The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Another dreary looking morning out there. We were outside a short while ago and it was nice but before that I could see my breath. We received a fair amount of rain yesterday and everything should get very much that beautiful green now. We will however need some sunshine and that according to the forecast is in short supply over the next week. We had a decent sleep last night. Lights out at 10:00, Alvin was next up at 4:18 and then 5:39 so all in all not bad. He seems to be doing better since I completely cut out human food a couple of days ago now. He has not been leaving behind a “lovely fragrance.” LOL.

If I strain hard enough I can almost see the sunrise.

I am slowly but surely getting the garage cleaned out and disposing of items. Another item was picked up last night. So exciting to meet new people and to have my garage almost bare. What a great feeling. Next to get through those containers in the basement. Actually that would be a great job for the evenings when the weather is not great for walking. Note to self.

I am so grateful for my life. There are moments of imperfection but so many more of utter perfection and delight.

Can you believe it is 63 days now until my 65th Birthday? WOW. Still shaking my head in disbelief, 65. Whoa.

This post will be short as I cannot bring any words of wisdom or funny stories quickly to mind and soon shall be time to start work. Yes and time to plug in the coffee.

I wish you a great day.

Happy Tuesday.

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

Always possibilities …….

Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? The sky is partially overcast but earlier the sun was shining brightly. My how fast things can change. Alvin and I are doing well. Busy day yesterday. As you know we were up and at it earlier than most Sundays. We even went for a walk in the morning. I worked for a few hours in the basement and then realized that this is going to take more than one afternoon. I managed to haul up the Christmas tree and a portable stand as I had planned to give them away on social media. I also decided to give away the Christmas tree that I have for outdoors. Just feeling like changing things up. I am going for a small tree. My 7.5 ft tree was just too much for me to set up and take down and then I do not need to ask for help, I can do a smaller tree on my own. Easy peasy. Anyway, I posted the items later in the afternoon and the metal stand has been picked up. YAY.

I separated all of the rubbermaid containers between Christmas decorations and my daughter’s childhood things and my things consisting mostly of papers, like cards etc. I am going to be very strict with myself and only keep a small amount of things. I found my journals so perhaps scanning them might be an option in the future. A lot of work but I will see. I have a lot of them but I do know that my daughter would be interested in them. Whether she wants to keep them all, that is for her to decide.

The second pantry (cabinet) did not get done but I figured that I could do it after work as it does not take much time. I think my “tupperware” drawers and cupboards need to be gone through again. I am not keeping what I do not use on a regular basis.

The office closet up here desperately needs to be gone through and that will take a few hours.

I have one month to get this done as we are having a garage sale in June. Although everything won’t go in the sale as I will post some things on social media, still want to get it done.

We collect so many little non-essential items – I see everywhere I look. I get the minimalist look, I get it. Just have what you use. Although I won’t likely take it that far, I am going to keep reducing my “material things.” No point in keeping so much especially if people will use them.

We did not get a second walk in because it rained. Moisture is good, cleans up the dirt and dust and helps our trees and perennials start to grow again.

Well time to head downstairs. Happy Monday ALL!

Just getting rid of that wood – still makes me feel lighter! Big weight off my shoulders as I had been concerned as to where I could take it and who could take it away.

Thank goodness for friends.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are well. For the second morning in a row we slept in. This morning we were woke up by the phone ringing. Which was a good thing. I think it is safe to say that this last week of incredibly hot temperatures has taken a toll on us and likely the rest of the country. It is only 17 degrees outside now and it is 8:16 a.m. – what a difference. Top temperature for today is to be 21 degrees celsius and rain. We did have a bit of rain earlier. We were up at 5:00 the first time.

The last couple of days have been very eventful and I cannot believe that tomorrow is back to work already. Thankfully the workplace remains at the kitchen table. Did I say that I love working from home. So much less stressful and no commute. Sure love that. I can be home right after I am finished work. Home for Mr. Alvin.

Saturday morning as I mentioned we were up and down and then not up until close to 9:00 a.m. I had a shower and was shocked, really shocked to find the water cold and did not warm up at all. In my heart, I knew that it was likely the hot water heater. My home is about 15 years old. After the shower and my brief post to you all, I headed down to the basement to find that there was water leaking from the bottom of the hot water tank. That is never good news. I googled to find out for sure and it was not one of the “fixable” things that were mentioned. Not surprised. I texted a few people for guidance. My daughter replied right away. She helped me find a plumber to call. I called the company and set up an appointment for 3:00 p.m. (by the way the technician/plumber was here at 2:30 p.m. which is always a good sign). He assessed the situation and I agreed to go ahead and replace the old one. We did the paperwork and then he started to process to drain the tank while he went back to the shop to pick up a helper and the new tank. About one hour later they were back – about 4:15 p.m. They started right to work. By I think it was 6:00 p.m. – the new tank was installed and the old tank was removed. I was grateful that they took the old tank, I had originally not thought of that. YAY, new tank. There is a smell to the water so I emailed the company and they called first thing this morning and are sending someone out. Luckily I have several jugs of water in the fridge for me and Alvin. I did do a load of dishes in the dishwasher and some by hand. So hopefully that is okay. So that is my hot water tank story.

I forgot to mention about Friday. Thankfully Friday was a bit cooler than the rest of the week. We had been up early and gone for a walk. I had booked the day off as vacation which was nice especially after having Wednesday off for Canada Day. We were just “chilling” trying to keep cool watching some television when I laid back on the pillow and before you know it I heard a voice and woke up to hear my daughter entering the house. She had planned to come over but I didn’t know the exact time. It was nice to have about a two hour nap on a Friday morning. Amanda and brought Milo (her smallest dog) with her. We visited and had coffee. Decided that we would take the box of items that I had collected from my basement reorganization to GOODWILL and then hit Save-On for a couple of items. So that is what we did. The fans were blowing for the pups and they had lots of water. We were gone less than two hours. I ended up finding five or maybe it was six tops, mainly sleeveless ones because that is what you buy when it is hot and one pair of jeans. Actually years ago I had these lightweight cotton not really denim pants that had an elastic waist and were so comfy to wear in the summer. I found a pair not quite as lightweight as the others from years gone by but close enough and they had an elastic waist. I was going to try them on but haven’t yet with all of the excitement. I did try the tops yesterday and they all fit. Anyway, it was great to get out for a bit. 24/7 – Alvin has been my constant companion. I really enjoyed my outing. We filled a bin at GOODWILL with the items from the basement and three big bags of clothing (previously cleaned my closets). Once back home – Amanda picked up Milo and they were on their way home. So nice to have company for both me and Alvin and an outing to boot. For some reason I think there was something else I wanted to tell you all but for the life of me I have forgotten. Also my neighbour is away for the weekend so I have been checking in on Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder.

At the end of it all, I have a new hot water tank and some new tops and a pair of jeans. What a weekend!

Well we should head out for a walk before they come to check our water.

Luckily I have water in the fridge for us to drink and for COFFEE. Walk first and then coffee.

I hope that you are keeping safe and cool. So grateful for cooler temperatures for today and next week. Looks like Friday/Saturday will be warm.

Also I set up an appointment for July 14th to have my central a/c serviced so for the next hot weather we will be ready.

Have an awesome Sunday. Looking like this is my cleaning day …… I have had lots of “relaxing time” so need to get some things done, lol.

Remembering to always live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to the 2nd day of July 2021. We were up at 4:30, Alvin had his breakfast and then we headed back to the sofa. Next thing I know it is 6:30, so I jumped up off the sofa and upstairs to get dressed so that we could go for a walk. No one wants to see an almost 64 year old woman in her summer nightgown, lol. Off we went. Perhaps there was a reason that we went one hour later than the rest of the week. A strong gust of cool wind hit us as we descended from the front porch steps and onto the sidewalk. It was glorious. Honestly, I could have stood for for all of time or at least until I had to pee. The sun was shining but from time to time cloud cover took hold and it was just devine. There is a 50 percent chance of rain in the forecast but I am hoping for rain. The grass and trees and everything and everyone needs some moisture. I think after this post that I am going to take the hose and give my flowers in the flower beds some water. I only gave the front bed a bit of water last night. Of course, I thought that I would have been up at 5:30 not 6:30. OH WELL. Alvin is panting as it is hot upstairs. Even with a fan. So this will be short. We are grateful that the temperatures here are decreasing. Thank goodness. I sure hope that this is the case everywhere else as well. Low to mid 20 celsius temperatures is warm enough. High 30’s is too much. We spent most of yesterday in the basement. I was arranging and rearranging and purging and stuff. Six garbage bags later and a huge box of stuff that I do not need or want and it is looking better. At least it looks like a family room. We had fans going down there as well and actually at times had to put on a light sweater. Alvin enjoyed it. When we had to come back upstairs for water and bathroom breaks it was difficult. For supper I had apple pie and chocolate ice cream. I figure that I had fruit and some calcium. We watched movies all night long.

Time to head downstairs. Alvin is warm. Fur coat and all. He drinks nearly a whole bottle of water when we walk and I am grateful that I have that travel water dish for him.

Keep safe and cool.

Have a wonderful Friday. I am off work today. So a four day weekend for me counting yesterday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine Saturday morning. Alvin and I are doing well and have been up for hours. We have already been for a walk, watered all of the flower beds and flower pots and did some yard work. I wanted to get in all of the outdoor work before the heat sets in for the day. I really am enjoying our early morning walks. Other than two people out for a walk we were the only ones. Surprised that folks with pups were not out for a walk but perhaps they were out even earlier. Alvin really loves his new travel water dish and usually drinks the whole bottle on each of our walks. I put the coffee on to perk while I am writing this post. Lots to do this Saturday. After this post, coffee and breakfast followed by changing and preparing to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath. His hair is not really long but in this next week heat wave a shorter cut will be better for him. Then of course, there is laundry and I think in the heat of the day we will be in the basement. My daughter and son-in-law gave us a leather love seat which fits perfects in the family room in the basement so we have a place to sit for my, lay for Alvin and watch a movie and just hang out and be cool. I have some rearranging to do in the basement so perfect time when it is hot outside. The fans on the main floor keep the temperature at about 80 which seems hot but isn’t too bad. I am not a heat person by any stretch of the imagination. Not at all.

Last night we went to one of our neighbors and hung out in their beautiful backyard. It really is gorgeous. First thing that Alvin does is to roll around on the grass as it is cool and thick unlike ours. He really loves this couple as do I and we always have such a great visit. Laughing and sharing news and information. Alvin made sure that he sniffed every part of the yard. He was fixated on something in one of her flower beds and surprisingly enough lifted his paws as not to squash any of the flowers. We were shocked. It was an deliberate action. What a guy!

Well this is going to be short as I have to get going and get Alvin’s haircut done. At least the fans will help. I need that cup of coffee and perhaps some toast before starting.

I am grateful to have fans for us to be cool. Not much housework this weekend. Thankfully I usually keep things tidy and clean so really not much to do. I am grateful that we were able to go for a nice walk earlier. The roses smelled amazing and the birds singing their morning songs. So beautiful out.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday. Keep cool and safe. Enjoy the weekend.

Living this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Well another morning where Alvin was up at 4:47 a.m. (going in the right direction). The sky is overcast and there is a bit of a breeze which is refreshingly cool. We will be going for a walk in a few minutes so it will be enjoyable. Starting tomorrow our temperatures are going to soar with temperatures reaching 30 on Saturday, 32 on Sunday, 34 on Monday and Tuesday, 36 on Wednesday and Thursday, 33 on Friday and 31 on Saturday. Yikes. I had not looked that far in advance until now. These numbers represent degrees above in celsius so it will be hot. 30 degrees celsius = 86 degrees fahrenheit and 36 degrees celsius = 96.8 degrees fahrenheit. There will be no walks at noon or after work for the next week or so at that rate. We will make sure that we are up and out early in the morning so that we get that exercise and fresh air in before the heat of the day. If you have a pet please ensure that you are NOT out and about when there are extreme temperatures. You may be wearing shorts and enjoying the heat but they are wearing a fur coat and do not enjoy the heat. If they were in the wild, they would be sleeping in the shade somewhere trying to keep cool. Also do not take your pets with you in the car if you plan to make any stops. DO NOT LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED IN THE CAR. Please. Make sure that both yourself and your pet are hydrated. All creatures whether two or four legged require hydration. WATER, please. Also the asphalt will be hot and can burn the pads of your pups paws and the sidewalk will be hot as well. Take yourself and them for a walk in the early morning. Then stay somewhere cool. If that means the basement – then the basement it is. We may be spending time in the basement.

There is no chance of being overheated this morning and I am grateful for the reprieve from the heat today, this morning. We will certainly enjoy our walk.

When I was thinking that perhaps Alvin’s eyesight may be failing ….. I noticed when he was outside earlier that he was watching a bird in the air. The bird had not made a sound so he had to have seen him. He appeared to be following him flying in the sky. So the water dish thing. Not sure but luckily he likes to drink out of his new travel water dish so perhaps I will just starting giving him water out that way when we are in the house as well. Or try a new bowl. Hopefully this phase will not last. Oh, my boy.

Well it is time to head out for that walk. Stop and smell the roses and then come home and have some coffee.

Wishing you a wonderful Thursday. Be safe and careful. Enjoy each day. Live in gratitude.

Continuing to live this day as every day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understand and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? We are great. Glad that it is Saturday. The sun is shining and the sky the most exquisite blue. Had some excitement this morning. I regress to yesterday. We had a great walk at lunchtime yesterday. It was windy but we managed to remain on the ground and even got to see two families of geese. Oh, the goslings are so cute and fuzzy. You just want to cuddle with them. Later in the afternoon, it started to rain. My daughter came after work to drop off some lawn chairs that they no longer had room for on their deck so I accepted them. I have lots of room on my multi leveled deck. We had a yummy supper of stir fry. After cleanup we including Mr. Alvin went over to check on Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder as their Momma is away for a well deserved weekend away from home. Humphrey said hi to us all and Bogart was a little distanced. One of the cats had thrown upstairs so I cleaned that up. Neither seemed to be ill or anything. He wasn’t quite sure. Not like he doesn’t know us but he was cautious. When we were going to leave he growled as Alvin was going to pass close by him. Just playing it safe, I had his leash on at that point so I steered him the other way. After my daughter went home, I did some clean up and then watched a bit of television before heading to bed. I think that I have mentioned before that I had purchased some “fake” nails from my friend’s daughter who has her own little business. When we girls were all together last weekend purchasing some nail kits, I thought that it would be fun to have all three of us wear our nails to Gillian’s birthday party which is in 1.5 hours on my deck. The instructions are not to put your hands in water for at least two hours after putting them onto your nails. Well the only time that would work for me would be before bed. So that is what I was doing a 10:30 last night, in my bathroom putting on these nails. Which by the way is making it difficult for me to type. Hopefully I get used to them before Monday. I work the late shift on Monday. I have them on and managed to keep them on so far today.

This morning we were up about 4:00 and then Alvin ate at 6:00 but I did not wish to get up to stay at that time. I really could have as I felt more awake at that time then I did at 7:30 when we got up to stay up. But it was so cozy on the sofa and I had been dreaming. Shortly after up, I made the bed and grabbed a sweater before heading over to feed the cats next door. I was in the kitchen putting out some wet food (already filled their dishes with dry) when the front door was starting to open, almost had the big one (okay being slightly dramatic) when a female voice called out and it was my neighbour bestie who comes every Saturday to use her basement for a zoom dance class. We startled each other. Shortly after that the orange cat that was out visiting stopped by. One minute on the fence and the next on the deck. Bogart was inside of course and the cat was sitting outside patio door on the deck. Bogart was not impressed. I am not sure what he was saying. Humphrey came along and he just sat and watched the cat. A few minutes later the cat jumped the fence from the ground, scaled the fence and then jumped onto my garage and down the other side to the fence and was gone. What an agile creature. Kendra had her class so I said that I would be over later.

What an interesting morning. Not sure how excited I am about these nails. Hard to type. I suppose you get used to them. Anyway. Time to go and get dressed for the party. It is a nice morning. Cannot wait to see the girls.

Have an awesome morning, and rest of your Saturday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am so close to 1000 followers ….. very exciting. Thank you to everyone. I appreciate your time.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Had a fairly good sleep and even slept in this morning. No reason to get out of bed and stay up at 5:00 a.m. or even at 6:00 a.m. other than I guess it is better for one to keep the same sleep schedule which includes going to bed and rising. I will admit that I am trying to find the best times and it appears to be a work in progress for us although we usually go to bed within an hour. At this very moment the view out of my office window reminds me of a snow globe. The snow is accumulating as it is below zero. I can see more shovelling in my future. Just when there was only a small amount on the deck and in the backyard. We still have a fair amount on the front yard but that is due to us facing north. All about the shade in the front which is nice as the living room faces in that direction. On those hot summer days when it is +27 or so degrees celsius that shade does not keep the living room cool …… we have fans for that…. The sky is completely overcast with no breaks so looks like this is set in for the day although the temperature is to be plus double digits today so if that happens we will end up with rain and the snow will melt quickly. Tomorrow’s forecast is for plus double digits tomorrow and rain. I am so glad that we had an extra long walk yesterday as we may not make it out today. I don’t mind walking when it is snowing or raining but for Alvin not so good. He runs the risks of moisture getting into his ears (even though I dry them when we get home) and getting a yeast infection. Not much fun for either of us.

What is going on the in world today? I have literally no idea. I only know what is going on in my house. With Alvin I have no idea what he is thinking. I can only react to his physical appearance which makes it hard. It would be nice perhaps to know what he is thinking although between the just moments ago shaking his head and sneezing, I am willing to place a bet that he is not so happy with me at this moment. Clearly he wants something. Now he is whimpering. Perhaps he has to go outside. When we arose from the sofa, he drank quite a lot of water and I coaxed him to go outside but he would not so likely now he has to go for a pee. Well we went down and outside and we are back. Guess you did not miss us as you did not know we were gone, lol.

The house is quiet as always other than Mr. Alvin running across the room. I like quiet but sometimes you need the company of other humans, right?

This is a good time for me to do some further writing.

Do you notice that when it is snowing or raining or the skies are just plain overcast and there is no sunshine that you somehow lose your get up and go? I sometimes do, okay actually lots of times I do. But sometimes when it is snowing or raining – I have the urge to clean out a closet or rearrange furniture. Always a good thing to do. Go through those closets and the pantry. Cupboards and drawers. I will say that one advantage about living with no other humans is when I put something down it stays in that spot until I move it. When I put something away – it stays away until I move it. So there are advantages of being the only human in the house but then sometimes it is just lonely. I would not say that I am lonely often as I usually find a way to entertain myself and after all, I have Mr. Alvin and he keeps me busy. I would think when you are part of a busy household filled with humans and perhaps a pet or two that sometimes you just would like to be alone. I guess for us humans it always remains something to find a happy medium. Like the work life/home life balance.

Well I guess it is time for me to get dressed, take the laundry down to the basement and get that started. There will be vacuuming to do and dusting as well. Bed has been stripped and made already so one thing off my list. I look forward to a cup of coffee on a Saturday ….. it does seem different than during the week. Mainly because I actually can drink it while it is hot/warm. Very enjoyable.

I hope that you are doing well amidst all that is going on in our world and in your life. If we remember to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience then we are doing our very best. I think that I could add love and passion to that list as well. If we love ourselves and live our lives with passion in addition to living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience ….. we truly have all of the bases covered for a well lived life. Food for thought.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to read my words. I see and know that some of you read this post faithfully everyday and I am truly grateful.

May life treat you well each and every day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. The sky is that weird mix of grey and white. I woke up with runny, stuffy nose, bit of sore throat and sneezing. This was to be coffee morning with my friends but now we had to postpone until next weekend. Feels like the start of a cold but then again yesterday I was going through winter stuff in the basement and closets and likely just allergies from that but have to be careful. So we cancelled. I was really looking forward to seeing the girls but they both have children and I know this is the best decision. It used to be okay to be around someone who might have had a cold but not now. So I will remain indoors with Alvin. This will be a week where I stay away from people. Just to make sure. If anything changes I will go and get tested, don’t worry. I am a cautious person and would never put anyone in any kind of danger.

So I guess this will be a quiet day. Will finish up the last load of laundry and straighten out my clothes closet. I did most of it yesterday but will finish today. Maybe watch a movie this afternoon. Thank goodness that I have Mr. Alvin to keep me company.

Last night I facetimed with my sister from Saskatchewan. I miss her so much. We usually get together every summer and were not able to this year. Thank goodness for technology and I could see her beautiful face. Better than not.

Well I am filled with disappointment and might as well get this show on the road. What can you do? Coffee may help.

I hope that you have a great day.

Continuing to live with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

Well there is a breeze blowing out there.

The sky is clear with hues of oranges as the sun rises.

Looks amazing.

Love sunrises and sunsets.

 

So how are you doing today?

I am doing well.

House is quiet of course without my partner in crime, Mr. Alvin.

He is doing well at his sister’s house.

Now today she has to go into the office so time will tell.

My son-in-law is at home so it will be interesting to see if he “sticks like glue” to him.

My daughter has been telling me that he goes wherever she goes.

If she is working …. he is under her desk or on the dog bed beside her.

If she is in the kitchen …. he is in the kitchen.

In the bathroom …. he’s there, too.

Pretty much the same as with me.

Although occasionally he will sit on the chair while I go into the basement or upstairs.

But most times he is with me.

I am sure that he will have many stories to tell me when he arrives home on Sunday.

Last night they received their first robot vacuum cleaner.

My daughter says with all of the dog hair ….. they had to try something.

She sent me the cutest video.

All three dogs engaging …. watching ….. wondering the vac as it maneuvered around the floor.

Alvin watched intently and kind of followed BoBi, that’s her name.

Aspen walked up to it and then backed away.

She did not want to turn her back to the machine.

Milo had been on the stairs, he came down walked up to it and then away.

Cutest video ever.

They all reacted differently much the way humans do when we encounter something new.

Interesting and funny to watch.

The machine is quite loud.

BoBi is quite loud.

Anyway it was nice to see the pups in a video.

 

Last night two of my girl friends were over for a Diamond Painting evening.

We all are working on projects and felt that it would be fun to get together and work on them.

So great to have a week day get together.

I love my girls.

I am working on my FALL one that yes, I started in July on our other Painting Night with the girls.

Yup, I am falling short on completion date.

Fall is here and I am not done.

Hopefully Fall last for awhile.

Fingers crossed.

 

Did anyone watch the U.S. Presidential Debate?

I will only say this …. I expected nothing less from Trump and was a bit concerned for Joe Biden.

These are interesting times in the world that is for sure.

 

Well it is time to grab that mug of coffee and start work.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday as I was starting to type Tuesday.

Yikes, the week is going quickly.

Take Care and Be safe in all that you do.

I am going to go for a walk at noon.

Not walked since Saturday.

Exercise would be good for me.

Continue to live your life with kindness and respect,

As will I,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin