Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are well. We slept through till 3:00 a.m. and then at 5:00 a.m. from the sofa, I heard this low noise and jumped up as I realized it was the alarm clock on my phone. When I get to the office I turn the sound for notification and such, all the way down so that I do not disturb anyone should the phone “ring.” I must ask my daughter if there is any other way to do this function. Remember I am not the most tech savvy person on the planet. Not even remotely close! Anyway, I reset the alarm to 5:15 for an extra few minutes and then we were up. Mr. Alvin had his breakfast and then we went outside. Once back into the house, made our bed, brushed my teeth and then hit the shower. That felt good. I stopped showering everyday a while ago as I found that my skin got dry and who likes dry skin. When we were outside around 5:25, I noticed that the stars seemed to be more bright and noticeable than usual. I wonder if there are more satellites in the sky now? Perhaps not even stars but man made objects taking up space above us. The moon did not appear to be anywhere in sight? I scanned the sky with my eagle eyes (lol) – with my glasses on. I did attempt to take a photo with my phone but all I got was black. We are having a great morning thus far.

Yesterday when I arrived home from work, I unlocked the door and called out to Mr. Alvin. He did not come and I called him several times. I thought that I saw him standing at the window but wasn’t sure. My heart sank to my toes for a brief moment or three. Kicking off my shoes, I walked into the living room and over to the chairs by the window and there he was standing looking out the window. I thought he would have saw me or maybe I made it to the door as he was going to the window, not sure. Anyway, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I saw him standing up and breathing. My mind went to a place that I was scared to even think about at this time. Anyway, all is well. Perhaps the boy’s hearing is going. I noticed that when he was in my bathroom this morning waiting for me to get ready. He was laying on one of the small rugs and when I spoke to him, he did not move. When I lightly touched him he jumped. I walked around him so that he could see me from the front and he did not immediately jump up. Today I am noticing his age. My poor boy. The joys of getting older! We had a good night. I took him outside right away for a pee and then fed him his supper before we head out for a walk. OMG, it was so beautiful outside last night after work. I am getting home by 4:30 which is early. When I carpooled before, it was usually 5:00 or later. Definitely helps catching a ride with someone you directly work with that is for sure. I am grateful that at least at night I am only losing 1/2 hour of personal time. The morning well that is a different story and time away from Alvin a total other story. Yesterday my neighbour Sonja popped by a couple of times to check on him, make sure he goes outside, has something to eat and to drink and then she has snuggle time. I appreciate that. We are like family and she feels like a daughter to me. We both love her very much. She is a kind-hearted lovely human being. I am so grateful that I am surrounded by good people. Very grateful.

Tonight after work, my daughter is picking me up from work. We are going to get some keys cut as I want to ensure that everyone looking after Alvin has a key so that I don’t have to play “chase the key” when the schedule changes. Amanda is sleeping over and I am so excited. Last night I made a huge apple crisp with some of the apples from my friend Pauline. I had to try some even though it was late to eat at 8:07 p.m. Turned out pretty good, I must say.

Well time to head on downstairs so that I can take Mr. Alvin outside again. He will need to poop (yes, I am talking about that subject again, lol) again before I leave for work. Remember p-o-o-p is important to keep track of – it can tell you so much about your health.

I hope that you have a great Friday. Another sunny warm fall day on the way. I am so happy.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

Thank goodness coffee is free at work especially with the soaring prices.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: thank you for this day and I am grateful it is almost the weekend.

Last HALF 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. I suppose if I am totally honest, I could have done with a few hours more sleep but it is what it is. Bedtime was in good time last night but I could not settle down. My mind raced as though it were in a huge competition for a large prize. I could not shut it down. A few hours of tossing and turning and Alvin was awake and needing to go downstairs. I managed to coax him to stay in bed but it did not last long. Next thing I know we are downstairs and the clock said 1:30. Yup, 1:30 in the morning but even anywhere remotely close to 3:00 or 4:00. So sweater on, poop bags in pocket and with the flashlight on my phone turned on, we were outside. The air was cool and crisp and lovely. Alvin went pee. Afterwards he walked the length of the fence doing some hard core sniffing and occasionally he would stop and start to paw the grass. I am not sure what he thought that he was finding but there was nothing there. Humphrey and Bogart were inside the house and very likely fast asleep but not me and Alvin. I followed him back and forth as he sniffed at the base of the fence and pawed at the grass. He did not actually dig it up. Thankfully. This carried on for what seemed like forever before I snapped him up and placed him onto the deck. I walked toward the back door as he stood there looking off the deck to near the fence. Something was enticing him. Finally he came into the house. I did not look at the clock but headed to the sofa where we both laid down. Of course, he did not settle down and neither did I. Next thing I know Alvin is up, I could see that the sun was shining through the partially open blind. I picked up my phone to check the time and noticed it was 5:53 (alarm set for 6:00), I got up and went to the kitchen where I gave him one of his glucosamine chews. Next I took his food and pumpkin out of the fridge along with the coffee can setting them on the counter. I grabbed the measuring cup and his dish out of the dishwasher as I walked by to the pantry where I scooped up some of his dry food. Back to the counter where the wet food and pumpkin waited. Next I added the pumpkin and wet food to the dry food in his dish and mixed it together. Then I set his bowl on the floor beside him and then set about to prepare my coffee. First filling the pot with cold water and then adding the coffee. I turned around to see him sitting on the yoga mat and he had not touched his food at all. He was sitting very straight and not uttering a sound. So I picked up his dish and carried it with me to the sofa where I placed it on the floor beside me and he followed. He took a slight bit of coaxing before he ate his food. Then I put on my sweater and my flip flops as I opened the back door and stepped out into the “actual morning” air. So refreshing. Still not quite awake, I followed Alvin as he went across the deck to jump down onto the grass. I took a slight detour and the steps down onto the deck. He did his business and started to sniff again but I took matters into my own hands and turned him toward the deck. I lifted him up onto the deck and then back into the house. In the house I noticed that the time said 6:13, so I decided to reset the alarm to 6:30 and headed upstairs. I quickly made the bed and then laid down where Alvin joined me. We snuggled and I just laid there. In my head, I was saying some affirmations with the hopes that I would feel more rested when the alarm went back off. I will say that I did somewhat. Now it is 7:00 a.m. and I am ready to take Mr. Alvin for a nice walk before starting work.

Work, everything revolves around it ….. money ……. time …….

I hope that you have a great day.

Happy Monday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compasion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Only 22 sleeps till I turn 65. Yesterday was a good day. Mostly relaxing and I am most thankful for that.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well we had pure sunshine with a clear blue sky until a short time ago and now the clouds are rolling in. Guess what? Alvin slept until 3:45 (1st wake up) and then until the alarm went off at 6:45. I cannot believe it. Only woke up once. He never sleeps that long without eating. He ate his food with me by his side because some days he likes me right there while he eats and all the time when he drinks. Not sure if his sight is beginning to go or he is just a needy guy. Anyway, does not matter, I am thankful that he is still with me after last year so I am happy to be at his side. Work was “yucky” for lack of a better word yesterday so I was kind of grumpy last night. Not mean or yelling – just feeling sad about the whole thing. Anyway, I do not like to speak about my work so I will leave it there.

I am so grateful to have good friends and neighbours in my life, in our lives.

Everyday we prepare more for the upcoming garage sale. Some more items were brought over yesterday and last night for set up on Friday night. I think we will have a nice amount of things but not too much. I am excited for Saturday and hopefully Mr. Alvin will stay quiet and remain in the house for the most part. Hard to do a garage sale with your pup wondering about (would be on leash, of course).

We had a walk at lunch time yesterday which was great stopping at our friend Pauline’s house. She may have been at home but we did not see her. It was nice just to see her yard and all of her beautiful flowers.

Well it is almost time to start work. I sure hope that today is a quiet day “at work.”

I hope that you are well. Thank you for reading my posts. I know that some days the content may be lacking but I write in the moment – whatever comes to my mind. There are times when I have lots to say and others that I do not.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 47 days until that number 65th birthday …..

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? Me, while I am a bit on the tired side. We went to bed just after 9:00 p.m…… Alvin was up at 11:30, 1:30, 3:45, 4:16 and 6:00 and then the alarm went off at 6:45 and I hit snooze for 15 minutes. ARGH. Not sure what is the problem. He does not appear to be feeling ill. Just off his sleep routine for some reason. Anyway, I am hoping that tonight we get a great night’s sleep. He is now whining at the doorway.

Today is the actual birthday of my friend Signe, we had her birthday party in my garage on Saturday. Happy Birthday to a great friend. My life would not be the same without you. Wishing you much love and laughter, great joy, good health and abundance. Happy Birthday from me and Alvin.

Yesterday we putzed for most of the day finishing laundry, some tidying up and went for a short walk. Nothing too much it was a quiet day. We also heard that one of our friends had a baby girl a few days ago and that was great news. Congratulations to them.

I heard on the weather forecast yesterday that we will have a couple of relatively nice days and then back into the deep freezer. I guess it is still Winter. Valentine’s right around the corner. A month full of birthdays. I have multiple family members and friends celebrating this month.

So on that note HAPPY 1ST DAY OF FEBRUARY 2021.

Definitely is a coffee morning. But really is there ever a morning that is not a “coffee morning?” Not for me. I seldom do not have coffee in the morning. I most especially love the smell of coffee as it perks.

Well I must apologize as this post will be short today. My brain is foggy from lack of sleep and I only hope that I will have some semblance of intelligence as I make my way throughout the day. He is just sitting staring at me. Oh my Alvin.

As I continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion and really working hard on having patience. Today will be a test for sure.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. As we are winding down and fast approaching November with then one month until 2021 …. what are your thoughts? What a year this has been! There have been so many changes and for some people those changes have not been great. For others of us those changes have turned out to be blessings in disguise. I am so grateful that I have a job and that I am working from home. I have said this before and I will say it again, I am ever grateful to my employer. I have found out that I do thoroughly enjoy those rare occasions when I go outside of my house other than our walks. I don’t mind going to the office once every month or so. I don’t mind going to the grocery store once in awhile. Lately as statements come in from my benefit provider, it is giving me cause to get my poop in a group and make some medical appointments ….. like eye checkup and dentist. The dentist and staff were wearing masks even before COVID19 hit the Western World. I would think that they are taking even more precautions like limiting the no of patients at one time. Lots to think about. Do you find that you procrastinate some things and even more during these uncertain times? You are not alone, you are not alone. So much to consider and to think about ……

Well it is five sleeps until Halloween and six sleeps until my Christmas Tree goes up and the house transforms into “Christmas.” I have contacted all the folks in the neighbourhood that I know with children and they all were happy with my idea to drop off bags of treats for their children. I am working on decorating the treat bags for the kids. Then Sunday the TREE goes up. I am so excited. My daughter as agreed to come over and I have a backup to help me erect the tree just in case. Always good to have a plan B. I thought that I would before bed on Friday night, I would take down all of the fall/Halloween decorations and other ornaments and put them in the basement. Maybe even bring up the rubbermaid containers of Christmas decorations and be ready to decorate. I could do some of the decorating before the tree goes up. Those are my thoughts for now – time will tell.

Yesterday my girl friends were over for coffee in the morning. We always have a great time. One of the girls brought over muffins and the other gave me my own little Halloween treat bag. They spoil me. Love these girls, they are the best. I am so blessed to have great friends, truly.

Alvin and I went for a walk in the afternoon before I watched the LIVE Open House for my friend Amber’s Fifth Avenue Jewelry Collection. I enjoy seeing all of the new jewelry. GUESS WHAT? Mr. Alvin hardly fussed at all in his new sweater and in fact, we did the whole walk without any unnecessary stopping. It was great.

I also watch “THEN CAME YOU” twice yesterday. Really loving that movie.

I am so excited that our weather is going to be all plus temperatures for the next two weeks with multiple days in the high single digits and even going into the double digits. The bunnies will be able to forage for food easier and longer.

Well time to go and put on the coffee. I hit the snooze and then the time on the microwave a couple of times this morning. ARGH. Oh well, there is time to make coffee and get ready to start work before my 8:00 a.m. start time.

Have an awesome Monday. If we all live our lives with kindness and respect for ALL, what a wonderful world this would be and can be.

I/We shall remain, As Always Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Yay, it is Friday morning.

I love Fridays.

The beginning of the weekend.

Perhaps stay up a bit later tonight.

Sleep in tomorrow morning.

So many possibilities.

Gotta love that.

 

Last night Alvin and I did our second full walk in as many days.

Just as we were exiting the park and heading toward Teddy’s house; I lost my footing and slipped on some ice.

There was water nearby and of course, I managed to get soaked from my coat to my pants to my boots to my gloves on my left side.

My pride was ruffled just a tad and I was miserable for a moment as we were not near home and walking in wet clothes even on a warm winter’s night is not comfortable.

Gratefully I was not hurt.

I was/had been so careful.

After that, Mr. Alvin kept stopping and turning around.

I guess that was his way of ensuring that I was okay.

They know, they really do.

Not more than two minutes later we came upon Teddy and Kobi’s house.

Alvin wanted to go in and even more so when we saw and heard Teddy in the upstairs window.

Unfortunately they are quarantined as Kobi had diarrhea from possibly eating some of her poop.

Puppies will do that.

I know that I had to keep an eagle eye on her when I was home.

Now during the day, I had no control.

Only hope.

Poor Teddy could not understand why we were not coming in and neither could Mr. Alvin.

I felt really badly.

We miss them and also Aunt J.

One more week to go and then we can see them.

Two weeks was the order from their Vet.

 

Last night Mr. Alvin was up at 1:30 a.m. and I let him outside to pee.

We laid on the sofa instead of going back upstairs and he slept until moments before the alarm went off.

I guess he likes the sofa.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs.

I hope that you had a great week.

 

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Crazy Day #2 of Baking.

OMG, what a day I had yesterday.

Got up but perhaps not quite as early as I had wished.

Anyway popped in a load of laundry.

Made coffee and had breakfast.

Then prepared for Alvin’s hair cut.

I placed the cover on the counter and pulled out the clipper set.

I sipped on my coffee and pulled out the clipper but did not see the blade?

What?

I picked up the attachments and looked under everything to no avail.

I looked under the sink, three times no actually four.

I looked in every kitchen drawer a handful of times or more.

In the pantries.

Under the sink again.

Then I had the gut wrenching thought that I had thrown it out when I had recently cleaned under the sink.

I think that I had cleaned it and placed it on a lid so it would dry.

When I cleaned under the sink – just thought it was the old one.

Not sure why that was but anyway – it was gone.

So there went my plan to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath.

Next step bake cookies.

So I started with the fudge as that is the way that I roll.

Figured something easy and less stressful.

As clearly my morning was not going to plan.

ARGH, I said, ARGH.

Well not really and surprisingly enough I did not have a meltdown.

I was proud of how I just moved on.

I think that Alvin was SHOCKED as well.

I made a double batch of fudge.

Checked on the laundry.

Then started on the SUGAR COOKIES.

I had to bake a batch of them for my girl friends.

The love them and besides they gave me the ingredients.

Cannot say NO to that.

I was late starting the cookies, I would say about 1:00 p.m. so about 3:30-4:00 the baking was done.

The cookies were cooling on the table.

We had to get out for a walk.

So we did.

On our way I heard this alarm going off in a house across the street from where we were walking.

Not too far from us.

I immediately thought smoke detector.

It was hard to tell.

I was just going to ask someone to help when the garage door beside me opened up.

I yelled in …. Can you help me?

A young man came out and I explained.

We crossed the street as we were right across from his house.

He rang the doorbell with no response.

He did not think it was the smoke alarm but thought it was perhaps the house alarm.

It stopped at one point.

He said that it sounded exactly like the garage alarm at his work.

I was still concerned but went on our way.

On the way home I stopped and at first did not heard it but then it started again.

There was no signs of anything wrong.

I was so relieved.

But also happy that I did not hear a fire truck later on ….

Then home to feed Alvin and make my supper.

Somewhere in there my friends dropped off their cookie tins.

One of the girls stayed and we chatted for a bit.

Nice break.

Followed by icing the several dozen SUGAR COOKIES and still working on laundry.

Did massive amounts of dishes throughout the day.

My hands are so dry this morning.

Packed up the cookies about 8:00 PM or so and delivered one parcel of them to one of the girls.

The other said she will pick them up today along with fudge for her boys.

They love my fudge so I always make sure they get some ….

After I returned home I spent the next few hours baking CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.

I made SEVEN batches which is about 10 dozen give or take.

So time to get this show on the road.

Time to have breakfast and COFFEE, OMG, I need that brown/black liquid.

Energy do not fail me now.

Two batches of Sugar Cookies and ice them.

One double batch of Fudge.

Retrieve the dried laundry from the basement.

Go for a walk.

Prepare for work.

Write out a couple of cards for people in the neighbourhood.

Not sure what else at this point.

Will be happy to be done baking.

The mince tarts will wait until closer to Christmas.

I took the lazy way out.

Bought tart shells and a jar of mincemeat.

Done.

 

Okay, I have to run.

I hope that you have an awesome Sunday.

I think we will have a great one.

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Wednesday morning and the sky is blue with bright sunshine.

The air is filled with the hum of cars on the nearby highway as people go to work.

Last night, Teddy’s Mom asked if he could stay with us for a few days as her two-legged son was in the hospital.

He lives several hours away and I totally understand about wanting to be with your child.

We said “yes” without hesitation.

Teddy arrived last night.

We ended up not going for a walk due to humidity and threat of storm.

So with Teddy’s arrival …. Alvin got some exercise and time outside with his friend.

I am happy that I got up when the alarm went off as with an extra body it does take longer.

The alarm these days is on my phone and it is the sound of birds chirping ….

Some mornings when we “use” the alarm I actually have to stop and think about where the sounds are coming from.

But we are almost ready.

One more trip outside after this post.

I have some photos from a few minutes ago to share.

What a great way to begin the day with these two cutie pies.

They bring me great joy there is no doubt about that ….

Teddy likes to turn down the blanket …. or rather play under it …

 

Acts of kindness filled with respect are always in style.

 

Time to fly.

We are grateful to be of help to our friends.

We are grateful for this amazing sunshine.

We are grateful for all things green.

We are grateful for our health, very important.

Most of all we are grateful for each other.

Me and Alvin…..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of July, 2018.

We had a shower overnight.

Did not hear a thing – must have been sound asleep.

Alvin did not stir until almost the time that the alarm went off (or would have, rather).

The sky remains overcast.

Deciding what to wear …. changed my mind completely from what I had laid out.

 

Again this morning Mr. Alvin urged me to massage his neck area and when I stopped he “asked politely for me to continue.”

He also did not wish to eat right away this morning.

Ate banana first (which is a first).

He does not seem to be ill but I will have him checked out on our regular visit (which is soon).

I suppose just could be an age thing.

OH, I hope so.

Please send lots of positive energy our way for me Alvin (cannot hurt).

 

I can hear the traffic buzzing on the highway.

Oh, he just asked “please again.”

 

Have to run.

Alvin needs me and it is almost time to leave for work.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Good energy for us all.

 

Special Hello to: my sisters ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of June, 2018.

The very last day of June, 2018.

It is a very gorgeous morning with the sun shining on full tilt and there is a slight breeze.

This will make our walk in a few minutes absolute perfection.

 

Master Teddy slept over last night.

I wished that I had a camera with me at this moment as both Alvin and Teddy are laying on the little blue blanket beside me on the floor.

So very cute.

Last night it was a long night between the boys trying to find their most comfortable spot on the bed and the FIREWORKS.

I think they got the night wrong.

It was almost laughable as Teddy would lay on the “other pillow” beside me and then Alvin had to be next to me on the other side.

Only thing – there was no room as generally I lay almost near the edge – only leaving enough room to roll to the other side at some point.

They were back and forth.

One would move by my legs on one side and the other would go to the opposite side same spot.

This carried on virtually all night.

Until Alvin decided it was time to get out of bed at 4:09 a.m.

I know that time exactly as I looked at the alarm clock.

Teddy was still sleeping beside me on the pillow.

Funny to watch them – not funny getting not much sleep.

 

They are funny to watch at breakfast at well.

Alvin wants to eat Teddy’s food and Teddy eats Alvin’s.

Teddy is not much of a breakfast eater so just made sure that he ate something.

After breakfast and going outside which Teddy did not “want” to pee.

That always scares me.

We headed back to the sofa for some zzz’s.

Let’s face it … I needed some more of those little guys.

Alvin laid in his usual spot and Teddy jumped up on the sofa and laid on me.

I was laying on my side up against the back of the sofa and that is where is got all comfy cosy.

There was no movement for me for the next few hours.

Up about 7:30 ….. I moved without thinking and Teddy slid to the sofa without even waking up.

Once again we went outside.

Nothing from Teddy, still scaring me.

Upstairs so that I could take a shower.

I wanted both of them with me.

Alvin gets separation anxiety when he is not in the same room as me when I am at home.

I had placed a “puppy pee pad” in the room last night – just in case.

While I was drying off – Teddy used the pee pad – thankfully it was there.

I figured it would be a good idea to have them both in the office while I was writing my post.

I brought in a clean pee pad – just in case.

Better to be prepared than the opposite.

I have been on the opposite side and it is not pretty.

These boys are so cute.

They both want to be right next to me.

Nice to be wanted.

Well time for us to go for a walk.

It will be perfect with the breeze.

Before it gets busy outside.

 

Something else to note.

Teddy has a bit of an ear infection and is taking some ear drops.

He was quite the trooper, no flinching, no fussing.

I wished that Alvin would take a page from him.

 

Have a wonderful Saturday.

I am going to enjoy my day with the boys.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks watching some puppy friends …. enjoy the time.  Watch them and learn.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy.