Last Days 2022 – December 30th

Good Morning ALL! We had a great sleep so why I am still tired? Last night I was home and we were in bed by just after 11:00 p.m. and up at 6:30 a.m. I gave Mr. Alvin his glucosamine chew followed by his breakfast, he had a drink of water and then went outside. It was me who was up twice last night having to go pee, okay I will just say it. Why do we think bodily functions that every living creature on this planet does in some way shape or form? No idea. I guess people think it is gross. Once you have a baby or have a pet – all that goes to the wayside. Cleaning up after them is not pretty. You can be chewing on a mouth full of something and then have to go outside with your dog and pick up poop and it is okay. Not that I do that on a regular basis but I have found myself in that situation. Part of life. So we must get over it. As you know, I say the words “poop” and “pee” quite often and why at age 65 would I stop now. LOL. Anyway we are up and I am dressed with my eyebrows on writing this post.

Last night I was invited over to our friends Norbert & Irene’s house for a visit. This was my first real visit since the loss of their son in November. I had previously stopped by to give my sympathies, to drop off an arrangement, to drop off a card and Christmas baking but not long enough to take off my winter boots, and stay awhile. They are doing incredibly well and I am not sure how I would be in their position. We did speak about their son, Darcy throughout the evening. I let the conversation go where it needed to be. We chatted about so many things including Darcy and the accident leading to his passing. There was a Chinese checker game board out so I knew at some point we would be playing games. After much conversation, Irene asked if I would like to have a game of checkers and I said “yes.” I do not remember the last time that I had played this particular game but it did not take long to figure it out although I am not very good at it. Irene won every round we played. Next she brought out a mind teaser game which was interesting followed by another game which I knew “Connect Four.” I love that game. Cannot remember the last time that I played that game, oh yes, I do now. It was at a games day that we had a work a few years ago. Connect Four was one of the games that we played. Irene still won most of the games (she said that she likes to win and she wins) but I managed to score a win here and there. We kept saying “one more game.” Then it was nearing 11:00 p.m. and I knew that Mr. Alvin would wonder where the heck I was and likely needed to go pee. We said our goodnights with Irene handing me a package which contained a thank you card, a copy of the Eulogy, copy of newspaper clipping, the card from the funeral for their son Darcy. I graciously accepted and was on my way.

The once brightly lit bushes were dark as I left their house. They have their lights on timers. The lights were so beautiful when I approached the house. I forgot to mention that in the previous paragraph, I guess I could have added it but why? This is when I thought of it. LOL. The air was filled with fog as I walked the two minute walk home. Very eerie but the air was warm.

When I arrived home Mr. Alvin had been laying on his bed near the window. I deliberately placed it so he could see outside. Happy to see me, he did let me know that I should have been home with him. I pulled off my boots and we walked to the back door so I could let him outside to pee. Yup, he had to pee. A few minutes later we were upstairs and I was getting ready for bed. A great night.

Earlier in the day – I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath followed by a shower for me. His hair clings to my clothing like flies to honey. He looks oh so handsome.

Well on the agenda for today. Do some laundry. A bit of cleaning. Go for a walk. Shovel the neighbour’s driveway. Relax. COFFEE, oh yes, I need to make some coffee.

Well it is time to head back downstairs. The sky looks so amazing with the sun trying to peek through the fog with the frosted tipped trees lining the horizon with the white tops of the houses and garages. That is the view from my office window. Amazing.

Have an awesome day. I guess tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. No real plans but will have to figure out what my post will be so that I have some kind of idea. Maybe some photo highlights of 2022. It has been quite the year for most of us, actually all of us.

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

Have an awesome Friday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are up and at it. Mr. Alvin is having a “fit” downstairs as I hastily try to write this post midst the barking and whining. Not sure why some mornings he is better than others but that is the way that it is. I left the light on for the stairs so he knows that I am up here and I have called down to him but nothing seems to make him feel less anxious. Life in my house. I am trying. It seems whenever I get confident that things are turning around this happens. Oh well, he is fine. In good health, has a belly full of food, I just heard him take a drink of water (yup all the way up here) and he went outside at 5:00 a.m., and he is loved. So I think he is good. Just a bit on the anxious side.

Yesterday one of my friends who lives close by popped in for a visit and coffee and a game of JENGA. We chatted about life and work and it was over two hours later and we had not had a game of JENGA. She had to leave a bit later so we managed to score a couple of games of JENGA. I was also happy that she won both games. My friend seems to think that I am really good at this game and that she can never “win” against me. I personally don’t care if I win or lose, it is playing the game and being surrounded by good company. So I was very happy when she won both games. Happy for her and happy for me. Isn’t that the way life should be. Doesn’t matter if you win or lose!

My youngest brother called during our visit so I called him back after our company went home. It was so nice to hear his voice. He is a good kid, a great younger brother and he is 56. So not really a kid but he will always be that little one that I looked after when he was a baby and a small child. He lives in Calgary which is approximately 3 hours from here. It all depends on what area of the City you live in as to how long the drive can be. Anyway, his family are doing well and he is doing well and that is all that matters. We chatted about life, about family, about his job and a multitude of things before saying goodbye until next time. It was a reminder that I need to speak to my sister and catch up. Life seems to always get in the way and before you know it ….. significant time has passed.

Alvin and I went for a walk after the phone call with my brother and were so happily surprised to see our friend Pauline outside in the yard. She finished up what she was doing and joined us for a walk. We went on a different route that our normal one and ended up home almost one hour later. We slowly walked about letting Alvin take the lead. I had a sweater on under my coat and was actually hot by the time we got home. It was not hot according to the temperature check but there was no wind and the air felt warm. The walk was most enjoyable.

Okay, I can no longer retain my composure with someone squeaking downstairs so I shall go. Wishing you a wonderful day. A friend of mine “C” has a birthday today. Happy Birthday to you. We used to carpool before the Pandemic and I have not seen her since starting to work from home. Just the way things worked out. I miss our drives to and from work.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience (really working on that this morning), love, laughter, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – final quarter.

Good Morning All, man is it ever difficult to get one’s bottom up and going when it is dark outside. Finally at 8:23 a.m. the sky is beginning to lighten as the sun starts to think about rising in the morning sky. As I look out of the office window there are hues of pinks, almost purple, oranges and yellows filling the horizon and above the night sky is slowing dissipating.

Well HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you all. I put together all the treat bags last night to be delivered to children that I know in our neighbourhood. As I mentioned before I have contacted each one to ensure they are okay with the plan and to make certain no one has allergies. Although I know the chocolate bars do not have nuts in them so that part is good. Chips and Chocolate. Sweet and salty. I am excited to deliver them.

Teddy and Kobie spent the day with us yesterday. We had so much fun. Alvin and Kobie actually shared Alvin’s bed in the kitchen while I worked yesterday off and on during the day. I just had to snap a photo. My daughter will be coming over tomorrow to help me with the Christmas tree so I am going to also ask her to help me with the photo / phone thing. Last time we hooked up some additional memory for the “cloud” but apparently it was not enough as I am still getting messages on my phone which is horrible as I am paying an extra $2.00 and it isn’t enough? Anyway, I am not terribly tech savvy and rely on my daughter to fill in the gaps for me.

I can hardly wait to share photos. It has been forever. Even my HALLOWEEN COSTUME for work. I went as ….. “THIS IS WHAT A HOUSING CLERK LOOKS LIKE DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC.” I just wore my regular work stuff, which consisted of a sweater and tank top and pants. Now the pants were more dressed up than I have been wearing as of late but no one really saw them anyway. We had a virtual HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST which was great. This virtual thing is actually growing on me.

Last night we had some freezing rain so the deck was a bit slippery last night and this morning but luckily we had some snow that came down and froze so it gave some grip when walking. I was very careful out there.

Mr. Alvin surprised me this morning. First off, we were in bed before 9:30 and I read for awhile, he woke up about 3:30 so I gave him his glucosamine chew and we went outside. I wanted to make sure that he did not slip and fall either although he has a much better point of gravity than me. Then back to sleep on the sofa and next thing I know it was 8:08 a.m. Just starting to get light but still dark. Deceiving and felt like earlier. Tomorrow the time changes and we will be one hour behind. Oh, back to my original point about Alvin ….. he had his breakfast minutes after we got up, he stretched first….. I was shocked that he only ate 3/4 of his food. Has to be a first. He does not seem to be feeling ill or anything. I guess he just was full.

Time to get this show on the road. Shower, then some laundry and cleaning and before you know it, we will be out delivering treats. Also have to have breakfast and coffee …. but that will be after the shower.

Wishing you a Happy Halloween. Be safe and take care. It is okay to just keep you children at home ….. dress up with them …. have a little party …… give them some treats ….. play some games. This is a different year and we must change according to the times. Better to be safe than sorry. I am wearing a mask when we go out this afternoon. Keeping everyone safe.

Living with Kindness and Respect each and every day ….

I /We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

I do not have any Halloween photos in my photo gallery to share but I have this photos of me and Alvin from back in the day. Not sure what kind of collar / harness that was as he has been wearing body ones for years. He was a little fuzz ball of cuteness. Taken in 2010.

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  Me and Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well I hear we are finally in the last few days of this “cold snap.”

Both Alvin and I will be happy to be able to resume our walking.

 

How are you today?

I am well.

Do you reflect at bedtime and in the early morning hours conversations that you had the previous day?

I do, most of those conversations are from work.

I always think “why did I say those words?”

I tend to be an emotional conversationalist.

I take things personally when I should not.

Now that is not every conversation that I am emotional or take things personally all of the time.

Just sometimes.

Not emotional that I suddenly burst out in tears or yell and scream.

Not always filled with my opinions.

Not that, but I could do better.

I think that by putting my concerns in writing I can see what is in front of me and hopefully will help me.

I am by nature a kind, generous person OR at least I believe that I am.

But perhaps others do not see me this way.

So I am repeating to myself on a regular basis starting today the following mantra:

“I am kind and professional.”

Perhaps this way I can keep my personal opinions and emotions out of the equation.

Please do not think that I wish to be cold and unemotional either, that is not the case.

I am always trying to do better.

Sometimes it is all in phrasing.

If someone on the other end of the phone is being difficult and emotional; it is not always easy to bring that down.

I always do better face to face.

Phoning is not my favourite way to have a conversation (my family and friends will attest to that).

Anyway, the cards are on the table.

I am going to be better.

Not a resolution.

This is a promise.

Always better not to fuel the flames.

 

Well time to head out and play find the poop from earlier this morning.

When we were first up at 2:30 … it was snowing.

I like a challenge.

Do I really?

Mmm, not so much.

Not all the time, anyway.

Sense of humour, trying.

I love my Alvin so it is all good.

 

I hope that on this Thursday that you are well.

That life is treating you kindly.

That you are treating life with kindness.

See it works both ways.

I know that for sure.

 

Be safe and stay warm.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 14th day of July, 2018.

It is overcast and considerably cooler than it has been over the past several days.

Relief actually to be a bit on the cooler side after the heat.

Much better for sleeping.

The sky is filled with deep dark clouds but every one in awhile the sun peers through and makes us happy.

There is a breeze as I can see the trees swaying.

 

Yesterday was an unusual day at work.

We had been closed since Tuesday as we are implementing a new version of our computer system.

Our higher ups made certain this time around that staff were involved in the process and ending with us having proper training and time to “play.”

Having that time to go into the test environment and practice is crucial to learning the new version.

On Friday after the testing had been done we had some “play – fun” time.

We had a couple of game competitions with prizes, snacks and lunch provided.

After a long week.

It was so much fun.

I was exhausted.

The system is LIVE on Monday so that will be fun.

Will be busy after being closed for 4 days and there be MAIL, FAXES and DROP-OFFS …..

 

Well today and for the weekend I am pet/house sitting for a neighbour and friend.

Already went to see Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gecko a couple of times.

Time for laundry and cleaning.

Tomorrow the girls are throwing me a birthday party as everyone has busy weekends until almost September.

Also my daughter and pups may be coming for a visit.

So have to get all of my house work and laundry done today.

 

I am so blessed to be surrounded by good people.

People that are kind and nice, supportive and loving.

I should sign off as Mr. Alvin needs his Momma.

 

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

See you tomorrow.

Also need COFFEE…..

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of March, 2014.

WOW, Happy March …… just a few weeks until it is officially spring.

It sounds like most of North America is experiencing frigid temperatures.

Here in the western Canadian prairie provinces we are more prepared for extreme temperature changes.

Although the minus 60 some windchill temperatures are near the norm.

I hope that on this very cold March 1st that everyone is safe and warm.

So important to also remember your pets – these are not the temperatures that they should be outside for more than a few minutes.

They can get frostbite and much worse.

Fur coats do not protect them at these temperatures.

Also your cows and horses and other farm animals should be in the barn or in some protected enclosure.

If you see a homeless person – get help.

No one should be outside for more than a few and I mean very few minutes in these temperatures.

So with more people staying indoors on this first day of March ….. use this time to have some fun.

Gather the family and play some board games.

Watch a movie together …… have a family meeting.

Find out what is new with everyone.

HAVE FUN.

This is a great opportunity ….

 

Also if you do not have to go out ….. stay home.

Do not chance your vehicle not starting as the tow truck companies will be hours behind being able to assist you for a boost.

If you must go out …. dress in layers …… cover your body ……  cover your head.

If you must go out in the car …. carry booster cables …… carry extra clothing and blankets …… water, candles, and chocolate (something to give you a quick boost).

If you have a cell phone keep it with you.

 

Take care on this Saturday and I hope that you all have a great March.

Special Hello to: all of the people who are staying home and having fun with their families.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin