The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The sun is shining and it is snowing. What a sight. The time changed today and the best news for today is that it is my darling daughter’s BIRTHDAY. We celebrated yesterday and had such a great time. First of all, I had Miss Aspen, Milo (Mi-Mi) and Miss Betty Ann here for a few hours while the kids went to see some friends in from out of town. The pups were in perfect behaviour. No grrr action between Milo and Betty Ann. We had a nice few hours just hanging out and snuggling. So great to have them here. Still hard to believe that it has been three weeks since my buddy Alvin left us. He is with me everyday and everywhere I go. I hold him in my heart and mind. Happy Birthday Amanda. Despite the time change, it is looking to be a great day.

We had “chicken fingers which are really homemade deep fried chicken nuggets” with homemade honey mustard dip, potato salad, peas and corn. Steven likes corn and we girls like the peas. I seldom eat deep fried anything but once or twice a year, I make this meal usually for the kids birthdays. For dessert I made a fruit pizza which in the pan transferring to the fridge felt like it weighed ten pounds. Not really but was heavy. Needless to say the kids took lots of leftovers home and I have leftovers for a few days. I love leftovers. We definitely missed Alvin at the party. Seemed strange to have three pups all of similar colour and no black & white one. No Alvin. He loved a good party and especially if there was something for him to open.

Well I have a busy Sunday planned. More laundry to do. I need to work on transferring more photos from the old computer to the external hard drive. NEED COFFEE now. I have to go through the box that I brought from work and see what needs to go to the new office. Minimal room. Vacuum upstairs and stairs. Some other photo work to do as well. Lots to do.

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) on Pexels.com

Photo by Silvia Trigo on Pexels.com

Happy Birthday Amanda, I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Have a wonderful day. Oh, the 95th OSCARS are on tonight. I think I may try and watch some of the awards. Would nice to see Michelle and Jamie Lee win.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Another overcast morning. I cannot believe that my Alvin has been gone for three weeks. I think that I shall always miss him. He is everywhere in the house. Last night I washed some of his harnesses that I found in the closet. Some no longer would fit him. They are washed and clean and perhaps someday will find another home. Every day I go through the bouquets of flowers and plants that we received and make sure they have fresh water and remove the ones that have passed. Surprisingly, there are some cut flowers that are still doing well. I am so grateful to all those friends and neighbours for the most beautiful flowers. Alvin would have loved them. He really did love flowers and always had his nose in the flower pots in the spring and summer. He was always watching me while I watered the plants in the house and sometimes wanted me to bring them down so that he could see them. Yes, he did. Very curious he was.

Last night I started the preparations for his sister’s Birthday party. She turns 43 tomorrow and Alvin was 13 in January. Lots of the number 3 and 4 combinations, if you are into numerology. Just thought that looked cool. I will keep the decorations for her party a bit on the low key side because we are mourning our beloved Alvin and I just do not feel that it would be right. The house will be full of celebration for a birthday and also celebration of a life well lived. I know that we will be talking about him tonight. He loved a good party especially when there were gifts for him to open, even if they were not for him. To Alvin it was all about opening the gift. Now if there was food inside, he was wanting the food for sure but at the end of the day, he loved to open gifts. At Christmas, he seemed to have started Miss Aspen to be interested in opening a gift, so perhaps he has passed his talents to her. That would be nice. I guess we shall see over time.

This morning, I have a list of things to do. Last night I boiled the eggs and potatoes so I will cut them up for the salad. I may have to put the chicken in cold water for awhile as last night it was still frozen solid. I guess my freezer works good. Shovelling is on the list. Also making the fruit pizza which has a few steps so that takes a bit of time. I put up some Happy Birthday Balloons (I know, they are helium ones that I keep reusing each year and two are from my 65th Birthday but they do not say a year). Not sure my daughter would appreciate a birthday balloon that said Happy 65th Birthday, lol. I may have the chicken cut up and ready to go. I just received a text from daughter that she sent last night and they have a slight change in their plans and won’t be here until around 2:30 so that gives me a bit more time to get things done. I washed my clothes last night so that is off the plate for today. Towels and bedding can wait until tomorrow. I have lots of towels so I could easily do them once every two weeks. There is shovelling on the list. Did I mention that already? If I have time I will vacuum upstairs otherwise that is for tomorrow. I am excited to see Miss Aspen, Mi-Mi and Miss Betty Ann this afternoon for a few hours before Amanda & Steven come for the party.

So the office. Yesterday I left the house at 7:05 and walked to the bus stop to catch public transportation for the first time since pre pandemic. Yes, I was a little bit anxious but just making sure that I had the right one and good thing that I asked because one of the two that I was supposed to be able to catch would have meant a further walk for me so glad that I asked the driver. The bus was on time and I waited for a few minutes because I left early to ensure that I did not miss the bus. The bus ride was less than 5 minutes (for real) and then I walked to the new office. The walk took just under 10 minutes. When I got to the office, I realized that the front door had a FOB entry and not key and it was cold and snowing and I was cold from being outside waiting and walking. I walked around the building as it is small and did not see the other entrance due in part to my glasses being fogged over so I pulled out my cell phone and texted the gal that I carpool with as she was going to the office for further training. I think I mentioned that we will end up working together after all as she will be in a different position. Anyway, she texted our Manager and then I remembered that I had our Director’s phone number so I texted her, she texted me and then called me. She said that the other entrance had a key entry and did I have a key. I said yes to the key but did not see the other door and I did know there was one but just in the moment did not see it. She stayed on the line while I walked and located the door and let myself into a dark building as I was the first one to arrive. Yes, I am always early. Habit of mine. I thanked her and then started to remove my coat etc and settle in. I picked one of the desks, the one closest to the door, lol. Then I set about setting up the Keurig coffee machine so that I could have coffee. It was awhile later after I was enjoying some coffee that another staff arrived followed by the Manager and later another staff. The Manager for our Systems arrived to get us set up and the movers with filing cabinets etc. I even managed to get some work done. The best part of all was that I got home at 4:31 p.m. I made sure that I was out the door at 4:00 as I wanted to see what time the bus arrived. I ended up waiting for a few minutes so now I know that I don’t have to rush rush out the door, just in case. Another new chapter ……. the office is not and sparkly like the downtown one but it does possess a kind of 80’s charm.

Time for me to head downstairs and put on some coffee. It is 7:53 now and I was up just after 7:00 and awake much earlier but chose to lay in bed and just mull over life with constant thoughts of Alvin. Doesn’t seem fair to him or to me that he had to leave what seems like way too soon.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Dark outside as I type this post. I am up showered, bed made and writing this post at 6:20 a.m. as I am catching the bus to the new office this morning. First time that I have taken the bus since before the Pandemic which slightly frightens me but I need to do this and so I shall. I was going to wear a mask but it is chilly outside so I will have a big scarf on and that likely provides some protection from any germs floating around the air. Funny that I will be leaving home at the same time that my ride would come and will arrive at the office about the same time. By car it is less than a ten minute drive. Oh, we love public transportation. Not complaining. Life in the fast lane.

Yesterday I did go for a walk at my lunch break. I walked the same path that Alvin and I used to take when the weather was good. It was wonderful and I could feel him walking ahead and I could see his little bum just strutting along stopping frequently to sniff everything. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Good to get some exercise so this will be good as well. I have a walk to the bus stop and then a short bus ride and then a walk to the office. Exciting and scary all at once.

Tonight I shall begin the preparations for Amanda’s birthday party tomorrow. Boil the eggs and potatoes for the potato salad (not just for hot summer days) and do some cleaning, some laundry and perhaps put up a couple of decorations. No balloons, I no longer do balloons. Not environmentally friendly. I always cringe when I see them on the ground outside where a bird or an animal or a pet could get at them.

I think that I am going to pop downstairs and put on some coffee, I have no idea what we will have in the office. Some of my previous coworkers had “stories” about what was on site. I need some coffee. Just to have a mug before I leave.

Wishing you a good day. Take care and be safe.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope that this finds you doing well. The sky is beginning to lighten and appears that we received a light blanket of fresh snow last night or perhaps during the early morning hours. When I went to turn on the computer this morning, I received a message that the keyboard battery was very low and to recharge. I thought recharge? What? So I realized upon further inspection that you just take the USB cable, I think that is what it is called and hook it to the keyboard and then to the computer to be recharged. How cool is that? No more batteries for the keyboard. The mouse on the other hand still appears to require double AA batteries. But I like that the keyboard is free so to speak.

I have a question for you? I realize that I have not been drinking near enough water as of late. Too many life distractions and I have not been keeping track of my water intake. So today, that changes, so important to drink enough water. Good for your mind, body and soul.

The house does not feel the same no matter who walks through the front door. Last night my good friends Gillian and Signe came over for a visit. We talked about the usual. It was great to see them, to have conversation with someone outside of the drama at the office. Perhaps if I stop using the word “drama” and start saying everything will work out and I am taking one day at a time. Repeat, repeat and repeat several more times. Only we, only I can change my reaction to the every day stuff. So I am. The house is lonely without my Alvin and that will never change but how I react to the things that happen in my life can. I have so many wonderful memories of Alvin. I think that at noon today, I am going to take a stroll and walk for the first time our old route, our old path. I need to get up and get out. Get some exercise. He would want me to be well in mind and body, I know that. I can still keep him close in my thoughts, in my memories and in my heart. This weekend is my daughter, his sister’s birthday and the whole family including Betty Ann who is staying with them are coming over. The kids, being my daughter and son-in-law will drop Miss Aspen, Mi-Mi and Betty Ann off while they go and have lunch with friends who are in town from Saskatchewan and then come here for Amanda’s birthday supper and celebration. So I have things to do tonight and tomorrow and Saturday to prepare. As much prep work as I can do, I will. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again but sad that Alvin will not be here in body to celebrate with us. Our first birthday party without him. My heart hurts.

I am working from home today so time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. Wishing you a wonderful day. Remember to drink lots of water and go for a walk. Nothing like a walk to clear the negative babble and make you feel good in general!

I am so grateful to all my friends for being so supportive during this time and always. I have the best friends on the planet.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well, I will leave the “sleep” alone for this post. I will say this that the moon last night was so full and awesome. The moon seemed to be more bright than usual. The sky was clear and I could see “stars” and likely sateilttes taking up their position in the sky. Looks like the sky is overcast this morning and there is no wind at this time. We were up a bit later this morning but not too late for a Sunday.

Yesterday was a great day. Woke up having my daughter, Alvin’s sister in the house which was awesome, we so love having her sleep over. I was dressed and ready for the birthday party while the coffee perked. We girls had coffee and visited while she worked on transferred my photos to the external hard drive. Surely is not a quick process but thankfully is not super difficult. I will report exactly how that goes the first time that I do it for myself. Yesterday afternoon I was supposed to do some more but did not happen. Amanda left just before I was leaving for the birthday party. The sky was a magical blue and the sun so bright and mighty. I wore my fav sweatshirt, my only sweatshirt, but I love it and jeans. Instead of wearing a winter coat, I opted to throw on my winter down vest. Perfect. Alvin had gone pee before I left and was settled on the sofa with the television on for company. The birthday girl was running late as she now is working two jobs and overshot how long it would take her to be done (I think she slept in as did I, actually I think she mentioned something about that, too). Gillian and I had coffee and chatted. I filled her in on my latest drama. Sure would be nice to have a light hearted comedy going on, instead, lol. Just as we were about to dive in on the “food” (what a spread), the birthday girl arrived. Food went on the table and then we were eating and chatting, laughing and crunching on food. Friends around the table, enjoying a beverage (tea and coffee), good food and each other. Oh, how I love these girls. They are the best. Gillian’s boys joined us for us food. Then it was time to open gifts and then the birthday cake. Signe had two cake a strawberry one and then a chocolate one. Both so yummy. The birthday girl is not fond of chocolate cake. We did not more chatting and then cleaning up and then it was two hours later and we were on our way home. Signe lives closer to Gillian than I do, across the alley actually and me well a few doors down. Maybe a two-three minute walk, maybe. Then I was home, I turned on a load of laundry and had more coffee, chilled with Alvin and of course, let him outside. We went for a walk about 40 minutes later. Oh, it was so warm and I could have kept going. Alvin surprised me and instead of walking into the park by the ponds, he made a dash towards Teddy’s house. Yup, I let him led the way. Exactly where he was going. When we got to their house, he darted up the driveway before I was able to stop him and explain that his BF was not at home. I felt so badly for him, I am sure that he misses the little guy. He has not seen many friends as of late. Lots of human friends but no puppies or kitties. Might be a good time soon to have Humphrey come and spend some time with us. Unfortunately will not be today. Maybe tomorrow when I go to the office Alyaa could bring Cookie with her, I will ask. On the way home from our walk, close to home, he went up the sidewalk of another friend and just so happened she was by the window and saw him so she came to the door. Next thing we were in the house. He was having a treat and we were chatting. It was 4:00 p.m. when we got home and was 2:39 when we left so it was another nice break. More social happenings yesterday than not. Back home I finished up the laundry and vacuumed the main floor.

One more thing, there has been a foul odour coming from under the sink. Last week I took everything out from under there and did a deep clean. But no luck, the smell was still there. I even left baking soda under there to no avail. So yesterday once again, I took everything out and did an even deeper clean and still. I have no idea where this is coming from? There is the wall and then there is a partial wall under the sink, maybe something got in there? Food or something? So frustrating. Or is it coming from the dishwasher. Anyway, I put an open candle (unlit) under there and last night it did not smell bad. I will keep investigating. Perhaps a vinegar wash in the dishwasher would help. Life in the fast lane.

We had a quiet evening. Oh, my friend Signe picked me up a lottery ticket and I have not checked it, still living the dream.

Finally the movie that I have been waiting for was “streaming” on Disney, “WAKANDA FOREVER.” I ended up watching the making of this movie and the making of the new Avatar movie as well before hand while I was feeding Alvin, cooking some chicken for me and cleaning up. Then I watched WAKANDA FOREVER, what a great movie. Not sure if I liked it better or not, I think both movies could hold themselves up individually. I did miss Chadwick Boseman, and nice to see Michael B Jordan playing a cameo (he passed in the first movie). Anyway, two of my all time fav movies.

Okay, I have to fly. Time to get the coffee going. I have to give Alvin a haircut and bath. This afternoon I will be chatting with my sister and then going for a walk. There is more laundry to do and then get ready for working at the office tomorrow. Oh, how I wished that this was not my new norm as I loved working from home.

Have a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P. S. I am planning to move some photos to the external hard drive this afternoon. Lots to do.

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! The sun is shining and right beside me on my old computer is my daughter Amanda. She is helping me to move my 42,000 + photos from the old computer to the external hard drive. Technology is great if it is all current but when you have some old components, not so much. This process is going to take us a long time but hopefully not to long as the on-line service that I am paying for to back up my computer keeps asking why I have not backed up my computer in the last month. Well I got a new computer and have not removed the old one yet because of all of this. WHEW. Anyway that is what is going on in our household this morning. Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting for us to be done and I am trying to hurry as I have my friend Signe’s Happy Birthday party at 11:00 a.m. Thank goodness that Gillian, the host lives close by.

Yesterday I took Mr. Alvin for a walk at my lunch break as I ended up working from home. It was so nice out that I literally could have kept walking but Alvin decided when it was time to turn around and come home. It was our first walk together in some weeks. I am so grateful for this warmer weather which means we will be out walking.

I hear Mr. Alvin groaning in the hallway and I have to take him outside before I leave so will need to cut this short. To my sister if you should be reading this, I will be calling you tonight or tomorrow.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am okay despite being up six times during the night not including the time we actually got up for the day. NOTE: it is darn cold outside. I pray and hope every night and day that Alvin will be better that day. So fingers crossed today is the day that he makes the switch to good poop and that it continues from now on. I went to Save-On on my lunch break yesterday with one of my coworkers to pick up chicken breasts for Alvin and lottery tickets for me. At this point, the possibility of money out weighs my desire to buy groceries for myself (don’t worry my fridge, freezer and panties (whoops, meant pantries) have enough food to keep me going for awhile. As I was typing and notices that I typed “panties” instead of pantries, I thought well that is funny, just leave it. Sometimes an error needs to be left but not quite undone. Although considering I may have had four hours sleep during the past two days, I apparently still have sort of a sense of humour. Hopefully I keep that to myself today as we have a meeting with our AVP and Director followed by a lunch meeting with them and all of the site teams. I will take my coffee and sit as close to a wall out of the way as I can. Surely do not want to nod off or anything. Yesterday, I was bouncing off the walls and like a squirrel could not stay focused for very long at a time. This is not by any means, my normal self but is due to lack of sleep, stress and anxiety between Alvin and work. Oh well, I have so much to be grateful for …… that every morning I wake up in this beautiful house that I wait until I was 52 to have …… that even if we are waking up on the sofa, I have Mr. Alvin beside me ……. that I, we have lots of good food to eat …… that I can afford to order pizza every so often (which I did last night and believe you me, it is like buying a small car, these days) …… that I am in good health except for being tired …… that I am surrounded by so many good, caring, compassionate family and friends who love and support me who matter what …… that I live in this country where we can live our dreams so we should decide to ……. that I have beautiful plants that are flowering at this time and their colours bring me great joy ….. there is so much more but I am running out of time. Alvin needs to go outside before I leave for work and that is fast approaching.

One more day this week and then it is the weekend. I have five days next week to work and then I am on two weeks vacation. I was thinking that perhaps I should only take one week as I am using all of my earned vacation and then I thought …. no …. I need this break ……. so vacation time in February in Edmonton …… on my sofa and figuring out my life……

Wishing you a great day.

Yesterday was our friend Signe’s birthday. I did remember in the morning to send her a birthday text and we are celebrating her birthday at Gillian’s house on Saturday. I forgot to send her wishes from this blog. I try to remember people here but honestly when I write these posts early in the morning, sometimes I forget. Trying to remember! Looking forward to Saturday morning with my friends with a short break from the “madness” of my home. Not really but sounds good, not really……..lol.

I be needing those mugs of coffee this morning for sure. Perhaps I should take my big mug today.

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

Trying to keep remember “when nothing is sure anything is possible.” I love that thought.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this bright sunny Wednesday morning? Both Alvin and I are well and excited to be spending a few days with Amanda, Steven and the pups at their lake side home. I am so excited to just be away for a few days in the countryside. Breathing in that wonderful lake air. The stars at night are incredible and I cannot wait to see them. I have looked after Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder and will give one last check before I leave. Their Grandpa will be taking over from me. There is a bit of a breeze and that was nice when we went for a short walk this morning. We were a bit late getting out this morning. I have watered all my plants inside and out including Humphrey’s shrubs. I still have to pack and put together things in a cooler so that part has to be last minute but will have to make sure that I do not forget anything.

Birthday. Well it was fantastic. Aunt J brought Teddy and Kobi and a Mexican feast for we, humans. It was so yummy Unfortunately in all of the excitement, I forgot to take photos as I had planned. We had a chicken mixture in crispy tortillas done in a semi dry skillet. OMG, so good. Quesadillas. We had a wide variety of condiments and dishes: quinoa salad, refried beans, avocado, hot sauce, a creamy sauce for which I do not remember the name, fresh limes, my friend Val’s Jalapeno Raspberry jelly which was so delicious, pico de gallo, corn chips and more. Supper was off the charts great. We ended it off with a small piece of my Birthday Cake from Sunday. Perfection. WE have leftovers and I am packing them in the cooler with the “6-5” cake that Val made for me and Alvin’s wet food and pumpkin. So lots to take.

Oh, I need a hat for my boat ride. Better not forget the hat!

Turning back the clock a bit before the food …… Aunt J, our friend Iris and Walter and the pups Teddy and Kobi gave me the biggest bouquet of flowers, so beautiful and a very thoughtful card. My fireplace mantel is covered in birthday cards. I love cards.

This year’s birthday seems to be continuing as there will be more celebrations with my daughter and her family. Also we saw a friend this morning and she has something for me but will see us when we get back. Also another friend popped by last night after Aunt J and the pups left with a gift and card. I am truly spoiled.

So this leaves me to mention that I will be taking a break for a couple of days from posting/writing. I will have photos and stories, I am sure to write upon my return.

Thankfully I took next Monday off so that I have an extra day.

There is a list about 1/2 mile long of things for me to do before my daughter picks us up. I guess next thing to do is to hop into the shower and get ready followed by packing. I want to ensure that I do not overpack. Always fun.

Question: makeup or no makeup for the trip. I have asked my daughter to take photos of me and Alvin, just in case we do not get back out there before winter. I guess we could have them taken at home but why not in the country. Okay, makeup then.

Have a wonderful next couple of days and I will see you on the other side. We will be home on Friday not sure what time so next post will be Saturday.

I am so grateful for the 153 messages via Facebook, two birthday parties, parcel from my dear friend Val, friends dropping by, two bouquets of flowers, thoughtful gifts, a bunch of cards, phone calls, emails, phone texts and more. I am over the moon grateful. Now I get to go and spend some time with my daughter and son-in-law and grandpups at the lake followed by a boat ride and picnic on Friday with Pauline and her husband Al. I am over the moon grateful.

Time to fly.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 65 is the bomb, does that still mean good? I hope so. Anyway, 65 is great!

I tried to download last night’s photos to show you but did not work, other photos loaded but not from last night. Not sure why. I will send them on Saturday.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this finds you in good health and happy. Alvin and I are doing great. I am enjoying my vacation and wished that it was permanent. Wouldn’t it be nice to be on vacation all the time – well I guess for me that would be retirement! Yesterday was a great day. In the morning I checked in on my charges Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder – fed them and all that. Of course, Alvin was looked after before I headed out to my birthday party at my friend Gillian’s house. Our friend Signe and Gillian’s husband Kris were there as well. We had so much fun. I was totally spoiled. They are way too good to this “woman.” I have photos to share and will keep this post short as I want to go and enjoy my first mug of coffee on the deck before the sun is too hot. I already have been over and looked after my charges next door and also took Alvin for a walk, changed bedding and a few other things. So feels good to be up early.

Well I have no idea how to delete a photo or to make the one smaller. Something changed in WordPress and I am lost.

Photos of my charges. Birthday party. So blessed.

Humphrey

Bogart

The Cake

Decorations

Food

Birthday Girl

Adjusting the Hat

Guests

Betty White Book

So excited

Lucky girl

GIFTS

Friends

Decorations came home

Last Night

Time to head downstairs, Mr. Alvin is restless.

Wishing my niece-in-law Sara a very Happy Birthday and my friend Karen from work. August is a huge birthday month for family and friends.

Happy Birthday Ladies.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: ONE Day until 65! I think it is going to be a great year.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! We have been for a few hours already which I must say is wonderful. I have done all the usual things with Mr. Alvin by this time and also gone to check in on Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder. They have been fed, watered, photographed, and had treats. I have had a shower and even put on a full face of makeup this morning and am now sipping on my coffee as I write this post. In less than one hour I will be at our friend Gillian’s house for my Birthday party. She is hosting. I love that we do this for each other. Very cool and that way no matter what else is going on in our lives, each of us always has birthday cake and presents. I love this tradition and hoping we can continue for the rest of our lives. It was hard to decide on what to wear and I have no idea why. I guess for my 65th Birthday party- I would like to look good. So I decided on a navy blue short sleeved t-shirt which is long and not super baggy and navy blue dress shorts. I was thinking of adding a coral three quarters sleeve cardigan but I think it may be too warm although I could start out wearing it. I feel good this morning. I wore lots of jewelry, too.

This has been a really busy vacation so far. Yesterday Alvin and I stopped at Susana & Malena’s garage sale while on our way to the park to meet up with our friends Pauline and Georgie (her grandpup). I had spotted something new at the garage sale, it was a macrame wall hanging. Very simple in its’ design and that egg shell colour that really goes with everything. I had a vision as I saw it and immediately said “sold.” I could see in my mind’s eye – a bunch of my antique pins and brooches displayed on it. Alvin knows them well so we walked into the garage. Susana’s sister Malena had been in the house and came out. She said hello to us and then Alvin walked into “the back” going towards the inside door and I should have had him on a shorter leash but I did not pull him back soon enough, and then a flash and the sound of glass breaking as it hit the cement garage floor, as Malena moved back out of our way into the table. They had a table in the centre of the garage with other tables lining the walls. There were lots of glass items in the sale but some huge glass vases and goblets on the table and they went flying. Thankfully the table did not turn over but several pieces were broken. I felt terrible and offered to pay for the glass that was broken but kind people that they are – they laughed it off. Susana made a joke about “putting a second mortgage on my house.” We all laughed but I felt bad. I could not even help clean it up as I had Alvin with me and we had to get out of the garage in case Alvin stepped on some glass. I have to find a way to make it up to my kind and generous friends. I wished that I knew how much she was asking for those items, because then I could just give her the money. After that, we carried on to the park to meet up with Pauline and Georgie. Instead of going for a walk – we decided to walk to Pauline’s house and visit on her patio. The pups could run in the backyard off leash. Alvin loves to run in her yard. So that is what we did. We had a two hour visit on her patio. Catching up about all that we have been doing. They had been looking after friend’s farm (dogs) and such out of the City. Just so happens that these friends live in a community not far from where I lived for a year when I was a teenager. My family lived there for years and my brother still lives in the area. Isn’t it a small world.

After our visit we walked home. I made sure that Alvin had some more water and put on another load of laundry. After that I went to check in on Humphrey and Bogart and Cynder. We had company after supper. I had invited Aunt J and the pups, Teddy and Kobi to come for a visit. What a great time we had. So you can see it has been mainly about visiting and playing so far this weekend although I did clean the main floor including washing the floors. Now to do the upstairs, perhaps tomorrow. Later today we will go for a walk with Pauline and Georgie. Tomorrow night Teddy is coming for a sleepover. Perfect as Aunt J and the pups were coming over to celebrate my birthday on Tuesday. I love when a plan comes together. So this is going to be a busy vacation and I would not have it any other way.

Well time to head downstairs, almost time to go and I want to finish my coffee and see if Mr. Alvin needs to pee before I leave.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: zero time to an early birthday party and 2 sleeps till I turn 65.