The Next Chapter

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this finds you well. The sky is clearing and the sun is rising as Friday begins. So thankful that today is here. Almost the weekend.

Yesterday during my lunch break I had a visitor. Miss Betty Ann joined me. First thing she did when she came into the house was to walk over to Alvin’s bed and pee on it. Lucky for us, Amanda had warned me that she pees on the dog bed when she comes into a house (she would not remember my house as it has been years since she has been here) so I was prepared and had strategically laid out a large pee pad which was placed perfectly. No problem. Jorge said that she had not pooped yet so she would likely have to poop and before he could say another word she was trotting to the back door and was already taking the position so Jorge quickly grabbed her heading outside. Not before she laid a little nugget on the mat by the back door. No problem, picked up and into the outdoor garbage. They stayed for a few minutes but were on their way out of town so had to leave. Then we were alone. First time in almost two weeks that I have been alone with someone other than my Alvin. Felt strange and good at the same time. No one could ever replace him and I am not even going down that path. I picked her up and held her up to the window to say goodbye before they pulled away. Miss BA even gave me a kiss which my daughter later said “meant that she liked me.” A good start. Back to their arrival, I was just signing off for lunch break and my phone rang it was Guardian (Animal Hospital) – they were calling to let me know that Alvin’s ashes and final items except for the paw print were ready. I said that I wasn’t sure if my daughter could stop by after work or not but we would be there as soon as we could. Lucky for me Amanda said that she would stop by on her way over here to collect Miss Betty Ann. Whew, another arrival. I was so relieved to hear that my beloved Alvin was coming home.

Betty Ann was good. She let me know when she had to go outside to go pee. I had on-line training for a couple of hours in the afternoon and she was perfect. So happy when work was done for the day. I had some time to snuggle with her and she continued to give me kisses. I think she liked it here with me. My daughter arrived about 5:30 with Alvin’s ashes and final items all nicely put together. I was happy to see my daughter who was not able to stay long. I showed her his urn and other things then we gathered up Betty Ann (I sent a blanket as she did not have a jacket with her and she does not have a thick coat) and her food etc and then the house was empty again.

Having the essence of him here with me has given me a bit less anxiety. The urn is beautiful. A stainless steel urn with his name printed on it and the dates of his time on this earth. He follows me around the house. The flowers are starting to fade so I am glad he is back. They were so beautiful and there are some that are still looking good and he is loving that. Alvin always loved sniffing the flowers. I know that dogs do not see colours which is a shame but he knew of their beauty through me and of course he could smell their amazing fragrances.

Time to head downstairs and get some coffee perking. I have lots of things to get done as Monday is back to the office and I have training all day and still have to find a way to get my work done around the training schedule. The following week we will be at the new “office.” Changes.

I hope that you have a great Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! A bit cooler in the mornings now as the sun rises later with each passing day and dips later as well. The trees are swaying from side to side again that the beautiful glow of the sunrise. So pretty.

Well it is Thursday and I am going to the office today. My daughter came after work yesterday, we had a nice supper together and a lovely evening. My neighbour Sonja is coming over to check on Mr. Alvin. I am proud to report that he has had about four good, no great poops in a row now. Poop as I mention on a fairly regular basis, is oh so important. YAY. Keep up the good work Mr. Alvin. I guess the probiotics and the antibiotics are working, thank goodness. Mr. Alvin is laying on the hallway floor keeping an eye on both his Momma and his Sister. What a guy! I shall miss him and it will be a long day without being here for him. He will be okay, I know but hard when you are used to being here everyday. We have also discussed the upcoming “return to the office” and we will have some major changes but it will be okay. Perhaps it is time to return to fulfilling my dream of being an author. Never been a better time. So I will be working on that very soon. Perhaps the gray skies are not so gray and have more sunshine and rainbows that I once thought. I am feeling better about things. I know that lots of my family and friends were a bit concerned as of late but things are looking up. So happy for that. I appreciate the concern and all of the ideas for our future. I so appreciate and love everyone for thinking of us. I am truly surrounded by the family and friends on the planet. I really am.

Well almost time to head downstairs as I need to make sure that Mr. Alvin has a good drink before we leave and go pee again. We have twenty minutes until we leave.

Wishing you a great Thursday.

Take Care.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Thank you

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! Thank goodness the smoke has dissipated and the sky was clear a few minutes ago. There are clouds in the sky so perhaps some rain is on the way. I sure hope that they are able to put out the fires in Saskatchewan. I am thinking of all the people, domestic and wildlife that are affected by the wildfires. Always a loss of life and is incredibly sad. We were up about 2:00 a.m. and then hit the sofa until 6:00 (up and Alvin had his last transitional meal with mix of his regular food and bland diet). He has not pooped since yesterday so perhaps everything is coming together. Gross thoughts but it is the truth. An important truth. My truth, my life.

We were up to stay up just after 8:00 a.m. as I thought there is no rush, resting is good. After that we spent a few minutes outside. Bogart and Humphrey were in the backyard, Alvin wanted to be outside sniffing and looking through the fence at them. I was following Mr. Alvin around the backyard waiting for him to poop when I noticed that Bogart, like an athlete in his prime, had jumped onto the top of the fence and was looking down upon us. I called out to this Mom and we had a quick chat.

So today with the cooler temperatures, it is time to get some housework done and some things outside. I will have to check the long range forecast and see when the overnight temperatures begin to dip so that I can bring in some plants. I need to winter my geraniums. Some I think I will put in the basement and others will put in the kitchen. I like the open kitchen window area so I will not fill it up with huge plants that block the light. Look beautiful but darken the kitchen.

I have already cleaned out most of the front flower bed so that is done. The back one can wait until it is almost time for frost and then I can clean it out.

Tomorrow is Mr. Alvin’s ultrasound and that will tell me what our future looks like. I will know what needs to be look for his care and for our future. Scary how one day can possibly change your life. I have ideas but cannot go ahead until I know what his prognosis is, no point in worrying ahead of time. I know that eventually things will change as no one lives forever but I need to figure out with our mandated return to work schedule how to care for him if I am back to work. I am grateful that I was able to spend everyday with him for the last 2.5 years and that would not have happened without COVID. Things may have been a whole lot different. At the end of it all, I have been blessed, we have been blessed. Just more changes to figure out a new plan A, likely a plan B and possibly even a plan C. It will be okay, I have faith and I will remain positive.

So time to head out for a walk. It may rain by the look of the sky. The windows are open to let in the fresh cool air. I had closed them all last night as it was getting so smoky in the house.

Head out and check out the park. Alvin will again sniff out each blade of grass and I will admire the trees, the flowers in the yards that back onto the park, the water that is flowing in the ponds and the sky and life.

Have a wonderful Monday. Today is Labour Day. We are grateful.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. if you have multiple emails and did have old emails – you should read them. I have found some treasures that make me realize how much my life has changed and not changed over the years.

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to September 1st, 2022. There is a breeze this morning and the last time that I check the weather channel it was to be a bit cooler today which would be very welcome. Something happened with the setup on my blog this morning and I am not sure what this is going to look like once it is published. Oh, how I love technology. I can see birds flying across the sky which is the palest of blues with a very pale pink orange colour on the horizon as the sun begins to rise for the day.

We had a great walk yesterday morning. No sight of Jaime and Sadie but I know it was her first day at school and I think that Sadie was going to the doggie daycare.

So yesterday late morning Mr. Alvin threw up and was jittery and not looking himself, I kept a close eye on him and then at 5 minutes to noon he threw up once again. This prompted a call to the vet who happened not to be in at the time. Her assistant said that she would try and contact her to see if she could come in right away but she was not able to reach her. Michelle then made us an appointment for 1:30 p.m. They called later to confirm the appointment. Then it was how to get there as we could not walk when it was 30+ degrees celsius and he was sick. I cannot carry him that far although if I had to I would have done it. In the end my neighbour (thankfully) returned home and I was able to borrow her car. The vet did some checking and had some immediate concerns about his belly as it might mean his liver is enlarged and that is not a good situation. So next step is to have an ultrasound done to see what is going on. Vet is going to set that up. In the meantime, a shot of the drug that stops him from throwing up and pills to take for the next four days and probiotics to take for another ten days as well. He is always back on the bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice. I did not have any chicken but thankfully my neighbour who lends me her car was going to the store last night and picked me up some chicken breasts. So time will tell. I hope that he is not in any real pain and that I can keep him comfortable during all of this. We also got word yesterday that we are having a meeting this morning about returning to work. This adds a whole other layer to everything that is going on. I cannot leave him home alone for the time that I am at work and the commute is dreadful. So some tough decisions coming up. I guess life is never easy.

Well I am going to sign off now. It has been a long last not quite 24 hours and I need to go for a walk with Mr. Alvin. Perhaps the fresh air will clear my head and give me some solutions to the upcoming problems or at least make them less stressful. In the meantime, all we can do is stay positive. I am trying very hard to do that. Very hard.

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

2021

Good Morning All! What a gorgeous morning and I hope that all is well with you. We had an okay sleep with some changes. Yesterday after work I packed away my workstation, took Alvin for a walk snd then decided to change things about on the main floor. I took all of the mats and stuff and made two soft places for jumping up and down of the sofa in case I forgot to put up pillows. I also put away the folding metal gate which felt like a relief to both of us. Actually Alvin slept beside me on the sofa and it worked out okay. Will try his bed again tonight. Just feels like our house again and not a daycare centre with all these interlocking block mats all over the floor. We are ready to get back to a new normal. He will need to be careful but he will have to do some climbing and jumping within reason. So that was the start to a good night. I also gave myself a haircut which did not work out exactly how I planned but still pretty good for cutting ones hair.

We, well me actually, is watching over Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder. I spent time there yesterday and again this morning. I had a shower and feels so nice with short hair. We have had a walk and I have popped in the first load of laundry. The sun is shining so brightly and there is a slight coolness to the air. Great for working outside. Will have to figure out having Alvin with me so he doesn’t bark.

Almost time for my first coffee which is late but very welcome.

I want to share some photos:

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  New haircut

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  Work in progress

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  Cynder

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  Bogart

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  Humphrey

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• 

Time for coffee, then breakfast and do on. Lots to do.

Have a great day.

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

Love Carol&Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Well this morning there was a bit of sunshine a few minutes ago but now the sky is filled with deep blue clouds.

The wind is quite strong and it is actually cold outside.

I have the windows open in the house and I have a sleeveless top on and I am cool.

But hoping it will warm up soon.

Birds are chirping in the background and likely they are as unhappy about this cool damp windy weather as we.

Although they likely have been enjoying the feasts of worms that come to the surface after those heavy rain showers.

 

Yesterday morning when I was doing my post, I was in a bit of a hurry, just a bit.

I was relating my story from the night before and had finished the post.

Just as I had clicked on the publish button – I noticed some dreadful – wording that made not much sense.

The words were not even what I had typed or perhaps what I was thinking and my fingers typed something else.

Who knows.

If you received an email with the post – please go onto my blog via WordPress and see if you can figure out the error.

I quickly changed the error but it was too late.

Drove me a little mad, I will say.

If you wish …. please do so.

 

Yesterday was a good day.

I enjoyed coffee and a visit on the deck of one of my friends in the morning.

Clouds did roll in so we went into the house – social distancing of course.

In the afternoon, I facetime with one of our friends who works at a nearby hospital who is basically closed due to major outbreak of the COVID19.

She recently got a new puppy so we met Miss Bailey.

So cute.

She is a Beaglier.

I believe.

She looks like coffee and baileys.

We all need a little “coffee and baileys.”

 

Well it is Monday morning and my brain power is low.

I cannot think of much more to say.

I hope that you are living your best life despite the pandemic/virus and all the changes that have come with.

Living each day with as much kindness and respect for yourself and for others as is possible.

Wishing you the best day.

 

Stay safe.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  one of the flowers in the pot that my friend Pauline gave me has the most aromatic beautiful fragrance.

I was wondering where the scent was coming from ….. so pretty.

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

As I typed the above words, It is a NEW YEAR.

I am filled with a sense of awe, slight confusion and a mix of other emotions and thoughts.

What a year it has been thus far.

 

No one could have seen this coming or perhaps they did.

I would never have thought in a million years that I would be working from my home.

Going into third full month in June and by the time we head back it will be close to six months.

Just about the time we are all adjusted and super comfortable we will be changing things again.

Such as life, I am finding.

Since I began to work for this company, nine years ago this July, I have found that nothing stays the same for long.

Nothing truly lasts forever and just when you start to get comfortable in your job, bam changes happen.

Sometimes it is hard to get your head wrapped around all these changes.

I guess that is good although sometimes it would be nice for things to settle down for just a bit.

But at the end of the day I am so happy to have a good job.

I am paid pretty good (although wouldn’t it be nice to have more pay), I have good benefits including vacation.

 

In my future I see change and more change.

So will this keep me “young?”

I have no idea …. I guess there is no time for “grey” to happen.

 

News from the home front or rather the backyard.

The fence is up and the middle post has to be trimmed.

It was to be trimmed this morning but it is raining.

Perhaps the rain will stop for this to happen.

The new fence looks awesome and both myself and the neighbour are happy.

I will have to post photos later, like tomorrow.

 

Some reason I am running behind the eight ball again, today.

Time to grab my coffee and sign in on the other computer for work.

 

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Yup it is Friday again.

Thank goodness, I need a break.

 

Remembering to be in kindness mode and with respect,

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning,

Wow, this year so far has been filled with incredible highs and incredible lows.

This past week I would say has had some incredible lows.

Three nights this week of virtually no sleep countered with last night with first time up at 3:30 a.m. has made for a very long week.

One great thing to happen is my daughter is coming to visit today and I shall whip up some pancakes.

I don’t have my usual ingredients but that has never stopped me from making something.

I have found in life you have to be able to use what you have and go from there.

 

Just like this fence adventure and I shall call it that ….. I finally got things sorted out and just have to chat with my neighbours about the final tally.

I researched and spoke to people and then negotiated.

Negotiation is not something that I find easy to do ….. selling is more my thing.

That being said I guess negotiating is part of selling.

Now working for someone else and selling is one thing …. like retail.

I love that …. and I am good, no very good at selling things.

Anyway, I am more than happy with the final result in this case.

 

Perhaps after having a shower will perk me up and that is next on my list to do.

Last night I did some laundry so that reduced the number of loads for today.

I will say that with not having to go to the office, my laundry is considerably less.

Now basically one outfit for the day not two or even three.

I think that perhaps Alvin may need to go outside before I slip into the shower.

Will check with him first for sure.

 

The rain has stopped and it is very windy.

Clouds still fill most of the sky although it does appear to be brighter in the distances.

Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 20 degrees celsius.

Now that would be nice.

Something to note that yesterday afternoon it was snowing, yup it was.

Mostly it was wet snow and melted as it touched the ground.

The point is on May 22, 2020 it was snowing.

 

At this moment both of us long to go walking but until he is back to normal, not taking any chances.

Not a pretty sight to have diarrhea on a walk, the clean up is a nightmare.

 

Well my daughter will be here in approximately two hours and I have things to do in preparation of her arrival.

I hope that you are having an incredibly “high” kind of day filled with all good things.

 

This life of ours now is unique for our time for most of us.

I hope that we are able to figure out a “new norm” and that it is one that is good for everyone including animals and all creatures including the environment.

We need to be more kind and respectful in all areas.

Take our new norm, go forth and spread that kindness and respect into your daily life.

This is a good thing for sure.

 

Well I better get this boat on the water …..

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with all sorts of goodness.

You deserve this most definitely as do we all.

Take care and be of good health.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Sometimes we just need some photos of cuteness and the beauty of nature.

My grand pups Milo and Aspen

My beautiful geranium waiting to be transplanted outside.

My little cuteness,  my boy, Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the weekend.

Well this Saturday morning is not quite as beautiful weather wise as Friday.

The sky is overcast and it is lightly snowing.

When we were first up at 4:00 a.m., the snow had already started.

 

How are you doing today?

Me, to be honest going into yesterday I was actually feeling pretty great.

I had a productive day.

We received notice about government decisions that will add a new layer of work with deadlines.

So life goes on.

I am not complaining but this VIRUS affects everyone to some degree.

You may have been laid off from your job.

You may qualify for Employment Insurance Benefits.

You may qualify for other Federal Government Benefits.

You may be on a fixed income.

You may be working from work.

You may have the virus.

Family member might have the virus and you are worried.

You may be self-isolating after an out of country trip.

You may have money invested and see the market downturn.

You might be older or have a comprised immune system and be worried about your health.

You may not be able to get out for groceries and when you do the shelves are empty.

You may just be worried.

You may be what is deemed to be an essential service such as Health Care Workers, Utilities and such.

You may be in Health Care and working alongside people with the virus and worried for you and your family.

You may persons in charge of watching over the populations trying your best to make things right.

Whether a scientist, world leader, doctor, nurse or parent.

We are all in this together.

 

It is snowing a bit harder now.

I wish that I could wave a magic wand and make it better for all my fellow human beings.

For now Alvin and I are doing okay.

He definitely has set into the routine as at the times that I should be leaving the “office” for breaks and after work, he jumped up and stared at me.

I ended up working later as I wanted to finish returning phone calls.

He was not happy.

Even Alvin knows to self care.

I can learn from him.

Anyway, we had two wonderful walks last night.

My neighbours worked on draining more of the water and chipped more ice from our side of the street.

So grateful for them.

We had supper.

I worked for a bit in the evening.

Watched PICARD.

I was not surprised by the turn of events as when the show started I noticed something I had noticed but not paid close attention.

Well it came to fruition during the episode.

I do not wish to release that bit of information for those who may not have seen the show yet.

 

Well I shall be going.

There be laundry to do.

I was thinking that I should be cleaning the light fixtures.

Bedding to change.

After the bedding is changed and the first load of laundry has been started, it will be time for COFFEE and TOAST.

 

We will be okay.

There will be moments.

For sure.

Did you watch PLUTO Living yet?

Oh you must.

The cutest little four-legged (don’t tell Alvin I said that).

Remember to laugh.

Try not to be worried.

We will prevail.

We will get through this.

Things will be different, I would imagine.

But different is not always bad.

So I have found out.

Change seems to be happening on a regular basis.

As this world of ours evolves.

 

Have a great Saturday.

Take some time to relax.

Have a cup of coffee or tea or your favourite beverage.

Hugs from a distance.

Go for a walk.

Do something unexpected for someone.

Do something expected for you.

Be kind and respectful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th day of May, 2018.

The sky is overcast with lovely rain clouds.

It has been raining off and on since last night.

We surely needed the rain so I do not mind.

The smell in the air is most glorious.

There appears to be no breeze as is evident by the stillness of the trees out my office window.

Mr. Alvin is laying on the blue blanket thinking about what, I do not know.

I wished that I could read his thoughts or perhaps not.

Well after today I am away from the office until Wednesday.

So excited for this extra long weekend.

It has been awhile.

Last night after work my daughter brought me home with a stop to pick up food, treats and toothpaste for Mr. Alvin.

I had supper all prepped from the night before so it took more time removing all of the containers from the fridge than the actual readiness of the food.

We had wraps with an assortment of veggies, cheese and YVES Mexican Meat.

So good.

After supper coffee before my neighbour arrived to cut our hair.

YUP, I did it ….. cut it all OFF.

I have not had it quite this short in many years.

Definitely takes a bit more to do in the morning OR at least until I figure out which way it wants to go and then work from there.

It feels cool and freeing.

Every one in awhile you have to make a big change.

Or at least I do.

With a fresh new hair cut it makes me feel differently.

Like a new person.

With the rain today ….. I feel renewed.

Just have to work on these allergies / cold thing and it would be perfect.

Plugged ear is not much fun.

Another thing ….my daughter and I are going flower shopping tomorrow.

I am so excited …. to get some flowers for my front flower bed, front step, deck and back garden.

Always fun planting.

I may grab a couple of tomato plants as well.

Well here it is almost time to leave for work.

Will have to grab the trusty umbrella this morning.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday …..

Royal Wedding come up ….

Will be a great weekend.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family sprinkled all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin