The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Another beautiful bright sunny morning. Welcome to Sunday. We had actually a good sleep. It was about 3:30 and then 5:00 (I managed to coax him to lay back down) and then up at 6:00 for Mr. Alvin to eat and then up to stay up at 7:30. So much better. There is quite the breeze this morning. I noticed when we were outside earlier that I could see my breath, no wonder my plants are having a hard time. My tomato plants do not seem to be doing very well. I guess I should investigate further. They have a white coating on some of the leaves. Hopefully they are okay. I paid $11.99 for one of the three plants. The plants out front and the violas and pansies in the back are doing well. I cut down the geraniums and even though it has only been one day but two nights, they already seem to be doing better. Fingers crossed.

This morning as I was laying on the sofa and looking out through the open blind, I thought if I were a painter I could paint each little area separately that was showing in each section of the blind OR what if the blind were a puzzle depicting life. Each section is a day or year. My mind was turning up all sorts of wild ideas. I love my sofa, it is so comfortable and cuddled up under the blanket just being, was amazing. Alvin by that moment had jumped down and was laying on the yoga mat beside the sofa, patiently waiting for me to get my Fanny Farkle/Farkus up and get going. So I stretched and got up. I went into the basement and fetched the rest of my clothing and unmentionables that had been drying and some NORWEX cloths and Alvin’s special towels that were air drying and brought it all upstairs. The load that I left drying last night is having an extra tumble this morning to completely dry. Then the laundry is complete. After that, I opened the door and let Mr. Alvin outside while I made a pot of coffee. I can smell it already perked just waiting for me. After that, Alvin was ready to come in so I grabbed the clothing etc. and came upstairs to put it all away. Made the bed. Now writing this post. Sounds like I lead a pretty ordinary life. But isn’t that great!

At 12:30, our friend Signe is hosting Gillian’s birthday party. So I will have a couple of hours out of the house on my own. Just enough for me to have some time out on my own but not enough that I will be worried/concerned about Mr. Alvin.

Once home from the party, I will take him for a walk. After that, will see what time it is and then perhaps do a bit of gardening, take some things out to the garage. I have to sort out the garbage and see what I can fit in the big bin for Tuesday. With only having it picked up every two weeks and having filled it the one week with the garbage from the neighbourhood pickup, I don’t think that I can get it all in. I might have to ask one of my neighbours if I can put some in their bin(s).

The leaves on the trees are beginning to fill out, and it will not be too long before you cannot see through to the other side. I love leaves. Some of the trees are in flower at the moment and the scent is fantastic, so pretty. The flowering cherry trees that line one of the neighbouring streets are out in bloom. Such a short time but oh so beautiful.

Well time to head on downstairs and have that first cup of coffee. I am debating if I should get out of my pj’s first and get ready for the party but that would delay the coffee by 15 minutes. PJ’s it is. Nothing like having a cup of coffee in your pj’s. I don’t very often so this will be a treat. I want to have breakfast early as we will be having cake at noon. Usually I don’t eat lunch but this will be dessert! Cannot wait to see the girls.

Have a great Sunday. If you ever think that you are just ordinary – then think about how wonderful that is! I do. I am.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Alvin decided to come into the office and lay down on his bed. How sweet!

2021

Good Morning All! I hope this finds you well. We are doing good although I could have stayed curled up under the blanket this morning which was evident by how many times I hit “snooze.”

The air is grey but doesn’t smell overly smoke filled but I may be somewhat desensitized now. The air is cool, sweater weather. Amazing we can be +38 degrees Celsius one week, then 30+ and now 17 degrees Celsius. So definitely cooler. What a difference in the house – almost 20 degrees.

I have not heard if the fires have reduced in British Columbia or not. I hope do.

From my vantage point on the sofa the view is green that is as long as I hold my eyes up as the grass across the street is turning brown from the heat and no water. There is one advantage to facing North we don’t get the heat of the day so it has saved our grass.

There is a breeze this morning and I decided to have the windows open and it definitely is cooler inside.

I am grateful that our temperatures are cooler and looks like it will be cooler when Alvin has his surgery on Friday, which will help.

just thought that I had better do laundry on Thursday so I am good for clean clothes. I am excited and nervous not about the surgery but the recovery and really the days that follow. I know he is strong and will once again bounce back and in time will be back to our new norm. That is ever changing. I guess for most people these days.

Well time to get yo work. I wish you a wonderful Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this GREAT Saturday morning? Alvin and I are well. Going to head out for a walk after I write this post. Now I am wishing when we were up earlier that I had actually got my butt up off the sofa but sometimes you just want to snuggle under a warm blanket especially when you know that you do not have to be at work just a few steps away, lol. Anyway, no matter, a decision was made actually several times as we were up and down since about 4:35 a.m. That is the state of our household. A hot mess, most mornings. We manage to get through it and each day. The sun is shining and has been since earlier. There is a breeze but thankfully not gale force winds. So grateful for that. Getting bad when the wind blows over your flowers pots on the deck, okay only one but it was not light. I love looking at the sky. There are clouds which appear to be forming on the southern horizon and actually are taking the shape of mountains, how cool is that? Absolutely beautiful. I believe that the forecast is for 22 degrees celsius today with cloudy periods. So perhaps now would be a good time to go for a walk. The laundry and house cleaning can wait. Yesterday we walked twice which was great. We spotted the families of geese in the park snacking on grass by the trees close to the water. The goslings are no longer little fluff balls but are beginning to get their feathers. I am quite sure that I heard or read somewhere that young geese / goslings are not able to fly until they get their “flight feathers.” No wonder the adults stay close by.

There are 997 lovely souls that are now following this blog. WOW, I cannot believe it. The number has grown so much in the past year and I am grateful to each and every one of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read my posts. It brings me immense joy. I wish you great joy, much love and laughter and abundance. Thank you.

Well tomorrow is Father’s Day and the official First Day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Two huge events.

I am going to sign off for now. Get out there and get one or two with nature and get some exercise. Getting older has done nothing for my waistline, lol.

Have a wonderful Saturday. Enjoy the day.

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

Always, With much thanks and gratitude, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a windy, rainy Thursday morning.

The rain appears to have set in for some time.

There is absolutely no sign of Mr. Sunshine anywhere.

No crack, no peep, no nothing.

Only grey ….. only grey….. as far as one can see.

It feels like a day when one should be curled up on the sofa under one’s most favourite blanket next to one’s favourite four-legged buddy.

Mr. Alvin, in my case.

Perhaps sipping on a mug of coffee or hot chocolate.

Maybe reading a nice book.

An actual book.

Just relaxing, enjoying life.

JOLT …. shaking head ….. blinking quickly ….. ARGH ….

 

Reality sits in and now I am dressed for work ….

No coffee, no blanket, no curling up with me Alvin.

Just doing the things that I always do on those mornings where I go to work.

Which seems like always.

Oh well ….

Ride will be here in a few minutes.

 

So grateful that we managed to get our walk in last night before the storm.

 

I am grateful to have a job – do not get me wrong.

The job …. the getting up in the morning …. allows me the luxury of having this house.

Our beautiful home.

Next to family and friends including all of our four-legged family and friends …. my house brings me so much joy.

I am most grateful…..

Even cleaning three bathrooms ….. is wonderful.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs one last time for this morning.

See if Mr. would like to go outside one last time before I leave.

It is raining …. so likely not.

Note to self …. fill Alvin’s water dish with fresh water (downstairs one).

 

I love my life.

My family

My friends.

My grand-pups, all of our fur friends.

Me Alvin.

My home.

My yard.

My life.

My job.

I am so blessed.

Thank you.

 

Kindness and Respect are always the way to go.

Sometimes I know you may think being kind and respectful is too much work or not worth it.

But trust me …

Always better to kind with respect.

Always.

Yes, Always.

 

Happy, Happy Thursday.

I guess I will be going out in the rain, too.

So grateful to have a ride and from work.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of March, 2019.

Well we are officially on day two of SPRING.

Yesterday was gorgeous.

When Alvin and I were out for our walk with our friend; I actually was too warm with a sweater on top of a tank top.

How is that for the 20th day day of March 2019?

I say FANTASTIC.

We are so grateful for this change in the weather.

Long time coming.

Don’t get me wrong I do like, okay love winter but even too much of a good thing; can be too much.

Alvin was so muddy by the time we got home.

Took a while to get him cleaned up but we did.

I am so grateful that the sidewalk in front of my house is slowly starting to resemble something one can walk upon.

It has been brutal the past week or so.

To think that it was clean except for a bit of snow, well that is just crazy.

There is a rim of ICE about four inches thick that is on the bottom of the snowbank that covers the lawn.

I have never seen such a thing on our lawn until now.

That is going to take some time to melt for sure.

Okay perhaps enough about snow and ice.

I am very happy as is Mr. Alvin that it is SPRING.

 

After we got home from our walk and I got Alvin cleaned up; I walked over to pick up Humphrey.

Was I ever surprised when I unlocked the door to see the patio door open and his Momma and him out on the deck.

We startled each other.

She decided to work from home last night.

Humphrey joined us so that his Momma could get her work done.

We had a great night.

 

A quick Alvin story.

One of my colleagues from the office recently lost her dog.

She asked me if I would like all of his dishes, toys and stuff.

I will clean it all, she said.

I told her with gratitude that “Alvin” would love to have his things.

For some reason, I fail to remember his name.

Anyway she brought these two huge bags to work yesterday and I brought them home.

Well Mr. Alvin thought it was Christmas …… he found a duck and was so excited, a new toy.

He grabbed that duck and threw it up into the air.

Grabbed it again and ran with it.

He went to the back door wanting to take it outside.

I said “Alvin, your duck has to stay in the house.”

He dropped the duck and went outside.

In the bags there was a sleeping blanket for pups, a hand-made quilt from pup’s Grandma, two sets of dishes with stands, toys, a big stuffed dog pillow, two stainless steel water dishes, did I say toys!

We, Alvin hit the mother load.

There were two jackets which are so cute but they are not the “proper cut” for Mr. Alvin (it has been a long winter)!!

Alvin is so lucky.

We can share some of the items.

I wrote up a nice “thank you” card for my colleague to show our appreciation.

 

Well appears that it is almost time to leave for work, yet again.

My the time zips along quickly.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

He loves that blanket.

He actually has three blue blanket.

There is the one that came with him from his Foster Parents and then two light blue blankets that I bought from my neighbour at a “garage sale.”

He has so many blankets now.

So lucky.

 

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Hoping for  a quiet day at the office.

Special Hello to: you and you and you and you…….take care …… Happy Thursday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 14th day of January, 2019.

What a great way to end the weekend a Sunday with your daughter and then friends.

My daughter and I shared a pancake breakfast and a great visit.

I love spending time with my girl.

She is the best person I know.

Alvin loves snuggles and playing with his sister.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by loving, caring beings.

Not only did I have time with my girl but I had a nice hour long walk with Alvin and our friends “N” and “I” – they live close by.

It was so beautiful out yesterday – perfect for walking.

Just perfection.

At the end of it all I even submitted some tea orders.

Da Da.

A Sunday filled with abundance, success, kindness and love.

What a great way to end the weekend.

 

So now back to work.

Alvin was squawking a few minutes ago and I realized that I had hurriedly sat down at the computer and forgot to place his blanket down for him.

Ah, my poor boy.

I mentioned to my friends yesterday that I was curious to know what Alvin would do if we were out for a walk and I let him off his leash.

My friend “I” said “He would stay with you as he never takes his eyes off you, even when sniffing, he always looks around to see where you are.”

Not too worry, I will not be letting him off his leash.

I was just wondering.

 

Well I guess I should get this show on the road.

Time flies quickly in the morning.

I tried my new Waterpik this morning and I love it.

Along with the electric toothbrush – my teeth feel like we were just to the Dentist for a cleaning.

Well after two weeks of this and I go for my cleaning – they will likely notice a difference.

I do already.

Definitely a good purchase.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to:  family and friends, love them all, I am so blessed.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th day of May, 2018.

The sky is overcast with lovely rain clouds.

It has been raining off and on since last night.

We surely needed the rain so I do not mind.

The smell in the air is most glorious.

There appears to be no breeze as is evident by the stillness of the trees out my office window.

Mr. Alvin is laying on the blue blanket thinking about what, I do not know.

I wished that I could read his thoughts or perhaps not.

Well after today I am away from the office until Wednesday.

So excited for this extra long weekend.

It has been awhile.

Last night after work my daughter brought me home with a stop to pick up food, treats and toothpaste for Mr. Alvin.

I had supper all prepped from the night before so it took more time removing all of the containers from the fridge than the actual readiness of the food.

We had wraps with an assortment of veggies, cheese and YVES Mexican Meat.

So good.

After supper coffee before my neighbour arrived to cut our hair.

YUP, I did it ….. cut it all OFF.

I have not had it quite this short in many years.

Definitely takes a bit more to do in the morning OR at least until I figure out which way it wants to go and then work from there.

It feels cool and freeing.

Every one in awhile you have to make a big change.

Or at least I do.

With a fresh new hair cut it makes me feel differently.

Like a new person.

With the rain today ….. I feel renewed.

Just have to work on these allergies / cold thing and it would be perfect.

Plugged ear is not much fun.

Another thing ….my daughter and I are going flower shopping tomorrow.

I am so excited …. to get some flowers for my front flower bed, front step, deck and back garden.

Always fun planting.

I may grab a couple of tomato plants as well.

Well here it is almost time to leave for work.

Will have to grab the trusty umbrella this morning.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday …..

Royal Wedding come up ….

Will be a great weekend.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family sprinkled all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 8th day of May, 2018.

One of the many times I/We were awake throughout the night and morning; we heard this strange noise.

It started out slowly and then got harder and faster.

In fact, quite loud at times.

Rain.

It was raining.

So nice to hear a spring rain.

The grass desperately needs some moisture.

Especially our grass/lawn.

It stopped for awhile and has now started to rain slowly.

Alvin had one of those nights and it does not appear that anything is wrong but he was up and down ALL night.

I had turned the lights out at 9:30 and shortly thereafter had fallen asleep.

At 10:00 p.m. – he woke me up.

We went downstairs as I thought he may need to go outside.

He went outside and walked around the deck and on the grass.

Sniffing and looking.

Finally after a few minutes – I coaxed him to come back inside.

This kept up all night although I did not get up every time.

I can honestly say that I am TIRED.

Perhaps the cup of coffee at work will help me spring back to life.

Oh, my poor Alvin.

He seems to be fine although he did give me that look …. you know the one.

I hope that all is well.

Perhaps it is only my imagination.

He will sleep today and get lots of rest while I on the other hand will try to get my work done.

Oh, well that happens when you are a parent whether to a child or to a puppy.

You are responsible for their well being.

I take this role very seriously.

My daughter turned out pretty terrific and I hope that I am doing a good job with Alvin.

He is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

He is never too far away when we are at the same location.

Well almost time to hit the road for work.

I am so happy to be carpooling these days.

Such a nice change.

 

Well on this Tuesday.

I hope that you are treating yourself with love, kindness and, respect and, that you are doing the same toward others.

If we are loving and kind and respectful the world is always a better place.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who are trying their very best each day ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining gloriously in the morning sky.

It is after 9:30 a.m. and we have been up and down since 5:00 a.m.

I always think that I should have stayed up about 7:00 but I seldom do.

The drawing of the soft comfy sofa with our blanket snuggled next to Mr. Alvin just keeps me there.

Now I feel guilty that I am a couple of hours behind the schedule.

Part of me just says …. there are lots to hours to get things done.

No worries.

The YING and YANG of it all.

Oh well …. all is well.

 

Yesterday had a few turns and twists.

Many days I have a TO DO LIST for work in my mind – just as I do with my home things.

It wasn’t even 1/2 hour into it and due to technical difficulties with our system, I had to change the plan for the day.

It ended up being okay but kind of ticked me off, at least temporarily.

A little bit later in the morning a co-worker came and asked me if I would like two complimentary tickets to the big BUTTERDOME CRAFT SHOW in Edmonton this weekend.

I had seen the ad the night before on television and had been thinking how much I would love to go even just once.

So I said “yes” with no idea if I could actually get there.

Lucky for me, my daughter had been planning to go to COSTCO after work and was going to message me to pick me up after work.

So I let my carpool know that I would be catching a ride with my daughter.

YAY ….. craft show here we come.  I was so excited.

After work, my daughter drove me home and she went to COSTCO while I looked after Alvin and then made supper.

One of the few times that I actually left Mr. Alvin home alone for a few hours on a Friday night.

I am certain he was wondering what was going on??

We found parking very easily about 1/2 block away from the event and although we had to pay, it was only $5.50.

At the craft sale there were over 180 vendors.

Ranging from pet accessories to wool dryer balls to fudge to jewellery to pottery and more.

It was overwhelming.

Luckily there were no massive crowds.

We arrived just about 7:00 p.m. and were all ready to leave before 8:30 p.m.

My daughter let me pick out my Mother’s Day gift.

I picked up a slice of fudge.

Maple Walnut, my favourite next to chocolate.

The fudge was $9.00 (CDN), ARGH.

Thinking it was a TREAT, otherwise well I cannot think about it.

$9.00 really ….. I know they have to make money but $9.00.

My daughter picked up some homemade dog cookies for our pups.

I shared the fudge with them being my daughter & son-in-law and, she shared the cookies with Alvin.

Perfect.

What a glorious unplanned evening.

Something else happened during the day at work.

I received a phone call from my neighbour who asked me if I wanted to go and see the NEW AVENGERS MOVIE.

Well, of course I DO.

So that is great and we are going to a viewing at 3:25 p.m. today.

 

So a weekend of just doing the usual laundry, cleaning and then the neighbourhood trash pick-up added a couple of cool outings.

I am feeling so blessed and fortunate.

For the most part I feel blessed and fortunate.

I am, I am.

 

Also when I was changing the bedding this morning – I noticed this sheet set in my spare room closet.

I was thinking that it was the second set for the spare room bed but ALAS it was not.

So all this time I had another set that I had forgotten about and now it is like having a new one.

So now when I pick up a bottom sheet for the newer set, I will have three sets.

How luckily is that?

Crazy, I know.

 

Alvin is chewing away on one of his treats.

I can hardly wait to see the Avengers movie.

It is going to be great.

The sun is shining and I imagine the birds are singing.

The laundry and housework await me.

My heart is full and I am singing “Happy.”

 

Alvin will have another few hours alone when I got to the movie and then tomorrow when I do the trash pick-up but this is one of those weekends, the rare ones when I leave the house without him.

He will understand, I am certain.

 

Well I should get this show on the road.

I will share with you on Mother’s Day – my gifts along with photos.

 

Mm, the coffee tastes good this morning.

Time to get cracking.

Get dressed.

My neighbour has already come and gone with her mug of coffee.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend and that perhaps you have a surprise or two coming your way.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are travelling, be safe and have fun.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of April, 2018.

The sky continues to be in the mornings as of late filled with hues of pink and orange as the sun rises in the sky.

I wonder what last year was like on this date?

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

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of April, 2017.

The sky finally appears to have clear breaks ….. our morning sky has been pretty much been overcast for days now.

Some sunshine would be very welcome.

We have had enough moisture for a bit …… I would love some sunshine.

The weekend holds promise weather wise so that is good.

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

It would appear that this week compared to last year was beautiful.

We could use some moisture and if that would appear next week – I would be most grateful.

It has been so great to be able to grab a pair of shoes and put Alvin’s harness on and go.

No more worries about walking and ice.

Last night when we were on our walk as we approached one of our friend’s homes; I could tell that Alvin spotted in outside somewhere.

Long before I did.

He stopped and did not wish to continue.

I looked up and there she was sitting on her upper deck reading a book.

She spotted us and came down.

After I threw a poop bag and some garbage that I had picked up into the trash; we went and joined her upstairs on the deck.

She had treats for the boy, of course.

We enjoyed chatting outside basking in the warmth of the sun.

After we had chatted for over 1/2 hour – we had to go as another friend was coming to our house after supper.

I still had to have supper.

Lucky me, lucky us, we had the absolute pleasure to visit with two FRIENDS last night.

Does not get better than that for a Thursday night.

Well I am catching the bus to and from work this morning as my carpool took the day off from work.

It will be a nice walk to the bus this morning.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Friday.

Love that Mr. Alvin has taken to laying on his blue fuzzy blanket beside me in the office.

Love that guy.

 

Happy Friday.

Do something new today?

Take a chance.

Special Hello to: my friends, I am so grateful that you are a part of my life.

Always, Carol & Alvin