Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to another Thursday morning.

This one being the 14th day of November 2019.

Can you believe it?

Time feels as though it is passing in hyperdrive.

Super fast.

 

Well this has been sort of an odd morning.

Alvin was up at first about 3:30 a.m. although he did attempt to make me get up prior to that time.

Downstairs we went.

I gave him his glucosamine chew as per usual.

Perhaps that is my problem.

He is taking that as a treat.

But I give him the benefit of the doubt and usually he has to go outside.

I know that if I have to “pee,” there is no holding on for more time.

Bathroom here I come.

So I give him that same consideration, respect, if you will.

After the outdoors and his medicine we went to sleep on the sofa for another 1.5 hours.

It was broken a bit but I managed to get him to lay down until just before 5:00 a.m.

Then it was breakfast and he was in a hurry.

I could not give him his food fast enough.

Then drink of water and outside.

He was in and out several times over the next while as I wrote in my Gratitude Journal and ate my breakfast.

Oh, I share my banana with him ….. he started to get excited as I cut up the banana but I managed to quiet him with only one word.

What the word was now …. perhaps “softly STOP.”

I think it was “STOP” but before even 5:30 a.m. ….. it may very well have been another word.

Anyway, I am babbling.

Can you babble with words?

Of course, you can.

I write as I speak.

Once we came upstairs he seems to have settled down.

I know that last night when he was outside before bed there were a couple of dogs barking in the near distance.

There was also a FULL MOON (or close to it).

Was it the moon causing Alvin’s anxiety last night and earlier this morning?

He is snoozing on his blue blanket so that is good.

All has returned to normal in our house.

Or as close to it as it can be.

 

I am not certain what effect if any, the FULL MOON has on us living creatures.

However, despite being told that the FULL MOON does not have any effect on human’s state of being.

I still think that the FULL MOON has an effect on all living creatures.

The pull of the moon is powerful.

 

Well here we are almost time to go back downstairs and finish getting things together.

Throw the lunch into my backpack purse/bag.

Go outside with Mr. Alvin and clean up any little presents from earlier and see if he needs to go again.

I do not want to bother him as he looks so darn cute laying on his little blue blanket.

Oh my darling boy.

 

I hope that you have a dreamy Thursday filled with only goodness.

Remember it is the duty of each one of us to treat all living creatures with kindness and respect.

Just because a creature cannot speak/communicate like you and me does not mean that they should be dismissed as lesser than.

No, it does not.

We all need each other.

 

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

One of my favourite photos of me and Mr. Alvin.

I shall treasure forever ….

Living …. One day at a time.

Hello,

Bright sunny morning …. no wind as trees are not swaying.

 

If you are in the moment and paying attention you will see things that you have not noticed previously.

Like the baby geese – goslings.

We have SEVEN goslings – yes, we counted.

Last night when my friend P joined Alvin and I for our nightly walk – we saw them.

Just little …. so not too old.

Carefully out of sight unless you are paying attention.

Mom and Dad proudly and efficiently taking care of their brood.

So cute those babies were/are.

Fluffy.

They are by our ponds at the park near our house.

My friend P is very good at being in the moment.

Nature has so many amazing, wonderful, beautiful creatures for us to behold.

Moments in time for us to just enjoy.

 

Day 4034.

That is today.

Equates to 11.06 years.

Not taking into account leap years.

Which would mean more calculations.

That is the number of days and years that I have been consistently writing in my journal/gratitude journal.

Every morning before breakfast, I write.

I started keeping a journal when I was 13 and even before but consistently since that age.

I have a large container full of notebooks filled with the words that I have written over the years.

One day, I shall start reading them.

 

Well looks like almost time to leave for work.

That time certainly comes quickly.

 

Have a wonderful day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Friday June 16, 2017 and it is the 55 day until my 60th Birthday.

I want these 60 days leading up to my 60th Birthday to be extra special, and that is the reason for sharing my thoughts about life.

To be honest, most of my life I have learned things the hard way.

Not much has been handed to me or has come particularly easily but that is okay.

I know that each lesson, each hard knock, each step backward, each stumble has made me grow and be the person that I am today.

Now please do not misunderstand ….. my life has been pretty amazing for the most part.

I am not perfect.

That I know for sure.

I like each, and every person on this planet has moments of sheer greatness and moments of not so greatness.

That is life.

I always start each and every morning writing in a “Gratitude Journal” which has ended up being a combination GJ and Diary.

But it is so good for the soul and for your very being to write things down.

It seems to release thoughts, and make them real.

 

So my day starts like this:

Alvin kicks at the blankets ….. jumps off the bed …….  stands by the closed bedroom door and sometime lets out a small bark to let me know that he is ready to get up.

The only kicker is: it is usually anywhere between 3:30 – 4:30 a.m.

Now, this would not be so bad if I worked from home or was retired but I am neither.

So I coax him to remain in bed until closer to 4:00 or a bit later …..make the bed and then we then head downstairs ….. his water dish in tow.

Turning on lights as we go and when I reach the pantry …. I grab his glucosamine (for his joint health), and then his food.

He eats and has a drink of water before heading outside.

Depending on the time I set the timer on the microwave for some extra zzz’s on the sofa.

Usually we have time for some.

This is my favourite part of the day as Alvin lays his head on the pillow right beside me and we snuggle.

I love it.

What a wonderful way to begin the day.

After that ….. write in the journal ….. eat breakfast …… shower and get ready and then write my blog before heading back downstairs to grab my lunch, shoes, jacket and stuff and say my good-byes to me Alvin

before heading out the door.

It is a busy time.

But we are on a schedule …. so that helps.

So that is our morning routine ….. then it is on the bus to work for about one hour ……

 

WOW, cannot believe I am turning 60.

 

Always, Carol

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of May, 2017.

The SUN is rising in the eastern sky and the view from my south facing window is gorgeous.

Blue sky with high lights of sun beams.

How lucky am I?

Very…….

 

Well today I wrote my “3286” entry in my Gratitude Journal.

That translates to approximately 9 years in a row of writing every morning.

I pretty much have been writing every morning for decades but this is all about GRATITUDE.

It is an awesome way to begin each day.

Also this is my 7th year of writing this blog.

Cannot believe how quickly the time is flying by.

This past January was 7 years since I adopted Mr. Alvin.

My daughter turned 37 years in March.

I will be 60 in August.

I have worked at my office job here for 5 years last November.

So many milestones.I am one lucky woman.

 

If you sometimes think that you have not accomplished anything or are just feeling lowly …. sit down and make a list.

I guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

Well it is time for me to leave and Alvin needs to go outside.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day…….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of March, 2017.

The sun was shining in through my kitchen windows this morning.

I still have the decorations from my daughter’s birthday party hanging in the window and they are BUTTERFLIES.

They are so pretty I decided to leave them up for awhile.

They were used originally for a store display.

Lucky me.

So pretty …… they are well made and will last for years.

 

We were up early as usual and then before heading back to the sofa I turned on the dryer to fluff up the load that I had left in the dryer from last night and put in the last of the two loads to wash.

Always grabbed all of the clothes that were drying and brought them upstairs to be put away.

I put away the dishes that were air drying in the sink.

Pulled out my baking dishes as I plan to bake banana muffins this afternoon after my morning coffee party.

 

Then we hit the sofa.

I must say that one of my most favourite moments in time is when Alvin and I snuggle on the sofa in the morning before getting up to stay.

We have this pillow from IKEA that is rectangular on the sofa.

I lay it flat and place my head at one end and then Alvin shuffles around before laying his head next to mine.

Placing our favourite red blanket over top of us and with my arm over his body we nap for a little longer.

It is truly one of my favourite moments in time.

What a wonderful way to begin the day.

 

Usually after I get up he moves over to my spot and I cover him up.

He lays there while I write in my gratitude journal and once I have breakfast including the always “banana” – he will leave the sofa and come to the table.

We always eat breakfast at the table …… he has his food much earlier but we always share a banana.

His fav.

 

Last night it was raining …. yes, raining in March and windy.

This morning we woke up to snow.

Actually I knew it had snowed because I looked out the window at 2:30 a.m. (bathroom break).

 

While writing in my journal this morning – Alvin got up to go outside.

I decided that I would grab my coat and boots and shovel off the deck …..

 

So time to hit the shower as I have a coffee date with my girls this morning.

Not my turn to host.

I will be walking most carefully this morning.

Feels quite warm out so it should melt today.

Sky is clear so that is a good sign.

Gotta run.

Also want to make coffee for my neighbour before I leave for coffee.

 

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my sister …. SKYPE at 6:30 p.m. ????  If different time call me, please.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S.  Mr. Alvin looks so good in his new hair cut and feels so soft after the bath.  The longer is hair the more course it is ….

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of November, 2016.

Almost the weekend.

Busy and slightly stressful week almost over.

Looking forward to the weekend.

Somedays I feel we are better equipped to handle stress whether personal or professional, home or at work.

There are times I notice when I can shrug a stressful situation off, and just carry on.

Then the next time I feel like my world is crumbling beneath me.

Do you have these times?

Sometimes learning from the situation and other times it was just the way things worked out.

No fault – no blame.

We are all human and even though some may think they are perfect in all that they say and do, it is most times not the case.

I feel horribly when I make a miscalculation or do something wrong, it drives me crazy.

I do not like a person thinking that I am out to get them or to make life difficult for them.

That is never my intention nor will it ever be that way.

There are so many variables at work in the universe when there is stress.

I do however make a point to look for the positiveness in every situation.

So if you are having a stressful day – take a look at the whole picture.

There is always positiveness in any negative situation.

You can always go home and take your puppy for a walk.

If you have no puppy then just take yourself for a walk.

I also write this blog as a means of positive energy and release.

Every morning I also write in a gratitude journal.

All of this helps when you are under stress.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

If you at all wonder why somedays I am a little scattered in my thoughts it is due in part to the time of day, I write this blog just after 6:00 a.m. each

weekday morning and on the weekends a bit later.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 10th day of September, 2016.

The sun is shining amidst some deep blue rain clouds.

I hope that the sun wins out.

The forecast is for a nice day.

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed a beautiful walk in our neighbourhood.

The leaves are turning away from summer green to fall yellows and oranges and reds.

Mostly yellows at this time.

Alvin is waiting patiently for us so that we can go downstairs.

Of course, he forgets that we were up much earlier than now for his breakfast.

This morning decided to work backwards by having a shower, changing bedding and doing my blog before having breakfast, writing in my gratitude journal and having coffee.

I like to check back from time to time and see what I wrote over the years and I found something that is good advice if you will and a little bit funny.

From September 2010:

P.S.  Every day take a few minutes and just be grateful.  Pick up a notebook and it doesn’t have to be fancy. Then every morning before you go out into the world or if you are at home before you start doing your thing – write down all of the things you are grateful for or at least five.  Trust me, you feel better and it starts the tone for your day.  Suddenly that drive to work is more relaxing, the little one tugging on your pants (child or dog) doesn’t make you crazy, waiting in the line-up for your first cup of coffee doesn’t phase you out in the least and you just plain feel better.  Being grateful and loving just make the world a better place.  Also, remember to thank the girl that just made your first cup of coffee, and  to thank the young man that held the door open for you.

Back to 2016,

Have a brilliant Saturday.

We have quiet plans to do laundry, go for walks and do some tea stuff.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: all of my dear friends and family ….. I think of you all the time.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of February, 2016.

Today is my eldest nephew’s 39th Birthday.

Happy Happy Birthday “T”

Alvin and I miss you, and if you are ever out this way please stop by.

 

I was considering what topic(s) I would write on/about this morning and decided to take a peek back to the past.

Not too far back but a few years.

The blog below is from this day, February 9th, 2011.

It is funny that I am on the same page this morning as I was on that one.

Grateful to have my dryer fixed.

Grateful to have wonderful friends who will help me when I need it.

Grateful for these warm temperatures.

**********************************************

February 9, 2011:

What are you thinking this very moment?

I am thinking that I am very grateful.

Grateful that I have a coffee date with a neighbour and friend this afternoon.

Grateful that the temperatures warmed up so that Alvin and I could take a nice walk.

Grateful for my family and friends.

Grateful to live this amazing life.

What are you grateful for?

Make a list each and every day …… doesn’t have to be long ….

You can do it on paper.

You can think aloud or to yourself when you get up in the morning before your feet the floor or at night before you go to sleep.

However you do it,  just do it ….. gratitude goes a long way……..

Happy Day Everyone.

Always, Carol

***************************************************

Gratitude does not change over time it just makes one realize how important it really is.

So on this Tuesday ….. make gratitude part of your day.

I started a gratitude journal that I write in each and every morning before breakfast.

I am grateful for each of you and the time you take to read these words.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: all the Birthday Boy ….. have a great day Buddy.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 8th day of December, 2015.

Another absolutely gorgeous morning here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I feel so blessed this morning between the warm temperatures and cuddles with Mr. Alvin this morning.

Some mornings he will stretch out on my lap while I write in my gratitude journal.

It is one of my favourite things in the whole wide world.

He is such a character.

While here we are past one week into December.

Are you crazy busy running around?

Is December busy for you or do you just simplify the whole process and then enjoy the season?

I do my preparations in stages.

November 1st – Christmas Tree and inside of the house gets decorated.

November 1st – 15th – decorate the outside of the house with my neighbour

November 15th – 30th – writing up Christmas cards, sending photos and writing letters to be mailed/hand delivered

December 1st – December 10th – do Christmas baking

December 10th – December ….. the last on my to do list is wrap presents.

We keep that part of Christmas pretty low key now.

I enjoy writing Christmas cards, sending photos and a letter to family and friends.

I enjoy baking and sharing with family and friends.

I enjoy all of the get togethers over the holidays.

Those are more important than presents.

Spending time with friends and family is the best present ever.

On this Tuesday near the beginning of December, I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember your best gift to someone is you.

Special Hello to: my brother “T” …. I hope that everything goes perfectly today for you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the Day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of November, 2015.

Another morning waking up to brown/green ground.

YAY …. for the 19th of November that is great.

I heard that the white stuff is everywhere outside our City … but not here.

For now.

I am going to enjoy it.

So nice being able to wear shoes or else boots but not slipping and sliding as you carefully plod along.

 

To answer the question …. still no.

Our unwanted guest still eludes us.

I will remain patient and hopeful.

SOON.

Perfection would be that it has gone back outside.

 

This morning back upstairs with my lemon water, breakfast, and gratitude journal.

Decided to just have breakfast in my office so I can relax with no shoes on my feet.

I am much more at ease upstairs although I do not wish to live my life on the upper floor of my house, that would be ludicrous.

However, I am doing much better than the first time they came into our home.

I spent three days and nights at my daughter’s house.

So this is definitely conquering my fears somewhat.

 

Well this week has been all about being Happy and being Kind.

How did we do thus far?

Feeling better about life?

Did you do a random act of kindness above and beyond your normal routine?

We have two days left this week to feel more Happy than usual and to go that extra distance with Kindness.

How about it?

I would love to hear from you.

We need to start a planetary movement.

BE HAPPY AND LOVE YOURSELF.

BE KIND AND RESPECTFUL TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS, YOUR FELLOW HUMANS AND EVERY CREATURE ON THE PLANET. 

STARTING NOW. GO ……

 

Happy Thursday ….

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S.

Just had to add this note.  After I wrote this blog and went into my bedroom, I opened the blinds and what did I see?

The white stuff all over the ground.

Guess it decided to snow less than half an hour after we got out of bed.

We officially have snow.

It may not last …..

Who knows.