and of course, teasingly I gave him some treats.

His little brothers are the ones that raked my lawn and of course, they received a special bag of treats customized for each of them.

My friend G and her youngest son came and stopped for a visit.

C wore this amazing chicken costume which inflates and is not exactly the easiest thing to maneuver wearing.

Anyway it was great.

We enjoyed ourselves.

Now we have quite a bit of candy left.

I guess I will freeze the chocolate for another day.

The weather held out.

No wind or rain or snow.

A bit cool but not bad.

Well I was going to show some photos but I am experiencing technical difficulties and it is almost time for us to head downstairs.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up from work and coming for a sleepover.

So excited.

We are putting up the Christmas Tree tonight.

My favourite night ….

Well I love Halloween, too.

 

Happy Friday.

Remembering we all have to be kind and respectful.

Me, too.

And patience….. I am working on that one.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Wednesday morning and the sky is blue with bright sunshine.

The air is filled with the hum of cars on the nearby highway as people go to work.

Last night, Teddy’s Mom asked if he could stay with us for a few days as her two-legged son was in the hospital.

He lives several hours away and I totally understand about wanting to be with your child.

We said “yes” without hesitation.

Teddy arrived last night.

We ended up not going for a walk due to humidity and threat of storm.

So with Teddy’s arrival …. Alvin got some exercise and time outside with his friend.

I am happy that I got up when the alarm went off as with an extra body it does take longer.

The alarm these days is on my phone and it is the sound of birds chirping ….

Some mornings when we “use” the alarm I actually have to stop and think about where the sounds are coming from.

But we are almost ready.

One more trip outside after this post.

I have some photos from a few minutes ago to share.

What a great way to begin the day with these two cutie pies.

They bring me great joy there is no doubt about that ….

Teddy likes to turn down the blanket …. or rather play under it …

 

Acts of kindness filled with respect are always in style.

 

Time to fly.

We are grateful to be of help to our friends.

We are grateful for this amazing sunshine.

We are grateful for all things green.

We are grateful for our health, very important.

Most of all we are grateful for each other.

Me and Alvin…..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of April, 2019.

Dark outside as it is only 6:15 a.m.

Alvin is feeling his own self once again.

The household returns gladly to normal.

I enjoyed the day watching over my boy.

We went for a nice walk later in the afternoon.

So nice to no longer be wearing heavy coats, scarves, mitts, hats and boots and for Mr. Alvin, his winter jacket.

I have been noticing more honking by the geese or perhaps it is only more geese.

Back to work today.

 

Yesterday on one of the daytime shows “Rob Thomas” was the musical guest.

He sang “One Less Day.”

I was taken by the lyrics.

Here are a couple:

I’m not afraid of getting older.

One less day from dying younger.

 

I pondered those statements, and how true.

We often worry and stress about getting/growing older.

Perhaps we feel that we will lose what we have: health, family and friends.

Perhaps we feel that we will not live to be in our golden years.

There are so many things we think about regarding age.

Maybe, just maybe if we think about it from Rob’s point of view.

One less day from dying younger.

I am not afraid of getting older.

 

Truly, I have not really thought about it too much.

I have the thought in my head that I am in good health and am going to live to be 100 years old.

I try to live in each moment and not go back or ahead too much.

As we live and breathe – dying is a fact of life.

Not much point wasting precious breaths worrying about something that is inevitable.

So go on live your life.

There is only time ahead of you.

 

Well almost time to head on downstairs, grab lunch, put on shoes and coat and head out for work.

Catching a ride with my neighbour as my carpool’s son has knee surgery today.

 

Happy Thursday.

So happy to be alive and to be here.

Have a great great day.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my blog, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of September, 2017.

The sky is overcast and there appears to be no breeze.

I can see the sun through the clouds.

Yesterday was the most beautiful day.

It was warm but not too warm.

Cool enough but not too cool.

Sunshine and no rain.

Bit of a breeze, perfection.

A few days ago we were left a plastic bag with a tag on it.

It was a Church group that were gathering food stuffs for the Food Bank.

Alvin and I only had a few cans in the pantry but we gladly gave 50%.

I placed the bag on my doorstep as per the instructions.

I kept checking over the next few hours.

Then at one point Mr. Alvin jumped up onto his chair and I glanced out the window to see a Mother and small Son picking up the bag ….. she smiled and mouthed the words “THANK YOU.”

My heart exploded.

Perfect timing for both of us.

It would be great to be at a point where people did not have to access the food bank.

I am so grateful that I have been able to provide for me and Alvin without assistance.

We also enjoyed a wonderful walk …… when we approached the park I saw a man let his large dog off leash ….. we turned and went another way.

I will not take any unnecessary chances with me Alvin.

We enjoyed the different route …..

Also picked up some papers that were littered about …..

Community Service – check.

 

This morning Mr. Alvin and I are preparing for company.

Originally it was to be Miss Aspen, Baby Milo and their houseguest Miss Betty Ann.

But Miss Betty Ann has shown some negatives tenancies toward Baby Milo and Alvin on another occasion that the kids are opting to leave Miss Aspen and Betty Ann at their house.

They are only bringing Baby Milo to visit.

Miss Aspen can handle herself and is good with Betty Ann so no worries there.

I guess four pups might have a been a lot but it would have been okay.

We were prepared.

We are looking forward to spending time with Baby Milo.

Will miss Miss Aspen and seeing Betty Ann.

The kids definitely know best.

 

When the kids come for Baby Milo we will have an ice-cream cake for my son-in-law’s Birthday which is on the 26th (next Tuesday).

His favourite is ice cream cake.

 

Well better go and have breakfast and let Alvin outside again as he is waiting patiently for me to finish writing my blog.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello: to all those folks working tirelessly to make a positive change for this world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of May, 2017.

The sky is partially overcast but it remains somewhat sunny.

I do not think there was rain the forecast but then again I have not check the past couple of days.

We have had a mixed weekend with emotions running from happy to extremely sad.

I was pleased to get some big jobs done over the weekend and to attend a barbecue late yesterday afternoon at one of my friend & neighbour’s.

Yesterday earlier in the afternoon there was an unexpected knock at the door.

Both Alvin and I went to the door to find our friend and neighbour “S” from down the street.

She was clearly upset ….. tear stained eyes.

She wanted to tell me that the afternoon before being Saturday about 3:00 p.m. – their beloved Lola was killed by an unleashed dog – a Pit Bull.

I felt as though someone had punched me at the knees.

Lola was a five year old Chihuahua.

My friend had been out walking at the park where we always walk.

We always obey the rules and have our pups on leashes.

It is seconds near their home and we pass by their house at the outer rim of the park.

She had been walking with their 12 year old son and their two doggies Lola and Presley.

Presley received serious injuries and under went surgery that day.

He was doing okay and was resting at home.

Not comfortably as she said he was clearly traumatized by this event.

Not to imagine what their son is going through.

The owner of the Pit Bull did not even realize until my friend began to scream that anything was wrong.

He had been playing ball with friends and was clearly not paying attention to his dog.

Our park is a family park and is NOT an off leash park.

I will say I am a little concerned about walking there now.

I will stay on the sidewalks and not walk around the lakes on the grass.

I will always take something in my hand that I could throw …. Alvin’s water bottle.

My heart goes out to this family …… Lola was their baby girl and now she is gone.

 

I do not know why some people feel like they can disobey the rules.

They are there for a reason.

We do not even know if he lives in the neighbourhood.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the family on this day and all the days to follow.

Our four-legged babies are our family.

When they leave us it feels the same as losing a two-legged family member.

They are just as important.

 

So I will be on guard on our walks and pay close attention.

I usually do but now there will be no drifting off or zoning out for even a second.

 

Please make sure that if you have a large dog and most especially a Pit Bull that you have him or her leashed when in a public place.

They may be the most gentle animal that you have ever known but one split second can change the lives of a family of a neighbourhood.

Please think twice.

Be good citizens.

Be compassionate and responsible.

 

Okay time to go on our walk.

Have a great day.

Today is a holiday in Canada – Victoria Day ( for long since past Queen Victoria of England ).

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who lost their four-legged babies … my heart goes out to you all.

Always, Carol & Alvin.

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 17th day of February, 2017.

Well it is Friday and almost the weekend and a long one at that….. so happy.

I am looking forward to three days at home.

The air felt cooler when I opened the door this morning for Alvin to go outside.

Definitely cooler than the past few mornings.

Still much warmer than most winter mornings.

We have been really lucky with weather and hopefully that will last.

Is this evidence of global warming?

I would suspect so.

 

The sunrises have been so colourful the past few mornings.

Love clear skies so that you can actually see the sunrise.

The purples, pinks and yellows are incredible.

Looks like the most beautiful painting ever.

 

I woke up on the sofa from an odd dream this morning.

I dreamt that I was with my sister and I think at our Grandmother’s house.

Someone had a truck.

There were large pieces of wood and odd pieces such as benches, garden tables, wooden flower pots.

She grabbed this nice wooden bench and ran off.

I didn’t know what to do so I grabbed a couple of flower pots.

It was really strange.

Perhaps my sister can figure this one out.

Oh, by the way Mr. Alvin has continued his 4:00 a.m. rising.

Not sure why.

Perhaps I should participate in some manner in the talks about “Daylight Savings Time.”

Really not sure why we really have to have a different time than others or the other way round.

Definitely conversation worthy.

 

Well almost time to hit the road.

Definitely going to wear a heavier coat this morning.

I did wear boots yesterday as I just could not bring myself to wear shoes.

One never knows.

 

Happy Friday to You All.

Enjoy the day.  Spread some kindness to every living creature you encounter today.

Special Hello to: my sister and I have a question for her …. did your son, my nephew ever receive the card that I sent to him?  I mailed it one week before his birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 23rd day of November, 2015.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

I think I shall wear my shoes today.

Might as well take advantage of dry streets and sidewalks and the warm temperatures.

Another great Sunday was had by me and Mr. Alvin.

We did laundry, mostly me but he had good instructions.

We labelled and priced the last of the jewellery and packed it for the craft sale.

We put together some tea samples to take to work today.

We put the new jewellery in bags ready for transport to the office to show the girls.

We put away the ornaments that were just set on top of boxes and the table downstairs.

We decorated the upstairs bannister for Christmas.

Let’s see there were more things but it was so nice to get so much accomplished.

There was even time for the odd break here and there.

Mr. Alvin is a very good help mainly in the supervisory area.

But we all need some supervision from time to time and I tend to drift sometimes.

Both of us enjoyed our walk …. so beautiful out yesterday afternoon.

Time to go to work ….

Another Monday.

Hard to believe that one week from tomorrow is December 1st.

I hope that you had an awesome weekend.

Did you listen to music?

One little story….on our walk yesterday.

We were on our way home when we noticed one of our neighbours out putting up a reindeer and sled with the help of his young son.

I was smiling as the young boy had shorts on and a winter coat.

Alvin of course wanted to go and say hello.

The Dad and I chatted.

Dad said so nice to have this good weather for decorating outside.

I agreed.

Then a young girl came out …. Alvin was in his glory.

The kids were trying to help.

Trying is good.

Well time to go.

Have a GREAT day.

Special Hello to: all those Dads who decorate with the kiddies’ help ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 25th day of September, 2015.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin and I had a great walk last night.

We bumped into a family that we know down the street.

Dad and son were outside playing on the front lawn with a skateboard.

Son was so happy to see us and wanted to call their dog, Daisy to come out to see Mr. Alvin.

So out comes excited to see Alvin again, Miss Daisy.

They play and play …. so cute.

Then Mom comes home.

She was so happy to see Mr. Alvin.

Gave him lots of loving attention.

We had a nice visit.

Just a reminder to all the love and joy that a dog can bring to your lives and to the lives of others.

Special Hello to: all those dog owners out there ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin