The Next Chapter

Good Morning! So happy that we had some rain earlier this morning. There are rain clouds slowly clearing around us to show a bright blue sky. We can always use some moisture. Here we are on the second last day of May 2023. Where has the time gone? As it does every month, it comes and goes. Yesterday was warm but we did have some rain throughout the day. A few minutes after I arrived home from work, I changed shoes and left for a nearby school where I voted in the provincial election. Not sure how I feel about the “results.” I am grateful that when we went for our walk last night that the temperature was bit cooler and the breeze helped keep us comfortable. I am amazed at how Bruno has energy and wants to walk despite his health. I snapped more photos and videos. When Jeanette and the boys arrived last night (few minutes early), I did not have my shoes on and at that time another friend with his pup Bailey happened to be walking by. So we had a puppy party. I quickly got my shoes on and grabbed the water and treats and headed out. The pups joined me on my lawn under the tree and I got some awesome photos during and after I handed out the treats. Bruno loves treats. Eddie well he likes them but is always looking to play and for the reflections, the lights. They are both special and unique beings. Bailey is such a good girl. She loves the boys. She even gave me a kiss. Jeanette asked Bailey to give her a high five and she did. Her Dad was shocked as she had not done that before …… Eddie gave me an unexpected high five and almost knocked me over. Love these guys. We had a much shorter walk but sat in the park and snuggled with Bruno and played with Eddie (he loves to play catch with the ball). Such a perfect evening. On our way home we came across two families of geese. Did you note that I said families? Yes, we were fortunate to see a gaggle of geese. So many babies. Little goslings. Cuteness. I did not get too close as I know that stresses out the parents. Photos, yes.

Photos: May 29, 2023. Bailey with Bruno and Eddie on front lawn. Photos of chilling in the park. Two Families of Geese. The perfect evening.

Time to head downstairs and make some coffee and have some breakfast. I hope that you have a wonderful day and are able to share some time with family and friends. Happy Tuesday to you.

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.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of a new month, April.

Usually people would be playing pranks on one another this morning but alas I don’t think it is likely appropriate this April 1st.

The sky is almost white this morning with a tinge of the palest of blues.

I am hopeful that the sunrise will be visible shortly.

Yesterday afternoon the SUN was so bright against the deep plush blanket of snow it was almost blinding from inside the house.

At one point I was thinking I should put on my sunglass clips but then I was not in the living for long and in my office it was not too bad.

Working from home as been interesting.

Today is our 10th day, I believe.

I do love being here with Alvin, going for walks at lunchtime when we can and the commute.

Nothing beats the commute.

Nothing.

Other than retirement and then there would be no commute, period.  OVER and OUT.

But that is not where I am at this time so a short commute is wonderful.

It is nice dressing how you feel.

Somedays I feel like dressing as though I am going to the office and others it feels more casual.

I have not as yet wore my pajamas or gone without wearing a bra.

But we are just beginning in this new norm.

I have a feeling that it will be extended for us past April 30, 2020.

I have not been watching the news to see how many cases or if the virus has grown substantially in Canada.

I feel that I am doing my part.

Staying home and reducing the chance of catching the virus.

My friends drop things off at the door and when we visit it is in short spurts at the door and I am six feet away.

No hugs even though we really want to.

I wash my hands.

Importantly I get lots of rest, try to remain calm, get some exercise and eat right and keep hydrated.

Speaking of hydrating (kidding), I smell the coffee perking away.

Let me tell you there is nothing short of wild roses lining the path to the park or lilacs blooming or the scent of a little baby that matches the smell of coffee brewing.

I guess the secret is out.

BEST SMELLS EVER:

Wild roses

Lilacs

Scent of a baby

COFFEE

Perhaps after a rain ……

What are you favourite scents?

Maybe you could send me your list.

I am excited to see what everyone likes or loves.

 

Mr. Alvin ….

Even though he has my schedule for starting and ending work and breaks down to the minute, I think he is out of sorts.

I think that he has some pain in his paws due to arthritis.

It was/is a matter of time.

I will continue with his daily regimen of glucosamine.

I do know that when the weather changes, I can see a difference.

This is not news to his Doctor.

Don’t worry I keep her aprized.

 

How about some miscellaneous photos.

I love photos.

Let me see what do I have handy.

 

Oh my darling grand pup MILO closest to the camera and little KOBI in the background.

MILO and Miss ASPEN.

Love my grand pups.

I love the way the tree looks after a snowfall.

Branches gently cradling the snow.

Last year’s birthday …. the most delicious cupcakes.

With Key Lime Icing

Geese near the park by my house, last year or year before.

Time passes so quickly …..

Flowers from my friend’s garden.

I cannot wait to see her garden this summer.

Our friend next door, HUMPHREY.

Thankfully he does not have to wear the CONE often anymore.

But sometimes.

FRIENDS

I wished that I had one of Alvin and Teddy looking out of the bedroom window.

I have some.

ALVIN and TEDDY on the bed.

 

Well almost time to grab my coffee and get the start up to work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Wednesday, we got this.

Two more days until the weekend.

 

Living in Kindness and with Respect,

I, We remain as,

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

True it is a New Year and today is a New Day, Tuesday.

A cold morning here in Edmonton.

We are grateful to be inside a warm home.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

This morning while I was in the shower and getting ready he stayed resting on the bed.

Not his usual routine.

He appears to be okay.

He got up and off the bed okay.

Perhaps he is just tired although he did sleep through from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Oh, well.

I feel the same way.

I would have loved to have just stayed at home today.

Just curling up on the sofa with me Alvin under our warm red blanket.

But I have lots of work to do today and if I miss a day it just piles up.

Becoming way too stressful.

So off I go to the office/to work.

 

Teddy went home just around noon yesterday.

The house is quiet without him.

Not that he is particularly loud or anything.

We miss him.

I know Alvin does.

 

Perhaps some photos of cuteness and beauty this morning.

Will help us get through this cold Tuesday.

 

Just close your eyes and visualize laying on the grass ….. just relaxing.

Okay, perhaps I got a bit carried away with the photos.

Too much cuteness, I don’t think so.

Too much natural beauty, be serious.

More words …. well maybe.

 

I wish you a wonderful day.

Filled with love, joy and abundance.

May everyone you see and everything you touch be done so with kindness and respect.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I know the Tuesday after a long weekend, feels like a Monday.

 

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it has been raining for what seems like forever.

Rained overnight.

We were so lucky to get a walk in last night between rain showers.

Me, Teddy and Alvin went for tea & birthday cake to a friend’s home a few doors down the street.

Then we came on our walk.

My friend has a doggie who is 14 years old and has a heart condition.

So we had to watch Teddy around her as she is not good “meeting” new doggies and cannot get stressed due to her condition.

But Teddy the ever gentleman spent most of the time in my arms/lap snoozing.

Alvin on the other hand … in and out …. looking for treats.

We had a great time.

 

Well definitely coat and shoe day today.

 

I have some photos to share from last night at bed and this morning.

Guarantee to bring a smile to your face.

I know some days we just need a boost.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Just one more you can do it.

Today is going to be a fantastic, awesome, amazing DAY.

 

Photos in the first row: last night before bed.  Teddy loves to roll around and get into the pillows and blankets …. Alvin just watches.

Photos in the second row: this morning.  While I was in the shower Teddy was playing in amongst the pillows.  Alvin was in the ensuite with me as per usual.

I couldn’t hear anything but deep breathing and quietly peeked out from the bathroom to the bed and saw Teddy curled up sleeping surrounded by pillows.

Taking a chance I ran to the office and grabbed my phone and snapped these photos.

Then Mr. Alvin jumped up and took a peek.  OMG, so cute.  Bringing massive smiles to my face.

Well time to fly.

With two babies …. the time passes extra quickly.

I hope that today is over the top great for you.

Will be thinking of you today.

 

Remember always go through each day with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Master Teddy.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to the 19th day of October, 2019.

 

Another gorgeous day on the way.

Today is special for another reason.

Today we celebrate the 10th Wedding Anniversary of my daughter and son-in-law.

It was a day much like today is forecasted to be.

Sunshine and low teen temperatures.

Alvin, Aspen, Milo and Mum wish you both the most wonderful day.

You both have been through so much but always figure things out.

Alvin said to give hugs and kisses to you both.

I think that is a great idea.

Hugs and Kisses to you both from me and the pups.

 

Happy Happy Anniversary to you both.

 

The babies                                                Our tree reminds me of that day …. all the leaves had fallen, as well.

A SUNFLOWER to bring light into your life forever.

LAVENDER to bring good sleep every night of your lives.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN SLOW – a reminder to take things easy and relax, not to worry, just chill.

Stop and smell the roses.

 

PATH through a forest to remind us to just walk ahead and keep dreaming and also good exercise.

Alvin said to say that about the “good exercise.”

Take in the scenery whenever possible.

 

Even taking a couple of days to recharge is always a good thing.

 

Well I have to leave for work.

It was a rushed morning.

Happy Anniversary to my kids …. have an awesome day.

May the rest of your lives be filled with much love, joy, good health, energy, abundance and richness.

 

Special Hello to: my kids ….. Happy Anniversary

Always, Mom, Alvin, Aspen and Milo

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 11th day of August, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my brother “J.”

Wishing you a great day my brother.

The sky is overcast with smoke and clouds.

I so wished that it would RAIN.

Rain and put out all of the forest fires.

The smoke has been intense here and I can only imagine what it is like in the areas affected by the fires.

 

WE have been spending a quiet last day or so.

Me and the boys (Alvin and Teddy) have been vegging in front of the fans.

No windows open as it has been so smoky.

Too hot to move around much.

I am also watching Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gecko.

Just watching the babies.

Too hot to spend the time that I need writing up my HOLIDAY POST complete with PHOTOS.

But I will.

 

The babies are wanting to go downstairs.

I had a refreshing shower.

I have found that a wet facecloth laid on the pups backs/tummies when they are laying down, helps keep them cool.

Funny how both of them actually just laid with the cloth on them.

 

I am so excited to share my Birthday trip stories and photos (there are lots of photos).

But with the heat and the smoke, I cannot spend much time upstairs on the computer.

But I will.

 

Time to go check on the other babies.

Mine want to go outside.

I sure hope that it rains.

 

The gal that baked my 60th birthday cake from work has been asked to bake me one for my 61st.

The cake is being delivered this morning.

I have invited friends over to share ….. this will be a two or three event.

Whenever people have time to come and have a piece of cake.

 

Getting hot now.

Have to move the fan back downstairs to cool the main floor.

 

Have a great day.

Keep cool and I hope that you are safe.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my posts, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 2nd day of May, 2018.

Here we go.

Summer is only a breath away or perhaps two.

The sunrise is lovely this morning.

Still on the cool side but by afternoon and the time that Alvin and I go for a walk it is quite comfortable.

Perfect actually for a walk.

The geese have taken up residence by our ponds.

I love the geese except for the little bundles they leave on the sidewalk.

Soon they shall have their babies, goslings.

They are so cute.

But really, what babies are not?

All babies are cute and most are cuddly.

Perhaps I would not wish to cuddle with a baby alligator or crocodile.

Here is a photo from last June (2017).

Oh, they are so so cute.

Have to watch out for the babies, will not be long now.

Penny and Elton as pups.

They were so cute and we will miss them forever.

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

A baby – calf

 

So many babies in our lives.

We are touched by them all.

Today I am thinking of renewal.

New life ….. babies of all descriptions.

Keep all of the little ones safe today and always.

Nourish them and treat them with respect.

 

Well here we go almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you all have an awesome Wednesday.

Alvin is starting to make laying on his blue blanket part of the norm, now.

Oh, my boy.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those parents out there – whether your babies are two or four-legged or many or none – all life is precious.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of November, 2017.

Today is one year plus a day that our beloved Elton joined the puppy park in the sky.

We miss him and think of him everyday.

Here is one of my most favourite photos of our beloved Elton and Penny.

Both gone but definitely not forgotten.

Love you babies.

Elton and Penny, the grand-puppies.

 

Over the past year so many of our four-legged companions, our loved ones have passed.

My thoughts and heart is with everyone who has said good-bye to their babies.

It is hard, no doubt about it.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all the Angels watching over us, happy just chasing rainbows.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, July 8, 2017 and it is the 33rd day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay I was thinking of favourite things so what better time than to share some of those items:

Colours:  Kelly Green, Robin’s Egg Blue and Baby Blue.

Time of Day:  Early morning just as sun is coming up and late at night when the stars are shining.

Books:  “The Harry Potter Series” by JK Rowling, “Shopaholic Series” by Sophie Kinsella and “The Book of Small” by Emily Carr.

Music:  to many to name but I do love listening to:  anything by Adele, Elton John, and Ed Sheeran.

Flowers:  Petunias, Snapdragons and Pansies and Daisies.

Food:  I love to eat.  Anything homemade is always wonderful and if it is made by someone else – that is a huge treat.  I love chocolate so that would top the list.  Avocados, Cucumbers, Blueberries, Raspberries, Potato Salad …. Cinnamon Buns……. this could go on and on……

People:  too many to list but the first two on the list would be my daughter and Alvin, of course ….. I treasure my family and friends.

Sounds:  The rustle of leaves on the trees in a breeze and babies cooing and the ocean.

 

Well time to get going ……

Always, Carol

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Tuesday June 20, 2017 and it is the 51 day until my 60th Birthday.

Favourite things continued:

48.   Zest of a lime – the smell

47.   Alvin and I sharing a pillow on the sofa

46.   Artwork

45.   Sunlight bouncing off my PARTY LITE MOSIAC  vase into pastel dots on the wall

44.   Anything chocolate

43.   All the babies on this earth – every creature

42.   CHOCOLATE ….

41.   Rainbows

40.   Smiles

39.   Belly laughs

38.   Cooking and most especially making up new dishes

37.   Receiving letter in the mail

 

I think it is hard to keep the list down to 60 items.

Always, Carol