Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and WELCOME TO WINTER.

We had some snow over the course of the evening and just before bed; I swept the blanket that was covering the deck.

Awoke to several inches warming the deck.

So safe to say we have winter.

Unlikely at this point that it will melt and actually I prefer to have it just cold enough to keep the snow from melting and creating a slushy mess.

Now that being said …. just a bit more …. would certainly be enough.

 

Lucky for us we had a wonderful walk last night.

It was really mild and no wind.

Perfect for walking.

As we approached Teddy’s house last night … I had to stop Alvin for making a beeline to his house.

But just as I was doing that …. Teddy spotted us from an upstairs window ….. there was no turning back at that point.

He started barking and jumping up and down.

Teddy was happy to see his friend and me.

So we went to the door and rang the doorbell.

As soon as I did …. Alvin started to bark.

Teddy’s Aunt came to the door.

She was happy to see us and figured it just wasn’t anyone walking by and she was right. LOL.

It was Teddy’s BF Alvin and his Mom.

Teddy practically jumped into my arms.

He just kept staring deep into my  eyes as though he had not seen me for a long time.

So cute.

We had a nice visit.

Alvin found one of Ted’s chew treats and went to work on that while we chatted.

J was making some soup using up items from the fridge.

After a nice visit and once Alvin was done with the chew treat, we headed out for home.

 

Life is always better when you have a friend.

 

I still had to make supper and no leftovers to be had.

I made a simple chili and some oven roasted sweet potato pieces.

 

We had a nice evening ….

I guess it would be winter boot wearing day today.

Must remember to put a pair of shoes in a bag.

 

Happy Tuesday to Everyone.

If we treat others with kindness and respect; we will be treated with kindness and respect.

Wishing those who need some extra positive energy …. a good day.

I wished that I had the power to heal.

My heart goes out to each and every one of you on this day.

Be well.

Be safe.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of January, 2019.

Warming up and snowing.

Rides to and from work today, thankfully no riding on the bus.

Teddy comes for a couple of days as his parents are going on vacation.

Love having him in the house.

He brings joy to me and Alvin.

Lightens our moods.

I guess it is the energy of youth.

Hopefully it will work out so that we can walk over and pick up Teddy after work.

I have the song “HAPPY” by Pharrell Williams playing over and over in my head.

I would like it to keep me in this place.

Actually woke up feeling happy this morning.

That is a first in awhile and not that I have necessarily woke up grumpy but just not feeling gleeful.

Today is going to be full of glee.

I am on top of the world.

Yes, I am.

Keeping up the positive, joyful energy.

I guess there will be shovelling in our future.

The pups will enjoy the fresh snow.

Alvin will be burying his chew treats in the snow for sure.

What am I saying …. will be …. pretty much every one that I give him goes outside.

He takes his time and very careful digs with his paws and his nose a bed to bury his beloved treats.

I love watching him putting them to bed.

When he digs them up …. just as cute.

Carefully and with precision he brings them back to the surface and into the house.

Full circle.

How about some photos for a snowy Wednesday.

Random shots from my gallery.

I love this plant arrangement my neighbour gave me before Christmas.

Sadly only part of it remains alive but it is alive and transplanted.

Teddy, Alvin’s BFF with a chew treat almost his size.

Me and my siblings when we were very young.

One of my most favourite photos.

Ah, my babies, so cute.

How can you not love those faces?

Aspen and Milo patiently waiting for treats and Alvin, not so much.

I love this old canister, a great find from our trip last summer.

Nothing like mountains in the smoke

Books, one of my most favourite things.

Ending with some pretty flowers.

 

Gotta run and catch my ride.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family, you raise me up and keep me going.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of September, 2018.

YAY, it is a three day weekend.

The sky is overcast and it has been raining overnight.

There is wind blowing.

It is cool outside.

It is 66 degrees F in the house.

I guess that might be why I kept going back and snuggling under the blankets.

It was a long week and sometimes you just need to rest.

Last night after work Alvin and I walked over to the Vet and picked up his food, toothpaste and a bag of dental chew treats.

Followed by a walk with our friend.

We left home at 4:20 p.m. and arrived back home at 6:00 p.m.

There was a short break at home while we dropped off the purchases from the Vet, called our friend and grabbed Alvin’s water bottle.

No all of that time was not walking but most of it.

We did have to take a sit down as Mr. Alvin just did not wish to go.

Finding a bench nearby we sat and I scooped Alvin up onto my lap (he is not really a lap dog, for sure).

We had a chat while Alvin rested.

Over the course of our walk we came across another friend that I had not seen in a long time.

My friend P had met her while out and about so we all had a nice visit.

She was busy doing some yard work.

After we got home I gave Mr. Alvin his supper and then decided to mow the back lawn.

The little patch of grass seems to grow like mad.

Knowing that there is rain in our forecast figured it was a good idea to do.

Also my STEEPED TEA order arrived so I separated and packed the orders.

We had a nice evening but short …. at 8:30 p.m. I was ready for bed.

We both were ….. Alvin decided at 4:00 that he need to get out of bed…..argh….so up we were.

Then headed back to the sofa until a few hours later when we got up and he had his breakfast.

Sometimes you just need to chill….. I love my sofa.

WE are heading into a couple of weeks of cooler temperatures.

14-18 days (wonder what the night temperatures will be).

Last year going into the long weekend it was hot but there was rain.

Well I guess I need to get this show on the road.

I need some coffee and to get organized.

See what is on my HONEY DO LIST (which is the list that I write for me to do and ask nicely).

I will post some photos of my flowers and sunflowers.

Who are still doing great.

Oh, how I love flowers.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Happy 1st of September.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who are like me, just getting mobile.  It is okay.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of June, 2018.

Fast approaching the official FIRST day of summer and the longest day of the year.

Already it remains light at 10:30 p.m.

Bright and sunny this morning.

I had some unexpected company from Saskatchewan last night.

My nephew stopped by over an overnight visit on his way to work up north on a oil rig.

I love this guy so much.

He is 20 years my junior and feels like he has always been in my life.

First born nephew.

He is smart and funny, handsome and good-natured.

So much fun to be around.

He even took his “old Aunt” for groceries with no complaints.

We went for supper together.

Watched a movie at my house and visited.

Alvin loves him, too.

We gave up our bed for the night as he is a tall guy and the spare room bed is only a double.

Anyway he left earlier this morning.

The house feels empty.

We are on our way to get food for Mr. Alvin and possibly a bag of chew treats.

Then home to do laundry and prepare food for my kids who are coming for a visit and for supper.

Fruit pizza is for dessert so I have to get on it after returning from the Vet.

Supper is roasted root veggies: potatoes, carrots and parsnips lightly coated with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

Roasted chicken breasts.

If desired can place some RENEE’s Caesar dressing and sliced avocado.

 

Time to fly here.

Gotta get things done.

Certainly been a WONDERFUL weekend and is going to get better with my kids coming over.

PS:  my son-in-law came over while waiting for winter tires to get changed out on their car and spent the afternoon with Mr. Alvin.  They even did a walk together.

Have an awesome weekend.

Lucky here.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. so nice to see “T”

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 31st day of March, 2018.

The last day of March 2018.

Today is the birthday of a dear friend of mine from Saskatchewan “P.”

Wishing my friend the most wonderful birthday.

 

We had a guest for a sleepover last night.

Master Teddy.

His Momma dropped him off about 7:15 p.m. last night and she also stayed for a little visit.

Teddy’s Mom also brought both Alvin and Teddy this huge chew treat.

Somehow during that few minutes afterward Alvin was chewing on one and Teddy had none.

We looked all over the main floor and nothing.

Could it be that Mr. Alvin ate the huge treat in that short of time.

We looked under the sofa and chairs.

Under the pillows and throw blankets.

In the corners and everywhere.

Not to be found.

After our investigation it was plain to see that Alvin had been the culprit.

Eating most of both of the treats.

We visited for a few more minutes and then it was just me and the boys.

Deciding that Teddy should have some of the last remaining treat, after all it was his.

I managed to wrangle what was left of the second one and cut a piece off for Teddy.

Alvin had no problem sharing his new bed with Teddy.

Nice to see that someone loves the new bed.

Both black and white.

On older and one younger.

Both cuteness galore.

Having fun with these guys.

Alvin is learning to share ( a little ).

 

You never know what will happen at night time.

Teddy has a cute little black & white blanket and a stuff animal “Eyore”  (possibly not correct spelling).

Alvin thought that he should have it so I had to wrestle it away from him a few times.

 

While I was reading the boys started to get comfortable.

Alvin slept near the pillow at the head of the bed close to me.

Teddy had his blanket, Eyore and was by my legs.

I find it uncomfortable to sleep in one spot for the whole night.

I usually go from one side to the other after I have finished reading.

At one point the little one was sleeping in between my legs as I lay on my side.

But both settled in and both managed to snuggle close to me.

Nice to feel “wanted.”

Teddy ended up on the outside side of the bed next to me with Alvin beside me at the top of the bed.

It is always interesting to see what Alvin will do and he has not really surprised me.

He is a Momma’s boy.

 

Alvin as usual was up early but Teddy would have slept (given the opportunity).

At this time Teddy is laying on our bed chewing on a treat and Alvin has his treat on the blanket in my office.

He keeps going back and forth.

He really wants the treat that Teddy has but after being scolded earlier for attempting to take the treat from him, he has listened.

Imagine that.

Alvin listening.

Well time to go and get dressed and have some coffee.

We are enjoying this sleepover.

 

Later my daughter and family are coming over for a visit and for supper.

Will be interesting to see FOUR puppies …..

Funny …. Alvin is laying in the doorway to the bedroom watching Teddy.

What a guy.

 

Well I must get going here.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” back in Saskatchewan enjoying a birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of March, 2018.

Woke up to more snow.

ARGH,

I tire of this white covering.

Moisture is good but …..

THE ICE.

Drives me crazy.

Yesterday I slipped on the ice on my way to the bus.

I was so careful but it was dark and I could not see the ice under the layer of snow.

I will be so grateful when all of the ice melts.

Not the POLAR ICE CAPS.

I do not wish it to melt.

Just the ice in my neighbourhood.

I only wish to be able to walk to and from the bus and be safe.

That is all.

 

Mr. Alvin appears to be back to normal.

No clingy this morning.

In fact, I placed his little blue blanket on the floor beside me in the office and he is not laying on it.

However …. one of his chew treats was gently placed in the middle of the blanket.

He loves to hide and bury his chew treats all over the house and the yard.

In fact, this spring as the snow melts I am curious to see just how many are laying on the deck and on the grass area in the back.

What a guy.

I guess he is a canine after all and we all know that canines like to dig and bury.

He loves to dig and to bury.

He makes me laugh.

I am so grateful to have him in my life.

Some days it is difficult to find anything humorous.

I started to watch the news again and last night STOPPED again.

 

Well today is my last day to work at the office for the week.

We are so blessed to have four days off.

I am so excited.

YAY.

Just some photos of the “cuteness.”

How could you not smile when you look at this face.

Happy Thursday “Alvin” …..

Thank you.

All of our four-legged babies make me smile.

Memories.

Thank goodness for photos.

Alvin and Elton – tug-o-war with a toy.

Oh, how we miss our Elton.

Elton and Baby Milo.

Alvin and Penny enjoying summer.

We miss our Miss Penny ….

Both Elton and Penny are gone now but certainly not forgotten.

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Early days of these two cuties.  One of my fav photos of them.

Miss Aspen and Baby Milo.

How can you not SMILE when you see these precious beings.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Special Hello to:  all those folks lucky enough to share their lives with one of these precious beings.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 8th day of March, 2018.

What a night!

Broken sleep.

That boy of mine.

About 1.5 hours after going to bed – Alvin decides he needs to go outside.

But for the wrong reasons.

He had a “chew treat” that he needed to bury in the snow.

I tried to convince him to come back to bed and tried ignoring him but to no avail.

So up we went and he went out.

Anyway chopped up sleep and he was still ready to get up at 3:58 a.m.

ARGH.

Oh well.

Needless to say I am feeling a bit tired so will definitely snooze on the bus.

Thankfully the ride is about one hour to work and the work to the office will wake me up.

I hope that with the time change this weekend we are back on track????

 

Well gotta go.

Sorry this is so short.

All about Alvin.

What a character.

He loves to bury those chew treats.

He has paths going up the snow banks on the deck, and loves to go and bury them, and then dig them up later.

What a guy.

Have a great Thursday.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 7th day of November, 2017.

Well I guess whether we like it or not WINTER is here early or earlier than some years and definitely earlier than last year.

By summer we will have forgotten about the exact date that winter arrived but we will remember if there was a lot of snow and if it were cold.

Those things we never forgot but yet we do.

Anyone living in a climate that is cold for more than half of the year ….. has to either love winter or forgets the magnitude of the cold.

Likely that is part of the reason why the population of Canada has remained many times smaller than the United States.

Their Northern States that border with Canada also share the winter but not always to the same degree of cold.

I do not mind the winter ….. after all Christmas comes in the winter…..

As long as you have a warm winter coat, boots, scarf and mitts you will do okay.

Whenever you are outside in the winter ….. frostbite is always something to watch out for …… especially with the children.

I even watch Mr. Alvin as he likes to bury his chew treats in the back yard and sometimes loses track of time.

That could be dangerous if you are not keeping track of the time yourself.

Dogs do lost track of time …… something to keep in mind.

Children lost track of time …… something to keep in mind.

We are responsible for these little ones so always keep them in your mind in the winter.

Pets do not belong outside for long periods of time…… ….

Well looks like it is almost time for me to don my coat, boots, scarf and mitts and head out to the bus.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Stay warm and dry.

Have a fun day.

Special Hello to:  Remember to be mindful.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of September, 2017.

Today is the birthday of my Steeped Tea Leader, Happy Birthday “C.”

She is a sweet, kind and wonderful gal.

 

The sun is shining this morning.

The house does not seem as cold as it has the past few mornings.

I am steadfast in my decision not to turn on the furnace at this time.

Obviously if the temperature dips below ZERO degrees, it will have to go on as I do not wish the pipes to freeze.

Will have to watch my plants as the colder it gets at night the harder it is to pull them out (these are annuals in pots).

My tomato plant was DONE yesterday so I pulled it.

My first one and I even had tomatoes, so happy about that.

 

Yesterday with the new blade for Mr. Alvin’s electric clippers I gave him a great hair cut EXCEPT …..

I noticed later last night that I missed a bit on his one side.

How could I have missed that spot is beyond me but I did ….. glory me.

Oh well at some point I will grab him (he does not like having his hair cut) and trim that up.

He does look back to his most handsomest self, I must say.

After his oatmeal and aloe shampoo/conditioner with bath after the cut he is so SOFT.

 

Well I guess time to get this day going.

Oh, the grand-pups stopped by for a nice visit yesterday.

At one point all three were laying in different areas chewing on a chew treat.

Alvin on the sofa, Baby Milo on Alvin’s chair by the window and Miss Aspen on the floor.

Did not have time to grab a video as it would have been PRICELESS but I have the image engrained in my memory banks for all time.

So we had a great Saturday.

Along with cleaning up some things outside and mowing the back patch of grass, we did laundry, okay I did laundry, baked a ginger chocolate loaf (Steeped Tea), Alvin’s hair cut, made a huge supper

so will have leftovers for a few days and VACUUMED.

So will have a more quiet day which is nice.

Happy Sunday everyone.

 

As much as I love the fall ……. oh, the leaves are falling and that is a sign that the other is not far behind.

It would be so nice to have a nice long warm fall (about 17-21 degrees celsius).

 

Oh, I forgot and I do not know how I managed not to hear about this but there is a new STAR TREK television series starting on September 24, 2017.

Next Sunday.

I had one of the new STAR TREK movies on the television when the kids picked up the pups and my son-on-law asked me if I was excited about the new show.

I saw “what.”

I am so excited that it will be on CTV and not just SPACE as I do not have the SPACE channel.

So lucky me do not even have to add another channel to my cable package.

No extra money.

So excited ….. STAR TREK DISCOVERY.

No. 1 on my fall line-up.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

I am going now.

Special Hello to: all those STAR TREK fans …. yay a new television series.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 11th day of December, 2015.

Exactly two weeks until Christmas.

I am so excited …..

This year I will Christmas at my daughter and son-in-law’s NEW house.

How exciting is that?

VERY.

The kids have decided to have our first Christmas in the new house, catered.

I am feeling so pampered ….

I believe this is the first for me.

So exciting.

I will miss “cooking” but I did “bake” so I think that satisfies that need.

Well Friday …. we are busy at the office.

We are always busy at the office.

Tomorrow my daughter is coming to work on some jewellery and for a visit.

I miss having them with us and miss having them a quick walk away.

Oh well …. life continues to change and that is good.

Mr. Alvin …. thank goodness for him…. he keeps me company and ENTERTAINED.

What a goof ball …..

I love when he hides his chew treats in the snow.

They are a beige colour.

Makes me laugh.

Such a great personality …. Mr. Alvin.

Well it remains warm here in our City but it is snowing at the moment.

There was a thin blanket of crunchy snow on the deck this morning when we first went outside.

I started going out with him and “cleaning” up right away instead of trying to find his precious bundles after work in the dark.

For some reason the snow makes a lighter reflection in the early morning than after work.

Not sure why.

Well time to get this show on the road.

End of the week …. so looking forward to time with my daughter ….. I am so blessed to have so many bright lights in my life.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Enjoy the moments …. they do not come again.

Special Hello to: my sister … SKYPE on Sunday …. I shall remember. 7:30 p.m.

Always, Carol and Alvin