2021

Good morning All! How are you today? Thursday, I think? The days are running together. There have been a few points when I was oh so tempted to grab my sandals and keys and leave. The front door looks so tempting. Another mixed up semi sleepless night. More on the no sleep than sleep. Reminds me of being a Mom when my daughter was colicky. No sleep. Being alone and caring for another life whether two or four-legged is not easy. Alvin panted for hours on end despite multiple trips outside during the night, rub down with wet cloth and his meds, I could not console him. No one was here to console me and I had an equally miserable night. Unpleasant thoughts took over my mind. It is hard to have continued loving, kind and respectful thoughts when you are so tired you just want to cry or run away. I would never harm Alvin despite being so distraught but I’m sure he could feel the words hit his heart. I’m sorry Alvin.

Tomorrow is one week since his surgery. I pray and hope that things drastically improve soon. Now of course things are way better than last weekend. That first night we camped out on the living room floor and there is no way that I could have got through it without my daughter being here.

It just seems that at times there is nothing I can do to make things better. Alvin is an anxious guy and that anxiety can push over the positive effect that his meds would have on him. I honestly do not know how he functions at all. Not much sleep and being anxious.

On a positive note when we were outside the last time I decided to put in on the love seat blocking any escape. He seemed to enjoy it for a few minutes while I deadheaded some of my flowers as bf gave a drink to others. Those glorious moments did not last but at least I had them.

I am so sorry to be venting but I hope if there are others out there in a similar situation that you will know you are not alone. In the wee hours of the night/morning I am with you and knowing that this too yet shall pass.

There is no way that I could have envisioned this happening and spending literally months sleeping on the sofa. Oh, I would give almost anything to sleep one whole night in my bed upstairs. We have a long way to go and there will be ups and downs such as there is in life. But I know I will get through and Alvin will as well.

Well time for more caffeine. I look forward to walks in time. I pray his knee heals.

Thank you for reading this post and continuing to follow me on this path which is my life.

Fingers crossed when I start back to work and so grateful I can continue to work from home.

Continuing with all my might and a few slip ups to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always Carol&Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday.

So happy that it is payday.

Pay those the bills and wait for the next ones.

What a circle!

I am grateful that I am able to pay my bills in full and on time.

I am grateful to have a roof over my head.

I am grateful that I am able to look after me and Alvin in good order.

I am grateful that I am employed.

I am grateful for each and every day that I am able to get out of bed in the morning.

I am grateful for all of my dear family members and all of my friends.

I am grateful to be surrounded by goodness and light.

I am grateful to have Alvin as my housemate.

I am grateful to have this beautiful weather as we fast approach the first day of fall.

I am grateful to be alive.

 

Last night and early this morning – I had the strangest of dreams.

Unfortunately I remember nothing of them other than they were odd.

How often does this happen to you?

Me, lots.

Sometimes I remember little things and sometimes I remember the dream in some detail.

But not often.

 

I prefer to daydream.

Where I can somewhat control and remember what I am thinking.

What do you daydream about?

I think daydreaming is good for us.

I daydream about things and people.

 

Another beautiful day on the way.

Yesterday was gorgeous.

We went for a walk in the morning as I worked the late shift yesterday.

Our walk was lovely.

Quiet …. not too many people out before 8:30 a.m.

Today at lunchtime I am going to the Vet to pick up food for Alvin, some pain meds and toothpaste for him.

We will walk after work when it cools down.

I guess we could / should have gone this morning but alas I did not get my butt going soon enough.

If I got dressed now and we went …. we could be home in time for me to start work.

But I think we will wait.

Although …… it looks tempting but it would be cutting it close.

We shall wait.

Can always go after supper if it is too warm at 4:00 p.m.

 

Tomorrow I got to the office for the first time since I left on March 19, 2020.

I am a little nervous – I will confess.

Must remember to take a mask or two and some other supplies.

Lunch, I guess.

Sounds like the coffee machine is in use so that is good.

Only for one day.

I shall miss and feel guilty leaving Alvin for a whole day.

He is not used to it.

Perhaps he will be happy to have the day to himself.

Who knows?

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have to get ready.

Turn on the coffee.

Actually turn on the coffee first and then come back upstairs and get ready.

I have all of the windows open so that cool air can come into the house.

Smells good.

Not really any breeze this morning.

Happy Thursday.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Be safe.

Be kind and respectful.

I shall/we shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

I am so excited to see the Snapdragons coming up in the pot with the Geraniums.

Orange and pink so pretty.

There are more Snapdragons since this photo was taken.

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning,

Hard to believe after getting up and walking early every morning for a week that on the coolest morning, I want to and did sleep later.

Alvin woke me up just before 4:00 a.m. so downstairs we did go where I gave him one of his glucosamine chews and then outside to pee.

Back in the house I managed to convince him to lay down on the sofa with me.

We were up at 6:22 a.m. and it was breakfast time for the boy.

Outside again.

Now why when it had not rained – did we not go for a walk, I shall never know.

The clouds are deep and heavy in the sky and the wind is gusting.

No rain since we were up the first time.

We could have walked.

We should have walked.

Now it is 8:33 a.m. – the rest of the week, we would have had our walk in, this post done and breakfast done and started doing things around the house but not this day.

So I decided to write this post first and then get dressed and if we are lucky enough not to have rain – then we shall go for a walk.

The windows are open and it has cooled down significantly within the house.

Perhaps with the heat of the week and the huge change overnight in the temperature that provides the reason for me being tired this morning.

Anyway, what can you do.

Besides it is vacation time.

Even on our early up and out we still were sleeping in compared to a regular work day.

Okay, I am dwelling far too long on “sleeping in.”

The wind is certainly blowing something in.

I am grateful for the cool air.

 

So today.

Clean the main floor, literally the main floor.

The bathroom on the main floor and dust a bit.

Otherwise the house has been cleaned.

Laundry is done.

Most of my TO DO LIST is complete.

 

Tonight my kids are coming over to celebrate my birthday early.

They are bringing supper and that is a surprise.

I am not fussy.

 

Yesterday I had a great 1.5 hour video chat with one of my dear friends back in Regina.

Thank goodness for technology.

The next best thing to being in person.

 

Ending the day with a nice visit with Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom over the fence.

The advantage of living in a duplex you have two neighbours that you can chat with over the fence.

My neighbours in the other half …. it is a bit of a stretch to talk over the fence …. literally but can be done.

 

Still no rain.

We better get out there.

Get some exercise.

 

I hope that you all have a great Friday.

Continuing to live with kindness and respect.

Stay safe and in good health.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

August 2nd, 2020 and a beautiful morning.

We were first up at 5:00 and Alvin had his breakfast.

Then back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

It was so hot in the house yesterday that I was really wishing that I had the A/C working.

But we made it through with the help of some electric fans.

I had the windows open with a breeze coming in earlier and have already started the fans.

I can only imagine what our electric bill will be next time.

We slept until 7:00 and then were up and got ready to go for our first walk in over a week.

 

One of neighbour’s down the street, Norbert was already out trimming his hedge that lines the sidewalk before their fence wraps around the yard.

They are on the corner lot and have a huge yard.

All of the neighbours are envious of their beautiful yard and flowers and the trees.

They truly have one of the most glorious yards.

We stopped and chatted of course and when I said that Alvin has a pulled muscle in his neck, he thought something must be wrong as they had not seen us out walking.

We walk like clock work unless one of us cannot.

After catching up we were on our way.

One of the people down the street from us had not cut his grass at all this summer.

I was surprised to see it finally cut.

Norbert said he had three people out cutting the grass.

Now that person is in half of a duplex so the front yard is not huge and likely the back was in as bad shape as the front.

So I could see multiple people.

It looks like a real bad haircut.

On the upside, the weeds are cut down.

Hopefully he keeps it cut.

Another neighbour, in fact, a young woman had some work done in the front yard.

She added some shrubs and some beautiful little solar lights and wood chips in the front lining the sidewalk from her house to the street.

Looks so good.

Man, so many changes since we were out last walking.

I miss seeing everyone’s flowers and chatting with folks.

We saw a couple sitting on their front porch enjoying “breakfast,” I would assume.

Although this morning Norbert was the only person we knew out.

There were a couple out for a morning run and then on the way home, a lady was out for a morning stroll.

Funny story, while we were out, we or actually I noticed this squirrel with a white belly on these huge rocks in the front yard of a neighbours a few blocks away from our house.

The squirrel was sitting and then would run a bit and then stop and then I noticed there were two black cats watching him with anticipation of what …. well who knows.

Likely not good.

They were on long leashes out enjoying the cool morning air.

So no immediate danger to the squirrel.

But I noticed the squirrel and the cats noticed the squirrel but not Mr. Alvin.

He was just sniffing away.

 

We had the best walk.

Enjoying the sights and smells of the flowers along the way.

 

Well I am going to make pancakes for breakfast before the heat really sets in for the day.

I guess this is going to be an easy not much going on kind on day.

But later our friend Alison is dropping off puppy Bailey for a couple of hours as she has an outing.

Bailey is busy so I will be busy.

 

I have some craft projects that I am working on so that will keep me busy for the day.

Something not requiring a lot of running about.

 

Well time to get this day underway ….. well to have coffee and breakfast.

I hope that you are keeping cool and enjoying your weekend.

We are so grateful to be feeling well and for the walk, it was absolutely glorious.

Another hot one on the way, 30 degrees celsius.

Then tomorrow 23 or 24 degrees celsius.

That will feel cold, wild laughter !!

 

Living my life with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Mr. Alvin and Carol

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, it is Saturday morning.

The office window is open as I key/type these words and there is a coolness to the air.

Humphrey the Cat is out on his deck.

He heard me when I opened the window and we made eye contact.

Then he was crying.

Perhaps for Alvin as Alvin was looking through the fence to see him earlier this morning (just a few minutes ago, actually).

 

News on the Alvin front.

We ended up going back to the Vet yesterday as there was no change in the pooping situation.

OMG, “did I really type that “pooping situation.”

Yes, I most certainly did.

ARGH.

Anyway, back to the story.

Our appointment was for 3:30 p.m.

The Doctor had said that would be taking bloodwork and if he pooped to bring in a sample.

ARGH, that would not be pretty.

So I gave him his third small meal of chicken and rice a few minutes before leaving for the appointment.

On the walk, he found a nice patch of green grass and did his business.

Not the business that I would have hoped for but he did and I did have to scoop it up.

A sample without grass for the Vet and then cleaned up the rest including pulling up some grass.

I had Alvin’s water bottle with me and poured some onto the remaining so that it would run away or so I hoped.

Not much fun cleaning up diarrhea.

Not much fun at all.

 

At the vet, she checked to ensure that he was hydrated etc.

First up was having the blood drawn ….. I opted to stay away during the procedure.

Guilt washed over me and I kept looking out from behind the door to see what was going on.

The staff are so lovely with Alvin.

Then I heard a yelp, a cry and my heart broke.

Then one of the girls said as I came out from behind the door …. he only cried when the needle was coming out.

I did notice that they took the samples from his main artery in his neck.

That would be painful.

He also had some damage done in that area when he was a puppy before I rescued him.

But it does not seem to have done him any harm.

I am grateful.

Dr. K informed me that it would take about one hour for her to check the bloodwork and then she would call me.

He would likely require “antibiotics.”

The poop sample, well it has to be sent outside of the clinic and we would not have any word until next week.

We take for granted how much the cost of blood tests etc. are in Canada as we do not pay for them.

If you have a pet – then you know that everything costs a lot of money and this was no exception.

I was grateful that for this second bill this week, I still had enough money to pay for it all.

I had been concerned about what I had left in my bank account after this bill.

So off we went for home.

Glad to get home.

First thing – checked the bank account and was pleased to see that I had made a mistake and remembered a lesser amount, whew we are okay.

Enough money for groceries etc.

Just in case he needs more chicken breasts.

Collapsing on the sofa for a moment.

Catching our collective breath.

Waiting for the call…..

About 30 minutes later the phone rang and it was the Clinic …. Alvin would need antibiotics and I could come back and get them anytime before they closed.

So I grabbed his harness and off we went.

I figured that the results must have been in so decided might as well speak to the Vet in person.

Dr. K said that the bloodwork was normal for Alvin and in addition to the antibiotics, I should pick up some Imodium to help with the diarrhea.

Off we went home once again.

Gave him his last small meal for the day and ALL his meds.

Alvin’s BF’s Mom had sent me a FB message and I replied to her.

When I had mentioned about going to pick up the Imodium, she sprang into action offering to go pick some up or perhaps coming to get me and we could go together.

But ended up she had some and brought it over for Alvin.

What a thoughtful Mama, Teddy has and WHAT a great friend we have.

I am over the moon grateful.

It took a bit of time to message everyone with the results thus far.

I am still going to see the glass half full.

Our evening was quiet.

I actually had one of my “birthday drinks” a canned drink …. PALM BAY …. don’t remember the flavour …. over ice and it was nice.

Watched the second GHOSTBUSTERS movie.

Enjoyed the evening.

WE HAD a GREAT SLEEP last night.

We both slept until a couple of minutes before the alarm at 5:00 a.m.

Then to the sofa until just before 8:00 a.m. –  fed Alvin and gave him his pills – all three.

Will give him some imodium shortly and then go for a walk.

I do need coffee but that will wait for now.

 

So our saga continues but at least there is / was some good news and I am certain that the pooping situation will rectify itself shortly.

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Always live your life in a kindness mode with respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning and today is Wednesday and my last day of work for “19” days.

I am over the moon excited for this vacation time.

Soon …. just a few more hours now.

In the meantime, back at the ranch.

Humphrey is spending our waking hours with us.

Well actually the hours that I am at home.

Soon to be during the day as well as in the evenings.

Last night he was sitting in Alvin’s chair glancing out the window and then around him.

I could not see what was so intriguing but there was something that piqued his curiosity.

So I snapped these photos.

While Humphrey was in Alvin’s chair – the boy was sitting beside me on the sofa.

Every so often Alvin would go by the chair, look out of the window and then lay on the mat by the chair.

I guess to see if Humphrey would maybe realize that it was his chair OR perhaps just to keep him company.

I don’t really know what the boy is thinking unless it involves FOOD.

 

The sky is clear now and the air is cool.

I have the windows open to keep the house cool for Alvin.

Actually last evening I had to turn off the fans as the house had cooled down and was comfortable for us while we hung out.

 

Well almost time to go downstairs and gather things up for work.

 

I made darn sure that I placed my office ID in my purse as yesterday I assumed it was in there and it was not.

I realized this when I was on my way to the bus …. way too late.

The last few minutes at home yesterday were not happy ones.

I wanted to let Alvin go outside for a last pee before I left for work only I could not open the back door.

Humidity … the door had swollen.

After trying for several minutes and starting to get frustrated and sticky hot, decided that was not the answer.

So with my trusty cell phone – I texted my neighbour as she was at home and has a key.

Explained what had happened.

Said she would come over.

Also texted a co-worker from the bus about my tag and she said that she would come down and let me in when I arrived at the office.

My neighbour went over and Alvin got to go outside and do his business.

I got into the office.

It was so much easier with the phone.

So grateful to my daughter and son-in-law for the phone.

Came in handy.

 

With kindness and respect the world is a more loving place to be.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 23rd day of August, 2017.

The air is cool this morning and Alvin was enjoying some extra time on the deck earlier.

Inside the house is a bit warm but with the furnace fan and the table top fan going it is bearable.

Temperatures to be plus 26 today and it was at least that yesterday.

 

Well back to work yesterday was what I expected.

I had hoped it might be different but perhaps I kept those other thoughts too much in my mind.

You can only do what you can do.

I would like to think that I am superwoman but I am not.

Just have to retrain the brain again.

 

If you ever have problems keeping your mind to positive thoughts and your retaining positive energy ….

Just surround yourself with positive influences.

I am so blessed to have many positive minded friends and that helps on those days like yesterday when you are not where you need or want to be.

Today even though I could not shut my brain down and likely only had a couple of hours sleeps and 45 minutes of that was on the sofa after getting up to feed Mr. Alvin ….

I have to remember that not everyone thinks the way I do and I should know that by now after reaching 60 years.

People are more concerned to have things their way and do not think of others.

For my friends and family who are reading this ….. does not apply to you …. work wise.

So patience is what I am concentrating on this day.

It is likely the hardest thing to do but the most rewarding.

 

You know you have a great friend when you have to change plans due to unexpected company and said friend, says not to worry as that day is better

for the family to celebrate her Father’s Birthday.  She would have spent time with me and changed the party date.

I am so blessed to have such an understanding friend, thanks “K.”

 

Well almost time to hit the road.

Remember patience.

Remember patience.

Perhaps if I make this my mantra today, it will help.

Patience is a virtue.

Patience is good.

Patience makes you feel better…..

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who struggle to be patient, I hear you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 18th day of October, 2014.

WOW, it is simply the most gorgeous morning.

There is a slight coolness to the air with the sun shining brightly.

It is Saturday ……

Alvin is standing on the bed looking out of the window taking in all that he can.

He hears the geese honking as they fly overhead.

He seems to be watching for Aussie the neighbour’s cat as he loves to watch her when she is in the back yard.

He will stand on his hind legs and just gaze out of the window for several minutes at one time.

So cute.

Ah, to have a simple life.

This past couple of weeks have been filled with incredible highs and lows.

I am reminded that sometimes we need to push through the clouds to see the rainbows.

So that is my thought for this Saturday ….. just push through those clouds and find your rainbow.

There are many days that challenge us, and even though in my head I want only easy days.

I know that easy is not always better.

Growth takes place in a sea of challenges.

If we simply take one moment at a time it will not feel like the roof is falling down upon us.

Relax and breathe.

It will work out for the best ….. it almost always does.

I hope that you have a great Saturday, and that you see past the clouds and find your rainbow.

Maybe today it will be a double one ……

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Special Hello to: all those people who have sent their positive energy to our family.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 19th day of May, 2014.

It is a gloriously bright and sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I have the office window open and there is a tinge of coolness to the morning air with promise to be warm.

In less than one hour my girl friends shall be to my house for coffee.

I always look forward to our coffee visits.

You might wonder why I am at home on a Monday but it is VICTORIA DAY and it is a STAT Holiday for us.

I am so excited to have this day to just do whatever needs to be done and also to just have some time to relax.

I am so grateful to have this day.

I hope that you are having an awesome day.

This shall be a short note as Miss Aussie awaits her breakfast ( neighbour’s cat).

I can hear only quiet and then the air will be abuzz with laughter and talk.

YAY.

So grateful to have such good friends.

I have friends near and far.

How lucky am I?  VERY.

Special Hello: to all my friends near and far, you mean the world to me.  Thank you for being my friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Well it seems that “fall” is upon us.

It came swiftly after days of plus 30.

The air is cool and crisp.

I covered my potted plants last night before bed.

To keep them sheltered from the cold air.

The sky has been amazing these nights and early mornings.

Stars shining brightly and the moon, well it glows.

I love this time of year.

The leaves on some of the trees have already began to turn to those glorious colours and drop.

Ah, but autumn ….. it refreshes the mind, prepares the body and kindles the soul.

So from this place, at this time, have a great great day.

Always, Carol