The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope this finds you well on this Tuesday. The weather forecast for today in Edmonton is +1 degrees celsius or at least it was last night. I have not checked my phone to see. We will go with the plus temperature. I am grateful that our temperatures are moving in the right direction.

Last night I was home from work at 4:10 p.m. – what a treat. How great is that commute! After I got home, I switched out my shoes for my winter boots as it was a bit cool outside and also I did not know what condition the sidewalks were or the back walkway to the Vet Clinic. I wanted to drop off the cards for Dr. Karen and her staff. The sidewalks were not too bad and the walkway was most good but in the section where there are bushes, I actually had to walk behind them by the fence as the sidewalk was covered in snow and a massive amount of ice. Made it out and onto the sidewalk and continued on my way. I arrived at the clinic and pulled out my phone as you need to call them to have the door opened. Just as I called, Brenna called out “its’ Carol” and the door opened and there was Dr. Karen. She was just leaving for the day. We all went inside and I handed Karen the card. We hugged and chatted. Dr. Karen told me that her pup Tara, I believe was her name, had recently passed. I gave her my sympathies. The card was open and she handed out the individual cards to the staff. I wanted them to each have in addition to the main card, one of the memory cards of Alvin. Brenna said I am putting it right on my fridge next to your Christmas card. Ah, so sweet. We chatted for a few minutes and then Dr. Karen left as she had to stop by the grocery store before heading home. I ended up purchasing a couple of bags of treats so that I would have something on hand when company of the pet persuasion comes to visit. After that I decided to go the convenience store and cash in my $2 winnings from the lottery and buy a couple more tickets. I also grabbed some “good/bad” treats for me. Not a great idea to pick them up in the MAC store because they were at least 35% higher than in the grocery store. Nothing is cheap anymore. Then I was on my home. Once home, I put down my purchases and my purse and cleaned off the bit of snow that was remaining on my front sidewalk. I also returned the glass dish from Alyaa. I am so grateful for her kindness. She is a great cook. After returning home, I changed and took out the remaining garbage for pickup this morning. Then time to have supper. I used the microwave to warm the chicken. No oven, I remember! Another thing on my list for the upcoming weekend.

I had a nice cheese bun (courtesy of Costco bakery) with Dijon mustard, avocado and the chicken and some raw vegetables and a dill pickle. Great supper. Easy peasy.

Cleanup was easy and then I had a nice quiet evening. Watched a few shows and then to bed.

I love heading to bed in good time so that I can read. Every night I read a few chapters in whatever book I am reading at the time. I am reading a James Patterson book called “Princess.” I have several of his books and even reread them from time to time.

Time to head downstairs. I hope that you have a great Tuesday.

Mr. Alvin is in my thoughts this morning as he is every morning. I see him all around. He is always beside me. Soon we will be out walking together with his spirit beside me all the way.

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)

I had not realized until recently that the long Easter weekend is the weekend after this coming up one. I wonder if the Easter Bunny will come here? I hope so.

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Dark outside as I write this post. How are you feeling this morning? I am doing okay. Yesterday as four of us were leaving the office, I took a tumble. Our front door has a cement slight rise pad to the door with a few inch drop off to the side, I had turned around for some reason and forgot about the drop off and went down. I had on my new spring lilac coloured jacket and lilac colour pants. To my surprise I did not rip or stain or anything to my clothing. I landed part way on the sidewalk and partway in the snow which had not melted and broke my fall. I am a bit stiff and sore this morning but otherwise only my pride. Distracted. When I am walking as I am used to with Alvin, I usually always look down but this time I was distracted by the girls and not paying attention. My laptop went flying and I had my purse with its’ cross body strap on me. The girls reacted very quickly, and assessed the situation to ensure that I was okay. They would not let me get up too fast and then helped me up. One of the girls made note that there should have been a guard rail there and we need to fill out an incident report in the morning. She said it takes 24 hours for the initial shock to wear off. I am okay, just stiff and a bit sore. Thank goodness. Be careful.

I did not go for a long walk last night but carefully walked to some friends and neighbours to drop off Thank You Cards and Memory Cards. Supper was cooking in the oven so I made sure that I did not stay too long and was close to home. Also mailed some cards, as well.

Last night was a quiet one. I took a muscle relaxant last night as a preventive measure and I believe that it helped. I might take another one now just to keep my muscles relaxed so that they can heal. Life in the fast lane. My right hand is also a bit sore. In the days of writing it would not be an issue as I am left-handed but with typing on keyboards it could be.

Weather forecast for today is +7 degrees. YAY.

The gal that I carpool with and also work with, texted me last night to check on me and to see if I needed to go to the Doctor. She is such a good friend and person.

Okay time to head downstairs. Have a wonderful day. Happy Wednesday.

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)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope on this first full day of spring that you find yourself feeling more renewed, joyful and at peace with the world. I am feeling pretty great this morning. I have Alvin in my thoughts and with me. Grateful for all the love and support that has surrounded me most of my life and most especially during this time. Soon we shall see rabbits with coats of brown. The trees will start to bud. The snow will melt and the streets and sidewalks and yards will be dry. I still find it hard to believe that today is Tuesday, March 21st, 2023. This has been quite the year thus far. Hopefully I will be able to get my bearings. I look forward to planting flowers and figuring out what to do with the front flower bed. I know that Alvin always loved to be outside with me while I was puttering in the garden and with my flower pots on the deck. When I would be out front working in the flower bed, I would let him sit on the step and he would watch me or sometimes I would clip his leash to the anchor in the ground for just this purpose. He would sit on the grass and just be so happy. On the deck he would follow me everywhere. I always had water outside for him and if it were warm, I made sure he would be in the shade. This is going to be a different spring and summer for sure. Missing my little buddy.

Last night after work, I decided to deliver some thank you cards to friends and neighbours who had shown their love of Alvin and support for me with cards, flowers, gifts and themselves. We were/are so blessed to be surrounded by some of the nicest people on the planet. While out delivering we bumped into Allie and Bailey. As soon as Bailey spots me, she lets out this wail, so cute. She loves her Auntie Carol. We walked together and they waited while I dropped off cards. I walked them home and then gave them their cards and on the way home dropped off other cards and had a visit with one of my neighbours Dave. He is so nice. They have four children and have been here since I moved in, back in March of 2009. Actually at the end of this month it would be 14 years since I moved into this house. Then I went home. Popped leftovers into the oven and then wrote up a card for my neighbours Sonja and Steve. She has lived next door since I moved here and is like a daughter to me.

Last night was quiet as it had been another busy day at work. Yesterday we spent the morning going to all of our sites picking up garbage as our CEO is visiting the office today. I am not sure why that was so important although the garbage is another story. I honestly never thought my job would include picking up other people’s garbage. My back is a bit stiff this morning, always is whenever I use muscles that I don’t use on a regular basis. I woke up this morning at 4:19 and never quite got back to sleep, next thing the alarm was going off. Whoops time to fly. I did not realize the time.

Have a wonderful day. Be well.

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)

The Next Chapter

Today I am writing two posts. I wanted to write a special one just to Alvin as today is one week since he passed. The sun is shining and the temperatures are rising as I write these words. The house is empty as I listen to the furnace running keeping me warm and the click clack of my fingers on the keyboard. Time just keeps going. Every day since Alvin passed people have reached out to me. There is such love for my little four-legged companion. Many tears have been shed between us all and continue to fall. Forever in our hearts.

Thank you Gillian for popping by over your lunch break to bring a “lemon loaf” and for having coffee with me and just chatting. I appreciate your friendship and support.

Thank you Sara, Carson and Family for the lovely bouquet of flowers and to Sara for stopping by. Alvin would have loved all of the flowers as he always wanted to sniff them whether in the house or outside. He loved when it was springtime and I would be on the deck planting the flower pots.

Last night I was invited to friends Norbert & Irene for a visit. We talked and talked. About Alvin and about the loss of their son last year. So much hurt and so much joy. Irene and I even had several games of Connect Four. I did not win but that was okay. I joked that I was a good loser but in reality win or lose, I actually won to have such amazing people in my life. They sent me home with a gift of chocolate and a beautiful card. I do love chocolate.

Yesterday I always walked over to Alvin’s Doctors, to the clinic where he seemed to be on a very regular basis. I had some unopened items from the last week that I was able to return. Thank you to Brenne for your hugs and for loving Alvin. To Dr. Karen who was just about to go into surgery and could only give an air hug but for your kindness and your love for Alvin. To Michelle, whom I did not see as she was in the back with another beloved boy or girl, thank you for being there for Alvin and for loving my boy. They were family and I appreciate them.

Later in the day I had a conversation with Alvin’s Doctor Zhou from Guardian who answered some questions I had, lessening some of the guilt that I feel. They are so good at Guardian. Not only professional but have such hearts. Such a hard job but so rewarding.

The outpouring of love for my Alvin is real and I am so appreciative. Everyone is telling me stories about him and how much he touched their lives.

I need to get moving. A walk to Shoppers to pick up a Seniors Bus pass (cannot believe that I am a senior) and a few items from the grocery store. Good to get some fresh air. Alvin will be with me as he always is …….

My whole house reminds me of him and will continue to keep him in the forefront of my mind and he will always be in the majority of the real estate in my heart.

Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law for all they do and for their love and support each and every day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, my forever Angel.

A NewYEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

The sun is shining here in Edmonton. The air is somewhat cooler than it has been the past week or so. We are doing well here in our home on this day. Alvin is downstairs sleeping on the sofa while I am upstairs getting dressed (done) and writing this post. I think that I heard someone stirring.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! I was thinking back to my childhood in the 1960’s, in Elementary School when we used to write up a little card for each of our classmates. I think each student had a box or bag with our names displayed so that everyone knew where too deposit the cards. For years I used to send cards out to family and friends and somewhere along the way, I stopped. Not even sure when or really why. I loved receiving but most of all I absolutely loved sending cards to everyone. Sending cards to family and friends whether it is for this day or any other special occasion is something that I LOVE to do. As the years pass by and less and less people send cards, I feel a bit more sad. When someone receives a card it brings joy to their face and to their hearts, I know it does for me. It means that someone took the time to purchase and pick out or make by hand and then write up and mail the card. There is a lot of work that goes into this.

I hope that you all have a great day. Whether you give chocolates, flowers or go out for a nice supper with your significant other (if you have one) or if you are like me and spend the day with your pup or for those that have a kitten, it is all wonderful. Just being with someone whether two or four-legged you love is all one really needs. Happy Hearts Day.

Alvin’s vet appointment went okay. He has ear infections once again, not really surprised. Poor guy. Big change. We are changing up his diet. From last night forward he will be on the Balance Diet which is human food and a supplement. Fingers crossed. Last night I did not have the supplement or this morning so I did my best. He does like chicken, peas and carrots and boiled eggs and not so much oatmeal. So will have to do even more research to get this right. I will be picking up the supplement from the vet today as they ordered it yesterday and claimed it to be delivered today. Someone just woke up so I had better go downstairs. As you know, I threw out a huge amount of his dry food as I was not confident that it was still good according to research that I did on the WEB and the remaining five cans of his wet food, I will take to the vet today and have asked that they donate to someone who needs a special diet for their pup as it would help someone financially. Sorry, gotta go.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this Tuesday morning? I am doing well. Perhaps a bit tired as I seemed to toss and turn a bit last night. Went to bed a bit later than usual which seems to be a trend as of late. My friends Pauline and Lucy came over for a visit. Pauline brought some of her Christmas baking treats and Lucy made some Chinese Dumplings. I asked if I could freeze everything and they said yes. I thought Lucy’s Chinese Dumplings would fit into our Christmas Menu perfectly. YAY. We drank teas and they tasted some of my Christmas baking. Laughed, oh how we laughed. So much fun, these two wonderful friends. We exchanged gifts as well. Quite unplanned. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends. My friend Lucy is Chinese and last night we were talking about language as she learns something about the English language everyday. We decided that we will help each other. She is going to teach us some Chinese. I cannot wait. Always loved the Chinese language(s) and culture. Will be so much fun. Lucy says when she does go home she finds that her “mouth always hurts” and that is the different way we use our mouth in conversation. We are practicing to say her name properly as her name was changed when she came to Canada to make it easier for everyone. I cannot imagine having to change my name. We had a great visit. Thank you ladies.

Looks like another cold day ahead. Not much good for walking. I believe after today, it will warm for a few days before we head into another deep freeze. Hopefully by Christmas the weather is good for people to travel and for everyone to go outside and get some fresh air and walk. That means me.

I am mentally and physically preparing for the office Christmas party at my house this Saturday. By mentally – just wanting to ensure that I do not forget to do anything. Making sure I have enough seating, food and all of that. We will have a great time. Two out of three Christmas “parties” are already out from under the TREE. One more to go and then of course Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas: 11 sleeps till Christmas Eve.

Time to head downstairs. I have to grab something to take for my late coffee break snack as I only eat once before supper. I have leftovers for tonight so that is good. I should likely go and check the mailbox and deliver the last handful of cards tonight.

Have a wonderful day!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. one of the gifts that I received from Pauline was the card game that we played at the “fish fry.” I cannot wait to play it with the kids. To the office, I go today.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this bright sunny Wednesday morning? Both Alvin and I are well and excited to be spending a few days with Amanda, Steven and the pups at their lake side home. I am so excited to just be away for a few days in the countryside. Breathing in that wonderful lake air. The stars at night are incredible and I cannot wait to see them. I have looked after Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder and will give one last check before I leave. Their Grandpa will be taking over from me. There is a bit of a breeze and that was nice when we went for a short walk this morning. We were a bit late getting out this morning. I have watered all my plants inside and out including Humphrey’s shrubs. I still have to pack and put together things in a cooler so that part has to be last minute but will have to make sure that I do not forget anything.

Birthday. Well it was fantastic. Aunt J brought Teddy and Kobi and a Mexican feast for we, humans. It was so yummy Unfortunately in all of the excitement, I forgot to take photos as I had planned. We had a chicken mixture in crispy tortillas done in a semi dry skillet. OMG, so good. Quesadillas. We had a wide variety of condiments and dishes: quinoa salad, refried beans, avocado, hot sauce, a creamy sauce for which I do not remember the name, fresh limes, my friend Val’s Jalapeno Raspberry jelly which was so delicious, pico de gallo, corn chips and more. Supper was off the charts great. We ended it off with a small piece of my Birthday Cake from Sunday. Perfection. WE have leftovers and I am packing them in the cooler with the “6-5” cake that Val made for me and Alvin’s wet food and pumpkin. So lots to take.

Oh, I need a hat for my boat ride. Better not forget the hat!

Turning back the clock a bit before the food …… Aunt J, our friend Iris and Walter and the pups Teddy and Kobi gave me the biggest bouquet of flowers, so beautiful and a very thoughtful card. My fireplace mantel is covered in birthday cards. I love cards.

This year’s birthday seems to be continuing as there will be more celebrations with my daughter and her family. Also we saw a friend this morning and she has something for me but will see us when we get back. Also another friend popped by last night after Aunt J and the pups left with a gift and card. I am truly spoiled.

So this leaves me to mention that I will be taking a break for a couple of days from posting/writing. I will have photos and stories, I am sure to write upon my return.

Thankfully I took next Monday off so that I have an extra day.

There is a list about 1/2 mile long of things for me to do before my daughter picks us up. I guess next thing to do is to hop into the shower and get ready followed by packing. I want to ensure that I do not overpack. Always fun.

Question: makeup or no makeup for the trip. I have asked my daughter to take photos of me and Alvin, just in case we do not get back out there before winter. I guess we could have them taken at home but why not in the country. Okay, makeup then.

Have a wonderful next couple of days and I will see you on the other side. We will be home on Friday not sure what time so next post will be Saturday.

I am so grateful for the 153 messages via Facebook, two birthday parties, parcel from my dear friend Val, friends dropping by, two bouquets of flowers, thoughtful gifts, a bunch of cards, phone calls, emails, phone texts and more. I am over the moon grateful. Now I get to go and spend some time with my daughter and son-in-law and grandpups at the lake followed by a boat ride and picnic on Friday with Pauline and her husband Al. I am over the moon grateful.

Time to fly.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 65 is the bomb, does that still mean good? I hope so. Anyway, 65 is great!

I tried to download last night’s photos to show you but did not work, other photos loaded but not from last night. Not sure why. I will send them on Saturday.

Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? We are doing very well. Last night after supper I walked with one of my girl friends to the Dollar Store to pick up cards and poop bags. Guess how long the walk was? It was 6.1 kilometers and to add to that Alvin and I had a 30 minute walk at my lunch break. So I got a great amount of walking in yesterday. After we returned from our WALK, we girls sat on the deck and enjoyed an alcoholic fruity beverage. We chatted and laughed. I figured that during our walk we got even more exercise in as we chatted the whole time. That has to help the old lungs and heart! It was warm but not too hot and there was a cool breeze from time to time. Mr. Alvin was not really pleased that I had left him but he was sure happy to see me when we first got home.

After Gillian went home, I watered my flowers and plants as we did not get enough rain to really do much good. Just a sprinkle really.

This morning the sky is slightly overcast and it is nice outside. If I could have got up off the sofa we could have gone for an early morning stroll. Why oh why, do I struggle with that darn SNOOZE BUTTON! Likely because of getting up at like 4:30 ish everyday. Maybe I should start staying up. Not sure at this point what I would do and then I would be ready for bed at like 7. Yes, I do like my sleep. One of these days, I will get it figured out. Tomorrow, Thursday and Friday are supposed to be +30 degrees celsius so we will be walking in the morning for sure. I can do this.

I am so grateful to my daughter for cutting my hair and most especially the back as it was so much cooler during our walk last night.

At this very moment in time, I am feeling oh so grateful. I am grateful that I have amazing friends. I am grateful that I have Mr. Alvin for all that he is. I am grateful for summer breezes. I am grateful for pretty flowers. I am grateful for long and short walks. I am grateful that I am able to walk. I am grateful for sunshine and laughter. I am grateful for the best daughter and son-in-law in the Universe. I am grateful for good coffee in the morning. I am grateful for these hands and fingers who type these words. I am grateful for MK lip gloss, feels so nice and looks so pretty. I am grateful for my grandpups, cannot leave them out, they are the best. I am grateful for all that I have and all that I am. I am grateful for life.

I hope that you have a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 14 days, two weeks till I turn 65. Still cannot believe it.

OH and I love FLOWERS, oh, I did say that! I really love them.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you on this absolutely gorgeous bright and sunny Sunday morning? The rain has stopped and the clouds have parted. I/We went to bed about 10:30 ish and were up at 3:45 and then at 6:15 a.m., I felt rested and we stayed up. First Sunday morning that I have felt so rested and stayed up so early (for me). What a great way to begin the day! Feeling on top of the world! I cannot wait to see my kids and grandpups this afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the women and girls in our lives and everywhere who continue to give us through good times and bad, all the love and support that we need each and every day. thank you from Carol & Alvin

I want to share some of the writings of my past Mother Day’s Cards:

MOM, to the world you are a Mother, but to your family you are the world.

For the love you give

from your heart every day

and the millions of little things

you do with so much care

thank you

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

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  Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

With love to you, mom ….. for all your patience, wisdom, guidance, and love.

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

These are the words written by my kids:

We’re so grateful to have you in our lives and are so proud of all you’ve accomplished. This year brings lots of change we’ll all get through it together. Love you so much.

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

Thank you for always being there for us, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and unconditional love mean the world to all of us! I know if the babies (pups) could speak, they would say the same!

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

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  Photo by Lum3n on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

I wish each and every woman and girl on the planet Earth a Happy Mother’s Day.

You are a Mother to us ALL.

Be safe and be well.

I hope that have a wonderful day.

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

Be well everyone.

Look after each other.

That is the only way we can do this thing called Life …..

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I made the brownies last night for today and they taste yummy. My first time from scratch. Also made the black bean burgers and they taste so good. Looks like tonight’s supper is going to be GOOD.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh my how the wind is gusting this morning.

You can hear the vents clanging away.

The air is moderately warm for this time of day.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside my computer chair.

I just entered the SURVEY from Save-on-foods.

It would be great to WIN a $1,000.00 gift card for groceries from there.

That would last me for months.

Keep positive thoughts flowing …. or how lovely ….. I won free groceries.

 

Back to work this morning.

The weekend zipped by as they so often do.

Yesterday the sun shone for most of the day and the air was warm.

However, it was so icy and messy that I elected for us to stay in the house.

I did go to the mailbox and mail a card to my Aunt in British Columbia.

With hopes it reaches her by her Birthday.

The sidewalks were so ugly that I did not dare to take Alvin out.

We both cannot afford to slip and fall.

He tends to pull a bit at times although he does seem to understand when it is icy out to be careful.

He usually walks until he sees ice and walk and then walks around on the edge of the street where there is snow.

After my one fall earlier this winter … he usually turns around to ensure that I am still there.

What a gentleman, my boy is.

 

Yesterday I spent some time going through this small trunk/toy chest.

Sorting through papers and things.

Also going through containers that have cards etc.

Every so often I go through to see if I can downsize a bit more.

Just trying to keep the most special ones.

I am just catching a glimpse of some cards that my daughter has given me over the years.

There are a handful that I have posted to my wall size bulletin board.

She always chooses the most beautiful ones with the best thoughts.

That daughter of mine turns 40 in a couple of weeks.

Hard to believe.

 

Well almost time to head on back downstairs.

I am catching a ride to work for the next couple of weeks with my neighbour.

Grateful for her.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Filled with kindness and respect and fun and laughter.

We always have to have a bit of the latter.

No fun is no way to live your life.

 

Happy Monday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin