Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Here we are at Saturday, October 22, 2022. Our weather has been great and we are very grateful. Last night we were up a few times. It was about 10:00 p.m. when we crawled into bed and I read for a few minutes before turning out the lights. I heard Alvin moving about just after 1:00 a.m., he wanted to go downstairs, so down we went and then outside. The early morning air was cool but not cold. Back into the house and to the sofa to finish out our Friday night sleep. Mr. Alvin was up once again at 4:15 a.m., once again I donned my sweater and puffy vest over my pj’s, slid my sock covered feet into my outdoor shoes and requested Siri to turn on the flashlight as we headed outside. I was surprised to see wet snow coming down. The snow rain mix melted as it touched upon the ground. We both were a bit wet before we were back into the warm dry house. He pooped and peed each time. Thank goodness we have a comfy sofa as we were back there again. I felt too early to feed him breakfast at 4:15 a.m. I guess it was about 6:45 a.m. when we were up once again, this time, breakfast time. Back outside. Same result. So happy it had stopped with the wet snow. There was no trace that we had had snow. For all those people lucky enough to remain sleeping – you would have no idea, it even happened. Truthfully it did, lol. After the third time outside in less than 8 hours, I decided it was too early for me to thrust my tired body up for the day so once again we found ourselves snuggling under our “red” blanket. I think the red blanket was a purchase from Bath & Body Works many years ago when I first was employed at the store at West Edmonton Mall. I miss that store. The smells, the customers, the staff …..

Okay, so now it is the weekend. I have to finish the laundry. Washed clothing yesterday. Towels and bedding on the list today. Clean the bathroom and floors. Have a shower. Go for a walk. The sky is overcast and I hope for some “dry time” for us to head outdoors. We had a great walk yesterday. While walking, a woman was behind us and Alvin of course, stopped and wanted to wait until we were close to each other. She smiled and said that he was a cute dog in her strong Scottish accent. Oh, how I love that accent. We ended up walking together. Chatted about many things. Her dog, her grandchildren, my return to work, how Alvin was making out with that change and so much more. We were past Pauline’s house when we came to the crook in the path, she turned left and we turned right. I had been thinking that Teddy and Kobi were at the house with Auntie Janine as their parents were off to the mountains for a wedding. A few minutes later, we found ourselves, walking up their driveway and up the front steps with me ringing the doorbell. Kobi was first to the door, well actually she was up on the stool and looking out of the window. I could see her excitement to see us. I called out to Janine that it was us. A couple of minutes later the door opened. Teddy and Kobi gave us a lovely greeting and then we were in the house. I was grateful to Janine for the visit after we just “dropped in” but I had no idea really that we were going there. But we did. Janine is Iris’s sister. We met several years ago and have become friends. She lives in a small town in Saskatchewan about four hours away from Edmonton. It was nice to have a visit with her and the pups. Then we were on our way and back to get some work done. I had been afraid that I left the coffee perk plugged in but breathed a sigh of relief to see it was unplugged when we arrived home.

I am still trying to figure out what we should do about Alvin’s ears. The idea of surgery actually frightens me due to his age and because it is his ears. The vet even said that she has not performed this particular surgery in quite some time and will need to refresh herself with the procedure. Not very reassuring but I guess that happens. I do not know what to do. Yesterday I was doing some research in the hopes it may help me make a decision and I found that pumpkin actually contributes to yeast infections. So perhaps his having pumpkin daily to help with his pooping, is actually causing more yeast infections. I do not know. Perhaps the vet did not even know this. I had been giving it twice a day with his food. His Doctor said a tablespoon daily so I broke it up into twice with his breakfast and supper.

I watched a great movie on Netflix last night. It was called “The School of Good and Evil.” Figured should be watching some Halloween movies, not that it was particularly about Halloween but it fit into the genre. Tonight I am invited to Signe’s house along with Gillian to watch a Halloween movie. Signe’s daughter Madeline will come and stay with Alvin (she volunteered, how nice). It was not very long ago and she was actually scared of him. She had, had a bad encounter with another neighbour’s dog, well actually her Mom did but she witnessed it. Anyway, all is well now. I am happy about that.

Time to get the floor cleaned upstairs. I have moved plants around as my spider plants need some more sunlight, more than what they were getting in my bedroom. Changed the bedding and put out clean towels in each upstairs bathroom. I need to have a shower as well and want to do that after I clean the floor and then downstairs to have COFFEE and get some other items checked off that drat “TO DO LIST.” I have a parcel almost ready to go taking advantage of the “free mailing Tuesdays” in October.

I just heard Mr. Alvin groan so I better get this show on the road.

Happy Saturday Everyone!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: please keep us in good health, please help our employers increase our time working from home and also please bring prices down. thank you.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We had a good sleep including an early start, but that is okay. The sky is that glorious hue of blue and the sun is casting its’ beams off any objects it touches. What a beautiful morning. Al and I have had a glorious weekend despite the rather late start to the day yesterday. I only had one load of laundry to do as I had done laundry on my last day of vacation. Bonus points. After coffee and breakfast and the laundry was washed and dried, Mr. Alvin and I headed out for a walk. I only needed a sweater as it was so beautiful and I took Alvin’s water bottle/dish as well. It was so nice. We saw friends Norbert and Irene out giving some TLC to their lawn and stopped to have a little visit. Alvin loves their yard. While we were visiting another person and her pup walked by, we said hello. Sunny, her pup immediately rolled about on the freshly mowed grass. He was covered in dry grass but looked so happy. His Mom just smiled. There was also a brief conversation with a couple of men, who were having a conversation out front of a house on our way to the park. Everyone was outside and everyone was happy to chat and say hello.

We took our time as we continued walking to the park and once inside, I just let Alvin take the lead and allowed him time to sniff to his heart’s content. I just breathed in the fresh air which actually spelled like spring. We continued on our walk until we spotted a friend out in her yard raking the grass. She noticed us and walked toward us remaining in her yard as we walked to her. We had a long conversation over the fence. I had not seen her for awhile. I always love speaking to Lucy. Alvin sat on the grass and watched other people and their dogs going by, he didn’t flinch, just sat like the good boy that he is. Lucy and I spoke about so many things. Work, her homeland China, the environment, pollution, weather, gardening, people, and more. We had been chatting for likely well over thirty minutes when I happened to turn my head to see another friend out for a walk. I was surprised to see her. It was time for us to keep walking so I said good-bye to Lucy and joined my friend Gillian on her walk. Alvin really had a long walk but I figured with the break in walking he should be okay. We had a good chat on our walk and Gillian walked us home and then was going to head out for another lap. When I got home I saw that we had been gone for almost two hours. WOW. I felt like a million dollars. Refreshed and energized. What a time we had! Once home, I did a few things which included sweeping the floor, moving the IKEA shelves to a different angle in the kitchen, watered plants, finished a necklace that I had been working on, almost finished it anyway. At supper instead of cooking a pasta dish I decided to just have pizza again with a bunch of raw veggies. In between it all I gave Mr. Alvin his supper. What a great day even though we had such a late start. I think being outside was just what the Doctor ordered. After supper I watched an interview on NETFLIX with Oprah and Viola Davis. I was surprised and enthralled by her story. There were several things that we have in common and not her Tony or Academy award wins. She has a beautiful smile and I was sad to hear that people had told her that she was ugly. She is not. It was a great interview. Perfect timing. Then I decided to rent a movie from TELUS ON DEMAND. I couldn’t decide which one and then saw a new movie with Liam Neeson. I love him and decided that from the preview it looked good, so I paid the $7.00 and continued. The movie was called “BLACKLIGHT” and it was really good. A good story. Aidan Quinn was also in the movie and I have also liked him. A good night.

Now for today. My friend Gillian will be here in about one hour for coffee and instructions for looking after Mr. Alvin as I have to go to the office on Tuesday. This afternoon my daughter is coming for a visit. So much company and visiting this weekend and clearly just what was needed. I will be making the pasta dish for supper tonight and setting up my workspace in the kitchen after supper cleanup.

I hope that you have a great Sunday. If you have the opportunity or perhaps make the time to GO OUTSIDE. Say hello to people. Enjoy the sunshine. I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are and that you are well.

I am grateful for the sunshine, warm temperatures and family and friends and for good health and for Mr. Alvin. Grateful for life and for spring. Renewal.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. life is good!

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of September, 2017.

 

FOREVER CHANGED

Last night as I prepared for bed,

before I laid my head down upon my pillow,

before I drew the blankets about me to keep me warm and dry.

I thought of all those souls, of all those creatures of land, water and sky.

Lives lost and forever changed.

Struggling to keep safe from the fires burning in Western Canada.

Praying for rain with no lightning and no wind.

Of those trying to escape the massive flooding and destruction caused by the Hurricanes in the Southern United States, and in the many islands of the Caribbean.

Praying for sunshine and the wind and rain to stop.

Of those who are searching for loved ones in the rubble of the largest Earthquake in 100 years, in Mexico.

It warms my heart to hear stories of people reaching out to help each other.

Strangers going into neighbourhoods to rescue beloved pets that got left behind.

First Responders risking their lives to help.

There were no political agendas, no thought of race or religion.

Just humans helping.

Despite the danger and risk to themselves.

People coming together to help.

I am forever changed.

I am so grateful to have my own bed in my own home.

I am so grateful to be warm and dry.

I am so grateful to snuggle with me, Alvin on this night.

Safe and sound and together.

Grateful in the knowledge that my family and friends are safe and warm as well.

Gone are those thoughts that have irritated me during the day, and that keep me awake at night.

For they are not important.

Life can change in the blink of an eye.

What is important ….

 

Each other ….

You are all in my thoughts and prayers ….

Each human being, each creature of land, water and sky ….

All those affected …..

As you are all important to me and to this planet.

 

Written by: CYLewis, September 13, 2017.

 

Special Hello to: Dedicated to the survivors of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 24th day of November, 2014.

One month until Christmas Eve.

I can hardly believe it.

Where has the year gone?

I sure hope that you have had a great year.

Now, most of us have had some bit of bad news or perhaps more than a bit.

But it is up to each of us how the rest of our time is affected by the news.

Some days rising above a hard phone call or remaining positive after being yelled at is not easy to do but that is exactly what you need to do.

We all have those phone calls when the news isn’t great.

We all have those people who just like to threaten.

There are always those who believe they are better than the rest of us.

There are always those people.

But I hope that for the most of this past year that you have had peace and joy in your lives.

So on this Monday let us not be those people ….. be kind …. be respectful and be loving.

Everyone deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and love.

Doesn’t matter if they are family, friends or strangers and this includes every living being ….. our pets …… the birds in the air and the deer in the fields.

Happy Monday Everyone.

Now I am off to work.

Special Hello to: all those folks who still write letters and send Christmas cards, me too.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of August, 2014.

Another hot muggy summer day here in Edmonton.

Alvin and I went for a walk a bit ago while it was still somewhat cool.

There is still a cool breeze so that helps especially when you are wearing a “fur coat.”

I had a glorious weekend …… still coming off the afterglow of Friday.

Having a barbecue at work, off early, shopping at the mall and winning movie passes.

WOW.

I am so grateful for every single thing that I have ….. from the tip of my toes to the roof of my house.

It is mine and I am proud and grateful and happy.

Sipping on a hot cup of perked coffee and I am truly on top of the world.

Next a nice relaxing shower – get ready – working at the store.

I have a short shift today – Noon till 4:30.

I am okay with that …… means I will get home earlier.

So that will be nice.

I always look forward to my Sundays at the store …..

I work with the best people on the planet alongside my family and friends, of course.

This is a happy, grateful, thankful, positive, smily, hopeful day ….

It is a great day.

So polish off that SMILE ….. get out there and enjoy the moment.

Take your SMILE and present it to your family, friends, strangers ….. just get it out there.

Be kind …… do something nice for someone.

It can be anything really ….. from opening the door to mowing a elderly neighbour’s lawn to taking a friend who is feeling low out for lunch or coffee.

Just do something nice ….. also you could go into your neighbourhood and pick up the trash.

That is a big thing for me…… seems like so many people like to leave things behind ….. I guess to show that they were there but still really people ……

I picked up several items on my walk this morning with Alvin ….. hands full with keys, poop bags and dog on leash.

So you can do it.

Take care and see you tomorrow……

Special Hello to: MOTHER NATURE …… THANK YOU.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of August, 2014.

The sun is starting to rise as the morning sky is filled with delicious shades of yellow, pink and orange.

The moon last night was so big that it made me think we had changed orbit and were close to another planet.

So big and bold.

So big and beautiful.

I felt as though I could reach out and touch it.

It was so close.

That moon of ours ….. just wanted to snuggle for a bit.

How sweet.

 

Last night when we stopped off at the grocery store.

My daughter and I noticed a beautiful big dog tied to a concrete garbage bin.

It was doing the dance when the ground is too hot.

It was in the 30’s yesterday with the humidity.

Anyway, a young man who worked at the nearby liquor store was with him …. trying to get him to lay down on some shirts he had retrieved from the store.

A woman offered a water bottle and drained it on the hot cement.

I was so impressed by everyone’s generosity and so mad at the owner …. who could leave a poor dog out in the hot sun.

Another staff from the liquor store brought a big bowl of water out for the dog.

The young man would not leave the dog’s side and said he would stay until the owner showed up.

Such a kind and gentle dog.  Big and red.

He had with him for about 15 minutes at that point.

We had gone into the store and when I was done came out.

Still there.

The young man asked me to make an announcement in the store, so I ran back to have them do so.

Still no owner.

When my daughter was done … still no owner.

When we left the store ….. the dog was in good hands …… thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.

I was so impressed to see that people still cared.

I think that people simply do not think …… not that people do not care ….. like the owner.

Just was not thinking or at least that is my hope.

The young man was going to “chew him out.”

Anyway time to go.

Well time is passing by quickly.

Time to go and check in on Miss Aussie.

I opened the window for her after work and closed it at bedtime.

I know that she loves sitting in the window.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those great people who stop to help ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of October, 2013.

It is a beautiful day as the sun comes up in our fair city.

I had the most wonderful experience at the store last night.

As you know I work part-time at Bath & Body Works, West Edmonton Mall location.

I met so many wonderful people as I usually do but there was this one young couple that stood out.

Something drew me to them most especially the young man.

His smile was engaging and I could literally feel his warmth.

Honestly it felt like a magnet was pulling me closer and closer to him.

I did my “thing” and we also chatted.

We had a couple of laughs.

I told him “how cute he was and that he had the best smile.”

We kept talking and shopping.

Something about this couple made me feel so great.

Especially the young guy and he did remind me of my brother Jeff (who has passed on).

I was so grateful that he allowed me to compliment him without it being awkward or creepy.

Anyway you just never know when you are going to meet someone who makes you feel so warm and wonderful.

It was only a few minutes but man it was great.

You just never know who you will meet in the course of a day.

I did tell the couple that I always think it is important to pass on compliments even to strangers.

We are all human and hearing nice things is a good thing.

Well time to go and start my Saturday.

My daughter will be here shortly with the puppies.

She is coming for a sleepover (we have not done that for a long time).

So much fun.

Oh and Mr. Alvin will be home ….. he is sleeping over there.

Pay compliments when they are due.

Be honest and nice.

Life is meant to share and be wonderful.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: strangers who warm your heart…….

 

Always, Carol and Alvin