The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to a bright and beautiful Sunday morning. We did have frost overnight but it will disappear as the sun’s warm rays shine down. How are you this morning? I hope that you are well. We are doing pretty fair, I must say. It was really late when the lights went out last night, I want to say close to 11:30 p.m. and the next time we were up it was close to 5:00 so I gave Alvin his glucosamine chew and his breakfast before he went outside and then it was back to the sofa until 7:30 am. Now I would have stayed on the sofa happily enjoying the warmth of our soft red blanket snuggled beside the boy but he had other ideas. But he jumped and wanted outside so I had no choice but to follow. Up and to the door we both went – he was going back and forth on the deck before I realized that Sonja was outside with Bogart. Appeared that Bogart was trying to make a run for it and was on the top of their gate but she was able to talk him down but in the meantime Alvin was pacing the deck wanting to be a part of the action. I think personally that he misses his feline friends. It has been forever since Humphrey has spent anytime with us. He used to spend lots of time here with Alvin before his brother came to be. Sonja had to go off their deck and into the backyard to retrieve the unsuccessful attempt to escape artist before heading into the house. Alvin did not give up. He paced the lower part of the deck debating on whether to jump down onto the snow and ice that remains on the opposite end of the steps down. Now he could have taken the steps down and it has melted there but frozen ground. Not sure which was better if either for him to go down but jump he did as I watched temporarily holding my breath. He walked over to the fence and sniffed as if he saw Humphrey and Bogart but they were in the house. Finally after a few minutes, I grabbed a jacket and put on some shoes and my glasses and went outside to retrieve the boy from his mini morning adventure. He certainly did not want to come in as he ran across the frozen ice, snow and mucky frozen grass we call a backyard with me in careful hot pursuit. Finally I thought that I had him to carry back up but he is faster than me. Up he jumped onto the deck. First time he has been down in the area of the backyard since early winter. Months and months. I managed to get him into the house and wiped his feet not that they were wet but to dislodge any little bits of “yuck” that may have clinged on his paws. Once into the house, I decided what was the point in laying back down on the sofa so I put away my jacket, folded the red blanket and propped up the pillow and went downstairs. I turned on the dryer to warm up the already dried towels that were left in the dryer last night and then put on the last load of laundry, some blankets. I waited a couple of minutes for the dryer to warm up the towels before putting them into a laundry basket, I grabbed the NORWEX cloths and my clothes that were on the drying racks and took them upstairs, upstairs to my room where I proceeded to hang the clothes, fold the underwear and fold the towels. I decided at that point that today I should remove all of the towels etc. from the linen closet and reorganize. The recently washed towels were placed on the spare room bed as I wanted to write this post before tackling the linen closet. In fact, I may leave that until later, time will tell. So here we are. I am going to walk over to our little neighbourhood mall in the early afternoon so I will have a shower likely after this post. Freshen up you know!

Yesterday was a great day. Starting off with coffee with my girl friends in the morning which actually ran into the early afternoon. Man, did we have some great conversation. The girls brought treats to add to the sweet little oranges that I offered. So we had peanut butter cookies and apple danishes as well as the oranges. I broke down and gave Mr. Alvin a wee bit of peanut butter as he was “really feeling left out” and made sure that he let us know. I think that is his first peanut butter since his surgery over one year ago. Once in awhile treats are good. He licked that up pretty fast, I must say. After the girls left I got the laundry ready to go before we headed out for a walk. It was really nice out and we enjoyed the walk and exercise. I am assuming that Alvin liked the exercise, he did enjoy the sniffing part for sure. Once back I put on some laundry and then decided to go outside and remove that remaining ice on the front sidewalk. It took me over 30 minutes but I picked and scraped with my ice pick tool (like a straight up garden hoe) and removed the ice. I also chipped away and cleared the drain and pushed all of the ice chunks down the storm drain. I could see and hear the water running down the drain from both sides. Finally my job was done and back into the house. My SKETCHERS and socks were soaked and my pants were wet from splashing myself so once inside the house, I removed my shoes and shoes and went upstairs to change my pants. Doning fresh pants and socks back downstairs. I decided that I needed a real coffee break so at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon I made a pot of coffee, yes I did, lol. Not likely the best choice that I have ever made but nevertheless it was done. I sat down and enjoyed a cup of coffee before heading out to the backyard to do some snow removal. The deck is almost bare so I was lucky to scrap some of the remaining snow from the grass area up onto the deck. Hopefully it does get to +12 or so today so that the grass that he clear from ice and snow in the back dries out. Alvin needs a place to “go.” Let me see what next. Laundry. Supper for Alvin. Odds and ends of things. I had supper later than usual but was happy to have leftovers of stir fry and then apple crisp for dessert. I worked on laundry into the evening. Leaving the towels to finish drying overnight.

Last night I watched a couple of recent episodes of “Star Trek” PICARD” last night. That show really is timely, I must say. They always seem to incorporate the “thoughts and actions” of the day. From the very first STAR TREK episode back in 1966 they seemed to get the true essence of human beings. They were ahead of the curve in so many ways. Last night one of the characters cited some words that made me stop the show, grab my phone and record her words. I even posted it on Facebook. The character was a much younger Guinan who Picard had come across in 2024 (you will have to watch the episode for all the details) in his attempt to correct the timeline. Guinan said to Picard “this place is a pressure cooker, you know they are actually killing the planet, the truth is whatever what you want it to be, facts aren’t even facts anymore, a few folks have enough resources to fix all of the problems for the rest but they won’t, because their greatest fear is having less, because this one tiny ball in the entire galaxy and all this species wants to do is fight, I have been here long enough. There were never more true words spoken. Remember Guinan is a El-Aurian from another planet, another galaxy far away.

Well, I suppose I should end this post before I end up writing a book. LOL. Time to hop into the shower and then have some coffee. I can smell coffee in my mind. Looks like it will be a beautiful day.

Have a wonderful Sunday. I know that we are going to enjoy every moment of this day.

Until tomorrow,

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I, we are well. It is light outside and in fact the sun was shining brightly when I looked out of the living room window but now that I am upstairs in the office facing south, there is a blue veil covering most of the sky. The remainder of the night sky perhaps. The morning sky always amazes me with all the different aspects. Tomorrow is supposed to be +12 degrees celsius. Cannot wait. For some people that would be “flip flop” weather. Not me but definitely light sweater weather.

This morning in less than 2 hours my friends are coming for coffee. Remember how I said that we decided to get together every weekend from now on, so we are. YAY. I am excited to chat about the week since we last were together. It is great having friends that are younger as they have both have young teenagers and I hear stories of technology, friends, school, and so much more. They give me their perspective on the world and life. Different sometimes from my friends that are around my age for example. Having friends of all ages is a wonderful thing. I absolutely love it. Brings me joy and gives me a more round perspective on life and the world. Isn’t that what most people need is a broader view?

I wonder if all of my neighbours are up for the day? Do you sometimes think when you got up a bit later than you would have liked what others are doing? I do, does it matter in the grand scheme of things, not really. So I stress about it now? I only wonder.

Yesterday we had a nice long walk at my lunch break and it was nice. After work we walked only to the park and then home as I needed to prepare for my daughter’s arrival. I had all of the prep work done and was cooking supper when she arrived. The apple crisp (her favorite) in the oven and the vegetables prepared for stir fry and I had the chicken prepared as well. The water was on for the rice. I turned off the burners when I received a text that she was at the back waiting for me to open the garage door. Alvin and I went out and opened the big door and happily waited for her to park. Back in the house, burners on and started cooking. Stir frys are a quick meal so it did not take long before we were eating one of her favourite meals. We had the best visit and enjoyed supper and then apple crisp. I can tell you I had one happy happy daughter. Then before you knew it time to say goodbye until our next visit which will be next week. The following week they leave for VEGAS and the pups Aspen and Milo will be staying with us. I am on vacation during the time they are gone and cannot wait. So happy to be having a nice break surrounded by the pups.

Well it looks like the clock is slowly inching its’ way toward the arrival of my girlfriends so I best be getting this show on the road. Certainly will be enjoying my first cup of coffee this morning.

Today will be laundry and the usual but I need to figure out what to do in the backyard as the snow on the deck is basically non-existent. Too hard to take Alvin out the front every time he has to pee or poo and the backyard area is frozen ice/bit of snow on one end which would be okay but the area by the stairs and on the other side pointing to the north is one slime bucket, I do not know how else to explain it. The grass is bare in spots but so mucky and I certainly do not want him down there as it would be hard to clean both the area he used and to clean him. OH no!! So I have to figure out something. Perhaps with tomorrow be 12 degrees that area will dry up. I sure hope so. Anyway!!

I hope that you have a great Saturday!

Did anyone get pranked for April Fools? Not me. I do remember being pranked and pranking others in my youth.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? I am doing great as is Mr. Alvin. We are happily surprised to see the sun shining with a gorgeous blue sky. Last night we had a thunder/lightning storm and rain. Not too much but some. Good thing that I did not give my flowers/plants too much water last night. YAY, today is Friday. The last weekend of the month of May 2021. It has been a busy week. With the kids stopping by night before last, a coworker and her husband stopped by to pick up her tea order from April and we had “tea” on the deck. Masked and then physically distancing. I decided to open the office window and happen to see my neighbours garage door open so I quickly texted her and then I noticed some movement and a pedal bike in the alley by the garage and freaked thinking someone was trying to steal her things. So I yelled down “I see you there” and then phoned her to find out that it was her boyfriend who was getting things packed up for their weekend trip to Jasper. She laughed and I apologized for yelling at her boyfriend. I am not even sure that he heard me but if he did – likely thinking “oh that crazy old woman” or something! Anyway I guess better to be safe than sorry and that is what my neighbour said as she giggled. Alvin and I are good “watchers” even when we are not watching. The breeze coming in through the window is slightly cool and oh so, refreshing. Good to have that fresh air in the house. I have our bedroom window open as well. Last night about 1:00 a.m. some noises kept waking me up. Sounded like door shutting and I got up to make sure that I did not leave my door open or unlocked. Things happen right. Nothing was open. Even took quick look outside and never did figure out the source of the noises. There were various sounds that were not regular.

Tonight after work my daughter is stopping by to drop off some items and to have supper with us. I am making stir fry and having meat for the first time in a long time with the exception of the little bit of meat on the pizza. Mostly eating a plant based diet these days. I am thinking that I need to cut back on the sweets. Not helping me that is for sure. Sugar does not help any of us. I love fruit and eat a fair amount so do not need other sweets. Wish me luck.

Oh, yesterday the estimator guy came out about the shingles. He measured the house and took photos and gave me and my neighbours information about the company and about the shingles etc. The owner of the company will come out next week and give us the “actual price.” I am so excited to have new shingles and know that the house will be protected for 50 years. Isn’t that a great warranty. Almost unheard of these days and guess what if we happen to move within that time – the warranty can be transferred to the new owners. Cool, right. So excited.

Well time to go and get the coffee brewing. Open the main floor windows. I wish, we wish you a fantastic day. Filled with sunshine and rainbows. Love and laughter.

This life is filled with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude and so much more.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 2nd day of November, 2018.

Did you flip your calendar?

Doesn’t it seem like October?

Where did it go?

The months seem to be passing in supersonic mode.

Anyway Welcome November ….

We woke up to SNOW this morning.

A beautiful fresh blanket.

Not the wet stuff …. but a nice blanket of light snow that is easy to shovel.

I already shovelled a bit of snow off the deck.

Last night we enjoyed our walk.

Just as we neared Teddy’s house, Alvin spotted the garage door open.

Made a beeline for the house.

Teddy’s Dad invited us in to say Hello.

In we went.

You cannot turn down a nice invitation like that ….

They are such awesome people.

Teddy’s parents.

Teddy will be coming for a visit for 12 days or so starting next Tuesday night.

I know that Alvin is excited.

He will have a “brother” for near a couple of weeks.

Good for him to have some company.

He is getting a bit better at sharing although he does have a long way to go.

Well it is 6:30 a.m.

Where did the time go.

Of course, Mr. Alvin has been having been up at 3:30 the past few mornings.

ARGH.

But we do have a bit of extra sleep on the sofa after he has done what he needed to do.

So that helps.

I guess we change our time this Sunday.

One hour back.

Not sure if that is good or not.

Any and all time changes take a certain amount of adjustment.

That is for sure.

Thankfully it happens on the weekend.

Well nice to just slip on blue jeans this morning for work.

I so appreciate our casual Fridays.

Also last night I took down the few outdoor Halloween/Fall decorations that I had put up.

As well as the indoor ones.

Which was good now with the snow.

I am going to put away the FALL wreath before I leave for work as well.

TONIGHT …. oh, tonight.

My daughter is picking me up from work.

With a couple of quick stops at grocery store and vet – food for all of us …. we will head home.

Home where I shall make a stir-fry for supper.

One of my daughter’s fav meals.

Then after supper ….. the TREE will go up.

Followed by decorating the house all weekend.

My daughter is spending the night.

I am not physically able to put up the tree.

Although if I was pushed perhaps I could.

Nothing is impossible.

Just the tree is 7.5 and heavy to assemble by oneself.

Well time to fly.

Likely more like sledding …. snow …. smiling.

Boots and winter coat for sure this morning….

 

Happy Friday.

So excited.

Happy Dancing.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. love you, my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of February, 2016.

Yesterday was great ….. accomplished lots at work which is always a good thing.

My beautiful daughter picked her Momma up after work stopping at the Vet for food for our babies and then back here for supper.

I made stir fry and was happy to have done the prep work of the veggies the night before ….. was so much faster.

Had a nice visit and then she was off home.

I finished the bit of clean up and then at 7:30 decided to take Alvin for a bit of a walk stopping to see our friends down the street.

We ended up back home at 10:00 p.m.

Had a great visit and cup of tea with my friend and her puppy “Jazmine.”

So it was a very good day.

 

Now just about to hop into the shower as we are going to “IHOP” to celebrate birthday of my friend “S” whose birthday was on Monday.

The kiddies are coming with us so it should be fun.

I have not been to International House of Pancakes before but I do love pancakes.

 

Yesterday the temperature in Edmonton was plus 4 degrees celsius …. amazing.

 

Well I had better get this show on the road as I am making coffee to take to another neighbour who recently had surgery.

 

Have an awesome Saturday ……

YAY …. it is good to be alive.

I hope you feel the same.

 

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of February, 2016.

YAY, it is Friday.

Both Alvin and I have been waiting “patiently” for this day …..

We still have a few hours to wait but it is closer than it was yesterday.

Tonight after work my daughter is picking me up (we now end at the same time) from work.

She is coming to our house for “STIR FRY” ….. one of her favourite things to eat.

We are so excited.

I even prepared the veggies last night so that all I have to do is cook the rice and actually cook the stir fry … no prep.

We love having her come for a visit.

At the mere mention of his beloved sister’s name he gets excited wagging his tail and usually runs back and forth from the front living room windows to the back door.

Sometimes she comes parks on the street and comes in from the front and other times through the garage.

I miss her even though she is not really far away.

We email every day ….. neither of us are really telephone chatters …. but when we need to we do for sure.

I even save some of her messages so when I need to hear her voice …. it is like she is right beside me.

She is truly my BEST FRIEND and the most WONDERFUL DAUGHTER, a Mom could ever ask for ….. sorry Alvin ….. he is the best BOY ….. SON.

Well here we are almost time to leave for work.

The morning got away on me.

I hope that you have something as wonderful to look forward to this evening as I do …..

Thank you for reading and feeling great on this Friday, February 5th, 2016.

Reach out ….. call or visit or SKYPE your BEST FRIEND.

Take Care.

Special Hello: to all the BEST FRIENDS in the WORLD ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

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