The Next Chapter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

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

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Another overcast morning. I cannot believe that my Alvin has been gone for three weeks. I think that I shall always miss him. He is everywhere in the house. Last night I washed some of his harnesses that I found in the closet. Some no longer would fit him. They are washed and clean and perhaps someday will find another home. Every day I go through the bouquets of flowers and plants that we received and make sure they have fresh water and remove the ones that have passed. Surprisingly, there are some cut flowers that are still doing well. I am so grateful to all those friends and neighbours for the most beautiful flowers. Alvin would have loved them. He really did love flowers and always had his nose in the flower pots in the spring and summer. He was always watching me while I watered the plants in the house and sometimes wanted me to bring them down so that he could see them. Yes, he did. Very curious he was.

Last night I started the preparations for his sister’s Birthday party. She turns 43 tomorrow and Alvin was 13 in January. Lots of the number 3 and 4 combinations, if you are into numerology. Just thought that looked cool. I will keep the decorations for her party a bit on the low key side because we are mourning our beloved Alvin and I just do not feel that it would be right. The house will be full of celebration for a birthday and also celebration of a life well lived. I know that we will be talking about him tonight. He loved a good party especially when there were gifts for him to open, even if they were not for him. To Alvin it was all about opening the gift. Now if there was food inside, he was wanting the food for sure but at the end of the day, he loved to open gifts. At Christmas, he seemed to have started Miss Aspen to be interested in opening a gift, so perhaps he has passed his talents to her. That would be nice. I guess we shall see over time.

This morning, I have a list of things to do. Last night I boiled the eggs and potatoes so I will cut them up for the salad. I may have to put the chicken in cold water for awhile as last night it was still frozen solid. I guess my freezer works good. Shovelling is on the list. Also making the fruit pizza which has a few steps so that takes a bit of time. I put up some Happy Birthday Balloons (I know, they are helium ones that I keep reusing each year and two are from my 65th Birthday but they do not say a year). Not sure my daughter would appreciate a birthday balloon that said Happy 65th Birthday, lol. I may have the chicken cut up and ready to go. I just received a text from daughter that she sent last night and they have a slight change in their plans and won’t be here until around 2:30 so that gives me a bit more time to get things done. I washed my clothes last night so that is off the plate for today. Towels and bedding can wait until tomorrow. I have lots of towels so I could easily do them once every two weeks. There is shovelling on the list. Did I mention that already? If I have time I will vacuum upstairs otherwise that is for tomorrow. I am excited to see Miss Aspen, Mi-Mi and Miss Betty Ann this afternoon for a few hours before Amanda & Steven come for the party.

So the office. Yesterday I left the house at 7:05 and walked to the bus stop to catch public transportation for the first time since pre pandemic. Yes, I was a little bit anxious but just making sure that I had the right one and good thing that I asked because one of the two that I was supposed to be able to catch would have meant a further walk for me so glad that I asked the driver. The bus was on time and I waited for a few minutes because I left early to ensure that I did not miss the bus. The bus ride was less than 5 minutes (for real) and then I walked to the new office. The walk took just under 10 minutes. When I got to the office, I realized that the front door had a FOB entry and not key and it was cold and snowing and I was cold from being outside waiting and walking. I walked around the building as it is small and did not see the other entrance due in part to my glasses being fogged over so I pulled out my cell phone and texted the gal that I carpool with as she was going to the office for further training. I think I mentioned that we will end up working together after all as she will be in a different position. Anyway, she texted our Manager and then I remembered that I had our Director’s phone number so I texted her, she texted me and then called me. She said that the other entrance had a key entry and did I have a key. I said yes to the key but did not see the other door and I did know there was one but just in the moment did not see it. She stayed on the line while I walked and located the door and let myself into a dark building as I was the first one to arrive. Yes, I am always early. Habit of mine. I thanked her and then started to remove my coat etc and settle in. I picked one of the desks, the one closest to the door, lol. Then I set about setting up the Keurig coffee machine so that I could have coffee. It was awhile later after I was enjoying some coffee that another staff arrived followed by the Manager and later another staff. The Manager for our Systems arrived to get us set up and the movers with filing cabinets etc. I even managed to get some work done. The best part of all was that I got home at 4:31 p.m. I made sure that I was out the door at 4:00 as I wanted to see what time the bus arrived. I ended up waiting for a few minutes so now I know that I don’t have to rush rush out the door, just in case. Another new chapter ……. the office is not and sparkly like the downtown one but it does possess a kind of 80’s charm.

Time for me to head downstairs and put on some coffee. It is 7:53 now and I was up just after 7:00 and awake much earlier but chose to lay in bed and just mull over life with constant thoughts of Alvin. Doesn’t seem fair to him or to me that he had to leave what seems like way too soon.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

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)

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! My first actual day of vacation. The sky is overcast and it is windy. We were up and down a few times last night and slept in this morning. Alvin would not eat his food. I just gave him his wet food with nothing else hoping that he would eat but he did not. Last night he ate his biscuits and a few small pieces of carrots so I know that it is not his teeth that are bothering him. If I gave him chicken he would eat it. I am thankful that we have an appointment with his Doctor this afternoon and hopefully we can get this sorted out. If I am able to collect a stool sample, I will take it with me. You cannot take it too much in advance so if he does not have one closer to this afternoon, I will collect one tomorrow morning and whisk it over to the vet. Better day but can tomorrow. My daughter reminded me how much her pups do not like their new food. I guess he will eat when he is hungry provided there is nothing else stopping him from doing so. I suppose if he ate carrots (not on his food list but I had to see if he would easily eat them) and biscuits which are the okay for him to have, they are a hypoallergenic treat. He ate the bits of chicken I gave him with his pills tucked inside. The tramadol must have a strong odour as it took a few tries because he kept eating the chicken and spitting out the pill. Thankfully it stayed intact until he consumed it. What a last few days! I was so sure that things were on the upswing. His poop is getting better but unfortunately at the end of the last one there was blood again. That is our update.

Considering he has not eaten much in the last couple of days, yesterday we went for a walk, he kept on walking and before we knew it were had walked our old usual route. The air was warm and the sun was shining so maybe he felt energized. As we approached his BF Teddy’s house his gait quickened and then we were there and he started to walk up their driveway. I had to stop him as they are not at home. He has not forgot his old friend. I sure wished that they would come home so that the pups could get together. Not that I think that Alvin is going anywhere at the moment but I think that seeing Teddy would do him the world of good. He has not seen him in months and I am sure that he misses him. This is the second time that he has walked to Teddy’s house in recent times. The last time he did not even go into the park he just walked straight down our street to his house.

Later this afternoon, our girl is coming over after her dental appointment (that is a good reminder that I have to get my appointment made soon, I just find it hard to think of anything but Alvin and work at this moment, which is not good I suppose). Amanda plans to sleep over tonight, I believe which will be nice.

Well I should go and have a quick shower. Alvin sounds like he is sneezing / coughing. My poor little guy. I wished that he was all better.

Have a wonderful Monday. Fingers crossed for Mr. Alvin’s appointment, please. Positive thoughts.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. so grateful that I am on vacation for this week and next. Dreaming that retirement will be close.

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning All! I am writing this post from my smart phone, not sure how smart it is. Alvin is laying on the sofa beside me. I apologize for the font size, not sure why the default is not a bit larger. Break out your magnifying glasses, lol.

Last night it was late when we went to bed. Lights were out at 10:30 and next time we were up was 4:30. To be honest I got up once but Alvin did not. Then outside at 4:30 to pee and then it was 7:22 when we got up. I wanted to try something different with Alvin’s breakfast so I only gave him his wet food. He sniffed it and walked away. So clearly with no chicken, he won’t eat. I felt badly as he hasn’t eaten much the last day so I added chicken and he pulled out the chicken leaving his wet food in the dish. I have created a monster, a spoiled one. Yesterday I took an unplanned trip with my friend Gillian to Costco and upon arriving at home found a pile of semi digested food in the middle of the living room floor. That was the little bit of hard food that I have him a bit before I left the house. He still does his “downward dog stretches” morning. Okay, not sure how that means anything. Just to mention.

So not sure what to think. He does not seem to be in pain or uncomfortable.

Baking in the oven is an Epicure Lemon Cranberry loaf. Smells good.

We walked over to Gillian’s to take some lemons as I bought a bag at Costco. Too many for me. I bought them to make the glaze for this loaf and to clean my glass stovetop. I saw a video on Instagram to use baking soda and lemons. Worked pretty well even removing some cooked on stains. Hsppy about that.

Once back home I thought that I would try to download some photos from my old computer to the external hard drive but ended up just looking at about 1500 photos, some I don’t remember even taking. So many memories.

Then it was tome to make supper. I baked a chicken breast and some root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots & onions) snd boiled a chicken breast for Alvin. Again for second day in a row, he picked out the chicken. I also whipped some cream to top my chocolate pudding. So good.

Then it was cleanup followed by movie watching. I, we watched Ant Man & The Wasp. I have seen before but always enjoyed.

Now I am drinking coffee and writing this post while curled up on my comfy sofa with Alvin resting beside me.

I am going to get some photos onto that hard drive.

Happy Sunday.

The homemade chocolate pudding and Mr. Alvin, such cuteness.

Time to go. Have a great day.

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

Always, Carol&Alvin

Alvin, baking, chicken, cleaning, COSTCO, food, lemons, life, photos, smartphone

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Well another pretty good sleep, I would say. Alvin is waiting downstairs for me while I got dressed and writing this post. Today and tomorrow, I happily work from home and then I am on VACATION for two weeks. I do not think that I have ever taken vacation in February or in the wintertime or at least not this many days. I am looking forward to the time off. We are going to have some fun and I have some “work” to do.

When I was setting up my workstation at home last night, I had such a feeling of calm and getting up knowing that I do not have to leave my house for work today was awesome. I have appreciated working from home the past almost three years. Being with Alvin mostly everyday has been awesome and I am so grateful that I had that time with him. I am not sure what I would have done when he had his surgeries and had some illness, what I would have done. I did take some vacation days immediately after the surgery because that would have been too much but I was home and that was great. I enjoyed our walks at noon and after work and some early morning ones on those days when it was very hot. Despite there, being a global pandemic going on – our life was pretty good. It had to be said as I am very grateful for this time at home. There were times especially during the first two years where I was working many extra hours and seven days per week to keep on top off all the changes that the government made but I was home and that was so good.

The air is warm this morning and I think it is going to be plus temperatures today and tomorrow as well. Hopefully the weather will be nice for the next two weeks as well. There will be times when we have to leave the house (walks and appointments and such). Mr. Alvin needs his nails trimmed. They sure grow fast when he is not out walking every day. We went for a walk last night after work but again did not get too far, this time I was happy to go home as the sidewalks were a mess (due to large snowfall night before) with snow and ice and salt. Another friend was out walking, that was Ali and Bailey. We saw them just as we were coming home, they came inside for a visit. Always nice to visit with our friends. Bailey is getting so big. Alvin and Bailey were happy to see each other.

After supper, I had a lovely hour or so chat with my friend Pauline. Feeling blessed. Had a chat with my sister and a friend all within a few days. I need to call other friends. Nothing like hearing a friendly familiar voice to bring joy to your days.

Time to head downstairs and plug in the coffee pot. Mr. Alvin has been quiet thus far. He probably wonders what is going on.

I am also very grateful that he is doing so much better. His poop gets better with each passing day. I do think it is going to be interesting weaning him off the chicken. He loves the chicken, lol.

Have an awesome Thursday. Be safe and take some time for you. Remember no one else can!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. GRATITUDE is the word.

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Another kind of cold morning out there. It has been snowing off and on throughout the night and early morning hours. We did not have a great night. Bed at 9:15 p.m. and then just as I laid down and turned off the lights, Mr. Alvin began to pant, on with the lights and back downstairs as I realized that he had to poop. Outside, after more than one day with no blood in his poop and poop starting to look like good poop, we were back to blood and not good poop. How many times can I put poop in one sentence. Lots. Let me tell you. After he was done, as it was not even 10:00 p.m., I carried the boy back upstairs to bed. We are starting to spend more time on the sofa than in our bed. After that we were back downstairs in less than two hours, I wrote down the time (which is downstairs on the kitchen cupboard) every single time we got up which was four times not including the time we got up just after 5:30, and I gave him breakfast and back outside. Back in the house, I set the alarm for 7:00 which gave me another hour of sleep. Did not really feel like it. I am exhausted. So hard to concentrate or even straight when you have not had much sleep. I did call the Vet yesterday and spoke to the Vet Assistant. I had told her because at the time, he was doing so much better. No blood and his poop was beginning to look like poop should. Instructions were to continue to give him the Prednisdone for two weeks after no blood/poop and then every other day for a week until the pills are gone. Now she also said that perhaps he will need to be on them for the rest of his life. ARGH. It seems like it has been forever since he was on this medication but has it been one week or two? Good thing that I write things down. I will have to call back and see what to do. I am worried about leaving Alvin when I got to the office this week which is starting tomorrow. Too long days for him and I am sure that having to hold it in does not help matters. Oh, how it would be great to have him back in good pooping order and me being able to work from home all of the time. I guess I need to get going on things but it is so difficult when you are not getting proper sleep. I know. Procrastinating. Maybe but I am scared to be honest. Our future is uncertain. I know all of the things that I need and should be doing but I cannot get my head wrapped around any of it. The days are counting off and I am running out of time. So I need to be doing more but I feel stuck and tired. Okay this is not the positive outlook that I need to be having but it is how I feel after yet another night of literally no sleep.

Time to head downstairs and put on some coffee. I am surprised that Alvin has not started to bark yet. Perhaps he is tired as well.

Fingers crossed that he gets better soon. I feel so badly for him. He must be in pain from all of this. I will need to buy another package or three of chicken tomorrow when I go to the office. Thank goodness there is a SaveOn nearby the office. There is one close to my home as well.

I hope that you have a good day.

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

I am grateful for my life, Alvin and my home. Just a few things that I would like to change.

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Today is Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Yesterday we went to the vet for Alvin’s appointment to see if we could figure out what is causing his poop not to be in a group, so to speak. After a rectal exam and going over his file (yuck, poor Alvin – although I did not hear him cry, so that was good), the vet proclaimed there is a good possibility that it is “IBS” aka Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now that does not sound very good. I know several people who have that and it is not much fun at all. I took a deep breath and asked “what next.” She said that she wanted to put him on a very low dose of prednisone to clear up the inflammation. To add to the liver disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and more. He had extensive tests done last summer when they found out he had liver disease. Anyway, I asked what some of the side effects are of prednisone and she said that he may pee often. I told her that I have to go to the office on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Her suggestion was that I give it to him at night (with supper) and hopefully that will help. Well we were in bed just before 10:00 p.m., up at Midnight and outside, back to the sofa and then up at 2:00 and outside (thank goodness it is warm out) and then at 4:00. I changed the alarm from 6:00 to 6:30 and at 6:15 he wanted to get up. I fed him his breakfast which is rice, pumpkin, his wet food and some chicken and Metamucil. Then outside and it was snowing. The warm wet fluffy flakes. The kind that I like until I have to shovel them. Oh well. It is warm so they will not stay long. I also noticed when going to bed last night that there is some ice out by the low point in the sidewalk that needs to be cleared. A task for today. I forgot to tell you that we walked to the vet. The sidewalks from our house to the walkway were brutal and then it was okay. Twice along the way, Alvin stopped and wanted to go home. I am not sure if he realized where we were going, I think so. Likely had a good idea why. Anyway, I managed to get him there and wondered about going home. When we arrived at the vet, I was checking texts and going to call them to advise we had arrived when I noticed a message from our friend Arlene. She let me know that she would come and get us. I am, we are so blessed to have such amazing, supportive and caring friends and neighbours. She is all of these things and more. Breath of relief. I actually felt better when I heard the IBS instead of something else. Not the best news but not the worst either by far. This is treatable and hopefully we can get his poop back to normal and try to put him back on his “real food” diet. I have a lot of his hard food that he has not been able to eat for awhile. Our story is a bit out of order but it is early morning and when the thoughts come to me, I write them down. After we got home, I quickly wiped off his paws to remove any of the salt (pet friendly) that may have got into his pads. I had wore my ice picks to the vet and was grateful. I definitely needed them.

I was glad that we had some downtime before I started work yesterday. Drank a bit more coffee and just chilled with my boy.

Although our lives have been up and down like a rollercoaster as of the last while, I am over the moon grateful that perhaps we have closure on this health concern and can get back to our life. Lots coming up but as long as Alvin is doing okay, I can get through anything. Dreaming of winning the lottery and retiring in this house with my boy at my side. Sleeping in when we have a crazy night. Walking whenever we chose. Writing more and going through my photos. That is my dream.

Time to get back downstairs. I am building up the muscles in my left arm. Will have to work on the other one otherwise the muscles are going to be off balanced, lol. Wonder if it is still snowing?

I hope that you have a great Tuesday. I know that this day working from home with Alvin at my side is going to be GREAT. I love being at home with Alvin. He is the best.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Thank goodness for coffee and I have lots.

Always, Carol & Alvin

I am grateful for my life with Alvin. I am grateful for this beautiful home that we share. I am grateful to be surrounded by the most amazing, caring, loving, supportive people. Thank you for this day.

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well, my little furry sidekick is also on the road to wellness. With any luck Monday’s trip will be the last unplanned vet visit for us for this year. Fingers crossed. Note to all you dog owners out there, it is important to pay attention to your dog when you are out walking. I do not carry my phone and I am always looking to the ground and watching where he is sniffing and this still happened. They are also very good at hiding things, they are dogs after all. I had no idea on Sunday morning when he turned around and headed for home that he was hiding a bone in his mouth, no idea. I was watching him sniffing and did not see him take the bone from its’ spot in the grass and tuck it into his mouth. That is why he headed so quickly for home. He wanted to enjoy his spoils. I noticed that he dropped something on the floor in the house and went over to investigate when I found the bone. I quickly picked it up and threw it in the garbage and then washed my hands never thinking that for the time that dirty old bone was in his mouth, it was spreading bacteria through his body. Because that is what dirty old things do if you ingest them. Even though he did not eat it, the bone did the damage. So here we are. Monday he threw up breakfast, a small snack and then without thinking I gave him more food which left his stomach, as well. The girls at the vet said that I was too hard on myself but I know better. Not my first rodeo. Just not thinking. Anyway, when he did not keep water down, I called the vet, wishing I had called in the morning. It was so hot outside and too hot for the boy to walk on the hot sidewalk so I called friends. Our friend Signe drove us to the vet and our friend Gillian picked us up when we were done.

Alvin had a Cerenia injection to stop him from vomiting. He also had subcutaneous fluids. Sent home with probiotics, antibiotics and more of the Cerenia in tablet form.

He is not quit himself but he is definitely on the road to be well again. Poor little guy. I noticed that he is more quiet than usual. Also yesterday he did not drink much so I played a trick on him and gave him water with his food. He ate it. Chicken, rice with water. The bland diet. Just enough to keep him hydrated.

Our weather continues to be warm but certainly not the temperatures in other parts of Canada and the world. To all those folks experiencing these incredibly hot temperatures, I wish it would cool down and rain. I hope that we are starting to do things that can help to heal our environment before these super high temperatures, record breaking temperatures are the norm. We all have to do our part.

Well time to head on downstairs. I really need coffee this morning. Alvin is patiently waiting outside the office door. There is a lovely breeze wafting in through the office window.

Have an awesome July 20th, 2022.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: well today is the 20th day/sleep till I turn 65 and it is the 20th day of July, how cool is that!

I moved my flowers and plants into the shelter of the house and garage yesterday late afternoon and the storm went around us. Whew!

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – final quarter

Good Morning, so glad that we did not blow away last night or even this morning. The wind blew down some of my Halloween decorations that I had put up yesterday afternoon. Blew over my garbage can and bye-bye couple of items that were in it. Basically it was other folk’s garbage that had blown onto my lawn. Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz ….. gone, gone, gone. The air is cool but not cold this morning. My two pots of petunias are still amazingly blooming. I am so glad that I put away all of my little knick knacks from the deck yesterday afternoon as they may have taken flight overnight. The sky is blue as the sun is in the early stages of coming up there remains some of the orange colour on the horizon.

Well I accomplished all and then some of the items on my TO DO LIST from yesterday which makes today and tomorrow easier days. Although I can always find things that I want or need to do around the house. With Christmas just around the corner, I need to get working on my craft projects. Started and have ideas but need to put some actual labour into. I have noticed that I do sometimes procrastinate when I do not have a clear vision of the end result and then again sometimes I am not feeling “artistic” and that pushes the timeline. Oh well there is time so no need to panic just yet. Besides Christmas is not about the gifts as we all well know. It is about being together. All of our “holidays” are about being together with family and friends and celebrating those relationships or at least that is my thought.

So Thanksgiving weekend – some folks celebrated yesterday, some today and others tomorrow. This one is different for most folks. I know some of my friends had family over yesterday. Others today with part of the family and the other members of their family got together with them actually last weekend. Tomorrow is the actual day of Thanksgiving. At the end of it all, we should celebrate each other yesterday, today and tomorrow, everyday. Family and friends are so vital to our well being. Relationships need to be worked on in order to thrive. We are a social creature and need the love and support of others in order to survive. Okay how did I get to this point. Oh, well …. Sunday Morning brain. I hope that whenever or with whomever you have the opportunity to celebrate this Thanksgiving with, I hope that it is awesome. Enjoy the food but most of all enjoy the fact that you have family and friends with you. Now there may be folks that due to circumstances are not able to be surrounded by any family or friends and my heart and best wishes go out to you. I hope that you can play music, watch a video or a movie so that you have at least the noise of humans around you. Maybe your family and friends will facetime with you. Technology is a great these days. Even if you are alone you are not alone.

Alvin and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our home this year. We do most times and as I love entertaining. We are having a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal but good food is all you need. Only a couple of times or so a year do I make anything deep fried and today will be one of them. Chicken with a honey mustard sauce (homemade), potato salad (homemade), peas, corn, cheating and having stove top stuffing as have to have stuffing and for dessert “fruit pizza.” Fruit pizza is a favourite in our family. We will have my daughter and son-in-law and my grandpups Aspen and Milo.

Well Mr. Alvin is laying on his blue blanket / towel bed not far away from me. Resting.

On this Thanksgiving I am grateful for:

I am grateful that I have family that love me and that I love so much words cannot express.

I am grateful that I have dear friends all over this planet of ours. Some down the street and others halfway around the globe.

I am grateful that my daughter and son-in-law thought it was a good idea for me to adopt a puppy. Alvin is my companion, my friend and partner in crime. Okay perhaps not so much the “partner in crime” but you get the idea.

I am grateful that I was able to get my own home late in life but better late than never.

I am grateful to be employed especially during this economic crisis and grateful to be working from home.

I am grateful to be safe.

I am grateful for technology and that I have access to it.

I am grateful to be alive, to have more than what I need and some of the things I want but most of all I am grateful to see, to hear, to smell, to taste, to touch and to be in good health so that I may enjoy all of the above.

On this day and always no matter if I have a day or moments that I am feeling a bit less than positive or wonderful, I know that I am strong and that I will be okay.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. May you be in good health and be surrounded with family and friends who support and love you. Happy Thanksgiving.

• 

  Me and my Alvin

• 

  Fall Wreath

Continuing to live in kindness and with respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, can you believe it is Thursday, September 5th, 2019?

Almost one week into September.

Close to the official day of FALL or Autumn.

I remain home with the boy.

After 26 hours without diarrhea (which was what the Vet had wanted) and while I was on the phone with the Vet’s Assistant; the only time that I had left him alone outside he had D.

I was glad that I had decided to check once I was off the phone.

We had a pretty quiet evening.

I knew that he really wanted to go for a walk but cleaning up D is not fun and not easy to do.

So we had a quiet evening.

He had his bland diet and was not happy when I had a vegetable stir fry with his fav vegetables but they have to be eaten.

I feel so badly for him and he is being so strong and shows little frustration with it all.

After that phone call (at 5:00 p.m.) and my find in the yard; I called the clinic back once again and asked to have his Dr. call me back.

When she was finished with her patients she called back.

I explained what happened and was told …. it has only been a short time on the medication …. we have to give it time to work.

Dr. K said that if there was no change meaning he had not had a regular bowel movement – it would be back to have blood work done to get to the bottom of things.

Bedtime went per norm.

Keeping the time close to our regular time.

He woke up at 2:08 a.m. ….. not sure why.

Seemed like he wanted to go downstairs and possibly outside, so down we went.

I grabbed my sweater and flip flops and out we went.

He just stood and breathed in the night air.

No signs of distress, I attempted to coax him to come down to the grass but to no avail.

So back into the house.

This time I decided to just crash on the sofa.

No point going back upstairs.

I do not remember if it was 5 something or closer to 6 when we woke up and went back outside.

Only peed.

Back into the house and then had his first meal of the day and his meds.

I am thankful that I purchased two packages of chicken on Sunday and froze one (as yesterday I had to cook the second one).

After that …. outside….

Nothing ….

Back to the sofa for bit more sleep.

Up around 7:45 or so and decided to get dressed and go for a walk.

He had been sitting in his chair and was watching the children out on their way to school.

Other pups out for walks.

So I decided that it would be worth the fresh air for both of us although we have been spending quite a lot of time outside.

So dressed and ready and out the door.

The coolness of the morning air felt so refreshing on our faces as we strolled down the sidewalk toward the park.

We were not at the park for more than a couple of minutes and he took the pooping stance.

I held my breath.

Then without further …. out came D, this time no gas, no flying through the air.

I guess that is an improvement.

I cleaned it up as good as I could …. thankfully I had taken paper towel and several extra bags.

Just after I had wiped his bum with paper towel … a young boy on a bike came over to where we were and said “I like your dog, is it a he or a she.”

I replied “he and his name is Alvin.”

We had a nice conversation ….. I told him that Alvin was not feeling well but not catchy for him.

He said that he had a cat and wanted to pet Alvin.

Which he gently did.

We chatted about school …. he was going into grade 5.

When I asked which school he was attending …. he said the name that I had not heard of and pointed to the south.

Then he said …. no it is ….. and mentioned that he has moved a few times and forgot.

Poor little guy.

It was nice.

We continued for a couple of minutes together him on his bike and us walking.

He said “thank you I enjoyed our chat.”

Wow, from a grade five boy …. must be an old soul.

I was glad to have some conversation not about diarrhea.

 

Well I guess we are back to it.

I need coffee ….. and in less than one hour it will be time for Alvin’s second small meal of the day.

I sure hope that by the end of this day things are different and that the poop is good.

Never so much talk of poop in my life ….

 

I am grateful for the sunshine as it has made our time at home in and out of the house much easier.

Feeling a bit frustrated but trying to be patient and keep positive thoughts rattling round my brain.

We never know what is coming round the corner, do we?

I guess all we can do is our best …. be kind and respectful …..

Patience ….. having patience is important.

 

As I laid on the sofa earlier, the blinds were open enough to see our front tree.

I noted how many of the leaves had already started to turn yellow.

In that moment I was watching the leaves and branches sway gently in the breeze.

It seemed as though time had stood still for just that one moment in time.

In that moment life was perfection.

Alvin was laying in his chair … in his happy place.

I was taking in the view.

Life was perfect.

 

Wishing you all a happy Thursday.

Time for coffee, I think.

 

Being kind and respectful to yourself is just as important as it is to be toward others.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin