It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Wednesday Morning.

The sunrise is amazing and the sky is beginning to clear.

We had a nice light blanket of snow last night.

I heard from the Weather Channel that Sunday we are to have double digits for temperature.

On the plus side, I should add.

Finally, perhaps that will put a serious dent in the snow banks that are lingering about.

I can hardly wait to see buds on the trees.

The birds are beginning to return from down south.

I believe that I mentioned I saw a Robin last week.

So happy about that.

I love them, little robin red-breast.

I have the coffee perking away.

Oh, how I love coffee in the morning.

Alvin is resting on his little bed beside my computer desk.

 

I must say that I never thought in my wildest dreams, did I ever, think that I would be doing my job from home.

Not ever.

Not even a random thought.

Now here I am close to a month into working from home.

Wow, so strange.

I guess we truly never know what is going to happen in the world.

 

Yesterday Alvin and I had two walks.

This is starting to become a habit which is a good thing.

I placed a tea order after our later walk.

One of my friends picked me up a few things from the store.

I believe that we are set for awhile.

Although how could I forget to get “olive oil.”

Anyway not life or death so it can wait for a week or so.

 

Oh, big thing …. I cut my hair.

Oh, yes I did.

I had been wondering how it would work if I used Alvin’s electric hair/fur clippers.

I found that the extensions do not fit on or at least I could not get them onto the clipper.

So I just took the “electric” clipper and starting cutting.

I took off quite a bit and it looks pretty good.

Had to fix some even this morning with my handy dandy hair scissors.

Although next time I would make sure that I dried my hair straight.

What I mean by this is ….. I would not put my hair in a ponytail and then pull through.

So it was curly / wavy when I removed the hair elastic.

But despite that ….. I am pretty happy.

Besides my hair grows fast so why not.

Alvin is lucky as I cut his hair.

I have noticed a lot of doggies are looking a bit on the shaggy side.

 

Well I guess it is time to go and grab my coffee.

Might start work a bit early today.

Just because.

Not because I have to,

Just because.

 

The sun is shining so bright.

Mid week so that is good.

Weekend around the corner.

I hope that you and your family are well.

Stay safe.

Remember there are always the bathroom fans to clean.

Top of the cupboards might need a bit of a dust job.

Basement.

I know I have many things that I can do when I have the time.

Summer is close.

YAY.

 

With kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning,

No additional moisture overnight, thankfully.

We had a great Sunday.

Humphrey spent the day with us and went home just before our bedtime.

Even had a nice walk in the mid afternoon.

Teddy and his Mom came for a visit.

The boys (Alvin, Teddy and Humphrey) hung out after our tea and visit while we went to the grocery store.

First off, we went to the Co-op.

They had some bathroom tissue on the shelves but it was not on sale or at least not for a good price.

After we were finished at Co-op, we went to Save-on Foods, the grocery store closest to my house.

Teddy’s Mom prefers Co-op and me, I guess Save-on.

I quickly gathered the items that I wanted leaving the bathroom tissue until almost last.

There was not one package on this huge row of shelving …. not one ….

A clerk was there folding up a box so I asked him and he said “Sorry, we have sold.”

I said “Are you kidding?”

He said “No.”

I could not believe it.

In the 11 years that I have lived in Edmonton, in this neighbourhood, not one time have they completely SOLD OUT of bathroom tissue.

I think that people are just going a tad off the deep end.

Why just bathroom tissue?

That seems to be the question of the day.

ARGH, was all that I could think of, ARGH, I thought.

Thankfully I have enough for this week and maybe a bit longer if I treat it as if it were GOLD.

I heard in the store or somewhere that the trains are not getting through.

Trains….

Most of our groceries come by truck, do they not?

I always thought so.

I know grain travels by railcar and vehicles are brought from coast to coast via train, but bathroom tissue.

Maybe.

Anyway, it is crazy.

 

One more quick story.

At Save-on Foods yesterday while at the check-out.

I was going to use my free 200 points from last weekend when I pulled out the FREE apple juice.

I believe it was for FIVE free cartons of juice.

I said to the Cashier that I would not be using this free juice and wondered if he could give it to a Mom coming through or Family.

He looked at me strange but agreed.

The man behind me to whom I had been speaking about the bathroom tissue shortage …. said “Hey, I never thought of that” and started rummaging through his wallet.

Perhaps I started something.

Pay it forward.

FREE stuff at the grocery store, don’t throw away those little coupons, pass them on.

There is always a family out there that could use them.

 

 

Well this morning I am catching the bus.

Going to catch the earlier one as the one that I used to catch only gets to me to work right at the stroke of start time.

Heaven above that I show up that close to start time.

Oh well, I guess I am held to higher standards.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Oh, last night was a full full moon.

Which will make for an interesting day, I am sure.

If this was Saturday, it would only be 4:57 not 5:57.

No wonder I feel tired.

Somewhat.

Considering that I don’t feel as though I slept at all.

Alvin actually did not wake up until I got up minutes before the alarm went off.

YAY, Mr. Alvin.

Okay, I am going now.

 

Off to get this one going.

Poop pick up (coat on first of course) and grab lunch etc.

 

Remembering to be kind and respectful.

Yes, we must.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well good morning and welcome to a SNOW GLOBE.

I decided last week to take today off as a vacation day as my carpool had booked today off.

So I am at home.

We were up earlier and then went back to sleep for a bit.

It has been snowing since about 6:00 a.m.

I do love the snow.

It is hypnotizing as it falls to the ground.

Yes it is.

I see lots of shovelling in my future.

 

The plan for today was to go to the grocery store and then work on the photos.

So now with all of the snow I am a little concerned about walking to the store.

I had planned to catch a taxi home so it will be just getting there.

Before all of this snow there was a considerable amount of ice in spots.

Now with the snow covering …. makes it not so easy to walk.

So now I am thinking that I will wait until after lunch and by then there should be enough snow to make it more safe to walk.

OR not.

I will go and shovel later, not much point at the moment.

Funny how Mother Nature can change your plans just like that.

Hopefully this will not last, the snow that is.

 

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me.

I bet he is wondering what is the Momma doing at home?

 

How are you doing this day?

Are you at work?

At home?

At school?

on Vacation?

I want to wish you the best day.

Whether you are working, relaxing or studying.

Just enjoy.

 

Well time to go and have that cup of coffee.

Coffee in the morning except on the weekends.

As always I am working on drinking more water.

To keep well hydrated.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Filled with Kindness and Respect, Always.

Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the DEEP FREEZE.

ARGH, cold temperatures for the next week.

On the plus side our winter has been relatively mild until this cold snap.

Should we be complaining?

Likely not.

But will we?

Likely yes.

 

My carpool decided to take today off from work.

Usually this would mean that I would be taking the bus.

Lucky for me, my neighbour is giving me a ride to work.

I am on my own going home.

One way is okay.

 

Well this has placed a damper on our walks for the next days.

Usually Alvin likes to mull around outside when he is out doing his business or just hanging out.

Not now.

He does his business and runs back to the house.

Not much coaxing which is fine by me.

No offer of a treat to come inside.

Likely best for the waistline.

So we are playing more ….. Alvin is playing more if truth be told.

 

Tonight down comes the Christmas tree and then I will spend part/most of the weekend taking down the decorations.

Thankfully I only have a couple of items outside.

The wreath on the door and a small tree on the porch.

The wreath I can quickly grab despite the cold but the tree can remain on the porch until the temperature warms up.

It will be good to get back to the normal decorations although it does seem bare in the house for a few days.

But sometimes BARE is good.

Actually I have so  much Christmas ….. it looks like a store.

The rest of the year is much more low-key.

So that is good.

 

I was thinking of something as I was going to bed and of course, did not write it down.

A topic to write about this morning.

Note to self: when a great idea comes to your mind – WRITE IT DOWN, you silly girl.

 

I am also going back and forth between glasses this morning.

I have two pair.

One is older but as my prescription did not change, I can continue to wear them.

One pair has plastic frames, and the other are wire/metal.

The metal/wire frames sometimes bother by my ears.

But they have a slightly bigger lens and I like that.

I have to decide before wearing them for more than a minute or two otherwise will have a headache.

Small decision.

Will check out in the mirror and then decide.

 

What is new with you?

Did you set out with New Year Resolutions?

I did not, really.

I just try to do better than I did the year before in all aspects of my life.

Body, mind and soul.

 

Well almost time to head off downstairs.

On poop patrol.

Now those brown packages freeze before they hit the ground.

Easy to pick up.

 

I hope that on this cold Friday that you are warm and safe.

I wish that rain would extinguish ALL of the fires in Australia without massive flooding.

I wish that there would be PEACE in the Middle East and around the world.

I hope that everyone has a good day.

Yes, everyone.

Remember to breathe.

Go to the bathroom and fake yell if you need that release.

Shake it off.

Put one foot in front of the other!

Soon you will be walking out the door or opening doors to better things.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 23rd day of July, 2018.

The sky is overcast with deep blue rain clouds.

You can see the odd patch of pale blue sky to the east.

 

Alvin is on his little blue blanket beside me as I write this post.

He asked for a massage this morning.

I think that it is funny/strange how this all started.

He just sat beside me and placed his paw up which is his way of “asking nice.”

He figured out how to ask me for my help.

 

One week from tomorrow the COMPANY arrives.

YAY, my sister is coming.

She will spend a few days with us before my niece-in-law and great nephews arrive for a couple of days.

Always great to have company.

Soon I shall be on vacation.

YAY, feels like forever since I have been on vacation.

 

Yesterday was a great day.

We did some chores around the house and was just making pancakes when the phone rang.

My daughter called to say that she was going to come over for a visit.

Perfection.

I love making pancakes for Sunday morning company.

They turned out to be some of the best ones yet.

My daughter and baby Milo (the little grand-pup) arrived just as I was finished making the pancakes (they were keeping warm in the oven) and cleaning up.

Always a good thing as then I could concentrate on our visit.

We had a good visit along with good food.

After breakfast/brunch I borrowed her car and went to the grocery store for a few items.

Alvin had some quality time with his big sis and baby Milo.

After they left for home we just had a quiet day.

 

It is nice to be able to take a deep breath and relax.

Close your eyes.

Think of something or someone wonderful OR perhaps quiet your mind and think of nothing at all.

That was the beginning of our afternoon.

Eyes closed.

Then a clink clink clink ….

Eyes opened.

Raindrops hitting the windows.

Each second the rain came down harder and harder.

Lasting only a few minutes.

Glorious sunshine arrived.

Rainbow in the sky.

Eyes closed.

Deep breath.

Thank you.

 

 

Have a wonderful Monday.

Take time for yourself.

Be kind to yourself and to all others whether two-legged or four, winged or crawling.

All life is precious.

 

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to: THE WORLD

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 10th day of May, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sky is a little overcast as the sun rises in the east (like it would rise anywhere else, silly me).

Last night just a second after I arrived home and was going to open the back door for Alvin; the phone started to rang.

For a split second ….. let Alvin out or answer the phone, dilemma.

I let Mr. Alvin out as he had been waiting what must feel like an eternity and then picked up the phone.

It was my darling daughter.

She had stopped by Value Village on her way home from work.

Checking things out.

We are both whenever possible making purchases that are reflective of our values.

Values being reuse and recycle ….

Guess what?

I had found a pair of sandals in a flyer that I really wanted.

She found almost the exact same pair and from the same store in VV.

They were in perfect shape and less than 1/4 of the price.

Awesome.

I asked if she could swing by with them and she said yes, invited her for supper.

Alvin and I had a nice walk and then we had our girl here for supper and a visit.

SCORE.

Lucky Momma.

Well here it is once again time to leave for work.

The mornings go by so quickly.

I hope that you all have an amazing Wednesday.

Tomorrow is Thursday and PAYDAY.

Two good things …..

But first Wednesday.

Thank you.

Special Hello to:  thank you “V” in advance.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 18th day of March, 2017.

The sky is partially overcast but I can see that good ole sun bringing us some brightness.

The front sidewalk is ICY …. even though after work I chipped and carried away the water that had drained there.

The Girl Guides are doing a FOOD BANK fundraiser this morning and had asked for food donations.

I have my bag of canned food on my front step.

I was worried that it might freeze before they pick it up but I guess it is not that cold.

Well another busy weekend but most of the busy is around the house.

I have put off Mr. Alvin’s hair cut way too long …. he NEEDS it and a bath.

So today is the day.

First off, get the laundry going so that we/I have clean clothes, towels and bedding.

Alvin’s spring jacket needs to be washed and his by the door towels.

Bathrooms and floors need to be cleaned ….. you know all the regular things.

Likely dusting.

But soon I shall need a cup of coffee.

Finish my blog and change the bedding on our bed and then COFFEE.

The temperature is supposed to be in the neighbourhood of +7 or so …. that would be lovely.

Perhaps get rid of some of the ice and water …….

I have been working away at the ice out front ….. our yards drain to the front and I have the storm drain just a bit off of where my yard drains to the front ….

Even keeping the ice and snow shovelled … it reaches a point where during the course of a day at work the ice buildup can be so much that I can not physically chip it away.

I have tried believe me.

So I hope that the little ones are careful today…..

I also received some tea orders and have to submit them later today or maybe tomorrow …..

Lots to do.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

Remember to take some time for you.

I am going to with a coffee break in a few.

The longest task today is Alvin’s haircut …. not really a one person job but we manage.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE tomorrow night and to my daughter, thank you for driving me home from work yesterday and to the store for a few things before your girls night out.

So blessed I am.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of December, 2016.

Wow, could it be so.

Just 12 sleeps until Christmas Eve.

I think so.

Are you kiddies getting excited?

I am ….. but I must confess, don’t think Santa will come this way as I have not been as good a girl as I should have been!

That is okay because this gal has everything that she needs.

 

Me Alvin came home yesterday afternoon from his three night sleepover at his sister’s house.

Baby Milo stopped by for a short visit while his Daddy went to pick up some items at the store.

He sure has grown since he first joined our family – almost doubled his weight.

So cute.

He loves Alvin …… follows him everywhere.

Alvin is adjusting.

 

Last night I video chatted (Skype) with my sister and great-niece.

Thank goodness for technology.

I remember being a young girl and dreaming of the day when we could see people as we spoke to them “over the phone.”

Crazy hey.

I am talking about in the early 60’s ……

We had a wonderful chat …. I always love talking to my sister.

When she smiles she lights up the room.

Not much new with them but that is not a bad thing.

The girls were putting up their Christmas Tree just before we chatted.

 

Well looks like it is almost time once again to leave for work.

I cannot believe how quickly time goes on the weekend.

So am looking forward to our week off between Christmas and New Year’s.

Time to walk ….. extra snuggles with Mr. Alvin and some time with my girl.

 

Okay … time to leave here.

I hope that you have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. I love you, Sis…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

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

Oh my goodness there is such an amazing cool breeze filling the house at this moment.

I have all of the windows open to drink in this beautiful air.

It touches my arm and feels so good.

Comfortable for the boy as well.

We should have been up and gone for an early morning stroll as I had planned to do on my vacation days but alas the sofa called with tidbits of dreams that filled my mind.

Oh well, we shall walk later.

Last night later in the evening just as the last bit of sunlight filled the sky, Alvin and I sat outside on the patio sofa and enjoyed the stillness of the night.

It was so wonderful.

He loves to sit there with me any chance he has.

Yesterday was an amazing day every minute.

Started out with Elton and Casey dropping by to spend the day with me and Alvin.

We had a quiet early morning just visiting and going out into the backyard.

Enjoying each other’s company.

I guess it was just before ten in the morning when I head out to mail a couple of packages and to pick up some items to make a pot of chilli.

I was gone less than one hour.

When I was within ear shot of the house; I could see a big multi-coloured cat just leaving our yard and then I heard them.

All three were barking …. all three different voices….. all so cute.

They were happy to see me as I was happy to see them.

We spent the rest of the day doing bits of this and that.

A huge parcel arrived for me from my friend “V” back in Regina.

Some items were the tupperware that I had ordered when she was here to visit (she sells tupperware) and the rest of delectable goodies for my upcoming birthday.

There was an apron to match the one she wore when she cooked the best homemade soup on the planet and a beautiful mug in matching pinks and greens – birds of a feather – flock together.

There was a brownie peanut butter cup birthday cake and three kinds of cookies and I will mention here that two of the cookies were tucked into two of the pieces of tupperware and it was not until I opened them to wash them that I noticed the cookies.  What a delightful surprise.

She gave me a tupperware insulated lunch bag that is of nautical design and so nice.  There were two additional pieces of tupperware to boot and the winning $60 million lotto ticket for tonight’s draw.

What an awesome person she is, so thoughtful and kind and oh so generous.

This has been the week of wonderful parcels arriving at my house …..

In the afternoon my friend “P” stopped by to drop off some apples from her tree and was surprised to see me at home.

I haven’t seen here since I have been on vacation.

She was on her way to get her hair cut and I invited her to come for tea on her way home which she did.

We had such an awesome visit.

She loves puppies as well and they all got many a pat while she was visiting.

Mr. Alvin was just a tad bit jealous of Casey, I will say.

I made the chilli for supper and have enough leftover for the next million years.

I froze most of it …..

The kids picked up the puppies after work and after all their errands.

We had an awesome day.

Later just before our walk we delivered a Steeped Tea Catalogue to one of my neighbours and friends and of course had a wee visit.

Then we walked.

Then after I put the chilli in the fridge and freezer Alvin and I retired to the deck where we enjoyed the late night air and stillness of it all.

What a glorious day …..

I am so grateful to have such amazing family and friends.

I am so touched by the generosity and as I said most grateful.

Well time to get this late morning on the road.

My head was filled with all sorts of odd dreams this morning so I just let them happen.

Sometimes you just have to do that ….. even though there are things I should/could be doing.

After all is that not what vacation is for ???? to dream???

Happy Friday ALL.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” thank you, thank you, thank you.  You should have a parcel delivered today.  I have to check the tracking number.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of March, 2016.

It is about 8:00 a.m. and the sun is coming up ….. another beautiful morning.

Yesterday from what people tell me the temperature was 15 degrees celsius here in Edmonton, and that would greatly explain why people were out and about in shirtsleeves.

In fact, I had several windows open yesterday and the furnace did not even cut in that is how warm it was in the house.

My daughter brought me Alvin home in the morning.

He looks so handsome with his new hair……my kids did such an amazing job.

We had coffee before going to the Vet.

Lucky for us ….. we got to borrow the car because she had a lunch date with one of her friends a bit later.

I topped off the morning by a trip to the grocery store.

There was a group doing fundraising in the store …. they were located inside the store just past the entrance.

A small boy approached me and asked me if I would like to buy a box of chocolate almonds.

I told him that I did not have any cash on me but would get some from the cashier on my way out.

I guess it was the Boy Scouts ….. but how could you say no to a nice little boy.

So guess who purchased “2” boxes on her way out of the store.

No wonder a trip to the grocery store is expensive.

There are always so many things “not on your list.”

Oh well …… good to support these groups.

I finally can check a semi large job off the list or at least half of it as I “cleaned my main floor blinds.”

They are a pain but now they are clean.

Well this morning I am going out for a short while with one of my neighbours.

It would seem that once I got home and was unpacking groceries I found that I forgot two very important items.

After all that …….

Later today one of my friends from Regina is coming to stay with me for a bit as her grandson is in the Children’s Hospital here in Edmonton.

She will be watching the older grandson while his parents stay with the new baby at the hospital.

I haven’t seen her for years so will be nice to reconnect.

Well I guess time to get this show on the road.

To remember …. always lend a hand when you can.

Sometimes it is only a “bed.”

Have an awesome Sunday.

Most of my work is done so it will be a nice relaxing day …..

Special Hello to: those people who give of themselves and ask nothing in return, may abundance follow you always.

Always, Carol and Alvin