Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 8th day of November, 2018.

Day 2 of Teddy staying with me and Alvin.

The boys get together on a personal level.

Alvin does want to eat Teddy’s food and I can understand why as he has real chicken in his.

So I get that.

The past few nights even before Teddy arrived …. Alvin has been starting to wake up in the middle of the night and wants to go outside.

He pees.

So now we both get up to pee in the middle of the night.

ARGH.

If we could only wake up at the same time.

We will have to figure something out …. perhaps after going downstairs …. going to the sofa would be a better option.

Better for more sleep, I think.

Age, what a wonderful thing.

Just kidding.

I love my age.

I took tomorrow off to have an extra long weekend and I am glad that I did…

We went for a walk last night.

Alvin hides under the table and Teddy run away.

It took several minutes to coax Alvin out from under the table.

He has does this every day for the past few years.

Not sure why.

Teddy thinks it is a game.

He did jump up on the chair so I was able to snag him to get his jacket and harness on.

We had an enjoyable walk.

These boys are so cute.

Sometimes like this morning when Al was very vocal because he wanted Teddy’s food, I was not so patient with my Alvin.

Firm approach did not work.

Finally I took Teddy into the bathroom and then Alvin barked at the door.

I hope that the sound proofing is working …. sorry my neighbours.

At the end I just sat down and hand fed Teddy and gave the odd bit to Alvin in with his food.

Not the best way but it worked.

Teddy also likes Alvin’s food.

I took these photos after work while getting changed.

My boys.

Teddy is now on my lap as I type these words.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket.

There is quiet in our household except for the click clack of my fingers touching the computer keys.

All I can say is I need COFFEE and lots of it.

Thankfully a few cups of coffee and I will be awake …… more awake…..

Well almost time to leave for work.

Time to spend with the boys.

Time to do those last minute things.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world who have four-legged family members and friends.  We all have our good days and our less than stellar ones.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. I shall endeavour to be more patient as my life continues.

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Saturday, July 15, 2017 and it is the 26th day until my 60th Birthday.

I will say that it is a bit difficult putting a year to certain events.

Now were are at:

1988:  Just a good year with my girl.

1989: Beginning of year a long term relationship ended which brought on a year of getting my life back in order.

1990: We both went to Calgary with friends and had a great visit with my brother and his family.  Went to Banff and Heritage Park … so beautiful.

1991:  Went to Montana with friends and had one of the best vacations ever …. this was an adult only trip.  The weather was great.

1992: In the summer of this year we had a great visit with my Mom and all siblings and children in Alberta.

1993:  This year was filled with incredible highs and lows; births and the passing of family members.

1994:  Visited New York City while in area on business.  What an incredible city.  One of my fondest memories was to the World Trade Centre.  So grateful for that memory.

1995: Joined the computer project which would take me away from my regular job until 1998.

1996: Lots of overtime during this time not much time for anything extra.

1997: Continuing with the overtime but the extra money allowed some flexibility and we even bought a new television set, a bigger one.

 

Oh, how I wished that I had all of my journals summarized and in front of me at this time.  My life has been filled with so many amazing people, places and things.  Often times things run all together and the years seem like yesterday.  So much I have missed.  During this decade I travelled through work to Calgary, Vancouver (visited Victoria while in Vancouver), Toronto (visited Niagara Falls while in Toronto), Winston Salem, North Carolina and of course New York City.  Each of these trips held a special memory.

My daughter attended the Bon Jovi Concert in Saskatoon in 1993.  We increased our family by two nephews and a niece.  I

I was thinking the other day that wouldn’t it be great to keep a journal from say your earlier adult years, and just summarize each year on December 31st, 2017.  It would be something that you could hand down to each generation.  What a treasure.  I am hoping that my blog will also give my daughter some extra information and an on-line journal as such about her Momma and her life.

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 6th day of October, 2016.

Dark outside typical of this time of year.

No moisture of any sort over night or yet this morning.

Great to be dry as we have had quite a lot of moisture this year.

Not complaining as we did need it over the spring and summer.

Most of the leaves are now off the tree out front.

Likely one for sure or possibly two times more to rake.

Forgot to keep a bag of leaves to decorate for Halloween.

I guess I should have enough to fill a bag before then.

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

My thoughts as of late have been on our four-legged friends.

The little guy you named “Charlie” or the little girl you named “Daisy.”

Over the years they greeted you at the door after work tails wagging so happy to see you.

They cuddled with you when you felt as though your world had ended.

They kept you exercising through walking and tossing the ball because you felt it was good for them.

But all the while it was to keep you from vegging on the sofa (so smart they are).

Actually good for everyone.

Even though in the beginning there was no way he or she was going to sleep on your bed.

Now they are a permanent fixture.

They live in the moment.

There are also our feline friends who are just as much a part of our families as our canine ones.

Sally and Joe who lived with you since they were kittens.

Chasing each other all over the house bringing a smile to your face.

Sometimes we take for granted how much joy and goodness our four-legged friends bring to our lives.

They start out as kittens or puppies.

They make us laugh and cry throughout the learning  process but then we all grow up.

So if you think for one moment that they are just “animals” or just there for your protection or for your power trip, think again.

They are our friends, our companions, our family.

We play with them, we take care of them and we love them.

Just like any other member of our families.

Treat them well.

Respect them.

One day they will be gone and you will regret not being a good family member.

They do not ask for much.

Just food and respect.

So on this Thursday my thoughts and heart go out to all those family members that we lost this past year.

Watch over us.

We love you and miss you so much.

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

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my family and friends

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of March, 2016.

Tonight after work I am meeting some long time friends from Saskatoon.

I worked with “L” and we have known each other for over thirty-five years.

When they moved to Saskatoon and I lived in Regina ….. we did not see each other very often.

But when they came to visit family near Regina he would always make sure that he stopped by for a coffee and visit.

So I was very excited when he called to say they were coming to Edmonton and would be staying at the Fantasyland Hotel at West Edmonton Mall.

I can just step off the bus after work at the mall and we can have supper together.

My daughter is going to pick up Alvin and he will be going for a sleepover to their house.

She volunteered for them to do the hair cut this time …. which is great for me.

It is a big job for one person especially since he does not like getting his paws trimmed.

I will miss the little guy but will be good for him to take a short road trip and see the rest of the family.

My daughter (such a wonderful girl) … said she would bring him home in time for his appointment Saturday morning and we can have coffee before we go.

Am I not the luckiest woman on the planet.

 

Well here we go again almost time to leave for work.

How does that happen, really?

Each second just evaporates into the next.

 

I hope that you have a fantastic day.

Perhaps you will see old friends or just go visit a new one.

Take some time today and reach out to a friend or family member.

 

Special Hello to:   my daughter and son-in-law, Elton & Penny – THANK YOU.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Story Line by line – December 21, 2013

Chapter Five:

December 1, 2013

As we lay there sleeping wrapped in the big white fluffy blankets, I dream of childhood and Christmas; my favourite time of year, and there was one in particular.

December 2, 2013

When we moved into the new two story house on the farm my bedroom was on the main floor just off of the living room ……. I had a birds eye view of the Christmas tree ….  this one year I wanted to wait and watch for Santa ….. pretending to be asleep …. once  I heard noises figuring it was Santa I waited for him to leave ……  slowly opened the bedroom door and getting down on my hands and knees  crawled out toward the tree ….. only to be stopped dead in my tracks by my Mom’s voice “GET BACK TO BED” ….. I had been so quiet …… 

December 3, 2013

My favourite Christmas was 2005  …..  the log cabin in the mountains …. the clear night sky …… the stars shining so brightly …… the food …… the stone fireplace ….. love and laughter ….. feather comforters …… coffee by the fireplace ….. the best place in the world.

December 4, 2013

Kids singing Christmas Carols …… Grandma playing the organ in church ….. our Charlie Brown Christmas tree …… turkey cooking at Grandma’s house ….. snow falling …… baby crying …… sister smiling …… dog barking ….. opening presents . driving to Grandma and Grandpa’s house ….. the trees out front of their house all light up ….. it is Christmas once again.

December 5, 2013

Oh, how I feel alive and happy …… as each scene plays out ….. there is another one just as wonderful as the last …… people and places ……. my heart is full ……

December 6, 2013

Ah, my great nephew, I remember that day so well …… then skipping years ahead to when Alvin came to live with me …… this movie just seems to go on forever …. I wonder when it will end ….. movie, is it?

December 7, 2013

Movie, what …. am I dreaming …… asleep …… awake …… in a coma …… my mind is swirling and then before me is a crystal clear thought ….. YOU ARE REMEMBERING YOUR LIFE ….. 

December 8, 2013

Truly I am going crazy, please someone help me wake up from this wild dream …. HELP ME, HELP Me …….

December 9, 2013

This whole ordeal has seemed to go on forever ….. I do not know what to do …..  just when I think that I may have an answer ……. it all comes tumbling down …… such as life, I guess but why now ……. or did I just bump my head!

December 10, 2013

“Did I bump my head?” I think to myself as Alvin snuggles in closer to me as if to comfort me in my time of uncertainty.

December 11, 2013

As I lay under the warmest most comfortable blanket ever, I begin to devise a plan – I will get home – somehow – someday I will escape and be free.

December 12, 2013

Home, what a wonderful thought ….. I realize how much I miss my house, the flowers in my yard, my Christmas tree ……. whoa ….. what did I think ….. was it spring, was it summer or winter when this first happened and I realize maybe now for the first time that I have literally no idea how long we have been gone ….. a day, a month, years!!!

December 13, 2013

All of a sudden I hear this small gurgling slightly roaring sound coming from my stomach ….. guess it has been awhile since I ate anything …… Alvin, too must be starving  ….. suddenly a banana, some fresh carrots, a piece of chocolate cake, and a cup of coffee are sitting on a table in front of us….a FEAST.

December 14, 2013

Well no matter if this is real or a figment of my imagination …  we are going to eat  ….. mmm, as I peel the banana Alvin goes crazy as he absolutely loves banana ….. carrots …. we love carrots and for me my favourite habit …. COFFEE.

December 15, 2013

Yes, hot coffee …. it warms my throat as I quickly take a sip and trying to hold onto the taste reminding me of home …. Alvin is happy as we finish the last bite of banana and continues crunching away on the carrots and for this time we have no worries.

December 16, 2013

As we enjoy our treats I cannot help but to think of home ….. what are my friends and family doing ….. who is looking after our house ….. is there snow to shovel or grass to mow … I do not even know what time of year it is ….. oh …..

December 17, 2013

I just feel like crying even though Alvin is here I am all alone …. no one to discuss things with ….. no shoulder to cry on ….. as the tears well up in my eyes the feelings just explode inside my body, and my heart  hurts …. where are they ….. please let us come home …. I just want to go home…… please, help us find our way home……..

December 18, 2013

Through the tears and the feelings of being alone, the despair, and, of not knowing which direction to turn, whether to shout or to continue to cry ….. I feel that warmth once again, and a light although dim begins to shine on me.

December 19, 2013

For a few moments I am lost in the glow …… there is music playing ….. could it be ….. sounds like Celine Dion ….. oh, how I love her ….. saw her in concert once, and she was AMAZING …… I am drifting away in bliss.

December 20, 2013

How many days has it been, I lost track after 83 ……. there are such blissful moments, and then such ones that trouble me greatly …… I just wish that someone would tell me what to do, please …….

December 21, 2013

It would seem that this time there are no family members showing up ….. no voices in my head other than my own ……. no Christmas trees ….. no flowers ……. the food has been eaten ….. the music has stopped, the bed is gone and where is ALVIN?