Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Alvin is snoozing outside the office door as I click click away on the keyboard writing this post. I am so grateful that we had such an beautiful fall thus far.

Even though the wind is howling and sounding like it is blowing things away, the air outside is warm. Fingers crossed for another warm day. Yesterday was beautiful. 20’s for October is amazing. Makes me want to do a happy happy dance. My friend Pauline came over and looked after Mr. Alvin. They even went for a walk to the park. Good to know that if I am not at home, he will walk when someone tries to take him outside. After work, I so wanted to go for another walk (went for a walk at work) but someone had other ideas so it was very short lived.

Did I tell you that I was having monitor problems which have now been rectified? Did you know that the port can actually break? You learn something new everyday. Thanks to my friend and coworkers’ husband who works in IT for fixing the problem. I truly learn something new each day. So I am happy to have the monitor working again. I could work with just the laptop but much easier with a second screen/monitor.

I took tomorrow off and have a full day planned between vet visit etc.

The wind howling made me think that I should change out my closets and bring up my winter wear. I don’t think we will have many sandal/flip flop days ahead. Would be nice but not likely!

I am looking forward to a cup of coffee this morning.

My friend Val said that a surprise package is being delivered today. I can hardly wait. Did not tell Mr. Alvin as he would get overly excited and anxious. He loves opening packages. That makes me happy.

Well it is time to head back downstairs. Plug in the coffee perk. Get this day going. I am up early as it is only 6:28 but that is okay. I have lots to do so might as well get an early start. One more trip outside.

Have an awesome Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and welcome to a bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I have not been outside as yet this morning but I think it may be cooler than yesterday at this time.

Nice to see a bright clear sky, though.

Doing a little seated Happy Dance.

 

We had a busy but productive day yesterday here at our home.

We walked to the Vet in the morning to pick up supplies.

Home to have coffee and start laundry.

Did some cleaning followed by a walk in the afternoon.

My neighbour D and his son K came over early evening to see about moving the cabinet from the garage to the basement.

After checking out the cabinet, D decided to measure the cabinet and the entrance way to the basement.

Too tight of a squeeze.

Would not be easy to get downstairs.

How disappointing.

I would not have thought it would not fit.

Earlier I had moved things around and was planning what to move into this cabinet.

It was such a great idea and what disappointing news.

Now what?

I don’t know.

Have to think about it.

Rearranging again.

Now might as well wait until I take down the Christmas decorations next weekend.

Plan B.

Argh, why?

Clearly this is going to take me a few days to get over.

Yup, it is.

Simple as that.

What a waste to have sitting in the garage.

I don’t want to put tools in it as they would scratch the finish.

Besides I really don’t have anything that would fit nicely into the cabinet.

Maybe I will ask for further advice from my friend down the street.

I clearly am not ready to give up on this.

 

Well time to get this day going.

I did not sleep last night.

Alvin ate something while we were out for our walk and of course later in the evening just before bed, he threw it up.

Between the news of the cabinet, Alvin not feeling well and likely the black tea I was drinking over the course of the evening, I did not sleep.

I even left my phone downstairs so the 5:00 a.m. alarm would not wake us but Alvin woke up anyway.

So downstairs to feed him and let him outside.

Then we hit the sofa ….. managed to have a semi broken sleep until just before 9:00 a.m.

 

Tonight are the Golden Globe awards with Ricky Gervais hosting.

I really like him.

Have recorded it but will definitely be watching.

 

I wished that I could smell the coffee that has now perked but I am congested so cannot.

Have a Happy Sunday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well we are now on day three of this brand new decade.

Second day and last day of work for this week.

Doing a seated “happy dance.”

Also nice when one has a short work week.

 

Last night after work Alvin and I went for our walk.

We did not get very far as the wind continued to gust stronger and stronger.

Alvin appeared to be missing the wind but I was having problems.

Felt at times as though I was going to be Dorothy and lifting off.

So our walk was short lived.

We have been enjoying lots of good walks and with having the extra long walk and lovely fresh air on Wednesday, I thought be would be okay.

I even started to do some exercises in the evening.

One has to start somewhere.

 

I also brought into the house the shelves for the cupboard.

Not sure why I left them with the cupboard/cabinet in the garage for so long.

Anyway now I have the shelves in the basement – I just have to find a couple of strong men/women to help me take it into the basement.

The plan is for that to happen this weekend.

After that, I have lots of work to do.

In a couple of weeks the Christmas decorations will come down and I will put my bead supplies etc. into the cabinet.

Fix up the room in the basement once again.

I am leaving the Christmas decorations in place in honour of my long-time Ukrainian friend who passed early last year.

He was proud of his heritage and I was proud of him.

Last year I lost two long-time friends, both happened to be male.

They leave a hole in my heart but memories to last a lifetime.

 

I feel that I am already making changes for this new decade which is great.

Spreading my wings …. careful not to fly too high but high enough.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs.

Pick up the poop outside from the backyard.

See if Alvin has to go one more time.

Excited to have the weekend close at hand.

 

Life in this new decade is great.

I hope that you are fulfilling your dreams.

Continue to dream big.

They will happen.

One day at a time.

It is easy to get caught up in things and lose oneself.

But if we take a deep breathe and some time out each day.

Those dreams will reach fruition.

 

Happy Friday.

Yes, Alvin, I hear you.

Poor guy.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Love this photo – looks like Alvin is hugging me.

I guess in essence he is as he is holding on.

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well the sky is more sunshine than not.

It is lovely outside this morning and temperatures to soar to about 24 today.

Doing the HAPPY DANCE.

 

Last night after work Alvin and walked over to his Doctor to pick up some food, a bag of treats and his glucosamine.

The air was heavy with blue sky and I had some regret about wearing a sweater.

But the sweater provided two pockets for things that I needed to have with me.

Oh well, I survived.

I decided on the way home that I would just stop at the house and drop off our purchases and then walk over to our friend’s house.

To check on her flowers.

With all of the rain that we have had … they did need a little top up …. a little drink.

I happily did this for them.

Alvin was running around the yard …. enjoying the grass.

Her flowers are crazy amazing.

Every colour under the rainbow.

 

So I still have an ant problem.

Perhaps it takes a few weeks for these home mixtures to work?

 

I cut the back lawn after 9:00 p.m. – not bad neighbour as I have a push mower – no motor except for mine and I can guarantee everyone that it was not loud.

 

I got brave and put out some of the patio cushions.

The furniture looked so bare for such a long time – I just had to.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed some quiet time together inside and out.

First time in a long time we actually sat outside on the deck.

 

Well it is Friday.

I am glad for the weekend.

Tonight after work my daughter is picking me up and we are heading to COSTCO.

I actually like going there ….. nice to check things out.

There will be laundry in my future tonight.

Tomorrow Master Teddy will be joining us for the day and then in the afternoon my grand-pups will be joining us.

Their Mom & Dad have a wedding to attend.

So me and the pups tomorrow.

So excited.

 

Well remember as always ….. live each day with kindness and respect.

It works.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Yes, it is…..

 

Always, with love & respect Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of March, 2019.

YAY, it is the weekend.

 

I am so excited for this weekend.

Alvin is going to his sister’s house tonight after work, and I am spending some time with my cousins.

No matter who you live with – always a good idea to take a break from each other.

I am so excited to see my cousins.

 

We have so been enjoying this weather.

Walking on a regular basis – every night.

Longer than usual – we need to.

Doing the Happy Spring Dance.

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

How about an Alvin story from his first year with me.

 

September 27, 2010 – Alvin slept thru the night !!!

Just when I was almost getting used to getting up at 2:30 or 3:30 in the morning, the PUPPY surprised his Momma this morning and awoke at 6:40 a.m.  YAY.

Isn’t life grand.  Guess cause it was a Monday morning?  Not sure his reasons but I am most happy.  Up until last night or early this morning, Alvin has been waking up and wanting to go outside anywhere from 2:30 – 4:00 in the morning.  I have been getting up and taking him outside.  My reason is:  if the puppy wants to go outside, which he does, I am certain he has a good reason, which he did.

I did lay my foot down and did not “cave” and feed him breakfast when it was that early.  Instead we retreated to the sofa which is what we have been doing for months.  Alvin’s usual time of waking up is between 4:30 – 6:00.  But after over thirty years of having to arise early for work, which years ago included getting Amanda ready for the day …… I really like to sleep in a bit.  After all, I thought 8:00 was a good time to get up.  Oh my Alvin, keeps me on my toes.  Lately he is off schedule. Perhaps he is figuring we should mix things up a bit.  I cannot blame him for that….. after all his Momma is a writer and jewelry maker & designer so I am mixing things up all the time.

I love my Alvin.  As soon as I get ready and pop a load of laundry in the washer we are off on a walk.  We try and go every morning and every night.  We miss the odd one but are pretty faithful.  Good for our minds, bodies and souls.  Today we are going to pick up my grand-puppies, Elton and Miss Penny.  They will be spending the day with us.  So it will be fun and busy.

Have a great day !!

Always, Carol

 

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

Alvin and Penny ….. back in the day …..

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I am so excited to spend the weekend visiting with my cousins.

Remember we all have interesting stories to tell.

Your story is just as important as mine.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend W who has encouraged me for years to write.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 5th day of December, 2018.

WOW, this morning is zipping along.

HUGE winds last night.

Snow …. drifts …. more snow and drifts……argh….. looks pretty though.

I was thinking that my Christmas tree on the front porch would have tipped over but thankfully it is still standing this morning.

The wreath is still on the door as well.

Lots going on.

We went for a tour of our “new” temporary office digs yesterday afternoon.

Our current location is going to be completely renovated.

So many things that need to be corrected and fixed.

So that is a good thing.

I love my new spot in the office.

I am in a corner by a window.

So nice.

Very grateful for that ….

 

My daughter gave me a ride home last night from work.

So nice to have that time with her….. always enjoy our time together.

We stopped at the VET on the way to my house so that I could pick up Alvin’s food (not out but will be in a little bit) and his glucosamine.

Saves me having to carry the food home.

Especially now that we have snowbanks everywhere.

 

We are leaving early this morning as my friend is going to the Deputy Ministers Office to work for the next three days.

So I will be at work a bit more early but that is okay.

 

I shovelled some of the deck at 5:30 a.m. and if time will shovel the front before I leave or will have to do it tonight.

Have to finish the Christmas Cards that are to be mailed tomorrow.

Just have to put photos in and seal them.

Almost done.

Then there are all the cards that I hand deliver …. neighbours ….. work.

 

Well I should fly …. won’t be long until the carpool is here to pick me up.

I have time to shovel …. if I move it.

Nothing like some cardio before work…..

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

To all my friends and family in Saskatchewan …. I hope that the power is completely restored.

Wonder what happened to have the power go out over such a large area???

Keep warm and safe.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of October, 2018.

I am back.

Was down yesterday with a headache and just not overall feeling well.

Feeling better.

Later yesterday afternoon Alvin and I went for a walk.

The first bit of the walk I was thinking perhaps this was a bad idea and then once I ploughed through it – all was well.

Sometimes this happens after you have not been feeling well and then do a big chore or exercise.

Anyway we enjoyed the walk.

It was the perfect calm.

It was the perfect temperature.

It was the perfect walk.

Of course another side effect of staying home and sleeping ….. is that you are awake all or most of the night.

Oh well, it happens.

 

We are so happy to have this beautiful fall / autumn weather.

Sunny skies.

Warm temperatures.

Happy Dance.

 

Hard to believe that Halloween is right around the corner.

Next Wednesday.

I guess that makes it exactly one week away.

I have the house decorated and a bit outside.

I have bought the treats.

I am just deciding what to wear for work.

The carpool took the day off so that means I will have to dress up when I get to work.

Meaning I will have to leave extra early for work.

ARGH….

I guess it means keep it simple.

I can do that.

 

Master Teddy is coming for a sleepover and then will go home Thursday night.

YAY, Alvin will be happy.

 

Well it is almost time to leave for work.

Just a few things to do and see if Mr. Alvin needs to go back outside.

I hope that you all have an awesome WEDNESDAY.

Next week we can call it “WEIRD WEDNESDAY.”

Happy Wednesday for this week.

 

Special Hello to: my younger brother who is also beginning his “blogging – writing” journey.  I cannot wait to read your work and I know that you will be GREAT.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of October, 2018.

Another beautiful day on the way.

So gorgeous yesterday and tomorrow will take the prize at +18 degrees celsius.

YAY, we have fall, we are so HAPPY.

Doing a little jig ….

Doing a little happy dance…

 

Quick story about Mr. Alvin.

Yesterday my daughter had the day off and stopped by the house to pick up a couple of things.

When Alvin saw her coming I guess he started to quiver and shake.

My daughter said that he was so anxious.

She tried to feed him (as it was later in the afternoon and I was catching the bus home) but no luck.

She picked him up as he would not go outside to pee.

He likely thought that she was taking him in the car.

Without me at home, he panicked.

He does not love the car ride.

He does not like the car ride.

He barely tolerates the car ride.

He loves to be at home.

Poor boy.

When I arrived home a little bit later, he was fine.

I would never had know he had been in that state (unless my daughter told me).

That’s okay Mr. Alvin we will just stay at home.

 

I have been doing a lot of reading as of late.

Back to doing what I love and I love to read.

I came across this line and I think it to be true in a lot of situations.

“Sometimes all you have to do is shift your perspective to see someone else’s truth.”

Is that not the best line ever.

Or one of them anyway.

Love that line.

 

So here in Edmonton, life is pretty great.

Alvin and I are enjoying our walks in the evening.

Work is busy but I am grateful to be employed and able to pay my mortgage.

Always good to have food in the fridge and heat in the house.

I am very grateful to have the best family and friends.

So grateful that I have my life.

 

Have a great Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. you are the best sister ever.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. so grateful to be carpooling most days to work.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning well actually it is almost noon on Saturday the 25th day of November, 2017.

The sun is shining brightly and the air is warming up.

Today is the birthday of my first born niece.

Happy Birthday “D” …….

 

Not sure what happened to me other than I was up later than usual but I slept in until almost 10:00 a.m.

But factor in that I was up with Alvin at 4:30 and again at 6:30 and then again at 7:30 …..

I do feel rested.

Normally I am up between 7-8:00 a.m. on the weekends and is all dependant on what time we go to bed.

Alvin has one get up time and that is 4:30 a.m.  …… matters not when he goes to bed.

He is resting in the sunbeams here in the office while I write my blog.

 

So today is laundry and I am still without a functioning clothes dryer.

I am grateful for my friend who took the dryer apart, determined what the problem was and ordered the part and paid up front for the part.

He ordered it from the U.S. so it should be here this coming week.

Thankfully I have tons of towels and bedding so don’t have to worry about going elsewhere to dry those items.

My clothes – just hang up.

I air dry most of my clothing anyway ….. so it works out.

 

Today is stay home and get some work done.

I have most of my Christmas cards and letters written up and photos placed in the cards.

Ready to mail and hand deliver the ones close by.

The remaining Christmas cards to write up are for my co-workers at the office.

I will do them today.

Also have to make the list for baking supplies and yes, SUGAR COOKIES are once again back on the list.

I had no idea they were so popular.

YAY, me, I guess.

We have cleaning to do, er, no Alvin, I have cleaning to do.

We will go for a walk and deliver cards at the same time.

Lots to do ….

Tomorrow is the shopping day …. one of my girl friends is giving me a ride to and from the stores.

 

I guess it is a busy time for most people.

We have to remember to be kind to the people in retail – they do not get paid enough for you to disrespect them nor should we do so at any time of the year.

I know everyone is out there clambering to get the best deal – but be polite – be kind – everyone’s time is important.

Just relax and do what you need to do.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Alvin ….. let’s get to work.

I am happy to see the sunshine.

Happy, happy, happy.

Doing the chair, sit down happy dance.

Humming away….. smiling.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girl.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of May, 2017.

A glorious morning ….. I can see the sunrise …… so beautiful.

Blue sky …… YAY…..

Doing the happy dance.

 

This has been a week full of little surprises.

All good.

Last night my youngest brother called me.

So nice to chat with him and catch up.

 

Life has a way of getting away on a person.

Sometimes you just have to take the time and catch up.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

May it be full of promise and fulfillment.

Happy Thursday everyone.

 

Special Hello to: my siblings ….. looking forward to seeing you all this summer.

Always, Carol and Alvin