The Next Chapter …

Morning All, it is so quiet here in my house without my beloved Alvin. I cannot believe that he is gone forever. I heard noises that I never heard before ….. were they there all along? He was my companion, my friend and my boy. I will always miss him and his cuteness. That wag of his little short tail when I called him “cuteness.” There is a canyon deep and wide within my heart that will be there for the rest of my days. I cannot and will not forget that little guy who gave me so much, and I feel as though I let him down. I am reminded by so many that he had a great life. But in the darkness of our, my bedroom late at night, I cannot see that. Yesterday I spent several hours looking at photos and videos which did help me to see him happy and playing with his friends and with me. He was my world for 13 years and one month less one day. I could never have imagined that when we went to meet him on that cold winter’s night that he would literally rock my world from the beginning to the end. How could my life be any better than it was with him? It will be different but never better. I will miss our walks together watching him sniff every blade of grass. I shall miss seeing him play and interact with his friends and family. I will miss his excitement when a parcel arrived from our friend Val. When the summer comes and the lawns are green, I will miss seeing him roll around in delight at our friends homes. I will miss seeing him open his Christmas present as though he were a boy. I miss seeing him grabbing one of his many toys and pushing it around the floor and then tossing it into the air before I caught on that he wanted to play and then we would play tug for awhile. I miss the warmth of his body next to mine when we went to bed. I miss watching the cuteness of his little bum when he walked ahead of me. He did have the cutest bum. I miss hearing him bark when he wanted his breakfast and supper and treats. I miss having him sitting beside me on the sofa watching me eat my supper with a clear want in his eyes – even though he had just had his supper and a treat before I ate mine. I miss everything about him. Those big brown eyes. His lighter brown eyebrows which had started to disappear as he got older. I miss our talks. I miss his shoulder to cry on. He was the best listener. I just miss the essence that was Alvin……..

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I need to share the words that my daughter wrote yesterday after I posted the tribute to our dear boy.

What a beautiful tribute to our special boy. We’re so lucky to have known him so well and to have witnessed your amazing relationship with him and the joy he brought to so many. It’s not fair that they have such short lives but they pack a whole lot of unconditional love and teach us so much in that short time.

We will miss our quirky, loving lil bro every day. The way he knew what he wanted and demanded that in his special voice. The way he loved you and his friends unconditionally. His handsome face and cute little tail wag. How he would pull out every toy until he found then one he wanted in that moment. The noises he made when he was annoyed. His talents for opening gifts. Just every little thing about him.

He will leave a giant hole and will forever be missed.

Rest in peace my brother

Alvin & his sister Amanda. Second photo Alvin exploring the beach near his sister’s home. Alvin just chilling with me.

Al & his sister

Mr. Alvin while I work

On this cold February morning, I will try to continue in this life to be kind, respectful, compassionate, patient, loving, to laugh, understanding, filled with gratitude, remember there are possibilities, to focus and to be present, and have a cup of coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin, my Angel is resting on the hallway floor outside the door where he always waited for me to finish writing. His blue blanket from his foster family that was with us throughout his whole life from that first night till he left us now covers me at night. Love you buddy……..

It is a NEW YEAR.

True it is a New Year and today is a New Day, Tuesday.

A cold morning here in Edmonton.

We are grateful to be inside a warm home.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

This morning while I was in the shower and getting ready he stayed resting on the bed.

Not his usual routine.

He appears to be okay.

He got up and off the bed okay.

Perhaps he is just tired although he did sleep through from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Oh, well.

I feel the same way.

I would have loved to have just stayed at home today.

Just curling up on the sofa with me Alvin under our warm red blanket.

But I have lots of work to do today and if I miss a day it just piles up.

Becoming way too stressful.

So off I go to the office/to work.

 

Teddy went home just around noon yesterday.

The house is quiet without him.

Not that he is particularly loud or anything.

We miss him.

I know Alvin does.

 

Perhaps some photos of cuteness and beauty this morning.

Will help us get through this cold Tuesday.

 

Just close your eyes and visualize laying on the grass ….. just relaxing.

Okay, perhaps I got a bit carried away with the photos.

Too much cuteness, I don’t think so.

Too much natural beauty, be serious.

More words …. well maybe.

 

I wish you a wonderful day.

Filled with love, joy and abundance.

May everyone you see and everything you touch be done so with kindness and respect.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I know the Tuesday after a long weekend, feels like a Monday.

 

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday morning.

Last night my daughter joined us for supper.

I made one of her favorites “chicken stir fry” with rice.

We had some of the “chocolate chip cookies” that I baked on the weekend for dessert.

We had a great visit and so many giggles and belly laughs.

I am so grateful that she is my daughter and we love her so much.

 

On the way home from work we came inches away from hitting a pedestrian.

We were very close to the cross walk when this young man pushed the light and started to walk.

My carpool driver put on the brakes and started to honk the horn as she could not stop.

It was glare ice.

We started to slide on a bit of an angle.

I started to wave frantically from the front passenger seat with hopes that I could grasp his attention.

He clearly did not hear the horn blaring.

After we almost died from fright – I finally got his attention he kind of looked at me funny.

Luckily we managed to stop but I am quite sure that he could have reached out and touched our vehicle.

We were so lucky … he was so lucky.

So couple of things.

Never push the crosswalk light and start walking without ensuring that the vehicles are able to come to a full stop.

Most especially in the winter when it is icy.

Almost all of the streets were glare ice.

We were not even going near to the speed limit when we approached the crosswalk.

It was just so icy.

Had we been going the speed limit, I fear we could not have stopped.

As it was we slid a great many feet.

I am quite certain that the “student driver” who was back a bit in the other lane was having a panic attack.

Why oh why, silly young man.

Had we not been able to stop, we would have been at fault.

Sad but true.

Please remind your children and yourselves at crosswalks, at all crosswalks to ensure that the vehicles have come to a full stop.

To be aware of what is going on around you!

In the winter, the streets are icy and sometimes vehicles are not able to stop on the proverbial dime.

Be safe.

 

I have something for you to ponder, this came to me last night.

When everything else fails you, listen!

 

In Canada, we use umbrella even on a snowy day.

Tuesday, my vacation day.  It was snowing so hard.  Poor branches were covered.

I love the contrast between the white and the red.

These were the Valentine treat bags that I did.

The white one with the small gray hearts was for my daughter and her family (I gave it to her last night).

The other bag which I decorated more after I took these photos is for a dear older client of mine.

Well actually she is not even in my portfolio but I asked to be kept on her file.

She is alone in the city with no family and not really any friends.

We are going for lunch on Friday, so I made up a little Valentine bag and treat for her.

I feel that there are so many folks out there that are all alone.

She fell a couple of weeks ago and I so wished that I could have been there to help.

I wished that I could do more.

My client is okay but as she ages this could be more often.

Perhaps she will be able to go into a Seniors facility where she would have company and care.

Time will tell.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Mr. Alvin is resting away on his blue blanket as I write this post.

 

Okay, time to hit the “snowy” trail.

Certainly cannot say dusty trail.

 

Living with kindness and respect is really the only way.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it is Friday, end of the first week back in our old newly renovated office space.

I must say I really like my workspace.

The noise level can sometimes be a major distraction but perhaps in time they will add some paintings or something to the walls to help absorb the sound.

Otherwise so far so good.

Last night we went for a walk but only as far as the park and Alvin turned back (there was no changing his mind).

I found a bit of bile on the main floor; so he definitely had an upset tummy and gas.

I noticed he has had gas for the past couple of days.

So back to only his food, his biscuits from the vet and only small amount of banana and perhaps carrots in the evenings.

No other treats.

I think sometimes it can be too much for the “old” guy.

But this morning all seems well.

I think that excess gas is an age thing.

I will admit that I suffer from “gas attacks” from time to time, okay more often than that.

LOL.

What can I say?

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside my computer chair.

He is always in a hurry to lay down on his blanket.

We have a routine.

That routine will be disrupted this weekend as tomorrow the Teddy and his little sister Kobi arrive.

They will be with us until next Saturday when their Aunt J arrives home from Mexico.

I am excited to visit with Aunt J and catch up.

We always have good visits and suppers together.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up from work.

I always cherish our time together.

 

Post from January 25, 2011.

How long is winter?

I had been asking myself that very question up until the past few days.

It feels like spring outside.

The sun is shining …… I can see and hear the snow melting from the roof …… hip hip hooray !!!

It has been so great that Alvin and I have been going out for walks everyday.

Life is always …. BETTER ….. MORE GREAT – when the sun shines and the snow is melting…..

Have a blessed day….

Always, Carol

In January of 2011, I was still a “retired” individual.

Home with Alvin.

A few months later our lives would change again when I went back to work.

For several years I worked two jobs.

Now just one.

 

I was going to post a random day from years ago and found just a short little post with my logo.

Strange how today the weather is similar, almost ten years later.

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Well almost time to head on downstairs.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Happy Friday.

Be Kind and Respectful to yourself and spread that to all you meet (all).

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday, January 06, 2020.

Almost typed/keyed 201 ….

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me.

The strangest thing happened a few moments ago.

I was in the main bathroom putting on my jewelry when I heard someone yell my name.

I ran to the bedroom window and looked out, no one.

I went to the office and opened the window and called out, nothing.

It was so crisp and clear, now I am thinking, “am I hearing things.”

There were no thoughts crossing my mind at the time I heard someone calling out.

No reason at all.

I guess just one of those unexplainable moments in time.

Alvin did not flinch so I should have known.

If someone would have been yelling he would have ran downstairs.

Note to self.

 

We had a great weekend.

Lots of walks in and the weather was beautiful.

Yesterday between the beginning and ending of our walk, right in the middle.

We dropped in for a visit to Alvin’s best friend’s house.

Don’t worry I had been texting with our friends to make sure that it was okay.

When we arrived at their house our friend was just arriving home.

She said that she had ran out to the mall (said busy for no real reason, I said good for business.)

We had tea and a visit before continuing on our way.

I cannot believe how much Teddy’s little sister has grown.

So cute.

Alvin was as always on the hunt for food and a chewie.

He found both.

Thankfully not much food as he does not need to be eating at his friend’s home.

They leave the pups food dishes out all of the time with food as Teddy is a grazer.

Not sure about the little one.

 

We had a good sleep and Alvin slept almost until the alarm went off.

Actually I woke up at 4:43 and he got up at 4:53; so we did well.

I think it was almost 9:30 when we were in bed.

We, I watched the GOLDEN GLOBES with Ricky Gervais hosting.

He brings a different light to the show.

I like him.

Some surprises but really I did not see many of the movies so I could not really “vote.”

Most of the television movies and specials were not on regular cable.

Anyway it is always interesting to see which “stars” are going to speak out on what is currently going on in the world.

Lots of mentions about the fires in Australia and that is no surprise; especially with so many actors from that continent.

Also a few mentioned the U.S. election coming up.

That is going to be interesting.

 

Well here it is almost time to finish getting ready.

Then go outside and clean up the little parcels Alvin left behind this morning.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Perhaps all of the positive energy going to Australia will bring them some much needed rain.

I said that it cannot hurt.

We are all made of energy and if we focus the energy collectively we can change the world.

Collectively to make good changes of course.

 

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

A beautiful clear morning sky as I glance out of my office window.

As you may have noticed I took a two day break from writing this blog post.

I was inspired by a fellow blogger who had taken some time off during the holidays.

So I am back.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is New Year’s Eve.

With today being the second last day of 2019 and of this decade.

WOW, crazy hey.

I have more photos to share (well that is no surprise).

When I was uploading them from my phone to the computer this morning, I saw unbelievable numbers.

I have 34,529 photos and 778 videos on my hard drive.

I guess that I had better start deleting some of them.

I find it difficult sometimes to go through them and delete the duplicate photos and the shots that are not in focus and such.

Somehow it makes me feel as though I am deleting my life.

Does that sound strange?

Or familiar to you?

But I have 3611 photos on my phone and 96 videos.

Now they are all downloaded/uploaded to my computer.

So why don’t I simply delete them?

I am trying.

Likely a good idea before I download/upload them to the computer to go through them.

But sometimes it is a timing issue as well.

But that is something that in this new era, new decade of 2020, that I must work on.

 

We just heard a sound and went to the bedroom window to investigate.

Our neighbours had some car problems so the tow truck was out to pick up their car and one of the owners.

I decided to video the car being loaded.

Very cool and took less than 10 minutes from beginning to end.

I hope very strongly that the repair bill is a small one.

 

I guess that I can get easily sidetracked, oh well.

It is my third last day of vacation and that is okay.

 

I have some photos of the past few days that I would like to share.

Why not I have 39,015 photos and videos to share.

Well perhaps not all of them.

These photos do not include the ones that I have from pre computer / digital age.

I have over 10,000 of printed photos.

But when you think of the difference in time ….. now it cost a lot of money to buy the film and then have them processed.

Also there were times that several photos did not turn out and those ones I did not have a problem discarding.

Somehow the on-line / digital ones are more difficult for me to dispose of  ….. but I will get better.

 

I guess it is “my life” in photos.

Alvin lost his spot on his blue blanket and Humphrey was quick to lay down.

The next photos were crazy beautiful shadows on the living room wall yesterday morning.

Just gorgeous.

 

Our last day with Humphrey – his Mama arrived home late last night.

Shot of my office …. just loved the sunlight shining on my books and stuff.

My last gift from my kids …. the one that was left behind.

I love it …. “even says SUGAR COOKIES.”

That is why my daughter bought it for me.

Table setting for my cousins who came for a visit and dinner last night.

We had a blast.

We always do.

 

Well I guess it is time to fly.

Getting late already.

We made a walking date for this afternoon with Teddy, his little sister and his Mom.

 

Time for some coffee, methinks.

 

I hope that you are having a great day whether at home or at work.

We are so blessed to have these extra days off during the holidays.

I have to make a list of things that I would like to finish before heading back to work.

It was nice to visit with my neighbours and friends and my cousins.

They were all on my list ….

Even had surprise visit from my daughter.

 

Happy Monday …. yes, it is Monday.

Oh, I am so confused.

Have to set some kind of alarm so that I do not forget to be ready for work on Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, Yup still the A.M.

What a lazy morning.

Except for picking up Humphrey and looking after Cynder ….. it has been a morning of staying in pj’s and drinking coffee.

Now as the morning is evaporating I am thinking that I should get my act together.

Write this post, have a shower and get this day on the way.

The sun is shining and it feels warm outside.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me and Humphrey is under the desk by my feet.

Funny how they ALL feel the urge or need to be with me at all times.

It is groovy.

I think that I will share some more of our Christmas photos and a couple of stories.

 

MILO, Alvin and ASPEN

CHRISTMAS DAY – Kids took the pups for a walk while I prepped items for our supper.

CHRISTMAS with HUMPHREY

Alvin lent a paw as he is the gift opening expert in our family (and always eager to help)!

Humphrey and his gifts …. now I know why he was interested in the bag under our tree.

I read the label and there was “catnip” in some of the toys.

Not your typical Christmas Dinner but it was requested.

Everyone was happy …..

BOXING DAY shenanigans ….. Humphrey decided to be a WINDOW SILL LIVING ORNAMENT.

Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister Kobi, their Mom and her sister, Aunt J ….. paid us a visit.

We had gifts for Teddy and Kobi but for some reason I only had one photo and there was a human in the photo so I decided not to share.

Teddy’s Mom handed me this huge box for Alvin.

So I placed it on the sofa and Alvin set to work opening it.

It took him a long while and I lent a hand here and there.

The gift was in a weed/grass trimmer box.

We had the box exposed when Teddy’s Mom handed a smaller gift to me and said “this is for Alvin.”

I was confused.

It dawned on me that the gift was in fact for me, not for Alvin.

Teddy’s Mom recorded the whole opening.

I was shocked and surprised at the gift.

It was actually a weed/grass trimmer for me.

I have wanted my own for a long time but never making it into the budget.

Teddy’s Dad wanted to get this gift for me, he researched the brand and bought it.

What what a crazy Christmas 2019.

Full of surprises.

 

One shot of all three of the pups …. Kobi dropped the chew treat a split second before I snapped the photo.

It would have been darling to have had all three of them with a chew treat in their mouth.

 

My daughter texted me yesterday to let me know that “my big gift” was still at their home.

She had mentioned Christmas Eve when we were opening the presents that something seemed to be missing.

Yes, something was missing and was home on their kitchen table.

She asked if I would like a picture of the gift and I said “No, thank you, I would like a surprise.”

This truly has been the season for surprises.

 

Well I had better hop into the shower before it is afternoon.

Feeling lazy but that is okay ….

Lots of time to do things…..

 

I hope that you enjoyed your holidays, your Christmas as much as I, we.

Humphrey managed to take over Alvin’s blue blanket and Alvin is patiently waiting in the hallway for me.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey ….

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday …. one day closer to Christmas.

Are you keep tracking of days?

I am and am not.

Just know that I wrapped gifts last night, the baking is done, Christmas cards are mailed and mostly delivered.

I have a handful left to deliver this weekend.

Only to clean and then cook …. oh and I guess I have to pick up a bit more at the grocery store.

Then I am ready.

Ready Freddy ….. ready.

My daughter is picking me up from work tonight as I have to replace the blade from Alvin’s electric clippers and then to COSTCO.

 

I just found out this morning that my sister adopted a beautiful feline.

She is a beautiful fluffy girl named RAIN.

Welcome to our family.

I look forward to meeting you one day.

 

Thankfully it stopped snowing.

Seems like I shovel in the morning and then shovel again when I get home from work.

Last night I didn’t shovel as it wasn’t much so will shovel tonight.

Unless one of my neighbours gets to it first …. I have been shovelling both sides of us.

Trying to be a good neighbour.

 

Alvin was in a hurry to get into the office this morning and I don’t know why.

He was whining as I was drying my hair.

Now he is sleeping on the blue blanket beside me.

I guess he knows that this is the last step before heading on back downstairs.

Where we go outside once again ….. he does his business and I do the cleanup.

Lucky woman that I am.

Oh, well …. it is okay.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

 

I am so grateful to be able to live in this beautiful home with my boy.

I am so grateful that I have wonderful family and friends.

I am so grateful that my siblings and I are “close” even though we are not close in distance.

I am so grateful to be employed and like my job.

I am so grateful that I have clean clothes to wear each day.

I am so grateful to have shoes, boots, a warm winter coat and all the trimmings.

I am so grateful that I can pay my bills.

I am so grateful that I am in good health and am joyful.

I am grateful to be alive.

 

Last night while we were upstairs getting ready for bed, I noticed two rabbits on the front lawn.

They were nibbling away at the food that my neighbour leaves for them.

All white now.

I guess winter is here.

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Be respectful and kind to all you meet.

Sometimes it may be difficult but we have to try.

At some point it will become a habit and then it comes naturally.

I hope that it does for you.

Better to tip the scales on the kindness and respectful end than to to be mean and miserable.

 

Always, Me and Alvin

Merry Christmas ….

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to another Thursday morning.

This one being the 14th day of November 2019.

Can you believe it?

Time feels as though it is passing in hyperdrive.

Super fast.

 

Well this has been sort of an odd morning.

Alvin was up at first about 3:30 a.m. although he did attempt to make me get up prior to that time.

Downstairs we went.

I gave him his glucosamine chew as per usual.

Perhaps that is my problem.

He is taking that as a treat.

But I give him the benefit of the doubt and usually he has to go outside.

I know that if I have to “pee,” there is no holding on for more time.

Bathroom here I come.

So I give him that same consideration, respect, if you will.

After the outdoors and his medicine we went to sleep on the sofa for another 1.5 hours.

It was broken a bit but I managed to get him to lay down until just before 5:00 a.m.

Then it was breakfast and he was in a hurry.

I could not give him his food fast enough.

Then drink of water and outside.

He was in and out several times over the next while as I wrote in my Gratitude Journal and ate my breakfast.

Oh, I share my banana with him ….. he started to get excited as I cut up the banana but I managed to quiet him with only one word.

What the word was now …. perhaps “softly STOP.”

I think it was “STOP” but before even 5:30 a.m. ….. it may very well have been another word.

Anyway, I am babbling.

Can you babble with words?

Of course, you can.

I write as I speak.

Once we came upstairs he seems to have settled down.

I know that last night when he was outside before bed there were a couple of dogs barking in the near distance.

There was also a FULL MOON (or close to it).

Was it the moon causing Alvin’s anxiety last night and earlier this morning?

He is snoozing on his blue blanket so that is good.

All has returned to normal in our house.

Or as close to it as it can be.

 

I am not certain what effect if any, the FULL MOON has on us living creatures.

However, despite being told that the FULL MOON does not have any effect on human’s state of being.

I still think that the FULL MOON has an effect on all living creatures.

The pull of the moon is powerful.

 

Well here we are almost time to go back downstairs and finish getting things together.

Throw the lunch into my backpack purse/bag.

Go outside with Mr. Alvin and clean up any little presents from earlier and see if he needs to go again.

I do not want to bother him as he looks so darn cute laying on his little blue blanket.

Oh my darling boy.

 

I hope that you have a dreamy Thursday filled with only goodness.

Remember it is the duty of each one of us to treat all living creatures with kindness and respect.

Just because a creature cannot speak/communicate like you and me does not mean that they should be dismissed as lesser than.

No, it does not.

We all need each other.

 

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

One of my favourite photos of me and Mr. Alvin.

I shall treasure forever ….

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

How are you today?

I am great.

The wind is howling outside and about 4:40 a.m. there were snowflakes making their way to the ground.

Melting as soon as they touched down.

My trusty friend is on his blue blanket and I know at this very moment that life is perfect.

Isn’t it always?

 

Perfection is always a mixture of positive and negative.

You cannot live without both.

 

I was thinking of this before I went to bed last night.

All actions and reactions,

Must start and end with,

Kindness and Respect.

 

Our entire lives are lived with actions and reactions.

Every single moment of every single day.

It is always how we react to the actions that define that moment.

You always have a choice.

Sometimes it may not feel that way but trust me you do.

It is always how you react, how you feel, how you think in any situation that gets you through or not.

Food for thought.

I am pretty certain that you have thought about this at some point during your life.

Likely several times.

Maybe even daily.

Perhaps even unconsciously.

Are we simple beings or are we complex?

I think a little of both.

Our basic needs are simple but when you factor in emotions that is a totally different matter.

Oh, we humans.

 

Well, something to ponder for sure.

Through the ages many a “thinker” has wrote about these very topics.

Positive and Negative Energy

Actions and Reactions.

Kindness and Respect

Likely will continue till the end of time.

 

Well time for me to head downstairs.

I hope that you have a great day.

Filled with Kindness and Respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin