2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this fine sunny Monday morning? I am so lucky that today is a “day off” as the Province of Alberta celebrates “Alberta Family Day” Considered to be a stat holiday. My plans for this day are to gather my Steeped Tea and NORWEX paperwork for Income Tax. That time will come up soon enough and this time around I would like to be prepared. Also have to tally electricity charges, heat, internet and so on, those deductions that may be used in time tax when you are in business for yourself. I claim my commissions obviously as income. This is all in addition to my regular job. Anyway, that is the plan for this afternoon. Hopefully the temperature has warmed up enough that we can also go for a walk this afternoon. Yesterday I thought felt warmer was actually minus 28 celsius with the windchill. I guess it was warmer when compared to minus 45 or so with the windchill. Yesterday we had a great visit with my daughter. She stopped by the store and picked up a few items for us. I went out to the garage when she arrived, as this was the first time my daughter was driving the new car, well she backed the new car into the garage. It is huge compared to their other car, the KIA Soul. The back up camera got her parked within I would say three inches from my bistro table which is made of steel and river rock. That would have caused a serious dent. I am going to move that table so there is more room, I had not thought the car was that big but it is. Alvin was happy to see his sister. I helped carry the groceries into the house. When she came into the house after me, hand in hand with the most beautiful plant with pink flowers in a cute pink pot adorned with a pink heart, so pretty and a bag which she handed to me right away which I found to contain a box of one of my favourite treats from Dairy Queen – dilly bars. My other fav is the buster bars with nuts. I love the two and they are truly a treat for me. After the groceries were quickly put away, I made her a cup of coffee and began to dish the food. I made these egg treats which I am calling EGG MUFFINS ….. they are finely chopped veg (I used broccoli, red pepper, yellow onion and parmesan cheese) in the bottom of a muffin tin and then pour whisked egg over top. Easy peasy. So good. I also put in some spice and pepper but found that I could have added more spice for sure. We had sourdough bread toast with the egg muffins. The other thing to know is that I sprayed the muffin tin with a vegetable spray to help the muffins not stick. They did stick a bit but not too bad. We enjoyed our late breakfast/brunch/lunch together. Mr. Alvin was feeling left out and wanted what we were having of course. Afterward we enjoyed a couple of the “no bake energy bites” that I had chilling in the fridge and some coffee on the sofa. Our visits are always great and never long enough. But there is never enough time with my girl. When she went to leave a few hours later, she had asked if I wanted to drive the new car. I said YES. So I started the new car and drove it round from the garage down the back lane and onto the street that goes by the house and parked in front of the house. I must say it is a pretty sweet ride. I am so happy for them. It is a nice vehicle. Once we said our goodbyes, I went to the house and waved as she pulled away. Back in the house, Mr. Alvin had been watching from the window. I wanted him to see the car on the street so that he will know it is his sister next time she drives by. He knew the other car by sight. We received a text from Teddy & Kobi’s Mom that they had a Valentine’s treat for us and was wondering if they could pop by. Who can turn down treats, not me and Alvin. I always love when the pups come to the house ….. Teddy’s Mom puts him down and he runs like there is no tomorrow to the house. I of course, was ready with the door open and in he ran. Kobi’s Mom put her down closer to the house and in she ran. They jumped up and down so happy to see us. Their Mom came in mask covered to give us our gift which was chocolate for me and a bag of chew treats for the boy, and for a short visit. We always social distance. I feel so blessed that I had some company. Otherwise 24/7 it is only me and Alvin. Not complaining. Not complaining.

Well it is time to head on downstairs. I could not get my keister up from the sofa this morning so it was about 8:30 when we got up for the final time …. I will say that it was Alvin that got me up. He nudged me to say …. time Momma to get up. I am glad that he did. With a bright blue sky and sun shining …. it is going to be a great day.

I am grateful for all of our many blessings.

Continuing to live this day as all others with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it is Sunday already, how did that happen?

Alvin is barking at the doorway to the office so I guess he needs to go downstairs so I will return.

Okay we are back.

While I was down there I decided to quickly put on the coffee.

We are up a bit later than usual.

As usual though we were up at 4:40 a.m.

The boy had his glucosamine  chew and his breakfast.

A bit later we were on the sofa and then up at 6:45 and then I decided we would lay down on our bed.

Cannot remember the last time.

So we were not up until 8:30 a.m.

The sky is overcast and it is a tad on the cool side but definitely not COLD.

My neighbour said hello from inside her house as I went outside with Mr. Alvin.

While I was outside I decided to put the cushions from the patio set back into the garage.

Even though they can get wet and they will dry out – I just think it keeps the integrity of the material lasting longer.

 

Well we have had a great weekend thus far.

My friend Pauline with the great garden brought me an early birthday present.

A pot filled with a variety of flowers including my beloved pansies.

Oh, how I love them, so.

She always gave me another plant.

I do not remember the name and I have transplanted it.

Our deck is filling up with flowers.

I am most grateful.

We had a nice little visit.

I did as you likely would have guessed taken a mitful of photos but again technical difficulties.

I must go through my photos on the phone and delete the multiples and check things out.

I know my computer is getting older and I have so many photos.

Hopefully it will hang in for a few more years.

 

Yesterday Humphrey and Teddy visited.

Their visits overlapping.

Friends also dropped off some groceries from Costco and we had a quick chat out front.

During their time here I did laundry and made a potato salad.

For the first time in my 62+ years I made mayonnaise from scratch.

It actually turned out not too bad.

Did not look the same as the video photo but then I subbed a few things.

When we walked Teddy back home I mentioned to his Mom about the mayonnaise and she gave me some helpful hints for the next time.

I will say it was very easy.

I am going to make up a list of all the things that I have not cooked/baked in my life and go for it.

To be honest I cook and bake simple things.

Not the fancy seven layer cakes or the fancy puddings and such.

I don’t know a lot of different techniques but I am going to learn some.

Never too late.

I have been cooking/baking since the age of 6 so perhaps it is time.

Step up my game so to speak.

Cannot hurt.

Except for perhaps the midsection and that I am working on …..

 

So we had a great day.

We had a short visit when we dropped Teddy home.

There was way more sunshine yesterday than forecasted.

Today I am not so sure although there just seemed to be a splash of sunlight coming through the clouds.

 

Wishing you an awesome Sunday.

I need some coffee.

Time for coffee and toast and some fresh berries.

I want to check out some episodes of “Escape to the Country” ….. I love it.

Only older shows but still interesting.

I love the English countryside.

Occasionally someone moves to the Scotland or Wales.

 

Living with much kindness and respect for life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Friday Morning.

One step closer to Saturday.

 

Do you have a favourite day of the week?

I would say that mine is Saturday.

We can sleep in a bit if we choose.

Breakfast is always toast and that is my weekend treat.

Sometimes with Cheez Whiz.

I know that it is not really a healthy choice but I love the taste.

Most times it is peanut butter and saskatoon jam.

Sometimes just peanut butter.

Other times it may be cinnamon and sugar (brown sugar).

I can listen to music or the television as I run (okay walk) up and down the stairs doing laundry and cleaning.

Even though I could be more busy than work sometimes – it is wonderful to be busy at home.

In my very own house.

I love my house.

Did I mention that before to you?

Nothing fancy but yet it is to me.

The phone just rang downstairs so I made a mad dash down to see an unknown area code.

I answered but nothing.

Yikes.

That will get your heart pumping.

Back to the weekend, to Saturday.

Usually if Alvin has an appointment with the vet it is made for Saturday.

Otherwise the day is spent mostly at home.

Sometimes there is baking.

Other times I may have a coffee date with two of my friends in the neighbour.

Sometimes I sip on my coffee and just look out the living room for a bit of time.

Taking in my neighbourhood.

Sometimes I look out of the office or kitchen windows.

Taking in my neighbourhood.

We can stay up later although we seldom stay up very late.

 

Tomorrow my daughter, son-in-law and pups are coming for a visit after lunch as their pups have vet appointments with our Dr. Karen.

We started to go to see Dr. Karen as my first grand pups were clients of hers.

It will be wonderful to have a visit with them.

Also we are looking after Mr. Humphrey for the weekend.

He will be with us during the day and go home for the night.

I will have to ensure that he is home during the pups visit.

Aspen and cats do not mix.

Well almost time to leave for work.

One more trip outside.

 

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

A reminder to me and to you, be kind and respectful.

Some days when folks are yelling and mean-spirited it is difficult.

But we don’t know their stories.

I am saying this for me not necessarily for you.

I have to be reminded as well.

I am human and sometimes I falter.

Perfection is in the learning every day.

 

Happy Friday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

PS: we did manage to get a pretty good walk in and surprise we walked on the other side of the street.  I wanted to check out the path that I will take to the bus this morning.

Luckily it is pretty clear.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of March, 2019.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Everyone.

I love my “green” roots, er I mean heritage.

Someone might think I dyed my hair, which could have been a possibility.

The sun is slow to rise this morning but gradually the sky is clearing.

Happy Birthday to all of our friends who celebrate a birthday today.

TW, DH, BW and AD.

What a great day to have a birthday …. St. Patrick’s Day.

Today we are celebrating my daughter and Alvin’s sister’s birthday.

We are a few days late but sometimes schedules clash.

Excited to be celebrating her birthday today on St. Patrick’s Day.

I am making a fruit pizza for the party so will be getting that going in a little bit.

 

Have to relay some Alvin and Friends stories from yesterday.

Yesterday was a busy day with Alvin’s regular vet appointment, grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning around the house.

I just happened to be outside trying to chip away at some ice later in the afternoon (as had just spent two hours cleaning out my INBOX on email, argh) when I spotted Alvin’s girl friend Abi.

Abi was with her Aunt “A” and they were coming down the sidewalk out for a walk.

We chatted for a minute and then Alvin saw them from inside the house.

I asked if they would like to come in for a minute to say hi.

After a quick visit, I decided that we should just suck it up and go for a walk.

We found that walking on the other side of the street from our house; well it was not too bad.

A bit wet but very little ice.

We ended up going for a really long walk.

The first one of this length all winter.

It was great.

Alvin was so happy to see his girl friend.

Must be an age thing as he was less “engaging” as he used to be in his young.

At the vet they said he is like a 60 year old based on his years and the chart ???

Anyway they walked side by side.

Comfortable.

Just arrived home and received a call to see if it was okay for Humphrey to come now (5:15 p.m.).

Absolutely.

I took some cute photos of the boys (this time was more prepared to get those shots that don’t always come around).

Who knew ….

 

I was not quite fast enough to get Humphrey drinking out of Alvin’s water bowl.

The boys resting on the sofa.

 

Alvin, thinking well I guess he’s laying on my sofa.

Every visit they become more comfortable with each other.

Yesterday Humphrey walked up to Alvin and just lightly touched his face.

Alvin was a bit nervous but it all worked out.

All under the careful watch of the MOMMA.

Can you believe how close they were laying to each other.

Best Saturday night company ever.

Oh these boys.

Alvin and Friends.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have toast and coffee to make and drink and a FRUIT PIZZA to make.

Whoops, I had better get out of these pj’s.

 

Have an awesome St. Patrick’s Day.

Special Hello to: anyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin