The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Welcome to Saturday. Yesterday was the 40th Birthday of a close family friend for whom I call “niece.” June came in way too fast. Happy Birthday D. I have the office window open and a nice cool breeze is wafting in and gently touching me. It is not too hot in the house but the coolness feels refreshing. I am so grateful for the weekend. Last night after work I had supper and did some laundry. Eddie went for a walk with his Dad this time. Some alone time which I understand. Oh, I just got a whiff of smoke, even though the sun is shining the sky is a bit on the hazy side. I had not smelled the smoke at first but now it is apparent. Perhaps better to close the window before the house starts to smell like a fire. Certainly do not wish that. It was in the early evening that I prepared for planting my new flowers that had been inhabiting the kitchen table. I filled several pots with two kinds of petunias and geraniums and there is one flower that I do not remember the name. Will have to find out. Almost looks like a type of geranium. I took my time and even had Mr. Alvin outside with me. I know it likely sounds a bit off but he used to enjoy that time of year hanging out with me. He would always check out what I was planting and where. Those were some of the best times. I filled nine pots adding to the six other pots that were already out on the deck. Actually I suppose there were two that had in the house. I am debating whether or not to put out my other succulents. I put one of them outside and will see how it does. They like the heat for sure but …… Unfortunately last night I only took a video of all of the plants to send to my daughter and Pauline (had to show her where I put the geraniums that she gave me the night before). So no photos to share today. I will take some photos this morning before I leave for Gillian’s birthday party. Seems like forever since we three were in the same place at the same time. Time passes so quickly! Thank you to Signe for hosting this birthday party. We take turns and it is so great when it is my turn to host our get togethers whether to visit and catch up or for a special occasion like a birthday.

My friend Lucy turns 65 in a few days and Pauline will be 70 in a couple of weeks. So many milestone birthdays. A sign that we are all getting older. A reminder to not get hung up on the little things like work situations and such. I am always reminded that I have so many wonderful friends and my family are amazing. To have them all is a true blessing. I consider myself very fortunate.

Time to go and have a shower and get ready for the party. I do want to take some flower photos before the sun gets bright in the back. Perfect time for photos now.

I hope that you have a great Saturday! Enjoy.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

Always, Carol & My Forever Angel Alvin

Last year’s flowers ……..

Flowers to plant

The Next Chapter, continued May 31, 2023

Me again, I need to apologize to my dear friend Gillian whose Happy Birthday is today. My mind is not on happy events this day and I wanted to come back and wish this friend a Happy Birthday. We will be celebrating her this Saturday.

Happy Birthday Gillian. You are a great friend and I am grateful every day for our friendship.

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Photo by Natalie Bond on Pexels.com

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

One of my fellow co-workers is retiring today after 35 years. Debbie, wishing you a very Happy Retirement filled with many walks with Taffy & Tank. I will be able to wish her well in person at the main office this morning.

Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.com

Looking forward to seeing my daughter after work. I need her hugs.

Always, Carol & Alvin, My Forever Angel

The New Chapter

Good Morning. Monday morning and the official first day of SPRING. Oh, how I long for dry ice free sidewalks and streets. A reminder of life.

Today is also the birthday of Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy. He reminds me of Alvin. They were truly best friends and on our last walk, Alvin wanted to go to see his friend. Wishing our Teddy a very Happy 10th Birthday.

Teddy, Alvin’s Best Friend

BFs together

BF Teddy

BF Teddy

The boys

Alvin & his BF Teddy

Yesterday I wrote this poem about saying goodbye. This post is reflective of how I am feeling both joy and overwhelming sadness.

Saying Goodbye!

No one knows what is coming

There is no way to prepare for that moment

We all know in our hearts that life does not last forever

But we are never prepared !

When that day comes

The blueness and emptiness we feel in our hearts

Weighs down our spirit

The loss is unbearable

The guilt weighs heavily on us.

Nothing will ever be the same again,

More change, how much can a heart take!

The pieces smashing down upon the floor.

Breaking everywhere.

Photos and videos remind us of what was

What will never be again

Life goes on, it must.

We cry at night and weep behind closed doors.

But the memories bring us up

Hard as it is,

Tears will fall, they will dry.

But the memories will remain.

Stories of who they were,

The start and the end and every moment in between.

How they touched our hearts

How they brought so much to our life

How we will remember.

How they reached our soul, in epic proportion.

How they brought so much joy.

The laughter and the tears.

How each memory will be carried in our hearts and minds forever,

For an eternity ……. they will live on ……..

Written by CYLewis on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

My heart is broken with the loss of my beloved Alvin.

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

Remember to tell your village, your family, your friends that you love them, that you care and always do whatever you can to be present in their lives. We never know when things will change.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The sun is shining and it is snowing. What a sight. The time changed today and the best news for today is that it is my darling daughter’s BIRTHDAY. We celebrated yesterday and had such a great time. First of all, I had Miss Aspen, Milo (Mi-Mi) and Miss Betty Ann here for a few hours while the kids went to see some friends in from out of town. The pups were in perfect behaviour. No grrr action between Milo and Betty Ann. We had a nice few hours just hanging out and snuggling. So great to have them here. Still hard to believe that it has been three weeks since my buddy Alvin left us. He is with me everyday and everywhere I go. I hold him in my heart and mind. Happy Birthday Amanda. Despite the time change, it is looking to be a great day.

We had “chicken fingers which are really homemade deep fried chicken nuggets” with homemade honey mustard dip, potato salad, peas and corn. Steven likes corn and we girls like the peas. I seldom eat deep fried anything but once or twice a year, I make this meal usually for the kids birthdays. For dessert I made a fruit pizza which in the pan transferring to the fridge felt like it weighed ten pounds. Not really but was heavy. Needless to say the kids took lots of leftovers home and I have leftovers for a few days. I love leftovers. We definitely missed Alvin at the party. Seemed strange to have three pups all of similar colour and no black & white one. No Alvin. He loved a good party and especially if there was something for him to open.

Well I have a busy Sunday planned. More laundry to do. I need to work on transferring more photos from the old computer to the external hard drive. NEED COFFEE now. I have to go through the box that I brought from work and see what needs to go to the new office. Minimal room. Vacuum upstairs and stairs. Some other photo work to do as well. Lots to do.

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Photo by Silvia Trigo on Pexels.com

Happy Birthday Amanda, I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Have a wonderful day. Oh, the 95th OSCARS are on tonight. I think I may try and watch some of the awards. Would nice to see Michelle and Jamie Lee win.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Morning ALL! We had a light dusting of snow sometime since I went to bed last night. No more getting up multiple times and going outside. I miss the night skies. Oh, how I miss my Alvin. I would give anything for him to be wanting to go outside at this moment. Nothing is the same without him. Not from going to bed to getting up in the morning and every minute in between. My life was wrapped tightly around that little guy and I miss him so much. He was the best friend and companion anyone could ever ask for ……

Today there are three birthdays to celebrate: my sister Cindy, a long time friend Diana and a neighbour and friend of ours, Arlene. Wishing these three amazing women the most wonderful of days. Happy Birthday.

Yesterday afternoon I went over and spent over two hours with our friend Bailey. I stayed until her Mom got home. I think that Bailey knew as she just kept kissing and kissing and kissing me. Where is Alvin? Oh how I miss that sweet sweet little guy. She went outside several times. So cold out but I kept an eagle eye on her to ensure that she was not outside longer than she needed to be. It was good to spend some time with her and to feel her energy.

Today I am going to do laundry. I do not want to sit and feel sorry for myself as it is not me who suffered.

I just saw a little bird fly by and can only imagine how cold that little creature is in these frigid temperatures. We do not often think of them.

FRIENDS

Friends,

Alvin and I were so blessed to have so many furry friends and family over the years. Here are some photos of his special friends and mine. I am so glad that he had so many wonderful furry friends in addition to so many human ones. Some of his family & friends have already passed and they too, are Angels. He has company so he will not be alone. Unfortunately, I do not have photos of all of them.

BF Alvin & Teddy

Kobi, Alvin & BF Teddy

Miss Cookie

Al & Kobi

Aspen & Milo

Bogart

Miss Bailey

Casey – Angel

Alvin

Kobi and Milo

Humphrey

Alvin’s BF Humphrey

Milo & Elton – Angel

Elton & Penny – Angels

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. just missing Miss Penny.

Aspen

Milo & Aspen

Alvin & Bailey

Alvin & Penny – Angel

Miss Aspen

Alvin Xmas 2020

Abby, his girlfriend – Angel

Humphrey & Alvin

Alvin & Elton – Angel

I guess that I had better sign off for this day. There is laundry to do and I can use a cup of coffee.

I will always love you Mr. Alvin as I did yesterday, the day before, two weeks ago, today, tomorrow and forever.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee and memories of Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin – my heavenly Angel and forever sidekick.

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! It is bitterly outside here in Edmonton and surrounding areas this Tuesday morning. Without the windchill minus 30 degrees celsius. Thankfully it will warm up tonight and be single digit minus temperatures tomorrow. I hope this finds you doing well. I am good. Feels so strange being alone in the house without Alvin. He is doing well at my daughter’s house.

Today December 6th is the birthday of my cousin Janice. Happy Birthday dear cousin. Wishing you a wonderful day.

Countdown to Christmas Eve is “18” sleeps – under the three week timeframe.

I am pretty much ready for Christmas as far as Christmas tree up, house decorated, baking done and gifts wrapped. Most of the gifts that is – couple things to arrive. All in all, ready. I will need to go to the grocery store a couple of time before Christmas for those last minute items. Anything that I could store for a long period of time – has already been purchased.

Back to work this morning. Working from home today and tomorrow and then to the office for Thursday and Friday.

I sure could have stayed under the blankets this morning. Might have something to do with the frigid temperatures outside. So grateful to be able to work from home today.

Tomorrow I have an appointment to get my eyes tested and pick out new glasses. I always look forward to getting a new pair of frames. Would be nice if they had a sale and I could pick up two pair. I have to decide about what to do about “sunglasses.” Clips or sunglasses or transitions. Will see tomorrow.

Well time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. I am ahead of schedule this morning but if I had to go to the office I would be running a tad late. Will have to get up a bit earlier on Thursday and Friday. Just because Alvin is not here – I do not need to be lazy, lol. Sure miss the little guy.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well on this Thursday morning. Last night we went to bed a bit earlier than usual as I was SO tired. Lights were out before 9:30 and guess who was awake and needed to go outside at 11:00 p.m., not the Momma, lol. Up and outside we went. Someone really had to poop, there is that word again. Well it is something that every creature does in some way, shape or form. Just is. Why we have an aversion to it, well some reasons are obvious and some not so much. Back to the story. I made an executive decision to just lay down on the sofa and curl up under the red blanket next to Alvin. It seemed like I had been sleeping for awhile when was someone was awake once again, I picked up my phone and checked the time, it was 3:40 a.m. I got up and gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside, we went. Back to the sofa until 5:15 a.m., now we are up and getting ready for the day. Yesterday I was already and just snuggling by Alvin on the sofa ready to put on my coat, scarf, mitts and then boots when I noticed a text from my carpool. She had texted me at 6:00 a.m. to let me know that she had woke up with a sore throat and was going to work from home. I texted her back followed by texting my Manager and also Alvin’s caregiver. Then I went to work unpacking my laptop and things to get set up to work from home. Today we are going to the office. Alvin is confused I am sure. One day I get ready and then do not leave and the next I do!

I was watching a bit of the CMA’s, Country Music Awards from U.S. and it left me thinking after I heard them announce the nominees for the SONG OF THE YEAR – I know how these award shows work, I have watched them over the years. This time was different. Maybe I have changed, but I was left with a semi sour taste in my mouth. Here we are giving awards to people from writing a song granted that song has to likely sell so many copies or be played on so many radio stations but REALLY, we are awarding people for writing a song. Just seems a little sad. So many people the world over do important work and never hear anything positive much less receive an award. Perhaps I am overthinking things, I do not know but it does make me a bit sad. The other thing that makes me wonder is all the glamorous costumes and outfits that entertainers wear and on some of these television shows, what a waste of resources. More stuff for the landfill. Now I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade, I am just stating facts. Perhaps we all need to take a step back and see how much waste and unnecessary use of resources there is and maybe do something about it. Just a thought!

Back to my reality. Alvin is laying down on the rug outside the office door as I type/key these words. I am surrounded by plants and things. Even at home, I am aware of how many things I have that really are not necessary to live my life and I am not adding to those things or at least very minimally. We all have things we only use once or twice a year and to be honest most people hang onto to things that they used once a decade ago and never recycled. Remember your “unused items” may be someone else’s treasures. None of us are perfect but we have to try to be better citizens of this planet.

Time to head downstairs and have Mr. Alvin go you know what again, P&P. Maybe that should be the new code word, lol. Anyway, I think I need a coffee as this post has really got off track.

This date is really important to me as it was the birthday of my brother Jeff who passed away over a decade ago. I miss you buddy and wish you were here. Happy Birthday our Angel. I think of you often.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thinking of all our Angels today ………

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to October 2022. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature for today is to be +22 celsius and 24+ for tomorrow and in the low 20’s for the following couple of days. Great weather for October and I love it. The sky is a great sunshiny blue. Is that a colour, well today it is!

Alvin and I had a quiet Friday. I was happy that he was able to go for a nice walk and did not appear to be in any obvious pain.

Today is the Birthday of a neighbour’s son who was 8 years old when I moved in back in 2009. Happy Birthday Kahlia. He is now a grown man. I cannot believe he is 21 years old. WOW, time flies. I have lived in this place, this house, this city for 13 years now and will be 14 next year.

Well I have been adding to my list with some final outdoor chores. I still do not want to put away the patio furniture but I do want to wash the deck and porch. Easier to do when they are bare. Perhaps I will look ahead to next weekend which will be another long weekend, Thanksgiving. Oooo, pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie.

I have lots of apples to prepare. Sounds like some apple crisps and apple muffins in the near future. Perhaps apple sauce? I need to go to the grocery store as I am totally out of brown sugar and a few other things some that are required to do this baking and others just need. On my TO DO LIST.

Alvin needs a bath. He has a vet visit on Tuesday afternoon so I will give him one tomorrow afternoon.

I love this time of year but I will admit that I have been a bit tired the past few days. Perhaps the years of getting up at random times during the night has caught up with me, maybe. Sometimes, I find that in the fall, when the weather starts to cool, that I feel the need to “hibernate,” to sleep more. So I am going to chalk sleepiness up to just that.

Photos out of our bedroom window this morning. The leaves are turning. Not as crisp photos as if I went outside but it is was a last minute idea.

Time to head downstairs and get this day going. I need coffee. Alvlin is bored.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Continuing to life with life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and COFFEE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning it is! The sun is shining, the sky is blue and there is a slight breeze. We will be hitting the trail shortly for our morning walk before the heat of the day sets in. Today is also my first day back to work after six days of vacation. Although I wished that I had a few more days of vacation – it has felt like I had time off.

I was thinking what shall I write about this morning and I was thinking “what’s it like to be sixty-five years old.”

Well to be honest – not much different than 64 or 63.

I am excited to have a much cheaper eye exam fee come December.

I am happy that I can apply for Senior’s Benefits.

I am happy that I am in good health.

I think that 65 has given me more confidence.

I feel more free.

I think 65 is the beginning of the next chapters of my life.

I think 65 shows you the way.

I know that as we age we need to exercise our minds and our bodies more.

Wow, I still cannot believe that I am 65 years old.

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Photo by Secret Garden on Pexels.com

To my friend Val who celebrates her birthday today, Happy Birthday my friend.

To my great nephew Azlin, I apologize for missing your birthday on the 14th.

To all those folks who celebrate a birthday this week.

Happy Birthday.

Time to hit the dusty trail.

Have an awesome day.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

To the next 65 years!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing okay. Not sure about Mr. Alvin. He seems to be freaking out more than usual. I don’t think he is in any pain but will have to keep a close eye on him. This morning it is pouring rain here. Last night my daughter came after work for a sleepover. So nice to have her in the house, we always enjoy her company. I made her favourite dish: chicken and vegetables stir fry and we had an angel cake with strawberries, blueberries and the whipped cream in the can. I had never used that until just a few years ago when I had a Christmas party here. I think it was December 2019. After supper Amanda helped me break down some boxes that I had in the garage and I have several bags of recycling as a result this morning for them to pick up. Also of course, in some of the boxes there was styrofoam and it is too difficult to break down so I basically filled my big black garbage bin with bags of plastic and styrofoam. I don’t like those things. The garage is getting more bare. My daughter is now on her way to work and it is just me and Alvin once again. I have been carrying him upstairs and down this morning and we are out of our normal routine. I also took the umbrella out with us so that he wouldn’t get too wet. I try to keep his ears dry and him, too. Of course, I dried him off when we got back into the house.

Yesterday at my lunch break we walked to our friend Pauline’s house to wish her a Happy Birthday. She was not outside and I was going to leave her a little package. I could hear Georgie bark in the house and I called out a couple of times and then out they came. We had a nice little visit before we headed back home for me to go back to work.

The sky is very grey, I think that those clouds are definitely planning to “hang” around for some time. I need coffee. It has been ready for a bit as I made it so that Amanda could take some with her to work.

I don’t have a clock in here so I had better get going. Not sure what happened to the date and time on my computer?

I hope that you have a good day.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilties.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 56 days till my 65th Birthday.