2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I/We are doing well, had a fairly good sleep. That is so important. So many of us do not get enough sleep. It is reflected in everything we do. Shows up in our patience, bigtime. I hope that you had enough sleep so that you can function the way that you are meant to and that you are in your happy place this morning. Little smile on my face. Well Mother Nature gave us a good rain shower yesterday later on in the day and then overnight. Even the lawn that I share with my neighbour is beginning to come alive. I wished that I had some fertilizer to toss on as would likely give it a boost. I keep seeing one of the neighbours across the street tossing on what I imagine to be fertilizer and their grass is a beautiful lucious green. The colour that I dream of and one of my favourite shades of green, actually my top favourite green. Lawn green or Kelly green. This morning the sky is overcast so no beautiful sunrise but we do desperately need the moisture and I am grateful for the rain. Does not appear to be windy which is a good thing.

I was thinking of my dear friend Les N. who came into my mind last night as I was going to sleep. He was giving me support,as always. Les passed away a few years ago and I think of my dear friend often. He was a good friend, husband, father, son, uncle and human being. I miss him all of the time.

Often times we do not realize what we have, until it is gone.

I am most happy that Alvin and I had two walks yesterday, one at lunchtime and the other after work. Walking sure brings down my stress level after a long day of work. The benefits of walking are so important in our everyday life.

I see red flashing lights through the leaves of the tree directly behind my garage across the lane, must be the garbage truck.

Well today is Tuesday. Another day of work. I hope that you are doing well and that this day brings us all great joy, much laughter and love and abundance. This could be the day. Perhaps there will be a knock at the door and you won the Publishers Clearing House Lottery or something like that. Maybe someone left you a thoughtful package at the door. A phone call from family or a dear friend. A special coffee and lunch delivered to you from a thoughtful friend. This is going to be that day …… are you excited, I am!

Continuing to live this day with respect, kindness, compassion and patience.

Time for coffee.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

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It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Everyone!

The sky is a patchwork quilt of deep blue and light blue clouds.

It is windy and cool.

Not a great morning to start the repairs on my fence but it is nonetheless the start day.

It has been delayed due to personal matters on the repairman’s side and then time delay this morning as I have a 9:00 a.m. morning.

The start time was to have been 9:00 a.m. but I didn’t think that would work out if I am in a meeting as I have to open the garage door etc.

Anyway with much luck from Mother Nature the work will begin today and hopefully end early tomorrow.

Not a huge job but big enough for sure.

 

Good news on the Alvin front.

Finally the closest to a normal poop that my boy has had since May 13th, 2020.

I will be so glad to get back to our new norm.

That seems to be an ever changing thing these days.

 

I am hopefully that we will get news on the return date to work.

Deep well not that deep in my heart, I am hoping that we will stay home until the end of August, 2020.

There are many people with children and with the schools closed and daycares closed, who looks after the children.

Not everyone has a parent or family members that is able to do this.

Hopefully we then have some more nice weather.

 

Every morning or most mornings Alvin stands by the fence that separates us from Humphrey and his Mom.

He loves his friend, Humphrey the cat.

They usually have a little visit by the fence everyday.

I guess we can all learn a lesson from animals.

Traditionally cats and dogs do not really get along but look at these guys.

They love being together.

Both are excited to see each other.

I can always tell when it has been a few days.

If we have a rainy spell and no one is really outside ….. man, are they happy to see each other.

When Humphrey visits, they both line up at the pantry door wanting a treat.

Everyone that comes to visit knows where the treats are located.

Man and Beast alike.

Too strong of words.

Okay, my daughter, grandpups, Alvin, Humphrey and Teddy to name a few.

That sounds much better.

 

Hey, if you have not heard of “PLUTO LIVING” – please go and check out YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Pluto is the cutest little dog and with help from Mom, well they are the best team to come out of Canada or anywhere in decades.

Great at giving us the news, telling funny stories, giving advice, poetry and so much more.

But most of all bringing us great joy through laughter in these uncertain and sometimes scary times.

Please seek them out you will not be sorry.

Take the time, please.

 

Well it is now time to get to work.

I have such a long, long, long commute.

I think it might be two regular steps, no maybe less from my personal computer and space to my work computer and space.

ARGH, so tough, I know.

No complaints, really.

Alvin is resting comfortably on his little bed that I made with some fluffy towels and two nice blue warm blankets.

Oh, I see the sun shining now that is a great sign.

Still pretty windy and hopefully that does not bring in any storms or hamper the work for today.

 

I wish you a day filled with love and laughter.

I wish you an easy Wednesday.

Perhaps time for a walk.

Enjoy.

 

I will continue to live my life with kindness and respect.

As I am human sometimes I have moments where I may be less than perfect.

But I will always try by best to be a good soul with a warm heart living with kindness and respect to myself and most of all to others.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

I need a haircut as my hair looks nothing like this photo.

I do like this photo of me and I am not a huge fan of photos of me.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well HELLO FRIDAY, April 24th, 2020.

 

I have long since forgot how many days exactly that I have been working from home.

To be honest 95% of the time it is wonderful.

I love the “short” well actually no commute to my work.

I love sharing more of my time with Alvin.

I love being able to walk for 1/2 hour at lunch and then right away after work.

I love arising a bit later (truth be told even Mr. Alvin is starting to wake up a bit later).

I love being able to stay up a bit later to enjoy the evening light.

100%, I absolutely adore having more time at home.

Who doesn’t like working in their sweats and a tee-shirt and no makeup.

Bad hair days …. who cares.

It does not matter …. whatever you are comfortable in.

Some days it is office attire with makeup and others it is not.

More time for walking.

More time to get housework, yard work and exercise done.

It is nice being able to have more free time on the weekends.

I am off work at 4:00 p.m. (not granted some days I leave 10-15 minutes later but that is okay).

I can have supper and dishes done well before 6:00 p.m.

When working at the office by 6:00 p.m. – Alvin would have his supper etc, we would have walked and I may have started supper.

Usually it would be 7:00 by the time supper and dishes were done and sometimes later.

So even though there are moments throughout my day that I could honestly pull my hair out by the roots, I do love being at home.

I know that there is no separation between home and work.

But I have come to terms with that fact.

Life is meant to live.

If we continue to wrap ourselves in the negative before too long it is over.

What a waste.

 

I am off today at 3:00 p.m. (took one hour off).

The plan is to go for a walk right away, then come home and start the laundry and then rake the front lawn.

I have been raking the back out of necessity for Alvin.

Luckily the mucky mess is drying up (in the back).

The front needs some TLC.

Tonight will be the second of the three meals from HELLO FRESH.

Excited for that.

Tomorrow Mr. Alvin needs a haircut and bath (yup again).

My daughter is dropping some items by and for a visit (miss her).

Whether Saturday or Sunday – we hope to visit with our friends in their backyard.

Tomorrow is supposed to be really nice so I want to take advantage of the warmer temperatures.

 

Well almost time to grab that cup of java and start work.

Technically I do not start until 8:00 a.m. but I like to get things started and I have a contest to enter (matching pets through work).

Have to submit my entry.

Wish me luck.

 

I hope this finds you and your family in excellent health, safe and having lots of giggles.

Happy Friday.

 

With Kindness and Respect,

I/We Remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

Good Morning!

How are you?

I am doing quite well.

What is the weather like at your house?

Appears that it rained overnight here as the deck is wet.

I will find out just how wet when I go to pick up the poop in a few minutes. ARGH.

Too much information.

Sorry.

What did you do last night?

Alvin and I went for a walk with one of our friends.

Remarking on the leaves changing along the way.

We had a great chat, catching up on all of our news and enjoying nature.

After our walk we were back home where I made myself supper.

Followed by a few chores and watching a couple of recorded shows.

I saw the season premiere of “New Amsterdam.”

It certainly took me for a few loops and jolts.

But it was great.

Anything new and exciting in your life?

We are hopefully “voting yes” to our contract today.

I am always happy with the same old, same old.

New and exciting.

Change although it is necessary as we age we are happy with just the same.

Not to say that we don’t want or need some excitement and some new stuff.

But for the most part I am like Mr. Alvin …. happy with the routine.

Well time to head downstairs and gather things up for work.

Pick up the poop, too.

I know “way too much information.”

I hope that this finds you in good health and that all news is good.

Keep in touch.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Thank you for the chat.

 

 

Showing kindness and respect in every action in every day is living a great life.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, sorry but it is late afternoon already.

Yesterday first thing in the morning my son-in-law dropped my grandpups off for the day.

After I got them settled, I went for a walk with Miss Aspen.

She is the Yellow Lab Shepherd Cross.

This was just a few minutes after 8:00 a.m.

Our walk took us to our nearby park

We had some fun.

There was a Bunny being chased by some very aggressive Magpies.

We should have turned back but this silly Grandma thought we could scare the birds giving the Bunny time to make his escape.

It was a great plan in theory.

The reality was a far different story.

Needless to say I found out the hard way just how strong my girl Aspen is as I almost did a head plant into the sidewalk.

But managed to stay upright as I made that sill trip after her.

I was very careful during the rest of our walk.

Once we arrived back home I went into the backyard with Aspen, Alvin and Milo.

Humphrey the cat was in his backyard.

Aspen was trying desperately to get to him.

She would have pushed her way right through our fence.

She was very determined and she did not want to visit or make friends.

When she was a pup during her first year of life the poor dear had to fend for herself.

So she will go after rabbits, cats and birds.

She is fast and they do not stand a chance.

Needless to say I am careful with the cats and wildlife.

I did figure that the birds had a better chance of escaping.

Anyway it was an exciting way to start the day.

After that, I needed a COFFEE.

So perked up a pot of coffee and had a late breakfast.

We just had a quiet couple of hours or so.

About noon I went for a walk with Alvin and Milo.

We stopped by the garage sale.

Yes, the same one that I attended last weekend and Friday night.

They were happy to see Milo and Alvin.

We, I took a check around and picked up a couple of items.

Alvin and Milo and I continued on our walk after the garage sale.

We were on our way to the park when I heard my name being called and turned to see our friends had stopped in their van.

So we walked back to their vehicle.

They were wondering if I had a six foot high ladder as they were putting up Christmas lights and their son had borrowed theirs.

I just happen to have one and told them I would take it to them after we got back home.

When it arrived near Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy’s house we saw his Dad or actually Alvin spotted him up a ladder.

We were invited to go into the house so of course, the pups were up the steps in no time.

It was nice to see Teddy and his Mom.

We had a little visit and of course the babes had a treats before we continued on our way.

Stopped briefly at the garage sale and picked out one more item.

Leaving them there for pick up another time.

Which reminds me I have to go and pick up my items.

After we got home – I grabbed the ladder and walked it to my friend’s house.

Had a short visit and then back home.

We had a quiet rest of the afternoon.

Eating supper early.

Followed by some quiet time and then another walk with Miss Aspen.

Our walk was filled with more adventure.

While walking around the park there was a bunny running through someone’s backyard.

I managed to hold onto Aspen.

This time it was short lived.

After that a couple of small dogs who seemed friendly …. well ended up one was not.

So we carried on.

On the home stretch we walked by our new friend John’s house with Bug the black cat who spends some time on a leash basking in the fresh air.

Now I was watching for the cat as I know Aspen and cats.

I did not see her but Aspen walked close to the bush that circles their front yard and all of a sudden I heard a hiss.

Quickly called Aspen and pulled her back.

There was Bug in the bushes.

Everyone came out safely.

Thank goodness.

Finally back home …. we just had a quiet evening.

The kids were going to pick up the pups last night.

They ended up staying over last night.

Poor Miss Aspen was up at 3:00 a.m. with diarrhea.

Is this a reoccurring thing at my house?

Seems like poop and more poop.

Anyway it was poop and more poop throughout the night.

I felt so terrible as she had been whining/crying for a few minutes before I got my backside out of bed to take her downstairs.

Of course, we all went outside.

After that, we spent the rest of the night/morning on the sofa which was closer to the back door.

Poor Aspen.

Bad Grandma.

I texted my daughter about 8:30 a.m. to let her know about Aspen.

She came a bit later and spent some time here which was great.

Well that was my excitement.

Time to go and check on supper.

How about some photos?

The first photos from out on the deck were from yesterday and I am not sure what they were seeing?

I did not see anything but the pups certainly did.

Inside photos were from this morning while we were waiting for my daughter to arrive.

Well what a wild and wacky weekend we had …. I learned several valuable lessons.

1. Always wear running shoes not flip flops when walking with Miss Aspen.
2. When Aspen whines/cries in the middle of the night – Grandma needs to get the heck out of bed right away.
3. Pups make me happy.

Time to fly …. Alvin wants his supper.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Thursday, June 29, 2017 and it is the 42nd day until my 60th Birthday.

Well I have decided that perhaps so many lists is perhaps a “tad” overboard.

As with most folks over the age of 50, we continue to dream about the future, live for today and cherish all memories of days gone by.

Perhaps somedays our memories are more clear than the present but that is okay.

I intend to live to be 100.

My paternal Grandmother lived to be 97.

There are things to do and places to see during the next 40 years.

After all, I am only 6 six years into my “second” career ….. long way to go until “retirement.”

So perhaps a “Bucket List” to remind me of the things to do and places to see is likely a good idea.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our everyday lives that we forget about those dreams.

Bucket List is the next thing to do.

I will take an empty notebook and make some notes.

It was an excellent exercise writing down all of the things that I have done thus far ….. the good and the bad, joyful and not.

Sometimes we do need to be reminded of a lifetime filled with happiness, sadness, joy, abundance and lack thereof, and all of that.

Our lives as human beings are far from what we determine as perfection.

So stop trying to be perfect and live your life.

Moment by moment and I do try.

Sometimes my patience runs a bit thin and other times my patience saves the day and there is all that in between.

So here we are …. another day closer to 60…… wow…..

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 11th day of October, 2015.

The wind has been howling since the wee hours of the morning (all night) along with some rain.

I always find it scary/interesting when it appears that the clouds are moving over head.

I am just on my way to have coffee with one of my girl friends.

YAY ….

I will admit (but not to everyone) that now being at the halfway point of my four days off that I have not accomplished anywhere near what was on my list.

In fact, I did tear up the list and write another one.

There has been time spent with Alvin ….. we went on a nice long walk yesterday after the Scentsy party …. it was gorgeous …. over 25 degrees Celsius …. SO NICE.

So decision has been made ….. have the list and do what you can …. plus take time to play with Alvin and also time to relax.

One important item for today after the coffee date I am going to go through my upstairs office and get this room back in order.

That is a for sure item.

We can crank up the music and just go at it …… toss what we do not need.

I must admit I had not been to a Scentsy party and I really enjoyed the scents.

Almost felt like I was cheating on Bath & Body Works …..

Is that not sad.

There has to be a good mix for everyone, right.

I did have a great Saturday ….. after our walk ….. Mr. Alvin had a bath …. now he is looking extra cute.

 

At bedtime I have been reading “How to See YOURSELF as You Really Are” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  

These few lines I thought were important to share to everyone at this time:

“Each religion works to lessen suffering and contribute to the world; conversion is not the point.  I do not think about converting others to Buddhism or merely furthering the Buddhist cause.  Instead, I try to think of how I as a Buddhist can contribute to the happiness of all living beings.”

This really does say it all …… no matter what your religion, trying to convert others to it, is not the point, all that truly matters is that we all contribute in our own way

to the happiness of all living beings. (not just humans).

Perhaps if we spent less time trying to make each other like ourselves and more time working on happiness we would be in a better place.

Just wanted to share on this Thanksgiving weekend.

 

Have a great Sunday.

I am off to have a cup of coffee and share in conversation and laughter as we do.

Special Hello to: my sister and her family, to my brother and his friends, to my brother and his family and to YOU ….. Happy Sunday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of July, 2015.

It is partially overcast with the sun coming up in the east and a bit of a breeze.

I guess Mother Nature just wants to keep us guessing.

I will take my umbrella just in case.

Last night one of my neighbours and good friend came over for tea and a visit.

We had such a good visit and then she came along with us on our walk.

Perfect evening ……

Only one more sleep until my sister and brother arrive for our road trip.

I think that I have mentioned we are going to see our other brother.

It is always nice to spend time with your siblings and away from the city is a nice touch.

My brother lives on an acreage so it will be nice and “quiet.”

Well lots to do today after work.

Packing …. watering flowers ……

Here we are again almost time to leave for work.

How does that happen?

Do you find that the mornings seem to zip by?

For the most part …. they do for me.

Oh well ….. better zipping than not.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

May this Thursday be filled with GREAT news and that you are surrounded by happiness.

Being happy is the best …..

It all begins with oneself.

Alvin is pacing …. I better get him outside before I leave.

Special Hello to: my friends new and old …. you are the best.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of May, 2015.

Overcast this morning.

Guess what?

We finally got a bit of rain last night.

Very much needed.

I hope that this dark blue sky filled with rain clouds brings us some more throughout the day.

It is windy outside.

Makes me want to go back to bed and curl up with Mr. Alvin.

I am working on showing my happiness this week.

So much of the time we walk around looking “mad.”

For some reason smiling does not seem to be a natural facial expression.

Or at least with me.

People often ask, “Are you okay?”

I reply “I am great.”

So now I have to make my outside match my inside.

It is a process……

I AM HAPPY ….. SMILING.

Thinking of something that makes me smile.

A puppy ….. Mr. Alvin.

A little baby ……

CHOCOLATE …..

FLOWERS …..

That is my project ……

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday.

Time to go to work.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 11th day of April, 2015.

I wish you a Happy and Wonderful Saturday.

I am so HAPPY to be at home.

Alvin and I have a jammed pack full day ahead of us beginning with a trip to the Vet.

We go once every 6 weeks together to the Vet where he has his “paw” i cure, ears checked and something I believe to be personal and not to share.

I will also pick up his food and also some toothpaste ( oral hygiene is good for everyone ).

Once I get home and gather my “trash picking” gear I will head out and start the cleanup over at the walk through path between the busy street and our neighbourhood.

At that point hopefully the sun is out or at least just overcast and no wet stuff.

I will clean for a bit and then come home to do laundry.

Some paperwork I will finish up and by then it will likely be suppertime so supper, walk with Alvin and then ……………………

MOVIE NIGHT.

I am so excited to be at home on a Saturday night to watch a movie early on …….

No plans for tomorrow ….. how about relaxing ….. I am up for that.

Practice some yoga …. strengthen my core a bit before Tuesday’s bootcamp.

Well time to get our gear ready for going to the Vet.

Alvin likes going there ……

Usually when we leave the house all I have to say is we are going to see Jenn and he automatically knows which direction to take (to the right).

I am so excited for this day as I sip on a cup of coffee.

Great to be at home.

Also my daughter and I put out the patio furniture last night ….. so much better to look at than bare deck …..

I have the music on downstairs and my song is on …..

HAPPY …… that is truly my song.

I feel so wonderful from the tip of my head to the soles of my feet, I feel happy.

Happiness is for sure my truth.

I feel giddy … I am so happy.

So great to have a life once again.

YAY……

I wish you the best day ever.

I hope that Happiness is (your) the truth, and thank you Pharrell Williams for that line.

So great.

Special Hello to: all those folks who work multiple jobs …. I wish you one great job so that you can have some time to yourself ……

Always, Carol and Alvin