Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Well I see that I am not the only thing that is “slow” this morning, my computer is, too. I hope that you are having a great morning so far. We have been up and down for hours. I know this is my sad story but it is my truth. Lights out by 10:00, Mr. Alvin had to go outside at 11:00, then 1:30, then 4:30 and then we were up to stay up at 5:30. I feel like, I do not know exactly. Time will tell. I tried to coax him to stay in bed but he was persistent so I then know that he really has to go and he really did. But up and outside that many times is hard on a person, must be hard on him, too, although he can sleep for most of the day, I cannot. Oh well, that is life!

I heard the news that one of my favourite “funny” people “Leslie Jordan” died in a car accident yesterday. How sad that we lost such a beloved character actor. I loved him in “Call me Kat.” He will be missed.

We dropped off a parcel at my friends’ house so that she can print the mailing label and had a visit. Alvin was happy to see Maddie again. After leaving there we were on our way to the park and not quite halfway, someone who shall remain nameless, “ALVIN” turned around and headed for home. I tried but unless I physically pull him, he wanted to go home. Home we went. We were standing on our lawn when I heard a familiar voice and there was our friends Alyaa and Donia. She wanted to tell me the story from her visit today. She had brought Cookie and Donia with her as Donia did not have school. I guess Cookie not able to find a pee pad – pooped on the matt by the bottom of the stairs. She explained how she had washed the matt with dish soap and hung it over the railing on the deck. She was so concerned about the whole situation. I laughed and told her not to worry and that I have lots of pee pads which Alvin does not use. We had a giggle over it all and I advised that I would leave some out and that she is always welcome to bring Cookie with her as she thought she should just leave her at home. I think that Alvin needs to socialize and that an accident, well an accident will happen. So I will place a couple of pads out and also leaving the “pooping bags” in a bag on the table as she was bringing her own. I am so grateful to have someone watching over Alvin that care so much. I have the best support system. All of my friends who have watched Mr. Alvin when I have had to go to the office are amazing. I have a DREAM TEAM for sure.

Well it is almost time to head back downstairs. I need to take him outside once again before I leave for work. It is very frosty on the ground and deck this morning. The air was not too cold.

Sometimes life is all about the “poop.” In always arrives one way or the other!

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. We did have a few snow flurries yesterday and some on the way for today.

2021

Good Morning All! It is a frosty window here in Edmonton. There remain many trees in our neighbourhood that are full with leaves. The sun is shining in a full clear blue sky. A beautiful fall morning. I took an extra day of vacation to make this an extra long weekend. Just chilling on the sofa with Mr. Alvin. I am trying a Mary Kay facial mask. Feels good. The coffee has finished perking and not quite sure if I can drink with this mask on. it is not your typical clay mask but rather a mask filled with good things for your face. You remove each mesh side and then lay the mask which has holes cut out for your eyes, nose and eyes. Then you lay on your face and press in place. Feels great.I will report back later with name and results.

I am so grateful to have this extra day to finish up things before back to work. Some time for self pampering which is the facial mask. I do not often take the time to pamper myself like having a soaking bath, facial mask, feet soaking etc. But when I thought about it just after I washed my face and got dressed – it felt like the time. So here I am sitting on the sofa with a mask doing its’ job softening and treating my skin while writing this post. Sometimes you just have to take time and do something extra for yourself. Might have been better if I had been laying on my bed relaxing but that okay. Better than not at all. Take the time. When I was listening briefly to the news a little while ago and heard that 90 year old William Shatner is going into space. Maybe only for 13 minutes but he is still doing it. I feel at 64 that I should be doing more and maybe this was the kick in the pants that I need.

Okay almost time to remove the mask and have coffee.

Remember to take time for you and not just sitting on the sofa watching television.

Have a great Tuesday.

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

Always, love Carol&Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 14th day of November, 2015.

The sky looks frosty if that is possible and the roofs are all covered in frost … like a painting.

That is my view from the office window.

We were up early this morning much like other mornings.

As has been “routine” for the past mornings I quickly don my winter boots as I hit the main floor.

Grabbed Alvin’s food dish as it’s temporary home is in the living room.

I turned on all of the lights and followed Alvin into the kitchen where I gingerly turned the handle on the bathroom door.

Quickly turned on the light and spoke loudly before opening his food container and filling up a cup for his dish.

Returning to the living room he ate breakfast while I “cowered” on the upstairs steps.

How sad am I?

Once done we both went outside.

Alvin and my winter boots are my saviours these days.

I feel so helpless and stopped from doing the things that I need to do.

I have a long list of items that need my attention.

The craft show is fast approaching and I need to gather some tea orders.

I have to get past this situation.

It has been crippling.

The days that have been wasted because of this small little thing.

Well today is a new day.

I will tell you that after three days of this I am downright exhausted.

Made a decision to have my neighbour remove the sticky pads as I cannot bear it to be caught and have Alvin listen to it.

I do not think they pass right away and that is down right cruel.

Even thought this creature has turned my life upside down I just think I have to do the more humane thing ….

So this morning another friend is coming over to set a couple of the old fashioned “snap” ones.

I feel better about that.

Right now there is nothing in the pantry and I should be baking some pumpkin muffins so I shall have a shower and be brave.

Gather my baking items from the pantry and get on with it.

Boots and Alvin and all.

I need to get going on things.

So these are my thoughts for the day.

I am trying to be brave …. I am trying.

Somedays it would be nice to have a room-mate in addition to Alvin.

Although he has been the best …. does not leave my side…. I think that he knows.

Tomorrow is my nephew’s birthday …. the one that was in the accident last fall and in a coma for several months.

He is doing a world better;  his brother is taking him home for a day or two and renting a hall to have a party for him.

Happy Birthday ….. he will love seeing all of his friends, neighbours and family.

My daughter and I are going to go next weekend and visit him at Ponoka unless he already has plans.

We have to call.

Tick tock …. I have to get this show on the road.

Writing is not going to get things done.

I appreciate your support ….

Special Hello to: to all those people who live every day with phobias …. I know.

Always, Carol and Alvin