It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Merry Christmas …..

Well we are having a snow shower at the moment.

Now isn’t that a way to begin a Friday.

Earlier and actually almost all night it was raining and I know this because I was up and out in it with Alvin.

Last night during his last “outing” into the backyard before bed ….. there was bottom end action.

I missed that he had “bottom end action” during one of the earlier escapes to the backyard.

Now how I missed it …. not sure.

But likely because I was holding a huge umbrella and because he happened to be in the grass that has now grown seemingly overnight.

Anyway, things are starting to return to normal.

Still a ways to go but leaning toward the right direction.

Thankfully as I cannot do a third night in a row ….. right now I am likely running on less than full engine capacity.

Not likely, I am …..

Hopefully the coffee can help out this morning.

Perhaps because Alvin was up and down – he will nap most of the day so that I can concentrate on work.

We shall see.

 

The other major “thing” in my life in the moment is the “fence between me and neighbours in other half of the duplex.”

One of the fence posts and 20 feet of the fence has rotted due to the stone work in their yard and because my deck is up against the fence.

Moisture gets in and cannot get out.

So we are having that replaced.

Long story short as I need to grab my coffee and start work shortly (needed to have a few minutes of sleep as virtually I had two last night).

The guy that is doing the work ….. had not factored in that the fence boards were rotten …. he only figured that likely the one post.

Anyway ….. second quote came in and I had a problem with not having a breakdown of pricing and the amount charged for labour.

So I asked some questions ….

Needless to say things did not go over well.

So I have more questions this morning to ask before asking for a requote.

Life in the fast lane.

Note to you and to me …. insist upon something in writing and ensure that you have that paper before starting or accepting any job.

Don’t let it come back and bite you in the butt.

 

Okay, I have done venting.

This is going to be an interesting day for sure.

 

SNOW, RAIN ….. contractor …. ARGH.

 

I hope that this finds you well.

Have a great day.

 

Life has to be lived with kindness and respect.

I/We, remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 7th day of March, 2017.

Well the forecast is for a cold snap.

We are well below seasonal temperatures for March.

Not great news but it is March and one month closer to spring.

Officially spring in a couple of weeks or so.

 

This morning while getting ready for work I was thinking about “dreams.”

Not the dreams you have while you are sleeping but the ones you have when you are young for your future.

I always wanted to be a nurse, published writer, mother to four children (two boys and two girls) and to be married.

The white picket fence with the beautiful two- storey house – the dream.

I could see us all going on family vacations.

I could see my children further their education, get married and have babies.

I could see “us” being retired and living the life of riley.

So what went wrong or what changed.

Nothing is ever really wrong – we just take a different path.

One thing changes and everything changes.

 

So I am not a nurse, I do write a bit, I am a mother to one amazing daughter and one puppy named Alvin and I am single.

My daughter did further her education and went for her dream at that time (which I am grateful for), she is married and I have grand-pups.

Perhaps that is where the number four came from as they have had/have two boys and two girls.

I do not have a white picket fence but my house is a beautiful two-storey half duplex.

There has been the occasional family vacation.

Retirement is a long way off.

Different direction – different dreams.

 

The reality is you never know what life will bring to you.

Or where life will take you.

 

Even if you are super positive and live a life of doing kind and wonderful things the reality is you never know.

All you can do is live your life and work towards those dreams/goals.

Live each moment and day to the best.

 

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my daughter who teaches me things daily.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 27th day of April, 2016.

Here we are winding down another month … the fourth of 2016.

It is just after 6:00 a.m. here in Edmonton and the sun is already beginning to rise.

Soon it will be up when we get up about 5:00 a.m.

 

I have been away sick for the last couple of days but am better.

Also good news on the grand-puppy “Elton” front – surgery was successful.

I am grateful for all of the prayers and positive energy from friends and family.

Thank you.

What a relief.

 

Sometimes just when you think that nothing will go right and you are nearing the end of your positive energy …. something GREAT happens to restore your faith.

I guess it was there all along but lately I honestly had given up.

But things are going once again in the right direction.

Reminder to us all – never give up, ever.

Always be grateful and live in the moment.

 

Well after sleeping for the better part of two days … I did not sleep much last night.

Mr. Alvin had an upset tummy just before bed and I could not settle down.

Is there such a thing as too much sleep?

I guess so.

 

Well I guess I had better get this show on the road.

After losing our routine for two days time to get it back.

Life is gaining momentum once again in the right direction.

I am so so grateful.

 

Have the most wonderful Wednesday and I hope that life is treating you well.

Just remember “never give up.”

 

Special Hello to: all those people …. well to everyone …. HELLO ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of April, 2016.

Sometimes it is good to take a step back and in this case to April 12th, 2012.

Here are my thoughts ….. funny how they are similar to what I am feeling today.

Thank you.

 

*******************************************************************

Good Great Thursday April 12th, 2012 …..

Good Morning All …..

I just want to start by saying thank you to all those folks who take the time out of their busy schedules to read my blog.

I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I think with this wonderful technology it is amazing that someone can read my words from across the world.

I have always wanted to write a book and have people all over the world read my stories.

Now with my blog ….. my dreams are becoming realized.

This is a first step for me, and I do want to write an actual book(s) one day soon.

This prairie farm girl turned small town gal, and finding her way to the big city along the way ….. is so amazed by all of this.

Often we look at how fast it works, and what it can do for one but at the end of the day it is a simple fact….. you can write a story or your thoughts and within seconds someone in Greece or China or Australia can read what you have written.

It just boggles the mind ….. I LOVE THIS.

Can you imagine what the past great writers would have thought of this ….. or perhaps they did in some way.  🙂

So for this wonderful Thursday ….. my final thought is this ….. even though you have this dream and you think that it is too big ….. just start moving in that direction and where the mind goes …. the body will follow.

Simple fact.

Take care and have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to:  all the writers and dreamers …. you ROCK!

Always, Carol and Alvin, er Mr. Alvin, I mean….. LOL

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of December, 2014.

7 sleeps until Christmas Eve …….

Last night I was able to have a quick visit with my nephew on the way home from work.

His physical injuries are healed, and he is starting to acknowledge visitors not verbally.

He turns his head to the sounds and looks in your direction.

I like to think that he knows us.

He had a short beard when I saw him last night and he so reminded me of my brother who passed away near six years ago.

 

Today is our “department” lunch at work followed by a gift exchange.

Should be fun.

Tonight to the store I go.

So nice to see my co-workers …..

Will be interesting to see if the mall is super busy.

You never know what a Wednesday will bring.

 

Well on this mid week day I am grateful to be alive.

I am grateful to have my own home.

I am grateful to be surrounded by people who love and respect me.

I am grateful to have this amazing blog and to all those who take the time to read my words.

I am so grateful for my kids and grand-puppies to be living here with me and Alvin.

I am so grateful that I adopted me Alvin those almost five years ago.

He has been another bright light in my life.

I am grateful to be so blessed.

 

On that note, it is time to finish getting ready for work at the office.

I hope that you have a great day.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers – Happy Holidays to you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Story Line by line – December 18, 2013

Chapter Five:

December 1, 2013

As we lay there sleeping wrapped in the big white fluffy blankets, I dream of childhood and Christmas; my favourite time of year, and there was one in particular.

December 2, 2013

When we moved into the new two story house on the farm my bedroom was on the main floor just off of the living room ……. I had a birds eye view of the Christmas tree ….  this one year I wanted to wait and watch for Santa ….. pretending to be asleep …. once  I heard noises figuring it was Santa I waited for him to leave ……  slowly opened the bedroom door and getting down on my hands and knees  crawled out toward the tree ….. only to be stopped dead in my tracks by my Mom’s voice “GET BACK TO BED” ….. I had been so quiet …… 

December 3, 2013

My favourite Christmas was 2005  …..  the log cabin in the mountains …. the clear night sky …… the stars shining so brightly …… the food …… the stone fireplace ….. love and laughter ….. feather comforters …… coffee by the fireplace ….. the best place in the world.

December 4, 2013

Kids singing Christmas Carols …… Grandma playing the organ in church ….. our Charlie Brown Christmas tree …… turkey cooking at Grandma’s house ….. snow falling …… baby crying …… sister smiling …… dog barking ….. opening presents . driving to Grandma and Grandpa’s house ….. the trees out front of their house all light up ….. it is Christmas once again.

December 5, 2013

Oh, how I feel alive and happy …… as each scene plays out ….. there is another one just as wonderful as the last …… people and places ……. my heart is full ……

December 6, 2013

Ah, my great nephew, I remember that day so well …… then skipping years ahead to when Alvin came to live with me …… this movie just seems to go on forever …. I wonder when it will end ….. movie, is it?

December 7, 2013

Movie, what …. am I dreaming …… asleep …… awake …… in a coma …… my mind is swirling and then before me is a crystal clear thought ….. YOU ARE REMEMBERING YOUR LIFE ….. 

December 8, 2013

Truly I am going crazy, please someone help me wake up from this wild dream …. HELP ME, HELP Me …….

December 9, 2013

This whole ordeal has seemed to go on forever ….. I do not know what to do …..  just when I think that I may have an answer ……. it all comes tumbling down …… such as life, I guess but why now ……. or did I just bump my head!

December 10, 2013

“Did I bump my head?” I think to myself as Alvin snuggles in closer to me as if to comfort me in my time of uncertainty.

December 11, 2013

As I lay under the warmest most comfortable blanket ever, I begin to devise a plan – I will get home – somehow – someday I will escape and be free.

December 12, 2013

Home, what a wonderful thought ….. I realize how much I miss my house, the flowers in my yard, my Christmas tree ……. whoa ….. what did I think ….. was it spring, was it summer or winter when this first happened and I realize maybe now for the first time that I have literally no idea how long we have been gone ….. a day, a month, years!!!

December 13, 2013

All of a sudden I hear this small gurgling slightly roaring sound coming from my stomach ….. guess it has been awhile since I ate anything …… Alvin, too must be starving  ….. suddenly a banana, some fresh carrots, a piece of chocolate cake, and a cup of coffee are sitting on a table in front of us….a FEAST.

December 14, 2013

Well no matter if this is real or a figment of my imagination …  we are going to eat  ….. mmm, as I peel the banana Alvin goes crazy as he absolutely loves banana ….. carrots …. we love carrots and for me my favourite habit …. COFFEE.

December 15, 2013

Yes, hot coffee …. it warms my throat as I quickly take a sip and trying to hold onto the taste reminding me of home …. Alvin is happy as we finish the last bite of banana and continues crunching away on the carrots and for this time we have no worries.

December 16, 2013

As we enjoy our treats I cannot help but to think of home ….. what are my friends and family doing ….. who is looking after our house ….. is there snow to shovel or grass to mow … I do not even know what time of year it is ….. oh …..

December 17, 2013

I just feel like crying even though Alvin is here I am all alone …. no one to discuss things with ….. no shoulder to cry on ….. as the tears well up in my eyes the feelings just explode inside my body, and my heart  hurts …. where are they ….. please let us come home …. I just want to go home…… please, help us find our way home……..

December 18, 2013

Through the tears and the feelings of being alone, the despair, and, of not knowing which direction to turn, whether to shout or to continue to cry ….. I feel that warmth once again, and a light although dim begins to shine on me.

 

 

 

 

Story Line by line – September 23, 2013

Chapter Two:

September 1, 2013

“Alvin, you found me”, I cry as my heart and soul are filled with a gratitude magnified by the love I have for my friend and I know we will find our way together.

September 2, 2013

There is silence between us – no words or barking – just silence in knowing that as long as we are together we will figure this all out and get back home where we belong and we continue on our way side by side.

September 3, 2013

“So me Alvin, what now?” as I search his body to make sure that he has no wounds and give him hugs  and wished that the fog would lift so that I could see where we are going.

September 4, 2013

“Well Mr. Alvin, I guess we had better get moving so maybe we can eventually walk out of this fog and actually find some help” with this Alvin begins to move forward slowly and we are on our way.

September 5, 2013

I have no idea how far we have walked or where we are but I know one thing it is getting colder ….. freezing in fact.

September 6, 2013

Thank GOD, Alvin has a fur coat and that I had not cut it recently but me on the other hand, I only have flip flops, cotton capri pants, a t-shirt and light jacket; the jacket hadn’t really been needed that morning but I needed a place to put my keys and poop bags for Alvin; my keys?

September 7, 2013

I reach into my pocket and touch the coolness of my keys; I am not certain how they are actually going to help us at this point but they give me a sense of peace in that they are our link to home.

September 8, 2013

At this point I am really grateful that I have my Alvin with me and that we are okay despite being cold and now we will just continue on – one step at a time.

September 9, 2013

As we walk along  I fight to see through the fog and in some places I think that I can see the outline of trees, but I am not sure; the only thing I know for certain is we are no longer near “home” and my heart skips a beat.

September 10, 2013

Thank GOD that I have my Alvin the best “sniffer” on the planet here with me as his nose guides us along this path to who knows where or when.

September 11, 2013

As we move along, Alvin does his thing as I listen to him carefully sniffing, and I hope that soon we find someone as we are both showing signs of dehydration, and I can hear my stomach rumble and I know Alvin must be hungry.

September 12, 2013

Out of nowhere I had a flash …. I suddenly remembered something ….. something that I knew would make Alvin one happy puppy dog ….. why didn’t I think of it sooner?

September 13, 2013

As I slowly reached into my other pocket the one without the poop bags I found a bag of doggie treats and I smiled knowing that my Alvin would have a bit of food in his belly and be happy; after all isn’t being happy all about giving something unexpectedly to others, and I am glowing.

September 14,, 2013

“Here Mr. Alvin” I say as I bend over and hand him some of the treats; Alvin found them quicker than I could find my pocket; I am so happy that I have some food for him and then he yelps for more.

September 15, 2013

Alvin quickly eats the small handful of treats; I am relieved that he has eaten and although I am hungry it is better for him to eat than me; I have to have faith that we will find our way home soon or somewhere like home.

September 16, 2013

Just not sure what to do now – guess we will just keep plodding ahead – not much else we can do – but how on earth did we get here?

September 17, 2013

Wow, it seems like it has been forever since Alvin and I first walked by our lake; now we are who knows where; destination unknown; it is funny that despite the time elapsed by my best guess has been much more than one day I do not feel thirsty; I am hungry but not starving and I do not have to pee (now that is a first); I wished that we did have water now that I think about it and wonder where did Alvin’s water bottle disappear to?

September 18, 2013

Well who knows, I guess we have bigger fish to fry; as it seems like we have been not only walking in a fog but my mind seems to be drifting that way as well; please someone help us; I just feel so helpless …….. and I want to be at home sitting on my sofa watching my favourite morning program “The Today Show” – the fourth hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda ….. please,  as I break into soft sobbing.

September 19, 2013

Okay enough feeling sorry for yourself “YOU” ….. get on with it as my inner voice encourages me to go forward; I will find our way home and as I feel the strength fill my body – I see something shining through the fog.

September 20, 2013

What the hell, as I feel the heat from the object not far ahead ….

September 21, 2013

It seems to be close but as we walk in the fog toward the object we do not seem to be getting any closer, and the heat is becoming more intense.

September 22, 2013

I do not feel afraid, it seems to be radiating more than just the intense heat, there is a feeling, a warmth, a kindness, but by this time  Alvin has had enough, and pulls me in another direction.

September 23, 2013

We are off what seemed to be a path and are now on what feels like grass but it is uneven, as he pulls us further away from the heat, and that feeling of good.

Thought for the day

Sometimes the direction is not clear,  and then all of a sudden you hear something and the light comes on …… the way is more clear and you are ready to go.

I had a stand still point last night, and now this morning, my direction is clear and my focus sharp.

Time to carry on……