2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this Sunday, February 21, 2021. Today was my paternal Grandmother’s birthday. She was born this day in 1901. Her name was Stella and she was a force in all things from her love of football and hockey to baking and gardening and everything in between. She knew every player and theirs statistics in the Canadian Football League. Grandma even had season football tickets for the Saskatchewan Roughriders which were/are located in Regina, Saskatchewan (she lived in rural Saskatchewan) and never attended a game, this was one of the ways she supported them. Another was purchasing the annual fundraising dinner. ticket and never attended As much as she loved sports she loved her garden, most especially her roses. Flowers were her passion. She won horticultural awards in her hometown for her roses. Her garden was always beautiful. Happy Birthday Grandma Stella.

The sky is overcast here in Edmonton. The air is warm, I was just outside with Alvin who was digging up a chew treat from one of the snow banks while I was digging up something else (not really digging for me). After I finished I watched as he dug up the chew treat from the snow drift on the grass area of our backyard (which is small). He picked it up and then proceeded to hop up the three steps from the yard to the deck. From there he hopped up the three steps to the top part of the deck by the garage. It was here that he walked over to the snow that I have piled and started to dig. I was entranced. He had his head down in the snow, digging with his paws until he dropped the chew treat and then started to cover it with his nose. When done he raised his head which had been partially covered in snow and gave it a shake. All through this I had wished that I would have ran back into the house and got my phone to take a video. But my phone was not by the door and likely by the time I threw off my boots and grabbed my phone he would have been done. I really wanted to just be in the moment. After burying the treat, he walked over to the steps to come down and hesitated for a moment before making the leap down the steps. I always hold my breath when he comes down the steps. Also I need to share something else about Alvin. This past Tuesday as you know he had his regular nail trim, anal gland and ear check appointment in addition he was receiving some vaccinations that were due at the end of February. That morning I noticed something odd. There was colour in his pee. Now when peeing in the snow …. you notice things. The colour was red. Even after he peed, there would be a drop of red. My heart skipped a beat. This is never good. I called his Vet to let them know and that we would have to add some tests to the appointment and explained. So at the appointment they were able to take a urine sample by inserting a catheter and also did blood tests. They could tell it was not an Urinary Tract Infection or at least there were no crystals. The blood tests were inconclusive so the only other option was to book an ultrasound. So that I did. This coming Tuesday. I have not shared this information with many people. But after knowing this for several days and trying to remain positive and feeling like I need to say something, I have started to tell a few people. It is a big thing to keep all to myself. I am positive that he will be fine as he has been eating and drinking like normal. His sleeping has not changed – still as crazy as ever. He was a bit whiny yesterday but his paws seem to be bothering him which they do from time to time. Please keep Mr. Alvin in your thoughts and if you pray, in your prayers. I am hopefully for good results. This was why I wrestled about taking the video but I am happy that I stayed outside and did not miss one second of him digging up and re burying his chew treat.

Well it is almost 9:30 and I have to put on coffee and have breakfast as I am having a video chat with one of my friends. The other is spending time with her husband who works away from home and is currently at home for a few days. They are having some family time.

The sky is overcast and the wind is blowing. The only sounds are the clock ticking in the bathroom beside this room and the clicking of my fingers as they touch the keys on the computer keyboard.

I will enjoy and be grateful for each and every day that I get to spend with my friend and companion Mr. Alvin. I hope that it will be years but that is not for me to know that this point.

Have a wonderful day. I thank each and every one that reads my daily post. I love to write and it makes it even better to know that people love to read my words. I hope that most days – I bring a smile to your face, perhaps give you food for thought, and bring you some helpful information.

Take Care.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for all creatures.

Always, Carol & Alvin

One of my favourite photos of my boy.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 4th day of March, 2019.

Well here we are – Monday morning.

Alvin and I had a great weekend.

We had company, did some housework and laundry and relaxed.

I had coffee with two of my girl friends yesterday morning.

Love these gals – we always have a great time – laughing and chatting.

A great mix of work and play.

 

We went for a walk yesterday afternoon as I felt it had warmed up.

Alvin started to lift his paws only a few houses away from home.

So we turned around and headed back home.

He enjoyed going in and out to the back yard.

There is a patch of the deck that is snow/ice free near the house that always gets the warm sun, so he likes to sit or lie there, and ponder life.

Or at least that is what I choose to believe that he is thinking.

Or perhaps he is thinking oh this is nice and quiet.

Or perhaps he is thinking where is my girlfriend OR I would like a treat.

He loves to dig in the snow.

Yesterday he was at the top section of the deck near the garage by the railing digging away.

Not sure what he was looking for but he was really getting into it.

Finally he pulled his head out of the snow and cautiously went down the steps from the top part of the deck.

When I say cautiously I mean super cautious.

He goes back and forth for a minute or more before he jumps down.

Sometimes he goes down each of the three steps or he just jumps to the bottom.

I worry about him as he is getting older.

Then he came to the steps on the side of the deck that lead down to the “green area” which is partially shovelled and the other part is a big snowbank.

He has made a path in the snow and very carefully he went up.

They know when it is safe or not.

I could tell.

He went so far and turned around and came back down.

Not reaching the area that was by the railing from this side.

Alvin has so many chew treats buried in the snow and just laying about on the deck in the back of our house.

I love watching him.

Oh, my Alvin, how you make me smile and warm my heart.

Cuteness by the 10th power and more.

 

The boy, Mr. Alvin is laying on his blue blanket waiting for me to finish.

He loves his routine and I try to keep it as close to the same as I am able.

I guess I am a pretty regular routine kind of gal, so we are a perfect match.

There was a reason he picked me on that COLD January night in 2010.

I am so grateful.

 

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

Almost time.

I hear that spring is on it’s way and is getting close.

We are happy for that news.

WALKS and WALKS ahead of us.

 

Have the best Monday ever.

Smile to yourself and to everyone you meet.

Something as simple as a smile can bring joy and relief.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, back VEGAS.  Welcome Home and Happy Monday, sister.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of May, 2018.

Some clouds loom in the morning sky as the sun rises to the east.

Cooler today as per the forecast.

Yesterday we had a bit of rain – which we need.

 

Funny story.

After work last night – I let Alvin outside as per usual.

When he was done – back into the house – dished out his supper.

My friend from Regina had let me know that there was a package waiting for me in the mailbox.

I had ordered some tupperware.

So while Alvin was eating his supper; I thought that I would run and grab the parcel.

He was standing on his chair with his front paws on the arm looking out of the living room as I came up the sidewalk to our house.

Quicker than quick – he was off the chair and at the door – jumping up.

You see he knows when a parcel arrives it is always from our friend back in Regina.

He must be able to smell inside the parcel with his extra sensitive sense of smell.

Alvin followed me as I kicked off my shoes and made my way through the living room and into the kitchen.

I placed the box on the kitchen table and went to grab my letter opener which doubles as a “parcel opener.”

He was up on his hind legs and barking.

So excited.

I barely had the box open and he was more than ready to see what our friend had sent to him.

I spotted a package with his name on it and quickly grabbing my camera from its’ perch hoping that I would be able to catch a video.

I did.

Oh my goodness – so funny.

Well I am super disappointed as apparently I cannot put a video on my blog due to security reasons.

But I can post photos – strange.

Anyway as you can see from the blue tissue paper that is what was left.

He shredded it.

It was oh so cute as he held the package with one paw and using his mouth starting to rip at the tissue paper.

He pulled at the tissue paper with his mouth turning his head and causing a thud with each movement of the package.

It was priceless.

At one point when I asked if he needed help – he turned his head and gave me a quick “glare.”

He just kept going.

Finally after ….

a more than valiant attempt to remove the ribbon but that was a bit much after 57 seconds of video, I figured he was done.

So I took his parcel and helped him open his present.

He loved his chew treat.

He would not even eat supper for the longest time.

Finally I coaxed him to eat by hand feeding him.

Okay, spoiled I know.

Then he carried it around and then he buried it.

We went for a walk and met up with friends and got home after 6:30 (we left the house at 5:15 p.m.).

Anyway had a nice walk and a visit.

When we arrived back home – Alvin was all about digging up the treat.

Then hiding it in the cushions of his chair and the sofa.

ARGH, it was dirty but I bit my lip and figured ….. I can clean up when he is done.

He went back and forth between burying the treat and digging it up, hiding it and finding it.

Finally just before bed – he ATE it.

He had several hours of pure enjoyment from that treat from his/our friend.

Thank you again for always thinking of my boy.

Me, well the Momma did not do so badly either.

Did you see the biscotti that I got?

I was only going to eat one but had to have two and put the others away for another day.

Cheese bun was perfect with supper and the dinner bun for lunch tomorrow.

Lucky we are.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who spoils us and we love her for the most wonderful human being that she is …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 3rd day of November, 2017.

Happy Birthday to my niece-in-law “M” ….. we wish you the most wonderful day.

We are entering another busy month for our family with birthdays.

 

There was shovelling in my “future” last night ….. but thankfully it was light snow and not the heavy wet stuff.

There is no real amount forecasted for the next week so that will be nice.

Shovelling is good exercise in moderation.

 

Well Mr. Alvin for no reason other than his chew treat was outside decided for the 9th day in a row to get up before 4:00 a.m. and we were up at 4:00 a.m.

Oh well and then when it was all said and done he had to dig up from the snow bank on the deck one of his many chew treats.

What a guy.

Now of course, Momma is a little bit tired ….. but thankfully it is Friday.

Perhaps tomorrow we can sleep in a bit …..

 

My daughter …. his sister … is picking me up from work ….. we are having supper …..   Chili and my friend’s deep dish apple pie that I have had frozen awaiting this special evening.

Once supper and all is done we are putting up my CHRISTMAS TREE.

So excited for this evening between the PIE AND THE TREE AND OF COURSE MY BELOVED GIRL.

Life does not get better than this.

 

Well running out of time and have to don the winter garb before hitting the frozen sidewalks to the bus.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to:   M, Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 11th day of April, 2017.

Well we were up again with the birds – actually I think it was well before the birds.

4:08 a.m.

ARGH ………..

So Mr. Alvin eats and has a drink of water and of course, then outside.

So while he is outside he decides it is time to go digging by the fence in the mud to retrieve his chew treat.

ARGH, again, I say.

It took me 15 minutes to coax him into the house.

After he barked several times ……

He was not able to get his chew treat during that time but was able to be covered in mud.

So after several minutes of scrubbing him by the back door and feeling sort of comfortable that he was clean, I let him come into the kitchen.

After journalling and eating ….. he wanted to go outside.

I figured that he had not done his business as yet so I let him out.

BIG MISTAKE !!!

BIG !!

So he retrieved the black mud encrusted chew treat and was proudly holding it in his mouth.

Standing at the back door.

ARGH, again.

So I got my trusty wet fibre cloth and towel and carefully let him into the back door area …. even carefully the mud was falling all around him.

Not happy Momma and this was at 5:30.

Finally was able to grab a couple of blueberries from my breakfast and con him into dropping the chew treat and faster than an eagle I grabbed that mud infested chew treat and threw it into the

garbage can outside the back door.

Not happy Alvin.

Anyway long story short as now I am running late …..

He is clean and chew treat less for now.

Not too happy with the Momma, methinks.

Well time to go to work.

I hope that you all have an awesome Tuesday.

Hopefully not as early start as we …. but if you did I hope that you can at least smile ….. like me.

Even though I was not happy with the mud – I love me Alvin – no matter what.

He was just doing his thing.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over the world including my globetrotting sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin