Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I hope that you are well. Both Alvin and I are doing great. Another day at the office. We did not get out for a walk after work. The sidewalks on our side of the street are icy and although I have ice picks on my boots, Alvin slips and slides about and I cannot take the chance that he may slip and hurt himself. So we just spent extra time outside on the deck. Not the same but at least some fresh air. We had a quiet evening. We just had supper, cleaned up and then watched some television.

I do like those evenings that are uneventful and quiet. Just snuggling on the sofa with Alvin.

Today is Thursday, November 24, 2022. One month till Christmas Eve. WOW.

Happy Thanksgiving to neighbours to the south. Thanksgiving is bigger than Christmas in the United States. Lots of people travelling over the past few days. I hope that everyone has a great day and is safe.

Someone is giving me that look, so perhaps he has to go poop. I guess this will be really short. Have yourself a wonderful Thursday. When the boss gives you that look – you have to move.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Tuesday morning? Today i work the late shift so I start at 11:00 am. We had a good sleep although to bed quite a bit later than usual.

Last night just before sunset we were out on the deck. Me watering the front and back flower beds and the flower pots on the deck with Alvin keeping an eagle eye on my every move. Once done I thought we would just sit on the love seat which happens to be the boy’s favourite spot. I gently lifted him onto the sofa and then sat next to him. He got comfortable and then started to look about. If he heard a bird his head snapped in the direction of the chirping. Me on the other hand focused on the flowers on the upper deck which are a mass of bright colours. They just seemed to blend into each other. So beautiful. No bugs to disturb our peace. We must have sat there enjoying the most perfect evening for a good hour or so. The air was cool enough for Alvin in his fur coat and I even had on a light sweater/jacket. As the sun dipped in the evening sky, I thought how very lucky am I, are we, to have this little piece of heaven to call our own.

This morning first check was on my lilies. Yes, we have lift off- they are blooming.

• 

• 

• 

  The Lilies

• 

  Thank you from Bailey & Mom

I am so grateful for all the beautiful flowers.

well time to head upstairs and have a shower.

we may even be able to enjoy time on the deck before gets too warm. Tomorrow they are coming to service the air conditioning do we will be cool with resorting to fans all over the main floor.

I am so grateful for our life. There may be a wrench thrown in once in awhile to make us remember just how blessed we truly are although I’m not sure that Alvin would agree with that assessment. Poor little guy, I did not mean that he needs to have surgery for us to be grateful. Not at all.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude for all.

Love Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? How have you been? It has been a week since my last post. I decided to take a break from writing and direct all my attention to ensuring that Mr. Alvin had everything he required to make a full recovery. His incision is healing nicely and I have an appointment set up for next Friday with his Doctor to have the stitches removed. Each day he becomes closer and closer to his old self. When I mentioned about directing all my attention to looking after Alvin …. that also included working. So my focus was Alvin and work. The house and me took a backseat to them. OH my goodness, I am referring to work as a “them.” Anyway, have to have a laugh here and there. Between the scheduling of meds, watching over Alvin as he went without the cone after the first day and working … I am feeling a little, no a lot, sleep deprived. But as we are on the last day of meds and he is feeling better, we are slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy. What a week! If you ever have a week that is pretty darn crappy …. just wait, because the next week can be totally different. I would have never thought that one week we were doing our regular thing …. waiting for the temperatures to warm so that we could go walking again and the next I was listening to the words of the Doctor as she told me the results of the ultrasound knowing that things were going to change forever. I am also grateful that I have Pet Insurance. It paid off big time. I may have gone through my savings and then some but Mr. Alvin is doing great and that is all that really matters. There were a couple of times over last week when I realized that I had given Alvin his once every 24 hour medicine ….. in 12 hours. I called the Emergency Hospital where he had his surgery. Then the very next day after feeling so guilty and stupid, I did it again. Giving him a different med in short amount of time. Again I called the hospital. Feeling incredibly bad for Alvin, worried for his life and feeling ashamed that I could not seem to keep things in order. I had even wrote out a chart with all three meds, what they were and how much and when. I kept that up until the page filled and I was at the same time keeping track of when he ate, peed and pooped. When I messed up the second time, the Hospital said to just give it to him 8 hours from that time which made it 10:00 p.m. instead of 2:00 a.m. (sounded like that was better until we had to stay up until 10:00 which is late for us). His schedule had meds at 2:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at first and then 10:00 p.m., 6:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. To be honest I did make a third error but it was minor. I gave him him one of the meds at 2:35 p.m. instead of 2:00 p.m. ( I did not call the hospital again). So this has been an interesting week or so in our household. Today is the last full day of medicines. Tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. and we are done. So tomorrow night we can go to bed at our regular time. At least when one of both of us have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, one of us do not have to use her brain. I am happy about that. Back to the dreaded plastic cone. They always send them home from the hospital wearing them and I totally get it. Cannot have them licking the incision. So I have been keeping an eagle eye on him. Only a few times has he even went to lick that area. Thank goodness. We had the talk and I said if you lick it goes back on. I kind of think that he understood. At night which is the worse, I placed a blanket on him and my hand in place to hold so that he could not reach the incision. We had no problems other than I likely did not sleep well. Yes, I know, I did not sleep well. At the end of this whole adventure, I just have to say thank you first to my daughter and son-in-law for whom we would not have made it through this time and for helping with financial support. Also to my neighbour Sonja who was there at a moment’s notice to help me. To all my friends and family …. thank you for your thoughts and words ….. WE ARE BACK. Now that being said. Alvin will be on a strict diet for the rest of his life. That sounds horrible. Kind of is in a way. Since he came home – there has been no banana, no carrots, no bit of broccoli, no blueberries, no chicken, no nothing other than food from the vet and his biscuits also same brand as his food. That is it. The first few days he did not seem to care but the last day or so, he has been asking and I feel so guilty if I eat anything that he likes. In fact, the first few days after he got home ….. I had made sure that I finished the bananas before his arrival. But now, I cannot give up everything but I also know that I have to be firm. It has been very hard when he asks nicely “putting his paw up.” I trained him to say please and now even with please he cannot have what he would like. Makes me sad and teary eyed. When I had emailed his Surgeon with a couple of questions, I mentioned that I had not given him any human food since his surgery and he said “that was good.” Does not hurt to have some extra encouragement. Right. Anyway I just wanted to say hello and fill you in a bit of our story the past week. On another note, the weather in Edmonton has been off the charts. Most of the snow has melted and the sun has been so warm. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Alvin was a “sun dog” laying on a mat on the deck by the back door. He just laid there enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine. We both are missing our walks big time and it will be another week before we can resume them. But something to look forward to. Something else to look forward to is our Amanda’s birthday this coming Friday.

Well time to head down and get on with the laundry. I did a few loads last night and have already started one this morning. I really need a coffee this morning. Of course we went to bed after 10:00 p.m. and then he was up at 4:00 which was not bad and then at 5:00 and then at 6:00 and 7:00 and then I could not fight it any longer …. we were up to stay. So if my thoughts and words are a bit mumbled and jumbled that would be why.

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

We continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience and GRATITUDE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Saturday December 12th, 2020 which is only “12 sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day?” Are you busy baking? Busy wrapping gifts? Shopping? Cleaning? Cooking? Crying? Having a sadness episode? Watching a lot of Christmas movies? Playing board games with your family? Giving your pup a bath? Watching this glorious sunrise? All of or none of the above. For whichever you are doing know that you are not alone. We are all having an unique experience this year, this holiday season, this Christmas 2020. That’s okay. Whatever we do, wherever we are, we will get through this together. There is not one person on the planet (unless they are away from technology) that is not or has not been affected by the PANDEMIC. So you are not alone. It is how we deal with emotionally, respond to physically, press forward with that will bring us more together than ever before in human history. I truly believe this. I see much more kindness and compassion happening this year. That is so great for us all. Take a deep breath and if you feel like releasing a tear or two that is okay. This year has been so overwhelming for most of the people on the planet. Even Mr. Alvin has been wondering “what the hay is going on?” We can do this. We can.

Okay, so last night I had my eye appointment. I have always had the same Eye Doctor but this year I got a wonderfully funny cute (can I say that, well I just did) male Doctor. I always enjoy my visits to the Eye Doctor but this younger man (well considerably younger than me, anyway) was a breath of fresh air. He had such an amazing sense of humour and definitely is in the right profession. Apparently my vision has improved. Wow, is that crazy or what. I have super healthy eyes when he reviewed the photos some other staff had taken earlier. The whole experience starting at the door. You walk in through the outside door into a little area where there was a table with hand sanitizer set up. The door at that side of entranceway was locked as per the sign and as I entered the door was opened by the receptionist who asked me (hard to tell with the mask on at first) so I responded with I am Carol Lewis and I have an appointment at 4:40 p.m. Why not give the information and save some time. I took off my mitts, placed them in my coat pockets and sanitized up my hands and followed her into the office. She went around the counter and asked me a few questions and then asked me to have a seat. The chairs in the reception area were all spaced at least six feet apart. There were two folks in the waiting area. One by one they went in and finally it was my turn. A young man sporting a black mask called my name and I stood up and he asked me to follow him. So I did. Into this room with three machines. He asked me to sit down on the stool at the first machine, I complied. I also noted and mentioned, “hey you guys are tag teaming.” as there was a young woman at the second machine. So I had the puff of air, saw bright lights and had multiple photos taken of my eyes in just a few minutes. Also had a couple of giggles with the staff. Why not enjoy the experience. Then I was back into the waiting room for a few minutes before the Doctor asked me to follow him. Oh yes, that was not a difficult request. I sat down in the exam room. Doctor Joel asked me several questions and I answered them. We had a couple of laughs. He told me that my eyes were in great health and to keep doing whatever it was that I was doing. He asked if I liked “salmon”? and for a fleeting moment I thought “is he asking me out for dinner?” (not really but makes for a great story and I bet you were smiling, right?). Dr. J proceeded to explain how the salmon has lots of OMEGA 3’s and they are good for the eyes and to help keep them moist so no dry eyes. I explained that while I love salmon I actually don’t eat a lot of it. He went on to mention avocados and I said now I eat a ton of them. He said great. I was amazed by how many different health conditions and diseases can be identified by looking at photos of the eyes, the back story. Very cool and so interesting. He asked if I was wanting to get new glasses, I said yes and he advised that I would have to set up another appointment to come and pick out frame. Totally understand. Luckily they are open most of the week between Christmas and New Years. After we were finished he handed me my prescription and I followed him to the reception area where we chatted for a moment before he went back to look after the last patient. Dr. Joel mentioned in a timid tone at first as if it may be a sensitive topic for me, When you come in for your next visit you will be “of a certain age.” I smiled and said, you mean 65. We laughed. I told him that does not bother me and that I am happy to get older as long as I live to be older. He explained the benefits once you turn 65. Lucky me. Once the receptionist was done, she gave me the bill of the remainder owing (I was shocked that my insurance only covered half of the $125 exam fee). Anyway I paid the bill, made my appointment to go and pick out frames. I was just doing up my coat to leave when I saw this woman on the other side of the door and realizing it was my friend Iris, Teddy’s Mum, who had given me a ride to my appointment and had come back to pick me up. She had said to call her but turns out she had to go out so waited for me. Am I not, the luckiest gal in the world. I have so many wonderful, thoughtful, kind friends.

On the way home, we stopped at the Bone & Biscuit so that I could go and pick up Christmas gifts for Mr. Alvin and my grandpups Aspen and Milo and some treats for them and to include Teddy and Kobi. Ssh, don’t tell anyone. Now to get things wrapped.

Last night after supper and clean up, I just watched a bit of t.v.

Lots to do today. Some baking, laundry, cleaning and Iris and the pups are coming for a visit. I had better get this show on the road. I was even up early and look it is 9:03 a.m. already. Light outside and appears it is windy. I already have a load of blankets that should be done washing by now, changed bedding and gathered laundry, got dressed and now finished this post. WHEW.

Wishing you an awesome Saturday. Living our lives with kindness, compassion and respect for ALL others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. something went wrong when I was trying to publish this post. It was in an auto saving mode for what seemed like forever. So I went ahead while I thought it was doing its’ thing and did another load of laundry, had breakfast, did some tidying up and cleaned up poop outside. When came upstairs not published and here it is almost 11:00 a.m. So I went back in again and went to the draft version but part of the post did not show. So anyway, I got it finished and will try again. Oh well, nothing like a bit of technical difficult to start your Saturday. LOL.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. How are you doing on this fine Wednesday? I am doing great. The Steeped Tea or Sipology order arrived perfectly yesterday. Two friends have already come and picked up their orders. I am so grateful that we were able to have a COVID 19 visit meeting the protocols. Masks and social distancing. Today another gal is coming to pick up hers and I am delivering one to another friend who lives close by. The delivery arrived in time for me and Alvin to head out for a walk during my lunch break. The wind was a bit cool but otherwise divine. Good old fashioned “fresh air” can be so uplifting.

Mid week. I always like mid week. Wednesday is the date that my daughter was born. I even had the pleasure of choosing her actual birthdate. Something not maybe Moms are able to do. She was born by c-section so it was a planned “event.” As she grew up I soon realized that perhaps I should have chosen a couple of days later due to paydays but who knew that was ever going to be a thing. Anyway we, she, me all survived to tell the tale. Life is always what you make it. I am once again reading some books by Mike Dooley. THE UNIVERSE guru. I so enjoy reading his books as he gives us a different perspective on living our lives. Always good to learn new things and then reread books to remind us, just in case a Pandemic has hit and all good and common sense has gone out the window. Because clearly in some cases, this has happened. Always be mindful of what you can do not only for yourself but for others. Our THOUGHTS DO BECOME THINGS. Those things drive your life. “think about it.” If you are continually thinking I am tired – you will be tired. If you are always thinking no one likes me or I am no good or I am unlucky – then you will be all of those things. Experiment, if you don’t think this could be true. Also I am quite certain that in 2020 you have heard of a “little known book” called THE SECRET. Just try – what do you have to lose, nothing. You can even take the book out of the library if you do not have access or the means to a copy.

Well almost time for me to head on back downstairs. This 1.5 hours or so in the morning (sometimes shorter) always seems to evaporate. Most especially when I sit down to write. The words seem to pour out of me some days and then it is time to go to work.

I wish you good health, that you are safe, that you are kind and respectful to yourself and to all others. It is the only way to live your life.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. one of these days I am going to surprise you with some new photos and likely myself as well.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday.

Welcome Wednesday.

Yesterday seemed more like a Monday than a Tuesday.

At work our connection to the INTERNET was down for most of the morning.

We are so independent on the WORLD WIDE WEB.

Not just my office but everyone – everywhere.

The world almost comes to a crashing halt when the connection is lost.

Very sad.

To be so dependant on ONE thing.

Anyway.

 

Last night was cold so I opted for us to stay home after work instead of walking.

Alvin is starting to feel the cold and when it is a certain temperature – we sometimes just stay put.

Otherwise we walk.

Exercise helps to keep us agile and breathing in the fresh air so so good for our lungs.

Walking is good for our bodies, minds and souls.

So we do love to walk whenever possible.

 

I had almost forgot but my friend that sells FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY or FAC (Fifth Avenue Collection) reminded me that I am hosting a party on February 29th.

Luckily “technology” came to the rescue.

She set up a FACEBOOK party and I invited my friends and family.

I did make a couple of phone calls, okay TEXTS to invite a few more folks.

As someone who is not really a lover of speaking on the telephone, I do like texting.

Keeping in mind ….. to keep them relatively short.

 

Update on baby KOBI, the diarrhea is dissipating and hopefully she is on the mend.

This has been hard on her, Teddy and Aunt J.

Aunt J has scrubbed, wiped and disinfected the house every day to keep the bacteria from growing and spreading.

Fingers crossed and a little prayer or THREE.

 

Well it is getting close to the time for us to head downstairs.

Time to go out and pick up Alvin’s little bundles of good health.

Grab my lunch.

Grab my coat, scarf, boots and mitts.

Purse at the end.

I am grateful to my daughter who gave me this purse that makes into a backpack.

It is very roomy and I use it most especially in the wintertime so that I only have to carry one bag.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Be safe and warm.

Keep each other with kindness and respect.

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

I love these photos …. angling the camera down and looking up …. well I like this look.

My hair has grown quite a lot since the photo was taken.

AL his handsome self.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of May, 2018.

It is raining outside right at this very moment.

Rain, glorious rain.

Rain, happy, rain.

So pleased that it is raining.

Just a nice steady rain.

The kind that soaks into the ground and provides proper moisture.

The grass is happy and green.

The flowers are happy and blooming in extra vibrant colours.

The trees are dancing in their roots with joy.

So glad for the rain.

 

Oh how I love Humphrey the Cat.

What a guy.

This morning he wanted me to pick him up.

After 5 seconds he wanted down.

Then up and then down.

Playing a game.

He was a bit out of sorts because last night my visits were not lengthy in duration.

I opened the window for him after work to enjoy the fresh air.

Filled up food dishes and changed the water for Humphrey and Cinder.

Stopped by after my walk with Alvin for a few minutes.

After my unexpected company I went back to close the window and spend some time with him.

We played peek-a-boo …. he is quite the cat.

He knows what he wants and when.

He is orange with long hair and he knows it.

Enjoying our time together.

 

So my unexpected company.

A friend had asked if I wanted to order from NORWEX, I said that I would as she always has supported my STEEPED TEA business.

Ended up having a book party which helped her out.

The Consultant from NORWEX happens and this is crazy just to live down the alley from our mailboxes, like a 5 minute walk if that.

She drove because she had not realized that I was so close.

Long story short as it is almost time to go back downstairs.

NORWEX was having a great sign-up and I decided to go for it.

So along with being a STEEPED TEA Consultant – I am a NORWEX Consultant.

I am so happy …. should be fun.

Will definitely be busy but that is okay.

Great products …. both companies.

Made a new friend who just happens to live just a short walk away.

How lucky are we?

PS Alvin likes her, too.

 

Okay time to sign off.

Have a great Wednesday.

Just goes to show that you never know what the day will bring.

Life is full of unexpected wonderful surprises.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who always keeps busy with businesses, yes multiple businesses.  She is WONDER WOMAN.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of April, 2018.

WOW, it is officially April.

April 1st, 2018.

The sun is shining and the sky is a pale blue.

Still signs of winter with snow still covering rooftops and the ground.

Temperature feels colder than usual.

I am longing for the warmth of summer days and nights.

This has been a long winter.

Too much snow and ice.

We are ready for flip flop weather although yesterday when I was out for a walk with Alvin and Teddy, I saw …..

a young woman, a teenager most likely, wearing a zip up sweater and flip flops.

I could hardly believe my eyes.

Both Alvin and Teddy had on their winter jackets as did I along with my winter boots, scarf and mitts.

The sidewalks were not clear of ice and snow as she walked along in her flip flops.

This action brought a smile to my face and laughter to my heart.

WOW, it was about minus 15 degrees celsius and she had on a hooded sweater and flip flops.

The wind was COLD.

No mitts, no scarf and flip flops.

Yup, flip flops.

I wanted so desperately to yell out from across the street “to ask why?”

But I restrained myself.

Alvin was enjoying the walk and wanted to keep going however Teddy was not feeling it.

We were almost at the park when he stopped suddenly – planting his feet on the sidewalk.

Not moving forward.

It was at that point that I figured we might just as well go back home.

So I called out to Alvin that we were going home.

He turned around and looked at me as if to say “really?”

Back home we went.

It was funny anyway because Alvin was pulling on his leash going ahead and Teddy was lagging behind me almost tripping me with his leash.

At the end of it – chalked it up to a funny story and fresh air.

When back home I began to prepare supper for our company.

I made a huge pot of “Easter Chili” and for dessert “Apple-Berry Crisp.”

The boys stood beside me waiting for the possibility of a piece of apple to fall onto the floor.

I gave them each some small pieces.

Everyone happy.

My daughter and son-in-law arrived with their pups in tow.

They left Aspen and Milo with us as they had to make a quick trip to COSTCO.

Well me and four pups.

Milo and Teddy did not take to one another right away.

There was lots of growling and barking while they got to know each other.

At one point Aspen growled at Teddy as she was likely thought that he was hurting Milo.

It all worked out.

The kids were not gone long before arriving to better change the ratio of pups to humans.

Teddy reminds us all of our beloved Elton.

A few minutes later my friend arrived to take Teddy home.

She stayed for a little visit.

Afterward we enjoyed our Easter Chili and Apple-Berry Crisp.

We also had some homemade buns that my friend “V” had sent to me from Saskatchewan.

Supper was a hit.

After supper was over and cleaned up – we played a couple of games before my family left for home.

A great day.

 

Happy Easter Everyone.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 20th day of February, 2017.

Today is “Family Day” in Alberta and in other parts of Canada.

We have the day off from work and celebrate family.

Yesterday my daughter and grand-pups came for a visit.

We girls had pancakes flavoured with chocolate honey from south of Edmonton.

They were so yummy.

Alvin is beginning to calm down around Miss Aspen.

They actually laid down on our sofa without any growling coming from Mr. Alvin.

It was so nice to have them here.

My neighbour “S” also came for coffee and pancakes and a visit.

Yesterday was my Family Day.

Following the company I went canvassing for the Heart & Stroke.

Not many folks were at home.

Last night Alvin and I just relaxed and watched a couple of movies.

It was a nice evening.

This morning I had coffee with my neighbour.

We always have great conversations.

So today not much planned.

I did plan to give Alvin a bath and may do so.

So icy out there that I think we may just hang out in the house and perhaps on the deck for some fresh air.

Wishing everyone a Happy Family Day.

Special Hello to: All my Family & Friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of August, 2016.

It is a bright and sunny morning and once again the air at this time has a coolness to it.

I am munching on my toast as I write these words.

Once done, I am going to go on a walk with Mr. Alvin before it gets too warm.

Also this morning I am invited to a belated Birthday party for me.

I have the best friends.

Seems like I am having a week of celebrations and it is so nice to be loved.

Just getting together with everyone is so wonderful.

Yesterday, was the lunch with some of the Steeped Tea girls in our group.

My group leader picked me up and explained that the last two girls were not able to go so it was just me and her.

We went to a nearby restaurant and had a great lunch and visit.

 

The Universe always works things out.

Today I have a short list of things to do keeping in the back of my mind that I only have one more day left until back to work.

Oh well, it was a great vacation and so grateful that I was able to have this time at home.

Some was by myself as Alvin was away visiting at his sisters and the most was home with the guy.

 

Alvin is waiting patiently at the office door not knowing what lies in store for him.

I do not think he suspects that they are going for a walk.

Have to hustle it up as my party is in one hour.

But there is always time for the boy.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Take a walk in the sunshine ….. breathe in some fresh air.

I hope that the sun is shining where you are and that you have good fresh air to breathe.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. let me know when to SKYPE.

Always, Carol and Alvin