2021

Good Morning ALL! It feels like forever since I last wrote a post. Well Christmas is all over for yet another year. We had a fantastic Christmas. My daughter’s friend who just happens to be a pharmacist tested us all on Christmas Eve and yes, we were all NEGATIVE. Definitely one of times when I wanted the results to be negative. No worrying about securing an A+ grade. We ate until we almost burst on Christmas Eve filling ourselves with, let me see if I can remember the menu. Hot Cheese Dip with Baguette, Butterfly Shrimp, Mozzarella Sticks, Boursin Cranberry with Cracked Black Pepper Cheese “Ball”, crackers, Guacamole with corn chips, vegetable tray, and a sweet tray of baking. We also had nuts and chocolate. I see where the CHEESE was the star of the show. Likely not the best plan but oh well. We enjoyed the food. After we ate we played a game that my son-in-law got for Christmas (he opened it early), BLOCKBUSTER. Now we did not have the patience for the rules so we made up our own and I never laughed so hard. We had the best time. The game is all about movie trivia. So much fun. After the game was over we opened gifts. Now this is funny, I am now thinking after we ate then we opened gifts and then played the game. We were up until after 2:30 a.m. No, pretty sure we played the game and then opened gifts, yes that is correct. We played the game until about midnight and then it took us 2.5 hours to open our gifts. We opened one at a time. Then we had fours pups with gifts although the only one really interested in opening gifts was Alvin, Mi-Mi did make an attempt. I always love watching Alvin as he impatiently opens his gifts. He had his paw on the bag and then with his nose and mouth pulled out the tissue paper. So much fun. He loves opening presents. My daughter had a couple of her stocking gifts laying beside her, wrapped and he was tearing open the paper. Cute not someone was not impressed, lol. I was happy to see that the pups got along. Earlier I had been concerned that perhaps Mi-Mi and Cookie would be at odds but they were not. Actually a couple of times the quiet Miss Aspen let out a sharp bark at Cookie when she got too close.

Everyone was spoiled this year. I made quite the haul. I believe everything on my list with the exception of having my mortgage paid in full was under the tree. Some of the things that I had asked for were: Debbie Travis’s new book about life, filled with photos and recipes AND Rebel Homemaker, the first cookbook from Drew Barrymore and Chef Pilar Valdes, filled with photos, recipes and stories. Also on the list were fuzzy Christmas socks, Cuisinart paring knife, Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap, and a Day Planner for 2022. In addition to these gifts, I got a package of Player’s choice scratch tickets and won $5.00. Ecologic Paper Towel which can be used 200 times and is biodegradable and a Packet of tea. I also received a poinsettia plant and turtles chocolates from our guests. Late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, some friends dropped a card and baking off for me and some treats for Mr. Alvin. We are so lucky. Mr. Alvin received from his sister and family – a cute Reindeer stuffed toy and from his momma – the most beautiful blue and green turtle. He also received more edible gifts. So we were totally spoiled. That was Christmas EVE. We did not get to bed until after 2:30 closer to 3:00 on Christmas Eve. The kids had our room and our guest the “guest room,” me, Alvin and Cookie slept on the sofa except it took awhile to get a little someone to settle down. I had placed the baby gate up so that she could not go upstairs and she whined until I got up from the and placed her on the “green” chair with Rudolph, her favorite sleeping spot. I had to do this about 10 times before she finally stopped. So it was well after 3:00 when we got to sleep.

Alvin woke up at 5:00 and then we were up about 7:30 to stay up. Not much sleep. Most of the house was up about 8:30. We had coffee which we all needed. It was us girls that were up and my son-in-law stayed in bed for awhile beyond us. Amanda’s friend left about 10:00 as she was going to pick up her girls and open gifts with them. We invited them back for supper with us.

We had a late brunch with quiches, the veggie tray and some cheese. Lots of coffee was drank. I made a second pot. Throughout Christmas Day, I quietly putzed. Taking the gifts out from under the tree and reorganizing them. Washed the dishes that did not fit in the dishwasher and once the main floor was tidied up, I went to the basement and put away the gift bags, folded up the tissue paper – all to use another day. The kids had done some wrapping in the basement after they arrived on Christmas Eve. Once the cleaning and tidying was done, I had some more coffee and checked out the recipes for fresh cranberry relish and dressing. We had a quiet but enjoyable afternoon. We had planned to have supper about 7:00 p.m. but our company arrived a bit later, and then she wanted to test her daughters with the rapid covid test (like the one that we did the night before). It was closer to 8:00 p.m. when we had supper. The girls were negative. Thank goodness everyone was negative. We had a lovely supper of roast chicken breasts, whipped garlic potatoes and gravy, dressing, fresh cranberry relish, corn, peas and homemade buns (from one of my friends). Our dessert was baking which consisted of fudge, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan tarts, chocolate caramel candy and some cookies from the BON TON Bakery. Anyway, we ate too much but it was good (if I do say so myself). Usually I do not like to make new recipes when there is company but both the dressing and the relish were so good. Will make them again.

The girls opened their Christmas gifts from us.

After clean up, we sat down and had another good game of BLOCKBUSTER. My son-in-law and I took on the other four girls. They won but it was a close fun game. We close on a Christmas movie category. Can you believe that I lost on the category? We named so many movies before we could not name anymore. If I could have included all of the HALLMARK movies that I have been watching – we would have won but they were excluded. Oh well.

Dee and the girls left just before midnight. We were in bed shortly after. This time the kids took Cookie to bed with them. She settled down and we all had a good night sleep. In fact, it was not even Mr. Alvin who was up first – it was the other pups at 6:15. My daughter and I fed the pups and then laid back down again. It was almost 10:00 when we all woke up. I guess we needed the sleep. I was happy that the kids decided to stay for another day.

We had a bit of breakfast and visited. My daughter and I had packed up most of their things.

The best gift of all was not really a physical gift but my son-in-law arranged for me to go to the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, to go to space via a virtual reality headset. Both my son-in-law and daughter had tried it and warned me that I may be dizzy or nauseous and that I may not be able to keep the headset on for a long period of time BUT I surprised then when I squealed with delight during my space trip. I got to literally touch the space station, saw the stars and the sun and earth. I felt as though I was an astronaut in space. It was the most coolest experience of my life. I would have stayed there all day long. I loved it. After the space trip, I was able to go Africa and come up close and personal with a zebra, saw giraffes and an elephant and a large cat not a lion this time. I definitely would like to do this again and again. I had no idea that you could buy virtual reality headset – I thought it was only in the movies.

After the VR experience, I packed up food for the kids and they loaded up the car. They left for home in the afternoon. Then it was just me, Alvin and Cookie left. The noise and excitement all done for another year. We had the best Christmas ever. So much fun.

Well I have trapped Alvin and Cookie in the office with me and they are getting a bit restless so time to sign off. I wanted to catch you up in our last two days – in our Christmas.

The outside temperature is bitterly cold. Minus 30 without the windchill. Supposed to be cold all week. I guess we won’t be going anywhere. I am grateful that I asked my daughter to pick up more food for Alvin and as it would turn out that is the only food that Miss Cookie will eat. Yikes. Oh well. At least she is eating.

Time for a shower and to rescue the pups from the office.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, that you are safe and warm and happy and most of all in good health.

Until tomorrow.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie Monster (that is my new name for her), lol.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 2nd day of March, 2019.

WOW, the sun is up and shining brightly and it is not quite 8:00 a.m.

Now temperature, well that is not so bright and shiny.

It is COLD, not exactly what the overnight, early morning windchill temperature is but I know that it is cold.

Alvin wasted no time outside doing his morning routine, none at all.

Oh well, by Monday it is starting to warm up.

Perhaps SPRING is truly around the corner.

Hopefully it is a short corner.

Really, a small one would be nice.

 

We had a lovely visit with Teddy and Aunt J last night.

I love the way Alvin and Teddy are so excited to see each other.

Almost like hugging each other.

So great to watch.

Truly they are Best Friends.

Aunt J made these incredible “cheesy scalloped potatoes” that were so amazing.

So, so good.

They were a new recipe to her.

Well done Aunt J, well done.

We had a great visit …. took our time eating and visiting.

It was nice after a long week.

They left early as Teddy likes to go to bed early and his parents were arriving home in the wee hours of the morning.

I cleaned up and then we relaxed and watched a bit of t.v. before retiring at 9:00 p.m.

Alvin was up early this morning and luckily I was able to get him to hit the sofa for some additional zzz’s.

Now we are up.

Changed bedding, writing this post and then laundry and breakfast.

Lots of things to do but it is Saturday.

Good to be up early.

 

I just wanted to mention that today is the funeral service for our friend Judy who passed away suddenly.

She was a true life force.

I worked with her for about 25 years before I retired in 2008.

I still cannot believe that she is gone.

Way too young.

My thoughts are with the family and all of her friends today and always.

Will be missed, will be missed.

 

Special Hello to:  the newest Angel.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD blast of winter again this morning.

Yesterday though the temperatures did warm enough and we managed to get a walk in after work.

Alvin and I walked over to see Teddy and his Aunt J.

It was good to go inside and visit and warm up.

I am always happy to see them.

Teddy lights our world.

He runs and is so happy to see us.

Sometimes he jumps into my arms.

 

This morning was the fastest that I have ever seen Mr. Alvin “pee.”

I know that is perhaps a bit personal or too much information but gives you an idea of how cold it is this morning.

Forecast was for minus 44 with windchill this morning.

YIKES.

He wants to go out but every time I open the door he breathes in the cold air, I see his breath, and comes back.

So might have to put on his winter coat and go out with him.

I wished that he would wear boots.

Perhaps I should try and put some socks on his paws, just to see what he will do.

I am making an assumption that he wouldn’t like little boots/socks but perhaps he wouldn’t mind.

 

He will need to “poop.”

Okay, sorry, too much information.

But even though it is serious business there is an element of humour there.

Sorry Mr. Alvin …..

 

We will ALL be so happy to have spring.

I can only imagine what the wildlife are going through at this time.

Between frigid temperatures and so much snow.

I wished that I look after them all.

The bird, the bunnies and the deer.

 

Now once again they are stating that during the day it will warm up again with tomorrow being minus 3 or 4.

I would say that might feel like “shorts” weather if I were so inclined.

It has been such a long COLD winter and I am afraid that I need to get some exercise in but it is hard to get motivated.

 

Well I should go and see if I can get him outside to do his business.

Poor guy.

Thankfully he wouldn’t let me trim his paws too much.

 

Please ensure that all PUPS are indoors on these cold days.

If you have a neighbour or know someone who leaves a doggie outside, please report this to the authorities.

This is not acceptable behaviour.

Thank you.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Please keep warm and safe.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “W” …. thanks for reading.  Drop a line.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of February, 2019.

A cold morning once again.

But guess what?

Last night it was minus 20 with the windchill so Alvin and I put on our winter gear and headed out for a walk.

It was our first actual walk in about two weeks.

It felt so good and a bit cold.

We only went as far as the park as it was getting cold for Alvin’s paws.

But it was most enjoyable.

I feel lighter this morning.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate what we now refer to as Hearts Day.

A day to show love and affection with respect.

We are celebrating in our group at work.

Each of us decorated a paper bag much like some of us when we were children.

So much fun.

All week people have been dropping cards and goodies off into our bags.

Today the rest will deposit their treats and cards into our bags.

It was a good idea …. something fun amongst all of the work and “stuff.”

A rose for you

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to You and You and You.

May you be surrounded with love, respect and affection.

May I give you a little hug.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Take this day to show your “respect” to your class-mates, co-workers, family and friends.

We all need to be a little nicer, more compassionate and definitely show respect to each other.

Not only to our human counterparts but to all the creatures that roam this earth whether on land, sea or air.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

Time to don the winter garb and then on my way to work.

But have time for snuggles with my boy.

Thank you Mr. Alvin for being my wonderful, sweet, awesome companion.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, Happy Valentine’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

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

Well forecast for next week shows minus teen numbers for temperatures.

What a heat wave is on the way.

Without the WINDCHILL effect that would certainly feel like summer compared to what is going on now.

Time will tell.

 

I miss our walks and just feel it is too dangerous for us to be out there walking.

Mind you it is getting dangerous in the house as we are really needing some fresh air and exercise.

Now I am lucky as at least I walk to the car in the morning and at night.

So I get what 20 steps in the fresh air ( being sarcastic ).

Not complaining about getting a ride that is for sure.

I am  over the MOON grateful to be in a carpool who picks me up at the door and drops me off at the door and all over again each day.

I am grateful that my “carpool” had a great vacation in Mexico.

So grateful and feeling so blessed.

 

I am over the MOON grateful that Mr. Alvin is healing nicely and hoping stitches come out perhaps this Saturday.

We are grateful for the furnace that heats our home and keeps toasty warm 24/7.

We are grateful to have clean water at the turn of a tap.

We are grateful to have good food to eat.

We are grateful to have family and friends who love us.

We are grateful to be alive, to live in this city, in this country on this planet.

I want to fill my life with gratitude so that there is no room for anything else.

Only positive energy.

 

Well time to go and do a couple more things before leaving for work.

Thank you for reading this post and my blog.

I am so grateful to have people interesting in my writing.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who is one of the hardest working people, women I know.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of January, 2018.

Well we are into the later part of this first month of January 2018.

Our weather has been wonderful for the most part.

Mainly ice and not much snow.

We enjoyed a great walk last night ….. it was +1 after work.

Fantastic.

 

Well Alvin’s sleeping until the “alarm went off” was short lived although I will take 4:30 am, any day.

Oh my boy.

I know he is enjoying this weather.

Most especially in the morning.

When it is minus 30 with the windchill, I feel so badly about him having to go outside to do his business.

 

Well for some reason, I am running a bit late.

Some mornings it is hard to get my get up and go, going.

Yikes, that is a mouthful.

 

Oh well here we go to a wonderful Tuesday.

I hope that have a great day.

 

Special Hello to: all those people celebrating a birthday today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of January, 2018.

Another cold BLAST today and tomorrow and warming up on the weekend.

Yesterday while I was waiting for the bus another bus stopped.

Someone on the bus was waving madly at me.

I could not see the person at first as my glasses were frosted over.

Then I saw her, it was my friend who previously had stopped in her car at the stop or close by and given me a ride home.

She parks away from downtown so catches the bus to her car.

So I was lucky and received a ride home.

Much appreciate in this weather.

We even stopped at the grocery store – we were out of bananas and that is almost a tragedy for this household.

I am most grateful for the ride home from my friend.

The night before I waited in the minus thirty temperatures for just over 15 minutes for the bus.

 

Last night I was thinking after I laid down for bed about my day.

This is when I take a look at my day and if I did well, I am pleased with myself and if not, then there is always room to correct the behaviour.

Sometimes in the moment we are quick to judge.

I have found that life is more grey than black & white.

This is something that I am always working on, and that is not to be too quick to judge.

Not that I judge every single soul that I come across in the course of a day, I am not saying that.

But we all have ideas, preconceived notions in our heads that stay with us.

I am working on those.

Some need working on and others are fine the way that they are ….

 

So that is today.

Be easy on ourselves and be easy on others.

We never know what their last conversation was or last thought before our encounter.

So think hard, long and softly before speaking too quickly.

 

Time to leave to catch the bus.

Time to don the layers.

Have to be warm.

Minus 30 something with the windchill.

 

Special Hello to: my friends

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of December, 2017.

One week from today is Christmas Eve.

WOW, how did that happen.

The days are getting shorter and shorter until the 21st and then they will start to get longer once again.

Going to work in the dark and coming home the same ….. just seems like you do not have any time.

We are so spoiled to have a good portion of the year with lots of daylight.

This day, December 17th, 2017 – we have very little snow remaining and the temperatures have been on the plus side for most of the month.

Cards were mailed and delivered, baking completed and almost all delivered, gifts well they are a work in progress.

Let’s see what last year held:

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day of December, 2016.

Only 7 sleeps until Christmas Eve.

A bitterly frosty cold morning here in Edmonton with a windchill of minus 30 degrees celsius.

Guess what they are forecasting minus 9 degrees celsius by tomorrow morning with a high of minus 3 degrees celsius for Sunday and guess what for Monday?

PLUS ONE …… with snow flurries and possible freezing rain.

How crazy within twenty-four hours we go from minus 30 to minus 3.

Oh well ….. next week is supposed to be relatively nice with single digit temperatures except for Friday when it dips to minus eleven.

The sky is so pretty this morning with hues of pinks and yellows.

The chimney smoke wrapping itself into the colour and disappearing into the sky.

 

Last night Mr. Alvin decided to wake up before 3:00 a.m. – I think perhaps his poor front paws are bothering him.

More than likely arthritis ….. he has started to lick them a lot.

He is now on some chewy glucosamine.

Will give it another week and then see where we are at.

Could also just be in part to the fact that we really have not walked for two weeks other than down the street to my friend’s which took all of three minutes.

I think he also has been sleeping too much as a result.

Perhaps his jumping off the bed days are numbered.

So am going to spend time training him to jump off on the cushioned stool that is at the foot of our bed.

He uses it to jump up but not to jump down.

My poor boy.

 

Last night one of my neighbour’s had invited me over for a visit.

I dared not tell him where I was going or he would have been upset that he was not going.

They have a family member who has allergies so he cannot visit inside the house.

However they love him and in the summer we visit outside with them all the time.

All I have to do is to mention their names and he gets very excited.

If they are outside working in their garden and we are walking by he makes a bee-line to cross the street to see them.

We had a nice visit.

 

Today I have laundry and some baking to do.

Also I have to return a call from my great nephew … he heard my voice message and was giggling when he left his message.

He said “Grandma, er I mean Anta, this is “A”, can you call me back.” …… with little laughs and giggles, so cute.

Get my Christmas gifts ready for the kids.

We are doing the reuse items idea.

Find something from around your house that you do not need and that they might want.

I know what I am giving my son-in-law but have too many ideas for my daughter.

It is a good way to stay within a budget and also to reuse things that are sitting idle.

Tonight I am going out for supper to a nearby restaurant with two of my younger girl friends.

So excited …

We decided not to exchange gifts and instead to go out for supper and visit.

This year is full of changes.

Just thinking wonder who won the Lotto MAX, if there was a winner ….. oh maybe it was me.

Can you imagine?

OH my that would be crazy to have $55 million dollars.

Happy days ahead …..for sure.

 

Tomorrow to end the weekend I am baking sugar cookies for one of my young friends who I promised if she bought the ingredients I would make them.

So I will be mixing, rolling, baking and icing cookies tomorrow.

 

Well time to get the laundry started so that my under wear is dry for tonight.

Yes, I did say that.

It is the truth and it is funny.

 

Well as the bright sunshine streams through my office window, I shall say good-bye for today.

With gladness of warming temperatures so that Alvin and I can walk.

Actually tomorrow will be baking cookies and WALKING WITH me ALVIN.

 

Happy Saturday ….

Be safe, keep warm and enjoy the weekend.

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

Always nice to look back and remember and then keep moving forward

Special Hello to: ALL ….. Merry Christmas.

Always, Carol and Alvin

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

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 9th day of January, 2015.

WOW, another number higher ….. isn’t that crazy?

2-0-1-5

Still not used to the new year.

Back to work …. doesn’t take long …. approximately 99.5 seconds and one is back into the routine.

Funny how that works.

We are implementing a new computer system at the office so we are all learning new things …..

It is always good to learn new things, I remind myself even when you are over 50, most especially when you are over 50.

Yikes, I can say over 55 ….. when did that happen.

Me Alvin is laying on the bed curled up with his face in my direction.

Whenever I am at home he is always nearby.

I love his attention ……

Our temperatures are warming up somewhat which is good.

No longer minus upwards of 35 with the windchill.

That is sometimes hard to fathom.

Especially for those folks who are living in climates where the temperatures are the reverse in celsius of course.

We are so lucky to have different seasons.

I would not change it for the world.

Well here it is almost time to leave for the office and then to the store after that ….. things to learn and people to meet.

That will be my day and evening.

Not a bad combination ….. hey!

Happy Friday.

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 5th day of January, 2014.

It is a very bright Morning here in Edmonton.

How are you?

I am doing great and am so excited that warmer temperatures are on the way.

YAY.

It seems that all we can seem to think about is eating, sleeping and the cold …..

The cold, eating and sleeping.

When the temperatures without the windchill dip below 30 below Celsius … all one wishes to do is hibernate.

I am starting to feel like a bear …..

I even have the extra “roll” to prove it.

So after a glance in the mirror this morning it was enough to say …. enough is enough …..

Get back on the eating healthy train and more exercise.

When the temperatures warm up we will walk and in the meantime …. climb stairs ….. and do whatever exercises we can do.

So on this cold morning I say keep warm and exercise.

Have a great day.

I am on my way to work ….. 5.5 hours of walking …… if I do not stand still.

Special Hello to: all my friends back in Regina …. my best friend celebrates a birthday tomorrow.

Always, Carol and Alvin