A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! I am so happy to report that we slept from say about 9:30 till 1:20 a.m. when downstairs we went and Alvin had the most perfect poop. We then retreated to the sofa and set the alarm for 6:00 a.m. I am so thankful that our sofa is comfy. When the alarm went off, well of course, I hit the SNOOZE button for a few more zzz’s. Why not? Then we were up and I was preparing Mr. Alvin his breakfast. I gave him the “medication” last night and only took about 6 minutes to get it into him. So that was good. After his breakfast, we headed outside where again Mr. Alvin had a really good poop(s). I am over the moon happy about these recent events. How happy can one be over poop? Just ask me! It is a most important bodily function and when it is bad, that means that inside things are not going well. So this morning, I am encouraged to believe that he is “better.” I know it does not change the liver disease and other ailments. We are good now. He is on his last day of 1/4 of rice/chicken/wet food/dry food mix before back to 100% his regular food tomorrow. The weather is also continuing to be nice so I am going to see if we can go for a walk after work. Just to give him some exercise to build up his stamina as he is a bit wobbly when out on the deck. I am so happy that things are looking up.

I have decided to get busy now that I have the “word software” and get putting together the book about me and Alvin. Now is definitely the time. I have lots of previously written stories to draw from and use. Sometimes you never know where life is going to take you. But when it does you are know that all will be well and all of that …..

Hopefully sooner than later, the sunrise happens at an earlier time. I know Mother Nature’s schedule. Does she know mine? I suppose not.

This Saturday I was invited to my friend Lucy’s house for supper. Saturday, January 21st is Chinese New’s Year’s Eve. I decided to read up on the celebration and found out that it is tradition to give certain types of gifts and just so happens that I have two or three items that would be perfect to give. So happy. I also made arrangements for my friend’s daughter to come and stay with Mr. Alvin so that he is not alone. YAY. Works great for everyone. She makes a bit of money, I get to go out and Alvin has company.

I am feeling pretty happy with life at the moment. So happy about Mr. Alvin. He is waiting for me downstairs and I am grateful that with the hall light on and the baby gate up that he patiently waits for me. I have been carrying him up and down the stairs each time. When it is not necessary for him to be upstairs – he remains downstairs.

The aroma of the freshly perked coffee is wafting upstairs. So I will sign off shortly.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a great morning. The sun is coming up (starting to be later each morning). There is a bit of a breeze as I just saw the tips of the trees to the south of us, swaying a bit. YAY.

We will be heading out for another morning walk before the heat sets in. I cannot wait until we can walk at noon and after work.

Today, being August 25th, is a special date. Today marks the birthdate of my Mother who would have been 84. Happy Birthday Mom. We miss you.

My brother-in-law Todd celebrates his 54th Birthday today. We wish him a very Happy Birthday. There was an early birthday celebration here one week ago tomorrow. It was great seeing them.

Other friends celebrate today and we wish them a wonderful day as well.

August is a busy month for birthdays.

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Photo by Dan Prado on Pexels.com

Well as the days roll by the sun is up later and sets earlier. We are fast approaching my favorite time of year which is fall or autumn. I love the slight coolness to the air and the warm feeling that I have and the colour of the leaves.

I am grateful for my life. I am happy when I can connect with a longtime friend (Carolyn). I am happen to meet new friends Jennie and Robyn. I am happy when Alvin is in good health. I am happy that I am in good health. I am happy to be surrounded by loving family and friends. I am happy for electricity (fans in this heat). I am happy that I can walk and enjoy these beautiful mornings.

Today is all about gratitude. Be happy.

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well it was not quite the sleep that I anticipated we would have but that is okay. I stayed up much later than usual for me, watching The Royal Party celebrating the Platinum or 70th Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth. The line-up was surprising but wonderful to watch. I did wish that Sir Elton John would have been there in person. Having Diana Ross end the show was great. She does not look 78 years of age and still sings like an angel. I wish Queen Elizabeth many more happy healthy years. 96 years in itself is quite an accomplishment but to be working for 70 or more of those years, is quite another thing. Congratulations. My paternal grandmother lived to be 97 years of age but was not the Queen with all that involves. She was in a nursing home by age 92. How blessed the Royals are to have such a woman to head their family and to still be so active especially in mind and body.

Despite going to bed after 11:30, Mr. Alvin was up at 3:30 and would have been up sooner if I had not coaxed him to stay in bed longer. Oh well, we did catch some zzz’s from 6:00 till 8:30 a.m. Isn’t it funny, that sleep is always the main or close to it, topic for my posts. It drives the day and sometimes my driving is not great, I will say. (not driving a car, lol). Yesterday we were off to a slow start but enjoyed a full walk leaving the house about noon. Then I worked on laundry and cleaning/sorting through things in the garage. I posted a few large items on our community Facebook pages. One item already got picked up. This morning one of my friends and neighbours and I are going to the ECO Station to drop off some items. I have never been and am excited to see the setup.

Oh, I realized that not counting today it is 65 days until my 65th birthday. How funny is that?

This will be a quiet day, I think. A bit of this and bit of that. We will go for a walk a bit later.

Time to head downstairs and have some coffee and then breakfast before we are off to the ECO Station.

I hope that you have an amazing Sunday. It is cloudy and windy here in Edmonton at the moment. That’s okay. I do wish for sunshine and a bit of heat so that my plants and flowers may grow along with everyone’s.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Alvin and I had a FANTASTIC sleep and he didn’t get up until 5:00 a.m. YAY for the boy. The sun is shining very brightly this morning and there is a cool breeze slipping in through the open windows. We will be heading out for a walk shortly before the heat of the day sets in.

I love the early morning walks. It seems like the birds are out singing and the roses just smell more fragrant and the grass seems more green. Morning just seems to be Mother Nature’s best time. I cannot wait to get out and smell those roses. They are my favourite.

Looks like the temperatures here over the weekend are going to be in the 30’s …… now that is hot. Thankfully we have a cool basement to retreat to should the need arise.

I have some GREAT NEWS. Yesterday I made it to 1000 FOLLOWERS, thanks to all of you. There are no words to say just how grateful that I am to make it to this height. Makes me feel very important and maybe a little interested and talented. Thank you again. I know that everyone’s time is so precious and for you to spend it with me reading mostly about my life with Alvin and just the everyday with a few tidbits of this and that thrown in ….. means the world. Happy 1000. YAY.

I have been thinking of adding to my posts and will see what I can come up with. Not too much change but perhaps a little is always good.

Time to head out for that glorious walk. I hope that you had a chance to get outside and enjoy the morning. Even if it is only to your patio or deck. Just to breathe in some fresh air if possible.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mr. Alvin remains a bit anxious about his drinking bowls, not sure why. But as long as he will drink that is all that matters. He does love his new walking water bowl. Thank goodness. Cause we all know how well he does with change. Yikes.

Continuing to live with live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude. Important to be grateful for even the little things.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th day of January, 2019.

Lightly snowing outside and has been throughout most of yesterday and last night.

Surprisingly not much has accumulated.

YAY, light snow is easy to shovel.

Temperatures are slowly going down over the next few days but single digits once again on Sunday.

Just in time for Mr. Alvin’s Birthday celebration.

Last night we hand delivered Alvin’s best friend’s party invitation and also invited him for a sleepover Saturday.

He will be at our house for the day on Saturday and I thought it would be nice to have him sleepover.

Teddy’s Mom & Dad were so thrilled by the invitation.

They told me that this was his first invitation.

You will notice a blue light surrounding the guitar …. it was just the flash on the camera.

But worked out perfectly …. looks so cool.

Teddy was so excited to see us last night.

Once I had removed our coats and outerwear; I stepped over by their sofa and was talking about the party, the sleepover – Teddy jumped up on the sofa and onto the arm of the

chair and started to give me so many kisses.

I guess he was excited to have the invitation as well.

I know it will be fun.

Now just to get some Birthday cookies and party favours.

This is going to be fun.

Alvin’s first actual celebration.

I cannot believe that he is ten.

Most days he does not act his age but then again neither do I.

Guess that is what keeps us young.

Well almost time to fly.

Went to bed in good time but Alvin had to get up at 3:00 a.m. to go outside and that threw me out of whack.

The routine – that is.

 

Happy Thursday.

Pay day and that is always a good thing.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who have four-legged family members ….. treat them well.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of June, 2017.

Looks like a beautiful morning …. bit of a breeze and the SUN is shining.

I was surprised to see the car windows “fogged over” so I guess light light frost.

Weather crazy …. sunny one minute and pouring the next.

They are forecasting a nice weekend.

I hope that the weather does hold out for all those folks out celebrating CANADA’s 150th BIRTHDAY.

Alvin and I will be quietly celebrating at home.

I so remember Canada’s 100th Birthday celebration.

I was 10 years old.

We even had a song written specially for the occasion.

Oh, the good old days.

Seems crazy to think that 50 years later I am turning 60 a few weeks after Canada’s 150th.

Does not seem possible that 50 years have passed.

Time flies …. truly flies.

So on this Thursday I am excited to have a quiet weekend.

There is trash to be picked up and I think that I will do that task on CANADA DAY …. in honour of my country, your country, our country.

We have such amazing majestic landscapes and I will always try to do my part for my country.

Perhaps watch some celebrations on television while sipping on a cup of tea “made in Canada.”

Does not get better than that.

Happy Thursday…..

Special Hello to:  CANADA

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of January, 2017.

Guess what day today is?

It is a very special day in my household.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was on this day seven years ago that I adopted my handsome wonderful companion, buddy and friend.

So we are celebrating his “8th” Birthday as we are not exactly sure how old he is ….. how great is that.

He can be any age, really.

So today we are saying No. 8.

Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis.

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together thus far as much as I have ……

Love you Buddy with all of your quirks.

I love watching you bury your chew treat in the back yard winter or summer.

I love watching you searching for something by putting your whole face in the snowbank as if you could see in there all the while I know the power of your sense of smell.

You are so funny and always make me smile and laugh.

I want to post some photos from over the years and also my blog from April 2010 written about our first days together.  The other night I was reading some of my older blogs and came across this – oh so many memories.

Alvin, the story begins …. Chapter 1

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Last night my daughter Amanda was over to watch the Golden Globes with me.  We both love to watch the award shows.  Avatar won for Best Motion Picture and James Cameron for Director.  Sandra Bullock for Best Actress in a Drama.  We had supper and enjoyed the evening.  Over the past few weeks and months we had been discussing the possibility of me “adopting” a dog. Why not, I thought.  This past eighteen months has been chalked full of firsts for me.  I have always loved dogs.  We had checked out the Humane Society’s web-site a few times but the smaller dogs went fast.

On this day, I was taking care of my “O” my neighbour’s cat.  This is one of those cats that is definitely an one person feline.  I had been around her a little bit and knew what to expect.  Deep down, I believed that she would get to “love” me or at least like me.  LOL.  Anyway, I made sure that I had my legs covered, and also carried the “cat toy” …. mouse on a stick supplied by O’s Mom for protection.  The first day, O jumped, swatted and hissed all in one smooth motion.  Oh, this is a cat that has a heart condition and takes medication for it.  Crazy.  Anyway both of us got through both visits that day.

Back at home, my daughter had sent me the link to an animal rescue web-site so that I could check out the doggies.  There was one in particular that she thought fit the bill.  He was so cute.  His story very sad.  So I went onto the web-site and “fell in love” (so cute), before I knew it I had contacted these folks about adopting this dog.  It was important to act fast as all of the smaller dogs were adopted quickly.

By evening, I was contacted by a gal from the rescue society.  She told me that there had been lots of interest in this puppy.  So she was going to contact her superior to see about making the next move.  Someone would call me the next day.

Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Another successful visit to “O”‘s house.  One would never know that she had a heart condition.  I am so grateful that each morning it is getting lighter, earlier and earlier.  Spring is on the way.  Big news this morning.  Received a phone call from the foster Mom of a little dog.  Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  We are going to see him tonight.  The whole family is going.  It is important that Elton and Penny like this possible new addition to the family.  I am going to run out to the nearby “Bone & Biscuit” store and pick up some food and toys, just in case.  I want to be prepared.  Oh, have to get some treats, too!   I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time.  This could be my very first dog.  Wow, this has been a year of firsts for me.  But I am so grateful for all of them.  We are going after supper, and it is a bit of a drive from here so will write all about our visit tomorrow morning.  YAY.

DAY “1” – Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Guess what happened last night? It was crazy.  Took us a little while to find the place because it was out in the country. But we did.  We were introduced to this cute little guy.  His name is Alvin.  He is a cocker spaniel mix.  Puppy.  They think that he is about one year old.  Has a black & white coat with the most handsome brown eye-brows.  Elton & Penny seemed to like him well enough.  He has a sad story but is blessed to have such great foster parents.  I know that he is going to have a great life.  So no looking back.  Okay, get on with it.  I know.  I am too wordy sometimes (okay, LOL all of the time).  Arrangements were made for me to adopt him last night.  He is on antibiotics and other medicine.  Whew.  Hard to believe – it happened all so fast. One minute we were trying to find the place, and the next we were on our way home with three dogs in the car.  He was so stressed, the poor little guy.  Thank goodness for the “blue blanket” that his foster parents had given him, as he was drooling so bad the whole car ride home.  When we got back to my house – it was surreal.  It was late when we got back so once I introduced him to each room of the house, and he had some water and a bit of food, it was off to bed.  I had no plans of him sleeping in my bed but I felt so “sorry” for him that he ended up there.  He was so stressed that neither of us got any sleep.  I was reminded of my first night home from the hospital with Amanda.  I kept imagined that he stopped breathing, which was crazy !!

It was an early morning considering neither of us slept much last night.  He has to be fed every three hours, and has medicine so I am busy.  Also first full day of looking after “O” next door.  Should mention that I made my first mistake with Alvin.  After he ate his first meal today I thought that I would send a quick e-mail to Amanda.  I thought that he would be like Elton & Penny and that I would have a few minutes before he needed to go outside.  He did not make it.  First lesson learned.  I do not have much carpet in the house and he did manage to miss it.  Thank goodness for that……

Guess what happened when I got home from feeding “O” in the morning?  It actually started when I left the house.  Alvin stood at the living room and cried.  Sounded like a baby’s cry.  Separation anxiety, I was told later.  I made a quick trip next door as I couldn’t bear him crying.  When I got home, I unlocked the door and faster than a real “bolt of lightning” something black and white passed me.  I twirled about and almost fell on my “butt”.   Thank goodness that I had my boots and coat on as I did not have time to grab them.  I ran down the steps,and down the sidewalk as he got nearer to the street.  Man, puppies are quick.  Just as he was about to step onto our busy street, I bent over and swooped him up.  My heart darned near jumped out of my body.  I was so scared.  What a first day !  This was only the morning.  The rest of the day went fairly smoothly.  Lots of feedings, administering medicine and pooping.  Thank goodness he is trained.  As he is not neutered it will be awhile before we can go on walks.  So it will be playing fetch for exercise for a bit.

Oh, the life of a pet owner…….

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin and his buddy Penny, oh the memories of the two of them.

Resting on the deck ……

My favourite photo of Alvin ….. laying on his belly at the top of the stairs …. looking like he has no body….

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Looking out the office window …. which was our temporary bedroom at the time.

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Winter …

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin and Me …..

One summer day – our adventure.

Alvin and Elton playing tug-o-war and then checking out the Christmas gifts.

Alvin and the newest additions to our family …. Baby Milo and Aspen.

Always waiting on his Momma….

I could post a million photos of my boy but will end here.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Here’s to many more happy years together.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday Boy of course ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Afternoon and Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of March, 2016.

Well would you not be surprised that the time changed in the middle of the night and guess who realized it at 8:08 but it was really 9:08 a.m.??

ME.

I should have remembered to change the clocks last night before bed but alas I did not.

Oh well … no harm done.

I did have a coffee date with friends and was only a few minutes late.

Changing clocks twice a year sometimes is a pain but it works out in the end.

This time we change our clocks ahead so we lose one hour …. but we have light longer which is nice.

This morning it was raining snow …. you know that mix …..

March is one of those months that the weather is most unpredictable.

One of my friends said that the forecast is for 9 degrees today ….. the sun finally came out so you never know.

We had a great visit …. always nice to connect with the ladies.

Catch up.

 

Now I just received a phone call from my friend who lives in Regina and has been in Edmonton for the past week.

Her new grandson is in the Children’s Hospital here ….. so she is here to help with the older grandson.

She asked me out for supper ….. we were meant to go last Sunday but long story short …. she got lost coming to my hospital so it was late.

 

The tea party was a success yesterday with a few things left to finish and then I can submit the party.

My daughter’s birthday party was great ….. the make it yourself “TACO SALAD” turned out so good and the CHOCOLATE from SCRATCH cake was super good. (Nice and Moist).

I love seeing my family ….. my daughter, son-in-law and grand-puppies, Elton and Miss Penny.

Our poor Penny has her good days and bad ….. I miss her exuberance.

But she is 11 and Elton is 13 …..

Our babies ….

 

I have to get in touch with my sister as we were to SKYPE tonight ……

 

Life is busy but good …..

We treasure our time with family and friends ….

Always remember no matter what is going on with your life ….. treasure those moments ….. those times when you are with family ….. when you see old friends.

That exact moment is that exact moment and will not be repeated.

Take it for that special moment that it is ……

 

Well I had better get this show on the road as I have a few chores to do with one being to go for a walk with Alvin.

 

I hope that you are having an awesome weekend.

 

Special Hello to:  all of our family and friends ….. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 12th day of March, 2016.

Thirty-six years ago I gave birth to the love of my life.

My daughter turns thirty-six today …… she was born right about this time.

She has truly been the star in my sky.

She never ceases to amaze me with her creative genius and her warm generous heart.

If you ever want to meet truly one of the most perfect creatures on this planet, you would have to come to Alberta, Canada.

When she was in school she would stand between a bully and his victim.

As she ages she has continued in her own quiet way to stay up for people, and for animals.

“A” and her husband have on many occasions came to the rescue of a poor animal whether domestic or wild.

They even rescued a baby magpie.

Happy Birthday My Darling …..

You were the best gift that I have ever been blessed to receive.

Many Happy Days and Years ahead …..

We love you more than words can say.

See you at supper …..

Love Your Mom and Your Little Brother Alvin