Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am a little frustrated at this moment as I was going to do some online banking and found that they changed the sign-on to include security verification process and I forgot to change my phone number. So I cannot get into my account to change my phone number. ARGH. Right now I am on the phone waiting for someone to take my call. So it is not just any other company with an online service that keeps you waiting. Ten minutes so they say. Not much I can do. I forgot to change my phone number and there is no way to change it without getting into your account. Too bad they did not have some way of doing this without calling them.

Anyway, it is beautiful bright and sunny morning. We slept in a bit late after getting up at 4:45 a.m.

We had a great yesterday as our friends Iris, Teddy and Kobi walked over for a visit and then we walked them home stopping on our way home to drop off a house key with our friend Pauline. Pauline is another person on the list to help with Alvin when I am working at the office.

I have some photos to share. Not sure when the bank representative will come on the line …..

Kobi is so grown up and so well behaved, beyond the puppy stage. I so love her. Teddy is chill as always except when it is bedtime and he wants to go home. He was anxious. Poor guy. But in between we had a good time. Alvin was anxious at times at well, not sure why. I guess I should explain further. Iris brought the pups over at 11:00 a.m. for a visit. She walked over and we joined them for the trip home. They were going out to a family event, I offered for them to come and stay with us. They arrived about 4:00 and picked up about 8:30.

Teddy

Kobi

Kobi & Alvin

Iris & TEddy

Cuteness

Teddy – outside

Still waiting on the phone. On the third song. At least they are songs that I know and like. Well this is going to slow things down a bit. I want to have some coffee, it is ready to perk. I had no idea this would be on my plate. Oh well, what can you do.

I am grateful that the sun is shining with more than a promise of a beautiful day ahead.

Enjoy your Sunday.

I am patiently waiting.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Peter came on the line just as I was going to type in the tags for this post. He was very nice and helpful.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well, we are well, except for being a bit on the sleep deprived side. Definitely sleep deprived. It is awesome having my daughter in the house this morning. Seems like old times. I had a rather typical untypical Sunday night. We chose to sleep on the sofa as I thought we would be more comfortable there than the spare bedroom. I also decided to watch the ADELE special on television from the start at 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. It was so good. I absolutely love her voice. The new songs were wonderful and listening to the old ones was amazing. The people attending the concert which was held in Los Angeles on top of the world at The Griffith Observatory with a star studded audience including Melissa McCarthy, Oprah who did an interview and introduced her for the concert, Ellen DeGeneres, Drake, Seth Rogen and Jessie Ferguson. Part way through the concert she brought out a fan who proposed to his long-time girlfriend. It was a great night and worth staying up. Most times I don’t fall asleep until after 10:30 anyway. But this Sunday my brain would not shut down. It went into hyperdrive thinking about the concert, about work, about this one file that I have to finish tomorrow when I am back working from home, going to the office today and on and on. Then just before 1:00 a.m., I hear these two teenage girls laughing wildly and I at first think that I am losing my mind and then I jump up and go over to the window. What I saw disturbed and scared me on every level. Outside my window, on the street, two young girls were running down the street which was icy, slipping and sliding. Just behind them stopped on the street was a black sedan. Then the girls ran back to the car to the rear of the car. My heart stopped as they held onto the back of the car. The driver accelerated the gas taking the car forward with the girls holding on behind. He kept going a bit faster and finally they slipped and fell. I almost ran outside but I was scared. The car stopped. Then I could hear the girls as they jumped up from the pavement and slipping and sliding they crawled into the car and a few seconds later the car took off. What in the world is wrong with kids? They think that they are invisible. So after that, I definitely was not sleeping. Then it was two and Alvin woke up and I managed to coax him to sleep and then it was 3:00 and we were up and outside. I have my trusty flashlight app on my phone, best thing ever. I did sleep about the time I had to get up but oh well. Should sleep good tonight. Mr. Alvin was happy to come upstairs with me and quickly put his nose to the bedroom door where our girl was sleeping opening the door and jumped up onto the bed where he curled up next to her. Looks like the time is evaporating here.

We had some snow yesterday and I did my first round or two of shovelling. Hopefully the streets and roads are not icy.

Wishing you a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of April, 2019.

Waking up to gloominess.

Where oh where has the beautiful bright sunrise gone?

The sky is that grey.

That gloomy colour.

The one that does not give you energy to get up and go.

Thankfully I have the pups for that …. Alvin and Teddy.

Playing already this morning.

I am so grateful that Teddy has arrived in our lives.

He gives us energy and Alvin plays now.

Even when Teddy is not around.

He grabs his toys and runs around the house; sometimes throwing them into the air.

Sometimes Alvin’s gregarious nature startles Teddy a bit, I think.

Perhaps a bit too “social.”

But they definitely are good friends.

Last night for dessert while hanging out with the boys.

I had a Baileys Banana Chocolate Frozen Dessert.

You know a little frozen banana pieces, throw in some coconut milk, a nice heaping tablespoon of dark cocoa and some BAILEYS, just a nice healthy splash.

VOILA ….. delicious.

As it was better frozen – I had to eat while in that state.

By the time I was done – a little buzz.

Just something I threw together while I watched “Kathie Lee Gifford’s last TODAY SHOW as a regular HOST.

I am sure going to miss that wicked sense of humour, her light, her kindness and her talent.

She can take a blah day or a sad moment and turn it all round with one lift of her eyebrow and a turn of her mouth.

In my previous post I did not mention her writing.

Songs, books both adult and children, plays and movies.

She sings, acts and really could have been a stand-up comedian.

 

Really there is not much this lady has not accomplished and is still accomplishing well into her 60’s.

I salute you Kathie Lee and look forward to hearing your news and music, and watching your movies.

Definitely a legend.

All the Best.

 

Bedtime for me and the boys.

They each had a chew treat.

Of course, Mr. Alvin wanted Teddy’s even though he had his own.

Oh, me Alvin.

What am I going to do with you?

 

The boys with me in my office while I write this blog post.

They patiently wait for me.

Well before a riot breaks out I had better grab the boys and head to the shower.

Too much sitting around for the boys can mean only one thing – “trouble.”

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

May the light shine on us always.

Good Health, Joy and so much laughter that you almost pee your pants.

That is what I wish for you …..

 

Special Hello to: my friend “LE” who is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of February 2019.

Well back to work.

Have to leave Mr. Alvin alone now after four days at home with him.

I always love our time together.

The weather remains cold but now it is snowing.

I would like to make a correction to the name of one of the movies that I noted on my post yesterday.

It was The Incredibles 2 not The Invincibles 2.

When I realized that I had posted the wrong name, I felt very silly.

Not the end of the world, of course.

But still felt silly.

Correction done.

 

How are you doing today?

Feeling great and full of energy.

Ready to take on your world.

Ready to be the best YOU ever!

I hope that you have the most awesome Monday in recorded history.

 

Did you watch the Grammys last night?

I think that Alicia Keys did great.

Man, can she play the piano and sing!

Love, loved, loved Dolly Parton.

Great singer and song writer.

Probably one of the best song writers ever.

She has written so many of the greatest songs recorded.

Diana Ross, 75, are you kidding me?

She looks incredible …. and that dress.

Love her music.

MOTOWN, some of the best music ever.

I really enjoyed Lady Gaga singing Shallow from A Star is Born.

Can you imagine if Bradley Cooper was singing with her?

Off the charts, for sure.

I only watch until I heard all of the above so that was just after 8:30 p.m., I think.

 

Well “here we go again.”

I have had that song in my head and singing all morning.

Not sure if Alvin really appreciates my gift??? or not???

 

Wishing you a fantastic Monday filled with kindness, respect and always laughter.

We have to have laughter.

Always, a giggle or three.

 

Special Hello to: My Daughter, My Sister and My Dear Friend – thank you ladies, you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of December, 2018.

It remains almost dark outside at just after 8:30 a.m. …..

 

Last night I happened across the “Kennedy Centre Honours.”

They were honouring Cher, Reba, two other entertainers and the Broadway Musical “Hamilton.”

I missed the first part for Reba but saw the rest including the last honouree CHER.

I love CHER and was so nice when her friend Cindy Lauper sang her songs.

Of course, this made for yet another late night and late getting up.

I guess we are going to have to start going to bed at our usual time.

Alvin has been eating at odd times and once back to work he will have to eat before I leave for work.

 

Well yesterday was a lazy day around this house.

I/We did not do too much.

So today we have to get some things done such as laundry.

A walk will be nice.

Pretty much all of yesterday there were these gorgeous fat snowflakes slowly coming down.

The deck requires some shovelling as does the driveway, very likely.

Exercise will get us going.

I also have to go to the Post Office at Shoppers.

 

Looking out our front window this morning the branches of our tree and others were covered in snow.

Those big delicious snowflakes that were falling down from the heavens landed everywhere including on the trees.

So beautiful.

The sky is white.

The ground is white.

The rooftops are white.

White, white, and more white.

Perhaps today the sun will shine.

I will say that the white is the perfect frame for our houses.

Our homes remind me of a little village in the Swiss Alps (not that I have been there).

But from pictures.

That would be out front.

That would be our duplexes … the design ….

 

I just took a minute to read over my posts from prior years.

It was not until after 2010 that I started to do on a regular basis “Thought for the day.”

Last year 2017 was COLD and Alvin had his regular vet appointment on this date.

We were lucky to have had a ride to this appointment.

Weather not warm but not cold – somewhere in between  which is nice.

Good for walking.

Seems like we have had a variety of “turkey dinners.”

One year or two it was TOFURKEY, last year I followed Jamie Oliver’s roasting method for the turkey and one year we had Christmas dinner catered at my daughter’s new house.

I had remembered that there were lots of potatoes but apparently according to my posts there was not.

I am glad that we try new things in amongst our traditions.

Keep things fresh.

 

Well I guess that I had better get this show on the road.

Time to have a shower.

Perhaps that will give me some get up and go.

There is something about a white/grey sky with no sunlight that makes me want to sleep.

I do want to do some things during my 11 day break from work (including weekends).

 

So happy December 27th, 2018, EVERYONE.

I hope that you are enjoying this day whether at home or at work.

 

My big debate is when to put away the Christmas Tree and decorations.

Do I wait until New Year’s Day?

Or perhaps New Year’s Eve.

I work on the 2nd of January so taking them down on New Year’s Day takes a good chunk of the day.

Maybe New Year’s Eve or perhaps on the 30th.

I love the decorations.

Perhaps on the 30th so that I am ready for the New Year ….. all fresh and clean.

Still do not know.

I have a couple of days to decide.

 

Well time to go and have that shower.

Happy Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: all of my family and friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of February, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my niece “M” who turns 19 today …..

 

Wow, here we are I sat down at the computer about 15 minutes ago and am just writing my blog now.

Guess where I was …..

FB …..

I had to send a quick message to my daughter and then was drawn in by a couple of music videos.

It got me to thinking.

Earlier, this morning while getting ready I picked up Mr. Alvin from the bed where he was sitting and danced to one of my new favourites of Adele’s …. “When We Were Young” …. love it.

He was nervous …. I guess because I did it without warning …..

I love dancing with him …. although as of late it is becoming an upper body workout hanging onto him ….. “oh, that dreaded winter weight.”

Anyway, I digress ….

I believe that the world would be a better place if instead we settled things with singing competitions.

Music, I believe can soothe the savage beast and in this case I mean “MAN … not men “HUMANS.”

Something to ponder …. consider ….

 

With it now being time to go downstairs and get the boots, coat, scarf, mitts …. oh and grab the lunch …. and LEAVE FOR WORK.

I hope that you will stop what you are doing … take a few minutes and listen to some MUSIC.

Listen to something new ….. a new song …. a new artist …. a new genre …..

 

Happy Thursday ….. music …. birthday ….. and PAYDAY.  What a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my niece …. Alvin and I wish you a wonderful day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 18th day of July, 2015.

It is a bright sunny breezy morning here in Edmonton.

I always appreciate the weekends and being at home.

Sure sometimes I am not fond of having to clean the bathrooms …. but I am at home.

When you go from having two jobs and working seven days a week …. having the weeknights and weekends free ….

Well it is amazing …..

I love sitting here writing on my blog with the window open listening to the children a couple doors down as they play in their back yard.

I love snuggling with Alvin every chance I get ….

I love watering my flowers and taking in their beautiful fragrances.

I love going for walks after supper with Alvin and enjoying our neighbourhood and each other.

I do actually love to clean and today is a cleaning day……

I love doing laundry and listening to my favourite songs.

I love dancing with Alvin and he “tolerates.”

I love thinking and planning what I am going to do ….. writing up a TO DO LIST.

So many things to do and now I do have the time.

There is time to relax.

There is time to write.

There is time to entertain.

There is time to visit my friends.

There is time to go for walks.

There is time to live my life.

But always at the end of the day I am very grateful to have had the second job when I needed it.

I worked with great people and most days had fun working.

Of course, there is always that one customer that would “sink your ship” but then there would be several that would make you feel like a million dollars.

So worth it and really every person should have to work retail.

All in all, I have a pretty amazing life.

I have my own house ….. which ten years ago I would not have thought possible.

I have a dog ….. never would have thought that would happen.

I lived for six years within walking distance to my kids (the last year under the same roof).

Some days there might be a small dark cloud that follows me around the house ( I do not mean Alvin ) but I try to let that be for a short time only.

Most of the time I feel that I have rainbows shining over me …..

My pot of gold is my life …… me Alvin … my daughter…. all my family, friends …….

Well it is time to go quickly to a neighbour’s garage sale as I said that I would and then come get Mr. Alvin and walk to the Vet to pick up food for our Miss Penny (who is visiting tomorrow with her Momma).

THEN WORK …….. but I will enjoy it ….. blast the music and in between it all dance with Mr. Alvin.

Special Hello to: all those folks who feel like there are dark clouds over head ….. you can change it …. bring on the rainbows.. your life is your life ….. make it what you want it to be.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 26th day of February, 2015.

Did I not just say Good Morning and Welcome to the 1st day of February, 2015 …. like a few days ago.

Oh how the days zip by.

It is very cold here in Edmonton.

The temperatures fluctuate from plus to minus on a regular basis.

I am going to close my eyes and visualize that spring is here.

The snow and ice has all melted.

The streets and sidewalks are bare but wet.

There is only a bit of snow on the north side of my house.

The bunnies are beginning to turn brown (always a good sign).

The birds are starting to return and so great to hear their songs.

There is a sense of birth and renewal in the air.

This is what I am going to concentrate on during breaks today.

SPRING.

I would like spring to come, please.

 

Find what you love and visualize ….. just a few moments everyday and make your “dreams” a reality.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Time to go…… to work.

 

Special Hello to: my sister

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of April, 2014.

Thin blanket of snow covering the deck and the ground in my backyard.

Out front the streets and sidewalks appear to be dry.

I guess the heat on the asphalt kept the snow from sticking.

Perhaps this is the last snowfall for the year.

Anyway it is okay …. summer is right around the corner.

Temperatures to be 15-16 degrees celsius on the weekend.

That is summer to me.

YAY…. I am so excited.

I hope that you are feeling great at this very moment.

Perhaps you are listening to your favourite song ( I am listening to “Happy” ….. you know the one).

I love that line ….. come along if you feel like a room without a roof ….. 

That says it all.

I sure hope that I got the line right ……

Thank you Pharrell – I love this song.

What a great way to start the day.

Writing in the groove …. tapping my feet and swaying to the music.

Happy Happy Happy Happy down …… Happy Happy ….

I am happy …..

Thank you …….

I even picked up Alvin and did a few steps …..

He “waggled” his tail when I was dancing to the music.

Music is the universal truth …..

Love it.

So on this incredibly wonderful mid week day …. I hope that you are HAPPY and on TOP OF THE WORLD ….. LET IT GO and ROAR …..

Thank you ….

Special Hello to:  YOU listening to the music …. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of April, 2014.

Today is the birthday of one of my friend’s and past co-workers back in Regina.

Happy Birthday “L” ….. hope you have a great day.

 

Looks like it is going to be a beautiful day.

It is a happy day …. I am filling my first waking minutes with happy lively music.

Here is the list:

“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons 

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

“Let it Go” by Idina Menzel

“Roar” by Katy Perry 

Take a listen great songs.

I believe in stretching your music library ….. listen to a variety.

I am on top of the world –  letting it go – feeling very HAPPY now  –  listen to me ROAR.

This is my motto ….. my affirmation……

So listen to some music ….

Put together your motto ….. your own affirmation.

Listen to you roar ….. I am watching you fly.

SOARING ……

Have the best Sunday.

Special Hello to my friend “L” who is celebrating a birthday today back in Saskatchewan.

Always, Carol and Alvin