The Next Chapter

Good Morning! What a sky this morning! The sky is grey with smoke. No clear blue sky in sight. There appears to be no breeze this morning as my neighbour’s trees to the south are still. In fact, I would say that the world, my world, my neighbourhood is still. I can only hear the hum of traffic coming a few miles away from the highway that circles the City of Edmonton called the Anthony Henday. Today is Saturday. I do feel much better than yesterday. The extraction sites have totally clotted which is great. I feel like I have continual bad breathe but I guess that is part for the course. I have been using a syringe to squirt some salt water over the extraction site so hopefully that aids in the healing process. With smoky skies one sure does not wish to spend much time outside. I have laundry to do so that will give me something to do inside the house and some cleaning. Today is only day two so I cannot get too carried away.

Yesterday after work Amanda came over to drop off an umbrella for the patio. Unfortunately do not need it at the moment. Likely good anyway as I am not supposed to overdo things for a couple of days. Lifting laundry up and downstairs is likely enough. I want to do everything that I am supposed to do to ensure that the extraction sites heal properly and with no issues. We also took a quick trip to Save-On Foods to pick up a few items as I have to eat soft foods for a good 7 days. So eggs, mashed potatoes, creamy soup, applesauce and yogurt and jello are in my menu plan. I can see me growing tired of these things quickly or maybe not. I normally do not eat a lot of soup or potatoes or eggs or applesauce or jello. LOL. Oh well things are going well. I am so grateful to my daughter for helping me. I also picked up the tickets for the office pool and for me. We had won some free plays and $2.00 from our tickets and I wanted to get the tickets for last night’s draw and for today. I would love to win the lottery and retire. Sounds good, right? Time will tell.

I sure hope that Alberta gets some rain, some serious moisture so extinguish the fires permanently. My thoughts go out to all those affected by the fires. Amanda was mentioning to me that they were thinking of fostering a dog affected by the fires. There are firefighters that go to homes to look after pets because their people were not able to take them with them. Why is this even happening? Why can’t they take their beloved pets? I understand if people are going to a shelter but a lot of people are going to family and friends. I know there are likely valid reasons but to leave them behind. I don’t think to rely on firefighters to go back is a good way to go. What if they forget? What if the fire comes? There must be a way to help with the pets. What is happening to the cattle, horses and goats and other farm animals? Are they just left behind to fend for themselves? Because humans start the majority of fires – animals suffer because we are so stupid, arrogant and careless! My heart hurts for them all. I wish that I could swoop down and pick them all up and place them in green pastures with food and water safe from any harm. I hope that someone will help. Animals are important!

Well I guess I should go and start the laundry. I have a few things to do today. I also bought a beautiful lavender plant at the store yesterday and a pot of yellow begonias. I put them outside and then brought them into the house for overnight. They would not get much sunshine anyway with the smoke so they will be okay in the house for now. This may not be a great year for plants.

I hope that you and your family are safe and doing well. Have a wonderful Saturday.

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

I am missing coffee but apparently coffee, the caffeine can hinder the healing process. I would love to have a cup of coffee right now. But I want to follow the rules so that I do not have any issues with the extraction sites. The things you learn. I do not remember all of this from the last time that I had teeth extracted but that was many decades ago and that would have been wisdom teeth.

Always, Carol & Alvin, my Forever Angel

The Next Chapter

Good Morning. Went to bed with clear blue skies and warm temperatures and woke up to the smell of smoke earlier. I immediately closed my bedroom window. The skies are filled with smoke this morning. This is the first time that it has been really smoky here in my neighbourhood. There may have been other days with the wind that other parts of the City of Edmonton were smoky from the wildfires but this is the worse. The wind is so strong and is blowing the trees with their young leaves from side to side. To all my fellow Albertans, I wish you to be safe. I pray that all the wildlife and domestic animals are safe from the fires. My heart hurts as I know that there has been so much loss of life when it comes to animals, insects and birds. The loss of trees. We, humans have to be better. Stop being careless! Please.

So different between yesterday morning and this morning. One morning bright with blue skies and the next grey and the smell of smoke in the air burns my eyes and hurts my nose. The smoke from our wildfires as I have mentioned previously has been blown by strong spring winds to other parts of Canada and even into the U.S. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to breathe if you are surrounded by smoke.

This post is short. My mind is foggy with thoughts of smoke and fires. I am grateful that the temperature has decreased today and for a few days.

Please be safe and strong. Look after your animals and yourself.

Time for coffee and I should go and put the cushions from my patio furniture into the garage although they will smell like smoke now. Maybe I should just leave them. Not sure. I am grateful to be working from home.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

Photos of my flowers from last spring waiting to be planted. I cannot wait to pick up some this year.

Flowers to plant

The Next Chapter

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? We have had some rain off and on since early yesterday. I pray that the areas affected by the wildfires are getting some of this moisture without the lightning. To all those folks that were able to go back home, I pray that the damages were minimal. On the news last night I saw a farmer speaking of the loss of his beloved animals. They were saved from the first evacuation and then the fire started up again and they were trapped in the barn. My heart bleeds for the loss of them and all of the dear animal life lost.

The fluff

Our trees

Our trees

Our trees

Our trees

Our trees

Signs of life

Last night at the park

Cloudy skies

Fruit bush in park

New life

My fav tree

Beautiful

overcast

Eddie & Bruno

Photos taken recently. The “Our Trees” were taken in the morning of my tree and the neighbours. The park photos were taken on my walk after supper. I had a lovely walk. This time I took my phone so that I could take some photos of our world coming back to life after the winter. The lovely pups in the last photo are neighbours. Eddie & Bruno. Eddie is social like Mr. Alvin and Bruno does not like the lime light so much. I saw them at the park across the lake and called out to their Mom who was taking them for a walk. After saying hello from a distance, we carried on our way. Who would have guessed that I would have walked all the round and they were just coming out of the park on that side. We chatted and started to walk together. Another pup Bailey and her Dad were coming. All the dogs know each other. Eddie and Bailey were playing. Bruno was just watching and trying to say out of their way. We had a great visit. Bailey is the pup that with her Dad were here one night when the kids and my grand pups were leaving. Bailey wanted to play with Aspen. So cute.

Time to go. I hope that you have an awesome Tuesday. Prayers going out to the areas affected by the wildfires, I hope that they are under control and no further damage to life or property.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Is it hot where you are? It is, I would say perfect at this very moment but in a few hours it is going to be very hot. I am grateful that we are able to get up and go for walks early. This morning, Alvin woke up at 4:45 a.m. so we laid back down for a bit and then reset the alarm and then up at 6:15 a.m. – I had a hard time falling asleep last night. Anyway, we went for our walk at 6:40 a.m. and got back a about ten minutes ago. The coffee is perking. The fans are turned on and we are settling in for the day. This is going to be a hot week and as someone recently told me ….. whether it is minus 30’s or plus 30’s, I am not a fan. I totally agree. In the twenties plus celsius is plenty warm enough. This is not fun temperature for anyone and people struggle to keep cool. I feel for the animals. Those heavy fur coats. I am grateful that we slugged through and got Alvin’s hair cut and bath done on Saturday. He does seem to sleep better draped with a wet towel. Just a bit cool water but not freezing cold. I also put the wet towel on him during the day when we were chilling on the sofa. I will say one thing, I sure do not feel like eating much when it is hot. As long as we hydrate that is most important.

We did come across some other pups out for a morning stroll with their humans. The birds were / are chirping their morning songs. The roses by the park smell incredible. I can hear the hum of an electric saw and now pounding. The sun is shining brightly and there was a refreshing breeze filling the air when we walked and now coming in through the office window. I put the fan on in the bedroom so it can waft into the hallway for Alvin as he patiently waits for me to finish so that we can go downstairs. The work week has begun.

Well I am glad that I was able to get out and get Alvin’s food on the weekend so we are good for awhile. I have enough food for the week. We can walk in the early morning and then just keep cool the rest of the time.

I guess that is all for me today. There is not much new with me and Alvin. Just living our lives day by day. At this point just trying to keep cool. Watching movies at night to take our minds off the heat. Watering our beloved plants and flowers at night just as the sun is beginning to dip so that it is not so hot. Everyone / Everything needs to be hydrated.

I hope that you have a wonderful Monday. Stay cool and be well and safe.

Living each day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. Wishing all of our neighbours to the south, yes you United States of America – a very Happy Thanksgiving. Now I know that sounds a bit frivolous but no matter what is going on in our lives, we always have so much to be thankful, to be grateful for.

This is my list for 2020:

1. Firstly, I am grateful to be in good health, that Alvin is in good health and my family and friends.
2. I am grateful that every morning I can swing my legs over the side of the bed and feel my feet touch the floor.
3. I am grateful that I can walk into the bathroom off my bedroom use the sink with running hot and cold water to wash my face and brush my teeth.
4. I am grateful that I have indoor plumbing with no carrying any kind of pail outside to dispose of or have to go outside to an shack to “go.”
5. I am grateful that I have eyes to see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and to see the stars on a clear night and the glorious moon high in the sky. That I can see the faces of my dear family and friends.
6. I am grateful that I can hear Alvin when he barks or cries, that I can hear my the birds chirping in the early morning, and that I can hear my daughter’s soft lovely voice. That I can hear.
7. I am grateful that I have the means to have my own home, my own home for the first time in my live. Something that is mine.
8. I am grateful that I can afford to eat good food.
9. I am grateful that during this pandemic my daughter and my friends have graciously and without a second thought, added my shopping needs to their own.
10. I am grateful that I live in Canada.
11. I am grateful to be employed and that my employers have been so considerate of their staff during this pandemic.
12. I am grateful that I am still employed and that I am able to work from home. This is the best thing to come out of 2020 and that is being at home with Alvin everyday.
13. I am grateful that I have the technology to keep in touch with family and friends and to write this post everyday.
14. I am grateful that my son-in-law’s brother “D” who had the heart transplant one year ago, is doing so well and able to continue to live a great life and to celebrate another Christmas with family and friends.
15. I am grateful for each breath I take and that they are easy.
16. I am grateful to have books to read.
17. I am grateful that I can help animals and humans when needed.
18. I am grateful that I have the strength to shovel the winter snow.
19. I am grateful to be surrounded by kind, loving, supportive and compassionate family, friends and neighbours.
20. I am grateful for my life.

Well time to go to work. I am grateful for my job. I will continue to live my life in gratitude, with kindness and respect for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – final quarter

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? TFIG, thank goodness. Halloween is tomorrow and then I will be putting up my Christmas Tree and decorating my house. So excited. Today our office is hosting a virtual Halloween Costume Contest. Interesting. There are prizes of course and everyone that participates receives an one hour off coupon. One hour off means you have a hour off from work and you get paid for that hour. YAY. They have done this since I started at the Corporation and it is a wonderful thing to do for your staff. A little pick me up. We are also given this coupon on our birthdays. So nice touch. I decided to go simple. No elaborate costume. I will try and get some photos and post them tomorrow on Halloween. Not so easy to take a full length photo of yourself or even half way up when you have to hold things. Teddy and Kobie will be coming this morning so perhaps I could ask their Mom to snap a couple of photos for me to share with you tomorrow. I decided to book Monday off as a day of vacation and am thrilled to do that. Are you dressing up for Halloween? Are your children going trick or treating? This seems to be a conundrum for most parents. What to do? The kids and let’s face it most parents do as well, this one night of the year that everyone can put on a costume, bought or homemade and go for a walk in their neighbourhoods and get free candy. Who doesn’t like that? I love that. It has been many years since I went trick or treating. This year as I have mentioned, Alvin and I are going to deliver treats to the children in our neighborhood that we know well. I have already made arrangements with parents and they are excited that we are doing this for the kids. Actually truth be known it is as much for me as it is for them. I love Halloween and if it COVID19 had not hit, I would be handing out treats and checking out all of the costumes. Even Alvin has relaxed a bit more over the years. Anyway. Sometimes things change beyond our control and we just make the best of the situation and that is what I am doing. Some children are still getting treats and I am still able to see the kids. Perhaps not in costumes but just to see them and chat for a minute is all I need. We have such great neighbours, I am so blessed.

So that is Halloween plan.

The wind is blowing and apparently something is blowing in and I do not wish to say what and I am hoping that that “something” blows on through. Next week there are a couple of days on the long range forecast that show double digit temperatures. Now that is the way to get into November. That is a way to shorten winter although technically we are still in FALL. Also on Sunday we change our clocks. FALL BACKWARD. So we will get an extra hour of sleep, gotta love that for sure. Good for us “bear types” that like to hibernate, er, I mean sleep. OMG.

Well I have a few finishing touches to put on my costume and put on the coffee as well. I love my morning coffee. One of my favourite things in the morning. Also I love watching Mr. Alvin doing his morning stretches. He does them every morning. Man, animals are smart. I am not and should be stretching when I get out of bed. I could be learning something from my boy.

I hope that you continue to live your life with respect and kindness for yourself and for all others. We need each other.

I/We shall remain, as Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Oh my heavens it is COLD out there.

I thought that Mr. Alvin wanted to go out for like the third time this morning so I donned my coat and mitts and shoes but he stayed back.

No barking.

He did not need any kind of coaxing for the times that he was outside this morning.

Back into the house in a big hurry.

I do not blame him.

Please ensure that if you must go outside today at any time that you are bundling up in many warm layers.

Natural fibers like wool are always good to be wearing when it is bitterly cold outside.

I know that some folks are out walking their larger pups but please ensure they have boots and coats on.

Most of these dogs do not have long fur coats plus the pads on the bottom of their paws freeze very easily.

Be mindful.

 

Well today is Wednesday.

I have been posting my tips for the reduction of plastics and just all round tips for reducing waste and being mindful.

Mindful of what you are using and doing with all of this plastic stuff.

Really do you need to purchase five cases of water ….. most municipalities in Canada have drinkable water.

Do not forget that some of the microplastic from these disposable water bottles come loose and float around in the water.

We are drinking microplastics.

Not only plastics but all sorts of garbage are finding their way into the oceans.

Most marine life can be found with garbage in them.

Eventually they will die.

Wildlife are falling prey to our wasteful manners.

I do not wish to preach but sometimes we all need to step back and think about what we are doing to ourselves, to others, to the animal, bird, insect, and marine life on this planet.

To the trees and to the flowers and to the grasses.

Do you really need the latest fashion?

If you already have five black sweaters or more.

Take a trip to Goodwill or to a Consignment store.

People are setting up shops online selling gently used clothing items and more.

 

Well time to leave for work.

Finish getting ready.

 

Oh big news.

My son-in-law’s brother went home yesterday.

He had a heart transplant at the end of November 2019.

So happy he is doing well.

 

I hope that you are safe and warm.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, good morning …. I miss the early morning sunrises.

Yesterday was the OFFICIAL day of FALL / Autumn.

My tree out front has almost entirely turned to a beautiful yellow.

Some of the leaves have fallen to the ground covering the green grass with a crunchy yellow gold blanket.

I do love the colours of fall.

Warm and rich.

I am going to stay positive with the hope that the weather will hold for a few more weeks at least.

It would be wonderful if the days would remain the same as this past weekend.

We had in the mid 20 degree days with lots of sunshine.

So beautiful.

I am so grateful that we had lots of walks.

I had extra ones with my grand pups here on Saturday.

 

I was looking at my flowers in the front and back raised beds and the ones on the deck.

Soon it will be time to trim them back.

Soon I guess with a tear in my eye it will be time to put away the patio furniture and prepare for that next season.

There was not even a day (except for last weekend) to put out the white and blue patterned pillows for the second patio set.

They remained in bags in the garage all summer long.

Our summer was more like a combination of spring and fall with flowers.

My SNAPDRAGONS insist with the recent sunshine to bloom in all their glory.

A beautiful site to behold.

 

The marigolds are doing quite well, too.

 

On this Tuesday, I think about how very blessed I am.

I live in my very own home.

I have Alvin as my steadfast companion.

I am surrounded by great friends and neighbors.

I have the best family on the planet.

I am employed.

I am in good health.

Feeling very happy and blessed.

 

 

Remember most people and animals are drawn to those who are kind and respectful.

Why not take the time, make the time.

To treat every being you encounter with kindness and respect.

Why not?

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

 

OH, A STORM

Thunder and lightning.

Lightning and thunder.

Rain.

Boom

More flashes of light.

I can hear the pitter patter of rain drops as they hit the window.

Alvin stirring once again.

Up and down all night long.

Inside and out.

Drying those paws.

Was it the storm?

Or something else?

Animals are intuitive.

Something was up.

So, feeling a bit sleepy this morn.

Now the clouds are breaking up as the sky lightens and the sun begins to make an appearance.

The house is warm.

Humidity levels high.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket.

Ah, my boy.

Oh, a storm.

 

Written by CY Lewis, July 24, 2019

 

With kindness and with respect

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to the last day of June 2019.

How did that happen?

WOW …..

Bright sunny morning with a bit of a breeze.

In about one hour – Master Teddy will arrive to spend the day with us.

I, we always love to have Teddy spend time with us.

He brings an instant joy and energy wherever he comes to our home.

I dare not mention him before he comes or Alvin will spend the time at the window watching for him.

Same goes for Teddy.

Except Teddy will just run around making it hard to catch him.

So his Mama does not say anything until they are on their way.

Although I am pretty sure he knows at that point that he is coming to our house.

It is so amazing that these wonderful beings are excited to come and see us.

I love being surrounded by these amazing creatures.

They don’t care what you are wearing or if you have on makeup.

Doesn’t matter if you have dishes drying in the sink or if you have a pillow out of place.

There is no judgment of any sort.

They just love you for you and perhaps a treat or two.

If you treat them with respect, kindness and with love they will be loyal for a lifetime.

They do not ask for much.

Animals are more forgiving than humans.

It breaks my heart to read stories about the horrible treatment of animals whether domesticated or in the wild.

But why?

Why do we always have to do such things.

We could learn so much for all of the other inhabitants of this earth.

So on this last day of June take note of how you treat all of the non-human creatures on this planet.

If we all change our ways just a bit ….

Can you imagine what a wonderful world this would be?

If we treat animals better … then we treat each other better.

Be kind and respectful, always.

 

Happy Sunday.

May your day be filled with sunshine and rainbows.

May you be joyful and surrounded with laughter and abundance.

Life is good.

 

All my babies and me.

They bring such joy to my life.

And no matter what …. there is kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin