2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Well it is an overcast rather dull looking day out there. Alvin and I were outside in the backyard a little while ago chatting with Bogart who was sitting atop of the railing on their deck trying to figure out a way to get over to us. Alvin was on the ground at the fence trying to figure out a way to get through the fence. Apparently we have pets that would like to visit. If it were possible we would put a door in the fence for them to visit but then Bogart might want to visit other neighbors and that would not work. Sonja and I were thinking about doing the “pet door” in our adjoining fence before Bogart came into our lives and it would have worked for Humphrey and Alvin. That would have been noteworthy for sure as how many have “pet doors” in their fences.

Last night as the first new snowflakes were fluttering down from the night time sky; I noticed how delicate and fluffy they were as they floated by me while I was standing inside at the back door looking out the window. So beautiful, each one so different. With the appearance of a tiny pillow, a little puffy throw that would nicely cover a small bee or other such insect. So very pretty. There was only a fine layer of fresh snow on the ground and covering the deck when we got up this morning. Now it is coming down with a bit more thickness than last night. I see shovelling in my future. Well there was a tad of it earlier but there will be more. Love fresh snow. So pretty.

One thing that I forgot to do and should do when I am finished this post and before the roof is covered in snow and perhaps it already is, is to gaze up from the deck and see if I lost shingles in that last huge windstorm that we had the other night. One of my girlfriends told me that another neighbour actually lost part of their roof whether she meant shingles, I forgot to confirm. Anyway shingles lost for sure, I know.

Well it is is the weekend. I have much on my TO DO LIST as I prepare for Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. I will be baking some cupcakes, vanilla today for the human guests. All three of us. I will also prepare a package to send home with Teddy and Kobi for their Mom & Dad to enjoy as they cannot join us. I will recheck the restrictions as I know some had been loosened a bit. We are taking the precautions as we do not wish to get the virus nor do we want to spread should I be one of those humans that is asystematic. For lunch for the humans just a simple pasta salad with lots of veg and chicken and then instead of a baguette, the next best thing …. garlic bread in baguette form. I have both a CHICKEN CAKE from Bone and Biscuit for the pups to enjoy plus some yogurt cups that I want to check out for them. I have little treat bags to do up for the guests. Regular laundry and cleaning and stuff.

Time to get this show on the road. Oh, almost forgot that I am going to watch the 6th episode of BRIDGERTON next. What a show. Even made this old gal, blush a bit. Good thing that Mr. Alvin was not watching, he would have turned away in spots for sure. LOL.

We wish you a wonderful Saturday. Remember to take some time just for you.

We will continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion and I am adding patience (mainly for me and Alvin).

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.

What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.

To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.

Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.

Happy Happy Birthday buddy.

We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.

Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.

Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis

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  Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

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  Alvin getting to know his new family

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  Alvin’s Foster Parents ….. he was so loved there……

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  Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

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  Alvin at home…..

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  Me and Alvin

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  Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

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  Alvin in the snow…..

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  We miss Simone’s hair cuts……

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  Girls saying good-bye to Alvin

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

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  Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.

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  Alvin and Penny …..

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  I know that I am cute.

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  Outside with Mom

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  Top of stairs, body?

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  Enjoying the flowers

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  Miss Penny & Alvin

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  Me and my duck

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  Temporary bedroom

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  Alvin, one of my babies

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  Winter, argh.

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  Treat time.

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  What?

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  Relaxing.

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  Gift form Val

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  Walking with Mom

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  Another Adventure

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  Alvin & Elton

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  Me & pups

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  Alvin, Penny & Elton

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  Me and my Alvin

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  Alvin’s BF Humphrey

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  Humphrey & Alvin

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  Just chilling

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  Alvin

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  Alvin

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  Loving Broccoli

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  At Pauline’s

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  Alvin & his BF Teddy

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  A proper Gentleman

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  BF Teddy

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  Nephew Milo

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  Niece Aspen

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  Kobi and Milo

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  Teddy

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  Filters cuteness

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  Mr. Alvin going for a walk

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  Cuteness

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  In kitchen with Mom

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  Ah, Mom

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  2020 Adventure with Me

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  Alvin Xmas 2020, litte scared of the money

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  Alvin’s new winter coat

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  New sweater

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  Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

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  Miss Penny, an Angel

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  Teddy and his little sis Kobi

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  Profile of Mr. Alvin

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  Casey, our Angel

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  The boy

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  Baby Bailey

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  Many years ago before a haircut

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  Abi, his girlfriend, now an Angel

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  Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother

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  Bogart, last summer

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  Angels Elton & Penny

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  Amanda & Steve & Elton

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  Me and Alvin Oct 2013

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  Amanda, Steve, Elton & Penny

Wishing you all a great day.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Love Mom

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning All. How are you on this fine Wednesday. Wishing a friend from Saskatchewan named Judy a very Happy Birthday today. Looks like weatherwise we are in for another unbelievably gorgeous day. Yesterday after the gale force winds of Monday night, I spent some time during and after our noon walk picking up runaway garbage mainly boxes. I wish that folks would pack their recycling properly. Don’t they know we live in a windy town, er I mean city? I guess they did not recognize that box lying on the street down from their house or perhaps they choose to ignore it. Oh well, I cleaned many cardboard boxes from the street.

Alvin’s vet appointment went well and I am happy to report that his ears are both infection free, thank goodness. Protocol at the vet have now changed. Staff took Alvin to the back area where they do surgeries etc. and they checked his ears, trimmed his nails and checked his anal glands while I waited in the patient room. They have two rooms and in non-Covid times that would be where the patients were examined with their Moms and Dads in tow. No longer. I felt a bit sad and Alvin did not wish to go without me. I will admit that my eyes welled up. When it came time to do his nails I could hear him whimper which is not out of the ordinary. But he is loved there and they would never intentionally harm him. Once done he was returned to the room where I was patiently waiting. The Vet came out and we chatted for a minute. I had given the Vet Tech a Christmas Card to give to her and she came out to thank me. I have given them a card with a photo of me and Alvin since we started going there ten years ago. When I asked about dropping off some baking on Monday she graciously declined as she cannot eat sweets at the moment – her fav is “snap green peas.” The girls were excited to hear that I was bringing baking on Monday. Dr. Karen said just the photo was gift enough as that was the best gift, our photo. We chatted for a minute and then were on our way home. Once home we went out to the deck to put the bag of garbage I had collected in the garage. Alvin had gotten full of energy and started running and jumping down the steps from the landing to the garage and to the middle part of the deck. He was having a great time, I could tell. I pretended for a moment to do the Monster thing and he ran hard. Then he leaped from the top of the landing to the middle part of the deck, airborne for a few seconds and landed almost like a belly flop. I cringed and had closed my eyes for a nanosecond worried he had injured himself but then he was up and ready to go into the house. My boy. In the house, he ran around for a few minutes before settling down on the sofa. What a guy!

Well I had better get on downstairs to work. A few minutes ago, when I was writing about Alvin, the phone rang and it was Humphrey’s Mom, “She said “there is a guy in your backyard,” – my heart went to my stomach. I ran to the window but of course it is dark and what did I think that I could see. Then I said, someone and she said “Bogart” who is Humphrey’s little not so little brother was in our backyard well actually on top of my deck railing. I ran downstairs with Alvin in close pursuit and boots on and outside. Bogart was rescued and back home. He hissed at Alvin who was just wanted to say hi.

Running late. Gotta fly.

Have a great day. Fill it will kindness, respect and compassion for all.

We are.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning!

Well this morning has certainly been a mix of sun and clouds.

Looking as though it will clear up.

They are forecasting 25 degrees celsius for today.

There is a bit of a breeze wafting in through our open windows.

I started this spring opening the windows in the morning.

If it gets cold …. of course, I close them but on those days where the temperature soars, the refreshing cool air early in the morning is welcome.

I still have not had my central air conditioning serviced.

It is on my TO DO List for this summer.

Finally found someone that will take a look at it.

Just have to set up a date and time.

COVID19 kind of changed some of my plans or at least timelines.

Oh, I see the SUN flashing through the corner of my eye as I am still at my desk right close to the window.

My favourite spot.

I had thought of flipping my workspace but then decided against that thought.

I love having my personal space by the window with my elephant and box of kleenex on the ledge.

Sitting beside my green gauze curtains and little beaded curtains always makes me feel good.

 

Last night one of  my friends brought over the diamond paintings that I had ordered.

We girls, well they have done more than me, I only have done one thus far but that is about to change.

In July we are having a big GIRLS NIGHT and working on a diamond painting.

We will have snacks and all sorts of different liquid refreshment.

I cannot wait.

Anyway last night we sat on the deck and had a “long island iced tea” and chatted.

First time in many years that I have “drank alcohol” on a Sunday night.

Just one over ice.

Lovely.

The evening was perfect.

Sunshine and not too hot.

The mosquitoes kept at bay.

It was much later than usual when we went to bed which I thought would have been a good thing.

I decided as Alvin had been fussing with his ears to clean them.

Bad idea.

I tried to look at them closer with a flashlight and it looked as though the one is inflamed.

At one point I thought there was something in the one.

I of course, was panic stricken thinking there was a worm or something in his ear.

Then he got really anxious and panting.

Finally after awhile he settled down and then I couldn’t sleep.

It felt like one hour, then two, then three and then I don’t know.

At 4:00 p.m. Alvin was up and we went downstairs.

He had his glucosamine chew and I caved and let him have breakfast.

A tad early but he was hungry.

So I will call the Vet this morning and make him an appointment, clearly something is not right.

 

Introducing Baby Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother.

So cute and so little.

I snapped a million photos but found that I took even more video.

I

Gotta run.

Time to work.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day.

It is sunny with a full on powder blue sky and there is a breeze wafting in through the office window.

Making this the most perfect Saturday morning.

Today June 20, 2020.

Hey 20, 20 20.

Cool.

Just realized that ….. okay slow to the party!

What can I say?

Added bonus I can hear the music of birds drifting in the breeze through my window.

 

Well we had a great Friday.

In the morning one of our neighbours and friends stopped by with Starbuck coffee for a little visit.

Alvin and I went for a walk at noon.

After work I cooked my first of three new meals from Good Food.

It was yummy.

After supper we walked over to our friends down the street.

We spent just over three glorious hours swinging on their patio swing.

Alvin sat in between us here and there.

He ran around the back yard not as much as previous year.

He was more content to just walk around sniffing.

Somehow in this immaculate yard he managed to find a bone of some sort tucked into the bed of river rocks under their deck.

The deck is off their dining room so it is raised and you take stairs up from the backyard.

Anyway, he found that darn bone.

We managed to get it away from him, not an easy task once he has his jaws secured.

In the beginning it was just me, Alvin and Irene.

A few minutes later her husband and our friend Norbert came down and joined in the conversation.

We had a great time.

Alvin loves them.

Norbert tried getting him to run after a ball he found in their shed but he was not really interested.

The train has left the station in that regard or at least most days.

It was so nice to sit outside in a private backyard enjoying great company on a Friday night.

They have the most lush and most delectable colour of green lawn that I have ever seen.

 

In 2020, the June solstice occurs on Saturday, June 20, marking the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

So what that means for us, is the longest day of the year.

Perhaps it might be close to 11 p.m. before the sun actually goes completely “to bed” and darkness befalls us.

 

Well on this longest day of the year.

It will be the usual suspects …. laundry, putz in the yard and garden, bit of cleaning.

RELAXING.

I see that on my calendar.

A walk sooner or later.

Likely later.

Supposed to be a warm one today.

 

Time to go and put on the coffee pot.

Get this party going.

Okay perhaps not quite anyone’s idea of a party but let’s get this going …..

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember to laugh and relax.

So some chores.

Perhaps help someone outside your household with a task or chore.

Living with kindness and respect.

 

As we continue our day living with kindness and respect,

I almost forgot to mention this good news.

Just as we were leaving last night to go out …. Humphrey’s Mom announced the newest member to their family.

A baby kitten name BOGART.

Welcome to our family and neighbourhood “little one.”

I see visits in our future for sure.

 

Happy Days.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Oh, no another photo subject !!!