Good Morning! Dark outside as I write this post. How are you feeling this morning? I am doing okay. Yesterday as four of us were leaving the office, I took a tumble. Our front door has a cement slight rise pad to the door with a few inch drop off to the side, I had turned around for some reason and forgot about the drop off and went down. I had on my new spring lilac coloured jacket and lilac colour pants. To my surprise I did not rip or stain or anything to my clothing. I landed part way on the sidewalk and partway in the snow which had not melted and broke my fall. I am a bit stiff and sore this morning but otherwise only my pride. Distracted. When I am walking as I am used to with Alvin, I usually always look down but this time I was distracted by the girls and not paying attention. My laptop went flying and I had my purse with its’ cross body strap on me. The girls reacted very quickly, and assessed the situation to ensure that I was okay. They would not let me get up too fast and then helped me up. One of the girls made note that there should have been a guard rail there and we need to fill out an incident report in the morning. She said it takes 24 hours for the initial shock to wear off. I am okay, just stiff and a bit sore. Thank goodness. Be careful.
I did not go for a long walk last night but carefully walked to some friends and neighbours to drop off Thank You Cards and Memory Cards. Supper was cooking in the oven so I made sure that I did not stay too long and was close to home. Also mailed some cards, as well.
Last night was a quiet one. I took a muscle relaxant last night as a preventive measure and I believe that it helped. I might take another one now just to keep my muscles relaxed so that they can heal. Life in the fast lane. My right hand is also a bit sore. In the days of writing it would not be an issue as I am left-handed but with typing on keyboards it could be.
Weather forecast for today is +7 degrees. YAY.
The gal that I carpool with and also work with, texted me last night to check on me and to see if I needed to go to the Doctor. She is such a good friend and person.
Okay time to head downstairs. Have a wonderful day. Happy Wednesday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning ALL! Well another pretty good sleep, I would say. Alvin is waiting downstairs for me while I got dressed and writing this post. Today and tomorrow, I happily work from home and then I am on VACATION for two weeks. I do not think that I have ever taken vacation in February or in the wintertime or at least not this many days. I am looking forward to the time off. We are going to have some fun and I have some “work” to do.
When I was setting up my workstation at home last night, I had such a feeling of calm and getting up knowing that I do not have to leave my house for work today was awesome. I have appreciated working from home the past almost three years. Being with Alvin mostly everyday has been awesome and I am so grateful that I had that time with him. I am not sure what I would have done when he had his surgeries and had some illness, what I would have done. I did take some vacation days immediately after the surgery because that would have been too much but I was home and that was great. I enjoyed our walks at noon and after work and some early morning ones on those days when it was very hot. Despite there, being a global pandemic going on – our life was pretty good. It had to be said as I am very grateful for this time at home. There were times especially during the first two years where I was working many extra hours and seven days per week to keep on top off all the changes that the government made but I was home and that was so good.
The air is warm this morning and I think it is going to be plus temperatures today and tomorrow as well. Hopefully the weather will be nice for the next two weeks as well. There will be times when we have to leave the house (walks and appointments and such). Mr. Alvin needs his nails trimmed. They sure grow fast when he is not out walking every day. We went for a walk last night after work but again did not get too far, this time I was happy to go home as the sidewalks were a mess (due to large snowfall night before) with snow and ice and salt. Another friend was out walking, that was Ali and Bailey. We saw them just as we were coming home, they came inside for a visit. Always nice to visit with our friends. Bailey is getting so big. Alvin and Bailey were happy to see each other.
After supper, I had a lovely hour or so chat with my friend Pauline. Feeling blessed. Had a chat with my sister and a friend all within a few days. I need to call other friends. Nothing like hearing a friendly familiar voice to bring joy to your days.
Time to head downstairs and plug in the coffee pot. Mr. Alvin has been quiet thus far. He probably wonders what is going on.
I am also very grateful that he is doing so much better. His poop gets better with each passing day. I do think it is going to be interesting weaning him off the chicken. He loves the chicken, lol.
Have an awesome Thursday. Be safe and take some time for you. Remember no one else can!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! We are doing well. Alvin has an appointment this morning at 10:00 a.m. to get to the bottom of things. Okay perhaps that is a bit of a pun! I am working on bringing back my old positive self. She has been gone for awhile. I will continue to put out my gratitude to the Universe and keep my thoughts positive as much as possible. There are some things that you cannot change so why bother! You can only change yourself not others. So that is what I am going to do. I am grateful for our good health (good poop this morning). I am grateful for our beautiful home which is cradled inside a wonderful loving and support neighbourhood. I am grateful to be surrounded by amazing people, some family and some friends that are like family. I am grateful to have Mr. Alvin in my life, he is good company. I am grateful to be employed at a time when so many others are struggling. I am grateful for the sunrise each and every morning and the sunrise each night. I am grateful for the blue sky, the wind, the snow, the trees and all of nature. I am grateful for the continued warm beautiful weather.
I booked the morning off to take Alvin to the vet for his appointment.
We had a great Sunday. Quiet but wonderful. We had a nice walk. Did some laundry, cleaning and made a big pasta supper.
Time to head downstairs and make some coffee. I want to have a mug or so before we have to leave. I wish you a wonderful Monday.
Continuing to life this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilites and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! Another busy day ahead. My daughter slept over last night and she is still sleeping. We are having my cousins over for a visit and supper today. So I have lots to do. Cooking and cleaning. Alvin has taken the corner in major improvement. He had a good poop or poops yesterday so that is such a relief. I will continue with his regiment and hopefully by next week he is back to his old self. Next Thursday is his 14th Birthday. We will celebrate not next Saturday but the following Saturday with our family and perhaps even a friend or two. I am grateful for all of the many blessings in my life. Family and Friends.
Speaking of friends, just a special shout out to my dear friend Gillian who helped me out in a major way yesterday. After work, I had to go to the vet to pick up something (treats, yes I know – not like Alvin can have them now but they are a hard commodity to secure), my eyeglasses and some groceries. She picked me up shortly after 4:00 p.m. and we had all three stops done and back home by 5:00 p.m. How is that for getting things done. I am so grateful for her friendship, love and support. She saved me time and walking and carrying.
Another dear friend received good news about her pathology report and we are forever grateful.
Just good news all way round.
Freezing rain earlier ….. yes ….. raining in Edmonton ….. in January. Go figure. The next days and virtually all week are to be mild. Perhaps Alvin and I may get out for a walk yet before the temperatures change.
I will post a few photos tomorrow but need to get this show on the road.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to read my posts, it is so appreciated. I love to write and to share my life with you. Maybe some of the pooping stories are a bit much but they are part of my life, unfortunately or perhaps fortunately! Take some time for yourself on this weekend and have a good one. Be safe and take care.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. I have already enjoyed a mug of that good stuff, lol.
Good Morning ALL! Well we have had a last twenty-four hours. Yesterday was quiet until it was not. I did some laundry, bit of cleaning, Alvin and I walked to the park and I shovelled the neighbours garage pad and driveway for them. The sun did shine for part of the day and it is shining brightly this morning. While Alvin and I were walking one of our friends (neighbour) was driving by and pulled over and we chatted for a couple of minutes from across the street. It had been months since I had seen her. We both said that we had a card and gift for each other. I asked her to let me know when I could pop by with her gift. She said that she would. After we got home, I decided to text two other friends that I had cards and gifts for to see when I could bring them by. Time just had seemed to got away on me this holiday season. It was cold and then Alvin was gone for three weeks and then it was cold again. So I did not get out to do much walking. Anyway, I heard back from one of the two and later in the afternoon, went over to drop off the gift. One hour and a few minutes later, I was heading back home. We chatted for over an hour. So much seemed to have happened and she wanted to tell me, so I listened. Sometimes people just need to share and sometimes we just need to listen. I did add my stories in here and there. I had mentioned that I had not seen our other friend until I saw her when we were out earlier for a walk. She seemed to be surprised by that revelation, and when I asked why, she did not want to answer so I left it at that knowing that I would see the other friend later. It was almost 5:00 p.m. when I got home to find a box on my front porch, I picked up the box and went inside. Alvin was wanting his supper so I fed him, and then popped a black bean burger into the oven. I realized that it was my new computer which had been delivered a few days early. That almost never happens so I unpacked my new pick iMac computer. A few minutes later I checked texts and messages and found one from the friend that I had seen driving earlier and she said “come over.” So I quickly texted her back to say that I could come but had supper in the oven so could only stay for a few minutes. When I arrived at her house (only a few door away), the friend that I had visited with earlier was there. I almost jumped out of my body. Not sure why I was surprised but I was. Nothing could have prepared me for the news. Our friend has breast cancer. She had a second surgery just last week and is waiting for the pathology results. I felt like I was having an out of body experience. We chatted and finally I had to go before my supper burned (no one wants to cause a fire). In between the news – we exchanged Christmas presents which seemed so surreal. Last night was odd. I could not get my friend out of my mind. I pray that they were able to get all of the cancer with the second surgery. Life. We never know.
I was going to post photos of this past year and a summary of what happened in our house. Maybe some wise words or thoughts. But now it does not seem appropriate. I know the stats of cancer, of breast cancer so I should not be surprised that I would know someone. Keeping positive thoughts for a full recovery for her, for my friend.
Instead, I will just say that it is a reminder to us all to listen to our “intuition” and go for checkups. Get those mammograms done, I will be making an appointment in the New Year. If we do not look after ourselves – no one else can.
Happy New YEAR, cannot believe it will be 2023 at 12:01 tonight. Where has the time gone. I am excited to set up my new computer but for now, I need a cup of coffee. Oh, this morning, earlier when we had come back upstairs, I had just opened the blinds in our bedroom to see one police car turn up the street, then a second and then a third. My heart went into my socks. What the heck? They stopped up the street and got out. Twenty minutes later they left. I hope that everything is okay. Seems like there is always a police car or two up the street and around the corner.
I am happy that Alvin and I are in good health at this time. I am grateful for the sunshine this morning. I am grateful for our family, friends, this house – our home, to be financial “secure,” and my life. We are very blessed. I am grateful for that. Many blessings.
Continuing to live this life, this coming New Year with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. hoping to be able to set up my new computer after some coffee ……….
Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are doing great. I am so happy that I am able to work from home again today. Alvin is feeling much better. Thankfully we did not need to pay a visit to the vet. We love our vet but happy when things improve without her attention. So grateful that today is Friday. I am going to bring up my Christmas Tree and decorations and start the process which will take me tonight and tomorrow to complete. I love having my house decorated and with the state of the world and the economy at this time, I think that we need to surround ourselves with the things that we love. This will not cost me anything to do. Now the lights may increase my electricity bill a bit but will not be much. They are the LED lights and they do not use much power. I do not need to buy more decorations as I have a basement full, not quite but I do have lots. I will be in my happy, happy place for a few months. Maybe I will leave them up until February, lol. Anyway, I am happy for today.
We may find it difficult to remain positive and happy and charged with life with the state of our world around us. So I am enforcing within myself, that everyday, I repeat aloud or to myself “all of the things that I am grateful for.” When we are in a state of gratitude somehow the world around us seems to work better. Seems to be more happy, to be more in sync with us. I am so very grateful for our furnace that keeps me and Alvin warm on a winter’s day. I am so very grateful that our appliance from the washer & dryer to the microwave and everything in between work so that we may live our lives. I am so very grateful that I am able to pay my utility bills, the mortgage payments knowing that part of that money helps to pay other people their wages to live their lives. I am so very grateful to be in good health and for Alvin’s speedy return to feeling better so that we can enjoy this life of ours. One of the most important things that I am grateful for is my family and friends, for their love and support and just for being in our lives, they make me a better person, a better human every day.
Well I believe that someone has to go outside. So I must sign off for now. I wish you a glorious Friday. Do something that brings you great joy. There are many things you can do that do not cost a penny. Go for a walk with yourself, your dog, your friend, your sister. Turn on your favorite song in your mind and take a dance across the living room floor. Sit outside in your backyard and just be zen. Call a friend or a family member. Use some of that flour sitting in your pantry, a couple of eggs, some oil, and bake a cake (using whatever you have-maybe throw in some Halloween candy). Enjoy!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! I hope that you had a great Monday and a wonderful Halloween. Last night we had 45 treaters of all ages arrive on our porch. I had put Mr. Alvin’s harness and leash on so that he would not get away on me and then realized that he wasn’t going anywhere. Depending on who was at the door he might walk onto the porch otherwise he stayed in the house. It was so nice to see some of the children from the neighbourhood. There were several of the 45 that I did not recognize but there have been lots of people moving in and out over the last year. We made note that several, actually a lot of our neighbours did not hand out treats. Some perhaps due to the expense and others because they were unable to buy any. I bought mine weeks before the big day. Not something you want to leave until the last minute. Our first treater was a little LION named Grayson, oh so cute. Just started to walk. On cue when Mum asked what sound does a Lion make he went “GRRRR” and then he blew me a kiss. Such a cutie. Alvin sure loves him and he loves Alvin. One of the few little ones that was not afraid of him. Other children we knew of course were not afraid of him. We even had a Samurai – so cute. Most of the children whether young or a bit older – all said THANK YOU. I was very impressed by that show of manners. It was 45 minutes bordering on one hour between the first visitor and the second. I decided early on that I would just give out a handful (sometimes more) as it was apparent that the numbers were down this year. Our neighbourhood is maturing I suppose and we do not have the numbers of children that we did for the first decade after I moved here. Very sad but that is life. Our friend Maddie even stopped by and I scored a bag of cheetos. Just needed something not sweet. I have managed to eat only a minimum of Halloween treats this year. Which is good! We had a good night and I turned off the porch light and closed the blinds at 7:51 p.m.
Alvin and I went outside to the backyard after that and as I waited for him to do this thing, I noticed these tiny, tiny snowballs hitting the ground and bouncing about. Some hit my coat bouncing off while others landed on Mr. Alvin and just stayed. I would not say that it was cold out but I guess cool enough for miniature snowballs.
This coming Sunday we turn our clocks back by one hour. That always takes some adjusting and will take more considering we are back to work three days each week. It is not something that I particularly look forward to, that is for sure.
Well, we turned our calendars over today to: NOVEMBER 1st, 2022 for this Tuesday. Today is back to the office for the next three days. ARGH. It will be okay.
My burning eye incident passed after about one hour but was miserable for the duration.
Well almost time to go downstairs and have some snuggles with the boy before I leave for the office. I am so grateful to have a ride to work. Very grateful. I am grateful that I have the time to snuggle with Alvin before I leave for work. I am grateful that I live in this beautiful house, our home. I am grateful for time. I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for my life.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: a mug of java will taste mighty fine this morning. YAY.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we got to bed on time and the lights were out before 10:00 p.m. but Mr. Alvin was up and needed to go outside at 1:13 a.m., so out we went. The air was much colder and the grass and deck covered in frost. I am thinking that I will need to start wearing a long jacket / coat when I go outside in the late night, early morning hours as I could feel the cold through my pj’s. Once back inside the house, we “hit” the sofa for some more zzz’s. Alvin woke up close to the alarm time so I coaxed him back to the sofa until 5:30. Yes, we have been up and at it since 5:30 a.m. I do not feel the fogginess that I was feeling yesterday when I was attempting to write this post. Thank goodness for that. I am grateful that we are still able to work from home two days each week but I miss being home all the work week. I can only imagine how much I will miss it once the temperature dips much lower and there is snow on the ground. Wishing that we were able to work from home the majority of the time especially over winter.
We had a good weekend overall. Yesterday was quiet for both of us. We had a nice long walk in the afternoon. On our way to the park we saw a neighbour and friend that we had not seen in an especially long time. So we stopped and chatted catching up on all our news. Then we were on our way once again. We walked over to Pauline’s and when we did not see her outside; we turned around and headed for home. Barely turned turned around, I heard a familiar voice “Well hello there, Carol & Alvin.” Both Alvin and I perked up, turned around and headed for Pauline’s gate. She had been looking out the window as her grand cat “Molly” was outside on a leash enjoying some fresh air and she was checking on her. We stepped inside the gate but I kept Alvin on his leash as Molly is not quite used to pups. Alvin really wanted to go and say hi but he remained on the leash. We had a great chat. I always enjoy our chats and her wisdom. She always gives me a clear perspective on things helping me to see the direction I need to take, if I need direction. We did not stay too long as she was having company for an early supper and we needed to get home as it was starting to rain. All the way home there was a light rain. When we returned home, I grabbed a towel and made certain that Alvin was completely dry.
Some mornings I think that I should make and have some coffee before I leave for work. Now we have “free” coffee at work but there is nothing like my perked coffee. But with the soaring price of coffee, that thought will remain tucked away in my memory banks for another time like the weekends.
Still dark outside. The daylight is becoming less and less as we approach the shortest day of the year which is around December 21st. I am starting to formulate the plan for Christmas decorations and gifts and of course, baking. Keeping it more simple than last year.
Well time to head downstairs and ensure that Mr. Alvin goes outside for one last pee before I leave for work and make those final preparations. Put up the “baby/puppy gate,” refill his water dish, ensure that he has another drink, grab my “breakfast” to go to work for later, put my laptop bag and purse closer to the door, decided on which coat/jacket to wear and grab some mini gloves.
I hope that you have an amazing day.
I am grateful for all the many blessings in my life. I am grateful to my neighbors and friends for taking such great care of Alvin while I am at work. I am grateful that we have the means to pay all of our bills on time, to have money for food and whatever we may need. I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and support.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! Looks like another beautiful fall / autumn day on the way, perhaps it is already here. Everything is great at this very moment in my world. Alvin is/was napping outside the office door but he heard something and his head has perked up while my daughter is catching some final zzz’s before getting up to start her day. Life is great. I have both my “kids” here with me. Alvin and Amanda. The lights of my life. I should include my son-in-law and my grandpups as well in that “lights of my life” statement as they are definitely included. Last night we had Pad Thai for supper (my first attempt) and apple crisp for dessert. Supper was great. We had tried to take Mr. Alvin for a walk when we first got home from work and almost had to drag him to the park. He just did not want to walk. But we did get to the park. When he does not want to go – he is very firm about his decision. I thought after missing his noon walk that he would have loved to go but not the case. I am so grateful that Amanda was able to sleepover. Nice having her here with us.
Yesterday on the way home from work I was able to stop and pick up spare house keys so that whomever is watching Alvin has their own key and then I do not have to run about the neighbourhood picking up and dropping off keys. Much easier. Also, if someone ended up being sick or unable to watch Alvin at the last moment, then I would just have to call the phone list to see who could come over instead. A good plan. We also stopped and picked up lottery tickets and I may very well at this exact moment be a multi-millionaire. That changes everything. I would instantly retire, pay off the mortgage and just enjoy the rest of Alvin’s days and do the things on my bucket list like: publishing a book. I would also love to visit the East Coast of Canada and the Northern Territories, perhaps go to the United Kingdom (Ireland, Scotland and England), Italy and Greece and back home to Regina. Not all at once but I would definitely do this. I have always wanted to go to a tropical place so I would have to decide on which place: Hawaii, Bahamas? After that was all done, I was be more than happy to stay home or at least keep the travel to within Canada. Of course, who would not like to go on an African Safari or visit the Amazon in South America or the vast expanse of Australia. But I am being realistic in my choices. Besides I am not too keep to travel too far from home.
Well it is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. I celebrate and give thanks for my life. I am grateful that my little buddy Alvin is doing well healthwise at this moment. I am grateful to be surrounded by loving, kind and supportive family, friends and neighbours. I am grateful to be in good health. I am grateful to live in this beautiful home with a nice yard. I am grateful that I can see and hear and have the ability to smile. I am grateful that I can dance and sing and enjoy life. I am grateful for walks with Alvin and with friends. I am grateful for quiet moments and loud ones. I am grateful that I am living my life to the best of my ability and beyond. Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Family & Friends. May you be of good health and surrounded by love and kindness and respect. Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.comPhoto by Element5 Digital on Pexels.comPhoto by Caleb Wood on Pexels.comPhoto by Tomas Anunziata on Pexels.comPhoto by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.comPhoto by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol, Alvin & Amanda
PS: there will be raking in my future with some laundry and putting away patio furniture!
I just realized that I do not have a pumpkin pie, oh no!
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. After an early rise we laid back down and slept for 3.5 hours thus this late start this morning. We want to wish wo of our friends Cindy P. and Steven B. very Happy Birthdays. I forgot just how many birthdays there are in the month of September. When I look at my birthday calendar – I then realize how many people I am blessed to have or have had in my life. Truly grateful for each and every one. There are a few four-leggeds as well that hold a special place on that calendar. Some dates on the calendar are packed with names and the odd one is bare. Not many of the latter. My son-in-law’s birthday is fast approaching.
The sky was a brilliant blue as the son shone brightly in the morning sky. This short time later the sky is beginning to darken so that means one thing – that I have to hurry up and get some gardening done before it rains. I want to get a good part of it completed this weekend along with trimming the front tree, giving Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath. The list is so long but I will complete the tasks. I also took a vacation day for Monday as I want to get up at 3:00 a.m. and watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth (live). Should not be an issue for me as I, we are usually up at that time anyway. I was thinking that perhaps we will just sleep on the sofa and that way – I do not have to go up and down the stairs with Alvin.
My friend from down the street Ali dropped off some tomatoes from her garden and from her Mum’s. I had some for supper last night and they were so yummy. She had one’s that were “chocolate tomatoes” and they were so nice and sweet. She was out for a walk with Bailey and her Dad was over and joining her. They had ordered pizza for supper (I was having leftover pizza) and were going to have a walk with Bailey before the pizza was delivered. A little while later my friend Pauline dropped off three plants for me to put in my back garden. Those are the ones that I want to get planted now. Looks like the sky is brightening up a bit but I do not want to take any chances. Just have coffee quick and then go out. I will have breakfast a bit later.
The trees are sparkling as the sun’s rays fall upon them and as they sway in the morning breeze. So beautiful. The grass was quite wet this morning. We are so close to the official day of fall. Just a few days away now. I wish for a long wonderful fall, warm and with beautiful coloured leaves on the trees.
Well all for now. I hope that you are doing great. You never know where life will take you. Keep on dreaming. Keep those thoughts filled with love and positive feelings. We will make our dreams come true.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules and days to read my posts on this blog. I am so grateful for each of you. Between Alvin and work and the house, I seldom have much time left over to reach out to each of you but please know that I do appreciate you all. Very much. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: my favourite pizza place in Edmonton is “Royal Pizza” which is just a few minutes south of where I live. Such great pizza and the delivery people are so nice.
My New Life @ 51 