The Next Chapter

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this finds you well. The sky is clearing and the sun is rising as Friday begins. So thankful that today is here. Almost the weekend.

Yesterday during my lunch break I had a visitor. Miss Betty Ann joined me. First thing she did when she came into the house was to walk over to Alvin’s bed and pee on it. Lucky for us, Amanda had warned me that she pees on the dog bed when she comes into a house (she would not remember my house as it has been years since she has been here) so I was prepared and had strategically laid out a large pee pad which was placed perfectly. No problem. Jorge said that she had not pooped yet so she would likely have to poop and before he could say another word she was trotting to the back door and was already taking the position so Jorge quickly grabbed her heading outside. Not before she laid a little nugget on the mat by the back door. No problem, picked up and into the outdoor garbage. They stayed for a few minutes but were on their way out of town so had to leave. Then we were alone. First time in almost two weeks that I have been alone with someone other than my Alvin. Felt strange and good at the same time. No one could ever replace him and I am not even going down that path. I picked her up and held her up to the window to say goodbye before they pulled away. Miss BA even gave me a kiss which my daughter later said “meant that she liked me.” A good start. Back to their arrival, I was just signing off for lunch break and my phone rang it was Guardian (Animal Hospital) – they were calling to let me know that Alvin’s ashes and final items except for the paw print were ready. I said that I wasn’t sure if my daughter could stop by after work or not but we would be there as soon as we could. Lucky for me Amanda said that she would stop by on her way over here to collect Miss Betty Ann. Whew, another arrival. I was so relieved to hear that my beloved Alvin was coming home.

Betty Ann was good. She let me know when she had to go outside to go pee. I had on-line training for a couple of hours in the afternoon and she was perfect. So happy when work was done for the day. I had some time to snuggle with her and she continued to give me kisses. I think she liked it here with me. My daughter arrived about 5:30 with Alvin’s ashes and final items all nicely put together. I was happy to see my daughter who was not able to stay long. I showed her his urn and other things then we gathered up Betty Ann (I sent a blanket as she did not have a jacket with her and she does not have a thick coat) and her food etc and then the house was empty again.

Having the essence of him here with me has given me a bit less anxiety. The urn is beautiful. A stainless steel urn with his name printed on it and the dates of his time on this earth. He follows me around the house. The flowers are starting to fade so I am glad he is back. They were so beautiful and there are some that are still looking good and he is loving that. Alvin always loved sniffing the flowers. I know that dogs do not see colours which is a shame but he knew of their beauty through me and of course he could smell their amazing fragrances.

Time to head downstairs and get some coffee perking. I have lots of things to get done as Monday is back to the office and I have training all day and still have to find a way to get my work done around the training schedule. The following week we will be at the new “office.” Changes.

I hope that you have a great Friday.

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).

2021

Good Morning ALL! It feels like forever since I last wrote a post. Well Christmas is all over for yet another year. We had a fantastic Christmas. My daughter’s friend who just happens to be a pharmacist tested us all on Christmas Eve and yes, we were all NEGATIVE. Definitely one of times when I wanted the results to be negative. No worrying about securing an A+ grade. We ate until we almost burst on Christmas Eve filling ourselves with, let me see if I can remember the menu. Hot Cheese Dip with Baguette, Butterfly Shrimp, Mozzarella Sticks, Boursin Cranberry with Cracked Black Pepper Cheese “Ball”, crackers, Guacamole with corn chips, vegetable tray, and a sweet tray of baking. We also had nuts and chocolate. I see where the CHEESE was the star of the show. Likely not the best plan but oh well. We enjoyed the food. After we ate we played a game that my son-in-law got for Christmas (he opened it early), BLOCKBUSTER. Now we did not have the patience for the rules so we made up our own and I never laughed so hard. We had the best time. The game is all about movie trivia. So much fun. After the game was over we opened gifts. Now this is funny, I am now thinking after we ate then we opened gifts and then played the game. We were up until after 2:30 a.m. No, pretty sure we played the game and then opened gifts, yes that is correct. We played the game until about midnight and then it took us 2.5 hours to open our gifts. We opened one at a time. Then we had fours pups with gifts although the only one really interested in opening gifts was Alvin, Mi-Mi did make an attempt. I always love watching Alvin as he impatiently opens his gifts. He had his paw on the bag and then with his nose and mouth pulled out the tissue paper. So much fun. He loves opening presents. My daughter had a couple of her stocking gifts laying beside her, wrapped and he was tearing open the paper. Cute not someone was not impressed, lol. I was happy to see that the pups got along. Earlier I had been concerned that perhaps Mi-Mi and Cookie would be at odds but they were not. Actually a couple of times the quiet Miss Aspen let out a sharp bark at Cookie when she got too close.

Everyone was spoiled this year. I made quite the haul. I believe everything on my list with the exception of having my mortgage paid in full was under the tree. Some of the things that I had asked for were: Debbie Travis’s new book about life, filled with photos and recipes AND Rebel Homemaker, the first cookbook from Drew Barrymore and Chef Pilar Valdes, filled with photos, recipes and stories. Also on the list were fuzzy Christmas socks, Cuisinart paring knife, Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap, and a Day Planner for 2022. In addition to these gifts, I got a package of Player’s choice scratch tickets and won $5.00. Ecologic Paper Towel which can be used 200 times and is biodegradable and a Packet of tea. I also received a poinsettia plant and turtles chocolates from our guests. Late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, some friends dropped a card and baking off for me and some treats for Mr. Alvin. We are so lucky. Mr. Alvin received from his sister and family – a cute Reindeer stuffed toy and from his momma – the most beautiful blue and green turtle. He also received more edible gifts. So we were totally spoiled. That was Christmas EVE. We did not get to bed until after 2:30 closer to 3:00 on Christmas Eve. The kids had our room and our guest the “guest room,” me, Alvin and Cookie slept on the sofa except it took awhile to get a little someone to settle down. I had placed the baby gate up so that she could not go upstairs and she whined until I got up from the and placed her on the “green” chair with Rudolph, her favorite sleeping spot. I had to do this about 10 times before she finally stopped. So it was well after 3:00 when we got to sleep.

Alvin woke up at 5:00 and then we were up about 7:30 to stay up. Not much sleep. Most of the house was up about 8:30. We had coffee which we all needed. It was us girls that were up and my son-in-law stayed in bed for awhile beyond us. Amanda’s friend left about 10:00 as she was going to pick up her girls and open gifts with them. We invited them back for supper with us.

We had a late brunch with quiches, the veggie tray and some cheese. Lots of coffee was drank. I made a second pot. Throughout Christmas Day, I quietly putzed. Taking the gifts out from under the tree and reorganizing them. Washed the dishes that did not fit in the dishwasher and once the main floor was tidied up, I went to the basement and put away the gift bags, folded up the tissue paper – all to use another day. The kids had done some wrapping in the basement after they arrived on Christmas Eve. Once the cleaning and tidying was done, I had some more coffee and checked out the recipes for fresh cranberry relish and dressing. We had a quiet but enjoyable afternoon. We had planned to have supper about 7:00 p.m. but our company arrived a bit later, and then she wanted to test her daughters with the rapid covid test (like the one that we did the night before). It was closer to 8:00 p.m. when we had supper. The girls were negative. Thank goodness everyone was negative. We had a lovely supper of roast chicken breasts, whipped garlic potatoes and gravy, dressing, fresh cranberry relish, corn, peas and homemade buns (from one of my friends). Our dessert was baking which consisted of fudge, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan tarts, chocolate caramel candy and some cookies from the BON TON Bakery. Anyway, we ate too much but it was good (if I do say so myself). Usually I do not like to make new recipes when there is company but both the dressing and the relish were so good. Will make them again.

The girls opened their Christmas gifts from us.

After clean up, we sat down and had another good game of BLOCKBUSTER. My son-in-law and I took on the other four girls. They won but it was a close fun game. We close on a Christmas movie category. Can you believe that I lost on the category? We named so many movies before we could not name anymore. If I could have included all of the HALLMARK movies that I have been watching – we would have won but they were excluded. Oh well.

Dee and the girls left just before midnight. We were in bed shortly after. This time the kids took Cookie to bed with them. She settled down and we all had a good night sleep. In fact, it was not even Mr. Alvin who was up first – it was the other pups at 6:15. My daughter and I fed the pups and then laid back down again. It was almost 10:00 when we all woke up. I guess we needed the sleep. I was happy that the kids decided to stay for another day.

We had a bit of breakfast and visited. My daughter and I had packed up most of their things.

The best gift of all was not really a physical gift but my son-in-law arranged for me to go to the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, to go to space via a virtual reality headset. Both my son-in-law and daughter had tried it and warned me that I may be dizzy or nauseous and that I may not be able to keep the headset on for a long period of time BUT I surprised then when I squealed with delight during my space trip. I got to literally touch the space station, saw the stars and the sun and earth. I felt as though I was an astronaut in space. It was the most coolest experience of my life. I would have stayed there all day long. I loved it. After the space trip, I was able to go Africa and come up close and personal with a zebra, saw giraffes and an elephant and a large cat not a lion this time. I definitely would like to do this again and again. I had no idea that you could buy virtual reality headset – I thought it was only in the movies.

After the VR experience, I packed up food for the kids and they loaded up the car. They left for home in the afternoon. Then it was just me, Alvin and Cookie left. The noise and excitement all done for another year. We had the best Christmas ever. So much fun.

Well I have trapped Alvin and Cookie in the office with me and they are getting a bit restless so time to sign off. I wanted to catch you up in our last two days – in our Christmas.

The outside temperature is bitterly cold. Minus 30 without the windchill. Supposed to be cold all week. I guess we won’t be going anywhere. I am grateful that I asked my daughter to pick up more food for Alvin and as it would turn out that is the only food that Miss Cookie will eat. Yikes. Oh well. At least she is eating.

Time for a shower and to rescue the pups from the office.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, that you are safe and warm and happy and most of all in good health.

Until tomorrow.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie Monster (that is my new name for her), lol.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Monday morning? Well my four days off is over and back to work. We were in bed a bit later than normal but not by much. Mr. Alvin slept until 5:22 a.m. – so happy. Then we retreated to the sofa until 6:45 a.m. (cause the Momma just had to reset the alarm twice, lol). I know, I know, we should have got up and gone for a walk. The sun was shining and it was so nice out. Only 17 degrees at this time, 17 degrees celsius that is. A few clouds have rolled in at this time and there is a forecast for rain, we badly need some moisture so it sure would be most welcome. We can now get back to our regular schedule …. walk at noon and after work although I must admit that I did love walking early in the morning and perhaps as this is summer and you never know where the day will take us that we should just get up that bit earlier and head out. We will aim for that tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a good rain shower this morning. Crops and gardens and trees sure need a drink. I have been watering my flowers so they are doing well. Our front lawn remains green due to not been cut (does help by not keeping it too short).

Well we are now almost one week into July already. I always think how funny it is that it was June 30th last Wednesday which now seems like an eternity ago and now it is July 5th. WOW. Time. It is always the same but somehow seems to be passing at lightning speed. But it goes at the same pace as it always has – no different than from I was at age 5. Well I guess that is not quite true as there is that world clock or something that we can a second every once in awhile. I cannot remember how that works. I guess it is called “Universal Time” ( I googled it). I quickly read about the Atomic Clock. Interesting. Time is and has always been an interesting subject for each and every one of us living on the planet Earth. There is not one person on this Earth, I believe, that has not thought about time at some point in their lives. Likely for various reasons but still pondered. I think it is one subject that is common to us all. I think about time. So does my friend living in Sweden as does Queen Elizabeth as does someone living on the plains of Africa. We all do. That is being human. It draws us together and keeps us apart. Okay, how in the world did I get thinking about time. Anyway, see what I mean? Time, time, time.

Well it is time, lol. Time for me to sign off and head on downstairs and put on that coffee to perk. Place Alvin’s doggie bed in the kitchen so he is next to me and turn on some music. Then turn on the computer and prepare for the day.

I hope that you have an awesome Monday. Go for a walk when you have “time.” Be kind to yourself and to all others. Happy Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL!

Yesterday evening, minutes before I was going to attend a Facebook LIVE Fifth Avenue Collection jewelry party, I learned of the passing of a dear friend of mine.

I first met Martin in my twenties as we worked for the same employer. So I have known him for most of my life. He was one of the most sincere, gentle, loving, kind, compassionate, funny, hard-working, human beings that I have ever had the great pleasure to call my friend. He treated each and every person he met with kindness, understanding and compassion. Martin loved to help out in his community and that was evident by the great work that he did for Heritage United Church and with The Downtowners Optimist Club. He never said NO and always found a way to help.

We worked for the same company and over the years were on the company Social Club together in various roles, Children’s Christmas parties, played slow-pitch on the same team, there were Curling competitions (rather parties with the odd curling game in between), the road trips were the best to sporting events were thes best, we both belonged to the Downtowners Optimist Club and worked on some of the same projects, took a road trip together to the States to meet with various Optimist Clubs, our daughters were friends so we attended various birthday parties when the children were young, and even worked in the same department for over a decade. Our children went to the same school. We also carpooled together with some other friends/coworkers for years. There were parties and get togethers. He was definitely a social, active person and that was clear by the life that he led.

His family were the world to him. Grandpa was a handle he treasured and was over the moon proud of his grandson. He loved to share photos and stories.

Martin loved MUSIC. Barb and Martin travelled extensively over the years to various concerts. We were always just a bit envious of his travels.

I am not sure if he ever missed a football game. That would be for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He loved to go to the games with his family.

Although we haven’t seen each other since I moved to Edmonton over a decade ago, we did keep in touch. There were emails and Christmas cards with a letter.

To Barb and family, please accept my deepest sympathies.

He truly was one of a kind. The earth is a much better place for his time here and he will be greatly missed.

I can see his face in my mind and can only think of all the times we all spent together working on projects or just laughing about something at work.

I miss you my friend. May you rest easy.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

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  Photo by Mark Vegera on Pexels.com

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you on this absolutely gorgeous bright and sunny Sunday morning? The rain has stopped and the clouds have parted. I/We went to bed about 10:30 ish and were up at 3:45 and then at 6:15 a.m., I felt rested and we stayed up. First Sunday morning that I have felt so rested and stayed up so early (for me). What a great way to begin the day! Feeling on top of the world! I cannot wait to see my kids and grandpups this afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the women and girls in our lives and everywhere who continue to give us through good times and bad, all the love and support that we need each and every day. thank you from Carol & Alvin

I want to share some of the writings of my past Mother Day’s Cards:

MOM, to the world you are a Mother, but to your family you are the world.

For the love you give

from your heart every day

and the millions of little things

you do with so much care

thank you

*********************

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  Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

With love to you, mom ….. for all your patience, wisdom, guidance, and love.

********************

These are the words written by my kids:

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 we’ll all get through it together. Love you so much.

***************

Thank you for always being there for us, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and unconditional love mean the world to all of us! I know if the babies (pups) could speak, they would say the same!

***************

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  Photo by Lum3n on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

I wish each and every woman and girl on the planet Earth a Happy Mother’s Day.

You are a Mother to us ALL.

Be safe and be well.

I hope that have a wonderful day.

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

Be well everyone.

Look after each other.

That is the only way we can do this thing called Life …..

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I made the brownies last night for today and they taste yummy. My first time from scratch. Also made the black bean burgers and they taste so good. Looks like tonight’s supper is going to be GOOD.

2021 – Day after EARTH DAY

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Good Morning ALL! Happy Friday to each and everyone. I hope that you are doing well. We had another sleep deprived night but Alvin seems to be okay so not exactly sure what is wrong if anything. I did clean his ears at 3:30 or so as he was shaking them about. I had checked them earlier and they did not look dirty but there may have been something irritating him that I could not see so the cleanser from the vet is good so I put some in both ears and using the medical gauze squares (not cotton balls) I gave him a little swish about. Nothing was on the square. Anyway clearly something was bothering him as basically we were up from 2:20 till about 5:30, when I must have dozed off and realized that he was not on the sofa so I got up and could not find him on the main floor. So I ran upstairs to find him in the hallway. We went back to bed and slept until the alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. I hopped into the shower and feeling refreshed I should be okay for the day along with some caffeine. Poor guy.

We did have a walk at noon yesterday despite the cold wind and that it was snowing. Yes, it was. Bright sunshiny morning for this Friday. YAY.

I cannot believe that I forgot yesterday was EARTH DAY. Then I got to thinking and thought shouldn’t every day be EARTH DAY? Perhaps reminding everyone the day after the OFFICIAL DAY is even more important. So here are some everyday tips to help the environment – Mother Nature – our EARTH:

1. Pick up the trash from your property.
2. When you are out for a walk pick up trash that you see
3. Organize a garbage/trash pickup in your community
4. Stop using single use plastics (or at least cut down)
5. Stop using the to go coffee cups from your local coffee place, take your own. Everyone has a mug or fifty.
6. Start shopping at Thrift Stores/Garage Sales and the like for clothing and other items for items you need.
7. Use the “Marie Konda” method of organizing in your shopping practices. Make sure you REALLY LOVE the item.
8. Clean out your closets and perhaps swap with friends and family.
9. Check with local animal shelters to see if they need any towels and blankets (if you are cleaning out your linen closet)
10. Old suitcases – contact Foster Homes
11. Be mindful of what you buy (yes, I am repeating myself).
12. We in this country and in the United States – simply buy more than we need. Way more.
13. Live more simply.
14. Only keep what you use.
15. Let us each make a difference.
16. Make sure that you pack your garbage for pickup properly. If you live in a windy location or where there are a lot of birds, ie: magpies and crows – you may wish to use a closed container instead of just putting put a bag. Maybe your municipality is changing to covered bins like ours.
17. Please do not put your loose papers and egg cartons on top of a “blue bin.” They will blow to my house and I will end up putting them into the garbage.
18. Check with your local municipality about what can be recycled
19. Stop using balloons (they are killing our wildlife and birds).

Well it is time for me to sign off and get the coffee on and go to work.

I wish you a wonderful Friday.

Remember each one of us can make a difference. It is each one’s responsibility. This does not just lie with government.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning,

Wow, August 1st, 2020.

The sun is shining brightly with a picture perfect sky.

There is a cool breeze.

When we were out on the deck a few minutes ago it was glorious.

I/We could have stayed there until it gets too hot.

But alas we had to come into the house as there are things to do.

Last night I worked till 5:58 so that I could finish all of my work including returning phone calls.

I do not like to go on vacation and leave work to do.

That is one advantage if you will of working from home.

If I had been at the office …. there would have been things left to do.

So I am grateful to be at home for that among many other reasons.

I am officially on vacation and do not work again until August 17, 2020.

Two glorious weeks to dibble and dabble around the house.

I have a list, well actually not yet as it is only in my head at this time.

But so that I do not forget anything I will write things down on paper.

My office “workspace” will return upstairs at some point today.

I was thinking of rearranging things up here as well to better accommodate working from home.

I have more a iMac computer for home and then a laptop and monitor for work.

Two desks from IKEA line one of the office walls.

Not wide but they run from the doorway to the window.

At the moment my MAC is by the window but as I will be spending more time on the work computer, perhaps there would be more room the other way around.

Actually I like working from the kitchen table but it is not practical long term.

Okay, vacation mode ….

Looks like we are going to have some hot days for the weekend at least or that is all I managed to see on the weather channel before going to bed last night.

I celebrated my last day of work by ordering pizza from my favourite pizza place “Royal Pizza” in a neighbouring community.

With the pizza I had one of the alcoholic beverages that my friend had given me to try.

To finish the celebration – I had a buster bar from Dairy Queen from the box that my son-in-law had surprised me with at the beginning of the week.

I actually could sit by the office window now in my sleeveless nightgown with the wind ever so wonderfully touching my shoulders with it’s cool touch.

Mmm, nice.

Alvin has left the office and is in the hallway.

I turned the fan on in the bedroom as next stop is a shower.

Man, I need one it has been a few days.

My hair looks like something out of a monster flick.

The Monster from Beyond.

We also found out on Friday that we are not going back to the office until the NEW YEAR.

They have asked us to complete a survey about our time at home and the ups and downs.

I did not have time to complete the survey as I was busy trying to get my work done before vacation.

Instead at lunchtime I replied to our CEO’s email and let him know my thoughts.

Truly I love being at home.

At first, it took some adjustments, of course.

That was a major change.

But now being at home with Alvin and no commuting.

The extra 1.5 hours or more extra that I have at home is great.

Now granted some of that time and more I work but that is not going to be a forever deal.

Well time to head to the shower.

I think today will be a slow one.

Shower, change bedding, do some laundry, well better have some coffee and some breakfast.

Move the computers around before it gets too hot or NOT.

I have time ….. a nice luxury.

We will see where this day takes us.

 

For all of you that read my blog daily or whenever you have time, I really appreciate your time.

I hope that sometimes I make you giggle, laugh or smile.

Perhaps give you cause to rethink something.

Maybe an idea.

Or maybe just a little distraction from your everyday life.

We all have our down in the dump moments leading sometimes into days.

We all have our joy to the rafters moments leading possibly into days.

We all have little things and big things.

Good and bad and inbetween.

To be human is to experience everything that runs the gamut from one extreme to the other.

I hope that you are able to find your best space somewhere in in the middle.

Life is only as perfect as you make it.

Life is only as you react to those moments that run the extremes.

So on this first day of my birth month and being on vacation, I am over the moon happy.

Great feeling to know that at the very least we will be home until the New Year.

Merry Christmas.

So happy for Alvin …..

I started working from home on March 19, 2020 and if I go back to work in January 2021 – that is almost one whole year.

So happy that I have had this time with the boy and am keeping my fingers crossed that we will continue past January 2021 working from home.

There will be a couple of days each month that I will take turns with my coworkers and go to the office but hey that is not a problem.

FOR SURE.

 

Okay I am rambling …. thoughts just pouring onto the page.

Time for that shower.

I can start to feel a change in the temperature.

Time to close blinds again.

 

I hope that you all have a great Saturday.

See you tomorrow morning.

Living with kindness and respect for this Earth and its inhabitants.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Some of the cuteness that surrounds me

Mr. Alvin and Neighbours Humphrey and Bogart

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Wednesday Morning,

Alvin and I enjoyed another wonderful walk last night in the warm air.

So happy to see the sidewalks becoming more and more clear of ice and snow.

The moon has been glorious for the past few days.

Full, round and present.

I have seen some of the photos taken in New York City and the moon appeared to be sitting beside the city skyline of skyscrapers.

So beautiful.

The colour appeared different than it has here in Edmonton, a few thousand miles away.

2427 miles to be precise ( that is what google is for when we are not quite sure ).

My moon shots were not that great.

Perhaps if I played with the settings on my iPhone, I could have taken better shots but that is okay.

Not everyone is gifted with the eye for taking great, spectacular photos.

I am good at other things.

Like we all are ….

We all have our special gifts.

When you are having a moment and believe that you are not special, that just is not so.

Every single being on this planet, every spark of life, is special and holds a place within the biosphere we call Earth.

I know that it may be difficult some days to think in this way but we must.

No one person is any better than the next.

We all have our quirks, our desires, our ambitions, our creative energies, the way we comb our hair to the way we handle our days.

If we learn to stop, smell the roses, take the time to relax and just be.

Be well, be good within ourselves.

Perhaps maybe we may realize how special each creature is to our very existence.

I hope so anyway.

That is not to say that we all do not have those moments, oh believe, you me …. I have them.

We all do and that is part of what it is to be human.

We run the gamut of emotions.

 

Well it is almost time to head back downstairs to finish the “getting ready” process.

There be poop to pick up (as always), some last minute snuggles with my boy, lunch to grab out of the fridge.

The coat, the mitts, the scarf and the boots and remember to take my purse and phone.

 

I wish you the best of Wednesdays.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating today.

May you be covered in eternal joy, good health and enjoy much laughter and abundance.

 

Days to be filled with kindness and respect.

Today will be …..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of April, 2019.

A beautiful morning with the sunrise and the frost glazing the rooftops and cars.

Love, love, love sunrise.

The pale oranges, pinks and blues.

So very delicate in the beginning stages until the SUN comes up.

I would love to paint this scene.

With some trees still barren looking black against the light colours of the sunrise.

So very beautiful.

I would xx out the houses and just have a grove of trees with the sunrise behind.

Oh, this makes me so happy.

What a glorious way to begin the day.

I am so blessed to see this out of my window each and every morning from spring until winter.

YAY.

 

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful walk after I got home from work.

It was not warm as such but nice all the same.

Who is going to complain after having snow, ice and minus 25 temperatures?

Not this gal.

That is for sure.

We watched for signs of buds on the trees and did see a few green blades of grass.

The bunnies that we saw yesterday morning from our living room window – were mostly brown.

A very good sign.

We were near the park on the return trip home when we saw this couple and a small dog.

They had encouraged him to move away from another dog.

When we were close enough to exchange words and of course, Mr. Alvin wanted to say hi.

They said that their dog was 16 1/2 years old.

He was grey but looked good.

The man said that he was having a good day and wanted to do a 5 K walk ( I think he was teasing ).

He did also mention that some days he does not want to walk.

I get that.

So nice to see a SENIOR out enjoying the spring air.

Good for him/her.

I did not catch the doggie’s name.

This gave me hope that Alvin could/would have many good years left on this earth.

Okay, not going there.

Not at this time of day …..

 

Well today is Tuesday.

I wanted to remind everyone to please keep the trash picked up around your property.

It only takes a few moments of your precious time.

I get that your time is valuable but we have to think beyond ourselves.

What about the animals and the environment?

How about that small plastic bag that blew onto your lawn?

The birds and animals eat that small plastic ring that you left sitting on the driveway because you really “didn’t notice” it.

They also eat that plastic bag that you figured would just blow away and you did not place it there anyway.

Really.

I did not put any of the trash onto the ground that I have been picking up.

I spent 2 hours on a cold WINDY Sunday picking up after others.

Because people simply do not care.

I would have loved to have been snuggling with me Alvin but I love my home, my neighbourhood, this EARTH.

I am trying to do my part.

Are you?

Only a few moments of your time will save lives and help to heal our earth.

We all have to do our part.

If we do not.

I cannot imagine what this earth will be like years and a generation down the road.

Such a pity.

What a waste.

Something to think about.

Just think if we all did something about the trash/garbage/pollution, what a better place our EARTH would be.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Food for thought, today.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers – put the word out – we need to work together to hopefully bring our EARTH back from the brink before it is too late.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 2nd day of April, 2019.

Dark outside so not sure if the sky is overcast or not.

We had some rain yesterday afternoon.

I am feeling much better now.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me as I write this post.

My security blanket on his security blanket.

What a great companion.

 

Last night Sir Humphrey the Cat stayed with us.

Boys did well.

Sometimes Humphrey keeps his distance and others like last night he jumped up on the sofa and walked my outstretched legs until he reached my chest.

He stopped and stretched one of his paws to touch my face.

Very softly he touched my face with his paw.

He sat there for just a few seconds and looked into my eyes.

I am not sure what he was looking for but it was sweet.

He that that twice last night.

A record for him.

Every time that Mr. Alvin went outside – Humphrey went outside.

He wanted to go down in the grass which is a mucky mess now and made it down there once without me seeing him.

I fixed it by shovelling some of the snow around the steps going down to the grass area.

He doesn’t like the wet snow so much.

Kept him clean that way.

 

Most of the snow in the back yard has now melted.

Even the ice build up on the front sidewalk seems to have melted.

So grateful to have almost dry sidewalks.

Likely not completely dry until the snow on the front lawn has melted.

How many sentences can one type with the word “melted” at the end?

Seems like 3 thus far.

Oh well.

 

Question?

If you could have just one WISH or realize one thought what would that be?

Would you like:

$10 million dollars

A new house

WORLD PEACE

A new car

END WORLD HUNGER

No more flooding

END DISEASE WORLD-WIDE

RETIRE

Start a charity to help animals.

Start a charity to help animals and people.

Library of Books

Fresh clean water for everyone on the planet.

Good healthy food for every being on the Earth.

Only JOY found on this planet.

 

I guess that the list could go on and on.

What would you like?

Would it be for you, your family and friends or for the world.

 

Time to head on downstairs.

We are “UBERING” today as my carpool was rear-ended on her way home from work last night.

So grateful that she was not hurt but the car did sustain damage.

I hope that you have a great day.

Ponder the question.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow humans …. remember to be kind to all living creatures.

Always, Carol & Alvin