2021

Good Morning ALL. Thank goodness it is now Friday. Not that I want to wish my life away but what an exhausting week it has been. Sometimes I wished that I did not watch anything on television or visit any social media platforms; the news has been horrific. I know that most people had visions of 2021 being all that 2020 was not but we are not off to a great start. Our restrictions have been extended another two weeks. Other Canadian provinces have placed even more strict protocols than my now home province of Alberta.

All I can say is today is a new day. Hopefully we can do better. We have to, we must. No matter what is going on around us ….. we have to step up and be better citizens of the world.

Yesterday at noon we walked over and picked up Teddy and Kobi to bring them home with us for the afternoon. It was an interesting walk with three pups. Kobi is the escape artist so I was most careful with her. We kept running into people with large dogs but luckily for me they all nodded their heads and crossed the street; I guess an “older” woman with three dogs coming toward them was reason enough. I nodded and smiled with thanks. I had not thought that Alvin would have to poop on the way but we only walked to their house and did not go for the full walk, so really I should not have been surprised. So here I am with an extra strap around one wrist and the leash for Kobi in one hand, and the two on my other hand and trying to open a poop bag and then to pick it up. It was a funny sight! I managed and then we were on our way. I was grateful to get home and to be home with a few minutes to spare so that I could get us settled before heading back to work at my kitchen table. We had a good afternoon. The pups were good.

After work I decided to take the thermostat off the base, and change the batteries as it was giving the message REPLACE BATTERIES. I had it off and took batteries out of my battery container only to find that they were DEAD when I replace the thermostat on the base. So I set the thermostat on the table and figured that I would just ask my daughter to bring some double A batteries with her today as she is coming to drop off some new bras and socks that I ordered. Yup, Momma is getting some new BRAS, yes I said it. They are desperately needed and socks as well. Back to the battery. I was feeling a bit chilled and realized after a bit that the furnace had not cut in so I did what any other modern day woman would do, I googled the situation. I found out that the thermostat talks to the furnace and it will not know that it needs to cut in, with no batteries. Basically it cannot respond to nonexistent temperature commands. So that is why I was getting cold and had actually gone and put on some warmer clothes. It was at that time that I started phoning and texting all my friends and neighbours. After a few calls, I was able to speak to my friend Signe who had some batteries. I was just on my way over to pick them up when another neighbour’s son came bounding up the walk with hand out “Mom, said you needed batteries.” I received other texts and calls to check. So grateful for such caring and wonderful neighbours. I called Signe to thank her and advise that I now had some batteries. The furnace cut in the first second the new batteries were installed and it was back on the base. The air once again felt warm. So grateful. Pups went home just before 7 p.m. and after our battery fiasco.

Well time to head back downstairs and get this work day going. I need coffee this morning.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all, please we must.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning ALL.

The clouds are beginning to break and I can see clear blue patches of sky.

We definitely require some sunshine.

Appreciate the rain, the moisture but really, really, really need some sunny warm days.

May and June thus far have been on the cool wet side.

Keeping positive thoughts that we will have a nice warm sunny summer.

 

How was your Sunday?

Mine was good, quiet.

I did some odds and ends and spent about 3 hours in the afternoon working on work.

Just gives me peace of mind.

Also helps when Monday rolls around …. not quite so frantic.

Last night early evening I saw some movement across the street.

Here were these two young rabbits (definitely not fully grown) running.

They were chasing each other.

Full throttle.

So cute.

They were definitely playing you could see it plain as day.

Back and forth and forth and back on the stretch of lawn across the street.

Actually our lawns are perfect for rabbits and children.

With no fences they can run and play.

I wished that I had been able to catch a video of them but somehow I can happy that I captured the video with my own personal recorder.

Sometimes we need to drop the devices and capture life’s movies with our own built in video cameras.

Often times we miss the little things by always being behind the lens.

We do have the photos and videos for all time.

Mostly, we do not look back over them at a later date/time.

Although I will say that I do quite often look at the photos that I have taken over the years.

Sometimes when my sister comes to visit we drag out the photo boxes and take a journey down memory lane.

Laughing and crying.

My daughter is a photo nut as well so we often look over photos and share them as well.

 

Speaking of my daughter.

This past weekend the small City where she lives has a program they call “free-cycle.”

I do not remember how many times in the summer they hold it but more than once.

Folks put out on their driveways and lawns …. items they no longer want.

Free for the taking.

My daughter and son-in-law love to check out the treasures.

This weekend it has been raining but did not stop them or others.

I guess later yesterday people starting putting more things out for pickup.

Just received a text from my daughter telling me of the treasures they found yesterday.

Flower pots, some art, a few fans, another patio table and an amazing iron garden slide chair.

She said they had to drive down the street with her holding the chair halfway in the car.

They would like to give it to me.

Further details about the chair …. really heavy iron chair that rocks.

That would be cool.

I can not wait to see the photos and the real life items.

I can only imagine an iron rocking chair?

Never seen one in my life.

Never ever.

 

What a great idea for neighbourhoods to host!

A weekend when folks place items on their lawns or driveways for others to take for FREE.

Now they should be in good condition.

I don’t think this event is for folks to put out broken unfixable items.

Nor should it be.

But what a great way to give a new home, new purpose, a future, to some of those items that you no longer need or love.

Better than a garage sale.

You may not make a few dollars but you might just make some passerby very happy.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Coffee is ready.

Alvin is snuggling under a blanket on top of his little bed in my office.

It is chilly in the house this morning.

The last couple of mornings, I really should have turned on the thermostat but just could not bring myself to do so in JUNE.

Alvin has been cold with his new haircut from last weekend.

So he snuggles under a blanket.

 

I hope that you have an amazing Monday.

Living with kindness and respect forever.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Sunday April 19th, 2020.

Forecast today is for double digit temperatures and to remain for the next couple of weeks.

I was tempted to turn my thermostat off yesterday but then decided there were still opportunities for freezing.

The sun is up and the blue sky is dotted with wisps of white clouds.

Well we had a fairly successful day yesterday.

One unexpected change and that was that Humphrey came to spend the day with us.

Due to company and just the way that things happened, I did the shovelling in the backyard.

Off the list.

Laundry completed.

Off the list.

Front coat closet, cleaned and winter items returned to the basement.

Winter / spring coats washed and put away accordingly.

Obviously spring/summer to front closet.

Mitts and scarves washed as well.

Off the list.

Switched winter clothes to spare room closet.

Switched summer clothes to my room closet.

I sure hope that I can fit into those summer clothes?

Argh.

Off the list.

Bathrooms cleaned.

Off the list.

Vacuumed.

Off the list.

Dusted.

Off the list.

We enjoyed a nice walk mid afternoon as well.

On our way home we passed by one of our friends who happened to be out on the driveway.

They were cleaning up after a driveway birthday party for her now 13 year old son.

I had forgotten.

We have a new teenager in the neighborhood.

She said they were surprised when her husband’s parents and his sister and children came to celebrate.

Everyone practiced the social distancing.

But her thirteen year old had a party with some of the family which was nice.

When I moved to Edmonton he was not quite 2 years old.

Wow, time flies.

It was a good day.

We had a garage visit with one of our friends near the beginning of the walk, which was great.

Another friend and her pup …. we chatted a few minutes later into the walk.

Near the lake we saw another friend and her pup.

A good day to see friends.

We were happy to see Humphrey as well.

 

I have a dilemma.

Alvin needs a bath.

I want to have a bath (but would rather shower).

I want to bath so that I can just have a good soak.

Usually I do not have the patience to sit in the tub for very long.

We want to walk.

So if we do the baths this morning.

Walking in the afternoon would be good.

Thank you I just answered my question.

So breakfast and coffee.

Followed by bath for me.

Then bath for Mr. Alvin.

Likely better if I go first.

By mid afternoon he will be long dry and hopefully more of the water on the sidewalk will have dried up.

 

I also want to call my siblings.

Seems like the days pass and I think about them like always, but don’t get to those calls.

I am sure that I am not alone.

I will admit that I am not great at making phone calls.

I love chatting when I am on the phone but making calls not so much.

 

Well I guess it is time to get this show on the road so that we can get those baths in while it is still morning.

Back to work tomorrow.

I am looking forward to using the big monitor.

So much better than just the laptop screen.

 

Quick story, last night while watching the ONE WORLD special, I happened to see movement across the street.

Turning my head I saw four large rabbits come down the grass from the other side of the street and run onto the street.

They all four ran down the street together.

It was so crazy.

I prayed that no cars would come along.

But they were okay.

We have lots of rabbits in our community.

 

I have also decided that I am going to take a day of vacation perhaps near the end of this week and spend some time out in the neighbourhood.

The trash that has accumulated is horrible.

I cannot believe how much.

I also found some styrofoam packing materials in my basement window well (outside).

Also cleaned up in front of my house and my immediate neighbours.

There are even a great many disposable gloves (the latex/non-latex ones).

I did not have the means to pick any of those items up so I left them.

I have disposable gloves and a trash picker so I will go and clean up the hood.

Usually when we are out and about, I do pick up certain items and put them in the trash.

It was easier when wearing mittens/gloves.

Anyway, note to people.

Please pick up the trash.

If we all do this ….

Then we are a team.

If it is just me or just you.

Then we are not a team.

Remember when packing your recycling items to place them in a bag not loosely in a blue bin.

Loosely packed means wind will blow them to my house or elsewhere.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Time to have breakfast and coffee.

Get those baths done.

Get this day going.

It is almost 9:00 a.m.

Where does the time go?

 

Happy Sunday.

Trying to live always with kindness and respect.

Sometimes there may be the odd slip up but that is okay.

 

With kindness and respect for all.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of April, 2018.

The sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky.

The air inside the house is on the “cool” side as I turned the thermostat downwards, not off, just down.

Today is to be +20 degrees celsius.

 

Last night Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk together after work.

Most of the snow / ice has melted.

There was a fairly large patch of water covering the sidewalk but we walked around it the best we could.

My shoes and Alvin’s paws managed to get wet.

Although I was not deliberately trying to get mine wet.

What a guy!

We picked up some trash along the way.

As there always seems to be some laying about.

Next weekend will be my big trash pickup.

 

So happy for this weather.

Finally, I believe that I can put our winter clothing away.

Alvin will no longer require his winter coats.

That will be my Saturday project.

 

I do love going through my closets and containers.

Checking on what needs to find a new home and what to keep and wear for the summer months.

I do need to bring my shoes upstairs and see what I have.

 

Alvin just popped into the office.

He was sniffing about as dogs will do.

I have a little blue blanket in the office which usually is draped over the arm of my chair.

I placed it on the floor, he gave it a couple of kicks and then has curled up.

He almost never curls up on the blanket.

Usually just sits or lays down.

So cute.

 

Well almost time to put the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I wish you all a Happy Day and as I was reminded that everyday is EARTH DAY.

I love that.

It certainly is …. everyday I do my best to help our environment and I hope that you do, as well.

Have an awesome EARTH DAY.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who love to read.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 18th day of May, 2015.

YAY, bright and sunny ….. perfect for planting my flowers.

They have been patiently waiting since Friday to be planted.

These pretty flowers have enjoyed the sunshine on the deck during the day and kept warm at night in the garage.

Another windy day …. seems like another breezy spring day.

Me and Alvin are enjoying our time together.

My daughter and grand-puppies came yesterday for a visit.

Both Alvin and I felt as if we were on cloud nine ….. family ….. felt so great.

It is funny that with her presence I felt light and incredibly good.

Some people just have that effect on us, and my daughter always gives me energy and lightness.

Sunday was a great day.

Today planting flowers …. water the lawn later ……

Enjoying this last day of our long weekend.

Just actually sat on the sofa and drank a cup of coffee while it was still “hot” ….. what a concept.

It was so good.

P.S. reminder to all those folks who turned off the “thermostat” or furnace, and have been cold …. just turn it on. I turned it back on in the early evening last night ….. the coolness was making me feel stiff …… not good.  Soon the temperatures overnight will be what our daytime temps are, and then the thermostat can be turned off.  But for now this gal is leaving it on and keeping warm and limber.

Okay time to get this day on the go…..

Starting with an energizing shower …….

Special Hello to: family and friends everywhere.  Miss you all.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of September, 2014.

Dark out …. looks like night.

This is the time of year that most of us northerners find it hard to find the get up and go to get up and go.

Now that is a mouth full.

I am trying to be more of an early morning person.

Time to pull out the socks or at least for the next couple of days.

By the weekend it will be sandals again.

Last night it was cold in the house so I had to break down and turn on the furnace.

To my “horror” the furnace did not come on when I turned on the heat.

I tried the things that I knew.

I pulled out the furnace instructions.

Finally I went to my neighbour ….

We have the same furnace.

She came over and we checked out the thermostat …. all was correct.

Went to the furnace.

It was quiet …..

YIKES, not a good sign.

She decided we had better call her girlfriend’s guy who knows about these things …. heating ….

So we did.

Go figure that the pilot light had gone off perhaps due to being off for so long and then didn’t hook up when it did the circuit thing that it does …..

He suggested turning the on and off switch and VOILA the furnace came on.

The pilot light lit and we had heat.

You never heard such a sigh of relief and heart felt gratitude as from me.

Furnace fixes are not cheap.

So thanks to my neighbour’s friend we have heat.

YAY.

So on this Tuesday I am so grateful to have heat.

So grateful that it was as easy as the turning on of a switch.

I hope that you all have a great day.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: all those gals who live alone ….. make sure that you are “handy” or know people who have plumbing, heating and electrical skills …. professionals.

Always, Carol and Alvin