2021

Good Morning All! Well looks like we made it to the end of another work week. How are you doing? Do you have exciting plans for the weekend? Are you finished your yard work? I hear for Edmonton area the weather is not supposed to be great but as long as it remains relatively dry, I am good with it. I want the white stuff to hold off until after Halloween. That would be perfect. Maybe I will be able to get my Christmas decorations up before the first “—-fall”, I cannot bear to even say or write that word at this time. We had a good sleep last night and I just had a refreshing shower. Alvin had his appointment at the vet and for some reason he was very vocal – more so than he has been in a long time. Nothing new happened. I don’t know. He also had his last laser therapy session and managed to wriggle out of his goggles with only 16 seconds to go. So we had to stop and replace them on him. He was definitely not having any of it. Perhaps it had something to do with they ran out of his treats that I usually buy for him now (he has to have special ones) and they are pretty sure cannot be ordered anymore. So I guess no more treats when the bag in the pantry is finished. It is down to the last handful. We did enjoy a walk to the park and to our friend Pauline’s house where we found her outside in the garden. She was about to take down a bird feeder but could not quite reach it and decided to wait and have her husband do it later. We chatted for a few minutes before heading back home. Our walks take longer now so I have to be careful that we don’t dilly dally too long as I would not wish to be late for work. We left home for his appointment virtually right after I was off work at 3:00 and got him ready. Alvin’s thing now is to sniff every last blade of grass right down to the earth’s core. It is as though it may be his last time, very odd. He used to sniff but I could easily have him continue walking, no longer. I have to go and distract him otherwise I would end up dragging him. Not pretty. Anyway we ended up being early to his appointment and waited outside for a few minutes. A little girl in a nearby truck with her Dad had the window open and was commenting on how cute Alvin was. He always gets the attention. After the appointment – same deal. Thankfully I was not in too much of a hurry. I did go to the grocery store a little bit after we got home. I decided to feed Alvin his supper when I got home so that I would hopefully miss the rush at the store and I was correct. He was happy and hungry when I got home about one hour later. I enjoy that time alone with only myself to worry about and maybe keeping out of the path of another grocery shopper.

Whoops getting later here. Where does the time go? I have a question for you? Do you do things at the request of a friend or for a friend that you might not do for yourself? I am hoping you say “yes.” I think that I mentioned tonight I am going to my friend and neighbours to watch the newest addition of HALLOWEEN. I have never really got into this series / franchise of movies even though I really enjoy watching Jamie Lee Curtis on the big screen. So when my friend invited me to watch the movie with her and our other friend (me and the young ones), I felt that I could not say no. She loves these movies and waits impatiently for them to come out. Plus she is a good friend to me and Alvin. She also asked me to watch the previous one so that I knew the storyline. I did that last night. I would not say that the movie was bad but definitely not something that I would intentionally spend my time watching. That being said it was okay. So I am prepared for tonight. I also picked up some fruit which is the snack treat that I am bringing and the girls are taking other items. Even though I am not a fan of these “slasher” movies, I wanted to spend time with my friends. She lives close by which is nice. I can walk there and spend some time without having to leave Alvin for too long. I know …. yes I need time to do things for me….

Okay time to fly. Have a wonderful Friday. Maybe you are doing something for a friend, enjoy!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! First thing, this morning. BIRTHDAY WISHES going out to my son, my son-in-law Steven. Happy Birthday. Wishing you a great day and may the days and years ahead be filled with great joy, good health, much love and laughter and abundance. Alvin and I won’t be able to spend time with him on his birthday for the first time in many years so we shall miss seeing him but we are so looking forward to spending a few days with the family at Thanksgiving at their new home. It will be great.

We had a pretty good sleep last night on the sofa. Only up at 2:00 a.m. (although I am pretty sure Alvin wanted up at other times but either I coaxed him to lay down or I did not hear him) and then up at 6:00 a.m., which was spectacular. So happy. Much better way to start the day.

As I looked out the living room window earlier I realized that most of the trees had virtually gone from green to gold and reds overnight or at least it sure seemed that way. So pretty but most of the green has slipped away for another year. The vibrant golds and reds are a good way to bring in the following season which hopefully is several weeks or even a couple of months away. December would be good. In Canada, you never know when that “season” will arrive …. never according to the official date that is for sure.

Thursday night we visited our friend Pauline. Her beautiful yard. Doesn’t even matter that it is almost the end of September. The flowers are still absolutely beautiful. Colours so vibrant. My happy place. Both Alvin and I could just lay on the grass forever and be perfectly happy and content.

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Friday night “Paint Night” with the girls. We had so much fun. I even had a drink and I don’t mean coffee. We laughed and painted and painted and laughed. Here are some of our paintings over the course of the evening.

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We have had a glorious last few days. I know that Alvin was not out with me for the paint night but we did enjoy another walk with Pauline and Georgie. Yesterday about 4:45 p.m., the phone rang and it was Pauline. They were going to be busy for the next few days so she wondered if me and Alvin would like to go for a longer walk with her and Georgie. I thought that Alvin was up for a longer walk. It was glorious we even saw folks we had not seen in months and had a quick catch up. Met a new pup Daisy and her Mom Ashley. I was so happy to see Miss Sadie and her Mom and Sister. It was great. Alvin had no problems and was happy to be out sniffing in new places. Places that we had not been to in a long time.

Well time to get going and plug in that coffee pot. Time for coffee and then breakfast. I am going to work a bit on the yard but I was thinking that maybe I would leave the plants for a bit longer. I just cannot pull them when they are blooming. Just not right.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

YAY, it is Saturday and the sky is a beautiful blue and the sun is shining every so brightly.

There is a breeze.

Last night was only my second time away from Alvin since March 19, 2020.

The first time was last weekend when I had morning coffee with one of the girls.

Last night first evening time away and for about four hours.

I had such a great time.

There were four of us.

The fourth girl/woman was a lifelong friend of the friend who hosted the “Diamond Painting Party.”

We had pictures with beach motif, lovers walking down a tree lined lane, a red truck filled with pumpkins and a colorful tree.

We all took appetizers to have for the best kind of supper.

There was so much food ….

My peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and coffee cake with a thick fruit sauce were a hit.

We ate, laughed, ate some more, shared stories, opinions, had some drinks.

Enjoyed the evening.

After supper we did the Diamond Painting.

Best night ever.

When I came home to Mr. Alvin he was so happy to see me.

After the initial hello – he did let me know in his own unique way that now that I am home, pay attention to him.

 

So it is Saturday.

We were up early but not too early and then hit the sofa once again which seems to be our routine.

I am so happy that I had a great Friday night with friends and now Mr. Alvin is feeling like his old self, a great Saturday and Sunday to follow.

We might be finally able to meet the new puppy Bailey down the street.

I have to get in touch with Bailey’s Mom to see what time will work for us all.

I have laundry and cleaning to do.

Some yard work along the way to do.

Bit of weeding if the flower beds dry out.

Even if they do out …. I will wear my DAWGS or CROCS whichever they are ….. I know they are different companies.

Perfect little sandals for working outside.

 

Feeling pretty happy this morning.

Thinking wouldn’t it be wonderful if a close family member or friend won the $60 million Lotto MAX draw last night.

Someone who loved me so much that would love to share a bit with me.

That would be amazing.

 

Okay time to make coffee, drag the laundry down to the basement and have some breakfast.

Let’s get this day going.

Well actually I have changed the bedding and put out fresh towels in the upstairs bathrooms and am doing this post.

So I guess this day is already going.

 

Have the best day my friends.

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 13th day of October, 2016.

Seems like night when I look out the window and see nothing but darkness.

Oh, I guess I can see the reflection of someone’s tail lights as they are “warming” up the truck.

Yesterday was so nice.

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk so much.

I recently found out that all of the fountains in our neighbour are still on and going strong.

We still have a bit of snow remaining on people’s lawns and rooftops.

Back to last night.

Got home from work, Alvin did his routine, I got changed and we went for a walk.

Dropped off a container at my friend’s house.

Came home returned a phone call and made another one.

Submitted a tea party on the computer and was just emailing a friend when the doorbell rang.

It was my friend “P” who has the most beautiful English garden.

Always thinking of Mr. Alvin – she had a couple of treats with her for him.

She is travelling with her husband next week back to England to see her family and was wondering if I had some jewellery.

It was so off guard ….. but I had some pieces for sale.

She purchased several necklaces and a couple of rings.

We had a nice visit while she was trying on necklaces.

After she left I had supper which was about 7:30 p.m. ( my baked potato was well done ).

Crazy busy night but full of great surprises.

I am very grateful for surprises.

So they are forecasting snow flurries for this afternoon.

I hope that Mother Nature finds it in her heart to keep those flurries down to a minimum.

We can only hope.

Much too early for winter …..

It would be nice for the weather to be good for Halloween.

Well almost time to get this trolley on the road.

Now I am referring to myself as a trolley …. okay truly am getting old.

Yikes.

I hope that you all have an awesome day chalked full of wonderful surprises.

Thank you Universe for sweet surprises.

Special Hello to: my sister …. soon, very soon.  Perhaps Sunday??

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 15th day of February, 2016.

Today is “Family Day” in Canada.

Our province Alberta observes this holiday so I have the day off from work.

On the weather front ….. quite mild for this time of year.

Although can we still say that …..

With all of the changes to the environment I am not certain we can keep comparing from years ago.

Anyway weather has been nice.

Our neighbourhood is a big ice patch with a few clear dry spots from where some of us have worked on chipping and scooping away the ice.

Unfortunately or fortunately for me ….. it works both ways ….. the storm drain is right in front of my house …. so it is lower.

All of the snow and ice melts to the low spot in front of my house…..

I do work at keeping a line to the drain but people park in front and it can go from clear to six inches overnight making it difficult for me.

Oh well …. spring is on the way and soon the ice and snow will be gone, melted for another season.

I hope that you all had an awesome Valentine’s Day ….

I had a great one …… starting with that awesome package Friday night.

Yesterday an old friend, yes a man …. called to wish me a Happy Valentine’s Day which was very thoughtful.

Alvin and I enjoyed a walk.

I had a coffee in the morning with one of my girl friends.

Finished my route canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Fund.

Finished the 12 loads of laundry that I had started the day before ….. I had forgotten that I had so many towels.

Made a big supper with a big salad and huge pasta dish.

There will be leftovers for a week ….. just the way I like it ….. laughing out loud.

Nice to have enough for several days for sure.

To end the weekend my daughter is coming for coffee this morning.

Perfect way to end a perfect weekend.

So I had better get this show on the road.

Time to drain that pond from in front of the house once again….. yesterday afternoon I spent some time with my ice chipper (long handle with a blade of sorts)…. we have become great friends.

Makes me feel strong and mighty wielding that wood and iron/metal.

I broke up the ice and carried both the water and ice to the drain as my neighbour’s truck was over the drain so I could not make a small canal to get the water over there.

Life in the hood.

Happy Family Day whether you are here or there …..

Enjoy your time with your family whether two-legged or four.

I will have both of my babies here today and possibly my grand-puppies …..

Have a great day ….

Special Hello to: my friend “V” …. I just reread your lovely letter ….. wow your daughter and son-in-law are busy busy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 24th day of July, 2014.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

The move-in went well.

A couple of small changes made where some furniture was going but otherwise all of the kid’s “big stuff” has been moved in.

YAY.

The puppies seem to be okay this morning ….

Last night I think they figured we were crazy.

One minute they were in a cool house and the next they were out on the deck.

I will say that “I” went out there for the most part with them …..

I would say in about one week’s time we should be settled.

We will have things where they are comfortable.

So far this morning things are going smoothly and that is always a good thing.

No lineups for the bathroom yet !!

I do have three of them so we should be good.

This is great ….

I am very happy to have the kids here.

Well time to go …. have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: parents who welcome their children home for a “visit.”

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 22nd day of January, 2014.

Guess what I heard about 5:00 this morning?

Glorious sound?

You know that simple things make you happy when?

THE SOUND OF THE CITY CREW BLADING (SNOW REMOVAL) OUR STREET.

When I heard the backup “beep beep” – I was smiling from ear to ear.

Our street has been like a old mountain road ….

In fact, I would go further and say likely worse in some spots.

This will help.

Tomorrow is supposed to be plus 7 celsius ….

So less snow on the street is good.

Hopefully I will be able to locate the storm drain so I can get it free of ice and snow.

See it is always the little things in life that truly make us happy.

Thank you to the crews that bladed our street so very early this morning, you rock.

I hope that you had a crew on your street this morning, too.

Happy Day…..

Special Hello to: my sister and I hope that your street is clean.

Always, Carol and Alvin