Good Morning. The sky is overcast this morning and as I have not opened the window to breathe in the air, I do not know whether it is from possible rain clouds or from the smoke of wildfires. Yesterday they lifted the evacuation notices and four Alberta communities went home. Some of these communities remain on alert. The Alberta Fire Lead said that even though they are on alert much work has been done by the army and firefighters to separate the communities from the spread of fire. Fingers crossed. Hopefully more rain is on the way to us and to the areas affected by the wildfires.
Thursday today. The week just zipped by. I have some photos to share from our walk last night. Poor Bruno even though he mustered enough energy to walk with many rest stops even is not doing well and there is not good news on the horizon. Oh, Bruno, I have fallen in love with you! Eddie and Bruno are such wonderful dogs.
Bruno treat timeEddie & BrunoBrunoBrunoBrunoEddieEddie, Me & BrunoEddie & the lightBruno and EddieEddieBrunoBrunoIn the ParkBrunoWalkingBrunoBrunoBruno
I am so happy that I have been able to reconnect and get to know both Eddie & Bruno and their lovely parents in these last weeks. Our time together will be cherished by me forever. Their Poppy was showing me photos on his phone last night during out walk and these boys are so photogenic. I only wished that I was a better photographer. Most days we have no idea where our life is going to take us and I am grateful that I have been able to spend my evenings with these handsome boys and their parents. My life is good. I am so grateful that we had another evening of clear blue and sunny skies.
Time to head downstairs. Have a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning. Happy Mother’s Day to All the Moms out there. Mother’s Day celebrates all those humans that care, look after and love another living being. If you have children or if you have a pup or a cat or a fish or a bird we celebrate you. I think it is important to celebrate all those people that keep another living breathing being safe, cared for and loved. Happy Mother’s Day.
Yesterday I was lucky to have my daughter, son-in-law and grand-pups Aspen & Milo visit me. We also had a special guest Miss Breeze who is a black lab and will be spending a few days with my kiddos while her parents are away. She is such a sweet doggie and I fell in love with her. We had take out for supper. The kids had ordered some Vietnamese dishes and picked them up on their way over. The food was so yummy. For dessert my son-in-law had his favourite chocolate chip cookies (I baked them) and we gals had a Key Lime Pie from M&M’s (obviously not baked by me, lol). We even had time for a game of Sequence. My family gave me an air fryer (see photo) and I gave my daughter a bag full of Mary Kay products. What girl does not like makeup!
I did snap a couple of photos of Humphrey & Bogart from my earlier visit to them in the afternoon. Their Dad came home early so that ended my responsibilities. Miss Aspen sure loves her spot by the living room window. I made sure that I had set it all up for her before their arrival.
Last night after the kids left for home, I say outside and had some coffee while the sun set. What a beautiful evening. This morning the air is cool with the office window open.
Today will be a quiet day. I will go for a walk with my friends Alejandro, Eddie & Bruno. I hope that Bruno is doing better. Might be later than 6 p.m. if it is too hot then.
Last night I realized that I would like to learn some languages. Perhaps not to be fluent but to be able to converse with someone and to understand. I am thinking Spanish (I already know some words) and Arabic. Perhaps I could do this when I retire.
Time to head downstairs and make some coffee. I wish you all a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Have a great Sunday. Be safe!
I hope that the wildfires are burning out, stopping. I wish moisture to fall upon them and stop further damage. I hope all life is safe and unharmed.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! How are you this morning? Can you believe that it is Thursday? Time is certainly flying. The sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly in the morning sky. Sunrise and sunset are happening earlier and later with each passing day. There does not appear to be wind this morning so that is good. There are still signs of the hail from Tuesday night.
Yesterday morning at work the six of us from our site office went out and inspected two more of our sites. Some picked up trash and others did a visual inspection of yards and other things. It sure got hot early and I had worn warm pants and layers so I was able to take off my jacket but still was very warm. We were back to the office by noon.
I almost missed having a walk with Jeanette, Eddie and Bruno as I was eating and they needed to go earlier. They went ahead and Alejandro (her husband) was with them when I met up with them in the park. There was a love fest happening with three pups when I arrived. Eddie, Bruno and another yellow lab. I found out shortly after arriving that it was Miss Sadie (whom I know) but she was with her Dad and I am used to seeing her with her Mom or the kids. Anyway it was great to see her. After a bit more playing we carried on with our walk. Jeanette was leaving at midnight for Miami, Florida to see her parents who were visiting her brothers. Her parents were coming from South America. I am happy that she was able to go and spend some time with them. She will be home in a week. Meanwhile Alejandro will be walking with Eddie & Bruno. I am going to tag along whenever I am able. I love those dogs, they bring me joy. They are a good reminder of walks with Mr. Alvin.
Bruno taking a restEddieEddie & Bruno
The first two photos are from our walk last night and the third is a photo that Jeanette sent to me. They are so handsome, these boys.
Looks like we are fast approaching Mother’s Day weekend. Do you have plans with your Mother? Are you a Mother? My daughter and son-in-law and grand-pups Miss Aspen and Mi-Mi will be coming over on Saturday. We will order in supper as a treat. I cannot wait to see them.
Well after having a shower and putting on some makeup, it would seem that I am running a bit late. Not really late that I have to rush but I am so used to take a slow approach to my mornings at home, that it feels like I am rushing. Not really. Okay, now I am rambling. LOL.
One more week with the temporary crowns and then next Thursday, I will be getting the new crowns. Looking forward to having them but not really to the extractions and fillings. More freezing. Oh well, soon will be caught up in all of the dental stuff.
Have a great Thursday. Sending positive energy and rain to extinguish the flames of the wildfires.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! Well today is Thursday, April 27, 2023. April is zipping by. The sky is a clear blue this morning and I can see pinks on the horizon (my horizon faces south) so I guess that means the sun is rising in the east. Oh, it certainly does. Miss Cookie is running about. She always wants to get downstairs as fast as possible. The three pups had another day together. My son-in-law put in his time and then came home here to be with them. Cookie was not quite as played out last night as the previous evening.
When I got home from work, Steven was thinking of taking Aspen for a walk. I asked if I could take her and a few minutes later with my running shoes and jacket on and Miss Aspen with her harness and leash on and ready, we left the house. She was like a woman on a mission. No dilly dallying a long. We were walking at a good clip. Forty minutes later we were back home. During our walk it was lightly raining and was a bit cool but it felt great. I had spent my day, the whole day, sitting at my desk working as I wanted to get mail done so it was good to get up and stretch my legs. We walked around the park closest to home and then over to the big “park” and around it. I was in heaven.
My daughter arrived a few minutes after Aspen & I returned home from our walk. A few minutes later it was just me and Cookie in the house. Shortly after that it started to rain hard. A good solid spring rain. Glad I had a nice walk.
I had leftover pizza for supper which was great with some raw veggies. No cookie. Now tonight, not sure but I have things to cook. But will be a cooking night.
I had better get downstairs and see what Miss Cookie is up to.
Have a great day. This morning we go out on site. Not my favourite thing to do but I guess it is outside and looks like a nice morning. A bit cool but that is okay.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, patience, compassion, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) & Miss Cookie.
Good Morning! Looks like a nice morning out there or at least from my office window. The sky is blue with hues of pinks on the horizon. Very pretty.
Day Two with all three pups being together. My daughter brought Aspen & Milo at 7:00 a.m. yesterday and they did well. There was one moment where Aspen did a bit of a growl at Cookie shortly after they arrived but she quickly found her happen place and then was laying on the bed beneath the living room window. Lucky for me and for Aspen that the window is low to the floor so she has no problem resting her head on the window sill as she lays on the “doggie” bed. Milo and Cookie were good. They sniffed each other. After Amanda left for the office, I sat on the sofa and drank my coffee. Cookie on one side of me and Milo on the other. Wasn’t long before Milo was on my lap and Cookie did not like that very much but she just stayed beside me.
My son-in-law came back to the house after he was finished with the strike walking, picket line. What do you even call it? Likely I am not politically correct. Oh well. They were walking. Thankfully the weather is getting nicer although some mornings it is cool for sure. He said that the pups were doing well.
When I got home from work they were all happy to see me. My son-in-law had an on-line meeting so he was upstairs in my office and I was downstairs with the three pups. Earlier I had decided to order pizza and invite them for supper as I knew it would be later than usual because of Steven’s meeting. I fed the pups and then ordered pizza. I cut some up some raw vegetables as you always have to have veggies. While I was waiting for Amanda to arrive and the pizza, there was a knock at the door and there was one of my friends from down the street, I opened the door a crack so the pups would not escape (especially Cookie) and explained. Savannah said that they being her and her two year old son, give bouquets of flowers randomly and when she asked who to give them to Grayson, he said “Carol.” So I ended up with a beautiful bouquet of carnations. They are so pretty and are cream with red. I was so happy. A few minutes later the pizza and Amanda arrived at the same time. Minutes later we were all sitting down and enjoying pizza.
The kids did not stay long after supper as they have about a one hour drive home. After they left, I cleaned up and then sat down to enjoy some television shows that I recorded. Cookie laid on the sofa beside me and stayed there for a long time. I was shocked. She must have been pooped out.
Time to head downstairs and get things ready for today. I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday. We go out onto one of our sites each Wednesday morning. Record any outside maintenance issues and pick up garbage and then back to the office. Fresh air on the upside.
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) & Miss Cookie
Good Morning. Well I had a pretty good Monday for a change and that makes me happy. Perhaps it may have something to do with the fact that I am working on being positive and seeing the upside in every situation, no matter what. One moment, one breath, at a time. It worked.
This morning my daughter will be dropping off my son-in-law at his friends house and they will go together to the “strike line” (hopefully they settle their contract soon) and then bringing the pups here. They will stay with Cookie. It has been a couple of years or so since they have been together and I won’t be here with them. Aspen is a gentle soul and I am not concerned about her interaction with the Cookie Monster but Milo. At least they are similar in size so they will work it out. Should the need arise. Steven will come here once he puts in his four hours. Amanda will pick them up after work.
One quick story before I sign off. So yesterday at my lunch break I walked over to the nearby shopping mall and picked up the winning lottery tickets for our office lottery pool and then stopped by the pet store. My intention was to look for a harness that would fit Cookie a bit better. I spoke to the person on staff and bought one knowing that if it did not fit, I would be able to return it. No need to keep something that does not work, should that be the case.
I was so happy after work as it was about 14+ degrees celsius and neither me or Cookie required a sweater. On with the new harness which fit perfectly and we were on our way. Perhaps I should quickly digress. Earlier in the day my son-in-law had stopped by as my daughter had the day off and he had to come to do the “picket line.” He decided to take her for a walk to see if she would be less anxious. Steven had brought a couple of smaller harness from his home for her to try. They were ready and out the door. She raced to her house, he did not realize where they were going. I should have told him but did not think that he would take her for a walk. Anyway after she went home, she pulled a Houdini and walked out of the harness. Gratefully he grabbed her right away and got her back home. With this in mind, we left the house in her new raspberry pink harness. She walked right to her house and up onto the porch, she clearly misses her family. I coaxed her down and off we went down the sidewalk. Several houses away, she pulled a Houdini and walked out of the new harness which by the way seemed to fit her. OMG. She raced straight down the sidewalk with me in pursuit. I am not a runner but I managed to catch up to her and scooped her into my arms. I am afraid to relay this story to her family. They may not think that I am a very good friend. I had told them that her harness was tight and I know why. Has to be extra tight to keep her in it. Lesson learned. Once home, I changed harnesses and we left again for a walk. This time going the opposite way and she just plunked herself down on the sidewalk and that was that. So back home. Honestly she gets lots of exercise racing all over and fresh air well we spent a bit of time in the backyard. What a Cookie Monster!
Today at noon, I will return the raspberry pink harness to the pet store. LOL.
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) and Miss Cookie.
Good Morning! There be a “pup” in the house. Cookie has arrived. She came after my shopping trip last night. This will likely be a short post. She is all over the place and I must keep an eye on her. She is sniffing and checking things out. I think she still misses Alvin.
Poor Cookie spent most of last night jumping off and onto the bed crying. I know that she misses her family. Without Alvin here to keep her mind off of them. She will be okay tonight.
The shopping trip was a success. I found a dress, a sweater and a night shirt and a purse. Not just a regular purse but a “fanny pack” kind of deal. Apparently the new deal is to wear them across your body not around your waist. I am good with that. I got everything on great sales. So am very happy. Did not spend a ton of money.
On the weekend, I will take more time and write longer stories. There will be more for sure. Cookie….
Have an awesome day. Sure hope today is more warm than yesterday. We froze out on site. I was chilled to the bone for the rest of the day.
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) and Miss Cookie
Good Morning. How are you this morning? Today is Friday, just a few more hours and it is the weekend. I am happy about that fact. Tonight at 6:00, the repairman is coming to run a diagnostic on my stove. Fingers crossed that it is a quick and inexpensive fix. I just want my oven back. Seems like it has been forever since I baked something in the oven, well almost, I guess at 3 weeks.
Did you sleep well? I am reading a book that is about a serial killer and I am not sure that it is a good fit for me. Most of the story thus far is about one of the victims who was found alive. I might swap it out for something a little less dramatic. I get enough drama at my place of employment. Not continual drama, not like every second or anything but enough that it drains me to the core. New book either a light hearted something or other or a spy one with some drama. I am finding that it is difficult to be positive and upbeat. Have to try harder. I do not wish to slip over to the dark side. All my life I have tried to find the silver lining in everything and now this job, has slowly eaten away at that! I am a stubborn woman and I will conquer this! I like my actual job. Okay, enough about that.
At lunch break yesterday I went for a 20 minute walk and then after work for another 30 minute walk. I was almost home when I heard what sounded like my name being called. I turned around to see one of my neighbours on her porch, asking me if I had a minute. I have known J for many years. Her dog Jasmin passed away one year ago this month, I believe. She needed to talk to someone as someone hit her 2000 Camaro in the parking lot at the nearby mall the day before. Thankfully she got the person’s insurance and should be able to have it fixed. She has always kept that car in immaculate condition. I felt for her. At the time she relayed the story, I did not remember that it was last April that her beloved pup had passed. Only now as I am telling the story. I know it is so hard to lose your little buddy, I miss and think about Alvin every single day. He will always be with me.
We all are going through things and it is easy to only think about yourself. So that was a good reminder to me. My life is pretty sweet for the most part. I am in good health, I live in a beautiful home surrounded by awesome and wonderful neighbours and friends, I was able to rescue and have with me for just over 13 years – my Alvin, I have the best family, I am employed and can pay my bills in full and on time, I have good food to eat and so much more. So all in all, a pretty great life. Just need to remind myself of this, sometimes we all need to take stock of all the good things in our lives!
Time to head downstairs and get that coffee perking. Have breakfast and then chill before heading out to work. Have an awesome day. Thank you so much for reading my posts about my life. I can tell you the sky looks so pretty this morning from my office window. There are streaks of blue and pink lining the horizon. A good day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! The sun is rising and it is Saturday. I am so happy that it is the weekend and that we survived another week. I think that for most of us that is a huge deal. I am grateful for the weekend and that I am able to be at home, in my safe and happy place. Surrounded by the warmth of souls that have come and gone and by memories. Oh, the memories do truly help keep you warm at night and give you the energy to get going in the morning. Happy Saturday.
Last night our friends Iris and pups Teddy and Kobi came for a visit. At first the pups just ran up the steps and into the house with every bit of energy in them and back and forth once inside from back door to front door. Then they stopped and started to sniff about and we both knew they were wondering where their old friend Alvin had gone. Teddy and Alvin have been best friends for many years. They used to have sleepovers and Teddy was here for special occasions and just for visits with no reason other than to see his buddy. Iris could not even mention Alvin’s name before they got into the car because he would get so excited. Iris is energy sensitive and reminded me that she could feel Alvin all around and where else would he be but in his house with me. She always makes me feel good and she gave me wonderful comforting words of encouragement and support and love. They are family to us. In between the tears we even managed to have some laughter. Where are the tears without laughter. Both are so important to us all. I love watching Teddy and Kobi as they ran about. They went outside at one point shortly after arriving and were sniffing around as I am sure they could smell their friend. Kobi loves to watch the neighbourhood out of our front window and she stood on her hind legs and took in our world. Teddy played with a toy of Alvin’s. Joy returned to my house for a few minutes. I am so grateful that they were in the city and stopped by. Iris and the pups had walked over as she did not have her car in the city only her husband’s truck. I decided that it would be nice to walk them home. So we chatted and walked. I ended up staying at their house chatting until almost 10:00 p.m. and then quickly walked home. Home safe and sound. Our neighbourhood is good but you never know. Even coyotes could be out. We looked at pictures from their farm. They have two new cats and I saw videos of the pups and the new cats. The new cats were used to dogs so it was cute to see them interacting. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I cannot wait until the next time. Thank you Iris, Teddy and Kobi for the visit. We missed you guys.
Today is laundry day and some cleaning. Then back to moving photos from the old computer to the hard drive. Too bad there was not a more efficient, more faster way of doing this but alas there appears not to be. Just a footnote to everyone out there – make sure that you store your photos and edit them. Through out the bad shots, the duplicates etc. Always.
Amanda is stopping by in the early afternoon after a dental appointment and before she goes to spend some time with her bestie. Both my “kids” were/are so blessed to have good people in their lives. Alvin had a village, he had our neighbourhood. Iris reminded me that it was Alvin who brought us all together. It truly was. He was the best guy ever and my longest male relationship. I am forever grateful for the relationships that he helped me make and keep for well over a decade. Oh, how I miss him. I am excited to see my girl. Always good to see her. She is the best.
Have an awesome Saturday. Take some time to be with family and friends and for yourself. Remember better to live in the moment today than to get hung up on the future or the days ahead. For there is only today as we are not promised tomorrow. Enjoy this day!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! How are you this morning? I had a fair sleep last night. So excited that today is Friday. Wishing a dear friend Terry, Happy Birthday on this March 17th, 2023. Also HAPPY ST. PATRICK’s DAY. Part of my ancestors is Irish, so I feel akin to this day. Did you know that St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, of course you did. Did you know that he was kidnapped and enslaved but eventually escaped. He returned to the Emerald Island where he furthered “Christianity” and it is believe that he died on March 17th. The reason why we celebrate him on this day. I just like the idea of celebrating the Irish (we should celebrate everyone). I wear green because it makes me feel alive and happy. Kelly Green is my shade of green. Happy St. Patrick’s Day for any reason, we should celebrate something everyday whether it is for being able to get out of bed in the morning or because spring is close by, Whatever you are grateful for – celebrate.
I am grateful for walks after work. Last night I ran into Allie and Bailey. Bailey saw me from a distance and literally dragged Allie to me. We had a great visit and walk together. We also bumped into Janet with Eddie and Bruno. Wonderful having friends.
I am celebrating my Alvin who remains close to my heart (forever) and always in my thoughts. I know this sounds off but I carry his urn around the house with me. If I go to bed, he comes upstairs with me and when I go back down, I take him down. So he is with me. I miss him, I will always miss him. Last night I received a text from his best friend Teddy’s Mom saying that they are in the city and would like to visit. I am happy to see them but sad. I know that seeing Teddy and his little sister Kobi would have been amazing. He will be with us in spirit and I am sure that they will feel him with us.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Green is my favourite colour and well Alvin, my beautiful Angel).
Have a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
My New Life @ 51 