The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Dark outside as I type this post. I am up showered, bed made and writing this post at 6:20 a.m. as I am catching the bus to the new office this morning. First time that I have taken the bus since before the Pandemic which slightly frightens me but I need to do this and so I shall. I was going to wear a mask but it is chilly outside so I will have a big scarf on and that likely provides some protection from any germs floating around the air. Funny that I will be leaving home at the same time that my ride would come and will arrive at the office about the same time. By car it is less than a ten minute drive. Oh, we love public transportation. Not complaining. Life in the fast lane.

Yesterday I did go for a walk at my lunch break. I walked the same path that Alvin and I used to take when the weather was good. It was wonderful and I could feel him walking ahead and I could see his little bum just strutting along stopping frequently to sniff everything. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Good to get some exercise so this will be good as well. I have a walk to the bus stop and then a short bus ride and then a walk to the office. Exciting and scary all at once.

Tonight I shall begin the preparations for Amanda’s birthday party tomorrow. Boil the eggs and potatoes for the potato salad (not just for hot summer days) and do some cleaning, some laundry and perhaps put up a couple of decorations. No balloons, I no longer do balloons. Not environmentally friendly. I always cringe when I see them on the ground outside where a bird or an animal or a pet could get at them.

I think that I am going to pop downstairs and put on some coffee, I have no idea what we will have in the office. Some of my previous coworkers had “stories” about what was on site. I need some coffee. Just to have a mug before I leave.

Wishing you a good day. Take care and be safe.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel)

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Well almost noon. What a morning already! I am grateful that I booked today off. Poor Mr. Alvin. We are just back from the vet where once again he is suffering from ear infections. One ear was way worse than the other. I have a difficult time keeping them clean as he does not like me poking around or touching them. So another round of meds which will keep them okay for a month. I spoke to the vet about our options. There are two different surgeries that can be performed. One is where they remove his eardrums and ear canals and he would not be able to hear but he would no longer suffer from these nasty yeast infections. She does not perform this surgery. The other she can do and it would mean leaving the eardrums intact but opening up the ear canals so that the yeast cannot grow and he would still have hearing. I think the second option is the better of the two, for sure. Cannot imagine having my hearing taken away like that but she also thinks that his hearing is compromised now. The idea of another surgery with him turning 14 in January, scares me but I am not sure that we have an option at this point. I just want him to have a good quality of life. Yesterday he was panting and work was driving me over the edge and I was raising my voice to him. I feel incredibly guilty and overwhelmed. My poor boy. I just hope he has forgiven my bad reaction to the situation. It is difficult when you are alone. Anyway for now, he has medicine in both ears and it will get rid of the yeast infection soon. I think his paws are bothering him as well.

I do have a beautiful story to share. Earlier this morning I noticed a little girl waiting on the sidewalk across the street from our house. Clearly she was waiting for the school bus which never came. It was cold out there earlier. My neighbor (whom I borrowed her car to take Alvin to vet) had popped in to grab a cup of coffee as she had run out. Sonja said that the girl was waiting for the bus which is always late. I decided to check on her so I opened the door and called out to her to check on her, I think that I scared her. She then started walking away from where she was standing which appeared to be toward home, when an older child came out. I should have asked what school she went to and then called them but I did not think of that. I watched them from my window when a dark blue Toyota Rav4 pulled up and a woman got out. Poor kid was scared not because the woman was trying to hurt her but because of the attention and she was cold. The woman talked to her for a few minutes and the older child came back out. The woman walked back to her car and grabbed her cell phone and then after speaking to the older child, she made a call. Likely the school. Nice to see good samaritans. This woman stood outside chatting with the kids for over 30 minutes closer to 45 minutes. At one point she grabbed a kleenex out of her car for the little girl. After awhile, the little girl got into the car while she waited outside with the older child (early teens, I think). The girl must have been frozen. She had a good warm coat on but her face and hands would have been cold and she was carrying a heavy backpack. Near the end, just a few minutes before a school bus showed up, the woman and the older child, a boy got into the car. They must have been cold. My neighbor told me earlier that the bus is always late. So this bus driver for whatever reason makes these children late for school everyday and nothing has been done. This is deplorable. Hopefully now, they will do something about the driver. This kindly woman who was just driving by put my faith back in humanity. She took almost one hour out of her day to help strangers, two children. She had a smile on her face and appeared to be trying to keep the children in good spirits. I am grateful to her for helping. Doing something that I should have done. Not that I did not want to help but I thought that the bus would have showed up sooner than it did.

Well, I made another pot of coffee as I just need one. It has been quite the week. I am beat. We will just relax on the sofa for awhile and then go for a walk. I hope that you are having a good day.

The sun is shining now which is great so it is warming up now.

Thank you Universe for good people in my neighbourhood.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: wow, how could I have forgotten this. Yesterday Alvin and I received a package from our friend Val in Regina. So many treats. We are truly spoiled. Alvin was so excited when I went to the mailbox and came back with a box. There were homemade treats for him which he opened. There were three kinds of buns/scones, mini loaves, biscottis and so many other sweet treats. I also had a package of some items that I had ordered from RICKIS. Just needed some clothes. I was happy to see that they all fit. I guess time to do some laundry, too. Coffee first. I think that Alvin just wants to have a nap. Poor boy.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning,

No additional moisture overnight, thankfully.

We had a great Sunday.

Humphrey spent the day with us and went home just before our bedtime.

Even had a nice walk in the mid afternoon.

Teddy and his Mom came for a visit.

The boys (Alvin, Teddy and Humphrey) hung out after our tea and visit while we went to the grocery store.

First off, we went to the Co-op.

They had some bathroom tissue on the shelves but it was not on sale or at least not for a good price.

After we were finished at Co-op, we went to Save-on Foods, the grocery store closest to my house.

Teddy’s Mom prefers Co-op and me, I guess Save-on.

I quickly gathered the items that I wanted leaving the bathroom tissue until almost last.

There was not one package on this huge row of shelving …. not one ….

A clerk was there folding up a box so I asked him and he said “Sorry, we have sold.”

I said “Are you kidding?”

He said “No.”

I could not believe it.

In the 11 years that I have lived in Edmonton, in this neighbourhood, not one time have they completely SOLD OUT of bathroom tissue.

I think that people are just going a tad off the deep end.

Why just bathroom tissue?

That seems to be the question of the day.

ARGH, was all that I could think of, ARGH, I thought.

Thankfully I have enough for this week and maybe a bit longer if I treat it as if it were GOLD.

I heard in the store or somewhere that the trains are not getting through.

Trains….

Most of our groceries come by truck, do they not?

I always thought so.

I know grain travels by railcar and vehicles are brought from coast to coast via train, but bathroom tissue.

Maybe.

Anyway, it is crazy.

 

One more quick story.

At Save-on Foods yesterday while at the check-out.

I was going to use my free 200 points from last weekend when I pulled out the FREE apple juice.

I believe it was for FIVE free cartons of juice.

I said to the Cashier that I would not be using this free juice and wondered if he could give it to a Mom coming through or Family.

He looked at me strange but agreed.

The man behind me to whom I had been speaking about the bathroom tissue shortage …. said “Hey, I never thought of that” and started rummaging through his wallet.

Perhaps I started something.

Pay it forward.

FREE stuff at the grocery store, don’t throw away those little coupons, pass them on.

There is always a family out there that could use them.

 

 

Well this morning I am catching the bus.

Going to catch the earlier one as the one that I used to catch only gets to me to work right at the stroke of start time.

Heaven above that I show up that close to start time.

Oh well, I guess I am held to higher standards.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Oh, last night was a full full moon.

Which will make for an interesting day, I am sure.

If this was Saturday, it would only be 4:57 not 5:57.

No wonder I feel tired.

Somewhat.

Considering that I don’t feel as though I slept at all.

Alvin actually did not wake up until I got up minutes before the alarm went off.

YAY, Mr. Alvin.

Okay, I am going now.

 

Off to get this one going.

Poop pick up (coat on first of course) and grab lunch etc.

 

Remembering to be kind and respectful.

Yes, we must.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Friday Morning.

One step closer to Saturday.

 

Do you have a favourite day of the week?

I would say that mine is Saturday.

We can sleep in a bit if we choose.

Breakfast is always toast and that is my weekend treat.

Sometimes with Cheez Whiz.

I know that it is not really a healthy choice but I love the taste.

Most times it is peanut butter and saskatoon jam.

Sometimes just peanut butter.

Other times it may be cinnamon and sugar (brown sugar).

I can listen to music or the television as I run (okay walk) up and down the stairs doing laundry and cleaning.

Even though I could be more busy than work sometimes – it is wonderful to be busy at home.

In my very own house.

I love my house.

Did I mention that before to you?

Nothing fancy but yet it is to me.

The phone just rang downstairs so I made a mad dash down to see an unknown area code.

I answered but nothing.

Yikes.

That will get your heart pumping.

Back to the weekend, to Saturday.

Usually if Alvin has an appointment with the vet it is made for Saturday.

Otherwise the day is spent mostly at home.

Sometimes there is baking.

Other times I may have a coffee date with two of my friends in the neighbour.

Sometimes I sip on my coffee and just look out the living room for a bit of time.

Taking in my neighbourhood.

Sometimes I look out of the office or kitchen windows.

Taking in my neighbourhood.

We can stay up later although we seldom stay up very late.

 

Tomorrow my daughter, son-in-law and pups are coming for a visit after lunch as their pups have vet appointments with our Dr. Karen.

We started to go to see Dr. Karen as my first grand pups were clients of hers.

It will be wonderful to have a visit with them.

Also we are looking after Mr. Humphrey for the weekend.

He will be with us during the day and go home for the night.

I will have to ensure that he is home during the pups visit.

Aspen and cats do not mix.

Well almost time to leave for work.

One more trip outside.

 

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

A reminder to me and to you, be kind and respectful.

Some days when folks are yelling and mean-spirited it is difficult.

But we don’t know their stories.

I am saying this for me not necessarily for you.

I have to be reminded as well.

I am human and sometimes I falter.

Perfection is in the learning every day.

 

Happy Friday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

PS: we did manage to get a pretty good walk in and surprise we walked on the other side of the street.  I wanted to check out the path that I will take to the bus this morning.

Luckily it is pretty clear.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well folks we made it through another week.

This weekend marks the end of February 2020 and the beginning of a new month March 2020.

March is an extra special month for me as it is the birthday of my daughter.

Also is the birthdate of my Dad’s only sister, my Aunt, son-in-law’s brother, friend’s children, sister-in-law, niece in-law and some of my most dearest friends.

A busy month to be sure.

Which reminds me that I forgot to pop a card and letter into the mail for my Aunt.

I will do that this weekend and even though it may be late ….. always better to send than not to.

She is of the generation that cards and letters were important.

The largest way of communication next to the telephone.

Long before the days of email, texts and video chats and social media.

I have a good stock of miscellaneous cards as I still love to send them from time to time.

 

Last night on our walk …. oh, it was so beautiful.

We bumped into the gal that delivers our flyers down the street at the houses near the park.

We stopped for a chat.

The chat carried on for several minutes when all of a sudden I saw out of the corner of my eye and then did a quick spin …

To see by Alvin and me, this chocolate lab pup off leash.

There was a family coming down the sidewalk and I called out to them.

They explained as they got to us that this pup had just joined them.

He/She walked beside them the whole way.

Now as they were on a busy street they were concerned.

No one happened to have an extra leash.

As we were near the house of a friend, I ran up the walk to see if she could help us out with a leash.

She has two small dogs.

But no one was home.

Quick thinking, I thought of tying some poop bags together but that didn’t seem like a great idea, no one had a scarf (I would have given up my scarf, for sure) but I did have

my Bath & Body Works lanyard on my keys.

So I removed the lanyard and it worked perfectly as the pup did have a collar with a ring for hooking leashes.

We hooked up the lanyard and I asked if they were able to take the pup and contact the appropriate authorities and they said of course.

The pup seemed perfectly happy to be with them.

Alvin did okay with the pup considering there was no leash on the pup and hard to hold him/her.

There was a bit of growling on Alvin’s part but the pup was so good natured it did not last.

I hope, pray and wish that they found the pup’s home or the authorities did.

Such a beautiful pup.

There was no one out looking during the time we were out.

I am not certain where exactly the dog joined them.

Best of luck to you little one.

I should have carried my phone but did not have the appropriate place and my hands were full.

 

Well almost time to leave here.

My neighbour is feeling better and will give me a ride to work this morning.

Yesterday funny story.

I left home a few minutes earlier than what I normally would to catch a bus and when walking by my friend’s house, she was backing out.

She saw me and gave me a ride to the bus stop.

That helped greatly … no dodging ice …. yay, me.

I caught the earlier bus and was to work before 7:30 a.m. ( I do not start till 8 but like to be there early).

 

Well time to fly.

I hope that you have an awesome, amazing, wonderful day.

Isn’t the morning sky beautiful?

Getting more light everyday.

Take Care.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Treating the world with kindness and respect.

Trying …..

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

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning and today is Wednesday and my last day of work for “19” days.

I am over the moon excited for this vacation time.

Soon …. just a few more hours now.

In the meantime, back at the ranch.

Humphrey is spending our waking hours with us.

Well actually the hours that I am at home.

Soon to be during the day as well as in the evenings.

Last night he was sitting in Alvin’s chair glancing out the window and then around him.

I could not see what was so intriguing but there was something that piqued his curiosity.

So I snapped these photos.

While Humphrey was in Alvin’s chair – the boy was sitting beside me on the sofa.

Every so often Alvin would go by the chair, look out of the window and then lay on the mat by the chair.

I guess to see if Humphrey would maybe realize that it was his chair OR perhaps just to keep him company.

I don’t really know what the boy is thinking unless it involves FOOD.

 

The sky is clear now and the air is cool.

I have the windows open to keep the house cool for Alvin.

Actually last evening I had to turn off the fans as the house had cooled down and was comfortable for us while we hung out.

 

Well almost time to go downstairs and gather things up for work.

 

I made darn sure that I placed my office ID in my purse as yesterday I assumed it was in there and it was not.

I realized this when I was on my way to the bus …. way too late.

The last few minutes at home yesterday were not happy ones.

I wanted to let Alvin go outside for a last pee before I left for work only I could not open the back door.

Humidity … the door had swollen.

After trying for several minutes and starting to get frustrated and sticky hot, decided that was not the answer.

So with my trusty cell phone – I texted my neighbour as she was at home and has a key.

Explained what had happened.

Said she would come over.

Also texted a co-worker from the bus about my tag and she said that she would come down and let me in when I arrived at the office.

My neighbour went over and Alvin got to go outside and do his business.

I got into the office.

It was so much easier with the phone.

So grateful to my daughter and son-in-law for the phone.

Came in handy.

 

With kindness and respect the world is a more loving place to be.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

There is nothing quite like being ripped out of a deep beautiful sleep than by the loud crack, crash of THUNDER and the room lit by LIGHTNING.

Well that is what happened to us in the middle of last night.

WOW.

Being both wide awake we decided to go downstairs and hit the sofa for the rest of the night.

Luckily it was quiet.

I love my sofa …. always get a good sleep …. no matter the length of time.

Looks like the sky is beginning to clear.

They are forecasting some rain showers for today.

Decision on what to wear for footwear as I am catching the bus for my last four days of work before my vacation.

I don’t want my new shoes to get wet …. argh.

The carpool is on vacation starting yesterday at noon.

Lucky girl.

So excited for mine to begin but at the same time I do not wish to rush it.

Teddy comes tonight for a couple of days.

So will be nice for Alvin to have company during the day tomorrow.

Our office closes at 3:00 p.m. so will be home earlier than normal which will be nice.

 

Last night after work my daughter and I hit COSTCO.

Man did we ever hit COSTCO to the tune of over $700 …. largest amount ever spent there between the two of us.

Not like we bought anything much out of the ordinary ….

Unless you call the one package of underwear that I picked up.

Love the JONES NEW YORK ones.

Okay, perhaps that was a bit too personal but what the heck.

Just between me and you, right.

Gotta have a sense of humour otherwise what does it matter.

My daughter also picked up some moisturizer.

It was one that only ever comes to COSTCO a couple of times a year.

Sold at one of those kiosks.

It was more than the underwear.

Anyway.

 

We even managed to get out for a walk before it rained which I will just say this:  the forecast was way off …. it did not rain at 7:00 or even 8:00 p.m.

Our walk was perfect.

We even saw our friends out for a bike ride …. of course, we stopped and chatted.

Also had time to mow the back lawn (which takes less time than it takes to take the mower out of the garage).

Cleaned up the front flower bed.

There was one flower that was getting a bit straggly.

 

I hope that I made you giggle just a tad on this wonderful Thursday morning.

Alas I must sign off as there are windows to close and have Mr. Alvin go outside one last time before I leave for work.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

With kindness and respect you WILL be joyful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Sun rise beautiful and the skies are a mixture of clouds and light.

So we will take that…..

The heavens opened up while I was on the bus on my way home.

In fact, the rain started when I was about 10 minutes from my bus stop.

By the time, I got off the bus, the rain had slowed down.

Luckily for me and all my fellow bus riders.

I managed to be mostly dry upon reaching home.

Which was a good thing.

Alvin went outside to the back yard and did his business.

We decided as it was still raining to have supper first.

Ended up walking about 8:00 p.m. and it was wonderful.

The air was fragrant with fresh rain and roses.

I keep forgetting to mention the roses that line the entrance to the park by my house and in other spots throughout the park and other walkways.

The rain …. oh, they love the rain.

The fragrance …. I closed my eyes and stood still for a few moments breathing in the beautiful fragrance.

Even Alvin took a moment to take it all in …. he likes to get right in there.

I have warned him about the thorns but he is a dog and most times has to figure it out firsthand.

There is no fragrance on this earth like roses.

Seldom can man come close to this amazing smell.

I love roses.

Can you tell?

But these roses.

The “wild” roses not the ones that have been tampered with by man throughout the ages.

Just a plain rose …..

We met a new friend “Rickie” last night on our walk and stopped to see others as they were sitting in their garage.

It was a great walk.

Alvin was over the moon that he did not have to wear the dreaded red rain poncho.

I thought he looked handsome and debonair but he did not.

 

Sometimes you just get to bed later and then want to sleep more.

So am running a tad late here.

 

Wishing my darling cousin L, a very Happy Birthday …..

Wishing my best friend from early childhood and her twin sister a very Happy 62nd Birthday.

I am getting close to that special year as well.

 

Well time to fly here as Mr. Humphrey will be spending the day with Mr. Alvin.

He has a doggie friend at his house.

So as my Alvin and Humphrey get along so well ….

Humphrey will be coming over here.

First time ever.

One cat and one dog for the whole day with the Mama.

I am quite certain that they will be fine.

At least they have two floors in the house ….. space.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Kind and Respectful.

Even with cats and dogs.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

We had some wonderful rain yesterday throughout the day and into the night.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk with our friend P.

At the beginning of our walk we all saw the geese and goslings.

To our I will say almost horror we saw this family as follows:

1. Father holding a large dog on a leash just a few feet from the geese and their families.
2. Mother holding a bread bag.
3. Two children and one of them with a piece of bread in his hand reaching out to feed one of the geese while the babies were nearby.

Some things really wrong with this picture.

Why would you stand there beside the geese with this big dog that could have easily gotten away and killed the goslings or geese for that matter?

Bread, feeding them bread?

Have they not heard that bread is not good for the geese – they are unable to digest it properly.

Children with hands outstretched.

I was happy to see one of the geese that was being fed – hiss and snapped at the child.

You would think that would be a sign for them to leave.

No, they stayed …..

I know that they are cute but why oh why could they not watch them from a distance.

Putting up a sign NOT TO FEED THE BIRDS …

Well people ignore the signage.

The same way that people do with the KEEP DOGS ON LEASH signs.

Anyway I had to walk away.

The geese are beginning to become used to being fed and that type of scenario.

That familiarity will not suit them well, I do fear.

At the end we were pleased to see the goslings and how big they are becoming.

I hope that they are able to grow to adulthood.

 

Our walk was good …. we chatted ….. felt the raindrops as it started to rain on the homeward stretch.

We had a good conversation/chat and long walk.

It felt good.

Alvin …. enjoyed the walk.

 

I will say the best part of my day is the time that I spend with me Alvin.

Snuggling or playing with him.

Or walking together.

 

I hope that you all have a great Thursday.

Remember we should respect NATURE.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin