Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of June, 2018.

HOT temperatures blasted our City for the past few days.

Thankfully it has been cool to walk in the morning.

 

Thankfully during the night we had some rain and it has cooled things down outside a bit and there are crashes of thunder happening now.

Looks like more rain.

We opted for no walk this morning as with the rain comes mosquitos as that was apparent in the back yard.

We will go for a walk tonight.

 

Cute story from yesterday morning.

AS you know I caught the bus to work.

On the way to the office I stopped by a nearby 7-11 to see if they had bus tickets.

They had tickets on hand,  so I decided to also grab a cup of coffee.

I almost pulled out a row of cups for the cool drinks with my bag, how funny.

Just call me “Grace.”

After I decided on which blend of coffee, I poured the size that I wanted and gingerly carried the cup to the other side to grab a wrap to put around the hot container.

There had been a young man on the same side pouring his coffee so that is why I went to the other side for the wrap.

After I slipped the piece of cardboard onto the cup, I looked for the lids.

Did not see lids?

So I asked this very handsome young man “Excuse me, do you know where the lids are hiding?”

He smiled and replied “Over here” and as he carefully grabbed one he said “Oh, I am sorry if I got germs on it.”

I replied “No worries, a few germs don’t hurt you.”

He laughed.

We carried on a conversation about germs until we reached the counter.

He got there first and started his transaction and then told the cashier that he would pay for my coffee.

I blushed and said “thank you but I am getting bus tickets so that is okay, but thank you for making my day.”

We went back and forth for a few more seconds before he was on his way.

Polite young man.

He had said that someone recently had out of the blue paid for his coffee and he was surprised by a stranger’s generosity.

Nice to see such kindness.

He made my day for sure.

I will continue to speak to strangers and ask questions about coffee lids.

 

Yesterday the power went off in the late morning at morning and with it the A/C.

So home we were sent.

I was signing leases when the power first went out and managed to finish them.

Thankfully one of the higher ups gave me a ride home so that I would not have to wait for the bus.

 

With this heat one’s energy seems to drain quickly.

Alvin and I had a long nap yesterday afternoon by the fan.

 

Teddy, our little four-legged friend arrived last night and will stay with us until Saturday.

So grateful that Alvin has company.

 

So important during the summer heat to keep hydrated.

Keep animals and children and seniors and YOU out of hot vehicles and hydrated.

If you think going for a walk is nice when it is HOT – your small children and DOGS do not.

They can get very sick or every DIE from being OVER HEATED ….. heat exhaustion/heat stroke are real.

Another real situation is the burning of a dog’s pads on their paws.

 

A few years back we found a lost dog wondering by our house on a hot, hot day – we managed to secure the poor one and bring into my back yard.

I had Alvin and also my daughter and two pups visiting with other family members.

Back yard was a good choice in the shade to check the doggie.

This poor dog was in bad shape.

We had no idea how long she had been outside in the heat without food or WATER.

We gave the doggie some water, slowly and found when checking that the pads on the bottom of her paws, were raw from the HOT PAVEMENT.

We took this dog to the EMERGENCY VET Clinic for treatment.

 

PLEASE be aware that when you are walking your dogs on these incredibly hot days whether on the sidewalk or pavement that it is BURNING HOT.

How would you like to be forced to walk in your bare feet on scorching hot sidewalks and pavement, you know that you would not.

Be KIND.

So please either take your dogs for a walk early in the morning before it becomes too hot.

Walking in the early morning is so relaxing and enjoyable.

Always have water with you regardless.

Keep everyone as cool as possible.

BASEMENTS are a good place to relax in the heat.

 

Have a great Friday and enjoy summer.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family.  Keep cool and safe and hydrated.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of July, 2017.

Hot day ahead and over the few days days projected to be in the 30’s.

Too warm for me.

Thankfully I do not have to work outside in the hot sun.

I wish “cool” thoughts to those who do.

 

Last night on the bus ride home I had a conversation with a young man who is in Canada from Ireland on a work VISA.

I so love the Irish accent.

He is a bricklayer by trade.

Said so hot working outside.

He told me that Ireland has not come back from a recession.

No work or not much so he decided to come to Canada.

Came by himself.

We had a great conversation.

He said there is more to do here than back home.

Ireland he said has only about 3 million people.

Mainly Irish as people do not often immigrate there.

Said it is beautiful there.

I told him of my Irish roots.

Very nice young man.

Made the hot ride from downtown to West Edmonton Mall so much more bearable.

Good company always does …..

 

I was walking down the street heading toward home from the bus last night after work.

When I spotted a beautiful dog off leash going in and out of yards across the street.

I watched him to see if his owner(s) were about and there were no humans to be found.

So I tried to coax him over to see if I could check his tags.

He/She came across the street with me watching for traffic and ready to stop any vehicles.

The dog came across and ran onto a lawn and then up the steps of that house and stood at the door.

I followed him/her but the dog growled at me so I backed off.

He/She was panting so bad as it was mighty hot and I had no idea how long the dog had been outside in the heat.

So I ran to the next door neighbours hoping they were at home.

A man answered the dog and happened to have a similar dog in the house (by coincidence).

He said they had two Golden Retrievers next door but they are never out.

So I finally after a couple of minutes coaxed him to come with me to the house next door.

When we got there the dog was gone.

My heart skipped a beat.

I asked the man if they were at home and then he went to the door and rang the bell.

A woman answered and I relayed my story and she said her dogs were at home and I said “Are you sure?”

She came outside onto the porch.

A dog barked and then came around the corner from the back lane.

The woman recognized the bark and called the dog.

The dog came to the house.

I reminded the woman to give the dog water as “she” was clearly thirsty.

She said that her grandchildren had been over.

I was thinking to myself “So you did not miss this big huge dog?”

No matter – happy ending.

Dog and Human reunited.

She thanked me and I went on my way.

I thanked the man who had helped me.

So happy that it was a happy story.

 

So good conversation on the way home and a rescue.

Great way to end the day after a long day at the office.

 

Special Hello to: Family and Friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

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

It was an interesting month.

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

We are appreciating the moisture as it was badly needed.

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

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

 

I do have a cute story to share.

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

I had forgot his name.

There were cars zooming by on the street.

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

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

I held Alvin back and hoped that he remained quiet.

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

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

Then he noticed us and picked up the cat.

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

I knew this cat.

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

I told the young man about the cat.

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

What a thoughtful and considerate young man.

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

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

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

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

This was a happy good story to end my day.

I was so relieved and grateful.

 

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

Where does the time go?

I hope that you have a great day.

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

 

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

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of February, 2016.

Yesterday afternoon when I left work was a surprise weather wise.

I had half expected it to be on the cooler side but much to my surprise it was actually quite nice.

When the bus pulled up it was quite the show.

It was literally packed right to the front …… one of the passengers I knew had this big grin on her face.

When the driver (my favourite) opened the door everyone was laughing as it was so full.

I said “Room for one on the bike rack.”

Everyone giggled at that…..

Always nice to be laughing …..

But he said come on and they managed to let us on …. somehow.

Although I will say that I got to know a young man quite well.

I had to hold onto his arm when we turned corners and stuff.

Likely not too great on the liability front ….. safety issues and all.

But he got us to the mall where the bus quickly emptied.

There was one lady standing facing out the windshield.  (she is my friend)

I had my back to hers …. then there was a man behind me and a woman right up beside the driver and the young man by me.

There were five or six of us in that entrance way of the bus … on the other side of the YELLOW line.

It was so hot on the bus ….. I wore my long coat and had my big scar wrapped about my neck and I thought I was going to pass out.

Thank goodness for good conversation it did not seem like a 20 minute or so ride.

 

Well I somehow managed to take longer getting ready this morning ….. not sure what happened.

Mr. Alvin needs to go out before I leave for work.

I hope that you get a kick out of my little bus story.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …. keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of April, 2015.

Well guess what happened overnight?

Can you guess?

Coloured rain?

IT SNOWED.

OH no!

Well on the good news front it pretty much melted as it reached the ground.

Just a light layer on the patio furniture, windshields on the neighbouring vehicles and on the grass.

I am so happy and grateful that the young man arrived at my door last night from Canadian Property STARS and aerated both the front and the back lawn.

Perfect timing.

It was kind of funny that two days ago I tossed around the idea of having another company come and possibly do the aeration and maybe power rake.

Last spring CPS did our lawn and it did not really do much but then again I did not water much as I was depending on the rain.

The young man who aerated the lawn last night did a much better job so I think we are going to have beautiful lush grass.

YAY.

Well the weekends are now my favourite days of the week.

I am at HOME.

I love being at HOME.

I am happiest at HOME.

Cleaning ….. writing ….. visiting …… WALKING with ALVIN……making jewellery……cooking and all of the things that I can do at home.

Home is my most favourite place on this EARTH.

I am happy to be at home with a long to do list for this Saturday.

But I can take my time ….. no rushing ….. I can stop for a coffee break …… stop and go for a walk ….. do things in whatever order I wish.

Oh how I am loving this Saturday.

Alvin is loving having me at home now – I can just tell.

I am loving being at home with him.

Tomorrow my beautiful daughter and grand-puppies are coming for brunch/breakfast which will be “pancakes” …. her favourite and then a trip to COSTCO.

YAY …. what a grand weekend.

Well time to go and grab that coffee and perhaps start the laundry.

I think that sounds fine.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I was in the throes of making banana muffins when the young man arrived on my doorstep to do the lawn ….. he went home with some muffins.  He was so excited.  I was excited that he would want them.

It was funny ,I put four in a plastic container and when I saw all of the guys climbing into the van (with the trailer hauling the equipment), I asked if he would like more to share as he unzipped his backpack, and placed the container inside, he said “just for me” and smiled.

Nice young man.

GREAT NIGHT had by ALL.

Today is a great day and I hope that you are enjoying this Saturday as well.

No matter what the weather …. just do your thing.

Happy Saturday.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Special Hello to: my daughter and family ….. we miss you guys.  Still seems strange to wake up and no one else in the house except Alvin…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of November, 2013.

Two important things this morning.

Happy Birthday to a special nephew of mine ” T ” … such a great young man.

We are not blood related but he feels like family.

I have known him since he was in his Momma’s womb and I have loved him since the first time I laid eyes on him.

We always shared this special connection.

We would go for coffee together on prearranged days when I lived in Regina.

Now that I have moved he calls me on a regular basis.

I want to wish him the best BIRTHDAY ever.

Happy Birthday my boy.

 

The other important thing is “Remembrance Day” ….

I think it is important to remember those from the past who gave their lives to keep us safe.

I think it is important to acknowledge those souls who keep the peace today.

I think it is important to relish peace and remember that not everyone on this planet has that luxury – that way of life.

I think it is important to work on peace.

I think it is important to live your life in peace.

I think it is important to always remember.

 

Special Hello to: every peacekeeper whether in uniform or not…

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday, December 11th, 2013.

How are you today?

I am doing great …. today I work both jobs and tomorrow is my day off.

I love my jobs but I love, love, love being at home with my Alvin.

Being at home is something that I always dreamed of doing ….

When I was a little girl I always wanted to be a Mom of four children and I spent countless hours picking out names.

I would have lists of names in my dresser.  First name and middle name sounding just right was very important to me.

As I grew older, I found out that my paternal grandmother had actually named me …. fancy that and considering I was the first born.

It is a good story … but perhaps for another time.

I imagined a house with running water and indoor plumbing with a nice fence (yes, white) around the front yard which was covered in flowers.

I would have a huge wonderful garden and a dog and maybe a cat.  (it would be on a farm as that is what I knew)

Yes, there would be a husband (although I did not give that much thought except that I had met a young man, he didn’t live too close by) whom I carried a crush on for most of my young years).

Also I had wanted to be a nurse, I loved helping people.

I always thought that I would be married, have lots of children and later travel.

So here I am … none of the above except I have the best daughter on the planet, my dog Alvin, I do have a son-in-law and grand-puppies, I have my own house and I have two jobs.

I guess things have worked out pretty good.

I have always said that when the time is right for me … Mr. Right will walk into my life and stay forever.

I guess I am not quite ready……

Anyway, if you think back as to what you dreamt of becoming when you were a child … I would think for most of us those dreams have changed.

That is not a bad thing for sure…… it just shows that we have options and an imagination…

Which are good things.

I think we change our dream constantly …. I know that I do.

The basic ones remain the same but the details change dramatically.

So on this Friday …. I shall dream of what is to come …. I have to visualize what I want and it will come.

Sometimes it is not exactly the same but close enough.

Have a great day and weekend my friends…….

Special Hello to: all those dreamers …. keep on dreaming.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin