It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday, January 06, 2020.

Almost typed/keyed 201 ….

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me.

The strangest thing happened a few moments ago.

I was in the main bathroom putting on my jewelry when I heard someone yell my name.

I ran to the bedroom window and looked out, no one.

I went to the office and opened the window and called out, nothing.

It was so crisp and clear, now I am thinking, “am I hearing things.”

There were no thoughts crossing my mind at the time I heard someone calling out.

No reason at all.

I guess just one of those unexplainable moments in time.

Alvin did not flinch so I should have known.

If someone would have been yelling he would have ran downstairs.

Note to self.

 

We had a great weekend.

Lots of walks in and the weather was beautiful.

Yesterday between the beginning and ending of our walk, right in the middle.

We dropped in for a visit to Alvin’s best friend’s house.

Don’t worry I had been texting with our friends to make sure that it was okay.

When we arrived at their house our friend was just arriving home.

She said that she had ran out to the mall (said busy for no real reason, I said good for business.)

We had tea and a visit before continuing on our way.

I cannot believe how much Teddy’s little sister has grown.

So cute.

Alvin was as always on the hunt for food and a chewie.

He found both.

Thankfully not much food as he does not need to be eating at his friend’s home.

They leave the pups food dishes out all of the time with food as Teddy is a grazer.

Not sure about the little one.

 

We had a good sleep and Alvin slept almost until the alarm went off.

Actually I woke up at 4:43 and he got up at 4:53; so we did well.

I think it was almost 9:30 when we were in bed.

We, I watched the GOLDEN GLOBES with Ricky Gervais hosting.

He brings a different light to the show.

I like him.

Some surprises but really I did not see many of the movies so I could not really “vote.”

Most of the television movies and specials were not on regular cable.

Anyway it is always interesting to see which “stars” are going to speak out on what is currently going on in the world.

Lots of mentions about the fires in Australia and that is no surprise; especially with so many actors from that continent.

Also a few mentioned the U.S. election coming up.

That is going to be interesting.

 

Well here it is almost time to finish getting ready.

Then go outside and clean up the little parcels Alvin left behind this morning.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Perhaps all of the positive energy going to Australia will bring them some much needed rain.

I said that it cannot hurt.

We are all made of energy and if we focus the energy collectively we can change the world.

Collectively to make good changes of course.

 

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and welcome to a bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I have not been outside as yet this morning but I think it may be cooler than yesterday at this time.

Nice to see a bright clear sky, though.

Doing a little seated Happy Dance.

 

We had a busy but productive day yesterday here at our home.

We walked to the Vet in the morning to pick up supplies.

Home to have coffee and start laundry.

Did some cleaning followed by a walk in the afternoon.

My neighbour D and his son K came over early evening to see about moving the cabinet from the garage to the basement.

After checking out the cabinet, D decided to measure the cabinet and the entrance way to the basement.

Too tight of a squeeze.

Would not be easy to get downstairs.

How disappointing.

I would not have thought it would not fit.

Earlier I had moved things around and was planning what to move into this cabinet.

It was such a great idea and what disappointing news.

Now what?

I don’t know.

Have to think about it.

Rearranging again.

Now might as well wait until I take down the Christmas decorations next weekend.

Plan B.

Argh, why?

Clearly this is going to take me a few days to get over.

Yup, it is.

Simple as that.

What a waste to have sitting in the garage.

I don’t want to put tools in it as they would scratch the finish.

Besides I really don’t have anything that would fit nicely into the cabinet.

Maybe I will ask for further advice from my friend down the street.

I clearly am not ready to give up on this.

 

Well time to get this day going.

I did not sleep last night.

Alvin ate something while we were out for our walk and of course later in the evening just before bed, he threw it up.

Between the news of the cabinet, Alvin not feeling well and likely the black tea I was drinking over the course of the evening, I did not sleep.

I even left my phone downstairs so the 5:00 a.m. alarm would not wake us but Alvin woke up anyway.

So downstairs to feed him and let him outside.

Then we hit the sofa ….. managed to have a semi broken sleep until just before 9:00 a.m.

 

Tonight are the Golden Globe awards with Ricky Gervais hosting.

I really like him.

Have recorded it but will definitely be watching.

 

I wished that I could smell the coffee that has now perked but I am congested so cannot.

Have a Happy Sunday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 7th day of January, 2019.

Lots of snow outside this morning.

Poor Alvin did not stray too far from the back door.

I see shovelling in my immediate future.

Will try and do some shovelling before I leave for work.

Especially on the deck for Alvin.

I looked out the front window as I opened the blinds and it looks so pretty.

The freshly fallen snow.

As the street lamps shed their beams on the snow flakes they shone like beautiful diamonds.

So beautiful.

A great sight to behold early in the morning.

 

Yesterday Mr. Alvin and I had a lovely walk before I headed out to the baby shower.

It was wonderful.

I had not been to a baby shower in years other than at work.

There were over 20 ladies/women/girls; a table full of food and she was adorned with many beautiful gifts.

The new baby girl due to arrive in early February will not need for anything.

My friends, the proud Grandparents are leaving for Hawaii about the same time and are hoping that the baby arrives before they leave.

The trip has been booked for over one year.

They have already made temporary arrangements just in case …. the baby GIRL is late …… on time …… (depends on who you are – looking at it all).

They will not leave without saying hello to the newest grandchild.

Their daughter and son-in-law did not think (according to doctors) that they would ever have a baby.

SURPRISE.

Such a great story.

During the couple of hours or so I was at the shower; I chatted with two ladies that I did not know and also a neighbour of my friend whom I did know.

So it was great.

Lots of conversations.

Learning new things.

One of the gals had even in her early years applied at the same office as I am currently working but did not get the job as she did not have enough “experience.”

My how times have changed – now it is all about the education of which she has.

 

Anyway, time to get going here and do some shovelling.

Might as well get some more exercise.

Always have a few sets of stairs each morning before leaving the house.

Also watched the GOLDEN GLOBES last night.

I most especially enjoyed the award that Carol Burnett received.

The award will now be in her name for lifetime contributions to television.

VERY COOL, I love her.

By far one of the funniest people on the planet.

 

Okay time to fly.

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: Carol Burnett, I adore you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of January, 2019.

It is light outside as it is now after 9:00 this morning but there is no sign of the sun.

Taking another vacation day, I suppose.

I know that it is there hiding behind the clouds otherwise we would be one big popsicle.

But at this vantage point it is hiding as only white clouds cover the sky.

It always seems quiet before we get going in the mornings.

Which is a good thing.

Now just the clicking of the keys as I touch them.

The furnace was running but has warmed the house so stopped until it is needed once again to warm the house.

We are expecting snow as per the weather forecast.

Another warmer day for January but tomorrow is supposed to dip down and at the cold end it is to be -25 degrees celsius.

ARGH, that is not very nice.

No complaints as it has been so nice for January thus far.

 

TODAY is the birthday of one of my closest friends.

Happy Birthday “L,” – wishing you the most wonderful day and year ahead.

Reminds me that I have not seen her in a very long time.

I used to work with her and could just take a shortcut to her house from mine and be there in just a couple of minutes.

Now not so easy.

Life changes.

 

As I review the month of January on my birthday calendar almost each day has a birthday or two.

Busy month.

Lots of family and friends, this month celebrating.

 

This afternoon I was invited by one of my friends in the neighbourhood to her daughter’s baby shower.

She gave me very “clear” instructions not to bring a gift or food and that only my presence was required.

Her words it is a celebration of the new baby and that they have the food and gifts covered.

We are close in age.

So I know that knows this is something our age group automatically does.

She is friend who was born in England and I refer to her garden as a “English garden.”

Part of my knows that I should listen to her instructions but another part cannot do this.

I have never attended a baby shower or anything like this without a gift.

So I have something small and a card from us (me and Alvin).

I am hoping that no offence will be taken and that I can use the “line” – Alvin insisted.

I guess part of it is EGO.

Not being able to bear someone thinking that “she did not bring anything.”

I only know my friend, the Mom-to-be, her sister and children.

It is unlikely that I will know anyone else.

Oh well, decision made.

Take a small gift.

Not elaborate.

I will go to the shower for a little while and then return home to take Mr. Alvin for a walk as tomorrow may be too cold.

Do not wish to miss our window for a walk.

Hopefully the snow will wait.

Or perhaps we should go this morning.

Yes, that is likely a better idea.

 

Have breakfast and some coffee …. get dressed and go.

I have a couple of hours or so.

 

Well time to go here.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

 

Tonight is the Golden Globes.

I like to watch them.

 

I forgot to mention that poor Mr. Alvin has a bacterial ear infection.

Found this out at his appointment yesterday morning.

I had been giving me a few ear drops as I was thinking that he did.

His ear was tender to the touch more so than usual.

They were able to give me one of two treatments.

A more powerful treatment so that they could administer it and then I will take him back next Saturday for part 2.

Giving him ear medication is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl…Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of January, 2017.

Guess what day today is?

It is a very special day in my household.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was on this day seven years ago that I adopted my handsome wonderful companion, buddy and friend.

So we are celebrating his “8th” Birthday as we are not exactly sure how old he is ….. how great is that.

He can be any age, really.

So today we are saying No. 8.

Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis.

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together thus far as much as I have ……

Love you Buddy with all of your quirks.

I love watching you bury your chew treat in the back yard winter or summer.

I love watching you searching for something by putting your whole face in the snowbank as if you could see in there all the while I know the power of your sense of smell.

You are so funny and always make me smile and laugh.

I want to post some photos from over the years and also my blog from April 2010 written about our first days together.  The other night I was reading some of my older blogs and came across this – oh so many memories.

Alvin, the story begins …. Chapter 1

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Last night my daughter Amanda was over to watch the Golden Globes with me.  We both love to watch the award shows.  Avatar won for Best Motion Picture and James Cameron for Director.  Sandra Bullock for Best Actress in a Drama.  We had supper and enjoyed the evening.  Over the past few weeks and months we had been discussing the possibility of me “adopting” a dog. Why not, I thought.  This past eighteen months has been chalked full of firsts for me.  I have always loved dogs.  We had checked out the Humane Society’s web-site a few times but the smaller dogs went fast.

On this day, I was taking care of my “O” my neighbour’s cat.  This is one of those cats that is definitely an one person feline.  I had been around her a little bit and knew what to expect.  Deep down, I believed that she would get to “love” me or at least like me.  LOL.  Anyway, I made sure that I had my legs covered, and also carried the “cat toy” …. mouse on a stick supplied by O’s Mom for protection.  The first day, O jumped, swatted and hissed all in one smooth motion.  Oh, this is a cat that has a heart condition and takes medication for it.  Crazy.  Anyway both of us got through both visits that day.

Back at home, my daughter had sent me the link to an animal rescue web-site so that I could check out the doggies.  There was one in particular that she thought fit the bill.  He was so cute.  His story very sad.  So I went onto the web-site and “fell in love” (so cute), before I knew it I had contacted these folks about adopting this dog.  It was important to act fast as all of the smaller dogs were adopted quickly.

By evening, I was contacted by a gal from the rescue society.  She told me that there had been lots of interest in this puppy.  So she was going to contact her superior to see about making the next move.  Someone would call me the next day.

Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Another successful visit to “O”‘s house.  One would never know that she had a heart condition.  I am so grateful that each morning it is getting lighter, earlier and earlier.  Spring is on the way.  Big news this morning.  Received a phone call from the foster Mom of a little dog.  Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  We are going to see him tonight.  The whole family is going.  It is important that Elton and Penny like this possible new addition to the family.  I am going to run out to the nearby “Bone & Biscuit” store and pick up some food and toys, just in case.  I want to be prepared.  Oh, have to get some treats, too!   I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time.  This could be my very first dog.  Wow, this has been a year of firsts for me.  But I am so grateful for all of them.  We are going after supper, and it is a bit of a drive from here so will write all about our visit tomorrow morning.  YAY.

DAY “1” – Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Guess what happened last night? It was crazy.  Took us a little while to find the place because it was out in the country. But we did.  We were introduced to this cute little guy.  His name is Alvin.  He is a cocker spaniel mix.  Puppy.  They think that he is about one year old.  Has a black & white coat with the most handsome brown eye-brows.  Elton & Penny seemed to like him well enough.  He has a sad story but is blessed to have such great foster parents.  I know that he is going to have a great life.  So no looking back.  Okay, get on with it.  I know.  I am too wordy sometimes (okay, LOL all of the time).  Arrangements were made for me to adopt him last night.  He is on antibiotics and other medicine.  Whew.  Hard to believe – it happened all so fast. One minute we were trying to find the place, and the next we were on our way home with three dogs in the car.  He was so stressed, the poor little guy.  Thank goodness for the “blue blanket” that his foster parents had given him, as he was drooling so bad the whole car ride home.  When we got back to my house – it was surreal.  It was late when we got back so once I introduced him to each room of the house, and he had some water and a bit of food, it was off to bed.  I had no plans of him sleeping in my bed but I felt so “sorry” for him that he ended up there.  He was so stressed that neither of us got any sleep.  I was reminded of my first night home from the hospital with Amanda.  I kept imagined that he stopped breathing, which was crazy !!

It was an early morning considering neither of us slept much last night.  He has to be fed every three hours, and has medicine so I am busy.  Also first full day of looking after “O” next door.  Should mention that I made my first mistake with Alvin.  After he ate his first meal today I thought that I would send a quick e-mail to Amanda.  I thought that he would be like Elton & Penny and that I would have a few minutes before he needed to go outside.  He did not make it.  First lesson learned.  I do not have much carpet in the house and he did manage to miss it.  Thank goodness for that……

Guess what happened when I got home from feeding “O” in the morning?  It actually started when I left the house.  Alvin stood at the living room and cried.  Sounded like a baby’s cry.  Separation anxiety, I was told later.  I made a quick trip next door as I couldn’t bear him crying.  When I got home, I unlocked the door and faster than a real “bolt of lightning” something black and white passed me.  I twirled about and almost fell on my “butt”.   Thank goodness that I had my boots and coat on as I did not have time to grab them.  I ran down the steps,and down the sidewalk as he got nearer to the street.  Man, puppies are quick.  Just as he was about to step onto our busy street, I bent over and swooped him up.  My heart darned near jumped out of my body.  I was so scared.  What a first day !  This was only the morning.  The rest of the day went fairly smoothly.  Lots of feedings, administering medicine and pooping.  Thank goodness he is trained.  As he is not neutered it will be awhile before we can go on walks.  So it will be playing fetch for exercise for a bit.

Oh, the life of a pet owner…….

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin and his buddy Penny, oh the memories of the two of them.

Resting on the deck ……

My favourite photo of Alvin ….. laying on his belly at the top of the stairs …. looking like he has no body….

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Looking out the office window …. which was our temporary bedroom at the time.

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Winter …

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin and Me …..

One summer day – our adventure.

Alvin and Elton playing tug-o-war and then checking out the Christmas gifts.

Alvin and the newest additions to our family …. Baby Milo and Aspen.

Always waiting on his Momma….

I could post a million photos of my boy but will end here.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Here’s to many more happy years together.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday Boy of course ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of January, 2017.

Almost typed/keyed 2016.

Another cold morning and it has been snowing overnight.

My neighbour shovelled last night.

My turn tonight.

Had to shovel a bit of a path for Mr. Alvin this morning.

I wished that he had indoor plumbing or could somehow use it.

Another weekend over and another week just beginning.

Wonder what is in store this week?

Only good things.

Only kindness.

Only laughter.

Sounds like a good week ahead.

I watched the Golden Globes last night with Jimmy Fallon hosting.

He does a good job.

Such a talented guy.

Meryl Streep got the Lifetime Award which was well-deserved.

I loved the tribute to Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.

But wondered why there was no tribute to others.

I know they do it at the Oscars and perhaps that is why.

So many tremendously talented people passed in 2016.

So many loved ones passed in 2016.

Well here we go for another work week.

Should be fun.

Wishing you all a great week.

May your days be filled mainly with laughter and smiles.

May your days be filled mainly with positive energy and love.

May your days be filled mainly with kindness.

Make sure that you pay it all forward.

Just remember we do not know everyone’s story and things may not be what they seem.

Special Hello to:  YOU, today.  Happy Monday.

Always, Carol and Alvin