It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning!

What a gorgeous AM it is out there.

The sun is shining, just a snippet of a breeze, blue sky, birds singing and the hum of traffic from the highway not too far away.

We are grateful that a neighbour and friend is coming for a little visit this morning.

She is bringing coffee from Starbucks.

Lucky me.

She wanted to take Alvin for a visit but not sure that this Momma’s boy will go.

If he does great, if not we will just have a visit and coffee break here.

Later we have been invited to our friends for a backyard visit.

They have the most beautiful backyard with a nice swing to relax on and the most lush grass.

We are going there after supper.

Working in between.

Alvin is barking at me for no reason.

I guess he has one but I do not understand it.

So this will be ultra short.

How about some photos to start the weekend.

We plan to relax and perhaps call some family and friends.

Sunny weekend and warm temperatures on the way.

Mr. whiny pants is looking at me and wagging his tail.

Something tells me he wants a TREAT.

Now he is sitting with his back to me.

Now that tells me “he is not happy with me at this moment.”

What a guy?

Yes, what a guy!

 

Happy Friday to you ALL.

May you  share laughter with friends and family.

Perhaps you will go and help an elderly neighbour with some outdoor chores.

Or maybe you will grab a bag and pick up the trash from your park and neighbourhood.

Some urban centres have had to lay off the summer crew and are short staffed so no lawn mowing.

That is the case for our nearby park.

It is classes as a water runoff-drain something or other.

Our bodies of water are man-made.

No mowing for us.

The dandelions and grass are already almost one foot high.

Looks like we are in the countryside.

Oh well.

 

Gotta fly.

Have an awesome day.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

My grandpup Milo and in the background baby Kobi, Alvin’s BF’s little sister.

Milo and my other grandpup Miss Aspen

Mr. Alvin before a haircut.

Decorations in background would direct us to “Christmas”

I loved this haircut and wished that I had it again.

This was last summer.

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Wow, so excited for another bright sunny morning.

There is not much of a breeze this morning so the temperature will feel warmer (fingers crossed).

Always makes me feel great when the sun is shining.

Mr. Alvin actually slept right through until 4:52 this morning.

Which was great.

 

This morning at 9:00 a.m., Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day.

First time Kobi has spent the day with us since the week at the end of January.

She has grown and hopefully a bit more calm but time will tell.

Kobi really is still a puppy so cannot expect her to sit in a corner with paws crossed not moving.

I tried to puppy proof the main floor and upstairs.

It was a difficult decision to make about blocking off the stairs so that Teddy and Kobi would remain on the main floor.

Alvin would not stay downstairs without me (especially if he knows I am upstairs).

Last time Kobi was here my attempts at keeping her downstairs failed miserably.

So this time I am going to live dangerously and leave the entrance to upstairs unbarricaded.

I have closed the doors to the bedrooms up here.

Placed the water dish in the bathroom.

A couple of pee pads just in case (hopefully if need them they get used).

Downstairs I moved things around just a bit.

A plant over there and also placed a couple of pee pads in stragetic spots.

So we are ready for the gang to arrive.

I made up another little bed in the office just in case someone wants to lay down.

I will take photos of the pups when I can.

We should manage okay as I pretty much have a break every couple of hours.

At that time everyone will go outside for a pee break and some sunshine.

 

We enjoyed 1.5 walks yesterday.

At noon we got our full walk in and under our belts.

After work we spotted our friend P in her yard working and amazingly enough she was just about to take a break.

She invited us in and we had a visit on our patio.

My friend P celebrates a birthday on Saturday.

I always love sitting in her yard admiring all of her beautiful flowers.

This year she put different flowers together in pots.

She also has a full on flower garden with shrubs and trees.

A bird bath where the little songsters come to hang out.

They love watching them from their windows or from the patio.

Great way to start the day my friend told me.

 

Well I can feel a sneeze coming on.

Achoo Achoo.

Kleenex …. yes, please.

Time of the year for allergies.

 

I hope that this finds you in good health.

Wishing you a Wednesday full of love and laughter.

If you are working from home I hope that you take some breaks.

I know it is hard sometimes ….. I am busy in my job.

If it was not for Alvin, I would like work a great many more hours than I already do.

Yup, I am guilty of putting in extra time.

I do it for my clients and for my well being.

As oddly as it sounds.

Perhaps my idea of well being is mixed up, I do not know.

Oh well.

I feel great and that is important.

 

Time to fly.

Just like a bird.

High in the sky.

Not this bird.

I will slide over.

Time to work.

 

Have an awesome day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Thursday Morning ALL.

What a gloriously beautiful morning it is here in Edmonton.

There is a slight breeze this morning not gale force like yesterday.

For the next 14 days according to the weather channel it will be mid to late teens temperature wise.

Not really what I thought June was going to be like but as long as we have a nice mix of sunshine and rain drops, I am a happy camper.

Big news we went for our full walk last night with no “foot/toe” issues for me.

Yay, next week we will return to our walking at lunch and after work.

 

I just have to share these photos that I snapped from our back deck last night just before 9:00 p.m.

The sky was so gorgeous and the CLOUDS.

I love clouds.

In fact, I could lay down on the deck (have done so) and just watch the clouds floating around above me.

Some of these photos look the same but there are sutle differences between them.

That one cloud was amazing.

Then I noticed the neighbours a few doors down … they planted these trees many moons ago and look how tall they have grown.

I could not help but to take a photo of my Alvin and my flowers in the backyard.

Please do not notice the long weedy grass in the backyard.

It is awaiting for some TLC.

I am going to mow it now after breakfast and before I begin my late work shift (11 am – 7 pm).

Twice per month we man/woman the after hours phones for our company.

Tomorrow night I am going to don some shoes with covered toes (hopefully that goes well) and use my BRAND NEW grass trimmer and fix up the backyard.

Tonight my daughter is stopping by.

I have something for her and she has some new old clothes for me.

I love hand me downs.

A friend gave her a bag of clothes to go through.

Isn’t life great.

 

 

Well Mr. Alvin is patiently, okay very impatiently waiting for me to leave upstairs, perhaps he has to pee, which is likely.

I hope that you enjoy the clouds wherever you are on this Thursday.

Always take up to look up (make sure that you are safe when doing so).

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Sweet People,

Welcome to a bright and sunny morning.

I hope that it is nice and sunny where you are located.

I was thinking of all the changes that are being made to our lives as we continue to work from home.

I fully realize that this is not everyone’s circumstances.

I know that a great many folks are not working and quite possibly will not have a job to go to after this is over.

I know that essential services are working through this time.

 

This is to address the changes that I have noticed in my life now that I am working from home.

Never did I dare to hope that I would be able to work from home.

Alvin is even starting to go downstairs and lay in his chair by the window.

He used to be in that chair for part of the day and lay on our bed the rest of the time.

Not being at home I wasn’t 100% certain what he really did.

Now he seems to be settling in to this major life change, having me at home everyday.

I am afraid that when I do have to go back to the office, he is going to have a hard time.

Mr. Alvin is over 11 years old now.

I treasure this time with him.

 

Also I have not been wearing any jewelry other than rings during my time at home.

I used to wear earrings, a watch, necklace and my rings.

Now the earrings irritate things when I have to be on my cell phone.

I know that I can put calls on speak which I do sometimes.

But this is a change.

 

Most days I wear the clothing that feels right for the day.

If I am cold, I wear sweats and socks (definitely a top as well) and likely a cozy sweater.

If I am feeling in the mood I dress up in office attire.

So what I wear varies.

I will say one thing that I have not been wearing the button pants lately and am thinking I should start before I am past the point of no return.

It may already be too late.

Something to check on the weekend.

Perhaps have a fashion show for Mr. Alvin.

Oh, won’t he be exited.  Laughing to myself.

 

I haven’t been anywhere outside of my neighbourhood.

So no use for my purse.

In fact, the new purse that I got earlier this year.

Hangs on a hook waiting to meet the world.

 

Shoes.

This is a bit different.

I can wear my sandals now when we go for walks.

But again, not leaving then neighborhood, not wearing a variety of footwear.

 

Walking twice a day and not at the crack of dawn.

Love walking at noon and right after work.

Love having all this extra time at home to enjoy.

More time in the garden now that the weather is cooperating.

More time to read and enjoy my life.

 

The last time I was out of the hood was March 19, 2020.

The last time I was in a store was a week or so before that.

 

We are now well into the month of May.

 

Please do not get me wrong, I love being at home.

Just thinking about the changes.

 

I never thought that my two actual desks would be used for personal and work.

I have two desks that go end to end.

They were purchased a few years back from IKEA.

There are some drawers.

Sleek and fit easily into the space.

Now my once creative space has been invaded by my work.

Such as life.

 

I have mentioned several times.

I am grateful to be home with Alvin.

I am grateful to have no commute.

 

Life is just different.

Each day we adapt.

Each day we learn new things.

Each day we appreciate it all.

 

Well I do not wish to be late for work.

Such a long commute, laughing to myself.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

I hope that you and your family are in good health.

Remember to breathe, smile and laugh.

We will endure.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

 

Photos soon …..

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Brrr, it be COLD here in Edmonton and most of Alberta and the prairies.

We are breaking records for these cold temperatures.

Hardly something to brag about, I know.

Oh well, just grateful to have a nice warm house and office to spend my days and nights.

I believe that Mr. Alvin is in the throes of cabin fever.

He was up at 12:28 a.m. and then again around 2:30 and then at 4:00 a.m. …….. argh.

This is way too hard on my brain.

Poor boy, I feel it.

 

Well it is Tuesday.

Somehow this cold weather is playing with my brain.

Making an intelligent thought somehow difficult to articulate.

I yawn the minute that I leave the house for work in the morning.

It certainly gives us the feeling that we should be hibernating.

 

I am going to post some happy, photos of warmer weather.

Perhaps that will change my brain.

 

The key lime iced vanilla cupcakes that I had for my 62nd birthday.

Isn’t that funny that I would go straight to the food photo, the sweets.

 

I am sitting in that chair that has the blue blanket draped over the back.

Alvin is laying on that blue blanket beside me.

I do love this room.

 

Flowers from my friend’s house this past summer.

Going to post more as they are so pretty.

Alvin peering around the far corner.

They have such a beautiful yard.

I could live in it forever.

 

Friends enjoying the view outside.

 

Well time to hit the icy trail.

But first as you now know my routine, outside to pick up those precious parcels that Alvin left for me, earlier.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Please be safe.

Please stay warm.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and it is Monday, the 23rd day of December 2019.

Can you believe it?

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

The house is quiet this morning with only Mr. Alvin sighing and Humphrey resting downstairs.

Quite the change from yesterday about this time.

We had a great day yesterday and both Alvin and I were ready for bed last night early.

Humphrey went home earlier last night than I had planned as he was at the front door, clearly wanting to go home.

I went over and picked him up already, looked after Cynder, shovelled the front walks including some of the neighbours.

I threw my coat over top of my pj’s went I went to pick up Humphrey and feed Cynder.

It was kind of freeing to be outside in my pj’s covered by my coat.

Anyway.

I hear Mr. Humphrey came upstairs to join us.

I wanted to share some photos ….. let us try this once again.

Then I need some breakfast and COFFEE.

Then charging ahead with this day.

PHOTOS:

First ones were of the puppies and Humphrey taken yesterday.

Thankfully it was mild out so we went into the backyard often.

Teddy found himself a getaway spot on top of the sofa.

GIFTS all wrapped for all of our fur babies:  Alvin, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Teddy and Kobi.

The office shots were from our tour of our newly renovated office.

That will be my workspace.

Yup, just a table.

Desks are a thing of the past.

Where do I put my coat?

I did not see anywhere for our coats.

Next was the highly anticipated parcel from our friend in Regina.

Alvin “did not keep his paws off till Christmas”

He even tried to open my gift and since then it is on the table until time for opening.

The baking was also in the parcel and the bag of pretzels, nuts and other goodies was made by one of my coworkers and since I loved it so much, she brought me my

very own bag.

Well the guys are getting restless and I am hungry after my workout shovelling.

Time for breakfast and start some more laundry.

Perhaps I should think about getting dressed soon.

but then not I think not.

Well another casualty …. Humphrey was playing with a hanging that I had on the closet door.

He pulled so hard it came off the door and broke.

ARGH.

Time to go now.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

Almost Christmas now.

 

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey

Living … One day at a time.

Good Monday Morning.

Despite my non-intentional attempts to throw a wrench into my weekend, the weekend turned out to be success.

Now mind you I was not able to give Mr. Alvin a haircut or a bath.

I was not able to wrap the few gifts that I am exchanging.

I WAS ABLE TO FINISH THE CHRISTMAS BAKING IN ONE WEEKEND.

The Mincemeat tarts (don’t really count them) will do closer to Christmas or really anytime.

Just open the tart shell box and the jar of mincemeat and bake.

Does not get much easier than that.

I could not make the mincemeat for the price of the jar from the store.

Well for some reason I was off my game this weekend and forgot to take photos of all the baking.

It would not have fit on the table.

The missing item was the CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.

FUDGE = 76 bite size pieces

SUGAR COOKIES = 18 dozen – (5 of which were earmarked for the girls, the young friends) = 13 dozen for home and work.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES = 10 dozen

= TIRED and SO HAPPY it is done.

 

We managed to get some walks in over the weekend which was good.

I spent pretty much all of my waking hours this weekend on my feet.

Between baking, laundry, baking and walking.

No time to sit around.

But OMG so happy to have it done.

I believe that Mr. Alvin is happy as well.

He spent most of the weekend going in and out to the back yard.

He could feel that I was not going to have time for time.

I didn’t have time for me.

So grateful that I can do what I love.

I do love to baking.

Not always in these quantities but I love to bake.

 

Well, okay time to stop writing.

Time to go downstairs and finish getting ready.

Pick up the poop from earlier this morning in the backyard.

I like to keep it done.

No surprises in the spring when it melts.

That can be down right nasty.

 

I hole that you had a great weekend.

This weekend deliver a few cards to friends in the neighbour along with some treats.

Wrap presents.

Hopefully will be able to pick up the blade for Alvin’s clipper this weekend so that he can have his long overdue haircut on Saturday.

That will be enough.

Oh, tonight place a NORWEX order.

 

Happy Monday.

With kindness and respect I shall get through another year.

2019 has been quite the year.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

Well no bright sun shine this morning.

More cloud cover than sun.

But no moisture so that is a good thing.

What a Saturday we had …

Started off by the house phone ringing while I was upstairs writing my blog post …

Then checked mobile phone to find out that my neighbour was wondering if Humphrey could spend the day with us from 9-6 p.m.

Of course, yes.

We had a busy day.

Doing laundry, cleaning and changing things about in the kitchen.

Moving a plant upstairs as the kitchen just seemed dark with all three plants in the window and all of the Christmas decorations.

We were in and outside.

In the afternoon we were surprised by Teddy, his Mom and little sister dropping by.

She had sent a message via messenger but I was so busy I did not see it.

She was needing a break from the house with the new puppy, Teddy’s new sister and was wondering if they could stop in.

So both Humphrey and Alvin got to meet baby Kobi.

Oh my goodness is Kobi ever cute.

I made sure to snap some photos.

We had some tea and then Kobi had to go to the bathroom as determined by her Mom.

I did not know the sign.

We ended up drinking our tea on the deck in our jackets.

It was so warm and nice outside, most enjoyable.

When it was time to leave, Teddy’s Mom asked if we could walk Teddy home on our walk.

Of course, I said.

A little while later I harnessed the boys up except for Humphrey and went for a walk.

It was icy in spots but the temperature was warm.

When we got to Teddy’s house we rang the doorbell and met his Mom at the garage.

Reason being is that “Kobi’s Condo” is the front entranceway.

It is a good space with no carpet for her to hang out.

They have it all set up.

Teddy’s Aunt was celebrating her 65th birthday so his parents were going out for supper a bit later.

His Mom asked if it would be okay for Teddy to come home with us and in the next moment he was going to spend the night.

The baby would be okay in her condo.

Teddy is downstairs at this moment barking at something going by and now Alvin.

I guess I will check again.

I checked a few minutes ago and there was nothing.

Anyway.

Well our weekend was full of pleasant surprises.

All sorts of company.

Would you like to see the new addition to the family?

She is our family, too.

You may have notice the little pink harness and a diaper.

Kobi’s Mom fixed up this diaper so that she doesn’t have an accident when she is outside of her Condo.

So cute.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

She is just so sweet.

So little.

We including me had to be careful not to step on her.

Alvin did run her over accidentally once.

It has been awhile since we have had a puppy in the house.

I guess since Milo.

Well I should get going.

If I want to have the coffee drank before lunch time.

The backyard looks so bare without flowers and furniture.

Happy Sunday.

I wish you the best day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,  good morning to you.

The sky is beginning to lighten as hopefully the sun will rise shortly.

YAY, today is Saturday.

Master Teddy slept over last night as his parents went out to the farm for today.

The boys well Alvin is curled up on the blue blanket beside me and Teddy is just sniffing about at the moment.

After work on our walk we walked or actually Alvin pulled me over to Teddy’s house.

By the time we arrived my shins were aching.

Oh, yes.

We had a little visit and then were on our way.

Me and the boys walked around by the lake in our park to home.

The grass is still very much green amidst the partially turned leaves on the trees.

Some trees are still very green.

The water is flowing.

Oh, how I love this time of year.

We enjoyed our walk home.

The boys spent a bit of time in the backyard but mostly they were right beside me as I cooked my supper.

Alvin is motivated by food …. I think you know.

So even this morning at 5:00 a.m., Alvin, after he ate his food wanted to eat Teddy’s.

Yup, we were up eating well they were eating.

Deep sigh.

What can you do?

Teddy is wanting to get up onto my lap but it is not easy to type/key with a puppy on your lap.

He always slides down.

 

I was just thinking last night and earlier this morning …… about being more proactive when it comes to my job.

Instead of being reactive …..

Hard to explain without getting into details which I cannot.

But I am excited to try these ideas in my work life to see the results.

Perhaps giving folks ideas how to make processes easier instead of reacting to them.

I will get back to you about this.

Life is way too complicated and I want to make it easier.

Life is short so why not make it as easy as possible.

If you have to work why not enjoy it.

Even the most demanding, frustrating of jobs could be made easier and less complex.

Simplify.

We all need to simplify our lives.

Our work  ….. our home.

Life balance.

We have over the years made things way too complicated.

Complicated = Stress

Or at least that is my opinion/my view after being on this earth for 62 years.

I have seen this first hand.

 

If we look to the Animal Kingdom we could learn so much.

Instead of destroying them …. learn from them.

 

Well I have two puppies that are ready to get downstairs.

I need some COFFEE.

Time to get going on the laundry.

I have changed my bedding and gathered the laundry.

And the COFFEE.

Yup, simply a cup of coffee and I am in heaven.

Nothing better than to be sipping on a mug of hot perked coffee surrounded by pups.

Life is good.

My life is great.

 

Happy Saturday.

If we continue to learn and live our lives in kindness and respect, we will live great lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, sorry but it is late afternoon already.

Yesterday first thing in the morning my son-in-law dropped my grandpups off for the day.

After I got them settled, I went for a walk with Miss Aspen.

She is the Yellow Lab Shepherd Cross.

This was just a few minutes after 8:00 a.m.

Our walk took us to our nearby park

We had some fun.

There was a Bunny being chased by some very aggressive Magpies.

We should have turned back but this silly Grandma thought we could scare the birds giving the Bunny time to make his escape.

It was a great plan in theory.

The reality was a far different story.

Needless to say I found out the hard way just how strong my girl Aspen is as I almost did a head plant into the sidewalk.

But managed to stay upright as I made that sill trip after her.

I was very careful during the rest of our walk.

Once we arrived back home I went into the backyard with Aspen, Alvin and Milo.

Humphrey the cat was in his backyard.

Aspen was trying desperately to get to him.

She would have pushed her way right through our fence.

She was very determined and she did not want to visit or make friends.

When she was a pup during her first year of life the poor dear had to fend for herself.

So she will go after rabbits, cats and birds.

She is fast and they do not stand a chance.

Needless to say I am careful with the cats and wildlife.

I did figure that the birds had a better chance of escaping.

Anyway it was an exciting way to start the day.

After that, I needed a COFFEE.

So perked up a pot of coffee and had a late breakfast.

We just had a quiet couple of hours or so.

About noon I went for a walk with Alvin and Milo.

We stopped by the garage sale.

Yes, the same one that I attended last weekend and Friday night.

They were happy to see Milo and Alvin.

We, I took a check around and picked up a couple of items.

Alvin and Milo and I continued on our walk after the garage sale.

We were on our way to the park when I heard my name being called and turned to see our friends had stopped in their van.

So we walked back to their vehicle.

They were wondering if I had a six foot high ladder as they were putting up Christmas lights and their son had borrowed theirs.

I just happen to have one and told them I would take it to them after we got back home.

When it arrived near Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy’s house we saw his Dad or actually Alvin spotted him up a ladder.

We were invited to go into the house so of course, the pups were up the steps in no time.

It was nice to see Teddy and his Mom.

We had a little visit and of course the babes had a treats before we continued on our way.

Stopped briefly at the garage sale and picked out one more item.

Leaving them there for pick up another time.

Which reminds me I have to go and pick up my items.

After we got home – I grabbed the ladder and walked it to my friend’s house.

Had a short visit and then back home.

We had a quiet rest of the afternoon.

Eating supper early.

Followed by some quiet time and then another walk with Miss Aspen.

Our walk was filled with more adventure.

While walking around the park there was a bunny running through someone’s backyard.

I managed to hold onto Aspen.

This time it was short lived.

After that a couple of small dogs who seemed friendly …. well ended up one was not.

So we carried on.

On the home stretch we walked by our new friend John’s house with Bug the black cat who spends some time on a leash basking in the fresh air.

Now I was watching for the cat as I know Aspen and cats.

I did not see her but Aspen walked close to the bush that circles their front yard and all of a sudden I heard a hiss.

Quickly called Aspen and pulled her back.

There was Bug in the bushes.

Everyone came out safely.

Thank goodness.

Finally back home …. we just had a quiet evening.

The kids were going to pick up the pups last night.

They ended up staying over last night.

Poor Miss Aspen was up at 3:00 a.m. with diarrhea.

Is this a reoccurring thing at my house?

Seems like poop and more poop.

Anyway it was poop and more poop throughout the night.

I felt so terrible as she had been whining/crying for a few minutes before I got my backside out of bed to take her downstairs.

Of course, we all went outside.

After that, we spent the rest of the night/morning on the sofa which was closer to the back door.

Poor Aspen.

Bad Grandma.

I texted my daughter about 8:30 a.m. to let her know about Aspen.

She came a bit later and spent some time here which was great.

Well that was my excitement.

Time to go and check on supper.

How about some photos?

The first photos from out on the deck were from yesterday and I am not sure what they were seeing?

I did not see anything but the pups certainly did.

Inside photos were from this morning while we were waiting for my daughter to arrive.

Well what a wild and wacky weekend we had …. I learned several valuable lessons.

1. Always wear running shoes not flip flops when walking with Miss Aspen.
2. When Aspen whines/cries in the middle of the night – Grandma needs to get the heck out of bed right away.
3. Pups make me happy.

Time to fly …. Alvin wants his supper.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin