Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning ALL! It is a great morning. We were up earlier than usual and I have already had a shower. The plan is to write this post and then go for a walk. The sky is overcast at this moment and there is a slight breeze so it will be perfect for walking. The temperature is supposed to be +30 degrees celsius today. I thought we had better get out as we missed yesterday. Should have/would have gone in the morning had I realized that the temperature was going to be much warmer than the forecast. So I have made a promise to Mr. Alvin that we will get up earlier and go for a walk in the morning while it is still cool – that way we both get some exercise and fresh air.

This month has been chalked full of birthdays. Family and friends. August is another big month for my family and friends. So exciting. Birthdays are a good thing. A reminder that we made it through another year with the promise of another one ahead.

Yesterday I received a text from my friend Val, who said “There is a parcel in your mailbox.” I was so excited. I was in the middle of work so wanted to wait until my lunch break. At my break I walked quickly to the mailbox to retrieve the parcel. A large box awaited. When I brought it into the house, Alvin started to bark. He knew what was inside – something for him. As I opened the box, I saw a sign that said “SURPRISE! You’re 65 (almost). Underneath a card and a box filled with goodies.

Mr. Alvin enjoying opening his treats from Val. She baked some sweet potato bones and some mini banana peanut butter muffins, I believe.

I am sorry that I had to leave this morning due to technical difficulties and impatience. Back now. Getting it done. Hopefully I will be able to share some photos. We always love seeing pictures.

Well I had to delete some photos from my library and still exceeds limit, so now not sure if computer is full or what! Just a few photos to show some of my treats. The unopened packages are some specially hand baked treats for Mr. Alvin and the other packages are a variety of Epicure products. I need to go to the grocery store for some ingredients so I can make them. So excited. There were also a couple of gift cards to great stores: Winners and one of my favourites “Bath & BodyWorks.” DId I say cinnamon buns and biscotti. Yes, there is!

The house was 78 degrees Fahrenheit about mid morning. I totally understand why Mr. Alvin was panting. I tried covering him with a wet towel but he only liked it for a small amount of time. The clouds roll in every once in awhile breaking up the sunshine. A small reprieve. Although I really do not want to complain about the heat and sunshine. We will manage. All of the blinds are closed, all the fans are on. We can always retreat to the basement after work if need be.

I am thinking this might be a pizza night with leftovers for the next few meals. No cooking required.

Well I should go as I spent a great deal of my lunch break just trying to delete photos so that I could add these few. I had more to share but will have to be another time.

Have a great rest of your Wednesday. I hope that you are cool and safe. Enjoying the summer!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 13 sleeps until I turn 65, getting closer.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. A bit colder outside this morning. Well I had a good day downtown at the office. My daughter picked me up in the morning. Alvin was not really sure what was going on as I have only been away for the entire day twice since March 19, 2020. Can you imagine? I have been away to the office three times since March 19, 2020 but one was for a few hours to attend a meeting. My neighbour Sonja came over and checked on him a couple of times letting him outside and giving him one of his cookie/biscuit treats. The parcel from Steeped Tea did not arrive and the status went to pending but finally this morning it is showing an arrival date of today. For some reason they pushed it to today. Likely got behind in deliveries, I get that. It was nice to see a few people. Three in fact. That was all of the people that I saw at the office. Everyone practicing the COVID 19 safety protocols. I am grateful. I was able to get everything done early and then had time to actually put the postage on all of the letters / packages I had stuffed. First time using that fancy new machine. It worked pretty slick. I was so happy that I could help out our Support Services team. They work so hard. My daughter picked me up about 3:50 p.m. and we headed to Shoppers before going home to Alvin. I had a couple of parcels, card to go overseas and other Christmas cards within Canada. So happy to get everything posted. The gal in the “Post Office” said that it was so busy earlier and she was working alone. Isn’t that always the way? Also, I remembered to pick up extra stamps just in case I forgot to send a card to someone. Amanda and I always have good conversations on the car rides. I mentioned to her that one of the Support Services team was curious if I was following politics. I asked him “do you mean the U.S. elections.” He said “Yes.” So we chattered about the results. He thinks that there is voter fraud and I was very surprised to see that he sided with Trump. Not necessary Trump himself, but the Republicans. Anyway, I shared my knowledge of the U.S. Elections and was shocked by my articulation of the process. I have done lots of reading and I actually know stuff. Everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions. Realizing that I don’t know as much about our own government, I have vowed to do some research. I used to know the details but over the years have kind of forgotten. Time to do some reading.

The Pampered Chef order arrived yesterday so that was good.

Well it is time to head back downstairs, put on the coffee, put on the poop and get to work. I had to hit the “snooze” button this morning.

Living with kindness and respect for all. “Even when people do not have the same beliefs and opinions as ourselves.” (most importantly then).

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and today is Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

We had a huge storm last night which started late in the afternoon.

The sky got so dark that when the lightning hit, it appeared like a bright negative from a photo.

It was eerie.

The thunder roared.

The lightning seemed to be right close by.

I would think there was a lightning strike somewhere close by.

Thankfully not here.

This morning now at mid morning the sky is a bright blue and there is a breeze.

The pavement and sidewalk are dry but the wood deck remains wet as does the grassy areas.

Almost time for us to head out for a walk.

When we first got up there were still rain clouds in the sky and although I love to walk in the rain, not great for the boy.

He can get yeast infections in his ears if they get wet.

 

Well this is mid point through my second week of vacation.

I have enjoyed my vacation thus far.

Odd jobs were completed and relaxation has happened.

 

I saw a post on FACEBOOK of someone mentioning that “fall” is here and Bath & Body Works have their fall collection out.

I love fall but officially it begins in September although I think both Mother Nature and the Retail Gods have other ideas.

 

Also on this vacation break I would like to go for a nice long walk with Alvin into some of the other neighbourhoods.

We have not left ours for awhile.

I will watch the weather channel for a nice day not too hot.

Appears that we have some of those days this week.

I will take lots of water for sure for us.

We can take our time and enjoy some of the parks that surround us.

I will have to take a small purse to house my cell phone so that I can take photos.

Two necessities: water and phone.

 

Well time to get dressed as I was super lazy getting up this morning.

Sometimes when it is raining and wet – I just want to laze around.

Alvin did not seem to care as he snuggled right beside me on the sofa.

 

My tea order will arrive on Friday.

I am excited to see our new Fall/Winter Steeped Tea catalog.

Also to try the new teas, there seem to be more this time round.

 

Also one of my friends from back home has sent me a birthday parcel and it should arrive today.

Alvin will be excited as our friend always sends a little gift for him to open.

He loves to open presents.

Yes, he is an odd doggie.

I guess he has been around me long enough to appreciate opening a gift, a present.

 

He is patiently waiting for his Momma to get the show on the road.

Appears that I could actually wear long pants today and not be hot.

Wow.

 

I am wishing all of our friends with birthdays on this day – Happy Birthday.

I am sending positive energy and good thoughts to our Aspen who has been under the weather.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, that cool breeze coming in through the office window is simply delightful.

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

One of my fav birthday gifts from this year.

Actually all my gifts are my favourites.

One early evening out on the back deck enjoying the evening.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of March, 2018.

Well thankfully it has stopped snowing.

I do hear that the forecast is for more snow over the next few days going into and throughout the Easter weekend.

Alvin’s appointment went well yesterday.

His right ear is good and the left one is going in the right direction.

We enjoyed our day together yesterday.

 

This morning he is a bit clingy.

Stayed the whole time with me in the bathroom throughout the shower, make-up and hair routine.

Usually after I come out of the shower he goes and jumps onto the bed.

Not today.

In fact, when I left the bathroom he sat on the area rug and did not even jump onto the bed.

I suspect something amiss.

Will be keeping an eye on him.

I brought one of his blankets into the office and laid it on the floor beside me.

He is actually laying on the blanket.

Not his usual routine.

 

The time is just after 6:00 a.m. now and it is dark.

I hope that does not mean that the sky is overcast with snow clouds.

I shovelled during a break in the snow fall yesterday.

We did have some sunshine which was nice.

 

OH, have to mention our friend “V” sent us an Easter package.

Alvin enjoyed opening his package.

He actually tore open the package and was cute to watch.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to: our Friend “V” …… thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of August, 2017

Well the day is drawing near.

Putting the final touches on the preparations.

Mowed the back lawn and fixed up the yard in the back.

Inside, just a few more last minute details.

One more sleep and that would be tonight and then tomorrow later in the evening we go to the airport to pick up my sister.

My daughter and I will pick her up from the airport.

Mr. Alvin is going to be surprised.

Company.

He loves company.

 

Thank you again to my friend who sent me the most thoughtful birthday parcel.

So kind and I love everything including the “treats” for Mr. Alvin.

He knew as soon as the door opened that he had something coming.

My, how I wished that my sense of smell was that good……

In between all of the wrapping and the box – he could smell his treat.

He did not even eat supper until I unwrapped the parcel and gave him his “treat.”

I would say that we are both terribly spoiled.

Thank you again my friend.

 

Well here we are once again and it is almost time to hit the road ….. to the bus stop.

One more day after today to work and then vacation until August 22, 2017, first day back.

So excited.

No words.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to:  our friend “V.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of August, 2016.

Rain cleared up and now time for some sunshine.

I want to share some of the beautiful and wonderful treats that have come my way this week.

Let us start with Sunday.

My roses are the most delicate of pinks I have ever seen.

They are blooming like they have never bloomed before and oh so gorgeous.

These little darlings have decided to take a peek through the railing – I suppose just to see what is on the other side.

Thought you might enjoy them.

Everyone loves a Tuesday when parcels arrive one in the mailbox and the other on my doorstep.

The parcel in my mailbox was addressed to both Alvin and his Momma, well that would be me.

I picked up the parcel before going into the house and Alvin knew, he could smell because right away he jumped up to see

what had arrived.

But good Momma that I am – I made us both wait until after Alvin had supper and our walk before we opened the package.

Can you believe my friend?

She was just supposed to be sending me this new toothpaste that she uses and loves.

She gave me a small tube and I loved it, too.

My friend ordered me some and then mailed it to me.

Only thing is ….. my friend ….. well she can never just mail one tube of toothpaste.

The box as you can see in the photos was LARGE.

OMG, the goodies that filled it were/are amazing.

There were cheese buns, regular buns, this delectable pumpkin loaf with walnuts and fruit with chocolate icing, pumpkin – carrot muffins, Saskatoon berry chocolates, some healthy soy sauce in a cool spray bottle, a brush for when she comes to visit and bakes me buns (she said that), small tongs and a package addressed specially for Mr. Alvin.  Oh my he was so excited.  He jumped up.  In fact as you can see in the photo his Momma did not get a clear shot as he inspected the package and read the note addressed to him (he is home schooled) ….. he absolutely loved his special treats for his teeth.

Now if that was not enough of wonderful treats my last tea order arrived.  I packaged up the orders and ready to deliver tomorrow.

The first photo is all MINE ….. so excited.

I am happy to try out my new MATCHA Shaker and all the new teas and things.

So as you can see  …… the special delivery GODS were shining down upon my on this Tuesday.

I just know that this week is going to be epic … full of more wonderful surprises.

P.S. not to be excluded from the greats treats but my neighbour from the other half of my duplex stopped by for a visit just night before last.

They are settling into their new house.  Alvin and I are so excited to go in September for a visit.

Well …… see what a week.

Met some new people …… loving this week.

Well here it is time to leave for work once again.

The evenings seem to zing by as do the small amount of time I have in the mornings.

I always feel bad leaving Alvin as it must be lonely …..

Wishing you a great Wednesday.

Almost time for a new month to begin.

August has been wonderful.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back in Regina, thank you once again for the lovely Surprise Package.  The pumpkin loaves with the chocolate icing are my new favourite.  Alvin loved loved loved his treats and I will not tell him that they are good for him.  LOL

Always, Carol and Alvin