The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a gorgeous morning. Alvin and I are well. The sunrise is incredible and early. Each day it is earlier than the one before and I love it. The pale oranges and pinks that just seamlessly flow into the pale blue sky and adorned with a crescent view of the moon. How can anything else be more beautiful. I am in awe. What a great way to begin a Friday with such a wonderful view. Does not get much better than this, I can tell you.

I received a text from Teddy and Kobi’s Mom and they are in town for a few days. We plan to get together and quite possibly this evening. How exciting! Always great to see our friends for both Alvin and me.

Last night with the street lamps shining down on the fresh blanket of crisp white snow, it appeared to be billions of diamonds shining from a blanket of white. It was glorious. Another Mother Nature show of absolute beauty. Simple but elegant beauty. I tried to capture the absolute wonder of it all but no camera can do it justice. I could have starred at the “diamond” covered snow all night long.

Looks like we are going to have some warmer weather for the next week or so. That will be great. Perhaps we can finally get rid of those darn snow banks that line our streets. Then we can clear the ice from our sidewalks and WE CAN ONCE AGAIN WALK. Oh, how I miss our walks and I am pretty sure that Alvin is missing them as well other than getting his jacket/sweater/harness on to go.

Tomorrow morning I am having coffee with my two “younger” girlfriends. This is going to be a weekend full of seeing friends and I am happy for that. I do plan to do my taxes on the weekend as well as laundry. So a full plan ahead.

I am thinking of how grateful I am in this moment for my life. For the past, this moment and for whatever the future brings to me which will in part be due to how I am arranging it by my thoughts. Our thoughts do become things, our futures. I am strongly attest to this.

Have the most glorious Friday. I hope that you can get outside in nature – nothing like fresh air.

Maybe just maybe we will be able to get out for a walk at lunchtime. With the snow covering the ice will gives us some traction. Fingers crossed.

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 today? Alvin and I are doing well. I am in the mood for composing a poem just for you. Here goes.

WINTER

The sky blending into the white topped garage roofs fills my sight.

On this weekend morning as I write.

There is no denying it.

Winter is upon us.

From morning until night.

The lawns are covered with snow, the streets and the decks.

No pavement or wood is showing.

Frigid temperatures take away our daily walks.

Stories of cold in years gone by, fill our talks.

When we do creep out of our home to shovel the snow from the sidewalks.

The warmest of coats, boots, mitts and scarves cover our bodies.

Our natural inclination, our feeling is the longing to snuggle on the sofa.

With the heat turned up.

With a toasty warm blanket and sip on a warm beverage, perhaps hot chocolate.

And mindlessly watch a favourite movie.

We don our warmest sweaters, sometimes even “long underwear” beneath our pants.

Thick, warm socks cover our feet.

Our energy level is low.

To get our chores done is slow.

This I know.

Our life is simple during this time.

We do what we need to do.

Usually nothing more.

Except for those who do not seem to be affected.

By these more than deep freezer temperatures.

We call winter in Canada.

Written by CY Lewis, February 6, 2021

Wishing you a great day. No matter the temperature, be safe, take care.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 19th day of November, 2018.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me as I write this blog.

The house is quiet except for the click clack on the keys and our breathing.

I can hear neighbours rustling outside as they scrape the frost off their vehicle’s windshield.

Temperatures still quite mild for this time of year.

To be +6 or so today which is so nice.

Last night when we went for a walk it was raining.

As we left the house we saw one of our neighbours and chatted while we walked.

She is one of Alvin’s favourite people.

It was not a cold rain but was not raining especially hard so we walked to the park and home.

Not far but at least a bit of exercise for both of us.

We have some snow on the lawns and decks and on the extreme side of the streets.

It will likely be a bit icy this morning after raining yesterday and below freezing temperatures overnight.

 

Feels like a morning to share some photos from previous winters:

My daughter, Alvin and I went on this photo adventure on Saturday. It was minus 30. We got some “cool” shots. Alvin thought it was a real deer….. grr

One of the first winters in Edmonton – so much snow.

So happy to see his guy out and about …..

A few years back – so much snow.  No place to put the snow.

First snowman me and my sister made since we were kids ….. (2009)

In flight ….. gotcha

 

Well here we are once again.

Time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Be kind to yourself.

Take that walk.

Smile in the mirror at yourself and there will be a smile returned.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of April, 2018.

Spring is slowly making its’ way.

The streets and most sidewalks are pretty much clear of snow and ice.

We just have to be patient.

I know it is hard sometimes.

Last night after work, Alvin and I enjoyed an extra long wonderful walk.

The breeze felt warm making the walk most enjoyable.

Alvin a bit out of character lately.

Has not been in a rush to eat his supper.

Mmmm.

Will be keeping an eye on him.

 

I was thinking this morning as I was getting ready for work.

Wondering if the 7+ Billion humans on this planet – are happy with their lives.

Of that the adult population, are we/they/I, passionate about whatever work they are doing?

I would like to like we are but I am hinging on doubtful.

Do you bounce out of bed most mornings?

Happy to leave the house?

Smiling as you enter your workplace?

Acknowledge your co-workers with a “cheerful Good Morning?”

Something to think about.

What would your perfect life involve?

Would you like to have your mortgage paid in full?

Perhaps you would like a house and the mortgage would not matter so much.

Would you like to live a simple life?

Just no mortgage, enough to life comfortably and be at home with your dog.

Comfortably, of course means something different to each and every one of us.

 

Well I guess this leaves some things for us all to ponder.

I have to go and catch the bus for work.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: You All …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of December, 2017.

Wow, guess what happened overnight and earlier this morning?

Clear stuff coming down.

Yes, it was raining in the middle of December, 2017.

Kind of scary ….

Sure hope that it does not get colder over the course of the day or the STREETS, SIDEWALKS and ROADS will be ICY.

Be careful if you live in the Edmonton area.

For some reason the morning has evaporated on me and I am running late.

Up on time, not sure what happened.

Last night right after work my neighbour came over and I got a hair cut.

Makes me feel good.

She is quick and GOOD.

Just about the 15 minute mark and even styled.

Amazing.

Then about 1/2 hour later we had coming.

Our neighbour from down the street ….

We laughed and had a great visit.

So a good Thursday night.

Unfortunately we missed our walk so will go tonight for sure.

Well time to go.

Have an awesome Friday.

Take care.

Special Hello to: You ….. it is all about you, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 16th day of March, 2017.

WOW MID MARCH …… you know what that means??

Well it means that spring is just that much closer.

Not to rush things …. not at all.

Our weather has been very nice the past few days and is supposed to remain as such for the remainder of this week and next.

The staff meeting went well.

The hotel always does a great job with the food ….. yummy.

When were sitting down, and enjoying a cup of coffee before the meeting started; I obtained a couple of tea orders.

WOW, that was nice.

I have supportive co-workers.

I really enjoyed the afternoon speaker.

 

Well here we go Thursday.

Started extra early as Alvin needed to go outside about 3:30 a.m.

Sure makes for a break in the sleep.

I had some MATCHA for breakfast in my oatmeal and hopefully it will help with the lack of sleep.

Not sure what happened to him.

After sitting and walking around he went to the “bathroom” and then we went back to bed.

He is a funny guy.

Could be the full moon.

It does things to all living creatures in some way, shape or form ( I think ).

 

I hope to have a quiet day at the office so that I can get through lots of mail.

I hope that the nice weather continues and the streets and sidewalks stay clear of ice and snow.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

Another day to work.

Payday which is nice.

Get those bills paid, of course.

 

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Whether at work or at play …. enjoy.

Spread kindness with respect as you go about your day.

 

Special Hello: to my sister, looking forward to SKYPE chat on Sunday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of February, 2017.

WOW, another new month.

February 2017 …. has a nice ring to it.

Snowing this morning here in Edmonton.

It was a cold walk to the bus yesterday morning after being so spoiled with over zero temperatures for the past couple of weeks.

But this is winter and part of it is cold temperatures and snow.

So we just dress for it and then grumble about it.

That is what we do.

We are grateful for all that we have and for where we live but from lack of sunshine and only on some days, we just grumble about it.

That is okay.

 

I love turning the page on the calendar and seeing the new picture.

I have a calendar from Zoe’s, an animal rescue society.

The animals are all rescues and the captions along with the photos are guaranteed to melt the coldest of hearts.

I love the Happily Ever After Stories …..

I am proud to say that “me Alvin” is a rescue and he certainly rescued me right back.

That is what they do……

 

Yesterday I posted my very first blog from way way way (okay not that many ways but it certainly feels like a long time ago) back on April 5, 2010.

I love to write.

I love to give information.

I love to share.

I love to make people laugh.

So if I am doing any of the above, I am feeling pretty great.

To my sister and family and friends back home; I miss you all as well.

 

Well looks like almost time once again to hit the cold hard icy road …. literally …. not physically.

Yesterday I hit an icy patch and went down on my knees.

That was on the way to the bus.

Will be extra careful this morning and will remain upright for sure.

 

Have a Happy Happy Wednesday.

Making dreams come true one day at a time.

I hope that your dreams are coming true one day at a time.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends back in Regina …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 12th day of October, 2016.

How did that happen?

Wednesday.

What a nice surprise to wake up and find that it is really mid week and you have only had to work one day this week.

It remains dry except for the snow that remains on our lawns and rooftops.

Yesterday was pretty nice out.

It was nice for our walk last night.

Two weeks from this passed Monday will be Halloween and then time to put up the Christmas Tree.

I am giddy with anticipation.

My favourite time of year for sure.

My two favourite times Fall with Halloween and then Christmas.

I would not say that all that comes with the holiday season is favourable but it works.

What can you do?

Right!

I have to put my tree up a few days later than usual due to the timing of the 1st of November.

But that is okay.

Just more time to build on the excitement.

Well hear we go again …. time to leave for work.

Just food for thought …. relax …… do not overthink things.

Have a great Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my sister …… one of these days we have to chat and catch up.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of February, 2016.

We have SNOW.

It started snowing over night and is still snowing.

There is a pure white blanket covering roof tops, cars, lawns, roadways and streets.

Anything sitting outside is covered.

YAY …. actually I am happy for the snow because it means that Alvin and I can walk tonight with no fear of salt getting at his paws.

There has been so much ice again this year that people have resorted to using heavy duty SALT.

Being the consciousness Momma that I am ….. we have elected to walk irregularly but Mr. Alvin does get exercise and fresh air in our back yard.

He loves to run and jump on the three levels of our deck.

So this keeps him moderately active and gives him some fresh air.

I am going to see if I can find socks/boots that would fit him but he is so fussy about his paws that I would be shocked if he would leave them on.

That is part of the reason that I have not done so thus far.

I guess such as life …. we do the best that we can do given the situation.

Once again, I am pleased as punch that there is a new blanket of snow covering the ice/salt/sand.

What a combination…..

Another good reason for excitement … the weekend coming up is a three day one.

Monday is a Canadian Statutory Holiday celebrating “Families” named of course, Family Day.

So it will be nice to spend the weekend with my Alvin and my kids if they are able to make it over.

Coffee and visits with friends who are like family.

Those are the best ones.

Well almost time to get out into the snow.

I was debating about shovelling the deck before I leave for work and out front and then I thought …. it is still snowing so might as well wait.

Good exercise tonight …. walking and shovelling …… gotta work on my core, that is for sure.

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday …..

Take care.

Thanks for reading my blog.

I appreciate your time.

Special Hello to: You, after all without you there would no Me …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 23rd day of November, 2015.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

I think I shall wear my shoes today.

Might as well take advantage of dry streets and sidewalks and the warm temperatures.

Another great Sunday was had by me and Mr. Alvin.

We did laundry, mostly me but he had good instructions.

We labelled and priced the last of the jewellery and packed it for the craft sale.

We put together some tea samples to take to work today.

We put the new jewellery in bags ready for transport to the office to show the girls.

We put away the ornaments that were just set on top of boxes and the table downstairs.

We decorated the upstairs bannister for Christmas.

Let’s see there were more things but it was so nice to get so much accomplished.

There was even time for the odd break here and there.

Mr. Alvin is a very good help mainly in the supervisory area.

But we all need some supervision from time to time and I tend to drift sometimes.

Both of us enjoyed our walk …. so beautiful out yesterday afternoon.

Time to go to work ….

Another Monday.

Hard to believe that one week from tomorrow is December 1st.

I hope that you had an awesome weekend.

Did you listen to music?

One little story….on our walk yesterday.

We were on our way home when we noticed one of our neighbours out putting up a reindeer and sled with the help of his young son.

I was smiling as the young boy had shorts on and a winter coat.

Alvin of course wanted to go and say hello.

The Dad and I chatted.

Dad said so nice to have this good weather for decorating outside.

I agreed.

Then a young girl came out …. Alvin was in his glory.

The kids were trying to help.

Trying is good.

Well time to go.

Have a GREAT day.

Special Hello to: all those Dads who decorate with the kiddies’ help ….

Always, Carol and Alvin