Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Well we are one week into the second half of this NEW YEAR.

It certainly has been a roller coaster kind of ride thus far.

Who would have thought on New Year’s Eve when everyone is thinking about the New Year – that we would have a worldwide Pandemic?

Not me that is for sure.

This year has been stressful, caused anxiety I would say for most people on the planet.

Of course, certainly some more than others.

 

Children were disrupted in their school  year.

Likely the middle school aged children were the happiness to be away from school.

The little ones and the ones graduating not so much.

Although I believe that most schools did offer some online schooling which was great.

 

Parents losing their jobs or working from home adding to the household stress.

Children and their parents home together, 24 / 7 for months.

Not something we see everyday.

 

Then there are single folks and folks without children.

Some working and others not.

Whether you have a house full or not, we have all given our heads a shake in disbelief as the days pass.

By now most of us that are working from home have settled in, I have for sure.

Alvin loves having me at home and I really enjoy being here with him.

We have somewhat of a routine although I find that I am changing things up a bit here and there.

Which is likely a good thing.

 

Parents with school age children are likely happy that it is summer vacation.

Now they just have to worry about keeping them entertained for the summer months.

Although that is a word when used in this context, I am not fond of.

Children should be learning to do things on their own to some degree.

Bringing forth that imagination and such.

But this is a topic for another day.

Reading …. they should definitely be reading more.

 

This pandemic has given the human race much to ponder and consider.

I believe that we have learned so much and have even more to learn for the future.

The nature world has certainly enjoyed the respite from us pain in the butt, human beings.

 

On this Tuesday, we should pause and be think about things that we can do to make life for all.

Picking up trash.

Keeping your yard and neighbourhood clean.

Planting trees.

Being kind and respectful to yourself, to others and to nature and the environment.

 

Well time to head out on the long tiring commute to my workstation.

It is oh so far …….. away …… so far …… at least six inches ….. oh my!!

 

Enjoying my days and nights with me Alvin.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. thought there was a storm a brewing last night so I carefully placed most of  my potted plants into the garage.

What – no storm!

Oh well, better to be safe than sorry.

AND

I somehow managed to break off the arm on my glasses while doing yoga after work yesterday.

HOW?

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Mainly sun filled skies for this Wednesday morning.

Breezy.

Alvin my trusted companion once again on his blue blanket.

Keeping me company.

I guess he is my muse!!

 

How many of you out there are over 50?

How many of you have a spouse?

How many are single?

How many of you out there are on your own and over 50?

How many of you out there are over 50 and retired?

How many of you out there are over 50 and working full-time?

 

As many as I know that are over 50, likely more so are over 55 and retired – there are as many still working.

There are a dozen reasons for both.

The main reason is MONEY.

Isn’t that always the way.

I guess health could play a large role as well.

 

I was just thinking of all the folks that I know that are retired and of all of us that are working.

Sometimes working is a means to an end.

If you want to have a house, pay your bills and have food on the table.

Then working is what you have to do.

 

Kind of a heavy topic for this time of morning.

But as I am in this moment.

That is what I was/am thinking about.

 

I do like working but then again I would love to be at home with Alvin.

What can you do?

Write a book?

Working on it.

Yes, I am.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Where does the time go?

Time is a fleeting thing ….. oh my.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Sunday, July 9, 2017 and it is the 32rd day until my 60th Birthday.

One day away from one month until the big BIRTHDAY.

Less than that until my sister arrives for a ten day visit.

Cannot believe she is staying with us for ten days.

We are so excited.

This birthday will be extra special with my sister and my baby brother here.

It would have been nice if our other brother would have been here but he will be on vacation to British Columbia, I totally understand.

 

So has there been a topic that I have not covered in the almost thirty days that I have been writing this post?

Mm, not sure about that.

 

I will say that no matter what happens in your life – it is imperative that you follow your heart – make your dreams come true.

It is so important when you are no longer twenty something or even forty something.

Time flies and make use of the present.

It is hard, I know.

There will always be something that will come up and will interfere or interpret those dreams but keep certain in them.

Three things that I would say that I always wanted to do:

1.  Have four Children and be a Mother
2.  Be a Nurse
3.  Be a published Writer

 

I have one beautiful daughter and I am a Mother.

My whole life I have helped people in situations that needed some type of assistance.

I now write this BLOG and am working on putting together all my ideas for a book.

 

So you see sometimes things do not work out exactly how you planned but they worked out as they should in the end.

Somedays I may be a bit stressed over finances or my job but at the end of the day it all works out.

I am where I should be.

I am where I want to be.

 

Happy Me……..

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of February, 2016.

Today is my eldest nephew’s 39th Birthday.

Happy Happy Birthday “T”

Alvin and I miss you, and if you are ever out this way please stop by.

 

I was considering what topic(s) I would write on/about this morning and decided to take a peek back to the past.

Not too far back but a few years.

The blog below is from this day, February 9th, 2011.

It is funny that I am on the same page this morning as I was on that one.

Grateful to have my dryer fixed.

Grateful to have wonderful friends who will help me when I need it.

Grateful for these warm temperatures.

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

February 9, 2011:

What are you thinking this very moment?

I am thinking that I am very grateful.

Grateful that I have a coffee date with a neighbour and friend this afternoon.

Grateful that the temperatures warmed up so that Alvin and I could take a nice walk.

Grateful for my family and friends.

Grateful to live this amazing life.

What are you grateful for?

Make a list each and every day …… doesn’t have to be long ….

You can do it on paper.

You can think aloud or to yourself when you get up in the morning before your feet the floor or at night before you go to sleep.

However you do it,  just do it ….. gratitude goes a long way……..

Happy Day Everyone.

Always, Carol

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

Gratitude does not change over time it just makes one realize how important it really is.

So on this Tuesday ….. make gratitude part of your day.

I started a gratitude journal that I write in each and every morning before breakfast.

I am grateful for each of you and the time you take to read these words.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: all the Birthday Boy ….. have a great day Buddy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 26th day of September, 2015.

Well it started out being overcast and now at this point it is bright and sunny.

There are still a few clouds but it is sunny ….. doing the happy dance.

I am excited as today is my third Steeped Tea Party, second one on my own.

My friend “D” is hosting and it is going to be fun.

We are doing LATTES.

Only my second time making them so should be interesting and FUN.

My neighbour “S” just popped by and had a cup of coffee with me.

We had a nice visit discussing several topics.

Lots going on in our world as of late.

Alvin was so happy to see her.

Today is my son-in-law’s birthday, Happy Birthday “S” ….. me and Alvin wish you a great day and look forward to seeing you tomorrow for supper and cake.  Alvin has a present for you.

Today is also another birthday ….. another friend’s Mom has a birthday today …. she will be at the Tea parTEA.

So almost time to go and have a shower and get ready for the parTEA.

Make sure that I have everything ready to go.

I wish you all a great Saturday.

Remember to take time for yourself…..a few quiet moments to reflect and recharge.

Special Hello to: the Birthday folks …. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

ALWAYS, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 7th day of June, 2015.

WOW, another glorious morning and I feel like shouting it from the rooftop.

YAY …..

I have had a great weekend.

The only thing missing was seeing my daughter and her family.

Yesterday by the time the birthday party started at 10:00 a.m. …..

The flowers front and back were all watered, quickly mowed the back lawn, vacuumed and washed the main floor, dusted and prepared for the party.

The birthday party was a huge success …. the birthday girl enjoyed her gifts and red velvet cupcakes stacked high with my “not to secret” icing and LAUGHTER and CHAT.  We three girls can run the field with every topic under the sun.

It was the perfect party.

After the party …. I mowed and raked the front lawn before it got to hot and finished off the back lawn.  LAUNDRY …. there is always that to do……

By about 3:00,  I decided to call it quits other than finishing the laundry ….. RELAXING TIME.

We curled up on the sofa and just watched a movie.

After supper ….. returned a phone call and then we went for a walk.

I was going to bake cookies to take to Bath & Body Works today but I was pooped …. so bedtime it was.

Well it is just after 9:00 a.m. …… the cookie dough is all made up now and ready for me to scoop it into the oven to bake.

I wanted to take a treat to my friends at the store ….

It has been way too long …. I haven’t been back since my last shift on April 4th.

Somehow the time just has simply got away on me.

I guess after 4 years of working two jobs and for a good portion of it 6-7 days per week …. I had to RELAX and get some things done at home…..

Although it does seem strange that I used to manage to get everything that needed to be done at home and worked two jobs.  Somehow we find the time and strength to do it all.

I will say that I love being home with Mr. Alvin in the evenings and weekends.

Well time to go and get those cookies baked so I can catch the bus to the mall.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: all my friends on the planet …. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 7th day of January, 2014.

Today my thoughts revel around “FRIENDS” ….

I have a line from an old song whirling around my head “YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FRIENDS” ……

I would say from my experience that friends are as important to one’s life as family.

My friends have always played an important role in my life.

Some of my best memories from childhood are from times spent with my best friend.

She was my saving grace.

Over the years we have not lived close to each other but that has not withered our friendship.

We are joined by the heart and she always has mine.

Good friends are so wonderful.

I really would like to explore this topic further ….. tomorrow.

Have a great day.

I spoke to one of my dearest friends last night as it was her birthday.

We had such a great telephone conversation ….. yes, a land line, no less.

FRIENDS …..

Call a friend today and say thank you for being my “friend” …..

Special Hello to: “D” my longest friend ….. I love you.

Always, Carol and Alvin