2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing today? I/We are well. I cannot even mention sleeping patterns. Certainly there are a great many folks out there who can attest to being woke up in the wees hours of the morning either by themselves or by their children or by their puppies. So as this seems to be our norm. End of story. The sky appears to be overcast this morning. Yesterday it started out with the odd snowflake which turned into rain. Our lunchtime walk was shortened as it was raining and I did not wish us to get too wet. We both had jackets on of course but still not a great idea when it was only +4 degrees celsius outside. The walk even though short was still most enjoyable. I was off work early to take Mr. Alvin to the vet for his regular 5 week or so appointment. It was raining out so I put on his sweater which I had rinsed out and dried as it was dirty and wet from our lunchtime walk and also put on his rain jacket. He actually did not fuss too much which was strange for him making me happy. He walked slowly and did not run ahead at noon and on the way to the vet. Not his usual self. He did not seem to be upset, suffering, in pain or anything. Just a slow day. That was okay. We arrived at the vet with a few minutes to spare and had to wait for a brief time outside while the last patient was looked after and then the door has to be wiped down. Inside I removed his jackets and then put his harness only back on as they now take all of our beloved pets to the back area instead of looking after them in one of the two patient rooms. I could hear another pup crying the blues and of course that did not help Mr.Alvin who at times made it known to all without a few miles that he was not having any of this nail trim business. Poor baby. He has never liked this and likely never will. Not that this is anything new for him as we go on a regular basis, like every 5 weeks. Oh well. Soon he was done and back to me to get dressed for our walk home. I also picked up his two bags of treats that were waiting there for us. He was happy to get home and have some of them. I do want to mention something. Is your neighbourhood filled with trash this spring? I could not believe the amount of coffee paper cups that were in the bushes lining the path along one of the walkways that we take to the vet. It was downright sickening. There must have been 50 or more. Trash was everywhere. What is wrong with people. As soon as it dries up a bit more so that trash is not wet and heavy to carry, I will be out cleaning up my beloved neighbourhood. Makes me mad, sad and disappointed that people do not care enough to keep their neighbourhood clean. I suppose some of the trash may be from people passing through, I really do not know. Just made me want to cry. I certainly did not want to walk there but had no choice.

Almost forgot that last night I attended a FB live Mary Kay “Masking party.” It was fun and I will say this if you have never tried their Charcoal Mask, you really should. My skin felt clean, soft, pores much smaller, and just so good.

Time to go and get the coffee brewing and soon get to work.

I wish you a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and today is Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

We had a huge storm last night which started late in the afternoon.

The sky got so dark that when the lightning hit, it appeared like a bright negative from a photo.

It was eerie.

The thunder roared.

The lightning seemed to be right close by.

I would think there was a lightning strike somewhere close by.

Thankfully not here.

This morning now at mid morning the sky is a bright blue and there is a breeze.

The pavement and sidewalk are dry but the wood deck remains wet as does the grassy areas.

Almost time for us to head out for a walk.

When we first got up there were still rain clouds in the sky and although I love to walk in the rain, not great for the boy.

He can get yeast infections in his ears if they get wet.

 

Well this is mid point through my second week of vacation.

I have enjoyed my vacation thus far.

Odd jobs were completed and relaxation has happened.

 

I saw a post on FACEBOOK of someone mentioning that “fall” is here and Bath & Body Works have their fall collection out.

I love fall but officially it begins in September although I think both Mother Nature and the Retail Gods have other ideas.

 

Also on this vacation break I would like to go for a nice long walk with Alvin into some of the other neighbourhoods.

We have not left ours for awhile.

I will watch the weather channel for a nice day not too hot.

Appears that we have some of those days this week.

I will take lots of water for sure for us.

We can take our time and enjoy some of the parks that surround us.

I will have to take a small purse to house my cell phone so that I can take photos.

Two necessities: water and phone.

 

Well time to get dressed as I was super lazy getting up this morning.

Sometimes when it is raining and wet – I just want to laze around.

Alvin did not seem to care as he snuggled right beside me on the sofa.

 

My tea order will arrive on Friday.

I am excited to see our new Fall/Winter Steeped Tea catalog.

Also to try the new teas, there seem to be more this time round.

 

Also one of my friends from back home has sent me a birthday parcel and it should arrive today.

Alvin will be excited as our friend always sends a little gift for him to open.

He loves to open presents.

Yes, he is an odd doggie.

I guess he has been around me long enough to appreciate opening a gift, a present.

 

He is patiently waiting for his Momma to get the show on the road.

Appears that I could actually wear long pants today and not be hot.

Wow.

 

I am wishing all of our friends with birthdays on this day – Happy Birthday.

I am sending positive energy and good thoughts to our Aspen who has been under the weather.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, that cool breeze coming in through the office window is simply delightful.

Living our lives with kindness and respect, always.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

One of my fav birthday gifts from this year.

Actually all my gifts are my favourites.

One early evening out on the back deck enjoying the evening.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 27th day of March, 2019.

Well we had a rainy day on Tuesday …..  we missed our walk last night.

Sometimes I wished that Alvin had a raincoat with a hood.

I have to be careful that he doesn’t get an yeast infection.

It can happen from excess moisture in the ears.

Who knew?

We opted out last night but he spent time on the deck and every time he came into the house – out came the towel.

Tonight I have a meeting and our friend is watching over him.

Perhaps it will be nice and she will take him for a walk.

Otherwise we will have to play catchup tomorrow and over the weekend.

Not so bad.

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

I read the following just before signing on to do this post.

It was surrounded by math problems.

Love is many things none of which is logical.

I would tend to agree with this statement.

Love is anything but logical.

We all know and remember poems and song lyrics about love.

Nothing logical about any of them.

Perhaps love is an opinion.

After all we all love differently.

Some we understand and some we do not.

But we cherish LOVE above all else.

There is the love of another human being.

There is the love of one’s children.

Different love between you and your parents, for example.

There is the love of money.

There is the love of material items.

After all that priceless family heirloom was purchased with love and handed down over the generations with love.

There is the love of animals.

I love my Alvin.

There is the love of nature.

I love walking by a lake with tall grasses waving in a breeze.

I love watching animals in nature.

There is the love of food.

Who does not love chocolate.

There is the love of oneself.

Many levels of self love.

There is the love of a rain storm.

Yes, love the excitement of thunder and lightning.

There is the love of sports.

There is the love of exercise.

There is the love of music.

That song that you simply cannot live without.

There is the love of love.

Anyway you look at it LOVE covers a great deal of ground.

 

Funny how one statement can spark conversation or in this case a great many statements.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing that you love yourself, you are safe, you are in good health and are surrounded with love and support.

Happy Wednesday.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over this world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of July, 2018.

Overcast with a slight breeze this morning.

Last night or shall I say a few hours ago this morning, we had quite the storm.

The light show and the thunder roaring was enough to wake us up.

For some reason I could not close my thoughts last night.

Kept thinking about a situation/conversation at work.

ARGH, not great when that happens.

But today is a new day and all is good.

Looks like rain.

Also when Mother Nature was putting on her show earlier this morning, I decided to get up and check the window.

I always leave our bedroom window open at night.

Sure enough this time, the rain was coming in at an angle and the window sill was wet as was the floor.

So I grabbed a towel to wipe it dry.

I was happily surprised to see my flowers still standing this morning.

The worse of the storm seemed to be at the front of the house, from the north and at the back to the south is partially sheltered.

Anyway, I am happy, pleased, relieved that they continue to look their most beautiful selves – my flowers and plants.

 

Last night we decided to go for a walk about 8:00 p.m. – was 26 degrees celsius earlier and I feel that is too hot for us, older “farts.” (me and Mr. Alvin).

It was actually quite nice when we went.

We were so HAPPY to see our friend out in their back yard (she just had hip surgery near the end of June).

Alvin caught a glimpse of her and he ran for their back gate.

We chatted for a few seconds through the fence but Alvin was so loud we went in …. he calmed down and we were able to visit.

He gets so excited with the people that he loves.

She is doing so well.

So very happy for her.

 

Well here we are and it is Friday morning.

Thank goodness.

My daughter and pups are coming over on the weekend at some point.

We always love to see them.

 

Not sure what this day is going to bring.

We are hopeful that our update to our computer system will be running smoothly on Monday.

Testing was going pretty good, I thought.

 

Well folks have a great Friday the 13th.

Be safe and dry.

Be kind to yourself and to others.

We only have but one life so make it count.

You do not have to do things one may consider GREAT like inventing “electricity” or finding the “cure for cancer” BUT if we all do our very best it is enough.

We can be GREAT by treating others including animals and the environment with kindness and respect.

If we all did just that ….. the world would change dramatically.

Just think …. just dream …. just BE your good self.

Maybe you will be the one to find the cure for cancer or to write the next best selling novel.

You are important and you are great.

Have an awesome Friday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are lost – you are found.  You are important.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of June, 2018.

The sky is filled with rain clouds, the trees are swaying in the wind and the sun is desperately trying to peer through the darkness.

It has been raining for a few hours and the pavement is wet, the grass is happily smiling a rich green, the trees are singing for the rain as they are moving about in the wind.

I can hear the rain drops coming down to the ground.

We needed the rain, the moisture, that balance.

 

Last night as the dark clouds filled the sky and the odd rain drop began to fall; I decided to move my flower pots into the protection of the house.

I could not have every pot in total cover and not that I wanted to as they need that glorious nectar that falls from the sky.

So they still receive the moisture but are protected in the event of hail and strong winds.

I noticed that some of the flower petals had fallen off and were covering the soil inside the pots.

What can you do?

 

We are going to visit a friend later this morning rain or shine.

So hopefully it is not pouring although I can carry my large umbrella and Alvin can walk close beside me.

He really needs a summer rain jacket.

He has one but it does not really fit him anymore.

At least it is not cold outside and we can always dry off later.

 

What are you doing today?

Is it raining where you are?

What do you do on a raining day?

Stay inside?

Go for a walk?

Read a book?

Write a book?

Watch a movie?

Eat popcorn?

Go shopping?

Do housework?

Hobby/craft time?

Go through closets?

 

I hope that wherever you are that you are enjoying this day.

Perhaps it is a work day for you or perhaps a day of leisure.

No matter what … enjoy.

Take in the sights and sounds around you.

Hold them close.

Appreciate them for what they are ….

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. who is one of the best joke tellers I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of March, 2018.

The first full day of SPRING 2018.

I hear that they have more snow in our long range forecast.

What I say to that is ….. that is okay as summer is right around the corner.

These end of winter spring storms are just, the end of winter.

Soon the snow shall me melted.

Soon our tulips shall be blooming.

Soon the bunnies will be all brown.

Soon there will be buds on the trees.

Soon we will be able to leave the house without warm winter boots with ice picks, heavy winter coats, scarves and mitts.

Soon we will be FREE from the winter weight.

Yes, it is going to happen, soon.

 

Update on Mr. Alvin.

Well we went to see his Doctor yesterday.

Now he has a yeast infection in the other ear.

ARGH.

So he has his final treatment in one ear and the first treatment in the other.

Next Tuesday will be the follow-up in one ear and the final treatment in the other.

Then we will be going back for the final follow-up.

Poor little guy.

I learned something yesterday.

Because he has floppy ears one has to keep them dry.

So when you are out walking or if he is playing in the snow, you must wipe them when he comes into the house.

Otherwise run the risk of a yeast infection.

 

Well time for me to fly.

Time always flies at this time of day.

I hope that you are all doing great.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all you bloggers out there – keep writing.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday, the 21st day of July, 2017.

This is what happened last night.

The skies got so dark just after 8:00 p.m. and luckily we had made it from our walk with a few minutes to spare.

I knew something was coming.

Well when I was thinking about watching one of my Christmas movies this weekend, perhaps I was not far off the mark.

Part of the deck looked like it had snowed as the hail stones huddled together creating quite the sight.

Like diamonds …. in the sky or on my deck, actually.

I am by no means a photographer and I only have a small Canon PowerShot so some of the photos are out of focus due to the flash and lightning and what not.

But I think they turned out quite cool.

It was hailing on the deck which is on the south side of the house and when I ran to the front which faces north there was no hail and the water was flowing like it was a small river.

I am so grateful for the drainage in my yard as it quickly runs down the middle of the front lawn between my house and the neighbours out to the street and down the storm drain.

It truly looked like a small river running to the street.

There was quite the lightning show and a bit of thunder but not too much.

My poor lilies out front took the brunt of the wind and heavy rain while the flowers in the backyard were pelted by hail stones.

I hope that they survive as I want to show them off to my company in August.

Well Happy Friday.

We are so lucky at my office as we are having a pancake breakfast at 7:30 – 9:00 and then we get to go to the parade for K-Days (Exhibition-Fair) or go home.

I am helping serve the breakfast so will be leaving home extra early to be there before or by 7:30 p.m.

I love pancakes …… which reminds me that would be a good thing to make my company for breakfast a day or two while they are visiting.

Special Hello to: my Sister and my Brother who are coming to visit us, soon.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 30th day of April, 2017.

Well here we are just a few hours away from the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Three years away from 2020.

Does that not sound futuristic?

Yikes ….. perhaps in a few short years we will be more “space age.”

Who knows.

 

This morning the sun is shining.

We did receive some rain overnight but it has dried now.

YAY ……

 

This morning Mr. Alvin surprised me ….

Last night by the time I went to bed it was almost 11:00 p.m.

Once again Alvin was ready to rise at 4:00 a.m.

ARGH.

So as per usual, I sleepily get up and go downstairs.

He has his breakfast and goes outside.

This time …… GUESS WHAT.

We came upstairs to bed after his EARLY breakfast.

When I woke up it was almost 8:00 a.m.

Unless I did not hear him he did not wake up in between.

FIRST TIME EVER.

Cannot believe it.

Perhaps we should always come back upstairs.

Although it did not work yesterday.

I guess his hair cut and bath really caused anxiety and our back to normal walk really tired him out.

He looks really cute ….. my little black&white guy….

Anyway good news.

I at least got two chunks of sleep four hours each.

YAY …..

 

Well time to finish the laundry.

Get ready for tomorrow.

You know prepping the oatmeal for breakfast for the next three days.

Deciding on what to wear?

Lunch.

RELAX as we worked …. er, I mean I worked all day getting things done so that today could be a relatively quiet day today.

Might do some more yard work (might), as it is still a bit wet.

After supper we will SKYPE with my sister and hear all about her trip to PERU and VEGAS.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Be KIND and have FUN.

 

Happy Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: YOU, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of March, 2017.

Wow, where did that month go?

Yikes.

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed the most wonderful “wet” walk.

Most of the way around our lake found water on the sidewalks so my shoes got wet.

Thank goodness I wore my SKETCHERS barefoot and did not wreck my shoes.

 

I must share my experience from last night.

A friend of mine does various types of Holistic Healing which includes: Integrated Healing, Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatics, Viscera and Energy Healing.

After my session, I felt so wonderful.

Actually during the session I could feel a difference in my energy.

My shoulders have always held any and all stress and tension.

Even if I do not think that I am stressed my shoulders are tense and solid.

After she worked unblocked the energy in my shoulders I felt so soft and good.

Hard to explain.

Funny story quickly as we were up once again ultra early and now I am running a bit behind.

After my friend set up her table in the living room and instructed me to lay down, Mr. Alvin started to bark.

We both tried to quieten him but to no avail.

This friend has the most quiet, kind manner and she just spoke to him as she wanted me to just relax.

Finally she said “Alvin, you just want to be with your Momma” and popped him up on the table with me where he stayed until almost the end of my session.

So Alvin inadvertently had a Energy Healing session as well.

It was so much fun.

I feel so good this morning even though my sleep was mixed with Alvin getting up so early.

Time to fly here.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my friends who heal.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of September, 2016.

Dark outside but not raining.

That is a good sign these days.

We have had a wet summer and appears to be the same going into fall.

Rain is good but we would really like/need some sunshine.

 

Do you ever sit or lay in bed and wonder what other people are doing at this very moment all over the world.

Are they getting ready for work?

Are they writing a blog and wondering if people are reading their words?

Are they sleeping?

Are they sick and wondering if today will be there last day on this earth?

Are they happy?

Are they mad?

Are they jealous?

Are they bad?

What are people thinking and doing?

It boggles the mind.

Truly …..

Are they suffering?

Are they glad?

What are they thinking and where are they going?

Food for thought?

I wonder if someone else on the other side of the earth has these same thoughts?

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. yes SKYPE soon.

Always, Carol and Alvin