The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this beautiful sunny clear blue sky Saturday morning? I am okay, we are okay. Someone who shall remain nameless, was up pretty much every hour or so last night. He could not seem to sleep. He is sure yawning now. Anyway, that is okay we are up and getting this day going. I have changed the bedding on our bed and gathered the laundry, did some banking and am now writing this post. Followed by putting the laundry downstairs and gathering up the items to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath. Before his haircut I will make coffee and have breakfast. Maybe this will be done actually in a morning for a change. That would be nice to have the boy all done before lunchtime. One can hope.

Yesterday at our lunch break walk we found our friend Pauline out working in her backyard. So we had to stop by and say hello. We had a lovely visit. I asked her about my geraniums and she said they were likely in “shock” and I totally had thought that but she also said to cut them down to about three inches so that all their energy can go towards rooting the plants and they should come back. I sure hope so as I had them over for three years and they were so beautiful but definitely did need to be repotted and restarted. Fingers crossed. I also told her about the day where we had taken refuge in her backyard and she told me, anytime you need to, go ahead. I knew she would be okay with that. Most times they would be home but for the odd time that they are not, we have permission. They have such a gorgeous backyard. Anyway after work, I cut down the geraniums and also pulled the decorator grass as I read it is an annual plant. Grass an annual. Surprised. Anyway, fingers crossed it all works out. Pauline has some plants for me. YAY.

After work my daughter stopped by for a visit. She arrived just as I had been out cutting the backyard grass which has been growing so fast with all of this moisture. Also I thought that I was being so careful watching as I thought Alvin had one poop prior to the grass cutting that I had not picked up as yet, guess who found it! Yup, the Momma. I stepped right in the middle of it. So not only did I have to clean my shoe, which thankfully was a flip flop but I also had to clean it up from the grass. Oh, no further explanation necessary it was not a pretty sight. Anyway, I got the sandal and the grass cleaned as I said hello to my daughter and instructed her to help herself to a cup of coffee while I finished. Once I was done we had coffee on the deck. It was so nice. Actually very warm. We had a great visit. We also were looking in the garage and talking about the upcoming garage sale. Amanda noticed a bee struggling on the cement and immediately got a dustpan so that it would hopefully crawl up onto and we could put it in the backyard. The bee crawled slowly onto the dustpan and my daughter placed in close to the water dish that I had on the deck. Still alive, later I moved it onto a pansy. Hopefully it is still alive. We found a dead one in the garage, too. Likely got trapped in there and did not have any water. Very sad. Another reason why I leave some water with rocks in it so that they can stop for a drink of water. They drink water to stay hydrated as we do. I guess likely most creatures do.

Catching up. Then she was on her way.

After that I saw our friend Signe who had gone to Superstore and that is a whole other story. She was there to pick up some things and her daughter remembered that I needed pumpkin for Mr. Alvin. Signe had told me that on Tuesday when she was there for work – they had lots of it – well they ran out yesterday. Someone needed pumpkin. Anyway she picked me up some eggs which I needed. When she dropped them off at the house, she spotted a different sort of bee on the front step. Apparently it is a “carpenter bee” or wood bee as she called it. Yes, not just carpenter ants to eat the wood there are bees, too. Who knew? I sure did not. Something else to watch out for. Where is there is one, there are likely more. I guess the front porch step is ripe for the picking so to speak as it is all wood. ARGH. Live and learn, each day. We had a nice visit in between the bees.

Later after supper and into the evening just as it was storming our friend Gillian popped by to give me a lotto ticket that she had picked up. The lotto max jackpot was $70 million for last night. I am excited to check my ticket and see how much I won. We had a great visit and I felt badly that she had to walk home in the storm which thankfully had started to subside a bit but the time she left. Another great visit.

I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends in my life. They are the best. Oh, my daughter is included in the “wonderful friends.”

Anyway, better get hopping here if I am going to get that haircut done before noon. Okay, even if it is slightly later than noon, still okay.

Lots to do.

So grateful for a sunny day.

Happy Saturday everyone.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. windows open and there is a delectable cool breeze coming into the house, so nice. Better get the downstairs windows open. YAY.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy second day of Spring. How are you this morning? I am doing great. The sky is clear and I can see the beautiful sunrise. Our first day of spring storm only lasted until late afternoon then the sky cleared and was the most brilliant powder blue with the Sun beaming so proudly. This morning I remembered a dream from earlier: there was a plan to go out for supper, the only thing was the restaurant that one of my friends wanted to take us to was in Vancouver. Did not stop us. Next thing I know we were on a plane on our way to Vancouver, British Columbia with a table readied and waiting for us. I do not remember who the friends were but clearly someone had connections and more money than me. It was awesome. I have a song in my head this morning, one of my favourites “Missing Piece” by Vance Joy. I love this song. So my head is filled with good thoughts this morning, a great way to begin a work week. I did however, hit the snooze button twice, argh. Oh well, what can you do.

Yesterday was a good day even though we did not get out for a walk. I gave the boy a haircut and bath. Earlier in the morning I gave him some of his anxiety meds hoping it would help. It did a bit and was enough that I managed to get his paws trimmed slowly and carefully. I realized that his nails are really long and they seem to be growing more quickly. I will be calling and making him an appointment for as soon as I can get him in this week. Yesterday I also made some “energy bites” and they turned out pretty good. I use different ingredients each time that I make them. I am all about using what you have and making it work. It worked. Does not always work out perfectly but it certainly did this time.

Once the snow had stopped falling yesterday afternoon, we went into the backyard and I pushed some of the snow around on the deck. It was so heavy and in hindsight I wished that I had made a snowman. It was the most perfect consistency. Let my inner child out. Missed the opportunity. Next time I have a thought and the opportunity arises, I am taking it. Do not miss out.

I am so grateful for the good day that Alvin and I had yesterday. I also watched “The Pelican Brief” late afternoon. There are so many great actors in that movie. Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, Tony Goldwyn, John Heard, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, James Sikking, Hume Cronyn, Cynthia Nixon, Robert Culp, William Atherton. Star studded cast for sure. I have seen this movie several times over the years but it is now on NetFlix so I watched it again.

Well time to head downstairs and grab my coffee. I am grateful for my dreams, for my family and friends, for the sunrise this morning, for that cup of coffee, for the Mary Kay lip gloss that I am wearing (feels so nice), for good health, for time with my Alvin, to be working from home and for my life. Life is good.

Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. my daughter is popping by after her dental appointment (braces) and will finish her day working from here. Mom upstairs and daughter downstairs. Cannot wait to have her in the house.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are okay. Sure did not want to get my butt out of bed this morning. We were up at 4:30 the first time and went downstairs. I held off feeding Alvin his breakfast until he woke up again at 5:30. The second time we were up it was snowing. Large wet flakes. Alvin looked like a snow globe when he came back inside the house where his Momma was waiting with a towel to dry him off. After that, we hit the sofa for a bit until he woke up and then I decided to go back upstairs to bed. Each time we have got up it was storming more. Now the wind is howling and the large wet flakes have turned to smaller ones. Nothing like a spring storm on the first day of SPRING. Happy Spring Everyone. It would likely not be too bad out without the wind. All of the bare spots are now white once again. Are we ever going to have spring this year, I wonder? What a winter!

In contrast yesterday was absolutely beautiful more like the first day of spring should be. The sun was shining melting the ice and snow everywhere. The sky was the most brilliant beautiful blue. I am so over the moon pleased that we went for a nice long walk. We were out for over 50 minutes. I tried to find the most dry path to take and it worked out for me not so much for Alvin but he was easy to clean up once we returned home. We were on our way home in fact, when we came upon a man. We both exchanged greetings and I think it was me who mentioned about all the garbage that was laying on the bare ground (today it will be covered). I guess he really wanted to talk. Because we had a conversation after that. He was from the Philippines but pointed out that he was a Canadian Citizen during the chat. Got a little serious! Note to self, do not engage! Oh, silly girl, I cannot do that. I only said hi and remarked about the garbage. It was okay. Clearly he just needed to get some things off his chest. I am so happy that Alvin and I had a good walk. We took a different route. I know where we can go next time we go for a walk. Alvin was pretty wet and a bit muddy by the time we got home. Was glad to have a towel by the front door. After I wiped him off and took his harness off, I grabbed a wet Norwex Enviro Cloth and cleaned any remaining “dirt.”

After our walk I just continued with the laundry. Earlier in the day I had gone through the bathroom drawers and cupboards throwing out old products and items that we do not use or need. Nice to get that done. I am glad that I did not put away my winter coats and boots just yet because looks like we will need for a bit longer. I will say that usually we still have winter until at least the end of March.

I brought up all of my jewelry / beading supplies and arranged them on the IKEA shelf in the kitchen. Prior to I had cleared a few shelves. There was no jewelry making happening yesterday but I did roll some beads in between my fingers and arranged some different colours together to get some ideas. You cannot make anything if you do not have the ingredients in clear sight. Also you have to play first to get ideas. Making jewelry is my happy place and I am looking forward to whipping up a necklace or perhaps another bracelet. Although I am not sure what I am going to do with more jewelry. I already have more than any one person needs or will wear. But I can give some away! Birthdays coming up?

Looking out the office window is kind of depressing I will say with the white gray sky looking back at me. The wind is blowing the snow around on top the garage. The bare trees are swaying back and forth to the tune of “Still Winter, fooled ya.”

Well it is now way passed mid morning, in fact it is after 10:00 a.m., I have lots to do. The big job for today is giving the boy a haircut and bath. I did plan to do it today. Actually they did forecast snow for today so I was not totally surprised. But still, it would have been nice for them to be incorrect. I have laundry that will be dried in the basement to be brought up and put away. Oh, I need coffee. Have to put it on and better do that quickly as I do not want to be drinking coffee in the afternoon.

Happy First Day of Spring Everyone !!

I am so grateful that we had such a good walk yesterday and spent time outside “frolicking” in the sunshine.

I hope that you have a great day. Do some relaxing and perhaps watch a movie. I remembered to give Mr. Alvin some medication earlier to help with his anxiety so hopefully his haircut will go faster and easier. Anyway.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Oh, I actually ordered a pair of shoes from The Bay online yesterday using a gift card that I received with the points that I collected from my internet/cable provider. I am so excited for them to arrive. How lovely is it to buy something without having to actually spend money. Now that being said, I know I spend money to get the points. I have not heard of point collection with internet/cable provider before and am wishing that utility provider would give points. That would be nice after we spend literally hundreds of dollars per month lining their pockets. Gotta love point redeeming.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this “bright and sunny” Thursday morning? I am so grateful that the skies are pretty clear and that the sun is shining after a few days of clouds, rain and snow. It did freeze hard over night as I noticed the water that I have out for the bees froze over and there is frost on the cars. Most of the snow has melted now and the grass and trees appear to be renewed, is that possible? Of course, they gratefully soaked up the moisture in both forms. My lawn has not looked this good in years. Between the fertilizer that our neighbours threw on a few days ago and the extra moisture ….. well it looks like a lawn again. I was thinking that we may have to replant which I suppose throwing on some extra seed would not have hurt. If I would have had some grass seed in my garage I would have done so, at the beginning of the rain. Food for thought. I am going to pick up some seed to have on hand. Even our back patch of grass is coming back. Yesterday and earlier this morning there were a bunch of little birds flying about our backyard near the bird house. There was also a Magpie that was swooping in and about every once in awhile. They are pretty but not good for the little birds. Anyway, I am certain that by noon, or perhaps before I can remove the cover that is protecting the flowers in the front flower bed. Did I forget to mention? Yes, I did, that I pulled the cover back and checked some of the flowers and they are okay. If they survived last night, we all should be good. I also shook and dipped with a measuring cup all of the excess water off of the handmade tarp so that it would not crush them and not freeze. Fingers crossed.

I am looking forward to a walk with Mr. Alvin at noon. He needs to get out as I think he has a bit of cabin fever or at least he has been more anxious that usual. He barked short piercing barks the whole time I was in the shower. I kept calling out to him and hoping to calm him down but it did not work. I even tried singing my “put one paw in front of the other” song but to no avail. Luckily, he is okay now. What a guy. I tried to explain about how lucky that he is as I have noticed this poor little orange cat running on the front sidewalk and across the street. Poor cat looked like he or she had not had a good meal in a long time. So many cats on the loose in our area. Very dangerous as we have had coyotes in the nearby parks. Plus there are hawks and other birds of prey that can swoop down and take away little cats. I hope that he finds a home, soon.

Well time to head on downstairs and put on the coffee, need to smell that delectable aroma and drink some of that pure joy liquid before I start work. I am grateful that all my flowers survived this late spring snowfall and the wind. Thank goodness for a garage. I don’t have a car but man on man, that building has come in handy for storing and housing the vehicles of company.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thursday. May you laugh and smile and be surrounded with kindness and joy.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on patience I am patient. I am patient. I am patient.

ALLways, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Looks like Christmas outside or at least winter. Alvin and I are well. Yesterday morning when we got up the ground was bare and I raked the front lawn in the afternoon after our walk. This morning when we got up we have half a foot of snow covering the deck, the street, the lawn, rooftops and anywhere the snow could stick. Actually yesterday in the late afternoon when it was looking like a snowglobe outside and the wind was blowing …. Alvin had to go outside to pee …… when I opened the door, the snow blew into the house. The door was covered in wet sticky snow, the house was covered in snow, the lone broom that was standing against the back of the house was covered in wet sticky snow, my two wicker chairs that I had brought back out were completely covered in wet sticky snow, the trees were covered in wet sticky snow and even the doorknob was covered in wet sticky snow. I guess that I have painted a pretty thorough picture of how “sticky” the snow was as it clung to everything in sight. This morning the cars out front are covered in snow as well. Looks like there will be shovelling in my future and I just put away the shovels, argh. Oh well. It is spring in Western Canada and anything can happen with the weather. Just to give you an idea of the temperature on Friday it was plus 15 degrees celsius so a light jacket or sweater weather AND yesterday when we went for a walk in the early afternoon I wore a light jacket and was comfortable at 8 degrees celsius. I raked the front lawn about 3 p.m., I think it was, and I wore the same light jacket and it was windy and starting to cool down. My neighbor that share the front lawn with me … loves to feed the bunnies in the winter and the birds. So there was a massive amount of bird seed, bunny food and bunny poop covering most of her side (especially around her tree) and quite a lot on my side. I was careful and was wearing gloves when I scooped it all into a garbage bag along with the leaves that were covering the lawn. Every fall I rake and rake and rake until I can rake, no more. Usually I would say about 5-7 times. This past fall I raked several times and gave up because none of my neighbors were raking when the leaves fell off their tree(s) or not many of them. So throughout this spring as the snow melted there were leaves that freed themselves and blew around the hood in the wind. We have had a lot of wind this spring. Yesterday was windy as well. Guess what this afternoon is to be +4 degrees celsius so the snow will be melting. What an interesting last 24 hours. Poor Mr. Alvin was having quite the time last night. I told him to just pee in the snow. Poor guy.

Well yesterday I managed to get quite a lot of things knocked off my TO DO LIST. I got to try out my new Bissell Crosswave and it worked. I found that it used a lot of the cleaning liquid (water + cleanser). I filled to clean 350 square and only did the top of the stairs landings and the stairs and it was almost all gone. I cannot imagine that that space is 350 square feet in total. Anyway, the amount of hair that was in the water when I was done and cleaning out the machine was crazy. The water was dark so I know it was working. It was pretty easy to take apart and clean ….. now just putting it back together. I left the components out to dry on the counter as they have to be completely dry. The strangest thing just happened. Right in the middle of typing this post, the computer shut down as thought there was a power outage but the lights did not even flicker. Thankfully WordPress has autosave and I did not lose my whole post. WOW. I did lose some and I don’t remember what that was. So will just carry on. I think that I was about to mention that I decided to submit the tea order today, an executive decision. So I will do that this afternoon. I am also considering giving up selling the tea and Norwex. At this point in time, I would have to reactivate my NORWEX account and it is not worth it to me. I do not have any regular customers. The tea is another story. I love the tea so much but I have not had a “party” for a long time and was just selling to my regular customers and the odd new one. Sometimes I have had to place large orders myself just to keep active or maintain selling privileges. At the end of the day is it worth it? I am not sure. I would have to place an extra large order this time and I simply do not need that much product. So after six years this may be it. I guess time will tell. I do not have to make the decision at this moment. Life, right. Sometimes giving up things can be freeing as well.

Well after the seriousness of that last bit, it is time to sign off and go have a cleansing shower. I always feel differently after having a shower. Clears the cobwebs. Things have a way of working themselves out. I am giving these decision over to the Universe for guidance and will just go about my day. I want to bake a banana loaf this afternoon. Likely will be shovelling. Maybe if I remove some things off my plate it will clear the way for me to start writing more. Sometimes it is good to clean out your “closet” and if it does not “spark joy” as per Marie Kondo, then perhaps it is time to move it out of the closet. I think it may be time to do just that. I am feeling better already. Time to remove some old things and replace with new. Spring, time to grow!!

Wow, that was freeing and rejuvenating. Thank you for listening and helping this girl out.

I wish you a wonderful Sunday. Take care and I hope that you and your loved ones are in good health.

Perhaps this is the day that you “clear out your closets.”

I am feeling a lot lighter at this very moment, thank you.

Continuing to live with Kindness, RESPECT, Compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 23rd day of March, 2018.

Well the storm hit sometime between 9:30 last night and 4:15 this morning.

There is a new blanket of snow on the deck and on the ground.

The biggest thing is the WIND.

Very strong wind this morning.

Not good coupled with snow.

Most especially for those living in the rural areas and driving on the highway.

Great way to begin the weekend.

 

HOWEVER this blustery, stormy day has a HUGE RAY of SUNSHINE.

That would be MICHELLE OBAMA.

Yes, she is here in our city.

Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States is speaking at ROGERS PLACE today.

I am so blessed to have won a ticket to go and listen to her speak.

SO excited.

No words.

It was a huge surprise yesterday.

I think that I am still in shock.

I remember watching her on television when her husband was running for President.

She has a manner about her ….

She is elegant and gracious.

She is intelligent and compassionate.

She is a great speaker.

I cannot wait to listen to her speak and see her in person.

 

Well time to get going here.

I hope that you all have an awesome Friday.

Still in shock …. cannot believe that I am going to see Michelle Obama.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 15th day of April, 2017.

SNOW, SNOW and more snow.

That is what is happening here in Edmonton.

It has been snowing pretty much steadily since early early Friday morning.

Looks like I will be shovelling again and again.

The snow was so heavy that when I pushed it along the deck with the shovel and removed said shovel it stayed in a roll.

Instant snow roll ….

 

Last night one of my friends and neighbours came for a visit.

I always enjoy our visits.

She has had her own business for over 30 years.

There is always something I learn during our time together.

This time it was how Mothers in the wild quieten their pups …..

Interesting.

They just firmly hold their mouths shut.

Not hurting them ….

They tell them in a low growl …. to be quiet.

Now this is for safety against predators.

Mommas have to hunt and are forced to leave their young ones alone.

She also brought me some beautiful flowers.

So thoughtful.

 

Well today other than going for groceries and shovelling it will be a quiet day.

Our trip to my daughter’s will wait for another day as my poor girl has that dreadful cold bug that is going around.

I think shovelling will be keeping me busy …..

Maybe I will do some baking ….. I have some flax seed to use up.

 

So on this snowy Saturday I hope that you are enjoying your long weekend, as are we.

Happy Easter Weekend.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and “G” who are globe trotting and are leaving Peru for Las Vegas, today…..Safe Travels.

Always, Carol and Alvin