A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am great, today is Friday and the weekend is ahead of us. We had another choppy but yet not to bad sleep. I always figure if I can get anywhere between 3-4 hours of continuous sleep, I am doing great. So I am pretty great. Earlier we walked outside to a snow rain mix. They were showing on the news (just happened to be on that channel, I normally do not watch the news this early in the day) that the outside cameras were icing up. Do not think that is a great thing but I am hoping that the roads are good this morning.

I have been thinking as of late as I reread THE SECRET that I should just put this out to the world. Thoughts become Things after all! Okay, I am going to say it. Deep breath! Here it is:

I am retiring. This is the goal. When you write something down for others and yourself to see, it makes it feel much more real. So I have done this. My thoughts become things. I am retiring with more than enough money and no mortgage. How about we all do this? Whatever you are dreaming about? Say it aloud or put it in writing for yourself and the Universe to hear and see. Then go in that direction. I will say that is what I did when I retired the first time and moved to Alberta. I kept saying that I was going to buy my own house in Edmonton close to my daughter and son-in-law and I did just that. So it is possible. Everyday and every chance – get those thoughts out there.

Mr. Alvin is quietly waiting for me downstairs so I am going to say goodbye for this Friday. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Be safe. Dream.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? We are okay here in windy Edmonton or at least it is breezy here in our neighbourhood. We were in bed by 9:30 and I read for a few minutes. I am rereading THE SECRET. At this point, I need some positive reinforcement in my life. Our office is filled with negativity and not by choice. Sometimes when choices are made – how it is reflected by the staff is not joined with the same enthusiasm. This is the case. But I have noticed over last decade that change happens on a regular basis with this employer, almost daily. So after a time, people are just deflated and tired. It always irritates me when we get told about “change is good” and blah blah, well change can be good but sometimes it is difficult to embrace. Anyway, I am going to stop there. I am grateful everyday by all the goodness in my life. I am grateful to be surrounded by loving, supportive family and friends. I may have mentioned that once or twice. I am so over the moon grateful that I had the opportunity to buy and live in this house and hope to continue to be here for many many years to come. Gratitude for the wind, for the snow, for the birds and the bees. Grateful for life, for the good health that I am blessed to have and grateful that Mr. Alvin is my trusty companion through this stage of my life. I am grateful that retirement is just around the corner, that will be the next step in my life. I look forward to that time where I can snuggle with Alvin, it won’t matter if he is up during the night because we can sleep in, walks whenever we choose, I can write more and perhaps get that book done, go through my photos and learn some technical stuff.

I wanted to share this with you. Are you older like me or just not tech savvy. Somedays I feel like life is just changing at a pace that I can not keep up with ….. who knew that watching hours of my beloved “Disney + channel” would result in an extra $55.00 on my cable/internet bill. Well it did. I was shocked when I saw how much my bill was and immediately contacted my provider to find out why. I learned a valuable lesson …… “streaming” …… well I guess streaming has nothing to do with water and more about extra money. Anyway, my provider gave me for six months free “unlimited” something or other, I just forget what it is called at the moment and I want to say this before I have to sign off. Oh, “unlimited data” that is the term. I guess to have unlimited data there is a $20.00 charge or at least with Telus. The young man on the phone explained everything and was very patient and kind. Lesson learned. So I need to get all of these terms figured out and make sure that I know what is going on. I had no idea that watching a day of Disney or many days of Disney would end up costing me $55.00 extra when I had already paid $125.00 for Disney. They find a way to take your money – all of these billion dollar companies. It is sometimes over the top frustrating.

Time to fly. I hope that you have a great day. Keep the positive thoughts coming in. Thoughts become things. That is my mantra once again. I kind of got away from it. It is so true. Keep positive.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. it was raining last night after supper and it is plus 4 or so here in Edmonton this morning. WOW.

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great! Yuppers, I said “GREAT.” Sometimes you forget just how many selfless, wonderful people surround you and you temporarily wander to the dark side, feeling down and thinking “what am I going to do.” We were supposed to have friends over for tea and to discuss the situation with Mr. Alvin. We had to cancel as Alvin had a less than perfect day on Sunday. So we rescheduled for last night. I am over the moon happy to say that my friend from down the street has graciously accepted my request to help out with Mr. Alvin on those days when I need to go to the office. They are such a wonderful family and I am truly blessed and grateful that they are in my life. They are the family belonging to the little girl named Cookie that stayed with us last Christmas for two weeks. I immediately volunteered to look after Cookie anytime they go away. She is full of energy and would be good for Alvin. So with one less thing to be concerned about. I can now concentrate on some other matters. There are always matters but nothing that I cannot handle. Did I say that I am grateful, I will shout it to the heavens in a songful chorus. It is such a relief for me to know that I have someone who can keep an eye on my boy when I am not able.

I was also thinking that you know how “thoughts become things.” It really does work. I always say that I have the most thoughtful, loving and supportive family and friends and neighbours on the planet and I really do. Wherever near or far – they rock! How about trying an experiment about bringing something or someone into your life. You have to be positive, to visualize, to dream of that with a heart full of love and a mind of positive thoughts, and it will happen. I know that it works. The part that is so important is to keep focused on the positive, on the love, and know that it will come forth. Sometimes our minds, our thoughts travel to the gray in between but bring it back to the light. We can do this. Life is wonderful. We just have to keep saying it, thinking it, believing it and acting like it and it will be!

Yesterday we went to go for a walk in the morning but only got a few houses away and Mr. Alvin turned around and headed for home. He is the boss so we came home. I got to enjoy some coffee before work. We sat on the front porch at lunchtime enjoying the fresh air. Alvin happily devoured a little biscuit of his while I checked personal emails. After work we went for a walk and went as far as our friend Pauline’s house. I am happy that tomorrow after work we will be meeting up with Pauline and her grandpup Georgie for a walk and then after supper our friends Ali and Bailey will be coming over. So lots of company, great company and great friends. So happy.

The sun is rising but not up and bright just yet. But it will be.

I am looking forward to trimming the branches on our tree, winterizing and cleaning the outside plants and flowers, bringing the dresser to the house from the garage (for spare room), doing laundry (always), walking and giving Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath and vacuuming. Lots to do but that is okay. I feel energized. Plus I love this time of year.

Well time to head downstairs and put on the coffee to perk. I love that first cup of coffee.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: maybe I will trim my hair …… as I will be giving our tree and Mr. Alvin a trim, lol.

Surrounding yourself with friends……

Mr. Alvin while I work

Alvln’s Birthday party

Friends

Teddy & Kobi

Humphrey & Alvin

Humphrey

Cuteness

Alvin & his BF Teddy

Milo and Aspen

A proper Gentleman

Me and my Alvin

Humphrey & Al

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine FOGGY here in Edmonton morning? Alvin and I are doing well although he may say something different as he is squeaking by the office door. He is getting pretty used to me jumping every time he makes a sound. My fault not his. There has been some thick fog out there this morning although it has dissipated somewhat already. I am feeling more back to my old self this morning. It is not the end of the world if we do not go with this roofing company. Sometimes if we get a “bad feeling” or experience doubt it is better to just walk away. Both myself and my neighbour had those feelings. It was not just the feelings it was the information as well. Anyway, we are on the search for another roofing company and we will find the one that is right for us. Right credentials, right products, right price. We will secure the best company for the job and for us.

Yesterday we had quite a lot of rain in the afternoon. Alvin and I managed to get a beautiful walk in over my lunch break. We even saw some of our friends over the course of our walk and stopped for a little chat. We made it back home with minutes to spare so not late for work. My flowers are doing great with all of this moisture, I think that they grew overnight. The front flower bed is coming to life and the colours are beautiful. Even my snapdragons are all starting to come up or at least I believe it is them. I love flowers, the colours and the scents.

Life is continuing along. Not much new. Just chugging along. Experiencing life as I should. Trying to keep the positive thoughts flowing and remembering that “thoughts do in fact become things.” I know this to be true.

I have recently changed my thoughts to ones of retirement, being mortgage free and new shingles on my roof. Likely would be a great idea to make a vision board to help me in my new vision.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Almost time to head downstairs, get on that pot of coffee and put on some music. I love to start my day with music now that I can.

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. one of my neighbours spotted a pelican in one of our park “ponds” / “lakes.” I did not think we had them here in Alberta but apparently we do. I cannot wait until I see one.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Thankfully the snow has stopped. We did have a little bit yesterday. This morning it is cold. Temperature is minus 14 degrees celsius not including the windchill. As I gaze out of the office window the air almost has the appearance of FOG as the sun begins to rise in the east. Looks like a painting but it is Mother Nature doing her thing. She has a great imagination. I like to think so.

So Monday morning, here we go. It is almost 7:30 as I type this post. Alvin just stretched and sighed / groaned by the office entranceway. He has absolutely no patience these days. I guess I can relate. As I get older my patience level is not great. Although it depends on the situation for sure.

I worked on my Christmas cards on Saturday and yesterday and they are almost finished. I want to get them in the mail as soon as possible. This year the mail may be more unpredictable than past years. No idea. I have the parcel and one card for overseas all ready to be mailed. They will go shortly.

The big storm that we had on Saturday has now gone to our neighbours to the east and my sister reports that not a lot of snow but lots of freezing rain and snow pellets. I think that is worse than lots of snow. Icy sidewalks, streets and roads are dangerous. Keep safe out there everyone. If you can stay home – it is a good idea to do so.

Alvin definitely has to go downstairs so I had better cut this short.

Food for thought. Our thoughts do become things. What have you brought to fruition as of late? Sounds like a lot of food is on my mind but not really.

Happy Monday.

Stay safe and keep in good health.

We will continue to show the world love, respect and kindness.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a snowy Saturday morning.

What happened to the beautiful sunrise?

What happened to the clear blue sky?

What happened to the feeling of spring?

Feels like winter will never end.

That feeling of dread.

Is that because we are all feeling that things will never end?

That our way of life has somewhat changed forever.

It is a possibility.

Some things will never be the same, that is likely.

Perhaps it is ?

You know how your thoughts become things?

Right.

Perhaps we all collectively need to change our “thoughts.”

We can do this.

 

Everyone close your eyes.

Visualize a bright sunny day.

The air is warm.

You are out walking in your sandals or running shoes.

You are wearing a light sweater and comfortable pants maybe even shorts.

The slightest whisper of a breeze lands on your cheeks providing a cooling effect.

You have your sunglasses on because it is nice and bright.

As you become closer to the entrance to the park, the fragrance of wild roses overtakes your senses.

You just have to stop and take in that wonderful aroma as it tingles every part of your nose.

The shade of green that colours the grass makes you feel happy.

As you walk you have this feeling that life is great.

You just want to dance.

You are feeling joyful and safe and filled with gratitude.

Your little dog walks ahead of you at the full length of the leash.

He is loving life as he sniffs about.

Life is perfect.

You are feeling glorious.

This is the perfect day.

 

This is the perfect day.

 

Wishing you the most perfect day.

We can do this.

We have got this.

We can change this ……

We are the world…..

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Time to get dressed, changed bedding, gather the laundry, have breakfast, perhaps do some shovelling (forgot about the driveway during the last snowfall, argh).

There are things to do.

One of the television stations (old school) is playing some of the JAMES BOND movies today.

The ones with Daniel Craig.

At least two of them for sure.

Wishing you a grand day.

Be safe and in good health.

Remember to eat some oranges and broccoli.

Go for a walk if you are able OR do some stretches.

 

I/We are with you,

In kindness and with respect,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  answering the after hour calls last night from 4-7 p.m. went went.  I was answering with a couple of lads from the office and we made a great team.

A friend brought me groceries yesterday.

Life is good.

Forgot story from last night.

Two lads walking down the sidewalk across the street from my house.

Dressed in onesies ….. full length ….. like baby sleepers.

One was leopard print and the other a bright green.

Not sure where they were going or what they were thinking.

It definitely make me smile.

AND

There was a bunny in the yard across the street from us.

Alvin was situated in his chair looking out the window at the bunny.

A German Shepherd and his female pack leader came walking around the corner.

The dog got wind of the bunny.

Hilarity ensued.

The gal was pulled by this huge dog over a snowbank and onto the street.

She was holding on for dear life.

The bunny of course, gone.

Once they were out of site.

The bunny was back.

Bunny came across the street and was eating when my neighbour who feeds the bunnies.

Came out and started to put out some food for them.

The bunny left to the safety of across the street.

As soon as she was gone into her house.

Bunny was back.

Alvin enjoyed the show.

The photos were all taken from behind the blinds.

 

 

Happy Days.

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of January, 2018.

My fingers still from time to time, want to stop on the 7 instead of the 8.

I guess it takes a few thousand times of keying, writing 2018 to get it right.

Oh well.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

So grateful to have these days and to my friend who gave me another ride home last night from work.

It makes about a 40 minute difference in the length of my evening before bed.

I have been able to take Mr. Alvin for a walk and to be able to see where I am walking.

I can see if the sidewalk is icy or not.

More easily to avoid the icy spots.

Thank you “C.”

It is funny the difference between the car and the bus.

 

Last night I was dreaming and I kept waking up.

Finally at 4:00 a.m., I guess Alvin decided it was his turn to get up.

He tried before …..

So we got up and then after he was finished eating, drinking and going outside we hit the sofa for almost 90 minutes.

Which was glorious.

But guess what I fell back into the dream world.

Crazy.

 

The dream(s) were good and I woke up happy.

Maybe I won the lottery.

My friend is picking us up tickets for a few draws starting with the one for tonight.

That would be wonderful.

You never know.

Financial freedom would be awesome.

First always is good health and then financial freedom.

For me.

Well time to get ready for work.

The minutes in the morning always seem to zip by.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

Keep dreaming …. visualize.

I do try but need to do more until I master the art of visualization.

Thoughts become things.

Visualizing just enhances the experience.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. H-Allo

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of January, 2017.

Well here we are one full week into the New Year.

I hope that you are having a good one thus far.

My year I would say has been okay.

Perhaps not fireworks great.

I would say a couple of disappointing things happened but not life threatening so that is okay.

I always try to see life with the glass half full.

There are moments when I would like to scream and then once that is over I just take a deep breathe.

I am reminded sometimes by the news and sometimes by situations occurring about me that my life is pretty darn good.

I am in good health and although I am not “rich” by any means I have enough abundance in my life that I can always find a way to get through.

There is always a way.

Sometimes one would like for things to become more easy, I would like that.

I read about “Thoughts becoming Things” and I believe it, although it is hard to think abundant thoughts when things happen to the contrary.

So on this Saturday life goes on.

A week into the New Year.

Alvin and I are happy.

I am surrounded by good people.

I am surrounded by lots of friends and a good family.

I have my own house and I am OVER the moon thankful for my home.

I have two new cool pair of glasses (yay).

Alvin and I are in good health.

This morning my daughter and one of my grand-pups are coming for a visit and pancakes.

Grand-pup Aspen has a Doctor appointment this morning.

Checking on her eyes.

My children are good parents.

So time to go and have that shower (do not want to be a stinking Grandma!!).

Then get those pancakes made and COFFEE.

Always have to have coffee on the weekends.

Have a great day.

Be safe and warm.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: All those people who are feeling down – take a deep breathe – find something in your life that is good/great and focus on that – it will get better.  If you cannot get out of the dumps – seek help.

Everyone needs help sometime.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Happy Thursday, and Happy Thanksgiving to our Neighbours to the south ….

I want to wish you an exceptionally happy and wonderful day.

WOW, am I really saying Happy Thursday.

Once again, I am dumbfounded as to how quickly the time passes.

I guess it is because I am busy ….. the days seem to zip by.

I always want to make sure that I enjoy every second ….

Or at least TRY…..

How about you?

Even with our hectic schedules …..

We should always try to take a couple of minutes here and there to be relaxed and calm, reflect and make perfect those next moments.

Part of my morning ritual or routine is writing in a gratitude journal.

I have found it is a great way to begin the day ….

Somehow just by recording those thoughts and words, it brings them to life.

Don’t you always find that when you write something down ….. it becomes real.

For me, it does…..

Now sometimes those things manifest in different ways.

Sometimes I do not quite understand, but I do know that by remaining positive and joyful, my life is becoming the things of my dreams.

Does that make sense?

So on this Thursday ….. remember to take a few minutes just for you.

Sit down, lie down ….. walk or whatever is calming for you.  Just be still.

Smile, be happy and think good thoughts.

Think about how you want your life to be.

Use your imagination …

Have a great day.

Special Hello:  To all My AMERICAN friends ….. have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day…..

Good Monday Morning Everyone !

I was reminded by a thought when I was in bed last night of something that happened to me when I was a little girl.

This event changed my life forever.

It made me realize that I can do anything ….

If you have read the book “THE SECRET” ……

Then you have heard or read the term “Thoughts become Things” ….

This is so true.

So funny that I have read the book so many times and have been practicing the positive feelings and outlook.

I have read all of the amazing stories of people who using the Law of Attraction have brought miracles of all description into their lives.

Only I had not remembered yet about my miracle.

I can use my mind and my thoughts to create the life that I want ….

Dream BIG.

I am so blessed and I am so grateful.

So on this Monday …… use your mind to create your day ….. deliberately ….. intend it.

This is the best Monday ever!

 

Special Hello to:  Linda, Mary Lynn, Pat (my coffee buddies from Regina).

 

Always, Carol