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

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. I guess that I have needed the sleep. Again, up at 4:15 a.m. and then Mr. Alvin wanted to go outside about 7:30 and then up lost to 9:00 a.m. I feel rested though so I guess I should not feel guilty for sleeping in. Why is it that we feel guilty when we do things that are a bit out of our everyday? Oh well, not this day. Not this day. The sun is rising which is beautiful and nice to see. During the week it is dark when we rise and dark when I start work and then the sun rises. I am in love with the colours of the sky during sunrise. It is worth paying attention to ….. the palette is amazing. Every morning is slightly different.

Yesterday I had a busy day. Laundry, cleaning, moving and reorganizing the kitchen (workspace), washing main floor, cleaning bathrooms and such. A good produce day. I even almost finished my Christmas Project – just a few finishing touches and then wrapping. I will start wrapping the rest of the gifts that I have soon over the next couple of weeks. Last night I was going over the list in my head to see if I had something for everyone. Getting close. Still have Alvin, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Bogart, Teddy and Kobi and I should get a little something for Bailey as well. Six gifts for puppies and two for kitties. Looks like I had better take a walk over to THE BONE & BISCUIT and pick up some things. Oh and a couple of stocking stuffers for my daughter and son-in-law and we are done. YAY, Me and Alvin. I am excited for next weekend when the massive baking spree takes place over the course of a few days. I am also hosting another FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY PARTY for my friend who is a jeweler for them. Now with doing everyone online there are no more phone calls or texts or emails to invite people ….. they receive an invite from FB. That all happens tomorrow. Next weekend will be super busy ….. baking and LIVES for the jewelry “party” on Friday @ 7 p.m., then on Saturday it will be 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. and then finally on Sunday @ 3 p.m. I will be one busy Momma, thankfully I booked Monday, December 7th off as a day of vacation. Just realized that I will have to run and stock up on Mr. Alvin’s food and things as it is after payday. Lots to do. I will say back to the jewelry that I do like the online LIVES. Just kick back with a cup of tea or coffee and watch away. I think you really do get to see more pieces up close and personal. In person, one tends to glance at everything but only see the ones that “catch your eye.” So this will be great. It is my second one actually. Tomorrow I will be busy inviting during my breaks at work and after work.

Yesterday Alvin and I had a nice outside “sidewalk” – “front porch” visit with Alison and Bailey who is now six months. I cannot believe how big she is now and is all legs. She has way longer legs than Mr. Alvin. At one point Alison had to go into the house and grab a blanket for Mr. Alvin as we, Alvin and I ended up sitting on the steps (actually on the landing) and Alvin was getting cold despite his warm sweater. I think his legs and paws were chilly. So that helped and we were able to visit for almost one hour. The temperature was pretty good. It was nice to see them. Alison works at a nearby hospital so visiting in the house these days is not an option. She is extremely cautious when visiting anyone. She only recently was able to hug her Dad & Mom since February as she was able to use/have the gear from the hospital. I was both sad and happy that it has been so long for her. These days it is all about who is in your “bubble” and keeping safe for yourself and others. For all those families who will not be together for Christmas this year, I understand how you must be missing your family but at the end of the day ….. better to have our families alive and well than not. Please let us continue to be courageous and strong in this time of chaos and uncertainty. We will get through this if we work together. I am so glad that I was able to have a nice visit with Alison and chat. It was good for us both. Always nice to see our friends. Thank goodness that our weather is mild at this time and we can meet outside. I suggested my garage next time as we can social distance and have shelter even though it is not heated. We can always bring blankets out and keep the pups warm.

Yesterday I had got this photo of my daughter and me in my head. Do you think that I could find it? No. I looked through every photo box and everywhere. Not sure where it went. Isn’t it funny when you remember something and then go to look for it and cannot locate it. I guess photos are funny like that. I will find it. I am certain at some point. Perhaps a second look through the photo boxes but that takes time. So not today. Time to hop into the shower and get freshened up. I have another tea order to submit today and we are going to see Alvin’s bestie Teddy and family. Alvin is going to have an energy healing. Yes, on the social distancing and I will take one of my masks.

Happy Sunday Everyone. We must continue to rise up and live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all. This will be what we will be remembered for ….. that is my hope.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Monday Morning All. Well this morning I head to the office. My daughter is picking me up as she has to work at her office downtown, as well. I absolutely refuse to take public transportation at this time. With the new active COVID19 cases in Edmonton and in Alberta, on the rise, the less people that I am around the safer I will be. At the end of the day who wants to be one of the statistics if they have a choice. No one really wants to be sick. I would like to remain in good health. Everyday I choose those thoughts, I am in good health, Alvin is in good health and all our family and friends. Trying to stay safe and healthy should be our number one priority these days. These are my thoughts on the subject for better or worse. It will be nice to see some of the folks that I work with ….. only a handful of staff are in our office everyday. Thank goodness for our support services staff who go to the office each and everyday of the week. I am so grateful that I am able to work from home. Full of gratitude.

Yesterday I had coffee with the girls in the morning. We had a blast. Chatting about world events (ie U.S. Election, oh my goodness), stats about COVID19, Christmas, baking, shopping for Christmas status, mail deliveries, Amazon, and so much more. In between the very serious chatter we did have some smiles and laughs. Not as much as we usual but that is okay. I am grateful that I am able to spend time with these two ladies. I am full of gratitude to have them in my life. They are the epitome of friendship, love and support. Truly I would not be able to keep any level of sanity if it were not for my friends. I have the best ones, some of which live next door and down the street and others live abroad and others a province or two away. Also my best friend on the planet is my daughter, she is the greatest. When you are surrounded by all this love and support how can you be anything but joyful and successful. It takes a village, they say and it takes a village to keep me where I am. To the UNIVERSE, thank you for bringing each and every ONE of these dear, loving, compassionate, supportive, kind souls in my direction. Then there is Mr. Alvin….. there are no words. Not only did I have coffee with the girls, Alvin and I bumped into Pauline and her grandpup Georgie on their last leg of their walk, so we continued with them, walking and chatting. I feel so blessed. The weather another blessing ….. so beautiful.

I had told myself that I was going to cut my hair. Even mentioned it to the girls. So when I do this …. there is no turning back. I have cut my hair dozens of times over the years but this time I was a tad bit nervous. For no real reason. So I watched several videos which made me more nervous until I saw this girl with different shades of blue hair. She had multiple piercings and was very young (well everyone is young compared to me at 63). Anyway she parted her hair at the back and placed the hair in two ponytails to the side with elastics. She pulled out “electric clippers,” the kind that I use to cut Mr. Alvin’s hair. Immediately I thought, I can do this and that I did. My hair turned out so GREAT. I love it. Once I sort the tea order tonight, I will call my friend “G” and she will come for her tea and I will ask her to give me a quick lookover. Unless it is bad (which to my eyes looks pretty good but my eyes are old and frankly everything looks good to me, these days, lol), I will leave it alone, if she needs to trim a tad, well that is okay with me.

So off to get this Monday underway. Poor Mr. Alvin, on these days, which has only been twice now since March, I feel badly to leave him home for so long. I have asked Humphrey’s Mom Sonja to come about noon and let him out for a pee and give him one of his cookies. Sometimes he won’t go outside for anyone but me. I hope that he goes out as I know he will have to pee. Mind you perhaps he won’t drink as much water when I am not at home. Fingers crossed.

Wishing you a great Monday. Keep spreading that kindness with love and respect. The world needs it now more than ever. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my words, my thoughts ….. I appreciate you. Hopefully I brought a smile to your face or even a bout of laughter. That would be so great. Happy Monday Everyone, Happy Monday.

Yes, I have multiple masks with me…… one for the car ride, one for work, one for after work and one for Shoppers – Post Office…….

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I think that I am going to use the electric clippers from now on.

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

Living … One day at a time

Hello, it is an interesting morning.

I did not notice when we were outside earlier that there were every so tiny balls of snow on the deck.

As the sky lightens they are noticeable.

Noticed some on the shingles outside my bedroom window.

There is a coolness to the air definitely this morning.

The sky is overcast with medium blue clouds which appear to be lightening.

The first photo was a question on the Weather Channel however I think some of the points are a great idea to begin to put into play.

My tree out front through my bedroom window.

Still so many green leaves but lots of yellow golden ones and so many on the ground.

They are making a crunchy bed below.

Today will be spent inside and outside.

If the day allows I will be climbing up on my trusty tall step ladder to clean out the eavestrough outside my bedroom window.

I should have down it during the nice weather but alas I had forgot about the taller ladder.

I have a five foot one which I use in the house all the time.

The tall one is from my friend and neighbor so I don’t think of it even though it is in the garage.

Anyway.

Last night I put away the table umbrellas and some of the furniture.

There are a few things to finish outside in preparation for the upcoming cold months.

There is a list a mile or so long to do inside the house.

Those things that are not noticeable to the naked eye but things one puts off during the summer months to spend the precious time outdoors.

So almost time to start laundry and put the COFFEE on …. I do need coffee.

We went to bed pretty early and Mr. Alvin decided he needed to go outside at 2:00 a.m. and then we were up at 5:00 a.m. so he could eat and finally I caved a bit later and we are up.

Actually have been up for a bit now.

Changed our bedding and gathered up laundry in upstairs.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

Might require a nap a bit later.

We will need to walk a bit later.

Last night I caved as after catching the bus to the vet and carrying Alvin’s food, glucosamine and one can of wet food home, I was cold and tired.

Been a long day and week.

We went for one short walk to our friend’s house to deliver her tea order.

 

I hope that you enjoy this Saturday as will I.

I do like doing things around the house and if possible will finish the prep work outside today otherwise it will be tomorrow.

 

Life is filled with kindness and respect and it begins with ourselves.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 28th day of October, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my dear friend “L” ….. we love him dearly.

We have been friends for over 35 years.

Wishing him a wonderful day.

 

Yesterday did not turn out near the way that I had planned.

That is always part of the problem with “planning.”

Instead I had company for coffee, a tea order in the morning, spent time with Humphrey the cat who is recovering from two surgeries in less than four days in morning and afternoon,

worked on laundry off and on all day, went for an mid afternoon walk with Alvin and ended up having tea at Teddy’s house with his Mom and stopped at another friend’s house to borrow

a costume for HALLOWEEN (check).

So then I decided today would be the day to get some housework done and also to pull my beautiful Snapdragons.  Still blooming.

I would like to share my story about Humphrey the cat who lives close by.

He had to have surgery as he had crystals or something that blocked him from peeing.

Painful, how horrible.

That was last Friday.

Then over the weekend we wasn’t peeing again so back to the Vet and instead of completing the unblocking surgical procedure the Vet suggested to my friend to have him “made female.”

I did not realize that was a thing.

So they removed his little penis and made it so now he pees like a girl.

So that helped him from having to have the unblocking procedure which by this time he has had twice (once before) and then this passed Friday.

Now this all makes a difference in his bathroom practices meaning the litter box has to change.

He cannot use the regular stuff that he uses but has to use pellets or something.

I have never had a cat.

Anyway yesterday when his Momma had to go out to the Vet to get him some medicine to deter him from licking his wound and after my unexpected date had left, I went over and spent some time

with Humphrey.

He was laying in the spare room in the sunshine upstairs.

So I decided to lay down right beside him.

He is wearing the dreaded CONE OF SILENCE.

I stroked his head and spoke quietly to him.

Humming along the way.

We just hung out.

He loved the company.

At times to get comfortable with his front paws outstretched he folded them and rested his CONE on his paws.

This made it easier for him to rest.

I did not have a watch on and just continued to lay and speak to him.

Stroking him gently and just being.

Once during the time I was there he playing with a shoelace the rest of the time he was content to just lay there in the sunshine.

Which at times was bright and I had to cover my eyes and move a bit.

By the time I decided to get up – it took a bit of doing to get up.

Remember I am not 20 something any longer.

But not 100 either.

Anyway …. he had walked into my friend’s office and I noticed something was running on the floor and he seemed to be interested.

Then I realized it was a MOUSE.

Not a real mouse …. a computer generated one.

My friend left a tablet going on the floor …

I really was startled.

After that I gently picked him up and carried him downstairs.

He did not stay on the sofa and wondered to the patio door looking longingly outside.

He loves being outside but he cannot go out now after just having the surgery.

Humphrey laid down under the chair and continued to look outside.

By this time it was 2:30 p.m.

I decided that I had better go home and see the Alvin.

He would be wondering what happened to me.

So homeward I went …. laundry ……

 

Today means getting some work done.

That is okay.

As my wise friend said …. if you have clean clothes to wear and food in the house that is all you need to worry about.

I have that …..

So I will get done what I can do and enjoy my time with me Alvin.

I am so grateful to have had that time yesterday with Humphrey.

Both Humphrey and Alvin lay with their front paws outstretched and folded.

How cute.

 

Okay, time to get dressed and have breakfast and COFFEE.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Have an awesome day.

 

Oh and guess what the winning $60 million LOTTO MAX ticket was sold in Edmonton.

Was not me but nice to see sold here.

Maybe I know the winners.

Who knows.

 

Happy Sunday.

Time to get out of these PJ’s and get some stuff done.

 

Special Hello to: my siblings …. happy day here and ahead.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 28th day of November, 2017.

In all my RUSH on Monday, I forgot to wish my friend “K” a Happy Birthday.

Even spoke to “G” last night and forgot to wish her husband a Happy Birthday.

I guess too many things to do.

Well not a bad morning out there ….

Forecast is for another plus temperature day but with SNOW, I think.

Some snow would be okay ….. might help the ICE issue.

Another night we could not go for a walk.

I just do not want to take the chance of either of us falling.

Hard enough getting to the bus some mornings.

It is our side of the street facing north that is always the worst.

Well I received my TEA ORDER last night so delivery day today.

My neighbour is giving me a ride to work so have to fly here.

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

We have to slow down ……

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who definitely is one of the hardest working people I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of September, 2017.

Up later this morning due to part to being “pooped” and Alvin up earlier.

Somedays you just need to stay in bed a little longer than others.

I know they always say to keep your weekday bedtime/rising routine the same on the weekends but honestly that is a little difficult.

So we have been up for a while now …… did a few chores …… made coffee for me and the neighbour and her new room-mate her University bound cousin.

Lots to do ….. you know laundry ….. cleaning ….. laundry ….. more cleaning and throw in a few walks and some television and you have a weekend.

Oh and submitting a tea order (always a good thing to do).

Also reorganizing the garage with my neighbour as she had been storing some items with me since her Dad moved and downsized.

They will do hers today and take his items that he is keeping out of mine.

That will be tomorrow …. likely.

This morning Alvin and I had a dance to a song from SHREK ….. I can hear the words “It was you that I have loved all along” ….. cannot remember the title of the song.

Poor Alvin …. wants to enjoy it but at the end of the day ….. he is not much for dancing with his Momma or likely anyone ….. unless it is on the ground …. then perhaps.

There was rain in the forecast and about 4:00 a.m. this morning we got about 569 drops …. I counted them on the deck.

The air was cool and feels like it is warming up …..

Oh, I need a shower ….. feeling warm…….

I hope that you have a great Saturday ….. maybe have a giggle or three …..

 

Special Hello to:  my friends “V” and “J” back in Regina …… two of the best ladies on the planet.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of April, 2017.

The sky finally appears to have clear breaks ….. our morning sky has been pretty much been overcast for days now.

Some sunshine would be very welcome.

We have had enough moisture for a bit …… I would love some sunshine.

The weekend holds promise weather wise so that is good.

 

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

On our way to my house we stopped at COSTCO.

COSTCO was busy …… as always.

I love that ride with my daughter and our conversations.

Any time that I spend with my darling girl is most precious.

Picked up a few things before going home to Mr. Alvin.

He was VERY happy to see us both, for sure.

My TEA ORDER arrived as well …..

We had a busy evening ….. putting away groceries……walk with Alvin and sorting the tea orders.

Most of the tea orders goes to my co-workers and another co-worker graciously is giving me a ride to work as my usual ride is not going in that direction today.

So it all worked out.

Just a few minutes until my ride arrives.

I love the change going my car as opposed to the bus.

Public transportation is good however; nothing like a car ride to work, most especially in the morning.

 

So today I am hoping to have a quiet, super PRODUCTIVE day …..

Tonight is my ENERGY HEALING appointment.

I am looking forward to that ….. great way to end or almost end the work week.

I will be working on Friday.

 

Well I had better get my things together.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday.

Another great thing about today it is PAYDAY.

Gotta love a Thursday that is payday.

Alvin is patiently watching me from the comfort of the rug in the hallway.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Sunday…… SKYPE…..YES.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 25th day of September, 2016.

Bright sunny morning and NOT windy.

So grateful for this nice morning.

It has been quiet …. we slept in ….. well we were up at 4:30 …. back to bed …. up and then hit the sofa for a bit.

Is that not what is referred to as a “lazy morning.”

Now we are up and at it.

Shared some coffee with my neighbour.

Working on some tea stuff.

After my mug of coffee is done we are going for a nice long walk.

I thought for something different we would walk to another neighbourhood.

Never know how many more beautiful Sundays we will have to do that so off we will go to see what we can see.

This afternoon I have a tea order to submit and then bake my son-in-law’s birthday cake for Tuesday’s supper.

It is so nice to have the time to just sit and ponder life.

To just kick back and enjoy the moment.

No worries.

Just happy in one’s own skin.

Just relaxed and enjoying life.

Feeling pretty content at this moment.

In the back ground music playing from my iPOD (actually my daughter’s).

Sun is shining brightly in through the office window.

Yesterday I took down all of the Spring/Summer ornaments / pictures from the main floor and brought up the Fall / Halloween decorations.

Not long before I am taking Fall / Halloween decorations down and bringing up the CHRISTMAS stuff.

Oh that is my favourite day of the year ….. November 1st.

Well unfortunately I have to work that day but I will put up the tree and begin the process of decorating the house.

Well I hear Mr. Alvin moaning and groaning – he is bored and would like to go for a walk.

Or maybe he does not appreciate the music that is playing.

Oh well…..

Time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you are enjoying the Fall weekend.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family

Always, Carol and Alvin