Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning. Today is September 11, 2022.

To all those who lost a family member or friend at the World Trade Centre this date in 2001, you have my deepest sympathies. To all the first responders and others involved in the rescue operations, you have my deepest respect. To all those who were lost as a result of this terrible tragedy, I send my deepest sympathies to their family and friends. Time has passed but you have not been forgotten.

On this Sunday morning there is a bit of a breeze as I watch the trees gently swaying back and forth. The sun is shining. Yesterday the sky was filled with smoke from the fires in British Columbia and Jasper, Alberta. So hard to breathe.

Yesterday I did some yard work, laundry, baked some unbaked chocolate macaroons and other odds and ends before heading out for a walk with Mr. Alvin about 2:00 p.m. We had been invited to stop by for a visit and catch up with our friend Pauline. We had a great visit and I filled her in on all of our news including Alvin’s latest health concerns and the return to work order. She had lots of good news which nicely offset my news. Of course, not everything out of my mouth was “not good.” I am over the moon happy about the results from Mr. Alvin’s ultrasound from last Tuesday. We headed home just before 4:00 p.m.

When we arrived home Mr. Alvin was ready for supper so shortly thereafter he ate. I had supper early as last night was paint night. My painting the second from the left first row. The other piece of artwork was a piece of paper towel that I had been wiping my excess paint onto, it turned out to be a work of art. I might even frame it.

This morning Mr. Alvin wanted outside once again. There I saw Bogart straddling the fence. Alvin looking at him and Bogart looking at Alvin. Oh our boys.

I had a great time painting last night. For some reason I was not feeling very artistic but I loved the company. Signe and her Mom sure know how to host a party. It was wonderful to be out and about.

Lots of food and drink and great company.

Well time to head downstairs and have some coffee and get this day going. I have brought up the laundry and put away and made our bed and got dressed, lol, so that is something.

We are having some friends over for a visit and to chat about Alvin.

Happy Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

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The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning! Welcome to Thursday, February 3, 2022. How are you this morning? I hope that you are doing great. Both Alvin and I are doing great. The morning temperature feels so much warmer even though I think it is still double digits below zero. We received a small blanket of the white stuff overnight. I believe there is more on the way. This has certainly been a snowy winter thus far. By the weekend we will have single digit plus temperatures. What a turnaround! It always amazes me how quickly the weather can change.

Well our story from yesterday. I originally took the morning off from work due to the deadbolt incident, then I took the afternoon off as well as one of my friends was going to go to Lowe’s and pick up the lock and change it for me. All well laid plans go to the wind sometimes. This one did as well. There was an incident at Lowe’s – everyone is okay but my friend did not even get inside the store but promised to go back later in the afternoon. By this time it was already afternoon. I suppose because I am working from home I could have worked but decided I was just tired and need to just relax. I cannot share the incident because it is not my story to tell. Later in the afternoon my friend true to her word, went back to Lowe’s for a second time and picked up the lock and came to change it. We struggled with it for what seemed like forever but was about one hour give or take and could not get it to install. She realized that it was likely because we went with another brand name. It looked like the same one and there was no name on the inside so I just had goggled the appearance, silly me. I should have looked on the outside. Anyway we put it back together and I have two five pound hand weights keeping the door snug so that no more than usual cold air can come into the house. After this last utility bill – we are going to do whatever extra we can to ensure that does not happen again. I did look at it this way, I am helping to pay some folks salaries. So that makes me feel better. My friend is going back to Lowe’s today and will pick up the same name brand of deadbolt and this time we will have success. It is funny and was to my friend that she has successfully changed her deadbolt two of three times. Said it only takes a couple of minutes. Not for me. Not sure why everything has to be difficult. Things always or near always work out for me but sometimes the road to victory is a long one. ARGH.

Well it is almost time for me to get signed on for work.

Last night I went to check on Bogart and Humphrey as their Mom was out for a little bit and she was concerned about Bogart. He had surgery and is healing. So she wanted to ensure he still had the cone on in the correct position and that there was no blood or anything. She is such a good Mom as she ordered a special soft cloth cone for him. It is a pretty pink. Good thing that he does not care about the colour, lol. Anyway the cats were doing just fine. I spent about thirty minutes with them. Gave them a night time treat and played a bit and was on my way back home to the Alvin.

Mr. Alvin was happy to see me. You would think that I had been gone for days, lol.

Oh I have quite the life!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Thursday, January 27, 2022? Alvin and I are well. Dark outside at this time but cannot wait until the sunrise. They are so beautiful. Sometimes filled with shades of pinks and purples other times yellows and oranges. No matter the colour palette – they are so gorgeous. There is something about a sunrise that just brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I should have downloaded/uploaded the photos that I snapped the other morning with my phone. So pretty.

Well Mr. Alvin has started something as of the past few weeks and that is sometimes he will not drink from his water dish/bowl without me beside him and actually touching him. He barks if I am in another room forcing me to stay with him while he drinks. I am not sure what has got into him. He can see, I am sure of that. But his anxiety level seems to have increased. I will continue to be patient with him and help him through his senior years. Just like he helps me. He has medication for anxiety but I do not want to give him pills all the time because he seems calm most of the time. Anyway, something to monitor. Keeping him happy, relaxed but most of all healthy during these times is paramount. We, I need him to be in good health.

Yesterday a small fleet of small caterpillars with blades were out moving the snow around. They did not have the trucks out hauling away the snow. I am not sure if the City is planning on doing that or not. Should check the City Website and see. A City of Edmonton vehicle was parked out front on the street yesterday and she was checking out the neighbour who parked their truck on their lawn. She spoke to someone on the phone and took some photos and left. It was later when the cats showed up in the neighbourhood moving snow around. One of the drivers got out of his machine and went to their door and spoke to them. The Mrs. came out and moved the truck off the lawn. They pushed all of the excess snow onto their lawn. They have a massive amount of snow on their lawn. Hopefully it melts and does not flood their basement in the spring. Thankfully most of us are up sloping down to the street. So we should be okay. Anyway they can now park on the street. I was wondering if they are going to do that with all of the snow? That would be a mess. Time will tell. There were some of the big graders out here yesterday as well. In all of the almost thirteen years since I moved here, I have never seen that many graders/cats out for this length of time.

Well that is my news for now. I am looking forward to that first cup of coffee this morning. I can smell the aroma floating up from the kitchen and it tickles my nose and warms my heart and soul. I love, love, love COFFEE. Did I say that I loved coffee, lol? Yup, I do.

Have a wonderful day. If you love coffee, I hope that you are able to have a cup or the beverage of your choice. Something that would be a good way to start the day. Be safe and kind to yourself and to others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. yesterday I helped my neighbour give Mr. Bogart his pain meds and medicine. Not an easy thing to do with a big cat. He weighs I think she said “17” pounds. He had to have surgery to put in shunts as he was playing too hard with his brother and was injured. Yikes. Wishing Bogart a speedy recovery.

2021

Good Morning ALL! What a quiet morning. I suppose most mornings are quiet with the exception of Alvin barking impatiently while I am upstairs. I am grateful that today is Saturday, the weekend. It has arrived. We had a couple of great walks yesterday enjoying the vibrant colours of fall and the air. I love the smell of the air at this time of year. There is just something about it that warms my heart. It is just over/under one month until I decorate for Christmas. This year I put up my fall/Halloween decor in September, early for a change. Why not enjoy the decorations for more than a couple of weeks!

Some of my Fall/Halloween Decorations

Bogart – the morning he decided to visit us, such a handsome big boy.

Modern PURAIR – Furnace & Vent Cleaning – lovely thank you note.

Backyard and Deck – mostly ready for the next season ……

Alvin sleeping while I crept upstairs last night to get ready for bed…. we slept upstairs last night, yes we did…………… the saga continues…….

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I haven’t taken many photos of the trees in our neighbourhood but that reminds me to take my phone with me so that I can snap some photos of the amazing colours.

Time to get back downstairs for the boy who now is being a patient boy. I need coffee, I always need coffee, lol.

I wish you a Happy Happy Saturday. May you have time to relax, to be with nature, and to tackle some of the items on your TO DO LIST (but not all). Leave some things for next weekend.

Remembering to continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love, laughter and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Reminds me that next weekend we need a new family photo and that I need to print off and put up on my office bulletin board the photos of us from the past couple of years. For some reason they are not up in our little gallery of photos.

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.

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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 !!!