A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? I hope that you are doing great! We are doing very well. Alvin seems to have turned the corner, his poop is looking better and there has been no blood for two days now. Fingers crossed and I will keep the positive flow of thoughts for his continued progress to good health. We were up a couple of times but in between had about three hours of sleep and I can function on that amount so we are all good.

You can probably tell that I am feeling happy and part of it is due to Alvin feeling better and the other is because after Friday I am on vacation for two weeks. YAY. When one of my coworkers asked me if I was going away or doing something special while I was on vacation, I replied that I am going to recreate a tropical vacation by having a warm bath in lavender epsom salts, perhaps burn a candle and have a large glass of Baileys on ice (I even have a drink umbrella around here somewhere) and play some of my favourite music. Realistically because I am a shower person, this may or may not happen but it should because I have lots of epsom salts to use and I do enjoy them. I have lots to do over the next couple of weeks. Alvin needs to have his nails trimmed etc, I need to make a couple of medical appointments for the near future (time has just flown by and I need my teeth cleaned and checked). The photos need to be moved to the external hard drive, and honestly there is a list a mile long. I am hoping for good weather so we can go for some walks and the big thing is getting up when we get up and not by the sound of the alarm. I would also like to have coffee and or tea with friends. There is always “cleaning” to do. One day at a time.

Last night when we got up at 1:00 a.m. it had already started to snow and there was quite the accumulation by the next time we went outside which was 4:00 a.m. I did some shovelling on the deck so that Alvin would not have to wade through six inches of snow.

Just checked my watch and time to head downstairs. Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Wednesday Morning.

The sunrise is amazing and the sky is beginning to clear.

We had a nice light blanket of snow last night.

I heard from the Weather Channel that Sunday we are to have double digits for temperature.

On the plus side, I should add.

Finally, perhaps that will put a serious dent in the snow banks that are lingering about.

I can hardly wait to see buds on the trees.

The birds are beginning to return from down south.

I believe that I mentioned I saw a Robin last week.

So happy about that.

I love them, little robin red-breast.

I have the coffee perking away.

Oh, how I love coffee in the morning.

Alvin is resting on his little bed beside my computer desk.

 

I must say that I never thought in my wildest dreams, did I ever, think that I would be doing my job from home.

Not ever.

Not even a random thought.

Now here I am close to a month into working from home.

Wow, so strange.

I guess we truly never know what is going to happen in the world.

 

Yesterday Alvin and I had two walks.

This is starting to become a habit which is a good thing.

I placed a tea order after our later walk.

One of my friends picked me up a few things from the store.

I believe that we are set for awhile.

Although how could I forget to get “olive oil.”

Anyway not life or death so it can wait for a week or so.

 

Oh, big thing …. I cut my hair.

Oh, yes I did.

I had been wondering how it would work if I used Alvin’s electric hair/fur clippers.

I found that the extensions do not fit on or at least I could not get them onto the clipper.

So I just took the “electric” clipper and starting cutting.

I took off quite a bit and it looks pretty good.

Had to fix some even this morning with my handy dandy hair scissors.

Although next time I would make sure that I dried my hair straight.

What I mean by this is ….. I would not put my hair in a ponytail and then pull through.

So it was curly / wavy when I removed the hair elastic.

But despite that ….. I am pretty happy.

Besides my hair grows fast so why not.

Alvin is lucky as I cut his hair.

I have noticed a lot of doggies are looking a bit on the shaggy side.

 

Well I guess it is time to go and grab my coffee.

Might start work a bit early today.

Just because.

Not because I have to,

Just because.

 

The sun is shining so bright.

Mid week so that is good.

Weekend around the corner.

I hope that you and your family are well.

Stay safe.

Remember there are always the bathroom fans to clean.

Top of the cupboards might need a bit of a dust job.

Basement.

I know I have many things that I can do when I have the time.

Summer is close.

YAY.

 

With kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Well we are closing the gap on the middle of November, 2019.

In less than 2 weeks it will be one month until Christmas Day.

 

Another year to reflect upon.

I am so excited for 2020.

Not that I am wishing the days away or anything like that but I am looking forward to the New Year.

In this moment, Alvin is resting on his blue blanket as I click away on the keyboard.

In this moment, I am awake perhaps not 100% rested but I am awake.

In this moment, I am dressed and ready to set upon this day.

In this moment, I am happy to be writing these words.

In this moment, I am happy to be me.

 

We were so blessed to have a nice walk, our regular walk, last night.

The sidewalks were wet mostly but not icy.

Such a relief.

Yesterday we had plus temperatures here in Edmonton and that is the forecast for today.

We were mostly alone as we walked.

It was dark by the time that I caught the bus home from work, looked after Alvin, changed my clothes and then headed out for our walk.

The sun sets mighty early these days.

Thankfully it was not pitch black out and of course living in the city there are lights.

In places around the lake the street lamps are a bit too far apart for my liking.

I understand why but still ….

Alvin wanted to turn around and go home a few times as we walked in the park in the darkness.

I told him “not to worry and that I would keep him safe.”

Poor boy.

In his older age he is not as brave and fearless as he once was.

Although most days when he hops across the threshold to go in or out; you would never know that he is coming eleven years old in January 2020.

 

Well as the seconds pass here it is becoming closer to our time to go downstairs.

Finish the last minute items.

Grabbing my lunch.

Going outside with Alvin and picking up any little bundles he left out there for me.

Then donning the boots, the coat, scarf and mitts.

So grateful that the weather is staying warm.

Grateful for the little layer of crusty snow covering the ice.

 

Be careful out there.

Happy Wednesday.

 

If we spread kindness with respect all day long ….. the world will be a better place.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Somedays you just have to reshare “cuteness.”

Guaranteed to bring a Smile to your face 

  and Joy to your heart.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME TO WINTER.

We had some snow over the course of the evening and just before bed; I swept the blanket that was covering the deck.

Awoke to several inches warming the deck.

So safe to say we have winter.

Unlikely at this point that it will melt and actually I prefer to have it just cold enough to keep the snow from melting and creating a slushy mess.

Now that being said …. just a bit more …. would certainly be enough.

 

Lucky for us we had a wonderful walk last night.

It was really mild and no wind.

Perfect for walking.

As we approached Teddy’s house last night … I had to stop Alvin for making a beeline to his house.

But just as I was doing that …. Teddy spotted us from an upstairs window ….. there was no turning back at that point.

He started barking and jumping up and down.

Teddy was happy to see his friend and me.

So we went to the door and rang the doorbell.

As soon as I did …. Alvin started to bark.

Teddy’s Aunt came to the door.

She was happy to see us and figured it just wasn’t anyone walking by and she was right. LOL.

It was Teddy’s BF Alvin and his Mom.

Teddy practically jumped into my arms.

He just kept staring deep into my  eyes as though he had not seen me for a long time.

So cute.

We had a nice visit.

Alvin found one of Ted’s chew treats and went to work on that while we chatted.

J was making some soup using up items from the fridge.

After a nice visit and once Alvin was done with the chew treat, we headed out for home.

 

Life is always better when you have a friend.

 

I still had to make supper and no leftovers to be had.

I made a simple chili and some oven roasted sweet potato pieces.

 

We had a nice evening ….

I guess it would be winter boot wearing day today.

Must remember to put a pair of shoes in a bag.

 

Happy Tuesday to Everyone.

If we treat others with kindness and respect; we will be treated with kindness and respect.

Wishing those who need some extra positive energy …. a good day.

I wished that I had the power to heal.

My heart goes out to each and every one of you on this day.

Be well.

Be safe.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

My thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 21st of February, 2015.

The sky is partially overcast.

ODE TO THE FALL – THAT ICE

The ground is covered with a crusty blanket of snow.

Underneath is a sheet of ice covering most sidewalks.

I found this out last night when I walked home from the bus stop.

Falling twice and by the grace of my backpack I remained unscathed.

Thankfully only my pride and ego were harmed and only briefly.

It is funny how you can be walking so carefully and those tiny snowflakes so gracefully covering the gleaming patches of ice and then WHOA you are down.

You look around and there is no one there.

You want to cry for a moment and then you do not when you realize that you are unharmed.

Then you breathe a sigh of relief that your body is undamaged.

Then you continue taking those careful steps ….

Almost home I can see the light on my porch ……

Getting a big cocky and then down again….

So not once but twice.

So grateful for the backpack and the extra padding on my body at this time of year.

I decide to walk on the street for the rest of the way and then finally I take those safe steps down my walk ….

I know there is no ice as we removed it the night before …..

I arrive at home ….

I am safe ….

The pups greet me at the door …..

Time for tea and to relax.

I am home ……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who must walk home from the bus on icy streets – take care.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 16th day of April, 2014.

Thin blanket of snow covering the deck and the ground in my backyard.

Out front the streets and sidewalks appear to be dry.

I guess the heat on the asphalt kept the snow from sticking.

Perhaps this is the last snowfall for the year.

Anyway it is okay …. summer is right around the corner.

Temperatures to be 15-16 degrees celsius on the weekend.

That is summer to me.

YAY…. I am so excited.

I hope that you are feeling great at this very moment.

Perhaps you are listening to your favourite song ( I am listening to “Happy” ….. you know the one).

I love that line ….. come along if you feel like a room without a roof ….. 

That says it all.

I sure hope that I got the line right ……

Thank you Pharrell – I love this song.

What a great way to start the day.

Writing in the groove …. tapping my feet and swaying to the music.

Happy Happy Happy Happy down …… Happy Happy ….

I am happy …..

Thank you …….

I even picked up Alvin and did a few steps …..

He “waggled” his tail when I was dancing to the music.

Music is the universal truth …..

Love it.

So on this incredibly wonderful mid week day …. I hope that you are HAPPY and on TOP OF THE WORLD ….. LET IT GO and ROAR …..

Thank you ….

Special Hello to:  YOU listening to the music …. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Monday morning and welcome to January 21st, 2013.

We received another covering of snow last night, and it was still snowing when Alvin went out around 5:00 a.m.

I love how Alvin stands in the doorway ….. he sniffs ….. “pretend sneezes” and then if he really has to go …. he will go outside.

Meanwhile the temperature in the house has dropped by two degrees.  ( Just kidding ).

But he surely does take several minutes working up the courage to go outside.

Most especially when it is cold or raining.

I do not blame him …… poor little guy and all the other animals that have to do the same.

 

What’s new with you this Monday morning?

Did you have a quiet weekend?

Spent relaxing? or did you Work?

I did a mix of both and I suspect that most of you did as well.

Well today is my early start so have to run.

I hope that you stay warm and safe on this day.

I hope that you are happy, healthy and abundant.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: all those new pet owners ….. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin