Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 31st day of December, 2016.
Snowed overnight.
Guess shovelling is in my near future.
My daughter picked up Alvin for a sleep-over last night.
Sure seems quiet in the house and took me a bit to fall asleep last night.
Miss his cuddles for sure.
Oh, me Alvin.
So,
The very last day of 2016.
Let me see 2016.
Alvin and I managed to stay up until Midnight welcoming in the New Year, 2016.
It seems like every new year is born with hope for a wonderful year ahead.
I guess going into 2016 we knew that it would be less than wonderful but we held hope.
We lost our Penny mid March and life changed.
Elton had major surgery in April, the scary kind that someone older generally does not recuperate from but he beat the odds and came back to us.
He gave my kids more time; the time they needed to start to heal from the loss of Penny.
They took the time, and made the most of what would be Elton’s last remaining months with our family.
He passed away on November 22, 2016.
We miss them both very much.
Our four-legged fur babies – our family.
Baby Milo came into our family in October about one month before Elton passed.
A golden puppy who lit up the room with his bouncy baby energy.
In their short time together they bonded, and Elton once again had a “sibling.”
Just days before Christmas my kids once again found a doggie who needed love and a good home and adopted “Aspen.”
She is just over one year old, same colouring as baby Milo and such a gem, so loving despite her time before being rescued.
It always amazes me on the deplorable behaviours of some human beings.
I cannot believe but I have seen on many occasions; despite how absolutely horribly some dogs are treated; how loving and wonderful they are …..
So amidst the sorrow we found joy.
Joy is a good place to be.
We take this time to remember all of our loved ones whether two-legged or four that we have lost this year.
There were many.
You will always be in our thoughts and hearts, forever.
They have formed who we are, and we have learned so much from their time on this earth.
Our puppies took the forefront of our year, and everything else just happened.
Of course the everything else that happened included a record number of garage sales held between May and August.
Still selling Steeped Tea and working full-time.
Many walks with me Alvin and so many cuddles.
Spending lots of time with friends throughout the year.
Sharing stories and laughter.
Before we knew it the year was over.
The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.
My wish for 2017 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.
Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.
If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.
Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.
Go on that walk instead of watching television.
Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.
Have dinner together and be with your family.
Simplify your life.
Spend less on stuff.
Spend more on doing things.
Create memories that will last a lifetime.
Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.
They will remember sledding.
They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.
They will remember the time you spent together.
Which is the best legacy you can give them.
Simplify your life.
Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2017.
May you find joy in the little things.
May you find continued good health.
May your lives be filled with abundance.
May you continue to grow and to learn.
May you spread kindness to all creatures.
May you love and respect yourself, and all others.
Happy New Year.
Special Hello to: All the creatures on this planet. Happy New Year.
Always, Carol and Alvin
Photo Album of 2016
A surprise treat delivery from my friend “V” who continues to send wonderful delectable surprise to Alvin and me.
Relaxing at Grandma’s house.
Surprise gift in the mail.
Enjoying an adventure with me Alvin.
My New Life @ 51 