The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Tuesday morning? We are well, doing very well. Alvin is sleeping better than he has in awhile. Now that doesn’t mean that one or both of us aren’t up “once during the night” to do something but then we go back to sleep. We had a pretty good sleep. I hear the rumblings of the garbage trucks out and about. I filled my big garbage bin with the trash that I picked up in the neighbourhood two weekends ago. So I will definitely have my own to put out in two weeks.

The sky is overcast this morning and we had a good rain last night about 8:30 p.m. which included THUNDER. First thunder of this season. Nothing like the crack of thunder. There is a breeze this morning and it is cool out. Yesterday was so nice outside. We walked at lunchtime – the whole walk – well done Mr. Alvin. Instead of walking after work, I opted to wait and go after supper and cleanup was done. So after work I decided to flip the patio furniture about. I put the table and four chairs from the upper deck nearest to the garage onto the deck closest to the house just off from the bay window of the kitchen. It looks great there. Perhaps I will use it more. I do need an umbrella or two as they shredded and are waiting to go to the ECO Station. I placed the bistro table by the back door which is great when I have to haul in groceries etc. via the garage or someone comes over, there is a place to set something down instead of on the deck, which would have been okay, too. The wicker loveseat, coffee table and two chairs are back in the centre part of the deck. I can hardly wait to plant my flowers and fill in the gaps. I also took some of the branches that I had pruned from our front tree and placed them into a tall planter that I have on the deck. I have had this planter forever and it has deteriorated over the years making it almost impossible to move (it is heavy as well) without having a mess. I will try at some point, just not ready for it to go. It still looks okay – just looks old. It is made out of a ceramic something or other. Anyway, with a couple of ornaments on the tables it looks good for now.

When we were out for out walk after supper, we saw these two young guys. They both had their shirts off and walking looking at their phones. An accident looking to happen. What struck me the most was this. One of the boys was wearing the pants that hit below the hips while his underwear was almost completely showing above his pants. I watched in wonder and awe, thinking how can you possibly keep those pants from falling down? Maybe they are velcroed together? The boys wearing these pants all seem to have that same gait, that same kind of slow, side shuffle. Hard to explain. I am sure that all of you have seen this before and know exactly what I mean. Oh to be a teenager again with the whacky styles and trends. Whoever had this idea? Why? Really, lol, why?

I was disappointed that we did not see the baby goslings on our walks yesterday. They are out there in all their cuteness. So darling these little birds.

Coffee will taste great this morning. I turned the heat off a few days ago but now thinking I should have it on but I will keep wearing a sweater and put on something heavier if I need to. Might as well save on heating costs if I can. I have socks on as well. LOL.

Mr. Alvin is snuggled on the rug.

It looks like the sky is clearing on the horizon so that is good news. I hope that the sun shines.

To my friend Val who is hosting an “Epicure Tasting Event” today, I hope that you have fun and it is highly successful.

I heard the news that SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) in Regina, Saskatchewan has their first female President. Congratulations!

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Sunday morning coming down!

Yes, it is.

Raining and the clouds are a deep grey blue as I look out of my office window.

We managed to get a walk in yesterday later in the afternoon between the rain showers.

We also had a surprise visitor.

Master Teddy, Alvin’s best friend.

His Mom texted me to see if Teddy could come for a visit.

It has been at least two weeks since his last visit so of course, I said “yes.”

She said that her sister would drop him by.

Alvin was so excited.

I wished that I had taken a video as they greeted each other outside.

They were so excited.

It was a blur of black and white as they said hello and ran into the house.

Teddy’s Aunt is visiting from Saskatchewan.

So we had a little visit at the doorway …. front sidewalk

First thing after Teddy’s Aunt left was they wanted to go out into the backyard.

So that is what we did.

Thankfully it was not raining at that point in time.

Actually I think most of yesterday afternoon it was just overcast.

Today though is to rain all day long …..

The boys had a nice afternoon while I did laundry, cleaned out both pantries and made a banana/strawberry loaf.

 

First photo: just after arrival going into the backyard

Second, Third and Last: Just as Teddy’s Mom pulled up.  Of course the boys were at the window and last photo running (blur) to the door.

I realized too late that I had not taken any proper photos.

There be video.

As in life, most things happen so quickly that we are not prepared in the moment.

Can be true of taking photos.

 

Well time to go and have a shower.

Then breakfast and COFFEE.

Followed by some quiet time before I sit down and get some work-work done.

Later on I will finish up my housework.

Always lots to do whether at home or at work.

Well both of them are seconds apart.

 

Wishing you a relaxing wonderful Sunday.

Even if it is raining and you cannot go for a walk.

Well maybe you could if you had an umbrella.

I used one of my huge umbrellas to go outside with Alvin just a few minutes ago.

When it is raining …. he will not go out in the back without me.

I guess he figures I should get wet, too.

I do follow as close as I can so that he can be protected under the umbrella which is big enough for me and him and a family of four.

 

I do want to mention one more thing.

Last night I decided to rent a movie from our local cable provider.

I finally watched “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” with Tom Hanks.

It was great.

Perfect movie for the world to watch at this time or anytime, really.

If you have not seen it, I highly recommend watching.

 

Okay, time to hop into the shower.

I have scary hair right now.

A few minutes ago I had to go out front and check on the attachment to the downspout.

The plastic attachment sometimes slips off or moves.

I made sure to put the hood up on my coat so that anyone going by would not lose concentration and crash their car or if walking, fall down.

Yup, I definitely need to wash my hair.

Oh, likely purple pjs and coat not such a great sight on a Sunday morning.

 

Take care.

Relax.

Deep breaths.

 

Living with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday morning.

Last night my daughter joined us for supper.

I made one of her favorites “chicken stir fry” with rice.

We had some of the “chocolate chip cookies” that I baked on the weekend for dessert.

We had a great visit and so many giggles and belly laughs.

I am so grateful that she is my daughter and we love her so much.

 

On the way home from work we came inches away from hitting a pedestrian.

We were very close to the cross walk when this young man pushed the light and started to walk.

My carpool driver put on the brakes and started to honk the horn as she could not stop.

It was glare ice.

We started to slide on a bit of an angle.

I started to wave frantically from the front passenger seat with hopes that I could grasp his attention.

He clearly did not hear the horn blaring.

After we almost died from fright – I finally got his attention he kind of looked at me funny.

Luckily we managed to stop but I am quite sure that he could have reached out and touched our vehicle.

We were so lucky … he was so lucky.

So couple of things.

Never push the crosswalk light and start walking without ensuring that the vehicles are able to come to a full stop.

Most especially in the winter when it is icy.

Almost all of the streets were glare ice.

We were not even going near to the speed limit when we approached the crosswalk.

It was just so icy.

Had we been going the speed limit, I fear we could not have stopped.

As it was we slid a great many feet.

I am quite certain that the “student driver” who was back a bit in the other lane was having a panic attack.

Why oh why, silly young man.

Had we not been able to stop, we would have been at fault.

Sad but true.

Please remind your children and yourselves at crosswalks, at all crosswalks to ensure that the vehicles have come to a full stop.

To be aware of what is going on around you!

In the winter, the streets are icy and sometimes vehicles are not able to stop on the proverbial dime.

Be safe.

 

I have something for you to ponder, this came to me last night.

When everything else fails you, listen!

 

In Canada, we use umbrella even on a snowy day.

Tuesday, my vacation day.  It was snowing so hard.  Poor branches were covered.

I love the contrast between the white and the red.

These were the Valentine treat bags that I did.

The white one with the small gray hearts was for my daughter and her family (I gave it to her last night).

The other bag which I decorated more after I took these photos is for a dear older client of mine.

Well actually she is not even in my portfolio but I asked to be kept on her file.

She is alone in the city with no family and not really any friends.

We are going for lunch on Friday, so I made up a little Valentine bag and treat for her.

I feel that there are so many folks out there that are all alone.

She fell a couple of weeks ago and I so wished that I could have been there to help.

I wished that I could do more.

My client is okay but as she ages this could be more often.

Perhaps she will be able to go into a Seniors facility where she would have company and care.

Time will tell.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Mr. Alvin is resting away on his blue blanket as I write this post.

 

Okay, time to hit the “snowy” trail.

Certainly cannot say dusty trail.

 

Living with kindness and respect is really the only way.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning.

Well the skies are filled with deep dark clouds this morning.

I will make certain that I have my umbrella close at hand for my walk to work.

Catching the bus as my carpool is enjoying a camping vacation.

One more day after today and then I am on vacation for just over two weeks.

So excited.

Yesterday Humphrey spent most of the day with us and we will watch over him this week.

We, I also checked in on little Moo Moo, the cat several times during the day.

Her parents are home from their camping trip.

We slept in as we were both pooped from our busy weekend with the all of the pups.

Missing our opportunity …. the window … before the humidity was too much for us to walk.

I think we, well I know I had more walking in two days than I do on a regular basis in a week.

We got the remaining laundry completed, vacuuming done, dusting done, and tidying up.

Also wrote out a massive amount of birthday cards some to be mailed.

There are so many family and friend birthdays in August including this girl.

 

Favourite weekend photos:

I came across this quote somewhere along my journeys and it makes perfect sense to me:

“Sometimes all you have to do is shift your perspective to see someone else’s truth.”

Right?

I surely think so.

 

Well our household is in countdown mode for the “Visit of my beloved SISTER.”

11 sleeps until her arrival.

I can hardly wait.

I always love seeing my sister.

We could sit by each other and not say one word and I would be out of this world happy.

So excited my sister to see you.

 

Well getting close to departure time.

I wish you all a very Happy Tuesday.

 

Kindness and Respect are your tools for a very good life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The rain has been coming down in varying strengths since yesterday morning.

The umbrellas on the patio tables are drenched and drooping where they stand.

The grass is a brilliant kelly green.

I am certain that all the bunnies and other wildlife are taking protection in the bushes.

Good for the forest fires – if they are getting this rain up north.

Even poor Mr. Alvin did not want to go out in the rain.

I had to grab an umbrella and go out with him but I know that he is not finished.

So will be making another trip out with my big family sized umbrella.

The sky is that shade of grey that looks like the rain has set in for a long time.

I hope that it stops so that my boy can finish his morning ritual / business.

Kind of sounds like it may have slowed down.

I will have to keep this post short.

I am sorry about that.

Only so much time in the morning or at least this morning.

 

Question?

When it is raining in the morning do you just want to stay under the blankets and sleep?

I do, Alvin does.

 

Question?

Sometimes, I wish that Alvin could talk.

I wonder what he would say?

I wonder all of the time what he is thinking.

 

Food for thought.

 

Well Living … one day at a time …..

Today in the rain.

I have a dental appointment this afternoon so I see walking in the rain a few times in my future.

Thankfully I have an umbrella but am wishing that I had rubber boots.

 

Happy Thursday

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of June, 2018.

The sky is filled with rain clouds, the trees are swaying in the wind and the sun is desperately trying to peer through the darkness.

It has been raining for a few hours and the pavement is wet, the grass is happily smiling a rich green, the trees are singing for the rain as they are moving about in the wind.

I can hear the rain drops coming down to the ground.

We needed the rain, the moisture, that balance.

 

Last night as the dark clouds filled the sky and the odd rain drop began to fall; I decided to move my flower pots into the protection of the house.

I could not have every pot in total cover and not that I wanted to as they need that glorious nectar that falls from the sky.

So they still receive the moisture but are protected in the event of hail and strong winds.

I noticed that some of the flower petals had fallen off and were covering the soil inside the pots.

What can you do?

 

We are going to visit a friend later this morning rain or shine.

So hopefully it is not pouring although I can carry my large umbrella and Alvin can walk close beside me.

He really needs a summer rain jacket.

He has one but it does not really fit him anymore.

At least it is not cold outside and we can always dry off later.

 

What are you doing today?

Is it raining where you are?

What do you do on a raining day?

Stay inside?

Go for a walk?

Read a book?

Write a book?

Watch a movie?

Eat popcorn?

Go shopping?

Do housework?

Hobby/craft time?

Go through closets?

 

I hope that wherever you are that you are enjoying this day.

Perhaps it is a work day for you or perhaps a day of leisure.

No matter what … enjoy.

Take in the sights and sounds around you.

Hold them close.

Appreciate them for what they are ….

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. who is one of the best joke tellers I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th day of May, 2018.

The sky is overcast with lovely rain clouds.

It has been raining off and on since last night.

We surely needed the rain so I do not mind.

The smell in the air is most glorious.

There appears to be no breeze as is evident by the stillness of the trees out my office window.

Mr. Alvin is laying on the blue blanket thinking about what, I do not know.

I wished that I could read his thoughts or perhaps not.

Well after today I am away from the office until Wednesday.

So excited for this extra long weekend.

It has been awhile.

Last night after work my daughter brought me home with a stop to pick up food, treats and toothpaste for Mr. Alvin.

I had supper all prepped from the night before so it took more time removing all of the containers from the fridge than the actual readiness of the food.

We had wraps with an assortment of veggies, cheese and YVES Mexican Meat.

So good.

After supper coffee before my neighbour arrived to cut our hair.

YUP, I did it ….. cut it all OFF.

I have not had it quite this short in many years.

Definitely takes a bit more to do in the morning OR at least until I figure out which way it wants to go and then work from there.

It feels cool and freeing.

Every one in awhile you have to make a big change.

Or at least I do.

With a fresh new hair cut it makes me feel differently.

Like a new person.

With the rain today ….. I feel renewed.

Just have to work on these allergies / cold thing and it would be perfect.

Plugged ear is not much fun.

Another thing ….my daughter and I are going flower shopping tomorrow.

I am so excited …. to get some flowers for my front flower bed, front step, deck and back garden.

Always fun planting.

I may grab a couple of tomato plants as well.

Well here it is almost time to leave for work.

Will have to grab the trusty umbrella this morning.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday …..

Royal Wedding come up ….

Will be a great weekend.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family sprinkled all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2017.

Well the long weekend, Thanksgiving weekend is now over.

Back to work, back to the office.

Yesterday was nice ….. warmer than I thought it was going to be.

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk.

He was sniffing and I was leaf watching.

The remaining leaves on the trees are incredibly beautiful.

Our tree out front has a handful of yellow leaves still hanging on for dear life.

Even though we have had strong winds the past few days they have managed to remain on the tree.

How strong they are …..

 

I am grateful that I was able to spend this beautiful weekend with my family.

Last year it was snowy and icy and my son-in-law was sick.

This year everyone was well and the roads were dry.

So grateful for our time together.

 

Well here we go …. almost time to grab my coat, put on my shoes and better throw my umbrella into my purse as it may rain today.

Have a wonderful Tuesday (almost said Monday).

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to:   Good Morning my Sister …… talk to you one day soon …… SKYPE???

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of September, 2017.

Another dark rainy morning.

Add some wind.

As soon as the sun comes out I will be cleaning out my flower pots and putting all the deck furniture away.

It was a great summer and I am looking forward to a beautiful FALL.

By Sunday it is supposed to be 15 degrees celsius once again and that would be perfect.

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

Here are some things that I learned recently:

“Why” questions make people feel judged.

Use “What” and “How” questions.

Face your belly button toward a person you are meeting.

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

It is funny that on a rainy day one does not feel jubilant or most times.

When it is dark, rainy and windy I am less likely to feel bright and cheery.

Those are my reasons for sunshine …. I want to feel bright and cheery.

Funny how weather plays a role in your mood.

Today I will try my best to me less grumpy and more happy.

A trick ….. think of something that makes you smile and hold that thought whenever the bad mood tried to break the surface.

 

Well time to go as I want to repack my purse or change purse, actually.

Downsizing so easier to carry with umbrella.

 

Special Hello to:  my daughter ….. hello my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 19th day of September, 2017.

Well it is dark out with no signs of sunrise as it is overcast and raining.

The deck was a tad wet when we first got up but now the rain has set in and it is soaked.

Poor Alvin.

He thankfully had a visit outside at 4:30 a.m. as at 5:40 a.m. it was raining and he did not wish to go outside.

That is one thing about the rain and the cold for our poor fur-babies.

 

I am grateful to have a jacket and umbrella and good sweater to wear under said jacket to keep me warm.

The wind is blowing so likely the umbrella may not be of much use but time will tell.

I believe he has to go outside.

This is short.

 

Be kind and supportive.

 

Have a great day.

Special Hello to:  all those celebrating birthdays.

Always, Carol