Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of July, 2018.

Well here we are almost the end of the first week in July, 2018.

Two countries – two neighbours have celebrated their “birthdays” within days of each other.

It has been quite the week.

Two countries – two neighbours with quite the history.

Two countries – two neighbours similar but not the same.

Two countries.

 

*******************

 

Yesterday when Alvin and I were on our way home from our walk, I heard a female voice yell “Carol.”

I turned around to see my friend C holding a dog.

We were a few houses away so we turned around and ran back to them.

When we reached them I realized that the dog she was holding was not their dog “Miss Daisy.”

My friend told me that “they had lost Daisy, she had passed just a week ago.”

We hugged and tears were shed.

Alvin and this new black&white dog were sniffing each other and all was well.

The puppy was friendly and full of energy.

Daisy had been sick, diagnosed with kidney disease a few months ago.

There had been signs before the diagnosis.

But even at that point it was too late.

 

The new dog.

 

If you have never believed in a higher power or something more than ourselves, you will now.

My friend, her husband and sons  were devastated by the loss of Daisy.

My friend had told her husband that the next dog that joined their family would have to be named Stella.

My friend was not ready for a new dog with the recent loss of their beloved Daisy.

They had Daisy since she was a few weeks old.

She was the love of their lives.

Daisy was this lovable, easygoing, playful dog.

Alvin loved her and I loved her and most of all her family loved her.

 

They had noticed this dog on KIJI by accident, and I cannot remember the breed.

Reminded them of Daisy but she was black and white, mostly black.

Just on an whim she packed up her middle son and went to meet this puppy.

Thinking all the time that this was too soon after losing their beloved Daisy.

Her middle son is the most rambunctious so this new dog would have to meet his energy.

When they arrived to meet the dog – the owner said that the pup’s name was STELLA.

My friend broke into tears.

It was a sign … what are the chances that the dog would be named STELLA.

Daisy directed them to this pup named STELLA.

So we shall say that is that ….

Stella has a new home.

Stella will be loved and have the best family.

Stella is a herder by nature and with three boys …. talk about perfect fit.

Daisy made sure that her family will be looked after, now that she is gone.

Gone but never forgotten.

We will always remember Miss Daisy.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, hello my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of May, 2018.

The sky is bright filled with the morning sunlight and there is a breeze.

Coolness filled the bedroom this morning.

Grateful for that on a day that will be very warm.

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Happy Mother’s Day.

We all play a role in Mother’s Day.

You may have given birth to a child.

You may have adopted a child.

You may have adopted or rescued a pup or a cat or a bird or a squirrel.

You may have given refuge to another human being.

It does not matter how or who you have given mothering to but it matters that you do.

To all those Mothers out there.

Happy Mother’s Day.

You arise early so that you can make breakfast for your charges.

You walk and talk with them.

You love them and comfort them.

You hope that they will be in good health.

You hope that they will be kind and good to themselves and to others.

You hope that their life will be abundant.

Above all else … you have faith.

So on this one day a year that is specially marked for us to celebrate our Mothers.

Let us do so.

Be creative.

Walk with them, talk with them, spend time with them.

Mothers do not WISH for you to bring them fancy jewellery, huge bouquets of flowers or dinners at a fancy restaurant.

They just want YOU.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To all the Mothers out there, the others that I know and the ones that I do not know.

You are precious.

There could not be life without you.

Happy Mother’s Day.

With Love….

 

 

Written by Carol Lewis on Sunday, May 13, 2018

 

 

Special Hello to:  MOMS, Happy Mother’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 19th day January, 2018.

Today is a very special day in our house.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was nine years ago today that my daughter, her husband, then our Elton and Penny packed up the car on a COLD winter night to go and meet this little guy.

He was little and sick.

The pups took to each other pretty much right away.

Alvin in his foster home was surrounded by lots of love and that was visible.

His foster parents had taken in other animals, mainly cats at the time we were there to start their journey to good health and joy.

Alvin has been a good companion over this last nine years and I hope that we are able to enjoy many more happy, healthy years together.

He, we have our quirks.

The best way to say Happy Birthday to Alvin is by sharing some photos over our nine years together.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Thank you for choosing me, us as your forever home.

We loved you from the moment we met.

 

Baby Alvin – taken the first night we met.  January 19, 2010 and the night he came home with us.

AKA: Conehead

Enjoying a sunny winter’s day!

This KISS, this KISS (please stop, Mom you are embarrassing me!!) – our 1st family photo.

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.

Lookin’ Out the Window…..

Alvin and Penny ….. they loved to bug each other.

Enjoying the flowers

Alvin, one of my babies

Isn’t this the cutest leash holder ever ….. the puppy looks just like me Alvin.; (a gift for Alvin from our friend).

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. 

Alvin and Penny enjoying summer.

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

favourite photo of my boy

Alvin’s first stocking …. from his family.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Special Hello to: my boy, Happy Birthday Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 DAYS TO 60

Today is Tuesday, July 18, 2017 and it is the 23rd day until my 60th Birthday.

I will just have to add the ones that I miss when I think of something.

 

2000: Came in without most of the problems that were forecasted regarding the computers, which was a huge relief.

2001:

2002:  My beloved daughter moves to Edmonton, Alberta and two days later I go on a vacation to the U.S. with a friend.  It was perfect timing so I would be moping around the apartment missing my girl.  Still missed her but was not at home to be reminded every moment.  Visited Las Vegas and area and went to San Diego and the day trip to Mexico (the crossing was out of a movie and not a good thing). A close family friend’s daughter had first of her three children.

2003: My first great niece was born ….. such a cutie pie.

Well I received a HUGE reminder of something that happened in 2004.

2004:  My daughter graduated from the Photography Program at NAIT and then went on to work for one of the City Councillors.  How did I forget those items???  Maybe I am thinking too hard.

2005: My first born great nephew and the apply of his “Anta’s eye.”

2006:

2007:  Elton John concert?  or was it 2006?  Regardless of when it was amazing.  We lost our little “J” ….. another heartbreak.

2008:  My first born nephew marries, I retired from working at same company for 30 years and my daughter marries all within a couple of months.  Attend Celine Dion Concert in Edmonton.

2009: Buy my first house, 1/2 duplex in Edmonton close to my daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups and move to Edmonton at end of March.  My beloved J passes.

2010:  Enjoying semi-retirement.  Back to Regina for a visit with my girl. How could I have possibly forgotten this:  I adopted my darling ALVIN CHARLIE LEWIS in January 2010 and my life once again was transformed.  I am so happy that Me Alvin is not too good on the computer or else I would be in BIG trouble.  OMG, how did I forget.  Just going with the flow.  I will post the years as I think of things for the last decade.

2011: Started working at Bath & Body Works at West Edmonton Mall.  Now that is a start to going back to work.  It was hard work but amazing.  That was in April and then in July I started as a temp at Capital Region Housing Corporation.  What a year.

2012:

2013: Working two jobs ….

2014:  I had the highest sales per hour in the company at the store. My daughter, son-in-law, Elton & Penny moved in with me and Alvin for almost one year while their new house was being built.  We loved having them with us.

2015:  Kids moved into their new house in April.  House was not the same after they moved out.  Worked last shifts at Bath & Body Works, miss the girls and the store in April.  Started to sell Steeped Tea in August.

2016:

2017:  This is a big year for me and all those who were born in 1957.

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of January, 2017.

Guess what day today is?

It is a very special day in my household.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was on this day seven years ago that I adopted my handsome wonderful companion, buddy and friend.

So we are celebrating his “8th” Birthday as we are not exactly sure how old he is ….. how great is that.

He can be any age, really.

So today we are saying No. 8.

Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis.

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together thus far as much as I have ……

Love you Buddy with all of your quirks.

I love watching you bury your chew treat in the back yard winter or summer.

I love watching you searching for something by putting your whole face in the snowbank as if you could see in there all the while I know the power of your sense of smell.

You are so funny and always make me smile and laugh.

I want to post some photos from over the years and also my blog from April 2010 written about our first days together.  The other night I was reading some of my older blogs and came across this – oh so many memories.

Alvin, the story begins …. Chapter 1

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Last night my daughter Amanda was over to watch the Golden Globes with me.  We both love to watch the award shows.  Avatar won for Best Motion Picture and James Cameron for Director.  Sandra Bullock for Best Actress in a Drama.  We had supper and enjoyed the evening.  Over the past few weeks and months we had been discussing the possibility of me “adopting” a dog. Why not, I thought.  This past eighteen months has been chalked full of firsts for me.  I have always loved dogs.  We had checked out the Humane Society’s web-site a few times but the smaller dogs went fast.

On this day, I was taking care of my “O” my neighbour’s cat.  This is one of those cats that is definitely an one person feline.  I had been around her a little bit and knew what to expect.  Deep down, I believed that she would get to “love” me or at least like me.  LOL.  Anyway, I made sure that I had my legs covered, and also carried the “cat toy” …. mouse on a stick supplied by O’s Mom for protection.  The first day, O jumped, swatted and hissed all in one smooth motion.  Oh, this is a cat that has a heart condition and takes medication for it.  Crazy.  Anyway both of us got through both visits that day.

Back at home, my daughter had sent me the link to an animal rescue web-site so that I could check out the doggies.  There was one in particular that she thought fit the bill.  He was so cute.  His story very sad.  So I went onto the web-site and “fell in love” (so cute), before I knew it I had contacted these folks about adopting this dog.  It was important to act fast as all of the smaller dogs were adopted quickly.

By evening, I was contacted by a gal from the rescue society.  She told me that there had been lots of interest in this puppy.  So she was going to contact her superior to see about making the next move.  Someone would call me the next day.

Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Another successful visit to “O”‘s house.  One would never know that she had a heart condition.  I am so grateful that each morning it is getting lighter, earlier and earlier.  Spring is on the way.  Big news this morning.  Received a phone call from the foster Mom of a little dog.  Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  We are going to see him tonight.  The whole family is going.  It is important that Elton and Penny like this possible new addition to the family.  I am going to run out to the nearby “Bone & Biscuit” store and pick up some food and toys, just in case.  I want to be prepared.  Oh, have to get some treats, too!   I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time.  This could be my very first dog.  Wow, this has been a year of firsts for me.  But I am so grateful for all of them.  We are going after supper, and it is a bit of a drive from here so will write all about our visit tomorrow morning.  YAY.

DAY “1” – Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Guess what happened last night? It was crazy.  Took us a little while to find the place because it was out in the country. But we did.  We were introduced to this cute little guy.  His name is Alvin.  He is a cocker spaniel mix.  Puppy.  They think that he is about one year old.  Has a black & white coat with the most handsome brown eye-brows.  Elton & Penny seemed to like him well enough.  He has a sad story but is blessed to have such great foster parents.  I know that he is going to have a great life.  So no looking back.  Okay, get on with it.  I know.  I am too wordy sometimes (okay, LOL all of the time).  Arrangements were made for me to adopt him last night.  He is on antibiotics and other medicine.  Whew.  Hard to believe – it happened all so fast. One minute we were trying to find the place, and the next we were on our way home with three dogs in the car.  He was so stressed, the poor little guy.  Thank goodness for the “blue blanket” that his foster parents had given him, as he was drooling so bad the whole car ride home.  When we got back to my house – it was surreal.  It was late when we got back so once I introduced him to each room of the house, and he had some water and a bit of food, it was off to bed.  I had no plans of him sleeping in my bed but I felt so “sorry” for him that he ended up there.  He was so stressed that neither of us got any sleep.  I was reminded of my first night home from the hospital with Amanda.  I kept imagined that he stopped breathing, which was crazy !!

It was an early morning considering neither of us slept much last night.  He has to be fed every three hours, and has medicine so I am busy.  Also first full day of looking after “O” next door.  Should mention that I made my first mistake with Alvin.  After he ate his first meal today I thought that I would send a quick e-mail to Amanda.  I thought that he would be like Elton & Penny and that I would have a few minutes before he needed to go outside.  He did not make it.  First lesson learned.  I do not have much carpet in the house and he did manage to miss it.  Thank goodness for that……

Guess what happened when I got home from feeding “O” in the morning?  It actually started when I left the house.  Alvin stood at the living room and cried.  Sounded like a baby’s cry.  Separation anxiety, I was told later.  I made a quick trip next door as I couldn’t bear him crying.  When I got home, I unlocked the door and faster than a real “bolt of lightning” something black and white passed me.  I twirled about and almost fell on my “butt”.   Thank goodness that I had my boots and coat on as I did not have time to grab them.  I ran down the steps,and down the sidewalk as he got nearer to the street.  Man, puppies are quick.  Just as he was about to step onto our busy street, I bent over and swooped him up.  My heart darned near jumped out of my body.  I was so scared.  What a first day !  This was only the morning.  The rest of the day went fairly smoothly.  Lots of feedings, administering medicine and pooping.  Thank goodness he is trained.  As he is not neutered it will be awhile before we can go on walks.  So it will be playing fetch for exercise for a bit.

Oh, the life of a pet owner…….

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin and his buddy Penny, oh the memories of the two of them.

Resting on the deck ……

My favourite photo of Alvin ….. laying on his belly at the top of the stairs …. looking like he has no body….

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Looking out the office window …. which was our temporary bedroom at the time.

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Winter …

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin and Me …..

One summer day – our adventure.

Alvin and Elton playing tug-o-war and then checking out the Christmas gifts.

Alvin and the newest additions to our family …. Baby Milo and Aspen.

Always waiting on his Momma….

I could post a million photos of my boy but will end here.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Here’s to many more happy years together.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday Boy of course ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day of January, 2015.

YAY, it is Saturday and I am going to have coffee with my girl friends at 12:30 ….

In 100 minutes we will be laughing and sipping on coffee….

I love spending time with these ladies ….

They make me laugh and laugh and laugh.

We talk about everything ….

We sometimes tear up …… sometimes life brings on something difficult.

But we get through it together.

I am so blessed to have the best support system on the planet.

Between a daughter, a sister and many girl friends I have all the best women to hear me when I need to be heard.

Now not to leave out the men in my life as they truly play an important role.

I have brothers, NEPHEWS and “man friends.”

So anything I need whether to laugh or cry I am truly covered.

Just incredible.

Oh, I better not forget “me Alvin” …. the most important guy in my life.

He gives me “love” everyday of my life.

So I had better go and get ready here.

Had a lazy morning …. slept in until late ….. had nice breakfast with my daughter ….

YAY for ME AND SATURDAY.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family all over the world you rock …. thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S.  Guess who is having a birthday / anniversary on Monday?  Mr. Alvin has been in our family for five years now and we celebrate his birthday on that date.  As you know, he was adopted so his real birthdate is a mystery.  We are celebrating his sixth year birth on Monday.

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of January, 2014.

Today is a celebration for me and Alvin …. it marks our fourth year together and his fifth birthday.

I cannot believe it.

I also cannot believe my life without him.

I miss him when we are apart for longer than a day (which has not been often).

When I adopted him, no one had any idea of his exact age – his birthdate.

So I think it is only appropriate to celebrate his birth and our time together all on the same day

He is my companion, my friend, and “my son.”

We have come so far….. our first month or so together was rocky.

But we adjusted.

They are just like having a child with the difference being they can stay alone for a time.

He makes me laugh.

He stands guard when I am in the bathroom (not sure why).

He loves to climb on the snowbanks.

He loves to bury his nose in the snow.

He loves to dig a maze through the snow drifts.

He loves his sister, his brother-in-law and of course, Elton and Penny.

He loves everyone …..

He loves to walk.

He loves to eat …..

His favourite treats are: carrots, broccoli and cauliflower and pea pods.

He is smart and fun.

He is so cute (I think so).

So Alvin, on your special day … on our special day ….. Thank you for being here every night when I get home from work.

Thank you for always being happy to see me.  Thank you for being the best puppy “dog” a person could wish for and more.

Special Hello to:  all those beings with birthdays today…. Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Me and Alvin a few years ago

Alvin ……

Baby Alvin 2010

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

The KISS – Fall  2010

Thought for the day……

Today is Wednesday, July 25th, 2012.

Yesterday I was reminded that we must always be mindful of how precious life is …. not only our own lives but those who surround us.

I have been so blessed over my lifetime thus far to have known and know so many people that have truly enriched my heart, mind and soul.

Whenever I hear of one that is not doing so well ….. the memories come back to me.

Of our stories together.

I want to especially mention one such soul.

A dear man named Charlie.

When I was a teenager and unexpectedly moved in with my Grandmother (my Grandfather died in a farm accident) on the farm in Saskatchewan ( I was living with my family in Alberta at the time), Charlie and his wife Shirley were neighbours.  They had four children.  The eldest children were daughters about my age.  They fast became my “family” …… Charlie was my Dad.   They adopted me in their hearts and I became the “other” daughter.   That was thirty-nine years ago.  Now Charlie is not doing so well and my heart goes out to him and his family, my family.  I so wished that I had been able to see them more often during the past few years but sometimes it is not possible.  I am however very grateful that with technology I can send emails, and chat over Facebook.  So on this Wednesday, I want to tell you all of this great man ….. he had the best sense of humour and always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.  Honestly, I always remember him to be smiling.  I will always remember him as my Dad, a kind and generous soul.  Take care, Dad.  I love you.

Special Hello:  Happy Birthday Hayleigh ….. who is a big girl now.

Always, Carol and Alvin