The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? Alvin and I are doing great. I changed his bed in the office and I think that he likes this one better. He is one lucky little guy as he has three beds. Now one in the family room in the basement, one in the living room and one upstairs in the office. I do not have to haul them around so that is great. Alvin is one wonderful little guy. Yesterday was so nice that despite the messy icy sidewalks we ventured out for a walk. I had cleaned our walks pretty good with only one chunk of ice that is in the dip nearly impossible to remove at this point. We still have the five feet of snow and ice chunks lining the streets and our sidewalks. Keeping most people from parking on the street including company and delivery trucks. One of the neighbours from a few doors down is parking in front of Sonja’s house and I believe the reason is because they have an opening in the snow to the street or at least it is lower. Not really the way it should work. They should be parking in their garage or garage pad. The street is for company and delivery trucks not to park one of your five vehicles. I am kidding about five but some people have at least three vehicles which makes it difficult. Most times this street is down to one lane and people drive way too fast. Our street is really busy. Anyway, we went for a walk. We got down the sidewalk very carefully to the corner where our friends live across and made sure we checked both directions and in a low spot we crossed to their side of the street. The sidewalks were not too bad. We walked up the street and then I realized that I found the perfect walking place, the crescent. There is a pile of snow from the graders and we walked around the crescent and the pile of snow ten times and then went home. It took us 20-25 minutes so I figured that was perfect. Mr. Alvin was slightly confused as he kept trying to break free of the circle walking and go down the back walkway toward the other park. I was happy and felt like we actually had some exercise and we so enjoyed the warmth of the fresh sunny warm air. One of my friends posted that it was +10 degrees celsius. So today we will do that same walk. We were walking on the street in the crescent but I was able to watch for cars and not as busy as being on our main street. YAY, a safe place to walk. I hit the motherlode.

The forecast is for continued nice warm temperatures and hopefully SUNNY blue skies. I am a bit tired of the grey ones. My body craves the sunshine. My mind needs the sunshine. My soul would very much like the sunshine a bit more often. I can see the sun starting to rise with partially clear skies so we are definitely off to a great start. Happy Monday that be!

I wish you a great day. If it is nice where you are – go outside and take that walk. Whether it is 5, 10 or 30 minutes, fresh air and exercise is magic. Good for your heart, mind and body.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

I am so grateful to have a cup of homemade perked coffee. Oh, I forgot to mention that one of my dear friends called yesterday morning to see if I was up for a cup of coffee? I had just made 10 cups and was going to have one, what great timing and usually I do not make that many cups so it worked out perfectly. We had a great visit and even had some good laughs. I am so lucky to have such great friends and happy for such a wonderful surprise on a Sunday morning.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning ….

What a glorious Monday morning it is.

When I was outside with Alvin about one hour ago it felt warm considering I had a nightgown and sweater on exposing my lower legs.

So off to a great start.

Each weekend or the time off that you have from work is precious.

Most of us have a billion things to do on the weekends or on our time off away from the job.

There is always laundry, cleaning, yardwork, shopping for groceries at the minimum.

If we are able to take time to relax …. that would be in front of the television watching a movie or the like with a glass of wine or your favourite beverage.

But is that really relaxing?

Not really.

But we ALL do the very best that we can.

I am more fortunate than most as I do not have children at home although some would say that Alvin might rank a close second.

He is my partner in crime that requires help being fed and bathed and groomed.

But other than that …. I have more flexible time.

I can/could sit on my bed, in the middle of the floor or sit on a comfy chair and just meditate for some time.

But do I do this on a regular basis …. not really.

I did for a time but find it difficult to sit “quiet” without doing something.

This week I am going to make a point of sitting “quiet.”

Quiet means with NO outside distractions.

Now Alvin I have no control over but I will say if he has been fed and gone outside, he general would lay down beside me if I am on the sofa or bed.

So this is the week that things change.

I have also done quite a lot of reading and everyone says that it is important to do some weight bearing exercises as you get older.

So this week I am going to start doing some of those.

Off to an easy start, nothing to crazy.

I have some hand weights which will be perfect.

Now just for some proper instructions and I will be off to the races ….

We all try to do the best that we can.

But I think even though we think that we do – there is always room to pump it up a bit.

So that is my personal challenge for this week.

To start ….

More quiet time … no outside distractions like the television or phone (yes, I can see where these can get you into trouble).

Trying some weight bearing exercises.

I want to be in the best health that I can be in as I get older.

Never too late to start.

 

Okay the clock on the wall says that it is time to get this show on the road.

Well I hope that you have an awesome day.

Turn the lights out and lock the door when you leave for the day.

Remember a walk on your break is always better than a cookie and coffee.

Happy Monday.

 

 

Kindness and Respect always place the perfect reflection on you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin