2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this last day of March 2021? We are doing well. Today is my late start / late shift day. I will say that I am not terribly excited about having to work these shifts every month but it is what our employer asks of us so what can you do? The sky is overcast and there appears to be little wind this morning. YAY. Happy about that. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be double digit plus temperatures here in Edmonton and that is great news. The Easter weekend, the long weekend will be much cooler with plus single digit temperatures. Now as long as our day time highs are plus temperatures not much to complain about from me, anyway.

Alvin and I had a nice walk yesterday at lunchtime. Walking into the wind was a bit on the cold side but definitely not winter like conditions and our walk was most enjoyable. I have noticed that the past couple of weeks Alvin has been jumping up onto his chair by the window a bit more often. He used to sit in that chair and look out of the window for hours during the start of my time at home but gradually starting spending more time on the sofa or on his bed in the kitchen close to me. I am happy to see him enjoying looking out of the window. I wonder when I was working away from home just how long he actually stayed in the chair? Or did he go upstairs and lay on the bed? Perhaps he ran around the house. I will never know. Some days upon my return from work he would be sitting in the chair looking out the living room window …. he would see the vehicle and jump up onto his back legs and take a really good look before jumping down and running to the door. Always happy to see me and to go outside. It was an awful long time to hold his pee and I always felt guilt and wished that I had trained him early on to go on pads. There were also times when he would not be at the window looking out and as I opened the door I could hear him jumping off the bed and then see him come bounding down the stairs to greet me. Our four legged companions. They treat us like royalty with their unconditional love and gratitude. Even though sometimes we get on each other’s “nerves” so to speak we are pals and I will always do whatever is earthly possible to ensure that he is happy, healthy, comfortable and surrounded by love. After all, he is my boy and has been from the beginning. We are both working on patience.

Almost time for me to head to the shower and get freshened up.

Oh, no …. how could I possible forget the birthday of one of my dearest and long time friends who celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday P, wishing you a wonderful day. May you be surrounded by family, love and laughter on this special day. WIshing you good health and abundance. Thank goodness for that birthday calendar.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and respect.

Always, Carol & Alvin

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  My Flowers

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Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it is Saturday …. made it to the weekend.

I can hear the hum of the cars and trucks as they make their way along the highway that runs a few blocks away from my house.

The office window is open just a bit to let in some fresh cool Saturday morning air.

I am grateful as always to have the option to open a window and to be able to smell and feel that tinge of coolness as it lights upon my face and body.

There is a bit of a breeze and the sky is dotted with clouds.

Welcome to Saturday morning.

 

Alvin and I were up earlier and hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s as we were up late.

We have his regular Doctor appointment this morning.

His not so favourite thing …. getting his nails trimmed.

He will be surrounded with people who love him.

 

I also found out this morning that a family back home lost their beloved Jersey, who was 16.

Their four-legged baby.

She filled their lives with great joy and hers with theirs.

Jersey lived her life to the fullest until she could not.

The love was honest and genuine and there is not much more one could ask for …..

You will be missed darling Jersey.

 

On this Saturday morning may you be surrounded with love and joy.

May laughter be a constant companion.

Spread kindness and respect everywhere.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone.

The sun is clearing the clouds.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of April, 2019.

Another glorious sunrise.

Oh, how I love the morning sky.

I also love my companion, my boy, my friend Alvin.

He is snuggled up on the blue blanket which is made extra soft by the green lap blanket that my Grandmother crocheted many years ago.

I was thinking as I was putting on my jewellery how blessed I am to have found Alvin.

Of course, like any relationship on the planet there are moments that my patience may be stretched just a tad but for the  most part we are like two peas in a pod.

More alike than not.

He has shown me that life goes on.

He has shown me forgiveness.

He has shown me sheer delight in just going out for a walk and being more in touch with nature.

He makes me feel like a million dollars every time that I open the front door.

Always excited to see me.

He has shown me that you can get VERY excited about food.

He never ceases to amaze me.

He has shown me that no matter your age you can always make a new friend.

Case in point ….. Humphrey the Cat.

He shows me all the time with his friend Teddy – how important it is to have friends.

So on this Thursday, I salute my four-legged crazy, loving, social butterfly Mr. Alvin …. Cheers my great friend.

I am so grateful to my kids for finding him for me and me for him.

 

Alvin, one of my babies

Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

Me and Alvin

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

 

Feeling mighty blessed this bright sunshiny day.

Happy Thursday Mr. Alvin.

I hope that you all have a “Mr. Alvin” in your life.

He brings me great joy, companionship and curiosity.

Love you my boy.

 

Special Hello to:  Mr. Alvin ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of December, 2017.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

To be 7 degrees celsius.

Soon there will be no snow but there remains ICE.

 

Just thinking this morning about how grateful I am to be surrounded by wonderful people.

Just thinking this morning about how grateful I am to have found my companion, Alvin.

Just thinking this morning about how grateful I am that I have choices.

Just thinking this morning about how grateful I am that I can choose to be kind and loving.

 

Happy Thursday.

Feeling blessed.

 

Special Hello to: you, today.  You are awesome and do not forget it.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the Day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of May, 2016.

Started out to be bright and sunny and now the sky has clouded up.

Perhaps I need to take this opportunity and go with Alvin for a walk.

Most everything I need to do today can be done inside the house so rain will not both me.

Hard to believe once again we are nearing the end of yet another month.

I find time is just flying by.

As I sit here sipping on my coffee and writing my thoughts I can say this, I am so grateful for what I have, where I am and who I am.

To live in this city, in this country is amazing.

We do have our ups and downs but at the end of the day life is amazing here.

Now some people think that this is the land of milk and honey.

In some respects it is.

You can live in peace and you can realize your dreams.

But do not think for one moment that everything is handed to you or me on a silver platter because that is not the case.

We are able to work hard here and make our dreams come true.

My reality is: I live in peace.  I work hard.  Life is good but not easy, easy.  The cost of food and services has gone up a lot over the past couple of years.  So on one income it is a struggle but I/we (me and Alvin) manage to get by. Life is not fancy but we have a house which was my dream, and I make it work.  This year I may not have pots and pots filled with flowers but that is okay.  Some of the perennials that I planted last year are blooming out front, and a good friend gave me some other plants, and they are doing well.  So I am happy with that.  Sometimes you cannot have everything you want.  There are no exotic trips in my near future and no shopping sprees either but that is okay.  Neither are necessities.   I always think as long as I can pay my bills and feed me and Alvin, we are doing okay.  Someday there may be a trip, someday.  I live in peace and I am happy.  To be surrounded by great people is also my reality.  To be alive and breathing is my reality.  To have my companion Alvin is my reality.  To drink this cup of coffee while it is warm is my reality.  To have happy healthy family and friends I hope will always be my reality.

Take a look around you and count your blessings on the things that are truly important.  Life can be lived simply and simple is better.

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have already had a lazy morning and soon it shall be lunchtime.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: my sister who is always looking out for me……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 20th day of January, 2016.

WOW, the 20th day of January, 2016 ….. OMG the light bulb just came on ….. how could I have forgotten …… my baby boy’s Birthday …..

Yesterday my boy turned “7” …..  Happy Belated Birthday my darling Alvin

Here is my very first post from April of 2010 ….. “STARTING NOW”

As we start most days it is in the neighbourhood of 5:00 a.m. (just like the hours that I kept when I was working full-time, LOL). We have a routine.  He gets me up, and we go downstairs. No time to change so outdoors in my pj’s. Yikes.  Shut off the alarm.  I put on my coat.  Turn on outside light (sometimes grab the flashlight), and we go out to the backyard so that Master Alvin can perform his daily bathroom….. okay go to the bathroom.  Then we go back inside the house.  He wants his breakfast so his “Master” me serves it up with a smile or some days a little grunt.  Once he has finished the lights go out, and we hit the sofa for another two hours of sleep.  I am thinking that one of these days I should just stay up and see what he does.  Likely wouldn’t bother him at all.  It wasn’t so long ago that we stayed up.  In those first weeks it was up anywhere from 4:00 – 6:00 a.m. and we were up for the day.  Made for some very long days.  Needless to say, I was pretty cranky and overly emotional to boot.  My kids will attest to that fact.

Now we are both up, I start writing and make my breakfast.  Once done, I head upstairs (we head upstairs) to change and get ready for the day.  Most mornings Alvin helps me by nipping at my socks as I try to put them on,and then pulls on my pants as I try to get them on.  I must say it does end up being a work-out by the time I get them on.  He is so helpful.  When he goes to “bite or nip” …. he gets this look in his eyes …  kind of scares me.  Aren’t puppies fun!

Then it is time for a walk ( I have started to leave my first cup of coffee for after the first walk).  We have yet another routine.  I grab my coat.  He jumps up and grabs the sleeve or whatever part of the jacket he can get at.  I tell him “get down” or something else under my breath.  Then I retrieve my runners from the hall closet and put them on.  He is getting better.  In the early days he would run and grab my laces or the shoes making it almost impossible to actually put them on my feet.  Now he will sit or stand and watch me.  Once I am ready to go …. I grab his harness.  Usually I have to grab him as he hasn’t quite got the command “come” down pat just yet.  Anyway, his harness goes on.  Grab my sunglasses.  Hook on his leash (he used to try and eat it).  Grab the keys.  Oh, make sure have “those glorious black poop bags” in my pocket.  I set the alarm and open the door.  He will wait when I give the command “wait” and let me go out first and then he runs out.  Sometimes it looks like a comedy routine as he zooms past me and I almost go flying.  Locking the door is also a chore.  He wants to GO.  Getting better.  Then it is off to one of the neighbourhood lake / park areas.  It takes us about 35 minutes, sometimes longer.  Depends if there are people especially children out and about.  He loves everyone.  Always has to say HI.  A few days ago while we were out on a walk, we saw a pair of ducks on the lake.  He stopped and sat on his haunches.  We watched them for several minutes before resuming our walk.  I have a nature lover on my hands.  Didn’t bark or pull.  Just sat and watched them.  Very cute.  Other times he would start pulling (biting) on the leash and I would say “No”.  Finally one day, I figured out what he actually wanted.  I swooped down and picked him up and we kept walking.  He was happy.  Laid his head on my arm.  He is getting heavy so I didn’t carry him too far.  But he just wanted a rest.  There are many days when I wished that he could “TALK”.

This morning I was busy sending out e-mails to all my friends and family directing them to this blog.  Alvin is sleeping by my feet. Thank goodness for small miracles.   I do not know how many of you have had the “pleasurable” experience of owning a dog but I must say it has presented me with some interesting moments.  It is lots of work but at the end of the day, very rewarding.

Well, it is now afternoon.  Alvin is now awake and chewing on his bone.  I guess time to sign off for now.

Until later ………………….

 

 

Baby Alvin

 

Fast forward to January 20, 2016 and we are bonded and bound by time and love ….. he is a good friend and companion.  He makes me laugh and sometimes a bit frustrated so not much has really changed.  Reading over my blog from back then most of our morning routine has remained the same with the exceptions of me going to work and no work in the mornings.  I do miss that.  Well Mr. Alvin you have grown and are such a pleasure to be around and you are truly loved by all that know and meet you.  Happy Birthday Alvin.  Looking forward to many great years ahead.

Alvin at Christmas 2015

Special Hello to: me Alvin ….. Happy Belated Birthday Buddy

Always, Carol ….

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 7th day of July, 2015.

The sky has been mostly overcast until this point at just after 6:00 a.m. when the sun is breaking through.

That is the view from my office window which faces southward.

Now the sun almost casts a glow over the houses as the trees sway in the morning breeze.

I am so grateful to live in such a great place.

I am grateful to have my own home.

I am grateful to have such a great guy as a companion, Mr. Alvin.

The best four-legged friend this Momma could ever ask for …… mmmm

Last night before Alvin and I went for our walk we had a couple of errands to do in our neighbourhood.

Dropping stuff off.

After completing our task we proceeded on our nightly walk.

The air was perfect.

Not too hot.

Not too cool.

Just the right amount of a breeze.

We bumped into Mr. Alvin’s girl friend’s Moms (they are sisters who live down the street from us).

Mr. Alvin loves his Abby ….. unfortunately she had gone for an earlier walk and the girls were out for a run.

We chatted and caught up and then we all went our separate ways.

Running is not for me.

I love to walk ….. not run.

I like to stop and smell the roses.

Just before we arrived home we saw our friends who have the most gorgeous yard.

The grass is now the most lush that I have ever seen it to be.

Just the right amount of TLC ….. oh my goodness so green … the perfect shade.

They have beautiful flowers …. a rock garden …. hedges ….. roses ….. just spectacular.

Nicest people and Mr. Alvin loves them.

Funny thing the girls caught up to us ….. LOL….. we were visiting again.

Well it was the best evening.

We have a great many of them and I am truly grateful.

Now if I could only persuade Mr. Alvin to use the new sofa ottoman to get onto and off of the bed.

Still isn’t using it all of the time…..

Stubborn boy …. not good with change.

Well time to put on the finishing touches before going to catch the bus.

Oh and my sister called me last night.

Didn’t I say it was the most perfect evening.

Could not ask for more…… family, friends …..

Special Hello to: my sister …. thank you for your call.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 4th day of May, 2015.

It is raining at this moment …. or at least it was ….. we could use the moisture so that is good.

Mr. Alvin and his chewy bone are like a pair.

After I voted on Saturday I stopped by our local “Bone & Biscuit” store and picked up a couple of treats for Alvin.

When I got home I gave him the first one.

It was pretty big.

He carried it around the house hiding it along the way.

Alvin likes to him them for a long while before actually eating them.

That first one last well into the night on Saturday.

Yesterday when our company arrived I decided to give him the second and last one that I had bought.

He is still hiding it.

He brings it to bed ….. hides it behind the decorator pillows until I removed the pillows from the bed.

Then he hid it at the foot of the bed …. not really hiding it …. as it was in plain sight.

Then this morning he brought it downstairs …..

After he ate he wanted to take it outside.

Then he brought it back in and when he sat on my lap it came to the table.

He dropped it on the table before snuggling onto my lap.

Then I went to the bathroom …..

He always wants to come in …. in came the treat.

Alvin pushed it behind the bathroom vanity.

When we left the bathroom, I had to get it out as he just stood there and gave a little bark.

It was too tight of a space for him to get back into …..

After breakfast he brought it back upstairs and hid it in the bathroom where I was putting on makeup.

It remains there for the moment as he is stretched out on the carpet in front of the office.

He is so darn cute.

He has hid his chewy behind the cushions on the sofa, on the chair, on the mat by the back door, in the corner by the back door, downstairs in the family room …. anywhere really.

I just wanted to share my morning thus far.

Well almost time to leave as I am on Aussie patrol ….. have to go and look after one of my neighbour’s cat.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Happy Monday everyone.

Special Hello to: anyone that has a dog or cat or any companion …. they always make us smile.  I am smiling now.