A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? The sky looks so beautiful this morning with all the layers of blues, almost purple, oranges and pinks. Absolutely gorgeous. Great way to start the day with a great sunrise. We had a good sleep, I was up more than Alvin. He definitely is on the mend. His poop is starting to look like poop and there does not appear to be any signs of blood (I was looking in the porch light as it was dark as I held the bag up). This morning I started to wean him off the bland diet by slowly introducting his regular food. It was easy to do, 1/4 cup of rice, chicken, his wet and dry food and then some pumpkin with the Metamucil. I was easily able to get him to take his medicine this morning which was a relief. Nothing like having to keep picking up pieces of a pill and rewrapping in chicken. Perhaps he was playing me! Anyway, things are looking up. I am so relieved. Hopefully by the end of this week we will be back to normal.

Yesterday my daughter stayed until about lunchtime. She helped me with some computer stuff. Still not able to find out why we cannot upload photos to WordPress but we found a work around, oh I know about work rounds. My work is all about that. Why is it with every update or new model that something that was working fine is no longer working? Anyway, that is for another day. Amanda was going to put all my photos on the external hard drive but there is a problem, a specific cord was not included. Of course, the hard drive is new and my old computer is not. She thought it was included but it was not. She has the same hard drive so can bring me one next time she comes over. See what I mean about technology. Let’s keep updating technology so that people have to keep buying all the adapters, cords etc. Makes me want to cry. Nothing is easy and they have us all over a barrel.

I tried once again to add some photos to this post. But no luck. I have company coming for coffee in a few minutes so need to go and put on the coffee. I will figure this out. We thought maybe because I had so many photos in my gallery here but that does not seem to be the issue. ARGH.

On that note, I am going to add some wonderful memories from 2022, my 65th Birthday…….. ah…..

H

Have a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are okay. Alvin still has diarrhea but it is less and definitely less blood. Sorry for the descriptive language this early in the day. But all in all it seems better than he was on Tuesday. He certainly loves the chicken more than the rice. It has been a bit of a challenge to get his medications into him but so far only missed one pill that ended up too mushy in his rice that he wouldn’t eat. They are intelligent creatures and likely his sense of smell is way better than mine or most humans. Yesterday worked out okay with me working from home. I was able to take him out whenever he needed to go as once he asks, he needs to get outside now.

I am grateful that the weather has been mild. Certainly has helped the middle of the night trips outside with the Alvin. I would go no matter what but has helped make it more bearable.

So grateful for all my family and friends who have reached out to check on his status. Thank you.

I am grateful that today is Friday and it is almost the weekend.

I am grateful that Amanda is coming for a sleepover. We are both always over the moon to see her.

I am grateful that I have a job where I can work from home.

Oh, Val, I am wearing my new green sweater this morning. So yesterday the doorbell rings and there, stands this guy with a huge box. As he hands it to me, he says, “it is a heavy one.” I said “thank you” and he was on his way. I quickly put the box down and went back to work. On my break I opened it up to find so many goodies (Christmas box) from our friend Val, who spoils us rotten. There was biscotti (my absolutely favourite), some dill pickle biscuits (had one with supper, so good), apple tarts, chocolate muffins, homemade treats for Alvin and other baking for me. There was also the most perfect GREEN sweater for the Momma, “me.” I am wearing the sweater now and it is the perfect weight and I LOVE the colour. There was also some Epicure items in my gift. Also in the box was my Epicure order and my daughter’s. There was a lot of things in that box. Filled my counter. I let Alvin open his gift but he found it a bit difficult this time around so I lent a helping hand and then he was in ….. I know he wasn’t supposed to have anything but what is on his “bland diet” but he was whining and crying and so excited, that I gave him one treat. I broke it into three pieces and he happily gobbled it down. We are over the moon grateful to have this amazing human in our lives. She treats me and Alvin like “rock stars” no better than that….. we are truly blessed. Thanks Val. We love our treats and I cannot wait to taste some of the baked goods tonight with Amanda.

Well it is almost time to head downstairs and get to work. Get that coffee plugged in.

Have an awesome Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Another partially sleepless night in Edmonton at our house. I gave Mr. Alvin his very last meds prescribed after his surgery and was hopefully that we could get back to a somewhat routine but alas it did not happen last night. We went to bed about the same time as pre surgery and we were up and down for the next two hours or so. I guess it is possible that his body is now missing the drugs that he was given. Likely similar to when we come off some kinds of prescriptions. I do remember one of the nurses saying when I mixed up the dose schedule remarking that the dosage is not high, is very low. So is this even a thing that he may or may not be going through. Perhaps it is just that his schedule has been all over the place during the last couple of weeks. He is still healing and I need to be patient. It is more than difficult to be patient when you are sleep deprived. Guess what first thing this morning and for the week – I am training a coworker. This will be fun for sure. Perhaps tonight will be different. When we came downstairs last night the first time we just stayed downstairs – on the sofa. Sometime between 11:00 and midnight, when he was up and down and wandering around the main floor, I decided that we would go back upstairs to bed. Hopeful that he would settle down on the bed with more room to spread out than the sofa and he DID. We slept until 4:35 a.m. which was good and then it was up and down every hour until I just stayed up. But some sleep as broken up as it was – is always better than nothing.

The sky is slightly overcast this morning. Even without the sun shining it is light earlier now and that makes it easier to stay up.

I cannot believe it is Monday morning already. Where did the weekend go? Yup, it evaporated as always. I did get most things done like laundry, household and almost finished my taxes. Just a bit to do and I will finish them this week. That will be a big job done.

The weather channel shows plus temperatures for this week and I am grateful. I booked Friday off as a vacation day long before I knew Alvin would need surgery. He is getting his stitches out in the morning. One thing that I did not quite figure out yet is how to get him there. We are not walking as it is muddy and wet. I do not wish to get his belly dirty before the stitches come out. I guess that I have a week to see if I can get us a ride. Hopefully if this weather – most of the ice and snow will have melted and the sidewalks will be dry.

Reminder to myself to be grateful to be alive. Grateful for our health and our home. Grateful for our family and friends. Grateful to be employed and so grateful that I am able to work from home. I would have had to use a minimum of two weeks with Alvin over his appointments and surgery. There is always a silver lining to every story. We often times, lose sight of that or at least last night I did for sure. Grateful for this life as it is all mine, no matter what.

Well time to go and plus in the coffee and get set up for work. Training is ahead of me. First time for me doing virtually with someone. Coffee will taste extra special this morning.

Remembering each moment of each day to be, to show kindness, respect, compassion and patience with gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

TGIF.

I never really used that “term” when it was all the rage back in the day.

I do not even remember what decade it was ….. 80’s maybe??

Anyway in this decade it seems as though the younger ones are all about using abbreviations for everything.

Yes, I know they do not refer to the shortened versions of words as abbreviations, there are all sorts of words to describe.

Also in this decade it is all about the memes and emojis, words that are new to us older folk.

Always something …. what will be next, I wonder?

Food for thought.

 

After work last night Alvin and I enjoyed a nice walk.

The air was warm and no gale force wind or bugs.

Just gorgeous.

Today they said 24 degrees celsius.

That would be considered a warm summer’s day.

 

There is a breeze out there this morning.

But it was warm when I was out earlier picking up the little treasures Alvin leaves for me on the grass.

I love the little guy.

Never would have thought that I would have a doggie and be picking up poop from my backyard.

Actually I dreamed of having my own backyard and it wasn’t until several months before it happened that I started to think that I could have one.

I likely kept the house out of my life all those years when I was a single Mom.

Perhaps if I had changed my train of thought and had been thinking “anything is possible and I can have a house” ….. it may have happened much sooner.

Oh well, I am happy that I have one now and my daughter well she has a beautiful one …..

Sometimes you have to work your way up.

 

Mr. Alvin was up just after 3:00 a.m. as his paws were bothering him, he also had to pee and poop.

Too much information, sorry.

So up we went.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and also a pain pill.

Outside to do his thing and then back to the sofa.

I wanted to get up at 6:15 and we had woke up but I was tired and thought it was earlier than it was ….

Next time it was 6:38 a.m.

So had to put the pedal to the metal this morning.

Thankfully I still had time to have a shower and do what I needed to do.

 

Well time to go and I definitely need that cup of coffee this morning.

I hope that you have the best Friday ever.

I wish you love and support, compassion and care, kindness and respect.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Was taken a bit ago but I love these flowers …. so pretty.

We all need a bit of pretty in our lives……..

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Mainly sun filled skies for this Wednesday morning.

Breezy.

Alvin my trusted companion once again on his blue blanket.

Keeping me company.

I guess he is my muse!!

 

How many of you out there are over 50?

How many of you have a spouse?

How many are single?

How many of you out there are on your own and over 50?

How many of you out there are over 50 and retired?

How many of you out there are over 50 and working full-time?

 

As many as I know that are over 50, likely more so are over 55 and retired – there are as many still working.

There are a dozen reasons for both.

The main reason is MONEY.

Isn’t that always the way.

I guess health could play a large role as well.

 

I was just thinking of all the folks that I know that are retired and of all of us that are working.

Sometimes working is a means to an end.

If you want to have a house, pay your bills and have food on the table.

Then working is what you have to do.

 

Kind of a heavy topic for this time of morning.

But as I am in this moment.

That is what I was/am thinking about.

 

I do like working but then again I would love to be at home with Alvin.

What can you do?

Write a book?

Working on it.

Yes, I am.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Where does the time go?

Time is a fleeting thing ….. oh my.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of April, 2019.

Waking up to gloominess.

Where oh where has the beautiful bright sunrise gone?

The sky is that grey.

That gloomy colour.

The one that does not give you energy to get up and go.

Thankfully I have the pups for that …. Alvin and Teddy.

Playing already this morning.

I am so grateful that Teddy has arrived in our lives.

He gives us energy and Alvin plays now.

Even when Teddy is not around.

He grabs his toys and runs around the house; sometimes throwing them into the air.

Sometimes Alvin’s gregarious nature startles Teddy a bit, I think.

Perhaps a bit too “social.”

But they definitely are good friends.

Last night for dessert while hanging out with the boys.

I had a Baileys Banana Chocolate Frozen Dessert.

You know a little frozen banana pieces, throw in some coconut milk, a nice heaping tablespoon of dark cocoa and some BAILEYS, just a nice healthy splash.

VOILA ….. delicious.

As it was better frozen – I had to eat while in that state.

By the time I was done – a little buzz.

Just something I threw together while I watched “Kathie Lee Gifford’s last TODAY SHOW as a regular HOST.

I am sure going to miss that wicked sense of humour, her light, her kindness and her talent.

She can take a blah day or a sad moment and turn it all round with one lift of her eyebrow and a turn of her mouth.

In my previous post I did not mention her writing.

Songs, books both adult and children, plays and movies.

She sings, acts and really could have been a stand-up comedian.

 

Really there is not much this lady has not accomplished and is still accomplishing well into her 60’s.

I salute you Kathie Lee and look forward to hearing your news and music, and watching your movies.

Definitely a legend.

All the Best.

 

Bedtime for me and the boys.

They each had a chew treat.

Of course, Mr. Alvin wanted Teddy’s even though he had his own.

Oh, me Alvin.

What am I going to do with you?

 

The boys with me in my office while I write this blog post.

They patiently wait for me.

Well before a riot breaks out I had better grab the boys and head to the shower.

Too much sitting around for the boys can mean only one thing – “trouble.”

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

May the light shine on us always.

Good Health, Joy and so much laughter that you almost pee your pants.

That is what I wish for you …..

 

Special Hello to: my friend “LE” who is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of February, 2019.

Today was my Grandmother’s Birthday.

She was born this date in 1901 and passed in 1998.

Last night just as I was getting ready to leave the office, I decided to quickly check on Facebook to see if I had a message from Teddy’s Aunt about walking.

When I noticed a message from my friend “V” back home …. she told me that a friend and co-worker from back home in Regina had passed away.

She only recently turned 56.

No forewarning.

She is way too young to be gone.

One of the smartest, most sharp witted, compassionate, friendly people I know.

She loved her family dearly which included fur-babies.

Always posting photos.

She will be missed.

I remember going to her for advice generally about work issues.

I always commented on her beautiful gold chains with a wide variety of charms/pendants, which she always wore in layers.

We will miss you our dear friend.

Sending my thoughts and prayers to my friend’s family and friends.

 

Having two people pass in close proximity of each other can really throw a curveball at one’s own mortality.

Makes you think about things.

Definitely have to be more aware of “sweating the small stuff.”

We are all guilty of that …..

Work harder and smarter about exercise and health.

Make certain that you tell your family and friends that you love them.

ALWAYS.

Today I am sad for all the missed memories these two great people will miss.

Not for what they would or could have done but for the memories.

The memories of graduations, weddings and grandchildren.

All of the important things, the real important things in life.

The people …..

 

I hope that you have a great Thursday.

Be safe, Be kind and Live your Life.

 

Special Hello:  ALL my family and friends, I love you all more than words can say.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of October, 2015.

We have a new government voted in last night in Canada.

The Liberal Party won with a majority vote.

So let us see what they can do for us.

Congratulations Justin Trudeau.

Change can be good.

 

I certainly know all about change.

In the years prior to moving to Alberta my life was pretty much the same.

With this I mean …. that I got up …. went to work and went home.

I did volunteer work and visited with my friends and family.

Work was for the most part the same.

Although we did implement a new computer system in the 90’s.

I knew my job …. lived in the same apartment …..

Since 2008 my life has been full of change.

Some good some not.

But all I can say is that you have to embrace whatever comes your way.

You always have a choice not matter what the situation is ….

Choice is to make it okay or not.

Why stress over CHANGE when it comes into your life.

Just hold onto to it, and run.

If you put a positive spin on change it will not seem so overwhelming.

Why stress ….. I think in these past few years that most people have been dumped right into the midst of change.

Change in the economy and to their jobs.

Change in family and friends.

Change in health.

Change.

So on this Tuesday …. when change comes your way ….. embrace it.

We do absolutely require CHANGE to grow.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Special Hello to:  so grateful for the video chat with my sister and great niece on Sunday night.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 15th day of April, 2015.

It is a glorious morning here in Edmonton …. sun is shining and I am on vacation for the rest of the week.

Today is the day that my daughter and son-in-law receive the keys to their brand new house.

The house … their home that they had a hand in designing.

So excited for them.

This morning was the second last morning with the trio of pups gathered beside me as I sat at the kitchen table sharing a banana with them.

As we shared the banana I told them this would be our second last morning of sharing a banana at Grandma’s house before they were once again living in their own home.

Kind of sad but happy as well.

I will miss this time we shared in the mornings.

Alvin will be sad not to have them here every day ….

The key hand over is this afternoon so once it has been done the kids will come and pick us up so that we can all go and see the new house.

I am so happy for them and EXCITED to see the new house.

Photos are great but not the same.

 

Last night was week two of the bootcamp that I have been attending with my friend “G.”

It was great.

I found that I have a “CORE” and it was on fire last night.

The first week I do not remember so much “core” work but last night we did.

At one point I could feel the muscles pulling and straining and the pain that followed.

It was a great workout.

So for the next few days I am going to work on my core ….. walking is not enough, clearly.

It was great finding my core and now I must keep it.

We tend to forget just how important our midsection is for our overall health.

 

Well time for a shower and then help my daughter with the last of the packing.

An exciting day and a sad one, too.

I will miss having them here but it is time for me and Alvin to resume our lives together.

At least now I am only working one job which gives me more flexibility with living my life.

I know that sounds silly but really when you are working six or seven days a week …. there is no time for relaxation and doing the things you need and want to do.

 

Well time for a shower and a cup of coffee.

I am grateful to be at home for a few days.

So nice.

I wish you a great Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: family and friends.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 9th day of April, 2015.

Well it is just after 6:30 a.m. and the skies are lightening as the sun begins to rise in the sky.

I love this time of morning in my mind even though my body usually takes much longer to appreciate this time of day.

What can you do?

Keep trying until you get it 100%, I suppose.

Well our weather here in Edmonton has been great.

Yesterday was gorgeous.

Today the same.

We girls have been taking the pups for a nice walk each night.

I will admit that I am a bit stiff after Tuesday’s “bootcamp.”

But that is to be expected as it was months ago since I went to try it for the first time.

This time I signed up ….

Every Tuesday for eight weeks.

I want to strengthen my core.

It definitely needs some work.

Strong core …. strong body and mind.

Well almost the weekend.

I am so excited to have my first full weekend.

Will be home Friday night right after work.

Saturday I already have planned.

Alvin has an appointment with Dr. Karen …. just routine stuff.

No worries …. he is in great health.

Followed by some “paperwork” and picking up the trash in the neighbourhood after lunch.

There is one walkway between our neighbourhood and a busy street that is absolutely deplorable.

I have been walking by it every night for the past week and time it is …..

To get my garbage bags and my picker and get to work.

I want to have a pristine neighbourhood.

Clean and pretty …..

No paper blowing around.

No cigarette butts laying all over.

CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.

So that no puppies accidentally eat something they should not.

It will take me some time but I will do it.

Well it is almost time to leave for the office ……. this is the fourth last ride with the kids before they move into their new house.

By the way, they had their walk through yesterday and they loved it.

Only small things were found ….. like painting.

So that is great.

I hope that you have a great day.

I will be back tomorrow.

Special Hello to: my family and friends back in Regina.

Always, Carol and Alvin