The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope that this finds you doing well. The sky is beginning to lighten and appears that we received a light blanket of fresh snow last night or perhaps during the early morning hours. When I went to turn on the computer this morning, I received a message that the keyboard battery was very low and to recharge. I thought recharge? What? So I realized upon further inspection that you just take the USB cable, I think that is what it is called and hook it to the keyboard and then to the computer to be recharged. How cool is that? No more batteries for the keyboard. The mouse on the other hand still appears to require double AA batteries. But I like that the keyboard is free so to speak.

I have a question for you? I realize that I have not been drinking near enough water as of late. Too many life distractions and I have not been keeping track of my water intake. So today, that changes, so important to drink enough water. Good for your mind, body and soul.

The house does not feel the same no matter who walks through the front door. Last night my good friends Gillian and Signe came over for a visit. We talked about the usual. It was great to see them, to have conversation with someone outside of the drama at the office. Perhaps if I stop using the word “drama” and start saying everything will work out and I am taking one day at a time. Repeat, repeat and repeat several more times. Only we, only I can change my reaction to the every day stuff. So I am. The house is lonely without my Alvin and that will never change but how I react to the things that happen in my life can. I have so many wonderful memories of Alvin. I think that at noon today, I am going to take a stroll and walk for the first time our old route, our old path. I need to get up and get out. Get some exercise. He would want me to be well in mind and body, I know that. I can still keep him close in my thoughts, in my memories and in my heart. This weekend is my daughter, his sister’s birthday and the whole family including Betty Ann who is staying with them are coming over. The kids, being my daughter and son-in-law will drop Miss Aspen, Mi-Mi and Betty Ann off while they go and have lunch with friends who are in town from Saskatchewan and then come here for Amanda’s birthday supper and celebration. So I have things to do tonight and tomorrow and Saturday to prepare. As much prep work as I can do, I will. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again but sad that Alvin will not be here in body to celebrate with us. Our first birthday party without him. My heart hurts.

I am working from home today so time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. Wishing you a wonderful day. Remember to drink lots of water and go for a walk. Nothing like a walk to clear the negative babble and make you feel good in general!

I am so grateful to all my friends for being so supportive during this time and always. I have the best friends on the planet.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. Last night we were in bed by 9:00 p.m. as I am working from the office today. About 11:50 p.m., Alvin wanted to go outside so downstairs we went. He had a pee and then we were back in the house where we laid on the sofa. Thank goodness for a comfortable spot. We were just settling in when I heard a noise coming from the front porch, as I was half asleep, I did not think too much of it. Maybe a cat. Then a little while later I heard my phone ping several times, notification of someone texting me. Did not think much of that either. Then off to la la land. Alvin wanted to get up a couple of times before the alarm went off but I managed to coax him to lay back down. We were up to stay up at 5:00 a.m., after I gave Alvin his food, I checked my phone to see a text from the neighbour in the other half of the duplex. She had texted me at 12:33 a.m., she had heard someone on our front porch but did not know if I had company that was just leaving so she did not go outside. Now that is so funny that Mr. Alvin did not bark or make any kind of movement toward the front door. Very strange. Whomever it was did not try the door handle or I would have heard so what were they doing on the porch? I did turn on the porch light once I had read her text to see if someone had walked off with one of my potted plants or the wreath from my door but they were all there. Kind of gave me the creeps. Definitely will ensure every night that I lock the front door. I do but there has been the odd time where I noticed it unlocked in the morning, especially when I had watered the front flowers in the evening. Anyway, that was my excitement. NOT.

I am starting to get a bit anxious about next week as that is the start of three days each week back to the office. I do have someone to watch over Alvin but it is not the same, it is not me. Although I am very grateful that I have such amazing friends and neighbours who are helping me out. Soon, I hope I will be retiring and then it won’t matter. Soon cannot come soon enough, lol.

This weekend we have to go over the schedule with my friend and neighbor who is helping with Alvin.

Well I am going to go downstairs and outside with the boy and ensure that the main floor is as cool as I can make it. I will close all of the blinds so that it keeps the coolness in as it is supposed to be another hot one today.

I hope that you have an amazing day. Sure cannot believe this weather but am grateful for it. Last year when we were out to see the kids for Thanksgiving it was nice out as well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Welcome to a SNOW COVERED ground here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and it is still coming down. When we were up at 5:00 a.m. – there was no snow. Now we have a couple of inches or so. I love the look of the ground with a pure white cover. It does present itself with work – shovelling. I have already shovelled part of the deck and the grass area where Mr. Alvin does his business because wouldn’t you know it I was lazy at 5:00 and did not go out with him. I saw him poop by the fence and memorized in my mind where he went so that I could pick it up later. Not thinking that in less than a couple of hours it was snowing and would be covered. Luckily when I was out shovelling he pooped again and I got it right away and the other must not have been much as it did not show up in the shovelling. Sorry for the grossing out but I find it humorous. If we cannot laugh at “poop” then what can we laugh at. Besides the world could use some laughter right about now. Poop story over.

Looks like I will have lots of shovelling in my future. Also the pups Teddy and Kobie are supposed to be coming over for the day. I just texted their Mom to see if they are still travelling to the farm. I am not sure how much snow we are supposed to get today. So we shall wait and see if the pups will be joining us today or not.

I figured if the pups come for the day that I would work on and hopefully finish all of the Christmas cards that need to be mailed. I made my mailing list of cards and will check to ensure that I did not miss anyone. I have a couple of parcels to finish for posting. Might as well do that today. I like to stay on the main floor when there are three pups in the house. Also I have the Christmas tree up and with three pups most especially the little one who likes to run and investigate, I like to watch. I am also on the hunt for some potting soil as I have a couple of plants that were given to me recently that require transplanting. Another little job. There is always lots to do. Oh and laundry. Will there ever be a time when we don’t have to do laundry? Guess not. At least it is easy peasy these days. I remember in the OLDER DAYS having to do laundry for seven people using the wringer washing machine and then having to hang everything on the clothesline. We did later get a propane dryer which was nothing like the dryers of today. Besides the clothes always smelled so good even in the winter. Ironing. We used to iron even the bedsheets. So I am not going to seriously complain about doing laundry. Point just made that there seems to be always lots of laundry to wash and when you consider that I am the only two legged in the household, makes me wonder. Now that being said Alvin has some laundry but not as much. Reminding me that his harness needs to be washed. Today would be a good day.

What is going on in your life? Do you have a busy Saturday planned or not planned? Oh NO, i just looked out of the office window and it is snowing heavily. YIKES. Time to build up those arm muscles. Gotta love that. Sorry back to you. If you live in the United States, I can only imagine how you are feeling. Up and down. I hope for good results.

Well from poop to election results.

Time to go and put on some coffee. I so enjoy coffee on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Now my Christmas Tree and decorations does not look so out of place. I will have to change my wreath on the front door. Time to go from FALL to WINTER.

I wish you a wonderful Saturday. With wishes of good cheer, time to relax, perhaps a chat with a friend or family member who lives far away, laughter, and above all, I wish you good health. That is the cornerstone of our life. Without it, there is no good life.

I/We continue to live our lives with kindness and respect and compassion for all life.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 29th day of March, 2019.

WOW, almost the end of March, 2019.

Crazy.

Our weather has been quite nice.

It was beautiful when Alvin and I went for a walk last night.

We took a longer walk and enjoyed it immensely.

Still getting muddy and thankfully I remembered to have a wet towel at the front door.

Need more exercise we do.

Alvin will be having a bath and hair cut this weekend, likely Sunday.

 

Master Teddy joins us tomorrow for the day.

Alvin sure perked up when I told him last night.

He will be happy to have him with us again.

I was wondering last night why Alvin wanted to be outside on the deck so much.

The reason.

Mr. Humphrey was out on his deck.

Humphrey was telling him quite the story.

Alvin sure loves his friends.

We are so lucky to be surrounded by lovely creatures four-legged and two.

 

I am debating on whether I should go to the grocery store at lunchtime or go after work.

About the same distance to carry and walk.

Maybe at noon a bit further but not much.

I am out of ideas for lunch and do not wish to have a sandwich again.

Out of vegetables.

So likely will trod on over at lunchtime.

I am nearing the end of my toothpaste and completely out of dish soap.

So decision at lunchtime or after work?

I am catching the bus as my carpool took the afternoon off …..

I guess by the time I have to take lunch – I will have made a decision.

ARGH.

Somedays.

You know if that is the hardest decision that I have to make today – I will consider myself more than lucky.

 

I see 3.3 million dollars in my future.

Sharing the Lotto Max Jackpot with 14 of my coworkers.

Perfect beginning to the weekend.

YAY.

 

Well perfect sight …. listening to Alvin breathing as he rests on his blue blanket.

Oh, how I love that guy.

 

Well I guess it is time to go.

Time to go to work.

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who have a four-legged friend in their family.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of October, 2017.

Yesterday was a great start to my “work” week.

I accomplished everything on my work “to do” list.

As I was waiting for the bus with a guy that I know from the office; this car stops and someone was waving.

We looked at each other and wondered aloud was this someone that knew one of us? or thought that they did?

After a few seconds and before the light changed I decided to just walk closer to the car so that I could see who it was,c and it was for me.

A gal that I had met on the bus that lives in a neighbourhood north of me had noticed me so stopped to see if I would like a ride home.

How simply wonderful is that?

Pretty great, I will tell you.

As it turns out she had started to carpool with her son and he is on a week vacation so she is continuing to drive.

She works downtown so she drives right by bus stop.

She had wondered if she would see me.

We had a lovely chat on the way home and she advised that she should be able to give me rides home all this week.

My bus friend said that she will pick me up from my work.

Also said that her son loves tea and has started to drink more and wanted to see a catalogue.

BONUS.

Also our Canada Post is having FREE shipping on parcels every Tuesday in October for those who have this certain small business card, for which I do.

Anyway I had been unable to set up an on-line shipping account until yesterday.

Last night I went to my friend who uses it and was able to print the postage label for my parcel.

BONUS.

What a crazy great day.

Alvin and I had a wonderful walk after work.

I think that today is going to be even better.

So put on your easy going positive cap and walk out your door.

No worries ….. be joyful.

Good things happen.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Yes, my sister I had a great day yesterday.

We will SKYPE soon.

 

Special Hello to: my dear friend “V” ….. always in our thoughts.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of May, 2015.

What a glorious morning here in Edmonton.

While I was writing in my gratitude journal at the kitchen table this morning, I gazed out of the window onto the deck.

What to my eyes did I see but a slight layer of frost glistening like diamonds in the sunlight as it slowly melted into the wood.

So beautiful ….. one of nature’s best.

We finally got some rain late yesterday afternoon and overnight.

Enough to make the ground damp in spots.

Better than naught.

So happy to see spears of green grass poking their way to the sunlight on the front and back lawn.

We, me and Alvin are getting ready to greet some company for coffee.

Two of my girl friends and possibly their children are coming for a visit.

We always love to have company.

Love to chat about the world and ours.

Love to laugh and tell stories …. recanting our childhoods and such.

It is a glorious morning.

Yesterday was busy ….. OH, I VOTED in the advanced polls.

YAY …. so happy to have that most important task completed.

Also hit the grocery store, did some cleaning  …. more laundry ….. (where does it all come from??) and decided to put out the new bathroom curtain, towels and accessories in the main bathroom upstairs and also in my bedroom.

FIXED:  bedroom – bedspread, sheets, new matching pillows ….. looks beautiful.

I was going to wait until I painted but decided “why not enjoy it all now” ….. this way it gives me a better idea as to what direction I should go for the paint colour.

Photos were snapped and I will post them shortly so you can see my new stuff and perhaps give me some ideas as to paint colour for the master bedroom.

My thoughts initially were light turquoise or the palest of sky blues and now I am leaning to SAND.

Oh, I am needing some coffee.  Might have to put it on a bit early ….. mmm, I love a good cup of coffee.

Oh, yes … I did not forget about Miss Aussie …. her Momma is away down south … Palm Springs, I Believe.

She actually ran off the window ledge when she saw me coming so I gingerly opened the front door and stuck my keys in ahead of me (she likes to put her paws out, too and hers are way more sharp than mine) ….. anyway I managed after a couple of moments to get inside the house.  She then ran back to the window.  I gave her food, her medicine and fresh water.  As soon as she was away from the window … I opened it …. she loves to sit on the window sill and look outside.  She might as well enjoy the beautiful fresh air.  By the way, it smells like it just rained.

Well time to go and get that coffee on and a couple of items.

I hope that you have a grand Sunday.

Take care and be safe.

Be kind as you set out on your day …..

To yourself and to ours.

Special Hello to:  Family and Friends …… thank you for everything in my life.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 22nd day of October, 2014.

WOW, it is another gorgeous day.

Last night after visiting my nephew at the hospital; arriving home feeding puppies – me and Alvin went for a walk.

Well we started to go on a walk.

Once we reached the front sidewalk (it was dark); I realized that my neighbour had just arrived home.

So we chatted for a bit and out of the blue this yellow coloured cat came strolling down the sidewalk.

Alvin was pulling a bit on the leash and wagging his tail.

He was in the foster home with four cats so I know he likes them.

But not since then has he been that close to a cat.

The cat came right up to us …..

Alvin was sniffing her and they were fine.

She didn’t hiss or snarl and Alvin didn’t bite her.

They were really good together.

This cat has been coming around for awhile and we have been trying to figure out if it has a home.

There are a lot of cats in our neighbourhood and some of them like to prowl around at night.

We have seen this cat during the day on occasion.

We discussed what to do about the cat.

She was going to try and get her into the house so that she could take the cat to the Humane Society.

I thought because Alvin and said cat got along so well that maybe I would adopt her ( I am calling the cat “her” because Alvin loves the ladies, so has to be a female) once the kids got moved into their new house.  There are too many people/animals in the house at the moment.  She would be scared.  Perhaps.

So my neighbour thought she could take the cat until then.

Alvin and I went on a walk and when we came home …. their front door was open as they were trying to coax the cat inside but to no avail.  They took a photo and are going to post it on KIJIJI and then check with the Humane Society.

So it was a great night.

My nephew continues to make slow progress….. his body is healing amazingly well…… just need him to keep his eyes open and start to see things ….. he will, I know.

Well time to go to the office again.

I hope that you have a great day.

Always exciting at my house.

Special Hello to: everyone, with winter around the corner if you see any stray animals please report them to your local Humane Society or SPCA so that they will not freeze outdoors.

Always, Carol and Alvin