Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well I, we are back from our holiday at my daughter and son-in-law’s beach home. We had a great time. I am still thinking about all the fun that we had, especially me. I am not sure if Alvin enjoyed the trip as much as me. Certainly he did not enjoy the car ride to the lake or home. We are in for another hot one today. Very uncharacteristic for August or at least the last few years. I do not know where to start about relaying this vacation. I guess we are caught up to everything that happened at home. My daughter picked up us in the afternoon on Wednesday. I sat in the backseat of their SUV with him hoping that he would settle down but he was panting the whole way. He settled down quite soon after we arrived at their home which was good news. So nice to be in the country. There were fires, smokies and marshmallows, meeting their neighbours, gifts, boat ride, good visits, cake and so much more. I have photos which only some of them downloaded so I will see if I can upload/download them.

Wednesday – when we arrived at the lake it was hot and humid. No surprise there. My son-in-law had to take Aspen to the vet in town about her rash. Poor girl. Seems like she has an allergy to something. So they are trying different foods and the vet is trying to figure out where the problem lies. I think it may be a different kind of grass. She loves to roll in the grass. While Steven and Aspen were gone, we settled in. Had coffee and chatted. My son-in-law fixed a fire once the sun had started to go down as their fire pit area faces west. I was happy to have a smokie followed by marshmallows. My daughter and I had some leftover Mexican fixings from my birthday supper the night before – I had prepared a cooler and packed up the leftovers. We did go for a walk in between. My kids gave me a beautiful card, a plant with white, purple and blue flowers (don’t remember the name off hand but they are individually flowers of each colour) and the most gorgeous king size coral bedspread and a black below the knees nightshirt. Love all of my gifts. I am so blessed to have such thoughtful family and friends.

Later that evening one of their neighbours was out and before you know we were invited over along with others. Nice to have met some of their neighbours. They have a big yard so the pups were allowed to investigate and Alvin was sure loving that. The neighbor’s yard that we were in – gave me a couple of jars of his pickles following a tour of his garden and greenhouse. Impressive. I cannot wait to try them.

We didn’t stay too late but the sun was starting to go down. I had wanted to do some star gazing but the sky was partially cloudy so that was out. It was not super late when we (me and Alvin) turned in. There is something about the fresh country air that just makes you sleepy and refreshed.

Thursday – we were up early as per usual and then went back to bed for a bit until the rest of the household got up. Another hot day. We had coffee and visited. Amanda and I went for a drive in town to get the mail and check out a new shop. I picked up a couple little things including some salt water taffy. There is no salt water out there but I guess it must be a “water” thing. I forgot earlier in the day we had gone for a walk before it got to hot. Thursday was a kick back quiet day which I love. The kids had to give Aspen a bath so that was done outside. She did well. Poor girl. We had another fire followed by cheesecake for dessert. No stars again. Oh, I know that they were out there but hiding behind the clouds. An early night for us.

Friday – We were up earlier than Thursday and went for a walk before the heat set in. My friends Pauline and Al were coming out to the lake with their boat to take me for a “birthday ride.” We try and do things as opposed to buying things that we really do not need. Looks like Mr. Alvin is getting hot upstairs here and as he won’t stay downstairs without me, I am going to continue this post tomorrow and hopefully with photos.

I hope that you are doing great. This has been the best birthday ever. Certainly need coffee. I am grateful to all the people who made me feel like the QUEEN OF THE WORLD. Thank you.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: just has been the birthday that keeps on giving.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a sunny bright Friday the 13th of March, 2020.

Last night we celebrated my daughter’s 40th birthday.

She wrote a beautiful thank you to my post from yesterday and this was my response.

“You are so welcome my darling. I am quite certain that I could literally write a book on our first forty years together and I look forward to the next forty. I can imagine me at 103 baking your 80th birthday cake ensuring the icing is perfect but the cake a little crumbly but tasting yummy. Thank you for bringing your family to our house (me and your brother’s) and for the wonderful meal and for our time together. I treasure every second with you all and always look forward to your next visit. Thank you.”

 

I wonder where this year is going to take us.

The panic around the world including here at home with respect to the CORONAVIRUS is at moments overwhelming.

I would say that I am not worried about the virus as much as I am concerned about food for me and Alvin, most especially Alvin.

I have lots of cans of black beans etc. that would keep me going for some time should the shelves become bare.

But Alvin is another story.

I wished that people would calm down as being in a panic mode and crazily purchasing things that you do not require is not helping anyone.

There are folks house bound or do not have a car to scour the city looking for bathroom tissue for example.

I am still in disbelief that people have bought out bathroom tissue.

One friend had to go to 8 places before she was able to purchase bathroom tissue.

I am blessed as a friend of mine picked me up some bathroom tissue yesterday from COSTCO (that should keep us going for awhile).

I am grateful that Alvin does not require to wipe his little bum.

 

Well, I am determined to remain calm and remain in a positive frame of mine.

Last day was a celebration of a life of 40 years thus far, my daughter’s as you know.

I look forward to each and every birthday of hers and ours.

Life is precious.

Remember that each and every day.

Life is precious.

All life is precious.

 

Well we, okay me, slept in, this morning.

I took today off as a vacation day to just have an extra long weekend.

It is almost 10:30 a.m.

I have looked after Alvin’s breakfast much earlier, changed bedding and readied the laundry (next stop), paid some bills and am just finishing this post.

So I guess my last few hours have not all been sleeping.

Anyway, that is okay.

Sometimes we need to sleep in and just be.

Not worrying about what could have been ….

Just be in the moment.

 

I am most grateful to live in a country, in a city that has good overall health practices.

I am grateful to an employer who is concerned for our well being.

I am grateful to have soap and water so that I can wash my hands whenever I wish.

I am grateful to be in good health.

I am grateful that my family and friends are as well.

If you are not feeling well – stay home if you are able.

A self imposed quarantine is a good move.

Better safe.

I understand the momentary crisis that is evolving for cancelled concerts, sporting events, meetings, etc.

But at the end of the day that us get this virus under control sooner rather than later.

I heard that Saskatchewan (our neighbour to the east) is working on a vaccine.

YAY and thanks to our neighbours.

Be safe.

But most of all BE SMART.

Do not just think of yourself ….

Think of EVERYONE ….. this affects possibly EVERYONE on the PLANET to some degree.

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I guess that I had better get out of my pj’s and have some COFFEE.

I can smell that brewing in my mind.

Toast with cheez whiz ….. I think so.

 

Respect and Kindness, always.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Oh my gosh the sun was shining every so brightly.

I snapped these photos from my bedroom window.

Just a few minutes ago.

Then I had barely left the room when I noticed the sky was darkening.

So now the sky out of my bedroom window looks like this:

To the south or out of my office window, it is much darker than to the north.

We will be going for a walk as soon as I am done this post.

Just in case.

We do not wish to miss our walks.

 

Today is the 57th birthday of my brother J.

WOW, seems like only yesterday he was 6 and then a teenager and then 50.

We texted as he is on an acreage and was about to go haying for the day.

Wishing them good weather.

 

Yesterday one of my friends hosted my birthday party.

I took the cupcakes and she had some lovely fresh fruit including cherries.

HEAVEN.

and Coffee, of course.

We laughed and caught up.

They spoiled me with birthday cards, the recent book that Michelle Obama penned, a toasty warm pullover for when I walk Mr. Alvin, a bright coloured tunic, shower gel from Bath & Body Works

and a beautiful scarf filled with hues of blues, pinks, black on white.

I am one lucky girl.

Happy Birthday sign on the door at my friend’s house – there were lots of other decorations.

Photos of gifts from my house …. wow ….

The above photo are treats from another friend who popped by night before last on my birthday.

I feel so incredibly blessed not for the gifts (which are so thoughtful) but to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Thank you.

Very grateful.

 

Also hung the bulletin boards in the office yesterday after the birthday party and a walk with Alvin and Teddy.

I have not taken photos as yet but I will and post them later.

Can hardly wait to display some photos and cards and other little items.

Looks so great.

 

Well time to fly.

The wind is getting up.

We want to walk before it rains.

Cannot believe these temperatures.

Pretty cool.

Oh well.

 

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

 

A kind heart and respectful nature – that’s all you really need.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Oh, me oh my, it is only me and Alvin.

The house does feel strangely quiet.

Yesterday we had Humphrey and Teddy.

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of March, 2019.

Yesterday was so WARM with no breeze.

I decided yesterday to take Mr. Alvin to our friend’s birthday celebration.

The cats and Alvin did well.

He kept his distance.

Cricket knows Alvin but Casey has only joined their household last October (2018) and she wasn’t quite sure.

Both are used to dogs but everyone knows that sometimes there can be moments.

Casey did take a swipe at Alvin but he was not close and he retreated to the safety of his Mom’s legs.

Funny how that works.

Poor Alvin had wanted to say hello but Casey was not having any of it.

He pretty much stayed beside me the whole time except when our friend opened the fridge as he knows she keeps the treats in there.

We had a great visit and was interesting watching two cats and a dog navigate their time together.

After the visit we headed home where I quickly changed into boots, coat (had light jacket on) and mitts and of course grabbed some “poop bags.”

Our friend J had left the party when we did and by the time I stopped in and got changed she was outside with Jazmin.

She had not planned to go for a walk but when she got home Jazmin gave her the sign that she wanted to walk.

Miss Jazmin is I believe 14 years old and has a heart condition.

Somedays she just doesn’t want to go.

Yesterday she was excited to go and she tried and mostly kept up with Mr. Alvin.

They get along so well.

I was so happy to see her out and enjoying the warm day.

We had a great walk.

Perfect end to a perfect day.

 

I think that Mr. Alvin is beginning to dream “CATS.”

We were surrounded by CATS this weekend.

AND Miss Jazmin, who is a doggie.

We missed seeing Master Teddy this weekend.

 

Well back to work today.

We had a great day.

Quiet and relaxing and FUN.

 

I hope that you all had a great Sunday.

I hope that if you are in the “time changing zones” that getting up this morning did not hurt too much!!

Wishing you a wonderful Monday.

 

Listening to dogs barking in the distance.

One sounded big.

 

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to:  everyone who READS, whether it be this blog or another, a book or a magazine or a newspaper.  JUST READ.  Read to your children and grandchildren, too.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of January, 2019.

Another cooler day on the way or actually here.

TODAY is a very special day as it marks the 10th Birthday of our beloved Alvin.

Alvin Charlie Lewis.

 

He came into our lives on a bitterly cold night nine year ago and it is almost fitting that we should celebrate his tenth birthday on another cold winter’s day.

I cannot believe he is ten already and that nine years have passed since he came to join our family and to live with me.

We had a somewhat rocky beginning as he was not in a good place health wise when he came to my home.

That passed and after about a month or so, we settled into a routine and have had a great life since.

Of course there have been moments for both of us but we get through those times together.

He has been a faithful and loyal companion, although he does love the girls (giggling aloud).

We seem to like the same things such as food, walks and did I say food.

You can always see that by our waistlines.

We are both stubborn and loyal and loving.

He is such a social “butterfly” and loves being around everyone.

As of late, he is becoming more friendly with Humphrey the cat who lives next door.

Which has been great.

His best friend “Teddy” will be here shortly.

His parents are going to the farm for the day so it just happened to fall on Alvin’s birthday.

Perfect timing.

I had decided to have a birthday party for Mr. Alvin and then asked if Teddy could sleepover.

Because everyone should have a sleepover for their birthday.

Tomorrow is his birthday party.

My daughter, his sister and family will join us.

So Alvin will have his best friend Teddy, sister, brother-in-law, niece Miss Aspen and nephew Baby Milo attending his party.

We picked up a dog friendly cake last night along with some treats  & toys to make up goodie bags for the guests.

Also there had to be cake for the humans attending the party.

Why not, I said.

Why not?

Teddy will be here shortly.

Happy Birthday to my buddy ….. Happy Birthday Mr. Alvin.

Thank you for coming into our lives and making them so much better.

We love you.

OVER THE YEARS:

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin in the snow…..

Me and Alvin

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

Alvin getting to know his “new” family…. (his beloved friend Penny, who passed away in 2016).

The above photo was taken the first night we met.

 

Lookin’ Out the Window…..

Cuteness

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Alvin, one of my babies

Penny, Alvin and Elton waiting for treats.

Missing Miss Penny and Elton now.

Isn’t this the cutest leash holder ever ….. the puppy looks just like me Alvin.

Alvin’s first family and friends …

Receiving a package from our friend “V”

Walking

Memories … playing with Elton.

Alvin at home

Alvin and Teddy

US at Thanksgiving 2018

 

Well Teddy will be here shortly and the fun will begin.

I have not told Mr. Alvin just yet as he gets so excited.

 

Special Hello to: my beloved Alvin …. Happy 10th Birthday

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Teddy just arrived…..the fun begins.

Thought for they day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 15th day of July, 2018.

What a gorgeous Sunday morning.

The sky was clear blue until just a moment ago and now there are clouds rolling in.

Just over to check in on my charges:  Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gecko.

They are doing well.

On my way into my house I stopped to pull a few of those little weeds that spring up overnight.

The ones that after a rain …. come up just because they can.

Are they not amazing when you come to think about it.

There can be no sign of growth and then voile they are one inch high.

Too bad plants that we can eat do not grow that quickly.

Or perhaps they do and it just does not seem that way.

Alvin and I had a great weekend.

Cleaning the house.

Mowing the back grass patch, tidying up.

Pulling weeds.

Yup those fast growing weeds.

Laundry, as somehow there always seems to be something in the laundry basket.

Washing floors as they do get dirty.

Bathrooms …. yup, them, too.

Made a big supper so that when my daughter comes today, I do not have to cook.

Besides the temperature is to be more warm than yesterday.

Right now the house is comfortably cool.

We both slept well last night.

 

This morning my girls have invited me for an early birthday celebration.

They were checking their calendars and the next weeks where they were both free was in September.

YIKES, I am busy not now quite that busy.

So just on my way to having a shower and get ready to go for an early birthday celebration.

Then my daughter and pups will be arriving for a visit.

Spend the afternoon and have supper.

 

What a great weekend.

Lots of work done followed by lots of play.

Does not get better than that.

Hopefully we will have some more sunshine today.

 

I hope that you are having a great weekend wherever you are ….

I hope that you are in great health and feeling mighty fine ….

I hope that you are working on making your dreams come true …

I hope that you are surrounded by people you love and good energy ….

I hope that you are having a blast being you.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, see you soon.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the Day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 25th day of September, 2017.

Partially sun cloud mix this morning.

Up earlier and then back to bed for awhile.

Took a vacation day, today.

Nice to have another day at home with Alvin.

Although not sure about his thoughts on that matter.

 

Watched the new STAR TREK television series premiere last night.

STAR TREK DISCOVERY on CTV.

They only showed one hour whereas the SPACE channel had a two hour premiere.

I checked on CTV’s lineup and could not find it for next Sunday.

Guess I will have to change up my cable channels as I really enjoyed watching the new show.

 

Well here we go Monday …… time for coffee ….. a bit late to start.

Had a wonderful visit with our BABY Milo …. little fur ball yesterday.

Followed by the fastest birthday party ever.

Alvin and I hosted our son-in-law/brother-in-law’s birthday celebration.

It was a busy day for them and because his birthday falls during the week …. Sunday was our only time to get together.

We managed to have coffee, DQ Ice-cream birthday cake and give him his present.

We even had balloons.

It was fun and so great to see his niece “E-K” as have not seen her for a long time.

Who says short cannot be wonderful.

It was great.

 

Well back to Monday.

We hope that you are having a great day.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the folks from Costa Rica.

Three massive Hurricanes.

So many folks affected and likely will affect the world.

 

Special Hello to:  you, take care.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of August, 2017.

Well the day has finally arrived.

I am officially 60 years old.

Last night my daughter, son-in-law and grand-pups joined me, my sister and youngest brother for the birthday celebration.

I was happy to make supper for everyone and enjoy it all with my family in my own home.

Oh and Mr. Alvin, cannot forget him.

Earlier in the day my nephew, his wife and three sons stopped by for a visit.

Today we are getting ready to go to Fort Edmonton Park.

Well I have to go but will give details more later.

I have to thank my co-worker “C” for making me such a delicious birthday cake (carrot cake with cream cheese icing).

 

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: All you Birthday folks out there.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of March, 2015.

WOW, have you ever had the feeling that something absolutely out of this world “FANTASTIC” is going to happen to you.

I believe that something great is about to come my way.

It all started yesterday morning on my way to work at the store.

I needed to park closer to Bed Bath and Beyond as I wanted to check out the “pet steps” that were in a recent flyer.

I drove to the north side of the store Simons at West Edmonton Mall and at the very end of the customer parking there was one stall left for me.

It was on the end closest to the store .

My day just got better and better.

Meet some great people at the store yesterday.

One customer even shook my hand.

The night before I got a hug.

YAY.

Life is going well.

Spring is on the way.

Most of our ice and snow has already melted.

Temperatures have been warm.

Work at both jobs is going wonderfully well ….. couple hiccups so to speak but all is well now.

Oh, I was able to secure the pet steps …. they are still in the box however as we had my daughter’s birthday celebration last night.

Lucky girl one of many….. we love our “A.”

I asked one of my co-workers to make the birthday cake …. as my daughter wished for an Angel Food …. time was not on my side so my girl “C” made the most delicious one with a lime drizzle that was out of this world.  What a great supper …. we were going to have taco salad but my son-in-law decided to surprise me and made fajitas and they were so good.

Well looks like almost time to leave for the office.

Well another Monday here we go.

Have a great Monday …..

Spread that kindness to all you meet.

Guaranteed you will feel like you have never felt before …… so good …..

Special Hello to: my friends …. hello out there.

Always, Carol and Alvin