Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a beautiful Friday morning.

The sun is shining and there is a cool breeze.

Catching the bus to work today so the walk to the bus will be glorious.

 

Quick story.

Last night after work Alvin and I joined our friend for a walk.

We chatted as we walked along.

When we reached the larger pond/lake to the north of us; we spotted on the path, the flock of geese from our ponds.

Yes, they are our geese.

They were just hanging out on the sidewalk and grassy area.

We walked the other direction so as not to disturb them.

They did not move as single persons walked by them.

No hissing or any movement, really.

Surprised that they are so “tame” but not really.

Not really a good thing for a wild creature.

 

We chatted as we walked.

Alvin did the sniffing.

As we walked along and looked back over the pond/lake we saw that they had gone to the water.

The large gaggle of geese were swimming at the far end.

 

On our way home on the pathway just down from where we originally saw the flock … we spotted one lone young one.

Definitely got separated from his family.

We carefully and quietly walked closer.

We watched and kind of herded him to safety.

Which meant down the sidewalk and across a busy street to OUR pond/park.

We did not wish that he would get scared and accidently walk onto the busy street.

My friend was on one side and we on the other.

Alvin was so good.

No barking or anything.

We stopped traffic to cross the street.

Me, Alvin, my friend and a young goose.

What a cute sight.

Only wished that I had my phone with me to take photos.

When we were across the street and we were parting ways.

I heard a noise and looked back to see the flock coming down the busy street.

They had cars stopped all over the place.

I could tell people were anxious.

Also by that time a woman and two small dogs came along going to cross there and we asked that she wait.

So patiently everyone waited …

When the geese got to the next street to cross …. Alvin and I blocked off the street on one side so that they would cross.

That way if anyone came … they would STOP.

I am happy to say that ALL the geese got home safely.

Did you know that they lose their flight feather in the spring/summer and that is why they do not fly.

I guess it is so that they will not fly away on their offspring OR perhaps because they have to eat lots for the journey in the fall.

Anyway it was quite the adventure.

Most fun walk ever.

The young goose …. well he was reunited with his family.

HAPPY ENDING.

Love those stories.

 

Well time to get Mr. Alvin outside …. for one last bathroom trip.

Then will have to take off for the bus.

 

SEE what kindness and respect do ….

Applies to geese as well.

We treated them with kindness and respect.

Happy ending….

 

Happy Friday.

Weekend here we come.

My daughter is giving me a ride home from work.

YAY.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of November, 2018.

I cannot believe, I simply cannot believe that Saturday will be the first day of December, 2018.

Truly where has this year gone.

Sometimes it feels as though so much has happened that I barely remember everything.

Other times feels as though the year has passed so quickly that I have not accomplished everything.

Did I have a plan?

Er, mm, not really.

Then perhaps 2019 I should have a plan.

Doesn’t have to be cast in stone.

But something.

Writing it down is likely a good idea.

That would give me some rough timelines to follow.

Food for thought.

I know that I am likely not alone in these thoughts.

 

Well yesterday was icy in our neighbourhood but outside on the main roads, not so bad.

I was pleasantly surprised.

My carpool drove up part way on the sidewalk in the morning (and at night) so that I could walk from the lawn to the truck.

I had kicked some snow from the lawn to the sidewalk with hopes of creating some traction.

It did help but I found the sidewalks icy.

Funny thing though.

Last night.

So many folks were walking by all night long and did not appear to be slipping and sliding.

I do not know.

 

Last night Humphrey was going to come for a visit but his Momma took him with her to work.

Yup Humphrey the Cat was downtown Edmonton in an office.

He even took his first ride in an elevator.

He had an accident …..

Otherwise he did great and was a huge hit with the staff.

He is going back today.

Anyway back to last night.

Humphrey was going to be spending last night and tonight with us.

I was going to pick him up after I got home from work and then take him home when I went to bed.

But as he went to work he was pooped.

So I just went and spent some time with him.

1/2 hour twice over the course of the evening.

He pretty much slept the whole time.

He has a new CONE of SILENCE and it is pink and oh so soft.

So he was comfy, cozy.

I stroked his face and top of his head as he laid there sleeping and purring.

So content.

I believe that he actually was enjoying the attention.

His Momma was concerned as he has been trying to lick his surgical wound.

He was beat.

I am quite certain after his adventure yesterday that he was simply pooped.

So happy that he is really comfy.

He has to wear the cone for I think another two weeks for a crazy total of 8-10 weeks.

Alvin was disappointed that Humphrey did not come over.

He finally settled down.

I sure hope that we can get rid of this ice so that me and the old fart (oh, Mr. Alvin) can go for a stroll, a walk.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back home who cooks up a storm everyday.  Perhaps we should speak to her about the weather???  Just kidding.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 8th day of September, 2018.

The sky appears to be multitude of pinks, greys and blues this morning as the sun begins to rise in the morning sky.

Yesterday was over 26 degrees celsius and we enjoyed it.

Today is forecast to be around 20 degrees celsius and then we have rain with mid teen days.

I hope that all of the farmers out there were able to complete the harvest of all their crops.

Sounds like British Columbia is having rain and rain in their forecast so hopefully the fires will all go out soon.

Today Master Teddy – Alvin’s BFF is coming to spend the day with us.

His Papa is going to the farm and his Momma is working so he will come and keep us company.

Just a great play-date.

He is such a happy little guy and always brings such joy to our house.

Both Alvin and I love to have him here.

Bundle of energy that one.

Alvin has his regular 5 or so week pedicure and check-up so Teddy will accompany us.

 

Oh, I did not have to catch the bus home last night as my daughter picked me up from work.

We went to COSTCO.

COSTCO was busy as usual.

For some reason it took us longer than usual.

After my daughter dropped off me and the groceries and said HI to her little brother.

Alvin of course had his supper.

I put away all of my purchases.

Then went to change out of my work clothes.

After our usual Alvin go round the table or actually under the kitchen table, he was in his harness and we were out the door.

Just Alvin, his water bottle and me.

Poop bags and keys in hand.

It was so beautiful last night.

We thoroughly enjoyed it.

When we arrived near Teddy’s house we saw his Papa outside walking back toward the garage.

Alvin made a dash for him and our friend yelled out in his soft voice “Alvin, hello.”

He invited us into the house.

Teddy ran and jumped up into my arms and gave me a kiss.

He is so darn cute.

I quickly undid Alvin’s leash and he was off – checking every place for food.

Teddy eats a bit here and a bit there so they leave his food out all day.

Not me Alvin.

He eats whatever is out and then looks for more.

We had a nice visit and then off as I needed to get the lawn mowed.

Last night mowed the front and back, trimmed some of the plants in the front flower bed and watered everything as no rain in the forecast until tomorrow.

Well here it is almost time for Teddy to arrive and I need to put on a load of laundry and get that part of the day going.

I hope that you have an amazing Saturday.

Take some time to “stop and smell the roses.”

We actually have roses lining the entrance to our park and I always stop.

It is a reminder to be still and enjoy.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all of my friends all over the world.  Thank you for joining me on this adventure called “life.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of May, 2017.

Another glorious morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin officially has the title of “Out of bed Enforcer.”

He will do whatever it takes to get his Momma out of bed ….. this morning starting at before 4:00 a.m.

I have to just get up stay up.

Not perhaps at 4:00 a.m. but the next time he instructs me.

We are just on our way out for a morning walk …. there is plenty of sunshine and a slight breeze making it PERFECTO.

I must tell you about our yesterday ….

Yesterday it started with mowing the grass in the back, transplanting some flowers my friend “P” gave us, cleaning the back garden and the rocks.

While I was trying to dig out the rose bush that has been unhealthy for a few years …. I had to ask for help.

Just happened that Alvin noticed our neighbour “S” at her patio door ……

She was over in a second to help remove the rose bush and then ended up helping to pull out the huge shrub.

It was the centre piece of that garden but showed absolutely no signs of life.

Brown and broken …..no green.

So we dug it out.

The roots were huge.

So the garden is a mess.

Two small shrubs remain.

I cleaned the rocks.

Now it is ready for me to remove them, pull out the black cloth and fill the garden with some good soil.

So we are part way there.

I can hardly wait to go and get some flowers.

My flowers in the front bed are growing like crazy well at least most of them.

I had to pull out two that I had purchased from a nearby nursery about three years ago. ARGH.

Not sure how much dirt I am going to need.

BAGS or maybe a yard of dirt or half a yard?

How much really is a yard of dirt?

I have seen the bags that are a yard and honestly do not get it?

Well Mr. Alvin is ready for our walk and perhaps a little adventure.

Time to grab his water bottle.

Have an awesome Sunday.

We, will.

Then home after the walk – make some coffee – perhaps enjoy some on the deck under the umbrella and then bake a chocolate ginger loaf (from Steeped Tea) for the barbecue.

Happy Sunday……

YAY ….. it is summer.

No longer are we freezing in the house.

Last night it was 72 degrees in the house – 12 degrees warmer than two days ago.

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to follow our story ….. me and Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 27th day of July, 2016.

Sun up …. shining brightly and there is such a delightful coolness to the air that Mr. Alvin wanted to stay outside but his Momma needed to be in the house.

He is curled up on the end of our bed ….. his second favourite place in our house.

I cannot believe how quickly time flies in the morning.

It is less than 15 minutes until I have to leave for work.

Thank goodness I am showered and dressed ….. would be a funny …. perhaps more a dreadful sight to see me running down the street in my nightgown (not full length, cause it is summer).

Oh well, we have to laugh, right.

How horrid would life be without laughter.

I like to laugh at myself and I believe it is healthy.

We all should have some humility and to be on the humble side is always better.

Just two more work days after today until my vacation begins, I am so excited.

I plan to go on some adventures with Mr. Alvin early in the morning while the air is cool.

How exciting.

So I guess it is almost time to go for now.

I hope that you enter this day with a giggle or three.

I hope that along your way that you give selflessly to another living creature.

I hope that when you close your eyes to go to sleep that you are at peace with the world.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all the women in my life – thank you ladies.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of July, 2015.

First off ….. Happy 4th of July to our neighbours to the south in the United States.

I hope that you have an awesome celebration, be safe and have fun.

Thank you for being great neighbours.

It is cool this morning in Edmonton or cooler than the past few days.

A very welcome change ……

The breeze is bringing in “smoke” from some place, and at times it blocks the sun.

Smoke in the air just means that somewhere there are raging forest fires.

Our beautiful trees ….. some of our amazing forests on fire.

It is not just the trees that we lose it is the insects, birds and animal life of the forest.

Very very tragic and not replaceable.

Most forest fires are preventable.

It is just after 9:00 a.m. and actually quiet.

People are just beginning to wake up and go about their day.

I can hear the humming of vehicles travelling down the highway just a few blocks away but not in sight from my house.

Just heard a squeal from one of the many children in our neighbourhood.

Love the sound of children ….. laughing and having fun.

Now they are chattering away.

One of my neighbours is building a garage ….. soon we will hear the sound of hammering and sawing and such.

I love having the windows open upstairs on a cool morning as the coolness fills the rooms.

Today is a great day.

I have been looking forward to all week long.

My daughter is coming to pick up me and Alvin.

We are going to their house.

We girls are also going out to check out some antique shops, and whatever else we find.

Just an afternoon of adventures.

Road trip …..

I love just seeing what we can find.

Alvin will visit with my son-in-law and the puppies.

I know he misses them.

Well time to go and get this show on the road.

I hope that wherever you are … you are having the time of your life.

Enjoy each moment ….

Live your life …..

Be aware …..

Laugh …..

Have fun …..

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers who I think of each and every day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of June, 2015.

The sun is shining and there is a breeze.

This is going to be an awesome day.

Last night after supper we delivered the last of the invitations to our Steeped Tea party.

Of course, we stopped and visited with our neighbours as we made our deliveries.

On one of our stops we were invited in …… this particular neighbour of ours has a cat.

We met when she used to walk her beloved dog who passed away one year ago this August.

We miss her.

Now the cat is alone.

The cat is so cute and is also partially deaf.

Alvin loves cats but they do not always love him.

He spent the first several minutes squeaking with excitement and wanting to run.

Finally “clued in” and let him go a bit on the leash and found all he wanted to do was snoop.

Not sure why I didn’t realize ….. slow Momma.

So he checked out each nook and cranny (looking for what I do not know).

The cat (so cute) started to follow him as he walked about.

They even went out in the back yard.

No secrets with Mr. Alvin about …..

I told my neighbour and friend that I should change his name to “Snoop Dog.”

He loves to visit.

At one point after they did so well …… Alvin walked by and got into her space.

She gave him one swipe.

He yelped and I screamed and my friend jumped.

We were startled.

No one was injured, and all was well.

It was an interesting visit.

Another adventure of Mr. Alvin and his Momma.

Well it is getting close to leaving time.

I hope that you have an amazing day …..

Special Hello to: all my friends new and old …… you are awesome.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 17th day of April, 2015.

Well there is a quietness over our household that marks us being alone.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies moved into their brand new house yesterday.

It is going to take awhile for me and Alvin to get used to the stillness.

We will have to make some noise.

When my daughter and son-in-law came to pick up Elton and Penny after the movers were done …. they helped me move my bed back into the master bedroom.

It seemed so strange but yet so familiar to be back in that room.

Alvin hopped right up on the bed but then took a long time to settle down.

I think he could smell Elton and Penny’s scent left behind in the room.

Even this morning I know that he misses most especially Miss Penny.

They got to be such good buddies over the past months.

So this weekend I am going to give myself a break and simply get used to being alone in the house.

Do some laundry ….. do a bit of cleaning but the most of the weekend I will spend with Alvin …… giving him extra attention.

WOW, even in the office without the bed it echoes.

Funny how a piece of furniture can make such a difference.

Well I need a shower and then to get on with this day.

Funny now without the kids here and no second job it seems unbearably quiet …. I know that we will get back into our routine and that will be sooner than later for sure as it is back to work at the office on Monday.

I am grateful for all of my many blessings.

To have my own home after almost three decades of living in an apartment.

I am grateful to be in great health.

I am grateful to be surrounded by good neighbours and friends.

So here we go, me and Alvin on another adventure.

With the sun shining and a hefty breeze we will start this new chapter.

I thank you for staying with us.

Have an awesome Friday.

Special Hello to:  family and friends …. all those folks beginning a new chapter in their lives.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of March, 2015.

Wow, is it really that close to April already?

Easter weekend is right around the corner ……

Spring has definitely sprung here in Edmonton.

The snow is melting faster than a marshmallow over a campfire.

The buds on the trees are beginning to show.

The bunnies are already turning brown.

The birds are starting to return.

There are blades of grass green amidst the melting snow.

Soon ….. very soon, one morning I shall awake and there will be leaves on the trees.

I am very happy.

As I mentioned to a friend yesterday it is the little things in life that are the most sweet.

Oh, did I tell you that I was going on an adventure?

I did mention yesterday about taking a trip on our train public transit with a friend I met on the bus who happens to be one of my neighbours.

How cool is that?

Small world.

FOCUS CAROL FOCUS.

Anyway back to yesterday.

After I left the office I high tailed it to my friend’s work where we proceeded to walk to the train station.

It was a few blocks from where she works so it was a nice walk.

When we arrived …. we went down four “steep” flights of steps to the station.

There I scanned my bus ticket and we were on our way.

Walked to the platform and waited about 30 seconds before a train arrived.

It stopped and we proceeded to climb aboard.

I was not surprised on how full it was and of course we had to stand.

Thank goodness it was a quick trip but the train was hot.

The heater was still blowing hot air ….. perhaps the engineer had not walked outside to know just how warm it was ….. oh well.

By the time the ten minutes had passed and we arrived at our stop; I was having a meltdown.

So relieved to get off the train and be outside where we waited a few minutes for the bus; the bus that would take us home.

So in the end it was a few minutes faster and less time on the bus.

The walk to the station and the steps would be good exercise so definitely something to consider.

Now going down was okay but going up in the morning ……. yikes.

Anyway it was a pleasant experience and I am grateful that I had the opportunity.

Thank you to my new friend and neighbour.

Well almost time to go as I hear my ride is near ready.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

I wish you an amazing weekend.

Special Hello to: to all folks who take a chance and try something new.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

The past few days have been filled with incredible highs and lows.

Yesterday morning at 9:00 a.m. my friends, the Enchill family departed from their home on my street.

At this time they are on their way to Quebec.

It is such a long drive but I am happy that Peter, their Dad could take the time away from work to drive with Anick and the kids.

My friends called me this morning on the telephone.

They had gone as far as Regina yesterday and spent the night with friends.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Anick, Lea, Mahee-Lee and David.

I had told the girls before they left to watch for the big black and glass office building in downtown Regina, because I used to work there.

Lea was excited to tell me that she saw the building where I used to work.  Hurray.

Mahee-Lee told me that her Dad was driving the van (which is good) and that they were watching a movie.

Then when the phone was being passed back to Anick – I could hear someone cry.

Then a small voice was on the phone, and I did not realize right away that it was little David.

Here this little three year old boy wanted to talk to me …… I was struck by his action.

I am so grateful for technologies so that I can speak with them no matter where they may be.

Yesterday after they left my daughter came over for coffee (thank goodness).

I am grateful that she lives close by.   She is my rock.

Later I saw some of Anick’s friends as they came to pick up some things from the house.

It wasn’t until today that I truly feel the emptiness.

I miss them so much.

I think that Alvin misses them, too.

Even throughout the heartbreak of friends that are more like family moving away,

I know …..

Life is full of changes, and I know this because every year of my life thus far has been filled with major change.

Of course, some years more than others.

Change can be positive and not so …. but that is life.

Since my retirement from SGI in the fall of 2008, my life has been crazy.

Some days I think of how nice it would be if things just stayed the same.

Of course, it would mean that things would be GREAT, and  stay GREAT.

No complaints, though.

I have been so blessed.

I know that my friends will be welcomed home to family and friends.

I know that my friends will do amazing with wherever life takes them.

I know that I am perhaps the luckiest person on the planet because I have so much love in my life.

Even on these days when I am feeling a bit low, okay a lot low, I feel so much love.

There are so many people on this planet …. that do not have this blessing in their lives.

Because without love in your life – life is just life.

I am truly blessed, we are truly blessed.

I am including Alvin my dog in this blessing – because we are a package deal.

So thank you Anick, Lea, Mahee-Lee and David for welcoming me into this neighbourhood.

For taking time to have tea, to play in the back yard, to go shopping, and for walks on summer nights, and  for being my/our friend(s).

I am so grateful that I was here to wish you well as you start off on this new adventure.

For my wish is that someday when you finish what you need to do ….. that you come back HOME.

Always remember you always have my heart.

So the thought for the day is ……  ALWAYS TAKE TIME TO LOVE…..

FOR ALL THAT YOU GIVE IN AND FOR LOVE

YOU WILL RECEIVE BACK MORE ….

Have a great day.

Always, Carol

Lea and Mahee-Lee

Girls saying good-bye to Alvin

David

Peter, Anick, Mahee-Lee, David & Lea