Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning it is! The sun is shining, the sky is blue and there is a slight breeze. We will be hitting the trail shortly for our morning walk before the heat of the day sets in. Today is also my first day back to work after six days of vacation. Although I wished that I had a few more days of vacation – it has felt like I had time off.

I was thinking what shall I write about this morning and I was thinking “what’s it like to be sixty-five years old.”

Well to be honest – not much different than 64 or 63.

I am excited to have a much cheaper eye exam fee come December.

I am happy that I can apply for Senior’s Benefits.

I am happy that I am in good health.

I think that 65 has given me more confidence.

I feel more free.

I think 65 is the beginning of the next chapters of my life.

I think 65 shows you the way.

I know that as we age we need to exercise our minds and our bodies more.

Wow, I still cannot believe that I am 65 years old.

To my friend Val who celebrates her birthday today, Happy Birthday my friend.

To my great nephew Azlin, I apologize for missing your birthday on the 14th.

To all those folks who celebrate a birthday this week.

Happy Birthday.

Time to hit the dusty trail.

Have an awesome day.

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

To the next 65 years!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are great.

This bright sunny blue sky day is the 42nd Birthday of my daughter Amanda. Sister to Alvin. Spouse to Steven. She also bears the titles of granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, friend and artist. It makes sense that Mother Nature would turn on the brightness for this day as our girl brings the light and goodness to us and to the world, everyday. Hard to believe that this time forty-two years ago I was being prepped to have my first and only baby by planned c-section. My how time flies. I remember waking up in the recovery room anxious to meet my baby. Not knowing if boy or a girl. Surprised to hear that the boy was actually a girl but over the moon happy to have this little girl in my life. She brings us continued joy each and every day of our lives. I could not have planned or designed her better.

Amanda has always been the most kind, generous, gentle, patience, loving, understanding, compassionate human being I know. You add intelligent and artistic to the list and you have my daughter.

I have so many great memories of our live together thus far that I could fill a book.

She always made sure to share her toys with her cousins and friends. I remember her standing up to a bully on the school ground when she was a little girl protecting her friend doing what was right. To all the animals that she has helped rescue over the years, the amount is staggering. For her kindness to strangers. For her goodness to us all. This girl, this woman, I am proud to call my daughter. I think of how blessed we are to have her in our lives.

Alvin and I want to wish our favourite girl a very Happy 42nd Birthday. May your day and all the days ahead be filled with great joy, much love and laughter, continued good health and abundance. You are celebrating with the Hobbs family today so we shall catch up later for our celebrations. Amanda’s brother-in-law Dan had a birthday recently so they are celebrating together.

Happy Birthday Amanda

Love Mom & Alvin

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

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Sunday, June 13th, 2021. How are you this morning? We are well. Alvin has his own clock and of course it almost never lines up with mine, you would think it may after this many years together but it has not. Oh well, what can you do? Not much. Today is the birthday of a friend of mine who lives in our neighbourhood. I talk of her often as she has the most beautiful garden and Alvin always stops when we are walking and looks into her yard from the public sidewalk to see if she is outside. If she is outside, he pulls me toward her and there is no stopping him until we get to her yard. Happy Birthday our friend, we hope that you have an awesome day. It is the perfect blue sky and sunny morning for her birthday. There are birds chirping happily outside somewhere. We are up and at it quite early. I can feel a bit of coolness coming in through the open window in my office as it dances upon my skin. The forecast for the next few days is to be warm. One of my “younger” girlfriends in the neighbourhood is coming for tea/coffee and a visit this morning. “G” is unable to attend as she has other commitments. We are excited to have company. The flowers are looking beautiful and the backyard lawn has been mowed and is looking good.

It is true that we are inspired at the most unusual of times. For me, when I get an idea for a story it comes after I climb into bed and am comfortable. Sometimes I tell myself – oh you will remember in the morning and can write it down and then come the morning, I have forgotten. So last night, I got up twice and wrote in my notes on my iPhone the story line as it tumbled into my brain. Yay, me, I have a good part of a children’s story written. Honestly not much left to do but to elicit an illustrator. Lucky for me, I happy to have close family and friends that are good at drawing. I am feeling really good about this story. Very good. Excited in fact. Sometimes you just know when you have an idea that it is the one. The one that is going to do it. YAY, me.

I absolutely love the cool air as it drifts through the house landing and cooling everything it touches. The amount of wind in Edmonton seems to have increased over the years since I moved here.

Well I am ready to head into the shower and then have breakfast before our company arrives. The laundry should be dried in the basement so I will bring that up and I have one more load to wash or maybe two and then done.

I hope that you are inspired to go outside your comfort zone today. Take a chance and go for it. Do it today. In this moment if you have an idea for a book or a podcast or a business or a new recipe or whatever it may be – go for it. Take that first step. I know that you can do it ….. I feel it in my core. You have what it takes. After all, don’t we all. If we just lift that veil of “uncertainty” and literally take that first step. Pushing down barriers and fears and negative thoughts we can make our dreams come true. Hey, I am with you. I am the first person who has great ideas and then pushes them aside or ignores them due to FEAR. Fear of not knowing what to do next. Fear of what is ahead. Fear of it all, really. But together we are going to do this. I know that we can. As I always tell Alvin when he is afraid to cross from the area rug in our bedroom to the bathroom floor …. “put one paw (foot) in front of the other and soon you will be walking across the floor.” He eventually calms and makes the journey. You got this. We got this. I got this.

Time to hit the shower. I wish you the best day ever.

Continuing to live each and every day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude and to be fearless in the journey ahead.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you? We are great. There is great cause for celebration in my house. Actually I have been smiling and doing a little jig since 5:25 p.m. last night. I was just about to throw in my eggs with broccoli and tomatoes into a pan to be cooked when the phone rang. I removed the pan from the burner and turned it off quickly before reaching for my phone which was not far away. The caller was GUARDIAN (hospital where Alvin had his surgery). My heart felt like it did a small jump or perhaps it was me temporarily not breathing, as I answered the call. The caller identified himself as Alvin’s surgeon (said his name) and we chatted for a minute or so about his recovery before he explained the purpose for his phone call. He said that the results were all back from Alvin’s tests and were earlier than first expected. As I started to write down the most important things, I asked him to repeat something and he said don’t worry I am emailing you the reports and they will go to Alvin’s Doctor as well. First thing he said was no cancer anywhere, no Cushing disease, nothing bacterial and of course, he used different terminology and I sometimes had to ask him to explain in non-medical terms. At the end of it all of the tests which included testing the lining of his bladder, biopsy of his liver and of the stones from his bladder – everything came back negative. He said he of course is starting to show signs of aging but he is 12 and that is natural. The only change for Mr.Alvin is his diet. He will go on an Urinary Diet SO, I believe he called it. Diet I can handle. I told the Dr. S. that I had not given him any human food, none of his favorite treats like bananas and blueberry and carrots. I asked him if the fruits and vegetables that I gave him would hurt him in the future and he thought not. He also said to discuss his diet with his Doctor which I will be doing later this morning, in fact in two hours when his stitches come out. We had a nice chat. He also mentioned that he will need to keep his water intake around the two cups of water each day. That helps to keep the stones from forming. I am glad that I asked him how much water he should be drinking. I measured his water dishes and could tell that he drinks at least that much and perhaps a bit more each day. YAY, Mr. Alvin. At the end of our conversation I thanked him and the team profusely for the care and support that they have given to us. He said if I ever had any questions to email him. I have his email. How nice is that! Cannot say enough about GUARDIAN Emergency Animal Hospital. They are simply the best. Oh, I also asked about the dental chews that he has now in the pantry …. we went over the name etc. and he said that he could have one. Alvin had gotten so excited when I pulled his container out of the pantry so I was happy to comply.

We are also celebrating the 41st birthday of my beautiful daughter and Alvin’s beloved sister, Amanda. She is coming to pick us up and drive us to his stitch removal appointment this morning. Then she is going to pick up some groceries for me including the items that I need to make her “fruit pizza” birthday “cake.” A bit later she will go home so that she can get her family ready and then return here for a birthday celebration. A celebration of life, really. This day holds extra meaning today. A day filled with so many blessings and much gratitude. I have much to be grateful for and I know it. I feel it and I own it.

Happy Birthday to my darling daughter who is the most compassionate, kind, respectful, patient, funny, intelligent, creative, tech savvy, wonderful, thoughtful, gentle, loving of course, girl – woman. She will always be my little girl.

I cannot wait to celebrate later today.

I do know and believe with all my being that “Thoughts do become Things.” Alvin’s results were proof of that. I just kept thinking to myself ….. he will be in great health and only have to change his diet and he was.

Well time to go and have a shower, then breakfast and coffee and before long we will be at the Vet getting Alvin’s stitches removed. Tomorrow is supposed to be +10 degrees celsius and we will be going for a nice walk. Both of us have cabin fever ….. a need for fresh air and time with nature.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. How are you all this morning? Alvin and I are well. I want to send out Happy Wishes to my niece on her 36th birthday. Hopefully I got the year right. I cannot believe she is all grown up. Time flies and our babies are no longer are babies but yet they are! Have a wonderful day “D” on your special day. Woke up this morning to more snow. Looks like this is going to be the year of the SNOWBANKS. Alvin just sneezed. Lots of shovelling. Yesterday I shovelled the driveway after our walk at noon. When your garage is detached from your house …. it is the old adage you always see what is in front of your nose but forget to look behind. Definitely is in this case. I will have to shovel at noon or after work today. Always good to keep everything shovelled. SNOW and more SNOW. Alvin is enjoying all of the snow on the deck. I left some for him to sniff around in as he likes to bury his head in the snow so to speak. He does actually bury some of his chew treats in the snow. Then spends the winter looking for them. In and out. He loves it and that is all that matters. Just like a little one with a wooden spoon and pot. Simple is always better.

Well I guess today is Wednesday already. Midweek. I am slowly putting together my craft project and hopefully it will be near completion this weekend as after that there will be baking happening in the kitchen and I don’t want to haul everything back and forth to the basement, Christmas project that is. I must make some decisions soon. I have one last obstacle, if you will before I can make it to the finish line. But I will figure it out. Just waiting for that inspiration to hit and it will. Hopefully not in the middle of the night, lol.

Not much else new in our lives at the moment. I must say thank you to my friends and my daughter who have collectively picked up my Christmas baking ingredients so that I did not have to go to the stores. I only have a few items left and then I am ready next weekend, not this weekend but next to start the CHRISTMAS BAKING. Just what we all need after this year is more treats but maybe we do. Anyway I am baking and that is all there is to it. Everyone needs a treat, right!

Time to get on downstairs and make that coffee. I kind of slept in this morning. One of my ears is plugged (happens more often in the wintertime and it is a thing for me) so I was sleeping on my side and didn’t hear the alarm at first. Anyway, all is good.

I hope you are having a good day and have a great Wednesday. We will continue living our lives with kindness and respect for all.

Thank you so much for reading my daily post. I do so appreciate your time. When I first starting writing many years ago now, I had dreamed of having 1 million people reading my blog posts. Now I may not have a million reading but those of you that do, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If we do not have dreams and stay positive – then not likely things will happen close to the way you would like. Anyway, I am grateful to you. Thank you.

With kindness and respect and gratitude,

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of March, 2019.

TODAY is the BIRTHDAY of A VERY SPECIAL YOUNG WOMAN.

That woman is my beautiful daughter, Amanda.

I cannot believe that she is thirty-nine years old today.

Seems like only yesterday that she was born.

Her birth was the best gift that I have ever received.

 

I want to share my post from June 22, 2010 – A day with my girl.

As I believe everyone that knows me, knows how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE spending time with my daughter Amanda.  She is the best person that I know.  Kind, warm and generous.  We love to be together.  This past weekend we did a couple of things that we absolutely love to do.  First thing was shopping, followed by an adventure, and ending with viewing show homes.  I must say it was the best Saturday.

We started out by going to Shoppers (okay a free plug).  They have the best rewards program going.  It is so nice to get free stuff after spending your “hard earned” cash.  Stopped by another favourite place of ours, and that is STARBUCKS.  We like to go to our local Starbucks,  sit in and enjoy our favourite blend while we are out shopping.  This time we picked up coffees, and were on our way to check out a possible “nursery” in the country not far from where we live.

We first found a place that sells shrubs, trees and rock but no flowers.  There was a kindly employee there that pointed us in the right direction.  Not far away, we found this awesome flower place.  The best part other than all of the beautiful flowers – okay perhaps there are a few things GREAT about this place.  First off, it is a short, easy drive from our homes. Secondly, it is in the country and is so pretty.  Third, they have more than just flowers and soil.  They have stuff.  All sorts of stuff.  They sell jewellery, crafts and too many things to mention.  For those people living in the Edmonton area the name of the place is “Dunvegan Gardens”.  Fourthly, they are open at Christmas.  YAY.  Another place to go.  So check it out.  They are great.  The staff are very knowledgeable.  Prices are good as well.  Once we picked out some flowers we were on our way.  It was a hot day on Saturday so we were happy for the air conditioning in the car.

When we got back to the city we dropped our flowers off at our each of our homes.  Alvin was spending the afternoon with Steven, my wonderful son-in-law and my grand-puppies Elton and Penny.  So I didn’t mind being away from home.

Next stop was the show homes.  We actually checked out some on our way to the garden places.  They were very nice.  The ones that we have especially been wanting to view were the “million” dollar ones that are situated by the lake in our neighbourhood.  As always, there were ah’s and mmm’s happening as we made our way through the homes.  I am always amazed at the decorating.  We found one that was especially interesting.  In one of the children’s bedrooms they decorated it realistically by scattering clothing, an empty chip bag, and other things on the floor and throughout the room.  At first I thought it was odd especially in a new home but it made an impression and I won’t soon forget it.  We certainly had a good giggle over that bedroom.  We even found a couple of homes that had “walk thru pantries” ….. the one thing that I think is so important in a house/home.  For all those contractors (would be nice if one read this), take the time, space and money and make a walk thru pantry off the kitchen when you are building these homes.  For all those of us who are getting older and even for those younger it is so much handier.  Instead of having all those kitchen counter top appliances taking up space on the counter – you can put the ones that you do not use in the pantry.  Easy to get to.  I love the fact that you can actually see what you have instead of forgetting a can of corn in the back of the pantry …. finding it ten years later.  Okay perhaps that is an exaggeration but you get my point.  Amanda loved the main floor or upstairs laundry rooms.  She would love to have her laundry area right beside her bedroom.

We had a great time, Amanda and I, last Saturday.  I urge you to spend more time with your children whether they are five or thirty.  So good for the heart, mind and soul.

Happy Days ……

 

Alvin and I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Here is a sneak peek at what awaits you….

Happy Happy Birthday My Darling Daughter.

May your life be filled with good health, great joy, much love and laughter and abundance.

We love you so much,

Love Mom & Alvin….

 

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl.  We love you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  the fruit pizza has not been made just yet, I will make it on Sunday morning so it is fresh, fresh, fresh.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of February, 2019.

That darn Weather Report says colder weather on the way.

Hopefully when Alvin and I walk to his follow-up Vet appt. in a little bit (930); it is not too cold.

We did not make arrangements for a ride.

Thankfully it is only about an 8 minute walk.

Also wishing a Happy Birthday to our friend “A” who lives a few doors down.

It is her Happy Birthday today as well.

Also a girl I know back home.  Happy Birthday “M.”

Lots of birthdays on this day.

**************************************************

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So, today is the DAY.

Today is my beloved sister’s “60” Birthday.

I cannot believe she is 60 ….. where has the time gone.

Seems like yesterday we were teenagers and young adults.

I will say this …. we always had fun … no matter where we were or what we were doing.

We have laughed and cried together.

We have worked together (for same company).

We have lived together for a bit of time.

Always there for each other.

Yes, we have had our “spats” but at the end of it all, we always made it out of the mud and on our way.

She has been my longest friend.

No one can make me laugh like my sister.

I love her sense of humour, her smile and her laugh.

She is one of the most intelligent beings I know.

My sister is dependable, loyal and herself.

Wishing my baby sister the most wonderful 60th Birthday.

Yes, I know I am giving away your age but sister, 60 is huge.

It is just a number.

But a glorious one.

Happy Birthday Sister C.

The pups wanted to get in on the WISHES.

Happy Birthday from Miss Aspen, Master Milo and Mr. Alvin.

Purple flowers – Lavender for a February birthday.

How about an ANGEL FOOD CAKE with Fresh Strawberries …. next visit …. will make you one!

Wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday.

Wishing you a great day and year to follow.

May you have good health, be filled with great joy, love, and abundance.

AND always, surrounded by the ones that love you.

With love from your family

Me, Alvin, A & S, Aspen and Milo.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl, of course.

Always, Carol

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 4th day of May, 2018.

Happy Birthday to one of my dear friends back in Saskatchewan.

She has always treated me like a sister, one of the family.

Truly a great great family so kind, generous and loving.

 

Looks like the sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky.

There are some clouds but perhaps they will dissipate in the next few hours.

I know we need rain but at night would be perfect.

Tomorrow I must get out and do the Neighbourhood TRASH pickup.

It has to get done soon before the street sweepers come out.

Then some of it gets pushed into the storm drains.

Tomorrow morning NO MATTER WHAT, I will be donning my gloves, old jacket and shoes, a supply of garbage bags and my handy dandy trash picker uppers.

 

Alvin has now made lying on the blanket beside me in the office part of the routine.

I drape the blanket over my office chair and just before I sit down I place it beside the chair for Alvin.

Such a cutie pie.

 

Well it appears to be coming up to be busy weekend.

Lots of work to do.

Regular laundry and cleaning.

The TRASH pick up.

 

The weather forecast is nice for tomorrow and Sunday.

Excited for that.

 

With all of my idols writing books, movies and the like – I am inspired to get my head out of the sand and write more.

There are always those old tapes playing over and over in my mind.

Am I good enough?

Can I do it?

Would anyone read my book?

Stuff like that.

Typical.

But sometimes you just have to get off the pot and DO IT.

Right.

You will never know until you try.

This can be said for most of us.

There will always be that dreaded speech, writing project or deadline of any kind that DRIVES US MAD.

Stop playing those tapes, they have been erased.

They have been replaced.

They no longer exist.

You and I are free to DO and BE whatever we chose.

Go forth …. give ’em something to think about.

 

Well almost time to get going … finish up the finishing up.

My tea order arrived last night and I am delivering to my friends/co-workers today.

So grateful to the folks that help support my business.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl ….. Happy Birthday Sis.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of March, 2018.

I know what I was doing on this day thirty-eight years ago.

Bringing the most wonderful baby girl into the world.

She is the light of my life (sorry Alvin but she is the first born).

WOW, it is crazy how time flies.

It truly feels like only yesterday that you turned one, then going to kindergarten, then elementary and then high school graduation.

She has packed so much into her 38 years and I am so pleased to have played a part in this doll’s life.

Wishing my Darling GIRL the best BIRTHDAY ….

To the MOON, to the STARS, to the whole UNIVERSE, I love you.

Alvin loves his big sister, too.

WE both do.

Have an awesome day my darling.

May the next thirty-eight years bring you much joy, love and may you find whatever you are looking for and dreaming about.

Throw in a dash of PERFECT HEALTH, have to have that for sure.

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Here are some photos from before the party as the Momma was getting prepared for the PARTY.

 

 

I made my girl a “TREASURE BOX” and placed some items that we thought she would like.  Most especially a beautiful English bone china cup and saucer and the Butterfly Book (just for her).

Underneath the gifts, I placed some butterfly paper, photo of a butterfly and a photo of me and Alvin.  This was the bottom of the box.

On the top I did another butterfly paper, a flower that I made out of polymer clay and decorated with some jewellery and adorned it with photos of my daughter’s loves.

 

OMG, those CUPCAKES were amazing.  My son-in-law did a great job picking up the “BIRTHDAY CAKE.”

We did eat supper before the cupcakes…..

It was a great night.

Ending with a gift of SEQUENCE.

Perfect evening.

 

Needless to say that Alvin and I had a great weekend.

We walked, he had a hair cut and bath.

He looks so handsome.

I love having a hair cut and Alvin not so much.

Our weather feels like spring.

YAY.

I can feel it.

I saw a bunny the other day and it is turning brown.

Definite sign of spring.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my Birthday GIRL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

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