2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to the last day of 2021, Friday, December 31st. 2021 was not much different from 2020 in that it was filled with financial hardship, heartbreak, sadness, stress and a longing for good things to come. The new year is on our doorstep and is filled with possibilities. I was reading my daughter’s Instagram post yesterday. She posted one of her latest creations a collage celebrating “possibilities.” She wrote: “To Possibilities. Ah the possibilities of a new year, a clean slate on which to dream. Do you set intentions or resolutions or choose a word to live by for the year? Or are you like me and sorta run around in all the possibilities, making a creative mess but having fun along the way (I might try the word “focus” this year)? I wish you all a 2022 filled with good health, love, creativity and all those delicious possibilities.”

What will our thoughts, our intentions, our resolutions be for the New YEAR? Do we remain focused and diligent during the New YEAR OR do those resolutions fall by the wayside a few weeks in? We mean well but sometimes we make unrealistic goals and resolutions.

My daughter’s post gave me the idea that maybe if we set out intentions, our resolutions if you will by a word or a handful of words that have great meaning and direction for us, that perhaps we will remain focused and keep them for the days of the coming year.

What are you words? What is your MANTRA? Do you have one?

I have been closing this post for months with the following: Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding and gratitude. I am going to add two words possibilities and focus.

My new mantra for 2022:

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

Write your words, say your words aloud, make them a part of your day, an important part of your life and they will become your every day, your life.

I wish for the New YEAR to bring you and your family good health, a sense of renewal, but most of all, I hope the New YEAR brings you possibilities. We, you, me and the world need possibilities now, more than ever.

Happy New YEAR to my family and friends and to all of you who take your precious time to read this post each and every day. I so appreciate each one of you. May your lives be filled with good health, great joy, much love and laughter and abundance and a clean slate on which to dream.

A special thank you to my daughter for her words who inspired this post and who gives me inspiration every day of my life. You are my dream, you are my possibility and I love you very much.

Thank you to Mr. Alvin who in a few short weeks will turn 13. My constant companion and who brings me joy and laughter and stories. I love you buddy!

So on that note, HAPPY NEW YEAR. The best is yet to come. 2022. A year filled with possibilities, of dreams yet to be realized.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

P.S. I think that we are going to miss the Cookie Monster. She is lovingly nicknamed CM for her boisterous, active nature. She is a good girl. Just super busy. LOL. H

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Where anything is possible!!

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2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you on this absolutely gorgeous bright and sunny Sunday morning? The rain has stopped and the clouds have parted. I/We went to bed about 10:30 ish and were up at 3:45 and then at 6:15 a.m., I felt rested and we stayed up. First Sunday morning that I have felt so rested and stayed up so early (for me). What a great way to begin the day! Feeling on top of the world! I cannot wait to see my kids and grandpups this afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the women and girls in our lives and everywhere who continue to give us through good times and bad, all the love and support that we need each and every day. thank you from Carol & Alvin

I want to share some of the writings of my past Mother Day’s Cards:

MOM, to the world you are a Mother, but to your family you are the world.

For the love you give

from your heart every day

and the millions of little things

you do with so much care

thank you

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With love to you, mom ….. for all your patience, wisdom, guidance, and love.

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These are the words written by my kids:

We’re so grateful to have you in our lives and are so proud of all you’ve accomplished. This year brings lots of change we’ll all get through it together. Love you so much.

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Thank you for always being there for us, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and unconditional love mean the world to all of us! I know if the babies (pups) could speak, they would say the same!

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I wish each and every woman and girl on the planet Earth a Happy Mother’s Day.

You are a Mother to us ALL.

Be safe and be well.

I hope that have a wonderful day.

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

Be well everyone.

Look after each other.

That is the only way we can do this thing called Life …..

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I made the brownies last night for today and they taste yummy. My first time from scratch. Also made the black bean burgers and they taste so good. Looks like tonight’s supper is going to be GOOD.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a BRIGHT SUNNY DAY here in Edmonton.

I hope that it is bright and sunny wherever you may be.

Today is the day finally that our fence gets repaired.

Work starts at 9:00 a.m. or rather the workman arrives at 9:00 a.m.

Hopefully it can be finished today or at the latest tomorrow at noon.

I would not wish there to be a space in our fence overnight.

 

Quick story:  last night after work when we arrived home from our walk.

Humphrey was out front.

The boys went nose to nose to say hello.

Humphrey followed us home.

I stopped to fix the drainpipe.

The boys were on their leashes and waiting by the steps.

When I was done.

They both ran up the steps.

It was then that I realized that Humphrey’s leash was not hooked to anything.

He went into the house with us, all safe and sound.

WOW, that was a close one.

His Momma was grateful.

Timing again, is everything.

Right place at the right time.

 

Yesterday the weather was beautiful in between the rain so we took advantage and went for two walks.

Today we will miss the noon walk as we will have the workman here fixing our fence.

I am so excited to have that done, finally.

 

With the rain, the grass just turned the most gorgeous shade of green.

My favourite “kelly green.”

I love greens, most greens with the exception of khaki, not a big fan.

The trees are swaying in any breeze in a rhythm all of their own.

The sweet smell of the trees that are in flower is intoxicating.

I love the birth of a new year.

Spring should be the beginning of the year with all of the renewal of life.

 

I feel like some flower photos …..

Nothing like colour to boost the day….

Flowers from previous years living in Edmonton.

I love flowers.

They are one of my most favourite things on this planet.

Thank you for the flowers.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Work is calling.

Coffee is ready to be poured.

 

Soon the workman will arrive.

 

Wishing you all a glorious day.

May you be surrounded with beautiful flowers.

 

Wishing you a continued live of kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well here we are the first Thursday of March, 2020.

Almost one week into this month.

Today is my Dad’s sister’s Birthday.

Happy Birthday Aunt.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

March is almost as busy a month for birthdays as February.

 

Well we brought Mr. Humphrey over for the evening.

My nephew stopped in and spent the night on his way back to work up north.

He brought me a DAIRY QUEEN treat – box of buster bars.

My favourite.

We had a nice visit before an early bedtime.

It was nice to see him and to catch up with all of the family news.

There is always a surprise or two.

He was up and away by 5:30 a.m.

 

Another nice morning although I can hear the wind gusting from time to time.

Gusting as it rattles the outside vents and the chimney.

Alvin and I did not make it out for a walk last night.

Our sidewalk/street out front is a big mess.

Kudos to our neighbour in the other half of our duplex who was out during the day chipping away at the ice.

Working to make the water drain from the street to the storm drain and from the sidewalk.

She did a great job.

Only thing is someone drove over the canal from the street causing it to collapse and then the water could no longer make it to the drain.

Oh well, a few more days/weeks of warm weather and it will be mostly melted.

There is snow and cold temperatures on the way for the weekend so that will put an end to the melting for now.

Time.

All we need is time.

 

Well another work day ahead.

How is your job going?

Perhaps you go to school?

Or maybe you are retired and just enjoying life.

Whether you work for someone or for yourself.

Whether you go to school or not.

These are all things we do to fill our days and to earn a living.

This living helps us to have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and clothes on our backs.

Simply put.

These earnings also help us to have cable and internet for connections and entertainment.

Help to pay for vacations.

Car loans.

Basically everything we consume whether internally or externally.

Yikes one of the cards that I have displayed (hanging) from my bulletin board just fell off.

I had only moments just barely touched it so that I could read the words that my daughter had written.

 

Dear Mom

We’re so grateful to have you in our

lives and are so proud of all you’ve 

accomplished.  This year brings lots 

of change but we’ll get through it 

together.  Love you so much!

 

This was from Mother’s Day 2014.

 

Everyday of my life, I am grateful for my kids.

My daughter and my son (her husband).

For my grand pups, Aspen and Milo.

For me Alvin.

For my family near and far.

For my life.

 

We should always take the time to be grateful.

Fill your life with gratitude and your life will be filled with gratitude.

 

Well almost time to head on downstairs.

Hard to believe that my nephew has been gone for almost one hour already.

Time marches on.

 

Have a wonderful day.

Kindness and Respect, always.

For yourself and for others.

 

Happy Thursday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of July, 2018.

Well here we are almost the end of the first week in July, 2018.

Two countries – two neighbours have celebrated their “birthdays” within days of each other.

It has been quite the week.

Two countries – two neighbours with quite the history.

Two countries – two neighbours similar but not the same.

Two countries.

 

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Yesterday when Alvin and I were on our way home from our walk, I heard a female voice yell “Carol.”

I turned around to see my friend C holding a dog.

We were a few houses away so we turned around and ran back to them.

When we reached them I realized that the dog she was holding was not their dog “Miss Daisy.”

My friend told me that “they had lost Daisy, she had passed just a week ago.”

We hugged and tears were shed.

Alvin and this new black&white dog were sniffing each other and all was well.

The puppy was friendly and full of energy.

Daisy had been sick, diagnosed with kidney disease a few months ago.

There had been signs before the diagnosis.

But even at that point it was too late.

 

The new dog.

 

If you have never believed in a higher power or something more than ourselves, you will now.

My friend, her husband and sons  were devastated by the loss of Daisy.

My friend had told her husband that the next dog that joined their family would have to be named Stella.

My friend was not ready for a new dog with the recent loss of their beloved Daisy.

They had Daisy since she was a few weeks old.

She was the love of their lives.

Daisy was this lovable, easygoing, playful dog.

Alvin loved her and I loved her and most of all her family loved her.

 

They had noticed this dog on KIJI by accident, and I cannot remember the breed.

Reminded them of Daisy but she was black and white, mostly black.

Just on an whim she packed up her middle son and went to meet this puppy.

Thinking all the time that this was too soon after losing their beloved Daisy.

Her middle son is the most rambunctious so this new dog would have to meet his energy.

When they arrived to meet the dog – the owner said that the pup’s name was STELLA.

My friend broke into tears.

It was a sign … what are the chances that the dog would be named STELLA.

Daisy directed them to this pup named STELLA.

So we shall say that is that ….

Stella has a new home.

Stella will be loved and have the best family.

Stella is a herder by nature and with three boys …. talk about perfect fit.

Daisy made sure that her family will be looked after, now that she is gone.

Gone but never forgotten.

We will always remember Miss Daisy.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, hello my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 31st day of May, 2018.

Wow, May is coming to a close.

Hard to believe it is the last day of this month.

Tomorrow is June.

How on earth did that happen?

Still overcast but has stopped raining.

It is cool outside.

Far cry from a few days ago.

Alvin and I are enjoying our walks.

The past couple of days we have walked before he even ate supper.

Guess he likes to eat a bit later.

 

Paw Patrol (pet sitting) is going well.

Humphrey is quite the Cat.

He makes me giggle.

We are having fun together.

Last night he was in the cuddling mood, so that we did.

 

We always try to do better, right?

Stop to thinking before speaking.

Listening to your inner voice and not letting it escape before it should.

Perhaps a bit of editing.

I am not saying that we should watch with delicate care as to every word that we say but far too often our inner voice in the heat of the moment is far too emotional to escape to the outside world.

Most times saying exactly what you think does not make you feel any better, certainly does not make the situation any better, so editing helps.

No need to fuel the situation.

Every day WORDS are spoken in the trillions and more …. far too many to actually count.

So why not make them as positive as possible.

Yes, sometimes criticism is necessary but not all of the time.

There are times that I want to scream but I take a deep breath and just say something to myself.

Because it is not actually necessary to speak to every conversation.

Sometimes SAYING NOTHING is far more powerful than speaking out.

Just some thoughts this morning.

 

Well almost time to leave for work here.

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday.

Wishing you to be surrounded by positiveness.

 

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of January, 2018.

The sky is overcast and appears to be one enormous snow bank.

The air is filled with fog.

So when you look outside it appears to be white, white and more white.

WINTER.

 

We have had a great weekend, lots of company which both Alvin and I love.

Yesterday Master Teddy spent the day with us.

The boys get along well which is nice.

Alvin is not so much one to play but they had their moments.

Teddy follows me wherever I go, much like the Alvin.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand-pups stopped by as they had been out and about.

So at one point we had three people and four pups.

They all got along however that being said Baby Milo was not quite sure how to take Teddy.

Teddy likes to cuddle and got the attention of my daughter.

Teddy also happens to remind both my kids of their past boy Elton.

The kids brought some heavy duty chews for Alvin and the pups.

Alvin was on that for hours…. he loved his birthday present.

We drank coffee and ate some Steeped Tea Scones that I baked earlier.

GREAT VISIT.

In between, I did all of my household chores.

This morning the girls are coming for coffee.

Or were.

Just had a call from one of my girls and she has the flu/cold.

Sending her good energy to be well soon.

We will have one of our friends with her daughter and daughter’s friend.

Looking forward to the company.

 

Recently I have had some comments on my blog and thought that I would just say this.

I write about my daily life and to offer positive thoughts about life in general.

I try to keep this blog on the light, humorous side however as life goes, sometimes this is not possible.

I write because I love to write.

I am not a journalist and do not have a degree.

I am just a person like you.

Only wishing to share some of my stories and experiences and perhaps along the way to make you smile, laugh and enjoy.

If we learn from one another, what better gift is there.

 

I wish you all a wonderful day.

Special Hello to:  all those folks who take the time to read my blog, my words.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of August, 2017

Well the day is drawing near.

Putting the final touches on the preparations.

Mowed the back lawn and fixed up the yard in the back.

Inside, just a few more last minute details.

One more sleep and that would be tonight and then tomorrow later in the evening we go to the airport to pick up my sister.

My daughter and I will pick her up from the airport.

Mr. Alvin is going to be surprised.

Company.

He loves company.

 

Thank you again to my friend who sent me the most thoughtful birthday parcel.

So kind and I love everything including the “treats” for Mr. Alvin.

He knew as soon as the door opened that he had something coming.

My, how I wished that my sense of smell was that good……

In between all of the wrapping and the box – he could smell his treat.

He did not even eat supper until I unwrapped the parcel and gave him his “treat.”

I would say that we are both terribly spoiled.

Thank you again my friend.

 

Well here we are once again and it is almost time to hit the road ….. to the bus stop.

One more day after today to work and then vacation until August 22, 2017, first day back.

So excited.

No words.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to:  our friend “V.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 24th day of October, 2016.

Wow what a grand Sunday we had with our company.

My daughter and grand-puppy Elton came by for several hours.

We had a pancake breakfast, coffee, went through our jewellery for the upcoming sale, visited some more and even had time to take the pups for a

walk before they left for home.

My daughter managed to take some video and photos of the pups on our walk.

Mr. Elton continues to have that gait to this walk.

He is so cute.

It was a great day.

Now back to work.

Seems like those two weekend days always go in hyperdrive.

Oh well.

Gives me the opportunity to use such words as hyperdrive.

My futuristic word.

Not that it is really applicable to much in this day and age.

I suppose there may be a few things.

We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of jewellery we have as we have taken a break from the jewellery business as of late.

We each had some that we did not realize ….

Well actually since we lost our beloved Penny in March.

Sometimes you just have to take a break.

Take some time.

For me, it is not so easy to be creative when you are working “two” jobs.

But as we both love being creative we will return to the jewellery making at some point.

In the meantime I have decided to do custom pieces when they are requested.

Well I have to go as Mr. Alvin needs to go outside before I leave for work.

I hope that you had an enjoyable Sunday.

Thank you for sharing your time with me.

I hope that something I write brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

That is what life is all about being joyful.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family.

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