Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of March, 2019.

The sun is rising bright in the morning sky.

Today I am taking a vacation day.

So nice to be at home for another day.

We were up at bit later and then slept in a bit.

Whenever cars drive by in the back lane you can hear the crunch of snow and ice.

It is a massive rut back there.

We need some warm, warm days to melt this mess.

Would have been nice if the back lanes and the streets in our neighbourhood would have been plowed/scraped during the winter.

Likely not many were …. now we depend on the warmth of the sun to take away the mess.

Our sidewalk out front went from bare to a massive chunk of ice.

When it melts from the back yard it drains to the front.

Frustrating.

We valiantly scoop the water to the drain but then over night it return and freezes.

Not pretty out there and we try to keep it clean to no avail.

Walks are on the opposite side of the street, thankfully it melts faster and is easier for those neighbours to keep clean.

 

I have to share some photos from the birthday party yesterday of my grand-pups and the fruit pizza.

Apparently I must have taken the photos of the birthday girl with my tablet as there are none on this camera.

I was certain that I took them with the camera.

 

Miss Aspen and Milo with Alvin in the background of the above photo to the left.

We had a great visit.

Alvin was so excited when he saw them drive by.

We ran to the back door to watch for them to come in from the garage.

I had to let Alvin outside as he could not contain his excitement.

He waited patiently for the door to open and them to start coming out of the garage.

My son-in-law also commented on the back lane.

We ordered pizza from my new favourite pizza place “Royal Pizza” in the Hamptons.

Best pizza ever.

For dessert “fruit pizza.”

The fruit pizza was heavy ….. lots of fruit on that cookie sheet.

I had a vegetable platter as I figured might be a good idea.

We enjoyed the food and the visit.

 

Well I have a list of things to do today.

Finish laundry, make a big pot of chilli, make pot of oatmeal for this week and go for a walk.

Will work on putting together some orders for Steeped Tea and NORWEX.

I have one of each.

 

Just a lovely day to be at home with me Alvin.

I am so grateful to have such great company.

I am grateful to have a wonderful family.

 

Happy Monday.

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 24th day of January, 2019.

Another BRISK morning ….. er, cold.

Then it is warming up.

This winter we have had quite the assortment of temperatures from one day to the next.

Thankfully it has stopped snowing and the sun shone through yesterday.

My nephew went back up north the oil rig yesterday morning bright and early.

He called last night and said it was BAD on the drive, near white-out conditions most of the way.

Thankfully he has a good vehicle and is a good driver.

 

Last night another package arrived from our friend in Regina.

Alvin was so excited.

I took a video of him but it is too large to post on FB or to email.

I guess I have to play with it a bit.

He skillfully opened the package.

One piece at a time.

Holding the package with one paw and ripping the paper with his mouth.

Spitting out the paper as he went.

He knows not to eat the paper, which is great.

I have to say that watching him open a package warms my heart and brings a huge smile to my face.

 

After we opened the parcel, I got changed and did a couple of small chores – went to pick up Humphrey.

He spent the evening with us.

Lots of company as of late.

At one point, I was outside shovelling and picking up poop and took a peek through the back door to see Alvin and Humphrey nose to nose.

Just smelling each other.

No growling or hissing.

No paws flying.

Just smelling each other.

They do pretty well other than Mr. Alvin is a tad bit jealous of attention that I give to Humphrey.

Mostly when I sit down.

As week when one was on one side of me and one on the other.

I again, wished that I could have snapped a photo.

Just did not work.

Humphrey sure likes the tablet and watched mine intently for several minutes.

He even crawled on me and up to face where he placed his paw.

A couple of times, a claw touched my skin, accidentally of course.

No major injuries.

The boys were both drawn to the living room at the same time and it looked so cute with both of them sitting in front of the window, looking out.

They do quite well together.

Will get better over time.

 

We are having company for the afternoon and for supper on Saturday.

I am trying to come up with an easy, delicious menu.

Not a billion ingredients.

I keep changing my mind.

 

Well I am grateful that today is Thursday …. I know it was an extra short work week for me.

Almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

I am going to work on getting some photos of the boys together.

The cutest thing ever.

 

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister …. I have not forgotten …. phone call Friday night.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 15th day of January, 2019.

Another pretty nice today temperature wise but not as beautiful as yesterday.

Alvin and I soaked in every minute of our walk before supper last night.

Taking into account that not quite at the half way point, Mr. Alvin whined to go home.

I told him firmly “that we needed to walk” and eventually he carried on.

Although he did try about three times to get me to turn around.

I stood my ground.

Most times, I cave and let him lead.

Last night it was just so perfect for walking that we needed to go.

We never know what the next evening will bring.

If it is really COLD, SNOWING or ICY …. we stay home.

A bit of snow is okay but Alvin is just getting over an ear infection and do not want him to get his ears wet.

SNOW inside and not dried will give him an yeast infection.

Anyway we completed our walk and I was happy.

 

After supper, Humphrey the Cat came to spend the evening with us.

His Mom was going to dance classes.

She wants him to get used to being somewhere else other than home.

Also to get more used to Alvin.

Being outside together or with both of us here for a few minutes is one thing but with Humphrey’s Mom not here and just us, well that could be something totally different.

So Humphrey arrived about 6:30 p.m.

I made sure that I had had supper and tidied up so that I could keep an eye on the boys.

Different than two dogs.

I do not wish Humphrey to take a swipe at Alvin with his sharp claws.

Even has never given any indication but at the end of the day they are animals and just one sniff out of place could cause harm.

So Humphrey checked out upstairs.

He walked around the main floor.

Looked out the window.

Laid on the mat by the front door.

Stretched on Alvin’s bed (floor).

He liked going upstairs and I found that he was clawing at the carpet so eventually I blocked off the upstairs.

Cannot have the carpet pulled apart.

I did find one strand of carpet, oh well.

He laid on the big brown chair.

I laid a blanket down so he could snuggle.

He wanted up on the sofa beside me and eventually did so.

I had Mr. Alvin on one side and him on the other.

Alvin pretty much was anxious for a good part of the evening.

When Alvin went outside – Humphrey wanted to go outside.

When the boys were surrounding me on the sofa, I had been on the tablet.

Humphrey is used to his Momma’s iPad so he was watching things.

Eventually I set it in front of him and just put the front screen saver on …. he placed his paws on the screen.

He so intently watched what was going on.

It was so cute.

At one point I managed to snap some photos on the tablet’s camera.

Will have to add them to the computer at some point.

Humphrey is a cute boy.

Near the end of the evening Humphrey jumped up on Mr. Alvin’s most favourite chair and I thought that Alvin was going to have coronary.

He did not run over but he was very anxious.

Poor boy.

I did catch a photo of Humphrey in the brown chair and Alvin in his chair directly across from one another.

Alvin was looking out the window.

It was a different kind of evening for us but interesting.

Alvin did growl once or twice.

Well it is almost time to go.

I was up late and tried to squeeze as many minutes on the sofa as I could.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to: all my friends who have cats and dogs.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of December, 2018.

Foggy and overcast this morning.

SNOW is on the way on this first day of December, 2018.

Perhaps some snow will make walking a bit more easy.

Alvin and I are going for a walk here shortly.

Just wanted to write this post and get dressed (having coffee).

Mr. Alvin has been waking up at 2:30 and then every two hours for the past week or so.

He doesn’t appear to be in any kind of pain.

Just wants to get up and pee at 2:30 ( I can identify with that).

After all we are both getting on in years and that seems to follow us as we age.

Then at 4:30 p.m. he is ready to get up and eat.

I do try and keep him in bed but then I cave, there is no point.

So up and he ate.

Then outside and then we laid down on the sofa.

Then up at 6:30 and back outside.

We really, okay, I really should have stayed up.

By this time which is close to 10:00 a.m., I could have basically had some major chores done by none.

But there is something about just laying there and dreaming or sleeping or combination of both on a non-work morning.

During the week we are up to stay around 5:00 a.m.

I hear the medical reports about getting up at the same time every day but I just cannot do it.

Perhaps I should try a bit harder.

Then I could always have a nap later.

But unless I am sick, I am not really a nap person.

Oh well.

That has been our morning so far.

Picked up poop outside in my pj’s (covered with a coat).

It is warm outside.

Made coffee and had some breakfast.

Stripped the bedding for laundry and put on fresh bedding.

Love the smell of clean sheets before the bodies lay on them.

Now just writing this post.

Happy December 1st.

One of the major jobs on my list is to give Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath.

I am thinking as it is already 10 a.m. that perhaps I might put that job off to tomorrow.

Then get some cleaning, laundry, our WALK and Christmas cards done today.

Then tomorrow would just be him…..as it is a big job.

Supposed to be a snowy day anyway.

I will check the temperature for tomorrow ….

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do.

Also wanting to confirm my menu for the Christmas party that I am hosting for some of my co-workers.

The immediate group.

 

Have to share my COSTCO story.

My daughter picked me up from work yesterday.

I took some extra vacation time and left early.

That was such a treat to leave work at 2:30 p.m.

My daughter had an eye appointment just after 3:00 p.m. at COSTCO.

We decided upon arrival that she would look after her appointment and picking out new glasses AND

the Momma would take both of our lists and start the shopping.

No where did it dawn on us that perhaps I should tag along with her and help her pick out new specs.

I took a quick peek at the non-food things like Christmas decorations, clothing and books before heading to pick up the food items on our lists.

We made an arrangement to meet in that area at 4:00 p.m.

I was there with everything on both lists at 3:55 p.m. (there were a couple of things that were sold out of )

I waited and waited.

Strolled with a full cart from display to display looking for my girl.

Even walked over to the eye area …. did not see her.

Finally at 4:35 p.m. – I spotted her.

The Doctor was late and neither of us even considered the time it would take to pick out new frames.

With a sigh of relief and a bit of impatience TONE – we were almost ready to hit the lineups.

We picked up photo orders (photos to enclose with Christmas cards).

After we girls had gone our ways after arrival, I had been looking at mats/rugs to put near the front door.

I have one from COSTCO but was thinking with Christmas and so many people arriving … perhaps a longer one would be a good addition to what I already have…

So I picked up two and then when found my daughter later …. decided to go with the long narrow one.

Everything was paid for ….. we continue to the car …. my daughter stopped to pick up a bottle of wine while I continues to the car to start putting things away.

We loaded the car and continued on to SAVEON ….. another grocery store.

To pick up a few things that I could not get at COSTCO or at least in a lesser quantity.

Arrived home.

I grabbed some things and into the house to let Mr. Alvin outside.

We unloaded the car.

Once unloaded …. made supper ….. visited ….. ate supper.

It was not until my daughter was leaving for home that I realized two things …. I did not have my bag of avocados which I know that I had picked up two and the long ma

t/rug.

So we searched the car and nothing.

I was willing to just take it as a loss but …

My daughter said that she would go to COSTCO and check the carts outside to see if the rug / avocados were there.

When she got there one of the guys was gathering the carts and said that he found the mat.

However, the receipt was left with me and he could not just give it to her.

No avocados.

I did however notices on the receipt that we were only charged for one bag … so that was okay.

So I took some photos of the receipt with my tablet and sent them to my daughter.

She went into the store with the staff and they allowed her to take the rug/mat (as I had sent proof of the sale).

I felt bad for her as they had to escort her out of the store as she had no receipt.

The exit staff would not have let her out with the rug/matt without a receipt.

I was so thankful that the matt/rug was found.

Next visit I will have a new mat/rug for near the entrance way.

What a night!

 

I hope that you all have an awesome first day of December, 2018.

Happy December.

Love DECEMBER.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Happy December…..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 22nd day of October, 2017.

The sun is up and there are dark blue clouds covering most of the sky to the south.

The air is crisp, cool and still.

My bathroom fan and light are on awaiting my presence to enjoy a morning shower.

Alvin is relaxing in the hallway waiting for me as he does not like to be in the office.

Perhaps it is because of the floor (laminate).

He prefers to lay on something soft, I cannot blame him for that.

I captured the cutest photos (on my tablet) of him this morning.

We have already been up a couple of times much earlier than now and settled on the sofa as somehow the thought of staying up at 4:30 or 6:20 on Sunday does not interest me much.

So when it was time to get up, I got off the sofa and he continued to lay on our rectangular pillow.

Oh, so cute.  His head on the pillow and his body sprawled out on the sofa.

He stretched and starred at me.

Grabbing the tablet and took some photos.

The camera would have been easier but it was upstairs and the chances of him remaining on the sofa where pretty much NIL.

I will have to figure out how to get those photos off the tablet and onto the computer.

Previously I have posted them to FB.

I will post them on my blog.

These photos will pretty much guarantee a smile to your face.

Well I hear that shower fan telling me I am ready to move around the wet air, the steam.

Light saying you are using unnecessary electricity, yes, I know.

Anyway have the most awesome day.

I am working on projects for Christmas.

Pretty much all the big jobs were done yesterday so today can be a fun day.

Walk and project day …. fun projects …. making stuff.

 

Happy Sunday.

See you tomorrow.

Enjoy your day.

 

Special Hello to: my Friends and Family all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of July, 2016.

Well after a sweltering day it is overcast and wet.

We had quite the storm last night ….. lots of thunder and lightning.

I took my tablet out onto the deck to get some photos of the storm but not sure what happened they did not turn out.

But I did secure some beautiful video of one of my solar lanterns that is a tear drop style and made of glass that sparkles and shines.

So it was not completely a failure or maybe that is too strong of a word and so it goes.

We are really lucky at our office and get out early on Fridays so I was home one hour earlier than normal.

After Mr. Alvin went outside and had supper I set out to give him a hair cut and bath.

Three hours later we were finished and he looks wonderful.

His front paws could use a smidge more trimmed but all in all he looks great.

Needless to say I had supper at almost 8 p.m. but that was okay.

My friend “S” and I are having another garage sale today so that we can sell all of the stuff that did not sell last weekend.

It is cooler out so perhaps that will bring people out today.

“S” and her daughter came over to bring a few things like balloons and the signs that she placed in other parts of our neighbourhood.

After they left we settled down and watched one of my favourite food shows with Guy F …. the triple “D” one …… for the life of me the title has left my memory.

Likely because I am thinking about the sale and stuff.

Anyway we went up to bed just after 10:00 and there was so much lightning and thunder that Alvin did not settle down right away and then to add to it we could hear another dog, clearly outside and

clearly scared and distressed.

We listened for awhile as I tried to ascertain where the barking was coming from and it was not until I came into my office and opened the window that I found it was coming from that side of the house.

The poor puppy had been barking for quite some time.

So I grabbed my coat with a hood as it was raining by this time, key and shoes (still in my nightgown) and went onto the deck and opened the garage door.

I quickly figured out where the dog was and went to investigate.

Within a block of my house is this poor doggie …. outside in a built wire cage.

I managed to see just a bit of the dog through a space in the fence and he was pacing back and forth.

I ran back to the garage and to my house and called 9-1-1.

First thing I said was this is not a life and death situation and explained what was happened.

The operator was a sweetheart making me a bit relaxed and advising that she would transfer me to the non-emergency police line.

I explained the situation to the male operator on the other end.

My options were limited but he could hear the dog when I held the phone to my window.

We talked for quite some time and then suddenly there was human movement.

Someone was in the garage and the garage door opened and someone came out.

The dog stopped barking.

We listened for a few more minutes and no barking.

The lights went off and I could see someone going into the house via the back door.

The dog did not bark anymore.

I asked for the phone number of the non-emergency line – just in case.

Then hung up and we went back to bed.

Alvin, bless his heart did not bark much as I guess he could sense that I was anxious.

It breaks my heart to see people not taking proper care of animals in their care.

I may not be perfect but he will never be left out in the cold or in a severe lightning storm in a metal cage.

People truly are stupid …. how could you do that.

Well I need to wrap this up as it is time to get going and get the signs up for the garage sale.

Part 2, wish us luck.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

Remember that dogs are living creatures and please respect them.

Special Hello to: all those people who love and respect animals in their care and all life whether two-legged, four-legged, winged or scaled.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to a Rainy Monday, the 15th day of July 2013.

Well here we are once again …. the beginning of the work week.

I think that for most of us ….. it is a continuous loop …. no beginning or ending.

It seems to work out better ….. Sunday nights no longer keep me up thinking about the week ahead.

Sometimes I don’t sleep but for different reasons.

Part of it comes from my age.  Okay, we will not go there ….. because everyone knows “M” for us older women.

 

I am so lucky, blessed and grateful to be working at Bath & Body Works at West Edmonton Mall.

So many people from all over the world visit us there.

Yesterday we had a family visiting from South America.

They were visiting their other grown daughter who just had a baby …. the first grand-baby on both sides of the family.

Such a wonderful family….. I had so much fun helping them and visiting with them.

I have met people from every corner of the planet and perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to visit their countries.

 

If you could go anywhere on the planet where would you go?

Have you travelled away from your home country?

Or at you like me …. do most of your travelling via others and over the internet.

Thank goodness for technology …..

 

On Saturday I got my very first “smaller” version of a personal computer – “a tablet” …. very cool and a brand new digital camera.

The camera fits in the palm of my hand and now when Alvin and I go for walks I can easily put it in my pocket so that I can take photos and videos.

I know …. I am very lucky …..

 

So on this overcast rainy Monday morning I hope that you enjoy your cup of coffee – or glass of juice or maybe tea …..

Put a smile on your face …..

Close your eyes and travel the globe.

I am going to do that on my break…… yay.

 

Special Hello to:  everyone who enjoys a challenge …… “new technology” ……

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday, the 21st day of May 2013.

How are you this fine morning?

First day back to work?

For me, after the long weekend.

I did work at the store on Friday night and Sunday.

I noticed while working ….. a small child (found out from Mother – 18 months old) was playing with an I Phone or something similar.

She was moving her finger gracefully over the screen just like they do on the crime shows.

Something I have no experience in ….

She was playing games ….. she was 18 months old.

Absolutely mind boggling.

By the time she gets to school she will be BORED …..

I hope that our education system can keep  up with all of  these technology and keeping the children interested.

She will be way above the others.

I do think that socially some of these children might be behind and not catch up …. but who knows.

Guess that is in the hands of the parents.

But very interesting.

I am so behind.

I am getting a tablet so perhaps this “55” year can catch up …. or at least be somewhat “savy” …..

Have a great day.

Time to finish getting ready for work.

Sun shining ….. promises to be a great day.

Special Hello to: parents ….. children ….. technology ….. yikes.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin