Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a beautiful Friday morning.

The sun is shining and there is a cool breeze.

Catching the bus to work today so the walk to the bus will be glorious.

 

Quick story.

Last night after work Alvin and I joined our friend for a walk.

We chatted as we walked along.

When we reached the larger pond/lake to the north of us; we spotted on the path, the flock of geese from our ponds.

Yes, they are our geese.

They were just hanging out on the sidewalk and grassy area.

We walked the other direction so as not to disturb them.

They did not move as single persons walked by them.

No hissing or any movement, really.

Surprised that they are so “tame” but not really.

Not really a good thing for a wild creature.

 

We chatted as we walked.

Alvin did the sniffing.

As we walked along and looked back over the pond/lake we saw that they had gone to the water.

The large gaggle of geese were swimming at the far end.

 

On our way home on the pathway just down from where we originally saw the flock … we spotted one lone young one.

Definitely got separated from his family.

We carefully and quietly walked closer.

We watched and kind of herded him to safety.

Which meant down the sidewalk and across a busy street to OUR pond/park.

We did not wish that he would get scared and accidently walk onto the busy street.

My friend was on one side and we on the other.

Alvin was so good.

No barking or anything.

We stopped traffic to cross the street.

Me, Alvin, my friend and a young goose.

What a cute sight.

Only wished that I had my phone with me to take photos.

When we were across the street and we were parting ways.

I heard a noise and looked back to see the flock coming down the busy street.

They had cars stopped all over the place.

I could tell people were anxious.

Also by that time a woman and two small dogs came along going to cross there and we asked that she wait.

So patiently everyone waited …

When the geese got to the next street to cross …. Alvin and I blocked off the street on one side so that they would cross.

That way if anyone came … they would STOP.

I am happy to say that ALL the geese got home safely.

Did you know that they lose their flight feather in the spring/summer and that is why they do not fly.

I guess it is so that they will not fly away on their offspring OR perhaps because they have to eat lots for the journey in the fall.

Anyway it was quite the adventure.

Most fun walk ever.

The young goose …. well he was reunited with his family.

HAPPY ENDING.

Love those stories.

 

Well time to get Mr. Alvin outside …. for one last bathroom trip.

Then will have to take off for the bus.

 

SEE what kindness and respect do ….

Applies to geese as well.

We treated them with kindness and respect.

Happy ending….

 

Happy Friday.

Weekend here we come.

My daughter is giving me a ride home from work.

YAY.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of November, 2017.

Woke up to SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW.

Poor Mr. Alvin did not wish to go out to the back yard.

The first snowfall always makes him hesitant.

 

We had an awesome Halloween.

I dressed up as a Hippie and it went over well.

Pretty comfortable costume, I will say.

That is the mark of a great costume – if you can comfortably wear it all day or most of the day.

We got to pick the best costumes at our office and at noon we had the best POTLUCK ever.

The food was great and the treats even better.

I had a pasta (macaroni) with cheese and veggies.

It turned out so yummy.

I wrote the recipe down.

That is the trouble I always make up recipes and then do not usually write them down.

I am getting better at writing them down.

Last night the first treater showed up at our house at 5:45.

I was sort of surprised to see the boy get out of a vehicle.

I asked him as he was older, I would say 11-12 approximately “if he lived in the neighbourhood?”

He said no.

I asked him where and he named an area about 10 minutes or so away.

AS I was asking questions, asked him why they would drive to our area and he said we give bigger and better treats.

Yikes, I thought.

So because we give better treats people are driving their kids here.

There were several vehicles that stopped and let kids out.

Some would be due to the weather but some come from elsewhere.

Funny ….

I had about 92 treaters.

There were a couple of times that my steps were filled with children so I may have missed one or two.

This is the least amount that I have had since I moved to Edmonton.

Two cute stories from last night.

First one:  the doorbell rang and there were three boys and a man standing just a few feet away from the steps.

I answered the door with the obligatory “Happy Halloween” and proceeded to hand out some treats.

The man stood more into the light and said “Hello” …. we just wanted to thank you again for bringing our dog home ….

One of the boys said “yes, thank you so much for bringing (cannot remember dog’s name) home.

I almost cried.

This is a dog that had accidentally got out of the yard.

Anyway, it has been about three years since this happened and every year they stop by to thank me.

How sweet.

Good deeds do not go unnoticed.

The second story …..  Alvin was on his leash as he loves to check out the children and as we know so many of them ….. he was right with me at the door.

One of the Dad’s said from the darkness ….. “Hi, Alvin …. he is so cute” and stepped into the light and here was this guy that I had met on the bus.

So Alvin is a star.

We had fun.

I took some photos on my tablet but unable to get downloaded but here are some from work and home from my camera.

Then gotta run.

Decided better not to post photos of people as I do not have their permission.  The two officers (reflections) were/are masked.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  you

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of September, 2015.

Well I was mistaken yesterday about the frost.

Jack hit ….

On my way to the bus I saw the frost on the lawns and vehicles.

During the ride to work there was fog in low lying areas and frost.

Luckily my flowers survived uncovered and I am grateful.

A few more days is wonderful especially when the weekend is supposed to be 20 degrees celsius.

It was absolutely gorgeous outside last night when Alvin and I went for our walk.

The air was warm, no breeze and the roses are still fragrant.

Well almost time to leave for work.

I am grateful that today is Friday.

Lots of things on my LIST for the weekend.

Outside chores ….. lawn needs to be cut ….. check out the shrubs I guess they should be trimmed before it get to cold.

Start putting things away.

Inside …. the regular laundry …. cleaning ….. preparing for next Saturday’s Steeped Tea party ….. what to pack my things in… you know stuff like that.

Well I am catching an earlier bus these days.

Time to get going …..

I hope that you have an awesome Friday …..

Special Hello to:  to all those folks who are prepared ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 11th day of July, 2015.

Mr. Alvin just groaned as he plunked himself down on the floor beside me.

Now he is up….

Looking at what, I do not know.

Perhaps he is just listening to the sounds of the vehicles in the distance on the highway.

Now he is laying on the carpet/rug outside the office with eyes up starring at me.

When I am at home – he is almost always close by.

In so many ways he is like a child ….. he feels like that to me.

I am always amazed by how much he wants to be near me.

I know that this morning he was somewhat disappointed when there was no banana and only a handful of strawberries.

He sure is used to what he is used to …… routine.

But that is okay ….. most of us beings on this planet are into a routine.

In fact, we are better when we are in a routine.

Or at least that is my thought ….

Most of us are happiest when there is a routine …. things go according to plan ….

So today there is a plan but most Saturdays are unplanned to some degree.

I guess that is true on the weekends for most people.

We have things planned and then there is unplanned time.

Well just heard from my friend who is putting up the boards ( I cannot think of the actual name) that cover the insulation and vapour barrier) ….. oh my goodness my brain …… he is coming over in a few minutes and I still have my p.j.s on so must get going.  It is almost done ……. yay.

Have a great day.

Enjoy the weekend …. if you are working I hope that you have some time to relax.

Special Hello to: jewellery lovers

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of April, 2015.

Well guess what happened overnight?

Can you guess?

Coloured rain?

IT SNOWED.

OH no!

Well on the good news front it pretty much melted as it reached the ground.

Just a light layer on the patio furniture, windshields on the neighbouring vehicles and on the grass.

I am so happy and grateful that the young man arrived at my door last night from Canadian Property STARS and aerated both the front and the back lawn.

Perfect timing.

It was kind of funny that two days ago I tossed around the idea of having another company come and possibly do the aeration and maybe power rake.

Last spring CPS did our lawn and it did not really do much but then again I did not water much as I was depending on the rain.

The young man who aerated the lawn last night did a much better job so I think we are going to have beautiful lush grass.

YAY.

Well the weekends are now my favourite days of the week.

I am at HOME.

I love being at HOME.

I am happiest at HOME.

Cleaning ….. writing ….. visiting …… WALKING with ALVIN……making jewellery……cooking and all of the things that I can do at home.

Home is my most favourite place on this EARTH.

I am happy to be at home with a long to do list for this Saturday.

But I can take my time ….. no rushing ….. I can stop for a coffee break …… stop and go for a walk ….. do things in whatever order I wish.

Oh how I am loving this Saturday.

Alvin is loving having me at home now – I can just tell.

I am loving being at home with him.

Tomorrow my beautiful daughter and grand-puppies are coming for brunch/breakfast which will be “pancakes” …. her favourite and then a trip to COSTCO.

YAY …. what a grand weekend.

Well time to go and grab that coffee and perhaps start the laundry.

I think that sounds fine.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I was in the throes of making banana muffins when the young man arrived on my doorstep to do the lawn ….. he went home with some muffins.  He was so excited.  I was excited that he would want them.

It was funny ,I put four in a plastic container and when I saw all of the guys climbing into the van (with the trailer hauling the equipment), I asked if he would like more to share as he unzipped his backpack, and placed the container inside, he said “just for me” and smiled.

Nice young man.

GREAT NIGHT had by ALL.

Today is a great day and I hope that you are enjoying this Saturday as well.

No matter what the weather …. just do your thing.

Happy Saturday.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Special Hello to: my daughter and family ….. we miss you guys.  Still seems strange to wake up and no one else in the house except Alvin…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of March, 2014.

WOW, Happy March …… just a few weeks until it is officially spring.

It sounds like most of North America is experiencing frigid temperatures.

Here in the western Canadian prairie provinces we are more prepared for extreme temperature changes.

Although the minus 60 some windchill temperatures are near the norm.

I hope that on this very cold March 1st that everyone is safe and warm.

So important to also remember your pets – these are not the temperatures that they should be outside for more than a few minutes.

They can get frostbite and much worse.

Fur coats do not protect them at these temperatures.

Also your cows and horses and other farm animals should be in the barn or in some protected enclosure.

If you see a homeless person – get help.

No one should be outside for more than a few and I mean very few minutes in these temperatures.

So with more people staying indoors on this first day of March ….. use this time to have some fun.

Gather the family and play some board games.

Watch a movie together …… have a family meeting.

Find out what is new with everyone.

HAVE FUN.

This is a great opportunity ….

 

Also if you do not have to go out ….. stay home.

Do not chance your vehicle not starting as the tow truck companies will be hours behind being able to assist you for a boost.

If you must go out …. dress in layers …… cover your body ……  cover your head.

If you must go out in the car …. carry booster cables …… carry extra clothing and blankets …… water, candles, and chocolate (something to give you a quick boost).

If you have a cell phone keep it with you.

 

Take care on this Saturday and I hope that you all have a great March.

Special Hello to: all of the people who are staying home and having fun with their families.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin