Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well we were up at 5:30 Alvin had his glucosamine chew, went outside and then had breakfast before we settled down on the sofa until 7:30. We have been up for awhile now. I am happy to report that we had a full walk. Alvin sniffed happily all round our walk. I had to watch him very carefully to ensure that he did not eat something that he should not. It is foggy and humid this morning but with a cool breeze making it comfortable to be outside. There were a few big rain drops during our way and also our large dog friend name Grizzly whom we met a few weeks ago, I believe. Grizzly is a playful big guy and he reached out with his large paw to pet Alvin and Alvin got scared. I guess I would be scared if a huge paw came down on my head. He is truly a gentle giant our Grizzly friend. I did not freak out so Alvin was okay. Just an initial bark and he was okay after that.

Last night before bed I applied for the Canada Pension Plan for which I have been paying into for over 40 years. I wished that I would have applied for OAS at the same time but I had this voice in my head saying it is automatically paid as I had been listening to a YouTube guy speaking about applying for these benefits. Anyway, I just went to apply for OAS and their Government of Canada website is down. So will have to try later. Just wishing I would have done it last night, woe is me, lol. I will keep trying over the course of the day and tomorrow. I did the hard work last night getting all of the signins worked out. Nothing is straightforward with the government or so it would seem. Anyway, it is what it is.

Yesterday we were happy to have Teddy, his little sis Kobi and Aunt Janine stop by for a visit yesterday afternoon. So nice to have company, we thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Alvin was over the moon. So excited to see his friends. It was a great day. Janine and I had coffee and I shared some of my birthday biscotti with her. By the way, Val if you are reading this post – Janine loved the biscotti.

Last night for dessert, I baked an apple crisp with the remaining apples before they spoiled. For the supper portion I made large chicken stir fry. Both were yummy and I will have leftovers for a few days.

There is such a refreshing breeze coming in through the office window. I appreciate it so much. Looking forward to having a cup of coffee earlier than yesterday.

I am so grateful that Alvin had a good weekend. Today is looking good as well. Tomorrow we take an urine sample. That should be interesting.

Oh, I had a lovely chat with one of my brothers, the older of the two who will be turning 60 in a few days. Two days after mine to be exact. I will be having a video chat with my sister today so I want to get everything done. At least I have leftovers for supper so we can always chat after an early supper.

Now I just need to reach out to my youngest brother and have a chat. Also wonderful to chat with my siblings. I miss seeing them. It has been a long over two years since we were together. I am hoping that next summer we are able to have a get together. Time flies and we need to see each other.

What a busy but yet relaxing weekend. There was plenty of time for snuggling with the Alvin and time for visiting with friends, chatting on the phone and doing a bit of work. The work part – well let’s be serious, my house does not really get dirty. I am always picking up and putting things away as I go. That is the secret to keeping things tidy. A bit of dust can easily be wiped. If you keep things clean as you go – less work in the long run. I have learned that in my almost 65 years on this planet.

Wow, today is August 1st and now only 8 days till my birthday on August 9th. Janine and I made plans to have our “Mexican Supper” on my actual birthday so that will be great. I did not have any plans for my actual birthday and now I do so that is great. She is putting together the meal and I am doing dessert. Not sure what yet but I will figure it out. Maybe it should be cake or cupcakes since it is my birthday. I can always run to the grocery store and pick up a couple of pieces of cake or cheesecake, that would be lovely.

I am enjoying the over a week long celebrations. Why not!

Well time to go and perhaps I will try again to apply for OAS which is Old Age Security here in Canada. It is nice that you can apply for and start these benefits and still be working.

Have a great Monday. I am enjoying this long weekend. So great to have the extra day. This Friday is my last day of work before I begin my vacation. I took one week and one day and will enjoy every moment.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 8 sleeps till I turn 65. I cannot wait.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it is Friday, end of the first week back in our old newly renovated office space.

I must say I really like my workspace.

The noise level can sometimes be a major distraction but perhaps in time they will add some paintings or something to the walls to help absorb the sound.

Otherwise so far so good.

Last night we went for a walk but only as far as the park and Alvin turned back (there was no changing his mind).

I found a bit of bile on the main floor; so he definitely had an upset tummy and gas.

I noticed he has had gas for the past couple of days.

So back to only his food, his biscuits from the vet and only small amount of banana and perhaps carrots in the evenings.

No other treats.

I think sometimes it can be too much for the “old” guy.

But this morning all seems well.

I think that excess gas is an age thing.

I will admit that I suffer from “gas attacks” from time to time, okay more often than that.

LOL.

What can I say?

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside my computer chair.

He is always in a hurry to lay down on his blanket.

We have a routine.

That routine will be disrupted this weekend as tomorrow the Teddy and his little sister Kobi arrive.

They will be with us until next Saturday when their Aunt J arrives home from Mexico.

I am excited to visit with Aunt J and catch up.

We always have good visits and suppers together.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up from work.

I always cherish our time together.

 

Post from January 25, 2011.

How long is winter?

I had been asking myself that very question up until the past few days.

It feels like spring outside.

The sun is shining …… I can see and hear the snow melting from the roof …… hip hip hooray !!!

It has been so great that Alvin and I have been going out for walks everyday.

Life is always …. BETTER ….. MORE GREAT – when the sun shines and the snow is melting…..

Have a blessed day….

Always, Carol

In January of 2011, I was still a “retired” individual.

Home with Alvin.

A few months later our lives would change again when I went back to work.

For several years I worked two jobs.

Now just one.

 

I was going to post a random day from years ago and found just a short little post with my logo.

Strange how today the weather is similar, almost ten years later.

**********************************

 

Well almost time to head on downstairs.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Happy Friday.

Be Kind and Respectful to yourself and spread that to all you meet (all).

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, Yup still the A.M.

What a lazy morning.

Except for picking up Humphrey and looking after Cynder ….. it has been a morning of staying in pj’s and drinking coffee.

Now as the morning is evaporating I am thinking that I should get my act together.

Write this post, have a shower and get this day on the way.

The sun is shining and it feels warm outside.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me and Humphrey is under the desk by my feet.

Funny how they ALL feel the urge or need to be with me at all times.

It is groovy.

I think that I will share some more of our Christmas photos and a couple of stories.

 

MILO, Alvin and ASPEN

CHRISTMAS DAY – Kids took the pups for a walk while I prepped items for our supper.

CHRISTMAS with HUMPHREY

Alvin lent a paw as he is the gift opening expert in our family (and always eager to help)!

Humphrey and his gifts …. now I know why he was interested in the bag under our tree.

I read the label and there was “catnip” in some of the toys.

Not your typical Christmas Dinner but it was requested.

Everyone was happy …..

BOXING DAY shenanigans ….. Humphrey decided to be a WINDOW SILL LIVING ORNAMENT.

Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister Kobi, their Mom and her sister, Aunt J ….. paid us a visit.

We had gifts for Teddy and Kobi but for some reason I only had one photo and there was a human in the photo so I decided not to share.

Teddy’s Mom handed me this huge box for Alvin.

So I placed it on the sofa and Alvin set to work opening it.

It took him a long while and I lent a hand here and there.

The gift was in a weed/grass trimmer box.

We had the box exposed when Teddy’s Mom handed a smaller gift to me and said “this is for Alvin.”

I was confused.

It dawned on me that the gift was in fact for me, not for Alvin.

Teddy’s Mom recorded the whole opening.

I was shocked and surprised at the gift.

It was actually a weed/grass trimmer for me.

I have wanted my own for a long time but never making it into the budget.

Teddy’s Dad wanted to get this gift for me, he researched the brand and bought it.

What what a crazy Christmas 2019.

Full of surprises.

 

One shot of all three of the pups …. Kobi dropped the chew treat a split second before I snapped the photo.

It would have been darling to have had all three of them with a chew treat in their mouth.

 

My daughter texted me yesterday to let me know that “my big gift” was still at their home.

She had mentioned Christmas Eve when we were opening the presents that something seemed to be missing.

Yes, something was missing and was home on their kitchen table.

She asked if I would like a picture of the gift and I said “No, thank you, I would like a surprise.”

This truly has been the season for surprises.

 

Well I had better hop into the shower before it is afternoon.

Feeling lazy but that is okay ….

Lots of time to do things…..

 

I hope that you enjoyed your holidays, your Christmas as much as I, we.

Humphrey managed to take over Alvin’s blue blanket and Alvin is patiently waiting in the hallway for me.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey ….

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, well so happy today is Friday.

Wishing my nephew “J” a very Happy Birthday.

Also belated birthday to my Cousin-in-law “W.”

 

We just found out last night that Teddy is going to have a little sister.

Well actually he has one and her name is KOBI.

Last night we heard the great news.

Teddy’s parents are in VEGAS on vacation and adopted a sweet little girl while there.

She is the cutest pup and I am sure that once the initial surprise has wore off Teddy will be a great big brother.

Alvin will have a best friend that has a little sister.

How about that.

Now it will be Alvin, Teddy and Kobi and Humphrey and perhaps Aspen and Milo.

Grandma will have a full house at that rate.

I look forward to many visits from all of the pups and the week at the end of January when Teddy was to stay with us while his parents are in Mexico.

Guess it will be Alvin, Teddy and Miss Kobi.

WOW, cannot wait.

Another beautiful bundle of joy.

Walks might be exciting for a bit.

But on the up side of that at least two of the three I can easily carry.

 

Well I guess it is almost time to leave once again.

So much excitement.

This weekend friends and neighbours down the street are having a CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE.

They hosted one a couple of years ago and it was great.

Check out the crafts, have some refreshments but most of all enjoy great company, they are a wonderful family.

Then next Tuesday it is the SNOWFLAKE COOKIE EVENT, the annual one hosted by the GIRL GUIDES.

The daughter of my friend is a girl guide and participates in the event.

Great time to shop for some cookies to have for Christmas ….

I think that I may have mentioned that I plan to only bake one kind of cookies this year.

SUGAR COOKIES.

They are the ones that everyone loves and they are the most work so why not.

I only ever make them at Christmas so makes sense.

 

Busy times ahead.

Well I had better hit the trail.

Happy Days.

Oh and last night we safely walked over to Teddy’s house to visit for a bit with Aunt J and Teddy as she goes back home on Sunday.

Teddy’s parents and new little sister arrive home this afternoon.

WOW, still cannot believe they are bringing a little one back from their vacation.

 

With kindness and respect, we will be joyful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME to Thursday.

Second last day of the work week for me.

Looking forward to a long weekend.

Teddy and Auntie J are coming over for supper and a visit on Saturday.

Our weather is taking a downturn on Saturday as temperatures are dipping to the minus 25 range.

ARGH.

I am not looking forward to that …..

 

How about a look back on this day a few years back.

I like to do this from time to time.

************************************************

Happy Tuesday, November the 8th.  (2011)

I am so grateful for our great weather.

I wish that it would continue for many weeks to come.

Snow for Christmas would be nice.

You know the light fluffy stuff ….

Coming down softly on Christmas Eve just in time for Santa’s visit.

(A girl can dream, right!)

I know that some years Edmonton has had snow later on.

That would be great.

For all those souls basking in the white stuff ….. it will melt and very soon, I hope.

For this day ….. my thoughts are about the weather and Mother Nature’s designs on it all.

Apparently in 2011 we did not have snow.

******************************************

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of November, 2014.

WOW, one week into November ….

Isn’t that wild?

Well I survived my first Thursday night shift at the store and by that I mean I am up and ready to go to the office and then onto the store for another four hours.

I do love working at Bath and Body Works but was wondering how it would go working until 10:00 p.m. on a Thursday night but so far so good.

It was nice being in the mall on a Thursday night.

It has been raining here off and on for the past day and the deck appears to be wet this morning.

It was so nice and warm as I walked home from the bus stop last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk but missed having my Alvin with me.

Well okay, then, I guess looking back on this day years back is slightly depressing.

I did not remember that we had no snow in 2011 and in 2014 it was raining.

There are a couple of things from 2014 that I will mention.

One is that I was working at Bath & Body Works back then and the kids & pups were living with us at that time.

I loved having them with us ….

Working a second job and sometimes 7 days a week had some ups and downs but it was great.

*************************************

Last night Alvin and I walked over to Teddy’s house.

Warmed up and had a nice visit.

Of course, Alvin ran right over to Teddy’s food dish.

There is always something there for him to finish.

Thankfully they do not mind.

 

Well here we go again.

Almost ready to head downstairs and gather things up for work.

So happy that today is Thursday, payday.

That is always a good thing.

Wishing you an awesome Thursday.

We, including me always have things to work on.

If we take those moments to build ourselves then we can put that forward to others.

Being kind does not only apply to rewinding video tapes.

Oh, I guess that is old school now.

But you know what I mean.

 

Mr. Alvin is patiently laying on his blue blanket.

I decided to change my bracelet from the bangle to a chain one.

So better go and do that.

 

Happy Thursday everyone.

I hope that life is treating you well.

Stay warm and if it is warm where you are …. keep cool.

 

Always, Me and The Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME TO WINTER.

We had some snow over the course of the evening and just before bed; I swept the blanket that was covering the deck.

Awoke to several inches warming the deck.

So safe to say we have winter.

Unlikely at this point that it will melt and actually I prefer to have it just cold enough to keep the snow from melting and creating a slushy mess.

Now that being said …. just a bit more …. would certainly be enough.

 

Lucky for us we had a wonderful walk last night.

It was really mild and no wind.

Perfect for walking.

As we approached Teddy’s house last night … I had to stop Alvin for making a beeline to his house.

But just as I was doing that …. Teddy spotted us from an upstairs window ….. there was no turning back at that point.

He started barking and jumping up and down.

Teddy was happy to see his friend and me.

So we went to the door and rang the doorbell.

As soon as I did …. Alvin started to bark.

Teddy’s Aunt came to the door.

She was happy to see us and figured it just wasn’t anyone walking by and she was right. LOL.

It was Teddy’s BF Alvin and his Mom.

Teddy practically jumped into my arms.

He just kept staring deep into my  eyes as though he had not seen me for a long time.

So cute.

We had a nice visit.

Alvin found one of Ted’s chew treats and went to work on that while we chatted.

J was making some soup using up items from the fridge.

After a nice visit and once Alvin was done with the chew treat, we headed out for home.

 

Life is always better when you have a friend.

 

I still had to make supper and no leftovers to be had.

I made a simple chili and some oven roasted sweet potato pieces.

 

We had a nice evening ….

I guess it would be winter boot wearing day today.

Must remember to put a pair of shoes in a bag.

 

Happy Tuesday to Everyone.

If we treat others with kindness and respect; we will be treated with kindness and respect.

Wishing those who need some extra positive energy …. a good day.

I wished that I had the power to heal.

My heart goes out to each and every one of you on this day.

Be well.

Be safe.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, from a raining morning here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Yup, it is raining.

Kind of disappointing that it has started to rain so early in the day.

But oh well, guess that is what Mother Nature wants to do and there is not much we can do to change it.

As I glanced out the bedroom window this morning into the darkness of the early morning the leaves appeared black on the trees.

I always have thought that was so cool.

They appear to be disguised early for Halloween OR maybe it is a trick.

 

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed the last walk with Teddy and his Aunt J.

His parents will return home tomorrow and then Aunt J will go back to her home in Saskatchewan.

When we arrived at their house last night she had a small brown lunch bag that she placed into the mailbox while we went for our walk.

She gave Mr. Alvin a bag with some treats of cooked liver, chopped into small pieces and a special cookie from the nearby Bone & Biscuit store.

There are no words to say just how excited he was when we got home and he realized there were treats in the bag.

After supper I worked on my third batch of crab apples – cooking up for applesauce.

Unfortunately I did not snap photos of Alvin and his treats, I took some quick video so that I could share with Teddy’s Aunt J.

Below:

1st batch of applesauce, pot holds the second batch and last photo is the sink half full of apples that I chopped for the third batch of applesauce.

Now I have three huge batches of applesauce in the fridge waiting for me to place in smaller containers to freeze.

Although it was a lot of standing – so rewarding.

On a cold winter’s night I will enjoy some applesauce … remembering how it came to be.

Thank you to my brother J for the apples.

My dessert last night (above) was applesauce with greek yogurt.

NOTE:  chopped crab apples and boiled in lemon juice and water.

So yummy.

 

Well here we go again.

Time to leave for work.

Last night was GREAT.

Hope yours was as well.

 

 

We need more kindness and respect in the world.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 2nd day of March, 2019.

WOW, the sun is up and shining brightly and it is not quite 8:00 a.m.

Now temperature, well that is not so bright and shiny.

It is COLD, not exactly what the overnight, early morning windchill temperature is but I know that it is cold.

Alvin wasted no time outside doing his morning routine, none at all.

Oh well, by Monday it is starting to warm up.

Perhaps SPRING is truly around the corner.

Hopefully it is a short corner.

Really, a small one would be nice.

 

We had a lovely visit with Teddy and Aunt J last night.

I love the way Alvin and Teddy are so excited to see each other.

Almost like hugging each other.

So great to watch.

Truly they are Best Friends.

Aunt J made these incredible “cheesy scalloped potatoes” that were so amazing.

So, so good.

They were a new recipe to her.

Well done Aunt J, well done.

We had a great visit …. took our time eating and visiting.

It was nice after a long week.

They left early as Teddy likes to go to bed early and his parents were arriving home in the wee hours of the morning.

I cleaned up and then we relaxed and watched a bit of t.v. before retiring at 9:00 p.m.

Alvin was up early this morning and luckily I was able to get him to hit the sofa for some additional zzz’s.

Now we are up.

Changed bedding, writing this post and then laundry and breakfast.

Lots of things to do but it is Saturday.

Good to be up early.

 

I just wanted to mention that today is the funeral service for our friend Judy who passed away suddenly.

She was a true life force.

I worked with her for about 25 years before I retired in 2008.

I still cannot believe that she is gone.

Way too young.

My thoughts are with the family and all of her friends today and always.

Will be missed, will be missed.

 

Special Hello to:  the newest Angel.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 1st day of March, 2019.

Well here we are two months into 2019.

The coldest winter for Alberta and most of Canada in decades.

Some areas not only the coldest but broke records for snowfall.

We have a fair amount of snow here in Edmonton but have not broke any records.

Temperature records, yes we have broke a few.

We have been walking whenever there is a reprieve from the bitter cold.

Both Alvin are not 20 something anymore so I am careful walking and being out in the winter months.

I can certainly tell this winter as there are bulges where there were none.

This winter we have missed so many walks.

We have had so many cloudy days.

This all plays a role in less energy and no motivation.

So I once again started to have MATCHA with my oatmeal in the morning.

It has been a week and I am starting to notice that my energy levels are up.

On the days when we can walk I am the most happiest.

I have to / I need to start doing some indoor exercises.

There is space.

I need the motivation.

Looking at my midsection after a shower.

ARGH, what the h— ??

That should be motivation enough.

How is it that one day out of the blue or perhaps more than one day …..

You go from having a bit of a tummy to more???

Okay now that I have admitted this ….. this should give me the MOTIVATION to do something about it.

I am.

Thank you for listening to me.

This is what happens when it is COLD for long periods of time in WESTERN CANADA in the WINTER months.

ARGH.

I want my CORE to be back.

The core needs to be in a functioning capacity.

I no longer have a CORE.

Where oh where, is my CORE.

I am sad.

But I can bring the CORE back.

Alvin is doing much better than me.

Likely because he does not have any REFINED SUGAR.

His sweets are banana and blueberries and some carrots.

So almost time to head downstairs as my ride will be here to pick me up in a few minutes.

One last chance for The Alvin to go outside before I leave for the day.

 

Looking forward to tonight as Teddy and his Aunt J are coming for supper.

She is bringing some scalloped potatoes and I am doing the remainder of supper.

Not 100% decided on the rest but have some strong ideas.

 

Happy Friday.

It is the weekend.

Time to relax and unwind.

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Food is just too hard to resist.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “W” …. thank you for reading my blog and for the email.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

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