2021

Good Morning All! How are you doing this Friday morning? We are well. Third day in a row that we were up and stayed up at 6:30 a.m. – no turning on the snooze button.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS

Up we are,

Listening to the hum,

of cars in the distance.

As I write these words.

Looking around,

this room,

I see hints of my life,

Photos, cards, books, plants, art and stuff.

All things that one would collect over time.

Alvin moans, then whines,

afraid to cross the floor.

Words of encouragement to help him,

cross to the hallway.

Silly boy …. but that’s okay.

Life has always been interesting,

full of surprises and not,

Mostly just the regular everyday.

Living each day as best that I can,

What else is my lot?

I fill my days with work,

happy to be employed,

working from home these days,

So happy about that.

Writing each day makes me happy.

Perhaps one day I will get my ducks,

in a row,

maybe they will fly and soar,

I will get to those heights.

As I put together my words, the writings into a book.

That is my dream.

What is yours?

Does everyone dream of something better?

Of a passion?

Of a different life?

I guess so, we are human,

of that I am certain.

Well as the minutes pass away,

it comes closer to the time,

to start work for the last day this week.

Then my work at home begins,

you know laundry and cleaning.

In between we shall enjoy our walks,

me and Alvin,

our time together.

We do not know how long it will be,

so enjoying each moment, each minute,

each day is important.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Do something that you love?

Something that you love with your whole heart?

Take that chance,

take it now.

We will continue to live each day,

with kindness, respect, compassion

and of course patience,

always working on patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Written this day Friday, March 19, 2021

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Another beautiful double digit day on the way.

Yesterday was gorgeous at  +15 degrees celsius.

Bright sunshine – just perfect.

 

After work once Alvin was done outside and with supper; we went for a walk.

I took my equipment with me and by that I mean a large black garbage bag and disposable gloves.

A couple of days ago or three now there was a bag of garbage strewn over a small area just inside our park; close to the trees by the water.

For two days we walked by and it was there each time.

This time I was not going to be one of the ones to go by and either think “who would do that” or just totally ignore the trash.

Not me, cannot do that.

It meant taking and using a big garbage bag and a pair of disposable gloves but my neighbourhood is important to me.

Not only did we clean that up but I filled to the brim two of Alvin’s poopy bags with small trash.

I will never understand how people can walk by and not pick it up.

Anyway, happy to report that once again the park is clean.

I noticed a few pieces of trash alongside the sidewalk closer to my house but I had run out of bags by the time I got home.

Does that not figure?

Anyway another job for this evening’s walk.

I am going to start carrying a plastic grocery bag (if I have any as I use recycled bags).

Life in the fast lane.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk.

I was so proud of my little rockstar as he stayed out of the garbage as I was picking it up.

You see I was holding him on his leash with one hand and picking up and holding the garbage bag with the other.

I managed.

After I raked all of the leaves on the weekend and cleaned the inbetween part with the stones; everyone else’s leaves had blown all over the yard.

So last night for the third time the front lawn was raked.

Humphrey was over (had picked him up after our walk) and the boys watched me through the living room window.

I also submitted some NORWEX orders.

It was a busy night but felt good to get some chores done.

The one thing that I didn’t do was the exercises …

I have been doing some stretching exercises for the past couple of days.

Makes a difference.

Will be doing them tonight.

 

Oh, we met Rosie’s Dad last night.

In the early morning I met Rosie and her Mom while waiting for my ride to arrive.

I must say that Rosie is a lucky pup.

They both think the world of her, too.

Another successful RESCUE story.

I hope to hear many more.

 

Oh, our Humphrey boy.

He is just so cute.

Well time to fly here.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

 

 

Remember to fill your life with kindness and respect.

One small act of kindness can change someone’s life.

I guarantee it will change yours as well.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 7th day of May, 2017.

Well looks like today may not be quite as beautiful as yesterday …. cloudy this morning but the sun is peeking through in spots.

Yesterday was amazing.  Nice and warm.

I do not know what the temperature was but Alvin and I enjoyed hours outside.

I washed/hosed down the front, side and back of the house – as far as the hose would reach.

I washed/hosed down the deck – carefully getting into all the little spaces.

I brought out the patio furniture and washed it down before bringing out the cushions and putting it all in order.

Now just need some pretty flowers.

Also cleaned out the garage.

Started by folding up all the Steeped Tea cardboard boxes.

I had a lot of them.

Reorganize, rearranged, and then swept the floor.

Looks like a new place.

Lots of garbage for Tuesday morning.

In between did several loads of laundry and vacuumed.

Felt like I accomplished a lot.

After supper we went for a walk and not far away from home bumped into one of my guy neighbours with his dog “Jersey.”

Jersey is part bull-dog and I do not remember the rest but she is so cute and Alvin likes her.

They were on their way to the park.

He had a remote control truck with him ….. said that Jersey liked to chase after it at the park.

They usually go to the little area in between the lakes that is closed off except for the opening.

So quite enclosed.

He asked if we would like to go with him, so we did.

Ended up some kids were playing soccer in the little area so we stayed to the side which was away from the streets on both ends.

So cute watching Jersey chase after the truck.

You could tell she loved to catch the truck.

After a few minutes the battery died on the truck.

“J” said that he does not leave it fully charged as Jersey can not catch it.

He asked if we wanted to do the loop around the lake and “we” said yes.

I though that it was dry but apparently not as my shoes were soaked by the time we reached the sidewalk on the other side.

Oh, well.

Thank goodness I did not have my good ones on.

We bumped into friends along the way.

Such a great walk.

Nice to have conversation with a guy …..

Different perspective and all.

Great to have good neighbours.

After I got home I decided to bake some cookies.

Then we watched “Deepwater Horizon” ….. got to rent it for only $1.00.

Based on a true story from 2010.

Perfect ending to a great day.

Did I tell you that it rained all night?

Or for several hours anyway.

The grass out front looks more green this morning.

Well time to get dressed …. feeling lazy.

I was going to go out and do “my community service” and clean up the trash in my neighbourhood but ….. with the rain last night, I do not wish to pick up wet stuff.

It gets too heavy for me to carry.

I know that there is lots to pick up but I would rather it was dry.

Perhaps if it warms up and the sun goes out maybe this afternoon.

But my daughter may drop by for a visit this afternoon and she trumps everything.

I love time with my girl.

Well did I say time to get dressed, yes, I did.

I hope that you all had a great and productive and relaxing weekend thus far.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of May, 2017.

The sun is rising in the east with great promise for another wonderful day weather wise.

Alvin and I are thoroughly enjoying our evening walks.

So nice out.

Last night I only wore short-sleeves, no jacket.

How about that for May 3rd !

I moved my summer clothes from the spare room closet to my closet last night.

On the weekend it will be time to go through and put away those items that will not be worn during the next few months.

So wonderful having a second closet and not having to pack things away.

I am very grateful to have the room.

 

Last night on our way home from the great walk, Mr. Alvin scooped something up and ate it before I had a chance to stop him.

I have a bad feeling it was a cigarette butt, argh.

Bad people that just throw their butts on the ground.

The spores from the filter can puncture an animals internal organs causing major damage or worse.

I try very hard to keep an eagle eye on him during our walks.

Often times he walks on his leash ahead of me ….. I feel badly that he is alone all day.

Anyway I knew he wasn’t feeling well throughout the evening.

You can just tell.

He was quiet ….. not himself.

About 8:30 or so we went upstairs to bed.

He started fussing just before 9:00 p.m. and I knew what was coming.

Of course, he was sitting on the hall carpet so I moved him carefully into the office as there is laminate floor.

Within a couple of minutes he had thrown up.

Thank goodness.

He continued to be off and I knew that there was more to come.

So a few hours later again …… then he was okay.

Needless to say we did not have a great sleep but I am grateful that he is feeling much better.

He sure is thirsty this morning ….. likely was dehydrated.

So that was our evening.

Note: to all you folks out there who have doggies, always be aware of cigarette butts ….. they are dangerous to our four-legged fur babies.

 

Well time again to go to work.

It seems like I just got home or just left …. something like that.

Glad for this nice weather.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Glad to have me Alvin back to his normal self.

Special Hello to: You, thank you for all that you do.

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 7th day of  June, 2016.

The sun is shining and it is calm this morning after an evening and overnight filled with thunder and lightning.

Despite Mother Nature’s good attempts “no rain.”

 

I had the most strange dreams during the early morning hours and after we hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

I had sold my house and moved into this old apartment.

It was huge.

When I was going through the cupboards I noticed there were foil pans, a mop bucket (they were floor to ceiling cupboards) and lots of odds and ends.

This always makes me nervous.

So much so that I cannot take things out of the cupboard.

Then I noticed that there was water under the window.

The floor was slanted so it was about a foot of water on the floor.

Just on the one side of the room.

Very strange.

So I called the maintenance guy.

He said that an old woman had been running the water in the sink when she died.

I found it strange that after all that time no one cleaned it up.

Why had I not seen this apartment before I moved in?

Anyway there was a bit more but it was strange.

I do not remember Alvin but someone had been there with me visiting and called out from another room  “oh no, there is a mouse.”

Anyway I am sure he was there somewhere …… because I do not go anywhere without him.

It is funny the things that we dream.

 

Back to reality.

Almost time to leave for work.

Gotta run.

Argh.

 

Special Hello to: all those people who have odd dreams.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of January, 2016.

Well it is a fine morning here in Edmonton.

I imagine if there birds other than crows/magpies they would be singing a merry tune.

My experience from crows/magpies they sound like they are talking in a gruff tone not really singing a merry tune.

But they are all part of our ecosystem and I respect that.

 

January seems to be zipping along.

Did you make resolutions this New Year?

I did not …..

When I was much younger I used to get on that bandwagon and come up with a list usually small but one nonetheless.

Sometimes I was successful and sometimes not.

I have found it is much better to just resolve to live your life each day to the fullest and be your best.

Whether it is how you eat, sleep or exercise.

Or whether it is how you treat yourself and others.

Just do your best.

That is all any of us can do, really.

I have found in my going on 59 years on this planet that there are just some things that happen that you have no control over.

So you assess the situation and take it from there.

It is all in how you handle yourself and each situation that makes life great or not so great.

Better to go easier on yourself ….. be the best YOU.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

I love Tuesdays ….. I love any day that I get out of bed, my feet touch the floor and I am ALIVE.

Now some of those days may turn out less than perfect but there again perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

My perfect is not your perfect.

Right.

So today I feel great, I think that I look pretty great and today is a great day.

 

Take care.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow human beings …… today is a great day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 13th day of November, 2015.

This has been the most unusual morning ever in our house.

We, I slept okay …. at least got some sleep.

The past couple of mornings I have been coaxing Alvin to stay in bed until the alarm goes off at 5:00.

So far so good.

As you know there has been an unwanted “guest” in our house.

Still not caught so heaven only knows where it is at this point.

For some reason I feel safe upstairs ….

So this morning when we went downstairs, just after turning on all of the lights on the main floor, I donned my trusty winter boots.

Bravely I opened the bathroom door and said to Alvin …. “please check for me” and he knew.

He just walked in and sniffed about and turn to me as if to say “it is okay, Momma” and ” I am hungry, already.”

He is my HERO.

So I scooped out some food from the container that is now in the bathroom because a trap is set on the floor of the pantry.

Took the bowl back to the front door where his water bowl is now located.

When he was done – I went outside with Alvin.

I just cannot be in the house without him at my side.

Once back in, with my trusty winter boots on I made my oatmeal, grabbed a glass of water with lemon and a banana and we went upstairs to the office.

Kind of feels like camping.

Our whole schedule has changed.

But maybe that is a good thing.

So I wrote in my journal upstairs before I ate because I cannot sit at the table.

Then checked Facebook … now writing my blog and lastly I will put on my face and get dressed.

I know it is crazy …. but this is my current reality.

For me, even to be in the house is a move in the right direction.

I even made a simple supper last night ….. veggie burger in the oven ….. grabbed a bun …. mustard and cheese … and veggies … done.

I hope that this change is not long term.

Just want my life back.

Well almost time to go and get ready ……

I hope that you have a great Friday.

When there is no choice there is always change.

This is my thought as of now.

Happy Friday the 13th ….. almost mid November now.

Special Hello to: all those celebrating a birthday in November …. Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of November, 2015.

Happy Belated Birthday to my nephew “T” ….. hope you had a great day.

Part II

Well yesterday did not have a happy ending.

I wished that those small creatures would just stay outdoors.

Anyway ….. I washed my winter boots and wore them on the main floor (no carpet) as they were my strength.

Alvin stayed close thank goodness.

We managed to get through most of the day …..

I cut up and cleaned the huge Halloween pumpkin.

Half of it I gave to one of my neighbours and the other half I cooked.

It was so yummy warm with some butter, salt and pepper.

Alvin had some plain ……

It was after that which was about 5:00 p.m. that I realized Alvin had not had his supper yet.

So I opened the pantry door …. grabbed his bowl and his food container and about that time … the MOUSE ran out of the pantry …. SCREAMING, I managed to place Alvin’s glass bowl on the counter and yell instructions to Alvin who by this time was in hot pursuit of this not welcome guest.

Screaming I watched it run under my fridge and I managed to get Alvin to come to me.

It did not come out.

I scooped up Alvin and ran over to the neighbours.

Gasping and sobbing I told them the story ….

“S” came back to the house with me.

Decided to put down the sticky traps not that I particular like the thought of them but I cannot live in fear.

One in the bottom of the pantry …. (removed Alvin’s food container and the two boxes with garage bags).

After that was done …..

While she was here I put back into the fridge my salad ingredients because I did not want to stand in the kitchen.

Grabbed the last muffin and two oranges and we stayed in the living room.

Twice I quickly walked Alvin to the door and outside.  I went with him.

This morning no sitting at the kitchen table to write in my gratitude journal.

No lemon water.

No oatmeal.

No banana at the table.

Instead I grabbed Alvin food container out of the bathroom (next to the pantry) and fed him.

We both went outside.

I grabbed a banana from the table and we stood near the edge of the cupboards at the living room entrance and shared the banana.

Then I took my journal, pen and our water and came upstairs.

In just a few minutes my neighbour is coming over to check the traps before I leave for work.

One is in the pantry and the other in the oven drawer (which is empty).

I feel so helpless even though I am much better than the first go around with those little beasts.

I just wished they would go elsewhere …..

Thank goodness for great friends and neighbours and Alvin who truly is my hero.

I think he knows …..

Well I better start getting prepared … downstairs …. Alvin will need to go out again.

Funny how something so small can make you so scared.

I know how people feel that have these phobias ….. not fun.

I hope that you have a great Thursday.

Hopefully the deed is done and that is that.

I will be wearing my boots regardless for a few days ….. will have to buy some indoor foot wear that has solid soles and goes up the calf.

I feel somewhat guarded … protected.

 

Special Hello: to my nephew “T” … I called you but your phone was not in use …. perhaps you stopped with the land line…..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome and to Thursday the 5th day of November, 2015.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin decided that he absolutely had to get up at 3:50 a.m. ….. yes, that is right “10 minutes to 4” in the morning …..

What on earth was the boy thinking?

I cannot imagine what was running around in his brain.

I know that at that time “The Momma was thinking ….. sleep …. I want more.”

But crazy Momma that I am, I reluctantly got out of bed …. made the bed and grabbed my “bunny hug” (hoodie, for those not born in Saskatchewan, Canada) and followed the boy downstairs.

Gave him his breakfast and then outside.

Part of the thing was his “chew treat” had been left outside …. I reminded him to bring it in but he did not.

So this is what happens ….

Note to self: if he has another one un eaten make certain it is in the house ……

He is so very funny ….. I bought this bag at his last appointment.

He takes a couple of days where he buries it in the back yard or hides it under a pillow or in plain sight in the middle of the floor.

Once that fun has been exhausted he begins the process of chewing it …. devouring it.

Depending on the size it can take a few hours.

I found that out about a week ago …..

Listened to him “chawing” away on it while I was trying to go to sleep …… two hours later he was done and I was exhausted.

Oh, my boy …..

Life is certainly not dull …

Oh, cute story …. last night just a few minutes after we had left the house on our way to the park …. we came across this man, little girl and a small dog.

We could see them in the distance and as we got closer I saw the cutest bundle of black fur ever …. present company excluded (sorry Alvin) …..

Alvin ran toward them …. the little girl asked if she could pet Alvin and I said yes, (of course).  So it turns out the puppy was 8 weeks old …. about 4 pounds (fully grown 12 pounds) …. from Cuba.

The man’s name was “J” and the little girl “A” ….. the really strange thing ….. J is my brother’s name and A is my daughter’s name.  How cool is that.

Anyway we visited for a few minutes and then were on our way.

I always have fun when we walk ….. thank you Alvin for that ….

Okay, now time to get this show on the road.

Special Hello to: all those folks who lovingly and with kindness and respect take in a four-legged animal to be their forever friend.

You rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of March, 2015.

It is a great morning here in Edmonton.

I imagine the birds are singing.

The snow is melting.

The temperatures are warming up.

Time change on Sunday.

SPRING IS ON IT’S WAY.

HURRAY ….. HURRAY …..

SPRING IS ON IT’S WAY.

ROUND THE CORNER IS SUMMER.

THANK YOU FOR THE WINTER.

 

Yesterday was a great use of a vacation day as I was able to go and see my nephew as he got settled into his new home for the next while.

The staff and Doctor are amazing.

So friendly and nice.

Sometimes you just get a sense of a place and it’s inhabitants when you walk through the door.

We did.

I know that he is in great hands and that he will recover from his brain injury.

We are so appreciative and ever so grateful for his progress thus far.

 

Back home here on “the ranch” so to speak.

I feel like Mr. Alvin has been neglected a bit with regards to our walks.

This has been not a great winter ….. lots of ice.

Coupled with me working more and more …… less and less walks.

Tonight we are going out …….

WE ARE GOING FOR A BEAUTIFUL WALK AROUND OUR LAKE ……

I miss our regular walks.

We will get them back, I promise my darling puppy.

He has retained his sense of humour.

I just wiped his eyes with his special wipes and as usual he jumps off the bed and then goes and lays on the floor in the hallway on his back and does his little “ruff” very lightly ….. his come and play with me.  So cute my boy.

Well almost time to leave for work …..

I promise Mr. Alvin someday again I will be home with you ….. more walks ….. more play-dates.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin