The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy CANADA Day to all Canadians. We are not a perfect country but I know that I am for one, always trying to be a better person, a better human being, a better Canadian. Happy Birthday Canada. We will get there and I believe sooner than later. As long as we have today we can always help to make/build our tomorrows better than our yesterdays. If we continue to learn, that is what matters most. We, being Alvin and I are going to spend the day doing “stuff.” We will be going to our friend Pauline’s house to check on the flowers and plants and perhaps do some watering. Again, there is rain in the forecast but how can we know if it will actually happen OR if there will be a significant amount to give moisture to the foliage. After all, that is one of my happiest places so I will go everyday and give the plants a drink, if need be. We love to hang out in the garden and just be. I promise to take some photos today.

I must say that my plants are beginning to grow now that we have had some sunshine the past few days. There is some concern about one of my lavender plants but I believe it may be turning the corner now. The sun is shining again this morning. Alvin bless his heart, slept from lights out at 10:30 until 5:00 this morning. I was so happy. After he had his glucosamine chew, his breakfast and went outside to do his business, we laid down on the sofa until 7:00 a.m. and we have been up ever since. I changed the bedding on our bed, changed out towels and spent some time looking over Instagram pictures. You see last night we were vegging at home. I had received an invitation to go and join my friends to sit around the fire pit but I graciously declined as yesterday my eyes were “burning” off and on throughout the day, making it difficult to see the computer at times. It happened in the house and not even outside. I chalked it up to allergies but to what? Nothing new in the house. Anyway okay now. I was watching a bit of television and snuggling with Mr. Alvin when I decided to look on Instagram and at that very moment a photo of my long-time friend Diana’s granddaughter popped up, she was all dressed up for her graduation and will be going into High School in the fall. The photo was posted on Diana’s daughter page. I must have been following her and not realized it. So one thing led to another and next thing I know I was texting with both of them. I cannot tell you how happy I was to reconnect with my friends. It has been forever since we chatted and I know it was not in person or even by video but it was close enough. I spent a good amount of time looking at my friend’s Insta page this morning. Sometimes technology is a wonderful thing. Most times. What a great way to start the second half of 2022 reconnecting with friends. Catching up is always good.

Well today will be watering flowers and hanging out for a bit in our friend’s most beautiful garden and taking photos. Mr. Alvin requires a haircut and bath. There be laundry to do matey! Also some cleaning as always. But we will relax in between.

Time to go and get out of my pj’s, get washed and dressed, make some coffee, enjoy said coffee (maybe even outside on the deck for a change, I just realized that I have not done that yet this summer), have breakfast and then go for walk. I want to go before it gets warmer as Mr. Alvin does not do well in temperatures over about 22 degrees. Yesterday was too warm for him. I hadn’t realized how much humidity there was when we went for our walk at noon.

Happy Canada Day to All Canadians.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: we are now at 39 days until my 65th Birthday.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! It is another beautiful morning out there. We were just outside a few minutes ago as Alvin was just finished breakfast ( I know, right!) and I wanted to move my plants back into the sunshine. We had storm clouds brewing yesterday late afternoon and I did not want to take any changes so I moved them in shelter of house and garage. We ended up getting only a few drops of rain and some wind. We were lucky. Someone would have been hit as they were scary looking clouds. There are a few clouds that look like they want to develop into something more but I am going to hold onto the moment and see beautiful blue sunny sky in my mind’s eye.

Today is an extra special day. My dear Cousin Lorette celebrates her birthday, my long time friend Deanna and her twin sister Lynn celebrate their 65th birthdays (we went to school together) and a young friend Frances Blue from my Bath & Body Work Days celebrates a birthday today. Happy Birthday to all these special women. I wish you good health, love, abundance and laughter.

The second day of our garage sale brought in a few people and a few sales. We closed it down at 3:00 with giving a nearby family some items and they bought a few items as well, win/win. We spent a bit of time reorganizing and then last night I went out and repackaged the like items that are going to be donated into manageable garbage bags. One of the girls will run them there this week. We all made a bit of money and disposed of some things. I am going to post some items on community groups as time allows. But I am happy.

I cannot believe that Friday is July 1st, 2022. There is so much talk of “celebrating” Canada Day but you know what – despite the fact that our history was less than perfect – that does not mean that our present and future have to be. Unfortunately in world history very few countries or continents treated any of their peoples with respect. Someone was always at war with someone. So instead of dwelling on things and blaming anyone – let us recognize what was done and show all the people living today – that we do not have that mindset and just be better. Be kind and respectful and compassionate to all peoples and living creatures. Who cares how you dress, how you identify as a human being or the colour of your skin or even your age – we are all HUMAN BEINGS and should be treated with kindness and respect and compassion. How about we finally live in PEACE!! This is 2022 for pity’s sake. We all make the world turn. We are all important. We are all HUMAN BEINGS! Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked together in peace and harmony! Okay there may be the odd heated debate or discussion.

On that serious note, I have to go to work. Coffee is brewed. I am grateful that I have friends that are not all “like me” if you will. We should learn from each other and be better as a result.

Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: wow only 43 days until I turn 65.

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Thursday, July 1, 2021 – Canada Day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. We are just home from a walk a few minutes ago and I wanted to write this post before it becomes too hot upstairs in my office. At the moment there is a cool breeze wafting in through the open window. I have all of the windows open the house and the temperature is 81 F, which is the lowest it has been in the house for more than a week now.

Last night when I was going to sleep I starting to compose this “poem” if you will and wished that I had got up and wrote down the words as they have changed and evolved as the morning goes on …..

O CANADA

I was born in Canada, raised in Canada and love my country.

I knew early on that some people were treated differently and not always because of skin color.

As a child, I knew of Indigenous peoples.

We hired some of the men from nearby reservations to help out on the family farm.

Why they only lived on the reserves?

I did not really know.

Why there were no Indigenous children at our school?

We learned where the different Indigenous peoples lived, like the Cree, the Sioux and the Blackfoot.

By the time I was a teenager and we had moved to other provinces,

There were some Indigenous children in our rural schools.

No one spoke of or mentioned “residential schools.”

Our history with some being of recent times,

Not written in books for us to read,

Is filled with acts of violence that we find reprehensible and horrific of other countries.

But it is not other countries that fills the news feeds,

Not places where there are religious wars or tribal wars but here.

In this place we call home.

This place called Canada.

This Canada Day we cannot celebrate,

We must not,

Celebrate,

Without acknowledging the hundreds of Indigenous children ripped from their homes,

In the name of religious beliefs and with government approval.

These children suffered more than we could ever know,

They missed their families.

They were not allowed to speak their languages.

They were abused and neglected by “pillars of our communities.”

Many were murdered by these same members of the church and government.

While others were experimented on by the military.

The children that lived through the abuse, neglect and horrors of what was done to them and others,

Continued and continue to suffer as adults.

Their families threatened to silence and worse.

The time has come for us all to stand up.

To stand beside our fellow Indigenous Canadians,

Speak out to the atrocities that they have suffered and continue to,

Recognize and acknowledge,

We cannot go forward without looking back.

O Canada.

My heart hurts for the babies, for the children.

We must hear them, now and forever, and never forget!

Written by CY Lewis on July 1, 2021.

**********************

As I continue to live my life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Cool, I hope. Alvin and I were up at 3:30 as both had to “pee.” It was so refreshing outside and even though it was in the 20’s celsius even at that time with a breeze it felt cool and as I was wearing my summer pj’s, I put on a sweater, imagine that! We lingered on the deck for a time enjoying the coolness and for a moment I thought of grabbing Alvin’s beds and bringing them outside and laying down on the deck. For a moment. Then back into the house and laid down until he was up at 4:30 to eat. After Alvin ate, I changed my alarm from 5:00 to 5:30. I checked the weather and before the official sunrise it was 24 degrees celsius with a breeze and only climbing after the sun begins to rise higher in the sky. The sun rose at I think 5:07 so we could see to walk of course and at 5:40 a.m. this morning Alvin and I headed out for a walk. We came across three runners and one couple with a dog walking. I think that the dog was walking the Mrs. They were fully dressed with long pants, tops and jackets. I felt warm looking at them. Anyway we enjoyed the coolness in the air, the smell of the roses, the smell of the morning. It was enchanting. Really it was. I felt like we were in a different place and shortly we will be. I am grateful that we have fans and can keep relatively okay. Last night before bed I gave Alvin a bath of sorts, no shampoo, just got him wet and then partially dried him. I had a shower. Then we went to bed. I also put a wet towel on him. When the towel dried out during the night, he woke up. I realized what the problem was grabbing the towel went into the bathroom and ran some coolish water soaking the towel. Covering him with it once again, he went back to sleep. I think that he knows what the towel represents now. I am grateful to have towels and water. There is still a breeze coming in through the office window and it is actually cool in here. Unlike yesterday morning when it was warm but we are earlier I think. A few minutes ago after returning from our walk, Alvin wanted to go outside. So we went into the backyard and found Bogart atop the fence between his yard and ours. He was meowing at Alvin and Alvin was barking at him. His Mom came out, picked up Bogart from the top of the fence, he was not impressed, we had a short visit as she was vacuuming while it was still cool before realizing that she promised a coworker that she would go to the office and help with a task. So then she was hustling Humphrey and Bogart into the house. That has been our morning thus far. Honestly feels like we have been up for hours and I guess actually we have.

At least the weekend will be 10 or more degrees cooler and 25/26 degrees celsius looks pretty cool to me.

So on this Wednesday the last day of June 2021 and the day before we celebrate Canada Day, I am grateful to live in a country that is not perfect but we are trying to do better for all our citizens. We are hopeful that for the children of the next generations we will always remember what is not acceptable and that we will all live together with respect, compassion and kindness for everyone, for each citizen of this great land. Everyone is important. Everyone!

Happy Wednesday to you. I am off to put on some coffee and perhaps sit outside on the deck for a little while while the deck remains shaded before the sun rises higher in the sky. Enjoy that refreshing cool air a bit longer.

Take care and stay cool and hydrated.

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

Love, Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a now rainy Thursday, July 2nd, 2020.

I booked today and tomorrow off as vacation so that I would have an extra long long weekend.

Last night we went to bed at our regular time or close.

I read my book, I am really enjoying this book.

“The DEATH of Mrs. WESTAWAY” by Ruth Ware.

This book is difficult to put down and last night knowing that I did not have to get up early – well I read late.

As I read the Canada Day fireworks were going off in the near distance.

They seem to go off for hours and I felt like I read for hours.

After I turned off the lights to go to sleep, I could not settle down.

When Alvin woke up at 4:30 – it felt so early.

Up we got and he had his glucosamine chew followed by breakfast.

Outside.

Then back to the sofa.

I/We were up about 6:30 a.m. and back outside.

No rain at that time.

Back in the house the sofa was calling my name and I just could not resist.

So back to the sofa.

I woke up at 7:30 and should have stayed up and was thinking “it is not raining – we should walk.”

But the sofa kept calling my name.

So I played this back and forth game until 8:35 a.m. – how horrible.

Now it is raining and we missed our opportunity to go for a walk.

The forecast is for some sunshine this afternoon so we will make sure that we go then.

I can only blame that sofa for calling out my name, NOT.

Oh well, I guess it is a day off and all is well.

Not worth whining about it as it is what it is.

Somedays you just have to have some extra sleep, right!

 

Perhaps some sunshine will perk me up and fill me with some energy.

Hopefully the sun will shine this afternoon.

 

Yesterday the sun did come out from behind those rain clouds.

The sky was amazing.

Huge dark blue rain clouds in parts of the sky and closer to us there were these white clouds that seemed to part to display pure blue bright sky.

Like a gate opening.

I could literally watch the sky for hours.

The way the clouds move and stay still.

Movement and stillness.

The colours.

So beautiful.

 

I found the start of a story that I had written almost ten years ago on my 53rd birthday.

The story is about Alvin and how my road led to him.

I cannot believe that I am going to be 63 next month.

Ten years has passed in the blink of an eye.

Life always seems to get in the way.

Seriously, I need to finish this ……

So I am going to transfer what I have written into the computer as it is way easier to type than to write for hours.

After a few minutes my writing / printing is not legible so typing is the best way to go.

 

Well I guess it is almost 9:30 a.m. and I don’t wish to be drinking coffee too far into the afternoon.

Time to get this day going.

Coffee and some breakfast.

Some writing (typing) today and walking and exercise.

I need to listen to Alvin more ……

I was thinking we could have had an nice early morning walk in ….. argh, okay, enough.

Okay this might be an interesting day.

 

Living with kindness and respect starts with oneself.

I/We, shall remain

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning it is officially the second half of this NEW YEAR.

July 1st, 2020.

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends and family.

Happy Canada Day to all Canadians.

Here is Edmonton it is raining and overcast and cool.

Not a great day for outdoor Canada Day celebrations.

As the pools of water are growing as is the mud where there is no pavement.

The grass cannot get any more green.

The trees have had as much water as they need.

The vegetable gardens and flower gardens are more than well watered.

We are reaching the point of too much.

Or at least it would seem that way.

Perhaps not quite that as yet but with the rain continuing to come down it certainly does feel that way.

 

My get and go got up and left.

Alvin is not having much fun in this cool damp weather.

I picked him up his pain meds on Monday and he is on his third one.

He can have one once every 24 hours.

I can tell he is not a happy boy.

We did not get out for a walk yesterday at all.

I think we both are missing our walks.

Also does not look like a walk is in the cards for today.

We have seen our friends and others out for walks but Mr. Alvin is prone to ear infections – yeast.

His ears cannot get wet.

So inside we shall stay until the sun shines.

We are hoping it is sooner than the weather forecast indicates.

 

I am also thinking of turning on the furnace as perhaps some warm air might help Mr.Alvin.

Somehow having the furnace running on July 1st – seems very wrong.

But I guess for a couple of days would be okay.

Perhaps it will give us both that bit of get up and go although Alvin doesn’t seem to have a problem with that.

His is physical whereas mine is mental.

So I will quickly hop in the shower and get clean, not really dirty.

From what?

Just freshen up and my hair …. it would love a shampoo for sure.

Then I will turn on the heat and we will get this day going.

Definitely off to a slow start.

But that is okay.

Nowhere to go and sometimes it is okay to just go slow.

Although last night I was thinking about all of the things I used to do and should be doing.

Making jewelry.

Working with my new watercolours.

Writing that book.

Going through my craft room and getting things in more order.

Figuring out what I really want to do with that space.

There are a million things that I should/would/could be doing.

But at this moment just hoping into the shower is enough.

One foot in front of the other and soon I will crossing the floor.

That is what I always tell Mr. Alvin when he hesitates at a doorway.

 

So Happy Canada Day.

I am grateful that we are in good health for the most part.

I am grateful that we have a home and are safe.

I am grateful that I have choices.

I am grateful for wonderful family and friends.

I am grateful to be employed.

I am grateful for this wonderful country I/We call home.

I am grateful for the trees and the mostly clean air.

I am grateful for bears and seals.

I am grateful for each coast and everything in between.

I am grateful for my fellow Canadians.

Thank you for this great life.

 

Heading for the shower.

Better get this day going.

 

Some flowers to celebrate Canada Day.

 

Living our lives daily and forever with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Did anyone notice that I forgot to add my sign off yesterday?

Yikes, not good.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Wow, June 30th today, how did that happen?

Tomorrow will be the first day of the second half of this year.

Also tomorrow is July 1st, CANADA DAY.

The celebrations will be much different from other years but that is okay.

There does not always have to be such pomp and circumstance.

We can celebrate in smaller groups or just by ourselves.

Alvin and I usually watch someone of the televised celebrations followed by the fireworks in the neighbourhood.

 

Speaking of Alvin, I gave him a pain pill as soon as I got home from the vet yesterday morning.

It seemed to help or at least take the edge off which is great.

As the weather is still raining – I would think he may need one today but will see.

There were seven pills in the prescription and now there are six.

So will give them just when he appears to need them.

 

We had quite the start earlier this morning.

Alvin and I were outside in the backyard.

I looked up and saw this wet gold coloured cat on the top of the fence.

Immediately I thought of Humphrey and said “Humphrey” and his Mom came out right away.

Not Humphrey,  I realized that right after I said his name.

I recognized the gold cat with “four” legs from a few days ago.

He or She had been underneath a car and when we walked by …. of course Alvin had his scent.

So the cat came out and followed us.

Alvin likes cats so he was not startled by the cat.

The cat followed us down the street.

My neighbour thinks it belongs to a lady and her son down the street.

I think the poor cat is trying to find his home.

The cat took off when my neighbour came out and Humphrey was on the grass and ran after.

 

Alvin just barked.

Guess he needs something.

Anyway almost time to start work.

Yup, I kept setting the microwave timer for a few more minutes.

 

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

It has been raining since 5:30 a.m. this morning.

The grass is so nice and green.

My favourite shade of green.

The air smells fresh.

 

Wishing you a day filled with kindness and respect.

I only wished that everyone on the planet was surrounded with kindness and respect.

That would be perfection.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, my fellow Canadians.

HAPPY CANADA DAY.

What a glorious bright, sunny, breezy Monday morning.

I am so grateful to have this day off from work and to be at home with “me Alvin.”

He is resting beside me on his blue blanket as I key these words on the keyboard.

 

We have so much to be grateful for in this country.

The list is long but what I am most grateful for are the following:

• peace
• freedom
• clean fresh water
• beauty of our country from coast to coast

 

A day to celebrate the peace that we are honoured to live within our borders.

A day to celebrate the grand beauty of this amazing country.

A day to celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis.

A day to be grateful for the clean water that is easily accessible.

A day to celebrate each other.

Happy Canada Day to all my family and friends.

Happy Canada Day to all CANADIANS.

***************************************

 

Yesterday Alvin and Teddy and I just spent a quiet day together.

We went for a walk.

We played.

We had treats.

We even had a nap.

It was a great day.

 

I did manage to get out for groceries and to see my girl for a visit.

So I guess today that means that I need to get to work.

Well there will always be things to do when you are the only “person” in the household that can clean the house, mow the grass, pull the weeds, cook etc.

But that is okay.

One good reason to keep things clean as you go.

Then it is only light cleaning.

That is my mantra.

Keep things clean as you go.

Put things away …..

 

Okay, time for breakfast and coffee.

Perhaps even two walks today if the weather holds.

That would be lovely.

Great way to spend Canada Day.

 

Happy Happy Canada Day.

Be kind and respectful as you continue on your day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

My flowers on the deck from my first summer in Edmonton

2009

I can tell as there is grass peeking out from the end of the deck.

Cannot believe it has been ten years since I moved here.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Dark outside as the skies are filled with dark rain clouds.

Change of plans, Humphrey will be staying with Mr. Alvin today as his Mom decided things would work out at home for him.

She gated the upstairs off so Humphrey would have the upstairs and Luna, the dog would have the main floor.

Today, Humphrey has had enough.

So he will be spending the day at our house.

For some reason even though we were up on time, I am running late.

I might be slow moving as Mr. Alvin was up twice during the night.

Makes for chopping sleep and I have a headache as a result.

He does have an ear infection as I took him to the vet after work.

Thought he did but always good to check.

 

Photos from my window.

Photos 1 & 2 – from my bedroom window – facing North

Photos 3 & 4 – from office window – facing South

Well looks like a dreary morning.

My flowers are starting to say “Sunshine please.”

Grass is so green and growing so fast.

 

Well as I am running late and have to do a bit of prep work for Humphrey, I had better fly.

 

Reminder on this dreary Friday to be kind to yourself and it will pass to others.

Happy Friday.

Happy Long WEEKEND to me and the rest of CANADA, of course.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sky is overcast and the wind is blowing this morning.

No rain overnight.

We slept through the night.

All is well in our household this morning.

Back to work.

Canada Day weekend coming up.

Always love a long weekend.

 

Have you ever snapped photos that made you think of a different time and place.

Perhaps reminded you of a story line or gave you inspiration to write a story all your own.

These photos were taken several years ago on a beautiful late summer, almost fall weekend day.

Alvin and I were out on a walk.

We went to a park north of our home.

One place that we seldom visit.

For no reason other than it does not come readily to my mind.

It reminds me of a magical place.

A place with many trees.

The soft shadows.

The colours of the trees that were already beginning to turn.

I love the way the sun creeps into the space.

Lightly touching the trees and grass.

 

I know that it is barely the first week of summer but somedays you just need to see a magical place.

A reminder of the beauty of a single day.

A day with your buddy.

Just hanging out.

Taking in the spirit of the day.

We all need these days.

Reminder to self to go on this walk this coming long weekend.

 

Happy Monday.

Mr. Alvin seems to be back to his own self.

We had a good sleep.

 

BE Kind and Respectful to yourself and to others.

One small thing can make such a difference in your life and in the life of another.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin