2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? I am doing great. Funny start to the day. We had a good sleep. Alvin woke us up at 4:00 and we came downstairs. Decided to feed him and give him his glucosamine chew. Once he was done eating, outside he went. While he was outside at this time, I decided to change the clocks on the stove ahead one hour so that I would not forget when we got up for the day. Once he was back inside – we hit the sofa for some more sleep. Alvin woke up and it was already light out so I got up to check the time and it was 8:00 a.m., so I set the microwave timer for some extra time and headed back to the sofa. Alvin laid down for a bit and then was up. So I decided okay it was 8:23 or so, just get up. Something hit me between the kitchen and the living room and I realized it was Saturday. The girls are coming for coffee at 10:00 a.m. and the time changes Saturday night/Sunday morning. So actually it was 7:23 not 8:23 a.m. Changed the time back and stayed up. What the hay. But I was giggling to myself for the mixup.

Yesterday was awesome. The temperature allowed for me to wear only a long sleeved sweater and a “winter vest.” SUN shone brightly just as it is doing right at this very moment. My daughter picked up us and drove us to the Vet so that Alvin could get out his stitches. Both of the staff that were there had not seen/read the email from the Surgeon at that point so I happily told them the good news about Alvin. We were almost all in tears of joy. Alvin’s Vet Dr. Karen arrived shortly after we did. They were doing some surgery on a cat. An easy surgery. Thankfully. It only took a few seconds or seemed liked it to remove the stitches and he was back to me. I was waiting in one of the exam rooms. In the main lobby area we talked about his new food and other matters. I was able to pick up his new food both hard and wet. Happily surprised the price was not quite as much as I had thought it was going to be. So that is good. Although he will be eating more wet food so will be going through it more quickly but that is how it is going to be. Booked his next appointment for his nails etc. and then we were on our way. Courtney held and opened doors, Michelle carried the food and I with Alvin exited the building where my daughter was waiting for us. She had quickly gone over to StarBucks to pick up her free Birthday COFFEE. Once we got home we girls had coffee and went over what was required at the store. I had written up my list on the NOTES on my phone. So was easy to forward to her. After Amanda left for the grocery store I brought out some chairs and a bench from the garage as today the girls are coming for coffee on the deck. I took the steel/river rock top bistro table out of the garage and to the top of the first landing and left it there for my daughter to help me carry it down the steps. A few years ago, maybe two years ago, I would have carried it myself but I am getting smarter in my “old age” and decided better to have help. Once that was done, we were back in the house and did a few things and then sat down on the sofa and I had some coffee and Alvin just curled up beside me. I love that. It seemed like only a few minutes and Amanda was back from the store. We visited and then she was on her way with a quick stop before heading home. Alvin and I went for a walk. It was so gorgeous out. I only wore a long sleeved sweater and winter vest and shoes. Not even any mini gloves! We walked on the opposite side of the street where it appears to be spring or late fall and where the sidewalk is mostly dry. There were a few wet spots but mainly where there was a street or back lane to break up the public sidewalk. Several streets away from home, Alvin decided he wanted to cross to the other side of the street, I wondered why for a second, checking both directions for oncoming traffic and none we crossed. As we got to the snow back lining the other side of the street, I realized that he was going to see his best friend Teddy. Even after climbing over a small snowbank and down to the sidewalk he turned the right direction and literally pulled me to his friend’s house. I kept saying “Alvin, not today buddy” but he was firm in his decision and before I knew it he was crossing their driveway and heading up the steps. As I rang the doorbell, I could hear Teddy and Kobi barking. Then saw Iris peeking out of the window. Everyone was excited to see us as I apologized for just dropping in as they both replied “you are always welcome.” Before we got past the foyer, I explained to Iris that Alvin can no longer have any of the chews that the pups always have and she quickly picked them all up. We had the most enjoyable visit as we social distanced of course. I sat in a rocking chair and little Miss Kobi came and curled up by my feet, so sweet. Iris remarked “oh she missed her Auntie Carol.” It was a quick wonderful unplanned visit and we were all happy to see each other. I guess Alvin missed his buddy after all he has been through and the time since he last saw him. I see a sleepover in their near future. Once again we were on our way walking and enjoying the warm, sunshine of the day. I let Alvin lead the way. He took us down a different street on the opposite side from Teddy’s house and we made our way home from there. It was a wonderful feeling arriving home and having to wipe Alvin’s wet paws dry. What a wonderful time we had. Shortly thereafter, I was washing my hands and grabbing the ingredients to make the fruit pizza. I had the cream cheese softening on the counter. Fruit pizza is very easy to make but is time consuming. Have to make the cookie dough and bake. The cream cheese filling. Cut up the fruit. Make the orange glaze. All separately and then put together when the base and the glaze are cool so that the cream cheese does not go runny. Made the fruit pizza and was admiring it – even snapped a photo and then I realized that I had forgot to pour the glaze over the top. I actually even sent a photo to Amanda before the glaze went on and had her thinking that something was missing. Anyway, all good. Once done, it was almost time to feed Alvin and get changed and finish up the dishes from the baking. I had time to have a sip of coffee. The food arrived five minutes before the kids arrived. Perfect timing. I covered the bag with heavy tea towels to keep in the heat. Then the house was filled with family once again. We enjoyed our supper and conversation. After supper we decided we were too stuffed to enjoy the fruit pizza and played a game of sequence. All three of us were were in conversation and not 100% in the game but we had fun. After the game we had the fruit pizza. Poor Mr. Alvin was so sorry that he could not have some fruit. He really wanted some but I did not cave. He could not have the pizza anyway because of the sugar but I had some cut up in the fridge and it stayed in the fridge. Sure is hard to not give him fruit or vegetables. Alvin’s doctor is going to check and see if there are any fruits or vegetables that he could have. Oh, I forgot before the fruit pizza and the game – Amanda opened her birthday gift. Alvin and I got her a pair of earrings. Tiny silver hoops with her birthstone. She loved them. After dessert, Amanda and I went into the basement to go through some of her childhood toys and stuffies. They have neighbours that they are especially close to and they have a daughter and a son. The little girl is smitten with Amanda and even told her that she loved her. How sweet is that. Anyway said girl named Charlotte is turning 5 this month. How cool they even have birthdays in the same month. She wanted to give her a toy of some sort ….. maybe science set as she loves science and I suggested because of Charlotte’s love for her that she give her something that was hers when she was a little girl. So we went through containers until we found her bag of stuffies. We brought some things upstairs where she went through the bag of stuffies …. there was Miss Piggy, Rainbow Brite, one of the bugs from a Bug’s Life, Teddy Bears, Wuzzles and so many more that I cannot remember the names. She took the bag home but decided to give her the “Bug from a Bug’s Life” as she has an invisible friend and likes that particular movie. How cute. Anyway it was touching and brought back so many memories as she went through some of her toys and stuffies from her childhood. Now they are where they belong with Amanda. I miss them though …. my baby is not a baby … I guess my 41 year old daughter is a grown woman now…….

Well it is now after 8:30 and I had better get the show on the road. The girls will be here shortly. Yesterday was amazing and I am so grateful for every moment of the day.

Today is going to be great as well. I need some coffee and cannot wait until the girls arrive so will run down and make a couple of cups before making a pot closer to 10:00. I want to get some more chairs out of the garage. Was waiting for this morning.

Have an awesome day. Harness the joy that each moment brings and hold it close to your heart and keep those thoughts in the foreground of your mind as you make your way through this day and every day.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin