The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary to my good friends Val & Howard. Wishing you many more happy, healthy years ahead.

Another morning with skies filled with smoke. No wind. Seems to be even more thick than yesterday. I will have to check to see how far away the wildfires are from the City of Edmonton. We have a forest area to the west of the City – not too far from my neighbourhood. The only break is the road before houses begin. I hope that today is the day that the Province of Alberta receives some much needed rain. I would be happy if we had a good soaking rain that last for two weeks. Just nice steady rain. One that would soak into the ground. Not sure about the two week time period but definitely several days. The ground is so dry. Yesterday my friend G came for a visit and told me that her sister and family are on Evacuation Alert which means be prepared to evacuate if situation worsens. If situation worsens an Evacuation Order will be issued and that means Evacuate now, situation is dangerous. People are gathering pets, important documents and having a place to escape to, ready on a moment’s notice. I pray for rain and that no more loss of life.

Photo day.

Below are the yellow Begonia plant and Lavender plants that I purchased on Thursday night. In the fridge is part of my diet plan for the next few days while my mouth heals from the multiple extractions. I am grateful that I at least love applesauce, yogurt and jello and pudding. Eggs are on the list but honestly lately they do not seem to be agreeing with me. So they will not be an everyday food. I can also have soup and that is in the pantry and potatoes on the counter. Love potatoes. Baked and then mashed with butter. Prepared I am. The red and pink flowers are from some of the many plants that I have and they are called Kalanchoe. I did some reading up on them and they can go outside so I might move some of them outdoors, maybe. After speaking with G and Amanda yesterday, I am thinking that perhaps this is not the year to have a deck, porch and flower beds full of flowers. Water is precious and with all the smoke there will not be much sunlight for growth. I have perennials in my back flower bed which are starting to come back to life and although I thought that I had pulled the plants in the front flower bed, they are about six inches tall now. I am grateful that they grew despite my efforts. The bottom three photos are my grand-pups who spent a few hours with me yesterday while their parents went to visit a friend and to meet her boyfriend. These days, I do not think it is a good idea to leave your pets at home while you are away if you live in the countryside, in any area close to wildfires. I will gladly have them here anytime. They depend on us to keep them safe! You can see the smoke in the last photo of the pups looking out the window.

Yellow Begonia & Lavender

Soft Food Stores

Orange Jello

Eggs

Kalanchoe Plant

Kalanchoe Plant

Miss Aspen

Master Mi-Mi (Milo)

Watching out the window

Hopefully the smoke will dissipate today and the sun will shine. I hear people working outside and honestly breathing in that air is not good for you. If you have to be outside, then be prepared. I could even smell smoke in the basement when I was doing laundry yesterday.

Time to hit the shower and freshen up before going downstairs. Up a bit later this morning. For some reason I could not go to sleep last night. Oh, I broke down and had some coffee. Waited till it was only warm and then had some. When I went over the sheets that the Dental Office gave me and went over in my head the instructions from the Dental Assistant there was no mention of coffee, only smoking and not drinking anything hot. So I am okay, I think. A wise woman who has undergone multiple dental surgeries told me that she had not heard “no coffee” and that all drinks had to be cool-warm not hot. I will not drink too much but I so missed the smell of coffee perking. I am going to transplant the Lavender and Begonias into bigger pots and I have some of the Kalanchoe Plants that need larger pots so will move them as well. I have a few things on my to do list for this day. Time to hit the shower.

Happy Sunday All – be safe and 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

Living … One day at a time.

Well the sun is up and it is mid morning.

We have been up for a bit.

I went to Humphrey’s house and looked after Cynder, watered the huge Poinsettia plant and odds and ends.

We are all back at the house.

I am always surprised at how much this amazing creatures understand.

I was in the basement at Humphrey’s house cleaning out his litter box when I heard him come bounding down the stairs.

Said hello to him.

On my way upstairs I said to Humphrey, “Would you like to see Alvin at my house?”

He immediately ran to the front door and anxiously waited for me to don my coat and shoes.

He assumes the position and holds on.

The house is quiet once again with only me, Alvin and Humphrey.

Today will be rearranging things.

Placing my things back into my ensuite bathroom.

Cleaning out the fridge and repacking things so that I can see exactly what there is to eat and what needs to be eaten over the next few days.

But all in all today will be my quiet day.

Maybe watch a movie and call my sister in the early afternoon.

 

Yesterday afternoon my daughter, Milo and Alvin went over to see Humphrey and to give him his Christmas present.

Perhaps initially it might have been better to leave the pups at home but it worked out.

Humphrey really wasn’t interested in opening his present so Mr. Alvin helped him out.

OMG, Alvin and opening presents is a thing.

He had the gifts out of the bag and the paper and tissue opened lickty split.

He is so funny.

I wonder what will happen next Christmas.

Will he try to open all of the presents under the tree.

He did not this year except for the one from my friend in Regina but I get it ….. the smell was enticing.

Time will tell.

 

Yesterday while I was preparing the dinner – the kids took all three pups for a walk.

Alvin stayed on the steps, he kept turning around.

Yup, that’s my boy.

He reluctantly went for the walk.

My daughter said it took him awhile before he actually set into the walk.

I don’t have to worry about him running away.

 

Well I guess that I should get changed from my pj’s and get some things done.

Also have some breakfast.

Thinking some Raisin Bran cereal might be the answer this morning.

Also am going to freeze the baking that is in the fridge.

Good for another day.

Time to find a good stretching exercise program and then work it into my daytime hours … especially once back to work.

I am up at 5:00 a.m. and not really wanting to get up any early but then again, Mr. Alvin usually has me up at 4:30 so maybe I should just DO IT.

Cutting back on the amount that one eats is important.

Especially once you get older.

I am getting older.

Or at least my body thinks so.

 

Well another wonderful Christmas under my belt so to speak.

Everyone got some surprises and were pleased with them.

From the time the season to the end it was great, is great, is wonderful.

 

My cousins are coming for dinner this next Sunday.

I want to have some friends over during the break so will have to get on that as time passes quickly.

 

Wishing you a great Thursday.

Boxing Day in Canada and in other parts of the world.

 

Time to also wash the dishes that I set aside so that we could play SEQUENCE before the kids headed home.

I figured that have some play time with them was more important than waking up to no dirty dishes.

Besides in all my glory, I forgot to turn on the dishwasher.

I was beat …. it was a great day.

 

Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law, my grand pups Aspen and Milo for making this time so wonderful.

I spoke to / texted to all my siblings and will chat longer with my sister today.

So better get this show on the road.

Stuff to do.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, good morning.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining and as I look out of my office window at home, I can see the sun shining through the golden leaves of a neighbour’s tree to the south.

So beautiful.

This is our Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend.

I am thankful for all of the things in my life.

Even the “cold sore” that seems to have landed on my upper lip.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Even the messy stuff is all good.

Every bit of life good or bad is to be thankful for.

My life is certainly not perfection and I sometimes might choose to see life through rose coloured glasses but …

It is my life ….

I am surrounded by the best people and while they are fantastic even those relationships are sometimes not 100% rosey.

But that is life.

Right?

Perfection is sloppy.

Perfection is messy.

Perfection is your perfect.

Different for everyone.

We had a great night with Humphrey over for a visit.

I am always amazed at how well they get on.

The first moment he arrives …. Alvin runs to the door and they touch noses.

I guess that is their way of saying hello.

If one goes outside they both go outside.

If one comes in most times they both come in.

Tonight Teddy comes for a sleepover.

He will spend Sunday with us.

Tomorrow my daughter, son-in-law and grand pups comes for our Thanksgiving meal.

Life is good.

 

Well time to get that life is good thing going …. there is laundry to do and coffee to drink.

Time to change from pj’s into day time clothes.

 

With kindness and respect I shall live my life.

Remembering how blessed I am.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Happy Thanksgiving …

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello, good morning …. I miss the early morning sunrises.

Yesterday was the OFFICIAL day of FALL / Autumn.

My tree out front has almost entirely turned to a beautiful yellow.

Some of the leaves have fallen to the ground covering the green grass with a crunchy yellow gold blanket.

I do love the colours of fall.

Warm and rich.

I am going to stay positive with the hope that the weather will hold for a few more weeks at least.

It would be wonderful if the days would remain the same as this past weekend.

We had in the mid 20 degree days with lots of sunshine.

So beautiful.

I am so grateful that we had lots of walks.

I had extra ones with my grand pups here on Saturday.

 

I was looking at my flowers in the front and back raised beds and the ones on the deck.

Soon it will be time to trim them back.

Soon I guess with a tear in my eye it will be time to put away the patio furniture and prepare for that next season.

There was not even a day (except for last weekend) to put out the white and blue patterned pillows for the second patio set.

They remained in bags in the garage all summer long.

Our summer was more like a combination of spring and fall with flowers.

My SNAPDRAGONS insist with the recent sunshine to bloom in all their glory.

A beautiful site to behold.

 

The marigolds are doing quite well, too.

 

On this Tuesday, I think about how very blessed I am.

I live in my very own home.

I have Alvin as my steadfast companion.

I am surrounded by great friends and neighbors.

I have the best family on the planet.

I am employed.

I am in good health.

Feeling very happy and blessed.

 

 

Remember most people and animals are drawn to those who are kind and respectful.

Why not take the time, make the time.

To treat every being you encounter with kindness and respect.

Why not?

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

There is a nice cool breeze entering the office window as I key these words.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

The traffic is humming away in the distance.

Sun is coming up …. early morning cloud cover.

 

Today feels like favourite photos day.

Just a fun post.

Not to be serious but to enjoy.

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

The snowman we built together only a few years ago.

Casey, a friend who visited us for a week not long ago.

Miss Penny, again she is quite the model….

Finding a place to showcase this piece…

 

 

 

Baby Alvin

I am most grateful to be here.

To be surrounded by wonderful creatures big and small.

My grand-pups, our furry friends, flowers, good food.

Life is grand.

What a great day.

 

Filled with KINDNESS and RESPECTFULNESS.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well the sky is more sunshine than not.

It is lovely outside this morning and temperatures to soar to about 24 today.

Doing the HAPPY DANCE.

 

Last night after work Alvin and walked over to his Doctor to pick up some food, a bag of treats and his glucosamine.

The air was heavy with blue sky and I had some regret about wearing a sweater.

But the sweater provided two pockets for things that I needed to have with me.

Oh well, I survived.

I decided on the way home that I would just stop at the house and drop off our purchases and then walk over to our friend’s house.

To check on her flowers.

With all of the rain that we have had … they did need a little top up …. a little drink.

I happily did this for them.

Alvin was running around the yard …. enjoying the grass.

Her flowers are crazy amazing.

Every colour under the rainbow.

 

So I still have an ant problem.

Perhaps it takes a few weeks for these home mixtures to work?

 

I cut the back lawn after 9:00 p.m. – not bad neighbour as I have a push mower – no motor except for mine and I can guarantee everyone that it was not loud.

 

I got brave and put out some of the patio cushions.

The furniture looked so bare for such a long time – I just had to.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed some quiet time together inside and out.

First time in a long time we actually sat outside on the deck.

 

Well it is Friday.

I am glad for the weekend.

Tonight after work my daughter is picking me up and we are heading to COSTCO.

I actually like going there ….. nice to check things out.

There will be laundry in my future tonight.

Tomorrow Master Teddy will be joining us for the day and then in the afternoon my grand-pups will be joining us.

Their Mom & Dad have a wedding to attend.

So me and the pups tomorrow.

So excited.

 

Well remember as always ….. live each day with kindness and respect.

It works.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Yes, it is…..

 

Always, with love & respect Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of January, 2019.

Warming up and snowing.

Rides to and from work today, thankfully no riding on the bus.

Teddy comes for a couple of days as his parents are going on vacation.

Love having him in the house.

He brings joy to me and Alvin.

Lightens our moods.

I guess it is the energy of youth.

Hopefully it will work out so that we can walk over and pick up Teddy after work.

I have the song “HAPPY” by Pharrell Williams playing over and over in my head.

I would like it to keep me in this place.

Actually woke up feeling happy this morning.

That is a first in awhile and not that I have necessarily woke up grumpy but just not feeling gleeful.

Today is going to be full of glee.

I am on top of the world.

Yes, I am.

Keeping up the positive, joyful energy.

I guess there will be shovelling in our future.

The pups will enjoy the fresh snow.

Alvin will be burying his chew treats in the snow for sure.

What am I saying …. will be …. pretty much every one that I give him goes outside.

He takes his time and very careful digs with his paws and his nose a bed to bury his beloved treats.

I love watching him putting them to bed.

When he digs them up …. just as cute.

Carefully and with precision he brings them back to the surface and into the house.

Full circle.

How about some photos for a snowy Wednesday.

Random shots from my gallery.

I love this plant arrangement my neighbour gave me before Christmas.

Sadly only part of it remains alive but it is alive and transplanted.

Teddy, Alvin’s BFF with a chew treat almost his size.

Me and my siblings when we were very young.

One of my most favourite photos.

Ah, my babies, so cute.

How can you not love those faces?

Aspen and Milo patiently waiting for treats and Alvin, not so much.

I love this old canister, a great find from our trip last summer.

Nothing like mountains in the smoke

Books, one of my most favourite things.

Ending with some pretty flowers.

 

Gotta run and catch my ride.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family, you raise me up and keep me going.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of October, 2018.

Today we celebrate my Grand-puppies birthdays Miss Aspen and Baby Milo.

Miss Aspen joined our family December 2016.

Baby Milo joined our family October 2016.

Here are some photos of our babies.

I was looking for a more recent photo of Baby Milo as his hair is much longer since his early days but alas did not find one.

Happy Birthday Babies.

Well gotta run as I am catching the bus today.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my grand-babies Miss Aspen and Baby Milo

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 21st day of July, 2018.

Absolute perfection outside this morning.

We were up at 5:00 as Alvin wanted to go outside and then to eat his breakfast.

Back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s as on a Saturday who NEEDS to get up for the day at 5:00 AM if not necessary.

So we did and then about 7:30 Alvin started to stir and finally just before 8:00 I was up ….. basically grabbed him and off we went for a walk.

Covered up my PJ’s with a long sweater.

The air was cool and refreshing.

SUN high up in the sky already but not hot.

The water fountain in the pond was turned on and the sound of the water was delightful.

We had a great walk and even picked up the odd piece of trash along our walk.

Once home turned on the first load of laundry.

Our plans changed as my daughter and grand-pups were to come for a sleepover.

So we will just get some extra housework done – like the BLINDS, argh.

Sounds like they will come tomorrow for a visit – perhaps come for PANCAKES as I have all of the ingredients.

That would be WONDERFUL.

Coffee is perking and I love that smell as it wafts through the house.

Madonna is singing AMERICAN PIE …… love that song.

I have GREAT news – misunderstanding as I thought that my sister would only be here for a couple of days at the end July / start August.

She will be here for almost one week ….. YAY …. so excited.

I love having my sister at my house ….. we LAUGH and LAUGH and LAUGH.

Crazy girls …..

Well I guess it is time to get to work.

Perhaps should have some breakfast …..

Could even sit outside and soak up that glorious morning air.

 

I hope that you are enjoying your day and that you have great NEWS this day or soon.

Special Hello: to my sister …. so happy that you are able to come and be here for extra time.  FUN is on the way.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of July, 2018.

What a gorgeous morning, clear blue skies.

This morning when Al and I went for a walk at 5:15 a.m. – there was quite a lot of activity at our lakes/park.

The birds everything from ducks, geese, robins and more where chirping, quacking, singing and communicating.

There were frogs and crickets.

The ponds (not actually lakes) were alive with all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures.

It was glorious to listen to it all as we made our way through the park.

 

Another HOT HOT one on the way.

OMG, yesterday was so hot.

The fans and air conditioning barely keeping things cool.

 

Somedays you just need to share some photos.

Here are some photos from my “61” BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

The partying beings ….. a tad early but who am I to rain on my parade.

Why not celebrate for a month?

Right.

Party complete with Birthday Banner and Balloons.

Nothing like FRESH GLORIOUS FRUIT

Homemade CARROT CAKE to die for ….

The Birthday Girl hiding behind your PRESENTS.

Oh, I love presents.

So blessed …. received yoga pants & top and sweater and long no-sleeved fancy tank top.

I had so much fun with my girl friends …. we laughed and laughed.

 

AFTER the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups came for the afternoon & stayed for supper.

Both Aspen and Milo looked out the window pretty much the whole time that my daughter was out.

She slipped out for a few minutes.

Oh the babies.

My LILIES be blooming.

They are the most gorgeous shade of red, the ferns are taking over the front flower bed.

Who does not like impatiens?  I kind of missed most of the flowers.

They are filling up two pots on the front step.

What a glorious Sunday I had.

Absolute perfection.

 

Well here we are at Tuesday.

Will be trying to keep cool.

Thank goodness it is cool at 5:15 am when we go for a walk.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU, thank you for reading my blog.

Always, Carol & Alvin