Last Days 2022 – December 29th

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I would say that I am okay, we are okay. Not sure why but Mr. Alvin was up basically every two hours last night. He did have to pee when we first were up at 12:30, then at 2:30 (just up), then 3:00 (gave him his glucosamine chew), then I don’t remember if it was 4:00 or 5:00 then it was 6:15; needless to say we were not up to stay up until 9:15 a.m. I hope that we get our schedule worked out before next week. Working with such disruptive sleep is not much fun and I can say that from experience. Fingers crossed.

We had a quiet day. My daughter ordered a new iMac from Costco for me. It is to be delivered on next Tuesday. I also placed an order to Ricki’s for some new items. There is no way on this planet that I would pay their ticketed prices so with a massive sale; it was the perfect time to pick up a few things. I am very excited to have a new computer. This computer has served me well. She has been here with me for the past 13 years, I purchased her the summer after I moved to Edmonton. The poor girl is no longer able to take updates but that is okay. She is able to do what I need for the most part. A new computer is a huge deal. This will be my third iMac or is it the 4th? Oh my, now I am not sure. I do think it is the third one though. LOL.

Alvin and I went for a short walk yesterday. I had planned to walk at least to the park but not Alvin. So grateful for this nice weather. There appears to be clear skies developing on the horizon. Sunshine would be wonderful as it has been cloudy here for the past few days. I did some shovelling yesterday. Yes, I also went and paid for my eyeglasses and they should be here in a couple of weeks which is about the same time as I go back for another eye pressure test. Hopefully it has gone back to normal. I was reading that coffee is not good for high eye pressure. I also went to Shoppers and cashed in my “winning” lotto tickets/scratch tickets from Christmas for the grand total of $44.00 and a freeplay on the Lotto 649. YAY, me.

In a little while, I will give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath.

Christmas Eve 2022 hanging out with Alvin, Aspen and Mi-Mi (aren’t they adorable). Alvin was snooping under the tree looking for his gifts to open.

Alvin looking for his presents

I will post more Christmas photos tomorrow.

We hope that you have a great Thursday. Tonight, I am invited to a neighbours home for a visit.

Fingers crossed that Alvin’s haircut goes well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Tuesday Morning.

Overcast but warm here in Edmonton.

There are patches of clear blue sky up there but mainly deep dark rain clouds fill the sky.

Some of our neighbours have trees that have beautiful white flowers and they have a sweet pretty scent.

The only thing is I have an allergy to them.

Congestion, oh well.

They look so pretty and smell so good.

Earlier this morning when we were outside the birds were singing away.

I know why Alvin likes to just sit on the deck with eyes closed and sniff.

He is relaxing …..

 

 

Happy to report that Alvin has had some real good poops, thank goodness.

The “D” word is one word that I hope I never have to hear again.

My poor little guy, he has been through a lot.

Thankfully he is on the mend.

 

I was thinking the other day about things that I have not done for the past almost 2.5 months, here is my list:

1. not using my “work” purse(s).
2. I have used a small one three times when went to the vet with/for Alvin
3. good shoes/sandals
4. make-up (only a few days have I applied other than eyebrows)
5. work clothes (I mainly wear work tops but more comfy bottoms as I had been going for walks at noon and hope to soon get back to them)
6. had coffee at work (I make coffee each morning and have gone through more coffee beans than ever)
7. car pooled to work
8. drove a vehicle once since I have been at home
9. gone to a grocery store
10. left my neighbourhood (gone to vet but they are 6 minute walk from our house)
11. work jacket
12. had to pay for carpool or bus tickets
13. no commute

Changes in our lives in the past 2.5 months:

1. home with Alvin 24/7
2. can walk multiple times per day
3. can wear whatever I like to work
4. fewer visits with family and friends
5. higher water and electrical bills
6. bought more coffee beans to grind
7. not been shopping at all – other than vet
8. working from home
9. my office is for personal and for work
10. with no commute to work, more time to live my life with Alvin (we have over 1.5 extra hours each day)
11. can enjoy more time in nature
12. can enjoy more time in my back yard

 

I am so happy that I have been home for Alvin while he has not been feeling his best.

There are likely a great many items that missed the list as you know I write this off the cuff in the morning before work.

Now I am writing about one hour later than usual.

 

Time to go and grab that cup of coffee.

I can hear the garbage truck clanging away in the distance.

They just picked up on our back lane.

I only have garbage every second or third week.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday.

Filled with love and laughter.

We just gotta laugh, for sure.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect,

is the only way to live our lives.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, partial overcast sky this morning.

I can see the sun on the horizon.

We had some rain last night.

A bit on the slippery side out there this morning or at least it was on the deck and the grass.

Well Alvin and I had a great Saturday.

His sister/my daughter arrived after dropping her car off to be winterized at their dealership.

We consumed “massive” amounts of pancakes (not really but it sounded good).

My friend had given me a can of maple syrup from Quebec so it was opened to use.

MMM, so good.

Happy Anniversary gift and card for my kids.I d

After breakfast, we decided it was a good opportunity to go and photograph me and Alvin for our Christmas photos.

We always take them in the fall.

Earlier in the morning I decided might be a good idea to shower and wash my hair and put on some makeup.

Paid off.

So after a few minutes of figuring out what would be good to wear and careful not to be similar to last years colours; we were off.

Jeans and a purple sweater and tank top.

Alvin wore his usual “black and white tux.”

Always so formal that guy.

We spent less time than usual snapping a few photos and for the first time using her iPhone camera.

I was happy with my hair until there was a breeze and then it was out the window.

We/I sat on rocks by the water (not that close), on the little bridge and standing.

At the end of slightly more than 30 minutes; we had some shots that were worthy of our “10th Year Photo.”

Cannot believe ten years already.

The shortest photo shoot and with a phone camera.

Who would have ever thought …. not having to lug a big camera around.

Nice for my daughter.

 

After returning home after the photo shoot, my son-in-law called an UBER for us (cause he has the APP).

I quickly changed into something less dressy.

Gave Mr. Alvin a treat.

Shortly thereafter we were on our way.

My daughter had heard about this Thrift Outlet store which is on the premise as the Recycle place.

All the items whether household or clothing or books whatever are purchased by weight.

We found a few things but it was so busy …. I am no longer happy in crowds.

After leaving there we went to the Thrift Store not far away.

It is new and looks like a Winner’s type store.

In fact, set up much the same.

Everything looks like new or close.

Needless to say we, mainly me found several items that I ended up purchasing.

Some items to hang on the wall, some small Christmas tins to put gifts in as wrapping and PJ’s.

I washed the clothing items right away …. love the pj’s.

Also found a white handmade blanket which will be washed this morning.

It is so pretty, no stains and perfect.

 

Returned home, sorted the purchases and my daughter was on her way.

I decided we would go for another walk as it was so beautiful out.

We had a great walk.

After returning home made supper and cleaned up.

I did another couple loads of laundry.

Today is finishing the laundry, hair cut and bath for the boy and baking of chocolate chip cookies for the 5th Avenue Jewelry party next Saturday evening.

It is finally light out so one can see everything clearly.

Have to decide if I will rake the leaves for the 4th time …. my tree is bare.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Thus far our weekend has been amazing.

Happy Sunday to you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Oh my gosh the sun was shining every so brightly.

I snapped these photos from my bedroom window.

Just a few minutes ago.

Then I had barely left the room when I noticed the sky was darkening.

So now the sky out of my bedroom window looks like this:

To the south or out of my office window, it is much darker than to the north.

We will be going for a walk as soon as I am done this post.

Just in case.

We do not wish to miss our walks.

 

Today is the 57th birthday of my brother J.

WOW, seems like only yesterday he was 6 and then a teenager and then 50.

We texted as he is on an acreage and was about to go haying for the day.

Wishing them good weather.

 

Yesterday one of my friends hosted my birthday party.

I took the cupcakes and she had some lovely fresh fruit including cherries.

HEAVEN.

and Coffee, of course.

We laughed and caught up.

They spoiled me with birthday cards, the recent book that Michelle Obama penned, a toasty warm pullover for when I walk Mr. Alvin, a bright coloured tunic, shower gel from Bath & Body Works

and a beautiful scarf filled with hues of blues, pinks, black on white.

I am one lucky girl.

Happy Birthday sign on the door at my friend’s house – there were lots of other decorations.

Photos of gifts from my house …. wow ….

The above photo are treats from another friend who popped by night before last on my birthday.

I feel so incredibly blessed not for the gifts (which are so thoughtful) but to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Thank you.

Very grateful.

 

Also hung the bulletin boards in the office yesterday after the birthday party and a walk with Alvin and Teddy.

I have not taken photos as yet but I will and post them later.

Can hardly wait to display some photos and cards and other little items.

Looks so great.

 

Well time to fly.

The wind is getting up.

We want to walk before it rains.

Cannot believe these temperatures.

Pretty cool.

Oh well.

 

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

 

A kind heart and respectful nature – that’s all you really need.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Oh, me oh my, it is only me and Alvin.

The house does feel strangely quiet.

Yesterday we had Humphrey and Teddy.

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of April, 2019.

Wow, we are having quite the morning.

We were originally up at 3:00 a.m. and then went downstairs.

Alvin had his glucosamine chew and went outside.

Then we hit the sofa for what was supposed to be 99 minutes and apparently the microwave timer went off but I did not hear it.

So I woke up and it appeared to be getting lighter than it should have been.

I jumped up (scared Alvin) and ran to the kitchen.

Where the microwave clock said “5:58 a.m.”.

It took me a few seconds to wrap my head around the time.

Was it two minutes to 5 or what?

Nope it was 6:00 a.m. (or almost).

So I grabbed my pre cooked oatmeal from the fridge.

Threw it into the microwave to heat.

Quickly grabbed Alvin’s food from the pantry and filled his bowl.

Mixed in some coconut melt and clementine matcha and over top some blueberries.

I wrote just a few lines in my “gratitude journal.”

Ate quickly and then upstairs.

Water piked the teeth (as cannot start the day without that and with blueberries, you get the picture).

Brushed teeth,

slapped on some makeup.

Into clothes which thankfully I always lay out including socks and underwear.

Then grabbed rings, earrings, bracelet and watch.

Oh, in between brushed Alvin’s teeth and filled his upstairs water dish.

Laid down his blanket.

Onto the computer.

Here I am ….. just a tad frazzled.

Okay.

Well I have to make this short.

As of course, we are late.

I think Alvin has to go outside because I don’t know if he actually “pooped” or not in all of the commotion.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Coffee break??  feel as though I have put in a full day already.

Happy Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my family …. always in my heart and thoughts….. love you all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of July, 2018.

What a gorgeous morning, clear blue skies.

This morning when Al and I went for a walk at 5:15 a.m. – there was quite a lot of activity at our lakes/park.

The birds everything from ducks, geese, robins and more where chirping, quacking, singing and communicating.

There were frogs and crickets.

The ponds (not actually lakes) were alive with all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures.

It was glorious to listen to it all as we made our way through the park.

 

Another HOT HOT one on the way.

OMG, yesterday was so hot.

The fans and air conditioning barely keeping things cool.

 

Somedays you just need to share some photos.

Here are some photos from my “61” BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

The partying beings ….. a tad early but who am I to rain on my parade.

Why not celebrate for a month?

Right.

Party complete with Birthday Banner and Balloons.

Nothing like FRESH GLORIOUS FRUIT

Homemade CARROT CAKE to die for ….

The Birthday Girl hiding behind your PRESENTS.

Oh, I love presents.

So blessed …. received yoga pants & top and sweater and long no-sleeved fancy tank top.

I had so much fun with my girl friends …. we laughed and laughed.

 

AFTER the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups came for the afternoon & stayed for supper.

Both Aspen and Milo looked out the window pretty much the whole time that my daughter was out.

She slipped out for a few minutes.

Oh the babies.

My LILIES be blooming.

They are the most gorgeous shade of red, the ferns are taking over the front flower bed.

Who does not like impatiens?  I kind of missed most of the flowers.

They are filling up two pots on the front step.

What a glorious Sunday I had.

Absolute perfection.

 

Well here we are at Tuesday.

Will be trying to keep cool.

Thank goodness it is cool at 5:15 am when we go for a walk.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you for reading my blog.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of April, 2018.

The sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky.

The air inside the house is on the “cool” side as I turned the thermostat downwards, not off, just down.

Today is to be +20 degrees celsius.

 

Last night Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk together after work.

Most of the snow / ice has melted.

There was a fairly large patch of water covering the sidewalk but we walked around it the best we could.

My shoes and Alvin’s paws managed to get wet.

Although I was not deliberately trying to get mine wet.

What a guy!

We picked up some trash along the way.

As there always seems to be some laying about.

Next weekend will be my big trash pickup.

 

So happy for this weather.

Finally, I believe that I can put our winter clothing away.

Alvin will no longer require his winter coats.

That will be my Saturday project.

 

I do love going through my closets and containers.

Checking on what needs to find a new home and what to keep and wear for the summer months.

I do need to bring my shoes upstairs and see what I have.

 

Alvin just popped into the office.

He was sniffing about as dogs will do.

I have a little blue blanket in the office which usually is draped over the arm of my chair.

I placed it on the floor, he gave it a couple of kicks and then has curled up.

He almost never curls up on the blanket.

Usually just sits or lays down.

So cute.

 

Well almost time to put the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I wish you all a Happy Day and as I was reminded that everyday is EARTH DAY.

I love that.

It certainly is …. everyday I do my best to help our environment and I hope that you do, as well.

Have an awesome EARTH DAY.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who love to read.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of March, 2017.

The sun was shining in through my kitchen windows this morning.

I still have the decorations from my daughter’s birthday party hanging in the window and they are BUTTERFLIES.

They are so pretty I decided to leave them up for awhile.

They were used originally for a store display.

Lucky me.

So pretty …… they are well made and will last for years.

 

We were up early as usual and then before heading back to the sofa I turned on the dryer to fluff up the load that I had left in the dryer from last night and put in the last of the two loads to wash.

Always grabbed all of the clothes that were drying and brought them upstairs to be put away.

I put away the dishes that were air drying in the sink.

Pulled out my baking dishes as I plan to bake banana muffins this afternoon after my morning coffee party.

 

Then we hit the sofa.

I must say that one of my most favourite moments in time is when Alvin and I snuggle on the sofa in the morning before getting up to stay.

We have this pillow from IKEA that is rectangular on the sofa.

I lay it flat and place my head at one end and then Alvin shuffles around before laying his head next to mine.

Placing our favourite red blanket over top of us and with my arm over his body we nap for a little longer.

It is truly one of my favourite moments in time.

What a wonderful way to begin the day.

 

Usually after I get up he moves over to my spot and I cover him up.

He lays there while I write in my gratitude journal and once I have breakfast including the always “banana” – he will leave the sofa and come to the table.

We always eat breakfast at the table …… he has his food much earlier but we always share a banana.

His fav.

 

Last night it was raining …. yes, raining in March and windy.

This morning we woke up to snow.

Actually I knew it had snowed because I looked out the window at 2:30 a.m. (bathroom break).

 

While writing in my journal this morning – Alvin got up to go outside.

I decided that I would grab my coat and boots and shovel off the deck …..

 

So time to hit the shower as I have a coffee date with my girls this morning.

Not my turn to host.

I will be walking most carefully this morning.

Feels quite warm out so it should melt today.

Sky is clear so that is a good sign.

Gotta run.

Also want to make coffee for my neighbour before I leave for coffee.

 

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my sister …. SKYPE at 6:30 p.m. ????  If different time call me, please.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S.  Mr. Alvin looks so good in his new hair cut and feels so soft after the bath.  The longer is hair the more course it is ….

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of October, 2016.

Flowers gone now due to frost.

Cleaned up pots last night and put away.

Cleaned out the rest of the front flower bed and trimmed back the perennials.

Raked the leaves another time.

Trimmed the bushes in the back garden.

Removed the garden hose from the house and drained.

Ready for the next season.

 

Well I have had an interesting morning thus far.

Woke up with Alvin extra early and went back to the sofa for a bit …..

Set the alarm.

My ears plugged and I did not hear the alarm.

Running late.

Well missed the first bus but will catch the next one and still be to work on time.

Good thing I always like to be early.

I have a plan B.

Well time to go.

Brought out the winter clothing as I figured with this cold I should wear a heavier coat and the accessories.

Most of which I have been wearing in various layers.

Have a great Friday.

Hopefully my ears unplug soon.

Feels strange and makes me slightly unbalanced.

Oh the joys of a cold.

 

Special Hello to: all those people with colds …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday July 2, 2016.

Another bright and sunny morning although there are some clouds to the south.

I think they are forecasting occasional showers for today.

Me and Alvin had a wonderful Canada Day.

We both were startled by a loud crash when someone in the neighbourhood fired big fireworks.

I had closed the window earlier because there were smaller ones going off.

Thank goodness it started to rain and put an end to the fireworks.

I doubt very much that they had permission to set them off.

Thank you Mother Nature.

 

There is a bit of a cool breeze coming in through my office window as I key these words.

I am also reinforcing some buttons on a couple of new tops that one of my friends gave me so that they don’t come off and get lost.

One is a deep purple and the other is a deeper khaki limey green – both which go with a flowery cardigan that I own.

Lucky me.

I love hand me downs ….. I remember as a little girl when boxes of clothing would arrive from our cousins.

My sister and I used to love trying the clothes.

Our Mom made most of our clothes when we were small but as the boys started to come along she just did not have the time.

She also spent a lot of time out doing chores and working on the land.

I definitely did not have the time to sew on top of looking after the small ones, cooking, cleaning and other chores.

Thank goodness my sister was only 18 months younger and was a huge help with most things.

I remember we would have the odd battle but I do believe it was out of frustration as we had huge responsibilities as young ones.

We did love to go to school and even though we missed more than we went our grades were not reflective of that as we felt as though it was a holiday, it was fun.

Well enough down memory lane.

Time to get these buttons tightened and get downstairs and have my breakfast and then COFFEE.

Mr. Alvin had his breakfast earlier at 5:00 a.m.

 

We want to wish you a great day.

Special Hello to: all those children who grew up before their time …..

Always, Carol and Alvin