2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day today. I have Irish roots and am proudly wearing my “green” today.

Happy Birthday to my great niece for whom I missed her special day. Happy 18th Birthday Selena. I cannot believe that you are about to graduate High School. You were only a little girl a few months ago or so it seems.

Happy Birthday to my friend Terry W. back in Regina. You are a bright light and always so much fun to be around. Wishing you a great day.

Happy Wednesday to everyone who celebrates the middle of the week.

Good Morning Sunrise …. the sky is beginning to turn the most delightful colours as the sun rises in the morning sky.

Thank you to Teddy and Kobi for visiting with us yesterday ….. definitely brightened our day.

Thank you for the warmer temperatures. We are so enjoying them. The snow on our deck is quickly melting as well as the snow bank on the grass area. The snow on our front lawn on the northside of our home well that is quite another story. As I have said before it is spring across the street from our house and winter on our side. Oh well with the next couple of weeks temperatures soaring into the double digit plus numbers we are sure to see a huge dent in the snow banks for sure.

I am so excited to start planting flowers and arranging my patio/deck furniture and all the outdoor stuff. This summer I am going to paint my fence. A big job for sure.

Just looked through my photos for some green and found this one. Won’t be long now and we will be surrounded by green trees and grass. Alvin is in the foreground or at least part of him, lol.

Have a wonderful day.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday, August 15, 2020.

Two days to enjoy before heading to work on Monday.

Now that being said …. heading to work means moving down the desk to my second chair and workspace.

Seems odd but I do love working from home.

Perhaps this will be my forever set up …. working from home.

I will keep those thoughts.

 

Well yesterday Mr. Alvin and his Momma, Me had the most delightful walking adventure.

We left the house just before 12:30 p.m. and arrived back home about 2:30 p.m.

Two hours of walking and enjoying the scenery.

I apologize for this being posted so late.

I started to download or upload the photos from my computer to this page and it took forever.

Likely as I had so many to do.

Then I joined the second of four, of my Fifth Avenue Jewelry online showings for my jewelry party weekend at just after 10:00 a.m.

That is a mouth full.

So cool that so much can be done online.

Then Laundry happened.

Finally I have all of the photos that I snapped on our 2020 Summer Vacation Hike.

It ended up being warmer than I had anticipated but I took water.

I know that in some of the closeups Alvin looks as though he is going to keel over but trust me I was keeping an eye on him at all times.

We hit the shade often and he drank almost two of his water bottles during our two hours.

We had the best time.

Stopping for snacks along the way.

Bumping into our friends on the way home.

When we were leaving the park and about half way home, Alvin was running out of water.

I happened to see a young man out with his children and was holding a garden hose.

So I politely asked if he would refill Alvin’s water bottle and he said “most certainly.”

We were very grateful and thanked him and then were on our way.

We spent two hours out and about and most of the time slowly walking along.

It was gloriously.

As Mr. Alvin is getting older …. I am not certain how many more long walks he will be able to endure so I was pleased that we had this opportunity.

He especially loved the treat breaks.

The trees and the grass was so green.

I snapped shots of almost everything in our path.

I will say that holding a water bottle and a doggie on a leash and trying to snap photos with the cell was difficult at times.

But we did end up with some nice shots.

I most especially loved the ones in the further park (beginning of the photos) as you feel as though you are walking in a forest.

We came across so many folks out walking their dogs.

Sometimes when the dogs were larger we detoured down a side path.

There was one older dog that we kept bumping into and finally ended up getting quite close.

I offered him some water as he appeared to be hot.

But he did not take any of the water.

Poor old guy was blind in one eye.

He was a larger doggie and was actually younger than Alvin.

Alvin does not have grey hair as yet.

No dye jobs either, lol.

Well here it is almost noon.

I had better get this show on the further road.

Have an awesome day.

I hope that you enjoy seeing our photos from our Summer Vacation 2020 Hike.

I guess we will have to watch the weather and see when okay to go for a walk.

Right now the sky is overcast.

There is a cool breeze.

 

Living life with kindness and respect.

Enjoying each and every moment.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning it is officially the second half of this NEW YEAR.

July 1st, 2020.

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends and family.

Happy Canada Day to all Canadians.

Here is Edmonton it is raining and overcast and cool.

Not a great day for outdoor Canada Day celebrations.

As the pools of water are growing as is the mud where there is no pavement.

The grass cannot get any more green.

The trees have had as much water as they need.

The vegetable gardens and flower gardens are more than well watered.

We are reaching the point of too much.

Or at least it would seem that way.

Perhaps not quite that as yet but with the rain continuing to come down it certainly does feel that way.

 

My get and go got up and left.

Alvin is not having much fun in this cool damp weather.

I picked him up his pain meds on Monday and he is on his third one.

He can have one once every 24 hours.

I can tell he is not a happy boy.

We did not get out for a walk yesterday at all.

I think we both are missing our walks.

Also does not look like a walk is in the cards for today.

We have seen our friends and others out for walks but Mr. Alvin is prone to ear infections – yeast.

His ears cannot get wet.

So inside we shall stay until the sun shines.

We are hoping it is sooner than the weather forecast indicates.

 

I am also thinking of turning on the furnace as perhaps some warm air might help Mr.Alvin.

Somehow having the furnace running on July 1st – seems very wrong.

But I guess for a couple of days would be okay.

Perhaps it will give us both that bit of get up and go although Alvin doesn’t seem to have a problem with that.

His is physical whereas mine is mental.

So I will quickly hop in the shower and get clean, not really dirty.

From what?

Just freshen up and my hair …. it would love a shampoo for sure.

Then I will turn on the heat and we will get this day going.

Definitely off to a slow start.

But that is okay.

Nowhere to go and sometimes it is okay to just go slow.

Although last night I was thinking about all of the things I used to do and should be doing.

Making jewelry.

Working with my new watercolours.

Writing that book.

Going through my craft room and getting things in more order.

Figuring out what I really want to do with that space.

There are a million things that I should/would/could be doing.

But at this moment just hoping into the shower is enough.

One foot in front of the other and soon I will crossing the floor.

That is what I always tell Mr. Alvin when he hesitates at a doorway.

 

So Happy Canada Day.

I am grateful that we are in good health for the most part.

I am grateful that we have a home and are safe.

I am grateful that I have choices.

I am grateful for wonderful family and friends.

I am grateful to be employed.

I am grateful for this wonderful country I/We call home.

I am grateful for the trees and the mostly clean air.

I am grateful for bears and seals.

I am grateful for each coast and everything in between.

I am grateful for my fellow Canadians.

Thank you for this great life.

 

Heading for the shower.

Better get this day going.

 

Some flowers to celebrate Canada Day.

 

Living our lives daily and forever with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Did anyone notice that I forgot to add my sign off yesterday?

Yikes, not good.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a bright, blue sky, breezy morning here in Edmonton.

We seem to having a lot more wind here than we did when I moved here over ten years ago.

The garbage truck just went by ….. stopping and starting as they do along their route.

Geese honking and other birds chirping away.

Our window is open in the office so we are hearing all of the sounds that our neighbourhood is making as it slowly comes to life.

Not many people up and out.

So many of our neighbours are working from home.

I do know some of my neighbours that are slowly beginning to go back to their places of employment.

I love this time of day.

Perfection.

If I had my poop in a group or ducks in a row, I would have been organized earlier and sat out on the deck and drank a cup of coffee all the time enjoying the morning.

But alas did not happen.

Oh well, next best thing, window open, coffee in a travel mug and will enjoy as I start to work.

I have my coffee up here and ready to go.

I have been dragging my keister the past few mornings likely due to my watching how much I stand and such.

But anyway that is okay.

Perhaps on Saturday morning …… read my book on the deck and drink some coffee.

Alvin loves to lie on the deck and enjoy the sun until it gets too hot.

 

Did you plant flowers this year?

What kinds?

Are they doing okay?

Flowering?

 

Thanks to my darling daughter I have impatiens, petunias and marigolds.

Most of my perennials are up and some are even flowering.

I cannot believe that one day my ferns in the front flower bed were barely a spot of green and already they are several inches tall.

Before I know it they will be reaching for the sky …… over two feet tall.

They grow so fast.

The irises and others are up.

Unfortunately I don’t remember all the names of the shrubs and plants I have in the back and front gardens.

Oh and lilies.

Love the lilies.

The recent rain has definitely helped plants and the grass and trees grow, bud and bloom.

The grass is this most beautiful green, I guess kelly green.

So, so pretty.

The dandelions dot most lawns and they were in full glory a week or so ago.

Then they go to seed.

I hope that the bees got to them before they were sprayed or went to seed.

I feel so bad for Mother Nature and then Man happens.

 

Well time for coffee and get signed onto work computer.

 

Wishing you the most grand of Tuesdays.

Filled with some laughter, even on a Tuesday you must have a giggle or three, oh come maybe four giggles.

Our life is way to serious.

We must laugh along the way.

If we all live in kindness and with respect.

Even if we slip or have a moment, we all do.

Climb back up and live again in kindness and with respect.

 

Happy Tuesday.

With kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a Rainy THURSDAY morning.

The sky is gray and it has been raining since before 2:30 a.m.

Likely the thought crossed your mind, how did I know that?

Well because Mr. Alvin was up at 12:17, 2:30, 4:22, 4:52 and then up to stay at 6:19 a.m.

He has breakfast at 4:22 a.m.

Alvin does not like going out in the rain so going to the bathroom for him is always interesting when it is raining.

I have been taking my heavy family size umbrella out each time we go outside so that he feels he has some protection from the rain.

It does help him and also that I am out there, as well.

The boy has not pooped since Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

So safe to say that the pills are working but when is he going to poop.

He is trying to tell me something so perhaps he wants to go out yet again.

We were just out but I had better go and see.

Will return.

Back again.

I am quite certain that if any of our neighbours were outside and saw this huge umbrella moving about on my deck and then on the grass just above the fenceline, they would laugh.

They would most certainly have a giggle if they could heard my words of encouragement to Alvin “please go poop, Alvin.”

So not again.

I think that he wants to go but his bum is sore and he is reluctant.

If he does not go by this afternoon, I might call the vet to check.

I am glad for both of our sakes that the diarrhea has ended.

Life is so funny.

Never did I think that on May 20, 2020 that I would be working from home and able to be with Alvin 24/7.

So happy that I am with him when he truly needs me.

Last time he was sick, which was last September one week after I returned to work after three weeks of vacation only to be gone another week.

This time I am here already so have only had to take small amount of time …. last Friday a couple of hours and Monday morning.

He is laying on his little bed that I made for him in the office.

He usually stays put there while I write my post and then when I am working he lays on the rug in the hallway.

Yesterday he actually left me and laid on his favourite chair in the living room.

Oh, my boy.

I think today will be up and down while he figures out when / how to go.

He is likely nervous.

 

My neighbour fertilized the lawn so perhaps it will be a nice lush green for a change.

Although I am not a fan of putting something on the lawn to kill the weeds, I may have to this year.

My neighbour longs for green grass and mine has some weeds.

Even though it is kept cut it does not look very nice.

I am hoping that can get something that is not harmful to the environment but will rid the lawn of the unwanted weeds.

Our back area by the garage is filled with yellow flowers …. dandelions.

At least it is some colour and most of all, good for bees.

Not everyone in the back lane area looks after that space so it is difficult to do so.

 

Well the clock says I need to get signed on for work.

I got my coffee when we were coming back upstairs.

So ready to go.

 

I hope that you have a lovely Thursday.

Keep Mr. Alvin with positive thoughts.

I hope he is better soon.

So we can walk again and live our regular ordinary wonderful lives.

 

Remember with Kindness and Respect is the only way to live our lives.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a beautiful morning today.

Bright blue sky with the odd fluffy grey white clouds dotting the sky.

Okay there are some bigger grey clouds but I believe that they are going to dissipate shortly.

The grass is this amazing green.

Everything is picture perfect.

The plants in my front flower garden are growing so fast.

 

Alvin enjoyed Humphrey’s company last night.

Some photos to share, of course.

The boys were outside in the backyard.

Alvin had come into the house but of course when I went out to see what Humphrey was doing in the back flower garden; he had to come along.

Except for work; Alvin is not far away from me.

Humphrey was sitting on the retaining wall for the back garden.

Which I may add is starting to look amazing.

Perhaps I have a green thumb after all.

Who knew?

Both Humphrey and Alvin appeared to be in detective mode.

Humphrey was starring and checking things out.

It took a while for me to figure out what he was so intent about ….

If you look ever so close you will see a little black bug.

He would go to catch it and the bug would run for cover.

Most of the time Humphrey just watched the little black bug go back and forth between the slabs of rock.

I could watch these boys forever.

Alvin was checking out something in the grass.

I thought that his black and white coat looked so handsome against the green grass.

Of course, I just had to snap a photo of the deck.

My flowers in the pots are beginning to take off as well.

Humphrey will be joining us this evening as well.

Always, look forward to have Alvin’s friends to visit.

 

I have a slight dilemma ….

The pergola over my deck was not built very well.

It was already here when I moved in ….

They did not use treated wood so the wood is beginning to burn black.

I am thinking of having it removed in the fall before winter.

It will likely last for a few years ( I checked with a friend ).

With or without?

That is the question.

I would appreciate your thoughts and comments.

 

Well almost time to head out for the day.

I guess my positive thinking did not remove those darker grey clouds.

Oh well, rain is a good thing.

Things were pretty dry around here.

 

Time to go as I have to put together a birthday gift for tomorrow.

It is the birthday of my walking buddy tomorrow.

Just in case she is able to go tonight – I want to have a little something for her.

 

I wish you sunshine and rainbows.

Be kind to your fellow humans, to every living creature and to the environment.

If we all work together ….. life will be grand for all.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Monday morning once again.

Overcast sky.

Smoke or rain clouds?

Do not smell smoke, so that is a good thing.

 

We had the pleasure of having Humphrey the Cat spend the weekend with us or rather the waking hours.

He did sleep at home.

After this post, I am going to his home to make sure that he is okay before I leave for work.

His Momma will be home today.

 

If you are in the moment and are quick enough ….. well you will see …..

Humphrey hiding behind the planter.

The boys out together.

Humphrey deciding what to do.

I was so pleased to be able to snap this shot, Alvin and a Magpie at a star down.

Alvin walking away ….  ” I did not catch the bird”….

Humphrey is so photogenic …. I guess most animals are ….

I love the shots of Humphrey playing under the patio furniture.

The shot of the day ….. Humphrey just popped his head up … to see what I was doing.

They bring so much joy and so many stories.

Overall the boys did very well.

Considering they are a cat and a dog.

Alvin is just a tad bit fearful of Humphrey which is okay.

Humphrey has a good amount of patience.

So together it works.

 

Speaking of Humphrey …. I must go.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Overcast but warm morning.

Last night on our walk after work we just enveloped all that the world had in store for us; not rushing.

We found one of our neighbours who is also a good friend outside in her front yard.

Honestly they have the most wonderful yard …. the grass is the RICHEST of GREENS.

She planted her flowers and the colour gives an extra vibrancy to the space.

Absolutely gorgeous.

We chatted for several minutes.

Alvin just enjoyed the time.

He rolled about in the grass and then sat nicely.

Which is odd.

But appreciated.

After a time we continued on our walk.

As we approached the pond/park we kept our eyes focused for the baby geese; the goslings.

None of the family were to be seen.

Perhaps they were in the tall grass out of sight and interruption from humans and animals alike.

The dandelions are slowly taking over the grass in the park with their brilliant yellow flowers.

I personally like them when they are in flower.

Oh well.

We continued on our way until we reached P’s house.

Her husband called out from the upper deck where he was tending to the grill.

Our friend was down below and came out to meet us.

We went into the yard where I was again taken to another place by another beautiful garden.

P has the most exquisite flowers.

She has a green green thumb.

There were flowers blooming all over her yard.

We chatted and caught on the latest news in our lives.

She is our walking buddy.

Not every night but most.

Well I slept in and it is getting close to time to leave.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Oh, almost forgot we have a family of birds living / nesting in our birdhouse in the back yard.

So excited.

I took photos with my new cell phone but have to figure out how to get them to my computer.

I am certain that it is easy.

Another story for another time.

Keep well.

Enjoying life one day at a time.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well, just a few seconds ago we heard a cat cry and then Alvin started to bark and show genuine concern.

I think it might have been Humphrey or at least Alvin thought so.

He is still remains anxious.

Only the one cry so all is well.

Likely Humphrey was in the house and another cat came onto their deck.

 

I just realized when I signed on this morning that I forgot to write down TAG WORDS.

That is what happens when you are away for a long period of time.

Live and learn and remember.

 

I am so grateful to have spring and soon to be summer.

The sky is blue and the sunrise was before 5:00 a.m. this morning.

In the evenings it remains light out at 9:00 a.m.

Much easier to get up in the mornings when the sun is shining.

Although for some reason last night I was awake for most of my time in bed.

ARGH.

Oh well, that happens.

 

I am so grateful for our walks.

To see the green grass sprouting up all around us.

To see birds flying and nesting.

To listen to birdsong.

To see the trees magically almost overnight don leaves.

To see our friends out and about in their yards and for walks.

I am most grateful I think for NATURE and that we live so close to parks.

An escape from the urban craziness.

One of the best things about living on the farm, in the country was the absence of houses every few feet and people.

You could walk for miles and miles without coming across another house ….. people.

 

Well almost time to hit the road.

Back to work after a long weekend.

 

Oh, saw a black cat in the back yard ….. that is why there was a howl.

He ran away as soon as I opened the office window.

Pretty cat.

 

Have an awesome day.

One day at a time…….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 26th day of July, 2018.

July is winding down quickly.

Where did it go?

The sky is an odd shade of pale pink and white.

Not really rain …

Not really sunshine….

There is no breeze really.

But it is cool with the windows open.

I opened them all as they are forecasting a warm one (not super hot but warm).

 

Well I have been excited thinking about my company arriving next week and the following week going on vacation.

So nice to be able to see my family and to get away with my daughter for a few days.

Alvin will enjoy his sleepover with my son-in-law and the grand-pups.

We need to spend some time apart as we are joined at the hip.

Sometimes Alvin has separation anxiety.

YAY, vacation.

I am ready.

 

Do you have time off from work or school?

Do you go away or stay home?

Do you travel the world or travel close to home?

Do you go see family on vacation?

Do you stay in a hotel?

Do you stay with family?

Do you camp?

Summer for most of us in North America or at least the northern portion of North America; is short.

We appreciate that time.

We sometimes grumble when it is hot but we do not wish to complain as our summers are short.

I love the flowers, the green grass and the trees.

GREEN is my favourite colour.

This summer my flowers are doing GREAT and I hope that they look this good when my company arrives next week.

Next Tuesday night to be exact.

We will have a house full and that is okay.

Always great to see everyone and spend time with them.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Carpool will be arriving shortly.

So happy to have a ride.

Really grateful.

Experiences with city public transportation as of late have been poor.

 

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday.

Enjoy the weather ( hope it is sunny and warm where you are ).

Take a breath and relax when you can.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter who is simply the BEST.

Always, Carol & Alvin