The Next Chapter

Good Morning. The morning sky is slightly overcast. How are you this morning? I am well. Just going to sneeze. ARGH, holding it which I know that I best not do. Okay, was only a little one, lol.

Last night after work I went for an extra long walk about 45 minutes which was great. I desperately needed to clear my mind from all things “work.” I know that these days a great many people have issues with or at work. Unfortunately seems to be the norm. I am trying to keep a positive attitude throughout but sometimes I fail and walk to the dark side. That is why getting out in nature and breathing that fresh air is not only good for your body, it is good for your heart and soul and brain. Decompressing, I texted my neighbour as I had to drop off the oven element to be sent back to Amazon as I did not use it in the end. So grateful to have a stove that works.

Yesterday at noon, I walked to the neighbourhood mall where I picked up our new office lotto tickets. I sure hope that our tickets were lucky and that we won a huge amount of money. Nothing like a lotto win to boost the moral of everyone. Also at the mall, I had previously noted that they had a M & M’s shop and I was eager to go and check it out. We used to have one close by in our neighbourhood and I had one in the mall close to my apartment back in Regina. I am not a huge fan of “processed” food but they have a few items that I love and for a treat occasionally, why not? So I picked up some “quiches” and I had one of them for supper last night. They also had a display of kitchen items by the checkout which included some fibre made pot cleaners and I picked up two. I first came to know these handy dandy little items when one of my friends gave me one as part of my Christmas present. So now I have four. Lucky me.

Cookie will be coming over this evening after I return from dress shopping with my friend Gillian. We are going after work to West Edmonton Mall. I have not been shopping for anything “fun” in a long, long time. Usually groceries or “oven elements” so this is exciting. Also my grand pups will be hanging out at Grandma’s house as of today for a bit. Not that this is a secret so I guess I can say, my son-in-law and his coworkers are going on strike. I do not even like to say that word. Scary. I hope that the employer agrees to their terms and it does not last long. Unfortunately these days, income increases are extremely small like 1% or nothing. The cost of living is like 8-10%. Seems like everything from food to utilities have increased hugely. So as always, the big corporations continue to make huge profits while their employees have to decide what they can afford to feed their family this week and what activities, if any their children can partake in, very sad. I am grateful that the pups can stay here and not have to be alone at their home which is one hour away. My son-in-law will be out for part of the day so they will not be alone for long and I leave later and home early due to my short commute, which I love. Anyway, I am excited to have a house full for the next bit. Cookie will be with me until the last Saturday in April, I believe the 29th. Last night Cookie and her Dad came over for a visit to discuss the handover plan. She was sporting a hair cut and I mean hair cut. Very short but it had been very long and poor Cookie, I would say is hyperactive. She is this bright light that never turns off. I love her and will be nice to have a pup sleeping over.

Okay time to sign off for this day. This morning we are outside at the site checking a list of things. Should be fun. Hopefully it will warm up a bit.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel).

The Next Chapter

Good Morning. Looks like another beautiful day ahead of us here in Edmonton on the planet Earth. The sky is that gorgeous powder blue shade of perfection and the sun is shining and there appears to be no breeze. I think the forecast is for +17 degrees celsius today, sounds like summer to me.

Yesterday was a great day as I started out with a coffee date at my friend Gillian’s house. We drank coffee and ate coffee cake and laughed and talked about work (never a laughing matter) and enjoyed each other’s company. We are going shopping on Wednesday to West Edmonton Mall after work. I want to pick up a new dress for my nephew’s wedding at the end of June. I haven’t been to the MALL in years, will be nice to get out again. My family came for a visit shortly after I got home. My son-in-law had an appointment so my daughter and the grand pups Aspen & Milo stayed with me and we even had the time for a walk around the park like old times. Felt strange without Mr. Alvin but he was with us in spirit. My daughter helped me with some computer things and we had coffee. The pups and I hung out for a few hours while the kids went to visit a friend nearby. Perfect day. I did some work and had some fun. Used to oven to cook supper. I am learning more and more about the computer. Managed to get some more photos. I airdropped some photos but they did not go to my photos so I have to figure out how to move them to PHOTOS. In time.

This is the whirly that my friend Jessica from next door had created as a memory gift of Alvin. Isn’t it gorgeous. There may be a better name for it but it is what it is. I have included some photos of Aspen and Milo. Aspen loves to sit and look out the window. My living room window is close to the floor so while laying on one of Alvin’s many beds, she can rest her head on the window ledge and look out. I turned off the register temporarily so that it would not cause any issues. Both the pups like to look out of the window and I guess they are no different from us. I love to look out the window at the world in my neighbourhood as well. I am so grateful that I was able to spend the time with them.

Gift from Jessica

Aspen & Milo visiting

Keeping an eagle eye on things

Aspen & Milo

Cuteness

Aspen loves looking out

Little story about our walk. When we arrived home, I noticed some garbage out front so I gave Aspen over to her Mom and I grabbed a tissue out of my pocket to pick up the trash with (was piece of styrofoam) and noticed some green and as I went to pick it up, I realized it was a $20.00 bill, intact. So I scooped it up. My son-in-law told me that it was payback for my efforts in picking up trash in the neighbourhood. I like that sentiment. Still wondering who dropped it and if someone actually came to the door and asked about it, I would give it to them in a heart beat.

Aspen & Milo do not especially love their food but I managed with some trickery to get them to eat. Aspen ate all of her food and Milo about half, Grandma scored. I was grateful to have some treats (healthy treats) in the house. After supper I watched “Top Gun Maverick” and loved it. The kids picked up the pups just after 8:00 p.m. and I decided to watch another movie. I had watched the trailer for PLANE and decided to watch it. I really like Gerard Butler. It was a great movie. Not that I usually rent two movies in one night but felt like a movie night minus the popcorn.

Then it was bedtime. I am so grateful for all the blessings in my life. I even put out some of the patio furniture so the deck looks like summer is coming. I figured if it rains it will wash off the dust from being in the garage. Also hooked up the downspout to the front of the house again. Maybe not called downspout, it is attached to the downspout so that the water will run out onto the grass and not into the foundation.

Time to fly here. Lots to do. I need to wash a load of towels, at some point go out and pick up trash in the neighbourhood, have coffee and wash main floor. Likely there are a few more items on the list but time will tell. Also walk. I want to walk although being out for a couple of hours or so picking up trash will likely suffice.

I hope that you have an awesome day. Cannot wait to have some coffee.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Today is the last day of the work week for me and I took tomorrow as a vacation day. The plan is to get ready for the garage sale which is next weekend. Finish cleaning/tidying the garage and then start taking the items out of the house. I don’t think that I have too many things but some. This morning the sun is shining. The sky is somewhat clear. It is relatively calm. Great to see the sun shining.

The all day staff “meeting” was okay. They had STARBUCKS coffee at the hotel which was great. It was nice to see our team in person and some other coworkers. I was surprised to see so many new faces. Whenever I could I tried to see their name tags to see if I recognized their names. Anyway, it was okay and I am glad to be back to “normal.” I had a good visit with Michelle who is on my team, she drove us to and from the meeting.

Alvin did okay yesterday. Gillian advised that he would not eat anything (which is okay) and that he drank water and went outside. So two out of three is good. Especially the water and going pee. Happy about that. He is starting to get better about the process of eating his food. I just have to have patience and try not to let him become more anxious about life. We had a nice walk although short after I got home from the meeting. We even had a few minutes after we were done for the day to do a bit of shopping as we were on our way out of the mall. I had not been to Bath & Body Works in years, I think. So I happen to hit the semi-annual sale and picked up three foaming hand soaps and a couple of body creams. We wore our masks in the store making it a bit difficult to smell things. I thought that one of the creams I got seemed to be a nice scent and put some on my feet last night and had a bit on my hands. Well it did not agree with my body chemistry, kind of kept me awake. Note to self, always go away from people remove the mask and smell. Oh well, hopefully I can find someone who likes it. I do like the scent – it just does not like me.

Well time to head downstairs. Looking forward to that first cup of coffee.

I am sad to report that with all of this rain, I noticed that one of my lavender plant pots is totally saturated and there was a bit of water laying on top of the soil. I hope that the sun shines and there is a breeze to dry out the excess moisture. Guess I should have moved the pots. I do every other year but was lazy this time round.

Have a great Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 54 days until my 65th Birthday. Maybe I should not be keeping tracking, lol. The hotel also had great little cinnamon buns, I had one at coffee break but did not eat the breakfast as it was too early for me.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well this morning. We are doing very well. Alvin slept great. It is raining here in Edmonton with strong gusts of wind. When we were out earlier I could hear something blowing in the wind. Sounded like a fence board on neighbour’s fence. YIKES.

Today we have our “team building all staff meeting” at West Edmonton Mall at the Fantasyland Hotel. I thought last time going to the office with everyone was bad but this is really making me anxious. At least in the office we were in smaller groups and had places to go and eat away from the masses. Not at an hotel, I am afraid. Fingers crossed it goes well. I hope that they have taken the spacing in account to some degree.

My friend Gillian will come over to check on Mr. Alvin. I am running late of course, as had to click on that darn snooze button. Whoever invented that should be kicked in the butt, lol.

I hope that you have a great day and that perhaps the sun is shining wherever you are …..

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 55 days until my 65th birthday.

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to a foggy morning here in my neighbourhood.

It may not be the same downtown or in the south end of the city or in the north.

I have found that the City of Edmonton is stretched out over a large area that the weather can be totally different from one area to the next.

The fog is beginning to lift and the sky is partially cloud filled.

The air has a tinge of coolness so that it is comfortable.

The house was not warm/hot this morning but I opened the windows about one hour ago and that will help to keep it cool inside for the pups.

They are resting together on the blue blanket on the floor beside me.

 

Last night I had the best time.

Went shopping to West Edmonton Mall with one of my friends.

I have not really done any shopping for me in ages so it was great.

I had a gift card from her and some other gift money.

There were a great deal of sales on in the mall.

I was surprised to see just how many folks were out on a Wednesday night.

I was very happy to find some sandals …. Clarks ….. not the ones that I saw on DSW’s website but they were similar and felt so good.

I do not think that I have ever put on a pair of shoes and they felt so good.

In total I bought three pair of shoes.

Got some new pyjamas, pair of jeans, two long cardigans and a short-sleeved top.

The retail staff were amazing …. so helping and very nice.

I felt like a million dollars.

Not that shopping makes me feel rich or anything.

Just the fact that I was able to actually go shopping and find some things and able to buy them.

This does not happen often.

Cannot remember the last time.

I try very hard to leave my carbon footprint at a minimum where possible.

Buying things from Thrift stores and swap meets is usually what I do.

So this was nice.

I do love hand me downs (as such) and have worn them my whole entire life thus far.

But sometimes it is nice to get some new things.

No more holey pj’s.

Giggling aloud.

It was great to have someone along as she was honest on how things fit and colours and such.

So I only got what was “GREAT” and not something was cheap on sale and was just okay.

Definitely a lesson for people.

Always better to go with someone.

I so much appreciated her honesty and assistance.

It was wonderful.

Decided not to wear the new sandals today as I may treat them – have to read the labels.

 

Well almost time to take the pups out for one more “bathroom break.”

They did great yesterday.

Alvin was up a couple of times and the last time we went downstairs, he went outside and then we retired to the sofa.

It did take a few minutes to get everyone comfortable.

Three always does take a bit more work.

 

Well I am one excited, happy, grateful, blessed, happy, Oh I said that already girl.

Lucky to have a beautiful home, great family and friends and good health.

To be surrounded by four-legged darlings.

Life is great.

Living …. One day at a time.

Listening to the birds chirping outside the office window.

 

Time to go.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Kindness with Respect go a long way.

Spread the goodness.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin & Teddy

 

 

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

A beautiful morning.

Windows open to let in the cool fresh morning air.

To keep Mr. Alvin comfortable until I arrive home.

There are clouds forming on the southern horizon.

 

We had another hot muggy day yesterday.

Luckily we managed to get a walk in right after work.

I, as per usual took along a full bottle of water for Mr. Alvin.

He has the slickest water bottle / tray for him to have a drink.

There was a slightly cool breeze otherwise I would have waited until later.

We got our walk in and after supper the temperature dropped quickly followed by thunder/lightning/rain.

Not too much rain but lots of thunder and lightning.

Sure love the beauty of the sky when there are storms.

 

On this Tuesday I am thinking about how blessed I am.

I am surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends.

I have me “Alvin” alongside me everyday to keep me company and to keep me focused.

I am employed.

I have a beautiful home with a yard.

So many blessings.

The most important of all is good health.

I am most grateful to be my age and to be in good health.

Everyday I count my blessings / grateful that both Alvin and I are healthy.

Makes the world of difference.

 

Well for some reason we are less on time this morning.

Not sure why.

I have windows to close before my ride appears.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

If we are fortunate to be surrounded and live with kindness and respect, life is good.

 

Maybe you are lucky to have an Alvin in your life.

Or a Humphrey or a Teddy or Miss Aspen or Baby Milo ….

These fur-babies ….. so much love and fun.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  going to the Mall tomorrow night to shop for shoes……I have not done that in a long while….. so excited.

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 22nd day of January, 2019.

At least I think it is the 22nd day.

Still dark out and feels odd being home again.

So happy that I took another day.

Having a good visit with my nephew.

We did some running around yesterday.

I had a nice walk with Mr. Alvin.

We are going to a movie at the MALL today.

I think we are going to see AQUA MAN.

 

I am disappointed as my daughter sent me a whole bunch of photos and videos from Alvin’s birthday party but I am unable to get them onto my computer.

Will have to check further when I have more time.

I do not wish to spend a bunch of time on the computer when I have computer.

 

I hope that you are having a great day.

Happy Tuesday.

Nice weather here.

So grateful.

 

Back to work tomorrow, argh.

Oh well, gotta work.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, sorry, it got too late to call.  If okay, how about Friday night.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 18th day of November, 2018.

Our buddy Teddy left for home with his Mama yesterday morning so the house is SO quiet with only me and Mr. Alvin.

My plans for the day changed when one of my friends called to invite me to go with her to a neighbouring city “St. Albert” to the Enjoy Centre which is a greenhouse/nursery/retail space

where a large “Craft Sale” was being held.

All the vendors had made their wares.

There were all mediums of art: painting on regular canvases, ceramics, woodworking, stained glass and glass art, illustrator/graphic designers, doll makers, coffee brewers, jewellery of every possible

description, things for your pets, fudge and different types of candy, dried mushrooms, condiments, pie maker (not ordinary pies), and so much more.

We came across the paintings, Art by Monk.  She is a famous West Coast Artist and her work was amazing.

My friend and I were speaking to one of her agents and did not even realize that she was on the other side of the display, painting.

I saw a painting of a FOX that was incredible and had the nicest frame on it, as well.

So many things.

I was on visual overload.

I was so excited to come across the same artist “Mackenzie Jones” that my daughter and I bought rings from in a store in Canmore on our girls road trip this past summer.

Love our rings and I wear mine everyday.

Our second trip and each time I have bought a ring made locally and I wear them daily.

A fond reminder of our Mother/Daughter time together.

Needless to say in between the time Teddy left and I went on the craft trip, not much was done so today I have lots to do.

I did go for a short walk with Mr. Alvin in between the craft trip and the Christmas party.

 

Our “friends” Christmas party that was slated for December 1, 2018 was moved up as one of the girls is leaving for down east next week with her daughter and husband and

will not be here for the party.

We had it last night.

So much fun.

The girls provided the snacks and refreshments and told me only to bring myself as there was very short notice about the change in plans.

Even though I had just ate supper, it was not very long when I caved and had some goodies.

ARGH, it begins.

With no car not so easy to pop out and pick up items and no time to bake the “Oreo Cheesecakes” that was I going to bring.

We laughed and caught up in our news.

Some selfie shots were made but ended up only getting odd head shots of the three of us.

A time to laugh for sure.

Alvin stayed home and slept.

The gal that hosted the party gave us all a gift which we were not doing but she is a bad girl and doesn’t listen.

I received a bottle of “Vanilla Bean Noel” foaming hand soap from Bath & Body Works, a necklace of Christmas lights and light up and some peanut butter/chocolate Reese pieces.

So excited about the necklace as I will wear it to work.

We love our necklaces.

Best present ever.

 

She also picked me up some hand soaps from Bath & Body Works when they were at West Edmonton Mall yesterday morning to see Santa (with her daughter).

The mall was crazy busy and I was grateful she ran the errand for me.

The hand soaps were on for a really, really good price.

On the way home last night it was snowing.

It was still snowing a bit at 5:30 when we first got up this morning but had stopped when we got up to stay up about 8:15 a.m.

I was pleasantly surprised when I looked out the window to see the front walk shovelled.

Must have been my neighbour to the west …. so nice.

Earlier I thought I hear some noise out front but did not pay attention as we were snoozing on the sofa from 5:30 to 8:15 a.m.

Well time to get this day going.

I popped the first of four loads of laundry into the washing machine.

Coffee has been made so need coffee.

Such a great Saturday.

I seldom go out and almost never TWICE in the same day.

 

Lots to do today submit a Steeped Tea order, clean bathrooms, do some laundry, walk with Alvin and more.

Happy Sunday.

I hope that you were able to spend time outside of your home.

Another warmer day on the way.

YAY.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are artistic and make things.  You rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of August, 2018.

Already well into August …. where does the time go?

A beautiful morning.

You can see the sun trying to peek through the cloud cover.

There is a breeze.

First time in a long while where we slept with no fan blowing on us.

With the window open last night it was so comfortable.

Even had the blankets on ….

 

Well we had fun at West Edmonton Mall yesterday.

The Nephew decided that he wanted to go to Galaxyland and go on the rides.

Galaxyland has 27 or so rides including two rollercoasters.

One makes people scream in terror and the other makes them scream in delight.

The boy went on the smaller rollercoaster four times.

He went on the ship – twice.

He also went on this ride that “tested” your G-force ability – twice. (that ride went up 130 feet in 2 seconds or so at about 40 kms).

His Grandma and his Aunt were just as happy to be watching and taking photos from a distance.

We did some shopping and were finished and on our way home before it got too crazy busy in the mall.

 

Tomorrow the company leaves.

Both Alvin and I are going to miss them.

 

This morning while we were having coffee, I happen to stand up and noticed a HUMMINGBIRD in my flowers just outside the kitchen window.

Managed to snap a couple of photos.

I had the kitchen window open and Alvin let out a bark and the Hummingbird was gone.

I do hope that it comes back to visit.

Wishing that the photos were more sharp.

 

Well better get back to my company.

Alvin and I are hosting a BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY tonight for all the August birthdays.

We will have 5 adults including me, 3 children including one almost teenager and 3 dogs.

Auntie and I have some food prep to do so we better get cracking.

Supper is not until 7:00 p.m. so we have lots of time.

But nice to be done early so we can relax a bit before the company arrives.

 

Happy Saturday already.

Special Hello to: my family and friends here and there.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 3rd day of August, 2018.

Well it is a much cooler morning and it is RAINING.

Our house is cooler and more comfortable.

No need to run fans or have windows open.

Nice break from the heat.

 

Last night / late afternoon, my sister, Alvin and I went for a nice walk.

It was raining just slightly when we started our walk.

But it was so refreshing.

 

My sister and I are getting ready as at some point we are going to West Edmonton Mall with her grandson/my great nephew to do some shopping.

He would like to look around as he has not been there lately.

Our ride will arrive sometime during the next hour or so.

 

Last night I made a rhubarb crisp from the rhubarb that one of my coworkers gave me.

OMG, so good.

Nothing like fresh from the garden.

 

Well this will be short.

Life is good.

Keeping busy with company and trying to keep cool (loving it today).

 

Happy Vacation.

 

I hope that you all have a great day.

Special Hello to: my friends near and far.

Always, Carol & Alvin