Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? I am doing well. Happy to report that Alvin is settling in well with my daughter and her family. Countdown today is December 7, 2022 with 17 sleeps till Christmas Eve. Have you mailed Christmas cards? Do you mail cards? Contrary to popular belief “people” do love to receive something personalized in the mail other than a bill. Perhaps you have an elderly Aunt and Uncle who live hundreds of miles away. Send them a card and some photos. Nothing says “we are thinking of you” than a lovely card and some pictures. I love receiving cards in the mail. I think that I forgot to mention that I have received three beautiful Christmas cards. One from a friend and her family that live in Quebec, Canada, another from long time friends near Regina, Saskatchewan and the third from other long time friends about two hours outside of Edmonton. I am grateful that they took the time to send cards, letters, notes and photos. So grateful.

This morning is my eye appointment. Appears that it has started to warm up temperature wise overnight which is good because I am walking. Also with the warm up came some snow. My daughter texted me a few minutes ago to let me know that she will not be coming into the city for work this morning but will be working from home. The roads are extremely icy. I am debating whether or not I will need my ice picks on my boots. If the snow is sticky it will provide traction but might be a good idea to wear them all the same. I can always take them off if I do not need them.

Yesterday at my lunch break I slipped over to my neighbours to pick up a couple of baskets for gift wrapping. I had a quick coffee and visit. Then back outside into the cold. It was so cold yesterday. Always great to have a visit and coffee with a friend. Thanks Gillian. After work and supper, I wrapped the gifts in a basket. To be honest it did not quite turn out the way that I had imagine it but rather looks like a large wrapped hard candy. You know the ones, lol. Anyway, it fit nicely under the tree and perhaps the other way it would not. I am officially done. Done. Done. Done. YAY, me and today is December 7, 2022.

Well I suppose it is time to head downstairs. Did I mention yesterday that I figured out why my sleep is not the best? I do miss Alvin but usually we are up and downstairs to the sofa anytime between 3-430 a.m. so we never spend the whole night in the bed. I guess my bed is not quite as comfortable as I once thought. The sofa however is very comfortable. Perhaps I should set the alarm for 430 and then head downstairs to the sofa! Food for thought. Although last night the quality of sleep did improve. All in the life of ……

Time to go and make coffee. Turn on the Christmas tree lights and check out the weather forecast.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning All! Well Happy New YEAR and Welcome to 2022. WOW. It is hard to believe. It is late already as Miss Cookie had us up at 2:00, then Alvin woke up at 4:00 and then again at 7:00 for breakfast. So chopped up sleep but that is okay. We do not have plans for this first day of January 2022 other than to bask in the gratitude that we have in being alive, in good health and good food to eat.

Did you have a quiet or loud New Year’s Eve? Funny story – about 7:00 p.m., I was outside picking up poop when I heard a loud noise, I looked up to see a large jet passenger plane. It was all lit up but at the angle it was flying over my house, I could not make out the airline. Of course, it was dark by this time. It was so low I could see the wings and all the lights and even the windows in the plane. Too low for sure. It was not making a straight descent but appeared to be circling back to the airport which is southwest of my home. We are in the flight path of the Edmonton International Airport and there are always planes flying overhead but never this low. I ran into the house to call my friend, she had heard a loud noise but did not think anything of it. This morning I have not had the time as yet to check the news to see if there was a plane in distress last night. Also, I figured if I did not hear any other loud noises or sirens, the plane must have made it back to the airport. I sure hope so. It was unnerving.

When I called my friend ended up chatting for quite awhile. I had planned to call my sister and brothers earlier in the evening and then watch a movie or perhaps one of the New Year’s Eve shows but plans changed. After our chat, I called my sister and my younger brother. I will call my older of the brothers today. I also called my daughter and son-in-law. Everyone was surprised when I said “Happy New YEAR” before midnight but most of us are long in bed before the stroke of midnight. As it turned out we did not go to bed until just before 11:00 and it was quite some time after that when the lights went out and then more time until Cookie settled down. She had a night which translated to “us all having a night.” Today is a new day. Soon Cookie shall be home with her family. They come home Monday night. It will be quiet without her for sure.

Yesterday while we were chilling as we have done for most of this past week, Cookie on her chair and Alvin and I on the sofa, Alvin was making a coughing sound in his sleep. Cookie jumped up off the chair and walked over to the sofa, went up on her hind legs and sniffed and licked Alvin’s face. She clearly was concerned. It was so sweet. Afterwards, she walked around the living room and on her way back to the sofa, she stopped and checked him out once again. I have never seen one of the dogs do that. She clearly was concerned for him. Of course, I was keeping an eye on Mr. Alvin, as well.

Well I suppose I should get going as it is getting on. I forgot to bring up my phone as I was carrying up pee pads. It must be past 10:00 a.m. already.

Alvin is laying outside the office and Cookie is scouring the upstairs for something. She is very snoopy or inquisitive and curious. I just heard a noise coming from the guest room and went to find Cookie into things. Alvin is giving her the what for at this moment. Not doing anything – just following her around. She just went to nip at him. I told her “no” and she listened for now. She is busy girl.

I ended up not having pancakes yesterday but this morning it is pancakes. I have milk to use before the expiry date so will make up a batch. Love pancakes.

The temperature is supposed to warm up by later this afternoon and then tomorrow start getting cold again.

I watched the FRIENDS REUNION in between phone calls last night.

Happy New Year’s Day.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

2025

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? I hope that you are well. Alvin and I are doing great. Another cold day. I noticed there was some extra snow on the sidewalks and on the deck. Guess there was some snow before we were up earlier. I love that the sun is beginning to rise earlier and earlier each day. I found out that March 14, 2021 is the date that we here in Alberta turn our clocks forward by one hour. The time change always seems to play havoc with me and Alvin, most especially Alvin for at least a couple of weeks before we are used to the difference. I will say that it is harder to turn the clocks back than forward. Mr. Alvin is barking at me from the office. What a guy. Oh my goodness. He is hard to please. I had moved his little blanket bed from the office to the doorway thinking he may like to make eye contact from where he is but that was not what he wanted. After I had a shower and while still in my housecoat with my hair wrapped up on top of my head, we went downstairs and out he went. Does he need to go again? Anyway I guess this will be quick. I did want to mention that yesterday doing the list jogged my old memory about many other items around the house that I love. I have this seashell with pearl brooch that my grandparents bought for me when they went on their cruise to Hawaii. I have jumpsuit that she took on that trip. I believe the trip was about 1968 and I was 11 years old. The brooch is so exquisite. I will take a photo and share with you soon. It is so delicate and beautiful. I have managed to keep it safe and intact for all these years. Now one small pearl did come loose and I have that little pearl. I do treasure that gift so much. Another item was a solid green jade ring that my best friend in Grade 12 gave to me in 1976 and I have wore it everyday since then. I may changed fingers as my fingers changed size but I wear it to this day. Two more treasures. I am very blessed.

It is time to head downstairs. I was even up a bit earlier but today was pay bills day so that takes a couple of extra minutes and we did go downstairs in the middle of things. Oh well, such as life.

The sky almost looks periwinkle in colour from my office window and that brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday.

Today they deliver my second Chef’s Place meals for this next week. So excited.

Warming up tomorrow so that I can walk to the vet for supplies for the boy.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of March, 2019.

TODAY is the BIRTHDAY of A VERY SPECIAL YOUNG WOMAN.

That woman is my beautiful daughter, Amanda.

I cannot believe that she is thirty-nine years old today.

Seems like only yesterday that she was born.

Her birth was the best gift that I have ever received.

 

I want to share my post from June 22, 2010 – A day with my girl.

As I believe everyone that knows me, knows how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE spending time with my daughter Amanda.  She is the best person that I know.  Kind, warm and generous.  We love to be together.  This past weekend we did a couple of things that we absolutely love to do.  First thing was shopping, followed by an adventure, and ending with viewing show homes.  I must say it was the best Saturday.

We started out by going to Shoppers (okay a free plug).  They have the best rewards program going.  It is so nice to get free stuff after spending your “hard earned” cash.  Stopped by another favourite place of ours, and that is STARBUCKS.  We like to go to our local Starbucks,  sit in and enjoy our favourite blend while we are out shopping.  This time we picked up coffees, and were on our way to check out a possible “nursery” in the country not far from where we live.

We first found a place that sells shrubs, trees and rock but no flowers.  There was a kindly employee there that pointed us in the right direction.  Not far away, we found this awesome flower place.  The best part other than all of the beautiful flowers – okay perhaps there are a few things GREAT about this place.  First off, it is a short, easy drive from our homes. Secondly, it is in the country and is so pretty.  Third, they have more than just flowers and soil.  They have stuff.  All sorts of stuff.  They sell jewellery, crafts and too many things to mention.  For those people living in the Edmonton area the name of the place is “Dunvegan Gardens”.  Fourthly, they are open at Christmas.  YAY.  Another place to go.  So check it out.  They are great.  The staff are very knowledgeable.  Prices are good as well.  Once we picked out some flowers we were on our way.  It was a hot day on Saturday so we were happy for the air conditioning in the car.

When we got back to the city we dropped our flowers off at our each of our homes.  Alvin was spending the afternoon with Steven, my wonderful son-in-law and my grand-puppies Elton and Penny.  So I didn’t mind being away from home.

Next stop was the show homes.  We actually checked out some on our way to the garden places.  They were very nice.  The ones that we have especially been wanting to view were the “million” dollar ones that are situated by the lake in our neighbourhood.  As always, there were ah’s and mmm’s happening as we made our way through the homes.  I am always amazed at the decorating.  We found one that was especially interesting.  In one of the children’s bedrooms they decorated it realistically by scattering clothing, an empty chip bag, and other things on the floor and throughout the room.  At first I thought it was odd especially in a new home but it made an impression and I won’t soon forget it.  We certainly had a good giggle over that bedroom.  We even found a couple of homes that had “walk thru pantries” ….. the one thing that I think is so important in a house/home.  For all those contractors (would be nice if one read this), take the time, space and money and make a walk thru pantry off the kitchen when you are building these homes.  For all those of us who are getting older and even for those younger it is so much handier.  Instead of having all those kitchen counter top appliances taking up space on the counter – you can put the ones that you do not use in the pantry.  Easy to get to.  I love the fact that you can actually see what you have instead of forgetting a can of corn in the back of the pantry …. finding it ten years later.  Okay perhaps that is an exaggeration but you get my point.  Amanda loved the main floor or upstairs laundry rooms.  She would love to have her laundry area right beside her bedroom.

We had a great time, Amanda and I, last Saturday.  I urge you to spend more time with your children whether they are five or thirty.  So good for the heart, mind and soul.

Happy Days ……

 

Alvin and I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Here is a sneak peek at what awaits you….

Happy Happy Birthday My Darling Daughter.

May your life be filled with good health, great joy, much love and laughter and abundance.

We love you so much,

Love Mom & Alvin….

 

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl.  We love you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  the fruit pizza has not been made just yet, I will make it on Sunday morning so it is fresh, fresh, fresh.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 20th day of January, 2019.

A bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

 

We have unexpected house guest, my nephew.

He is off for a few days from the oil rig and will be spending the time off with me and Alvin.

Today is Alvin’s birthday party.

Teddy spent the night last night.

The boys are downstairs with my nephew at this moment, no barking so that is good.

Usually Alvin has to be with me all of the time.

This post will be short as I do not like to be rude and not spend time with my nephew while he is visiting.

Excited for Alvin’s party and I will post photos of the party, later.

Excited to see his reaction when he has his birthday cake (made for pets, partially meat).

The weather is warming up and I am happy for that …..

Happy Sunday.

I am excited to have tomorrow off as well.

 

Feeling really nice and fresh as just having a nice shower.

Funny how a shower can always make you feel better.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, today.  So nice to have your son visiting us.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 10th day of January, 2019.

Starting to warm up and it has been lightly snowing off and on since last night.

Always know when it is snowing if not obvious – is when Mr. Alvin comes into the house with a light coating of snow.

 

So another new Year.

I am always on the look out for new information.

Educating yourself.

I believe that meditation is important.

Staying still and closing the ego and traffic out of your mind is beneficial in so many ways.

Even just a few minutes each day can help so much.

 

Listening to yourself first.

To that gut instinct.

Listening to others is also important.

Without being drawn into or brought down with the negative chatter.

 

Being positive.

Finding the silver lining in every situation is a talent, believe me.

 

Remember we all have crisis or bad things that happen to us.

You are not the only one.

Be mindful of others.

 

REMEMBER TO LAUGH.

Really life is funny.

 

Just a few things I know for certain.

I am running late.

Not sure what happened here.

Life, I suppose.

Cannot blame Mr. Alvin – it was all me and time.

 

Happy Thursday.

This afternoon I have a dental appointment, a crown.

I am becoming ROYALTY.

Lucky me.

 

Have a great day.

Special Hello: my friend V, who makes me laugh and is so helpful.  Great qualities.  Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

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

According to the weather forecast last night and the opening of the back door this morning; it is safe to say that it is COLD outside this morning.

If yesterday was any indication it will be nice by the end of the day.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk last night.

Double digits temperatures in our near future?

I am so done with winter.

I am longing for spring.

Winter was as winter is.

Cold, Icy and SNOWY.

But we did have lots of nice days in between, so really cannot complain.

We would not be CANADIANS if we did not talk about, stress about and complain about the WEATHER, most especially our WINTERS.

Anyway, I love spring and it is close at hand.

 

Last night I started the second book from Alexander McCall Smith series “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.”

It is named “Tears of the Giraffe.”

I cannot remember when I bought these books – more than several years ago.

I love them so much that I reread them every so often.

Here we go again.

Mr. Smith’s description of this woman and her life in Africa is warming, funny and makes you feel like you were there.

I have never travelled off the continent of North America so I really enjoy being able to travel through his books.

 

I hope that you are enjoying the last bit of winter wherever you are..

Now I know that the folks in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are not enjoying the crazy amount of snow that has been thrust upon them.

We had quite a lot of snow last weekend but I somehow don’t think as much as Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The photos on FB appear to show more than what we had … meaning Edmonton …. around my home….

Because everyone knows that you could have one inch of snow in your neighbourhood and a few blocks or miles away they may have had a FOOT.

ARGH ……

Gotta start doing the Happy Dance ….. if nothing else.

 

Well time to hit the trail ….. I was going to say  “dusty trail” but that would be VERY WRONG …..

More like snowy, icy in parts trail.

Happy Wednesday.

I hope that no matter what you are smiling just a little or shall I hope that you are laughing.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends in Saskatchewan and Manitoba ….. it will be end (the snow).

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 9th day of February, 2018.

Happy 41st Birthday to my eldest nephew “T.”

Hard to believe that you are 41 years old, where has the time gone?

Crazy ….

 

So happy that today is Friday and that I made it through this first week back to work after being sick.

Tomorrow is Mr. Alvin’s appointment.

The one that was post phoned from last Saturday.

He has to get his shots, nails trimmed, “bum squeezed” and I think that is about it.

Will be good to get those things caught up.

I do take him on a very regular basis.

 

Also this weekend I am hosting a belated 40 Birthday party for my friend.

It was supposed to have been last weekend, as well.

I am baking a cake tonight.

The party will be on Sunday.

Decorations, I want to come up with some new ideas.

Perhaps I should check out Pinterest.

Have the card and gift to finish wrapping.

 

Well I am also most happy about this …. the weather.

It is warming up one again.

Thank goodness.

Spring is also getting closer.

 

Well I guess I should get this show on the road.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Oh, one more thing to share.

I met a young woman yesterday who gave me back my faith in humanity.

I cannot give details but suffice to say …. I have faith once again.

Not that I lost it altogether but it was failing.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday boy.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 13th day of March, 2017.

YAY, it is warming up.

I do believe that possibly spring is actually coming sooner than later.

So happy.

We set our clocks ahead by one hour early Sunday morning.

Feels like we lost an hour ….. yes, we did.

 

Yesterday Alvin and I had a wonderful birthday celebration for our “A.”

She loved the decorations, Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes and Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with my special vanilla icing and her gifts.

I made her three necklaces and Alvin gave her chocolate.

How does a guy always know???

We laughed and had a great visit.

Our neighbour “S” joined us.

After the party we took the pups for a nice walk.

Alvin had to take the lead.

Baby Milo had to walk beside her Aspen.

So cute.

Nice to have a walk.

 

Well back to work.

Glad to see the temperatures rising.

It will mean that we can go for walks.

Most of the neighbours have shovelled the front walks so that will be nice when it starts to melt tomorrow.

 

I hope that you had a wonderful Sunday.

Remember make the choice to live a happy, fun, abundant life.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …… perhaps we can SKYPE next Sunday?  Have to talk about your visit in August??

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of January, 2017.

Warming up to minus 9 degrees celsius today.

YAHOO.

We are walking tonight.

 

This will  be short this morning because I elected to snuggle a bit longer with Mr. Alvin this morning and am now a little bit late.

When we “hit” the sofa for some extra zzz’s the odd time and I have mentioned this before he will line up and plunk himself down his head right beside mine on my rectangular pillow.

His body snuggling to mine.

I would love to have a photo of this ….

Anyway this morning he was laying beside me on the pillow and I just could not bring myself to disturb him.

So this is now.

 

Time to go out and pick up poop as cannot wait until tonight as it is snowing.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and perhaps someone will “snuggle” next to you (only if they are welcome).

I wish each of you had someone like me Alvin ….. a snuggle from a precious four-legged creature …. well there are no words.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers …..

Always, Carol and Alvin