Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 29th day of December, 2017.

Another bright sunny morning with no dark clouds in site.

The sky is a pale blue with smoke rising slowly out of the chimneys.

It is another bitterly cold morning which means once again no walk for us.

We are on the upswing if you will ….. today is the last day of bitter cold.

Now that was the forecast yesterday so it may have changed but I sure hope not.

Forecast for the first week of the New Year is to be walkable temperatures.

Thank goodness.

Yesterday I took down the majority of the Christmas decor.

Leaving up the Christmas Cards, one wintery wreath, my ADVENT Calendar which was a gift and a few small items upstairs.

Oh and there is he tree in my office.

The main floor looks BARE.

 

Two sleeps until New Years Eve.

Alvin and I will stay home and snuggle on the Eve of the New Year.

Last year I went out wasn’t gone long and went back home for me Alvin.

I just cannot leave the little guy home alone when I am not at work.

Our Christmas vacation just seemed to zoom by.

Isn’t it crazy how fast ten days can pass?

 

Well today is laundry, tidy up and put away things in the basement.

Rearrange mostly.

 

Time for a shower.

This cold weather just makes me want to sleep.

Thankfully it will pass soon.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

If you are wishing to do something in the NEW YEAR ….. how about VOLUNTEERING?

There are so many ways to volunteer.

You can help at a Seniors Home, Hospital or Animal Shelter.

You can help at a Shelter.

You can help by picking up trash in your neighbourhood OR shovelling snow for seniors or someone who cannot.

Deliver meals on wheels.

There are so many things that we can do.

Look around and find a need and fill it.

Simple as that.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: YOU, today because you are super special.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and  Welcome to Thursday the 31st day of August, 2017.

Last day of this wonderful month.

Yesterday did not reach the temperatures that were forecasted which was wonderful.

However; this was not the case in other parts of Alberta and Canada.

Hot and dry – little or not rain.

We were blessed to have some moisture this summer.

It would seem that there is so much extreme with the moisture.

Either none or too too much.

We are thinking of our neighbours to the south affected by Hurricane Harvey.

May you receive the assistance that you need.

To all those that have lost family members whether two or four-legged, our hearts go out to you.

We are grateful to the men and women who have volunteered to help out those in need.

Also to all those whose job it is to help in crisis situations, thank you.

We see reports on the news and on social media of rescues and are grateful.

It will be a long way to rebuild your homes, communities and lives but you will do it.

Take care on this Thursday.

May you be warm and dry and have clean water to drink.

 

Special Hello to: my family all over the world including Houston, Texas.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of May, 2016.

The sun is shining and the sky is blue.

You can smell smoke in the air which keeps us in constant thought of our neighbours to the north.

This is my story.

 

THE CAKE

This past Thursday night as Alvin and I were out on our nightly walk we happened to see our friend “P” outside in her backyard.

Alvin loves her and begged to come into the yard.

We immediately began to chat about the fires burning up north in Fort McMurray.

She told me that she had family living up there and how they had been evacuated and how her niece rescued neighbours beloved pets and others along the way.

My heart soared as she told me their story.

My friend also said that they are on their way to stay with them while things get sorted out.

As she was speaking my mind raced to “what can I do” mode.

I knew that the foodstuffs and extra bits of things in my pantry were at an all time low so I did not readily volunteer to cook something.

With no money until payday to start refilling the shelves.

There had to be something else.

Now I am not saying that I do not have anything to eat …. I am okay.

But to make something worthy of these folks it had to be special and that,I could not do at this time.

So I did volunteer my spare bedroom and my air mattress but my friend said they should be okay (they have a HUGE house).

On our way out of the yard we chatted about her flowers which by the way are amazing.

She is English, and truly has an English garden, no matter the time of year, so beautiful.

P offered me a fern as she has many ….. I accepted but we decided to dig it out on the weekend.

She gave me some bulbs last fall and I am proud to say that they are growing.

On our way home I was thinking that I did have a cake mix, yes a store bought one in my cupboard.

Usually I make from scratch but always good to have one on hand.

I knew that I had plenty of eggs and just enough vegetable oil and of course, lots of water.

So I knew that I could bake a cake and take it over on the weekend.

The only fly in my ointment was the “icing.”

I had only a small amount of icing sugar (clearly not enough to cover a 9×13 cake).

No vanilla, lots of butter, no canned milk and some condensed milk.

What to do?

I needed to borrow some type of milk.

So I went to one of my neighbours and borrowed a can of coconut milk.

That was all she had.

It would work I thought …. would not be quite the same, but okay.

So I baked the cake which turned out proper.

Then I went to work on the icing …..

Earlier I had taken the butter out of the fridge so it could soften before I made the icing.

I placed the icing sugar into my mixer bowl, followed by some cocoa, and butter which was not clearly soft enough but in my need to get this done, I went ahead.

I added some condensed milk and some of the coconut milk.

Started to blend.

The butter was not mixing so I turn off the mixer and went about some other business.

Returning a while later …. mixed some more.

Still not perfect.

Returned a while later.

This went on for over three hours …… that butter just did not want to break down.

Finally I mixed and squashed the butter by hand.

The consistency is not the same as usual as there was not enough icing sugar, no vanilla and no canned milk.

But it tastes good …. so just after 11:30 last night I put the icing on the cake.

It spread well as it was not thick.

I covered it with some sprinkles of coconut as I thought with the coconut milk it might add to it.

Also threw on some of our Steeped Tea raspberry sugar …..

The point of this story is not really about the cake but to my need to immediately help out.

I have learned that it is better to wait for some time than to rush in and not be prepared.

The cake is baked and I had my neighbour check out the icing and she said thumbs up.

So I am relieved.

Later today I will take over the cake for the heroes visiting our city.

It is not much but it is from my heart and that is what truly counts.

I have heard of so many stories of how people have given so much when they have little themselves.

It is “our way” ….. to reach out and help those in need.

We have an office up north that my place of employment is affiliated with that was destroyed in the fires.

Some of the employees at that office have lost their homes as well.

I volunteered to go up if they need a hand knowing that Alvin can easily go and stay with my daughter and son-in-law.

We continue to hear stories of bravery and heroism and they will continue for a long time to come.

We all want to help.

No matter what you give as long as you give it from your heart – it is enough.

Time to go and give Mr. Alvin a much needed hair cut.

I am thinking that I could foster a doggie if needed.

Special Hello to: all those people from Fort McMurray you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 2nd day of February, 2016.

There have been a few flakes wondering down from the sky to take their place on my deck, onto the ground.

It feels a bit cooler this morning but perhaps it is only because I had the door open to let Alvin out into the back yard in my PJ’s.

Today we find out if spring is sooner or later.

I am hoping for sooner and not because of the winter being super cold and miserable but because the lack of bright sunshine has made me feel a bit blue.

Our winter here in Edmonton has not been unusually long or bitterly cold for long periods but we have not had the sunshine.

I miss the sunshine …..

A part of it might have to do with my location at the office …. desks block the daytime sunshine.

So unless I get up and walk about which is not much other than to the printer and there is no sunshine that way either ….

Not that I am suffering the way someone would with an illness but more in the energy field.

Lacking in motivation.

I work on being bright and cheery, positive and energized.

I have some MATCHA (ground green tea into fine powder) with my oatmeal.

It helps but there is a looming cloud ….. anyway enough of gloom and doom ….. I like the sound of the OOM ……

Okay perhaps a slight bit over the top.

More than a bit over the top ….

Enough of the drama.

January was drama and February is all about the calm and GREAT

 

Last night Mr. Alvin and I went for a walk.

There was so much salt on the sidewalks to combat the ice that it was not a fun walk for us.

As soon as I got home I quickly washed his feet and I always wash them before bed.

That way any “stuff” on them will not make it into bed with us.

 

I had a phone call from the Captain or Area Leader for the Heart Fund …. I volunteered to canvas for them.

He will be dropping off the package tonight.

 

Well almost time to leave for the office.

The sun will shine today ….

Both Alvin and I hear a cat meowing …. the same one methinks that we heard just after going to bed.

We have to go and investigate before I leave for work.

Poor thing…..sounds distressed.

 

Special Hello to:   CATS

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2015.

We have a new government voted in last night in Canada.

The Liberal Party won with a majority vote.

So let us see what they can do for us.

Congratulations Justin Trudeau.

Change can be good.

 

I certainly know all about change.

In the years prior to moving to Alberta my life was pretty much the same.

With this I mean …. that I got up …. went to work and went home.

I did volunteer work and visited with my friends and family.

Work was for the most part the same.

Although we did implement a new computer system in the 90’s.

I knew my job …. lived in the same apartment …..

Since 2008 my life has been full of change.

Some good some not.

But all I can say is that you have to embrace whatever comes your way.

You always have a choice not matter what the situation is ….

Choice is to make it okay or not.

Why stress over CHANGE when it comes into your life.

Just hold onto to it, and run.

If you put a positive spin on change it will not seem so overwhelming.

Why stress ….. I think in these past few years that most people have been dumped right into the midst of change.

Change in the economy and to their jobs.

Change in family and friends.

Change in health.

Change.

So on this Tuesday …. when change comes your way ….. embrace it.

We do absolutely require CHANGE to grow.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Special Hello to:  so grateful for the video chat with my sister and great niece on Sunday night.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 18th day of February, 2015.

It is dark out at the moment.

Looking forward to waking up to a sunrise.

Last night after work I canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

I was reminded by the one donation that was made that it is a good thing we are doing when we volunteer.

She thanked me for volunteering my time.

Such a nice young Mom.

There were several people not at home, some said flat out “NO” and others said they would make their donations at a later date (maybe on-line).

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect so I thought that all went well.

I will pick another night to go out and see the others who were not at home.

Everyone should volunteer.

It is not only good for the organization that you are canvassing for but also for your own “heart” and well being.

Anyway ….. I think that I am going to do this again next year.

I used to canvas for various charities when I lived in Regina but this is the first other than Capital City Clean-up since I moved to Edmonton.

Which reminds me I need to sign up for the CCC-UP ……

Well almost time to leave for the office.

I hope that you all have a great day.

If given the opportunity …. go forth and volunteer.

There are always organizations that need your help whether at your local animal shelter or at a homeless shelter.

Someone can always use your help.

Special Hello to: all those folks who volunteer every day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of December, 2013.

Are you counting the days until Christmas?

15 sleeps till Christmas ….

I hope that you are enjoying the holiday season.

In between the shopping and the baking and the children’s concerts and the late nights at work – I hope that you are just enjoying listening to some great Christmas music while enjoying the lights as they sparkle on the Christmas tree.

Take some quiet time to reflect on the past year and think to next year.

Be grateful for what you have.

I hope that you are as blessed as me.

To have a tree.

To have a home.

To be able to hear the music.

I also believe at this time and all throughout the year that we should help those less fortunate than ourselves.

If you know someone who needs a bit of help or perhaps some encouragement …. lend an ear or a hand.

Even when you do not have an excess amount of cash to help others there are many other ways to do so.

You can invite someone over for a meal.

You could go through your pantry and make up a package for a nice meal.

You can go through your closet and give away that coat or sweater that you have not worn since last year.

Give a pair of mittens or a scarf.

Volunteer at a shelter for humans or animals.

Go visit a senior’s centre.

Bake some cookies for a neighbour.

Shovel a sidewalk for someone disabled or elderly.

All the creatures on this earth can use a hand.

Be mindful and be kind.

So on this mid week day I challenge you all to be “mindful of what you do and say” and “to be kind to every living creature.”

We all inhabit this beautiful planet and are all here for a reason …..

Special Hello to: SURPRISES …. you never know when or how.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 6th day of August, 2013.

Wow at 5:00 a.m. this morning it was still dark out and by 5:30 the sky started to lighten and now at 6:20 the sun is rising.

It is going to be a beautiful day here in Edmonton.

I had a great long weekend.

My daughter and I worked on our jewellery and between us both we made 15 necklaces and two pair of earrings.

So rewarding to do something you love with someone you love.

Double gratification.

I cannot stress how important it is to find your passion and go after it.

Doesn’t matter what it is …. just do it.

If you love looking at the stars, then do it.

If you love reading one new book each month, then do it.

If you love animals volunteer at the local Human Society.

If you love children volunteer at your local hospital.

If you love creating …. then make something.

Doesn’t matter what it is…. just do it.

So on this wonderful Tuesday ….. I almost said Monday …. ENJOY.

Special Hello to:  all those people who go after their dreams …… thank you.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S. I set up a separate post for the story that I am creating day by day.  It will be reposted each day that I write with one new line.  It is so much fun never knowing where it will go.

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, the 3rd day of July, 2013.

It is a beautiful sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I hope that you are having a glorious and most enjoyable summer.

May you help your neighbours.

Lend a hand …. don’t wait to be asked.

Bake some cookies and take them to the elderly couple down the way or perhaps to a senior’s centre.

Volunteer and help.

So many organizations with all of the cutbacks need help ….. the best thing in the world to do is to give.

I hope that you have a great day.

Time to go and enjoy a cup of coffee with my daughter.

Thank you for reading my blog …. it means the world to me.

I enjoy reading yours, too.

 

Special Hello to: HELPERS …. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin