2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? When I went outside this morning with Alvin at 5:00 a.m. the grass in the backyard was cold and crusty (frozen). So dark almost like the deep of night.

MORNINGS WITH ALVIN

When we wake and I follow you ouside.

The early morning is as the deep of night.

We walk across the deck,

You jump off at the low end and I take the steps.

We enter the grass area of the backyard.

Not too big,

Just enough for you, my Alvin.

You prefer to walk around and sniff.

Nothing new but sniff you do.

Wishing that I had remembered to buy batteries.

For the big flashlight,

As this small one brings me bent over to the ground.

To ensure that I did not miss picking up any poo,

Yes, poo from you.

Oh my Alvin,

Without you I would never have experienced the deep of night.

Out in the backyard.

This morning the stars were shining brightly in the sky.

Yes, we could see the stars.

There is nothing better than stars shining in the early morning sky.

The sky being so crystal clear.

I can see my breath and yours.

Thank you for bringing me outside to enjoy.

The early morning sky.

P.S. there are lots of middle of the night sky, too.

Thank you Alvin.

I love you.

Written by CY Lewis @ this morning October 26, 2021

Sometimes you just feel like writing a poem.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Time to go and make a pot of coffee and perhaps start work a bit earlier than usual.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Someone just had to be upstairs with me so I let him come upstairs (all by himself). I shall carry him down.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this “bright and sunny” Thursday morning? I am so grateful that the skies are pretty clear and that the sun is shining after a few days of clouds, rain and snow. It did freeze hard over night as I noticed the water that I have out for the bees froze over and there is frost on the cars. Most of the snow has melted now and the grass and trees appear to be renewed, is that possible? Of course, they gratefully soaked up the moisture in both forms. My lawn has not looked this good in years. Between the fertilizer that our neighbours threw on a few days ago and the extra moisture ….. well it looks like a lawn again. I was thinking that we may have to replant which I suppose throwing on some extra seed would not have hurt. If I would have had some grass seed in my garage I would have done so, at the beginning of the rain. Food for thought. I am going to pick up some seed to have on hand. Even our back patch of grass is coming back. Yesterday and earlier this morning there were a bunch of little birds flying about our backyard near the bird house. There was also a Magpie that was swooping in and about every once in awhile. They are pretty but not good for the little birds. Anyway, I am certain that by noon, or perhaps before I can remove the cover that is protecting the flowers in the front flower bed. Did I forget to mention? Yes, I did, that I pulled the cover back and checked some of the flowers and they are okay. If they survived last night, we all should be good. I also shook and dipped with a measuring cup all of the excess water off of the handmade tarp so that it would not crush them and not freeze. Fingers crossed.

I am looking forward to a walk with Mr. Alvin at noon. He needs to get out as I think he has a bit of cabin fever or at least he has been more anxious that usual. He barked short piercing barks the whole time I was in the shower. I kept calling out to him and hoping to calm him down but it did not work. I even tried singing my “put one paw in front of the other” song but to no avail. Luckily, he is okay now. What a guy. I tried to explain about how lucky that he is as I have noticed this poor little orange cat running on the front sidewalk and across the street. Poor cat looked like he or she had not had a good meal in a long time. So many cats on the loose in our area. Very dangerous as we have had coyotes in the nearby parks. Plus there are hawks and other birds of prey that can swoop down and take away little cats. I hope that he finds a home, soon.

Well time to head on downstairs and put on the coffee, need to smell that delectable aroma and drink some of that pure joy liquid before I start work. I am grateful that all my flowers survived this late spring snowfall and the wind. Thank goodness for a garage. I don’t have a car but man on man, that building has come in handy for storing and housing the vehicles of company.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thursday. May you laugh and smile and be surrounded with kindness and joy.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on patience I am patient. I am patient. I am patient.

ALLways, Love Carol & Alvin

It is the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the fourth day of our FREEZING COLD temperatures.

The temperatures started to drop this past Friday and are going to get even colder this week.

Please, please keep your pets indoors.

If you have a pup that needs to walk, make sure that they have boots and a coat on them.

Keep them warm.

The pads on their paws WILL freeze, they are no different than our hands.

If you see a dog out in a backyard for more than a couple of minutes call the authorities.

Make sure that everyone in the household that has to go outside is dressed warmly and in multiple layers.

Layers are what keeps you warm in these temperatures.

 

Yesterday I went for groceries in the afternoon with Teddy’s Mom.

Teddy came for a visit.

I am proud to say that I finally remembered to take all my reusable mesh bags with me to the grocery store.

And used them, too.

Finally ….. I am posting on social media “tips to reduce plastic consumption.”

So I had better walk the talk …..

Teddy ended up staying after I came home until after supper.

It was nice for the boys to have company.

Teddy does have his little sister but there is nothing like your best friend for company.

 

Well I had better get going as on poop patrol again.

If I leave it and it snows, then I will be playing detective trying to locate the brown parcels.

Life in the fast lane.

Better to pick up now when it is frozen than in the spring when it melts.

No one wants that …..

 

Have an awesome day.

Today is an awesome day as it is the 55th birthday of my youngest brother.

Happy Birthday …. have a great day and keep warm and stay safe.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 22nd day of December, 2018.

Well we are up and at it already.

Starting the final preparations on our first office Christmas party.

But first I would like to share a story or three from yesterday.

Yesterday was our last day of work before the Christmas break.

Some of the staff already moved over to our new office space went back to the old building to help with the final cleanup.

There were cords of all description to gather, odds and ends to gather and either mark for move, storage or trash.

I helped for a few hours before returning to the new office as I had some work to do before we closed at 12:30 p.m.

Just before 1:00 p.m. we enjoyed a hot turkey lunch with all of the trimmings.

It was so good.

We also enjoyed some entertainment, a magician.

He was really good.

Even with a group trick …. it worked.

We were all amazed.

I volunteered to help with a trick.

Following there were some draws for gift baskets.

I did not win but that was okay.

After that my friend J and I went back to the old office to pick up my cabinets.

The wind was blowing and it was snowing.

We managed to load both of the cabinets onto his truck and then head for my home.

The traffic was heavy as likely most every other office downtown were off early.

So we got to my house about 4:30 and unloaded the cabinets.

I left one in the garage and brought the other one into the house and placed it in the nook behind the back door.

It was almost 5:00 before we were done and on the road again.

Poor Alvin likely wondered what the heck was going on.

I asked J to drop me off at my neighbouring SAVE-ON FOODS store so that I could pick up the last of my groceries for tonight’s party and for Christmas.

I hemmed and hawed about whether to call a taxi before or after getting the groceries and at the last minute decided to call afterwards.

So I raced around the store picking up my items so that I could call and get home to Alvin and to the list of things that I had wanted to do last night.

I finished in record time.

It was about 5:35 p.m. when I called for a taxi, a Co-op one and the dispatcher said 5 to 30 minutes, so I thought that’s not too bad.

I picked up a lotto ticket for the $60 million draw from last night (have not checked my ticket yet) and then proceeded to wait outside for the taxi.

It was snowing and blowing so I waited in the section where they house the Christmas trees which is open.

Standing there in the blowing snow, I waited.

First it was 10 minutes, then 20.

They were playing Christmas tunes, so I sang quietly and danced to the music to keep warm.

Watching people come into the store and minutes later leaving the store.

Then it was 30, then 40, then 45.

By this time I am starting to get aggravated but no choice but to wait.

I had bought ice so did not wish to wait inside where it was warm.

Then it was 55 minutes and a YELLOW CAB pulled up and dropped someone off.

I without even thinking – started to wave at the taxi.

I could see him acknowledging me as he drove up and around to come back to my spot.

He rolled down the window and I quickly explained about the other taxi and the long wait.

The driver asked me where I was going and I told him not even 5 minutes away and odd question, he asked me how much I was going to pay.

I think that he meant was it cash?

I told him a few times, thank you for stopping and asked for his name, he told me “Abdi.”

Anyway in a minute he was helping me load my groceries and I kept the bag with the eggs with me inside the car.

In a short short time, I was home.

I gave him the money, “ten dollars.”

The ride only ever costs $5.00 or so.

It actually went up as the first time that I started to catch a taxi it was four dollars and change.

Anyway, I had my things and was home.

Poor Alvin.

Thankfully when I was home at 4:30 – he had gone outside to pee.

Otherwise he would have been floating.

I apologized to me Alvin and let him outside.

Then off with the coat and started to put the groceries away.

By this time we are fast approaching 7:00 p.m.

Considering I originally left home just before 7:00 a.m. – a long day.

I felt tired.

I went to grab the bag with the ice and frozen peas and did not see it.

I looked everywhere.

In the store I had used a different bag – it was the one that I had used to carry my SAVE-ON bags.

Just to put the ice and frozen peas in so that they would keep each other cold.

Not anywhere.

I even looked on the porch as the bag was dark red and black.

Nope.

Then the realization set in that I had left it in the trunk of the cab.

ARGH.

OH now.

I felt like crying.

Over a bag of ice and frozen peas.

But I needed the ice for tonight and the peas for Christmas Day dinner.

I had been so happy that I was able to get ice that was not frozen into one block.

Had been so happy.

In a quick thought I remembered that I had asked for his name and I knew that he was on his way to pick up a fare at COSTCO.

So I got the cab’s phone number and called the company.

The dispatcher likely thought I was a little crazy.

But I asked for help.

She was going to ask her Supervisor and call me back.

The call never came.

So I am out a bag of ice and two bags of frozen peas.

Now I will have to ask one of the girls coming tonight to please bring a bag of ice.

After all of that I was frazzled.

But in the words from FROZEN ….. “Let it go, Let it go.”

Managed to do some laundry and a couple of things including cleaning the cabinet and offloading items from other areas to their new home, and then to bed at 10:00 and we slept until about 4:00 a.m.

That is when Alvin needed to go outside and he actually ate his breakfast.

Okay that is my sad story.

I am beginning to think that I will have to count bags or something.

It was not long ago that I forgot the rug on the cart at COSTCO and the bag of avocados (which must have been missed at the cashiers as we were not charged for them).

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

I hope that this crazy story brought a smile to your face.

Cause I have to smile now.

Not much point in crying ….. have a party to get ready for ….. the time will fly….. already 9:15 a.m.

Laundry to go and check on …..

Have a great Saturday.

 

Special Hello to my sister and all of my girl friends back home in Regina …. Happy Saturday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 15th day of February, 2018.

Alvin and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

We had a surprise package from our friend “V” from Regina.

She sent both of us treats and even a homemade dish for my supper.

TACO PEROGY …. it was amazing.

We are very blessed and are so grateful.

This has been such a long winter with not many walks and both Alvin and I are feeling our middles most especially expanding.

I guess it is time to break out the yoga mat and get to it.

Will have to start walking the stairs on my breaks, yes that would mean actually taking them.

I find that I spend way too much time at my desk, sitting.

I mean other than the time I am working.

I drink coffee at my desk and eat my lunch at my desk.

TOO MUCH SITTING.

This morning after looking in the mirror – it hit me – GET TO IT.

One should get to it before it gets out of hand and then becomes difficult but NEVER impossible.

Perhaps some of the goodies will be frozen and some given to my daughter and family.

At the end of it all, I am very grateful, as is Mr. Alvin.

I took a video of him but not time to upload/download it this morning.

 

Well here we are again and almost time to leave for work.

Our friends came over last night.

Teddy and his Aunt J, we had a great visit.

It was a good night.

Too many treats for the boys, though.

 

Happy Thursday.

I hope that wherever you are – that you are safe, warm and happy.

Special Hello to: my dear, to our dear friend “V” who always treats us extra specially.  Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 21st day of June, 2015.

How glorious has this weekend been?  ….. VERY.

Started out with a vacation day on Friday.

Spent the day fixing and making the outside look beautiful for Saturday as well as the inside of the house.

I also did some more baking.

Saturday, I held my very first “Steeped Tea Party” and it was a huge success.

Mr. Alvin was very excited about all of the company, the ladies, to say the very least.

He even had my friend’s puppy “Sadie” over to play …..

He definitely likes to be the centre of attention that is for sure.

At one point I saw this long red thing hanging out of his mouth followed by the roar of the ladies, only to find he had been smelling about, and found this piece of liquorice in a purse.

I will admit he looked so cute and so guilty with this liquorice hanging out of his mouth.

He managed to eat a small piece before I got it away from him.

His first and last liquorice.

Needless to say his Momma apologized to our guest.

We learned lots and had a great time.

I give my thanks and gratitude to all those ladies for their orders and attendance, it was off the charts.

I love this tea …… so much to learn about steeping tea and have learned that it is truly an art.

So looking forward to learning more ……

I knew some about the wellness properties of green tea but there is so much more.

After the tea party was over and the last of the guests departed my daughter and I headed out for the Shopper’s Gala.

That was fun, too.

More treats, free things and some shopping.

Quick trip to the grocery store and then home.

Once home it was clean up from the party followed by a walk with Alvin.

Good thing because it rained for awhile.

We had such a great day and I am so tired …. slept very late today.

Not tired ….. really.

Well I guess I better get this day going ……

It is going to be a quiet one and deciding what to get for free stuff from my party.

I love free stuff.

YAY …….

I encourage everyone to try tea so good for us.

There are even some blends that will help with having dessert after supper.

I have always been a dessert person ….. I have a serious sweet tooth.

So this will help.

I hope that you all have an awesome Sunday.

Filled with love and laughter.

I will have that memory of Mr. Alvin looking guilty and pleased all at the same time … with that long piece of liquorice hanging out of his mouth …… the laughter, too.  Great moment frozen in time.

Oh my boy ….. he should be in the movies ….. he is quite the star.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who drink and enjoy tea …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 16th day of August, 2014.

The breeze feels cools as it wafts in through our bedroom/office window.

YAY ….. thank goodness for the cool morning.

I had fun at the company barbecue yesterday and even won movie passes.

Oh, I “manned” the game …. throwing the blow up beach ball into the garbage can.

OH yeah.

Followed by a few glorious hours at the mall …. West Ed Mall.

It was so packed ….. people all over the place ….hu

Just checking out stores on my list and trying things on.

I even managed to finally get one of my watches in and have the battery changed.

Had a bowl of noodles from Freshi’s and treated myself to a frozen yogurt from Pinkberry.

So great.

Then I went to the store and found that one of my coworkers had left a birthday present for me …..

A beautiful scarf splashed with pinks and whites and a coffee mug with my initial.

Am I not the most lucky woman on the planet.

Such a great day.

It was extremely muggy and I could have lived without that part of the day but being in the mall did help.

It was at the barbecue that was hot and sticky.

I just slept in this morning which was nice.

So time to get some laundry and housework done.

Sometimes when you think that you are just getting by and that no one notices and then you are pleasantly surprised that that just was not the case.

Does that make sense.

Sorry for the long sentence.

Sometimes it is necessary.

I do love my life.

Also I am super excited because I came up with a good story line for a book ….. so am working on that …..

Man it has been a great August …….

Time to go and get dressed.

Words to the wise ……

Never give up.

Also remain positive and keep the light burning bright …..

Life can be great if you think that it is ……

Mine is spectacular.

Special Hello to: my sister and family and friends back in Regina …… we have to SKYPE or something …… miss you all.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. if you have not yet watched the movie “FROZEN’ ….. then you must.  Great movie and great songs.

Thought for the day…….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of July, 2014.

A bit later than usual here because I was at work for 6:30 to help with a pancake breakfast.

It was a huge success.

Today is the parade for our “K Days” which is our summer fair or exhibition.

 

I wanted to share a cute story with you all.

Yesterday morning after my visit to the dentist, I had stopped at Shoppers Drug Mart which is almost next door to my dentist to pick up an umbrella.

I had walked to the dentist from my house and managed to stay dry.  (my last umbrella broke and I had not replaced it).

Mother Nature was kind ….. it started to rain hard after I was at the dentist.

So after I picked out my umbrella I walked over to cash to pay for it.

There was an older woman ahead of me and the cashier said to her “I gave you a present.”

The woman smiled, paid for her purchase,  said “thank you.” and walked away.

As the cashier rang in my umbrella she said to me “I gave you a present.”

I thought to myself “sweet” and not thinking to ask (as my mouth was frozen and I didn’t feel much like talking) …. just finished paying and left.

As I put my receipt into my purse I checked the receipt and saw in capital letters ” SENIORS DISCOUNT. ”

My mouth dropped even lower, and I thought to myself “she thought I was a senior” and then followed by “hey I got $3.00 off my umbrella” ….. SWEET.

I laughed to myself all the way to the bus stop.

I guess in some places I would be considered a senior and there are times sometimes in the early morning and late at night that I feel a bit “senior.”

Then I was thinking that perhaps because with the freezing in from the dentist my mouth was all droopy and there is nothing like that to age a gal.

Oh well …… makes for a cute story …..

I hope that you all are having a fantastic Friday.

Time to go and have a walk with Mr. Alvin before it gets too hot.

I work tonight so it would be very late when we walk tonight.

Happy Friday.

Always Smiling……

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers ….. keep writing ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

I am still stuffed from the pancakes and am very grateful for the treat.

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 2nd day of April, 2014.

How are you this morning?

I am doing pretty GOOD.

I think.

Although Alvin has been sniffing again …… oh, please …..

I wish with all my heart and soul that the only living breathing beings in my house are me and Alvin.

I am listening to the song from the movie FROZEN ….. “Let it GO” …..

It is a reminder to let it go …….

Only keep what you need and want …..

Let the rest of the stuff go.

I know it is not always easy.

I can tell you from my heart …..

It is not always easy but you have to let it go.

Keep the good stuff.

When Alvin does his thing ….. or else I hear a noise that I am unsure of ….. my mind wanders to that bad place…. you know …

I would love to shut down all those silly voices ….. throw away those thoughts …..

Each day I work on ME.

That is all you can do after all.

On the UP side last night Alvin were out for a walk after supper and while out met a nice couple from the United Kingdom (England).

We chatted for a long while ….. they are moving to Canada for work.

Now listening to “HAPPY” by Pharrell Williams.

Good song to listen to ……. I like the line “if you feel like a room without a roof” …… if you feel like happiness is the truth …..

Listen to your favourite song or perhaps a new one.

Always good to expand.

Have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” from back in Regina …… I didn’t forget your birthday …. Happy Birthday…

Always, Carol and Alvin