The Next Chapter

Good Morning. How are you this morning? Today is Friday, just a few more hours and it is the weekend. I am happy about that fact. Tonight at 6:00, the repairman is coming to run a diagnostic on my stove. Fingers crossed that it is a quick and inexpensive fix. I just want my oven back. Seems like it has been forever since I baked something in the oven, well almost, I guess at 3 weeks.

Did you sleep well? I am reading a book that is about a serial killer and I am not sure that it is a good fit for me. Most of the story thus far is about one of the victims who was found alive. I might swap it out for something a little less dramatic. I get enough drama at my place of employment. Not continual drama, not like every second or anything but enough that it drains me to the core. New book either a light hearted something or other or a spy one with some drama. I am finding that it is difficult to be positive and upbeat. Have to try harder. I do not wish to slip over to the dark side. All my life I have tried to find the silver lining in everything and now this job, has slowly eaten away at that! I am a stubborn woman and I will conquer this! I like my actual job. Okay, enough about that.

At lunch break yesterday I went for a 20 minute walk and then after work for another 30 minute walk. I was almost home when I heard what sounded like my name being called. I turned around to see one of my neighbours on her porch, asking me if I had a minute. I have known J for many years. Her dog Jasmin passed away one year ago this month, I believe. She needed to talk to someone as someone hit her 2000 Camaro in the parking lot at the nearby mall the day before. Thankfully she got the person’s insurance and should be able to have it fixed. She has always kept that car in immaculate condition. I felt for her. At the time she relayed the story, I did not remember that it was last April that her beloved pup had passed. Only now as I am telling the story. I know it is so hard to lose your little buddy, I miss and think about Alvin every single day. He will always be with me.

We all are going through things and it is easy to only think about yourself. So that was a good reminder to me. My life is pretty sweet for the most part. I am in good health, I live in a beautiful home surrounded by awesome and wonderful neighbours and friends, I was able to rescue and have with me for just over 13 years – my Alvin, I have the best family, I am employed and can pay my bills in full and on time, I have good food to eat and so much more. So all in all, a pretty great life. Just need to remind myself of this, sometimes we all need to take stock of all the good things in our lives!

Time to head downstairs and get that coffee perking. Have breakfast and then chill before heading out to work. Have an awesome day. Thank you so much for reading my posts about my life. I can tell you the sky looks so pretty this morning from my office window. There are streaks of blue and pink lining the horizon. A good day.

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)

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a great morning. The sun is coming up (starting to be later each morning). There is a bit of a breeze as I just saw the tips of the trees to the south of us, swaying a bit. YAY.

We will be heading out for another morning walk before the heat sets in. I cannot wait until we can walk at noon and after work.

Today, being August 25th, is a special date. Today marks the birthdate of my Mother who would have been 84. Happy Birthday Mom. We miss you.

My brother-in-law Todd celebrates his 54th Birthday today. We wish him a very Happy Birthday. There was an early birthday celebration here one week ago tomorrow. It was great seeing them.

Other friends celebrate today and we wish them a wonderful day as well.

August is a busy month for birthdays.

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Photo by Dan Prado on Pexels.com

Well as the days roll by the sun is up later and sets earlier. We are fast approaching my favorite time of year which is fall or autumn. I love the slight coolness to the air and the warm feeling that I have and the colour of the leaves.

I am grateful for my life. I am happy when I can connect with a longtime friend (Carolyn). I am happen to meet new friends Jennie and Robyn. I am happy when Alvin is in good health. I am happy that I am in good health. I am happy to be surrounded by loving family and friends. I am happy for electricity (fans in this heat). I am happy that I can walk and enjoy these beautiful mornings.

Today is all about gratitude. Be happy.

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Alvin had a rough morning starting just before 4:00 a.m. (actually a bit earlier). His ears once again are bothering him so that means only one thing – ear infection. So as soon as the vet clinic opens this morning – I will call and make him an appointment. The poor guy and momma’s poor pocketbook. I had one left of his pain meds so I gave it to him with his breakfast at 4:30 this morning and it seems to have taken the edge off as he has not been rubbing and shaking his head for the past hour and one half. Hopefully it is on the warmer side as we will be walking to the clinic which is luckily close by.

Yesterday was really nice and we had a nice walk at my lunch break. You never know once “winter” begins how the temperature will dip from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. So when we the temperatures cooperate we will walk.

I am sorry my brain is a bit on the sleepy side and I cannot think of what to say this morning. So I guess this will be a short post.

I hope that you all are safe, warm and happy and in good health, of course that goes without saying. We always hope that everyone is in good health.

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Alvin and I are well. He has a regular Vet appointment this afternoon. He is waiting patiently outside the office for me to finish ( I just started ). I should not “say” that he is patient as his patience is much less than mine most days. So Tuesday morning. At one point yesterday I made a comment in our TEAMS CHAT that would make one think that yesterday was further in the week, not a great way to start. Oh well, the phones were busy for the first hour or so and then lessened so I was able to get some mail done which was great. The mail is “stacking” up so to speak. Our walk at noon was great. Another gorgeous day. We have been so lucky. One thing though we do not have much snow left. The deck is getting more and more bare.

I was wondering if the African Violet originated from Africa? The blooms are ever so delicate and the leaves remind me of a rounded spade in shape. So pretty. Actually I have determined in the last almost year that I have been working from home that I may actually have a green thumb due in large part to most of my plants having a home in a south facing window. I have a bay window in the kitchen and the plants are thriving there. This is near my workspace and it has been great being close to beautiful plants as I work. Some of my Geraniums have beautiful pink flowers at this time, the red leaves of the Poinsettias are gorgeous and I have several other plants including a Spider plant which I moved just recently to the dividing half way between the kitchen and the living room. I hope that it will have enough light in that spot. I have so many plants that they are getting kind of crowded. I enjoy having a “green” workspace.

Well I am at a loss as what to share this more. Writer’s block, perhaps.

I hope that you are doing well, that you are in good health and remembering to take some time for yourself. Self care is very important and something to remember especially at this time.

With that, I remain living my life with kindness, respect and compassion.

Take Care.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am planning Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party for Sunday, January 24th, 2020.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Welcome to a SNOW COVERED ground here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and it is still coming down. When we were up at 5:00 a.m. – there was no snow. Now we have a couple of inches or so. I love the look of the ground with a pure white cover. It does present itself with work – shovelling. I have already shovelled part of the deck and the grass area where Mr. Alvin does his business because wouldn’t you know it I was lazy at 5:00 and did not go out with him. I saw him poop by the fence and memorized in my mind where he went so that I could pick it up later. Not thinking that in less than a couple of hours it was snowing and would be covered. Luckily when I was out shovelling he pooped again and I got it right away and the other must not have been much as it did not show up in the shovelling. Sorry for the grossing out but I find it humorous. If we cannot laugh at “poop” then what can we laugh at. Besides the world could use some laughter right about now. Poop story over.

Looks like I will have lots of shovelling in my future. Also the pups Teddy and Kobie are supposed to be coming over for the day. I just texted their Mom to see if they are still travelling to the farm. I am not sure how much snow we are supposed to get today. So we shall wait and see if the pups will be joining us today or not.

I figured if the pups come for the day that I would work on and hopefully finish all of the Christmas cards that need to be mailed. I made my mailing list of cards and will check to ensure that I did not miss anyone. I have a couple of parcels to finish for posting. Might as well do that today. I like to stay on the main floor when there are three pups in the house. Also I have the Christmas tree up and with three pups most especially the little one who likes to run and investigate, I like to watch. I am also on the hunt for some potting soil as I have a couple of plants that were given to me recently that require transplanting. Another little job. There is always lots to do. Oh and laundry. Will there ever be a time when we don’t have to do laundry? Guess not. At least it is easy peasy these days. I remember in the OLDER DAYS having to do laundry for seven people using the wringer washing machine and then having to hang everything on the clothesline. We did later get a propane dryer which was nothing like the dryers of today. Besides the clothes always smelled so good even in the winter. Ironing. We used to iron even the bedsheets. So I am not going to seriously complain about doing laundry. Point just made that there seems to be always lots of laundry to wash and when you consider that I am the only two legged in the household, makes me wonder. Now that being said Alvin has some laundry but not as much. Reminding me that his harness needs to be washed. Today would be a good day.

What is going on in your life? Do you have a busy Saturday planned or not planned? Oh NO, i just looked out of the office window and it is snowing heavily. YIKES. Time to build up those arm muscles. Gotta love that. Sorry back to you. If you live in the United States, I can only imagine how you are feeling. Up and down. I hope for good results.

Well from poop to election results.

Time to go and put on some coffee. I so enjoy coffee on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Now my Christmas Tree and decorations does not look so out of place. I will have to change my wreath on the front door. Time to go from FALL to WINTER.

I wish you a wonderful Saturday. With wishes of good cheer, time to relax, perhaps a chat with a friend or family member who lives far away, laughter, and above all, I wish you good health. That is the cornerstone of our life. Without it, there is no good life.

I/We continue to live our lives with kindness and respect and compassion for all life.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. My long weekend is over but I am working the late shift today so start work at 11:00 a.m. (which worked out pretty good, I would say). The sun is coming up with hopes of yet another beautifully warm day. Yesterday was warm but overcast the majority of the day. I had a super productive day and accomplished everything on my to do list including multi-tasking walking with Mr. Alvin and picking up trash as we went. I have this tong like hand held tool and then of course a garbage bag. Worked pretty good. Not the most ideal thing walking with a dog and picking up trash but we managed and I was happy to get the trash picked up as it had been annoying me for awhile. I do not understand how people can walk over, around or whatever trash in front of their homes and cars. Anyway, it is done. I raked my lawn and Humphrey’s Mom’s as we are joined and bagged the leaves (1.5 bags) and then raked the backyard. I did the raking first and then did the trash and walking. Finished decorating for Christmas in the morning. Did some laundry throughout the day. Wrote up some Christmas cards and letters. It was a GREAT DAY. Question: do you think that perhaps Christmas Cards will make a come back as people won’t be travelling as much this holiday season?

This morning Humphrey’s Mom is bringing Bogart over to stay with us while she takes her car into the shop. Bogart had some surgery yesterday. He is wearing a cone which he does not like. Thankfully he has a great Momma who had found these soft material cones for cats. So Bogart like Humphrey will not ever have to wear those hard plastic ones.

I guess today is the election for our neighbours to the south. Wonder what will happen. I read about their election and about the electoral college and all. Too much room for people to play with the results. I don’t think that the drama is over just yet. Their President seems to enjoy “drama.” Good luck United States, I hope you make the better choice.

Well I will say this again and again, I am grateful to live in this country and to be a Canadian. I am grateful to be working from home. I am grateful that our leaders both politically and medically are doing the best for us, all.

Time to head to the shower. Just going to have a lazy dazy morning until Bogart arrives and I have to work at 11:00 a.m.

Wishing you a great Tuesday. May you be safe and in good health. May you spread kindness and respect to every living creature you meet. Take care.

Living with kindness and respect, I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. We now have snow. Last night I shovelled our deck between the house and the garage. This morning after this post I will go out and quickly shovel the front sidewalks. Looks like we have winter. I am happy that we were able to get out for a walk at noon yesterday. The wind was brutal but we managed. We were both bundled up and when not walking into the wind it wasn’t too bad. Our CEO sent the employees an email stating that due to the spike in cases there will be no in person meetings at the office. So we only go to do a specific job, mask up as per usual and social distance while in the office. I am relieved to say the least. Not much new other than the snow.

Life seems to be as out of balance as it was in March. But on the upside soon it will be Halloween and then time to put up the Christmas Tree and decorate the house. I don’t remember if I mentioned this but I have decided to do up special bags for the children that I know in our neighbourhood and deliver them earlier on Halloween Day. I will text and message and call the parents to let them know beforehand. I think it would be better for both me and Alvin to just stay in the house with the door closed. Halloween is a special night for me as I love to see the costumes and to say hello. But one out of many is okay to miss. It will be interesting to see what happens on Halloween? 11 sleeps till Halloween and 12 till the TREE goes up. OH my gosh, not even two weeks, how did that happen? This last quarter is certainly zipping on by.

What is new with you? I hope that you are all safe and in good health. Even though we are home most of the time now, it seems that we stall when it comes to do certain things. Like the changing of the closets. I just did mine on the fly last weekend. Looks like that last round of raking will not get done now with the snow. I will say that I have read more books now than in many years. Not having to commute has been wonderful. Nice to not have to get up at 4:30 – 5:00 to stay up. Although we are usually up early just because both Alvin and I are older and that is how we roll.

Well time to go and shovel. I cleaned Mr. Alvin’s ears. Turn on the coffee and get on my coat and boots.

Be safe and take care. Living with love, kindness and respect is how WE ROLL !!

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

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and it be “FRIDAY” …… TGIF…..

The sky is a pale orange pink colour and there is a slight breeze.

Looks like a nice day ahead.

Not quite as warm as yesterday which for us is good.

Today I have to work from the actual OFFICE.

Yup, first time since March 19, 2020.

I am a bit reluctant to leave Mr. Alvin home alone but there is no choice in the matter.

He has gotten so use to having me here …..

But I am sure he will do fine.

Will take him out again before I leave.

My daughter is working today from her office so she is giving me a ride to mine.

I am hoping that the job I am assigned can be done in less than a normal day so that I can come home.

Fingers crossed.

I am both excited and nervous.

We have quite strict rules to follow and I am prepared with extra masks and even gloves should the need arise.

I am taking my own coffee and water and some snacks.

I have disposable gloves.

So I am prepared.

Just received a text from my daughter who is on her way.

This post will be short as I have to pour my coffee and I want to have a little mug before I leave and look after the boy.

 

I hope that you all are safe and happy.

I hope that you can find a way to do whatever tasks are ahead of you this day.

I hope that you are smiling and in good health.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

YAY, today is Friday with the weekend fast approaching.

The sun is beginning to shine brightly here in Edmonton as I type these words.

There is no breeze / wind this morning (which is not typical as of late).

 

Alvin had his regular “monthly” vet visit (about 5 weeks, actually) and all went well.

He fussed a bit less than usual which was a nice change.

At lunchtime we had our second walk of the day.

After work I went with my friend Gillian to COSTCO for groceries.

My second time since beginning of March that I have stepped foot in COSTCO, I have been to Shoppers and Save-On once each.

Slowly but surely I am getting back.

I was surprised when I saw a lady with a mask on but pulled down so that her nose and mouth were exposed.

That was in COSTCO last night.

Not much help if you wear the mask but it is around your neck.

I found that I felt much less panicked by the mask and being around people last night.

However, I was still making sure that I wore the mask and that I social distanced.

I do firmly believe that while in public we should wear a mask and social distance.

If we let up ….. we will be hit again.

With the children heading back to school and flu season right around the corner …. everything we do now and continue to do will serve us well.

If we do not take care and do our part ….. it will sadly be much worse.

Now I am not a Doctor but I can read and I have common sense in abundance.

I think with this virus …. common sense is important.

It is something that over the years has fallen to the wayside.

Too many people wrapped up in me, me, and me to think about what makes good sense.

We have to be careful.

I want to stay in good health and I would like all my family and friends to be in good health.

Everyone that I do not know …. I would like them to be in good health, as well.

This is not just about me and my family or you and yours ….. it is about us all.

When something strikes the planet it has the potential to affect us all.

In a way, it has affected us all, even if you or your loved ones have not actually had the virus.

The pandemic has done this through death, sickness, loss of jobs, financial crisis and more.

Food for thought …. always good to think about what is happening and what can be done better.

We should heed Health Officials and Government but we should always be thinking ourselves what can we do better?

 

As I key these words, I can hear Mr. Alvin snoring away.

It has only been very recent that I have really noticed that he snores while he sleeps.

Perhaps it has been some time and was not quite as loud.

Sorry Mr. Alvin …. you are not loud.

 

As the days pass by and we head into fall, I am ever so grateful to my employer for giving us the opportunity to work from home.

I have been happier, healthier and productive in all areas of my life.

I am grateful for the abundance that showers me daily.

I am grateful for the sunshine and warm days.

I am grateful for walks with Alvin.

I am grateful for my health and his.

I am grateful for my daughter and her family.

I am grateful when I have the opportunity to visit with my family and friends whether in person on via video chat.

I am grateful to have coffee each and everyday.

I am grateful for our country and for being the best place on the planet to live, thank you Canada.

I am grateful for each morning, noon and evening.

I am grateful to have this format to write and reach out to you all.

I am grateful to be alive and for this day and every single day.

Thank you.

 

Well time to head back downstairs and turn on the work computer.

Grab that cup of coffee.

I guess work is on the agenda, of course.  lol.

 

On this Friday, be happy and ever grateful.

Be Kind and Respectful to ALL.

Happy Friday.

Be safe, be strong, and be well.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Flowers always make me happy – even photos bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

I hope that they give you a great start to your Friday.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning,

Hard to believe after getting up and walking early every morning for a week that on the coolest morning, I want to and did sleep later.

Alvin woke me up just before 4:00 a.m. so downstairs we did go where I gave him one of his glucosamine chews and then outside to pee.

Back in the house I managed to convince him to lay down on the sofa with me.

We were up at 6:22 a.m. and it was breakfast time for the boy.

Outside again.

Now why when it had not rained – did we not go for a walk, I shall never know.

The clouds are deep and heavy in the sky and the wind is gusting.

No rain since we were up the first time.

We could have walked.

We should have walked.

Now it is 8:33 a.m. – the rest of the week, we would have had our walk in, this post done and breakfast done and started doing things around the house but not this day.

So I decided to write this post first and then get dressed and if we are lucky enough not to have rain – then we shall go for a walk.

The windows are open and it has cooled down significantly within the house.

Perhaps with the heat of the week and the huge change overnight in the temperature that provides the reason for me being tired this morning.

Anyway, what can you do.

Besides it is vacation time.

Even on our early up and out we still were sleeping in compared to a regular work day.

Okay, I am dwelling far too long on “sleeping in.”

The wind is certainly blowing something in.

I am grateful for the cool air.

 

So today.

Clean the main floor, literally the main floor.

The bathroom on the main floor and dust a bit.

Otherwise the house has been cleaned.

Laundry is done.

Most of my TO DO LIST is complete.

 

Tonight my kids are coming over to celebrate my birthday early.

They are bringing supper and that is a surprise.

I am not fussy.

 

Yesterday I had a great 1.5 hour video chat with one of my dear friends back in Regina.

Thank goodness for technology.

The next best thing to being in person.

 

Ending the day with a nice visit with Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom over the fence.

The advantage of living in a duplex you have two neighbours that you can chat with over the fence.

My neighbours in the other half …. it is a bit of a stretch to talk over the fence …. literally but can be done.

 

Still no rain.

We better get out there.

Get some exercise.

 

I hope that you all have a great Friday.

Continuing to live with kindness and respect.

Stay safe and in good health.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin