Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! We have been up and at it since 7:30 (actually started at 4:00 a.m.). Alvin and I left the house for a walk ten minutes after we were up. I had to change first, lol. Somehow I don’t think my pj’s would have gone over well. We saw lots of other folks and pups out for a cool stroll before the heat sets in for the day. Once back home, I put on the coffee and then prepared to give Mr. Alvin another hair cut. That is always so much fun, not! I managed to get some of the thick fur off of his front paws. He does not like them to be touched so that is always a struggle. Following the haircut, he had a bath. I didn’t dry him as much as I would in the winter time so that he will stay cool for a bit. He just gave me that look, he is not happy with me. After 12 haircuts per year over 13 plus years, one would think that he would be okay but nope, he is not. He is getting worse as the years go by. I am happy that it is done. It has not been a month since the last haircut but I thought that perhaps I could trim his paws as they are always so thick. Once this post is done, I will pop the towels into the washer. Followed by a well-deserved mug of coffee and breakfast.

My brother and his partner are stopping by on Friday on their way to Winnipeg. Edmonton is not really on the way but they wanted to come and see me and I of course, would never say no. They will also stop by in Regina to see our sister. My daughter is working on Friday so she will stop by on her way home from work to say hello. The guys love baking, mine so they say so I am going to make some unbaked chocolate macaroons before noon. At least the kitchen will not heat up as I do not have to turn on the oven. I have all of the blinds closed and the windows so that is helping to keep the temperature down.

Yesterday our friend Pauline stopped by with a large pail of dirt. Later I cleaned out the front flower bed leaving only a couple of plants as they really did not do well this year. I think that I will plant some small bushes or plants that are meant for total shade. Perhaps they would do better. Flowers are hit and miss. I spread the dirt out over the bed and cleaned out all the bits of wood (not sure where they came from) and plants/weeds. The bed looks ready for fall.

In between things I went for groceries as I did not have the items to make the macaroons. Now I do.

Well time for that cup of coffee. I tried again this morning to download the photos of me with the fish from last Friday’s boating/fishing trip but they just will not upload to my computer. I have no idea why. I have tried three times already. Perhaps my daughter can figure it out. Maybe if I send them to her and when she is here – could try and move them from her phone to the computer. I know that I need a new computer. Hoping for a large LOTTO win. Would make things easier.

I hope that you are doing great. Today is my last day of vacation and then back to it.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning it is! Alvin and I left the house at 8:10 this morning and arrived back home at 9:30. We saw our friend Lucy out working in her garden. She is a neighbour of our friends Pauline and Al. Lucy has such a beautiful garden. She keeps it immaculate, there is not one weed in her lawn. I wished that I could say the same. Her roses are still blooming although they have slowed down. Her tomato plants are huge and are bearing lots of that delicious red fruit. We had such a lovely chat, I always love stopping when she is out in the yard and catching up. Alvin say patiently while we chatted. We must have been talking for over 30 minutes when he decided it was time to go. So we said our goodbyes and were on our way. We walked to Pauline’s before turning around to head for home. Pauline’s garden as I have mentioned on several occasions is my “happy place” and it was nice that when Lucy and I were speaking about gardens she mentioned about how beautiful Pauline’s garden is and that it makes her feel so relaxed and healthy when she is standing there. I told her that I felt the same and that always refer to it as my “happy place” and we had a giggle. Well today is my second last day of vacation so despite the temperature today, I have to get busy and get some things done. According to the forecast it is not going to be as hot. Lucky for us and for all our furry friends everywhere.

Birthday at the lake

Leftovers from Birthday supper

Backyard at lake

Looking for stars

Pretty plant

Alvin

Aspen

Milo

Milo & Aspen

Campfire

Fire pit out front

Pauline

Caught a fish

Al

Well it is taking forever to upload photos from computer to this post. I noticed that it does not appear that any of the photos from my photo uploaded/downloaded with me catching the fish. Honestly I did catch four.

Pelican

Bedspread – Bday gift

Birthday Flowers

Okay, I have been working on this post for over two hours now. Some photos from my birthday week. How can you tell I love flowers?

Back to getting some work done.

I need another cup of coffee. I am going to work up the front flower bed. There needs to be another plan for what to plant next year or buy some shrubs for the bed.

Have an awesome rest of the day.

I had the best birthday. 65 is off to a great start.

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

PS: Some new neighbours that moved to Canada from Germany lost their cat. It escaped through the A/C in the window. Prayers that they find it soon.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? I am well but a bit on the sleep deprived side. Alvin woke up about midnight, jumped off the bed and stopped on the “white” area rug that I have surrounding the end of the bed to help soften his landing and started to wretch. I immediately without hesitation jumped up and quickly moved him to the floor without the rug. He threw up something. He was in the in between place where there is nothing more to come up but still feeling like something needs to come up. In the midst of it all I ran into my bathroom and grabbed some kleenex to clean up. Once he was done, I quickly gave a good clean of the area before grabbing my phone, and water to go downstairs. Alvin stood at the top of the stairs and I knew that he was too weak to climb down on his own. I deposited my items downstairs and ran back up to carry him down. Downstairs I grabbed a light jacket from the hall closet and while putting it on, gently guided Mr. Alvin to the back door. At the back door, I put on my outside shoes and we went out into the night. It was just after midnight by this time and he just walked over onto the deck and stood there sniffing the night air. I walked over to see if he would go down onto the grass area and all he did was run away from me. Not really thinking that he wanted to play but I think that he wasn’t quite himself. Anyway several minutes later back into the house, no pee. It was so quiet outside at that time of night, no noise from the highway a few miles away, just us out on the deck. Back in the house, I decided that we would lay down on the sofa instead of going back upstairs. Both of us did not settle down easily and before you knew it …. we were up at 4:15 ….. gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside where he did pee. I reset the alarm, then up, I do not remember exactly and gave the boy his breakfast which he gobbled down as per usual. He went outside and then we were back to the sofa for a few minutes more sleep. We did not get out for a walk. At 7:00 a.m., we were up to stay up. At least I was for the moment. Alvin stayed on the sofa while I ran upstairs to hop into the shower. When I was finished in the shower – I peeked around the corner to see him lying on the bed. He seems to be fine. His eyes appear to be clear. At this moment he got up from his position on the carpet outside the office and just stared at me and now he is laying on his tummy licking his paws. Well almost time to go to work. The clock is ticking away closer to start time. I really am going to need to cup or three of coffee this morning.

One thing to note ….. last night as I was eating supper (late afternoon) …. there was a knock at the door and a neighbour from two doors down was there to ask if I would like some more plants. She had bought some and then a friend of hers gave her more. So she had more than she had room for and so I graciously accepted. I thought of the neighbour in between us which is the one in the other half of my duplex. Last night quite unexpectedly I was sharing plants and planting more flowers in my front flower bed and in the back one and in one pot to boot. I also gave my neighbour a hand pulling weeds and preparing her flower bed to plant the flowers. There was plenty to fill her flower bed and to add more to mine. So grateful. Very kind. I thought it would be nice to give thanks by giving her a hand written “thank you” note and also a bag of my favourite fruit tea. So that is exactly what I did. Also good to give thanks.

Okay definitely have to go here. Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Thursday morning, May 6th, 2021? We are well. We enjoyed a couple of walks yesterday and on the second one we were able to have an outside visit with our friend. She was working in her garden and invited us in for a patio visit. I love sitting on her patio in her backyard. I cannot wait until her flowers are all out and blooming. She starts most of her plants and flowers inside the house and then in spring plants them in pots on her patio and some in her flower beds which surround the lawn area. She has one of the most beautiful garden ever. It is our sanctuary away from home, I always feel relaxed and calm in her yard.

As I am plum out of stories and things to say on this morning. I am going to post some photos of mine from previous years. Bad me, I still have not downloaded the photos that I have been taking recently. I will be proud to show you my handiwork on the front flower bed and cannot wait to fill it full of plants and flowers. It is now a blank canvas so I had better get planning it before it is too late. Soon it shall be time to pick up some plants/flowers and get them planted. I cannot wait. My favourite thing is picking out some plants/flowers, then planting and caring for them and watching them grow and flower.

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  My Flowers

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  A gift

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  Impatiens

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  My pansies

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  Perfection

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Wishing you joy and laughter on this Thursday. Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Love flowers ………

P.S. cannot wait to get the fence painted. Looking a bit worn, lol.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? I hope that you are well and doing the things that you love. Alvin and I had a good night. I will admit that some Sunday nights I find it hard to turn off the “thoughts” and fall asleep. This was one of those night. We had a good day yesterday. Full of surprises. Early in the morning as it was raining I ran outside to move the downspout (I have a flexible one) as I had remembered that it was turned facing the area in between ours houses. When I went out to move it – I noticed to my surprise that the end stone retaining wall around the flower bed at the front of the house was falling over. It was close to coming down. I made a mental note and would come out and properly assess the situation once the rain was over and it was light outside. I finished some chores in the house and later in the morning, I collected some tools like a shovel, mini raking tool and a large pail and my heavy duty gardening gloves donned my spring jacket and my shoes and headed outside. Oh and I also opened the front window and pulled up the blinds so that Alvin could see and hear me. Out to work I went. I quickly realized the job ahead. I had forgotten about the heavy stones under the top couple of layers of flat rocks that were about two inches by 10 inches. Luckily I was strong enough to remove most of the wall. I had gone to ask the advice of my neighbour and her friend who agreed that the stones come down and have to move the dirt away from the styrofoam covered with black cloth to move it back into position. So digging I started after removing all but the bottom row of stones which is also semi buried in stones that cover the area in between our homes. These stones would be much hard to remove as I would have to move the stones first. ARGH. Also after doing some digging I realized that some of my plants would have to be removed and some had deep thick roots. At point I figured that it would be easier to dig being up in the flower bed so up I went. I dug out all the plants thinking maybe this is the perfect opportunity to start over again. Last year the plants were beginning to look bedraggled. After I dug them up I continued to dig up the dirt by the end of the wall and after two hours, I was done. I took the pail of plants and a garbage bag that I had semi filled and put them in the backyard. Then I grabbed two more garbage bags and divided them accordingly so that it would not be so heavy and placed the bags into the garage. Put away the tools (actually left the shovel by the front door hidden behind the bench, partial out of sight. So I think it will likely take me a couple of days after work to finish this project. I see some physical work ahead. Good exercise. I definitely used some muscles that I do not often use.

After I had finished cleaning things up, I went into the house to have a small snack and a bit of coffee. Alvin had some treats, too. I sat down on the sofa and felt so sleepy that I decided to have a nap. Two hours give or take I woke up and it was almost four o’clock. Yikes. Felt so much better. I worked on a few things around the house before giving Alvin his supper and once he was done – we headed out for a walk. I was happy that when we got to Pauline and Al’s house, I found Al and his grandpup Georgie outside on the patio along with his grandson. Then when she heard my voice, Pauline appeared followed by her daughter. So we had a good chat from the fence. I filled her in on receiving my first vaccine and the story along with my “flower bed wall” situation. We decided to get together sometime this week after work and go for a walk.

After our chat, we continued on our way. I cannot believe how much new grass has sprouted and how many buds there are on the trees. Still waiting for my tree to bud.

Well it is getting late and I have to turn on the coffee and get to work. Alvin needs to go outside.

I hope that you have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, with Love Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sun is up.

The sky is blue.

I can hear the whir of traffic in the distance.

Alvin is sleeping on a blanket near me.

I feel refreshed after a nice shower.

Life is good on this Monday morning.

 

I think that it is safe to say that I love taking photos of Humphrey and the flowers and my backyard.

I do love to take photos of Mr. Alvin and Master Teddy.

Humphrey just seems to be so photogenic.

Always in the right place at the right time.

I am in awe of the purple flowers in the first photo.

Last year the plants were sparse and I think there may have been one flower all summer long.

This year, the plants seem to have spread and are so alive with beautiful pale purple flowers.

Flowers bring out the joy in me.

As to the fur-babies.

If you surround yourself with things that you love.

Life is good.

I filled six pots with flowers this year.

Two at the front and four at the back.

For the grand total of $25.18.

There has only been one spring/summer that I spent less.

Other years I have spent significantly more and although there were only double the amount of pots; this year feels like I have as many.

The plants in the back flower bed are doing crazy good.

The reddish purple shrub on the left side of the bed – is taller, fuller and brighter this year.

Perhaps it has been all of the rain as of late.

 

 

Speaking of Mr. Humphrey; I have to go as I have to run to his house and check on him before I leave for work.

Time flies when you are having fun.

Yesterday it was me, Alvin and Humphrey.

The boys relaxed in the house and also spent time outside.

They were my morale support as I cleaned my Humphrey’s Mom’s grass trimmer.

Well time now to go.

 

Happy Monday.

Take care, be kind and stay cool.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of May, 2018.

The sun is shining very brightly this morning and the sky is the palest of blues.

There appears to be no breeze as the trees are standing still south of my office window.

I am so grateful to have five days in a row off from work.

Five days at home with Mr. Alvin.

This morning he has his regular Doctor appointment to trim his nails and stuff.

Later this morning my daughter and I are going flower shopping.

We will go to the same greenhouse/nursery that we have in prior years.

It is only a short drive from my house.

Family operated business and it is always good to support local.

They have a great selection of flowers, plants, and anything you may wish to have for your garden and yard.

So excited to have flowers ….

My perennials are coming up nicely in the front flower bed …. the ferns are in first place according to height.

The back flower bed is a bit behind the front but it is tucked in the corner so it takes longer for the plants to come back.

So much to do on this extra long weekend.

But for now …. time for breakfast …..

Keeping this short today …

Excited for tomorrow …. the Royal Wedding and we will be up extra early …. well not really as Mr. Alvin has us up usually before 4:00 a.m. ….

But early for a Saturday.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of October, 2017.

October ….. 30 days after today until Halloween.

31 days till I start decorating for Christmas.

My favourite time of year.

Both of my favourite times for decorating although Christmas wins out.

I do love them both.

 

So yesterday I said that I was going to remove the rocks from my back garden.

After lifting many rocks and placing them in every empty container I could locate.

I decided to use some them along with the areas that would have flowers.

It was definitely some of the hardest physical work that I have done in a long while ……..

The photos do not do it justice as this was just after I watered the plants and of course the rock got wet and it just does not look the same.

Some of the plants are IRISES and the others I do not remember the names.

This bed was completely covered in stone and the shrubs/plants that I had in here before where surrounded by them.

Pulling out the landscaping cloth was not easy but so happy I was able to do it.

Also because Mr. Alvin has started to bury his chew treat in this flower bed, I upon the advice of my daughter placed up the little metal dividers.

You can barely see them but it should keep him out.

I had some plants temporarily in there and with him jumping up …. well not good.

I also threw in a photo of my ready for winter front flower bed.

There is no real design involved in the garden …… just what worked.

Our front tree all yellow and gorgeous.

Decided to wait and rake the leaves all at once instead of five times.

Oh, the fall wreath on our door.

I made this …. should have been a close-up but it has lasted pretty well since it was seven years ago since I made it.

I put away the last items that I could move myself.

Left are the two tables, the bottom thing that holds the umbrella in place and the two chairs for my bistro table.

Deciding if I should just put them all in the garage or not.

Doesn’t leave much room for a car …..

That was my Saturday except for laundry.

Poor Alvin was outside with me the whole time …..

It took about five hours or so ……

Coffee with my girl friends this morning.

One has her Mom visiting from Newfoundland and we are celebrating her birthday.

Should be fun.

The sky is overcast and rain is on the way.

Only hoping it is ONLY rain.

Perhaps I shall take Mr. Alvin for a walk sooner than later.

Happy Sunday Everyone ……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks preparing their gardens for winter.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. feeling a bit sore this morning most especially when I bend ….. oooo

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 26th day of September, 2017.

Today is the Birthday of my Son-In-Law “S” ….. Happy Birthday Buddy.

He keeps us all on our toes, constantly challenging us to be better.

He has a good heart and is very intelligent.

A great combination.

Happy Birthday Buddy ….. Alvin and I wish you a great day.

 

Well back to work today.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day off yesterday.

Ended up cleaning and putting away most of the deck furniture and flowers pots.

Only a couple of things remain.

On our walk in the later afternoon we saw, actually Alvin saw our friend “P” working in your yard.

He can spot her a mile away.

What a guy.

We had a visit and she gave me  some plants.

So upon our return home ….. I again rearranged my back flower bed.

I think that I now have a plan.

Or at least for now.

 

Our weather is incredibly nice.

Bright sunshine …. blue skies ….. warm temperatures.

Of course not near the temps as in eastern Canada.

In parts of Ontario and Quebec the temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees celsius which is way too hot for this time of year.

Breaking all sorts of records.

I like our temperatures …. low 20’s.

Perfection.

 

Well time to put the finishing touches on before leaving for work.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: the Birthday Boy …… Love Mom & Alvin

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of August, 2016.

We actually went for an extra long walk around what we lovingly refer to “The Big Lake.”

It was funny about half way around Mr. Alvin turned to go back (I guess he figured that was enough).

But I coaxed him onward between gentle words and some water we carried on.

I always carry a puppy water bottle with us on our walks in the summertime.

Even on a cooler day such as today animals get thirsty.

I mean the health professionals are always saying that when you are out for a walk we humans are to take water with us.

Personally I think the poor puppies need it more than we do ….. after all they are sporting fur coats when we have shorts and tank tops on as as example.

Honestly other than my daughter and her husband I have yet in the six years since I adopted Alvin have ever seen one person walking with their dog(s) that was carrying some kind of water bottle for them.

No one does.

I am slightly no I am in total disbelief of this action.

I know that most of the folks I have seen love their animals as they are out walking with them, they are well groomed for the most part …. so why no water.

It truly has been bugging me for a long time.

I even told my daughter I would like to buy a bunch of pet water bottles and hand them out to people when me and Alvin are out for our walks.

Also one time earlier in the summer on a warm day …. it was after work and we were out for a walk.

A man was walking with his dog …. a collie I believe …… long long hair and the dog was panting to beat the band.

We had said hello.

I was giving Alvin a drink and he asked about his water bottle.

I explained to him that when dogs pant they are not only trying to cool down but they are stressed.

They get stressed when they get hot.

I immediately offered some water to the dog but he said they were on their way home.

He asked where you buy the water bottles and I told him.

I sure hope that he did pick up a bottle.

He had talked about going for two walks every day so I know that he cared about the dog.

Just amazes me that no one thinks to carry water with them for the dogs.

Anyway …..

GREAT NEWS.

Sir Elton, my daughter and son-in-law’s boy and my grand-puppy had a check up / follow up appointment with his Doctor yesterday.

My daughter said the appointment went great.

She said that the Doctor was almost giddy with joy over Elton’s amazing recovery.

As are we.

He is a stubborn, old guy that just will not give up.

We are so grateful for that …..

My kids are great parents to Elton and I know their love and support through these past few months have truly made a difference.

More news:

Yesterday I received a necklace that I earned through Steeped Tea.

It is a blue/turquoise glitter ball made for Steeped Tea by Hillberg & Berk, a Saskatchewan Jewellery Company out of Regina.

The necklace is absolutely gorgeous.

Also the new Fall/Winter Steeped Tea Catalogues along with my second last tea order arrived yesterday.

It was an awesome day for good news.

Ending the day Alvin and I walked by our park and met up with our friends and their puppies.

We had a fun walk.

Today let me see:

Agenda ….. clean bathroom fans ….. one thing about having three bathrooms …. there are three fans.

I will also take apart some catalogues and place the individual pages in page protectors and folders for my customers.

I am also putting together a couple of packages to mail over the next couple of days …. I do need the big envelopes, though.

I also am going to continue to pull weeds from back and sides of the garage.

Some of the neighbours have just let the back go and therefore makes it harder for the rest of us to be weed free.

Always cleaning to do.

Also I am going to dig up an area out front by the front sidewalk to the street and make a new flower bed.

It is a big job so likely won’t start it until Friday or Saturday.

Well time to get going here.

Coffee time.

I hope that you all are doing well.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ……. gathering your package contents up to mail tomorrow or Friday.

Always, Carol & Alvin