2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Monday, May 10, 2021? Alvin and I are okay. Not the same waking up and feeling of yesterday. Alvin clearly is not feeling well. I am going to make him an appointment with the Vet as soon as they are opened. Hopefully can get him in this morning or at least today. He right ear appears to be bothering him and he has loose poop bordering on diarrhea which he has had for a couple of days now. Oh my poor boy! I wish him good health.

I just had to shut down my phone as it needed to do whatever it is that it does!

Well the morning sky started out overcast as the sun rose but it appears to be clearing up now. A bit of a breeze happening.

I hope that all the women and girls out there had a great Mother’s Day. Alvin and I went for a walk about 11:00 a.m. and on our way past our friend’s house, I noticed that she was in the garden so I called out to her. We stayed and chatted over the fence for several minutes catching up on the latest news in our lives. Sounded like she was having a Mother’s Day weekend. With the rain the weeds were growing like they had been fertilized. She has the most gorgeous daffodils blooming at this time. We continued on our walk and as we were passing Alvin’s best friend Teddy’s house, I heard his Dad calling out to us and inviting us in. After a visit along with tea and treats we were on our way. Unfortunately Alvin had eaten some of the pups food when we first arrived before it could be put up out of reach. They leave their pups food out all the time as Teddy grazes and Kobi, too actually. I hope that does not make things worse for Alvin. At home again, I started preparing different things for supper taking my time. The kids arrived at 4:00 p.m. just as supper was ready to put on the table. We took a few minutes to get settled and dish up. Always a blessing and so nice to see my kids and grand pups. Oh and I took a few minutes to feed Mr. Alvin his supper which was a bit early. We chatted throughout supper catching up on all our news. Even sharing stories of my youth which came up when I was speaking to my daughter about her baby clothes and such. About that I had placed most of those items in black garbage bags inside of rubbermaid containers which I should not have done. I did manage to get most of the chemical smell out of one load washed three times. We discussed about what to do with everything. Clearly as a Mom most things store most memories for me than my daughter. After supper we down to the basement and we looked at a few things which brought up some good memories for her. She remembered that she had been nervous about going to the babysitting course as she didn’t think that she had anything “cool” to wear and then I brought out an outfit that I had put away for some occasion which she loved. Actually that story made my day as I did not remember. I was thinking that perhaps it may be time to start writing down stories of my childhood and over the years for future generations.

Well it is time to get going here and pay some bills. Put on the coffee and set up my workstation once again. I will say that I think that I will pack up my work stuff every end of the work week, made me feel a break between work and home. Plus it looked like my kitchen, my house again and not work. No complaining as I love working from home. Just like to have my space.

My daughter heard that the rain helped with the wildfires and that they are now able to contain. Thank goodness.

May you have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning,

Yesterday was our Humphrey the Cat from next door’s 6th Birthday.

He is a great friend to Mr. Alvin.

I didn’t realize it was his birthday until later in the morning so I missed mentioning it here.

He is quite the character and we love him dearly.

 

I was thinking about how blessed both Alvin and I are to be surrounded by so many friends.

Both of us have a great many friends.

Do I have friends because of him?

Does he have friends because of me?

I don’t know for sure.

Perhaps a combination of our personalities and his cuteness, of course.

I am grateful that Alvin has a great home.

Alvin endured a rough beginning but the majority of his life has been great despite a few health hiccups along the way.

Nothing serious health wise.

I would always wish that both him and I continue to be in good health.

My wish would be when it is our time to leave this place that we simply go to sleep and not wake up.

Okay off that subject.

 

We slept in this morning …..

As usual we were up earlier and Alvin had breakfast and went outside for his morning “constitutional.”

After that we laid on the sofa and both dreamed away.

I did wake up at 7:30 ish and looked outside to see it was still dry even though the sky is filled with rain clouds.

Thinking that perhaps we should get out for a walk before it rained.

But then my body and mind …. said “no way” and then ….

It was after 9:00 when Alvin and I got up and really started our day.

The sky is overcast and it just started to rain a bit ago.

We will find a spot during the day to go for a walk.

Yesterday we walked at lunchtime and then again after work.

 

So what is on your plate for this Saturday?

Mine, I think will be doing laundry and washing the main floor.

Bit of cleaning.

The blinds still glare at me each time I open and close them.

They are the one thing on my list that I did not complete during my vacation time.

So they do need to be cleaned.

Procrastination, perhaps.

I don’t mind cleaning them but ….

They will get cleaned at some point.

Have to be cleaned before winter for sure.

I think that it is the whole job that now seems so daunting.

There are blinds on every window in the house so that is a lot.

But maybe if I do the main floor one weekend and the upstairs the next, it won’t seem like so many.

Also it won’t take all day to do them.

Yikes, now it is all about the blinds, lol.

 

Another item on my agenda is another haircut and bath for Mr. Alvin.

Man, it seems like only yesterday that I gave him a haircut.

Because he is not a huge fan of getting a haircut, okay not a fan at all, I am trying to trim a bit from his paws each day.

That will help when I do give him a haircut.

What a guy!

 

Writing I am writing my book.

I have not been writing every day, I will not tell a fib.

But I have made some great progress.

I have a lot of material already written which helps.

I have to get it all in one place to edit and then write in the missing pieces.

This happens when you write everyday for most of your life.

The work has been done in some cases (depending on what you are writing, of course).

But I do have a lot of material for this book.

The book about my life with Alvin.

Photos.

I have them, too.

I love looking at photos in books.

So definitely will include some of them.

I also have our “family photos” that my daughter takes every year of me and Alvin.

Alvin really has not changed at all.

Me, on the other hand, well that is a different story.

 

So to end this post, I will post some photos of our dear Humphrey.

A belated Birthday Tribute.

I did post some photos on Instagram yesterday.

 

Happy Birthday Humphrey

I searched and searched and was not able to find one of my favorite photos of Humphrey and Alvin sitting on our bed looking out of the window.

Always realized how many photos I have of Humphrey.

When you are looking for something specific through 40,000 photos …. not easy to find.

Also a great reminder to clean up my photos on the computer and on my phone.

I found duplicates and bad shots.

Oh my goodness ……

 

I hope that you are having a great Saturday.

Time for coffee and breakfast before you know it …. it will be noon.

ARGH.

Oh well …..

Blustery day so good time to get things done in the house.

Just got a text …. coffee tomorrow morning with one of the girls, the other is away.

Always nice to have coffee with a friend.

 

Wishing you the best Saturday filled with kindnesses and respectfulness.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and finally we are in the last two or three days of this bone chilling cold snap.

Cars, trucks, buildings, houses, animals, humans; none of us have totally warmed us since this all started.

The roads are frozen so hard.

Icy intersections are many.

We are so blessed that our power has remained flowing and that is due to the harding crews in the power stations/offices.

We are truly grateful.

 

We will be so happy to get out walking once again.

My clothes are beginning to feel tight and not because I am eating more but because I am not walking.

We all need fresh air.

The kind that does not freeze your lungs when you open you mouth.

I am grateful that Alvin and I have a beautiful warm home during any temperature.

 

Today is the last day in our temporary location and Monday we will be back in our “old digs.”

Newly renovated.

A new day.

 

I think it is time for some colourful flower photos.

Flowers for planting from a few years back

I hope that you have a safe, warm and wonderful Friday.

Kindness and Compassion should be our way of life.

Always a good reminder in case we stray.

Some situations …. some times, we forget.

 

Happy Friday

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, good morning.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining and as I look out of my office window at home, I can see the sun shining through the golden leaves of a neighbour’s tree to the south.

So beautiful.

This is our Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend.

I am thankful for all of the things in my life.

Even the “cold sore” that seems to have landed on my upper lip.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Even the messy stuff is all good.

Every bit of life good or bad is to be thankful for.

My life is certainly not perfection and I sometimes might choose to see life through rose coloured glasses but …

It is my life ….

I am surrounded by the best people and while they are fantastic even those relationships are sometimes not 100% rosey.

But that is life.

Right?

Perfection is sloppy.

Perfection is messy.

Perfection is your perfect.

Different for everyone.

We had a great night with Humphrey over for a visit.

I am always amazed at how well they get on.

The first moment he arrives …. Alvin runs to the door and they touch noses.

I guess that is their way of saying hello.

If one goes outside they both go outside.

If one comes in most times they both come in.

Tonight Teddy comes for a sleepover.

He will spend Sunday with us.

Tomorrow my daughter, son-in-law and grand pups comes for our Thanksgiving meal.

Life is good.

 

Well time to get that life is good thing going …. there is laundry to do and coffee to drink.

Time to change from pj’s into day time clothes.

 

With kindness and respect I shall live my life.

Remembering how blessed I am.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Happy Thanksgiving …

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, we had the most beautiful sun drenched Thursday.

So happy that Alvin and I were able to enjoy it with a walk and the mowing of our backyard.

Happy Friday the 13th.

I believe it is going to be a great day.

My youngest brother was born on Friday the 13th in January many moons ago.

 

As the past couple of weeks have ALL about my boy, I thought that I would share a poem that I wrote to him on our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of being together.

 

ALVIN,

You came into my life almost a year ago ..

You were small, needy and unwell..

You made me feel anxious and sad,

Helpless and mad.

But then one day … the veil lifted.

I fell in love with YOU.

Loving your dog is unlike the love you have for a child, friend or sibling.

It is unconditional.

No strings attached.

No arguments or compliments

The view is one-sided

Or perhaps it is not.

But the feelings are felt.

It is true and inspiring.

You have taught me patience.

To be more loving.

You came into my life late one night.

Almost one year ago.

An idea not conceived thoroughly

But yet ….. it was …

You are where you are supposed to be.

Lucky ME.

I am blessed to have you in my life.

We are joined at the hip (sometimes at the foot) LOL.

But nonetheless we are joined.

I love you Alvin.

You bring me great joy.

Continual amazement.

I know that you understand me.

Each word ….. even when you tilt your head to the side.

I know you know….

Thank you so much…..

Love

Always, Your “Mom”

This KISS, this KISS (please stop, Mom you are embarrassing me!!)

 

Written on our first Anniversary together … January 19, 2011.

 

 

WIth kindness and respect the days are happier.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of April, 2019.

Another glorious sunrise.

Oh, how I love the morning sky.

I also love my companion, my boy, my friend Alvin.

He is snuggled up on the blue blanket which is made extra soft by the green lap blanket that my Grandmother crocheted many years ago.

I was thinking as I was putting on my jewellery how blessed I am to have found Alvin.

Of course, like any relationship on the planet there are moments that my patience may be stretched just a tad but for the  most part we are like two peas in a pod.

More alike than not.

He has shown me that life goes on.

He has shown me forgiveness.

He has shown me sheer delight in just going out for a walk and being more in touch with nature.

He makes me feel like a million dollars every time that I open the front door.

Always excited to see me.

He has shown me that you can get VERY excited about food.

He never ceases to amaze me.

He has shown me that no matter your age you can always make a new friend.

Case in point ….. Humphrey the Cat.

He shows me all the time with his friend Teddy – how important it is to have friends.

So on this Thursday, I salute my four-legged crazy, loving, social butterfly Mr. Alvin …. Cheers my great friend.

I am so grateful to my kids for finding him for me and me for him.

 

Alvin, one of my babies

Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

Me and Alvin

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

 

Feeling mighty blessed this bright sunshiny day.

Happy Thursday Mr. Alvin.

I hope that you all have a “Mr. Alvin” in your life.

He brings me great joy, companionship and curiosity.

Love you my boy.

 

Special Hello to:  Mr. Alvin ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of March, 2019.

YAY, another walk under our belts so to speak.

OMG, longest COLDEST winter in decades.

Last night there was a breeze that blew us around our walk and I felt the cold but Alvin all snug in his winter coat did not seem to feel it.

I guess the gust were more at my level, thankfully.

Another warmer day that the past few weeks on the way.

It has been cooling down at night but warming during the day.

We are so grateful.

 

About a week ago, the alarm clock that I had in the bedroom died a somewhat painful death as it would beep, flash and then work for a bit longer.

Poor thing did not want to give up.

It was not long after that that the battery died in my TIMEX Indiglo watch so that leaves us getting up on our own accord.

Now Mr. Alvin is known to be an early riser, more like middle of the night riser and for that matter I am starting to wake about 3:00 a.m.

Monday and Tuesday nights we had Humphrey over so we were in bed later than usual and then last night we hit the hay a bit earlier than usual.

So guess who woke up at 1:00 a.m. …… not me.

I managed to get him to settle back down for a few minutes but alas we were up and downstairs.

He went outside to pee (wished that he could use the indoor plumbing).

Then to the sofa for some sleep.

We were up another time or two but managed to get some good sleep before getting up to start our day.

 

Oh what crazy lives we lead.

I am so excited when I look out at the office window to see lightness in the eastern sky.

Looks so beautiful.

Dark blue running down to meet hints of yellow on the horizon.

I could lay on the ground and look at the sky all day and all night.

I love the morning and night sky the most.

 

If you are over the age of 50 you will appreciate the “getting up in the middle of the night.”

I am most grateful to be turning 62 this August.

I still cannot believe that I am 61, although my body reminds me on a regular basis.

My mind on the other hand keeps me somewhere in my 30’s with a smidgen of 50’s thrown into the mix.

I am most blessed to have friends and family of all ages.

Everyday I learn something new.

BRAINPOWER.

Keeping it real.

Or something.

 

Well time to hit the road ….. gotta pay the mortgage.

Although winning the group lotto at work this Friday would be GREAT.

NO MORTGAGE ….. perhaps a CAR…….can you imagine me with wheels of my own??

Yes, I can.

A girl can dream.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

 

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister who keeps me younger …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 19th day of February, 2019.

WOW, it is warming up.

So much warmer this morning or at least it feels that way.

I just checked the temperature and it is -16 degrees celsius and -19 with the windchill.

Almost a tropical heatwave compared to the minus -30 to -40 degree temperatures we have had in previous mornings for the past couple of weeks.

YAY, we will be able to go for our regular walk this evening after work.

So excited.

Alvin will be happy.

We have been venturing out for short walks every day or so, lately.

It will be grand to get back into our regular routine.

We both are feeling it.

 

Family Day was great.

I got to hang out with my daughter and my boy, Alvin.

My son-in-law had to work.

How sad!

I made a pancake breakfast for us girls.

Alvin had some blueberries.

We had a great visit.

 

Back to work today.

I am so grateful that we had a long weekend and that I spent most of it with family and friends.

How lucky am I.

Blessed, really blessed.

 

I am so grateful to have such awesome friends and family.

Right, Mr. Alvin?

Yes, he is thinking.

He is snuggled up on this blue blanket beside me as I write this post.

We are fortunate.

We are blessed.

I know this and I feel this.

Every day.

Always take the time to show your gratitude.

I am grateful for our health, for our home, for all of our family and friends and for our life.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Enjoy…..

 

Special Hello to: my sister, Happy Tuesday, you beautiful girl, you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 4th day of February, 2019.

Another cold, snowy day has arrived.

First really COLD week all winter long so we really cannot complain.

Make sure that you bundle up in many layers when you go outside today and all this week.

I am grateful that both Alvin and I have a nice warm home.

We are truly blessed.

Yesterday was a fairly quiet day with the exception of some “battery” issues.

Who knew that all 3 volt batteries are not created equal.

So when my friend was out and picked me up a 3 volt battery; I was surprised when it did not fit.

Not the low battery / failure signal keeps on wailing.

With some luck perhaps it will not disturb me Alvin while he is home today.

My daughter ordered me some batteries from Amazon and I hope they arrive today.

 

I am again grateful for the ride to work this morning.

Grateful that I have a warm coat and boots for the wait and walk from the bus after work.

Always seems colder and perhaps it is in the morning.

 

I am rereading the book “THE MAGIC” by Rhonda Byrne.

All about gratitude.

Counting your blessings …. being thankful ….. certainly does make your life brighter and easier.

Negative, which as of late I have fallen into, can drag you down.

Negativity takes away the brightness and makes things harder.

Every time that we criticize we cancel out the blessings that were on the way.

Negativity takes away the Positivity.

Take some time every single day maybe even all day to be grateful.

Say aloud or write on your computer or on paper – all of the things that you are grateful for ….

 

I am grateful for my house as it shelters me and Alvin from the elements.

I am grateful for me Alvin as he is a great companion and makes me smile.

I am grateful to be employed as it enables me to have this house, food on the table, to pay bills and to live my life.

I am grateful to have rides to work this week as it is bitterly cold outside.

I am grateful to my friend who is giving me and Alvin a ride to and from his surgery on Thursday.

I am grateful to be alive….

 

Well time to start gathering up things and start putting on the layers.

I hope that you are safe, warm and happy on this Monday and always.

We are so blessed …. a good thing to remember.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, keeping warm here and hope you are there, too.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 18th day of December, 2018.

Another beautiful day on the way.

Another night that Mr. Alvin and I were not able to walk – it was warm but icy.

Cannot take the chance.

Hopefully soon the ice will have cleared up and we can resume our nightly walks.

I am looking forward to the week off from work when Alvin and I can go for a couple of walks each day.

Last night one of our friend’s came for a visit.

We are always glad to have her in our home.

She brings a kind light wherever she goes.

One of the nicest folks that I have ever had the pleasure to know.

Alvin loves her.

He was trying to tell her something last night but we could not figure it out.

I think it may have to do with the plate of baking that I set onto the table.

Perhaps he would love my “sugar cookies” as much as others.

Sugar not good for puppies.

Sorry Mr. Alvin.

We also exchanged small Christmas gifts.

I shall treasure hers always.

She gave me the most beautiful Christmas Angel coasters.

Very very beautiful.

AND one of my favourite things: chocolates from PURDYS.

 

Time is counting down.

Looks like six sleeps until Christmas Eve Day.

WOW, where does the time go.

 

Are you ready?

I am pretty much there.

Just have some gifts to wrap and pick up the groceries.

Then just the cooking.

All fun things ahead.

 

I would like to wish each and every one the most glorious Christmas.

May you live in Peace, in Truth, in Harmony with Others and Nature.

May you be in good Health.

May your blessings be tenfold.

May your heart be kind and giving.

May you realize that good people do exist and that you are one of them.

May you spread joy and love all year round.

Merry Christmas and the Best New Year Ever.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Time to go and catch that bus.

Gotta love public transportation but on the other hand it beats the alternative and for me that would be walking.

Work is definitely too far to walk.

 

Special Hello to: YOU

Always, Carol & Alvin