A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am okay. Alvin and I both had a pretty fair sleep. He is having good poops and that is all so important. I am very grateful for that news.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s 14th Birthday. He is waiting patiently downstairs on the sofa for me to finish getting ready (done) and writing this post. It is too much to carry him upstairs and then back down in a few minutes. He is not really fond of the “over the shoulder” act that we do in the morning and at night.

Happy Birthday to the Bestest Friend a Gal could ever have. Wishing you a great day even though I have to go to the office today, I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts all the day long. Just wanted to share some photos of the little guy from over the last 14 years.

Wishing Alvin a very Happy Birthday and may the days, months and years to come be filled with great joy, good health (number one) and lots of love and playing and walking.

Mr. Alvin

New sweater

Alvin Xmas 2020

Alvin’s new winter coat

Cuteness

Filters cuteness

A proper Gentleman

At Pauline’s

Alvin’s BF Humphrey

Me and my Alvin

Gift form Val

Treat time.

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Top of stairs, body?

Time to head downstairs. I want to spend some time with him before I have to leave for the office.

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

Love, Always Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning ALL! Well it is gearing up to be another hot one here in Edmonton. I know that according to the weather channel we are by no means the hot spots in Canada or even in Alberta. I am so grateful that it is only as hot as it is. This morning it was 80 in the house, by opening the main floor windows (as did not wish to leave them open all night) and turning on the fans, the temperature is now 77. That is three whole degrees lower, which is a godsend at this point. I am doing okay but I worry about Mr. Alvin but I think between the fans and the cool wet towels he is okay. It is beautiful outside right now and he sure wanted to stay out in the backyard sniffing away. But I needed to get dressed and write this post. I told him we are going as soon as I am done with my blog. He thought that was okay. Yes, he did.

Last night I broke down and ordered pizza. Just did not know what to make and it was so hot. So pizza and some carrots and celery (raw) was the menu for supper. Not many dishes and no work in this heat. I could have make something else, I am sure but let me tell you when you are cooking for one, sometimes it is difficult. What to make? Sometimes you just do not want to cook. Pizza got ordered. I was able to get the call in before they could not hear me due to the dead zones in my house. I guess I will be contacting TELUS via computer this weekend as cannot call on the phone or they won’t hear me or maybe I should. I hope that there calls are at a minimum, maybe summer is a better time to contact them. Time will tell. Also this weekend I want to give Mr. Alvin haircut and bath. He will feel so much better.

I am sure all the wildlife is enjoying the coolness of the morning air. Forecast said 21 degrees celsius by 9 a.m., that is warm for that time of time. We have many days where the daytime high is only that, lol.

Well I had better run. I am sorry to make this so short. Oh, good news for Alvin and for me. Teddy’s Mom called last night they are in town and wanted to set up a visit. Tonight’s the night. Alvin is going to be so happy to be see his BFF and his little sister Kobi. I am excited, too. We miss them.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

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

It is a great day!

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 12 days till 65. Panic time, lol.

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you well. We had another good sleep although for some reason I still keep clicking on the “snooze” button, perhaps it is more of a habit than anything, I do not know OR perhaps it because of the rain and no sunshine. I had a glimmer of hope last night when the rain stopped and the clouds began to part and I could see sunshine and blue sky but alas that did not last. Even this morning I was sure somewhere between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. – I saw the sun. But looking out of the office window right now the sky is grey. Yuck. I would love some sunshine.

I think that I am going to share some cute puppy photos today. Perhaps that will bring some sunshine, smiles to our faces:

Being Goofy

Georgie

Al & Cookie

Alvin & Kobi

Handsome Guy

Three Amigos

BFF Teddy with Alvin

Aspen & Milo

Bogart

Humphrey

Angels Elton & Penny

Angel Casey

New sweater

Cuteness

Kobi and Milo

Humphrey

Elton & Penny

Penny

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Temporary bedroom 2014

I just had to add some photos of Alvin’s friends Humphrey and Bogart, the cats next door.

Hope these will bring a smile to your face. Maybe even clear the rain clouds. My poor flowers are praying for sunshine.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 34 days till 65

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we are in for another strange, whacky winter day. According to previous forecast, warming up from cold temperatures overnight with “snowy conditions” later this morning. So what does that mean? Could be a rain/snow mix or just snow. I hope that for all those people having to drive somewhere that it is just plain snow and that we receive only a very small amount. On the upside there are plus temperatures even as high as 7+ celsius for tomorrow. Wow, tropical heatwave. I am quite sure that I will see some of the teens in the neighbourhood out with shorts and a long sleeved t-shirt and flip flops. Perhaps when you are a teenager your hormones work the same as menopausal females? Possibly the reason why they or a good portion of them are always warm. I don’t think it is all about fashion and just being a teenager. Just my thoughts on the topic. Well anyway, I am looking forward to walking with Mr.Alvin along with working on gathering up information to do my taxes (trying to get ahead of the game) and laundry. That is my Saturday plan. Anything else that gets done will be a bonus.

Yesterday was a BONUS GREAT FANTASTIC DAY for me and Alvin. Started off with my son-in-law stopping after some appointments and dropping some things off and having a brief but lovely visit with us followed by a walk after work. So after work (yes, I stopped work on time), we went downstairs and got ready for a walk. Usually I have to chase him around the table for awhile but not too long yesterday. I truly believe that he has been missing our walks. We got outside and he literally (whoops overused word, not supposed to use, sorry I forgot – could you excuse this 64 year old woman, thank you, lol) he pulled me all the way to the park stopping momentarily to sniff some yellow snow (yuck, yuck, I will never understand that). We were just inside the park when he stopped to go to the “bathroom” and after he was done (I picked up the poop, of course) and then he pulled in the direction back toward home. He did the same thing on the way home. Pulled. At first I thought he was pulling because I had a text from his best friend Teddy’s Mom who said they were in the City and wondering if they could drop by at some point for a visit? I had briefly mentioned them and thought he may have remembered and was heading to their house. Not. Back home, I emptied the food scraps bucket and kitchen garbage into the big bins in the garage. Once done, I gave Mr. Alvin his supper. Teddy’s Mom made arrangements to come after supper. We were all so happy to see each other. The pups ran around the main floor jumping up to say hello and chasing each other in the way that they do. We had an absolutely fantastic visit and I look forward to the next one.

Well it is time to sign off for another day. I hope that you have a great, great day. If it is warm where you are – go on that walk and take in nature. You will feel all the better for it. I promise. I cannot wait till we go on our next walk.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! It is a bright and sunny morning and I am ready to get going on this weekend. No wallowing about – no anxiety, I am getting things done. Next big thing is to do laundry and put away things in the basement. You know. But I will get it done, even if it means that I have to put on my winter boots to go downstairs to the basement. Okay, perhaps I am still a bit anxious but until get down there and get things done without any “issues” that will be the case.

As I look out of the office window I see so much snow on the garage and house roofs. I have so much on the back side of the house that I am actually worried about going out back (Alvin) when the weather starts to warm this week and melts and falls off the roof. Will have to be careful. Anyone living in Edmonton or in Western Canada will have to watch as we have had more snow at this calendar date than usual.

Last night I chatted with a friend back home for over 3.5 hours. It was like we were in the same room catching up although I just had her on speaker phone on my iPhone. Not even video chat. I realize that I have to push myself to reach out and call more family and friends more often. Sometimes that is necessary. I realize that time passes so quickly before you know it. Not that one ever deliberately says “I am not calling my best friend or my sister” until it is her birthday or a special occasion. Do not wait for a special occasion. As well get older – time seems to pass at the speed of light. Reach out often and talk to someone you love often. We have no idea how much of life we miss out on by not keeping caught up. Not just big events but small important moments. In this day and age, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Not that we ever knew but with the pandemic we definitely have no idea what is going to happen. So make that call. Don’t just text, that is too easy and not as much fun. Believe me, I know. Let’s show each other how much we care, respect and love those dear people in our lives.

Okay time to head downstairs. Laundry to do. But first coffee in my brand new coffee percolator. Alvin is getting restless so better get going.

I wish you a great day. Sunny days ahead.

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? It is still dark looking more like night than morning. But that is what it is at this time of year. I think that is why we have some issues with our sleeping patterns at this time of year. At least I know that I do. It just seems weird to be getting up in the darkness for work and it was even more strange when I physically had to leave the house in the dark. At least my commute is short and I can have the lights on so it does not totally feel like night unless I look out the window, lol. Anyway soon the sun will rise. When we were out earlier the moon appeared to covered partially by clouds. Maybe it will be an overcast kind of day, time will tell. GUESS WHAT? We have a visitor. Alvin’s BFF Teddy spent the night with us. He arrived around 6 p.m. last night and will be here for this morning and part of the afternoon, I think. The boys are so cute. Alvin seems like the “in your face, wants everything now (food)” and Teddy is this “little, quiet, chill little one.” I get such a kick out of watching them interact. You should have caught the arrival. Teddy’s Mom pulled the car up to the sidewalk out front and got out, opened the back passenger door and all I could see was this bolt of black&white and then I realized he wasn’t coming up the steps, he accidentally went up the neighbour’s sidewalks as it was dark and his Mom had pulled up closer to their walk than ours. It was cute. Alvin was waiting on the porch. I called, his Mom called as she approached the steps and he caming running like a lightning bolt, if it could run. Oh what a sight. He ran into the house with his Mom coming in and closing the door. Yes, Alvin and I were already in the house. He made a beeline from the front to the back door and then stopped to jump up and say hi to me and then to Alvin. The boys ran about for a few minutes before settling in. Teddy’s Mom stayed for a quick visit. Afterwards I finished my supper that had been warmed in the oven and was too hot to eat before they arrived. After I got the dishes done and cleaned up and set up my workspace we settled down to watch some television with Alvin snuggling on my right side and Teddy on my lap. I think that Alvin sometimes wishes that he was more of a lap dog. He just is too big. But he does like to snuggle right up against me. At bedtime, well that is another story. Alvin of course lays close to me and then Teddy likes to snuggle by my legs. Sometimes it can get a bit awkward as he snuggles in when I lay down between my legs as I sleep on my back initially as I am reading. So I have to pick him up and move him over a bit and then get comfortable before he does. Usually it takes a little bit to get everyone settled. But they are so cute. At this moment, Mr. Alvin is sleeping outside the office door in the hallway and Teddy is downstairs on the sofa. When we got up earlier and ended up on the sofa, the same thing happens as does on the bed. Teddy wasn’t wanting anything to eat so he will eat later. He did not want supper at home last night and his Mom was a bit worried but when Alvin had his bedtime snack, Teddy had some food as well. So it worked out. Teddy remains snuggled up on the sofa on the red cozy blanket. Well it is time to head on downstairs. Another mild day on the way. It was warm outside earlier when we were out. I can smell the delectable aroma of coffee perking (in my mind) so I better go.

Have an awesome Monday. Be safe and well.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy

P.S. I am grateful that Alvin has a good friend who can come by for a sleepover from time to time.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are well. Had kind of scary few moments earlier this morning when I let Alvin outside realizing that we had freezing rain earlier and the deck was a sheet of ice except for a smallish pile of snow. Alvin had to go out and I figured he would stand a chance of remaining upright but the poor little guy slipped about trying to go down to the grass area and then trying to go up the steps to the upper deck while I called out to him to “STOP.” I was so scared that he would slip and wrench one or more of his legs and then we would be right back to where we started from or worse. Luckily he ended up over by the snow and of course had to walk into it but in the end he had a pee. It was horrifying for a few minutes before he got safely back to the house. Just after we got up, I quickly went outside stepping onto the mats on the deck just outside the door with ice pick and shovel in hand I got to the snow and starting shovelling and throwing it all over the deck. Hoping then he would have some traction for his next visit outside. It is warm out so unfortunately it will likely melt but with the plus temperatures over the next few days – the snow will likely all melt on the deck anyway. The sun is beginning to rise with the blue night sky slowly starting to dissipate. Well I will have a shower after this post. Followed by some cleaning. I brought up and put away the last of the laundry that was hanging to dry and put away before I started this post. Made the bed and arranged the pillows. Does anyone else make their bed anymore? It seems like most of the younger ones do not but I like it made. A personal preference or perhaps a generational thing, I do not know. But anyway.

I forgot that my friend Gillian’s husband celebrated a birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday.

I received a message from Teddy’s Mom saying that they were coming back into the City and could Teddy spend the night. I hope that this freezing rain stuff does not stop that from happening. Safety first, of course. Not sure what the highway is like. I know that the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth Highway #2) had a major accident yesterday with several tractor-trailer units. I hope everyone is okay, I was scared to check further. Teddy’s Mom also mentioned that perhaps while she ran errands tomorrow that possibly Kobi could stay with us. I said “YES” of course. Alvin will be over the moon to have his best bud sleep over and visit. I cannot wait, fingers crossed that the roads are okay. Coming in from the country you never know.

The Christmas Cards were all done yesterday and then last night I thought of two more, one to post and one to hand deliver. Just two so that is not too bad. I am mailing 33 I believe and hand delivering 16 for a total of 49 which is the least amount that I have ever done. I used to write up cards for my coworkers and some others from work that I know well and that was a big number and I used to mail 75-100 but there are cutbacks everywhere including my Christmas Cards. Besides the ones to the office, I don’t have people’s addresses except for one. So I am mailing her a card. Everyone else will receive a verbal “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year.”

Well I suppose I should go and hit the shower followed by some coffee and breakfast and then do some cleaning.

I hope that you have a wonderful Sunday wherever you may be!

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

Always, Carol

P.S. I am going to put on some Christmas music ……

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? I/We are doing well. Just out of the shower and dressed and feeling so refreshed. Alvin is resting on his little bed in my office. Today, later this afternoon he has his regular nail trim and anal gland and ear check appointment. I will also be picking up the special treats that were ordered for him. He is doing well only having his food although he does ask for some things when I am preparing or eating. I cannot believe that it is has one month today that Mr. Alvin had the surgery to remove the stones from his bladder and some other tests. Amazing how much things can change in one month. I am eternally grateful. Now comes the dilemma for the future. Working at the office. At this time we are only required to go once a month or so but that may change. With his new food and doctor’s instructions to drink more water, how will that work? If I am not at home he most certainly is not going to drink more water …. if not able to go outside. He may in time be trained to pee on pads. Even on these one trip a month to the office, I am uncertain. If my neighbour is unable to come over …. what to do? Perhaps I can make arrangements on those days for Alvin to stay with his BF, if they are going to be at home. That would only work if I am required to go to the office once every month or so. We are in our comfort zone at this time, working and living from/at home. This next scheduled time for me to go to the office does not work out with my daughter’s schedule so I will see if I can change that as I do not wish to be catching the bus and then the travel time would be well extended passed riding in a car. Hopefully I can work this all out. But that is what is on my mind this morning. I am certain it will work out but will take some discussions for sure. Working from home has been amazing and I am hoping that I can continue until I am able to retire. I appreciate not having to spend hours travelling back and forth, the month saved on carpooling and bus passes/tickets, having the fridge to access for lunch instead of having to have a sandwich or something everyday. I feel that my well being, my peace of mind, my mental health is all the better for me working from home. Now that is not to say that some days I may be stressed but not nearly the pressures of working from an office. Big feelings today.

Well time to head on downstairs and get the coffee brewing and start work.

Grateful that Mr. Alvin is doing so well.

Grateful that for now I am working from home and hopeful for the future.

Grateful to be in good health.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. Wow, can you believe it is Friday already? Time flies whether you are having fun or not. I always like to say “time flies when you are having fun.” I would like to think that for the most part I am a positive person trying to exude positive energy. Of course, there are times when I am positively not positive. We all have our little moments and we hope they are just little moments. Life zooms from beginning until end and if we don’t stop and enjoy it ….. well it is gone and there are no do overs. My life is pretty sweet. I own my home (well the bank does but I will ), I am surrounded by great neighbours, I have wonderful friends and family, I am in good health, I have my trusty companion Mr. Alvin always at my side, I have a job and I can work from home, I live in the best country on the planet, we have 20% of the world’s fresh water in Canada (just thought I would mention that fact), I am able to write everyday (love to write), I can see and hear, touch and feel and smell, I well, the list could go on forever. Needless to say I am very happy and happy within myself. That is important. Absolutely. Joy within before you can spread that joy.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk yesterday at lunchtime. The air was warm on our faces as we walked along. Alvin only needed to wear his sweater yesterday and I could tell he was very happy about that.

This morning Alvin’s best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobie are coming to spend the day with us as their parents are going to their farm. Alvin is excited and wants to go downstairs already ….. Mr. patience, remember?

Gotta love this guy ….. he is truly spoiled ….. he wants what he wants when he wants it….. oh well …… what can a Momma do.

The sun is beginning to rise and clear away the night sky. I can see light ribbons of orange and light colours starting to fill the horizon. Love sunrises.

Well I guess time to go and put on that pot of coffee to perk. Go outside and pick up the earlier little parcel of poop. I haven’t mentioned that in a bit. LOL. I wish you a wonderful day …… don’t worry about the date ….. I believe it to be lucky as my youngest brother was born on Friday, the 13th of January, 1965. Happy Friday. Be safe and healthy and spread that kindness and respect wherever you go …..

Living my life with kindness, respect and love. Goodness shall prevail.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Sunday morning coming down!

Yes, it is.

Raining and the clouds are a deep grey blue as I look out of my office window.

We managed to get a walk in yesterday later in the afternoon between the rain showers.

We also had a surprise visitor.

Master Teddy, Alvin’s best friend.

His Mom texted me to see if Teddy could come for a visit.

It has been at least two weeks since his last visit so of course, I said “yes.”

She said that her sister would drop him by.

Alvin was so excited.

I wished that I had taken a video as they greeted each other outside.

They were so excited.

It was a blur of black and white as they said hello and ran into the house.

Teddy’s Aunt is visiting from Saskatchewan.

So we had a little visit at the doorway …. front sidewalk

First thing after Teddy’s Aunt left was they wanted to go out into the backyard.

So that is what we did.

Thankfully it was not raining at that point in time.

Actually I think most of yesterday afternoon it was just overcast.

Today though is to rain all day long …..

The boys had a nice afternoon while I did laundry, cleaned out both pantries and made a banana/strawberry loaf.

 

First photo: just after arrival going into the backyard

Second, Third and Last: Just as Teddy’s Mom pulled up.  Of course the boys were at the window and last photo running (blur) to the door.

I realized too late that I had not taken any proper photos.

There be video.

As in life, most things happen so quickly that we are not prepared in the moment.

Can be true of taking photos.

 

Well time to go and have a shower.

Then breakfast and COFFEE.

Followed by some quiet time before I sit down and get some work-work done.

Later on I will finish up my housework.

Always lots to do whether at home or at work.

Well both of them are seconds apart.

 

Wishing you a relaxing wonderful Sunday.

Even if it is raining and you cannot go for a walk.

Well maybe you could if you had an umbrella.

I used one of my huge umbrellas to go outside with Alvin just a few minutes ago.

When it is raining …. he will not go out in the back without me.

I guess he figures I should get wet, too.

I do follow as close as I can so that he can be protected under the umbrella which is big enough for me and him and a family of four.

 

I do want to mention one more thing.

Last night I decided to rent a movie from our local cable provider.

I finally watched “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” with Tom Hanks.

It was great.

Perfect movie for the world to watch at this time or anytime, really.

If you have not seen it, I highly recommend watching.

 

Okay, time to hop into the shower.

I have scary hair right now.

A few minutes ago I had to go out front and check on the attachment to the downspout.

The plastic attachment sometimes slips off or moves.

I made sure to put the hood up on my coat so that anyone going by would not lose concentration and crash their car or if walking, fall down.

Yup, I definitely need to wash my hair.

Oh, likely purple pjs and coat not such a great sight on a Sunday morning.

 

Take care.

Relax.

Deep breaths.

 

Living with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin