It is a NEW YEAR.

Wow, June 30th today, how did that happen?

Tomorrow will be the first day of the second half of this year.

Also tomorrow is July 1st, CANADA DAY.

The celebrations will be much different from other years but that is okay.

There does not always have to be such pomp and circumstance.

We can celebrate in smaller groups or just by ourselves.

Alvin and I usually watch someone of the televised celebrations followed by the fireworks in the neighbourhood.

 

Speaking of Alvin, I gave him a pain pill as soon as I got home from the vet yesterday morning.

It seemed to help or at least take the edge off which is great.

As the weather is still raining – I would think he may need one today but will see.

There were seven pills in the prescription and now there are six.

So will give them just when he appears to need them.

 

We had quite the start earlier this morning.

Alvin and I were outside in the backyard.

I looked up and saw this wet gold coloured cat on the top of the fence.

Immediately I thought of Humphrey and said “Humphrey” and his Mom came out right away.

Not Humphrey,  I realized that right after I said his name.

I recognized the gold cat with “four” legs from a few days ago.

He or She had been underneath a car and when we walked by …. of course Alvin had his scent.

So the cat came out and followed us.

Alvin likes cats so he was not startled by the cat.

The cat followed us down the street.

My neighbour thinks it belongs to a lady and her son down the street.

I think the poor cat is trying to find his home.

The cat took off when my neighbour came out and Humphrey was on the grass and ran after.

 

Alvin just barked.

Guess he needs something.

Anyway almost time to start work.

Yup, I kept setting the microwave timer for a few more minutes.

 

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

It has been raining since 5:30 a.m. this morning.

The grass is so nice and green.

My favourite shade of green.

The air smells fresh.

 

Wishing you a day filled with kindness and respect.

I only wished that everyone on the planet was surrounded with kindness and respect.

That would be perfection.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Sorry for the late and short post but Alvin had a rough night.

His poor little paws/legs are arthritic and with the cool air and rain, he has pain.

I think his human counterparts can well identify.

So with us not sleeping well last night and over the weekend, I am on my way to the Vet to pick up some pain meds for the boy.

Just something to help him over the worse.

 

Hoping for sunshine and warmer temperatures soon.

 

Take Care.

Be well.

 

Living with kindness and respect for all.

 

I/We, shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it is Sunday already, how did that happen?

Alvin is barking at the doorway to the office so I guess he needs to go downstairs so I will return.

Okay we are back.

While I was down there I decided to quickly put on the coffee.

We are up a bit later than usual.

As usual though we were up at 4:40 a.m.

The boy had his glucosamine  chew and his breakfast.

A bit later we were on the sofa and then up at 6:45 and then I decided we would lay down on our bed.

Cannot remember the last time.

So we were not up until 8:30 a.m.

The sky is overcast and it is a tad on the cool side but definitely not COLD.

My neighbour said hello from inside her house as I went outside with Mr. Alvin.

While I was outside I decided to put the cushions from the patio set back into the garage.

Even though they can get wet and they will dry out – I just think it keeps the integrity of the material lasting longer.

 

Well we have had a great weekend thus far.

My friend Pauline with the great garden brought me an early birthday present.

A pot filled with a variety of flowers including my beloved pansies.

Oh, how I love them, so.

She always gave me another plant.

I do not remember the name and I have transplanted it.

Our deck is filling up with flowers.

I am most grateful.

We had a nice little visit.

I did as you likely would have guessed taken a mitful of photos but again technical difficulties.

I must go through my photos on the phone and delete the multiples and check things out.

I know my computer is getting older and I have so many photos.

Hopefully it will hang in for a few more years.

 

Yesterday Humphrey and Teddy visited.

Their visits overlapping.

Friends also dropped off some groceries from Costco and we had a quick chat out front.

During their time here I did laundry and made a potato salad.

For the first time in my 62+ years I made mayonnaise from scratch.

It actually turned out not too bad.

Did not look the same as the video photo but then I subbed a few things.

When we walked Teddy back home I mentioned to his Mom about the mayonnaise and she gave me some helpful hints for the next time.

I will say it was very easy.

I am going to make up a list of all the things that I have not cooked/baked in my life and go for it.

To be honest I cook and bake simple things.

Not the fancy seven layer cakes or the fancy puddings and such.

I don’t know a lot of different techniques but I am going to learn some.

Never too late.

I have been cooking/baking since the age of 6 so perhaps it is time.

Step up my game so to speak.

Cannot hurt.

Except for perhaps the midsection and that I am working on …..

 

So we had a great day.

We had a short visit when we dropped Teddy home.

There was way more sunshine yesterday than forecasted.

Today I am not so sure although there just seemed to be a splash of sunlight coming through the clouds.

 

Wishing you an awesome Sunday.

I need some coffee.

Time for coffee and toast and some fresh berries.

I want to check out some episodes of “Escape to the Country” ….. I love it.

Only older shows but still interesting.

I love the English countryside.

Occasionally someone moves to the Scotland or Wales.

 

Living with much kindness and respect for life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well looks like another rainy day in paradise.

Paradise is not always sand with palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze near a massive body of water under a hot sun.

I live in my own little paradise.

I live in my own home which I have longed for my whole life.

It is mine, I obtained it on my own with only assistance from the bank and I pay them dearly for it every single month.

There are paved roads outside my home on the street lined with sidewalks for pedestrians and the like.

I have green grass instead of sand.

I have flowers instead of palm trees.

We have a breeze almost everyday.

There is a park nearby with water but not for swimming.

I have running water that flows upon my command in my home with a bathtub and showers to boot.

We have varied temperatures each day.

The sun shines and the rain falls in my paradise.

In my paradise I live close to some wonderful people I call friends.

Alvin has his best friend living nearby.

We are truly blessed.

Speaking of Alvin’s best friend Teddy.

Yesterday we were out for our second walk of the day and just coming up to where Teddy lives.

Every time we pass by Teddy’s house Alvin turns to go in.

Since March I have had to say “Sorry buddy not today.”

Until yesterday.

Teddy’s Dad was outside on his way to the mailbox when we spotted each other.

We said hello as Walter gave Alvin a pat on his head.

I said how Alvin always turns in to their house.

He said I think that Iris sent you a text for a get together.

Go into the house.

So we walked up the sidewalk (someone ran).

There was no doorbell ringing as Alvin started to bark and I could hear Iris say “Alvin, oh Teddy it is Alvin.”

With Kobi in her arms and Teddy running to Alvin she opened the door.

We practiced social distancing and enjoyed a wonderful visit on their deck.

Teddy and Kobi kept running and jumping so happy to see us.

Teddy spent some time snuggling on my lap outside on the deck.

We enjoyed a glorious visit on the deck.

So much so when we finally got home it was almost 6:30 p.m.

We left home just before 4:30 p.m. (after work and yes, I was late leaving my desk).

So this is my paradise.

Home and friends.

Friends and home.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand pups live about 20 minutes away.

Well time to go and do the laundry in this paradise as the maid service “sucks.”

I will say that.

The butler sleeps all day or is always wanting a treat.

Imagine that!

Just another day in paradise.

I believe that is a line from a song song by Phil Collins (a fav of mine).

Just another day in paradise.

Coffee is brewed.

Life is good.

Have a great day in your very own paradise.

Paradise is not always defined by the traditional tropical setting.

Paradise is wherever you are ……

Happiness is ….

Yup, it is.

I like that word “yup” with no reason why.

 

Living with Kindness, Respect and a Generous Spirit.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Perhaps it is almost time for Christmas in July, “MOVIES.”

Oh, how I love Christmas with the Kranks.

 

Inside my PARADISE,

 

 

Life is GREAT.

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

 

This morning comes with news from last night of the passing of a little fur baby friend of ours.

His name was Casey.

Just a little guy but such an endearing soul.

He always had a soft spot in our hearts.

He was very much a quiet little guy but his presence was felt by us all.

Occasionally there was a little bark.

Casey endured some health issues over the years.

Thankfully he is now free of discomfort and pain.

We always enjoyed having him in our house for a visit.

Our family will miss him very much.

 

Casey with Alvin

Casey will join our Angels Penny and Elton.

They will be resting on the lush green grass in a meadow just for them.

Under a bright blue sky.

Perhaps some pretty flowers and some trees for shade.

Perhaps with a little breeze.

With stations of cool water and doggie treats galore.

They will never want or need for anything.

They will forever be in each other’s company.

Rest Peacefully, we shall miss you little buddy.

Forever in our hearts and minds.

A little piece of my heart has gone with you.

 

Forever yours,

Carol & Alvin

 

I want to add to this post that we always thought of little Casey as a part of our family.

We were always happy to see him and missed him when he wasn’t there.

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Sorry for the lateness of this post.

Today is one of the couple of late shifts that I am required to work for my job.

Since we started to work from home, the higher ups thought it would be nice for us to have our after hours phone line answered by staff for a few hours instead of the security company

that we have hired.

So couple of time or so each month we take turns working from 11:00 a.m.  until 7:00 p.m.

It is okay but I much prefer my 8:00 am. until 4:00 p.m.

After all it is not like I do not speak to my clients all day long.

Our “lunch break” ends up being at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

 

Today is to be another warm one for us here in Edmonton.

There is a breeze thank goodness as I want to take Alvin for a walk after I finish this post.

I should have got my back side out of bed earlier, oh what, yes I was up earlier, several times in fact.

Went to bed later and then up early with Alvin and the story goes.

Anyway, no complaints.

 

The surgery for my family member went went and he is doing great.

I have the office window open and can hear everyone’s dogs barking.

I am not sure if people leave their pups out for hours on end or not.

But I am inclined to investigate.

Cause some of the barking is not from large dogs.

 

Last night at 10:22 p.m. it was still light outside here in Edmonton.

I snapped some shots of the sky it was so beautiful.

Oh, I baked several dozen chocolate chip cookies last night, as well.

I love that the moon looks so far away in this shot.

By the time I came out later after dark it was up close and personal.

So beautiful.

My Irises starting to bloom in the front.

The first ones to bloom and were damaged in the hail on Tuesday afternoon.

Some shots from our deck as it was hailing.

 

Well Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting for me.

I guess it is time to go for a walk.

Then home and have breakfast and COFFEE.

 

Wishing you all the most perfect day.

Filled with sunshine and perhaps even roses.

I forgot to tell you about the roses near our park.

They are blooming and the fragrance is so divine.

Seems like heaven.

With this breeze it will carry and be enjoyed by all.

Especially by me, I love those roses.

Reminds me of my Grandma, who always had the most exquisite roses in her garden.

All different colours.

 

Happy Thursday.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

We had some rain overnight.

We also had hail yesterday afternoon.

Thankfully I did not have Mr. Alvin out for a walk.

After watching my poor flowers being pummeled with petals and leaves flying; I decided to go and rescue what I could.

I grabbed the pots that were closest and the ones that I could easily carry and brought them close to the house.

My poor Snapdragon, with new flowers, looks perfect.

It is amazing the strength of some plants and then the Irises in the front not so much.

They are long with a thin stem and the wind / hail bent them in half.

I love my garden and hope that the flowers come back.

 

Alvin went to the Vet yesterday at noon.

He has an yeast infection in his right ear.

Over $200.00 later we were home and she had given him medicine.

This new stuff lasts for a month in the ear.

So do not have to go back for another dose in a week so that is nice.

Of the $200.00 I did spend about $60 on food and treats.

Alvin, is happy that his Momma is rich.

I just snickered.

To myself.

 

The birds are chirping away this morning as they survey the damage.

The wind, well there is not any wind this morning.

Something different for us.

 

I want to send good energy out to a family member who is having surgery today.

Kisses and hugs and prayers.

 

Well here it is once again time to go to work.

I know the commute is brutal.

It truly is and I don’t know how I am managing.

Oh well, what can you do.

Another cup of coffee?

 

Well I know …. get to work.

I am excited to have a few extra days off next week.

Looking forward to that time.

 

With kindness and respect,

Living my life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Tuesday Morning.

The sky is odd this morning with a mix of shine and cloud.

It is warm already in the house OR perhaps it never really cooled down.

We have a few really good fans that kept us cool during the night so that we could sleep.

It is another reminder to get the Central Air Conditioning serviced.

I have to make that call.

But for now we are comfortable with the fans.

Yesterday we squeaked in a walk before the temperature was too warm.

By after work it was too warm for us to go.

We decided to work in the backyard for our exercise and additional fresh air.

Alvin loves to sit outside.

In fact, earlier this morning he just sat outside for a few minutes before we had to return upstairs for his Momma to get ready for work.

Wow, that was a mouth full.

Anyway, he does loves to relax on the deck.

*********

How are you doing today?

I hope that you are well.

Question for you?

Do you choose your outfit the night before bed for the next day?

Or are you a let’s see what strikes me kind of person in the morning?

Well generally I am the first.

I like to be organized.

In the morning our routine was pretty much set before COVID19 hit.

Since being home it has changed somewhat but I still choose my clothing right down to the underwear the night before bed.

Okay, when you get dressed ….

Is there sometimes and I have found now that I am home that I just cannot make a decision?

Nothing seems to fit right?

Nothing seems comfortable?

Nothing works?

I know that I have put on some weight.

Yup, another thing we can blame on COVID19 which is a lot easier than blaming oneself.

Okay, I know it is not COVID19’s fault (and here I am speaking about it as if it is a person, oh my goodness sake).

But then the sun comes out and you put on something that makes you feel like a million dollars even with the extra weight.

The colour suits you and the cut is amazing.

It is that little top in your closet or perhaps a pair of pants.

That you always feel good wearing.

For some reason it does not hit the top of the list often enough.

I have that top on this morning.

The colour is good on me.

Turquoise blue.

It has an embossed dragonfly with some gold sequins and other coloured ones.

The cut is good.

My buddha belly is semi disguised although not entirely.

It is just a top that was well made.

Short sleeves.

Has the right amount of stretch to be flattering.

I love this top.

I was just thinking that it would be fantastic to have more of this top.

But alas it was a hand me down and I have no idea of where it came from and most likely they don’t make this anymore.

But for this moment, for this day, I shall run with the feeling of a $million dollars$$.

 

Mr. Alvin has a vet appointment at lunchtime to check his ears.

I believe that he has an infection in his left one.

Better to be safe than sorry.

He has been uncomfortable the past couple of days and I surely do not wish him to suffer.

 

Okay, time to start drinking that “to go” mug of coffee.

Have an awesome day.

I hope that you have that “turquoise top with the dragonflies.”

Something that makes you feel special.

Cause you are, you know.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect and of course a tinch of fun.

I/We, shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning!

Well this morning has certainly been a mix of sun and clouds.

Looking as though it will clear up.

They are forecasting 25 degrees celsius for today.

There is a bit of a breeze wafting in through our open windows.

I started this spring opening the windows in the morning.

If it gets cold …. of course, I close them but on those days where the temperature soars, the refreshing cool air early in the morning is welcome.

I still have not had my central air conditioning serviced.

It is on my TO DO List for this summer.

Finally found someone that will take a look at it.

Just have to set up a date and time.

COVID19 kind of changed some of my plans or at least timelines.

Oh, I see the SUN flashing through the corner of my eye as I am still at my desk right close to the window.

My favourite spot.

I had thought of flipping my workspace but then decided against that thought.

I love having my personal space by the window with my elephant and box of kleenex on the ledge.

Sitting beside my green gauze curtains and little beaded curtains always makes me feel good.

 

Last night one of  my friends brought over the diamond paintings that I had ordered.

We girls, well they have done more than me, I only have done one thus far but that is about to change.

In July we are having a big GIRLS NIGHT and working on a diamond painting.

We will have snacks and all sorts of different liquid refreshment.

I cannot wait.

Anyway last night we sat on the deck and had a “long island iced tea” and chatted.

First time in many years that I have “drank alcohol” on a Sunday night.

Just one over ice.

Lovely.

The evening was perfect.

Sunshine and not too hot.

The mosquitoes kept at bay.

It was much later than usual when we went to bed which I thought would have been a good thing.

I decided as Alvin had been fussing with his ears to clean them.

Bad idea.

I tried to look at them closer with a flashlight and it looked as though the one is inflamed.

At one point I thought there was something in the one.

I of course, was panic stricken thinking there was a worm or something in his ear.

Then he got really anxious and panting.

Finally after awhile he settled down and then I couldn’t sleep.

It felt like one hour, then two, then three and then I don’t know.

At 4:00 p.m. Alvin was up and we went downstairs.

He had his glucosamine chew and I caved and let him have breakfast.

A tad early but he was hungry.

So I will call the Vet this morning and make him an appointment, clearly something is not right.

 

Introducing Baby Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother.

So cute and so little.

I snapped a million photos but found that I took even more video.

I

Gotta run.

Time to work.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Happy Father’s Day to ALL the Dads out there.

Whether you are fathering two-legged or four-legged babies, Happy Father’s Day.

Well here in Edmonton, the sky is filled to the brim with dark foreboding rain clouds.

Earlier at 3:47 a.m. there was a lightness to the sky as the sun began to rise.

There is a bit of a breeze this morning.

I have been listening to this same bird chirping since we were first up at 3:47 a.m.

When I was awake.

I did not stay up from 3:47 a.m. until now.

If I had this post would have been done, I would have showered, emptied the dishwasher, brought up all of the clothes hanging to dry from the basement, vacuumed the floors, washed the floors, dusted and cleaned the bathrooms.

Oh well, now I have all of those things to do minus making the bed and almost this post.

We will get things done, well actually, I will get things done.

Alvin does not help much.

 

Yesterday afternoon, I spent some time watching over the new kitten next door and his big brother Humphrey.

I snapped tons of photos and videos but forgot to ask if I could share them on my blog.

I always like to obtain permission before I post photos of others.

The kitten is oh so cute.

That little face.

I found that he loved being cradled, held tight and rocked.

I would love to see Alvin’s reaction to a kitten that small.

He loves cats but kittens, likely okay.

Humphrey is not loving the newest member of his family.

He growled and hissed.

The first time I went over to check on them, Humphrey was upstairs and I could not find the kitten anywhere.

I searched the house from top to bottom.

Really starting to get scared I texted and then called my neighbour.

Just when she picked up the phone ….. Humphrey came downstairs and stood by the front door and began to growl.

Suddenly I looked up and saw the kitten sitting up high behind a photo at the entrance by the door.

We all have these things beside the door when you come into the house.

They are like a box, flat surface and somewhat separates the entranceway.

Bogart was up on this “box” which is about four or so feet up.

The little one can jump.

Very much relieved, I told his Momma and then hung up.

After that the kitten followed Humphrey around the main floor until finally Humphrey went back upstairs.

I sat at the top of the stairs to see if the kitten would go up the stairs and finally after having something to eat, up he scrambled.

Before I left for home, I took Bogart back downstairs.

Played with him.

The next time I went over Humphrey stayed upstairs the whole time.

I visited with Humphrey.

Bogart came up and ran around under the bed.

Humphrey growled the whole time.

Finally I was able to grab the little one and we headed back downstairs for some snuggles.

I enjoyed playing with the kitten.

 

Well time to hit the shower and get this day going as it is almost 9:00 a.m.

There is something about a cloudy day that just makes me want to curl up and sleep.

 

We enjoyed our walk last night after supper.

Even though we had a hot day the evening was comfortable.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all you DADS.

Have a wonderful day with your families.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

Every day of our lives.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin