The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Dark outside as I write this post. How are you feeling this morning? I am doing okay. Yesterday as four of us were leaving the office, I took a tumble. Our front door has a cement slight rise pad to the door with a few inch drop off to the side, I had turned around for some reason and forgot about the drop off and went down. I had on my new spring lilac coloured jacket and lilac colour pants. To my surprise I did not rip or stain or anything to my clothing. I landed part way on the sidewalk and partway in the snow which had not melted and broke my fall. I am a bit stiff and sore this morning but otherwise only my pride. Distracted. When I am walking as I am used to with Alvin, I usually always look down but this time I was distracted by the girls and not paying attention. My laptop went flying and I had my purse with its’ cross body strap on me. The girls reacted very quickly, and assessed the situation to ensure that I was okay. They would not let me get up too fast and then helped me up. One of the girls made note that there should have been a guard rail there and we need to fill out an incident report in the morning. She said it takes 24 hours for the initial shock to wear off. I am okay, just stiff and a bit sore. Thank goodness. Be careful.

I did not go for a long walk last night but carefully walked to some friends and neighbours to drop off Thank You Cards and Memory Cards. Supper was cooking in the oven so I made sure that I did not stay too long and was close to home. Also mailed some cards, as well.

Last night was a quiet one. I took a muscle relaxant last night as a preventive measure and I believe that it helped. I might take another one now just to keep my muscles relaxed so that they can heal. Life in the fast lane. My right hand is also a bit sore. In the days of writing it would not be an issue as I am left-handed but with typing on keyboards it could be.

Weather forecast for today is +7 degrees. YAY.

The gal that I carpool with and also work with, texted me last night to check on me and to see if I needed to go to the Doctor. She is such a good friend and person.

Okay time to head downstairs. Have a wonderful day. Happy Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you all well. When we first got up at 4:30 and did our normal routine followed by laying down on the sofa – Mr. Alvin started to shake his head and rub his right ear. This went on for about thirty minutes while I tried everything to help him. Finally I decided to give him a tramadol to take the edge off. His last one. It worked and finally he settled down and had some sleep. I am not sure if the head shaking and rubbing ear was due to an ear infection or if his paws are bothering him as he was licking them as well. Poor little guy. I will monitor him this morning and if need be will call his Doctor and set up an appointment for this afternoon as I am at the office tomorrow and Wednesday. Perfect timing. So this post will be short. I am running a bit behind.

Yesterday I wrote about “spices” and for all you Chefs and folks who run food businesses, I was not speaking to you as of course, you need and use a great many spices. Spices are good for us. I was only speaking to those of us who buy more than we use and end up wasting and throwing them out. I am one of them. I love spices. I use spices all the time.

Well even though we turned our clocks one hour ahead, it looks dark. The sky is white. No sunrise in sight. More snow! I would like spring and flowers. With the price of produce I am considering planting some vegetables and herbs in pots or any place that I can make room.

Happy Birthday to Karen, we worked together for over 20 years at SGI. She is now retired and enjoying travelling and her grandchildren. Have a wonderful day my friend.

Time to have coffee and do some updates on my work computer. Just had to change the password.

Have a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Please send good energy and thoughts for Mr. Alvin. Keeping him in good health.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you today? Alvin and I are well. Wishing my special nephew Taylor a Happy Birthday. Last year on Remembrance Day I wrote the following and thought that I would share it again. Let us remember.

REMEMBRANCE

An old woman sits alone in a small room,

Quietly weeping as she remembers,

The lives lost because of wars fought on this earth.

The first person she remembers losing was her Uncle Jack, she was only a small girl at the time, age four.

Uncle Jack used to bring a bag of sweets when he visited her family.

He was her Father’s oldest brother,

He fought in the first World War.

She remembers her grandparents receiving a telegram briefly stating that Uncle Jack was killed in action and thanking them for his service to his country.

She was married when World War II started and had a family of her own.

She remembers two of her four brothers enlisting at the beginning of the war.

She remembers her Mother’s quiet screams when they received notification that they were killed in action in some country far far away.

On the day when her husband decided he could no longer sit back and hear of the stories of lost family and friends and the possibility of the world being lost to a mad man, he hugged her and enlisted in the armed forces. A trained pilot was badly needed. She felt in her heart that he would not return. She hugged him tightly and kisses him hard on the mouth so that she would have that memory for the rest of her life.

In 1943, she received the yellow paper stating that her husband John and his crew were shot down and presumed killed in action. She wept quietly as she held the paper in her hands. Now she was truly alone and would continue to raise her six children on her own.

Years later when her second eldest son, also a pilot like his father joined the Armed Forces and went to fly in the Korean War, her heart skipped a beat. How could she go through this again but there was no stopping Edward, he was much like his Father when he made up his mind. Only a few short months after he left his plane was shot down by the enemy. Another letter, another life lost to these terrible wars. When would they end?

In the Vietnam War, her youngest daughter Katherine who was a nurse signed up, as a sign of the times to go and provide aid to the wounded. Also a short time later another son Mark decided to follow his sister, he was a Doctor. Medical personnel were greatly needed.

She remembers listening to the television and watching news clips of the war and missing her children so much not knowing if they would return. Occasionally receiving a letter from them.

On a summer day a black car pulled up to her home and two men in uniforms came to the door. Her daughter Katherine had been killed by enemy fire when she was tending to the wounded. Her son Mark returned home at Christmas in 1974 he had been wounded but he was alive. He was the first family member in all those decades to return home alive from a war. She was grateful.

The last war that involved her family was the Persian Gulf War in 1990. Two of her great grandchildren were enlisted in the Army at this time but thankfully they returned home, uninjured.

At 107, she had lost so many members of her family to War. The memories still front and centre in her mind. That was her cross to bear having a good sense of recollection.

Now, too old to participate in Remembrance Day Ceremonies, she sits quietly in her room …….

Written by C.Lewis on November 11, 2020

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. What a beautiful morning it is outside. A great day is its’ way to us all. Are you ready? Close your eyes and imagine you being over the moon happy. Maybe it is talking with a family member that you have not been able to see during this pandemic. Maybe you are finally able to do something that you never have done before! OR maybe you found the most perfect gift for your sister and you have mailed it to her for Christmas. Perhaps you sent Christmas cards to a bunch of family and friends and you received your first card in the mail and it is from a friend not on your current mailing list but someone who missed you and wanted to reconnect. There are so many things that can make us happy. I am happy when I am living in a state of gratitude. I would say that I am happy more than not. Perhaps possibly yourself, a family member or friend was recently in contact with that dreadful virus and was tested and are waiting for the results – the text arrives – negative. Happiness ensues. Maybe a friend brought some unexpected treats to your door. Maybe you just woke up today. I hope that you are happy without having to actually imagine it. But if you are living in fear, doubt, sadness or the like …. then close your eyes, imagine it. Imagine that feeling of joy. Maybe it is time to grab a piece of cardboard and make a vision board. Glue or tape on some pictures of things that you would like, something that would help you in the happiness field. I want you to be happy. I would like us all to be happy, to be joyful. That does not mean that life is going to be a constant bowl filled with cherries but it does mean that if you are living your life in a state of joy and gratitude that when something to the contrary occurs, you are much better equipped to handle it. Now I am not a doctor of anything but I am 63 years old and have learned a few things over the years. What can it hurt? Try making a list of what you are grateful for? A good place to start.

Yesterday afternoon Mr. Alvin and I went for a visit to his best friend’s house. Yes, we took precautions. Teddy’s Mom does “Energy Healing” and last time she worked on Alvin but this time out of the blue she asked if she could massage my feet. An odd request. She mentioned that she missed giving her sister a foot massage. I cannot remember the last time I had my feet massaged so after some tea and treats, I had what started out to be foot massage. She told me that I am not drinking enough water and could tell by pressing on my legs that I was not. I learned a few things. About how important keeping your lymphatic system moving is. She told me that my core needed some work. Both things that I knew but when coming from someone else gave me a kickstart. I started drinking water as soon as I got back home. I am going to start ensuring that I drink 8 glasses of water each day. She showed me some exercises to get things moving. The results of not keeping the lymphatic system unblocked are not good. So let us remember to drink lots of water and not coffee like I have. Working from home …. we are sitting more than ever now. Get up and move about. Shake your legs and arms. Move it!

Well I have to go as it is almost time to start work. I have been moving about this morning and drank 2 glasses of water already. I am going to get my system going so it does not clog up.

Living my life with kindness and respect for all.

Have an awesome Monday.

Always,Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well the sky is more sunshine than not.

It is lovely outside this morning and temperatures to soar to about 24 today.

Doing the HAPPY DANCE.

 

Last night after work Alvin and walked over to his Doctor to pick up some food, a bag of treats and his glucosamine.

The air was heavy with blue sky and I had some regret about wearing a sweater.

But the sweater provided two pockets for things that I needed to have with me.

Oh well, I survived.

I decided on the way home that I would just stop at the house and drop off our purchases and then walk over to our friend’s house.

To check on her flowers.

With all of the rain that we have had … they did need a little top up …. a little drink.

I happily did this for them.

Alvin was running around the yard …. enjoying the grass.

Her flowers are crazy amazing.

Every colour under the rainbow.

 

So I still have an ant problem.

Perhaps it takes a few weeks for these home mixtures to work?

 

I cut the back lawn after 9:00 p.m. – not bad neighbour as I have a push mower – no motor except for mine and I can guarantee everyone that it was not loud.

 

I got brave and put out some of the patio cushions.

The furniture looked so bare for such a long time – I just had to.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed some quiet time together inside and out.

First time in a long time we actually sat outside on the deck.

 

Well it is Friday.

I am glad for the weekend.

Tonight after work my daughter is picking me up and we are heading to COSTCO.

I actually like going there ….. nice to check things out.

There will be laundry in my future tonight.

Tomorrow Master Teddy will be joining us for the day and then in the afternoon my grand-pups will be joining us.

Their Mom & Dad have a wedding to attend.

So me and the pups tomorrow.

So excited.

 

Well remember as always ….. live each day with kindness and respect.

It works.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Yes, it is…..

 

Always, with love & respect Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of October, 2018.

It is raining outside this morning.

It started just before we went to bed and continued off and on throughout the night.

Seems funny hearing the rain coming down and even more funny watching it take away the remaining snow.

There be green grass once again.

How about that?

Guess what?

Guess what?

My SNAPDRAGONS are still blooming and looking so pretty.

Hard to believe that they survived minus temperatures and two heavy snowfalls.

They sure are hardy little troopers.

WOW.

 

Last night after work we went for an one hour walk with our friend “P.”

I love our walks and our conversations.

We learn more about each other every time that we are together.

She is such an amazing friend to me and Alvin.

He loves our walks with her, too.

 

Well today is Friday ….. so excited for the weekend.

No big plans but lots of little things that I would like to get accomplished.

I think that Alvin has his regular appointment tomorrow morning (they always call the day before to confirm/remind).

We appreciate that.

Often times we book it and of course, it is 5 weeks into the future.

Sometimes I don’t remember …. but they always call.

 

Alvin laying on his blue blanket – what a guy.

I love listening him to sleep.

His breathing.

 

Just so grateful to be surrounded by loving, compassionate, thoughtful, caring, supportive souls.

Thoughts out to someone who has an appointment today …. only good news.

 

Wow, it is really coming down.

Thinking I may have to pull out the umbrella …. thankfully I left the rain spout down …..

 

Happy Friday.

How about we start this day and every day by doing something thoughtful for someone.

Does not have to cost money or take a lot of time.

Just do something that would help someone else.

How about for a stranger?

We have to be more kind and generous to ALL others.

We are all the same after all.

Look at us.

A head, body, arms and legs.

We are the same.

The only differences are the ones that we make.

Really we are ALL the same.

Treat each other with kindness and respect.

Life can be short or it can be long.

Make your life and that of all others around you …. joyful and abundant.

 

Special Hello:  YOU …. thank you for reading this post and for being a good human being.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining very brightly this morning and the sky is the palest of blues.

There appears to be no breeze as the trees are standing still south of my office window.

I am so grateful to have five days in a row off from work.

Five days at home with Mr. Alvin.

This morning he has his regular Doctor appointment to trim his nails and stuff.

Later this morning my daughter and I are going flower shopping.

We will go to the same greenhouse/nursery that we have in prior years.

It is only a short drive from my house.

Family operated business and it is always good to support local.

They have a great selection of flowers, plants, and anything you may wish to have for your garden and yard.

So excited to have flowers ….

My perennials are coming up nicely in the front flower bed …. the ferns are in first place according to height.

The back flower bed is a bit behind the front but it is tucked in the corner so it takes longer for the plants to come back.

So much to do on this extra long weekend.

But for now …. time for breakfast …..

Keeping this short today …

Excited for tomorrow …. the Royal Wedding and we will be up extra early …. well not really as Mr. Alvin has us up usually before 4:00 a.m. ….

But early for a Saturday.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of April, 2018.

YAY, today is Thursday.

We want to be excited for each day.

Always a good thing when you wake up in the morning.

Mr. Alvin is going for a sleepover to this sister’s house tonight.

I have a meeting right after work.

I have not mentioned it to him as I do not want to create anxiety for him.

He loves to see them but the car ride bothers him.

We did find out that he could have a small bit of GRAVOL to calm him.

 

Last night right after work we walked over to Alvin’s Doctor.

The final follow-up and cleaning of his ears.

Happy to report that they are all better.

No infection.

Thankfully all done.

 

I was shocked but not surprised by the amount of garbage on the streets and in the grass by the sidewalk.

GLASS.

Does not one SEE this?

I do not understand.

I can only imagine what their homes look like if they do not take the time to pick up the garbage.

It does not matter if you tossed the garbage we all need to be responsible.

We are always picking up trash.

Although Alvin does not actually pick up things, he does accompany me as we pick up items while we are out for a stroll.

In fact, I am going to start carrying my disposable gloves with me.

Soon when the snow and ice melts I can go and finish picking up those items that line the walkways and sidewalks in my neighbourhood.

It breaks my heart that people do not have any consideration.

 

Well almost time to go to work.

Carpooling is great.

Nice change.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to keep their neighbourhoods free from trash.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of March, 2018.

The first full day of SPRING 2018.

I hear that they have more snow in our long range forecast.

What I say to that is ….. that is okay as summer is right around the corner.

These end of winter spring storms are just, the end of winter.

Soon the snow shall me melted.

Soon our tulips shall be blooming.

Soon the bunnies will be all brown.

Soon there will be buds on the trees.

Soon we will be able to leave the house without warm winter boots with ice picks, heavy winter coats, scarves and mitts.

Soon we will be FREE from the winter weight.

Yes, it is going to happen, soon.

 

Update on Mr. Alvin.

Well we went to see his Doctor yesterday.

Now he has a yeast infection in the other ear.

ARGH.

So he has his final treatment in one ear and the first treatment in the other.

Next Tuesday will be the follow-up in one ear and the final treatment in the other.

Then we will be going back for the final follow-up.

Poor little guy.

I learned something yesterday.

Because he has floppy ears one has to keep them dry.

So when you are out walking or if he is playing in the snow, you must wipe them when he comes into the house.

Otherwise run the risk of a yeast infection.

 

Well time for me to fly.

Time always flies at this time of day.

I hope that you are all doing great.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all you bloggers out there – keep writing.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 4th day of February, 2018.

This is what happens when you are home for a week, suddenly it is February 4th.

WOW, Hello February.

We may not be off to the best of starts but alas we have started the month and that is what counts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NIECE “M” who is 21 years old today.

WOW, I cannot believe it.  Have a wonderful day.

I was able to get to the Doctor yesterday and am happy to report that I am on the mend.

No bladder infection (did I just write that for the world to see), no chest congestion, blood pressure and such all A-OKAY.

Doctor even said I was his easiest patient.

I am thinking he meant best prepared.

I only had to wait for about one hour so that was not bad.

The only thing was I was in a room filled with SICK people, coughing and sneezing.

Some folks freely coughing and sneezing into the air with no respect for those around them.

No masks …… I tried to cover my mouth and nose as to hopefully keep those germs away from me.

I am feeling better and do not wish to go through this again anytime soon.

In Saskatchewan, when visiting a medical clinic you are asked if you have a cough, cold or flu and if so, you are required to wear a mask.

What a GREAT IDEA?

I had thought of that while at home but did not have one to wear.

I should have asked them for one.

Next time, I will.

I plan to bring up this idea to Alberta Health Service.

 

After seeing the Doctor, I went to the grocery store where I called and booked a taxi.

Worked out perfectly, I was able to take my time and not having to rush.

Taxi was pretty much on time.

The driver was nice and carried my groceries to the house for me.

I tipped him “well.”

 

The sky is bright with the sun that is rising in the east.

It is cold but warming up.

Thank goodness.

 

Just a few things to do around the house to prepare for work tomorrow.

Wow, it seems like forever since I have been to work.

 

Alvin is going to wonder what happened or not.

I like to think that he will miss me as he usually follows me wherever I go around the house.

Even yesterday when we were out back and I was shovelling.

I was only out for a few minutes but he was cold and rightly so.

So I let him into the house and he cried for me.

Ah, poor baby.

That was it for the shovelling.

 

Well I guess I should get this show on the road.

I am so grateful to family and friends for their phone calls, emails, FB messages during my “sick time” at home.

Still cannot believe that I was home for a whole week.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin