2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning the 26th day of April, 2021? Alvin and I are well. We had pretty good sleep last night which totally sets the tone for the upcoming day. The sunrise was beautiful but now it appears that the wind has started to blow and there clouds in the sky. I don’t remember there being a forecast for any kind of moisture today as the temperature is to be a high of 13 degrees celsius. Time will tell.

Our Sunday was great. My daughter had a change of plans and will be coming tomorrow night which is perfect. Alvin and I had a slow quiet morning. I washed the last load of laundry, brought the clothes that were drying in the basement upstairs and put them away along with a load of towels that were dried waiting for me in the dryer. I watched my favourite Sunday morning show which I record and that is “Escape to the Country.” The show is filmed in the UK mainly in England but sometimes in Wales and Scotland. They always have some fun facts about the area so it is also a learning program, which I love. So I munched on some toast and drank some coffee and watched a few episodes of the show. Once done, I was moving a couple of things in the pantry and ended up cleaning it out completely. Looks great. Happy accident, unplanned. We went for a walk in the mid afternoon and it was gorgeous outside. My friend’s husband and grandpup Georgie were sitting on the patio when we were walking by so we popped by for a short visit. My friend had just left to the grocery store. After leaving we continued on our walk. The grass in the park and in the neighborhood is beginning to turn green. The renewal of spring. Upon getting home, I did a couple of chores before feeding Alvin. We watched the OSCARS, the Academy Awards from 6-9 p.m. and even a bit of the before show. I only saw one of the nominated films and disappointed that Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman did not win for their roles. But I did not see the other films so one cannot judge. It is the majority opinion. I was very happy that Chloe Zhao won for Director and that Youn Yuh-jung won for Best Supporting Actress and that the one movie I saw won awards for Best Costume and Best Makeup and Hairstyling and that was for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. All of the movies looked awesome from their clips/trailers so I will try and see them all over the next few months. One down. So that was our Sunday.

Looks like it is time to get downstairs and put on the coffee and then sign on for work. I cannot believe that today is the 26th of April already, where has the time gone. 1/4 of 2021 already behind us. 3/4 ahead and that is good.

Wishing you an awesome day. I hope that you are well and able to enjoy life. Alvin is calling me.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin with LOVE.

We appreciate you reading our posts. Means the world to me, to us. Alvin is proud of his Momma.

Never hurts to enjoy some beautiful photos……

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  Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Mina-Marie Michell on Pexels.com

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. How are you doing today. I am doing great. We were up a bit later than usual and Mr. Alvin got up at 4:00 which is his usual time. Outside for a pee, gave him his glucosamine chew and a pain pill. Then we hit the sofa for some more zzzz’s. Thankfully we have a super comfortable sofa. The grass was crunchy this morning but the air was not cool/cold. When we went out after Alvin had his breakfast about 6:45 – I could hear this meow meow and looked up and over to our neighbours and saw Mr. Humphrey balancing on three legs on his Mom’s deck railing. He does so well with three legs better than I do sometimes with two. Anyway, he was saying “Good Morning to me and Alvin.” We had a good day with Humphrey. I had to run over and grab some treats for him in the morning as I did not have any left. Not fair for Alvin to have some and him not. Fair is fair. I am all about that for sure. Alvin must be tired, I thought he was sleeping but when I turned around he was staring at me from his little bed in my upstairs office. I am glad that I switched my work space to downstairs. Just feels better. Upstairs is the quiet place and downstairs is where the work gets done. Well most of the time.

We enjoyed a walk after work instead of at noon. So nice out and ended up walking with one of our neighbours and her little dog. Great to catch up.

The countdown is beginning to get super serious here. TWO SLEEPS until HALLOWEEN, can you believe it? I am still undecided about whether to dress up or not for our “virtual work Halloween costume party.” Kind of leaning towards if it is just me and Alvin, then I will but if we have Teddy and Kobie, then not. Time will tell. I have dressed up most years, if my memory serves me. Anyway, I can always throw something together.

THEN SUNDAY …… Christmas TREE decorating time. House decorating time. My daughter is coming over to help. I am so excited. One of my most favourite days of the year. This year it may be brown but that is okay. I do not mind that at all.

Well life goes on and I need to get my coffee perking. Need COFFEE this morning. Happy Thursday.

I hope that we all learn to live our lives with an extra kindness and respect that heals our world and brings us to a better place, more peaceful.

I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Alvin and I have company. Humphrey the cat from next door will be spending the day and evening with us as he has been having a few problems lately not recognizing his brother when there is a cat outside. Confused. Me, too. But I guess it is territorial thing. Which does make sense. Anyway his Momma has to go to the office today and to ensure everyone’s safety Humphrey is spending the day with us. He just walked into the office to join me and Alvin. Oh, good news Alvin slept pretty much through the night ….. first woke up at 3:54 a.m., so downstairs and outside for a pee and gave him his glucosamine chew and then to the sofa for some more sleep. I was wanting a bit more sleep when the alarm went off at 6:00 so I gave myself another 15 minutes. Definitely needed that for sure. Feeling pretty good after a nice shower. Alvin is walking about not sure what to think as it has been awhile since Humphrey has been here this early in the day. Thankfully they get along quite well. Both Lords of the Manor but they know their boundaries.

I am so grateful that I was able to get Mr. Alvin into the vet yesterday. His regular vet Dr. Karen was on a well deserve week long break and her replacement Dr. Meryam was so nice. We managed to get his regular nail trim and “stuff” done along with the ear exam and of course, the boy has an ear infection, not one but both. So $450. and change later we left the clinic equipped with two bags of food, one tray of canned food, bag of treats, bag of chews for his teeth, tooth paste, ear cleanser, more of the pain meds (Onsior) that he could take daily if needed and I think that is all but the “brief examination recheck”, ear swab and then the Osurnia for his ears. I am so grateful that I had the money to pay for this visit. I will say this again to people who are thinking about getting a pet ….. you have to look after them properly and that takes money, patience and time not just that you love that cute furry little guy or girl. I do love Alvin and he is not just the family pet, he is a part of our family. He deserves the love, attention, medical attention and all of that and more. According to the age chart at the clinic he is 65 and will be 69 next year on his 12th birthday, in human years that is. So he has surpassed me in age. I must always ensure that he is given the respect that age deserves. I am also grateful to my neighbour who lent me her car to take Alvin for his appointment and that we got in for 10:30 a.m. which was perfect. We even were able to go for a walk at lunchtime. Now armed with lots of food which should last until December we are good. He will have to go back next Thursday to recheck his ears as they only had one tube of the meds that I requested. The other option was drops that I would have to put in everyday and that would not work with him. So I wanted the ointment that lasts for a month. They had to put half in one ear and half in the other. Doesn’t hurt to ensure that the infection is gone. That is our story.

Wow, we are experiencing some beautiful weather. I am so grateful for that. My mind is wondering to the weekend with both Halloween and Tree/House Decorating happening. We may have Teddy and Kobie here for Friday until Saturday late afternoon. Lots going on. Just debating with myself about dressing up for Halloween. Has to be something simple as I will have the pups here. Food for thought.

Time to head downstairs and put the coffee on. So happy that Mr. Alvin is feeling better and happy to have Humphrey here for the day.

Wishing you a great Wednesday, yes it is hump day already. How did that happen?

Living my life with kindness and respect for all ……. are you?

Thank you for reading my post.

I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 30th day of October, 2018.

Second last day of the month.

Tomorrow is HALLOWEEN.

Are you ready?

I have my costume and accessories all ready.

In fact, I took my accessories or props, if you will, to work yesterday.

Now I just have to don my costume and I am done.

Simple and done.

Thank you to my friend “G” for lending me one of her costumes.

I am really grateful to my friends.

My friend “N” fixed my kitchen chair better than new.

I had to run over to another friend’s last night to drop off a package to be mailed to a friend in Saskatchewan.

Canada Post offers free shipping on Tuesday to all small business owners who applied for a business discount for specific posting.

While I was at her house, our friend N walked the chair over and it was waiting on my porch when I arrived back home.

I called their house right away and Alvin was barking when he heard his friend outside but no way for him to open the door.

According to his wife, he sat on the chair on the porch for a couple of minutes.

That would have been a cute sight.

I am surrounded by amazing, supportive, funny, good, awesome people that I am blessed to call my friends.

How did I get so lucky?

That is a question for the ages and one that I am at a loss to answer.

Thank you to my friends who I am over the moon grateful to have in my, in our lives.

Both Alvin and I are very lucky.

 

We went for our walk last night and Alvin turned to head home well before the half way point.

Not sure why.

Perhaps it was because when we were closer to home we saw one of our friend’s little guys outside.

He ran over to say hi to me and Alvin.

His Mom was right there and we chatted for a few moments.

They are the family with the big puppy named STELLA.

Stella is doing great and next door is a 4 year old dog named SCOOBY who is the best fit to be her friend.

He is a lively, full of energy doggie as is Miss Stella.

We were out for a walk one day and Scooby’s Dad was dropping him at Stella’s for a playdate.

How cool is that!

Guess that click on KIJIJI was meant to be.

You never know what, when or why.

But live has a way of working out.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Have a great day.

Take time to take deep breathes and to relax.

Even if for a few moments each day.

A good reminder for us all.

 

Happy Tuesday.

I am excited for tomorrow.

 

Special Hello to: all my friends, a girl is blessed and so is her Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 28th day of October, 2018.

Happy Birthday to my dear friend “L” ….. we love him dearly.

We have been friends for over 35 years.

Wishing him a wonderful day.

 

Yesterday did not turn out near the way that I had planned.

That is always part of the problem with “planning.”

Instead I had company for coffee, a tea order in the morning, spent time with Humphrey the cat who is recovering from two surgeries in less than four days in morning and afternoon,

worked on laundry off and on all day, went for an mid afternoon walk with Alvin and ended up having tea at Teddy’s house with his Mom and stopped at another friend’s house to borrow

a costume for HALLOWEEN (check).

So then I decided today would be the day to get some housework done and also to pull my beautiful Snapdragons.  Still blooming.

I would like to share my story about Humphrey the cat who lives close by.

He had to have surgery as he had crystals or something that blocked him from peeing.

Painful, how horrible.

That was last Friday.

Then over the weekend we wasn’t peeing again so back to the Vet and instead of completing the unblocking surgical procedure the Vet suggested to my friend to have him “made female.”

I did not realize that was a thing.

So they removed his little penis and made it so now he pees like a girl.

So that helped him from having to have the unblocking procedure which by this time he has had twice (once before) and then this passed Friday.

Now this all makes a difference in his bathroom practices meaning the litter box has to change.

He cannot use the regular stuff that he uses but has to use pellets or something.

I have never had a cat.

Anyway yesterday when his Momma had to go out to the Vet to get him some medicine to deter him from licking his wound and after my unexpected date had left, I went over and spent some time

with Humphrey.

He was laying in the spare room in the sunshine upstairs.

So I decided to lay down right beside him.

He is wearing the dreaded CONE OF SILENCE.

I stroked his head and spoke quietly to him.

Humming along the way.

We just hung out.

He loved the company.

At times to get comfortable with his front paws outstretched he folded them and rested his CONE on his paws.

This made it easier for him to rest.

I did not have a watch on and just continued to lay and speak to him.

Stroking him gently and just being.

Once during the time I was there he playing with a shoelace the rest of the time he was content to just lay there in the sunshine.

Which at times was bright and I had to cover my eyes and move a bit.

By the time I decided to get up – it took a bit of doing to get up.

Remember I am not 20 something any longer.

But not 100 either.

Anyway …. he had walked into my friend’s office and I noticed something was running on the floor and he seemed to be interested.

Then I realized it was a MOUSE.

Not a real mouse …. a computer generated one.

My friend left a tablet going on the floor …

I really was startled.

After that I gently picked him up and carried him downstairs.

He did not stay on the sofa and wondered to the patio door looking longingly outside.

He loves being outside but he cannot go out now after just having the surgery.

Humphrey laid down under the chair and continued to look outside.

By this time it was 2:30 p.m.

I decided that I had better go home and see the Alvin.

He would be wondering what happened to me.

So homeward I went …. laundry ……

 

Today means getting some work done.

That is okay.

As my wise friend said …. if you have clean clothes to wear and food in the house that is all you need to worry about.

I have that …..

So I will get done what I can do and enjoy my time with me Alvin.

I am so grateful to have had that time yesterday with Humphrey.

Both Humphrey and Alvin lay with their front paws outstretched and folded.

How cute.

 

Okay, time to get dressed and have breakfast and COFFEE.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Have an awesome day.

 

Oh and guess what the winning $60 million LOTTO MAX ticket was sold in Edmonton.

Was not me but nice to see sold here.

Maybe I know the winners.

Who knows.

 

Happy Sunday.

Time to get out of these PJ’s and get some stuff done.

 

Special Hello to: my siblings …. happy day here and ahead.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 31st day of October, 2017.

The last day of October 2017 and Halloween.

Happy Halloween Everyone.

I am all dressed up as a “HIPPIE complete with the colourful bell bottoms.

Looking pretty groovy.

Starting to get a little warm from the layers but it is was cold in the office yesterday so I should be perfect today.

It looked dry out earlier when I looked out the front window and the back door but not now.

The street appears to be wet.

So will have a change of plans for footwear.

Drive carefully everyone.

I am so grateful to my neighbour who is giving me a ride to work today so that I do not have to change into my costume at work.  YAY.

Well this will be short today as I need to pack up the stuff for the potluck.

I made a pasta salad …. it turned out so good.

Have a Happy Happy Halloween.

Be Safe and Have Fun.

 

Special Hello to:  All the TRICK OR TREATERS out there – have a great evening.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of October, 2015.

WOW, only today, tomorrow and Saturday and then it is November.

We have had a beautiful October ….. great fall/autumn.

I am looking forward to our tree decorating event on Sunday.

My daughter is coming ….. hip hip hooray.

So excited …… love when we decorate together.

Well it is Thursday.

Hopefully quiet day at the office …..

Alvin and I enjoyed yet another beautiful walk last night.

I put together my costume for Halloween (we can dress up for work and even have a contest for best costume).

I do love Halloween and it looks like the weather is going to hold.

The kiddies will love that as will the parents.

Perhaps not bundled to the core.

So great seeing what kinds of costumes are big and the imaginations of parents and their kids.

So excited.

I am pooped …. been a hectic week at work.

Thankfully today should be less so …..

Alvin and this new treats ….. he carries it around …. then he hides it ….. then finds it and in some cases “digs it out” …… he even will bury it in behind the cushions on the sofa and under his blanket on his chair.

He is so darn cute……. I do love me Alvin…….

Well almost time to don that “winter” jacket and head off to the bus.

I hope that you have an amazing Thursday.

No matter what the situation always show your kindness and be respectful.

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello: my sister ….. when are we SKYPING ….. every second Sunday????  I am showing my age….where is a sticky note when you need one?  Whoops right in right of me …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of October, 2014.

One more sleep until Halloween and the last day of October 2014.

I have been trying to decide on a Halloween costume for the office.

I am working out front at the office seeing clients, and then from there going to work at the store.

So it has to be something easy that I can just change out of at lunch time.

I shall miss seeing all of the little ones coming to my house.

We shall see …… always time to change one’s mind.

Do you throw together something from your closet and house for a costume?

I think it is much more fun to throw something together …. put those creative juices to work.

Some news.

I found out from my neighbour that the yellow cat that has been showing up at our homes off and all for the past couple of months actually has a home a short distance away.  What a relief.  The cat has a name “Barney.”  That so suits him.  I had thought that “he” was a “she” but then again it was just a feeling as I thought that a male cat would not warm up to the dogs like it did but I was incorrect.  That is okay.  I am so thankful that the cat has a home.  Barney was a farm cat – a barn cat at that and likes to get out of the house from time to time.  Anyway we are all happy that we did not find a forever home for him or keep him only to find out that he had a home.  My neighbour even put a notice up on the computer.  Guess there was a reason.

Last night my daughter and I went to visit my nephew and her cousin.  He is now in the neurological unit.  Definitely seems to be improving although he has not come out of the coma yet.  When I mentioned his brother’s name he became very active. I will take that as good sign.  We will continue to be hopeful.

So on this Thursday I hope that life is treating you kindly, and that you are treating life with kindness.

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister ……. will talk to you soon.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 31st day of October, 2013.

The last day of the month and Halloween.

Last night was beautiful.

Alvin and I had another wonderful walk.

I figured out my Halloween costume and will wear it to wear to work.

I have this long pink satin bridesmaid dress from the 80’s that I thought I would use as my base.

Now it has been almost thirty years since I work that dress and I could tell by looking at it that my waistline has grown a tad since then as well as my “—–” (I would rather not say and to call them by … well you know what I mean).

I figured if I could hike the dress over my shapely hips I would have it made.

I was so fortunate to be able to do just that, and then it was almost on.

OMG, there was no way on this earth that I could ever do up the zipper so I figured that I would just wear a vest over top and it works.

Kind of reminiscent of back in the day ….. except it would have had laces, and forced the small waistline back or squeezed the breathe out of me.

Top off with a killer mask (the fancy kind that one would wear to a masquerade ball – some black booties – some sparkling “diamonds” (not real) and a black table cloth that doubles as a shawl.

It just works……

I am excited.

For several years, I have found my costume by looking through things that I have in my closet or in a storage container.

With that and a little imagination.

I will post a photo later.

So Happy Halloween everyone.

I hope that you have a great day.

I am excited to see Mr. Alvin’s reaction as he loves all of the attention.

Special Hello to: TRICK OR TREATERS … be safe and smart and have fun.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 29th day of October, 2013.

Well third last day of October and two days closer to Halloween.

Have you figured out your costume for the big day?

I spend most of the evening going through my rag tag items trying to put together a suitable costume.

I have a few ideas.

Definitely do not want to copy something from last year or the year before …. always good to have something new.

I do enjoy dressing up and even more importantly I enjoy greeting the treaters at my door.

When I lived in the apartment we did not have many kids that would come with the exception of family and close friends.

So this is all new and fun.

This year I am going to put up the “Alvin gate” so that he can stay in the kitchen instead of on his leash with me at the door.

Way too hard to hold him and hand out candy.

He gets so excited.

Only two more sleeps until the big day.

Special Hello to: my fellow lovers of Halloween.

Always, Carol and Alvin