A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! I, we had a pretty good sleep. Up a couple of times but all in all, not bad. Always helps matters when I am able to work from home. A person could even have a nap on lunch break if one was tired, right? We are experiencing a cold snap. I guess more like winter than the previous few weeks. A mix of weather is good, I think. Do you ever wonder if it is a cold or allergies that you have? Just a random question that popped into my mind. Sorry, lol.

This is good news, Alvin’s poop seems to be getting closer to normal the past couple of days. I am so relieved. This morning or on my lunch break to call his Doctor and give her an update. I started to mix in more of his food and give him some of his hard food as a snack. Seems to be going okay thus far. Fingers crossed.

Sometimes you just need to see some cuteness …… photo time…… Alvin and family and friends and some flowers ……..

A proper Gentleman

A great way to start the week with photos of Alvin and his family and friends. They are all like family. Special shout out to Sir Elton and Miss Penny who passed away in 2016. We miss you guys. We love to be surrounded by all the joy that these beings bring us. Always love in my heart and a smile on my face. Cuteness abound. Thank you Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Bogart, Teddy, Kobi, Bailey, Cookie and Duck…..

Have a wonderful Monday. Great way to begin the week.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! Well today is Saturday and I am happy about the weekend. We were off to a rough start last night as Mr. Alvin was not happy about something and spent a considerable amount of time whining and going in and outside to the backyard. In the meantime, I had taken the ornaments off the tree, removed the lights and unpackaged and tested the new lights for the tree. It was well after supper (we ate very early and I had the dishes done before 5 p.m.) that our “fun” began. I had taken five of the six strands of new lights and plugged them in end to end, I had miscalculated a step and stepped on one strand of lights which broke one of them. Right away I picked up all of the tiny pieces and threw them into the garbage. Then I unplugged that strand from the line and went to see if I could remove the remainder of the bulb. I decided as the instructions were clear about only plugging in five sets of lights in one plug so I decided to just use the five strands for now. It took awhile to get the lights on and then I started to decorate the tree. I was not happy with how it was looking and Alvin was still miserable about something or other. At one point and it was just a few minutes after 8:00 p.m., he barked and then went upstairs, I had to follow to ensure that he made it up okay. Up on the bed he went while I turned on the bathroom light so he would have some light upstairs. I went back downstairs to continue decorating the tree. A few minutes later, very few, guess who was back downstairs. He was not having a good night. He was whining and barking and it is very hard on a person, “me.” Anyway, no matter what I did he was not happy and I was growing more miserable and mad by the minute so I made an executive decision to just stop and watch a bit of television without even the tree lights on. We say in semi-darkness watching television for a bit. I checked my messages and found one from a neighbour. Apparently they had accidentally sold me their Mom’s good hand blender at a garage sale a couple of months ago and were wondering if they could buy it back. I really had to laugh as I had wondered why someone (who cooked and baked a lot) would give up a KitchenAid hand mixer at a garage sale. I replied “of course.” I guess it was a good thing that it was me and not someone that they did not know. She offered me $30 but I texted back that I only paid $18. Definitely not taking more money for something – that would not be fair or even good on any level. We are friends. Sometimes accidents happen. I am just happen that they had not sold it to an unknown. We were in bed by 10:30 and I did not even read. It took me a long time to fall asleep because of the evening’s events but that was okay. Lucky for me, I did fall asleep and Alvin slept through until after 4:00 a.m. and then we were up at 7:00 (I was wondering why he kept bugging me and then I saw the time, well of course, he was hungry). Anyway, I removed the ornaments that I had put on the tree before I went to bed so this morning, I played with the lights and branches, rearranging and such. I reached a point where I was moderately satisfied with how the tree looked before starting to redecorate. I carefully placed the ANGELS all over the tree before starting to put on other of my favorite ornaments. When I looked at the clock and due in part to Mr. Alvin whining once again by the door and realizing that Humphrey & Bogart were outside and that is where he wanted to be with his friends. Even with a fence between them, he wanted to be out there. He is giving me that look so I suppose it is time to head back downstairs and finish the tree. It will likely take me another couple of hours or so. There be laundry to do and cleaning. A walk with the boy later this afternoon.

The sunrise is beautiful. Pale colours fill the sky. I am once again calm and laughing at how I stepped on and broke a light and then this morning I plugged the strand in and only some of the lights are working. Also this morning or was it last night, oh, last night, while removing the decorations I dropped one of the smaller red round ornaments. Back out with the broom. Okay two things have been broken and that is enough. Wish me luck. Perhaps it was not such a great idea on a Friday evening after a full week to be redecorating the tree. I should have just taken the ornaments off and left until this morning but oh well, would a, should a, could a.

Wish me luck again.

Have a great day.

I think that I will wait for awhile before attempting to fix the toilet handle, lol.

Need coffee.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: always brings me back to COFFEE.

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Afternoon All, as I pull out from under a blanket and freshly showered after being almost two days in my pj’s. Feeling human again. Tis the season for giving and receiving. I guess that I picked up a bug somewhere along the line. It happens.

We were deeply saddened to hear of a loss to a family who live nearby. Their 47 year old son was killed in a workplace accident over the weekend. I was told last night by a phone call from another neighbour. Today I struggle with calling them to extend my deepest sympathies. A card lays on the counter for them.

The day has been mostly sunny and warm. Mr. Alvin has been enjoying having me all to himself. I would love to take him for a walk so that he can enjoy the sunshine. Perhaps a bit later. Fresh air is always good for everyone.

Sunday night was so enjoyable. I had supper with my friends Pauline and Al and another neighbour of theirs and friend, also, Lucy. We laughed and laughed. Al cooked us a “fish fry” ….. nothing like fresh fish from this summer’s catch (froze till now). The food was great, the company even better. We learned a new card game which was so much fun. I am grateful to have such amazing friends.

Monday morning, I woke up with a sore throat and headache. Not a great way to begin a week but nonetheless, it did. Thankfully it is over now and I feel close to normal. Refreshed from the shower. I drank lots of tea with ginger when I was awake.

I just wanted to reach out so that you did not think that I disappeared. I am here. Mr. Alvin just sauntered into the office wagging his little tail and walked onto his bed and is sitting there looking at me. I wished that I knew what he was thinking. Er, maybe not.

Time to head downstairs and perhaps do a couple of little things. Not going to overdo it, no, no No.

Have a great rest of the day!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well on this Thursday morning. Last night we went to bed a bit earlier than usual as I was SO tired. Lights were out before 9:30 and guess who was awake and needed to go outside at 11:00 p.m., not the Momma, lol. Up and outside we went. Someone really had to poop, there is that word again. Well it is something that every creature does in some way, shape or form. Just is. Why we have an aversion to it, well some reasons are obvious and some not so much. Back to the story. I made an executive decision to just lay down on the sofa and curl up under the red blanket next to Alvin. It seemed like I had been sleeping for awhile when was someone was awake once again, I picked up my phone and checked the time, it was 3:40 a.m. I got up and gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside, we went. Back to the sofa until 5:15 a.m., now we are up and getting ready for the day. Yesterday I was already and just snuggling by Alvin on the sofa ready to put on my coat, scarf, mitts and then boots when I noticed a text from my carpool. She had texted me at 6:00 a.m. to let me know that she had woke up with a sore throat and was going to work from home. I texted her back followed by texting my Manager and also Alvin’s caregiver. Then I went to work unpacking my laptop and things to get set up to work from home. Today we are going to the office. Alvin is confused I am sure. One day I get ready and then do not leave and the next I do!

I was watching a bit of the CMA’s, Country Music Awards from U.S. and it left me thinking after I heard them announce the nominees for the SONG OF THE YEAR – I know how these award shows work, I have watched them over the years. This time was different. Maybe I have changed, but I was left with a semi sour taste in my mouth. Here we are giving awards to people from writing a song granted that song has to likely sell so many copies or be played on so many radio stations but REALLY, we are awarding people for writing a song. Just seems a little sad. So many people the world over do important work and never hear anything positive much less receive an award. Perhaps I am overthinking things, I do not know but it does make me a bit sad. The other thing that makes me wonder is all the glamorous costumes and outfits that entertainers wear and on some of these television shows, what a waste of resources. More stuff for the landfill. Now I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade, I am just stating facts. Perhaps we all need to take a step back and see how much waste and unnecessary use of resources there is and maybe do something about it. Just a thought!

Back to my reality. Alvin is laying down on the rug outside the office door as I type/key these words. I am surrounded by plants and things. Even at home, I am aware of how many things I have that really are not necessary to live my life and I am not adding to those things or at least very minimally. We all have things we only use once or twice a year and to be honest most people hang onto to things that they used once a decade ago and never recycled. Remember your “unused items” may be someone else’s treasures. None of us are perfect but we have to try to be better citizens of this planet.

Time to head downstairs and have Mr. Alvin go you know what again, P&P. Maybe that should be the new code word, lol. Anyway, I think I need a coffee as this post has really got off track.

This date is really important to me as it was the birthday of my brother Jeff who passed away over a decade ago. I miss you buddy and wish you were here. Happy Birthday our Angel. I think of you often.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thinking of all our Angels today ………

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you well. We had another good sleep although for some reason I still keep clicking on the “snooze” button, perhaps it is more of a habit than anything, I do not know OR perhaps it because of the rain and no sunshine. I had a glimmer of hope last night when the rain stopped and the clouds began to part and I could see sunshine and blue sky but alas that did not last. Even this morning I was sure somewhere between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. – I saw the sun. But looking out of the office window right now the sky is grey. Yuck. I would love some sunshine.

I think that I am going to share some cute puppy photos today. Perhaps that will bring some sunshine, smiles to our faces:

Being Goofy

Georgie

Al & Cookie

Alvin & Kobi

Handsome Guy

Three Amigos

BFF Teddy with Alvin

Aspen & Milo

Bogart

Humphrey

Angels Elton & Penny

Angel Casey

New sweater

Cuteness

Kobi and Milo

Humphrey

Elton & Penny

Penny

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Temporary bedroom 2014

I just had to add some photos of Alvin’s friends Humphrey and Bogart, the cats next door.

Hope these will bring a smile to your face. Maybe even clear the rain clouds. My poor flowers are praying for sunshine.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 34 days till 65

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are doing well. Today marks the 58th birthday of my brother who watches down over our family. Happy Birthday Jeff. I miss your laugh, your kind heart and you. Your spirit is free to fly wherever you like. Happy Birthday!.

This is a busy birthday month for family and friends. The daughter of a dear friend of mine turned 35 years old yesterday, I cannot believe she is 35. Happy Birthday Courtney.

Tomorrow is the birthday of my special nephew Taylor. Another kind hearted man. I have known him since he was in his Mum’s tummy. Happy Birthday my buddy.

My Dad’s birthday is on Friday, November 12th and he would have been 88 years old.

My nephew John, the son of my brother Jeff celebrates a birthday on the 15th of this month. Happy Birthday early John.

Do you have certain months of the year that are filled with birthdays? November is one of those months for me and my family. I have another niece and nephew with birthdays in the later part of the month along with several friends.

We celebrate each and every one that was born on this day! May your day be filled with love and laughter, good health and abundance as every day should be.

As the sun begins to rise for the day, I remember all those people that are missing from my life all too early.

Remember them with love, compassion, understanding and with laughter.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.

What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.

To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.

Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.

Happy Happy Birthday buddy.

We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.

Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.

Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis

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  Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

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  Alvin getting to know his new family

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  Alvin’s Foster Parents ….. he was so loved there……

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

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  Alvin at home…..

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  Me and Alvin

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

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  Alvin in the snow…..

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  We miss Simone’s hair cuts……

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  Girls saying good-bye to Alvin

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  Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

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  Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.

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  Alvin and Penny …..

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  I know that I am cute.

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  Outside with Mom

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  Top of stairs, body?

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  Enjoying the flowers

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  Miss Penny & Alvin

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  Me and my duck

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  Temporary bedroom

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  Alvin, one of my babies

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  Winter, argh.

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  Treat time.

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  What?

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  Relaxing.

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  Gift form Val

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  Walking with Mom

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  Another Adventure

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  Alvin & Elton

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  Me & pups

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  Alvin, Penny & Elton

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  Me and my Alvin

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  Alvin’s BF Humphrey

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  Humphrey & Alvin

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  Just chilling

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  Alvin

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  Alvin

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  Loving Broccoli

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  At Pauline’s

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  Alvin & his BF Teddy

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  A proper Gentleman

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  BF Teddy

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  Nephew Milo

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  Niece Aspen

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  Kobi and Milo

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  Teddy

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  Filters cuteness

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  Mr. Alvin going for a walk

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  Cuteness

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  In kitchen with Mom

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  Ah, Mom

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  2020 Adventure with Me

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  Alvin Xmas 2020, litte scared of the money

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  Alvin’s new winter coat

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  New sweater

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

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  Miss Penny, an Angel

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  Teddy and his little sis Kobi

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  Profile of Mr. Alvin

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  Casey, our Angel

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  The boy

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  Baby Bailey

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  Many years ago before a haircut

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  Abi, his girlfriend, now an Angel

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  Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother

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  Bogart, last summer

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  Angels Elton & Penny

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  Amanda & Steve & Elton

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  Me and Alvin Oct 2013

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  Amanda, Steve, Elton & Penny

Wishing you all a great day.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Love Mom

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Welcome to Friday morning. Do you believe in Angels? So I have my photo library running as my screensaver and desktop. When I turned on my computer and then went about brushing my teeth etc. while things loaded, I came back and sat down to go into WORDPRESS and the first photo that appeared on my screen was a photo of my Mother pregnant with my youngest brother and then a photo of my second youngest brother. Both my Mother and second youngest Brother have passed away. They both passed away many years ago. My eyes opened so wide when I saw them. Perhaps they showed up just to let me know that I/We are going to be okay but whatever the reason, I am feeling pretty great at this moment in time. Grateful that I have so many beautiful photographs of my Mom and my Brother. Ones that I have out and can see each and everyday of my life. What a good way to begin one’s day.

Great to wake up and see no additional snow on the ground. Actually I should say that I am grateful to wake up period. That is always a good start to any day. I am grateful for my life despite some hiccups along the way. Let’s face things honestly ….. no one has the perfect life. There are always going to be times when life seems to be throwing balls of crap in our direction. Most times we are directing that said crap in our direction whether we acknowledge it or not. If we think that life is great, that we are grateful for each breath, for each day, for our homes and our families, for our jobs, for everything ….. and really mean it ….. then life will and is pretty great. Not to say that there are not problems/issues/situations that arise but you can get through them by showing gratitude. State it and get over it. Somedays work drives me crazy but on the other hand I am over the moon grateful that I am employed and that I can work from home. I am grateful that I earn a decent salary and can afford to live in this house, our home. More positive than negative. I guess we can always look at the pros and cons in any situation. If we are honest.

Well it is getting on here and I have to get that coffee perking. I prepared the coffee and it is ready to be plugged in. Love the smell of coffee perking.

I am excited for another weekend. So excited that next weekend is Halloween and Christmas decorating. So excited. Possibly should get out and pick up some fresh produce. Our stock is getting low.

We wish you a good, no a great day. May you be surround with love and laughter, support and compassion, kindness and respect.

I/We remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: have to investigate the memory with my phone and photos and all of that so that I can share some recent photos. I miss sharing them with you.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and we awoke to much warmer temperatures.

I went outside with Alvin and I did not lose my breath.

I am, we are so grateful for this change.

 

Yesterday was both a day of incredible highs and incredible lows.

We woke up to the day being Alvin’s 11th Birthday.

Thank you to all of our Facebook friends for their birthday wishes for Alvin.

A short walk in the afternoon as it was still too cold for a long one.

We relaxed and enjoyed the day.

Later in the afternoon I waited for Teddy and his Mom to arrive.

Teddy to stay with Alvin for a visit on his birthday and me to go with his Mom for groceries.

Just a few minutes before she arrived; there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door to see our friend “A” from down the street and her Mom.

There was something about her demeanor and the fact that Abi (Alvin’s longtime girlfriend) was not with her.

I knew in my heart that something terrible, horrible had happened.

We stepped into the house and they told me that Abi had passed a few days ago.

It was sudden and so unexpected.

She was 11.5 years old.

I, We loved her so much.

She was the cutest beagle on the planet.

Everytime we were out for a walk and she spotted us/me, she would pull on her leash and cry out to come see me/us.

I always received kisses.

Sometimes I would be on my way home from work and she would spot me and come running with her Mom is tow.

Alvin and Abi would roll about on the lawn obviously to those around them.

They hit it off right from the start.

Oh my gosh how we loved her …. hard to say loved …. we love her.

I cannot locate a photo of her at the moment.

These flowers are for her.

 

Fly with the angels, Abi.

Many kisses to you our darling friend.

We miss you today, tomorrow and always.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, here we are it is Monday morning.

We have had one day at our changed time.

I would say we are doing okay.

 

I had a great coffee date with my young friends yesterday morning.

The hostess baked a pumpkin loaf which was so yummy.

She sent the remainder home with me, I am so lucky.

Following the visit with the girls; Alvin and I went for a walk.

It was just starting to snow.

The itsy bitsy tiny snowflakes that look like very very small snowballs.

It was not cold out which was nice but we both had our winter coats on all the same.

Once back home, I tackled the tree.

Adding on the Angels, the berry fillers and poinsettia heads.

Now the tree is perfection.

I carried up one hundred million rubbermaid containers filled with all sorts of Christmas decorations.

I have so much stuff.

Each time I pull something out of the container, I was reminded of a different time, of someone or some place.

Such great memories.

I found that Alvin’s green chair fit in the kitchen beside the on its’ side IKEA bookcase once it was slid further down.

YAY, me.

Everything looks nice and cozy.

Nice and cozy it is.

Now this week I have to clean up the basement as it looks like the TASMANIAN DEVIL whirled through the space.

Leaving no container untouched.

Leaving no space unfilled.

YUP, I am that TASMANIAN SHE DEVIL.

At my best.

I think that Alvin is happy it is over and I can get back to snuggling and paying attention to him.

 

This time of year always gets me to thinking.

Of all the ANGELS that left us recently and long ago.

Of what I should do, what I can do and what I will do.

So many thoughts and only so much time.

I guess that I had better be getting to it.

 

Well here we go again, almost time to leave for work.

Gather up my lunch and stuff.

Pick up the poop outside.

All of that and more.

 

I wish you a wonderful Monday.

May your life be filled with all good things.

If you consider for just one moment ….

How blessed you, we are ….

There may be a neighbour or a friend who is going through hard times.

A gift of time ….

A gift of something you don’t need and they could use.

Something from your gift closet for their children for Christmas??

There is always something that you can do for others.

Unfortunately there is always a need …..

Spread your good fortune, your blessings.

With Kindness and Respect ….

What a wonderful world this would/could be!

 

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin