Alvin Charlie Lewis, 2009 – 2023

On Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, I adopted a puppy by the name of Alvin from SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society).

This is our story……

DAY 1

Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  Amanda found this little dog named Alvin on the SCARS website. He is a Cocker Spaniel mix.  Black and white.  Very cute.  His foster family invited us to go and meet Alvin.  The whole family is going tonight.  We are very excited.  In the afternoon, I ran out to The Bone & Biscuit (which is a local pet food store) to grab some toys, and things that I thought were necessary for a puppy.

We drove after supper to meet Alvin.  Oh my gosh!  Despite having a rough start he was doing well in his temporary new surroundings.  These folks were incredible.  A representative from SCARS was there, as well.  We visited, and got to know Alvin, a little.  After much discussion ….. I decided to adopt Alvin.  How could I not?  So after signing the papers, going through his medication(s) and other instructions we were on our way.  The ride home was interesting.  Alvin drooled the whole way.  He must have been terrified, not knowing what was going on.  After all, he had just settled in with the other people, and now these guys were carting him off.  To where?  When we got back to my house, the kids came in, and helped give Alvin his medication, and then I was on my own.  Much like having a baby.  Except when I had Amanda – I actually had help.  This time I was ALONE….. exciting and scary.   Time for bed.

Welcome Alvin Charlie Lewis.  I had thought of changing his name to Charlie but decided that Alvin suited him best.

Top of stairs, body?

One of Alvin’s first hair cuts after he came to live with me. He looks so little….

Alvin and Penny …..

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Me and Alvin

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Baby Alvin – Jan 19, 2010

The KISS – first official photos

Today is Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Alvin turned “14” on January 19th. I have been posting about Alvin’s state of health since the beginning of January. It seemed like one minute he would be on the road to better health and then things changed. In hindsight, I know the old adage …. 20/20…

My heart is breaking as on Saturday, February 18, 2023 in the morning we said goodbye to our sweet, sweet Alvin. My cuteness, my bubba, my Al, my Albin, my trusted companion ……

We (his sister Amanda and I) took him to the Emergency Hospital last Friday where he had his first surgery of 2021. After an assessment the team admitted him where they would keep him overnight to to do an ultrasound and to give him IV fluids to keep him hydrated. I did not know the results from the stool sample until Thursday and had asked at his Vet to have bloodwork done at that time. The results from the stool sample and bloodwork showed a horrible bacterial infection and that his kidneys were in trouble. At this point things were very bad but we did not know the extent of his situation until we received the call from Guardian, the Emergency Hospital on Friday night. Most of the call is a blur to be honest. None of what the Doctor told me would change the outcome for my poor Alvin.

I want this post to be about him and his life, a celebration of a little dog named Alvin, who would win my heart and the hearts of everyone who met him over the course of his 14+ years on this earth.

From the beginning Alvin was a fixture in our neighbourhood. Every walk we met someone new and over the years those two and four legged(s) became our friends, our family. Alvin just had an easy way with everyone. There are so many stories. I really need to write a book about his life because he was one of a kind. He came into my life when I did not know that I needed him and spent the next years being my best friend, my companion, my everything. I learned so much from him and will spend the rest of my life attempting to be more like him.

We became a family of three humans and three pups when I adopted Alvin back in 2010. He became a playmate for Penny and for Elton, someone initially that was tolerated. Elton loved Alvin but it was Penny who gave Alvin a run for his money. They played and teased each other. I saw just the other day a video of Alvin pulling Elton on a floor mat ( I smiled and cried). There are photos of the three pups sitting on the back of the sofa looking out of the window at my daughter and son-in-law’s house while we waited for them to arrive home from work. I am so grateful that his first year or so with me, I was at home full-time and for most of the last three years due to the Pandemic, I was also at home with my sweet, sweet boy. Elton and Penny passed in 2016. Amanda & Steven adopted Milo a short time before Elton passed as he had been alone since Penny’s passing earlier in the year. Milo was a puppy and so small. I think initially Alvin was nervous around him. A few days before Christmas of 2016, Miss Aspen, a yellow lab cross joined our family. She was about one year old, I believe. Then we were three and three again.

Somewhere along the way, we met Allie and her Abby from down the street. Right from the start Abby was the love of Alvin’s life. It was evident each time they were together. They would roll around on the lawn and were just so happy to be in each other’s company. She passed way about three years ago and Alvin was heart broken.

We met Iris, Walter, Abbey and Teddy while out for a walk one summer’s day many years back. That first meeting would be the beginning of a friendship for us all but more importantly one for Alvin and Teddy. I, we teased that they were best friends and they truly were. Sadly Abbey passed away not too long after we met. The relationship between Alvin and Teddy grew. Iris would tell me that she could not utter Alvin’s name when they were getting ready to come over to our house, because he would get so excited. They loved each other and had so many sleepovers over the years. Years later they adopted Kobi, a little sister for Teddy and she became Alvin’s dear friend as well.

Our next door neighbour Sonja adopted a cat named Humphrey after her first cat Aussie passed on. There was something about Alvin and Humphrey and from the beginning they liked each other. Humphrey would be out front on a leash getting some fresh air and would immediately come up our front porch looking for Alvin. He spent lots of time here with Alvin. When Humphrey came into the house Alvin would walk up to him and they would touch noses to say hello and then they were off exploring. They spent time in our backyard as well. Theirs was a special relationship for sure. A couple of years or so ago, Sonja adopted a kitten named Bogart who has grown into this huge grey cat. Alvin always wanted to get closer to him but that was not meant to be. Bogart did grow to “tolerate” the neighbour.

We met “Cookie” a little girl a few years ago. She belonged to a family who lives a few doors down from us and at the time, her human Dad and I worked for the same company. We would meet them when we were out for walks. Her Dad Husam would say that Cookie did not do well around other dogs but Alvin was the exception. Two Christmases ago, their family was going to Disneyland for two weeks and they asked if Cookie could stay with us. I immediately said yes. I remember the night where they came over just to ensure that she would be okay with Alvin in his space. Alvin was so chill and Cookie after running a quick marathon around the living room, settled down. They could not believe their eyes. We enjoyed our time with Cookie, she kept me hopping and was good company for Mr. Alvin. When I had to go back to the office for three days each week in October, it was Cookie’s Mom Alyaa who would come to take care of Mr. Alvin. They are family now.

Alvin had so many friends. I am sorry that I cannot share stories of them all. Some of his friends have passed on.

In addition to the long list of pups that Alvin called friends over his lifetime, there were a long list of humans as well.

Our friend Pauline who has the most beautiful garden in the summer and where Alvin and I would love to go and hang out. Pauline & Al have a grand pup Georgie and I remember the day when she walked him over to met Alvin. Lots of energy. Another friend. I always said that Pauline’s yard was our “happy place” as Alvin could run and sniff without worry. Our yard is small so he enjoyed running around her yard. He would check out the flowers and sniff every blade of grass.

Alvin had a unique talent. We only found this out when our friend Val would mail parcels to me filled with all sorts of goodies. She would always include a package specially for him. When I would go to the mailbox and bring a box into the house, he would get so excited. Then came the best part. Until I got the box opened, he would jump up and bark. I would locate his package right away and grab the phone to take video as he opened the package. Yes, he would actually open the package. One paw holding the sacred parcel and with his mouth he would tear away at the tissue paper until he found his special treats waiting inside. The last few Christmases and birthdays have been amazing as well. I wished I could remember how old he was when he started to do this but it is a great memory. In fact, this last Christmas Miss Aspen started to open her gifts as well. I guess she learned “gift opening” from him.

We were not able to have an actual birthday party for him this year due to timing but he did have many parties complete with Invites, Birthday cake/cupcakes and guests and lots of presents. Those are memories I shall treasure forever.

I apologize to those dear friends whom I cannot begin to mention everyone as this post would be even longer.

Alvin was one of a kind. He had a gentle soul. Yes, he was an anxious pup but he always treated his friends and family with love and respect and kindness. I am so grateful for technology and for all the videos and photos that I have at the touch of a button. I can hear his voice now.

Funny that right from the beginning he would follow me everywhere. When I was in the kitchen he was in the kitchen, when I was having a shower he would sit on a mat with his back to me (always the gentleman) and when I was in bed, he was right beside me. The very first night that he came to live with me, I had made a little bed for him next to my bed. He just looked up at me and cried. That last about twenty seconds or less and from that point on, he slept next to me. Alvin always had to be touching me when we went to bed and then sometimes he would move over.

Alvin was not fond of haircuts and baths, nail trims, and ear cleanings or car rides but he loved his friends, his family, walks, bananas, carrots, cauliflower and chicken, opening special packages for him. He had a good life. Alvin lived his life until his last breath with a dignity all his own. He will never be forgotten. To add, he loved his toys. His sister mentioned about how he would go into his toy box and toss the toys around until he found the one that he wanted in that moment.

I just looked at the time and it has been two hours since I started to write this post. It has now been three full days since my beloved Alvin took his last breath on this earth. I would like to think that he has joined Elton, Penny, Abby, Abbey, Aussie, Casey, Jasmine and Jack and that they are all in a happy place filled with acres of green grass and sweet flowers to sniff and explore, bananas (his favourite) and good food to eat and blue skies over head.

There are no words to express the outpouring of love that has come to me and my family over the lost of our sweet Alvin. He was loved by everyone. The living room is filled with beautiful flowers and cards; he would have loved them. The stories shared. Tears have fallen across our faces as we mourn the loss of our dear, dear Alvin. I can honestly say that he was one of a kind and he touched the lives of everyone he came across during his time on this earth. He will remain in my thoughts and in my heart for the rest of my days on this earth. I will never forget him. He is engrained in my very being. So many memories most of them great. I shall miss our walks, our snuggles on the sofa. He loved the sofa, the chaise part of the sofa. That is where he spent most of his last time on this earth.

Thank you to his sister Amanda, to his brother-in-law Steven, to Aspen & Milo for being the best family to Alvin and to me. To the team at Guardian: Trina, Jamie, Dr. Zhao, Dr. Cockwill, Dr. Frederick and the young woman who helped us with the final preparations. I am sorry her name escapes me. She was so sweet and kind with such a hard job. To our friends and family: Pauline & Al and Family, Sonja, Steven, Humphrey & Bogart, Michelle & Family, Tejada Family, Gillian and Signe, Allie & Bailey and Family, Alyaa, Husam, “Cookie” and Family, Arlene, Joanna, to my sister Cindy and my brothers John and Tyler and families, Iris, Walter, Best Friend Teddy and Kobi, Jessica & Eric, Paulette, Karen, Suzette, Jami, Malena & Susana, Aron, Crystal & Family, Anick & Children, and Diana, Rod & Family. There are so many people to thank for your love and support. To Dr. Karen (his regular Doctor), Michelle, Brenne and Chelsey – there are no words.

I would like to post a few more photos from over the years. There are way too many too post but I will share a few.

Those Eyes !!

Al & his sister

Best Friends Alvin & Teddy

Laser therapy

Birthday Party for Al

Alvin & Penny

Miss Bailey

Abby, his girlfriend

Cuteness

A proper Gentleman

Alvin & his BF Teddy

Inside Pauline’s

Humprey & Alvin

Me and my Alvin

Alvin & Elton

Gift form Val

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Backyard Home

Temporary bedroom

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

The whole gang…..

Me and the pups

Pauline’s -Happy Place

Bogart on top of fence

Milo and Aspen

My Cuteness

Alvin from February 15, 2023. Goodbye my precious boy, I will always love you.

I had hoped that this time would have been far into the future but our time together on this earth has now passed. You were the best and will always remain in my thoughts and in my heart. I am saddened beyond words that you are gone but I can see those eyes and I know that you needed to leave. Thank you for being my friend, my buddy, my companion, and my “SON.” Thank you Alvin Charlie Lewis.

With every step I take, you will always be at my side.

Love, Always & Forever

Your Momma

2021

Happy New Year. Good Morning ALL. We were up late and up early and after sleeping on the sofa for awhile, I decided to go back and lay on our bed. I opened the blinds and gazed out at the morning sky. The sky was divided into ribbons of gray and pink as the sun began to rise. Slowly over time the gray turned to blue and the pink turned to orange and to yellow. So beautiful. It has been a long time since I actually just was still and watched the sky for any length of time. I think that even though it is now 10 a.m. and I am basically just getting up – it was a great way to start the New Year. 2021 is a New Year so why not start doing something that you would not normally do. So I did.

New Year’s Eve – Alvin and I had a quiet evening. We each had our own supper (I threw together a roasted chickpea salad with caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers)and afterwards I cleaned up. Then I watched the CTV’s viewing of a James Bond movie “Spectre.” Oh, I enjoyed a “mug” of baileys over ice. After the movie it was 10:00 p.m. with not being close to the NEW YEAR, I watched a bit of Hoda & Jenna’s New Year Special and Ryan Seacrest’s Special and caught a performance by Billy Porter which was great. Every once in awhile I would hear fireworks going off somewhere in the neighbourhood. Over the evening I sent texts to family and friends as I had posted a message on FB. At 10:45 p.m. we started making our way upstairs, turning the television off, Alvin going outside one last time before bed, lights off and then teeth brushing, face washing, pjs on and bed. I ended up reading for a little while listening to fireworks. I am not certain what time I finally fell to sleep but safe to say it was likely midnight somewhere.

Things I learned during 2020:

1. technology
2. that I actually liked being alone with myself and Alvin
3. loved spending more time with Alvin
4. more grateful
5. I liked not having to go shopping
6. taking time to appreciate life, health, people, environment, nature and climate
7. appreciate time at home
8. that I love working from home
9. learning what is truly important
10. sweating small stuff is better than having to sweat the big stuff
11. wearing lipstick when at home not wearing a mask makes you feel good
12. wearing sparkly ball earrings gives you a lift
13. learning new meanings for words such as: POD
14. not to be afraid, continue to follow the rules
15. walks at lunchtime with Alvin were not only good exercise but a good way to break up the work day
16. that my kitchen is a better place for me to work than my office upstairs, which is my creative space

Well it is a New Year, a new Day and time to get this one going. Time to get dressed, make coffee, eat some breakfast, go for a walk, give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath and do some laundry.

I hope that you had a great night last night.

This is going to be a great New YEAR, 2021. We must be patient when it comes to COVID19 as we truly know that it is not going to disappear overnight, I know that we all wished that it would. Just follow the rules set out by the Health Professionals and Government. We will get through this, one day at a time. We will be better people, better friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, coworkers as a result. Work together. Be strong. We got this.

Happy Friday, January 1st, 2021. YAY.

The sun is shining so bright. I just know it is going to be a great year.

We will continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

December 31, 2020 – last day

Good Morning ALL. Can you believe it? The very last day and down to last hours of 2020. 2020 came in with all of the promise and hope that a New Year could bring and is leaving us with thoughts of promise and hope that 2021 will bring. So we will start and end with the same dreams for the New Year although the in between could never have been predicted. This year has been the same and different for so many of us. I cannot compare my year to that of my friend who lives down the street and works in the healthcare field. We both have had much different experiences this past year. She has faced all of the stresses and anxieties that came with COVID19 and the Pandemic as she continued to work. Me on the other hand, when our employer announced that we would be closing our doors to the public on March 16, 2020, and start the process of having staff work from home, I had mixed feelings but mostly I was overjoyed. On March 19, 2020 I was sent home with my coworkers with a laptop and whatever supplies we required to work from home. Later that afternoon I was set up and March 20, 2020 I was working from home. In the beginning there were definitely some stressful times but over the last nine months I have smoothed out the kinks and working from home has certainly been a godsend. Of course, there are moments of stress, but that is inevitable, as my job can most certainly be stressful at times. But I no longer have to spend a minimum of 1.5 hours travelling to and from work. There are no worries about leaving a senior dog, my Alvin home alone for such a long period of time. We have figured out a few things over time and one being that we will need to go to the office for one day per month as we have some large print jobs where the documents need to be prepared to be mailed. I can handle one day each month. Of course, this may change over time. My friend down the street lost her beloved pup Abi in February and in July brought baby Bailey home. Having a puppy at any time is a lot of work and with the stresses of working during a pandemic has been difficult for our friend. We have kept in touch with porch / sidewalk visits, texts and video chats. We live only a few doors apart and yet our lives that were so similar are so different this year. She was not able to spend Christmas with her sister and brother-in-law who are expecting early in the New YEAR nor her parents. Her parents are in her sister’s pod as she is expecting. I on the other hand was so blessed to be able to spend Christmas with my daughter and son-in-law and pups. In January my friend will be hosting a “virtual baby shower” for her sister. So many firsts this year. This is a reminder that I must check out the registry and chose a gift for the new baby. I always love to buy books for little ones, cannot go wrong with books.

I am grateful that we have the technology to see family and friends. This is the time to use this technology so that no one is alone. Take a few minutes and reach out to family and friends. We are blessed to have the technology to physically see each other.

So as we wrap up this YEAR, I have mixed feelings. I would say for the most part I have positive feelings. Working from home was always a dream, a thought that I had but never thought would come to fruition. I missed spending time with my sister and brothers in August. My daughter and I did not take our annual girls road trip in August. Since March, I have mainly seen my friends from the doorway although we did have a few visits. Our girls Annual Christmas party was done virtually. I never thought that I would not enter a store for several months. From March until August, all of my groceries were picked up by my friends and my daughter. I have since that time been to the store a grand total of 6 times, been to the vet numerous times, to Shoppers once to mail Christmas cards and parcels on November 20, and to the Optometrist twice since August. I will say that the handful of times that I have entered a grocery store have been anxiety ridden for me. For the past month or so I have not been to the grocery store although I was to the Bone & Biscuit on December 11th, to pick up gifts for the fur babies including Alvin. I have been to the office three times, twice in September and once in November. Most of my time has been spent at home or going for walks. Thankfully we are able to go outside. As the time passes, I think that the only way that we can stop this virus is to follow the protocols set out by the Health Care Professionals and Government Leaders. While it is not ideal as we are social creatures, it is imperative to follow the rules. Wear masks when in public, wash your hands, stay home when you can and social distance. I will say that trips to the Vet are different now. The last time Alvin went I was not allowed to be with him, I sat with my mask on in one of the exam rooms while they took him to the back exam room. The Optometrist was definitely different. Two visits one for the exam and the other to pick up frames. They as the Vet only book one appointment per hour. Better to be safe.

Perhaps if we would have taken more precautions sooner and taken this more seriously – we would be in a better place, I don’t know. Going forward we must do what is right for everyone. This is not the time to be selfish. We do want to see our family and friends in the New Year.

The sun is up although it appears to be cloudy. This is the last day of 2020. I hope that 2021 brings us hope and promise. I know that it will take months and likely most of this next year before the vast population can be vaccinated and at this point we do not know if that is the complete answer or not but I remain positive that the scientists will figure it out and we will end 2021 in a better place. To all of those folks who lost loved ones this year, I keep you in my heart and hope that your memories will help to bring you comfort. To all those families who lost beloved pets, I keep you in my heart and hope that memories of them will bring you comfort.

May the New Year be filled with hope and promise. May you find your way through this next year with faith, hope and grace. Continue to be kind and respectful and compassionate to all others. We need each other even more now than ever.

Thank you for taking your precious time to read my words, this post. I appreciate your time.

So from our home to yours, Alvin and I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. I guess that I have needed the sleep. Again, up at 4:15 a.m. and then Mr. Alvin wanted to go outside about 7:30 and then up lost to 9:00 a.m. I feel rested though so I guess I should not feel guilty for sleeping in. Why is it that we feel guilty when we do things that are a bit out of our everyday? Oh well, not this day. Not this day. The sun is rising which is beautiful and nice to see. During the week it is dark when we rise and dark when I start work and then the sun rises. I am in love with the colours of the sky during sunrise. It is worth paying attention to ….. the palette is amazing. Every morning is slightly different.

Yesterday I had a busy day. Laundry, cleaning, moving and reorganizing the kitchen (workspace), washing main floor, cleaning bathrooms and such. A good produce day. I even almost finished my Christmas Project – just a few finishing touches and then wrapping. I will start wrapping the rest of the gifts that I have soon over the next couple of weeks. Last night I was going over the list in my head to see if I had something for everyone. Getting close. Still have Alvin, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Bogart, Teddy and Kobi and I should get a little something for Bailey as well. Six gifts for puppies and two for kitties. Looks like I had better take a walk over to THE BONE & BISCUIT and pick up some things. Oh and a couple of stocking stuffers for my daughter and son-in-law and we are done. YAY, Me and Alvin. I am excited for next weekend when the massive baking spree takes place over the course of a few days. I am also hosting another FIFTH AVENUE JEWELRY PARTY for my friend who is a jeweler for them. Now with doing everyone online there are no more phone calls or texts or emails to invite people ….. they receive an invite from FB. That all happens tomorrow. Next weekend will be super busy ….. baking and LIVES for the jewelry “party” on Friday @ 7 p.m., then on Saturday it will be 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. and then finally on Sunday @ 3 p.m. I will be one busy Momma, thankfully I booked Monday, December 7th off as a day of vacation. Just realized that I will have to run and stock up on Mr. Alvin’s food and things as it is after payday. Lots to do. I will say back to the jewelry that I do like the online LIVES. Just kick back with a cup of tea or coffee and watch away. I think you really do get to see more pieces up close and personal. In person, one tends to glance at everything but only see the ones that “catch your eye.” So this will be great. It is my second one actually. Tomorrow I will be busy inviting during my breaks at work and after work.

Yesterday Alvin and I had a nice outside “sidewalk” – “front porch” visit with Alison and Bailey who is now six months. I cannot believe how big she is now and is all legs. She has way longer legs than Mr. Alvin. At one point Alison had to go into the house and grab a blanket for Mr. Alvin as we, Alvin and I ended up sitting on the steps (actually on the landing) and Alvin was getting cold despite his warm sweater. I think his legs and paws were chilly. So that helped and we were able to visit for almost one hour. The temperature was pretty good. It was nice to see them. Alison works at a nearby hospital so visiting in the house these days is not an option. She is extremely cautious when visiting anyone. She only recently was able to hug her Dad & Mom since February as she was able to use/have the gear from the hospital. I was both sad and happy that it has been so long for her. These days it is all about who is in your “bubble” and keeping safe for yourself and others. For all those families who will not be together for Christmas this year, I understand how you must be missing your family but at the end of the day ….. better to have our families alive and well than not. Please let us continue to be courageous and strong in this time of chaos and uncertainty. We will get through this if we work together. I am so glad that I was able to have a nice visit with Alison and chat. It was good for us both. Always nice to see our friends. Thank goodness that our weather is mild at this time and we can meet outside. I suggested my garage next time as we can social distance and have shelter even though it is not heated. We can always bring blankets out and keep the pups warm.

Yesterday I had got this photo of my daughter and me in my head. Do you think that I could find it? No. I looked through every photo box and everywhere. Not sure where it went. Isn’t it funny when you remember something and then go to look for it and cannot locate it. I guess photos are funny like that. I will find it. I am certain at some point. Perhaps a second look through the photo boxes but that takes time. So not today. Time to hop into the shower and get freshened up. I have another tea order to submit today and we are going to see Alvin’s bestie Teddy and family. Alvin is going to have an energy healing. Yes, on the social distancing and I will take one of my masks.

Happy Sunday Everyone. We must continue to rise up and live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for all. This will be what we will be remembered for ….. that is my hope.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday Morning.

It is windy with the sun desperately trying to break through the cloud cover.

I was out a bit earlier with the boy and it is not cold so that it is a good thing.

Our late spring/early summer weather has been a mix of sun and rain with mostly being rain.

We have no choice in what the day brings and just have to roll with it.

When the sun shines we walk and work outside or simply sit on the deck and enjoy the sun’s rays.

With the rain, we stay inside.

I am not opposed to walking in the rain protected by an umbrella but doesn’t work so much for Mr. Alvin.

I would feel so guilty walking without him.

He does have a rain jacket but is not fond of it.

Perhaps if he wore it more than once he may grow to tolerate the covering.

But I doubt it.

He is a stubborn creature and when his mind is made up there is no changing it.

I know that first hand.

But that is okay.

 

I will say that I can be stubborn although I have learned to roll with change in my later years.

You do not always have control – okay we seldom have real control.

What is control anyway?

Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?

We do not have control over the weather.

We have little control over anything in our lives, really.

Perhaps on what we have for dinner or when we take a shower.

Those things are dependent on how much money, time and what is in the pantry and fridge.

The shower well that depends on time and perhaps hot water supply.

But most things are set by a collective for which we are a part however; if that collective decides on something different from yourself, well you see what I mean.

Control is not what it is cracked up to be anyway.

If you lose what control you think that you had ….. you could spiral down.

The bottom is not a pretty place for sure.

So really …. control …… mmm.

I consulted my pocket Thesaurus to see what words are listed under control: if a verb here are some of the words: direct, lead, head, preside over, govern, rule, manage, supervise, oversee, 

if a noun, direction, leadership, command, rule, authority, charge, power, influence, mastery and so on.

 

By looking at the words that fall under the word “control” – perhaps control is more a wide brush stroke.

We can provide influence and direction over how we make meals, dress ourselves and maybe our family to some degree and so much more.

We can manage how we accomplish things in our daily lives.

 

But if you wake up in the morning and simply live your life.

Everyone has a schedule and some choices within.

If we work whether at home or away from home.

You have to get up, eat breakfast, have a shower, get dressed, look after your pets and your family and your transportation to the job.

There are things that we just have to do.

Control is just a word.

Some people spend way too much time worrying about things that are going to happen whether you are in control or not.

So I say …. live your life.

Do the best that you an within the framework of your life.

Words are words.

We spend far too much time worrying about words.

Actions speak louder than words.

If we live our best lives with kindness and respect, really most things will work out just the way that they should.

 

Are you confused?

Well perhaps it is too early in the day to provide an intelligent or wise view.

Food for thought, definitely.

Perhaps we all need to consult the Thesaurus once in awhile.

After all, they are only words.

Different meanings.

 

Well whether the sun shines today or not.

I am making pancakes for breakfast.

I am finishing the laundry.

I am making some notes on a story idea that came to me last night.

I will go for a walk with Mr. Alvin in between the showers.

I will do what I need to do.

 

Yesterday I/We had company.

My friend G in the morning and then my daughter stopped by for lunch.

We enjoyed our company so much.

There was laughter and almost a little smoke when we were making our grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

In our defensive, we thought that Mr. Alvin was choking on a carrot.

The sandwiches were delicious.

He is okay.

But that is life.

So much love, kindness and respect I have for these two wonderful women.

I am so blessed.

The sun shone and the day was great.

We walked.

Humphrey visited.

We visited Bogart the kitten.

My daughter met the new neighbour.

Life is good.

 

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

As we ALL enter into new territory.

I understand some of us are nervous, scared and anxious about our future.

This is the time that each and every community must come together and ensure that everyone is watched over and looked after.

If you have an elderly neighbour or someone who is housebound check to make sure that they have food and everything that they need to stay healthy.

If you have a neighbour who does not have a car – ask if they need anything when you go to the store for groceries and other items.

This is the time that will test us all.

 

Some folks are working from home, some folks have been instructed to stay at home as they are non-essential employees and so on.

I will be working from home as soon as we have been set up.

That will be something new.

The whole office landscape has changed overnight.

 

Over the past few days schools have closed and possibly until the fall and daycares have closed.

Airports closed and flights reduced, and only four in Canada will take international flights,

Cities have closed all their public venues.

Our buses are down to the Saturday schedule starting today.

That means very reduced times.

For those people that must go to work it will not be easy.

I know people that do not have vehicles and rely on the city transit.

But for every service that has closed, I, we understand.

This virus must be stopped.

 

Please ensure that you check in on your loved ones, friends, and neighbours daily.

Even a quick text or email or phone call.

Let us make certain that everyone is okay.

We will stop this virus and life will continue.

Will things be different, I think so.

 

Take care.

I am catching a ride to work with my neighbour again today.

I have one bus ticket left and hopefully do not have to wait for a long time tonight to get home to Alvin.

I know that Alvin will be happy to have me at home.

I will be happy to be home with him.

 

Another note:  make sure that you get some fresh air every day.

A walk will do wonders.

 

Be safe, be careful, be healthy, be strong.

Most of all be kind and respectful.

These are what is necessary to get through this crisis.

 

Take care ……

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and welcome to a clear sky Saturday morning.

Yay it is the weekend.

My friend dropped by last night with the new Christmas Wreath that I purchased from her craft sale.

It is absolutely beautiful.

I am so in love with this little owl.

My Mom passed many years ago and she had a passion for Owls.

She collected all sorts of ornamental owls.

 

Well we just had a phone call from Humphrey’s Mom.

Humphrey is here and will be spending the day with us.

It is almost 9:00 a.m. – how did that happen.

Time to get going.

Coffee.

Laundry.

Cleaning.

All the fun stuff.

 

Fun stuff for later …. Christmas cards.

Does anyone still write letters and send Christmas cards?

 

Alvin is on his blanket watching the office door which makes me think that Humphrey is in the hallway.

I just saw a shadow so he is now upstairs.

They will have company for the day which is nice.

I will be bathing Alvin later and taking him for a walk.

Walk first and bath second, of course.

I think he is okay in the hair cut department.

That will wait and perhaps just before Christmas – give him a trim.

 

No grand pearls of wisdom at this moment.

Just grateful to have the weekends off and to be at home.

I am grateful to be surrounded by great friends and family.

So happy to see the sun shining which will hopefully dry things up.

Not much snow left now.

 

Well I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

 

Happy Day.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, well we are looking forward to a daytime high of 20 degrees celsius.

YAY, that will be wonderful.

It felt good when we were outside about 5:00 a.m. this morning.

The boy is on the mend.

Slowly adding his regular hard food back into the chicken, rice and soft food.

It is quite the thing to figure out each and every day.

But I am so grateful that he is feeling better.

 

Yesterday morning Mr. Humphrey jumped up onto the corner post and top of his deck so that he could say hello to me.

He was having a whole conversation with me and Alvin.

I only wished that I could understand what he was saying.

Even after work he jumped up to say hello.

So last night, nothing says “feeling better” than hanging with one of your besties, right!

I could take photos of the boys all day long.

 

 

Humphrey on one side last photo on above row and Alvin on the blue blanket beside me.

Humphrey was not licking his paw he was actually sleeping.

Such cuteness …..

I am so happy that life is almost back to “normal” and sometimes we do not realize just how wonderful that “crazy normal” is until it is not.

So grateful to all our friends and family for their love and support and GREAT IDEAS.

I would not have made it through this past almost two weeks without you ALL, thank you.

 

Well time to take the boy outside one last time before I leave for work.

Yesterday my ride arrived while we were outside.

Then panic … running through the house …. changing shoes …. grabbing ID…… grabbing keys ….

 

Happy Thursday.

With kindness and respect we shall mend the madness.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Well Hello, it has been a while.

My last post was August 18, 2019.

Today is my first day back to work.

ARGH, not quite certain how I feel about that but likely after a few minutes it will be like I was never gone.

I knew things were back to normal this morning when Mr. Alvin was scrunching up the bath mats after I had gone into the shower.

Life is as we knew it.

 

To Honor:

I would like to take this time to speak about two of my BEST guy friends that passed away.

My friend Les passed away the day before we left on the girls trip.

He had been battling multiple illnesses for many years but never let anything get him down.

Les was perhaps one of the most positive, happy people that I have ever known.

Always kind and generous.

Before life changed our geographical positions we would get together for coffee and sometimes for lunch or dinner to catch up.

We worked together for many years.

He was a good, honest, caring individual.

Les had a way of making you feel special.

I will carry his essence in my heart until the day that I pass.

His goodness and joy with me forever.

I miss him and will continue to think of him.

To his wife and family – I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart.

 

My friend George passed away earlier in the year.

I only found out when I went to call him as we were going to visit him during our last road trip.

He was another man that was always filled with joy, kindness and generosity.

I met George when I was 16 years old so I have known him most of my life.

He came into our lives and was an angel to me and my siblings.

George was a great man.

He was the big brother that I never had…..

He loved to joke around.

Again geographical position changed things.

It did not matter how much time had passed he was happy to see me/us and catch up.

Truly one of the best people that I have ever known.

To his brother and his wife – I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart.

 

I am grateful to both these men who came into my life and changed it forever.

There are no words.

I will truly miss them.

It is a hard reminder that we need to keep in closer touch with our friends and loved ones.

Life can be short.

We all know that life is not a forever gig.

So we have to ensure that we are better friends and family.

 

Les and George, I salute you both.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Miss you …..

Hugs ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Time to go to work……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a windy, rainy Thursday morning.

The rain appears to have set in for some time.

There is absolutely no sign of Mr. Sunshine anywhere.

No crack, no peep, no nothing.

Only grey ….. only grey….. as far as one can see.

It feels like a day when one should be curled up on the sofa under one’s most favourite blanket next to one’s favourite four-legged buddy.

Mr. Alvin, in my case.

Perhaps sipping on a mug of coffee or hot chocolate.

Maybe reading a nice book.

An actual book.

Just relaxing, enjoying life.

JOLT …. shaking head ….. blinking quickly ….. ARGH ….

 

Reality sits in and now I am dressed for work ….

No coffee, no blanket, no curling up with me Alvin.

Just doing the things that I always do on those mornings where I go to work.

Which seems like always.

Oh well ….

Ride will be here in a few minutes.

 

So grateful that we managed to get our walk in last night before the storm.

 

I am grateful to have a job – do not get me wrong.

The job …. the getting up in the morning …. allows me the luxury of having this house.

Our beautiful home.

Next to family and friends including all of our four-legged family and friends …. my house brings me so much joy.

I am most grateful…..

Even cleaning three bathrooms ….. is wonderful.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs one last time for this morning.

See if Mr. would like to go outside one last time before I leave.

It is raining …. so likely not.

Note to self …. fill Alvin’s water dish with fresh water (downstairs one).

 

I love my life.

My family

My friends.

My grand-pups, all of our fur friends.

Me Alvin.

My home.

My yard.

My life.

My job.

I am so blessed.

Thank you.

 

Kindness and Respect are always the way to go.

Sometimes I know you may think being kind and respectful is too much work or not worth it.

But trust me …

Always better to kind with respect.

Always.

Yes, Always.

 

Happy, Happy Thursday.

I guess I will be going out in the rain, too.

So grateful to have a ride and from work.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin