It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone!

Well it is a bright, sunny and beginning to warm morning here in Edmonton.

I can hear the geese honking in the distance.

Last night after work we took our second walk of the day.

Followed by the start of laundry and then the raking of the front lawn.

The neighbour that shares the front lawn with me did her own raking.

She has been feeding the bunnies which we have many all winter long.

So lots of bunny parcels mainly on her half but some transferred to mine.

We cleaned up most of it but I am sure that a little poop left behind would be great fertilizer.

At least it is natural.

 

I had been pondering the thought of having one of those landscaping / lawn companies, you know the ones, like GREEN DROP stop by.

Perhaps give the lawn a well deserved boost.

My neighbour gave her half some extra help and her lawn was so much healthier looking than mine.

I even watered mine some.

But after listening to Dr. Jane Goodall speak on Jimmy Fallon the other night and reading about bees and dandelions (which I usually have a few for sure).

I have decided to take the natural approach.

I will ensure that the lawn is properly hydrated (if no rain, then I will water).

I will leave the dandelions for the bees.

I will not put down any kind of “chemical” fertilizer on the lawn.

This is my pledge.

Now of course, it may be for naught if my neighbours surrounding me fertilize but I will do my best.

I am also planning a “trash/garbage” pick up day in the next couple of weeks.

This is where I take a day of vacation from work OR spend a good part of a Saturday or Sunday out in my neighbourhood picking up the trash.

Right now it is absolutely disgusting.

Might be sooner than later.

I use my own garbage bags (which reminds me I am almost out of the big ones that I usually purchase from COSTCO) and I have the garbage picker tools and disposable gloves.

So all of the necessary and safe equipment for the job.

I do this for my neighbours, for my neighbourhood, for my community and for the natural community most of all.

I constantly worry about birds and animals eating elastic bands that folks drop on the ground by the mailboxes.

I constantly worry about all the crap that people do not pick up.

So with the birds, animals and environment in mind, in my heart, I do this.

Unfortunately I do not go out as often as I used to.

Once upon a time I went out once a week now it is once or twice a season.

This is the time where it is the worst.

I would remind all of my humans out there, please pick up the trash when you see it on the ground.

You are out walking so much more now, why not slip a bag and gloves in your pocket.

Pick up that trash when you are out and about.

Why not?

Why is it that the majority of people just walk on by?

Please I am asking you.

Next time please pick up the trash no matter the size.

When you are packing up your trash to go out for pick up.

Be careful of how you pack it.

DO NOT THROW LOOSE PAPERS, CONTAINER in a BLUE BOX OR

WORSE leave BOXES stacked willy nilly to blow about.

Those are the boxes and styrofoam packing materials that I find on the street all of the time.

The styrofoam breaks down as it hits the curb and corners of the sidewalk breaking into much smaller pieces so of which are digested by birds and smaller animals.

These smaller pieces also end up going into the storm drains.

Easy to to.

PICK UP the trash.

Please.

 

I do apologize if this sounds like a rant as I would rather it sound like a public service announcement.

We all have to work together to make this planet a better place for all of the inhabitants.

We rely on the NATURAL WORLD.

Slowly and now so slowly we are disturbing, changing and destroying the natural world.

Let us come together and do some good.

There is good coming out of this pandemic.

The good is helping the natural world.

Marine life is returning in areas, the sky is clear from smog and pollution as people are staying home and some factories are closed.

This should tell us something.

It is a good reminder.

We have to stop and get things straightened out.

The next time we have a pandemic we may not be so lucky.

I am not taking away from the loss of life globally from this horrible virus.

 

Please have a good safe and happy Saturday.

Given the chance to do something great for the environment in your neighbourhood, please do so.

Do not leave what you can do, for others to do.

 

With kindness and a deep respect for our planet.

I/We remain,

As Always,

Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

A bright sunny morning.

As you may have noticed I am posting this a bit later than my usual.

That is because today is my shift to work from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Our team shares the after hours phone line from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

But today I have been requested to attend a meeting that starts at 10:30 a.m. so I will sign on about 10:15 or perhaps a few minutes sooner.

Just to ensure that I get everything ready.

So this will be a mixed up day.

My first break won’t be until 1:00 and then “lunch” will be at 3:00 p.m. and final break about 5:00 p.m. so that I can feed Alvin.

The Hello Fresh food order is supposed to arrive today but I won’t be making that tonight or else I will be eating way too late.

Also UPS did not deliver my Steeped Tea order yesterday so I will have to look into that and see what happened.

My coffee is perking away and should be ready momentarily for me to enjoy.

Even this one day with different hours reminds me of my time in retail.

Working all sorts of shifts.

It does take some getting used to that is for certain.

I have the office window open a crack and can hear a goose honking.

Perhaps he or she got separated from the flock.

It sounded like a cry of desperation.

I hope the poor goose finds her/his flock.

Not great to be separated from the group for sure.

 

Yesterday was gorgeous.

We enjoyed another two walks.

One at lunch break and the other after work.

Although I did finish work a bit later than usual.

 

Last night I snapped some photos of my plants.

I am smitten with my pink geranium.

Actually all of my plants are doing quite well at this time.

The time is getting closer to transplanting the geranium outside.

I will likely place it in the biggest pot that I have …..

 

One lone goose just flew by …. honking away.

Perhaps the other may have been more than one as the honking was quite substantial.

 

Well friends time to get this day going.

We were able to sleep in, had breakfast, I had a shower, my post is almost complete -COFFEE TIME.

Hopefully my tea order will arrive today.

The Hello Fresh food order arrives today.

YAY.

 

In life, if we all practice daily, living with kindness and respect.

We shall manage to live our lives just fine.

There will always be ups and downs.

That is for sure.

 

Take care.

 

With kindness and respect to and for all,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh my how the wind is gusting this morning.

You can hear the vents clanging away.

The air is moderately warm for this time of day.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside my computer chair.

I just entered the SURVEY from Save-on-foods.

It would be great to WIN a $1,000.00 gift card for groceries from there.

That would last me for months.

Keep positive thoughts flowing …. or how lovely ….. I won free groceries.

 

Back to work this morning.

The weekend zipped by as they so often do.

Yesterday the sun shone for most of the day and the air was warm.

However, it was so icy and messy that I elected for us to stay in the house.

I did go to the mailbox and mail a card to my Aunt in British Columbia.

With hopes it reaches her by her Birthday.

The sidewalks were so ugly that I did not dare to take Alvin out.

We both cannot afford to slip and fall.

He tends to pull a bit at times although he does seem to understand when it is icy out to be careful.

He usually walks until he sees ice and walk and then walks around on the edge of the street where there is snow.

After my one fall earlier this winter … he usually turns around to ensure that I am still there.

What a gentleman, my boy is.

 

Yesterday I spent some time going through this small trunk/toy chest.

Sorting through papers and things.

Also going through containers that have cards etc.

Every so often I go through to see if I can downsize a bit more.

Just trying to keep the most special ones.

I am just catching a glimpse of some cards that my daughter has given me over the years.

There are a handful that I have posted to my wall size bulletin board.

She always chooses the most beautiful ones with the best thoughts.

That daughter of mine turns 40 in a couple of weeks.

Hard to believe.

 

Well almost time to head on back downstairs.

I am catching a ride to work for the next couple of weeks with my neighbour.

Grateful for her.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Filled with kindness and respect and fun and laughter.

We always have to have a bit of the latter.

No fun is no way to live your life.

 

Happy Monday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the last day of February 2020.

the 29th …. the extra day once every four years.

The sky is overcast so I hope that doesn’t mean the white stuff will be falling from the sky later.

Yesterday was incredibly warm, think in the +6 degree fahrenheit range.

So of course some of the snow melted from the backyard, front yard and from neighbours and has pooled in front of my house.

Well actually part of mine and Humphrey’s house.

It is a mess of ice and water.

I see some ice picking in my future today.

Last night after work I went for groceries.

It was ugly getting out and then parked back out front.

I wished that the City would have had the big grader come down and scrape the street.

Instead we had a mini cat come down and plough.

Helped some but not enough.

Last night before groceries, Alvin and I attempted to go for a walk but after getting splashed by cars/trucks driving by …

Because of course, no one wants to slow down for those of us on the sidewalks.

I had bumped into a neighbour who was walking with her puppy and she was frustrated as well.

We were chatting on the sidewalk in front of her house when two trucks went by and splash us.

When we raised our arms in protest, they looked stunned.

Then bless their hearts a couple of vehicles went by and crawled along to ensure we did not get wet.

I honestly do not believe that people plan or intentionally want to splash water and mud on anyone.

But into their own little worlds and not paying attention.

Anyway.

It was nice to get out and have some fresh air.

It was nice to go shopping as well.

Something not at home and not at work.

 

Tonight I am hosting a 5th Avenue Jewelry party.

So after this I am going to get the laundry going, make breakfast, have coffee, clean and do some baking.

Excited to see some bling.

To try some pieces on.

Always a fun way to spend an evening.

There will be a few of us.

Alvin likes having company once he calms down.

 

Well as I might be deicing out front as much as possible.

I better get going.

Funny how the night before last there was only a small amount of ice out front.

Warm temperatures are appreciated but then it takes time and effort to keep the ice away.

 

Yesterday was my second eldest nephew’s birthday.

I forgot until almost the end of the day.

Bad Auntie.

I apologize to him.

Happy Birthday Buddy to one of the best guys I know.

He is hard working, a good father and husband.

An all around good one.

We are grateful to have him in the family.

 

So on this overcast gray kind of day.

I wish that you treat yourself with kindness and respect and some quiet time.

Treating others with kindness and respect is a given.

 

Happy Saturday.

Enjoy the last day of February 2020.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

How are you?

We are well.

Alvin slept from 9-3 and then we slept until 5 a.m.

So that is a good stretch for us.

How do you sleep?

Sleep is so important.

I totally understand why Alvin sleeps the way he does.

He sleeps (not proven) all day and then we go to bed early.

So that first chunk of 6 hours is a lot.

I am grateful that he does go back to sleep otherwise it would be a mighty long day for me.

I suppose after a time I would adjust as most creatures do.

Just heard a loud noise from the back of my house.

There are no lights or movements.

Guess one of the neighbours was outside.

Will check things further when we go back downstairs.

Anyway what was I saying?

Oh yes, sleep.

Without sleep we do not rejuvenate our bodies and minds.

So it is very important for us to keep enough sleep.

I love to get 8 hours sleep although it does not seem to happen all at one time.

Generally I get pretty close but it is broke up.

Oh well.

 

So Tuesday.

What is on with Tuesday?

Work for me.

What for you?

Are you perhaps soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere?

Going to work like me.

Are you retired? and enjoying life at home with vacations from time to time.

Do you go to school?

Are you without work?

Are you independently wealthy and do not have to work?

So many questions?

 

You know me, I work in an office.

I also sell Steeped Tea, NORWEX, pet sit and from time to time house sit and look after yards (water flowers).

So I keep pretty busy most of the time.

Although the sales part of things are mainly repeat business.

For all of this I am eternally grateful.

With all of this I am able to look after Alvin in the manner to which he has become accustomed.

Oh my Alvin.

 

Last night we went for a walk.

The air felt so nice and warm.

There was not even a hint of a breeze.

We were doing pretty good as we turned the first bend going around the ponds/lakes at our nearby park.

There was a big ice/water patch, Alvin hit it first and one or two paws were immersed in the water.

He quickly moved to the side and I look anxiously for a place to walk to get around this patch and could not find one.

I accidentally turned and Alvin figured it was time to go home.

So home we went.

We enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the walk even though it was not very long.

I cannot wait for the time when the sidewalks are clear of ice and snow and water.

The snow we can deal with but eventually it becomes ice or water.

Oh well.

Funny how as warm as it was yesterday during the day ….. it is double digit cold this morning.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs to put the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I will investigate things when I go outside to pick up the poop that Alvin left behind for me, earlier.

 

Wishing you a grand day.

Grand, yes, I said “grand.”

Not a commonly used word any longer.

May your day be filled with love, laughter and abundance.

Take care.

Thank you for reading my posts, this blog and staying with me on this wild, wacky journey.

Okay, perhaps not so wild but definitely has been wacky from time to time.

Can you hear the laughter?

Have a great day.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well good morning and welcome to FRIDAY.

What a beautiful morning and what a beautifully warm evening we had.

Alvin and I went for a walk and after a short way we bumped into our little friend JACK and his Mom.

We haven’t seen each other for several weeks or maybe even months.

So we walked together, the boys sniffed and we visited.

Poor little Jack despite the warmer temperatures had to be warmed and carried from time to time by his Momma.

Last night was one of those night that Alvin had decided we were not walking all the way and when he turned for home, we all did.

I am grateful that this is Friday and for the weekend.

I enjoy my time at home with my home.

Sometimes we have company and there is a possibility that my daughter, Alvin’s sister might stop by for a visit.

Everyone lives such busy lives and with time passing like a speeding train, we often lose track of the time.

It may feel like it has only been a couple of weeks but in actuality it is two months.

That is time for you.

It waits for no one.

Last night I had thought of something that I wanted to pass to you all this morning but alas I have forgot.

Too many random thoughts running helter skelter through my mind.

Should have written those pearls of wisdom on paper.

Or in notes on my phone.

Oh well, perhaps they will come back to me at some point.

 

I wish you all on this Friday ….. good health, laughter with friends, family and strangers, abundance, joy and some time just for you.

If we all treat each other with kindness and respect, what an awesome place this world would be.

 

Happy Friday.

Oh, today is my paternal Grandma’s birthday.  She was born February 21, 1901 and passed in 1998 at age 97.

I think of her often with love and more questions.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning, after a long night.

Alvin was up to go outside just before midnight.

Kobi decided she would just stay awake and play all night.

I always block off the upstairs so she cannot come up here and even with a double gate she managed to escape and come up three times.

So I am running late.

She is my little escape artist.

Quick as a rabbit.

Now Teddy is by himself on the main floor and is not happy.

So this will be short.

Sorry I was going to post some photos but still loading and I am running out of time.

Just in the middle of things Kobi pees on my office floor, thankfully it is laminate.

She missed the pee pad that I had out, of course.

 

Wishing you a good day.

Remember to laugh.

Be kind and respectful.

 

I owe Kobi an apology, I was kind of upset with her.

Not over the top but now I feel badly.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin, Teddy and Kobi

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well today is Saturday, January 04, 2020.

I love writing those numbers.

2020.

Feels futuristic.

We were outside a few minutes ago in the backyard to pick up you know what!

Alvin’s little parcels of love.

The air was warm and the sun is just coming up.

 

YAY, it is the weekend.

Once I have written this post, had a shower and breakfast; we will pop over to the Vet and pick up some food for Alvin.

There be laundry to do, floors and bathrooms to clean, walks to be had and whatever else I find the time to do.

My neighbours have agreed to help me bring in the cabinet/cupboard from the garage to the basement over the weekend.

Then I will be able to get the basement sorted out.

Now the Christmas tree and ornaments will remain until next weekend but I will have everything else in order by then.

 

Everyday on the news and on social media we hear stories and see photos of the massive fires in Australia.

The loss of wildlife is staggering.

I heard half a billion animals have lost their lives.

This will change the landscape of Australia forever.

My heart goes out to the people and to the animals both wild and domestic.

I know that Canada has been sending firefighters to help as have other countries.

Maybe if we collectively as a planet turn our thoughts to rain; we could bring rain to them.

Hoping for rain but not too much that they then have flooding.

Positive thoughts, positive energy.

Please save AUSTRALIA.

 

I wish you all a Happy Saturday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

Well no bright sun shine this morning.

More cloud cover than sun.

But no moisture so that is a good thing.

What a Saturday we had …

Started off by the house phone ringing while I was upstairs writing my blog post …

Then checked mobile phone to find out that my neighbour was wondering if Humphrey could spend the day with us from 9-6 p.m.

Of course, yes.

We had a busy day.

Doing laundry, cleaning and changing things about in the kitchen.

Moving a plant upstairs as the kitchen just seemed dark with all three plants in the window and all of the Christmas decorations.

We were in and outside.

In the afternoon we were surprised by Teddy, his Mom and little sister dropping by.

She had sent a message via messenger but I was so busy I did not see it.

She was needing a break from the house with the new puppy, Teddy’s new sister and was wondering if they could stop in.

So both Humphrey and Alvin got to meet baby Kobi.

Oh my goodness is Kobi ever cute.

I made sure to snap some photos.

We had some tea and then Kobi had to go to the bathroom as determined by her Mom.

I did not know the sign.

We ended up drinking our tea on the deck in our jackets.

It was so warm and nice outside, most enjoyable.

When it was time to leave, Teddy’s Mom asked if we could walk Teddy home on our walk.

Of course, I said.

A little while later I harnessed the boys up except for Humphrey and went for a walk.

It was icy in spots but the temperature was warm.

When we got to Teddy’s house we rang the doorbell and met his Mom at the garage.

Reason being is that “Kobi’s Condo” is the front entranceway.

It is a good space with no carpet for her to hang out.

They have it all set up.

Teddy’s Aunt was celebrating her 65th birthday so his parents were going out for supper a bit later.

His Mom asked if it would be okay for Teddy to come home with us and in the next moment he was going to spend the night.

The baby would be okay in her condo.

Teddy is downstairs at this moment barking at something going by and now Alvin.

I guess I will check again.

I checked a few minutes ago and there was nothing.

Anyway.

Well our weekend was full of pleasant surprises.

All sorts of company.

Would you like to see the new addition to the family?

She is our family, too.

You may have notice the little pink harness and a diaper.

Kobi’s Mom fixed up this diaper so that she doesn’t have an accident when she is outside of her Condo.

So cute.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

She is just so sweet.

So little.

We including me had to be careful not to step on her.

Alvin did run her over accidentally once.

It has been awhile since we have had a puppy in the house.

I guess since Milo.

Well I should get going.

If I want to have the coffee drank before lunch time.

The backyard looks so bare without flowers and furniture.

Happy Sunday.

I wish you the best day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

I hope that you are feeling wonderful this morning.

I am great.

We had such an awesome weekend, me and Alvin.

Both of us were able to spend time with our friends.

Yesterday, I went to the Christmas Craft Sale at our friends down the street.

I picked up several items so beautiful and could hardly wait to get them home and find a special place for each piece.

The sidewalk by my house was icy when I left home for the craft sale so I crossed the street which was about six inches of glaring ice.

Thankfully I made it there and home safely.

I love these friends, they are so welcoming and lovely.

Their home is absolutely gorgeous.

Good company, good food and beautiful craft items for sale.

Once home I noticed that Teddy’s Mom had sent me a message asking if I had wanted to go to the grocery store with her and could perhaps Teddy come over

and have a visit with Alvin.

I think that Teddy perhaps needed a little break from his new sister.

My friend had baby mind.

Just does to show you that it does not matter if you give birth to a baby, adopt a baby or have a baby of the four-legged persuasion – they are all precious but tire one out.

I had to giggle at her as needed to fill the car with gas but drove the car on the opposite side of the gas tank to the pumps.

On our way home she turned to go toward her house instead of mine.

Very cute.

But I totally get it.

Not enough sleep.

Can totally play havoc with your mind.

I asked if Teddy could stay and that that I would bring him home but of course, we didn’t have his harness and leash so we had just pulled up to my house, sat for a moment.

The pups saw us or at least I saw that Alvin had made eye contact and then we turned around and left.

We could just imagine that Teddy said to Alvin …. “that car looked like my Mom’s but why are they leaving?”

Went to Teddy’s house and picked up his harness and leash and then back to my house.

The boys were happy to see me.

I was only gone for about one hour (if that).

After I put groceries away and stuff ….. walked Teddy home.

We continued on our walk.

The air was so warm and refreshing.

Back home to make some STEEPED TEA SCONES.

Then supper and then time to kick back before bed.

Here are some photos:

The first wreath I am having my friend recreate for me and instead of the word BELIEVE I am having the owl.

She was going to add the little owl on the second wreath but I much prefer the first one.

This is their CHRISTMAS TREE, how gorgeous.

I love the long wreath on the door as well.

My scones.

Two red ceramic trees, homemade Christmas tree ornaments and the red snowflake and the antique tin in the bathroom.

What a great weekend.

Time to run.

Back to work.

 

Kindness and Respect of all creatures is the only way to live your life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin