The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope on this first full day of spring that you find yourself feeling more renewed, joyful and at peace with the world. I am feeling pretty great this morning. I have Alvin in my thoughts and with me. Grateful for all the love and support that has surrounded me most of my life and most especially during this time. Soon we shall see rabbits with coats of brown. The trees will start to bud. The snow will melt and the streets and sidewalks and yards will be dry. I still find it hard to believe that today is Tuesday, March 21st, 2023. This has been quite the year thus far. Hopefully I will be able to get my bearings. I look forward to planting flowers and figuring out what to do with the front flower bed. I know that Alvin always loved to be outside with me while I was puttering in the garden and with my flower pots on the deck. When I would be out front working in the flower bed, I would let him sit on the step and he would watch me or sometimes I would clip his leash to the anchor in the ground for just this purpose. He would sit on the grass and just be so happy. On the deck he would follow me everywhere. I always had water outside for him and if it were warm, I made sure he would be in the shade. This is going to be a different spring and summer for sure. Missing my little buddy.

Last night after work, I decided to deliver some thank you cards to friends and neighbours who had shown their love of Alvin and support for me with cards, flowers, gifts and themselves. We were/are so blessed to be surrounded by some of the nicest people on the planet. While out delivering we bumped into Allie and Bailey. As soon as Bailey spots me, she lets out this wail, so cute. She loves her Auntie Carol. We walked together and they waited while I dropped off cards. I walked them home and then gave them their cards and on the way home dropped off other cards and had a visit with one of my neighbours Dave. He is so nice. They have four children and have been here since I moved in, back in March of 2009. Actually at the end of this month it would be 14 years since I moved into this house. Then I went home. Popped leftovers into the oven and then wrote up a card for my neighbours Sonja and Steve. She has lived next door since I moved here and is like a daughter to me.

Last night was quiet as it had been another busy day at work. Yesterday we spent the morning going to all of our sites picking up garbage as our CEO is visiting the office today. I am not sure why that was so important although the garbage is another story. I honestly never thought my job would include picking up other people’s garbage. My back is a bit stiff this morning, always is whenever I use muscles that I don’t use on a regular basis. I woke up this morning at 4:19 and never quite got back to sleep, next thing the alarm was going off. Whoops time to fly. I did not realize the time.

Have a wonderful day. Be well.

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)

The Next Chapter

Morning ALL! We had a light dusting of snow sometime since I went to bed last night. No more getting up multiple times and going outside. I miss the night skies. Oh, how I miss my Alvin. I would give anything for him to be wanting to go outside at this moment. Nothing is the same without him. Not from going to bed to getting up in the morning and every minute in between. My life was wrapped tightly around that little guy and I miss him so much. He was the best friend and companion anyone could ever ask for ……

Today there are three birthdays to celebrate: my sister Cindy, a long time friend Diana and a neighbour and friend of ours, Arlene. Wishing these three amazing women the most wonderful of days. Happy Birthday.

Yesterday afternoon I went over and spent over two hours with our friend Bailey. I stayed until her Mom got home. I think that Bailey knew as she just kept kissing and kissing and kissing me. Where is Alvin? Oh how I miss that sweet sweet little guy. She went outside several times. So cold out but I kept an eagle eye on her to ensure that she was not outside longer than she needed to be. It was good to spend some time with her and to feel her energy.

Today I am going to do laundry. I do not want to sit and feel sorry for myself as it is not me who suffered.

I just saw a little bird fly by and can only imagine how cold that little creature is in these frigid temperatures. We do not often think of them.

FRIENDS

Friends,

Alvin and I were so blessed to have so many furry friends and family over the years. Here are some photos of his special friends and mine. I am so glad that he had so many wonderful furry friends in addition to so many human ones. Some of his family & friends have already passed and they too, are Angels. He has company so he will not be alone. Unfortunately, I do not have photos of all of them.

BF Alvin & Teddy

Kobi, Alvin & BF Teddy

Miss Cookie

Al & Kobi

Aspen & Milo

Bogart

Miss Bailey

Casey – Angel

Alvin

Kobi and Milo

Humphrey

Alvin’s BF Humphrey

Milo & Elton – Angel

Elton & Penny – Angels

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. just missing Miss Penny.

Aspen

Milo & Aspen

Alvin & Bailey

Alvin & Penny – Angel

Miss Aspen

Alvin Xmas 2020

Abby, his girlfriend – Angel

Humphrey & Alvin

Alvin & Elton – Angel

I guess that I had better sign off for this day. There is laundry to do and I can use a cup of coffee.

I will always love you Mr. Alvin as I did yesterday, the day before, two weeks ago, today, tomorrow and forever.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin – my heavenly Angel and forever sidekick.

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! What a first few days of FALL we are having here in Edmonton on our street. I hope that you are doing great on this bright sunny Saturday morning. Yesterday at the office, I was there. I caught a ride with one of my coworkers and we have a plan to carpool for our future rides to the office. After work my daughter picked me up, we stopped at the store and then home. Mr. Alvin was well looked after as my neighbor Sonja had popped in several times during the day ensuring he was fed, watered and went outside. She even gave him supper so that I could go to the store on my way home from work. I am beyond grateful to her for always helping us. She takes such good care of Mr. Alvin. Oh, and a pleasant surprise from my daughter when she announced that she may sleepover and she did! So great waking up with that human in the house.

When we arrived home from the store and as we were bringing the groceries and things in from the car one of our friends Ali and her pup Bailey were walking by on the opposite side of the street. Bailey spotted us and immediately started to squeal. I motioned for them to come over and as we brought things into the house – we had a visit. We love our Bailey and she gives some of the best kisses. Another gal was walking her dogs Eddy and Bruno who are labs and big but friendly. Bailey got excited again. She has just got to know them and loves the boys. Then they were all gone and we started to put things away.

We decided to pick up something from the store for supper, something already cooked from the deli. So supper was sushi and potato wedges and for dessert, Saskatoon ice-cream. A very unlikely combination I will admit but good all the same. That is what happens when you pick up food from the grocery stores.

After supper we got ready to go for a walk. Other neighbours were out walking and had just picked up their mail so we chatted with them as we walked. We did not even get to their house and Mr. Alvin stopped and turned around heading for home. I tried to change his mind but he wanted to go home. We were not home very long and it started to rain. There had been some clouds in the sky but nothing in the forecast. Perhaps he could tell something was coming. Oh, our weather forecaster Mr. Alvin.

For the evening we decided to watch a movie and watched “LIGHTYEAR” and oh my goodness, if you have not seen it, you must. It had a bit of everything, good storyline, great characters, love story, heroes, sad, happy, incredibly funny and more. Highly recommend it.

Well time to get the coffee on as we both are coffee drinkers.

Amanda is going to stay and help me with a few tasks before heading out. She is planning to go to COSTCO, yup, COSTCO on a Saturday. She needs gas so she will decide when she gets there whether it is worth going into the store, too.

I hope that you have a great day. I am over the moon happy ……

So great to have my girl here. Mr. Alvin opened the door to her room this morning at 3:00 a.m., I guess just checking to make sure she was still here. He loves her so much. They love each other.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Amanda.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Friday morning? Yes, we made it to another weekend. We are almost blowing away here in Edmonton and parts of Alberta for the second day in a row. We are less than 55 miles as the crow flies from the site of some huge wildfires. Extinguishing them in these winds would be a might feat and I would think darn near impossible. I pray for those out fighting the fires to keep us safe. My daughter and her family are less than 40 miles from the fires. The skies are filled with deep dark rain clouds and we have had a few drops thus far. I pray for some rain with no lightning. Is that possible? I hope so. Even one of the matts I had on the deck blew down to the lower part and yesterday one of my garbage cans sitting by the fence on the deck blew over. They have not done that for many years. It has been a long time since we have had the strength and direction of these winds. I feel that the winds are getting stronger. Hopefully all the shingles and roofs remain intact.

Yesterday at noon we met up with Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister Kobi and Mom for a lunchtime walk. We had a great visit with physical distancing. At the beginning of the walk we bumped into Bailey with her Grandpa out for a walk. Bailey saw me and pulled her Grandpa to cross the street. Alvin said hello and then the love fest started with me. Bailey gets so excited when she sees me and squeaks and little barks telling me so. I love her. I always feel so good after seeing them. When we got to Teddy and the gang, both Teddy and Kobi ran to me with fully extended leashes and before we knew it were all tangled up. Alvin had one of his paws caught up and I know just how sharp they are when pulled tight. Leashes, the thin ones can actually break open the skin (I know from personal experience). Anyway we fixed the situation very quickly before any damage was done. Alvin let me know what was going on even before I saw the leash wrapped about his paw/leg. It was very windy on our walk but we managed. When going to the Vet after work to pick up food for Alvin came up in our conversation, Iris offered to give me a ride to the vet. I am not sure how I would have carried a case of canned food and a small bag of dry food home in that wind and it is even worse today. After I picked up Alvin’s food and put in the trunk of Iris’s car, I slipped into the deli “The Careit” to pick up something for supper as I just did not feel like cooking. I could not decide but in the end decided upon a chicken pot pie and a ceasar salad and a small bag of two bite brownies to the tune of $32.00 and change. I almost had a coronary. I knew the chicken pot pie was $14.00 but there was no pricing on either of the other two items. Anyway, sometimes you have to support local businesses and they looked delicious. Iris told me when I told her the price “You bought them so now enjoy them.” She was right there was no reason to go on about the money spent. Sometimes! Anyway after we got home and I fed Alvin, I warmed up the chicken pot pie and while it was warming in the oven, I mixed up half of the salad. By the way there was enough for two meals so on that note it was way more economical and oh, my goodness so good. Very much worth the money. Money well spent. First bit of meat in a long time, the chicken that is.

This morning in less than one hour both Teddy and Kobi are coming to spend the day with us while their parents go to a townhouse that they own to clean it up as their renters moved out. To prepare for new ones. I love having the pups here and with the day being so stormy we wouldn’t be walking anyway so I am glad that Alvin has company. I forgot to tell you that on our way home from the walk yesterday, Alvin’s were actually blowing up in the wind. Never remember that happening before.

Time to head downstairs. Plug in the coffee and couple things before starting work. Have an awesome Friday.

Be safe and be well.

Oh, one more thing. There was a knock at the door just a few minutes after we go up from the sofa and I still had my pj’s on …. I looked out the window to see a white SUV and thought OH my goodness, did I get the time wrong for the pups to arrive and realized it was a different car. I opened the door and looked around to see nothing. Then out the window to see a woman staring at the house and pointing. I opened the door again and saw an express post packet sitting on the bench on my porch, I picked it up and waved okay to her and she left. I only checked the name and address when I got back into the house because who wants to stand on the porch in their pjs in this wind or at any time. Inside the house I looked at the address and name before opening it. Good thing that I did as it is not for me and is a different address. The print on the envelope is very small and I had to look a couple of times before I saw it was one digit different than my address. Guess I will be delivering this later. Not now. It will have to wait.

Time to fly.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.

What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.

To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.

Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.

Happy Happy Birthday buddy.

We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.

Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.

Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis

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  Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

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  Alvin getting to know his new family

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  Alvin’s Foster Parents ….. he was so loved there……

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

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  Alvin at home…..

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  Me and Alvin

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  Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

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  Alvin in the snow…..

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  We miss Simone’s hair cuts……

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  Girls saying good-bye to Alvin

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  Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

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  Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.

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  Alvin and Penny …..

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  I know that I am cute.

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  Outside with Mom

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  Top of stairs, body?

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  Enjoying the flowers

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  Miss Penny & Alvin

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  Me and my duck

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  Temporary bedroom

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  Alvin, one of my babies

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  Winter, argh.

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  Treat time.

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  What?

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  Relaxing.

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  Gift form Val

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  Walking with Mom

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  Another Adventure

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  Alvin & Elton

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  Me & pups

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  Alvin, Penny & Elton

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  Me and my Alvin

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  Alvin’s BF Humphrey

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  Humphrey & Alvin

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  Just chilling

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  Alvin

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  Alvin

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  Loving Broccoli

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  At Pauline’s

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  Alvin & his BF Teddy

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  A proper Gentleman

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  BF Teddy

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  Nephew Milo

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  Niece Aspen

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  Kobi and Milo

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  Teddy

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  Filters cuteness

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  Mr. Alvin going for a walk

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  Cuteness

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  In kitchen with Mom

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  Ah, Mom

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  2020 Adventure with Me

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  Alvin Xmas 2020, litte scared of the money

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  Alvin’s new winter coat

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  New sweater

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  Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

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  Miss Penny, an Angel

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  Teddy and his little sis Kobi

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  Profile of Mr. Alvin

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  Casey, our Angel

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  The boy

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  Baby Bailey

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  Many years ago before a haircut

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  Abi, his girlfriend, now an Angel

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  Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother

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  Bogart, last summer

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  Angels Elton & Penny

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  Amanda & Steve & Elton

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  Me and Alvin Oct 2013

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  Amanda, Steve, Elton & Penny

Wishing you all a great day.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Love Mom

2021

Good Morning ALL. Welcome to Sunday, January 3, 2021. The sky is pretty this morning as the sun slowly rises and the darkness from the night slowly disappears. Looking out our bedroom window the sky is overcast which faces north but out the office window to the south the sky is clearing. I love how the sky can be different from one end of my house to the other. How are you doing this morning? I am kind of sad that today is my last day before heading back to work. Later today I will have to set up my workstation once again. Thankfully it only takes about five minutes or so. In some respects it will be nice to have a routine once again but I will miss the freedom that we have enjoyed this past week.

Yesterday we walked later in the afternoon and met up with our friend Pauline and her grandpup Georgie. We were able to chat and walk keeping the proper distance required for social distancing. It was nice to see a familiar face. It was good for Alvin as well. We also bumped into Bailey and her Grandpa on our way home. Bailey was so excited to see me, us. She squeals with absolute joy whenever she sees us. Just warms my heart. Our weather has been so un norm for this time of year. We have been loving our daily walks.

Today is going to be a quiet day for us. I should delete photos today from my phone and computer. This would be a good day as it takes time and needs to be done. For some reason I have a problem deleting them. Must get in the habit of deleting them in the first place. Depends on when I am taking them …. I don’t always think to do it. Would be a good habit to get into, I think. I need to place that thought in my brain and hope that it catches.

Oh, I have been rewatching the Star Trek Discovery series on CTV (via on demand). I started to do this as I found that I had missed a couple of recent episodes and of course, I couldn’t find them to rewatch so thought I would start at the beginning. I think they are in the third season. Anyway, it is working out okay. I guess this is called “binge watching.”

Soon the regular shows will be back on. Every interview from actors tells the story of this past year. How this pandemic has affected taping of television shows and movies. Everyone wants to be safe but everyone wants to work as well. We heard loud and clear from Tom Cruise recently when people on the set were not heeding to the requirements required. I understand why he got so upset. He takes this seriously and sadly not everyone does. I see that in my life and in my City, Province and Country as well. It seems as though half of the populations are doing what the Health Professionals are instructing them to do and the other half are not. Unfortunately it is going to be a long year, I think. I am grateful that I am able to work from home and that I have a job. Wow, how did I go from watching Star Trek Discovery to writing/thinking about this darn Virus. Sadly it affects us all in every corner and aspect of our lives.

Time to go and get dressed and have some coffee. I don’t like to drink coffee too late in the day. Although coffee does not seem to keep me up ….. it is those 60,000 thoughts that we humans seem to have each day.

Have an awesome Sunday. Keep in good health, be safe. Remember we must be kind, respectful and compassionate to all others.

Always, Carol

Almost Christmas 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this morning? I hope that you are well and happy at this time and always. We are now at three sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day which is Thursday. Wow. Fast Approaching. The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere (where I live) is marked by the winter solstice which happens today. Today is the shortest day of the year. After today the daylight hours will increase. YAY. So how are the Christmas plans coming along? Are you celebrating things with a “COVID19 TWIST.” I have heard friends say that they are having lasagne for Christmas dinner instead of turkey. There will be changes and of course not likely the change that you want to celebrate Christmas but you know it is for one year. If your family and friends are in good health – then we have something to celebrate whether you can physically be with them or not. We have to “suck it up” and just be grateful that we can actually celebrate this year. So many families will be missing family members this year whether it was due to the virus or not. We can do this. Do something different with your “pod” – the people that are in your household. Eat differently – play different games. Maybe stay in your pj’s until just before you have your dinner/supper. Get out the phones/laptops/computers and put in a video call to the Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends and everyone you can think of. Most folks have the technology these days to video chat so take advantage of that and if they only have a phone/phone – then call them minus the video chat. This should be the year that we are reaching out to our family and friends and tell them how much they means to us and how grateful we are that they are alive and doing well. This is the year. We will endure.

Yesterday I iced the Sugar Cookies that I baked on Friday night and made the last cookie delivery. I see that a request has come in for Teddy and Kobi to spend Wednesday with us as Mom & Dad are going to the farm for the day. That is my late shift day to work so that will be perfect. I will have time to play with the pups before starting work at 11:00 a.m. ….. will be a fun day.

We also had a glorious walk yesterday afternoon. Even though the wind was strong it was surprisingly warm.

Still pitch dark out there ….. I am not sure what time the sun will rise today. It will rise.

We had a sidewalk / porch visit with Bailey’s Mom late yesterday afternoon. Bailey was out walking with her Grandpa. We exchanged gifts. It was lovely.

I am happy that I am ready for Christmas minus “hanging the stockings” and cooking Christmas dinner and some snacks for Christmas Eve.

Well Mr. Alvin is getting restless and it is almost time to start work. I must get that pot of coffee perking. The aroma always sends me over the edge. One of my fav smells is coffee perking.

I wish you well, may your day be filled with goodness, light and joy.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning.

We were up once again in good time and had a lovely walk.

The sky was filling up with clouds and the thunder roared as we went about our morning stroll.

We were just about home when we spotted our neighbour Irene out painting her fence.

She is the wife of Norbert.

Yesterday he was trimming their hedge in the front yard.

Alvin and I stopped and had a quick visit just as it started to rain.

Luckily it did not amount to much so we did not get wet before reaching home.

We were home long enough to get Alvin a treat, grind some coffee beans and put on the coffee.

I was at the kitchen window pulling up the massive blind trying to open them when I heard at the back window the voice of my neighbour.

Asking me to please come as Humphrey and Bogart got out.

“Outside,” I said and she replied YES.

I ran to the front door telling Alvin as I left that I would be back.

We ran out front calling them and looking for the cats when my friend had gone back to look in front of her house, she had her front door open and saw them at the patio door

off her kitchen.

They were in the backyard after all.

What a relief!

In the backyard, we found that the kitten could get on top of the back gate and make his escape that way.

He could follow the gates and even come into our yard.

Master Houdini.

Wow, I haven’t seen Bogart for a few days and he has really grown.

We visited for a few minutes before I returned home to Alvin.

So time to have him in a harness and on a leash while outside in the backyard if she is not able to be out there with him.

Lots of excitement this morning.

Also lots of thunder happening but not much rain as yet.

 

Well we had fun with Bailey the puppy from down the street.

Her Mom dropped her off about 4:30 and picked her up about 9:00 p.m.

She is a busy little one.

Reminds me of a two year old child.

When Bailey was not running all over the place she was attempting to bite me and everything else.

She loves Alvin’s chew treats so I gave her a couple and that kept her busy for some time.

Alvin and I were played out between Bailey and the 83+ degree temperature it was in the house.

Even with fans going full blast it was still hot and most especially for Mr. Alvin with his fur coat on.

There is a nice cool breeze coming in through the office window.

Back to Bailey.

There were a couple of times of course when they each had a chew treat and Mr. Alvin was not very gracious.

He growled at her only because she had one of his treats.

Finally after a couple of times, I resorted to giving them each a shot with the water bottle.

That released Alvin’s thoughts and hers.

Actually with the heat the water likely felt refreshing.

I was so impressed with Miss Bailey as she barked at the back door when she had to go outside to pee or to poo.

 

Holy catfish, that thunder is loud.

The lights flickered a minute ago.

I am wondering if I should move my flowers …. downpour coming?

Not sure….

But I am going to run down for a minute …. will be right back

I am back.

Just moved a few of my flower pots closer to the house.

Lights just went out for a second.

Likely better for me to end this soon.

 

Back to Bailey, we enjoyed having the puppy with us.

I have some photos but will share them later.

She was so cute when she would just snuggle up beside me on the sofa.

Bailey on one side of me and Alvin on the other.

That peaceful glorious moment was amazing.

 

Okay time to go.

 

Living with respect and kindness.

I/We shall remain,

AS Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

August 2nd, 2020 and a beautiful morning.

We were first up at 5:00 and Alvin had his breakfast.

Then back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

It was so hot in the house yesterday that I was really wishing that I had the A/C working.

But we made it through with the help of some electric fans.

I had the windows open with a breeze coming in earlier and have already started the fans.

I can only imagine what our electric bill will be next time.

We slept until 7:00 and then were up and got ready to go for our first walk in over a week.

 

One of neighbour’s down the street, Norbert was already out trimming his hedge that lines the sidewalk before their fence wraps around the yard.

They are on the corner lot and have a huge yard.

All of the neighbours are envious of their beautiful yard and flowers and the trees.

They truly have one of the most glorious yards.

We stopped and chatted of course and when I said that Alvin has a pulled muscle in his neck, he thought something must be wrong as they had not seen us out walking.

We walk like clock work unless one of us cannot.

After catching up we were on our way.

One of the people down the street from us had not cut his grass at all this summer.

I was surprised to see it finally cut.

Norbert said he had three people out cutting the grass.

Now that person is in half of a duplex so the front yard is not huge and likely the back was in as bad shape as the front.

So I could see multiple people.

It looks like a real bad haircut.

On the upside, the weeds are cut down.

Hopefully he keeps it cut.

Another neighbour, in fact, a young woman had some work done in the front yard.

She added some shrubs and some beautiful little solar lights and wood chips in the front lining the sidewalk from her house to the street.

Looks so good.

Man, so many changes since we were out last walking.

I miss seeing everyone’s flowers and chatting with folks.

We saw a couple sitting on their front porch enjoying “breakfast,” I would assume.

Although this morning Norbert was the only person we knew out.

There were a couple out for a morning run and then on the way home, a lady was out for a morning stroll.

Funny story, while we were out, we or actually I noticed this squirrel with a white belly on these huge rocks in the front yard of a neighbours a few blocks away from our house.

The squirrel was sitting and then would run a bit and then stop and then I noticed there were two black cats watching him with anticipation of what …. well who knows.

Likely not good.

They were on long leashes out enjoying the cool morning air.

So no immediate danger to the squirrel.

But I noticed the squirrel and the cats noticed the squirrel but not Mr. Alvin.

He was just sniffing away.

 

We had the best walk.

Enjoying the sights and smells of the flowers along the way.

 

Well I am going to make pancakes for breakfast before the heat really sets in for the day.

I guess this is going to be an easy not much going on kind on day.

But later our friend Alison is dropping off puppy Bailey for a couple of hours as she has an outing.

Bailey is busy so I will be busy.

 

I have some craft projects that I am working on so that will keep me busy for the day.

Something not requiring a lot of running about.

 

Well time to get this day underway ….. well to have coffee and breakfast.

I hope that you are keeping cool and enjoying your weekend.

We are so grateful to be feeling well and for the walk, it was absolutely glorious.

Another hot one on the way, 30 degrees celsius.

Then tomorrow 23 or 24 degrees celsius.

That will feel cold, wild laughter !!

 

Living my life with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Mr. Alvin and Carol

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Well this morning there was a bit of sunshine a few minutes ago but now the sky is filled with deep blue clouds.

The wind is quite strong and it is actually cold outside.

I have the windows open in the house and I have a sleeveless top on and I am cool.

But hoping it will warm up soon.

Birds are chirping in the background and likely they are as unhappy about this cool damp windy weather as we.

Although they likely have been enjoying the feasts of worms that come to the surface after those heavy rain showers.

 

Yesterday morning when I was doing my post, I was in a bit of a hurry, just a bit.

I was relating my story from the night before and had finished the post.

Just as I had clicked on the publish button – I noticed some dreadful – wording that made not much sense.

The words were not even what I had typed or perhaps what I was thinking and my fingers typed something else.

Who knows.

If you received an email with the post – please go onto my blog via WordPress and see if you can figure out the error.

I quickly changed the error but it was too late.

Drove me a little mad, I will say.

If you wish …. please do so.

 

Yesterday was a good day.

I enjoyed coffee and a visit on the deck of one of my friends in the morning.

Clouds did roll in so we went into the house – social distancing of course.

In the afternoon, I facetime with one of our friends who works at a nearby hospital who is basically closed due to major outbreak of the COVID19.

She recently got a new puppy so we met Miss Bailey.

So cute.

She is a Beaglier.

I believe.

She looks like coffee and baileys.

We all need a little “coffee and baileys.”

 

Well it is Monday morning and my brain power is low.

I cannot think of much more to say.

I hope that you are living your best life despite the pandemic/virus and all the changes that have come with.

Living each day with as much kindness and respect for yourself and for others as is possible.

Wishing you the best day.

 

Stay safe.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  one of the flowers in the pot that my friend Pauline gave me has the most aromatic beautiful fragrance.

I was wondering where the scent was coming from ….. so pretty.