2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this fine sunny Monday morning? I am so lucky that today is a “day off” as the Province of Alberta celebrates “Alberta Family Day” Considered to be a stat holiday. My plans for this day are to gather my Steeped Tea and NORWEX paperwork for Income Tax. That time will come up soon enough and this time around I would like to be prepared. Also have to tally electricity charges, heat, internet and so on, those deductions that may be used in time tax when you are in business for yourself. I claim my commissions obviously as income. This is all in addition to my regular job. Anyway, that is the plan for this afternoon. Hopefully the temperature has warmed up enough that we can also go for a walk this afternoon. Yesterday I thought felt warmer was actually minus 28 celsius with the windchill. I guess it was warmer when compared to minus 45 or so with the windchill. Yesterday we had a great visit with my daughter. She stopped by the store and picked up a few items for us. I went out to the garage when she arrived, as this was the first time my daughter was driving the new car, well she backed the new car into the garage. It is huge compared to their other car, the KIA Soul. The back up camera got her parked within I would say three inches from my bistro table which is made of steel and river rock. That would have caused a serious dent. I am going to move that table so there is more room, I had not thought the car was that big but it is. Alvin was happy to see his sister. I helped carry the groceries into the house. When she came into the house after me, hand in hand with the most beautiful plant with pink flowers in a cute pink pot adorned with a pink heart, so pretty and a bag which she handed to me right away which I found to contain a box of one of my favourite treats from Dairy Queen – dilly bars. My other fav is the buster bars with nuts. I love the two and they are truly a treat for me. After the groceries were quickly put away, I made her a cup of coffee and began to dish the food. I made these egg treats which I am calling EGG MUFFINS ….. they are finely chopped veg (I used broccoli, red pepper, yellow onion and parmesan cheese) in the bottom of a muffin tin and then pour whisked egg over top. Easy peasy. So good. I also put in some spice and pepper but found that I could have added more spice for sure. We had sourdough bread toast with the egg muffins. The other thing to know is that I sprayed the muffin tin with a vegetable spray to help the muffins not stick. They did stick a bit but not too bad. We enjoyed our late breakfast/brunch/lunch together. Mr. Alvin was feeling left out and wanted what we were having of course. Afterward we enjoyed a couple of the “no bake energy bites” that I had chilling in the fridge and some coffee on the sofa. Our visits are always great and never long enough. But there is never enough time with my girl. When she went to leave a few hours later, she had asked if I wanted to drive the new car. I said YES. So I started the new car and drove it round from the garage down the back lane and onto the street that goes by the house and parked in front of the house. I must say it is a pretty sweet ride. I am so happy for them. It is a nice vehicle. Once we said our goodbyes, I went to the house and waved as she pulled away. Back in the house, Mr. Alvin had been watching from the window. I wanted him to see the car on the street so that he will know it is his sister next time she drives by. He knew the other car by sight. We received a text from Teddy & Kobi’s Mom that they had a Valentine’s treat for us and was wondering if they could pop by. Who can turn down treats, not me and Alvin. I always love when the pups come to the house ….. Teddy’s Mom puts him down and he runs like there is no tomorrow to the house. I of course, was ready with the door open and in he ran. Kobi’s Mom put her down closer to the house and in she ran. They jumped up and down so happy to see us. Their Mom came in mask covered to give us our gift which was chocolate for me and a bag of chew treats for the boy, and for a short visit. We always social distance. I feel so blessed that I had some company. Otherwise 24/7 it is only me and Alvin. Not complaining. Not complaining.

Well it is time to head on downstairs. I could not get my keister up from the sofa this morning so it was about 8:30 when we got up for the final time …. I will say that it was Alvin that got me up. He nudged me to say …. time Momma to get up. I am glad that he did. With a bright blue sky and sun shining …. it is going to be a great day.

I am grateful for all of our many blessings.

Continuing to live this day as all others with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

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

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 15th day of February, 2019.

Warming up?

Last night after work felt warmer.

Alvin and I had a great Valentine’s Day.

At work our immediate group exchanged Valentine’s & Treats.

There were everything from Cards and Chocolate to Pencils, Eraser, and Paper Airplanes.

Kinder surprise and Play-Doh.

Very cool.

On my way home I asked to be dropped off as I had some errands to do ….. picked up Valentine’s Cookies for Alvin and his BFF Teddy from the Bone & Biscuit and then SAVEON for groceries.

Teddy’s Aunt picked me and the groceries up.

I had written up a little card for Teddy from Alvin and gave her the card and the cookie that was in a little brown bag from the Bone & Biscuit.

Sounds like Teddy loved the cookie.

Poor Mr. Alvin had to wait for a bit before he got his cookie.

As I had several things to do before the big moment.

My Steeped Tea finally arrived so I wanted to sort the orders and be able to deliver them today to customers at work.

After Alvin had his supper ….. I gave him the cookie.

At first he seemed stumped as to what it was and then he began to lick the icing from the cookie and then it was done before you knew it.

Happy Valentine’s Day over for another year.

.

Here is the cookie that I picked up for Alvin and the same one for Teddy.

The shots with Alvin ended up being “action” and they are blurry, sorry.

We, er I mean Alvin did not sleep well last night.

Maybe it was the cookie or all the food he ate.

Likely had a tummy ache.

 

Well getting late here so I better run.

It was a good day yesterday and I am grateful that today is FRIDAY.

 

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: you and you and you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of February, 2019.

A cold morning once again.

But guess what?

Last night it was minus 20 with the windchill so Alvin and I put on our winter gear and headed out for a walk.

It was our first actual walk in about two weeks.

It felt so good and a bit cold.

We only went as far as the park as it was getting cold for Alvin’s paws.

But it was most enjoyable.

I feel lighter this morning.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate what we now refer to as Hearts Day.

A day to show love and affection with respect.

We are celebrating in our group at work.

Each of us decorated a paper bag much like some of us when we were children.

So much fun.

All week people have been dropping cards and goodies off into our bags.

Today the rest will deposit their treats and cards into our bags.

It was a good idea …. something fun amongst all of the work and “stuff.”

A rose for you

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to You and You and You.

May you be surrounded with love, respect and affection.

May I give you a little hug.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Take this day to show your “respect” to your class-mates, co-workers, family and friends.

We all need to be a little nicer, more compassionate and definitely show respect to each other.

Not only to our human counterparts but to all the creatures that roam this earth whether on land, sea or air.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

Time to don the winter garb and then on my way to work.

But have time for snuggles with my boy.

Thank you Mr. Alvin for being my wonderful, sweet, awesome companion.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, Happy Valentine’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

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

Today was my Grandmother Stella’s Birthday.

If she were alive she would be 117.

I miss my days with her.

She taught me so much and sometimes said things that I did not wish to hear.

Happy Birthday Gran.

 

I would like to think that it is warming up but not sure at this point.

Yesterday was cold.

Who knows.

I do know one thing – spring is right around the corner.

Just a few weeks until our time changes.

We put our clocks ahead one hour ….. now that takes some getting used to ….. losing an hour.

 

Last night as I was chatting with a friend at the bus stop.

A bus stopped, and I had not really been paying attention when my friend “C” appeared in the door way of the bus.

She said …. “Come on, wanna a ride.”

I quickly said “Have a good night to my other friend” and hopped onto the bus.

I also thanked the bus driver for waiting and he said “No problem, there was a red light.”

Made me giggle.

 

What a great Tuesday I had ….. I got so much done at work …… more than my TO DO LIST.

Today will be even better.

Stay focused and give it my all.

 

With being home so early and able to see the ground beneath us, I figured it was time to walk.

The weather has been cold, icy and on those nice nights too much salt on the walks.

We made it to the park and home but my poor Alvin seemed to find all of the salt.

I did my best to steer him away and when he stepped on it, I quickly wiped his paws with my mitts and scarf.

I guess I should take a towel with me.

During my ride home last night we chatted about the salt and walks.

Came up with an idea ….. baby socks ….. I should try them.

I am pretty certain that Alvin will not keep them on his paws but you never know.

At least it may help.

That way if he wears them …. I would know okay to purchase actual booties for pups.

 

Well time to get this show on the road once again.

I truly hope that you have a fantastic Wednesday.

Yesterday on my bus ride to work I repeated my mantra over and over.

I tell you …. certainly helped me get through the work day.

Try your mantra ……

If you do not have one ….. make one up…..

You have to start somewhere.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ….. finally tried all of the items in the Valentine’s gift box and everything was AMAZING.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 7th day of February, 2018.

One week from today is Valentine’s Day.

WOW, spring is on the way.

It is snowing very lightly this morning and feels warmer than it has been.

Perhaps it is the positive energy in me that gives me that feeling, who knows?

I do know one thing for sure …. at some point in some amount of days …. weeks …. months, we shall have spring.

I love spring.

The colours ….. the energy …… the flowers ….. TULIPS.

Tulips are my daughter’s favourite flowers.

I would like to surprise her and plant some bulbs so that perhaps next spring she could awake one morning and find tulips blooming in her back yard.

That would be nice.

 

Last night my special nephew “T” called me.

His Grandmother recently passed away.

They were very close and I hold him just a bit closer during his time of loss.

Grandparents are so very important and when you grow up having them there at every stage of your life ….. they are greatly missed when they pass.

Hugs buddy, hugs and much love.

 

Yesterday was one of those days that I really thought I was losing my mind.

I could not keep negative crap out of my head.

Between work and the bus ride home ….. well ….

Today is a new day.

I am grateful to my “T” for without knowing it and without wanting to make the conversation about me, he brought me back.

Thanks again, buddy.

 

Well here we go almost time to leave for work.

I hope that we all have a great Wednesday.

I must remember to breathe and when those thoughts creep into my brain, I must move away from my desk and find a quiet spot to bring happy thoughts back to me.

Exercise …… we are missing our walks.

Hopefully this cold weather is almost over.

Regardless tonight we are going for even a 5 minute walk.

Both of us, NEED the fresh air and exercise.

Perhaps that is what is missing.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all the dreamers out there ….. it is never too late and I am reminding myself of that at this time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 5th day of April, 2017.

First week of April and the weather is beautiful.

Last night Alvin and I had a wonderful walk.

 

Today is the 7th Anniversary of my FIRST BLOG ever …..

I named my blog after the major change in my life which happened at 51.

It was not until a couple of years later that I chose  “My New Life at 51” as my blog name.

I had wanted to entertain and inspire anyone who took the time to read my words.

Writing is the one constant that has been in my life since I was a small child.

Whether writing poems for my Grandmother at Valentine’s Day or one for my Mom on her Birthday; I tried my hand.

A poem for my daughter’s class play.

I loved writing in school and did well.

My next project will be writing a book ….. it has been a dream of mine for a long time.

One that I can have published.

I just have to decide on a storyline and go.

I just keep changing my mind ….. is that not the beauty of writing ……. you can always change your mind.

Change the lines ….. change the story ….

 

 

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

I hope that you have enjoyed this journey with me and will continue.

With gratitude and hopes that I can bring a smile to your face and perhaps be inspirational along the way.

 

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: all those folks who write and to those who read what we have written …. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 15th day of February, 2017.

Another warm day on the way.

Forecast is for 10+ degrees celsius ….. there is nothing like a couple of weeks of this kind of weather to cheer one up.

Bringing spring just that much closer.

When I look outside it is still dark but by the time I arrive at work the sun is beginning to rise and there is blue sky.

What a welcome sight.

 

Alvin and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

We did not make it out for our regular walk as there is just too much ice and salt on the sidewalks and streets.

If he were a few pounds lighter I may try and carry him over those spots although there are many of them …

So we stayed home.

He had an extra treat or two.

We snuggled …

I told him about my day and he in his own way told me about his.

Our regular evening minus the walk.

Routine is nice.

 

Well mid week once again.

Can you imagine how many Wednesdays have come and gone over our lifetime?

How many times we think about the weekends from Monday to Thursday?

How many dreams we have that make no sense?

How about the ones that we have, that do.

So many thoughts.

So much time.

Behind, now and ahead.

Are we not blessed to be able to enjoy the past, present and future?

I would say so.

I enjoy thinking back over my life on this earth and seeing all of the changes.

I try to live in the present, in the now.

I dream of the future and look forward to it.

 

Well time once again to head out the door for another work day.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Perhaps a couple more of these 10 degree days and most of the sidewalks will be clear.

Although I did see snow for Friday ….. maybe I was dreaming ….

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all those dreamers …

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 14th day of February, 2017.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone.

Also Happy Birthday to “H” …. the sister to my son-in-law.

Wow, this month has been so busy with BIRTHDAY WISHES.

What a wonderful month.

If you are going to be thinking and saying words there are no better than Happy Birthday ones.

 

Well our weather has taken a continued turn for the BETTER.

Yesterday had to be 10+ celsius as last night when we went for our walk – I did not even wear mini gloves and my hands were warm.

Crazy ….

Having these days so beautiful just brings us a bit closer to spring and then summer.

FLOWER time.

I am so excited to go flower shopping this year.

YAY …. I love flowers.

This is one of my flowers.

Not to be planted, though.

Happy Valentine’s Day, me Alvin.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to my daughter, son-in-law, Aspen and Baby Milo.

Too all MY FAMILY and FRIENDS.

May you be surrounded by so much love and laughter on this day and every day.

 

Special Hello to:  You, Happy Valentine’s Day.

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