Last Days 2022 – December 31st.

Good Morning ALL! Well we have had a last twenty-four hours. Yesterday was quiet until it was not. I did some laundry, bit of cleaning, Alvin and I walked to the park and I shovelled the neighbours garage pad and driveway for them. The sun did shine for part of the day and it is shining brightly this morning. While Alvin and I were walking one of our friends (neighbour) was driving by and pulled over and we chatted for a couple of minutes from across the street. It had been months since I had seen her. We both said that we had a card and gift for each other. I asked her to let me know when I could pop by with her gift. She said that she would. After we got home, I decided to text two other friends that I had cards and gifts for to see when I could bring them by. Time just had seemed to got away on me this holiday season. It was cold and then Alvin was gone for three weeks and then it was cold again. So I did not get out to do much walking. Anyway, I heard back from one of the two and later in the afternoon, went over to drop off the gift. One hour and a few minutes later, I was heading back home. We chatted for over an hour. So much seemed to have happened and she wanted to tell me, so I listened. Sometimes people just need to share and sometimes we just need to listen. I did add my stories in here and there. I had mentioned that I had not seen our other friend until I saw her when we were out earlier for a walk. She seemed to be surprised by that revelation, and when I asked why, she did not want to answer so I left it at that knowing that I would see the other friend later. It was almost 5:00 p.m. when I got home to find a box on my front porch, I picked up the box and went inside. Alvin was wanting his supper so I fed him, and then popped a black bean burger into the oven. I realized that it was my new computer which had been delivered a few days early. That almost never happens so I unpacked my new pick iMac computer. A few minutes later I checked texts and messages and found one from the friend that I had seen driving earlier and she said “come over.” So I quickly texted her back to say that I could come but had supper in the oven so could only stay for a few minutes. When I arrived at her house (only a few door away), the friend that I had visited with earlier was there. I almost jumped out of my body. Not sure why I was surprised but I was. Nothing could have prepared me for the news. Our friend has breast cancer. She had a second surgery just last week and is waiting for the pathology results. I felt like I was having an out of body experience. We chatted and finally I had to go before my supper burned (no one wants to cause a fire). In between the news – we exchanged Christmas presents which seemed so surreal. Last night was odd. I could not get my friend out of my mind. I pray that they were able to get all of the cancer with the second surgery. Life. We never know.

I was going to post photos of this past year and a summary of what happened in our house. Maybe some wise words or thoughts. But now it does not seem appropriate. I know the stats of cancer, of breast cancer so I should not be surprised that I would know someone. Keeping positive thoughts for a full recovery for her, for my friend.

Instead, I will just say that it is a reminder to us all to listen to our “intuition” and go for checkups. Get those mammograms done, I will be making an appointment in the New Year. If we do not look after ourselves – no one else can.

Happy New YEAR, cannot believe it will be 2023 at 12:01 tonight. Where has the time gone. I am excited to set up my new computer but for now, I need a cup of coffee. Oh, this morning, earlier when we had come back upstairs, I had just opened the blinds in our bedroom to see one police car turn up the street, then a second and then a third. My heart went into my socks. What the heck? They stopped up the street and got out. Twenty minutes later they left. I hope that everything is okay. Seems like there is always a police car or two up the street and around the corner.

I am happy that Alvin and I are in good health at this time. I am grateful for the sunshine this morning. I am grateful for our family, friends, this house – our home, to be financial “secure,” and my life. We are very blessed. I am grateful for that. Many blessings.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. hoping to be able to set up my new computer after some coffee ……….

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

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of April, 2019.

Almost mid point.

The sun is shining brightly and it is a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

We were up early and already went over to Humphrey’s house and cleaned out his litter box and then decided to bring him over to our house.

The boys have been outside and even tried their paws at playing.

Alvin wants Humphrey to play so badly but Humphrey is not quite sure.

So he lays or sits and then will bat his paw at Alvin.

Or they chase each other outside and inside.

I have the cutest photos this morning.

They say it all …..

Alvin was laying on our bed and Humphrey was just hanging out so I decided to lift him onto the bed.

He immediately sat beside Alvin and starting to look out the window.

Just a dog and his cat.

I wished that I had been carrying the camera with me as I missed the best photo of the day.

They were playing upstairs.

Well at least trying.

Funny how the both of them have to be wherever I am.

Both are just hanging out patiently waiting for me.

Humphrey even tried out Alvin’s water dish in our bedroom.

 

Alvin has his regular Doctor appointment so I will take Humphrey home for that time period.

Once home I will go and bring him back to our house.

Coffee with the girls at my house once we were back home.

A busy morning.

 

I have the best life.

Thank you for the best four legged friends for me and Alvin.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies – we love you guys.

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of August, 2018.

It is still dark out so likely the sky is overcast by the smoke, the air is cool.

Feels like FALL.

I love fall so that would be quite okay with me.

Alvin’s BF Teddy is staying with us for a few days.

They have had a barking match this morning as their was only one chew treat in the bedroom.

I was getting ready and could not RUSH back downstairs to grab another one.

NOTE: to self always have two of everything around.

Seems strange having two of them around when I am getting ready for work.

Teddy has slept over before but usually is on the weekend and getting up so early isn’t a problem.

They have been good.

Just want the same item.

So cute.

Just like us.

 

Last night after work my daughter and I went to COSTCO.

I am always amazed at how busy that store is ….. so many people.

I was so impressed with one older man as his wife was walking ahead of him and he was pushing their cart.

I stepped aside with our cart and waited on them to pass by.

He said “thank you” as they went by.

First time ever someone has said thank you in that situation.

WOW, made my day.

Sometimes we forget our “manners” ….. it is the “please” and “thank you” those simple words that really make the difference.

If you were rushing along trying to get your groceries the same as everyone else and all those other folks did was to cut you off ….. making you frustrated ….

Wouldn’t it be NICE if someone said “thank you” along the way.

NOTE: Please say “thank you.”

If more folks remembered their manners each day the world would be a bit better place.

Being kind …. having manners.

So important.

 

Today go out into the world and remember those simple words “please and thank you.”

You will make someone’s day.

You might also SHOCK the pants off them.

 

Well someone is losing their patience here in the office and that someone does not have two legs.

So gotta run.

Remember, be kind and have manners.

We / You / ME can do this.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to always say please and thank you.

Always, Carol, Alvin and for a few days, Master Teddy.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 8th day of November, 2017.

Our office is closed today and we are attending an off-site staff meeting.

One of my co-workers is picking me up in a few minutes.

I would have had a nice sleep in this morning but Mr. Alvin had other plans.

He was up early again.

Oh well.

Then as I was deciding on a necklace to wear the worse thing happened.

The longest bead necklace I have …. broke and beads went everywhere.

Most of them landed in my white area rug in my bedroom.

Kind of funny and sad …..

So I gathered most of them.

I am certain that I will be finding beads for quite some time.

I do not think that Alvin will eat them …. hope not.

NO time.

 

Well I have to run.

Have a great Wednesday.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all those ladies who wear beads and have had them break …….

Always, Carol & Alvin.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of February, 2017.

It is a lovely morning here in Edmonton with the sun shining.

The temperature is a bit cooler than it has been, but that is okay.

Just finishing up a couple of things before jumping into the shower and then we are off to Alvin’s regular Vet appointment.

He has a pedicure and “bum glands” squeezed (sounds terrible but not so bad), will check his ears and pick him up some of his “Thera-Bites.”

Thera-Bites are glucosamine which he needs for his arthritis or for the on-start at least.

I think we should have time to take the long way around and that would give us a good walk.

I also would like to finish up canvassing for the Heart & Stroke today.

Lots of errands to squeeze in as well like picking up a March Bus Pass and a few things from the grocery store.

There seems like there is always lots to do on the weekend.

I do miss having every second Friday off ….. it was a good day to get outside errands and running around completed giving more time at home.

Years ago there was talk of shortening the work week ….. has not happened here.

I can see from my upstairs office window the smoke from a neighbour’s chimney dancing around in the air ….. must be a bit cold.

With the sunshine it will feel warmer so that is good.

Mr. Alvin is excited to see the girls at the Vet Clinic.

He loves the 2 “Jens”, the Doctor and all of the staff.

Well I guess it is time to hit the shower …. yikes er, not HIT the shower as such.

I will walk carefully to my bedroom and go into the shower.

Sometimes by writing words they will take on a life of their own ….. you know.

Have an awesome Saturday.

I hope that you have some time to relax by yourself and have time with your family and friends.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: The World.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of October, 2016.

Dark out is the new norm for the next few months.

Just as I was getting dressed I saw from my upstairs window a police cruiser drive by.

Which leads me to our situation that happened Tuesday evening.

That night we went to bed a bit later than usual …. about 9:40 p.m.

I had just turned off the bedside lamp and laid down when the room lit up with red and blue lights.

Well I will say that I never jumped out of bed so fast in all of my life.

When I peeked through the blinds I saw a police cruiser all lit up and there was a policeman doing something under the hood of the car.

It was dark so I could not see.

I could see a policeman a few houses north of us.

There was the canine unit complete with the largest shepherd (dog) that I have ever seen.

So in a matter of minutes there were multiple police cars and policemen.

Over the course of the next couple of hours there were a total of 7 police cars across the street from our house.

I counted about 10 policemen.

Now in the dark it was difficult to get too many details.

One thing that scared the out of me was the semi-automatic rifles they were carrying.

Not their handguns but the bigger ones.

Not all of them carried the rifles I saw two for sure.

It is getting almost time to leave so I have to make this short.

They shone their flashlights all over the ground.

They were looking for something and obviously someone.

At one point the canine unit was back near the car.

By this time I had both of our upstairs blinds pulled open and the window open about 6 inches.

Alvin saw the police dog and let out this growl.

I knew the police dog hear him so I quietly asked him not to growl.

He seemed to understand and was quiet.

It lasted with no results.

When they left they did not appear to have what they were looking for.

Will finish story later.

All is well.

It was definitely a bit of excitement and not the good kind.

Special Hello to: family and Friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 5th day of July, 2015.

Wow almost one week into July of 2015.

Summer is zipping along.

Today is overcast and COLD ….. yes, I am saying COLD.

The high for today is about 20 degrees celsius compared to the 30 degree weather of last week and Friday …. feels cool.

I will be putting on a sweater in the house.

I do hope that it rains as we could use some moisture.

Nice change to be on the cool side, though.

Yesterday my daughter picked us up (me and Mr. Alvin) and we travelled to their house.

They live about 15 minutes away by car.

Just a short drive.

Mr. Alvin does not appreciate a car ride.

I love their new house ….. the smell of a new house ….

But he made it there and back.

My daughter took me to some of the places that they have discovered since moving to their new home.

This indoor market that has a cool cafeteria style restaurant ( we stopped for lunch, yummy ).

The big deal for us was to explore a couple of antique stores ….. we spent a few hours just looking at all of the dishes, jewellery, cans, furniture, small household gadgets.  So much.

I found a couple of items.

One was a twisted copper wire wreath.

It fits in my main bathroom which has copper coloured accessories.

The other was a hand painted box with a drawer (could be used for almost anything …. jewellery….. office supplies…..teas.

Good prices on my items.

The other big find for me wasn’t at an antique store but at the local Winners store ….

Alvin has short legs and I wanted to replace the IKEA ottoman that I had with something a bit bigger.

I found a long ottoman which had a big label “MADE IN THE USA” …… so that was a bonus.

Like to use and buy items made in Canada or the USA.

The ottoman matches my current bedroom colours which was nice.

Unfortunately it is taking Mr. Alvin some time to get used to it.

He did use the ottoman twice, but this morning after jumping up onto the bed using it, he jumped over it coming off the bed.

Oh my Mr. Alvin ….. hopefully he will warm up to the new piece of furniture which was bought just for him ….

Well time to go and have a late breakfast ….

Mr. Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed the time with our family.

Mr son-in-law is healing nicely from his fall down the stairs ( remember do not text and go down stairs).

I had the best five days off (including this weekend) from work.

WE are going to enjoy this last day before back to the regular routine.

Have a happy Sunday.

Perfect day for walking …. not warm.

It is windy though.

Special Hello to: my friends all over the planet ….. hi everyone.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S. I started a new necklace …… lots of small seed beads so it is going to take a while to complete.  Am excited.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of June, 2015.

It is an unusual morning here in Edmonton …. well compared to the past few mornings.

Started out with sunny skies and a few clouds and to the south the sky is clouded over.

Now if I look out the bedroom window that faces north I can see the sun coming up and there are clouds.

The forecast was for sunny skies and 27 degrees celsius today.

We will see.

Well I do know one thing for absolute certainty – Mr. Alvin loves blueberries and bananas.

Actually I knew he liked them a lot but there is no doubt now.

I was running a bit late ….. started to read a book and staying up a bit later reading.

The book is called ” I Am MALALA” written by the young girl that was shot because of her belief.

So interesting and very hard to put down.

Anyway I had to make a bathroom break before breakfast (too much info, sorry) and Mr. Alvin sat there and whined and the odd little bark.  Oh how he loves his routine and especially when blueberries are added to the banana.

Well there is nothing wrong with routine.

He is so cute ….. me Alvin.

There are three sleeps now until I see my beloved (my only) sister.

I miss our talks and our get togethers.

Not quite as easy to see each other regularly when we live in different cities.

Although since the advent of SKYPE – it does make the actual seeing one another easier.

Sunday I get to see her in the flesh ….. that will be great.

My youngest brother will be there, too.  He also lives in another city.

Yes, we are all spread out.  But three out of the four of us will be together on Sunday for a visit.

The brother of the nephew in the hospital might be there too …. family reunion.

We also will be seeing my nephew (he was in an accident last October and was in a coma) and it will be great to see how far he has come since arriving at the Brain Injury Facility in Ponoka.

Well the clock on the wall …. says time to get going …..

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Keep cool and safe today.

Be kind and generous ….. always try to do at least one thing for someone else each day.

It does make you feel like a million dollars when someone is thanking you instead of yelling at you.

Special Hello to: my sister and brother ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of May, 2015.

What a glorious morning here in Edmonton.

While I was writing in my gratitude journal at the kitchen table this morning, I gazed out of the window onto the deck.

What to my eyes did I see but a slight layer of frost glistening like diamonds in the sunlight as it slowly melted into the wood.

So beautiful ….. one of nature’s best.

We finally got some rain late yesterday afternoon and overnight.

Enough to make the ground damp in spots.

Better than naught.

So happy to see spears of green grass poking their way to the sunlight on the front and back lawn.

We, me and Alvin are getting ready to greet some company for coffee.

Two of my girl friends and possibly their children are coming for a visit.

We always love to have company.

Love to chat about the world and ours.

Love to laugh and tell stories …. recanting our childhoods and such.

It is a glorious morning.

Yesterday was busy ….. OH, I VOTED in the advanced polls.

YAY …. so happy to have that most important task completed.

Also hit the grocery store, did some cleaning  …. more laundry ….. (where does it all come from??) and decided to put out the new bathroom curtain, towels and accessories in the main bathroom upstairs and also in my bedroom.

FIXED:  bedroom – bedspread, sheets, new matching pillows ….. looks beautiful.

I was going to wait until I painted but decided “why not enjoy it all now” ….. this way it gives me a better idea as to what direction I should go for the paint colour.

Photos were snapped and I will post them shortly so you can see my new stuff and perhaps give me some ideas as to paint colour for the master bedroom.

My thoughts initially were light turquoise or the palest of sky blues and now I am leaning to SAND.

Oh, I am needing some coffee.  Might have to put it on a bit early ….. mmm, I love a good cup of coffee.

Oh, yes … I did not forget about Miss Aussie …. her Momma is away down south … Palm Springs, I Believe.

She actually ran off the window ledge when she saw me coming so I gingerly opened the front door and stuck my keys in ahead of me (she likes to put her paws out, too and hers are way more sharp than mine) ….. anyway I managed after a couple of moments to get inside the house.  She then ran back to the window.  I gave her food, her medicine and fresh water.  As soon as she was away from the window … I opened it …. she loves to sit on the window sill and look outside.  She might as well enjoy the beautiful fresh air.  By the way, it smells like it just rained.

Well time to go and get that coffee on and a couple of items.

I hope that you have a grand Sunday.

Take care and be safe.

Be kind as you set out on your day …..

To yourself and to ours.

Special Hello to:  Family and Friends …… thank you for everything in my life.

Always, Carol and Alvin