2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this last day of March 2021? We are doing well. Today is my late start / late shift day. I will say that I am not terribly excited about having to work these shifts every month but it is what our employer asks of us so what can you do? The sky is overcast and there appears to be little wind this morning. YAY. Happy about that. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be double digit plus temperatures here in Edmonton and that is great news. The Easter weekend, the long weekend will be much cooler with plus single digit temperatures. Now as long as our day time highs are plus temperatures not much to complain about from me, anyway.

Alvin and I had a nice walk yesterday at lunchtime. Walking into the wind was a bit on the cold side but definitely not winter like conditions and our walk was most enjoyable. I have noticed that the past couple of weeks Alvin has been jumping up onto his chair by the window a bit more often. He used to sit in that chair and look out of the window for hours during the start of my time at home but gradually starting spending more time on the sofa or on his bed in the kitchen close to me. I am happy to see him enjoying looking out of the window. I wonder when I was working away from home just how long he actually stayed in the chair? Or did he go upstairs and lay on the bed? Perhaps he ran around the house. I will never know. Some days upon my return from work he would be sitting in the chair looking out the living room window …. he would see the vehicle and jump up onto his back legs and take a really good look before jumping down and running to the door. Always happy to see me and to go outside. It was an awful long time to hold his pee and I always felt guilt and wished that I had trained him early on to go on pads. There were also times when he would not be at the window looking out and as I opened the door I could hear him jumping off the bed and then see him come bounding down the stairs to greet me. Our four legged companions. They treat us like royalty with their unconditional love and gratitude. Even though sometimes we get on each other’s “nerves” so to speak we are pals and I will always do whatever is earthly possible to ensure that he is happy, healthy, comfortable and surrounded by love. After all, he is my boy and has been from the beginning. We are both working on patience.

Almost time for me to head to the shower and get freshened up.

Oh, no …. how could I possible forget the birthday of one of my dearest and long time friends who celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday P, wishing you a wonderful day. May you be surrounded by family, love and laughter on this special day. WIshing you good health and abundance. Thank goodness for that birthday calendar.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

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  My Flowers

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It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Friday Morning Everyone!

How are you today?

Doing well, I hope.

Are you getting out for walks with your housemates?

With your puppy dog?

One thing that I noticed lately is how much my Alvin, stretches.

He stretches when he gets out of bed.

He stretches when he gets out of his chair.

He stretches when we come home after a walk.

He stretches after he goes to the bathroom.

He stretches.

Likely I could take a page from him and follow suit.

 

Well it is overcast here in Edmonton.

I was thinking to myself earlier this morning.

As the forecast yesterday was for rain today.

I was thinking “it would be nice if it rained until lunchtime and stopped.”

I just looked out of the window and it is raining.

Wow, if it stops at noon.

That will be crazy wonderful.

 

We have been enjoying two walks everyday.

I know it has been helping both of us sleeping and we are burning some calories.

Good for both of us.

 

What are your weekend plans?

You know that pond of water, well not really a pond but I called it that ….

The one that was covering part of the grass area in my backyard.

The other end for which remains covered with a slowly decreasing snowbank.

Anyway, I was out shovelling after supper & dishes ….

Moving the snow around on the deck and trying to remove some of that snowbank.

There was I would say about 4-6 inches of water in the early evening.

When Alvin went outside and it was beginning to get dark so after 9:00 p.m.

I thought it looked “dry” over there.

So I grabbed my ice pick tool and checked.

Sure enough no water, it had dried up.

Now it is a gooey messy snow mold, some missed poop (not much) and leaves.

But hopefully as the snowbank melts it will “dry up” quickly.

Double digit temperatures begin on Sunday.

I look forward to cutting my grass.

Likely a good raking before that though ……

I do plan to shovel the remainder of that snow across the grassy area.

That way it will not pool in one spot.

I guess it means that the ground is thawing.

 

Well my friends it is time to go and grab that cup of coffee.

Alvin needs some food and supplies.

Yesterday I call his Vet and they are on reduced hours and no longer open on Saturdays.

They do not want more than one human member of the household coming in and no pets unless they need to see the vet.

So Alvin will be staying home when I run over there on my lunch break.

That is okay.

There should still be some time to get a smaller walk in before returning to work.

If not, there is time after work.

 

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Guess I can put away my winters coats/jackets/boots/mitts and scarves.

Clean out the front closet.

Maybe even switch my summer clothes or start anyway.

I have a plan for the weekend.

Making the most of my time.

 

Have a great day.

Spread the kindness with respect.

Give your elderly neighbour a phone call day to check on her/him.

If you do not have their phone number, write up a sign.

Knock on their door and hold it up.

Check on them.

Check on someone.

Keep the social distancing but be a good neighbour.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well, good morning.

How are you doing today?

I am doing well.

Today is Thursday – which is great.

 

We finally were able to go for a walk last night.

A full walk.

It was so nice out.

Shortly after we left the house, like about 3 seconds, it began to snow.

Just a light snow but snowing all the same.

When we reached the park we bumped into a Mom and her Puppy.

Their names were Lori and Luna.

Luna is a labradoodle, about one year old pup.

Alvin and Luna did pretty well.

She wanted to play and Alvin not so much.

But there was only a couple of growls from Mr. Alvin.

Luna as with all young ones was full of energy.

She did well and listened to her Mom.

They just moved to our neighbourhood and I was happy that I was the WELCOME WAGON, so to speak.

We had a nice visit before heading onward.

Would be happy to see them again.

 

Last night I spoke to Humphrey’s Mom.

We had heard from them in at least two weeks, perhaps one of the longest periods of no communications.

She is in the throes of YEAR END and AUDITS and all things, financial at her place of employment.

So she has been working overtime even on the weekends.

We had a nice chat and when I found out that she had to go for a late curling game after the office, I asked if I could go and pick up Humphrey.

She said “he’s okay.”

I said that I would go and pick him up and bring him back here for a couple of hours or so.

Alvin and so happy to see Humphrey and I think Humphrey was happy to see us, too.

He did make his way upstairs and curled up on the spare room bed which I have now dubbed “Humphrey’s Room.”

What a guy!

We did miss him so much.

 

Humphrey is back and we are happy.

For some reason the other photos that I snapped of him did not upload/download.

But there the boy is in all his cuteness.

By the second photo you can see that I was fiddling about with the camera.

Oh well ….

 

Well time to hit the trail.

One last time outside for Mr.Alvin.

Time for me to don my outer apparel.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Treat yourself and others with Kindness and Respect.

That is the only way to live our lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

It is definitely a New Year, 2020.

Life is whirling about me.

There has been both good and bad news, and everything in between.

Me, myself and Alvin are doing great.

Life is not clear cut.

Some days there is no easy way through.

Always do what is best for you in that moment.

Seek positive situations, outcomes and people.

Find someone who will listen.

Someone who will hear your story.

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

 

I hear Teddy and Kobi barking, well actually Teddy.

So someone must be going by the house.

The pups are doing great.

We had another good night.

Some puppy photos to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

We are doing great.

I will admit that I am a bit tired but my heart is full.

We have been enjoying walks.

Last night I took the puppy with her big brother and then Alvin.

The puppy was all over the place and poor big brother just trotting along.

Happy to come home from work to find three babies happy to see me.

Happier still to find one pee pad that someone had used and no poop anywhere.

 

Seems as though Teddy did not make it into many photos.

The puppy seems to be stealing the show.

She is this burst of energy, this bright light that amazes me.

Happy Wednesday.

 

I wish you many more good days than not.

I wish you abundance and love.

I wish you much laughter.

 

Have an awesome day.

I am always here for you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Brrr, it be COLD here in Edmonton and most of Alberta and the prairies.

We are breaking records for these cold temperatures.

Hardly something to brag about, I know.

Oh well, just grateful to have a nice warm house and office to spend my days and nights.

I believe that Mr. Alvin is in the throes of cabin fever.

He was up at 12:28 a.m. and then again around 2:30 and then at 4:00 a.m. …….. argh.

This is way too hard on my brain.

Poor boy, I feel it.

 

Well it is Tuesday.

Somehow this cold weather is playing with my brain.

Making an intelligent thought somehow difficult to articulate.

I yawn the minute that I leave the house for work in the morning.

It certainly gives us the feeling that we should be hibernating.

 

I am going to post some happy, photos of warmer weather.

Perhaps that will change my brain.

 

The key lime iced vanilla cupcakes that I had for my 62nd birthday.

Isn’t that funny that I would go straight to the food photo, the sweets.

 

I am sitting in that chair that has the blue blanket draped over the back.

Alvin is laying on that blue blanket beside me.

I do love this room.

 

Flowers from my friend’s house this past summer.

Going to post more as they are so pretty.

Alvin peering around the far corner.

They have such a beautiful yard.

I could live in it forever.

 

Friends enjoying the view outside.

 

Well time to hit the icy trail.

But first as you now know my routine, outside to pick up those precious parcels that Alvin left for me, earlier.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Please be safe.

Please stay warm.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of October, 2018.

Today is my carpool’s Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Miss C …. me and Alvin want to wish you a very Happy Birthday.

 

We had a busy one last night.

Alvin and I went for a walk with our friend P and her grand-pup Georgie.

The temperature was perfect for walking and the company grand.

Our conversation is all varied.

It was just over 45 minutes which was good.

Alvin’s best bud Teddy came to spend the night and today with him.

Another friend came and fixed the plunger in my master bathroom sink and is going to also fix one of my kitchen chairs that has a wobbly leg.

It was in and out all night long.

What a great night.

We had exercise, good company and a couple of things from the TO DO LIST were completed.

Does not get better than that.

I am so utterly grateful for my home life most especially.

Master Teddy just asked to come up onto my lap so I guess this will be a short post.

I have the best friends and family that a person could ever ever ask for and they virtually just came to me.

I often wonder what I did to deserve such fantastic people in my life.

Whatever it was …. I am just grateful for them all.

Little Teddy just turned and looked at me with those big brown eyes.

He is more of a lap sized puppy than Mr. Alvin.

He is now watching me key.

 

Sometimes if you overthink things it can be too much.

I simply think I am very blessed.

I can leave the house today knowing that Mr. Alvin has his BFF keeping him company.

I can leave the house knowing that I have these little ones to come home to ….

I can leave the house each day knowing that my home life is the best.

 

Keep it simple they say.

It is true.

 

Well on that note, I have to hit the road as it were.

I wish each and every one of you the best day ever.

Remember, Keep it Simple..

 

Special Hello to: all of my dear family and friends, you guys are the best.

Always, Carol & Alvin & Master Teddy

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of October, 2018.

Appears to have rained/snowed a bit overnight.

The deck tells the story.

The streets and sidewalks may be a bit slippery so everyone be careful.

If you happen to live elsewhere then no worries.

I hope that wherever you live that you are safe and comfortable.

 

Last night after work Alvin and I went for a nice walk.

I had planned to do a 20-30 minute workout (recorded some different yoga/pilates/stretching shows).

On our way home I happen to glance at the mailbox and remembered that my friend “V” was shipping a parcel to us today.

So we careful made our way across the street and voile we had this HUGE parcel in the parcel mailbox for which they place a key in my mailbox.

It was tricky carrying the box in one hand/arm and Alvin in the other.

He kept wanting to cross the street and I wanted to ensure it was safe.

Finally we got across the street and safely home.

Alvin always goes crazy when we receive a parcel from our friend.

He barked and barked and barked even with a time out (in the bathroom).

Finally got into the box and pulled out his parcel which had the cutest note.

Part of which told him to not to eat it all at once (not her words).

We are so lucky.

I took a short video of him opening his parcel.

He was still pulling away at the tissue paper once his treat bag was unwrapped.

What a character.

Needless to say he loved the treats (only had two).

He still had not had his supper at that time.

I received a deep dish apple pie, carrot cake, two kinds of homemade buns, pumpkin muffins with seeds and multiple little treats.

 

Afterward we called our friend to say thank you.

We are so lucky.

 

Quickly here as it is almost time to leave and I must share a funny story.

So after we got the treats put away and wrapping dealt with it was on to my exercises.

I pulled out my yoga mats, yoga bricks and yoga strap (just in case).

I ended up going with a stretching program as I know I need some of that.

Moved some of the furniture out of my way.

Alvin started to bark.

He moved to the sofa and picked up one of his chew treats.

Oh how I wished that I had a video of his reaction.

For the first 10 minutes he fussed and stewed and stewed and fussed while I was exercising.

Perhaps it was something about the yoga mat or the chair or that he was not included.

Tonight will try some yoga and see if the dog can do downward dog …. just kidding.

He will get used to it eventually.

It was so funny seeing his reaction and kind of hard to explain.

You almost had to be here.

I guess he did not know what to think.

 

Well have to go.

Time to grab my lunch, don the coat and stuff (decided on boots or just shoes)?

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend who spoils us rotten and we love it.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of September, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast as the sun makes a good attempt to break though.

What a crazy weekend.

Saturday, I trimmed our front tree – a fair sized job – so happy that it is done.

Sunday, my daughter came had breakfast and a quick coffee and then we were on our way to IKEA.

We left my house at noon and got home, yes back here at 5:00 p.m.

Needless to say IKEA was busy.

Busy does not quite describe it.

Mothers with children.

University Students grabbing desks and school stuff.

Families looking at sofas.

Young couples looking as though they were furnishing their first home.

People were jumping over and walking over people.

No manners to be found.

I guess there was one fellow who had his manners with him.

The rest ….. well I am not one to curse … but I was cursing under my breath.

My daughter had measured and had made a list of all the items that she was looking to purchase.

She was redoing her office.

Needing a desk, a chair, shelving and a few other items.

WE were lucky and found the chair that she had wanted.

The chair was really comfortable.

We had to call upon an IKEA employee to do the paper work for the chair which meant she made sure it was in stock and then gave us a paper to give to the cashier when making payment.

She saw another desk that she liked better so we write it on the paper (IKEA gives you paper and a pencil to record the item and location of each item).

We looked around and I found a few items to purchase.

At one point I lost my daughter – it was my fault.

I strayed.

She found me.

I stayed with her after that … (pretty much).

The two items that once I got home fell in love with and they were two off white with gold circles pillow covers.

They look amazing on my brown leather sofa and they match perfectly all of my blankets and throws.

A few items we carried in the bright yellow IKEA bags until it was time to hit the warehouse section where we grabbed a cart with no sides, you know what I mean.

I know there is a specific name for them but it eludes me at this time.

We proceeded to gather the items on our list.

We realized right away that we would need two of the sideless carts.

So my daughter ran back to the entranceway of the warehouse to grab another one.

We were just at the CASHIERS which is where her desk was located when we realized that there were none left or at least none there.

We checked with an IKEA employee only to find out that they were sold out until Monday (today).

My daughter thought no way is she coming back here tomorrow.

I strongly agreed.

So off we went to find the other desk that she had originally chose (at home).

So she built her own desk.

A tabletop, legs, then needed the shelving cupboard to go under.

We managed to get that all sorted out.

Then at CASH my daughter gave the cashier the paper for the chair, once the order was all paid for we had to go to the other side of the building to the FURNITURE warehouse, get in line and give them

the paper for the chair.

They took the paper and we had to get out of the line-up while they went to get the chair.

They took my daughter once the number came up on the screen to get back into the line-up to get the actual chair.

WOW.

In between the wait, I ran to the food counter on the main floor and picked us up a treat.

Can you imagine $1.00 for a soft frozen yogurt and $1.50 for a sundae?

So while we waited for the number to come up we had a lovely cold treat.

We must have been in that area for over 30 minutes.

Putting the purchases in the car went well.

Everything fit.

It take some getting out of the parking lot and to the street that would take us to the exit to take us home.

ARGH.

But we made it.

It was quite the afternoon.

Even thought we were frustrated to no end, I would not have traded the time with my daughter for all the time in the world.

We even managed to laugh amongst the “cursing.”

Once home, got Alvin ready for a walk.

We stopped at our friends N & I ….. I came to the door but Alvin wanted N … had to see him.

So funny.

N said that he would come today and check our A/C.

I am so blessed.

It was supposed to be yesterday but who knew that IKEA would take five hours?

No me, not my daughter.

After that visit we were on our way.

When we reached Teddy’s home …. Alvin made a bee-line for the door.

There was a young man walking on the sidewalk but we cut over the lawn.

He kept walking toward their house.

Everyone including Teddy was happy to see us.

I apologized for the unannounced visit as it was about suppertime.

But there was no stopping Alvin so I figured a moment would be okay.

We ended up being invited in and had a nice visit.

Teddy’s Aunt was still there and the young man was my friend’s son.

So got to meet him.

Well turned out to be a great day.

I did not get Alvin’s hair cut and bath done so we will be doing that shortly.

Once I have breakfast.

Hard to be motivated when the sky is overcast and it is raining.

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do on this LABOUR DAY.

To all those folks who have been injured on the job and to all those folks who led the way to make things better for us all, thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

NOTE:  reminder to self not to attend IKEA on the long weekend before school starts……

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 4th day of May, 2018.

Happy Birthday to one of my dear friends back in Saskatchewan.

She has always treated me like a sister, one of the family.

Truly a great great family so kind, generous and loving.

 

Looks like the sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky.

There are some clouds but perhaps they will dissipate in the next few hours.

I know we need rain but at night would be perfect.

Tomorrow I must get out and do the Neighbourhood TRASH pickup.

It has to get done soon before the street sweepers come out.

Then some of it gets pushed into the storm drains.

Tomorrow morning NO MATTER WHAT, I will be donning my gloves, old jacket and shoes, a supply of garbage bags and my handy dandy trash picker uppers.

 

Alvin has now made lying on the blanket beside me in the office part of the routine.

I drape the blanket over my office chair and just before I sit down I place it beside the chair for Alvin.

Such a cutie pie.

 

Well it appears to be coming up to be busy weekend.

Lots of work to do.

Regular laundry and cleaning.

The TRASH pick up.

 

The weather forecast is nice for tomorrow and Sunday.

Excited for that.

 

With all of my idols writing books, movies and the like – I am inspired to get my head out of the sand and write more.

There are always those old tapes playing over and over in my mind.

Am I good enough?

Can I do it?

Would anyone read my book?

Stuff like that.

Typical.

But sometimes you just have to get off the pot and DO IT.

Right.

You will never know until you try.

This can be said for most of us.

There will always be that dreaded speech, writing project or deadline of any kind that DRIVES US MAD.

Stop playing those tapes, they have been erased.

They have been replaced.

They no longer exist.

You and I are free to DO and BE whatever we chose.

Go forth …. give ’em something to think about.

 

Well almost time to get going … finish up the finishing up.

My tea order arrived last night and I am delivering to my friends/co-workers today.

So grateful to the folks that help support my business.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl ….. Happy Birthday Sis.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 1st day of May, 2018.

First day of May …..

The sky is overcast here in Edmonton.

Looks like rain.

Cool in the house and that is taking a bit of getting used to.

Last night after a cool start to the day was BEAUTIFUL.

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk.

We bumped into friends/neighbours – always nice to see everyone.

 

Alvin is lying on his blue blanket by my chair in the office.

He looks so cute curled up …. black and white on blue …..

On cool mornings I would love to stay under the blanket curled up on the sofa with Alvin.

But alas must work …. if one wants to pay the mortgage and eat.

Oh well,

 

Oh, Alvin news.

I checked with his Doctor’s office last night as I had to stop there and pick up food for the boy.

They said likely he got the idea from Teddy about soft food …. he liked just having to lap it up …. no chewing OR he may have scratched his mouth on a chew treat OR it may be a bad tooth.

Said I could try the hard food once again and if he did not eat – try not feeding him for a couple of days.

Dogs unlike cats apparently will not let themselves starve.

I did not really love that idea so much.

When I got home, I tried his regular food and at first …. no …. he turned and looked at me and I said “Alvin, eat your supper.”

Guess what – he began to eat his food.

After a few bites – I switched it out with a bowl of softened food that I had in the fridge (in case).

This morning – he easily ate his breakfast with no coaxing.

Oh, my boy.

He certainly had me worried.

 

Brr, I am cold.

The a/c seems to be working in overdrive at work.

I was glad to have a sweater on yesterday.

 

Well life goes on.

Almost time for the carpool to arrive for pick up.

I am grateful for car rides these days.

The bus is okay but great to have a ride in a car.

 

Have an awesome May 1st.

WOW, May 1st.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister and all my girl friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin