Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? It is Thursday, January 21, 2021. I almost wrote 2025. Don’t want to rush the years. What a day yesterday. The winds howled pretty much most of the day and with the icy sidewalks we decided to stay close to home and did not go for our usual lunchtime walk. Fingers crossed today will be better. I don’t hear the wind at this time so perhaps we shall be able to go at noon.
What a Wednesday, January 20, 2021! The Inauguration of the United States 46th President and I believe 48th Vice-President. Now we have President Biden and Vice-President Harris in the White House. I think that everyone or mostly everyone all over the world was waiting and watching on pins and needles during the actual inauguration. After Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in, there was a worldly collective sigh of relief. No matter who or where you are, we all are well aware the state of affairs in the United States. I will admit that I was teary eyed during the ceremony and very relieved when everything was official. A very historic day for the United States in many ways. Congratulations Vice-President Harris. There was even a fun spot in the day, when Al Roker from the Today show called the President over during the parade. President Biden ran over, said hello, fist bumped and then was back to the parade with his family. I would have like to have watched the evening – virtual “gala” but I had to get to bed so I could get up this morning for work. I did record the event and will watch today. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks all gave very special performances but I think that the young poet laureate Amanda Gorman stole the show at the inauguration. A busy day for all. I guess there will be no rest for the new President and Vice-President.
Well Mr. Alvin is calling me and he is the boss in this house. Or so he thinks.
I wish you all a great Thursday. May your day be filled with much love, laughter and abundance. Continuing to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for ALL.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. this Sunday is the big 12th birthday party for Mr. Alvin. I cannot wait.
Good Morning ALL. How are you today? Alvin and I are sleep deprived. Not sure why but he had me up almost every hour since 3:00 a.m., he does not appear to be feeling unwell so will monitor the boy. He had a low key birthday as I was working. He received birthday wishes from his sister and brother-in-law and pups. We ended up short staffed on the after hours phone line so I worked till 7:00 p.m. and as I had started at 8:00 a.m. it was a long day. I was returning phone calls all day long and then on the phones after hours. Tired of speaking on the phone. Unfortunately I have a few calls yet to return and I sure hope that the phones are quiet today. Maybe everyone will be busy watching the United States Presidential Inauguration. I am excited to watch it however the business part of it will happen this morning while I am working but I am recording it to watch later and also the Balls, I enjoying watching them dancing and the entertainment. So a busy day for a lot of people. Sending good wishes for a wonderful celebration for the American people.
I am grateful that we had a nice walk at lunchtime yesterday. It was funny almost as soon as I was finished on the after hours phones last night the rain started, the wind howled and blew so hard I felt that the roof may blow away. As I looked out of the front window which faces north, it was raining and the trees were almost blowing over AND out the back door it was snowing and windy. My shovel blew crossway against the porch out front which has never happened. At the back both garbage cans that are against the fence not too far away from the house were laying on their sides. I left them that way thinking they may blow away next time although as garbage was picked up yesterday and they are near empty. The rain and snow eventually stopped but the wind gusts well into the night and is still blowing this morning. So what a night. Perhaps it was the wind that kept Mr. Alvin up …..
He is whining loud at the doorway so I had better sign off for now.
We are okay despite the lack of sleep or at least I am banking on that.
Please have an awesome day.
We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.
Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.
What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.
To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.
Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.
Happy Happy Birthday buddy.
We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.
Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.
Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis
Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!
Alvin getting to know his new family
Alvin’s Foster Parents ….. he was so loved there……
Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.
Alvin at home…..
Me and Alvin
Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut
Alvin in the snow…..
We miss Simone’s hair cuts……
Girls saying good-bye to Alvin
Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….
Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.
Alvin and Penny …..
I know that I am cute.
Outside with Mom
Top of stairs, body?
Enjoying the flowers
Miss Penny & Alvin
Me and my duck
Temporary bedroom
Alvin, one of my babies
Winter, argh.
Treat time.
What?
Relaxing.
Gift form Val
Walking with Mom
Another Adventure
Alvin & Elton
Me & pups
Alvin, Penny & Elton
Me and my Alvin
Alvin’s BF Humphrey
Humphrey & Alvin
Just chilling
Alvin
Alvin
Loving Broccoli
At Pauline’s
Alvin & his BF Teddy
A proper Gentleman
BF Teddy
Nephew Milo
Niece Aspen
Kobi and Milo
Teddy
Filters cuteness
Mr. Alvin going for a walk
Cuteness
In kitchen with Mom
Ah, Mom
2020 Adventure with Me
Alvin Xmas 2020, litte scared of the money
Alvin’s new winter coat
New sweater
Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.
Miss Penny, an Angel
Teddy and his little sis Kobi
Profile of Mr. Alvin
Casey, our Angel
The boy
Baby Bailey
Many years ago before a haircut
Abi, his girlfriend, now an Angel
Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother
Bogart, last summer
Angels Elton & Penny
Amanda & Steve & Elton
Me and Alvin Oct 2013
Amanda, Steve, Elton & Penny
Wishing you all a great day.
Happy Birthday Alvin.
Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.
Good Morning ALL. I hope this post finds you well on this Monday morning, January 18, 2021. We had rain off and on yesterday and followed by some snow. Not much snow but enough to cover the wet ground which may have turned to ice overnight. Be careful if you are out driving or walking for that matter. What a great weekend. I did the majority of items on my TO DO LIST which was wonderful. We had some chilling time. I had a visit over the “fence” with my neighbour Sonja. She was shovelling/ice picking on her back sidewalk/steps and I had been doing some cleaning/tidying of the garage.
This week is big for me and for the United States. Tomorrow Mr. Alvin turns 12 and on Wednesday the United States inaugurates their new President and Vice-President. I look forward to watching after work. I am recording the inauguration to watch later as I work on Wednesday. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and peacefully.
Stuck, I am stuck for words. Really. I cannot think of anything else to say. How did that happen? Usually I do not have a problem coming up with something to say. I apologize. When you are writing your thoughts as they happen sometimes the well is dry.
My daughter and pups will be here today after they receive their shots/vaccinations at noon. They will stay with us while she goes to the Dentist. I asked for the afternoon off. I also have to take a quick trip out to pick up a gift for Mr. Alvin’s birthday and some treats for the guest goodie bags, a cake or something similar and then a few groceries. It will be nice to have a little time away on my own.
Okay that is it. I have nothing more. Tomorrow is a big day.
Be safe, take care.
Wishing you a wonderful Monday.
Living this life with kindness, respect and compassion.
Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Well this Sunday morning we were up as per usual at around 4:00 a.m. – Alvin went outside and then we headed to the sofa for some zzz’s. Just as I was settling down he jumped off the sofa and starting pawing at said sofa, which is his way of telling me to get up. So up I got and checked the clock and it was almost 4:30 ….. so out came his food, he happily gobbled it down and then outside to do his business. Back into the house and to the sofa for some zzz’s.
Not long later or so it would seem, he was up and pawing at the sofa (luckily he has not left marks), so up I got and looked at the time it was 7:12 a.m. We went outside. I heard we were supposed to get snow today so wanted to pick up that morning “package” that he left in the yard before I would have to play detective to find it under fresh snow. While outside I noticed that the odd snowflake was falling and glad we went out. I noticed that my neighbour Sonja was already up and Bogart the cat was up on the railing saying good morning. It was at that moment that I decided to go into the garage and grab the box for my old t.v. so that I may store it properly/securely while I decide what to do with it. I have a small television in the basement family room which I watch every once in awhile. Just not sure if I really need a bigger television. Was thinking of asking about to see if a family or someone needs a good television. Following that I grabbed all of the laundry that was drying to bring upstairs and put away. Back upstairs, made our bed and put away the dried clothing. Did some online banking. Writing this blog and then will have a shower. I have now removed several items from my TO DO LIST for today. Doing a happy dance. Thank you Alvin for getting this Momma up and mobile earlier. Usually once I get up and doing something, I am okay to get going.
I was checking out the long range weather forecast and noticed that today is supposed to bring some snow, tomorrow is to be sunny and mild and then after that rain and then snow, argh. By Friday the temperatures are supposed to dip into the minus 20’s celsius. Not really looking forward to that but we have been so lucky, so fortunate that our weather thus far has been very mild. Looks like Alvin’s birthday party is going to be cold so will be nice to have company as we likely won’t be heading out for a walk.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 is Alvin’s 12th birthday. I cannot believe that we have been together “11” years on Tuesday. Time flies. He definitely is a young 12 year old and I hope that we have many more happy healthy years together. I am planning a birthday party for the boy next Sunday. His best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi and the grandpups Miss Aspen and Milo and of course, my daughter and son-in-law will attend. Tomorrow I am going to see if I can get a cake or something like that for the special day. Also pick up something for a gift for Alvin and some treats for the pup’s goodie bags. After all you cannot have a birthday party any longer without party favours / treats for the guests. Decorations will be simple. A Happy Birthday banner and I have some Happy Birthday table decorations. We do not use balloons as they are bad for the environment and for animals, birds and marine life. Alvin hasn’t mentioned anything but I think he is excited for the party. He loves to have company at home. Not much of a traveller this guy.
Looks like a fine layer of snow on the deck that was once bare to the wood. Oh well. Temperature to be mild. Hopefully we can get a walk in at some point without snow coming down.
Wednesday is the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. I hope that they have a safe and peaceful transition to their positions.
I hope that you are having a great weekend.
We continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.
Good Morning ALL. How are you this bright and sunny Saturday morning? I hope that you are doing well. Alvin and I are doing great and looking forward to a walk today as we missed our walk yesterday. I had to go to the office yesterday and then pick up groceries on the way home. My daughter was working yesterday so she gave me a ride as I do not wish to take public transit. NO offence public transportation. On the way home we went to COSTCO which had the longest line that my daughter had ever been in since the pandemic hit. It would seem that everyone decided to go to COSTCO last night at 4:40 p.m. Don’t worry about Mr. Alvin – he was well looked over by my neighbour who was over to let him out for a “pee,” for snacks and snuggles and then later for supper. I am over the moon grateful to have such kind and wonderful neighbours. Alvin did make sure that he was stuck to me like glue for the rest of the evening which actually is much the same as most days but even moreso. If you can imagine that. What a guy? Yesterday morning I finally was able to drop off the last Christmas present that I had …. yes, it was really late but isn’t it nice to have something to open when there are no other gifts around and always makes you feel better. This was the case with my friend Karen. She was tickled and I was as well. I always feel so good when I give. It was nice to see a handful of folks at work. Also was able to have a chat with our new retiree as yesterday was her very last day. How exciting? I remember when I retired once. I did have almost three years off which was incredible. Just like a long vacation. Everyday was the weekend.
Last night we had a quiet evening after my daughter left for home and I put the groceries away. She had picked up some sushi at COSTCO and I had some for the second time in my life. It was really good although my daughter did say it was not the best but still very good.
I had the oddest dreams all mixed mashed up with people, places and things. I won’t even begin to explain or describe. If it had meaning – I have no idea what they meant.
I guess there be laundry to do, an Alvin to go for a walk or perhaps two with, some rearranging and to put away the last bits of Christmas as I have given the last gift.
Wishing you a great Saturday. Time to reflect, to relax, to laugh and to enjoy along with some work of course. It wouldn’t be a weekend if we didn’t have some work to do.
Happy Saturday as I continue to live my life with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. – I am at a loss as what to give Mr. Alvin for a birthday gift? Any ideas?
Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I am well. Everytime I typed “2021” – I feel as though I am living in the far future. But yet here we are and I guess when I was a little girl in the early 1960’s – 2021 would have felt very futuristic. I also cannot believe we are less than four years away from 2025, which is another year that always interested me. Not quite sure why. Anyway. Got slightly sidetracked. This morning I am going into the office. We have quite strict protocols in place when we go to the office. I had to submit an online self assessment which I was finally able to do. At first I get receiving messages that my password or server weren’t something or other. Did not work. After many attempts I was able to complete the self assessment. YAY, me. This not very tech savvy “woman” was able to download the APP if that is the correct terminology and then actually get signed in and do the assessment. Well it is just over thirty minutes before my daughter picked me up. She is in my “bubble” or “pod.” I am not sure which term to use as I have heard both used. Guess it really does not matter. Mr. Alvin is feeling that something is up. It will be a long day for him without his Momma. Thankfully our neighbour Sonja will pop in and check on him. Let him outside and give him a treat or two. Then she will feed him at supper and let him out. He is used to eating around 4:30 p.m. and I won’t make it here by then. So grateful to have such great neighbours. I can smell the coffee perking as I am making some to take to work. I have my snacks or rather my breakfast on the go which consists of almonds and grapes. Usually I have oatmeal with cinnamon and cranberries but I didn’t want to eat this early and I also did not wish to take that to the office where I would have to warm it up in the microwave. Just want to keep my contact down to a minimum.
Well it is Friday and that is a good thing. I am looking forward to the trip to work chatting with my daughter along the way. I am excited to see the handful of staff including my Manager and a gal that is retiring and today is her very last day. I will have an opportunity to personally wish you all the best. We had a virtual Retirement party for her yesterday ….. no food, no card, no gift to hand to her. That part was sad. Some of us including her Management team had lots of nice things to say. She worked for our company for almost 39 years.
Okay time to go and finish getting ready. I am thinking I can get away with only wearing shoes instead of boots. Not much snow. I will be brave.
Have an awesome Friday. Continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.
Good Morning ALL. How are you this very windy Thursday morning? Or at least it is windy here in Edmonton, Alberta. I have to apologize (which I have already done) for forgetting to shout out Happy Birthday wishes to my younger brother. I completely forgot that yesterday was his birthday when I was doing this blog and then I got sidetracked when Alvin and I had gone downstairs after I got dressed and wrote my blog to find an Emergency Vehicle, Firetruck and Ambulance parked outside my house. The Head vehicle turned around and left leaving the Firetruck and Ambulance. The Emergency staff from the Ambulance were outside donning their COVID19 gear of gown, masks and gloves. Kind of through me for a loop. I had no idea where they were headed. As they were not coming to my house, they were next closest to Humphrey & Bogart’s house, my heart sank. When they walked past her house, I quickly texted Sonja. My heart was racing. I know most of my neighbours …. some obviously better than others. In a matter of minutes the “phone lines were hot” with people checking on me. They were in the house for what seemed forever but as this was a work day for me, I could not stand at the window gawking out. At some point the firetruck left leaving the ambulance. A bit later I checked and they were back at the ambulance removing their gear. They did not place anyone in the back. I hope that all is well. Not like you can knock on their door and ask. I am not nosey just concerned. So that started my day. Not long after that the wind got up and it started to rain. I could only think how grateful that I was for making Alvin’s vet appointment for Tuesday and not Wednesday. After some rain the rain turned to fluffy snow. So the sidewalks are icy where the wind blew the snow away. I found that out when I went to shovel last night. We did not go for a walk as we had a mini blizzard happening. I did some walking on the spot to get some steps in and of course up and down the stairs several time. Mr. Alvin is now whining at the doorway to the office so I had better get going.
So it was quite the Wednesday. I had a nice chat with my brother last night. He had a good day. Said it was raining in Calgary …. raining for his birthday. The first time he can remember that happening.
Oh and President Trump was impeached for a second time. How could I forget that. This Wednesday will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Time to get this day going.
I hope that you have an awesome Thursday. Hoping you are well and take care, be safe.
Continuing to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.
Good Morning ALL. Happy to wake up to no rain or snow but I hear that some snow is on the way. A bit of the white stuff would be lovely as most of our snow has already disappeared. How are you today? It is Wednesday – the mid way point. I love Wednesdays. My daughter was born on a Wednesday back in 1980. That seems a lifetime ago. Time seems to evaporate. That is why it is so important to make the most of each and every day. I would say each and every moment but that places way too much stress and anxiety on us if we do not keep up that pace. Making the most does not necessarily mean that we must fill each day with a lifetime worth of actions. Just do what is right for you. For example: if you are working from home – that could mean that you are working the hours set out by your employer and also ensuring that you take time for yourself. It is all too easy to put in extra time, to work more hours on your “paid job.” when working from home. With no carpool to keep you on schedule or bus to catch it is easy to do. I know because I have done it more than I care to admit. This last summer after two weeks vacation – I felt guilt and put in nights and weekends for weeks to catch up. Then I had the realization along with some good advice from friends and family that I was going to burn myself out if I did not stop. So I did. No more weekends. Sometimes I will put in extra time during the week for say an hour but that is it. My time is precious. Alvin needs me. Your family needs you. Or maybe you have an Alvin that needs your time. Life/Work is all about balance. It is not easy and no one ever said that it was. If they did …. those folks had help. Lots of help. My house still needs to be cleaned, I still have to make meals, Alvin needs love and attention, my friends and family need to connect with me ….. so work hard when you are at your job. If you cannot finish everything that day …. there is tomorrow. I know that now.
Last night while watching a show that I had recorded – the Host had a Guest on and they were talking about her book (Carrie Underwood) and Drew asked her about how she kept organized. Carried told her that if for example walking into the kitchen you could see an overwhelming mess but if you narrow it down to the pantry and organize that space first – it is much easier. Now this is not word for word. But the point is and I do this as well. I do one thing at a time. If the pantry needs cleaning, the pantry gets cleaned. Don’t start cleaning the fridge and then start working on the pantry and then start cleaning the kitchen draws. Do one thing at a time. I have always done this. Also a huge thing …… PUT THINGS AWAY IN THEIR PROPER PLACE AFTER YOU HAVE USED THEM. I also make a point of removing an item for every item that I bring into my house. So three things to help you keep organized.
Well I should go and get to work. Plug in that coffee that I prepared at 5:00 a.m. while Alvin was eating.
Have an awesome Wednesday.
Living with kindness, respect and compassion.
Always, Carol & Alvin
Thank you to the 900+ folks who have follow this post, both Alvin and I are grateful.
P.S. Alvin had a good report from the vet. His ears are good – no infection.
Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Alvin and I are well. He has a regular Vet appointment this afternoon. He is waiting patiently outside the office for me to finish ( I just started ). I should not “say” that he is patient as his patience is much less than mine most days. So Tuesday morning. At one point yesterday I made a comment in our TEAMS CHAT that would make one think that yesterday was further in the week, not a great way to start. Oh well, the phones were busy for the first hour or so and then lessened so I was able to get some mail done which was great. The mail is “stacking” up so to speak. Our walk at noon was great. Another gorgeous day. We have been so lucky. One thing though we do not have much snow left. The deck is getting more and more bare.
I was wondering if the African Violet originated from Africa? The blooms are ever so delicate and the leaves remind me of a rounded spade in shape. So pretty. Actually I have determined in the last almost year that I have been working from home that I may actually have a green thumb due in large part to most of my plants having a home in a south facing window. I have a bay window in the kitchen and the plants are thriving there. This is near my workspace and it has been great being close to beautiful plants as I work. Some of my Geraniums have beautiful pink flowers at this time, the red leaves of the Poinsettias are gorgeous and I have several other plants including a Spider plant which I moved just recently to the dividing half way between the kitchen and the living room. I hope that it will have enough light in that spot. I have so many plants that they are getting kind of crowded. I enjoy having a “green” workspace.
Well I am at a loss as what to share this more. Writer’s block, perhaps.
I hope that you are doing well, that you are in good health and remembering to take some time for yourself. Self care is very important and something to remember especially at this time.
With that, I remain living my life with kindness, respect and compassion.
Take Care.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. I am planning Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party for Sunday, January 24th, 2020.
