2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? It is still dark looking more like night than morning. But that is what it is at this time of year. I think that is why we have some issues with our sleeping patterns at this time of year. At least I know that I do. It just seems weird to be getting up in the darkness for work and it was even more strange when I physically had to leave the house in the dark. At least my commute is short and I can have the lights on so it does not totally feel like night unless I look out the window, lol. Anyway soon the sun will rise. When we were out earlier the moon appeared to covered partially by clouds. Maybe it will be an overcast kind of day, time will tell. GUESS WHAT? We have a visitor. Alvin’s BFF Teddy spent the night with us. He arrived around 6 p.m. last night and will be here for this morning and part of the afternoon, I think. The boys are so cute. Alvin seems like the “in your face, wants everything now (food)” and Teddy is this “little, quiet, chill little one.” I get such a kick out of watching them interact. You should have caught the arrival. Teddy’s Mom pulled the car up to the sidewalk out front and got out, opened the back passenger door and all I could see was this bolt of black&white and then I realized he wasn’t coming up the steps, he accidentally went up the neighbour’s sidewalks as it was dark and his Mom had pulled up closer to their walk than ours. It was cute. Alvin was waiting on the porch. I called, his Mom called as she approached the steps and he caming running like a lightning bolt, if it could run. Oh what a sight. He ran into the house with his Mom coming in and closing the door. Yes, Alvin and I were already in the house. He made a beeline from the front to the back door and then stopped to jump up and say hi to me and then to Alvin. The boys ran about for a few minutes before settling in. Teddy’s Mom stayed for a quick visit. Afterwards I finished my supper that had been warmed in the oven and was too hot to eat before they arrived. After I got the dishes done and cleaned up and set up my workspace we settled down to watch some television with Alvin snuggling on my right side and Teddy on my lap. I think that Alvin sometimes wishes that he was more of a lap dog. He just is too big. But he does like to snuggle right up against me. At bedtime, well that is another story. Alvin of course lays close to me and then Teddy likes to snuggle by my legs. Sometimes it can get a bit awkward as he snuggles in when I lay down between my legs as I sleep on my back initially as I am reading. So I have to pick him up and move him over a bit and then get comfortable before he does. Usually it takes a little bit to get everyone settled. But they are so cute. At this moment, Mr. Alvin is sleeping outside the office door in the hallway and Teddy is downstairs on the sofa. When we got up earlier and ended up on the sofa, the same thing happens as does on the bed. Teddy wasn’t wanting anything to eat so he will eat later. He did not want supper at home last night and his Mom was a bit worried but when Alvin had his bedtime snack, Teddy had some food as well. So it worked out. Teddy remains snuggled up on the sofa on the red cozy blanket. Well it is time to head on downstairs. Another mild day on the way. It was warm outside earlier when we were out. I can smell the delectable aroma of coffee perking (in my mind) so I better go.

Have an awesome Monday. Be safe and well.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy

P.S. I am grateful that Alvin has a good friend who can come by for a sleepover from time to time.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 23rd day of May, 2018.

I started to key/type Tuesday the 22nd day of May, 2018 before I realized that it was mid week already.

WOW, when Monday is a stat holiday and you take Tuesday as a vacation day, the week really goes by quickly.

Yesterday we went for a walk bright and early (for us) before it got too warm.

Chatted with my sister a couple of times via FB messenger, which was nice.

We really had a quiet day and enjoyed my last day of vacation.

Back to work today.

But what a short week.

Can only imagine what it would be like to be home all of the time, retired.

Getting up when you chose to.

Taking on whatever projects you wanted to as money and time were not an object.

Does everything always boil down to time and or money?

Most of the time unfortunately it does.

But the choices we make bring us to the places of arrival.

The bright blue sky of a few minutes ago on the north side of the house has diminished somewhat due to some cloud cover at the south side of the house.

What a difference a few feet can make.

I have the windows open and you can hear the roar of vehicles on the nearby highway as folks travel to and from work.

Today is to be plus 30 degrees celsius.

 

So on this Wednesday I am going to continue to dream.

I dream of the day when I will retire.

Sleeping in if I wish.

Taking on whatever projects I wish as I will have more time.

But not to lose sight of today and making the most of each second, minute and hour.

 

Well here it is almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you all had a great long weekend.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of September, 2017.

The coolness of the morning air is so welcome.

So much easier to sleep when it cools down at night.

Fall is almost here.

My favourite season of all.

Another day of hot weather …..

Although I do love the renewal and rebirth of spring.

So mid week already – don’t you just love long weekends as they bring a short week ahead.

I now have to start catching the earlier bus once again so have to train myself to get up earlier.

It was not so easy this morning but have to start.

Yesterday was a few minutes late arriving at work because of more stops, construction and traffic.

It was odd.

I rechecked the schedule and it would appear that my bus is back so time to make the change.

Well on this catching the bus earlier morning – I shall say bye for now.

I hope that you have an awesome Wednesday.

Take in that air ….. go for a walk.

Special Hello to: all those folks who love to walk.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 28th day of August, 2017.

The sky is begin to brighten as the days grow shorter with our sunrises later.

The grand-puppies are coming to spend the day with Alvin.

I only just mentioned to him and it brought him running from outside.

Hard to believe that the weekend is over.

Whenever you are having fun the time flies.

Well I will have to make this short as I have a couple of things to do to prepare for the grand-puppies arrival.

I hope that you all had an awesome weekend.

Ours was FANTASTIC.

Happy Monday to you all.

 

Special Hello to: my friends all over this country and the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 28th day of July, 2017.

Yay, it is the weekend.

Good thing as the heat of yesterday and the storm of last night has me needing some extra sleep.

I do love storms as long as the lightning is far away and no hail or torrential downpours or gale force winds.

Not that watching the rain come pouring out of the sky so fast it gives you cause to take a deep breath.

I as most reasonable human beings does not appreciate the damage that can come as a result of a summer storm.

The force of nature in a storm is out of this world.

So I am a cautiously optimistic storm watcher.

Alvin, thank goodness does not appear to get to freaked out over storms.

Perhaps that is because I am pretty cool about the whole thing.

Sometimes the first clap of thunder might set me to jumping but otherwise I am pretty relaxed.

Bearing in mind what can happen and being careful to watch for the signs.

I have been in the path of a tornado and because I was taken by it – did not take precautions.

Fortunately I was okay but the house directly south of ours at the time was not so.

So live and learn (if you are lucky to do so).

Be careful and be safe.

Well a bit cooler forecast for today …. 26 degrees celsius which is better than 30+

 

Have an awesome Friday and I will be spending the weekend in anxious preparation for the arrival of my sister on August 4th followed by one of my brother on August 8th.

Life is great.

 

Special Hello to: my siblings …. you all rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 29th day of June, 2015.

Second last day of June ….. we are into summer full swing.

Sun has been blocked by some rain clouds ….. aw just after I watered the flowers.

Up extra early to take Mr. Alvin for a walk just in case it is too hot to do so tonight.

Yesterday was one of the best days of the summer so far.

I got up early and took Mr. Alvin for a walk, watered and weeded by flowers.

Had coffee and got ready for our road trip.

My daughter picked me up and we were on our way.

My nephew has made huge progress and I am so proud of him.

He is a stubborn and very strong kid which has definitely helped him in his recovery.

He still has a way to go but he will make it.

His sense of humour ….. is showing once again.

He loves to tease and he teased his Aunt Carol yesterday.

Just a few minutes after our arrival the rest of the family arrived.

He was just into his wheelchair so we took him for a walk.

Just before it got too too hot.

He loved being outside.

Then we broke for lunch ….. he had his and we went out to a restaurant.

After lunch we went back for a few hours in the afternoon.

We took him into the courtyard and just enjoyed each other’s company and the beautiful day.

Thank goodness for shade and benches.

It was a great day.

Then I returned to me Alvin …… sure missed him.

My neighbour had popped in to check on him so that was very nice.

Well here it is almost time to leave again for work.

Wasn’t that yesterday?

Monday morning always comes quickly.

Oh well …… as long as I have to work.

Perhaps this Friday will be the day that I win the lottery ….. or actually we because my friend and I buy tickets together.

I hope that you had a great Sunday.

I thoroughly enjoyed it beginning, middle and end.

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister and brother …. always enjoy seeing my siblings….. wished you lived just down the street.

Perhaps when I win the lottery you can move to Edmonton …. then we could have coffee on my deck in the mornings while we decide where to volunteer that day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 1st day of June, 2015.

It is bright, sunny with perhaps a slight breeze here in Edmonton.

I had the best Sunday ever …..

My daughter and grand-puppies came over for a pancake breakfast followed by a trip to Dunvegan Gardens.

We were pleasantly surprised to see a line up at the gate upon our arrival.

Checking on-line we saw that they only opened at Noon on Sundays.

So we had a couple of minutes wait having yet another opportunity to catch up, which was fine with me.

We both agreed that walking around the flowers was one of the best ways to spend a Sunday.

The scents were amazing.

I picked up a couple of perennials for my front flower garden as well as beautiful pansies and impatiens and a couple of flowers that do well in partial sun/shade.

Lucky for me, I had bought the exact right amount.

They look so much better than the poor shrubs that had been in that front bed.

My flower bed all planted

Flowers

Breakfast

Well Monday here I come.

It is promising to be a great day.

I hope that you had a lovely Sunday surrounded by love and laughter.

Perhaps you were out and out picking up some flowers to plant in your garden.

Special Hello to: all my friends near and far ….. you are the best.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – October 21, 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.

October 9, 2013

All of a sudden I realize that other than the few words that I have uttered in the minutes that I have been surrounded by my siblings; that not one of them has spoken a word; how odd.

October 10, 2013

I now remember that Grace had told me “not to worry” but did I actually hear her speak those words, and in between the noise and confusion in my head, I hear my Alvin whimpering as he wants to get down.

October 11, 2013

At this very moment, I really do not know what to do; screaming for help will not do me much good, and besides they are my family even though I have a funny feeling they are not from here or maybe it is that I am not from here.

October 12, 2013

This just seems so surreal, and in the moments that pass I am unsure and slightly frightened by all that is happening but I do know one thing for sure – I have to rescue Alvin from his hold and soon.

October 13, 2013

In the next moment, I decide to speak to “my siblings” perhaps I can get the Edward to let Alvin down so that he will not be frightened, and as I think about it; Edward releases Alvin who runs to my side.

October 14, 2013

Everything seems to be happening so fast and so slow all at once … I am grateful that Alvin is once again safe near me.

October 15, 2013

I must do something, and then suddenly without warning I hear all their voices invading my mind, and then one at a time telling me all is well and that you are safe here, but where is “HERE?

October 16, 2013

I certainly feel like screaming my head off but that definitely is not the answer and, as I have been so preoccupied with Alvin and the “siblings”,  I have not noticed that the fog has already lifted considerably and I can now see what is ahead of us.

October 17, 2013

The colour and the clean lines take my breath away, and as the siblings steer us toward the building, I wonder, “Is it a building?”

October 18, 2013

Then I hear their voices each climbing over the other as they try to answer my question.

October 19, 2013

One by one and layer by layer I uncover what they are saying and yes, it is a building; it is where everyone gathers when they arrive here; “HERE” ….

October 20, 2013

Worried feelings enter my body, and I tremble slightly trying not to let these enter my thoughts as I know they will hear them and where is this place; how far have I travelled?

October 21, 2013

I have no idea what to do, nothing is familiar other than Alvin, do I run, will that do any good, what kind of arrival station is this?

Thought for the day….

Good Tuesday morning and today is August 14th, 2012 and it is the birthday of my great nephew AZLIN.

He is SEVEN today.

It seems like yesterday that he was born.

I remember waiting anxiously in the waiting room with his Grandma (my sister) for his arrival.

That was seven years ago today ……. WOW.

It seems like only yesterday.

All these babies being born and now they are seven, nine, ten, two and one …….

When you remember an event and it seems like only yesterday ….

Then someone kindly jogs your memory to tell you that it was ten years ago or more ….

Well that is just crazy.

It seems like only yesterday or maybe three weeks ago that my daughter was born.

She is thirty-two ……

I just turned “55” last week and that seems unreal to me.

I guess age is simply a number ….. something to remind us of all the memories.

Of all the years that we have to be grateful for ….

Happy Birthday my boy ….. your Anta misses you very much.

I hope that you have a great day.

Birthdays are special as they are a reminder of a life lived …..

So remember to remember on your special day ….

That is the most important thing of all ….. the memories..

Your life is a great memory.

Special Hello to:  all everyone …. have a great day.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

In case you were wondering why no blog yesterday … I was home unwell …… but today feel much better.