Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are doing great on this official FIRST day of FALL/AUTUMN! This is my favourite season of all – beautiful colours – warm but not too hot temperatures – sweater weather – fall cleanup – that fresh smell in the air – taking in the harvest of crops and gardens. There is a breeze on this first day of fall, the sun is slowly rising in the sky.
The sights of “autumns gone by”
Our first trip to my daughter and son-in-law’s new home at Lac Ste. Anne – Alberta Beach, Thanksgiving 2021. Home grown green peppers. Wreath on front door which I changed up a bit this year and did not update the photos. One of our many adventures to the park north of where we live, it was a beautiful fall day. Old photos of our tree in the fall – love the colour. I love this colourful candle holder and the way the sun shines on it.
Lac Ste. Anne – Alberta BeachThanksgiving 2021Alberta BeachFall DayPepper Harvest 2021Fall WreathAdventure with AlvinPark north of usAlvinFall gone byOur treeReminds me of Autumn
To get us in the mood for the first day of Fall.
I go to the office tomorrow and am thinking of all the walks that I have had at lunch time and right after work with Mr. Alvin over the last 2.5 years. I am sad that we have to go back to sitting in a dreary office where I cannot see the sun shining or the weather changing. Back to early bedtime and up earlier to fit in a commute to the office. Not really sure how this is supposed to be good for anyone. This is 2022 and we have changed our way of life due to a pandemic. So why are we trying to recreate a time before the pandemic? There is no going back, we can only move forward. I will miss those extra hours each day that I had with Mr. Alvin and in my home. We go back to work three days each week starting in October. Back to close quarters and surrounded by germs. YAY. What a life?
Well sorry for the dip in happiness moment. It is the truth and so we must state it.
I hope that you have a great day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! I hope this finds you well. What a morning I am having!! We were up at a reasonable time of 4:15 first and then to the sofa until 6:30 (shocking) and then up just after 8:00 a.m. for the day. What a life we lead. I noticed when we were first up that the moon appeared to be in the shape of a crescent. Oh so beautiful. Just like magic, one day it is a full, circle shape and a few days later it is a crescent. When I was up, I immediately went over to look after my charges: Humphrey, Bogart and Miss Cynder. Fed, watered and treated. The cats had their littler cleaned. Their parents had bought a new litter container and it took me a couple of tries but I figured out after you place the “litter” in the top, there is a trap door handle to pull and voila, bye bye “stuff.” The cats were not into company this morning not sure why. Humphrey did give me a bit of love and Bogart just hissed when he walked by and I stroked his tail. Cynder the gecko was sleeping.
Once home, Mr. Alvin was happy to see me and wanted a treat, so gave him a bit of his “dry food” followed by a drink of water and then we were outside for a pee and poo.
Yesterday was a great day, I got so much done in the garden and could feel it in my body this morning when I went to bed over. I guess I am not quite as young as I used to be, lol. Must remember to do some stretches before doing extensive garden work. First of all, I cleaned up the garage, then went to work on the back flower garden. I cut back the plants making ready for winter and then transplanted the plants that my friend gave me. Also, transplanted most of the geraniums into smaller pots to winterize in the basement. It took me several hours but at least most of the gardening is done. I have two pots of lavender, one pot with a huge plant that I bought from Costco (not sure what the plant is exactly), lily, citronella plant and a greek oregano plant to bring in or dispose of. There are also the two pots of impatiens on the front step and three plants to trim back in the front garden. But most is done. I did not get to trimming the tree. After the outdoor work was done, I went to see the charges next door and did some laundry and cleaning in between. Then it was getting on so I made a potato, cauliflower dish (baked in oven) and put it on to slowly cook. Actually originally I was making scalloped potatoes until I realized that some of my potatoes were too soft to peel. ARGH. I do not like to waste. Anyway they are put in the green bin for compost. So not a total waste. Man, do I need some coffee. We had a quite evening with another visit next door for a total of three.
This morning once I am done here, will put on a pot of coffee and then put away the drying dishes and then start preparing to give Mr. Alvin a haircut followed by a bath. I have many items on the list and will try to get to most of them. I need to have a shower but figured it better to wait until after the boy has a haircut as I will be covered in hair.
Tonight I think we will sleep on the sofa or else set the alarm so that we can get up to watch Queen Elizabeth’s funeral live on t.v. I could wait and watch later but I want to be up to see the service as it happens. To pay my regards and to give my respect to a woman who gave her life to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and was a role model for women worldwide.
My daughter’s plantReady for winterNew plantsnew plantsGeraniums to go inThe plant that is namelessHumphreyBogartHumphrey this morning
Well that was a most trying situation. Trying to get photos posted. Technology does not always like me. The first photo was not meant to be posted. This time.
Time to head back downstairs as I desperately need COFFEE.
I hope that you have a great day.
Continuing to live this day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! Well I guess today is the day. At 6:20 a.m. this morning, I turned 65. Yup, hard to believe that I have lived 6.5 decades on this earth. Where has the time gone. Last night just after I laid down to go to sleep, my tummy felt a bit on the rolly side. A few minutes later, I knew why. This morning I feel great however, I have learned a valuable lesson, no more weird combinations. Definitely no more fried potatoes with cheese and cut back on the tomatoes. That was too much for my tummy. It did not include the other items that I ate throughout the day which was way more than I usually eat. Just did not wish to waste anything. Learned the hard way.
I would like to wish the following people a very Happy Birthday as they share this day with me: cousin Michael, Dennis, April and Hoda Kotb. Also I believe that I missed my grandpup Milo’s birthday yesterday. I am sorry. Happy Birthday to all those people that I do not know that share August 9th as their birthday.
Well I have plans to give Alvin a bit more of a trim and bath, then I will need a shower. The house is cool at the moment but it is supposed to heat up once again. Earlier this morning it was 67 degrees fahrenheit which is a far cry from the 78 yesterday afternoon. Sure can change over the course of the day.
I have been over to check on my charges already this morning. They are all doing well. This is the first time since I started going over that both Humphrey and Bogart ate at the same time out of their own dishes. I took a video. So cute.
Last night my friend Pauline stopped by to give me a hug, a gift and some of her blueberry crisp. How blessed am I. This morning on our walk, we stopped and had a few minutes in her garden. I just had to spend some time in my happy place.
Later today a friend is coming over to bring supper, we are having Mexican theme and I am supplying the dessert which is Birthday cake from Sunday.
I would like thank all of my family and friends who reached out via text since early morning with “Birthday wishes.” Feeling incredibly blessed. Thank you all my family and friends for the most thoughtful cards. There is nothing like going to the mailbox and finding birthday cards. In fact, that happened yesterday. I went to the mailbox and the mail delivery person (he) was putting all the mail and parcels into the open boxes. A woman walked by looking for her cat. After a bit of chit chat, he said what is your address, so I told him and he handed me the mail which consisted of 3 birthday cards and a small card advertising something. He said must be someone’s birthday and I said it was mine followed by are you doing anything special for your birthday and I told him. He wished me a Happy Birthday.
The sky is blue, the sun is shining and there is a breeze.
Miscellaneous photos of a life well lived!
Mother’s Day 2022Halloween Witch 202164 Me and my AlvinMe, Alvin, Penny & EltonMe & pupsMe and my MandaFamilyOne of my favourites…1980’sMe and Alvin Oct 2013Me and my longest time friendMy first BF ….. SISTERS
Happy Easter Sista …..SiblingsMy siblings and I with our Grandfather …. a long time ago….Me and AlvinThere be kids and puppies ………and ME…..Summer of 2009The KISS
I could post photos for the next ten years and never post all my favourites. This life of mine has been incredible thus far. Fun fact: I have over 40,000 photos and videos on my computer, 1424 photos on my phone, 102 videos and I have roughly 10,000 actual photos. Not including from video cameras.
Time to head downstairs and have some coffee. We can laugh about the hair from years gone by, cry that it was from the 80’s but then we grateful that we have something to laugh and cry about.
To all those people that have shared this journey with me, thank you. Some of them are no longer with us but I will always remember our time together.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and you.
Good Morning ALL! Well it is finally vacation time. I was 26 minutes into my vacation time before I had my out of office voice messages changed (yes, we have to change in two places) and email. 4:26 p.m. started the vacation. I am over the moon that I have some days off now. My neighbours are going away for a few days so I am looking after Humphrey and Bogart. After work, I went over to get any new instructions and of course, went home with a bag full of food as she did not not it to go bad. I never turn down food. So my fridge is packed to the rafters. I have lots of fresh produce to eat over the new few days. Prior to the that, I headed down the street to other friends who were having a garage sale. They were open for business when we walked by on our lunchtime break and I had picked out a few items including the most beautiful hand painted vase (see photos). I said that I would come by after work and pick the items up without Mr. Alvin and take another peek at all the special treasures that they had for sale. I think that it is good to support your friends and neighbours. They showed up for my garage sale. So after work I walked over and picked up my items, took another look round and had a little visit before returning home to a hungry Mr. Alvin. He was happy to see me both times upon my return home. The sun is forecasted to shine all day with a daytime high of 23 degrees celsius which is perfection. I was just eating the last bite of my supper last night when I happen to see out the window our friend Pauline walking down the front sidewalk with a bouquet of flowers. I went to the door just as she was about to knock. We had a lovely little visit and she gave me the most exquisite bouquet of flowers from her garden. This morning at 11:00 a.m. we are going for a walk and to catch up as they had been away for a few days and then they will be gone and I will be gone. I love my friends. I am so blessed to have such kind and thoughtful friends. We also made a plan to go for a day to celebrate my birthday. That day will be August 15th my last day of vacation. Perfect plan. We are going to take their boat and go close to where my kids live and spend some time on the water. I have not been on a boat for over a decade so this will be fantastic. I cannot wait. Just have to find someone to watch over the Alvin.
Well it is time to head downstairs and get some things done before we go for a walk. We are having company tonight (Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister and Aunt J) after supper. I am keeping it a secret from Mr. Alvin. In between I will be checking in on Humphrey and Bogart and Cynder. Oh and there by laundry to do as well.
Busy day.
I hope that you have a great Saturday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, Alvin and coffee.
My beautiful bouquet from different angles. The vase from the garage sale.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: 3 sleeps till I turn into a 65 year old woman. At 6:20 a.m. on August 9th. Wow, I don’t feel that old.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Another overcast cloudy raining morning. Yesterday we had a hair amount of rain. We were able to go for a walk at my lunch break without being rained upon. Of course, we walked to our friend Pauline’s house and admired the garden from the gate. We did not go in as we had stopped to say hello to other neighbours who were out on their porch. Alvin always has to say hello and I follow, apologizing. He leads the way most times. Pauline’s sunflowers are amazing and so many flowers that I do not know their names. Colours of the rainbow. The trees this morning look saturated as they sway in the wind. Cannot even say breeze, it is definitely windy. The sky is actually gray not blue. By noon it is supposed to stop raining and only be cloudy so we should be able to go for a walk. Next week or maybe even this weekend, the temperatures are supposed to take an upward turn. In fact, the day that we are supposed to go and visit the kids for a few days is to be +30 degrees celsius. I am not sure what will happen. Time will tell. I am hopeful that we will be able to go and visit them.
One request that I made of my daughter for my birthday was to have a weiner / marshmallow roast. I am not much for meat and especially not hot dogs however, I have been craving them as of late. So that is my birthday supper request. Simple and easy. I am all about that these days. I have a cake already that my friend Val baked for me in the shape of 6 – 5. I froze the cake so that I could take it with us. I also have a cooler that she gave me for my last birthday, I believe. I am all set.
Well as today is my last day of work, I am going to cut this short. I want to ensure that I am all caught up as I leave for one week plus one day of vacation.
Have a wonderful day. Stay dry and warm. If it is raining where you are!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and Alvin.
Good Morning ALL! It is a gorgeous morning. Another beautiful day, not too hot, just perfect. The sun is shining, there is a cool breeze and the Crows are cawing as they fly around the neighbourhood. My daughter and grand pup Milo are just waking up. My daughter did get up a bit ago to get some food for Milo. Alvin and I were up first about 4:40 and then just after 5:30 (he ate his breakfast then and had some meds). I am so over the moon happy to report that Mr. Alvin seems to have made a full recovery. Definitely close to 100% that is for sure. He has already finished two of the three medicines. Only the probiotics are left. He has a ten day supply of them and just finished day 5. I definitely have found that my thoughts are in fact my future, so I am, I have to change that. Keeping my thoughts focused on my dreams, the way that I want to live my life and away from the opposite. Oh, it is so very easy to say something negative about a situation or about someone but when you put the shoe on the other foot, it seems to be the opposite. Now shouldn’t it be much easier to say nice things, to act in a positive manner all of the time? One would think so, but I have found, not. But I no longer wish to keep dipping into that dark abyss where negativity is the norm. I want to get my JOY back, to speak only kind and happy words, to think only positive thoughts. So here we go. Training my brain to refocus. Please do not think that I have been thinking dark nasty thoughts and running around throwing things, that is not the case. I only want to keep those 60,000 some odd thoughts near to all being positive and good ones.
Today is the 40th birthday of one of my fellow coworkers, Happy Birthday Melanie. Happy Birthday to my great nephew Brandon who turns 18 years today. Wow, I can remember turning 18 and 40. I cannot believe that little boy has graduated High School and is 18 years old. Where does the time go? Happy Birthday to all those celebrating today. Best Wishes.
Last night we girls had a little late supper as Amanda went grocery shopping after work for us both with a quick stop at Value Village. We had black bean burgers on lettuce, oh my, how yummy! The lettuce was from my daughter’s garden which made it all the better. We made an apple crisp for dessert which we ate after 9:00 p.m. There was coffee on the deck in between and she cut my hair. Which I guess is a work in progress as she wants to do more this morning. I want to give Mr. Alvin a trim as now I have the new blade for his electric clipper. Part of my haircut last night was using the new blade, so nice to have a sharp one again. Makes life so much easier. My daughter also would like me to trim her hair in the amount of about two inches. We had so much fun last night with the hair cutting. I almost peed my pants, I laughed so hard. Alvin and Milo just say there – wondering what the heck was going on! It was late when we went to bed but that never stops Mr. Alvin from getting up early to eat. He has an alarm clock sitting in his belly, I think, lol.
I want to take Mr. Alvin for a walk before it gets too late. Temperatures are reasonable all day so I guess we could go later but there is something about the morning air. The smell and the coolness of the breeze. Maybe we will leave the sleepy heads and go ourselves. That would be okay, too. I also need that cup of coffee. I drank coffee minutes before bed and it certainly did not keep me awake.
Well I should get going. There be things to do. Empty the dishwasher. Do some laundry today. Walk. Coffee. Live our life. So happy that my daughter and grand pup are visiting and that they spent the night. I love having them with us.
Have an awesome Saturday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and COFFEE.
Always coffee.
My favourite beverage.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: Now only 17 sleeps until my 65th Birthday. I wonder what that will be like? Great, I would think.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Had a great time with our visitors. Mi-Mi AKA Milo was so good with Alvin. They do not see each other very often but they were good together. Alvin let Milo walk ahead of him on our lunchtime walk. The temperature was warm, very warm and I am so glad that I always take a jug of water for Alvin as Milo drank quite a lot as well. They were glad to get back home. We just walked to Pauline’s home and back. Now we are back to normal. Company gone and are back to their home.
Well we are up and ready to go for a walk before the heat of the day sets in. We will be out of the house before 7:00 a.m. I have windows open and blinds closed to bring in the coolness of the air and will close as it begins to heat up.
I have the photos of my Happy Place!
Roses by parkEntrance to parkFountain Entrance to park
Wishing you a great day. If you are out walking please take water. Keep yourself and your pets hydrated.
Continuing to live with life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilites and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! I trust that you are well and enjoying the weekend. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is shining and there is the most refreshing breeze wafting through my office window as I type these words. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hallway carpet, waiting for me. Another glorious weekend. Everything from walks to visits to video chat and in between some work got done. Yesterday morning we started out the day with a walk and I was happy that we were able to do what I refer to as a full one / normal one, then there was some laundry, coffee, breakfast, more laundry, cleaning and laundry. Our friend sent us an email inviting us for a visit as she missed us in the morning. We were just in process of getting Alvin’s harness ready to put on when there was a loud knock at the door, I was not expecting anyone so I carefully opened the door, to our surprise on the other side of the door was Pauline and Georgie. They had decided to walk over and pick us up so we could walk together. She also gave me a very thoughtful thank you card with the most beautiful floral design on the front. I thanked her and set it on the counter and continued getting us ready to go. A few minutes later we were out the door, I picked up Alvin and carried him down the steps as I have been doing as of late. Helping to keep him from injuring his knees. We walked and chatted and even saw neighbours outside along the way. When we arrived at the park Pauline suggested that we go the back way through the grass (which recently had been cut) the opposite side of the park which does not have a sidewalk. It was nice as the grass was wet and cool. We took a shortcut through the trees between the second and third pond which had us walking on some stones to come out near her house. My flip flops were wet and I was almost going to take them off to cross the stones as I thought more safe in bare feet but decided to go slow and most of the stones had more flat tops and rounded. It only took us a minute or so to cross. The pups got a bit wet as there was water up near the stones/rocks. Next thing we were through their gate and in the backyard where I removed Alvin’s leash and a minute later decided to take off his harness as it was warm outside. He was happy. Pauline grabbed a couple of cushions for the chairs that sit under the deck on the patio out of the sun. Then she was in the house to get our refreshments. While she was in the house Georgie jumped up on my lap while Alvin paced the patio sniffing and what not. We had iced tea and banana bread. She also brought out some photos of their Ontario trip to show me. Sometime during the visit I had lifted Mr. Alvin up on a third empty chair which was in between us, and he relaxed while we chatted. Georgie on Pauline’s lap. It was about 5:00 p.m. when Pauline noticed that the sky to the west was beginning to get some very ominous clouds developing and suggested that we may want to go home before the rain. I took a quick look and decided that we best be going and grabbed Alvin’s harness and his water bottle and put on his leash and said our goodbyes and were on our way. We were coming by Lucy’s house and she was outside doing yard work, we quickly said hello and pointed to the sky and advised that we had to get home before the storm hit. A little while later we saw a neighbour walking her two yellow labs and pointed out the storm. We hightailed it home. Just about home and saw our neighbour who recently had surgery out front speaking with her neighbour. We stopped briefly to say hello before going the last couple of minutes to our house. I think we were home not even 10 minutes when it began to rain. The storm was not like Thursday night and I was very happy about that. After that I fed Mr. Alvin his supper, turned on the last load of laundry and the dryer. I got my supper in the oven and then texted my sister. We ended up having a video chat via messenger as my cell phone cuts in and out and one cannot have a very good conversation that way. I am chalking it up to dead zones in the house which appear to be increasing over time. I plan to call Telus who is our provider in the area and see what can be done. Just seems like there has not been time to do so. If it were a matter of calling and speaking to someone right away that would be one thing but it is always a long wait and then I would be cutting in and out. I will perhaps try and contact them on-line. I had a great chat with my sister and had a late supper at 7:30 p.m. I cannot remember the last time that I ate that late but it happens. We were out and about and enjoying life. Who cares, right. Most important things we had great walks, good exercise, good company and visits with family and friends! Last night was quiet. I watched a movie followed by bed. That was our Saturday.
Today my daughter Amanda and one of my grandpups, the little one named Mi-Mi or Milo is coming for a visit and will spend the night. She will go to the office from here and then pick up Mi-Mi after work. We have lots to do this afternoon and evening.
Time to fly and have a shower. I brought up all of the laundry that had been drying and put it all away. I dry most of my clothes on racks. They last longer that way.
Have a wonderful Sunday. Enjoy the morning, maybe even get out for a walk.
We might get out after my shower or wait for the others.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: now 30 days till turn 65. The card was beautiful with a gift inside for looking after her garden while they were away. I called her to thank her for her generosity and that it was not necessary but she insisted. Smells like weed outside, not the garden variety – coming in through my open window. Smells like skunk ….. lol
Good Morning ALL! Happy CANADA Day to all Canadians. We are not a perfect country but I know that I am for one, always trying to be a better person, a better human being, a better Canadian. Happy Birthday Canada. We will get there and I believe sooner than later. As long as we have today we can always help to make/build our tomorrows better than our yesterdays. If we continue to learn, that is what matters most. We, being Alvin and I are going to spend the day doing “stuff.” We will be going to our friend Pauline’s house to check on the flowers and plants and perhaps do some watering. Again, there is rain in the forecast but how can we know if it will actually happen OR if there will be a significant amount to give moisture to the foliage. After all, that is one of my happiest places so I will go everyday and give the plants a drink, if need be. We love to hang out in the garden and just be. I promise to take some photos today.
I must say that my plants are beginning to grow now that we have had some sunshine the past few days. There is some concern about one of my lavender plants but I believe it may be turning the corner now. The sun is shining again this morning. Alvin bless his heart, slept from lights out at 10:30 until 5:00 this morning. I was so happy. After he had his glucosamine chew, his breakfast and went outside to do his business, we laid down on the sofa until 7:00 a.m. and we have been up ever since. I changed the bedding on our bed, changed out towels and spent some time looking over Instagram pictures. You see last night we were vegging at home. I had received an invitation to go and join my friends to sit around the fire pit but I graciously declined as yesterday my eyes were “burning” off and on throughout the day, making it difficult to see the computer at times. It happened in the house and not even outside. I chalked it up to allergies but to what? Nothing new in the house. Anyway okay now. I was watching a bit of television and snuggling with Mr. Alvin when I decided to look on Instagram and at that very moment a photo of my long-time friend Diana’s granddaughter popped up, she was all dressed up for her graduation and will be going into High School in the fall. The photo was posted on Diana’s daughter page. I must have been following her and not realized it. So one thing led to another and next thing I know I was texting with both of them. I cannot tell you how happy I was to reconnect with my friends. It has been forever since we chatted and I know it was not in person or even by video but it was close enough. I spent a good amount of time looking at my friend’s Insta page this morning. Sometimes technology is a wonderful thing. Most times. What a great way to start the second half of 2022 reconnecting with friends. Catching up is always good.
Well today will be watering flowers and hanging out for a bit in our friend’s most beautiful garden and taking photos. Mr. Alvin requires a haircut and bath. There be laundry to do matey! Also some cleaning as always. But we will relax in between.
Time to go and get out of my pj’s, get washed and dressed, make some coffee, enjoy said coffee (maybe even outside on the deck for a change, I just realized that I have not done that yet this summer), have breakfast and then go for walk. I want to go before it gets warmer as Mr. Alvin does not do well in temperatures over about 22 degrees. Yesterday was too warm for him. I hadn’t realized how much humidity there was when we went for our walk at noon.
Happy Canada Day to All Canadians.
Have a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities and COFFEE.
Good Morning ALL! Well looks like the New YEAR 2022 is officially half over. Can you believe it? Not me, seems like we just celebrated New Year’s, the snow kept falling till it stopped in April or was it May, and then it was raining and now the sun is shining! Oh well, today is Thursday, June 30, 2022.
Yesterday at my lunch break Alvin and I walked over to our friend Pauline’s house and hung out in the yard for a few minutes. Just to be zen, just to smell the fragrances and to be still. Yes, even Mr. Alvin who usually tears around the yard sat in the grass and held up his nose to take it all in. It was glorious. Not a bad way to speak a lunch break that is for sure. Then we hurried off home so that I would not be late for work. Even at home over the last two plus years, I almost make it a point to be on time. Not that this is anything new. Being late is not in my DNA. I mean I always try to be early or at the very least on-time. Now sometimes the Universe has other ideas but over my life time there have been very few times that I was late to work, to an event, to anything. Gillian, if you are reading this perhaps I have been a couple of minutes late for coffee on our girl’s coffee dates but usually that boils down to me just under estimating the time as we live so close. Anyway, we all have those times. You apologize when you are late and move on. Right! Right! The roses are still magnificent at the entrance to our park. I must carry my phone with me and take some photos, they are so pretty and so full of glorious fragrance. Remember I was go to get up and go for a walk, well this morning was strange. Last night it was just after 10:00 when I put my book down and turned off the bedside lamp. We both stirred but Alvin did not get up until 4:30 and then after having his glucosamine chew and going outside, we hit the sofa and we did not wake up until the alarm went off at 6:30. I am so impressed with him. If he could just sleep until 5:00 ish or a bit later, then we could stay up and I could function. Anyway, I, we stayed up at 6:30. Happy about that.
The wind is blowing this morning and as the sun rises in the morning sky, there are some clouds rolling in and I hope that we are able to walk at lunch time. We have had a lot of what appeared to be rain clouds during the day lately resulting in no moisture so fingers crossed.
Last night my daughter picked me up after work and we went for a trip to COSTCO. I figured after a “meeting” that I needed to get out of the house. I am finding that I need to get out and do some “things” other than walking with Alvin. It was great having the garage sale as I saw people and had a change to chat with people. It is not that I have been locked up but I have not really done anything for me in a long time other than eat and that kind of thing. I mean I have not gone anywhere for leisure or vacation. So my mind has not had a chance to slough off the crap. Perhaps I should set up a home spa and just spend a whole day doing relaxation type things. Might be a good idea.
Food for thought.
Costco was busy but that was okay. I actually decided not to wear a mask. I asked my daughter and she said that she has pretty much stopped now. So I braved up and did not wear a mask. I was not close up to people so I didn’t feel any anxiety. It actually felt a huge sigh of relief. Kind of like when we used to go to Costco and shop pre pandemic. Anyway, caution is good, too. I think that there may be times when I would still wear one so I will always take one with me until I do not. Some places like my vet still require a mask upon entering. That is okay. I get it.
Oh, I bought myself a few new things at COSTCO last night. Feeling pretty special. Sometimes a bit of retail therapy is a good thing. I seldom buy new things, once in awhile as I try to pick up what I need from thrift stores and the like. Reuse. Trying to help the Universe and then my friends give me lots of things. It works. Anyway, I am happy to have some new clothing items.
Well time to sign off for another day. Wishing you a wonderful last day of June. Oh, I did give Mr. Alvin his supper before we left for Costco as it was close to 5:30 when we left and he went outside. Don’t worry, I always think of him. My daughter always laughs as he is such a Momma’s boy and so spoiled. He rules the house and we all know it. But I don’t mind most days but there are times when I just want him to settle down. Okay, he is pretty good. I am working on him drinking his water again without me giving him pats. OMG. Yup that pup of mine is spoiled.
Going now.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities. COFFEEEEE
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: only 40 days till my 65th Birthday. Sky actually appears a bit hazy. I hope that there are no forest fires.
My New Life @ 51 