The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Saturday morning? Alvin and I are fine. He was up early and a few times so we slept in. But today is laundry and cleaning and more shovelling so the time I start is not as important as if you have to be somewhere for a specific time. I am grateful for that. The sky is white matching the ground once again.

I am happy to say that we were able to get a treatment for Mr. Alvin and my friend, his BF’s Mom picked it up from the Vet yesterday and even helped apply it. We ran a fine comb over him and did not find anything. Breathing a sigh of relief. There were two treatments in the box so there is one to apply in one month’s time.

Today is the birthday of my Aunt Lorraine, my Dad’s only sister. There was only the two of them. I mailed her a birthday card and letter a while ago to ensure that it arrived on time. I am like her or perhaps she is like me but we are the same in that we love to receive cards and letters. I think that mailing cards and letters is beginning to make a come back. I have not stopped. With the price of postage I have cut back but I still try and send as many as I can. Who does not like to open the mailbox and find an envelope addressed to them that is not a bill or spam mail or flyers. ME, I do! Happy Birthday Aunt.

Does not look like we got much more snow overnight which is great so I will only have the driveway to shovel. It is good exercise so I don’t mind.

What are your plans for today? Are you leaving the house? Or hanging out like I am and doing laundry and cleaning? I love being at home. We had another survey from work about “how we feel about going back to the office even if it is only for meetings such as the all staff one coming up on the 15th of March?” Well I can tell you this it freaks me out big time. I love being at home and have no desire to go to the office. I like my coworkers but I prefer to be at home. Anyway I explained why I would like to continue working from home with only the odd time going to the office. If there are people that want to work from the office – go ahead but if you are like me and you have been able to do your job effectively from home – then you/me should be able to continue to do so. Working from home has been great my health and sick time (when I was at the office I was always catching something from people who didn’t think to stay home when they were sick or clients coming in when they were sick). I am so happy without a 2-3 hour commute everyday. I love being able to walk at noon when the weather allows and after work. Being home with Alvin especially since his two surgeries last year and his age has been a godsend. Back to our all staff meeting coming up – gives me anxiety but I am trying to just breathe and not think about it as I do not have a choice in the matter. I understand why they want to have meetings but that does not mean that I have to “love” it.

Well back to the weekend. I am grateful for weekends and having time to do my thing. I hope that you have time to do your thing as well whatever that may be.

Happy Saturday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I had the first of the two cinnamon buns with cream cheese icing from my friend last night and it wa so delicious. Time for coffee.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and here we are at Tuesday morning.

Back to work.

Alvin and I had a good snuggle this morning.

Yesterday Humphrey joined us for the day.

I mailed my out of town Christmas Cards to British Columbia, points in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and SWEDEN.

Mailed cards to virtually half of the Canadian Provinces.

On my way home from mailing the Christmas cards and actually quite close to home; out of nowhere I slipped and went down on one knee on the sidewalk.

I had been coming off the road onto the sidewalk.

I was so careful but I guess not quite careful enough.

Luckily everything being me and my phone were okay.

When I got home I checked and even though my coat and my pants covered my knees there was a big patch of skin gone.

It was sore but not super painful.

 

I was not home very long when the phone rang and it was Teddy’s Mom.

She was wondering what we were up to as they were thinking of going for a walk.

I told her about my spill and that strangely enough I was feeling kind of nauseas.

She said that they could walk over and if we wanted to join them on the walk home that would be great.

Always nice to see them and this time the baby was going to walk on her on.

She followed right beside her brother and walked all the way to our house.

Pretty impressive for a 14 week old pup.

She is so cute.

We had tea and a visit.

Before they left Teddy’s Mom who is a “Energy Healer” gave me a treatment.

She said that I had been blocked by old old energy and that the new experiences/new energy were not getting in because of the old stuff.

She told me that it felt like old paper.

As she worked on my knee, I could feel something leaving and just felt so energized.

My friend told me she could see it in my eyes and hear it in my voice that I was feeling better.

So out with the old and in with the new.

Feeling like a new person today.

We are all energy beings.

Everyone should try this …. so cool.

Just to note that after the treatment I could actually kneel and put weight directly on that knee.

 

Well it is almost time to head downstairs.

One thing that I must work on is my posture.

Also sitting.

The computer chair that I have is pretty hard for me to sit back fully in and comfortably type on the computer keyboard.

But I am going to work on sitting tall and properly.

Will help with the sometimes achy back that I have.

 

I am catching a ride with Humphrey’s Mom as my car pool is off today so that she can drive her husband to a medical appointment.

 

May you have an awesome Tuesday.

Surrounding yourself with love, kindness and respect.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to the last day of June 2019.

How did that happen?

WOW …..

Bright sunny morning with a bit of a breeze.

In about one hour – Master Teddy will arrive to spend the day with us.

I, we always love to have Teddy spend time with us.

He brings an instant joy and energy wherever he comes to our home.

I dare not mention him before he comes or Alvin will spend the time at the window watching for him.

Same goes for Teddy.

Except Teddy will just run around making it hard to catch him.

So his Mama does not say anything until they are on their way.

Although I am pretty sure he knows at that point that he is coming to our house.

It is so amazing that these wonderful beings are excited to come and see us.

I love being surrounded by these amazing creatures.

They don’t care what you are wearing or if you have on makeup.

Doesn’t matter if you have dishes drying in the sink or if you have a pillow out of place.

There is no judgment of any sort.

They just love you for you and perhaps a treat or two.

If you treat them with respect, kindness and with love they will be loyal for a lifetime.

They do not ask for much.

Animals are more forgiving than humans.

It breaks my heart to read stories about the horrible treatment of animals whether domesticated or in the wild.

But why?

Why do we always have to do such things.

We could learn so much for all of the other inhabitants of this earth.

So on this last day of June take note of how you treat all of the non-human creatures on this planet.

If we all change our ways just a bit ….

Can you imagine what a wonderful world this would be?

If we treat animals better … then we treat each other better.

Be kind and respectful, always.

 

Happy Sunday.

May your day be filled with sunshine and rainbows.

May you be joyful and surrounded with laughter and abundance.

Life is good.

 

All my babies and me.

They bring such joy to my life.

And no matter what …. there is kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of March, 2018.

The first full day of SPRING 2018.

I hear that they have more snow in our long range forecast.

What I say to that is ….. that is okay as summer is right around the corner.

These end of winter spring storms are just, the end of winter.

Soon the snow shall me melted.

Soon our tulips shall be blooming.

Soon the bunnies will be all brown.

Soon there will be buds on the trees.

Soon we will be able to leave the house without warm winter boots with ice picks, heavy winter coats, scarves and mitts.

Soon we will be FREE from the winter weight.

Yes, it is going to happen, soon.

 

Update on Mr. Alvin.

Well we went to see his Doctor yesterday.

Now he has a yeast infection in the other ear.

ARGH.

So he has his final treatment in one ear and the first treatment in the other.

Next Tuesday will be the follow-up in one ear and the final treatment in the other.

Then we will be going back for the final follow-up.

Poor little guy.

I learned something yesterday.

Because he has floppy ears one has to keep them dry.

So when you are out walking or if he is playing in the snow, you must wipe them when he comes into the house.

Otherwise run the risk of a yeast infection.

 

Well time for me to fly.

Time always flies at this time of day.

I hope that you are all doing great.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all you bloggers out there – keep writing.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 10th day of June, 2017.

The sky is overcast and it is windy.

Inside the house is cool ….. no it is cold.

But no furnace is being turned on at this time.

I decided to make a choice to be more upbeat and positive at work.

Making it deliberate.

Sometimes in my job it is not the easiest thing to do but even my co-workers noticed a difference.

We can always make that choice – does not matter what is going on in your life.

Make the choice to be kind, love, receptive and abundant and then all things are possible.

If you send out this most perfect blend of energy it will come back to you.

After all you receive what you give.

Needless to say I had the best day at work.

I did not take things personally.

I realize that not everyone sees things with principles.

It is a gentle reminder that no matter how badly people act you must find a way to treat them in the manner to which you would like to be treated.

I have found that when you have that good energy it is most difficult for people to keep up the negative and poor behaviour.

Win – win for everyone.

 

Alvin and I are super excited as my daughter, his sister and our beloved Miss Aspen are coming for a visit.

Aspen has a Doctor Appointment.

My daughter is taking me to COSTCO.

I cannot believe that I am actually excited about going to COSTCO on a Saturday and a rainy one at that.

The fridge is pretty bare and the pantry.

We have made due and used mostly everything up and it is time to refill the fridge and pantry.

I made up a recipe to use a can of pumpkin that I had in the pantry making the most delectable “Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins.”

They were perfect for lunch with some vegetables.

It will be nice to be restocked, for sure.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE:

A few days ago I had an idea to write my thoughts about turning “60.”

It came to me a little while later to do a Countdown: 60 Days to 60.

It doesn’t really seem real to me to be turning sixty.

Kind of crazy actually.

I will add a Category to this blog: Countdown: 60 Days to 60.

So starting tomorrow Sunday, June 11, 2017 being the 60th day and ending on Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 being my Birthday; I will write.

There will be daily remarks, observations, feelings, thoughts, and perhaps pearls of wisdoms.

This will be fun.

 

Well gotta run and get ready for our company.

Have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my family and friends who without I would be just a female human being.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of April, 2015.

It is a peaceful, quiet, partially overcast morning here in Edmonton.

I am so enjoying being at home on the weekend.

This is my first real weekend at home without working at the store.

I do miss my friends ….

Yesterday I had a full day.

Started out by taking Mr. Alvin to the Vet for his regular six month appointment.

He does not like having his nails done.

Poor guy ….. he was not happy.

The rest of the visit was great.

He loved the treat ….. silly boy.

Also he was so happy to see his Jenn as she only works some Saturdays.

After arriving back home I changed and had a nice cup of coffee before hitting the streets.

Hitting the streets near my home to clean up the trash.

It always amazes me the amount of trash that is strewn about.

I so wished that I would have had my camera with me yesterday so that you could see.

The worst spot was in the walkway between our neighbourhood and a busy artery.

It was literally covered in MacDonald’s bags, coffee and drink cups from Dairy Queen, StarBucks and various places.

There was also broken “beer” bottles and other glass, food containers, plastic bags wrapped around the branches of the rose bushes.

That is the other thing about cleaning this spot as it is lined with rose bushes, the sidewalk in between and then grass on the other side.

The Styrofoam packing pieces had been broken and there were small pieces everywhere …. down to the small round ones.

I did my very best to pick them up … finding that picking them up with leaves kept them from sticking to my “disposable latex” gloves.

There were a great many children and adults that walked by during my 1.5 hours there and I made sure that they all had a lesson in picking up the trash and what it does to the environment.  Example being the bits of styrofoam that are ingested by birds and wildlife and even some of our pets.  Birds and animals then feel as though they are full as it tricks the stomach (cannot be digested), and they eventually starve to death.  How horrible is that!  It was not my intention to give everyone a lecture but I felt that I must.  People just get so wrapped up in their own little worlds that they forget the damage that is being done.  We are “killing” this beautiful planet that we call home.  It is time.  Time for everyone to smarten up.

As it took longer than I had planned the other half of the neighbourhood will have to wait until next Saturday.

It was the weirdest thing as I was only about six houses from home when the wind got up and blew dirt and trash from down the street from the other direction.

I could hardly hold on to the garbage bag.

Thank goodness I was close to home.

Well that was an experience.

I filled three bags of garbage and carried them home to my garage.

YIKES.

Once home I completely changed, brushed the dirt from my teeth and cleaned up.

Put on a pot of coffee and made a snack.

GLAD TO BE INSIDE as it started to rain and the wind blew and blew.

The balance of the day I spent doing laundry and odds and ends.

Even though the garbage makes me a bit “mad” and so sad I am so grateful that I am now home on the weekends so that I can keep the neighbourhood clean.

Perhaps I shall organize another neighbourhood cleanup.

Also I want to do some teaching ……

No wonder the planet is in such bad shape ….. it starts at home ….. in your neighbourhood.

If we cannot keep it clean how can we ever keep the planet clean.

The planet is our neighbourhood.

So on this Sunday I am so grateful ….. grateful to be at home.

Alvin is curled up on the bed dreaming away, and I love it.

I wish you a peaceful, happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is recovering from cancer surgery and treatment and is on the road to being well.

Always, Carol and Alvin