The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The night sky is dissipating but appears to have “rain clouds” so perhaps the forecast for today will be correct. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. I spent 2 hours and 40 minutes cleaning up my neighbourhood filling two large black garbage bags (the ones that expand). They were heavy carrying around as I did not have a half way point to drop one off. I also found on the walkway to 62nd Avenue a “dead Christmas Tree.” I thought something was off when I was picking up the trash, so I dragged it over closer to the street with hopes that maybe the garbage collectors will see it and someone will pick it up. Likely not. I guess I could report it to our City Info Line. Perhaps that is what I will do on my lunch break. We pass by the spot on our way to work this morning. Hopefully kids did not move it. I wonder if the people living on the other side of the fence, threw over their tree? Perhaps that is too obvious. I wore short sleeves (which was good as it was warm) and my “Capital City CleanUp vest” and most people I passed did not want to make eye contact but one person shortly after I left home, actually engaged me and said “thank you.” He was walking his dog and mentioned that he was going to be cleaning up downtown this Friday (from work). So that was great to hear. I was happy to get back home. The bags were heavy and my back was and is still sore from lifting them. I have been cleaning up this neighbourhood since I moved her back at the end of March 2009.

I actually fulfilled my TO DO LIST from yesterday by finishing the laundry and doing the garbage pickup and washing the main floor. A good productive weekend.

As I had really enjoyed watching the TOP GUN “Maverick” movie, I rewatched it another time and I also rented the original one as I wanted to check out a few things. Kind of disappointed that a movie from 1986 is being charged at $5.00 compared to the $7.00 for the new releases. Very poor Telus. They could still make money at $1.00 or $2.00. It was not because it was the original as most of the other movies that were listed were charged at $5.00. I don’t rent movies too often but I guess still is cheaper than going to the theatre and the old ones there is no other way to watch them. So yes, I spent $19.00 on movie rentals this weekend. My entertainment budget.

Last night after supper one of my friends and her daughter came over to choose some books from the over 100 titles that I am giving away. They chose three bags full. This will reduce the amount that I have to take to the Library or somewhere to dispose.

Have an awesome day. Cookie comes this Thursday to stay with me.

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

Oh, I was thinking of Mr. Alvin yesterday during my time outside. He used to “patiently” wait for me to return and then we would go for a walk OR sometimes I would go for a walk with him first. He would have loved the beautiful day whether walking or sitting out on our deck.

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope on this first full day of spring that you find yourself feeling more renewed, joyful and at peace with the world. I am feeling pretty great this morning. I have Alvin in my thoughts and with me. Grateful for all the love and support that has surrounded me most of my life and most especially during this time. Soon we shall see rabbits with coats of brown. The trees will start to bud. The snow will melt and the streets and sidewalks and yards will be dry. I still find it hard to believe that today is Tuesday, March 21st, 2023. This has been quite the year thus far. Hopefully I will be able to get my bearings. I look forward to planting flowers and figuring out what to do with the front flower bed. I know that Alvin always loved to be outside with me while I was puttering in the garden and with my flower pots on the deck. When I would be out front working in the flower bed, I would let him sit on the step and he would watch me or sometimes I would clip his leash to the anchor in the ground for just this purpose. He would sit on the grass and just be so happy. On the deck he would follow me everywhere. I always had water outside for him and if it were warm, I made sure he would be in the shade. This is going to be a different spring and summer for sure. Missing my little buddy.

Last night after work, I decided to deliver some thank you cards to friends and neighbours who had shown their love of Alvin and support for me with cards, flowers, gifts and themselves. We were/are so blessed to be surrounded by some of the nicest people on the planet. While out delivering we bumped into Allie and Bailey. As soon as Bailey spots me, she lets out this wail, so cute. She loves her Auntie Carol. We walked together and they waited while I dropped off cards. I walked them home and then gave them their cards and on the way home dropped off other cards and had a visit with one of my neighbours Dave. He is so nice. They have four children and have been here since I moved in, back in March of 2009. Actually at the end of this month it would be 14 years since I moved into this house. Then I went home. Popped leftovers into the oven and then wrote up a card for my neighbours Sonja and Steve. She has lived next door since I moved here and is like a daughter to me.

Last night was quiet as it had been another busy day at work. Yesterday we spent the morning going to all of our sites picking up garbage as our CEO is visiting the office today. I am not sure why that was so important although the garbage is another story. I honestly never thought my job would include picking up other people’s garbage. My back is a bit stiff this morning, always is whenever I use muscles that I don’t use on a regular basis. I woke up this morning at 4:19 and never quite got back to sleep, next thing the alarm was going off. Whoops time to fly. I did not realize the time.

Have a wonderful day. Be well.

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)

2021 – Day after EARTH DAY

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Good Morning ALL! Happy Friday to each and everyone. I hope that you are doing well. We had another sleep deprived night but Alvin seems to be okay so not exactly sure what is wrong if anything. I did clean his ears at 3:30 or so as he was shaking them about. I had checked them earlier and they did not look dirty but there may have been something irritating him that I could not see so the cleanser from the vet is good so I put some in both ears and using the medical gauze squares (not cotton balls) I gave him a little swish about. Nothing was on the square. Anyway clearly something was bothering him as basically we were up from 2:20 till about 5:30, when I must have dozed off and realized that he was not on the sofa so I got up and could not find him on the main floor. So I ran upstairs to find him in the hallway. We went back to bed and slept until the alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. I hopped into the shower and feeling refreshed I should be okay for the day along with some caffeine. Poor guy.

We did have a walk at noon yesterday despite the cold wind and that it was snowing. Yes, it was. Bright sunshiny morning for this Friday. YAY.

I cannot believe that I forgot yesterday was EARTH DAY. Then I got to thinking and thought shouldn’t every day be EARTH DAY? Perhaps reminding everyone the day after the OFFICIAL DAY is even more important. So here are some everyday tips to help the environment – Mother Nature – our EARTH:

1. Pick up the trash from your property.
2. When you are out for a walk pick up trash that you see
3. Organize a garbage/trash pickup in your community
4. Stop using single use plastics (or at least cut down)
5. Stop using the to go coffee cups from your local coffee place, take your own. Everyone has a mug or fifty.
6. Start shopping at Thrift Stores/Garage Sales and the like for clothing and other items for items you need.
7. Use the “Marie Konda” method of organizing in your shopping practices. Make sure you REALLY LOVE the item.
8. Clean out your closets and perhaps swap with friends and family.
9. Check with local animal shelters to see if they need any towels and blankets (if you are cleaning out your linen closet)
10. Old suitcases – contact Foster Homes
11. Be mindful of what you buy (yes, I am repeating myself).
12. We in this country and in the United States – simply buy more than we need. Way more.
13. Live more simply.
14. Only keep what you use.
15. Let us each make a difference.
16. Make sure that you pack your garbage for pickup properly. If you live in a windy location or where there are a lot of birds, ie: magpies and crows – you may wish to use a closed container instead of just putting put a bag. Maybe your municipality is changing to covered bins like ours.
17. Please do not put your loose papers and egg cartons on top of a “blue bin.” They will blow to my house and I will end up putting them into the garbage.
18. Check with your local municipality about what can be recycled
19. Stop using balloons (they are killing our wildlife and birds).

Well it is time for me to sign off and get the coffee on and go to work.

I wish you a wonderful Friday.

Remember each one of us can make a difference. It is each one’s responsibility. This does not just lie with government.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin