The Next Chapter

Today I am writing two posts. I wanted to write a special one just to Alvin as today is one week since he passed. The sun is shining and the temperatures are rising as I write these words. The house is empty as I listen to the furnace running keeping me warm and the click clack of my fingers on the keyboard. Time just keeps going. Every day since Alvin passed people have reached out to me. There is such love for my little four-legged companion. Many tears have been shed between us all and continue to fall. Forever in our hearts.

Thank you Gillian for popping by over your lunch break to bring a “lemon loaf” and for having coffee with me and just chatting. I appreciate your friendship and support.

Thank you Sara, Carson and Family for the lovely bouquet of flowers and to Sara for stopping by. Alvin would have loved all of the flowers as he always wanted to sniff them whether in the house or outside. He loved when it was springtime and I would be on the deck planting the flower pots.

Last night I was invited to friends Norbert & Irene for a visit. We talked and talked. About Alvin and about the loss of their son last year. So much hurt and so much joy. Irene and I even had several games of Connect Four. I did not win but that was okay. I joked that I was a good loser but in reality win or lose, I actually won to have such amazing people in my life. They sent me home with a gift of chocolate and a beautiful card. I do love chocolate.

Yesterday I always walked over to Alvin’s Doctors, to the clinic where he seemed to be on a very regular basis. I had some unopened items from the last week that I was able to return. Thank you to Brenne for your hugs and for loving Alvin. To Dr. Karen who was just about to go into surgery and could only give an air hug but for your kindness and your love for Alvin. To Michelle, whom I did not see as she was in the back with another beloved boy or girl, thank you for being there for Alvin and for loving my boy. They were family and I appreciate them.

Later in the day I had a conversation with Alvin’s Doctor Zhou from Guardian who answered some questions I had, lessening some of the guilt that I feel. They are so good at Guardian. Not only professional but have such hearts. Such a hard job but so rewarding.

The outpouring of love for my Alvin is real and I am so appreciative. Everyone is telling me stories about him and how much he touched their lives.

I need to get moving. A walk to Shoppers to pick up a Seniors Bus pass (cannot believe that I am a senior) and a few items from the grocery store. Good to get some fresh air. Alvin will be with me as he always is …….

My whole house reminds me of him and will continue to keep him in the forefront of my mind and he will always be in the majority of the real estate in my heart.

Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law for all they do and for their love and support each and every day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, my forever Angel.

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well. We are doing well. We were to bed later than usual as we were over visiting at Cookie’s home, the visit lasted over 4 hours and we had the best time. We laughed so hard. Mr. Alvin spent quite a bit of time sniffing about the main floor learning about every nook and cranny and also, I am quite certain looking for food. He is always looking for food. No, he is anything but starving. What a guy? I have known these neighbours for several years and even worked with the Dad for a few years although not in the same department. We became closer friends after looking after Cookie at Christmas time. They are such a lovely family. I always love learning about people. They had so many yummy treats, I felt extra special. We chatted about everything from government to work to family to different cultures as they are originally from Iraq and came to Canada thirteen years ago via Saudi Arabia. Perhaps I will even be able to learn some Arabic. That would be most interesting. It was a great night. Alvin took some time to get used to being in a different house – not his own. He does not visit many other houses except for his best friend Teddy so this was a big deal for him. They love Alvin and were very attentive to him. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful neighbours. Cookie’s Dad has a different job now so I don’t see him at work but then again, I am working from home so I am not seeing work people on a regular basis. I love working from home. I love working from home. I love working from home. Did I say that I love working from home. It is great. More “family” time and I get way more accomplished at home for my job than when I was in the office. Less distractions.

We also watched the weather change from a few clouds with sunny breaks last night to these big bad very eerie clouds. I knew something was coming. We had strong winds and the rain was being blown in sheets temporarily flooding the street. It was incredible to watch but scary to think of what damage it may have caused. I was thankful that I had closed all of our windows before leaving the house. Oh, now with all of the rain, I am being attacked by mosquitos. Yup, they are back. Surprised they have not shown up sooner. I was very happy to arrive back home from our visit to find most of my flowers intact. I had much concern about the ones at the front of the house as the wind and rain were coming in from the north west. Just a few petals were laying on the porch. Same in the back. So they survived. Hardy little things. WE just need some sunshine. I am asking for sunshine and the long range forecast is for 30’s next week or at least for a few days and that may not be the most forecast.

Well it is time to go and plug in the coffee and get to work. I have lots to get done today. That is the one thing about deadlines. So much of my job is about deadlines and timelines that are very tight. Oh well, I can do this and it is Friday. The sun is shining at this moment and the sky is light blue. We are good.

Have a great Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 32 days till 65.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Yesterday at noon we went for a full walk which was great. It was so lovely outside. We had a pretty decent sleep so we are ready for the day. I booked the afternoon off as vacation as Mr. Alvin has a vet appointment. Just his regular nail trim etc. When we were woke up the sun was shining brightly but shortly thereafter the brightness turned to grey, clouds set in. Weather is to overcast but 21 degrees celsius today. So I will take that.

Happy CINCO DE MAYO day, Happy May 5th. They say that this day is probably one of the most misunderstood of Mexico’s holidays. Maybe we should all read up on this and find out why?

Today I feel like posting photos.

Happiness is: My Babies, Family, Friends, Chocolate, Flowers, Coffee, Books, good food and so much more …….

Sorry for the duplicates …….. for some reason I cannot edit these here …… Happy Thursday.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Happy Easter Everyone!

We woke up to a few inches of the white stuff covering everything including the Easter Bunny’s steps. I guess he missed our house. Me and the pups were very disappointed. We had been good and were thinking there were be treats waiting for us when we woke up. Maybe he got lost. I don’t know but very disappointing all the same. Perhaps he figured chocolate not being good for pups and that I didn’t need it – was not worth the stop. Oh well, maybe next year. I feel badly now that I did not pick up a little toy for each of the pups yesterday. I will give them some treats and we will be all good.

Yesterday I had a pleasant surprise. There was a knock on the door in the afternoon. I opened it to find a friend that we had met on our walks. She handed me some chocolate chip cookies (made with coloured Easter smarties). So sweet and thoughtful. She has a little boy but he was with his Dad and she was on the way to the gym.

Late morning I went to the store with another friend but we took a side trip to the Italian Store which I may have been to only once. So either it was the first or second time that I had been there. So many people and I did wear a mask. I picked up a few items including some orange and chocolate biscotti (not as good as my friend Val’s but tasty). I love biscotti. We were only gone about 1.5 hours and after returning home, my friend came in for a few minutes as she wanted some puppy time (her beloved Jazmin passed away just over a week ago). After she left, I took Miss Aspen for a walk followed by Alvin and Milo. It was snowing and a bit cool but we got the walks done. I wore the wrong shoes with Aspen and my toes were hurting most of the time. They are old shoes and are okay if you are not walking. Whatever possessed me to wear them, I will never know. But that is okay. I put on better ones and my toes felt find for the next walk. Alvin decided our walk would be shorter than usual so that helped me although I would have taken them gladly for the full walk.

Guess what we woke up to this morning at 4:00 a.m., S-N-O-W, when will this end. It isn’t going to melt as fast as the white stuff from yesterday. Oh well.

Time to go and have some coffee and take the pups downstairs. Aspen stayed downstairs in the big brown hair enjoying the view out of the window. Her happy place. The other two follow me everywhere.

I hope that you had a laugh from part of this post.

I hope that you are in good health.

I hope that you are surrounded by love and laughter on this day and always.

I hope that you have some chocolate in the house.

I hope that your hands are not chapped (mine are and I don’t know why)

Happy Easter.

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels.com

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, Aspen and Mi-Mi

P.S. I bought a lotto ticket and a scratch ticket. Won $5 on the scratch ticket and look forward to winning on the lotto max ticket. Happy 2022.

2021

Good Morning ALL! Happy Easter. Trust this will find you all well. Perhaps even enjoying a bit of chocolate from a delivery from the good ole’ Easter Bunny. I can still taste some of my favourite Easter treats. The marshmallow eggs covered in chocolate, Oh Henry Easter Eggs filled with peanuts and caramel and chocolate, solid milk chocolate Easter Bunny and more. Another favourite food item: Hot Cross Buns. Love those fruity buns. Alvin and I did not see the Easter Bunny this morning and did not find any special treats, but I guess at 63 …. he figured that I no longer required those delectable items. I think that he guessed incorrectly,lol. Maybe next year. We were up over two hours earlier than yesterday morning. Guess we just needed that sleep.

No worries, despite our late rise yesterday I had a very successful day. I spent almost 4 hours out cleaning up the neighbourhood. Shockingly I picked up over 50 of the blue and black disposable face masks. On one of the walkways I picked up in excess of 60 disposable coffee cups. There were so many shingles and the two large black garbage bags that I was carrying were getting so full and heavy that I had to leave a few behind. We have had so much wind over the past few weeks. My arms and back were sore by the time that I got home. In fact, I could not even finish and had to almost drag the bags home and pick up another bag and go back out to finish the 1/2 block by my house which I almost filled a bag doing. I am always surprised by how many people walk by me not wanting to make eye contact, do they think that I am a criminal or what? But then sometimes there are a couple of people that stop me and say thank you. I am not doing this for the gratitude but it sure is nice when it happens. I posted the story on FB mainly because I was appalled at the number of face masks that I found in our neighbourhood. I was totally disgusted by the number. No reason to be throwing them about.

I also heard a dog barking a few minutes into the trash pickup, and seemed close by so I turned to see this little yellow dog running to me and barking. The dog was on a busy street and I almost had a heart attack as I dropped my trash pickers and garbage bag and ran to the dog. He/she was alone. My heart sank. Now what? The closer I got the more she/he would run away and then back to me. As I approached the corner, I could see a man and his dog on a leash out for a walk coming toward me and I asked if was his dog and he said no. He did what he could do and I just stopped traffic trying to figure out what to do. Every time I approached the dog it just ran about. We were on a extremely busy street or couple of streets actually. I physically used my body to stop traffic. Just stood in the middle of the street so that no one could turn as I tried to keep the pup safe. As the cars backed up – a man and small boy came out, I asked if was their dog and he nodded. They both tried to coax the dog to them and finally after a frightening few minutes the boy was able to grab his tail and then scooped the dog up into his arms. They walked away. Then it was over. I apologized to the drivers of the vehicles and moved out of their way and went about my trash pick up. I did have a brief conversation with the man and his dog. We were both surprised that the owner of the dog said nothing, no thank you, nothing. Perhaps he did not know English or I just scared him. Anyway, I was so relieved that the dog was safe. I guess there had to be some excitement on my walk.

When I got home, Alvin was patiently waiting for me. I took the garbage to the back fence and then put in the garage until trash pickup. Once back in the house, time for a shower, I felt so dirty. But before the shower, I gave myself a haircut. My hair was quite long and now it is not. I haven’t had this short for awhile and am pleasantly surprised at how good it looks. Then a long warm shower. Once I was dressed, I put on Alvin’s harness and we went for a walk. I had a visit with neighbours while we were out. Then just enjoyed our walk. When back home, Alvin had his supper and I decided to order pizza as a treat to myself. It was so yummy. Always feels good to do some community service. I do want to mention that some of my friends that commented on my FB post about the trash pick up – said they saw lots of disposable masks just laying on the ground in their communities as well. I would think that this is a problem everywhere. What is wrong with people? I will say this, I was thinking that perhaps this is part of the reason that the pandemic is not going away and why our oceans and lakes and rivers are becoming filled with trash. People just do not seem to care. Easier to turn a blind eye and walk away. Well I will say this, eventually you will have no choice, it will be on your doorstep, your neighbours and mine. If everyone kept in front of their homes and packed their garbage properly …. it would help so much. On that note, I will say Happy Easter. I do hope after my “rant” that people are doing well and are safe.

Happy Easter

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Remembering each day to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Happy Easter ALL

Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this fine sunny Monday morning? I am so lucky that today is a “day off” as the Province of Alberta celebrates “Alberta Family Day” Considered to be a stat holiday. My plans for this day are to gather my Steeped Tea and NORWEX paperwork for Income Tax. That time will come up soon enough and this time around I would like to be prepared. Also have to tally electricity charges, heat, internet and so on, those deductions that may be used in time tax when you are in business for yourself. I claim my commissions obviously as income. This is all in addition to my regular job. Anyway, that is the plan for this afternoon. Hopefully the temperature has warmed up enough that we can also go for a walk this afternoon. Yesterday I thought felt warmer was actually minus 28 celsius with the windchill. I guess it was warmer when compared to minus 45 or so with the windchill. Yesterday we had a great visit with my daughter. She stopped by the store and picked up a few items for us. I went out to the garage when she arrived, as this was the first time my daughter was driving the new car, well she backed the new car into the garage. It is huge compared to their other car, the KIA Soul. The back up camera got her parked within I would say three inches from my bistro table which is made of steel and river rock. That would have caused a serious dent. I am going to move that table so there is more room, I had not thought the car was that big but it is. Alvin was happy to see his sister. I helped carry the groceries into the house. When she came into the house after me, hand in hand with the most beautiful plant with pink flowers in a cute pink pot adorned with a pink heart, so pretty and a bag which she handed to me right away which I found to contain a box of one of my favourite treats from Dairy Queen – dilly bars. My other fav is the buster bars with nuts. I love the two and they are truly a treat for me. After the groceries were quickly put away, I made her a cup of coffee and began to dish the food. I made these egg treats which I am calling EGG MUFFINS ….. they are finely chopped veg (I used broccoli, red pepper, yellow onion and parmesan cheese) in the bottom of a muffin tin and then pour whisked egg over top. Easy peasy. So good. I also put in some spice and pepper but found that I could have added more spice for sure. We had sourdough bread toast with the egg muffins. The other thing to know is that I sprayed the muffin tin with a vegetable spray to help the muffins not stick. They did stick a bit but not too bad. We enjoyed our late breakfast/brunch/lunch together. Mr. Alvin was feeling left out and wanted what we were having of course. Afterward we enjoyed a couple of the “no bake energy bites” that I had chilling in the fridge and some coffee on the sofa. Our visits are always great and never long enough. But there is never enough time with my girl. When she went to leave a few hours later, she had asked if I wanted to drive the new car. I said YES. So I started the new car and drove it round from the garage down the back lane and onto the street that goes by the house and parked in front of the house. I must say it is a pretty sweet ride. I am so happy for them. It is a nice vehicle. Once we said our goodbyes, I went to the house and waved as she pulled away. Back in the house, Mr. Alvin had been watching from the window. I wanted him to see the car on the street so that he will know it is his sister next time she drives by. He knew the other car by sight. We received a text from Teddy & Kobi’s Mom that they had a Valentine’s treat for us and was wondering if they could pop by. Who can turn down treats, not me and Alvin. I always love when the pups come to the house ….. Teddy’s Mom puts him down and he runs like there is no tomorrow to the house. I of course, was ready with the door open and in he ran. Kobi’s Mom put her down closer to the house and in she ran. They jumped up and down so happy to see us. Their Mom came in mask covered to give us our gift which was chocolate for me and a bag of chew treats for the boy, and for a short visit. We always social distance. I feel so blessed that I had some company. Otherwise 24/7 it is only me and Alvin. Not complaining. Not complaining.

Well it is time to head on downstairs. I could not get my keister up from the sofa this morning so it was about 8:30 when we got up for the final time …. I will say that it was Alvin that got me up. He nudged me to say …. time Momma to get up. I am glad that he did. With a bright blue sky and sun shining …. it is going to be a great day.

I am grateful for all of our many blessings.

Continuing to live this day as all others with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR

Good Morning Thursday.

Yesterday Alvin and I enjoyed two walks.

One at lunchtime and the other after work.

Alvin certainly slept better.

I think the extra exercise is playing him out.

But happy that he is sleeping more through the night.

The sky is overcast at this point but I have high hopes that it will be another bright and sunny day.

How are things in your neck of the woods?

Sunshine, Rain or Snow?

I hope that you are having a great morning no matter what the weather.

Alvin is resting on the little bed that I have made for him in the office.

Pretty comfy I think.

 

So excited for the long weekend.

Happy Easter to ALL.

A time to reflection.

A time for thanks for all that we hold in gratitude.

 

I am planning to work on and finish my income taxes.

Having an extra day will give me the time so that I don’t have to spend a whole day or so on them.

I don’t remember how long it took last year.

I have already begun so it should not be too bad.

 

I can smell the coffee as it has finish perking and is ready for me to go and grab a mug.

Nothing better than freshly ground coffee perking in the morning.

Almost anyway….

 

How about some pretty flowers for this last day before Easter.

Photos of flowers anyway.

Will take our minds off of the snowbanks in the front of my house and yours.

Well maybe you have a snowbank out front, just guessing.

I threw in a photo of a fruit pizza that I made at some point in the past.

This weekend was supposed to be supper here with my kids and we were going to have fruit pizza for dessert.

It has been put off until a later date.

I wish you all a great weekend.

Time with those members of your household.

Perhaps a creative way to visit with family and friends and keeping the “social distancing” in mind.

 

Well it is getting close to the time that I have to start work.

I have so far to travel …. lol.

Please be safe.

I hope that the Easter Bunny drops by ….

He made a stop here yesterday and I am so grateful as I was completely out of CHOCOLATE.

How could one go into the Easter Weekend with no CHOCOLATE?

Not easily.

Thank you to the Easter Bunny who is so kind and generous.

 

Have a wonderful Thursday.

 

Keeping in Kindness and Respect

I/We are Always,

Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 26th day of April, 2019.

Sunrise this morning is partially covered by a deep blue cloud bank.

The forecast for this weekend in Edmonton is cooler and wet.

We could use some rain.

 

Last night after work my daughter picked me up and gave me a ride home.

I absolutely love our conversations in the car ride home.

Trying to squeeze in and also to remember every bit of news that we can.

There is usually a bout of laughter about something or other.

I love my girl very very much.

We made a couple of stops including one at Alvin’s Vet to pick up some food for him before reaching home.

I was surprised as the cost of his food had increased by almost $3.00 per bag.

So lovely that everything rises in our daily lives but our income.

Why is that?

I often wonder how big families afford to buy food, good food?

Anyway ….. just thinking.

We had a quick visit at the house.

One of the other stops we made or rather I went into the store while I was waiting for my girl …. BON TON BAKERY.

They have been in business for over 60 years.

I could see why.  Busy place.

The baked goods smelled so delicious.

WOW, it was amazing.

I ended up buying a few things …. a loaf of bread, 1/2 dozen cinnamon buns, two muffins and an oatmeal raisin cookie.

I know it was an odd mix of items.

A bunch of carbs ….. do the raisins count to fruit?

They even gave us a lovely fresh “FRENCH BAQUETTE” as we were leaving the store.

As my daughter was leaving the phone rang and it was our friend P wondering about a walk.

Ten minutes later I was changed, had Alvin in his harness and out the door (his water bottle, too).

We walked all about the big lake to the north of us ….. we walked for about 50 minutes.

On the way home I stopped at the mailbox as we had a parcel waiting for us.

I even managed to carry the parcel (which was big), some mail, Alvin’s water bottle and of course, the boy.

The boy I did not carry, though.

Anyway home we opened the parcel which for Alvin could not happen fast enough.

He barked and barked.

I took out his present from our friend V and placed it on the floor.

He was able to get partially opened and then needed some help.

I took some video and photos.

Alvin got a can of some nice wet food and a toy.

He was happy.

I got well V’s famous cheese buns, regular buns, a carrot cake in the shape of Mrs. Rabbit.

The carrot cake is too die for …… so good.

I had to stay away from the fridge after the first piece.

A bunch of chocolates all kinds, a handmade dish cloth, a fancy sponge and more.

Well I see carbs in my near future and my belly is going “oh, no.”

 

Well I would have posted some photos but as I was going to do so found that my camera needs a change to the battery pack.

I do not have a spare one at the moment.

So no photos.

 

Well time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Teddy comes tomorrow …. that always makes me and Alvin extra happy.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: our friend “V” who always spoils us.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of April, 2019

Happy Easter Sunday.

The sun is already up and shining so brightly that sunglasses are a must.

The neighbourhood is beginning to come alive.

Two young women pulling a small child in a wagon just went by the front street.

I can hear the hum of cars on the “freeway.”

I imagine that children are in the midst of carefully checking their homes for treats lightly hidden by the Easter Bunny.

There will be a wide variety for the little ones.

When my daughter was small I used to buy her a new spring dress at Easter time.

There was chocolate as well.

Some years the treats were hidden and others placed in a basket.

Here are some photos of my “Easter decorations” …….

My favourite is the bunny in the first photo.

 

For many folks worldwide it is not about an Easter Bunny.

It is a time of great faith.

 

Well time for me to get this day started.

Today I am spray washing the deck.

Preparing for summer.

Getting things cleaned up.

Enjoying walks with Mr. Alvin.

 

Happy Easter and We wish you a great time with your family and friends.

Happy Easter.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends and Happy Easter.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 3rd day of April, 2018.

Happy April.

Where has the time gone?

It evaporates.

What a great long weekend for me and Alvin.

We had time alone to relax and play.

We had time with family and friends.

The perfect weekend.

So nice to have a four day weekend.

Now back to our regular routine.

 

Today I am starting to carpool with a friend that I met on the bus.

It will be nice to ride in a car instead of the bus for a change.

This month will be a combination month as she has some vacation booked.

But will be a welcome change.

 

Alvin and I had a great walk yesterday.

We changed up our route missing most of the remaining ice and snow.

 

Alvin was laying on his blanket in the office but has moved to the hallway.

Oh, my boy.

He is so cute.

 

Quick story.

Last night I was treating myself to some Easter chocolate.

It was chocolate on a stick.

I sat on the sofa happily licking away on the chocolate.

Alvin moved up beside me, and gave me that wide-eyed puppy look, that had it been anything but chocolate, I likely would have caved in, and gave him some.

But we all know that chocolate is NOT good for dogs.

Finally after looking him in the eyes a few times and saying “No, Alvin.” – he gave up.

 

Well this is nice I still have almost 1/2 hour before my ride arrives.

I will go and snuggle with the boy for a bit before donning the coat and boots.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol & Alvin