The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Today is the last day of the work week for me and I took tomorrow as a vacation day. The plan is to get ready for the garage sale which is next weekend. Finish cleaning/tidying the garage and then start taking the items out of the house. I don’t think that I have too many things but some. This morning the sun is shining. The sky is somewhat clear. It is relatively calm. Great to see the sun shining.

The all day staff “meeting” was okay. They had STARBUCKS coffee at the hotel which was great. It was nice to see our team in person and some other coworkers. I was surprised to see so many new faces. Whenever I could I tried to see their name tags to see if I recognized their names. Anyway, it was okay and I am glad to be back to “normal.” I had a good visit with Michelle who is on my team, she drove us to and from the meeting.

Alvin did okay yesterday. Gillian advised that he would not eat anything (which is okay) and that he drank water and went outside. So two out of three is good. Especially the water and going pee. Happy about that. He is starting to get better about the process of eating his food. I just have to have patience and try not to let him become more anxious about life. We had a nice walk although short after I got home from the meeting. We even had a few minutes after we were done for the day to do a bit of shopping as we were on our way out of the mall. I had not been to Bath & Body Works in years, I think. So I happen to hit the semi-annual sale and picked up three foaming hand soaps and a couple of body creams. We wore our masks in the store making it a bit difficult to smell things. I thought that one of the creams I got seemed to be a nice scent and put some on my feet last night and had a bit on my hands. Well it did not agree with my body chemistry, kind of kept me awake. Note to self, always go away from people remove the mask and smell. Oh well, hopefully I can find someone who likes it. I do like the scent – it just does not like me.

Well time to head downstairs. Looking forward to that first cup of coffee.

I am sad to report that with all of this rain, I noticed that one of my lavender plant pots is totally saturated and there was a bit of water laying on top of the soil. I hope that the sun shines and there is a breeze to dry out the excess moisture. Guess I should have moved the pots. I do every other year but was lazy this time round.

Have a great Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 54 days until my 65th Birthday. Maybe I should not be keeping tracking, lol. The hotel also had great little cinnamon buns, I had one at coffee break but did not eat the breakfast as it was too early for me.

2021

Good Morning All! How are you doing this Sunday morning? Did you sleep well last night? We slept straight through for six hours and then up and then back to the sofa. Nice to have a solid amount of sleep. The skies are overcast this morning. We managed to get all of our housework completed yesterday. Only have to bring up the clothes that are air drying from yesterday and put them away. I think that I may clean out my bathroom cabinet. It wasn’t long ago but I feel it could be better organized. Likely time to put away the winter coats and things as well. But perhaps I will do that on the Easter long weekend as I will have four days off and a project or two is always good to have. There will be time for lots of walks and if the weather remains dry – I may get out to do a neighbourhood trash pick up. I have been picking up trash everyday now for awhile. It blows in front of my house or onto the lawn. Trash sticks in the storm drain grates and in the gutters. Garbage is everywhere. Seems to be so much this year. I cannot remember if I mentioned this when we walked to Alvin’s vet appointment on Wednesday there is a walkway. In the bushes on the walkway were what seemed like a hundred disposable coffee cups from McDonalds, Starbucks and Tim’s and others. I wanted to cry. It was obvious that people were finished their drinks and then tossed them into the bushes. What is wrong with people? Now this almost 64 year old woman who was appalled by their actions has to take her time and garbage bags to go and clean up their messes. On the bright side it is exercise for me. Also there are blue disposable masks everywhere and I mean everywhere. Come on people! Are you neighbourhoods like mine? People cannot say that it is only the old or poor neighbourhoods that are dirty and filled with trash for that is definitely not true. I am truly disgusted by some people. I wish that people would just carry their cups and masks and what have you to the nearest garbage bin or home. Also another reason for trash blowing about in our ‘hood is the lack of proper placement when putting out their garbage. Most especially the recycling. When Alvin and I are out for our walks, I see people put papers, egg cartons loose in a blue bin or cardboard box and what happens when the wind comes up ….. they end up at my house or on the street for me to pick up. So many people just leave crap laying on their lawns, in the gutters and on the sidewalks in front of their homes. They sometimes even walk around items instead of picking them up and putting said trash in their garbage bin. There is hope coming for garbage as we will eventually all have bins with lids and then garbage cannot blow about. Also will help keep the crows, ravens and magpies out of the trash. Hopefully it won’t be another decade until we have bins for recycling. I guess that is a heavy duty rant for a Sunday morning as I smile.

Well I guess someone needs a cup of coffee or three. Alvin is impatiently waiting at the office doorway giving me that look. What look? That look ….. impatience. Perhaps he has to go back outside. He went before we can back upstairs for me to have a shower. Oh well, old bladder, I get that. LOL.

I hope that you all are having a great weekend. I am looking forward to our walk this afternoon.

Have a wonderful Sunday. May you have some quiet relaxing time throughout this day.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience (always working on).

ALLways, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? I am doing great. Funny start to the day. We had a good sleep. Alvin woke us up at 4:00 and we came downstairs. Decided to feed him and give him his glucosamine chew. Once he was done eating, outside he went. While he was outside at this time, I decided to change the clocks on the stove ahead one hour so that I would not forget when we got up for the day. Once he was back inside – we hit the sofa for some more sleep. Alvin woke up and it was already light out so I got up to check the time and it was 8:00 a.m., so I set the microwave timer for some extra time and headed back to the sofa. Alvin laid down for a bit and then was up. So I decided okay it was 8:23 or so, just get up. Something hit me between the kitchen and the living room and I realized it was Saturday. The girls are coming for coffee at 10:00 a.m. and the time changes Saturday night/Sunday morning. So actually it was 7:23 not 8:23 a.m. Changed the time back and stayed up. What the hay. But I was giggling to myself for the mixup.

Yesterday was awesome. The temperature allowed for me to wear only a long sleeved sweater and a “winter vest.” SUN shone brightly just as it is doing right at this very moment. My daughter picked up us and drove us to the Vet so that Alvin could get out his stitches. Both of the staff that were there had not seen/read the email from the Surgeon at that point so I happily told them the good news about Alvin. We were almost all in tears of joy. Alvin’s Vet Dr. Karen arrived shortly after we did. They were doing some surgery on a cat. An easy surgery. Thankfully. It only took a few seconds or seemed liked it to remove the stitches and he was back to me. I was waiting in one of the exam rooms. In the main lobby area we talked about his new food and other matters. I was able to pick up his new food both hard and wet. Happily surprised the price was not quite as much as I had thought it was going to be. So that is good. Although he will be eating more wet food so will be going through it more quickly but that is how it is going to be. Booked his next appointment for his nails etc. and then we were on our way. Courtney held and opened doors, Michelle carried the food and I with Alvin exited the building where my daughter was waiting for us. She had quickly gone over to StarBucks to pick up her free Birthday COFFEE. Once we got home we girls had coffee and went over what was required at the store. I had written up my list on the NOTES on my phone. So was easy to forward to her. After Amanda left for the grocery store I brought out some chairs and a bench from the garage as today the girls are coming for coffee on the deck. I took the steel/river rock top bistro table out of the garage and to the top of the first landing and left it there for my daughter to help me carry it down the steps. A few years ago, maybe two years ago, I would have carried it myself but I am getting smarter in my “old age” and decided better to have help. Once that was done, we were back in the house and did a few things and then sat down on the sofa and I had some coffee and Alvin just curled up beside me. I love that. It seemed like only a few minutes and Amanda was back from the store. We visited and then she was on her way with a quick stop before heading home. Alvin and I went for a walk. It was so gorgeous out. I only wore a long sleeved sweater and winter vest and shoes. Not even any mini gloves! We walked on the opposite side of the street where it appears to be spring or late fall and where the sidewalk is mostly dry. There were a few wet spots but mainly where there was a street or back lane to break up the public sidewalk. Several streets away from home, Alvin decided he wanted to cross to the other side of the street, I wondered why for a second, checking both directions for oncoming traffic and none we crossed. As we got to the snow back lining the other side of the street, I realized that he was going to see his best friend Teddy. Even after climbing over a small snowbank and down to the sidewalk he turned the right direction and literally pulled me to his friend’s house. I kept saying “Alvin, not today buddy” but he was firm in his decision and before I knew it he was crossing their driveway and heading up the steps. As I rang the doorbell, I could hear Teddy and Kobi barking. Then saw Iris peeking out of the window. Everyone was excited to see us as I apologized for just dropping in as they both replied “you are always welcome.” Before we got past the foyer, I explained to Iris that Alvin can no longer have any of the chews that the pups always have and she quickly picked them all up. We had the most enjoyable visit as we social distanced of course. I sat in a rocking chair and little Miss Kobi came and curled up by my feet, so sweet. Iris remarked “oh she missed her Auntie Carol.” It was a quick wonderful unplanned visit and we were all happy to see each other. I guess Alvin missed his buddy after all he has been through and the time since he last saw him. I see a sleepover in their near future. Once again we were on our way walking and enjoying the warm, sunshine of the day. I let Alvin lead the way. He took us down a different street on the opposite side from Teddy’s house and we made our way home from there. It was a wonderful feeling arriving home and having to wipe Alvin’s wet paws dry. What a wonderful time we had. Shortly thereafter, I was washing my hands and grabbing the ingredients to make the fruit pizza. I had the cream cheese softening on the counter. Fruit pizza is very easy to make but is time consuming. Have to make the cookie dough and bake. The cream cheese filling. Cut up the fruit. Make the orange glaze. All separately and then put together when the base and the glaze are cool so that the cream cheese does not go runny. Made the fruit pizza and was admiring it – even snapped a photo and then I realized that I had forgot to pour the glaze over the top. I actually even sent a photo to Amanda before the glaze went on and had her thinking that something was missing. Anyway, all good. Once done, it was almost time to feed Alvin and get changed and finish up the dishes from the baking. I had time to have a sip of coffee. The food arrived five minutes before the kids arrived. Perfect timing. I covered the bag with heavy tea towels to keep in the heat. Then the house was filled with family once again. We enjoyed our supper and conversation. After supper we decided we were too stuffed to enjoy the fruit pizza and played a game of sequence. All three of us were were in conversation and not 100% in the game but we had fun. After the game we had the fruit pizza. Poor Mr. Alvin was so sorry that he could not have some fruit. He really wanted some but I did not cave. He could not have the pizza anyway because of the sugar but I had some cut up in the fridge and it stayed in the fridge. Sure is hard to not give him fruit or vegetables. Alvin’s doctor is going to check and see if there are any fruits or vegetables that he could have. Oh, I forgot before the fruit pizza and the game – Amanda opened her birthday gift. Alvin and I got her a pair of earrings. Tiny silver hoops with her birthstone. She loved them. After dessert, Amanda and I went into the basement to go through some of her childhood toys and stuffies. They have neighbours that they are especially close to and they have a daughter and a son. The little girl is smitten with Amanda and even told her that she loved her. How sweet is that. Anyway said girl named Charlotte is turning 5 this month. How cool they even have birthdays in the same month. She wanted to give her a toy of some sort ….. maybe science set as she loves science and I suggested because of Charlotte’s love for her that she give her something that was hers when she was a little girl. So we went through containers until we found her bag of stuffies. We brought some things upstairs where she went through the bag of stuffies …. there was Miss Piggy, Rainbow Brite, one of the bugs from a Bug’s Life, Teddy Bears, Wuzzles and so many more that I cannot remember the names. She took the bag home but decided to give her the “Bug from a Bug’s Life” as she has an invisible friend and likes that particular movie. How cute. Anyway it was touching and brought back so many memories as she went through some of her toys and stuffies from her childhood. Now they are where they belong with Amanda. I miss them though …. my baby is not a baby … I guess my 41 year old daughter is a grown woman now…….

Well it is now after 8:30 and I had better get the show on the road. The girls will be here shortly. Yesterday was amazing and I am so grateful for every moment of the day.

Today is going to be great as well. I need some coffee and cannot wait until the girls arrive so will run down and make a couple of cups before making a pot closer to 10:00. I want to get some more chairs out of the garage. Was waiting for this morning.

Have an awesome day. Harness the joy that each moment brings and hold it close to your heart and keep those thoughts in the foreground of your mind as you make your way through this day and every day.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning!

What a gorgeous AM it is out there.

The sun is shining, just a snippet of a breeze, blue sky, birds singing and the hum of traffic from the highway not too far away.

We are grateful that a neighbour and friend is coming for a little visit this morning.

She is bringing coffee from Starbucks.

Lucky me.

She wanted to take Alvin for a visit but not sure that this Momma’s boy will go.

If he does great, if not we will just have a visit and coffee break here.

Later we have been invited to our friends for a backyard visit.

They have the most beautiful backyard with a nice swing to relax on and the most lush grass.

We are going there after supper.

Working in between.

Alvin is barking at me for no reason.

I guess he has one but I do not understand it.

So this will be ultra short.

How about some photos to start the weekend.

We plan to relax and perhaps call some family and friends.

Sunny weekend and warm temperatures on the way.

Mr. whiny pants is looking at me and wagging his tail.

Something tells me he wants a TREAT.

Now he is sitting with his back to me.

Now that tells me “he is not happy with me at this moment.”

What a guy?

Yes, what a guy!

 

Happy Friday to you ALL.

May you  share laughter with friends and family.

Perhaps you will go and help an elderly neighbour with some outdoor chores.

Or maybe you will grab a bag and pick up the trash from your park and neighbourhood.

Some urban centres have had to lay off the summer crew and are short staffed so no lawn mowing.

That is the case for our nearby park.

It is classes as a water runoff-drain something or other.

Our bodies of water are man-made.

No mowing for us.

The dandelions and grass are already almost one foot high.

Looks like we are in the countryside.

Oh well.

 

Gotta fly.

Have an awesome day.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

My grandpup Milo and in the background baby Kobi, Alvin’s BF’s little sister.

Milo and my other grandpup Miss Aspen

Mr. Alvin before a haircut.

Decorations in background would direct us to “Christmas”

I loved this haircut and wished that I had it again.

This was last summer.

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and YAY today is Saturday.

It is bright outside but only due to the recent snowfall.

Sky is overcast but the sun is trying to punch through the clouds.

Alvin and his best friend Teddy are laying together side by side on the blue blanket.

What a joyous sight.

Once the photos stop downloading I will snap a couple of photos for my next post.

If there is time before they move.

Last night after work and we were done with Alvin eating etc., we went for a nice walk.

Once home I called Aunt J and she brought Master Teddy right over.

The boys were so excited to see each other.

Me, too.

Seems like forever since they have been here to visit.

Aunt J did not stay but to have a quick visit by the door.

I could tell in her eyes that she was exhausted.

It has been a horrible last couple of weeks for her with puppy KOBI and that terrible parasite.

I know that Teddy missed her last night but soon was okay just to settle in with his best friend.

 

Not long after Teddy arrived last night and moments before I was going to eat my supper, there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door to see one of the little boys from a couple of doors down the street.

He handed me a Valentines Card, a heart shaped red lollipop and two boxes of smarties.

One of the boxes of smarties had only red and pink smarties inside.

What a nice treat for after supper.

He is the most kind and generous of little boys.

He is quiet, sweet and so helpful.

He is the one that always wants to help.

He is polite and compassionate and has manners.

Can you imagine a little boy of “7” bringing a Valentine and treats to your door?

I am not 7 either.

He would not have been prompted by his parents either.

His parents did a great job with him.

 

The pups last night at bedtime.

Teddy was playing a game with the blanket.

This morning he was playing under the blanket (hide and seek) but the camera was downloading / uploading photos to the computer so I was unable to take photos.

Alvin was watching him.

Then he joined them.

Love these little guys.

I had a great evening.

 

My day was mixed.

I had planned to go for lunch with one of my clients.

We did but long story short it was not great ….. the coffee shop we went to had closed (how I had forgot, I will never know).

She with her walker.

Normally was not even a five minute walk but with her walker and recent injury, it took about 20 minutes or so.

My poor friend, I don’t know what I was thinking.

We ended up going to the 7-11 which had a little counter set up.

It was okay but not what I had imagined.

I felt terrible.

Not sure what I was thinking.

The Starbucks would have been closer even though we had to cross more streets and I guess there were a couple of small restaurants close to it.

Next time, I will have my poop in a group.

Also she slept in and did not hear when I phoned her at 10:00 a.m.

She missed the DATS bus when it arrived and caught a taxi which cost her a small fortune.

I called DATS (Disabled Adult Transit System, I think) from the 7-11 but they said would be a two hour wait but at first refused to pick her up.

I kept at them but finally the woman said two hours.

Way too long in the downtown 7-11 which had lots of people coming and going.

I could not leave her there by herself for two hours and I could not wait.

So I called a taxi.

I offered to pay but she said she could pay for it.

Unfortunately it was a costly lunch for her.

I paid for lunch although she wanted to ….

I had a little gift for her and remembered to give it to her when she was in the taxi.

Thankfully the taxi came within ten minutes of calling them.

I was thirty minutes late for work but my boss was forgiving.

It was nice to see my client but not what I imagined that it would be.

She in her grace said not to worry.

She was just happy to have a visit with me.

How lucky, how blessed am I.

Between this client, the little boy from a few doors down and the pups.

I am feeling so special.

 

Well time to get going.

Breakfast is late for me.

Pups ate earlier.

Alvin ate really early just before 5 a.m. and Teddy ate about thirty minutes ago.

I just would like a cup of coffee.

That will happen once I get the first load of laundry into the washer.

I am going to work on the photo project.

Going through my photos and deleting the duplicates etc.

Also I am going through my photo boxes and doing the same.

More the out of focus photos.

For some reason I have a problem throwing them away or deleting them.

So we will have a busy day.

In between we shall go for a walk.

Hopefully the sun will shine.

 

Wishing you an awesome Saturday.

With Kindness and Respect.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of March, 2019.

TODAY is the BIRTHDAY of A VERY SPECIAL YOUNG WOMAN.

That woman is my beautiful daughter, Amanda.

I cannot believe that she is thirty-nine years old today.

Seems like only yesterday that she was born.

Her birth was the best gift that I have ever received.

 

I want to share my post from June 22, 2010 – A day with my girl.

As I believe everyone that knows me, knows how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE spending time with my daughter Amanda.  She is the best person that I know.  Kind, warm and generous.  We love to be together.  This past weekend we did a couple of things that we absolutely love to do.  First thing was shopping, followed by an adventure, and ending with viewing show homes.  I must say it was the best Saturday.

We started out by going to Shoppers (okay a free plug).  They have the best rewards program going.  It is so nice to get free stuff after spending your “hard earned” cash.  Stopped by another favourite place of ours, and that is STARBUCKS.  We like to go to our local Starbucks,  sit in and enjoy our favourite blend while we are out shopping.  This time we picked up coffees, and were on our way to check out a possible “nursery” in the country not far from where we live.

We first found a place that sells shrubs, trees and rock but no flowers.  There was a kindly employee there that pointed us in the right direction.  Not far away, we found this awesome flower place.  The best part other than all of the beautiful flowers – okay perhaps there are a few things GREAT about this place.  First off, it is a short, easy drive from our homes. Secondly, it is in the country and is so pretty.  Third, they have more than just flowers and soil.  They have stuff.  All sorts of stuff.  They sell jewellery, crafts and too many things to mention.  For those people living in the Edmonton area the name of the place is “Dunvegan Gardens”.  Fourthly, they are open at Christmas.  YAY.  Another place to go.  So check it out.  They are great.  The staff are very knowledgeable.  Prices are good as well.  Once we picked out some flowers we were on our way.  It was a hot day on Saturday so we were happy for the air conditioning in the car.

When we got back to the city we dropped our flowers off at our each of our homes.  Alvin was spending the afternoon with Steven, my wonderful son-in-law and my grand-puppies Elton and Penny.  So I didn’t mind being away from home.

Next stop was the show homes.  We actually checked out some on our way to the garden places.  They were very nice.  The ones that we have especially been wanting to view were the “million” dollar ones that are situated by the lake in our neighbourhood.  As always, there were ah’s and mmm’s happening as we made our way through the homes.  I am always amazed at the decorating.  We found one that was especially interesting.  In one of the children’s bedrooms they decorated it realistically by scattering clothing, an empty chip bag, and other things on the floor and throughout the room.  At first I thought it was odd especially in a new home but it made an impression and I won’t soon forget it.  We certainly had a good giggle over that bedroom.  We even found a couple of homes that had “walk thru pantries” ….. the one thing that I think is so important in a house/home.  For all those contractors (would be nice if one read this), take the time, space and money and make a walk thru pantry off the kitchen when you are building these homes.  For all those of us who are getting older and even for those younger it is so much handier.  Instead of having all those kitchen counter top appliances taking up space on the counter – you can put the ones that you do not use in the pantry.  Easy to get to.  I love the fact that you can actually see what you have instead of forgetting a can of corn in the back of the pantry …. finding it ten years later.  Okay perhaps that is an exaggeration but you get my point.  Amanda loved the main floor or upstairs laundry rooms.  She would love to have her laundry area right beside her bedroom.

We had a great time, Amanda and I, last Saturday.  I urge you to spend more time with your children whether they are five or thirty.  So good for the heart, mind and soul.

Happy Days ……

 

Alvin and I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Here is a sneak peek at what awaits you….

Happy Happy Birthday My Darling Daughter.

May your life be filled with good health, great joy, much love and laughter and abundance.

We love you so much,

Love Mom & Alvin….

 

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl.  We love you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  the fruit pizza has not been made just yet, I will make it on Sunday morning so it is fresh, fresh, fresh.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of October, 2016.

Dark dark now and just wait this weekend we turn our clocks back one hour.

Instead of it being 6:12 as it is now it will be 5:12 a.m.

Alvin has had a head start on that change.

This morning we were up at 4:30 a.m.

Oh my boy ……

 

Guess what!

I have news.

Yesterday I went to Costco with my daughter.

Guess what one of my purchases was?

You will never guess.

LIGHT BULBS.

It would seem that I had some burned out in every room.

Now when I turn on the lights there is no place for those dust bunnies to hide.

I could not believe the difference.

I can see my kitchen once again.

Almost every room was in dim mode.

As my daughter said “good lighting for beauty.”

Which is true.

Both of the light bulbs in my downstairs bathroom burned out at the same time which I thought was strange.

How does that happen?

Anyway whenever I was in there had to leave the door open as there are no windows.

So looking in the mirror gave me a nice glow …..

The upstairs main bathroom looks like you are on a stage and ready to belt out a tune.

Honestly I felt like I should have sunglasses on.

My bathroom now I can truly see to put makeup on and do my hair ….. before it was touch and go.

Always checked things out when I got to work.

Slightly kidding here.

Makes for a better story.

I bought two boxes and replaced 11/12.

The combined total in both boxes was 12.

Yikes.

Note to self: ask to go to Costco more often.

Well almost time to hit the pavement.

My friend “V” sent me a message last night to tell me there is another package on the way to me.

OMG, what a girl.

The theme is “orange” so wonder what might be in that box?

I cannot wait.

Definitely something good to look forward to tonight.

It is a great Wednesday.

Lights on and someone is definitely at home.

Have a great Wednesday.

Remember to have a sense of humour.

My friend and co-worker and tea drinker “K” is taking me to StarBucks (her treat) for a pumpkin coffee.

Cannot wait for coffee break.

Well time to fly.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: all those friends out there making your friends feel so loved.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 24th day of June, 2016.

The sun is shining and there appears to be a breeze as I gaze out my upstairs window.

Last day of work for this week.

The house is quiet with only the sound of my fingers tapping on the keyboard.

Alvin went home with his sister, brother-in-law and Elton last night.

It was easier as I am hosting a garage sale tomorrow and the day he gets too excited with all of the people coming and going.

I cannot leave him in the house and being outside in the garage with me for that length of time is not good for him either.

So he is on a two night three day sleepover.

My coffee buddies were getting together last night after the kids were in bed to make a craft for each of their children’s teachers.

They invited me for coffee.

Of course, I joined in ……

We ate grapes, blueberries, raspberries and watermelon.

I drank coffee …..some enjoyed another beverage.

We had a blast.

We took these flower pots, put a bed of green foam in the bottom of each, glued in a grassy moss stuff, made a cute flower, added leaves, placed a gift card and button on each flower and also a key chain with an inspirational saying from the child to the teacher.  They were so cute.  Wrapped in cello – coloured on the bottom and clear over that …. wrapped with a small tag and cord.

They look so good.

So this was out of the blue so worked well as I do not like to leave Mr. Alvin alone ….

I managed to get the back lawn mowed, prepared something for the mail, empty the dishwasher, make supper and do the dishes, get my lunch and clothes ready for today and walk the pups all before Elton’s Mom and Dad arrived after work.

Then had time for supper and a couple of extra things before heading out.

I figured it would be nice to go out forgetting the getting up part as I did not get to bed until almost 11:00 p.m. – strange being so light out.

Well I have to run as I did things in revers this morning … up shower and get dressed and then do my blog and now go write in my gratitude journal and eat breakfast.

Have an awesome Friday everyone.

Special Hello to: the girls “S” and “G” ….. thanks “S” for being such a great hostess and to the girls for asking me to join them.  It was so much fun.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of June, 2016.

It has been overcast and raining off and on this morning.

There have been slight moments of brightness appearing out of small cracks in the deep blue clouds, sun I presume.

It was cool in the house when we first got up this morning.

But no need to turn on the furnace at this time of year.

 

I just returned a bit ago from cleaning up part of the neighbourhood.

A particular walkway to the 62nd Avenue.

One side is our residential neighbourhood and the other is a very main street and on the other side a bunch of fast few restaurants and a strip mall.

So quite often meaning all of the time there are a vast array of cups and fast food wrappers from Starbucks, McDonalds, Dairy Queen and Boston Pizza.

I have asked for a garbage barrel to be placed there but to no avail.

I guess as long as someone like me will pick up the garbage why would you pay for a barrel, bags and someone to empty them.

Oh well.

I do not mind ….. I am helping out my friends and neighbours.

The only one that truly minds is Mr. Alvin as I have to leave him at home and he does not like that.

He likes me to be at home on the weekends.

I cannot blame him.

 

Well I guess time to go and enjoy my coffee while it is warm.

The first cup earlier I only drank a bit of it as I wanted to get out before the rain arrived.

Funny thing it rained a bit when I left the house and started to come down a bit harder on my way home.

Just gave me the perfect time to get it done.

YAY.

 

My neighbours that have been here since I moved to Edmonton are moving out tomorrow into a brand new house that they had built.

Not too far away so I think we will see each other but likely not quite as often, I suspect.

I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the new people.

I shall miss my neighbours.

“S” was here alone when I moved in and two years later got married.

Nothing last forever and change is a learning process or at least that is what I keep telling myself.

 

Mr. Elton is coming over at 3:00 p.m. to spend a few hours with his Grandma and Alvin.

We look forward to spending time with him.

 

Did I mention that my irises are blooming?

The most perfect purple.

 

Well time to sign off.

I wish you an awesome Sunday.

Thank you for reading.

 

Special Hello to: “M” longtime friend ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to the 2nd day of April, 2016.

It is a bright and sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I am up and showered – freshened up.

Time to write in my gratitude journal, have breakfast (share my banana with Alvin) and then share a pot of coffee with my neighbour “S.”

This morning I am off to clean-up the trash around the neighbourhood.

It does not look like I even went out about a month ago as there is so much.

So I will put on some comfortable old shoes, my sunglasses, grab some garbage bags and some disposable non-latex gloves and my keys and be on my way.

Whoops almost forgot my handy dandy GARBAGE PICKER UPPERS…..

It will likely take me about 1-2 hours to clean things up as I will do a big loop and of course, the walk-way to 62nd Avenue (which is CRITICAL again).

I know for a fact that MacDonalds and StarBucks do not throw their coffee cups into the wind so that they blow into our neighbourhood.

Why oh why cannot people just take them home and throw them into the garbage.

Perhaps too easy.

Are people really that stupid?

Uncaring.

I just do not believe that say you throw your StarBucks coffee cup into the bushes/grass on the walkway today.

Then someone comes behind you and does the same thing.

Everyday you walk there and it just looks worse and worse.

Does that not bother anyone except me?

Anyway I am going to make it beautiful.

The way it should be.

My wish is to educate people.

Also I am going to plead once again with the City and the Neighbourhood Association to please put up a garbage bin.

I hope that next time you are walking about enjoying nature and sipping on your coffee or cold drink that you will think about taking the cup home instead of throwing it onto the ground.

Now obviously I realize that not everyone does this or else our world would be completely filled with cups.

Have a great weekend.

Please keep your neighbourhood clean and tidy.

All you have to do is keep in front of your house clean and secure trash on pick up day.

Thank you.

This is my public service announcement.

Have a great Saturday.

No poems for me today …..

 

Special Hello to:  to all those folks who help to keep our planet clean and tidy.

Always, Carol and Alvin