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.

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am great, today is Friday and the weekend is ahead of us. We had another choppy but yet not to bad sleep. I always figure if I can get anywhere between 3-4 hours of continuous sleep, I am doing great. So I am pretty great. Earlier we walked outside to a snow rain mix. They were showing on the news (just happened to be on that channel, I normally do not watch the news this early in the day) that the outside cameras were icing up. Do not think that is a great thing but I am hoping that the roads are good this morning.

I have been thinking as of late as I reread THE SECRET that I should just put this out to the world. Thoughts become Things after all! Okay, I am going to say it. Deep breath! Here it is:

I am retiring. This is the goal. When you write something down for others and yourself to see, it makes it feel much more real. So I have done this. My thoughts become things. I am retiring with more than enough money and no mortgage. How about we all do this? Whatever you are dreaming about? Say it aloud or put it in writing for yourself and the Universe to hear and see. Then go in that direction. I will say that is what I did when I retired the first time and moved to Alberta. I kept saying that I was going to buy my own house in Edmonton close to my daughter and son-in-law and I did just that. So it is possible. Everyday and every chance – get those thoughts out there.

Mr. Alvin is quietly waiting for me downstairs so I am going to say goodbye for this Friday. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Be safe. Dream.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! Another beautiful day on the way. The sun is shining and the sky is that perfect powder blue, there is a breeze and the trees are sparkling in the rays of the sun. Oh, how I love Nature. She is glorious. Beautiful and Wondrous.

Well yesterday went okay. I was concerned that Alvin did not drink water before I left for work but my neighbour Sonja to the rescue she came over three times ensuring that he drank water, peed and had a little treat and some snuggles. I thank whomever is watching over us everyday for the wonderful people that surround me and help me to live my life. Because after all, it really does take a village. No one human is an island. We all need someone or multiple someones. He was over the moon happy to see me. The construction held us up a bit but made it home before 6:00 p.m. Well before he needed his medication. He had his breakfast at 6:00 so having his supper around 6:00 p.m. was perfect. Once again, I am so very grateful for all the Sonja’s in my life. I have the best friends and neighbours in the world. My, our family has been so supportive now and always. I am grateful for them.

Work, so it was okay. I was concerned that my tag would not let me into the building as I had some issues with it the last time that I was at the office. But it worked. I entered a dark building which was kind of freaky. There should be some lighting. It took me a few minutes to get to the lights. Then I unpacked my laptop and few items that I brought from home. Had some coffee and then a couple of staff arrived. One being my direct coworker. We had a chat about work (nothing personal). Then it was too work. I found that I have got so used to no arms on my chair that I kept hitting my elbows again the arms, kind of annoying but oh well. There were a few things that I am realizing will have to be changed as they are not comfortable. But that can be done. Working from the office back to the disruptions and distractions and noise. Oh, how I missed being at home. My daughter drove me to work and home. She works until 4:30 so I just hung around inside the office chatting with a couple of staff that were “done” but just tidying up. I had no desire to wait outside. Our downtown area is not safe at the best of times. So inside I stayed until she pulled up out front. I love the drives with her. We chat about everything. It seems to be our catch up time.

I think that we have lost the art of conversation. Chatting about the little things like maybe “where did you get that nail polish from” OR “did you notice all of the robins in the neighbourhood” OR “did you see the sunset last night.” We are so caught up in the major “dramas” in our life that the little things slip away, fall to the wayside. No time for them when we are trying to do what is expected or needs to be done. Anyway, it would be nice to have a conversation about good things, nice things, loving things and stay away from the drama. We all need to vent, I certainly get that as I do that just like the rest of the human population. Back to living in the moment. Keeping positive. Even the way we talk affects our minutes, our hours and our days on this planet. How about when the Universe seems to be giving up that little nudge, or that kick in the butt – we listen and take action. I just realized that with these recent changes that I am not listening and I need to listen. Remember your dreams. If we just sit back and let the things that we tolerate or do just because we feel there is no choice and let our dreams just be that, dreams , then we will never move forward and realize them. Nothing is perfect, for sure. But if I have learned anything in the last few weeks, months and years – if you are not happy doing something and excited to get out of bed in the morning – then you are not living your best life. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. I believe in you and me and all of us. We can do anything. WE CAN.

On that note, time to head downstairs and get that coffee plugged in, I know that I would love a cup of coffee. Time to get this life full of happiness once again. Forget just settling.

Have a glorious day!

Sunshine and rainbows.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy second day of Spring. How are you this morning? I am doing great. The sky is clear and I can see the beautiful sunrise. Our first day of spring storm only lasted until late afternoon then the sky cleared and was the most brilliant powder blue with the Sun beaming so proudly. This morning I remembered a dream from earlier: there was a plan to go out for supper, the only thing was the restaurant that one of my friends wanted to take us to was in Vancouver. Did not stop us. Next thing I know we were on a plane on our way to Vancouver, British Columbia with a table readied and waiting for us. I do not remember who the friends were but clearly someone had connections and more money than me. It was awesome. I have a song in my head this morning, one of my favourites “Missing Piece” by Vance Joy. I love this song. So my head is filled with good thoughts this morning, a great way to begin a work week. I did however, hit the snooze button twice, argh. Oh well, what can you do.

Yesterday was a good day even though we did not get out for a walk. I gave the boy a haircut and bath. Earlier in the morning I gave him some of his anxiety meds hoping it would help. It did a bit and was enough that I managed to get his paws trimmed slowly and carefully. I realized that his nails are really long and they seem to be growing more quickly. I will be calling and making him an appointment for as soon as I can get him in this week. Yesterday I also made some “energy bites” and they turned out pretty good. I use different ingredients each time that I make them. I am all about using what you have and making it work. It worked. Does not always work out perfectly but it certainly did this time.

Once the snow had stopped falling yesterday afternoon, we went into the backyard and I pushed some of the snow around on the deck. It was so heavy and in hindsight I wished that I had made a snowman. It was the most perfect consistency. Let my inner child out. Missed the opportunity. Next time I have a thought and the opportunity arises, I am taking it. Do not miss out.

I am so grateful for the good day that Alvin and I had yesterday. I also watched “The Pelican Brief” late afternoon. There are so many great actors in that movie. Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, Tony Goldwyn, John Heard, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, James Sikking, Hume Cronyn, Cynthia Nixon, Robert Culp, William Atherton. Star studded cast for sure. I have seen this movie several times over the years but it is now on NetFlix so I watched it again.

Well time to head downstairs and grab my coffee. I am grateful for my dreams, for my family and friends, for the sunrise this morning, for that cup of coffee, for the Mary Kay lip gloss that I am wearing (feels so nice), for good health, for time with my Alvin, to be working from home and for my life. Life is good.

Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. my daughter is popping by after her dental appointment (braces) and will finish her day working from here. Mom upstairs and daughter downstairs. Cannot wait to have her in the house.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Both Alvin and I are well. The clear blue morning sky has overtaken the beautiful hues the sunrise. The trees are standing still. Tomorrow is the first day of spring, I believe. Oh, how I long for dry sidewalks and green grass. Then Alvin and I will be able to head out for walks at lunchtime and after work. Soon we will have flowers and perhaps even some pots with an arrangement of herbs and vegetables. It will depend on when I can get out and pick these items up. Some things I can likely start from seed although in pots, I am not sure how that will work. Likely time to start doing some research so that in a few weeks when it is time, I am prepared and know what to do. Or at least consult with the experts and find out the best approach. I do love that about the internet, about Google Search.

As I look out of the office window I see deep ruts about six or so inches deep in the back lane. Driving in the back lane is not fun. I did chip away some of the ice that was on my driveway. At least the high banks of snow that lined our driveways in the back have almost all melted. Now out front is quite another story. Some of my neighbours including me were outside after work last night trying to get rid of some of the ice. With the snow still melting from our backyards and front lawns and with the windrows lining the public sidewalks and with us facing north, it has made our work darn near impossible. We all worry about getting ticketed for our sidewalks not been clear but it is not an easy task. We all agreed that this has been the worst year that we could remember. What can you do? When we head out for a walk yesterday right after work, we walked on the path that I had made on the windrow and then onto the street. We had no choice. Too difficult to walk on the sidewalk and I need my hips intact as does Mr. Alvin. We walked carefully on the street with me watching for cars. On the north side of the street that faces south and is mostly dry we walked. We actually were able to walk and make a couple of loops and then on our way home, we bumped into Carter and his Mom out for a walk. So we ended up walking together and actually walking on the street just north of us and around and back again a few times. So actually felt like we had a walk. It was nice to catch with our friends.

Last night after supper and dishes we just watched some of the shows that I recorded. A nice quiet evening. I appreciate quiet evenings.

So today there is laundry and cleaning and in the afternoon when the sun’s rays has softened the ice, I will attempt to break down more of the snow out front so that the ice will melt and possibly I may be able to uncover the storm drain. I found the entrance point last night and chip away some of the ice and snow. Most of the snow has melted from the deck so we are losing Alvin’s temporary bathroom. There is so much snow and ice on the little patch of grass that I am not sure if can clear it or not. The forecast is for more snow tomorrow. For anyone reading and thinking that I am using the deck as a bathroom for Alvin and how gross is that know this: I clean up the poop and throw it in the garbage can. We only do this while there is several inches of snow and ice on the deck and only when we are not able to access the grassy area. We have also been sitting on the steps to the grassy area at my lunch break enjoying the sunshine. For at least the last two days anyway.

Well it is time to get this day going. Mr. Alvin is barking and no sure why. He does a lot of that as he gets older. Oh, yesterday he really wanted to play with one of his toys. It was so cute and so much fun. Perhaps we all get more childlike as we age even dogs. I appreciate that.

Have a great Saturday. I think at some point, I am going to bake some chocolate chip raisin cookies.

Happy Saturday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Remember this each day is full of possibilities. If yesterday was crappy – today is not. Today can be whatever you want it to be. I am dreaming of possibilities.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? I am well, we are well. Alvin is upstairs with me as I get ready for the day. I even got moving extra early this morning which is great. Had a nice soothing shower and am ready for this Wednesday. I am always amazed, not sure why, as to how quickly the days pass by. Mostly they appear to be moving at lightning speed. It seems as though everyone is living my dream. My dream is to be a published writer. Drew Barrymore’s new book “Rebel Homemaker” debuted yesterday and Dr. Oz has a new one out. So many people that I can think of. I had the idea to write a cookbook with more than just the recipes and it would appear that so many people are writing what I thought of a long time ago. Looks like it was a good idea and I am sad that I did not have the “drive” to get it done. I have started many books but never seem to get further than the first chapter. Over the years I have written quite a lot of poetry and I could definitely add that to a book. I have thought of writing about life’s experiences and what they have taught me. So many idea. I guess as I turn 65 next year there is no time like the present. There are so many books about Alvin that I could write – a complete children’s series, I think. Maybe I will one day soon be coming to a bookstore near you. That would be an absolute dream. But in the meantime I will endeavour to keep writing this post each and every day. It does help fulfil the dream to some degree for sure. I think most of us get stuck in a rut and just marvel at those who seem to have it all. The ones that do everything. When do they sleep? Some of them have help because let’s face it – it takes a village to do most everything in this life. It truly does. Did I mention to you that on Halloween night – I was surprised when someone that I did not recognize said “Hi Alvin.” He has a following for sure. I tried with all my heart to figure out who she was and of course, did not have the gall to ask.

On the days where I feel less than stellar and all days, I am going to continue writing notes and poems and this post. I have lots of recipes and I know that my life mirrors a movie in some respects. So one of these days, I will finish that book and it will be published, but in the meantime, I will carry on. That is all we can do.

Yesterday I learned of a friend whose beloved pup passed on Monday. I could not help but cry most of the day after she told me. She is lonely now as she lives on her own as well. My friend remarked about going for walks but they were not the same without her Sadie. Sending hugs to her.

Well Mr. Alvin has patiently waited for me so I should sign off and get downstairs to prepare the coffee. I love that first cup of coffee and note to self to get drinking more water again. Somewhere along the line I fell off the water wagon.

Have an awesome Wednesday. Be safe and work on those dreams. I will if you will!

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Well here we are at Monday morning once again. I seem to find it difficult to get my butt up off the sofa “or out of bed” on these days more so than others. I read quite late last night and then could not turn off my brain. Also the few times that I got up and also turning off and on the snooze button, I had awoke from an ongoing dreams. Not 100% sure if same one or not but I just kept dreaming or thinking about things. Felt like a dream. Something I could not escape. Kind of scary. So that was my Sunday night and early Monday morning. Needless to say it is fast approaching work time so I will have to make this post short. I apologize for that.

Today is our Civic Election. We elect a Mayor, 12 Councillors and some School Trustees. We also have a question about Daylight Savings Time and whether or not to continue with Equalization payments from the Federal Government. Lots to ponder. The ballot will be a long one for sure and I am hoping that I can walk to the school and get back in a reasonable amount of time. With mask in hand, my drivers license and proof of vaccination (just in case) and my phone (cause who knows what will happen) and me, myself and I.

I hope that you have a great day. If it is your time to VOTE ….. go out and do it. You may not like the way that the majority votes but at least you had your say. Always important.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Happy Sunday and I hope that you are all doing great? We are doing well and will be going for a walk after I write this post and wash off the charcoal mask from my face and get dressed. I guess going for a walk in my pj’s would not likely be a good idea. Someone might think that there is something wrong with me and report me to the authorities, lol. The sky was overcast earlier, it rained overnight and then sun was shining brightly and there are now clouds moving in. I think it is supposed to be another “rainy” day. We need the moisture well actually the ground needs the moisture so that the plants, grass and trees can grow and thrive. Always better when we have rain as opposed to watering them from the tap. I love sitting on my back deck taking in the beauty of the flowers and marvel at how much they grow. They seem to have grown overnight. Actually I think that they prefer the “rain” than water from the tap.

I hope that you had a great Saturday. Ours was quiet. We walked in the morning, did some laundry, I actually did some work with photos on my phone and computer. Trying to delete the duplicates and get both cleaned up. I do not need to have so many of the same shots and also need to delete the bad shots. Will get there. Today after our walk and coffee and breakfast, will work on the photos for a few hours again. One thing about working on the computer the time flies and what feels like ten minutes has been three hours. It is a “good” way to lose time but necessary in this case. I also did some writing ….. just a little….. some ideas ….. oh, that was yesterday. Will have to bring up the laundry from the basement that has been drying since being washed yesterday. Oh, yesterday on our second walk, we stopped at Alvin’s best friend’s house. He always wants to go in and I have to say “not today” as we cannot stop everyday. We had a nice visit and I had tea. When we arrived it was starting to thunder which would have lightning involved so Teddy’s Mom said she would drive us home and she did.

Dreaming, man have I been doing a lot of that lately. Strange dreams. I remembered a bit when I first got up and now have forgotten. I know that Alvin was in them and some folks that I have not seen for many years.

Last night I watched another David Attenborough movie on Netflix. This was about the past, current and future of this planet. Very interesting. I just wished that everyone was on the same page with respect to our planet. Clearly we are not. I am with him.

Here are some statistics from his movie that were interesting and downright scary:

1937 – World Population: 2.3 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 280 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 66%

1954 – World Population: 2.7 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 310 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 64%

1960 – World Population: 3.0 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 315 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 62% –

1978 – World Population: 4.3 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 335 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 55%

1997 – World Population: 5.9 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 360 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 46%

2020 – World Population: 7.8 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 415 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 35%

You should watch these movies they are so interesting and informative. We cannot survive without the biodiversity of the wilderness. Something to think about.

David was 93 years old when he made the movie.

I do hope that you will watch them. We all need to watch them and step up.

Time to wash off this mask and get out for that walk before we have some more rain.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this bright and sunny Saturday morning? I hope that you are doing well. Alvin and I are doing great and looking forward to a walk today as we missed our walk yesterday. I had to go to the office yesterday and then pick up groceries on the way home. My daughter was working yesterday so she gave me a ride as I do not wish to take public transit. NO offence public transportation. On the way home we went to COSTCO which had the longest line that my daughter had ever been in since the pandemic hit. It would seem that everyone decided to go to COSTCO last night at 4:40 p.m. Don’t worry about Mr. Alvin – he was well looked over by my neighbour who was over to let him out for a “pee,” for snacks and snuggles and then later for supper. I am over the moon grateful to have such kind and wonderful neighbours. Alvin did make sure that he was stuck to me like glue for the rest of the evening which actually is much the same as most days but even moreso. If you can imagine that. What a guy? Yesterday morning I finally was able to drop off the last Christmas present that I had …. yes, it was really late but isn’t it nice to have something to open when there are no other gifts around and always makes you feel better. This was the case with my friend Karen. She was tickled and I was as well. I always feel so good when I give. It was nice to see a handful of folks at work. Also was able to have a chat with our new retiree as yesterday was her very last day. How exciting? I remember when I retired once. I did have almost three years off which was incredible. Just like a long vacation. Everyday was the weekend.

Last night we had a quiet evening after my daughter left for home and I put the groceries away. She had picked up some sushi at COSTCO and I had some for the second time in my life. It was really good although my daughter did say it was not the best but still very good.

I had the oddest dreams all mixed mashed up with people, places and things. I won’t even begin to explain or describe. If it had meaning – I have no idea what they meant.

I guess there be laundry to do, an Alvin to go for a walk or perhaps two with, some rearranging and to put away the last bits of Christmas as I have given the last gift.

Wishing you a great Saturday. Time to reflect, to relax, to laugh and to enjoy along with some work of course. It wouldn’t be a weekend if we didn’t have some work to do.

Happy Saturday as I continue to live my life with kindness, respect and compassion for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. – I am at a loss as what to give Mr. Alvin for a birthday gift? Any ideas?

December 31, 2020 – last day

Good Morning ALL. Can you believe it? The very last day and down to last hours of 2020. 2020 came in with all of the promise and hope that a New Year could bring and is leaving us with thoughts of promise and hope that 2021 will bring. So we will start and end with the same dreams for the New Year although the in between could never have been predicted. This year has been the same and different for so many of us. I cannot compare my year to that of my friend who lives down the street and works in the healthcare field. We both have had much different experiences this past year. She has faced all of the stresses and anxieties that came with COVID19 and the Pandemic as she continued to work. Me on the other hand, when our employer announced that we would be closing our doors to the public on March 16, 2020, and start the process of having staff work from home, I had mixed feelings but mostly I was overjoyed. On March 19, 2020 I was sent home with my coworkers with a laptop and whatever supplies we required to work from home. Later that afternoon I was set up and March 20, 2020 I was working from home. In the beginning there were definitely some stressful times but over the last nine months I have smoothed out the kinks and working from home has certainly been a godsend. Of course, there are moments of stress, but that is inevitable, as my job can most certainly be stressful at times. But I no longer have to spend a minimum of 1.5 hours travelling to and from work. There are no worries about leaving a senior dog, my Alvin home alone for such a long period of time. We have figured out a few things over time and one being that we will need to go to the office for one day per month as we have some large print jobs where the documents need to be prepared to be mailed. I can handle one day each month. Of course, this may change over time. My friend down the street lost her beloved pup Abi in February and in July brought baby Bailey home. Having a puppy at any time is a lot of work and with the stresses of working during a pandemic has been difficult for our friend. We have kept in touch with porch / sidewalk visits, texts and video chats. We live only a few doors apart and yet our lives that were so similar are so different this year. She was not able to spend Christmas with her sister and brother-in-law who are expecting early in the New YEAR nor her parents. Her parents are in her sister’s pod as she is expecting. I on the other hand was so blessed to be able to spend Christmas with my daughter and son-in-law and pups. In January my friend will be hosting a “virtual baby shower” for her sister. So many firsts this year. This is a reminder that I must check out the registry and chose a gift for the new baby. I always love to buy books for little ones, cannot go wrong with books.

I am grateful that we have the technology to see family and friends. This is the time to use this technology so that no one is alone. Take a few minutes and reach out to family and friends. We are blessed to have the technology to physically see each other.

So as we wrap up this YEAR, I have mixed feelings. I would say for the most part I have positive feelings. Working from home was always a dream, a thought that I had but never thought would come to fruition. I missed spending time with my sister and brothers in August. My daughter and I did not take our annual girls road trip in August. Since March, I have mainly seen my friends from the doorway although we did have a few visits. Our girls Annual Christmas party was done virtually. I never thought that I would not enter a store for several months. From March until August, all of my groceries were picked up by my friends and my daughter. I have since that time been to the store a grand total of 6 times, been to the vet numerous times, to Shoppers once to mail Christmas cards and parcels on November 20, and to the Optometrist twice since August. I will say that the handful of times that I have entered a grocery store have been anxiety ridden for me. For the past month or so I have not been to the grocery store although I was to the Bone & Biscuit on December 11th, to pick up gifts for the fur babies including Alvin. I have been to the office three times, twice in September and once in November. Most of my time has been spent at home or going for walks. Thankfully we are able to go outside. As the time passes, I think that the only way that we can stop this virus is to follow the protocols set out by the Health Care Professionals and Government Leaders. While it is not ideal as we are social creatures, it is imperative to follow the rules. Wear masks when in public, wash your hands, stay home when you can and social distance. I will say that trips to the Vet are different now. The last time Alvin went I was not allowed to be with him, I sat with my mask on in one of the exam rooms while they took him to the back exam room. The Optometrist was definitely different. Two visits one for the exam and the other to pick up frames. They as the Vet only book one appointment per hour. Better to be safe.

Perhaps if we would have taken more precautions sooner and taken this more seriously – we would be in a better place, I don’t know. Going forward we must do what is right for everyone. This is not the time to be selfish. We do want to see our family and friends in the New Year.

The sun is up although it appears to be cloudy. This is the last day of 2020. I hope that 2021 brings us hope and promise. I know that it will take months and likely most of this next year before the vast population can be vaccinated and at this point we do not know if that is the complete answer or not but I remain positive that the scientists will figure it out and we will end 2021 in a better place. To all of those folks who lost loved ones this year, I keep you in my heart and hope that your memories will help to bring you comfort. To all those families who lost beloved pets, I keep you in my heart and hope that memories of them will bring you comfort.

May the New Year be filled with hope and promise. May you find your way through this next year with faith, hope and grace. Continue to be kind and respectful and compassionate to all others. We need each other even more now than ever.

Thank you for taking your precious time to read my words, this post. I appreciate your time.

So from our home to yours, Alvin and I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

Always, Carol & Alvin