Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sun is up.

The sky is blue.

I can hear the whir of traffic in the distance.

Alvin is sleeping on a blanket near me.

I feel refreshed after a nice shower.

Life is good on this Monday morning.

 

I think that it is safe to say that I love taking photos of Humphrey and the flowers and my backyard.

I do love to take photos of Mr. Alvin and Master Teddy.

Humphrey just seems to be so photogenic.

Always in the right place at the right time.

I am in awe of the purple flowers in the first photo.

Last year the plants were sparse and I think there may have been one flower all summer long.

This year, the plants seem to have spread and are so alive with beautiful pale purple flowers.

Flowers bring out the joy in me.

As to the fur-babies.

If you surround yourself with things that you love.

Life is good.

I filled six pots with flowers this year.

Two at the front and four at the back.

For the grand total of $25.18.

There has only been one spring/summer that I spent less.

Other years I have spent significantly more and although there were only double the amount of pots; this year feels like I have as many.

The plants in the back flower bed are doing crazy good.

The reddish purple shrub on the left side of the bed – is taller, fuller and brighter this year.

Perhaps it has been all of the rain as of late.

 

 

Speaking of Mr. Humphrey; I have to go as I have to run to his house and check on him before I leave for work.

Time flies when you are having fun.

Yesterday it was me, Alvin and Humphrey.

The boys relaxed in the house and also spent time outside.

They were my morale support as I cleaned my Humphrey’s Mom’s grass trimmer.

Well time now to go.

 

Happy Monday.

Take care, be kind and stay cool.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

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Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

A bright sunny morning filled with beautiful blue sky.

Father’s Day today.

 

 

FATHER’S DAY

There are so many Fathers on this beautiful planet of ours.

Fathers in every city, town, village and rural community.

Some came by it naturally, biologically and others did not.

There are Fathers who teach their children good manners.

There are Fathers who play with their children.

There are Fathers who work far too hard with no time to give.

There are Fathers who never learned how to parent.

There are Fathers who came into the situation and treated those children with kindness and respect.

There are all kinds of Fathers on this planet.

Some Fathers play good role models to their nieces and nephews and friend’s children.

Some Fathers never had children but have four-legged babies.

There are all kinds out there.

We celebrate them all.

 

I have known a great many Dads of all types over my lifetime.

Some very good and others not.

We cannot say with all certainty as to why someone is not a good parent.

After all we cannot read their minds.

There are many reasons.

But some “Dads” take to it naturally and some do not.

Today,

On this day, we celebrate Fathers, Dads …..

For their contributions to our lives.

No matter what they gave or took away from us …. those contributions made us who we are today.

For this we, I celebrate them.

 

Happy Fathers Day ……

 

 

Written by CY Lewis on this June 16, 2019

Edmonton, Alberta

with Mr. Alvin at my side……

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it is not cold temperature wise outside with clouds and patches of lightness filling the sky.

Our friend Teddy has been here since Thursday night.

Last night after work, I got all three of us ready for a walk.

Just after we left the house the sky got incredibly dark and it wasn’t long into the walk when there was thunder.

I figured likely better to just go to the park and then back home.

We got as far as the park entrance and the poop bag station.

Where I grabbed a few bags as I am still short on them.

My carpool picked some up for me but forgot to bring them.

Back to the story.

Grabbed the bags and turned around to come home just when there were a few drops.

We continued our regular pace.

We were about 3/4 of the way home when we met up with a friend walking her dog named Bear so you can only guess how large he is….

Alvin is used to him and Bear to him but Teddy started to bark.

Then the rain started to come down … we said quick hellos and our friend quickly mentioned that they had been caught in the rain four times prior to this time.

We did get some wet but got inside the door just when the heavens opened.

Whew.

It was just before I reached the front porch that I saw the downspout section had come loose and was lying on the ground between the houses.

So after taking the harnesses and leashed off the boys; I ran outside in that “downpour” to fix the downspout.

YAY, me, did it and back into the house.

The rain happened off and on for several hours.

Our walk was short but good.

Perhaps today we will get in a regular one.

 

I have another cute story.

While waiting for my ride yesterday morning; I thought that I could see eyes watching me.

Not human eyes.

Eyes from my front flower bed.

Well between the brightness of the morning sun and the now tall plants; it was hard to see.

I did not wish to scare what was in the floor bed … so from where I was standing on the front sidewalk I took my phone out of my purse and snapped a few photos.

Then I slowly walked to the sidewalk going up to my house ….  easily and slowly I walked a bit toward the lawn and snapped a couple more.

It was then that I realized that it was a …….

Wait for it ……

Ah …..

Cute bunny ….

I tried to zoom …..

The bunny was gone when I got home from work.

And the bunny did not eat any of my plants.

That was nice.

Perhaps not something good for their palate.

 

Well I have to get the show on the road.

Slept in …. after being up at 3:00 a.m.

Also noticed as going to make the bed ….. there was a “yellow stain.”

ARGH, pretty sure it was not there yesterday.

Thankfully I have good stain removal stuff and that I have a “moisture barrier cover” directly on the mattress and then a cover that gives some softness and then sheets etc.

So thankfully no damage done to the mattress.

Cannot believe I did not smell it or notice it before …. cannot lay the blame on one of the boys or the other.

Only thing that I know for sure … is that it was not me.

Oh, well, accidents happen.

No harm no foul.

It is fixed …. sprayed everything with the pet stain remover and now after this post …. down to the laundry.

I was going to wash the bedding anyway …. the second layer cover … I would not have but it needs to be refreshed anyway.

Moisture cover did the trick.

Highly recommend it to everyone.

Saves buying a new mattress.

Kind of a yucky story but stuff happens.

Not the end of the world.

I love the boys and although I will admit at first I was a bit “miffed.”

I did not yell or anything at Alvin or Teddy.

 

To end this post, some photos of my back yard and flowers.

I took these photos from inside the house through my big kitchen window.

I love my back garden …. the purple flowers are incredible.

They all are doing so well with the moisture.

Thank you for the rain, Mother Nature.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

I need to change into some clothes.

PUT ON THE COFFEE.

Shortly will be going to pick up Mr. Humphrey.

Then will be me and the boys.

The THREE AMIGOS.

Should be fun.

Have to remember to change the batteries on this keyboard.

Oh, what a life.

It is a good life.

No complaints.

Thank you for reading this post and my blog.

I appreciate your time.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy …..

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Beautiful bright sunny blue sky kind of morning.

Hallelujah, it is Friday.

How about some photos kind of Friday post?

I snapped these photos just before my carpool arrived yesterday morning.

The brilliant GREEN brings joy to my heart and soul.

In the 4th photo you can just see Alvin watching me out of the window as he always does.

I wave as I get into the car.

To say good-bye – see you later.

 

Last night was a busy night.

After arriving home from work – Alvin and I went to the Vet to pick up his food, toothpaste and some treats, of course.

Then supper.

Then Teddy and his Momma came …. his Momma had tea ….. his Momma left and Teddy is with us until Saturday evening.

First night last night of the sleepover.

Final big thing ….. I got my hair cut.

Wanting some radical ….. something different in recent years for me.

A version of Anne Hathaway’s short hair cut.

Look how much hair was chopped.

I am not great with selfies.

This morning it looks totally different.

Before I had a shower …. well let’s just say that both Alvin and Teddy were a little scared to look directly at me.

Last night the first two photos and then the remaining ones this morning.

Teddy loves to throw the pillows around.

I love where he ended up …. at the head of the bed.

Well that is it for me for Friday.

Almost time to leave for work.

 

One more time to take pups outside.

Have an awesome Friday.

I will get better taking photos of myself.

Maybe ….. giggling aloud.

 

This weekend is me and the boys.

Tomorrow Humphrey joins us ….

So excited to spend some time with Alvin and his friends – our friends.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Teddy

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Partially okay mostly overcast sky.

Woke to up wet …. must have rained overnight.

I am so glad that I did not over water the flowers on the deck.

Well today is Thursday.

As I look out of the office window I feel that the day ahead is full of possibilities.

Even when there is room for concern – one must stay focused on the good, the positive and the possibilities.

Without that ….. life is pretty crummy, you feel pretty miserable and definitely no where near joyful.

Keep that glass half full mentality and every cloud has silver linings attitude.

We must for our mental and physical health.

Enjoy our life ….

We only have one kick at this ….

 

I love this quote I heard on a morning show that I recorded …

“Limits are for credit cards not people.”

That is absolutely perfect.

Keep that in mind as you go out into the world.

If you are retired or just home for whatever reason …. it applies to you, too.

 

Kindness, generosity, loving and caring attitude.

Warm and welcoming.

All will get you to a better place.

Gratitude tops the list.

 

Life is full of sunshine and rainbows.

I saw both yesterday morning while waiting for my carpool.

A double rainbow ….

 

I wish you a day filled with sunshine and rainbows and the heart to be grateful for them.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a beautiful morning today.

Bright blue sky with the odd fluffy grey white clouds dotting the sky.

Okay there are some bigger grey clouds but I believe that they are going to dissipate shortly.

The grass is this amazing green.

Everything is picture perfect.

The plants in my front flower garden are growing so fast.

 

Alvin enjoyed Humphrey’s company last night.

Some photos to share, of course.

The boys were outside in the backyard.

Alvin had come into the house but of course when I went out to see what Humphrey was doing in the back flower garden; he had to come along.

Except for work; Alvin is not far away from me.

Humphrey was sitting on the retaining wall for the back garden.

Which I may add is starting to look amazing.

Perhaps I have a green thumb after all.

Who knew?

Both Humphrey and Alvin appeared to be in detective mode.

Humphrey was starring and checking things out.

It took a while for me to figure out what he was so intent about ….

If you look ever so close you will see a little black bug.

He would go to catch it and the bug would run for cover.

Most of the time Humphrey just watched the little black bug go back and forth between the slabs of rock.

I could watch these boys forever.

Alvin was checking out something in the grass.

I thought that his black and white coat looked so handsome against the green grass.

Of course, I just had to snap a photo of the deck.

My flowers in the pots are beginning to take off as well.

Humphrey will be joining us this evening as well.

Always, look forward to have Alvin’s friends to visit.

 

I have a slight dilemma ….

The pergola over my deck was not built very well.

It was already here when I moved in ….

They did not use treated wood so the wood is beginning to burn black.

I am thinking of having it removed in the fall before winter.

It will likely last for a few years ( I checked with a friend ).

With or without?

That is the question.

I would appreciate your thoughts and comments.

 

Well almost time to head out for the day.

I guess my positive thinking did not remove those darker grey clouds.

Oh well, rain is a good thing.

Things were pretty dry around here.

 

Time to go as I have to put together a birthday gift for tomorrow.

It is the birthday of my walking buddy tomorrow.

Just in case she is able to go tonight – I want to have a little something for her.

 

I wish you sunshine and rainbows.

Be kind to your fellow humans, to every living creature and to the environment.

If we all work together ….. life will be grand for all.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Feeling great this morning as the sun rises higher in the sky spreading its’ light and clearing the night.

The grass is the most brilliant green, my favourite shade of green.

I love Kelly Green and the grass seems to be just that shade …. that wonderful hue.

Makes me smile.

I am wearing my favourite light cardigan …. yes, you guessed it “KELLLY GREEN.”

It makes me happy and if I could wear it everyday or had multiple KELLY GREEN sweaters / tops I would wear them everyday.

This shade of green goes with absolutely everything.

In my mind, anyway.

It goes with Alvin as we stroll down the street.

It provides a good back drop to my navy pants and black ones.

It lights up my face and brings me joy.

Definitely makes me smile.

Isn’t it great that a colour can do all of that?

Absolutely, it is.

Perhaps your Kelly Green is Purple, Blue or Pink.

Whatever it is …. make sure that you wear that colour a good portion of the time.

Making us feel joy is a good thing.

 

Last night Alvin and I walked with our friend P.

We took the long route and it was glorious.

The rain drenched grass and trees are so GREEN right now.

So beautiful.

P counted the goslings that were out and out with their parents.

The total was “30.”

All sizes.

I must take my phone and snap some photos with the camera.

Just in case you have not seen goslings as of late.

Perhaps you have not seen them at so many different stages of growth.

 

Almost time to leave for work.

My carpool is back to work after a nice vacation to Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Yesterday after I arrived at the bus stop in the morning – my neighbour pulled up in her car.

I didn’t call her for a ride as I did not wish to be a bug.

So I was blessed to have had a ride to work.

Great way to start the work week.

 

There is a breeze blowing the divine trees as I look out of my office window.

I feel so blessed to live in my own home.

I feel so blessed to have eyes that I can see the trees swaying in the wind and to see the GREEN.

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by love and support of family and friends.

I feel truly blessed that Alvin chose me.

What a great way to start the day.

 

Remember to be kind.

Be grateful.

Feeling grateful brings you to a good place.

We all need to be there.

Follow your heart and your instincts.

Life is great.

Some small bumps along the way.

But that is life, isn’t it.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Bright sunny morning with just a few clouds dotting the sky.

Yesterday was a glorious day weather wise.

In the morning it was bright and sunny beginning to warm.

Afternoon came around with rain clouds and rain.

One minute it was bright and sunny and the next there was a gentle downpour.

This went on and off all afternoon.

Alvin and I managed to score a wonderful walk in between showers.

Although I would not mind getting caught in a gentle rain shower.

Alvin, would be okay except would have to make certain that his ears were dry on the inside.

He is prone to ear problems so have to be careful.

On our walk we came across several families of geese.

I could tell as there were at least three different sized goslings.

So cute.

We walked by them and checked out their cuteness from the sidewalk.

I was prepared to move onto the grass on the other side.

But they did not seem to mind us as all.

One of the Papas and I will call the goose that as I really have no idea if it was Momma or Papa …. he stared me down as we walked by.

The air was so fresh and clean after the rain.

Felt so good …..

Great walk.

After arriving home I decided that it was a good time to stake up one of my plants in the front flower bed.

Alvin helped me find a stake in the garage.

He stayed in the house to supervise as I fixed the plant out front.

When I was out there …. our friends from down the street … spotted us and popped by for a visit.

J showed me Jazmin’s hair cut ….. she looked so good.

Jazmin is an elder dog with a heart condition, she is doing so good at the moment and I hope for a long while longer.

My friend helped hold the plant while I tied some garden twine to the stake.

Tonight or tomorrow night I have to transplant one of the lilies as the ferns are taking over the front garden.

Will move the lily to a different spot in the garden.

Well almost time to go and catch the bus to work.

Carpool is back in business for tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Will be nice to get home in good time once again.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Monday.

I hope that the sun is shining and if you need a rain shower, I hope that one comes your way.

I hope that love and kindness surround you on this day and always.

Happy Monday to you ALL.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

A bright sunny blue sky morning.

We slept in this morning as were up quite late for us last night.

 

Last night I accompanied my daughter and son-in-law to her “opening night.”

So many of her co-workers, friends and family turned out in support.

It was fantastic.

 

There were three artists in attendance including my daughter who were show casing their art.

In addition to the art works there were other entrepreneurs such as SOBER SATURDAYS who are the first company in Canada to offer a non-alcoholic beverage line.

BODHISATTVA HEALING is a young woman who followed her dream leaving a 9 to 5 job to pursue her dream.  She is a Reiki Master Therapist/Teacher & Psychic Medium.

The artists were:  Emily Roth – Fine art Prints; MACRAMORR by Bailee Orr, a fiber artist; BYELLADOO, Botanical Watercolours & Illustrations by Ella Doo.

My daughter is  MIXED MATTER COLLAGE – Amanda Hobbs, Paper Artist.

Everyone was so wonderful.

My daughter I am very proud to say was incredible.

It was one of the best nights of my life.

So happy for her.

I snapped a few photos ……

Photos do not do justice to this incredible work.

The work by these incredible young women was incredible.

I wished that I would have taken more photos.

My daughter had unframed works also displayed.

So proud to have been their for this evening.

 

This Collage is one that my daughter did for me….. it is hanging proudly in my bedroom so that it is the first thing that I see when I get out of bed in the morning and

the last thing that I see before I go to sleep at night.

 

Well time to get this show on the road as it is almost 10:00 a.m. and Mr. Alvin has not eaten yet.

He usually will not eat until I do now.

Did not used to be that way.

 

So grateful to everyone for coming out last night.

Such a great night.

I believe that every neighbourhood should have a WELLNESS CENTRE.

When I walked through the door it felt so relaxing and smelled so good.

A place of peace and joy.

One of the owners does essentials oils among other things.

A place where people can go to meditate, come together, do yoga, show case their art, talk about life …. a place of peace and joy.

Maybe someday that will be the norm.

We would be all the better for the change.

 

Feeling so grateful to have met so many wonderful people last night.

Also had a great Angelic reading that quite possibly may have changed my life.

At least opened my eyes.

 

Have a great Sunday.

Time for breakfast and COFFEE.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, so great to wake up to bright sunshine and clear blue sky.

So wonderful to receive the rain over the past couple of days but always good to see sunshine.

Guess what!

Couple of things.

Alvin seems to be his old self but I spoke to Vet’s Office yesterday and it was agreed to bring him in his morning.

Yesterday was cold and raining and we would have had to walk there so better when not raining.

Just going to have him checked this morning.

OTHER thing …. I was able to download/upload my photos from my cell phone to my computer.

It was easy.

Not sure why I did not figure it out sooner but better late than never.

So I am going to share some of the 270 photos that I have taken with my phone since first day of May 16, 2019.

Also remember these were all taken here at our home.

Couple in the car with my daughter.

I will not share all of the photos as some were videos and some were duplicate or triplicates.

One of my favourite subjects:  Humphrey.

Enjoying his time outside.

My Grand-pup Milo in the above photo.

Followed by Alvin and Humphrey.

Just catching some zzz’s

I could take photos of them all day long.

Unfortunately the shots of Humphrey make his beautiful orange coat look dingy.

Preparing the gifts for the new to turn 40 year old.

One of my friends ….

I hosted her birthday party a couple of weeks ago.

The boys helping me get ready for the Birthday party.  Teddy, Humphrey and Alvin.

The birdie that made a next in our backyard.

Haven’t seen them as of late but am hopeful that they are around.

Birdies on the fence and down below not in frame on one side of the fence was Mr. Alvin and on the other was Sir Humphrey.

Two birds, a dog and a cat.

What a combination.

Humphrey hard at work digging his way out of our backyard.

Smoke filled skies

Night sky …..

With my daughter driving to my house …. the flowering cherry trees so pretty …..

 

Well I have to go as did not realize that this has taken almost one hour.

Big day today.

Alvin has an appointment to see the Vet this morning.

My daughter has her ART SHOW and SALE tonight.

I am over the moon.

I hope that you enjoy some of my favourite photos taken from my new iPhone, new to me.

Sadly there are many more but running out of time.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin