Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD blast of winter again this morning.

Yesterday though the temperatures did warm enough and we managed to get a walk in after work.

Alvin and I walked over to see Teddy and his Aunt J.

It was good to go inside and visit and warm up.

I am always happy to see them.

Teddy lights our world.

He runs and is so happy to see us.

Sometimes he jumps into my arms.

 

This morning was the fastest that I have ever seen Mr. Alvin “pee.”

I know that is perhaps a bit personal or too much information but gives you an idea of how cold it is this morning.

Forecast was for minus 44 with windchill this morning.

YIKES.

He wants to go out but every time I open the door he breathes in the cold air, I see his breath, and comes back.

So might have to put on his winter coat and go out with him.

I wished that he would wear boots.

Perhaps I should try and put some socks on his paws, just to see what he will do.

I am making an assumption that he wouldn’t like little boots/socks but perhaps he wouldn’t mind.

 

He will need to “poop.”

Okay, sorry, too much information.

But even though it is serious business there is an element of humour there.

Sorry Mr. Alvin …..

 

We will ALL be so happy to have spring.

I can only imagine what the wildlife are going through at this time.

Between frigid temperatures and so much snow.

I wished that I look after them all.

The bird, the bunnies and the deer.

 

Now once again they are stating that during the day it will warm up again with tomorrow being minus 3 or 4.

I would say that might feel like “shorts” weather if I were so inclined.

It has been such a long COLD winter and I am afraid that I need to get some exercise in but it is hard to get motivated.

 

Well I should go and see if I can get him outside to do his business.

Poor guy.

Thankfully he wouldn’t let me trim his paws too much.

 

Please ensure that all PUPS are indoors on these cold days.

If you have a neighbour or know someone who leaves a doggie outside, please report this to the authorities.

This is not acceptable behaviour.

Thank you.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Please keep warm and safe.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “W” …. thanks for reading.  Drop a line.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 9th day of November, 2018.

Here we are.

The last day of the first full week of November.

We had a good night.

Both Alvin and I were only up once and that was at 3:00 a.m.

Puppies went outside for a moment and then we were back to bed until time for breakfast at 5:15 a.m.

After they ate we hit the sofa for some snuggles and a few more zzz’s.

Because why wouldn’t we when I do not have to go to work today.

I took today as a vacation day and so happy that I did.

 

Last night when I arrived home from work ….. greeted as I came up the walk by Teddy’s barking.

As soon as he sees me getting out of the car he starts to bark.

When I open the door they both practically jump into my arms.

Most especially Master Teddy.

Both happy to see me.

Being greeted by two happy pups is just double the happiness.

What a great way to end the work day and begin the evening at home.

After looking after them I went to the mailbox to pick up the parcel that our friend from Regina sent to us.

Alvin was excited at the word PARCEL.

He knows what that means.

A present for him.

Here are some of the photos of the boys and the parcel…..

 

The parcel from our friend for the boys was a big bag of treats.

They were so excited.

Alvin most especially.

 

Well time for a shower.

The boys are napping on the blue blanket beside me.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

If there is a way for me to post the video of the pups opening the treats I will post later.

I think that I have tried before …..

 

Happy Friday.

Also get to see my daughter tonight after she is done at work.

Another trip to COSTCO.

Time to make the list.

 

Special Hello to: our friend “V” who always brings joy to our household.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of June, 2018.

What a glorious morning!

Bright sunshine with a tad bit of a breeze.

Alvin and I were up earlier but then back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

I heard one of my neighbour arrive back home from her vacation.

Humphrey will be happy to have her back and I will miss my snuggles with him.

Last night was special.

He wanted up.

He made it very clear.

So I picked him up.

He sat on his backside on my lap with his back against my chest and his front paws draped over one of my arms.

I stroked him with the other hand as he nestled his head against my hand.

He purred like I have never heard him purr before as he was just loving that moment.

The sound of his purring filled the room.

Oh Humphrey you are quite the cat.

After a few minutes of “cat heaven” he started to get restless and wanted down.

He wants to do what he wanted to do when he wants to do it.

That is a fact.

 

Yesterday was a grand day.

When I was mowing the front lawn I had Alvin watching my every move from our open living room window to Humphrey sitting in his open living room window.

The only difference he was meowing loudly wanting my attention.

I would go over to the window and he would settle down.

Then I would walk away and he started to claw at the screen.

I was scared that he may chew the screen and make his getaway but thankfully that did not happen.

The grass was long and with my little push lawn mower and the babies at their perspective windows; it took way longer to complete this task.

Alvin was so happy when I was done.

So this weekend I spent time going between both homes keeping the babies company.

Obviously more time at my house but you get the picture.

I wished that Humphrey would be okay with dogs as Alvin would love to have him over.

May someday.

 

We spent most of the day actually outside and in between did laundry and a bit of cleaning.

There was even a midday rain shower just to keep us in check.

 

So today will be a less physical when it comes to work around here.

Just the usual getting ready for work week things.

I like to make porridge (steel cut oats) ahead for a few days.

Prepping lunch.

I already picked out my clothing for the week, so that is done.

I finished putting away the laundry this morning.

 

Sometimes it is the small things in life that are the most pleasing and satisfying.

Time with Alvin and Humphrey.

Mowing the grass and raking.

Having coffee on the deck enjoying the summer air.

Enjoying the scent of my flowers.

Watching Alvin sniffing the flowers.

Watching a movie.

Cleaning the house.

Quiet time.

 

I am so grateful that I have my own home.

I am so grateful that I am employed.

I am so grateful that I am surrounded by loving, supportive family and friends.

Truly grateful for my life.

 

Well time to go and get dressed, have breakfast and make coffee.

I love having coffee in the morning.

I wish you the most wonderful day surrounded by goodness.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who live in their lives in joy and kindness.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of June, 2015.

It is a glorious morning here at my house in Edmonton.

There is a breeze, the sky is almost overcast with the sun peeking through in spots.

Yesterday I took half of a day vacation from the office and came home for the afternoon.

I made a few stops before arriving at the house.

Stopped at Shoppers and then at Save-on.

The one out of the ordinary item that I bought was one of those bags that is on wheels.

My daughter told me that I should get one and it would be easier to carry groceries home.

I really didn’t want to because it kind of made me feel “old.”

Now I know that shouldn’t be as I see all ages pulling those “carts” around filled with things.

It wasn’t the easiest thing to load.

Trying to hold the full grocery bag and load it into the bag …. took a few tries.

I have the recycled bags so perhaps the plastic might have been easier but oh well.

I am trying to do my part for the environment.

After loaded I did find it easy to pull home….. so much easier on my shoulders and arms and hands.

The main reason I took the afternoon off was to paint the front porch.

I will admit that I have kind of procrastinated on doing it but it is done.

There are pictures to prove my hard work.

There was a bit of a wind …. actually it was quite windy …. not gale force.

But from the looks of my hair, clothing and the landing you might think it was a strong strong wind.

Now all white and pristine.

Looks pretty good for a non-professional and it was fun.

There was only one thing … Mr. Alvin.

I put the baby gate up at the door so that he could at least see me.

Didn’t work so much as he just sat there and “cried.”

I did not wish to take it down as I knew he would be running to one of the neighbours or the other.

So I just tried to be reassuring ….. “Your Momma is here.”

Or perhaps he didn’t think I was doing a great job.

Or perhaps he thought I may fall off of the ladder.

Anyway it is done.

In the fall it will be door frame and window frames.

YAY ….

I am so proud of myself….

Now it is your turn …. try something outside your regular comfort zone.

Well time to finish my coffee and get dressed as Mr. Alvin has an appointment for his regular pedicure.

His favourite thing to do …. NOT …..

I have a long to do list and I am going to accomplish every item and be all done by six o’clock tonight.

YAY …..

Have to have the house in ship shape for my Steeped Tea par-TEA next Saturday.

Besides always good to get the rest of my spring “cleaning” done.

Blinds ….. cupboards ….. you know.

Have a awesome Saturday.

Special Hello to: all you folks who are stretching and doing things outside of your regular routine.  Congratulations

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of May, 2015.

It is overcast and very windy.

We did however receive some rain overnight which is great.

Perhaps it will rain over the course of the day and that would be wonderful as it is so needed.

Well I had the best start to the long weekend.

Yesterday started off with bootcamp.

This one was very engaging ….

Found out “all of the arms work” really engaging when I went to dry my hair after a nice warm shower.

I could barely lift my arms …… arg ….

This morning they feel great …. not tired ….. they feel strong.  YAY.

My friend “S” and I went shopping/ running errands after bootcamp.

First stop was the VET to pick up food for Alvin and some treats for him.

Our second stop was Home Depot to pick up some more flowers.

OMG, I could have bought every single flower there.

I picked up a ready made pot filled with pinks and white flowers.

Impatiens and I think begonias to plant for the front porch.

Petunias, and some others that I am not certain of their names.

Have to read the labels.

Also small basket of purple pansies.

So pretty.

I LOVE FLOWERS.

I LOVE LOVE FLOWERS.

They make me so happy.

The colours.

There was one tiny white flower that filled the air with the most amazing fragrance.

I made sure that I picked up some of them.

I decided to plant them (was hoping today) later.

Later might be tomorrow.

They are carefully sitting in the garage by the window.

Will check them later to see if they need a drink of water.

After our stop at Home Depot we went to Costco.

Now that store on a Friday was “busy” …..

People were doing silly driving parking things.

Well of course when you go to Costco …. do you ever stick to the list?  NOPE. Never.

After all doesn’t everyone need a ten pound bag of carrots ….

Apparently me and Alvin did …..

One last stop before home.

Save-On for the winning lotto tickets.

P.S. the one item that I really should have picked up was new house phones because apparently mine are not working …. just filled with static when someone calls ….. I did find out that they can hear me quite fine……..

It was wonderful to spend time with my friend “S” ….. we laughed and chatted and laughed.

Great time.

Now on this quiet Saturday ….

The only sounds in the house are the clock tick tock ing in the bathroom, the sound of the keys as I type these words and the wind as it blows through the upper vents.

Friday was great …… exercise, shopping, walk with Alvin and then being at home.

So on this quiet lovely Saturday morning I hope that you too are enjoying your day.

I love being in my home ….. just puttering …. doing laundry ….. sipping on a cup of coffee ….. just being.

I did think however after yet another bootcamp that I had better get out my yoga equipment and get stretching.

It is amazing as you get older how inflexible you become if you do not work at it.

So I am going to ……

I want to be the most healthy almost 58 year old woman…..

So time to go and get at it.

Remember to take time for yourself. ….

If you like flowers….. go to and pick up some to plant or a ready made pot.

If you do not have the extra money to buy flowers today then just go and spend some time at one of the retail garden stores.

Smell them and take in all of the amazing colours.

This experience will uplift and bring you to a great place.

Well I hear the laundry calling and another cup of coffee …. perhaps I will drink it while it is “hot.”

Have a wonderful Saturday …..

Special Hello to: my daughter and family …. we miss you guys.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – October 8, 2013

Chapter Three:

October 1, 2013

“Jeannie, it’s me, ” I say in a firm hushed tone as she turns her head to the sound of my voice.

October 2, 2013

Jean smiles at me with warmth but something is missing, and I want so much to believe that this is real and that we are all together again; safe and happy.

October 3, 2013

Alvin who has been still (which is highly uncharacteristic of him) suddenly pulls on his leash and brings me forward with a jerking motion, as we are now within touching range; my heart almost stops and I gasp aloud.

October 4, 2013

Suddenly I hear the sweet soft voice of my sister “Grace” telling me “Do not worry” as my mind spins confused; I do not know what to say as I just stand there close enough to smell their scents.

October 5, 2013

I can hear Alvin sniffing, and as I turn my head to see what is happening he has jumped up on Edward’s legs wanting attention, and the reaction is startling.

October 6, 2013

“Please stop”, I yell at Edward, as I dive toward them.

October 7, 2013

Edward had reached down and pulled Alvin up by his harness holding him tightly in a football hold; as my poor boy whimpered, and all the while squirming to get away.

October 8, 2013

I was only a few seconds behind Alvin as I went tumbling through the air, and much to my surprise landing in Jack’s arms.