The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Yay, it is the weekend. The sky is blue with wisps of night clouds slowly disapating and it is bright and sunny. I am so happy that it is the weekend. My daughter slept over last night and I am so happy to have her here. She brought Alvin’s special ceramic paw prints home from Guardian yesterday with here and she also found me some runners and run around shoes from thrift stores. Always good to buy second hand whenever you can. I do want to buy some good walking shoes for those long walks and those will be new and I will go and try them on and get the best ones for me. We happily devoured leftovers of the dish that my friend Alyaa had dropped off the night before and so good. I have a long list of things to do this weekend, well perhaps not too long but things that will take a bit of time like finishing to move the rest of the approximately 4000 photos from the old computer to the external hard drive and then do my income tax, in between do laundry, drop off cards at the vet clinic for the staff who looked after Alvin for 13 years and some cleaning. The streets and sidewalks across the street which is north of us but facing south are pretty much ice and snow free. On this side facing north is quite another story although I will say getting better. Hopefully the weather will turn and the temperatures will warm up so that that ice melts. It is a huge job in the spring keeping the storm drain clear and ensuring that as the snow melts and runs down.

I love Alvin’s paw prints and was emotional when I opened the beautiful case that they arrived in. There are so many reminders of my beautiful Alvin. He was the best. Missing him. I will always miss him.

Time to head downstairs. I have made my bed, gathered clothing to be laundered and need COFFEE. I woke up at 6:00 but some how just could not get my butt out of bed except to go to the bathroom. Time to get this day started. Happy for Amanda being here and for the sunshine. Happy Saturday.

Have an awesome Saturday. Remember to take some time for you. You are important. Thank you for your time and for reading this post. I appreciate you. Be safe and be well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

P.S. Soon we shall get this photo thing figured out so that I can actually post some new photos. Technology is a wonderful thing and I keep telling myself that every day ……. all day long, lol.

Last Half 2022 – December 24th

Good Morning ALL! Merry Christmas Eve 2022. I am up and have changed bedding, trash cans in bedrooms, giving upstairs bathrooms a quick clean up and writing this post before I head downstairs where I will put on a big pot of coffee. After that I will wash some bedding and get to my final TO DO LIST before the kids and pups arrive about 2:30 p.m. There will be shovelling, baking some mincemeat tarts (lazy way, I purchased a ready made jar of mincemeat and tart shells), some tidying up and that final dust and vacuum and then have a shower and get “dressed up” before they arrive. I cannot wait to see Alvin, Aspen, Milo, Steven and Amanda. Today marks three weeks since I last saw Alvin and I sure miss him. He will be surprised to be home. Will have to fill up water dishes and put some of his wet food into the fridge. Exciting!

COUNTDOWN: We are here! Christmas Eve 2022.

Yesterday we were off at noon. I did a few things around the house and then went to the grocery store. One of my friends and her daughter dropped me off at Save-On-Foods while they went to Dollar Tree and then picked me up when they were done. The parking lot was full and the store was busy but not too bad. Once back home, a bit later, another friend and her Mom popped by for coffee and she picked up the folding chairs that I had borrowed for the Christmas party last weekend. We had a last coffee with some Christmas cookies before the big day! Last night I did a few more things, had supper and then watched a bit of the new Netflix movie: Pinocchio. I was tired so left part way through to watch later and then off to bed.

Merry Christmas 2022

May you be surrounded by the people that you love!

May you have more than enough good food to eat!

May you be in good health!

May your worries be small!

May your house be warm!

May your love be strong!

May your mood be jolly!

May you enjoy the time!

May this Christmas be memorable for all the right reasons!

Merry Christmas to ALL!

Wishing you safe and easy travels wherever you may go.

Merry Christmas 2022.

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Photos from Christmases past.

Christmas 2010 – Alvin’s first Christmas with me, with us. Playing tug with a new toy with Elton.

Christmas 2012 – colourful packages and our tree

Christmas 2014 – Alvin, Elton and Penny ………. toys, toys and more toys.

Christmas 2016 – Aspen and Milo (Mi-Mi) join our family.

*****************************************************

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

From Our House to Yours – Merry Christmas Everyone!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! We had a good sleep. Lights out at 10:00, first time up was 3:00 a.m. (we both had to pee, lol). It was so nice out at that time, the sky was clear and you could see so many stars. Beautiful. We hit the sofa and the next time up was almost 7:30, then up to feed Mr. Alvin. At that time the sky was overcast and dark. We slowly started the “get up” process after that 7:30. I am finding it hard to get up when it is dark and when I do not have to worry about going anywhere, like work. I have a list of chores to do today but the most important thing is to get through to the bank regarding my mortgage renewal. Still hoping that I have the winning lotto ticket from last night. ONE MILLION DOLLARS would be perfect and I would be mortgage free and RETIRED. Oh, I can see it all in my head, in my mind. It would be great. Get up in the morning when we wanted to or at least not have to worry about going anywhere early in the day. I would be here for Mr. Alvin. We could walk whenever. I would have more time to write, to go through and organize my photos on the computer. Perhaps make some jewelry. Just more time for myself. Oh, that would be wonderful. Mortgage FREE, that is a dream of mine. It is probably a dream for most people. Especially these days with the ever increasing costs of utilities, food and mostly everything. Keep dreaming, we have to hold onto HOPE and DREAMS!

This morning when we were laying on the bed, Alvin was dozing and I was looking out of the window, actually not long ago. I watched as the few remaining small red leaves on my neighbours’ tree danced in the breeze. They were doing this little hula dance. Behind that tree and in between the dancing leaves, I could see a gold light as the sunrise lit up the leaves on some very tall trees. I was surprised by the amount of leaves still on those trees. So beautiful. Now there is daylight but the sky is overcast. I have to check to see what the temperature will be for today.

Yesterday, I used my brand new SHARK vacuum and it is amazing. Picked up the dust and hair, was light and easy to handle and most importantly easy to put together and to clean. I love my new vacuum. Best purchase award. Besides vacuuming the floor, I actually put on the attachment and cleaned the blinds or at least if there was dust on them. I still need to wash them but the day got away on me. We went for a walk mid afternoon and walked to our friend Pauline’s. At her back gate, Mr. Alvin started to bark before I could call out as I could see her kitchen window open. She happen to look out and to see us and invited us in for a visit. We had a great chat with a cup of tea. The conversation was at lightning speed as we covered all of our news, questions and the lot. Pauline’s husband was on his way home from a hunting trip up north and some of her family were also coming over for supper. So we did not have much time. We were home at 4:30. The walk was most enjoyable. I only had a sweater on over top of my tee shirt and jeans and was very comfortable. Once home I fed Mr. Alvin, turned on the dryer to finish the load and one last load of laundry. I decided to call the bank and see if I could get the mortgage process started but spent several minutes on hold. I tried a second time and still waited. So I decided that I would call them this morning. So have to get this day going. Already it is after 9:00 a.m. It would be so nice to be more of a morning person and able to get up easier. Oh well.

Fingers crossed when I check my lotto ticket – that I have a large windfall winning ticket. Oh, that would be wonderful. Can you imagine winning the lotto? I sure can.

I hope that you have a great Sunday. One more day remaining in October, where did the time go? I work from home tomorrow which is great with it being Halloween and all. I will be set up when the kids start coming around. I have leftovers for supper as well, so that will be great.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I am so grateful that Alvin and I are in good health. I am grateful that we have a good life. I am grateful for our home, our amazing family and great friends, to have a source of income, to see, to hear, to taste and smell, to touch and to be me. Life is GREAT!

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL. Back to work Tuesday.

We had a great weekend. I accomplished most of the things that were on my TO DO LIST, we went for walks, relaxed, drank coffee, gave the boy a hair trim and a bath but not ready to go to work. I was thinking this morning about going to the office in the winter. What a dreadful thought!

Did you have a big meal for Thanksgiving? Alvin and I had a quiet time together. I baked sweet potatoes & brussel sprouts with onion, stove top stuffing and cranberries with pumpkin pie for dessert and it was yummy.

I could see my breath last night when we were outside before bed. The moon was shining so brightly the Harvest – Hunter’s moon, full as full can be.

I am always amazed by the different trees and how some can still be green and others almost void of leaves. For example: my tree has lost almost all its’ leaves and Sonja’s next door, her tree is still green and has all of its’ leaves. How can that be? Every year it is the same. Lucky for us, I suppose that the trees lose their leaves in stages. That way we can enjoy the colour change longer.

So the patio furniture remains on the deck. Definitely will be putting away this coming weekend and cleaning out the remaining three pots.

I was watching a recorded episode of THE VOICE last night. WOW, there are some great singers this year but whenever I watch I have that same thought. Just when you think they could not possibly find anyone else to top the previous season, they do. The mix of judges is great this year. John, Gwen, Camila and Blake. I like having Gwen and Blake on together and John. Great chemistry. Just getting to know Camila. I do love her voice.

It was difficult to get up this morning. We did do the start getting ready for bed at 9:30 last night but somehow Mr. Alvin was up at 3:00 or so, then I kept hitting the snooze button at 5:45 until we finally got up at 6:30. That is not going to happen tomorrow as after today I am in the office. I guess will have to find that sweet spot for going to bed. Where is it? I was so sure that I had found it but apparently not. Mr. Alvin is only consistent in that he is not consistent when it comes to sleeping. ARGH.

Today is another drawing of $70 million lotto MAX, I would love to win that jackpot. Financial freedom is what most of us long for, hope for, pray for – need. No mortgage and the ability to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, instead of waiting. Today is the day that all my dreams come true or at least start. Not having to go to the office in the winter would be a huge win. Please, let it be me.

Well it looks like the night sky is beginning to lighten and the sun will shine in a bit.

Plug in that coffee pot and enjoy a big mug.

I hope that you have a great Tuesday (almost said Monday, lol).

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Mr. Alvin had loose poop this morning, oh no!

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Both Alvin and I are well. We had a grand day yesterday. I got the laundry done, vacuumed upstairs and the main floor and washed all of the floors, cleaned the bathrooms which would be three, shovelled and chipped away at the ice, visited Humphrey and Bogart three times, walked with Alvin, watered all of my household plants which are upstairs and down, put away the remaining Christmas stuff that was just patiently waiting for me in the family room in the basement, dusted, worked on my budget for February and did cleaning out of my emails. I also made a big pot of quinoa with sauteed carrots, onions, celery, garlic and spices with some roasted spiced chickpeas. It was so yummy. I felt very productive which is great. My TO DO list got a quite a bit smaller. So today can be mainly a fun day. I want to give Mr. Alvin a sponge bath to freshen him up and mainly trim his paws and a couple of spots that grew in “strange,” go for a walk, make pancakes for breakfast with almond butter because I am out of eggs, do some more picking at the ice (have to check the driveway to see if there is snow on it because I think I forgot to do it yesterday), put the towels away that are finishing to dry at this moment, I need to have a shower and whatever other little thing I may have forgotten. Definitely will have time to relax and ponder life and some things.

I forgot to mention that during our walk yesterday we saw Cookie’s Dad, our little friends Zane and Mateo and their sitter Lindsey and our friends with the beautiful yard on the corner. We stopped at the mailbox and heard someone calling our names and it was Cookie and her Dad. Cookie had been barking while we were visiting out front of their house and so her Dad brought her outside to see us.

Feels like a photo morning!

Cookie

Alvin & Kobi

Teddy & Alvin

Ah, Aspen & Milo

So cute Aspen & Milo

Bogart

Alvin

Sir Alvin

Humphrey

Humphrey

More Flowers

Beautiful Lilies

Cuteness

Just because I like this of me!

A proper Gentleman

Nephew & Grandpup Milo

Kobi and Milo

Humphrey

Another gloomy overcast start to the day. Hopefully the sun will shine and the temperatures be warm and melt some of this snow and ice.

I wish you a wonderful Sunday. Looking forward to having a shower, coffee, and pancakes.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Well we had a pretty fair sleep. Went to bed about 9:20 upstairs, up at 2:00 and outside and then to the sofa and then up at 5:45. I could not believe my eyes and was blinking as though it were wrong. Despite the longer sleep, I did find it difficult to get up and get going. So I kept clicking on “SNOOZE” until finally it was after 7:00 and I knew that I had to get the old fanny farkle up off the sofa. Funny thing is I was not really tired, not sick, not achy, just simply wanted to remain on the sofa snuggled next to Alvin. Perhaps it was being toasty warm and comfy, I do not know but anyway here I am and it is after 7:30. I am washed and dressed and writing this post.

The sun is coming up and the southern sky boasts a lower white with hint of orange on the horizon while as you raise your eyes upward it becomes the most glorious blue with wisps of white clouds. So pretty. I am so grateful that we have such beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I do love seeing photos of them from all over the world because they are all amazing and unique. Considering it is the same sky! The trees are more colorful with each passing day.

Yesterday was a good productive day. In fact, the whole weekend was productive. I did not get anything done outside but inside, I rocked. The outside will be there next weekend.

We did not walk yesterday. We should have, I guess, I know. I finally took the hand held steamer that my kids gave me for Mother’s Day and was cleaning sinks and toilets with ease. I was upstairs cleaning when I heard a noise and turned around to see Alvin standing there and then realized when I carried the vacuum upstairs I had not completely blocked to upstairs. ARGH. He had climbed all the way up. I did not see him so have no idea if he struggled or not. He did not appear to be any worse for it but stairs and that many are not on his list. He can do a few and I let him do the ones outside but not in the house. I carried him upstairs to bed last night. I was so happy that he used the padded bench at the foot of our bed to get up and down plus I lifted him down once. Anyway, cannot beat myself up about it. He seemed to be happy as I think he is getting tired of being carried and lifted up and down from things. We both are actually “tired” of the whole thing and I am so grateful that he is doing so well. But in order to keep things going in that direction, I must be 100% diligent. The gate is up and he is downstairs. Not a peep. Sleeping?

This is going to be a strange week. Tomorrow I work the 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. shift (the last one before it is being cut from our schedule, thank goodness), Wednesday I took off as a vacation day as I am having the furnace and vents cleaned, Thursday we are off as it is the National Reconciliation Day and then I work on Friday. Kind of a nice work schedule this week.

I hope that you enjoyed the photos yesterday. Every time I look at my truck painting, I am feeling better about my artistic attempt. I suppose if I painted more often, I would get better. Likely, I suppose.

Well time to head back downstairs. Definitely need coffee this morning. I hope that you are doing great and that you had a productive, fun and relaxing weekend. Ours was wonderful. Even watched a couple of movies along the way. We walked as well.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? We went to bed later and I was doing a “no no” before turning out the lights, I was on Facebook responding to posts from my online Fifth Avenue Jewelry party. Then it was midnight. Next thing I new it Alvin was wanting to go downstairs and when I got downstairs it was 2:30 a.m., argh. So needless to say we have had some choppy sleep or rather I have had some choppy sleep, lol. Oh well. We, I am up now and ploughing through the TO DO LIST which consists of putting away clothes that are drying in the basement, doing a bit more laundry, cleaning bathrooms, washing main floor, vac upstairs, watering plants tonight, walking at some point, oh and I want to make pancakes for breakfast, going through photos on my phone as I was trying to upload/download my photos from phone to computer and it was taking way too long, and whatever else I can squeeze in, also the last Fifth Avenue Jewelry live at 3:00 p.m. Looks like I am going to be busy but that is okay. I am quite certain that the majority of the people on the planet are as busy or busier than I am. All good. Mow the back patch of grass, too. Luckily most of these jobs are quick to do.

Yesterday I power washed the deck, the house, the garage, moved out all of my patio/deck furniture, planting all my flowers in pots and in the front flower bed, did laundry, walked and odds and ends. I am finding that it is not as easy to lift heavy items as it was even last year. Guess that means I should be doing some strength training, lol. Perhaps bench pressing Mr. Alvin. Oh well. The flowers look amazing and I am glad that it is done. I love planting flowers and then admiring them for the summer. Of course, looking after them. Water them etc. I planted a more diverse amount of flowers and plants this year. I went with the approach when buying them of what looked pretty and the ones that I loved. Of course, I bought some old favs but a lot of new ones. I even planted a couple of dahlias, which are so beautiful, I got this cool looking grass and a lavender like plant. Outside went my geraniums and the calla lily. My deck looks beautiful and will just look even before as the time goes by. I can imagine how fresh it will look once I get the fence painted. That is a end of June, beginning of July project as it will likely take me a weekend.

I am disappointed that I cannot share the photos of my backyard/deck with the flowers and all. Hopefully soon.

Time to get this day going and have some coffee before I pass the time that I should be drinking caffeine. LOL.

Have a wonderful day. Take some time for you. We all deserve some quiet time. I keep telling Mr. Alvin that.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. love my new garden hose.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Holy Smoke, it is Saturday, May 2nd, 2020.

The sun is shining and the geese were flying over honking away.

We were up at 5:30 a.m.

Alvin had his breakfast and backyard break.

Then as I just could not stay up at 5:30 we hit the sofa for some extra zzzz’s.

Next thing I know the I look out the window (view from the sofa) to see BRIGHT sunlight coming back at me.

Both Alvin and I got up right away.

I checked out the clock on the microwave and it was 8:09 a.m.

ARGH,  the plan was to get up at 7:00 a.m.

Oh well, I guess that is how much sleep I required.

It seems like around 8:00 is when my body naturally wants to get up these days.

If given the opportunity.

So I have an extra long list today.

How is your Saturday/Sunday list?

Do you like to keep Sundays quiet?

I sure do, if possible.

 

List for Saturday:

Laundry

Hook up the garden hose and wash down the deck.

Clean the bathroom fans (yup, I was going to do that already and did not)

Change the lightbulb in the upstairs hallway (need ladder to do that, that is why I left until the weekend)

Walking of course

Cleaning the bathrooms

Some budget work (check out the TELUS bill as it seemed a bit high even with the movie or two that I rented)

Steam clean the floors

Change bedding

Bring out the deck furniture

Dusting of course

Make energy bites (might need them).

 

I think that may be all.

Some can wait until tomorrow but I think that Teddy may be over for a visit tomorrow.

The outdoor stuff will be done today as it is supposed to be 20 degrees celsius, the warmest day thus far.

Of course, something else may pop up.

I was thinking if I have the time to do some work, work.

I know that I should not but sometimes that extra time can save you from added work week stress/anxiety.

 

Anyway, we had a couple of wonderful walks yesterday.

We saw our friend P on our noon walk.

 

Have you checked our Pluto Living?

Our new Canadian treasure.

Pluto and her Mom are great.

Pluto gives out the perspectives from the four-legged to we, two-leggeds during this time of crisis, this pandemic.

I could listen to Pluto talk all day long.

She has good advice and makes us smile and laugh.

You can find her on Facebook, YouTube and  Instagram.

 

I know during this time when we many of us are away from our regular routines that it has been stressful.

But at the same time it has been amazing.

For me, I no longer have a commute to work.

I am home with Alvin and this extra time with him has been a godsend.

I can “leave work” at my regular time off and we on our way walking within a few minutes.

Depends if Alvin gets under the kitchen table before I can get his harness on.

That is a whole other story.

Work has been up and down for me.

I feel that I really should not complain.

I have my job, I am safe at home with Alvin.

I have friends and family who bring me food and necessities.

 

For singles working from home with no smaller humans to distract them, it is quiet.

Those single moms and dads with small children who can no longer go to daycare.

Those single moms and dads with school age children, now having to teach them and work from the same space.

To those moms and dads who are both working from home and teaching their children.

Or those where one spouse is working from home and the other is not, financial stress is a real big deal.

Add to that possibly teaching children.

Even going to the grocery store is not a pleasant experience.

 

For all those folks who remain working whether you are “frontline” or deemed to be an essential services who now have children at home.

How do you look after them, teach them?

Coming home after an extra long shift?

So tired.

Dealing with the fear of the virus.

Dealing with being away from their families in some cases.

 

On the other side.

For those families at home together.

More breakfasts, lunches and dinners together.

There have been more board games together.

More movies watched.

More popcorn popped.

That time together is precious.

 

There are so many variations of circumstances to who/what is affected by this pandemic.

I hope that you and your family are safe.

I am grateful to those who must work outside their home.

Be safe and we appreciate what you do.

 

We will get through this someday and get to the other side.

What that other side may look like, who knows.

Life may change somewhat but that is not a bad thing.

Embrace change that is what I am always told.

Change = Growth?

 

Wishing you all a great Saturday.

I guess my list is not going away anytime soon.

Get out of these p.j.’s and finish changing our bedding.

Sign off from this post.

Get the first load of laundry on.

I will say that having the choice completely as to what to wear when working has been wonderful.

Unfortunately wearing anything that buttons up, well I will need to start trying on some things.

To see how much damage has been done.

We are walking twice a day but ….

Okay am I stalling?

Nope.

 

With kindness and a deep respect for all …

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin (who is napping on his little bed beside me, cute).

 

P.S. need to get that coffee perking, SOON.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of October, 2018.

Today is my carpool’s Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Miss C …. me and Alvin want to wish you a very Happy Birthday.

 

We had a busy one last night.

Alvin and I went for a walk with our friend P and her grand-pup Georgie.

The temperature was perfect for walking and the company grand.

Our conversation is all varied.

It was just over 45 minutes which was good.

Alvin’s best bud Teddy came to spend the night and today with him.

Another friend came and fixed the plunger in my master bathroom sink and is going to also fix one of my kitchen chairs that has a wobbly leg.

It was in and out all night long.

What a great night.

We had exercise, good company and a couple of things from the TO DO LIST were completed.

Does not get better than that.

I am so utterly grateful for my home life most especially.

Master Teddy just asked to come up onto my lap so I guess this will be a short post.

I have the best friends and family that a person could ever ever ask for and they virtually just came to me.

I often wonder what I did to deserve such fantastic people in my life.

Whatever it was …. I am just grateful for them all.

Little Teddy just turned and looked at me with those big brown eyes.

He is more of a lap sized puppy than Mr. Alvin.

He is now watching me key.

 

Sometimes if you overthink things it can be too much.

I simply think I am very blessed.

I can leave the house today knowing that Mr. Alvin has his BFF keeping him company.

I can leave the house knowing that I have these little ones to come home to ….

I can leave the house each day knowing that my home life is the best.

 

Keep it simple they say.

It is true.

 

Well on that note, I have to hit the road as it were.

I wish each and every one of you the best day ever.

Remember, Keep it Simple..

 

Special Hello to: all of my dear family and friends, you guys are the best.

Always, Carol & Alvin & Master Teddy

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 2nd day of September, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly this morning with no sign of rain clouds.

Yesterday even before I wrote up my TO DO LIST, I decided that I was going to trim the tree out front.

I grabbed the tree trimmer apparatus from the garage and before you know it there was a pile of branches on the ground surrounding the tree.

At one point I could not hold the tree trimmer securely and cut the branch, thankfully it was about the time my neighbours arrived home.

I was standing there trying to figure out how to get that upper branch that was hanging over the eavestrough when we started a conversation.

The young man helped me trim the branch as he was taller and that was what was needed.

Although later I found out that there may have been a telescope on it to reach higher (oh well).

Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the process which would have been a good idea.

Especially when you are writing a blog and post the stories.

I will leave it to your imagination.

Further with this story.

I also realized with my light coloured jacket on that as the berries hit my jacket or whenever I picked up a branch I have little purple dots all over my jacket.

Oh well, another note to self moment.

They loaned me their trimmer so that I could cut the branches into smaller pieces to pack into garbage bags.

It was the most slick garden tool ever.

So sharp and easy to use with its’ arm length handles.

They asked if they could borrow my (actually belongs to my kids) tree trimmer and I said “yes, of course.”

While trying to cut the first branch it BROKE.

I think it may have been as young man was holding the pole and his wife was pulling on the cord but on an angle.

Anyway after some discussion, I lost out and my neighbour (young woman) said that they would pay to replace it.

I told her it was expensive, she said it did not matter, they broke it.

She knew I sold tea and asked if I wanted to give them something, some tea would be nice.

I said DEAL.

She went in and checked on HOME DEPOT’s website and ordered the tree branch trimmer.

Very nice and so generous to offer and to do.

It was nice to actually have a conversation with them.

They are busy with their lives and we usually come and go at different times.

A little bit later they picked up the tree trimmer and brought it home.

They tried it out first and it works so slick and even comes with a saw attachment.

Worked out.

It took me some time to cut the branches down and then pack them into garbage bags as there were a great many branches.

I did not realize that I was stepping and squishing the dark berries into the ground and subsequently into the soles of my shoes.

I realized this when I went into the house to grab the garbage bags.

Thankfully no marks on my floor – just on my wooden front steps.

But the steps look decorative with berry stained shoe marks.

That is okay ….. add a little colour to the front steps.

NOTE to self: check feet and always take your shoes off before going into the house.

Usually I do but I guess I was so zoned and in the moment ….

Big job done and before I even wrote it down.

After the tree job was completed and I had, had a sit down coffee break, we went for a nice walk.

Turned out to be beautiful day.

The photos below of the sunflowers and my flowers are from this past Thursday evening AND the clouds were from yesterday morning.

I cannot believe how pretty they still are ….. will have to take a photo of my trimmed up tree, she looks great …..

 

The clouds looked extra cool but somehow the photo just does not capture that ….

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Change your inner voices from:

You cannot do to You can do

You cannot have to You can have

You cannot be to You can be.

 

Might be a good idea to change how you say things to your children and to others.

 

Well time to have a shower.

My daughter is coming over and we are going to IKEA.

She needs a book case and they have the best ones.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

You can do, have and be whatever you wish.

 

I can continue to grow and be a better person each and every day of my life.

I can continue to have a great home, family, and friends.

I can continue to do all that I need to do to be healthy and live a happy life.

 

Special Hello to: You, my friend.  Keep up the great work.  Have a happy day.

Always, Carol & Alvin.