COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Wednesday, July 19, 2017 and it is the 22nd day until my 60th Birthday.

All I can say is that I think I am temporarily done with make lists for now.

My head hurts.

 

At this moment I am so grateful to be alive and have my life.

I am so grateful that I am turning 60.

I am so grateful that I am in great health, have wonderful, amazing family and friends, and that I am living my life the best way that I can.

Each moment to the fullest and learning along the way.

Creating memories.

Dancing to the beat of my own drum.

There may be a couple of small things that I would change or rather am working on …. such as the little non-rubber tire that has decided to place itself about my middle …. or perhaps

the lack of 000000’s behind the numbers in my bank account.

BUT You can have a great job, all the money in the world, lavish house and belongs, fancy cars and go on tours of the world but if you are not “living your best life” ….. well does it really matter?

It matters to me.

No matter what happens in any moment I learn and try to make the next ones better.

 

For Wednesday, the day of the week that my darling daughter was born.

The day that I chose.

It will always have a special place in my heart.

 

Always, Carol

 

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Thought for the day …..

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

Well today’s post did not make it out bright and early as my usual weekday ones as I had no INTERNET this morning.

It was a good thing that I accidentally PUBLISHED my COUNTDOWN post as it would have waited until now, as well.

It was another gorgeous day.

Getting hotter as the week goes on.

 

Learned something from two friends yesterday as my air conditioning needs servicing and I have to wait to get it done.

Suggestions to turn on the furnace fan (not a/c), just the fan.

Between the blinds closed all day, and then turning on the fan and now with the breeze our home is COOL.

Thank you friends.

 

Did anyone notice that I accidentally PUBLISHED my COUNTDOWN post last night and not this morning?

I was getting a head start so that I do not have to try and be semi intelligent and composed in the wee hours of the morning ….

What did I do but ACCIDENTALLY clicked on the published button instead of SAVE DRAFT.

You caught me….

 

Well I hope that you had an awesome day.

So excited that I have a tomato plant flowering and some pea plants actually coming up.

Who knew that I had a green thumb?

Not me.

 

Time for bed.

 

Thanks for sharing your time with me, I appreciate it.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. getting closer.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 14th day of June, 2017.

Overcast now and was raining earlier.

I was “putting on the face” a few minutes ago and hear these voices and then they broke into song.

I realized that it was Sir Elton John and James Corden.

You see last night before I went to bed I had been watching a couple of the Karaoke Carpool with James Corden and his Special Guests.

I always turn on the computer before I start getting ready so that I can just sit down and write my blog without having to wait for the computer to start up.

Anyway nothing like hearing “Your Song” first thing in the morning.

Great way to start the day and I am grateful.

I will say this James Corden is my new favourite guy.

He is funny, smart, can sing, is compassionate and caring.

If you have not watched his Carpool Karaoke Videos – you must.

He has interviewed and sung with some of the greats:  Adele, Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder,Ed Sheeran, Lady GAGA, and the list goes on …….

Anyway it is getting onto time to leave for work.

I was so happy to hear some music before leaving the house as usual it is quiet except for the odd thud as Alvin jumps off the bed onto the rug below or the odd bark …..

Happy Dancing …… I am Happy Dancing.

Have an Awesome Wednesday.

Even though the skies are grey – they are clear to me.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …… always thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Special Hello to:

Thought for the day ….

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

The last day of May of this 2017.

It is to be a hot one here in Edmonton with temperatures rising to 30 degrees celsius.

Guess it is a good thing that I turned on the A/C for Mr. Alvin…….

Thankfully we have A/C.

I always like to check my past blog posts to see what the weather was and what we were doing on that same date last year or perhaps the previous one.

Here is the last day of May from 2016:

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 31st and last day of May, 2016.

It was an interesting month.

This morning is bright and sunny …… the rain of yesterday is gone.

We are appreciating the moisture as it was badly needed.

Today marks the birthday of my friend “G” …… Happy Birthday G, me and Alvin wish you a great day.

We are celebrating her birthday with our coffee group on Saturday.

 

I do have a cute story to share.

Last night when Alvin and I were on the homeward stretch of our walk we could see up ahead our black/white cat friend.

I had forgot his name.

There were cars zooming by on the street.

Then I noticed this young man coming up behind the cat.

I knew the cat would likely dart out onto the street because of Alvin.

I held Alvin back and hoped that he remained quiet.

Out of the blue this young man knelt down beside the cat to keep the cat from darting out onto the street.

I was so relieved that the cat would allow him to pick him up (sometimes they do not when they are strangers).

Then he noticed us and picked up the cat.

When we were within speaking distance, I gratefully thanked the young man for saving this cat.

I knew this cat.

He lives in one of the big houses by the lake and usually he is prowling about in the trees and grassy area by the water but not this time.

I told the young man about the cat.

He carried him to the next block and then let him go toward home.

What a thoughtful and considerate young man.

I am so grateful for him and his compassion for this cat that he did not know.

It was funny when we were close and Alvin wanted to say hi, the cat hissed.

I guess cat was grateful for not sure of Alvin’s intentions.

Alvin loves cats because he was surrounded by them in his foster home and we have had/have cats close to home.

This was a happy good story to end my day.

I was so relieved and grateful.

 

Well here we go almost time to leave for the bus and work once again.

Where does the time go?

I hope that you have a great day.

Take a peek around and I am certain that you will have your own nice story to share.

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks young and old who help animals, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of May, 2017.

Can you believe it?

The 17th day of yet another month.

We are almost 6 months into another year.

2017.

Is that not crazy?

When I was a little girl – I dreamed of 2025.

I thought it sounded like the most magical date in time.

So now that I am fast approaching that year …. only 8 short ones away.

The longer we spend on this planet – the more quickly time passes.

Must be something in the air.

Just kidding.

Well the clear patch of morning sunrise seems to have been replaced by rain clouds.

Yup, more rain is on the way, I suspect.

Time to fly ….

 

Was there a year that you were looking forward to ….

What does / did it mean to you?

Happy Wednesday.

 

Just a footnote:  thank you to all my co-workers for being supportive late in the day yesterday when I was having a “moment.”

Sometimes you just have to let it out …….  feeling better today.  Thanks to: K, S, C, L and K.

Alvin was grateful.  🙂

 

Special Hello: All those folks who feel as though sometimes they are just spinning their wheels in time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of April, 2017.

Well there be clouds in the sky but we did not receive any moisture overnight or this morning thus far.

I know why I have been feeling less than stellar the past few days.

No SUNSHINE.

There is forecast for partial cloudy skies for the next few days and you know what that means ….

Partial means.

There will be some SUNLIGHT.

Thank goodness.

I thought that I was going to shrivel up …..

Love the rain but NEED the sunshine.

Both Alvin and I are sunshine kind of creatures.

We will welcome the light …..

By the weekend it is to be sunny and warm.

So excited to have a nice weekend.

One where we can get outside.

TWIST, TWIST ……

I cannot get one of the songs from the Flintstones out of my head.

“There’s a place we know … where the kids all go called Bedrock …. twist ….. twist …

I am not sure if I have remembered those words correctly or not but I can hear the music in my head.

Loved that show.

Fred and Barney.

That is me and Alvin.

He is Fred and I am Barney.

Or maybe it is the other way round.

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

Sure seems like that comes up quickly.

I guess because I spend most of my waking hours at the office as do most folks.

On this Wonderful Wednesday …. I wish you a safe, productive day.

Special Hello to: all those folks who foster animals … thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. just to add that my daughter is giving me a ride home after work, stopping at Costco.  I love our car ride visits.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of April, 2017.

YAY, today is Wednesday.

Do you love Wednesdays?

I love Wednesdays.

Wednesday was the day that my daughter was born.

Middle of the week.

Into your groove.

They are a great day.

Today is going to be a great day.

Happy Wednesday.

 

I am having a small issue with the plunger on my master bath sink …..

So this morning I had to get ready in the other bathroom.

Which is great – I know that I am lucky to have other bathrooms.

Running late as I had to move things from one to the other and I did not add on the extra time.

Thank goodness I go for the nearly no makeup look.

Anyway …. now I have a project for the weekend.

One that cannot wait now.

Argh.

I will have to do it.

I can do it.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Take Care.

Enjoy the day whether at work or at play.

 

Special Hello to: my sister who returns home today from her holidays and I cannot wait to hear all about Peru.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …….

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

Today is the 14th Birthday of my Great-Niece “S.”

I thought she was going to be 13 but her Grandma reminded me that she is turning 14.

Wow, the little blonde-headed girl is into the teen-age years.

How did that happen?

I remember when her Grandma brought her to my house and they stayed for a sleepover.

We gave her a bath in the big tub, read her stories and enjoyed the evening.

We had a few of those which were great.

She often would come to my house in Regina for a visit.

We would watch movies and go for walks.

Play at the park.

My how time flies.

Happy Birthday “S” …… Wishing you a great day and year ahead.

************************************************

Another warm day ahead for the City of Edmonton.

Plus temperatures are always good at this time of year.

Looking forward to our walk tonight.

Last night it was gorgeous.

We set out on our walk.

As we approached the park we both saw a young man and a little white dog on the other side of the street.

Both Alvin and the little one spotted each other.

Alvin pulled as though he were pulling a sled but it was me.

The other little doggie started to bark.

The young man crossed the street to the same side as us.

They were not too far ahead.

The little white dog kept turning around and barking at Alvin.

Alvin kept pulling me like there was no tomorrow.

I had to break into a run at some points.

We did not catch up but this kept up until we were over half way around the park.

They actually took a left turn and we then took a right.

Ending up walking our whole regular walk.

Felt so good and it was good for Mr. Alvin, as well.

What a character.

I cannot imagine why he thinks his Momma is a sled (perhaps I have put on a couple or five pounds this winter).

It was a great night.

****************************************

So today our office is closed and we have an off-site staff meeting.

One of the girls that I work with is picking me up as well as two others.

So a ride to and from work today in a car.

How lovely.

Will be a nice break from phones and paper …….

My hands have sure taken a beating from this constant change in the weather.

Does not seem to matter how much moisturizer I use or how often.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Better get going here so I am ready to leave when my ride arrives.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello: to the Birthday Girl…… Happy Birthday Little One.

Always, Carol and Alvin

One of my favourite photos of the Birthday Girl from way back when …….

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 8th day of March, 2017.

Another brr COLD morning as was evident when I opened the back door to let Alvin outside.

Thank goodness he has a warm coat and boots so to speak.

Naturally of course.

When we walk at night – I add one of his jackets depending on the weather.

I would have tried booties with him but because of his “foot fetish” – likely not a great idea.

We enjoyed another brisk walk last night.

Which is good ….. short but fast.

I could feel my heart rate increasing.

 

This morning I have been thinking about the choices we make.

We make choices in every second of every day.

We decide whether to wear the black pants or the brown ones.

We decide whether to take an apple and peanut butter sandwich for lunch or to buy lunch.

We decide whether to send that email or not.

We decide whether we want to have a great day or not.

We decide whether to hold the door open for a senior.

We decide whether to write that story or not.

We decide whether to go for a walk or to vegetate on the sofa.

We decide so many things – coffee or tea.

 

Now some of these choices are not totally our own.

Some we make dependent on life or lifestyle.

Some people would prefer not to work but if you want a roof over your head and food in your belly – it is a must.

But you can certainly choose where you work.

For as many of the choices that we must make just to live our lives there are many more that we have more control over ….

So when you think that life is getting you down and that you have no choices.

Trust me you have plenty.

Start making the ones that will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Make a choice today to smile at every person you encounter.

That will for sure bring some good energy your way.

Who knows maybe even that person you have been dreaming about …..

Just smile…

 

Time to get going …… the bus you know.

Public transportation.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends ……

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