Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! The sun is up and shining brightly, I fogged up my glasses when we were outside just a few minutes ago. The air is crisp and definitely sweater weather at this moment. I am grateful for the reprieve from the hot temperatures. The sky is blue with wisps of white long clouds here and there. It has been since before ten p.m. last night that both Alvin and I had anything to eat or drink. I feel so badly for Mr. Alvin but he has been a real trouper and has not really fussed as yet. Even when I laid back down when typically we would be getting up for him to have his breakfast, he did not fuss and laid down beside me. I will not eat or drink around him. I usually do not eat until after 10:00 a.m., so my tummy is not rumbling. He is likely wondering what is going on. Also, I opted not to take him for a walk as he usually gets thirsty and drinks water and he is not allowed to eat or to drink before his ultrasound. Last night about 12:30 were up and outside. He had to poop. No surprise. Oh, the “Pooping Tales of Mr. Alvin.” So it was back to being very loose and lots of it. OMG. I managed to collect it all so that neither of us would step in it at a later time. It is difficult holding a phone and a poop bag at the same time, lol. Really not funny, but yet it is. Isn’t life wonderful?

Alvin has his ultrasound appointment today. He is to be at the vet clinic for 10:00 a.m. We will be walking over there and will leave the house at 9:40 a.m. Thankfully it won’t be too hot to walk. Our friend Gillian offered us a ride should the need arise but I think we should walk. Normally he would not drink water on the way to the vet and it is not hot out, so we should be good. I have been tossing around whether or not to take his blue blanket and I think that I will. Does not hurt to have something from home for the little guy. I always feel badly leaving him as he suffers from anxiety. He knows the Dr. and her staff very well as we are there a lot but still not home and not with his Momma. Afterwards I will come home and drown my sorrows in a mug of coffee. Then I have some housework to do while I wait for the phone call to come and pick him up. It will likely be later this morning or early afternoon. It all depends when the Ultrasound Technician arrives at the clinic and they do the procedure. He will want to come home as soon as he is able for sure. Other times when he was sedated as soon as he woke up, he was looking around for me and crying to come home. Typically they keep them for a few hours while the anesthesia wears off but not him. Depending on how sedated he is, I am ask Gillian for a ride home.

Well time to head into the shower. I wanted to stay in bed as long as possible to keep his mind from food and water. I guess me having a shower does not help but I need to have one. I am not sure if he would be thinking of that or not. What does a dog think about other than food? Squirrels, cats and birds! Sniffing grass! Alvin thinks about me. I am pretty sure about that.

I hope that you have a great Tuesday. Today and tomorrow and I am at the office for Thursday. I am grateful that Sonia, next door is home and can watch over the boy.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the trees are sparkling in the morning sunshine. Oh so pretty.

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and It is Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

Another day closer to Christmas.

One week today is Christmas EVE.

Our weather has been wonderful.

 

I am always so happy when I have a ride home with my daughter.

We chat about our days and catch up with life.

She is the apple of my eye and the warmth in my heart.

Love her with all my being.

We went to COSTCO and surprisingly enough it was not super busy.

There were people but not so many that one feels like you have to duck and dart to move about.

We picked up the items that were on our lists.

I was happy to see several of my items and additional ones on sale.

Then back home, unloaded the car and then she was gone.

Just me and Alvin once again.

I quickly put everything away and then we went for a walk.

It was quite nice out not warm but not cold either.

On the return part of our walk the wind was cold on my face but refreshing all the same.

 

I just had to return to the sofa for a few more zzz’s this morning therefore have to cut this post short.

I apologize.

Perhaps all of everything is catching up and I am so looking forward to the Christmas break.

We will be busy with all of our extra charges but I will be at home and not juggling work and everything.

Life is good …. sometimes a bit busy … sometimes a bit complicated but that is life.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I hope that you are having a great week thus far.

Spend some time with a good friend, your children, or just you.

Enjoy.

Life is spent well with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of July, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly and there remains a bit of coolness from the night air.

I have the windows open so that we can cool off the house.

It is already begin to warm up.

Today is to be a warm one and tomorrow even more so.

I love the weekends.

Time at home with Alvin.

Time to fuss with my flowers and garden.

Time to do things around the house.

Having your one house is wonderful.

I will admit that sometimes having everything to do myself – can be a bit much but at the end of the day – it is all worthwhile.

I LOVE my house.

 

We are preparing for our company.

Plans changed and everyone is staying here.

Have lots to do so that it is all done as they arrive Tuesday evening and I work Wednesday.

It will be great to see everyone.

Following the company will be my mini vacation with my daughter …. just a few days but I am so excited to get away.

 

Alvin has his regular Vet appointment for nails and such this morning.

Followed by a hair cut and bath by his Momma.

Laundry to finish.

Bedding.

Grass to cut.

The list is long but that is okay …. it will get done.

I have two days, I have the weekend.

 

Life is life.

Plans change.

I have found that much better to go with the flow than to stew too much.

Oh, do not get me wrong, I still can stew with the best of them.

But it is usually short lived.

Just like work.

I plan to get this and that done and ten minutes into it – I have a million phone calls, an unexpected meeting or unexpected clients arrive at the office and need to see me.

That is life.

Right.

 

Have an awesome day.

Just enjoying life.

I hope that you are as well.

 

Well time to fly.

Have an awesome Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister – just three sleeps – the countdown is on.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of July, 2018.

One week into July, 2018.

Up early this morning as Master Teddy is spending the day with us.

Outside the air is a bit cool which is refreshing.

Windows open to take advantage of that coolness.

Yesterday was a HOT one.

We managed to get through it.

 

Was grateful that I was able to pick up groceries on way home from work last night.

Also grateful that our office closes early at 3 p.m. on Fridays during the summer months.

Still made it home close to regular time in carpool.

 

The sky has the most glorious looking marshmallow fluffy white clouds dotting the powder blueness, this morning.

Okay, perhaps that is a mouthful, but oh, so true.

 

We went to bed early as I am reading one of the books in the series of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

Such good books.

You truly feel like you living in Botswana, Africa.

With the majestic landscapes and friendly peoples.

 

Do you ever feel like you are all over the place?

That is me this morning.

I had a good sleep or perhaps should have had .. but the heat plays havoc with one’s sleeping patterns.

Still feeling a bit sleepy but perhaps a nap later.

It is Saturday after all.

I know once I get into the swing of things …. like laundry, making breakfast, coffee, Teddy’s arrival etc. …… I will be AWAKE.

 

I do remember a small piece of a dream from early this morning.

I was going to cross a busy street and there was a light.

On the other side were a bunch of people that I knew …. seems like they were saying good-bye to someone.

Beside me out of nowhere appeared a big black dog.

He had a collar and seemed to be friendly.

I wanted to grab his collar to keep him safe from the traffic.

When the light changed to GREEN and WALK, he seemed to know it was time to walk.

He stepped out onto the street and took a few steps, and before I could even take a step.

He was back beside me.

It was at that moment that I turned around a saw a giant grey WOLF not far away from us.

In that split second I glanced up and noticed in the other direction at the gas station, there were several large grey wolves.

All that I remember was people screaming across the way and the big black dog had got between me and the wolf.

Next thing I know I am out of danger but see that the big black dog is on the ground.

He is not moving.

I think that he is dead.

Woke up.

 

Time to go.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister, our lives, hey.  Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of July, 2015.

First off ….. Happy 4th of July to our neighbours to the south in the United States.

I hope that you have an awesome celebration, be safe and have fun.

Thank you for being great neighbours.

It is cool this morning in Edmonton or cooler than the past few days.

A very welcome change ……

The breeze is bringing in “smoke” from some place, and at times it blocks the sun.

Smoke in the air just means that somewhere there are raging forest fires.

Our beautiful trees ….. some of our amazing forests on fire.

It is not just the trees that we lose it is the insects, birds and animal life of the forest.

Very very tragic and not replaceable.

Most forest fires are preventable.

It is just after 9:00 a.m. and actually quiet.

People are just beginning to wake up and go about their day.

I can hear the humming of vehicles travelling down the highway just a few blocks away but not in sight from my house.

Just heard a squeal from one of the many children in our neighbourhood.

Love the sound of children ….. laughing and having fun.

Now they are chattering away.

One of my neighbours is building a garage ….. soon we will hear the sound of hammering and sawing and such.

I love having the windows open upstairs on a cool morning as the coolness fills the rooms.

Today is a great day.

I have been looking forward to all week long.

My daughter is coming to pick up me and Alvin.

We are going to their house.

We girls are also going out to check out some antique shops, and whatever else we find.

Just an afternoon of adventures.

Road trip …..

I love just seeing what we can find.

Alvin will visit with my son-in-law and the puppies.

I know he misses them.

Well time to go and get this show on the road.

I hope that wherever you are … you are having the time of your life.

Enjoy each moment ….

Live your life …..

Be aware …..

Laugh …..

Have fun …..

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers who I think of each and every day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – August 15, 2013

FIRST LINE …..July 25, 2013

As we walk along the water’s edge the coolness leaves my skin with goose bumps and prickles, as if there is someone behind me.

July 26, 2013

Alvin pulls on his leash and brings me back, the fragrance of freshly cut grass fills my nostrils; my heart beat quickens, and I am unable to shake the feeling.

July 28, 2013

The sky is overcast with a hint of sunrise peeking through and the leaves of the trees rustle in the breeze, and I think how did I get here? 

July 29, 2013

What does that mean, and what is making me think these thoughts?

July 30, 2013

All of a sudden the leash tightens as Alvin pulls me forward.

July 31, 2013

My body lurches forward as I fight to keep my balance, what is going on …. “Alvin,” I cry as things appear to be happening in slow motion.

August 1, 2013

Alvin turns his head and with eyes as big as saucers; I suddenly realize what is going to happen.

August 2, 2013

I had no control, and could feel my breath slowly leaving my body as it was happening.

August 5, 2013

As the fog lifts from my brain and I come round; I realize that quite some time has passed as dusk has fallen, and then the horrifying thought comes to my mind where is my Alvin?

August 6, 2013

My thoughts turn immediately to the searing pain in my head as I try to stand the pain is impossible but I must ….. try to….

August 7, 2013

I do not understand what happened;  partially putting things together, realizing my thoughts turn to my beloved Alvin ….. as I try to call out his name…. I feel something warm against my body.

August 8, 2013

Suddenly I hear voices off in the distance calling my name.

August 9th, 2013

As I start to focus on my surroundings, I realize that I am not where I was and things do not look familiar.

August 10th, 2013

I want to cry out but I am frightened, and I do not quite know why.

August 13, 2013

My mind is racing, please let it slow down so that I can concentrate on what I need to do, please.

August 14, 2013

Okay, I will open my eyes again and try to focus on what is around me, and all I see is nothingness, there is absolutely nothing, how can that be?  and where is my Alvin?

August 15, 2013

“This does not feel right” as I manage to pull myself up off the ground and slowly regain my senses realizing that the only thing the same is the coolness to the air.

Thought for the day……

YAHOO ….. today is the first official day of S-P-R-I-N-G …… March 20th and it be 2012.

WOW …… can you believe it.  Spring already.

This morning when I let Alvin out ( yup, he went outside without his Mama, my boy is growing up) … I noticed a slight coolness to the air.

But that is okay ….. it will warm up once the sun comes out.

I am so excited to have spring here.

The grass will start to turn green ….. trees bud ….. and the tulips will bloom.

We are so blessed to have different seasons.

Spring is definitely one of my favourites.

I hope that wherever you are that you are thoroughly enjoying this first day of spring.

I sure am.

Happy Spring Everyone ….

Special Hello to all those tulips and spring flowers ….. breaking through the remaining snow ….. you are beautiful.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin.