2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? I guess this is a bit later writing than have been for awhile. Well we went to bed at 10:00 p.m. and I changed the clocks ahead at that time. We got up at 5:18 p.m. which was good. Alvin had his breakfast and did his thing and then we hit the sofa and next thing I knew it – the time was 9:30 a.m. Of course, it does not help that it is overcast and there is no bright sunshine pouring in through the windows lighting the main floor and giving us a hint that it was time to get up and at it. Oh well, lol. I am, we are up now. Alvin wanted to go outside so while he was outside I emptied the dishwasher and put on the coffee (which smells divine or at least I think so as I am stuffy). Once he was in, I ran downstairs to grab the laundry that had been drying on drying racks and then up upstairs we came. First put away the laundry (which was my clothing), then washed up and put on my eyebrows (at the very least a lady must have on her eyebrows before beginning the day) and got dressed. I had turned on the computer when first coming upstairs as it takes a few moments to get started, much like me, lol. I am trying to have a sense of humour about it all as you can hopefully tell. So washed, dressed and writing now. There is a bit of a breeze as I can see the bare trees swaying back and forth. I believe that I have mentioned this before but spring is on the side of the street that is north of us but faces south and on our side we still have winter but the snow is melting. I was out trying to break up the ice and have it move on down the storm drain. I noticed when I looked out the living room window earlier than the water has not frozen over during the night. WOW. That is amazing for March 13/14. I guess that perhaps spring is on the way or has arrived. Apparently our groundhog was not located as he/she moved residences. Now that is funny. So we went with another locale’s which was spring will be early. I am going with early.

We had a great Saturday. I did laundry, we went for an amazing walk and bumped into our friend Ali (Bailey’s Mom) on her way home from work (she stopped her car and chatted for a moment). Alvin had a muddy belly but he enjoyed every drop of that mud. I am so grateful that we have these opportunities and I will always be grateful for all these moments. Later in the after I finished my income tax, whew. Over and done. Always glad to have them done for another year. OH big part of our Saturday was the morning, the best start to anyone’s day, really ….my girl pals Gillian and Signe came over for coffee on the deck. Remember I had hauled out the chairs and had Amanda help move the table down from the top landing by the garage. We have not had a visit since the end of January when I hosted Signe’s birthday celebration in the garage and it was cold. We had heaters. Well not yesterday. The rays of the sun beamed down upon us and we sat out with no coats just sweaters and Signe even took off her boots and was barefoot. We laughed and laughed. Shared stories of our lives. Just caught up on everything. I love my friends, they are the best. Oh and Gillian brought muffins and Signe brought cinnamon buns (all homemade). Poor Alvin really wanted some. No human food not that I ever gave him those types of things anyway, but no human food. I feel bad about the fruit and veg but until I get word back from the vet. None for the boy. So as you can see this has been the best weekend ever. Started out with a vacation day on Friday, Alvin getting his stitches out and my daughter coming over and her birthday and celebration, visit with friends, two walks thus far, income tax done, laundry (good to have clean clothes) and odds and ends. Thank you to everyone for a great last couple of days. Later today we may get together on the front sidewalk / porch with Alison and Bailey. Depends on how she feels after work. Also we watched some great, funny movies in the late afternoon and until bed: Jane Fonda and Robert Redford in “Our Souls at Night,” Shirley MacLaine and Jessica Lange and Demi Moore in “Wild Oats” and then a new one “Yes Day” with Jennifer Garner. All three funny and most enjoyable. Sometimes you don’t need an action film!

Well time to go and have that coffee that I am smelling. I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend. Perhaps you had a birthday celebration in your home or were able to have an outdoor visit with your friends or a walk with your dog or a walk period.

Continuing to live our lives with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Al.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Happy Father’s Day to ALL the Dads out there.

Whether you are fathering two-legged or four-legged babies, Happy Father’s Day.

Well here in Edmonton, the sky is filled to the brim with dark foreboding rain clouds.

Earlier at 3:47 a.m. there was a lightness to the sky as the sun began to rise.

There is a bit of a breeze this morning.

I have been listening to this same bird chirping since we were first up at 3:47 a.m.

When I was awake.

I did not stay up from 3:47 a.m. until now.

If I had this post would have been done, I would have showered, emptied the dishwasher, brought up all of the clothes hanging to dry from the basement, vacuumed the floors, washed the floors, dusted and cleaned the bathrooms.

Oh well, now I have all of those things to do minus making the bed and almost this post.

We will get things done, well actually, I will get things done.

Alvin does not help much.

 

Yesterday afternoon, I spent some time watching over the new kitten next door and his big brother Humphrey.

I snapped tons of photos and videos but forgot to ask if I could share them on my blog.

I always like to obtain permission before I post photos of others.

The kitten is oh so cute.

That little face.

I found that he loved being cradled, held tight and rocked.

I would love to see Alvin’s reaction to a kitten that small.

He loves cats but kittens, likely okay.

Humphrey is not loving the newest member of his family.

He growled and hissed.

The first time I went over to check on them, Humphrey was upstairs and I could not find the kitten anywhere.

I searched the house from top to bottom.

Really starting to get scared I texted and then called my neighbour.

Just when she picked up the phone ….. Humphrey came downstairs and stood by the front door and began to growl.

Suddenly I looked up and saw the kitten sitting up high behind a photo at the entrance by the door.

We all have these things beside the door when you come into the house.

They are like a box, flat surface and somewhat separates the entranceway.

Bogart was up on this “box” which is about four or so feet up.

The little one can jump.

Very much relieved, I told his Momma and then hung up.

After that the kitten followed Humphrey around the main floor until finally Humphrey went back upstairs.

I sat at the top of the stairs to see if the kitten would go up the stairs and finally after having something to eat, up he scrambled.

Before I left for home, I took Bogart back downstairs.

Played with him.

The next time I went over Humphrey stayed upstairs the whole time.

I visited with Humphrey.

Bogart came up and ran around under the bed.

Humphrey growled the whole time.

Finally I was able to grab the little one and we headed back downstairs for some snuggles.

I enjoyed playing with the kitten.

 

Well time to hit the shower and get this day going as it is almost 9:00 a.m.

There is something about a cloudy day that just makes me want to curl up and sleep.

 

We enjoyed our walk last night after supper.

Even though we had a hot day the evening was comfortable.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all you DADS.

Have a wonderful day with your families.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

Every day of our lives.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Well the sun is up and it is mid morning.

We have been up for a bit.

I went to Humphrey’s house and looked after Cynder, watered the huge Poinsettia plant and odds and ends.

We are all back at the house.

I am always surprised at how much this amazing creatures understand.

I was in the basement at Humphrey’s house cleaning out his litter box when I heard him come bounding down the stairs.

Said hello to him.

On my way upstairs I said to Humphrey, “Would you like to see Alvin at my house?”

He immediately ran to the front door and anxiously waited for me to don my coat and shoes.

He assumes the position and holds on.

The house is quiet once again with only me, Alvin and Humphrey.

Today will be rearranging things.

Placing my things back into my ensuite bathroom.

Cleaning out the fridge and repacking things so that I can see exactly what there is to eat and what needs to be eaten over the next few days.

But all in all today will be my quiet day.

Maybe watch a movie and call my sister in the early afternoon.

 

Yesterday afternoon my daughter, Milo and Alvin went over to see Humphrey and to give him his Christmas present.

Perhaps initially it might have been better to leave the pups at home but it worked out.

Humphrey really wasn’t interested in opening his present so Mr. Alvin helped him out.

OMG, Alvin and opening presents is a thing.

He had the gifts out of the bag and the paper and tissue opened lickty split.

He is so funny.

I wonder what will happen next Christmas.

Will he try to open all of the presents under the tree.

He did not this year except for the one from my friend in Regina but I get it ….. the smell was enticing.

Time will tell.

 

Yesterday while I was preparing the dinner – the kids took all three pups for a walk.

Alvin stayed on the steps, he kept turning around.

Yup, that’s my boy.

He reluctantly went for the walk.

My daughter said it took him awhile before he actually set into the walk.

I don’t have to worry about him running away.

 

Well I guess that I should get changed from my pj’s and get some things done.

Also have some breakfast.

Thinking some Raisin Bran cereal might be the answer this morning.

Also am going to freeze the baking that is in the fridge.

Good for another day.

Time to find a good stretching exercise program and then work it into my daytime hours … especially once back to work.

I am up at 5:00 a.m. and not really wanting to get up any early but then again, Mr. Alvin usually has me up at 4:30 so maybe I should just DO IT.

Cutting back on the amount that one eats is important.

Especially once you get older.

I am getting older.

Or at least my body thinks so.

 

Well another wonderful Christmas under my belt so to speak.

Everyone got some surprises and were pleased with them.

From the time the season to the end it was great, is great, is wonderful.

 

My cousins are coming for dinner this next Sunday.

I want to have some friends over during the break so will have to get on that as time passes quickly.

 

Wishing you a great Thursday.

Boxing Day in Canada and in other parts of the world.

 

Time to also wash the dishes that I set aside so that we could play SEQUENCE before the kids headed home.

I figured that have some play time with them was more important than waking up to no dirty dishes.

Besides in all my glory, I forgot to turn on the dishwasher.

I was beat …. it was a great day.

 

Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law, my grand pups Aspen and Milo for making this time so wonderful.

I spoke to / texted to all my siblings and will chat longer with my sister today.

So better get this show on the road.

Stuff to do.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 18th day of September, 2016.

Overcast and windy but not raining.

The sky is beginning to clear to the north so hopefully by this afternoon the windy is calm, sunny with cloudy skies for the photo shoot.

I am so excited to be going to the Devonian Gardens, I hear they are beautiful.

Some of the earlier flowers will have gone on but the later ones should be gorgeous.

The colours of the trees and such.

I will take some photos to post ….

So exciting.

I just checked back to my blog from around this date last year and it had been raining as well.

Looks like pretty much the same weather for this weekend.

Alvin and I managed to get our walk in last night before it started to rain.

On our way home we saw one of our neighbours sitting on her doorstep (they had just got home from a walk) so we went to say hello.

Ended up visiting for awhile.

It was nice.

The overhang on her step kept us dry when a couple of times it started to rain (only sprinkled).

I hope that you all had a good weekend.

I am still debating about whether to leave the patio furniture out or not.

I guess the cushions are wet from the rain so it will not happen until they dry.

Will have to consult the blog from last year to see what the upcoming weather was like last year.

I can hear the geese honking as they pass over head.

Still cloudy from the south view (from my office window).

Well I smell coffee in my near future (as soon as I make some).

Grab the laundry from the basement that was hung to dry.

Empty the dishwasher and put away the tupperware that was air drying.

Just a few small things before getting ready for the photo shoot.

So excited for my day trip.

Only wished that Alvin could go but alas he has to stay at home.

Will check and see if my neighbour can pop in to say hi.

Oh well, he will be fine I just do not like to leave him on the weekends for any amount of time.

Fingers crossed that the wind dies down ….. it is very windy right now.

Special Hello to: all those people who are doing something new today.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of April, 2016.

Another bright and sunny gorgeous day ahead of us here in Edmonton.

Yesterday was a jam packed day for me.

First thing in the morning my friend “J” from Regina picked me up and we went for a tour of the Ronald McDonald House here in Edmonton.

Her grandson is in the Children’s Hospital (the Stollery), so his parents and older sibling are staying at the RMH.

I was so impressed by this place.

First thing walking in the door there is an air of love and calm even though there were oodles of people walking about.

It was bustling with volunteers as it is these dear folks who do most of the work.

Volunteer groups cook meals every single day of every year.

I heard that a group of ladies come in every Thursday, and bake dozens of cinnamon buns, cookies, cakes etc..

My friend’s son said with “a smile on his face” it is difficult not to put on weight in this place

I found out that there are only a handful of actual paid employees for the Ronald McDonald House.

They have 32 rooms for families to stay in for a nominal fee.

They do not have to worry about a bed to sleep on, food to eat or transportation to the hospital.

They have a teacher who teaches the children in the mornings.

They have laundry facilities and three kitchens.

There are volunteers to drive the bus to take families on special outings and for the shuttle to the hospital.

They have lists up for folks who have time to help out with …. like wipe their tables after eating.

Perhaps sweep the floor …. help load the dishwasher or empty them.

So much is donated and this warms my heart.

All of their day to day is looked after so that they can focus on their sick children.

Such an awesome place filled with kindness, generosity and love.

It was so great to visit such an amazing place and given the opportunity I would very much love to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House.

I thoroughly enjoyed this time.

Always remember that so many worthy organizations depend on volunteers to help out.

So if you happen to have a few hours or a day each week give one of these groups a call.

You will feel so good helping others.

If everyone volunteered what a great world this would be.

 

Well I am running a tad late here …. another busy day for me.

Poor Mr. Alvin ….. I will make it up with lots of snuggles and a long walk later this afternoon.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who volunteer.  Thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 21st day of March, 2014.

And the SAGA continues at my house ……

Mr. Alvin has been sniffing around usually in the morning before I leave for work.

He sniffs by the stove and then the fridge…..

Yesterday morning he did his “hunter stance” and I should have clued in ….

But my inner voice kept saying “they are all gone.”

WELL my inner voice was “DEAD WRONG” ……

About one hour ago when we were first up ….. fed Mr. Alvin and he went out to to do morning ritual and then back into the house.

In the meantime I was sitting at the kitchen table writing in my “gratitude/daily journal” ….

With Mr. Alvin sniffing around by the sofa …. all of a sudden a FLASH and this little thing flew (almost) into the kitchen and under the dishwasher.

My nephew is here and that is keeping Alvin partially occupied so he is staying upstairs for the moment.

I did scream when I saw it ….. they always take me by surprise.

I truly thought that after a whole week they were gone.

I guess I should have baited all the traps and left them out.

Lesson learned.

Well with my courage getting ready and the rest of my courage sitting on guard at the top of the stairs waiting (thank goodness) for me …. I will go back downstairs.

I wished with all of my heart and soul that they would just stay outside.

I cannot find where they are coming in …..

Not sure what to do.

WISH ME LUCK.

Special Hello: to all those who are going through this ….

Always, Carol and Alvin