Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am happy to be working from home today. Alvin had a good vet appointment yesterday. No ear infection. Same weight as last visit. Anal glands not full. Had his nails trimmed. YAY. We are done for another 5 weeks. While I was at the clinic, I asked if they could put in an order for Alvin’s food and Michelle, the Vet Tech said “I already ordered it and it is here for you.” WOW, that was great. They ordered two cases of the wet and one bag of the dry food which is exactly what I wanted. So I paid for the food and his visit which was almost $500.00 but he will have food for awhile. He still has lots at home but I do not wish to run the risk of him running out. You never know these days. It would not matter so much but he is on a special diet and needs this special food. We walked to his appointment yesterday. I realized partway through the day that it was icy outside. A few minutes before leaving I went outside and cleared some of the snow from the lawn making a path to the public sidewalk where I tossed some snow which gave me some traction to the street. We walked on the edge of the street until we reached dry sidewalk. Unfortunately our whole side of the sidewalk until we arrived at the walkway was icy but thankfully once we were past our street it was good. I am grateful that Gillian and I picked up those ice picks for your boots at Costco. They worked like a charm. I left them on my boots. Guess I will need to take shoes to work from now on.

Looks like this morning we will have some cuddling time before I start work. Glancing about my office I see that my African Violet is a covered with rich purple flowers. So very beautiful. I love my home office space as it is filled with all of the things that I love and that help me feel creative. I have books, photos of family and friends, cards, cool window coverings and more books and more trinkets and ornaments. It is my happy space. I guess you could say that my whole house is my happy place, happy space. I love my house, each room for different reasons and am over the moon grateful to be living here.

Well it is almost time to head downstairs and plug in the coffee. I already prepared the coffee so just needs to be plugged in to perk. YAY, me. Alvin is resting just outside the office door.

Tonight I am going to sit down and make a list of all the people and events that I require baking/sweet treats for and calculate how many of each item is “needed.” I know that I am baking Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Fudge for three items. Likely not much as I need to make massive amounts of the cookies for sure. Then I will pull out my recipes and ensure that I have all of the ingredients to bake as the first weekend of December is one week away from this Friday. OMG, where has the time gone. I also need on this weekend to hit the grocery store and pick up some final items and go to the Bone & Biscuit to pick up gifts for Alvin, Aspen, Milo and Cookie.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: always be prepared! Grateful for this weather. Thanks to our friend Gillian who is going to pick up Alvin’s food today. I could not live my life without such great friends such as her 🙂

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are doing great. I am so happy that I am able to work from home again today. Alvin is feeling much better. Thankfully we did not need to pay a visit to the vet. We love our vet but happy when things improve without her attention. So grateful that today is Friday. I am going to bring up my Christmas Tree and decorations and start the process which will take me tonight and tomorrow to complete. I love having my house decorated and with the state of the world and the economy at this time, I think that we need to surround ourselves with the things that we love. This will not cost me anything to do. Now the lights may increase my electricity bill a bit but will not be much. They are the LED lights and they do not use much power. I do not need to buy more decorations as I have a basement full, not quite but I do have lots. I will be in my happy, happy place for a few months. Maybe I will leave them up until February, lol. Anyway, I am happy for today.

We may find it difficult to remain positive and happy and charged with life with the state of our world around us. So I am enforcing within myself, that everyday, I repeat aloud or to myself “all of the things that I am grateful for.” When we are in a state of gratitude somehow the world around us seems to work better. Seems to be more happy, to be more in sync with us. I am so very grateful for our furnace that keeps me and Alvin warm on a winter’s day. I am so very grateful that our appliance from the washer & dryer to the microwave and everything in between work so that we may live our lives. I am so very grateful that I am able to pay my utility bills, the mortgage payments knowing that part of that money helps to pay other people their wages to live their lives. I am so very grateful to be in good health and for Alvin’s speedy return to feeling better so that we can enjoy this life of ours. One of the most important things that I am grateful for is my family and friends, for their love and support and just for being in our lives, they make me a better person, a better human every day.

Well I believe that someone has to go outside. So I must sign off for now. I wish you a glorious Friday. Do something that brings you great joy. There are many things you can do that do not cost a penny. Go for a walk with yourself, your dog, your friend, your sister. Turn on your favorite song in your mind and take a dance across the living room floor. Sit outside in your backyard and just be zen. Call a friend or a family member. Use some of that flour sitting in your pantry, a couple of eggs, some oil, and bake a cake (using whatever you have-maybe throw in some Halloween candy). Enjoy!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning. A bit of a cool breeze wafting in through the open office window. The sun is up. I think it will be a warm one. I heard a weird sound coming from the fireplace (gas) earlier – might have been a bird. Maybe was sitting on the chimney and the sound carried.

Yesterday we had two delightful walks, once before work in the morning and the other at 7:50 p.m. last night. One of my friends had popped by for a few minutes (dropping something off) and as she was leaving and we were chatting at the doorway, I realized how nice it was outside. Not too hot so I quickly got Mr. Alvin ready and we went for an evening stroll. For the second time in one day we went to our “happy place” which is my friend Pauline’s backyard. We did not go in but admired from afar.

OKAY, today is a special day. Today we celebrate two special friends birthdays. One friend I have known since high school and the other for about six years. I met Iris while walking with Alvin. Both incredible women. Happy 65th Birthday to my dear friend Carolyn. I had sent her a Birthday text a few minutes ago and as I was sending a birthday message to Iris, a phone call came in from Carolyn. OMG, so exciting. I am not sure why we do not call but we have been texting. I guess texting is the thing not that either of us “do the thing” per say. It was so good to hear her voice. She made my day, my month, my year. Sometimes we forget how great it is to hear someone’s actual voice. Happy Birthday Ladies. Wishing you both the best day and may the days to follow be filled with continued good health, much love and laughter and abundance. May we continue to stop the smell the roses.

This will be short as I am running late, go figure, lol. We have to get in a walk. Might be a bit shorter but we are going to walk.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I forgot to tell Carolyn that I have been wearing the jade ring that she gave me since 1976. She brought it back from a trip she had taken. I am so blessed to have such amazing longtime friends.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well I guess today is the day. At 6:20 a.m. this morning, I turned 65. Yup, hard to believe that I have lived 6.5 decades on this earth. Where has the time gone. Last night just after I laid down to go to sleep, my tummy felt a bit on the rolly side. A few minutes later, I knew why. This morning I feel great however, I have learned a valuable lesson, no more weird combinations. Definitely no more fried potatoes with cheese and cut back on the tomatoes. That was too much for my tummy. It did not include the other items that I ate throughout the day which was way more than I usually eat. Just did not wish to waste anything. Learned the hard way.

I would like to wish the following people a very Happy Birthday as they share this day with me: cousin Michael, Dennis, April and Hoda Kotb. Also I believe that I missed my grandpup Milo’s birthday yesterday. I am sorry. Happy Birthday to all those people that I do not know that share August 9th as their birthday.

Well I have plans to give Alvin a bit more of a trim and bath, then I will need a shower. The house is cool at the moment but it is supposed to heat up once again. Earlier this morning it was 67 degrees fahrenheit which is a far cry from the 78 yesterday afternoon. Sure can change over the course of the day.

I have been over to check on my charges already this morning. They are all doing well. This is the first time since I started going over that both Humphrey and Bogart ate at the same time out of their own dishes. I took a video. So cute.

Last night my friend Pauline stopped by to give me a hug, a gift and some of her blueberry crisp. How blessed am I. This morning on our walk, we stopped and had a few minutes in her garden. I just had to spend some time in my happy place.

Later today a friend is coming over to bring supper, we are having Mexican theme and I am supplying the dessert which is Birthday cake from Sunday.

I would like thank all of my family and friends who reached out via text since early morning with “Birthday wishes.” Feeling incredibly blessed. Thank you all my family and friends for the most thoughtful cards. There is nothing like going to the mailbox and finding birthday cards. In fact, that happened yesterday. I went to the mailbox and the mail delivery person (he) was putting all the mail and parcels into the open boxes. A woman walked by looking for her cat. After a bit of chit chat, he said what is your address, so I told him and he handed me the mail which consisted of 3 birthday cards and a small card advertising something. He said must be someone’s birthday and I said it was mine followed by are you doing anything special for your birthday and I told him. He wished me a Happy Birthday.

The sky is blue, the sun is shining and there is a breeze.

Miscellaneous photos of a life well lived!

Mother’s Day 2022

Halloween Witch 2021

64

Me and my Alvin

Me, Alvin, Penny & Elton

Me & pups

Me and my Manda

Family

One of my favourites…1980’s

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Me and my longest time friend

My first BF ….. SISTERS Happy Easter Sista …..

Siblings

My siblings and I with our Grandfather …. a long time ago….

Me and Alvin

There be kids and puppies ………and ME…..Summer of 2009

The KISS

I could post photos for the next ten years and never post all my favourites. This life of mine has been incredible thus far. Fun fact: I have over 40,000 photos and videos on my computer, 1424 photos on my phone, 102 videos and I have roughly 10,000 actual photos. Not including from video cameras.

Time to head downstairs and have some coffee. We can laugh about the hair from years gone by, cry that it was from the 80’s but then we grateful that we have something to laugh and cry about.

To all those people that have shared this journey with me, thank you. Some of them are no longer with us but I will always remember our time together.

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

Thank you.

This has been the best birthday yet.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: today is the day.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Another overcast cloudy raining morning. Yesterday we had a hair amount of rain. We were able to go for a walk at my lunch break without being rained upon. Of course, we walked to our friend Pauline’s house and admired the garden from the gate. We did not go in as we had stopped to say hello to other neighbours who were out on their porch. Alvin always has to say hello and I follow, apologizing. He leads the way most times. Pauline’s sunflowers are amazing and so many flowers that I do not know their names. Colours of the rainbow. The trees this morning look saturated as they sway in the wind. Cannot even say breeze, it is definitely windy. The sky is actually gray not blue. By noon it is supposed to stop raining and only be cloudy so we should be able to go for a walk. Next week or maybe even this weekend, the temperatures are supposed to take an upward turn. In fact, the day that we are supposed to go and visit the kids for a few days is to be +30 degrees celsius. I am not sure what will happen. Time will tell. I am hopeful that we will be able to go and visit them.

One request that I made of my daughter for my birthday was to have a weiner / marshmallow roast. I am not much for meat and especially not hot dogs however, I have been craving them as of late. So that is my birthday supper request. Simple and easy. I am all about that these days. I have a cake already that my friend Val baked for me in the shape of 6 – 5. I froze the cake so that I could take it with us. I also have a cooler that she gave me for my last birthday, I believe. I am all set.

Well as today is my last day of work, I am going to cut this short. I want to ensure that I am all caught up as I leave for one week plus one day of vacation.

Have a wonderful day. Stay dry and warm. If it is raining where you are!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 4 days to go until I turn 65. WOW.

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Had a great time with our visitors. Mi-Mi AKA Milo was so good with Alvin. They do not see each other very often but they were good together. Alvin let Milo walk ahead of him on our lunchtime walk. The temperature was warm, very warm and I am so glad that I always take a jug of water for Alvin as Milo drank quite a lot as well. They were glad to get back home. We just walked to Pauline’s home and back. Now we are back to normal. Company gone and are back to their home.

Well we are up and ready to go for a walk before the heat of the day sets in. We will be out of the house before 7:00 a.m. I have windows open and blinds closed to bring in the coolness of the air and will close as it begins to heat up.

I have the photos of my Happy Place!

Roses by park

Entrance to park

Fountain

Entrance to park

Wishing you a great day. If you are out walking please take water. Keep yourself and your pets hydrated.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: oh yeah, 28 days till 65.

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I trust that you are well and enjoying the weekend. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is shining and there is the most refreshing breeze wafting through my office window as I type these words. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hallway carpet, waiting for me. Another glorious weekend. Everything from walks to visits to video chat and in between some work got done. Yesterday morning we started out the day with a walk and I was happy that we were able to do what I refer to as a full one / normal one, then there was some laundry, coffee, breakfast, more laundry, cleaning and laundry. Our friend sent us an email inviting us for a visit as she missed us in the morning. We were just in process of getting Alvin’s harness ready to put on when there was a loud knock at the door, I was not expecting anyone so I carefully opened the door, to our surprise on the other side of the door was Pauline and Georgie. They had decided to walk over and pick us up so we could walk together. She also gave me a very thoughtful thank you card with the most beautiful floral design on the front. I thanked her and set it on the counter and continued getting us ready to go. A few minutes later we were out the door, I picked up Alvin and carried him down the steps as I have been doing as of late. Helping to keep him from injuring his knees. We walked and chatted and even saw neighbours outside along the way. When we arrived at the park Pauline suggested that we go the back way through the grass (which recently had been cut) the opposite side of the park which does not have a sidewalk. It was nice as the grass was wet and cool. We took a shortcut through the trees between the second and third pond which had us walking on some stones to come out near her house. My flip flops were wet and I was almost going to take them off to cross the stones as I thought more safe in bare feet but decided to go slow and most of the stones had more flat tops and rounded. It only took us a minute or so to cross. The pups got a bit wet as there was water up near the stones/rocks. Next thing we were through their gate and in the backyard where I removed Alvin’s leash and a minute later decided to take off his harness as it was warm outside. He was happy. Pauline grabbed a couple of cushions for the chairs that sit under the deck on the patio out of the sun. Then she was in the house to get our refreshments. While she was in the house Georgie jumped up on my lap while Alvin paced the patio sniffing and what not. We had iced tea and banana bread. She also brought out some photos of their Ontario trip to show me. Sometime during the visit I had lifted Mr. Alvin up on a third empty chair which was in between us, and he relaxed while we chatted. Georgie on Pauline’s lap. It was about 5:00 p.m. when Pauline noticed that the sky to the west was beginning to get some very ominous clouds developing and suggested that we may want to go home before the rain. I took a quick look and decided that we best be going and grabbed Alvin’s harness and his water bottle and put on his leash and said our goodbyes and were on our way. We were coming by Lucy’s house and she was outside doing yard work, we quickly said hello and pointed to the sky and advised that we had to get home before the storm hit. A little while later we saw a neighbour walking her two yellow labs and pointed out the storm. We hightailed it home. Just about home and saw our neighbour who recently had surgery out front speaking with her neighbour. We stopped briefly to say hello before going the last couple of minutes to our house. I think we were home not even 10 minutes when it began to rain. The storm was not like Thursday night and I was very happy about that. After that I fed Mr. Alvin his supper, turned on the last load of laundry and the dryer. I got my supper in the oven and then texted my sister. We ended up having a video chat via messenger as my cell phone cuts in and out and one cannot have a very good conversation that way. I am chalking it up to dead zones in the house which appear to be increasing over time. I plan to call Telus who is our provider in the area and see what can be done. Just seems like there has not been time to do so. If it were a matter of calling and speaking to someone right away that would be one thing but it is always a long wait and then I would be cutting in and out. I will perhaps try and contact them on-line. I had a great chat with my sister and had a late supper at 7:30 p.m. I cannot remember the last time that I ate that late but it happens. We were out and about and enjoying life. Who cares, right. Most important things we had great walks, good exercise, good company and visits with family and friends! Last night was quiet. I watched a movie followed by bed. That was our Saturday.

Today my daughter Amanda and one of my grandpups, the little one named Mi-Mi or Milo is coming for a visit and will spend the night. She will go to the office from here and then pick up Mi-Mi after work. We have lots to do this afternoon and evening.

Time to fly and have a shower. I brought up all of the laundry that had been drying and put it all away. I dry most of my clothes on racks. They last longer that way.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Enjoy the morning, maybe even get out for a walk.

We might get out after my shower or wait for the others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: now 30 days till turn 65. The card was beautiful with a gift inside for looking after her garden while they were away. I called her to thank her for her generosity and that it was not necessary but she insisted. Smells like weed outside, not the garden variety – coming in through my open window. Smells like skunk ….. lol

The New Year 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are doing great. I had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday. My daughter picked me up in the late morning so that we could arrive at Creekside Nursery & Garden when it opened. Wow, did it ever get busy fast. Initially we both thought that we would just look and pick up maybe the odd flower as it is too early to plant. Well that did not last long. By the time we got to the check-out our cart was filled to the brim, no room left for even the smallest container. I also picked up a cream coloured ceramic flower pot, three bags of potting soil, gardening gloves, fertilizer, and some plants which included tomatoes, greek oregano ( I did not know there was such a thing), begonias, violas, pansies and impatiens and lavender.

The photos are all from home except for the first two and the stock photo.

Photo by George Dolgikh @ Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

My kitchen looks amazing. I will keep the plants inside until it is warmer to plant them. What a gorgeous workspace. My happy place. I apologize for the slightly blurry photos as they looked clear when I snapped them.

I hope that your Mother’s Day was awesome.

Well it is almost time to head downstairs. Get this Monday started.

Alvin and I had a quiet Mother’s Day evening which suited me fine.

The sun is shining this morning, there is a breeze, buds on the trees and even small small leaves on some of the trees.

Feels like almost summer now that I have my flowers.

Happy Days ahead.

Have a fantastic day.

Happy Monday.

I am so grateful for such a great Mother’s Day with my daughter, grateful for all the beautiful plants I was able to purchase, grateful to be alive, grateful for my darling Alvin and my son-in-law and my grandpups. Thank you for this great life.

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

Always, Carol & AL

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are well. Up a few extra times but other than that okay. He seems to be feeling better. The sky is overcast so not sure what is going to happen today. I think the temperature is supposed to be plus 18 degrees celsius. Which is great.

Yesterday after work was lovely. Alvin and I went right away on a walk. As we approached our friend Pauline’s yard we both skipped a heartbeat as we saw her bent over working in the garden. Alvin pulled me to the gate and I called out so not to startle her. Alvin as soon as he was at the gate started to bark. Just at that time, we started to chat. She said to Alvin, “Come on in Alvin and opened the gate.” I replied “does that include me,” and we both laughed. Pauline had her grandpup Georgie over visiting so she brought him outside. The pups said hello. All was well. Georgie is younger and has lots of energy so sometimes he got over stimulated when Alvin was there. Not this time, they were both happy in each other’s company.

I have to say there are a few places on this earth that bring me such great joy and in my friend’s backyard is one of them. Her backyard is huge and it affords Alvin to run without being on a leash. He is so full of joy running from one corner to the other smelling each blade of grass, checking out each and every pot, tree, shrub and so on. When he is happy I am over the moon. Both of us were clearly excited that it is time once again to go to our happy place. We had as always one of the best chats. We talk about everything. Family, weather, gardening and more. I happened to glance at my watch and saw that it was almost 5:30 p.m. Wow, we had been there for over one hour. Time flies when we get together. Then we said our goodbyes and were on our way.

Back home, supper for Alvin and leftovers to warm for me. We had a lovely quiet evening.

Planning in my mind what to buy for plants and what to get for seeds. Have to get things soon. My daughter said that we should go to one of the nursery / garden places on Mother’s Day. I think that sounds great.

Well time once again to head downstairs and start work. I have to throw on the coffee as I had to shower and ran out of time to do it earlier.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Yesterday Ceridian the company that does our payroll etc. was down. Get this worldwide. I wonder if they were hacked?

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning, doing well I hope. Alvin and I had a good morning thus far. I was up and stayed up at 6:20 a.m. – going to make a point of trying to get up at least by 6:00 a.m. each morning so that I can enjoy the early morning sunrises. I can feel the sun on my heart and soul. Erasing the anxiety of days gone by. The sky is blue and the wind is blowing and life is good.

We had a wonderful weekend. Sunday was basically a repeat of Saturday. My friend Gillian came for coffee in the morning and we chatted up a storm. So much good conversation. Friends are the best. I love her, she keeps me thinking and young. Gillian is also going to pop by and check in on Mr. Alvin while I am away at the office tomorrow. So grateful to have such dear friends. Very grateful. The other pea in our pod has a cold and decided to keep her “germs” at home. We missed her. I shared some of the delectable baking that my friend Val had sent to me from Regina. So good. Love(d) the cinnamon buns and my favourite the “biscotti.” I love that word. Sounds beautiful, so Italian. I would love to travel there some day. But for now I go there in my dreams.

The earlier plan had been for my daughter to come for a visit in the afternoon but then she decided to come today and then spend the night. She will come later this afternoon. Makes sense as she is going to drive me to work in the morning. Then we have the evening to get caught up on all things the trip to VEGAS! I am making her favorite supper – chicken stir fry.

With the change in plans yesterday, I decided to go for a walk a bit earlier. Another sweater day. When we got around the park to our friend Lucy’s house, who did I see hanging from a ladder trimming one of her trees, but LUCY! OMG, all alone and doing that. We caught her eye and she happily accepted me to stay while she finished the tree. We had some great conversation while Mr. Alvin sat patiently. She was up and down the ladder. I handed her her trimming shears and the long handled ones. I was wishing that I had those sizes as well. I only have the one on the pole. She likes things to be clear and simple. So all the extra branches some of which had died, she wanted gone. Most people wouldn’t be bothered but not Miss Lucy. Up that ladder and leaning on the trunk of the tree, took my breath away. She kept saying how much she appreciated us being there but we could go as she did not want to interrupt our walk. I plainly said “No, we are not leaving until you are done pruning the tree.” We stayed. There was no way I was leaving her alone. Once she was finished we were on our way. By the time we got home it was close to two hours of walking/fresh air/visiting. I was in my happy place. Alvin was in his and pooped. I think he figured it was suppertime but no too early for that but I did give him a snack. Likely better as he gets older to cut back on the breakfast and supper and give him snacks (his food) late morning and mid afternoon. Keeps his belly full and happy.

I also cleaned out my pantry and discarded and recontained all of my spices. Thank you Val for the new tupperware spice containers.

I made a really delicious pasta with tomato sauce. Was disappointed when I went to put it away and noticed that I had forgot to use the pepperoncini and roasted tomatoes that I had purchased for this meal. Oh well, I can also add them to the leftovers. LOL. The fresh PARM from the Italian store was so darn good.

Well we had a nice evening. Oh and before supper I brought out some of our patio furniture. Now it looks like spring/summer. I am happy.

Time to go and plug in the coffee and soon to start work.

Looking forward to seeing my girl later today.

Have an awesome Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin