Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well on this Thursday morning. Last night we went to bed a bit earlier than usual as I was SO tired. Lights were out before 9:30 and guess who was awake and needed to go outside at 11:00 p.m., not the Momma, lol. Up and outside we went. Someone really had to poop, there is that word again. Well it is something that every creature does in some way, shape or form. Just is. Why we have an aversion to it, well some reasons are obvious and some not so much. Back to the story. I made an executive decision to just lay down on the sofa and curl up under the red blanket next to Alvin. It seemed like I had been sleeping for awhile when was someone was awake once again, I picked up my phone and checked the time, it was 3:40 a.m. I got up and gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside, we went. Back to the sofa until 5:15 a.m., now we are up and getting ready for the day. Yesterday I was already and just snuggling by Alvin on the sofa ready to put on my coat, scarf, mitts and then boots when I noticed a text from my carpool. She had texted me at 6:00 a.m. to let me know that she had woke up with a sore throat and was going to work from home. I texted her back followed by texting my Manager and also Alvin’s caregiver. Then I went to work unpacking my laptop and things to get set up to work from home. Today we are going to the office. Alvin is confused I am sure. One day I get ready and then do not leave and the next I do!

I was watching a bit of the CMA’s, Country Music Awards from U.S. and it left me thinking after I heard them announce the nominees for the SONG OF THE YEAR – I know how these award shows work, I have watched them over the years. This time was different. Maybe I have changed, but I was left with a semi sour taste in my mouth. Here we are giving awards to people from writing a song granted that song has to likely sell so many copies or be played on so many radio stations but REALLY, we are awarding people for writing a song. Just seems a little sad. So many people the world over do important work and never hear anything positive much less receive an award. Perhaps I am overthinking things, I do not know but it does make me a bit sad. The other thing that makes me wonder is all the glamorous costumes and outfits that entertainers wear and on some of these television shows, what a waste of resources. More stuff for the landfill. Now I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade, I am just stating facts. Perhaps we all need to take a step back and see how much waste and unnecessary use of resources there is and maybe do something about it. Just a thought!

Back to my reality. Alvin is laying down on the rug outside the office door as I type/key these words. I am surrounded by plants and things. Even at home, I am aware of how many things I have that really are not necessary to live my life and I am not adding to those things or at least very minimally. We all have things we only use once or twice a year and to be honest most people hang onto to things that they used once a decade ago and never recycled. Remember your “unused items” may be someone else’s treasures. None of us are perfect but we have to try to be better citizens of this planet.

Time to head downstairs and have Mr. Alvin go you know what again, P&P. Maybe that should be the new code word, lol. Anyway, I think I need a coffee as this post has really got off track.

This date is really important to me as it was the birthday of my brother Jeff who passed away over a decade ago. I miss you buddy and wish you were here. Happy Birthday our Angel. I think of you often.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thinking of all our Angels today ………

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning All! I hope that this finds you well. The trees are swaying in the breeze, the sky is overcast and it is quiet except for the slow drone of the fan in our bedroom and the loud barking of a dog in the neighbourhood. I am not sure why people leave dogs barking for hours! The dog is definitely outside in the elements. I wonder if it is calling for attention or for help. It does not sound like it is in distress and Alvin does not seem to be bothering by his barking. I sure hope that it is okay. We did not go for a walk this morning even though it is quite cool outside. We were up at 2:45 a.m. this morning. After the bathroom break – Mr. Alvin was sniffing about the backyard. Like he was on sort of important mission. Whenever I tried to break him out of the trance he appeared to be in – he growled. As I was holding the phone flashlight and a poop bag just in case, I figured just to let him be. Some twenty minutes later back into the house, wiping wet paws as it had raining during the night and then laying down on the sofa. We were up at 6:00 for someone’s breakfast and outside. Back in the house we came upstairs and laid on the bed until 6:50. Actually I did not keep hitting the snooze button as I was upstairs, which was a good thing. Into the shower and then ready for first day back at work for the week. I am grateful for the cooler temperatures this week. Hopefully for all those places in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada – get some much needed rain and cooler temperatures.

I had a lovely chat with my sister yesterday afternoon. One sibling left to call. Always great reaching out to them. Catching up.

Today is the day that we have to collect a “urine sample” from Mr. Alvin. Not really looking forward to doing that but could be worse. My daughter is coming over to help with retrieving the sample and then she will drive it to the vet as there is a one hour time limit between time you take it and time it gets to the vet. Hopefully the results are good. Fingers crossed. Not sure about the abdominal ultrasound but likely that will be round the corner.

My one concern is the long drive to my daughter’s next week. I want to go so badly. It has been a long time since I have been anywhere and quite honestly I need a break. Fingers crossed. Doing a lot of that lately. Positive thinking and thoughts. Alvin is not a great traveller at the best of times. I guess time will tell. Likely a good idea to ask the vet about the travelling.

Well almost time to head downstairs for work. I am grateful that the house has cooled off. May not have to take the third fan downstairs or at least not now.

Have a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 7 days or one week till I turn 65. I am hoping that 65 brings continued good health for me and better health for Mr. Alvin. My wish anyway.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? How was your Wednesday? I hope that you had an awesome day and that wherever you are, the weather is mild and you are safe and in good health. I had a great day at the office and did not have to worry about my boy as he was left in good hands. I know that he was “upset” with me as he reminded me all evening and woke up extra early at midnight. Not so much that he was upset as out of his routine and when you get older “routine” is a big deal – much the same as when you are very young. I don’t think that he drank enough water as he was super thirsty in the evening and at midnight. So I cannot blame him or even be the slightest bit upset with him, which I was/am not.

We did not have our walks yesterday either but will get out there today. I am only working in the morning as Alvin has his regular vet appointment in the afternoon and while he is there, I have an appointment to get the booster vaccine at the nearby Pharmasave so multitasking which is great. I hope that we have clear skies and the same warm temperatures today. It did freeze overnight so at least by afternoon the ice will have melted so it should be safe to walk for our appointment.

It was so wonderful to spend time with my daughter as she drove me to and from work. On the way home from work we made a “quick stop” at Costco. Is a stop there ever quick? But it wasn’t too long as I wanted to get home to Alvin.

This Thursday January 13, 2022 is a very special day as it is the birthday of my youngest brother, Tyler. Happy Birthday Buddy and I will speak to you later (should you be reading this post). He is one of the sweetest human beings that I know. We wish him a great day.

I also wish you a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? Well if you live in Western Canada it is very likely you are experiencing extra low temperatures to the tune of minus 30 degrees celsius and colder. My brother tells me it is minus 42 at his house in rural northern Alberta (northeast of Edmonton), my sister from Regina says it is minus 45 with the windchill and my nephew who is working north of Grand Prairie on the oil rigs, says it is minus 50 and in Edmonton it is hovering somewhere around the minus 33 temperature and I am not sure what the windchill is at this time. I do know that when I was out picking up the poop earlier, I noticed frost on the handle of the shovel. I was moving some snow around the deck as the pups have been peeing in the snow. Cannot blame them too friggin’ cold to be out for longer than a second. Last night Alvin’s bestie Teddy came for a sleepover and a minute ago I heard a toy squeaking downstairs, that would be Master Teddy. Alvin of course, if never far from my side and is laying on the carpet on the hallway floor. For the first time other than Teddy barking when someone walks by the front of the house, he barked. It was a low little bark unlike the loud semi shrill bark of Mr. Alvin. Alvin was barking about god only knows what while sitting beside me on the sofa as I was trying to watch AQUAMAN and then Teddy on the other side of me started to bark. I think he was trying to tell Mr. Alvin to be quiet. But I don’t know. They had a good night. We all need to have someone around from time to time. Without going for walks due to these frigid temperatures, I thought it was time for a friend to sleepover (not for me but for Alvin). At least I can chat on the phone and video chat to see people. We were all snuggled into bed last night and I read for a bit. At first Alvin was on the left side of me not real close and Teddy was by my feet …. as I sleep on my side I had to move my legs around a bit to get comfortable. Finally found the sweet spot and on our way to sleep. After I am not sure how long I felt Teddy move ….. he came up to the pillow and laid on the pillow so that he was almost like a warm scarf on my neck. Alvin does not do that for apparent reasons, main one being he is too big but Teddy is small. He spent the rest of the night snuggling close to me and Alvin nearby. Usually Alvin would growl but not at Teddy. Teddy barked a couple of minutes ago so I went downstairs as he had to go outside so both boys went out. He came back upstairs with me and Alvin for a minute and then back downstairs.

We are enjoying our company. I think with this cold weather we shall have just a lazy day. I will bring up the dry laundry from the basement at some point and I will make coffee and have breakfast and we will watch some television. I may even do some writing. I put my books and pens together last night. My hands are so rough and dry and no amount of hand cream seems to be working. The air is dry. Thankfully we are toasty warm inside the house and I am grateful to have heat and to have a beautiful home to live in.

• 

  Teddy

• 

• 

I apologize for these not being current photos of the boys. Both the boys just had hair cuts and are looking top notch. But cuteness still prevails no matter how long their fur/hair is. Yes, Mr. Alvin had a hair cut and bath yesterday before his friend came for the sleepover. I did snap some photos last night but have not downloaded them to the computer as yet. I will thought. They are looking super handsome, these boys.

We hope that you are safe and warm.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to my 63rd Birthday.

Why is it whenever one has somewhere to be that time seems to past with lightning bolt speed?

Alvin and I were up at 4:30 first and he had breakfast.

Then at 7:00, I pushed it to 7:30 and then up at 8:00 a.m.

Why do we do that?

The sun is shining and the wind is blowing and it is a glorious day.

Already received texts from my sister, brother and long time friend from back home.

I am all showered, made up and dressed to go to my birthday party/celebration.

Two of my friends and I alway celebrate each other’s birthdays.

One of the others hosts the party and we have cake and coffee and gifts.

We chat about the latest news in our lives.

This time I am taking some of my yummy birthday carrot cake, chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel icing and the #1 cupcake vanilla with key lime icing.

I have one of the best bakers that bakes for me ( I pay her of course) and then I love to share the treats with family and friends.

This time one of the gals not the host, has her parents visiting from Newfoundland, so her Mom will be joining us.

I think she was here last year for my birthday as well.

Usually it is just we three girls.

Sometimes the kids come or at least they used to.

I had wanted to share photos of my treats and recent photos of what has been going on but alas technical difficulties.

I have been experiencing some problems with my phone, photos and now to the computer.

Something tells me that I have to go through them and delete some from my phone as most are on the computer.

Also have to downsize the photos on my computer as well.

I have close to 50,000 between the computer and my phone.

I think that is a bit too many.

 

Well almost time to go and put together the treat platter to take.

Will have to ensure that there is a good lid on the container in this wind.

Later or tomorrow, I will see if I can fix or have fixed my problem so that I can share some new photos.

But for today:

This geranium is now massive and so many beautiful pink flowers.

 

Okay last minute was able to download or upload some photos from Friday.

All dressed up for my family birthday celebration.

The cupcakes and cake just delivered.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Good Morning …. Tuesday it is.

Dark out and that will be our reality for the next few months as we enter winter.

Yesterday was a crazy day.

Started out with my carpool not going in to work.

Grateful that I was able to catch a ride to work with Humphrey’s Mom.

So grateful.

I was prepared as I had a winter coat and boots out and ready to wear.

When catching the bus you have to be prepared for anything weatherwise.

When I got to work I was pleasantly surprised just outside the office building by the approach of a man.

The man turned out to be my brother from another mother.

He feels like my younger brother.

In fact, I quite often refer to him as such.

We used to work together and he is such a nice guy.

It was wonderful to see him and catch up.

Throughout the day it was busy.

 

At 3:45 p.m. the fire alarm went off in our building.

The alarm is deafening.

I grabbed my phone, purse and coat (not in that order).

Not realizing until I was outside that my house keys were in my big bag.

Four fire trucks came out to the call.

We waited semi patiently outside in the freezing cold and wind for the all clear to go back inside.

I did think to text Humphrey’s Mom and thankfully she was able to come over and let Alvin outside and feed him.

I had no idea of how long it was going to take before we could go back in.

It was almost twenty minutes later before we got the call.

The other half of the building is under construction / renovations.

This is not the first time the alarm has gone off and was not a test.

Once given the go ahead I rushed back into the building and up the stairs.

Got to my desk.

Turned off the computer.

Put on my boots, grabbed the big bag (checked for house keys), threw my purse inside the bag and ran to the bathroom.

Cause everyone knows when you get cold you have to pee.

Yup, I said that word.

Once done, I made a hasty exit of the building and walked as fast as I could for the bus stop.

I was pretty certain that I was going to be late but held out hope that I would make it.

At least at the end of it all – Alvin was fed and let outside.

So I did not have to worry about him.

Luckily I managed to get not the first bus but the next one.

We passed the first one at some point and I only had to wait at the bus terminal for a few moments.

Even got home near the same time as usual when I catch the bus.

Whew.

So grateful …..

 

Well almost time to head downstairs.

That was my Monday.

Today will be quiet and easy.

Let us hope.

 

With kindness and respect, I shall get through each day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of January, 2019.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER “T” who turns 54 today.

Cannot believe that my youngest brother is 54.

Where has the time gone?

 

Well the sun is rising but not quite as spectacular as yesterday morning.

But clear skies and not so unpleasant temperatures.

Yesterday was so nice.

I was able to get a few things done around the house before heading out for Alvin’s Vet appointment.

Received a phone call from Teddy’s Mom that they were not going to the farm after all.

Teddy’s Mom was just getting over a cold and his Grand Mom was just out of the hospital.

So they decided to stay home.

She asked if he could come for a play-date and that they could drop him off after Alvin’s appointment, if okay.

I said “Yes.”

We ended up being early to his appointment.

I like to be early.

Had a nice visit with the staff and Dr. K while she administered his second ear treatment.

We set up his next regular appointment which at that time he will need a vaccination (do not remember which one at this point).

So appointment ready for first Saturday in February.

As we approached our house; I had a grand idea.

With the temperature being so warm, I decided that we would walk to Teddy’s house and pick him up for his play-date.

It was 10:00 when we arrived at Teddy’s house which was the time of Alvin’s appointment (talk about early).

Teddy was so excited to see us …. we had a quick visit and then were on our way.

At home I started more laundry and then got some coffee on.

Always love to have coffee in the morning.

The rest of the day ended up playing with the pups, putzing around the kitchen cleaning out cabinets etc.

Just got odds and ends done which was nice.

Teddy went home about 5:00 p.m. or so.

We had a great day.

I always love Teddy’s zest for life.

He loves us and we love him.

 

Alvin just sneezed.

His sister is coming for pancake breakfast and a visit.

I have not told him as yet as he still has not eaten his breakfast.

He eats when he wants to.

That is okay.

As he is getting older – his routine is changing – most especially on the weekends.

 

Great day ahead.

I hope that you enjoy this Sunday and that sunny skies are shining down upon you.

 

Special Hello to: my brother on his Birthday …. Happy Birthday …. I will call you later.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 11th day of August, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my brother “J.”

Wishing you a great day my brother.

The sky is overcast with smoke and clouds.

I so wished that it would RAIN.

Rain and put out all of the forest fires.

The smoke has been intense here and I can only imagine what it is like in the areas affected by the fires.

 

WE have been spending a quiet last day or so.

Me and the boys (Alvin and Teddy) have been vegging in front of the fans.

No windows open as it has been so smoky.

Too hot to move around much.

I am also watching Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gecko.

Just watching the babies.

Too hot to spend the time that I need writing up my HOLIDAY POST complete with PHOTOS.

But I will.

 

The babies are wanting to go downstairs.

I had a refreshing shower.

I have found that a wet facecloth laid on the pups backs/tummies when they are laying down, helps keep them cool.

Funny how both of them actually just laid with the cloth on them.

 

I am so excited to share my Birthday trip stories and photos (there are lots of photos).

But with the heat and the smoke, I cannot spend much time upstairs on the computer.

But I will.

 

Time to go check on the other babies.

Mine want to go outside.

I sure hope that it rains.

 

The gal that baked my 60th birthday cake from work has been asked to bake me one for my 61st.

The cake is being delivered this morning.

I have invited friends over to share ….. this will be a two or three event.

Whenever people have time to come and have a piece of cake.

 

Getting hot now.

Have to move the fan back downstairs to cool the main floor.

 

Have a great day.

Keep cool and I hope that you are safe.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my posts, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 5th day of August, 2018.

The house is quiet at the moment except for the whirring of the fan downstairs.

My sister, Alvin and I are awake but not wanting to disturb the sleeping ones.

It is getting late – 9:30 – so soon we shall just go downstairs.

Alvin and I were up earlier for him to eat and go outside.

 

The sun is shining and it looks like a beautiful day on the way.

YAY.

 

We had a great time yesterday.

The birthday party was a huge success.

 

Today the family leaves for Calgary.

A couple of days staying at a hotel with a pool/waterslide, I think.

They will visit with our youngest brother.

The days passed so quickly ….. they always do when you have company ….. on vacation.

Alvin will miss everyone most especially my sister.

 

Yesterday we walked to the service station just out of our immediate neighbourhood.

Alvin and I waited on the corner as I did not wish him to walk on the street.

Busy streets with traffic lights.

He cried and tugged on the leash for her from the time she crossed the streets to the time she was back with us.

Was glad when she arrived back.

He loves his Auntie C.

I am so glad that they were all able to come and spend some time with us.

It was great getting to know the great nephews.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Have an awesome Sunday and enjoy the day.

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “V” in Regina, hope you are having a great summer.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 25th day of March, 2018.

 

The sky is overcast and the sunshine is no where to see seen.

It is quiet in the house except for the sounds of the furnace running heating the house, and

the sound of my fingers tapping on the keyboard writing these words.

Alvin is resting on the carpet in the hallway outside the office door.

He is never far away from me.

Yesterday we enjoyed the longest walk in weeks or rather months.

We are so happy that the snow and ice are melting away.

We are so grateful that spring is here and summer soon to follow.

I enjoyed a coffee date with two of my neighbourhood girl friends.

Catching up on each other’s news.

We laugh and sometimes we even cry.

The girls both gave me some Easter treats, I am so spoiled.

We had a grand time.

Sometimes I wished that it would last forever.

So it is now Sunday.

The coffee is brewed.

The laundry is done.

Dusting and cleaning check.

Some ice chipping was accomplished.

I see a quiet lovely Sunday in store for us.

We will walk this afternoon.

As I sit here writing these words, I feel so grateful to be here at this very moment.

I am grateful to be in good health and to be surrounded by awesome family and friends.

I am so grateful to have Alvin as a loyal companion.

I am so grateful to have this beautiful house and a job.

So many blessings.

 

Wishing you all a beautiful, happy, relaxing Sunday.

No matter whether or not the sun is shining or there are clouds in the sky, I wish you good health, much joy, love and laughter on this day and always.

 

Special Hello to:  my brothers ….. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin