A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! The sky is overcast but it is quite pleasant outside. Almost feels like spring. Mr. Alvin was up a few times during the night but I did have a stretch of three hours of continuous sleep so I am okay. The night before with seven hours of sleep seems like a dream. I guess it was!

Alvin was happy to see me last night when I arrived home from the office. I was so happy to see him, too. We took the bus route as it was on our way home from the office (my coworker and I) to see where I would get on the bus and off and to see the walk. Definitely the walking is longer than the bus ride. There is a bus shelter where I get on so that is great. I have about a 10 minute walk to the bus first thing in the morning and then when I get off the short ride there is about another 10 minute walk. All is contingent on the sidewalks being clear and not icy. Likely good idea to wear the ice picks for the first while. Not sure how long it will take me to get home because I will have to walk to the bus and I only hope that I don’t have a long wait. Somedays I wish that I had a car because it would be such a short distance from home but when you add public transportation it always adds much more time. I understand. Anyway, I have two weeks vacation coming up and I am focusing on that for now. Lots to consider and think about and do over that time. Isn’t life interesting! We all have our stories, our dreams and our nightmares. I am trying over all of this to remain mainly positive although it is difficult somedays – especially at the office because by oneself you can focus elsewhere but collectively it is not easy.

After I arrived home, I gave Mr. Alvin his supper and then we went for a walk. The walk was short but at least it was fresh air and a bit of exercise for Mr. Alvin. His poop was starting to look good again last night but not sure about through the night. Not bad though definitely on the upside. Oh, my poor boy. I feel for him and wished that he was well again.

I was supposed to be moving photos from the computer to the external hard drive every day and that has not happened. So definitely Thursday and Friday when I am working from home, I can do that right after work or in the early evening. Moving the photos will give me a chance to look them over and also to delete ones that are duplicates or bad shots. I love to look at the photos.

Well it is almost time to head back downstairs. Initially I had left Alvin downstairs and then he started to bark so I went back down and brought him upstairs. Carrying him up and down has been interesting. He is not light and I guess it is building up my arm muscles, lol! I understand that he wants to be with me especially when I am gone all day. I sure hope that I can work something out and be at home with him all of the time (soon).

I am getting too old for all of this drama. There is no way that anyone could have predicted this last “major change” but what can you do. New people want to make their mark and they do not think of the ones that are living all of the change. I sort of understand. We all know that the higher ups are not undergoing the change. They still sit in their offices with a door while we change up our entire lives. I swear if I hear the words” change management” one more time, I am going to …….

Okay time to grab Mr. Alvin and head downstairs to finish getting ready. You know that I am smiling after the above paragraph, I got it off my chest.

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Be safe and I hope that you have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. definitely a multiple coffee morning and I must start drinking more water at the office.

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Well I see that I am not the only thing that is “slow” this morning, my computer is, too. I hope that you are having a great morning so far. We have been up and down for hours. I know this is my sad story but it is my truth. Lights out by 10:00, Mr. Alvin had to go outside at 11:00, then 1:30, then 4:30 and then we were up to stay up at 5:30. I feel like, I do not know exactly. Time will tell. I tried to coax him to stay in bed but he was persistent so I then know that he really has to go and he really did. But up and outside that many times is hard on a person, must be hard on him, too, although he can sleep for most of the day, I cannot. Oh well, that is life!

I heard the news that one of my favourite “funny” people “Leslie Jordan” died in a car accident yesterday. How sad that we lost such a beloved character actor. I loved him in “Call me Kat.” He will be missed.

We dropped off a parcel at my friends’ house so that she can print the mailing label and had a visit. Alvin was happy to see Maddie again. After leaving there we were on our way to the park and not quite halfway, someone who shall remain nameless, “ALVIN” turned around and headed for home. I tried but unless I physically pull him, he wanted to go home. Home we went. We were standing on our lawn when I heard a familiar voice and there was our friends Alyaa and Donia. She wanted to tell me the story from her visit today. She had brought Cookie and Donia with her as Donia did not have school. I guess Cookie not able to find a pee pad – pooped on the matt by the bottom of the stairs. She explained how she had washed the matt with dish soap and hung it over the railing on the deck. She was so concerned about the whole situation. I laughed and told her not to worry and that I have lots of pee pads which Alvin does not use. We had a giggle over it all and I advised that I would leave some out and that she is always welcome to bring Cookie with her as she thought she should just leave her at home. I think that Alvin needs to socialize and that an accident, well an accident will happen. So I will place a couple of pads out and also leaving the “pooping bags” in a bag on the table as she was bringing her own. I am so grateful to have someone watching over Alvin that care so much. I have the best support system. All of my friends who have watched Mr. Alvin when I have had to go to the office are amazing. I have a DREAM TEAM for sure.

Well it is almost time to head back downstairs. I need to take him outside once again before I leave for work. It is very frosty on the ground and deck this morning. The air was not too cold.

Sometimes life is all about the “poop.” In always arrives one way or the other!

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. We did have a few snow flurries yesterday and some on the way for today.

The New YEAR 2022

Hello, I cannot say that it is a good morning. I am terrified to go back downstairs and start this day. Last night while I was cooking supper, I heard a noise from the kitchen. The noise was the lid from Alvin’s wet food tin falling onto something, which I had left by the sink with some dirty dishes. I had put some water in the sink and was going to do dishes after I ate. Both Alvin and Cookie were with me in the living room. My heart sank, I knew what it would be. I stood up and walked around the sofa and to the end of the kitchen counter and on the other side of the sink I saw the creature that I fear the most, bigger than a spider and faster, a mouse. I can barely type those words. My throat is dry as I am so scared to go back downstairs to start this day. Poor Alvin. Anyway, when I saw the mouse, I grabbed my phone from the charger and ran to the door, screaming as I ran to the farthest point from him/her. It took me a few seconds or perhaps even a minute to actually text my neighbour Jessica, and all I could type was HELP followed by the word Mouse. I believe that I was hyperventilating. It felt like my throat was dry and I was crying and screaming. The poor dogs were frozen in positions on the sofa. After I texted Jessica, I texted another friend quickly as I know that she is not afraid of these creatures but I also knew that she has a sore back. It wasn’t long before I heard I heard a noise on the porch, so I scooped up Cookie so that she would not run outside. I surely did not need something else wrong. My neighbour came into the house and immediately went into the kitchen, the mouse was still on the counter. It ended up behind the stove but when she moved the stove, it was gone. It did not appear that there was any place for it to go. Somewhere in between all of this my friend and her daughter arrived. It may have been before the stove was moved, I don’t really remember. I was beside me. My friend had brought a mousetrap with her and the girls were trying to set it behind the stove. But after several tries it would not work. Someone googled to find what could be done in interim. Apparently they do not like tin foil, I did not know that. My neighbour had stuffed tin foil around the entrance points by the stove and counter and floor. I knew that they do not like bounce sheets or dryer sheets and I have them all over the furnace room, well not all over. In a few spots. Anyway, after several minutes of not seeing the mouse, my friend and her daughter went home and my neighbour suggested that she go to Walmart and pick up some traps and other supplies. I feared to be alone but it was the best thing to do. I had the pups there. Also Cookie’s family were on their way home. What a mess. My dinner had been cooking in the oven. So it was on the kitchen table but my appetite was not there but I did have a couple of carrots and roasted potatoes. I held Cookie while the girls were there and she was shaking. I can only imagine that I scared her half to death. Alvin just kept staring at me. It was not long before my neighbour was back. She pulled out the stove, set two traps, just like that and pushed the stove back. At this time, I have no idea if the mouse was caught or not. I cannot move the stove. I will need help. I had to take a day off work as I am so petrified to be downstairs. Anyway, my neighbour stayed for a few hours. We threw away some items from my counter that I could not easily clean and sanitized the rest. We washed, well she washed dishes and I dried. We did a load in the dishwasher. Bless her heart, my neighbour accidentally put the coffee perk in the water before I noticed, it is electric and cannot be submerged in water. How could I be mad? She was in autopilot mode trying to keep my spirits up and help. The pot actually needed to be replaced. Anyway, Cookie’s family got home and picked her up just before 11:00 p.m. and shortly after that we came upstairs to my safe place. Alvin is whining now so I must go. He likely has to pee. He has been so good. My neighbour is going to bring me coffee and stay for a bit while I figure out what to do. I still have to take down Christmas decorations. What a mess! Well not a mess, I feel like a mess. It would not have been so bad if the creature had not been on the counter, that freaked me out bigtime. Note to self, never leave the lid from his food uncleaned on the counter. It was not there long but enough time.

Breathe. Oh and I spent some time on the phone with my daughter while my neighbour was at Walmart. Oh, I am surrounded by strong women. I am so grateful. I wished that I could have the essence of CAT in the house so that they would stay away.

I am going to text Jessica and she will bring over some coffee. I definitely need coffee. I will put my winter boots back on, they give me a false sense of security but a security nonetheless. I put them on right away last night when this all started. I had to take the bag of garbage out to the garage and then they were covered in snow so I had to put on slippers. Not quite as good.

What a night. I pray and hope that it is gone forever and never to return.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS I am thinking that I may set up my workstation in my office for the rest of the week. Not sure if I can work in the kitchen at this point. I am even afraid to open cupboard doors and drawers. All the things we washed are cleaned and sitting on the kitchen table.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this morning? We are great. Alvin slept pretty much until 3:00 a.m. or at least I was able to get him to lay back down on the bed until then…..up and has his glucosamine chew and outside for a “bathroom break.” On the sofa ….. until 5:00 a.m. although I think I remember him wanting to get up before then but again I coaxed him to lay back down. So at least this morning although choppy – I do feel like I had a decent night sleep. I guess for the most part I am so used to this routine of get up in the middle of the night although I understand why. We are both getting older. I have been getting up and going to the washroom for years and he just started maybe in the last year or so PLUS he dozes from about 7:30 p.m. until we go to bed at 9:00 ish. So by 3:00 a.m. he has slept long enough. Anyway, this is not breaking news and likely not interesting to anyone but me. I am sure that actually a lot of people can sympathize with me. If you are getting older, if you have a pet or children?

We are back into a deep freeze. We had quite a bit of snow yesterday morning but by the time I shovelled snow which was at a late lunch break for me; the falling snow had stopped. No more snow has accumulated. YAY. I still have to shovel the driveway. That is one thing about having the garage detached from the house and not having a car – I sometimes do not think of it right away. I will say that shovelling is a good source of exercise when one cannot walk. I did start walking in the house ….. on the spot ….. using weights but that lasted three days and then I stopped. For no real reason. It would seem that I cannot seem to do anything consistently as of late. Are you feeling this way as well? I think it is the WINTER TIME BLUES. Really all I want to do is to snuggle up on the sofa with Mr. Alvin. Hibernation. Hibernate. Sleepy time. Yup, that sounds good to me. I have to find something to perk me up and get me out of this funk. I am so grateful that I do not have to go to work and can get up and stay warm in the house. Although I do have to go outside from time to time each day. Once the cold weather subsides a bit and we can get back outside and walk ….. that should help. I have also been thinking and thinking and pondering the reasons why I cannot seem to get a “book written.” For many many years I have been wanting to and saying and wanting and saying that I want to be a published writer and then I do not go anywhere with that ….. I have more than enough ideas and actual data to write several books but somehow I cannot seem to get any further than that. Well I guess that is not quite true as I have started the first chapter of a book about Alvin and me. I have to get my butt in gear. Perhaps I am afraid. Of what exactly I do not know but likely that is the reason. Fear of failure, perhaps. Fear of the unknown, although that is never really bothered me before ….. I honestly do not know. So please bear with me as I navigate this dream of mine. I know that I will get it done ….. sometimes procrastination gets the better of me. Isn’t it always easier to say that I will start tomorrow and that I have lots of time. Well at this point in my life …. even though I feel that I have a great many years left to live …. one never knows. After all, I somehow write this post almost everyday. In the almost 11 years that I have been writing this, I have only missed a few days.

Okay time to head on downstairs and get this work day going. Coffee sounds like a plan. Maybe I will listen to hits from the 80’s again as the soundtrack of the 70’s seemed to be repeating. I have been listening to the Stingray Music (Telus) on the television. T.V. Such a great selection. Every type of music imaginable. Perhaps it is time to try something new???

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect, compassion and learning to be more patient.

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday, yes it is mid week already.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All. Welcome to Monday, January 4, 2021. Still dark outside as today is my first day back to work and it is much earlier than the mornings I wrote for the past week. I could not shut down my thoughts/mind last night so this morning came early for me. I was grateful that Mr. Alvin slept until 4:30 and that we had time to lay down for some zzz’s on the sofa. He is whining at the office doorway so I am thinking that he may have to go outside. This will be quick and I apologize but that is my life and is subject to change. I hope that you had a good sleep last night.

We had a great Sunday. Quiet and relaxing. Time for a short walk (I would have done our whole walk but someone was not into it, so we went about half way and then headed for home). I watched a couple of Hallmark Movies, baked some Gingerbread Raisin Cookies (yes, I know baking not even a month after Christmas, lol) and set up my workstation for today. I also went and changed my out of office reply and changed my phone message so that I would have time this morning. I guess prepared. First day back and all.

My daughter is coming over at noon to bring us some fruit and pick up some items she forgot at Christmas. Even though I checked, we all checked, there will still a few items that were missed.

Well I guess it is time to head on downstairs as Mr. needs to go outside.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. Another Monday here we go. Today is the 12th Wedding Anniversary of a very special couple to me. Happy Anniversary to my daughter and son-in-law. I cannot believe that it has been twelve years already. Their October 19th, 2008 wedding day was sunny and nice for most of the day. Once the sun went down it cooled off dramatically and later it rained. But we were lucky to have photos done outside during the day and at sunset with no moisture. I am so proud of these two for all that they have accomplished and all that they do in their lives. They are good human beings that are kind and respectful and compassionate. Happy Anniversary to you both.

I woke up yesterday with the sniffles, bit of sore throat and sneezing and the odd cough. Just running nose and sneezing now. We postponed our gals coffee get together yesterday until next weekend. I plan other than walks with Alvin to stay away from people for the week. Better to be safe than sorry. We had a quiet day at home just putzing about. I did prepare and wrap a parcel to mail for my sister and my friend back in Regina for Christmas. So will mail that in a few weeks ….. but ready to go. Another item checked off the list.

Happy that the snow that has been falling is melting as it hits the ground. Our temperatures have been below zero but not terribly cold unless you are walking into the wind.

It is dark out now so I cannot see what is going on in the sky. It is also getting onto time that I need to head downstairs and put on the coffee and start work shortly.

12 sleeps until Halloween and 13 until the Tree goes up !!!

I hope that you are well and safe. Perhaps you had a giggle already this morning. May you have the best Monday ever.

Mr. Alvin is whining so perhaps he has to go outside. So better sign off for now.

Living our lives with love, kindness and respect is the only way.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a bright and SUNNY Monday.

YAY, so happy to see the sunshine.

Even though it was semi difficult to get up and stay up.

But I believe for most folks Mondays are just like that ….

Sometimes we cannot sleep on a Sunday night for one reason or another.

Well we are up and at it.

After this post I will be going to work.

I must say that I am loving working from home.

As mentioned before there were moments in the beginning where I thought this is not going to work.

But as time has passed it has been a godsend.

Able to be at home with Alvin when he needed me most.

To be here everyday with him has been wonderful.

Having that extra 1.5 hours extra time at home instead of driving has been priceless.

I love being at home.

Of course, I do miss the people.

 

Wonder what I was doing on this date last year.

Hello,

 

Sometimes, actually most times a photo is worth a thousand words.

I cannot think of a better way of spending time than walking about a beautiful yard snapping photos.

We visited our friend yesterday morning on our early morning walk.

She has the most glorious flowers.

The first two rows of photos are the flowers that line the entrance to our park and some taken as we passed the water fountain.

 

Da-da ….. so pretty.

These last photos were on our walk home.

Alvin needs to me to take him downstairs.

Have a wonderful Monday.

 

Be kind and respectful to yourself and to others.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and another Monday Morning.

That is a good thing actually a great thing.

This may be the most unpopular day of the week.

But the fact that you are reading this post and I am writing it are a great thing.

I hope that this finds you in good health.

 

What did you do this weekend?

As you know I had Friday off after a quiet celebration on Thursday for my daughter’s 40th Birthday.

I did the normal chores like laundry and some cleaning.

Alvin and I had the most glorious walk yesterday the first full one in as many days.

I was blessed to have had a girls night on Saturday with my young friends.

Spoke on the phone with other friends over the weekend.

Did you have a quiet or noisy weekend?

Did you stay home and watch movies?

Did you colour a picture in your daughter or son’s colouring book?

Did you play board games?

Did you go for a walk with your doggie?

Did you make a bit pot of soup, just because?

Well whatever you were doing as long as you are in good health, that is the most important thing of all.

Yesterday I started putting my papers together to do my taxes.

So shouldn’t take me too long.

 

Guess what?

Big news.

Alvin slept through the night.

I would say this is the first time in weeks, months and possibly years.

He did not get up in the middle of the night nor did he stir before the alarm went off.

You may think that perhaps I did not hear him but I always hear him.

Actually I got up once but did not check the time, assuming it was middle of the night.

He appears to be okay nothing out of the norm.

That is my big news.

 

Well it is almost time to head downstairs.

Today we will find out about work.

Are we working through this or is the office closing.

We are closed to the public which is a good thing.

 

Please make sure that if you have an elderly neighbour or someone who is not easily mobile, that you call by and see what they need.

Take them some bathroom tissue and some food items.

Think of others during this time and all times.

Please be kind and respectful.

Please think of others.

We need each other during this time and always.

 

Time to head downstairs.

Pick up the poop.

Grab my lunch and stuff.

 

Have a wonderful Monday.

Be kind and respectful.

Be well.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well here we are the first Thursday of March, 2020.

Almost one week into this month.

Today is my Dad’s sister’s Birthday.

Happy Birthday Aunt.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

March is almost as busy a month for birthdays as February.

 

Well we brought Mr. Humphrey over for the evening.

My nephew stopped in and spent the night on his way back to work up north.

He brought me a DAIRY QUEEN treat – box of buster bars.

My favourite.

We had a nice visit before an early bedtime.

It was nice to see him and to catch up with all of the family news.

There is always a surprise or two.

He was up and away by 5:30 a.m.

 

Another nice morning although I can hear the wind gusting from time to time.

Gusting as it rattles the outside vents and the chimney.

Alvin and I did not make it out for a walk last night.

Our sidewalk/street out front is a big mess.

Kudos to our neighbour in the other half of our duplex who was out during the day chipping away at the ice.

Working to make the water drain from the street to the storm drain and from the sidewalk.

She did a great job.

Only thing is someone drove over the canal from the street causing it to collapse and then the water could no longer make it to the drain.

Oh well, a few more days/weeks of warm weather and it will be mostly melted.

There is snow and cold temperatures on the way for the weekend so that will put an end to the melting for now.

Time.

All we need is time.

 

Well another work day ahead.

How is your job going?

Perhaps you go to school?

Or maybe you are retired and just enjoying life.

Whether you work for someone or for yourself.

Whether you go to school or not.

These are all things we do to fill our days and to earn a living.

This living helps us to have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and clothes on our backs.

Simply put.

These earnings also help us to have cable and internet for connections and entertainment.

Help to pay for vacations.

Car loans.

Basically everything we consume whether internally or externally.

Yikes one of the cards that I have displayed (hanging) from my bulletin board just fell off.

I had only moments just barely touched it so that I could read the words that my daughter had written.

 

Dear Mom

We’re so grateful to have you in our

lives and are so proud of all you’ve 

accomplished.  This year brings lots 

of change but we’ll get through it 

together.  Love you so much!

 

This was from Mother’s Day 2014.

 

Everyday of my life, I am grateful for my kids.

My daughter and my son (her husband).

For my grand pups, Aspen and Milo.

For me Alvin.

For my family near and far.

For my life.

 

We should always take the time to be grateful.

Fill your life with gratitude and your life will be filled with gratitude.

 

Well almost time to head on downstairs.

Hard to believe that my nephew has been gone for almost one hour already.

Time marches on.

 

Have a wonderful day.

Kindness and Respect, always.

For yourself and for others.

 

Happy Thursday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

How are you?

We are well.

Alvin slept from 9-3 and then we slept until 5 a.m.

So that is a good stretch for us.

How do you sleep?

Sleep is so important.

I totally understand why Alvin sleeps the way he does.

He sleeps (not proven) all day and then we go to bed early.

So that first chunk of 6 hours is a lot.

I am grateful that he does go back to sleep otherwise it would be a mighty long day for me.

I suppose after a time I would adjust as most creatures do.

Just heard a loud noise from the back of my house.

There are no lights or movements.

Guess one of the neighbours was outside.

Will check things further when we go back downstairs.

Anyway what was I saying?

Oh yes, sleep.

Without sleep we do not rejuvenate our bodies and minds.

So it is very important for us to keep enough sleep.

I love to get 8 hours sleep although it does not seem to happen all at one time.

Generally I get pretty close but it is broke up.

Oh well.

 

So Tuesday.

What is on with Tuesday?

Work for me.

What for you?

Are you perhaps soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere?

Going to work like me.

Are you retired? and enjoying life at home with vacations from time to time.

Do you go to school?

Are you without work?

Are you independently wealthy and do not have to work?

So many questions?

 

You know me, I work in an office.

I also sell Steeped Tea, NORWEX, pet sit and from time to time house sit and look after yards (water flowers).

So I keep pretty busy most of the time.

Although the sales part of things are mainly repeat business.

For all of this I am eternally grateful.

With all of this I am able to look after Alvin in the manner to which he has become accustomed.

Oh my Alvin.

 

Last night we went for a walk.

The air felt so nice and warm.

There was not even a hint of a breeze.

We were doing pretty good as we turned the first bend going around the ponds/lakes at our nearby park.

There was a big ice/water patch, Alvin hit it first and one or two paws were immersed in the water.

He quickly moved to the side and I look anxiously for a place to walk to get around this patch and could not find one.

I accidentally turned and Alvin figured it was time to go home.

So home we went.

We enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the walk even though it was not very long.

I cannot wait for the time when the sidewalks are clear of ice and snow and water.

The snow we can deal with but eventually it becomes ice or water.

Oh well.

Funny how as warm as it was yesterday during the day ….. it is double digit cold this morning.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs to put the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I will investigate things when I go outside to pick up the poop that Alvin left behind for me, earlier.

 

Wishing you a grand day.

Grand, yes, I said “grand.”

Not a commonly used word any longer.

May your day be filled with love, laughter and abundance.

Take care.

Thank you for reading my posts, this blog and staying with me on this wild, wacky journey.

Okay, perhaps not so wild but definitely has been wacky from time to time.

Can you hear the laughter?

Have a great day.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin