Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this Sunday, February 21, 2021. Today was my paternal Grandmother’s birthday. She was born this day in 1901. Her name was Stella and she was a force in all things from her love of football and hockey to baking and gardening and everything in between. She knew every player and theirs statistics in the Canadian Football League. Grandma even had season football tickets for the Saskatchewan Roughriders which were/are located in Regina, Saskatchewan (she lived in rural Saskatchewan) and never attended a game, this was one of the ways she supported them. Another was purchasing the annual fundraising dinner. ticket and never attended As much as she loved sports she loved her garden, most especially her roses. Flowers were her passion. She won horticultural awards in her hometown for her roses. Her garden was always beautiful. Happy Birthday Grandma Stella.
The sky is overcast here in Edmonton. The air is warm, I was just outside with Alvin who was digging up a chew treat from one of the snow banks while I was digging up something else (not really digging for me). After I finished I watched as he dug up the chew treat from the snow drift on the grass area of our backyard (which is small). He picked it up and then proceeded to hop up the three steps from the yard to the deck. From there he hopped up the three steps to the top part of the deck by the garage. It was here that he walked over to the snow that I have piled and started to dig. I was entranced. He had his head down in the snow, digging with his paws until he dropped the chew treat and then started to cover it with his nose. When done he raised his head which had been partially covered in snow and gave it a shake. All through this I had wished that I would have ran back into the house and got my phone to take a video. But my phone was not by the door and likely by the time I threw off my boots and grabbed my phone he would have been done. I really wanted to just be in the moment. After burying the treat, he walked over to the steps to come down and hesitated for a moment before making the leap down the steps. I always hold my breath when he comes down the steps. Also I need to share something else about Alvin. This past Tuesday as you know he had his regular nail trim, anal gland and ear check appointment in addition he was receiving some vaccinations that were due at the end of February. That morning I noticed something odd. There was colour in his pee. Now when peeing in the snow …. you notice things. The colour was red. Even after he peed, there would be a drop of red. My heart skipped a beat. This is never good. I called his Vet to let them know and that we would have to add some tests to the appointment and explained. So at the appointment they were able to take a urine sample by inserting a catheter and also did blood tests. They could tell it was not an Urinary Tract Infection or at least there were no crystals. The blood tests were inconclusive so the only other option was to book an ultrasound. So that I did. This coming Tuesday. I have not shared this information with many people. But after knowing this for several days and trying to remain positive and feeling like I need to say something, I have started to tell a few people. It is a big thing to keep all to myself. I am positive that he will be fine as he has been eating and drinking like normal. His sleeping has not changed – still as crazy as ever. He was a bit whiny yesterday but his paws seem to be bothering him which they do from time to time. Please keep Mr. Alvin in your thoughts and if you pray, in your prayers. I am hopefully for good results. This was why I wrestled about taking the video but I am happy that I stayed outside and did not miss one second of him digging up and re burying his chew treat.
Well it is almost 9:30 and I have to put on coffee and have breakfast as I am having a video chat with one of my friends. The other is spending time with her husband who works away from home and is currently at home for a few days. They are having some family time.
The sky is overcast and the wind is blowing. The only sounds are the clock ticking in the bathroom beside this room and the clicking of my fingers as they touch the keys on the computer keyboard.
I will enjoy and be grateful for each and every day that I get to spend with my friend and companion Mr. Alvin. I hope that it will be years but that is not for me to know that this point.
Have a wonderful day. I thank each and every one that reads my daily post. I love to write and it makes it even better to know that people love to read my words. I hope that most days – I bring a smile to your face, perhaps give you food for thought, and bring you some helpful information.
Take Care.
Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for all creatures.
Always, Carol & Alvin
One of my favourite photos of my boy.
My New Life @ 51 