A New Year 2023

Good Morning ALL! Hello. I am sorry but I haven’t posted for a couple of days due to Mr. Alvin being “sick.” I guess it was just after a few hours after we went to bed on Monday night (to work on Tuesday) when he woke up and needed to go outside and that is where it started. He had to pee, so I let him outside. Most of the time I go outside with him and sometimes I just let him out and watch him from the back door. The next time he went out a few hours later, I went with him and and realized that he had diarrhea which was filled with blood. More blood than poop. I almost started to cry. That is never a good sign for anyone. Last time he had major surgery after I spotted a drop of blood in his pee and that was February of 2021. My heart fell to my knees. We were up and down, (no sleep) and then I sent a text at a reasonable hour to my Manager explaining and advising that I would not be working Tuesday. As soon as the Vet Clinic was open I called to set up an appointment. The irony was that I had an appointment for today, this afternoon to have his nails etc. done (regular). The soonest we could get in was noon which was good as I needed to find a ride to the vet. I was very lucky that one of my friends and nearby neighbours was off yesterday and was very happy to give us a ride. Then the waiting. I think the waiting is the hardest. Every time he went outside there was blood, some 24 hours later there is still blood but it is becoming a bit less. We were picked up just before noon and off we went. I totally forgot to take a mask with me and had to ask for one inside the clinic. The vet requires all humans to wear one while in the exam rooms. I explained everything and showed the photos that I had taken to the Clerk at reception desk before we went in to wait in one of the two exam rooms. Not long later the Vet Assistant came to retrieve Mr. Alvin. Then the waiting. Actually, it was not too long. So long story short as honestly it is a blur. The blood was red and not tarry which is good and there are a long list of reasons why, he was eating and drinking water and no blood in his urine, also good. He had lost a bit of weight which was good as he had put on a couple of pounds. The first thing she said we needed to do was to put him on medications to stop the diarrhea, he would need Probiotics and Fibre (age). I asked about all the blood in his stool and she said that she had seen more. For now, not to worry, we need to get his stool back to normal. He also has to go on a bland diet (chicken & rice) for a few days. So that is that. He does not seem to be in any pain. Although I would say not quite his old self. My friend picked us up after I got the medications, instructions and paid the bill. Then we were off to the grocery store as I needed rice, chicken and Metamucil (fibre). So here we are. I am not working today as I had little or no sleep again last night. I hope that over the next day or so, he is back to normal. If not, there will be more tests. Fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers.

I need coffee. On the upside my Ricki’s order arrived yesterday and the 5TB external hard drive for my photos. YAY.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. I really need coffee this morning – a bit late. With not having to work, I was able, we were able to get a bit of sleep.

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you doing GREAT on this Thursday, April 28, 2022. Almost the end of April and one more day closer to SUMMERTIME. Yesterday those grey clouds gave us rain which turned into snow. The snow actually stuck to the deck and to the grass until later in the afternoon when the sun came out off and on. Last night it froze but the ground is bare. Lots of moisture. The sky is a brilliant blue this morning with that old SUN shining brightly down upon us. As I glance out of my upstairs office window the trees appear to be still. Lately that it is rare. Weather, gotta love it or put up with it as there is no other choice.

With the snow and rain we did not get out for a walk until after work. We got almost half way round the park/pond by our house and then Mr. Alvin decided enough and headed for home. When he makes up his mind there is little changing it. So back home we went. Still was great to get a walk in no matter the length. All fresh air is good for the mind, body and soul.

After work today the plan is to go for a walk with our friend Pauline. She is recovering from some health issues (NOT COVID) and we look forward to seeing her and catching up.

I was thinking this morning of all the places that I travelled/lived over my almost 65 years on this planet. Perhaps not too many compared to others but enough all the same. So I am going to list a few of them before I sign off:

Corning area (farm), Windthorst, Saskatoon and Regina – Saskatchewan

Lumby, Vancouver, Victoria, – British Columbia

Vilna (farm) and Edmonton – Alberta

Toronto, Niagara Falls – Ontario

Montreal, Quebec City – Quebec

Winnipeg, Brandon – Manitoba

New York City

Las Vegas – Nevada

San Diego and Los Angeles – California

McAllen, Padre Island – Texas

Minot – North Dakota

Black Hills – South Dakota

Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arizona,

Mexico

There are so many others but here are a few.

Have an awesome day. Try and think of all the places you have visited or lived.

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

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Happy Saturday.

We were up early and then hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s cause that is how we roll.

At 7:46 a.m. the sun is just beginning to pierce the horizon and the sky is begin to lighten.

I love sunrise.

Alvin just let out a huge sigh as he lays on his blue blanket beside me.

Always close and evidently not pleased at the moment.

What a guy.

Last night as we were leaving the house for our walk …. some friends were walking by.

Jack (little doggie friend) and his Mom.

So we joined them for our walk and enjoyed their company.

 

Today is a very special Saturday.

Today two of my most favourite people on the planet celebrate their 11th Wedding Anniversary.

I remember their wedding as though it were yesterday.

The day was similar in temperature perhaps a bit cooler.

There was sunshine and blue sky.

I remember standing behind them as they stated their wedding vows.

Barely holding back the tears and smiling at the same time.

Then they were married.

 

Their wedding photos were taken down in the River Valley a short walk from where they were married.

The trees were bare, stripped of their leaves from the wind and weather.

Steps, so many steps leading down to the valley.

Not great for high heels …..

As the photographer (a school mate of the bride) snapped photos; I thought how much it reminded me of a scene from days of old.

The forest …. the trees, the darkness in the valley …..

Anyway it was very cool and a day to remember.

 

Happy Anniversary to my darling daughter and sweet son-in-law.

May the years ahead treat you with kindness and respect.

May you have good health, great joy, much love and laughter.

May abundance be with you.

May you celebrate with love each day of your lives.

Dreaming always and realizing those dreams.

Have a great day my loves.

 

Some flowers for the day.

With Love, Forever and Always,

Alvin

Aspen

Milo

Mom

 

 

Now time to get this show on the road as my darling daughter will be joining me

this morning for a pancake breakfast.

Time to shower and get laundry on and make those pannie cakes.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD, COLD day has arrived.

Thankfully the worse part is usually first thing in the morning.

I believe with the windchill it is minus 42 degrees celsius this morning.

ARGH.

But this is winter in CANADA.

I remember COLD temperatures when I was a child on the family farm.

 

Well today is my last work day this week as I am off tomorrow with Alvin as he has his surgery.

It is going to be a long morning between the time we get up and leave for the Vet as he cannot have food or water.

Poor baby.

Of course, Momma will comply with the vet’s orders and I will stand beside my boy and not have food or water while we are together.

Once I drop him off – it will be time for a cup of coffee.

I always feel bad for him when he has to fast ….

But will make sure he has something to eat at the latest he can tonight along with water as well.

Not quite the same as breakfast but we will have to manage.

It will be a busy day at work trying to prepare for being gone for a couple of days.

 

I am grateful to my friend who will pick us up tomorrow morning and drive us to Alvin’s surgery appointment.

I am grateful to my friend who will also take me to pick Alvin up after his surgery and bring us home.

I am grateful that I am surrounded by kind and generous and supportive family and friends.

I am grateful to have this warm, safe place, our house we call home.

I am grateful that we always have food in our bellies.

I am grateful to be employed and to be surrounded by great co-workers.

I am grateful that Alvin and I are in good health and that we will continue to be so.

I am grateful for the rides to work this week with my neighbour, thank you.

I am grateful to one of my co-workers for driving me home this week.

I am grateful for the reminders that we all must be tolerant, kind, patience, supportive and respectful.

I have to work on the patience portion, for sure.

GRATITUDE can change your life for the better.

Live in gratitude and you will notice the difference for the better, much better.

 

Well here we go again, almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you are all safe, warm and surrounded by love and respect.

I hope that you have a chance to laugh each and every day.

Laughter is truly the best medicine.

Have an awesome WEDNESDAY ….

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who work outside in the elements from fire fighters to oil rig workers to farmers to construction to meter monitors.  Please be safe and warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 25th day of November, 2018.

The sunrise is absolutely gorgeous this morning.

There is a almost fan-like array of pinks and oranges filling a corner of the sky visible to the sound around the rooftops of my neighbours.

So pretty.

A deep blue cloud bank fills the bottom portion of the sky to the east.

These are my sights out of the office window.

A lighter blue fills the remainder of the sky with dots and dashes of white clouds.

Almost alive sky this morning.

A magpie just flew by …. love their coloration.

 

Today will be spent cleaning upstairs, one more load of laundry, writing more Christmas cards, feeding my friend’s fish, and going for a walk with Mr. Alvin.

Also I want to send some photos electronically to COSTCO to be printed to add to my Christmas cards.

I have a couple of emails to attend to.

Get ready for the work week.

A full day.

 

I can smell the coffee as it perks along almost ready for my taste buds.

Today is also the GREY CUP as Edmonton is hosting this year.

FOOTBALL, North American style.

Two different sets of rules between the styles played in Canada and the United States.

They are not playing but the game is here.

I hope that it will be a nice day and not too cold.

Bundling up is a must …. lots of hot chocolate and coffee?

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do.

I hope that you have an enjoyable day.

Be kind to yourself …. take some time.

In between the noise and chaos that is our lives.

 

Special Hello to: all of my family and friends, thank you for being loving and supportive.  I could not do it without you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of October, 2018.

Well into the first week of October.

Darkness in the mornings takes a bit of getting used to …. but the temperatures have been okay.

Perhaps a bit cooler than a “normal” fall day.

But really what is the norm anymore?

We enjoyed a beautiful walk last night with our friend ….. chatting about life.

As we walked the leaves scrunched under our feet.

Alvin looks so cute walking through piles of leaves (especially the ones still out front).

Bad Momma has not raked them as yet.

Just no energy when I get home from work.

To go for a walk and make supper and clean up and get ready for the next day is about all I can do.

Now something is clearly wrong with this picture.

I am old school in that I think I am “super woman” and if there is more to do, I will find a way to do it.

Like working through breaks, starting early and sometimes working a bit later.

Between conversations with myself this morning and my friend last night.

I realized that I am doing more harm than good by not taking breaks.

Not good for physical or mental health.

It does not give an accurate picture of the work load or what can be done in a regular day.

If we are working “hard” during the rest of the day …. that is enough.

That is all that I will say as I try to keep this post not work related.

Sometimes though you just have to get things off your “chest.”

 

Well Mr. Alvin had me up at first about 3:30 a.m. ……

He is definitely off his clock.

He ate early before 4:00 a.m.

Went outside.

Anyway, we did manage to score some snoozes on the sofa.

Now it is almost time to leave for work.

 

I am taking a book and will be leaving my desk at break times to read.

No interruptions and will get that time that I need and earn.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Special Hello to: my fellow humans who put in extra time at their job – realize that often times it goes unnoticed and really does more harm than good.  Take time for you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 27th day of August, 2018.

The lightness cannot peer through the clouds.

It remains partially dark outside.

The air is crisp.

We had some rain overnight.

The house is quiet only the sound of my fingers clicking on the keys and Mr. Alvin snoring on his blue blanket.

Even my breathing is masked by the sounds from my boy.

Teddy went home last night.

His Aunt picked him up as she came home a few days early and Teddy’s parents will enjoy a few more days of well deserved vacation.

I am quite certain that Mr. Alvin misses Teddy and he certainly looked sad when he left the house.

They had a really good time.

There was playing and snuggling.

Just quiet time and walks.

 

Hard to believe that it is Monday already.

I sure could have slept for a few hours longer.

Alvin had been feeling under the weather but clearly feeling better yesterday and slept well last night.

 

I am grateful that Alvin has a friend who came come on a regular basis for a visit and sleep over.

It is great to have friends.

He knows so many dogs and people ….. Mr. social butterfly.

 

I guess that I had better take my umbrella with me this morning.

 

Well time to hit the road.

Carpool will arrive in a few minutes.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember to be kind to yourself and to others.

Life is way too short and we need to live it to the fullest.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to:  my friend “V” … a great friend.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of August, 2018.

There be some BLUE SKY and a bit of a breeze this August morning.

Last night I figured that we should go for a walk.

We have missed a few due to the poor air quality from the smoke.

The air was surprisingly clear and not much smoke.

We enjoyed our walk.

On the half way part of our walk coming toward home, we stopped a chatted to a gentlemen who is always working in his garage.

A couple of houses away lives Teddy (our little four-legged friend).

As we approached his yard, Alvin pulled me as if his life depended on it.

Across the grass we went and toward the sidewalk.

I had to keep looking down so that I would not lose my balance and trip.

He was a dog with a mission.

Up the front stairs and he started barking at the door just as I was able to ring the doorbell.

Our friend “I” answered the door and said “Well hello, perfect timing, come on in.”

I said, “I am sorry but Alvin just pulled me across the lawn and up the walk to your door.”

So in we went for an unexpected visit.

They had just finished supper.

We had a great visit.

Teddy and Alvin.

They ran and around.

Teddy kept jumping up …. so happy to see us.

Sometimes it is those out of the blue happenings that are the most fun.

We bumped into other friends out for a walk on our way home.

What a great night.

 

After returning home, I decided that I wanted to watch the new AVENGERS movie.

This is the one that my neighbour and I did not get to see as there were technical difficulties at the theatre.

Final it is on DEMAND so I was able to rent it.

Really good movie.

Unfortunately I was so tired that I kept nodding off and there was about 45 minutes remaining.

So decided to stop it and will watch it today.

I guess all of that fresh fresh air.

 

Teddy will be spending a few days with us this week.

We always love having him over.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Still have some items on my TO DO LIST.

One thing I did between yesterday and this morning is to write a letter.

YES, I hand wrote a letter to my Aunt.

I have not done that in a long, long time.

Felt good.

 

Well I want to do some work on preparing the photos of my vacation for this blog.

Do not want to wait too long or I may forget some important item/fact.

Also have to work on my STEEPED TEA and NORWEX businesses.

Somehow they have been slightly neglected this past while with company and vacation.

 

Have an awesome day.

Life is great.

It truly is.

Family and friends.

All of the fur babies in my life.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, ditto my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of July, 2018.

The sky is a pale blue with no clouds in sight (not rain ones).

Sun is shining brightly now in the morning sky.

YAY, today is Wednesday.

Not that I am in a hurry for vacation time but I have including today six days left to work.

It has been an extremely busy time at work and I am ready to have some down time.

 

The carpool is back for today and I am most grateful.

Riding the bus is not FUN.

In the morning they dropped the bus from the schedule that I used to take and ended up waiting 30 minutes for the next one.

At night the bus was 15 minutes late and I got home almost one hour later than riding in the car.

1.5 hours from the time that I got off work until walking in my house.

I am so happy that all is well and my ride is back today.

 

Our walk last night was wonderful.

A time to just be with me Alvin.

We saw Alvin’s girl friend “Miss ABI” and her Mom.

Had a nice chat and the pups played.

We saw another friend along the way.

 

In response to my tomatoes …. they taste amazing.

So much different than the ones you buy in the stores.

Taste more like the tomatoes we had growing up on the farm.

 

Our weather is starting to warm up again.

So back to closing blinds and opening windows in the early morning to ensure the house stays as cool as possible for Mr. Alvin.

 

Countdown is on until my sister arrives.

Seven sleeps …. OMG.

Alvin will be so excited to spend next Wednesday with her as I have to work that day.

But I will be here for the rest of her time with us.

Always great to have my sister visiting.

She brings that something special …. herself.

 

Well almost time to go.

Grab lunch and shoes.

Looking out the window there is NO breeze.

A bit of a breeze in the morning is always nice.

 

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

You and I will do our best to remain calm, cool and collected this day.

I will do my best – somedays it is not easy.

Remember to be KIND and treat others as you would have them treat you.

I work on that everyday.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my sister, my longest friend in the whole world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of July, 2018.

Another beautiful morning.

We went for a walk earlier as the forecast is for 30 + degrees celsius.

WARM.

It was glorious.

Just me and Alvin and the birds singing all along our path.

At the benches in the park there was a young man puffing away on a “vape” (not sure if that is the name or not) with head phones on listening to something.

After getting home I went over and visited Humphrey the Cat and  Cinder the Gecko to give them breakfast and water.

Humphrey was already up and in the window when Alvin and walked by his house earlier.

He was happy to see me and meowed and meowed.

Humphrey really wanted to go outside when I watered my friend’s flowers.

Once back home – fed Alvin, wrote in my gratitude journal, ate my breakfast, got ready for work and writing this post now.

I have most of our windows open and the furnace fan going to cool the house before I leave for work.

Which is coming up in a few minutes.

 

I just wanted to share how blessed I am to have such great people, women, friends and family in my life.

Yesterday.

My young friends had an early birthday party for me.

One of them baked me a carrot cake and the other provided her house, a glorious fruit tray and coffee.

OMG, so good.

We laughed and visited and visited and laughed.

Catching up on all of the latest news (just a little gossip).

The girls both bought me clothes for my birthday.

One bought me yoga pants and a top as I had mentioned about getting back into yoga.

That is definitely some incentive.

My other girl gave me a beautiful sweater and sleeveless long top.

So lucky.

I think that I am going to celebrate my birthday for the next month.

 

Following the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups stopped by for the afternoon.

We had a great visit.

More coffee.

My daughter stayed for supper.

I was thinking ahead and had made a big supper the night before so we had leftovers and the carrot cake that my friend sent home with me.

So no cooking …. just eating ….. visiting and having fun.

 

Sometimes we fuss and stew and think we have it so bad.

Yes, there are moments but all in all …. I know that I am so blessed.

If you think about it …. you are, too.

Life is not meant to suffer in silence or to be chattering about it aloud.

Try not to live in the past.

Get it out onto the table and then carry on with life.

So much to enjoy and so many better memories to make.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Thank you ladies for making my Sunday incredible.

 

Time to go.

Windows to close.

More snuggling with the boy.

He asked for a massage again this morning.

So darn cute.

 

Special Hello to:   my friends and family …. thank you

Always, Carol & Alvin