Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and it is Tuesday on this dark not so cold morning.

I snapped some photos on the way to work yesterday morning.

The sky was amazing but I am not too sure that the photos reflect the beauty.

I am still learning how to work my phone camera and one day I hope to be proficient.

Always easier during the daylight but dark is tricky.

Also Alvin had his appointment right after work.

We made it early to the appointment.

YAY for us.

He had the usual done and all is well.

He only fussed about the front nails being trimmed and not quite as vocal as usual.

Alvin spotted the 2020 SCARS Calendars for purchase on the counter.

He has good vision.

So we picked up one of those.

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society.

They are the great group of folks that helped to rescue my Alvin.

I am forever grateful to them.

Maybe one year he could be on the calendar as a success story.

I should contact them.

Alvin’s Doctor had this Christmas Tree on the wall made out of paper complete with special decorations.

We were told that each decorations had a prize and they were $2.00 each.

Fundraiser.

Alvin and I love to support so we purchased a few ornaments and won some cute prizes.

We decided that we should share his prizes with his niece, nephew and his friends.

So we will at Christmas.

Also there were some beautiful Christmas ornaments hanging on a display.

Found out that our Doctor is multi talented.

She made them.

I absolutely loved them.

They were part of the prizes but alas I did not win one.

But as I loved them so much ….. Dr. Karen let me pick one out.

The first photo looks like a tree is growing out of the new apartment building.

Always room for improvement.

Inside a vehicle.

The last photo …. I just realize not a great shot is of the ornaments.

So pretty.

 

Well I am running a tad late.

Time to fly.

Have an awesome day.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Filled with Kindness and Respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, it is Saturday morning.

The office window is open as I key/type these words and there is a coolness to the air.

Humphrey the Cat is out on his deck.

He heard me when I opened the window and we made eye contact.

Then he was crying.

Perhaps for Alvin as Alvin was looking through the fence to see him earlier this morning (just a few minutes ago, actually).

 

News on the Alvin front.

We ended up going back to the Vet yesterday as there was no change in the pooping situation.

OMG, “did I really type that “pooping situation.”

Yes, I most certainly did.

ARGH.

Anyway, back to the story.

Our appointment was for 3:30 p.m.

The Doctor had said that would be taking bloodwork and if he pooped to bring in a sample.

ARGH, that would not be pretty.

So I gave him his third small meal of chicken and rice a few minutes before leaving for the appointment.

On the walk, he found a nice patch of green grass and did his business.

Not the business that I would have hoped for but he did and I did have to scoop it up.

A sample without grass for the Vet and then cleaned up the rest including pulling up some grass.

I had Alvin’s water bottle with me and poured some onto the remaining so that it would run away or so I hoped.

Not much fun cleaning up diarrhea.

Not much fun at all.

 

At the vet, she checked to ensure that he was hydrated etc.

First up was having the blood drawn ….. I opted to stay away during the procedure.

Guilt washed over me and I kept looking out from behind the door to see what was going on.

The staff are so lovely with Alvin.

Then I heard a yelp, a cry and my heart broke.

Then one of the girls said as I came out from behind the door …. he only cried when the needle was coming out.

I did notice that they took the samples from his main artery in his neck.

That would be painful.

He also had some damage done in that area when he was a puppy before I rescued him.

But it does not seem to have done him any harm.

I am grateful.

Dr. K informed me that it would take about one hour for her to check the bloodwork and then she would call me.

He would likely require “antibiotics.”

The poop sample, well it has to be sent outside of the clinic and we would not have any word until next week.

We take for granted how much the cost of blood tests etc. are in Canada as we do not pay for them.

If you have a pet – then you know that everything costs a lot of money and this was no exception.

I was grateful that for this second bill this week, I still had enough money to pay for it all.

I had been concerned about what I had left in my bank account after this bill.

So off we went for home.

Glad to get home.

First thing – checked the bank account and was pleased to see that I had made a mistake and remembered a lesser amount, whew we are okay.

Enough money for groceries etc.

Just in case he needs more chicken breasts.

Collapsing on the sofa for a moment.

Catching our collective breath.

Waiting for the call…..

About 30 minutes later the phone rang and it was the Clinic …. Alvin would need antibiotics and I could come back and get them anytime before they closed.

So I grabbed his harness and off we went.

I figured that the results must have been in so decided might as well speak to the Vet in person.

Dr. K said that the bloodwork was normal for Alvin and in addition to the antibiotics, I should pick up some Imodium to help with the diarrhea.

Off we went home once again.

Gave him his last small meal for the day and ALL his meds.

Alvin’s BF’s Mom had sent me a FB message and I replied to her.

When I had mentioned about going to pick up the Imodium, she sprang into action offering to go pick some up or perhaps coming to get me and we could go together.

But ended up she had some and brought it over for Alvin.

What a thoughtful Mama, Teddy has and WHAT a great friend we have.

I am over the moon grateful.

It took a bit of time to message everyone with the results thus far.

I am still going to see the glass half full.

Our evening was quiet.

I actually had one of my “birthday drinks” a canned drink …. PALM BAY …. don’t remember the flavour …. over ice and it was nice.

Watched the second GHOSTBUSTERS movie.

Enjoyed the evening.

WE HAD a GREAT SLEEP last night.

We both slept until a couple of minutes before the alarm at 5:00 a.m.

Then to the sofa until just before 8:00 a.m. –  fed Alvin and gave him his pills – all three.

Will give him some imodium shortly and then go for a walk.

I do need coffee but that will wait for now.

 

So our saga continues but at least there is / was some good news and I am certain that the pooping situation will rectify itself shortly.

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Always live your life in a kindness mode with respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of January, 2019.

Well the WIND has been howling all night long.

There has been rain off and on throughout the night and morning.

Sky is overcast with no sign of sunshine.

Yesterday was glorious.

Although I will say that part of the walk to Alvin’s appointment was nerve wracking.

Once we got out to the street that runs to the Vet’s clinic, the sidewalk walk ICY.

I luckily last minute decided to put the picks on the bottom of my boots.

Taking baby steps it took us almost ten minutes for that part of the walk that usually takes two or three.

But we made it.

We got in right away and Dr. K examined his eye and determined that yes, he will need surgery to have the growth removed.

She figured that perhaps that area had been scratched which lead to the discolouration and subsequent infection.

Instead of having his regular appointment for his nails and anal glands and his vaccination – I made an appointment for him to have all of this done as well as his teeth cleaned.

Better to have it all done all at once.

Less stress for him.

They gave me an estimate for the surgery.

We have insurance and hopefully part of the costs will be covered.

The staff at the clinic will submit the estimate to see how much will be covered.

But it has to be done so that is that, they said.

Alvin is doing well.

We were prescribed some ointment for his eye for the infection.

On our way home … just at our house …. we spotted Humphrey and his Mom.

They were having a bit of a walk and fresh air.

Mainly the fresh air as he likes to sniff about our yards.

She has him on a leash and he looked so cute.

He is doing much better.

I invited them into the house for a visit and coffee, as I did not have time to drink much of my coffee before leaving to the appointment for Alvin.

My friend can not drink regular coffee so she left Humphrey with us and drove quickly to the neighbourhood MacDonald’s for a decaf coffee.

We had a great visit and talk about Humphrey’s surgeries  and huge bills and Alvin’s estimated cost of his, among other things.

After they left for home, I quickly did more laundry, cleaning, transplanted two plants from Christmas into one pot and vacuumed.

Our company arrived at 3:00 p.m. – my cousins.

We had a great visit stopping for supper about 5:30 or so and then continuing to visit and eat.

They left about 9:30 p.m.

What a wonderful visit we had …. I was tired.

Busy day.

So this morning …. we did not get to bed until after 11:00 p.m. and were up at 5:30 a.m. …. Alvin went outside and then ate his breakfast.

We went back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s as I was not quite ready to get up and then ended up sleeping until 8;45 a.m. – disappointed.

I wanted to be up about 7:30, oh well.

Today is going to be a more relaxed day than yesterday although I do have a few things to do and the most important being calling my sister.

We have not chatted in awhile and it is time.

I miss her.

Well before the phone call – get dressed, put on the last of the laundry, have breakfast and COFFEE.

There is always the getting ready for the work week ….. lay out clothing …. make lunch but I am grateful that I have leftovers from last night’s supper for tonight and

for a couple more lunches / suppers.

YAY, me.

 

Have an awesome day.

Well it is now snowing so I had better get dressed pronto and get outside and pick up the poop that has collected since last night.

My little pooper.

 

Wishing you a great day.

I will say just once more thing …. looking out the front window there are huge puddles of water (not frozen) and on the sidewalk in front of my house and now looking

out the office window it is snowing.

What a place we live in …..

It is not freezing rain …. at the moment it is snow.

 

Happy Sunday.

Stay safe, warm and share some laughter.

I remember the laugher I had with my cousins last night.

We had a wonderful time.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. will call you about 1:30 p.m. …….YAY.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Busy weekend and also a busy week ahead …..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of May, 2017.

The rain has definitely set in ….. no clear blue sky to be seen.

The sky is a light grey colour.

A bit on the windy side.

Perfect for our walk to the Vet this morning.

Mr. Alvin has his 6 week pedicure and bum squeeze (perhaps that is a bit personal, sorry Alvin).

We will don as close to rain gear as we have for our walk.

I am very grateful that Dr. K. is only a ten minute walk from our house.

 

Will enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee on the return home.

 

Looks like this is going to be an indoor kind of weekend.

Although I may just go out and clean up the walk way.

I was thoroughly disgusted last night as I walked through on my way home.

Even if I just clean that up I will feel better …. wet and heavy, I do not care.

Has to be done.

Just getting worse.

Perhaps if people see me out in the rain …… they might think twice.

Likely not but one has to remain positive, right.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

Whether wet or dry.

Be kind and generous and POLITE.

Please.

 

Time to go and capture Mr. Alvin to don his harness and jacket.

He is going to love that….. not really.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: friends and family – family and friends all over the world.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin