It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone!

The sky is a patchwork quilt of deep blue and light blue clouds.

It is windy and cool.

Not a great morning to start the repairs on my fence but it is nonetheless the start day.

It has been delayed due to personal matters on the repairman’s side and then time delay this morning as I have a 9:00 a.m. morning.

The start time was to have been 9:00 a.m. but I didn’t think that would work out if I am in a meeting as I have to open the garage door etc.

Anyway with much luck from Mother Nature the work will begin today and hopefully end early tomorrow.

Not a huge job but big enough for sure.

 

Good news on the Alvin front.

Finally the closest to a normal poop that my boy has had since May 13th, 2020.

I will be so glad to get back to our new norm.

That seems to be an ever changing thing these days.

 

I am hopefully that we will get news on the return date to work.

Deep well not that deep in my heart, I am hoping that we will stay home until the end of August, 2020.

There are many people with children and with the schools closed and daycares closed, who looks after the children.

Not everyone has a parent or family members that is able to do this.

Hopefully we then have some more nice weather.

 

Every morning or most mornings Alvin stands by the fence that separates us from Humphrey and his Mom.

He loves his friend, Humphrey the cat.

They usually have a little visit by the fence everyday.

I guess we can all learn a lesson from animals.

Traditionally cats and dogs do not really get along but look at these guys.

They love being together.

Both are excited to see each other.

I can always tell when it has been a few days.

If we have a rainy spell and no one is really outside ….. man, are they happy to see each other.

When Humphrey visits, they both line up at the pantry door wanting a treat.

Everyone that comes to visit knows where the treats are located.

Man and Beast alike.

Too strong of words.

Okay, my daughter, grandpups, Alvin, Humphrey and Teddy to name a few.

That sounds much better.

 

Hey, if you have not heard of “PLUTO LIVING” – please go and check out YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Pluto is the cutest little dog and with help from Mom, well they are the best team to come out of Canada or anywhere in decades.

Great at giving us the news, telling funny stories, giving advice, poetry and so much more.

But most of all bringing us great joy through laughter in these uncertain and sometimes scary times.

Please seek them out you will not be sorry.

Take the time, please.

 

Well it is now time to get to work.

I have such a long, long, long commute.

I think it might be two regular steps, no maybe less from my personal computer and space to my work computer and space.

ARGH, so tough, I know.

No complaints, really.

Alvin is resting comfortably on his little bed that I made with some fluffy towels and two nice blue warm blankets.

Oh, I see the sun shining now that is a great sign.

Still pretty windy and hopefully that does not bring in any storms or hamper the work for today.

 

I wish you a day filled with love and laughter.

I wish you an easy Wednesday.

Perhaps time for a walk.

Enjoy.

 

I will continue to live my life with kindness and respect.

As I am human sometimes I have moments where I may be less than perfect.

But I will always try by best to be a good soul with a warm heart living with kindness and respect to myself and most of all to others.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

I need a haircut as my hair looks nothing like this photo.

I do like this photo of me and I am not a huge fan of photos of me.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Happy Easter Sunday.

The sky is overcast and it is snowing.

We enjoyed a later walk yesterday after my daughter popped in with groceries and for a short visit.

I miss seeing her on a regular basis.

I guess I am not alone in that regard.

Also enjoyed video chat online with three girl friends yesterday morning.

Next best thing to physically seeing everyone.

Most of laundry was completed.

Floors washed and some cleaning accomplished.

Today will be tax day and finish the laundry and some odds and ends.

Thank you to one of my friends and her daughter who stopped by with an Easter gift and card.

A lovely chocolate bar and the winning lotto max ticket for next Tuesday.

I already  know what I am going to be doing with the $70 million dollars.

I do.

 

Early evening I set up a little Easter arrangement.

Snapped some photos.

 

Happy Easter to you all.

May you and your family be safe and healthy.

This is a different time for most of the world.

We will endure.

Happy Easter.

 

Played around a bit …. sorry for the almost duplicates.

Learning about my phone/camera even now.

 

WIth kindness and respect

I/We Remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 4th day of March, 2019.

Well here we are – Monday morning.

Alvin and I had a great weekend.

We had company, did some housework and laundry and relaxed.

I had coffee with two of my girl friends yesterday morning.

Love these gals – we always have a great time – laughing and chatting.

A great mix of work and play.

 

We went for a walk yesterday afternoon as I felt it had warmed up.

Alvin started to lift his paws only a few houses away from home.

So we turned around and headed back home.

He enjoyed going in and out to the back yard.

There is a patch of the deck that is snow/ice free near the house that always gets the warm sun, so he likes to sit or lie there, and ponder life.

Or at least that is what I choose to believe that he is thinking.

Or perhaps he is thinking oh this is nice and quiet.

Or perhaps he is thinking where is my girlfriend OR I would like a treat.

He loves to dig in the snow.

Yesterday he was at the top section of the deck near the garage by the railing digging away.

Not sure what he was looking for but he was really getting into it.

Finally he pulled his head out of the snow and cautiously went down the steps from the top part of the deck.

When I say cautiously I mean super cautious.

He goes back and forth for a minute or more before he jumps down.

Sometimes he goes down each of the three steps or he just jumps to the bottom.

I worry about him as he is getting older.

Then he came to the steps on the side of the deck that lead down to the “green area” which is partially shovelled and the other part is a big snowbank.

He has made a path in the snow and very carefully he went up.

They know when it is safe or not.

I could tell.

He went so far and turned around and came back down.

Not reaching the area that was by the railing from this side.

Alvin has so many chew treats buried in the snow and just laying about on the deck in the back of our house.

I love watching him.

Oh, my Alvin, how you make me smile and warm my heart.

Cuteness by the 10th power and more.

 

The boy, Mr. Alvin is laying on his blue blanket waiting for me to finish.

He loves his routine and I try to keep it as close to the same as I am able.

I guess I am a pretty regular routine kind of gal, so we are a perfect match.

There was a reason he picked me on that COLD January night in 2010.

I am so grateful.

 

Well here we go again, time to leave for work.

Almost time.

I hear that spring is on it’s way and is getting close.

We are happy for that news.

WALKS and WALKS ahead of us.

 

Have the best Monday ever.

Smile to yourself and to everyone you meet.

Something as simple as a smile can bring joy and relief.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, back VEGAS.  Welcome Home and Happy Monday, sister.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 14th day of May, 2018.

Another gorgeous warm (hot) day on the way.

Alvin and I had a wonderful weekend.

We accomplished most of our items on the TO DO LIST.

Okay, perhaps it was “I” accomplished most of the items on the TO DO LIST.

But Alvin gives me great support as he is with me every step of the way.

With the exception of the trash pick up yesterday morning.

I was pleasantly surprised to fill only 1/2 of a bag and my arm was grateful.

I would love to have him along but cannot seem to figure out how to hold a leash, a large garbage bag and one of those pickers.

Two many things, too much room for error or accidents.

Alvin stayed at home relaxing when I went to finish up my self-determined trash route.

It feels good to get it finished before the street sweepers arrive.

I do not like when bits of garbage get swept down the storm drain.

Anyway it is done and just will maintain.

 

Yesterday was Mother’s Day.

My daughter came over for a pancake breakfast.

We had a great visit as we always do.

She located her most recent iPod which is a step or three up from the one that I have.

As she said she had it when she purchased her first flip phone.

The new old iPod will give me access to the internet and FB to send messages if there is WiFi.

So that will be nice.

Almost like having a cell phone.

She took me to the grocery store while she went to the drugstore.

I picked up mainly fruits and veggies.

Lots of folks picking up bouquets of flowers in the store.

After all, it was Mother’s Day.

What Mother does not enjoy flowers.

Only the ones with floral allergies.

Snicker, snicker.

After my daughter dropped me off and visited for bit, she was gone back home once again.

Time always flies when she comes to see us.

The rest of the day was great ….. watched a couple of shows that I had recorded ….. made oatmeal for a few days ….. made lunch for work today.

Had supper.

My neighbour gave me a lavender plant.

Will be re potting it tonight.

It is beautiful.

We waited until a bit later to go for a walk.

Saw two of our friends and stopped for a short visit and of course, Alvin received a treat.

Perfect day …. some work and some play.

 

Well here we go again.

Time to put the finishing touches on before leaving for work.

Alvin looks so cute with his black and white fur laying on a baby blue blanket.

Gotta love that guy and of course, I do.

 

Have a wonderful day.

I hope that you can make all of our dreams come true.

I wish you great health and joy.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: all you puppy lovers out there …. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining gloriously in the morning sky.

It is after 9:30 a.m. and we have been up and down since 5:00 a.m.

I always think that I should have stayed up about 7:00 but I seldom do.

The drawing of the soft comfy sofa with our blanket snuggled next to Mr. Alvin just keeps me there.

Now I feel guilty that I am a couple of hours behind the schedule.

Part of me just says …. there are lots to hours to get things done.

No worries.

The YING and YANG of it all.

Oh well …. all is well.

 

Yesterday had a few turns and twists.

Many days I have a TO DO LIST for work in my mind – just as I do with my home things.

It wasn’t even 1/2 hour into it and due to technical difficulties with our system, I had to change the plan for the day.

It ended up being okay but kind of ticked me off, at least temporarily.

A little bit later in the morning a co-worker came and asked me if I would like two complimentary tickets to the big BUTTERDOME CRAFT SHOW in Edmonton this weekend.

I had seen the ad the night before on television and had been thinking how much I would love to go even just once.

So I said “yes” with no idea if I could actually get there.

Lucky for me, my daughter had been planning to go to COSTCO after work and was going to message me to pick me up after work.

So I let my carpool know that I would be catching a ride with my daughter.

YAY ….. craft show here we come.  I was so excited.

After work, my daughter drove me home and she went to COSTCO while I looked after Alvin and then made supper.

One of the few times that I actually left Mr. Alvin home alone for a few hours on a Friday night.

I am certain he was wondering what was going on??

We found parking very easily about 1/2 block away from the event and although we had to pay, it was only $5.50.

At the craft sale there were over 180 vendors.

Ranging from pet accessories to wool dryer balls to fudge to jewellery to pottery and more.

It was overwhelming.

Luckily there were no massive crowds.

We arrived just about 7:00 p.m. and were all ready to leave before 8:30 p.m.

My daughter let me pick out my Mother’s Day gift.

I picked up a slice of fudge.

Maple Walnut, my favourite next to chocolate.

The fudge was $9.00 (CDN), ARGH.

Thinking it was a TREAT, otherwise well I cannot think about it.

$9.00 really ….. I know they have to make money but $9.00.

My daughter picked up some homemade dog cookies for our pups.

I shared the fudge with them being my daughter & son-in-law and, she shared the cookies with Alvin.

Perfect.

What a glorious unplanned evening.

Something else happened during the day at work.

I received a phone call from my neighbour who asked me if I wanted to go and see the NEW AVENGERS MOVIE.

Well, of course I DO.

So that is great and we are going to a viewing at 3:25 p.m. today.

 

So a weekend of just doing the usual laundry, cleaning and then the neighbourhood trash pick-up added a couple of cool outings.

I am feeling so blessed and fortunate.

For the most part I feel blessed and fortunate.

I am, I am.

 

Also when I was changing the bedding this morning – I noticed this sheet set in my spare room closet.

I was thinking that it was the second set for the spare room bed but ALAS it was not.

So all this time I had another set that I had forgotten about and now it is like having a new one.

So now when I pick up a bottom sheet for the newer set, I will have three sets.

How luckily is that?

Crazy, I know.

 

Alvin is chewing away on one of his treats.

I can hardly wait to see the Avengers movie.

It is going to be great.

The sun is shining and I imagine the birds are singing.

The laundry and housework await me.

My heart is full and I am singing “Happy.”

 

Alvin will have another few hours alone when I got to the movie and then tomorrow when I do the trash pick-up but this is one of those weekends, the rare ones when I leave the house without him.

He will understand, I am certain.

 

Well I should get this show on the road.

I will share with you on Mother’s Day – my gifts along with photos.

 

Mm, the coffee tastes good this morning.

Time to get cracking.

Get dressed.

My neighbour has already come and gone with her mug of coffee.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend and that perhaps you have a surprise or two coming your way.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are travelling, be safe and have fun.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of July, 2016.

A bright and sunny morning with a slight breeze.

Supposed to be a warm day today.

Started out at 15 degrees celsius which is warm for this time of day.

Alvin is curled up on the end of our bed …. sometimes he jumps down and lays near the entrance to the office.

This is one of those days where he will stay on the bed until I go downstairs on my way to work.

He is quite the character.

Definitely a foodie.

I tell everyone that ….. you can always win his heart by giving him food or a treat.

But with all foodie we all run the risk of the ever expanding waistline.

But somehow he manages to keep it within reason for the most part although there are times ….. there have been times ….. where we had to cut back on the extras.

Somehow we went from temperatures to food to waistlines.

How did that happen?

Well I am running a couple of minutes late …. I guess that would be Monday.

One more sleep till my company arrives ….. so excited.

Always nice to see friends from back home.

I can feel the humidity in the air and am wondering if I made the right outfit choice for the day although our office is always freezing.

It will do.

I must fly here.

Wishing you a Happy Monday.

May today bring you great joy and so much laughter that you almost pee your pants.

Nothing wrong with so much laughter.

Special Hello to: our friends near and far, old and new.  Hi my new friend “A” from across the pond ….. hope you had an awesome weekend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 29th day of July, 2015.

Third last day of July, 2015 ….. so excited for August.

The sun is shining so brightly ….. there is a breeze ….. it is wonderful.

I am so grateful to be here now.

I am in the perfect place at the perfect time.

Yesterday while I was at work one of my friends who was on her last day of vacation came to the house.

She gave Alvin a treat …. let him outside ….. then took him for a nice long walk.

We are so blessed to have “S” as our friend and neighbour.

We are surrounded by great people and I am eternally grateful.

Well it is almost time to get downstairs and grab my lunch and umbrella (just in case) and head to the bus.

I treasure these mornings as they are perfect weather wise.

The roses that line the walk way are perfection and the fragrance should be bottled.

Oh what a lucky lady / woman I am.

Only two more sleeps till the big SIBLING weekend ….

I wish you so much joy this day.

May your day be filled with laughter.

May your day be filled with love.

May you have the perfect day.

Special Hello to: all the siblings out there ….. get together ….. you are special to each other.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of August, 2014.

Today is the Ninth Birthday of my first born “great nephew” to my nephew.

Happy Birthday BUDDY ….. sure miss our walks and talks.

We spent a lot of time together as when he was first born he lived only a few blocks away from me.

His Momma would bring him over often for visits and I in turn to their home.

I remember the morning he was born.

I remember his first words ….

I remember his first steps, and then he ran.

I remember how curious and smart.

I remember how much he loved anything “CARS” from the movie.

I loved the “tow truck” and now I have forgot the character’s name.

I think it was “MADER”

We played together.

So much fun.

I remember what a big deal it was when he had his first sleepover by himself at my house.

I planned things for us to do.

We just had a blast.

A couple of things went awry but still we had fun.

Even got rained on.

Our adventure took in a walk around the lake and surrounding neighbourhood, and ending at the corner store for a treat.

When you are “3” ….. a walk around the lake and surrounding neighbourhood, and ending at the corner store for a treat is a big DEAL.

So Happy Birthday my darling …..

I hope that you have a great great Birthday.

Anta loves you and misses you but treasures the time we had together and looks forward to more.

Special Hello to: my great nephew “A” ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of July, 2014.

Going to be a busy day as I, we (me and Alvin) prepare for the kids big move.

They officially move the big stuff Wednesday night after work.

Today I am washing down walls and putting the last finishing touches on the cleaning of the master bedroom in preparation for them.

So exciting; both Alvin and I are so happy and cannot wait for them to be here.

Seems like it has been forever since they first asked about moving in …..

I think for them they are over the moon excited as they are building a new house.

Yes, a bit scary albeit but exciting nonetheless.

Today they will be moving over more smaller things …….

The “cable guy” is coming over to hook up a digital box in the basement.

It will be so great to have someone else to cook for and for company.

Now do not get me wrong – Mr. Alvin is great company but he doesn’t say too much.

Except when he wants his supper or a treat.

He is learning manners and does “ask nice” when wanting a treat.

So on this rainy Saturday from here in Edmonton – I hope that you are enjoying the day.

Keep smiling and taking those deep relaxing breaths when needed.

Time to get the laundry underway.

Alvin is at his second favourite spot in the house (on the bed looking out the window).

Special Hello to: all those folks who are building and moving in with family temporarily …… enjoy your time together.

Always, Carol and Alvin