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.
Good Morning! Dark outside as I type this post. I am up showered, bed made and writing this post at 6:20 a.m. as I am catching the bus to the new office this morning. First time that I have taken the bus since before the Pandemic which slightly frightens me but I need to do this and so I shall. I was going to wear a mask but it is chilly outside so I will have a big scarf on and that likely provides some protection from any germs floating around the air. Funny that I will be leaving home at the same time that my ride would come and will arrive at the office about the same time. By car it is less than a ten minute drive. Oh, we love public transportation. Not complaining. Life in the fast lane.
Yesterday I did go for a walk at my lunch break. I walked the same path that Alvin and I used to take when the weather was good. It was wonderful and I could feel him walking ahead and I could see his little bum just strutting along stopping frequently to sniff everything. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Good to get some exercise so this will be good as well. I have a walk to the bus stop and then a short bus ride and then a walk to the office. Exciting and scary all at once.
Tonight I shall begin the preparations for Amanda’s birthday party tomorrow. Boil the eggs and potatoes for the potato salad (not just for hot summer days) and do some cleaning, some laundry and perhaps put up a couple of decorations. No balloons, I no longer do balloons. Not environmentally friendly. I always cringe when I see them on the ground outside where a bird or an animal or a pet could get at them.
I think that I am going to pop downstairs and put on some coffee, I have no idea what we will have in the office. Some of my previous coworkers had “stories” about what was on site. I need some coffee. Just to have a mug before I leave.
Wishing you a good day. Take care and be safe.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! I guess we have winter back for awhile. A blanket of the white stuff covers the sidewalks and rooftops once again. Some shovelling for me before I head out to the office today for the second last time. Next week we move to the new “office.”
Why is it so hard to say goodbye to someone? I so miss my Alvin. The nights and mornings are the most difficult. I miss his snuggles and his way. He was the best and I wish that we would have had more time together. One more summer adventure. One more road trip. One more walk around the park. One more visit for him with his best friend Teddy. One more visit with family. So much more I wish for us, for him.
Yesterday I was kept busy with most of the day spent moving photos from my old computer to the external hard drive. I also went through all 42,537 photos and picked out some of Alvin so that I can do some special “In Memoriam” cards for the special ones in his/our lives and also to do a photo book. Did you know that Costco is now working with Shutterfly. That is quite the match. I love Shutterfly.
Later in the afternoon our friends Alyaa and her pup Cookie came over for a visit. Cookie is so busy but she is a good distraction. We had a great visit. Alyaa watched over Alvin when I had to return to the office three days each week. He really loved her and I so appreciate her friendship.
Then I had supper and cleaned up and watched a bit of tv before going to bed. Last night was hard as I felt his loss even more and the guilt creeping back into my mind and soul. Oh my buddy, I miss you so much. He was the best little guy.
Well I have shovelling to do and a few things downstairs so better head down.
I hope that you have a wonderful day. Be safe and take care.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am okay despite being up six times during the night not including the time we actually got up for the day. NOTE: it is darn cold outside. I pray and hope every night and day that Alvin will be better that day. So fingers crossed today is the day that he makes the switch to good poop and that it continues from now on. I went to Save-On on my lunch break yesterday with one of my coworkers to pick up chicken breasts for Alvin and lottery tickets for me. At this point, the possibility of money out weighs my desire to buy groceries for myself (don’t worry my fridge, freezer and panties (whoops, meant pantries) have enough food to keep me going for awhile. As I was typing and notices that I typed “panties” instead of pantries, I thought well that is funny, just leave it. Sometimes an error needs to be left but not quite undone. Although considering I may have had four hours sleep during the past two days, I apparently still have sort of a sense of humour. Hopefully I keep that to myself today as we have a meeting with our AVP and Director followed by a lunch meeting with them and all of the site teams. I will take my coffee and sit as close to a wall out of the way as I can. Surely do not want to nod off or anything. Yesterday, I was bouncing off the walls and like a squirrel could not stay focused for very long at a time. This is not by any means, my normal self but is due to lack of sleep, stress and anxiety between Alvin and work. Oh well, I have so much to be grateful for …… that every morning I wake up in this beautiful house that I wait until I was 52 to have …… that even if we are waking up on the sofa, I have Mr. Alvin beside me ……. that I, we have lots of good food to eat …… that I can afford to order pizza every so often (which I did last night and believe you me, it is like buying a small car, these days) …… that I am in good health except for being tired …… that I am surrounded by so many good, caring, compassionate family and friends who love and support me who matter what …… that I live in this country where we can live our dreams so we should decide to ……. that I have beautiful plants that are flowering at this time and their colours bring me great joy ….. there is so much more but I am running out of time. Alvin needs to go outside before I leave for work and that is fast approaching.
One more day this week and then it is the weekend. I have five days next week to work and then I am on two weeks vacation. I was thinking that perhaps I should only take one week as I am using all of my earned vacation and then I thought …. no …. I need this break ……. so vacation time in February in Edmonton …… on my sofa and figuring out my life……
Wishing you a great day.
Yesterday was our friend Signe’s birthday. I did remember in the morning to send her a birthday text and we are celebrating her birthday at Gillian’s house on Saturday. I forgot to send her wishes from this blog. I try to remember people here but honestly when I write these posts early in the morning, sometimes I forget. Trying to remember! Looking forward to Saturday morning with my friends with a short break from the “madness” of my home. Not really but sounds good, not really……..lol.
I be needing those mugs of coffee this morning for sure. Perhaps I should take my big mug today.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Trying to keep remember “when nothing is sure anything is possible.” I love that thought.
Good Morning ALL! I, we had a pretty good sleep. Up a couple of times but all in all, not bad. Always helps matters when I am able to work from home. A person could even have a nap on lunch break if one was tired, right? We are experiencing a cold snap. I guess more like winter than the previous few weeks. A mix of weather is good, I think. Do you ever wonder if it is a cold or allergies that you have? Just a random question that popped into my mind. Sorry, lol.
This is good news, Alvin’s poop seems to be getting closer to normal the past couple of days. I am so relieved. This morning or on my lunch break to call his Doctor and give her an update. I started to mix in more of his food and give him some of his hard food as a snack. Seems to be going okay thus far. Fingers crossed.
Sometimes you just need to see some cuteness …… photo time…… Alvin and family and friends and some flowers ……..
A proper Gentleman
A great way to start the week with photos of Alvin and his family and friends. They are all like family. Special shout out to Sir Elton and Miss Penny who passed away in 2016. We miss you guys. We love to be surrounded by all the joy that these beings bring us. Always love in my heart and a smile on my face. Cuteness abound. Thank you Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Bogart, Teddy, Kobi, Bailey, Cookie and Duck…..
Have a wonderful Monday. Great way to begin the week.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and COFFEE. Need coffee on this cold morning.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am doing well. When I looked out of the bedroom window I saw more snow so there will be more shovelling in my future. The sky is grey so more snow. I was pretty sure that the temperatures were getting colder so not sure why the snow but not much one can do about this situation. Mother Nature does what Mother Nature does in the winter on the prairies in Canada. Happy December! I am grateful that today is Sunday and that I do not have much on my plate today except putting my winter coats back in the downstairs front entranceway closet and emptying the dishwasher. Oh, and shovelling! I have done lots of cleaning last weekend and on Friday and earlier on Saturday preparing for Christmas parties each weekend.
Last night was so much fun. There were five of us in total. Two ladies cancelled at the last minute. That did not stop us from having a great time. We laughed, we “cried”, we ATE (oh my goodness did we eat), drank and spoke about our ups and downs, some about work. I was actually surprised that we held off talking about the “W” word for most of the evening and then we had a good chat. We were all feeling the same as we shared our anxieties and all of that. Next time I ask people to come over – I will not ask them to bring food as I made enough for about 20 people. We laughed about that …..
Well, I am keeping this short as I just want to have a lazy day and I want to get that started now. In fact, I am going to stay in my pj’s for awhile until I go out to shovel, might as well wait until the snow stops.
Tomorrow is back to the office. I was thinking last night and shared, “Wouldn’t it be great if our employer decided to change our “schedule for back to the office” down to one or two days per week. Dependant on whether or not your job required you to actually be in the office” What a morale booster that would be right before Christmas.” A girl can only hope. Maybe changing my thoughts will change the outcome. Oh that would be so nice. Fingers crossed. Changing my thoughts to change things!
Have an awesome Sunday. Coffee here I come.
Countdown to Christmas: only 6 sleeps until Christmas Eve. Only 6 sleeps until ALVIN comes home. I cannot wait to see him, Aspen, Milo, Amanda and Steven. YAY. Happy Christmas to me!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. last night was a reminder, if you are feeling something, it is very likely that others feel the same way! Always reach out and know you are never alone.
Good Morning ALL! It is bitterly outside here in Edmonton and surrounding areas this Tuesday morning. Without the windchill minus 30 degrees celsius. Thankfully it will warm up tonight and be single digit minus temperatures tomorrow. I hope this finds you doing well. I am good. Feels so strange being alone in the house without Alvin. He is doing well at my daughter’s house.
Today December 6th is the birthday of my cousin Janice. Happy Birthday dear cousin. Wishing you a wonderful day.
Countdown to Christmas Eve is “18” sleeps – under the three week timeframe.
I am pretty much ready for Christmas as far as Christmas tree up, house decorated, baking done and gifts wrapped. Most of the gifts that is – couple things to arrive. All in all, ready. I will need to go to the grocery store a couple of time before Christmas for those last minute items. Anything that I could store for a long period of time – has already been purchased.
Back to work this morning. Working from home today and tomorrow and then to the office for Thursday and Friday.
I sure could have stayed under the blankets this morning. Might have something to do with the frigid temperatures outside. So grateful to be able to work from home today.
Tomorrow I have an appointment to get my eyes tested and pick out new glasses. I always look forward to getting a new pair of frames. Would be nice if they had a sale and I could pick up two pair. I have to decide about what to do about “sunglasses.” Clips or sunglasses or transitions. Will see tomorrow.
Well time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. I am ahead of schedule this morning but if I had to go to the office I would be running a tad late. Will have to get up a bit earlier on Thursday and Friday. Just because Alvin is not here – I do not need to be lazy, lol. Sure miss the little guy.
Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am more relaxed this morning than yesterday and had a bit more sleep than the previous night. I reached out to one of my friends and to my daughter and both did not reach the same conclusions that I had about the piece of something that I found on my kitchen floor. So I am going with their conclusions and am resting a bit easy.
Another cold morning and it is snowing. I am going to the office today and our neighbour will come and check on Mr. Alvin. Would be nice when the temperatures were cold that we could just stay home. But not the case. Oh well. Snuggling with Alvin is much more appealing than going outside.
Two more days and I start the Christmas baking. Getting prepared and a schedule worked out in my mind. I will start on Friday night and have done early on Monday. The list of items contains Sugar Cookies, Fudge and Chocolate Chip Cookies. I also picked up ready made tart shells and a jar of mincemeat to make some tarts. Not really baking as the work is already done but I am making them for us for Christmas. I may make Raisin Cookies should time allow. But definitely the first three items will be done this weekend. There is also organizing of all my storage containers for the cookies as I will need to freeze them for a bit before handing them out to friends and neighbours. Some are required for different Christmas parties and for Christmas time. I am excited. Will be busy but fun.
Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1st, 2022! Where has the time gone. Soon we shall be in the countdown to Christmas Eve / Day and the New Year. 2023 that is just unbelievable.
Well I suppose I should head back downstairs. I need to go outside and pick up the poop from earlier. Finishing touches on things to take to work. Snuggles with Mr. Alvin. That is the most important thing that I need to do between now and when my ride arrives.
I hope that you have an awesome day. Keep warm and stay safe.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
I am looking forward to coffee this morning. Thinking that I should make my own and take to work.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? We are doing well. I/We were so happy to spend some time with our girl. The time we spend together is always great. I am very grateful to have her in our lives. We miss our boy and the pups and cannot wait until Christmas to see them.
Amanda picked up a floral/plant arrangement for me to take with a card and a special Angel pin to our friends Norbert & Irene who recently lost their youngest son. One of the hardest face to face conversations. Broke my heart into a million pieces. I feel so badly for them. To lose a child of any age makes no sense. We always as parents believe that we will go first and when tragedy strikes and changes the “natural order” we are beyond disbelief and heart broken.
We, me and Alvin got to see little Betty Ann who belongs to friends of Amanda & Steven’s. Her parents dropped her off as she will be spending a week or so with the kids while they are away on business. I truly have the best kids, they have the biggest hearts and always have an extra pup or two in the household. I do not know how they do it because I always think I have my hands full with Mr. Alvin, lol. We all had a short visit before Amanda and Betty Ann were on their way to Alberta Beach.
Overnight the temperature dropped into the high double-digits. It was chilly outside when we were out earlier. Last day to the office for this week. I am very grateful that I can spend tomorrow working from home with Alvin by my side.
Last night was a blur with one minute driving with Amanda to cooking supper to eating supper with her, to going to see my friends, to Betty Ann being dropped off to them being gone. It seemed to happen so quickly. Almost makes me wonder, did it really happen? Of course, it did but it was an emotionally charged evening from happiness to sadness.
Well it be time to head downstairs and finish getting ready to leave for work. I am very grateful that I have a ride to and from work with a coworker. She is awesome and we have really got to know each other over the past couple of months. Carpool will do that!
Have an awesome Thursday!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: Amanda brought the tree lights and the toilet handle, so I have a couple of projects ahead of me. I think I shall wait until Friday after work. Should be fun.
Good Morning ALL! I am back and will be working today. OH my goodness, it is COLD in the house. Got down to 64 degrees fahrenheit overnight. I could not warm up and even though I likely had the warmest shower that I have ever had, I am still feeling cold right down to my bones. The sky is blue and the sun is shining so hopefully it will warm up. Earlier when Alvin and I were outside in the backyard I noticed that the water in the dish for the birds and bees had frozen over. My poor plants. The pansies and violas are still doing okay but the others are having quite the time. I haven’t checked the front plants as yet. I will admit, just a tad bit afraid. I sure wished that the overnight temperatures would warm up. Yes, it is just the last day of May. But would be nice.
Today is the last day of May and also the Happy Birthday of one of my most dear friends and also a neighbour “G” ……. Alvin and I wish you the best day ever. This was the birthday party that another of the friends hosted on Sunday. We had such a great time. Signe went over the top with the food. There was laughter and no tears. I love these girls. They are such great friends and neighbours. I got so lucky when I chose this place to live. So blessed and so fortunate and I am so grateful.
I can tell you something that I know for sure and that is that a cup of coffee is going to taste so good this morning. I am still cold.
I stepped in poop somehow again, the only poop in the backyard (that was last evening). The grass even though I cut it only a few days ago is growing so fast, that it needs a trim again. That way, the poop cannot hide in the grass. I have been going out with Alvin especially at night. How is it that poop always seems to “step” into the conversation, lol. It may be gross but the word is kind of funny. Poop, poop, poop, poop!
Well on that note I need to head on downstairs and get the coffee made.
I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
My New Life @ 51 