2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Alvin and I had a great night sleep. I was just thinking that wow today is Wednesday. Isn’t it funny how we think on Monday morning ….. what a long way it is until the weekend! We are always wanting it to be the weekend until retirement when everyday is a weekend. Well today is Wednesday and I think that the week is going quickly and it is a ever running pattern of life as the days seem to accelerate with each passing year.

I was so happy to see my girl, my beautiful daughter and Alvin’s sister. We were waiting outside the garage as she came driving down the back lane, waving. I think that it is a great way to say HELLO. Waving madly hello with Alvin in my arms so that he could see her coming and also for safety’s sake as this was a last minute thought. I thought when I knew she was almost here that we would wait outside, I would open the garage door and wait with Alvin on the deck as he could not be without his harness for safety’s sake. I had not planned this ahead of time. When I opened the garage door and stepped inside I felt warm and it was cold in the wind on the deck. So I scooped up Mr. Alvin and held him in my arms. Walking to the garage pad we looked outside to see if she was coming and no, not yet. We walked around a bit back and forth until I saw her car turn from the main lane to our back lane and then starting to wave at her. When she was closer she started to wave. As she got nearer we moved back closer to the door to the garage while she backed into the garage. YAY, she had arrived. Once she was out of the car, I closed the garage door and she said hi to Alvin who was in my arms and then I put him down. We chatted while unpacking the groceries from the car. Each of us took a load and back and forth until we had all of my groceries in the house. I had put on a pot of coffee so I poured one for her right away and for me, too. So nice to have her with us. We chatted and chatted and chatted. She had picked up some Annie’s pasta so we had some of that for supper with some raw veggies. Chatting all the while. After supper we moved to the sofa and continued to chat and visit. Awhile later she was preparing to go to her home, to her husband and two pups Aspen and Milo. I am always grateful to see our girl and grateful for her looking after her Momma by picking up groceries. I am very spoiled.

This morning I noticed a bunny grazing on what is left of the food under my neighbour’s tree. I have raked up most of what was left of the food and a crazy amount of bunny poop. They must eat and then poop. He is pretty much brown now so summer is close at hand.

Well it is time for us to head back downstairs. I hope that you have an awesome day.

Maybe today is the day to reach out to someone, pick up the phone and call. Always nice to hear from family and friends. Even a text is nice. To contact is important.

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

Always with Love, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of June, 2018.

Oh, what an absolutely glorious morning it is here in Edmonton.

Alvin was up early and then we went back to bed.

I had wanted to get up earlier than usual so that we could go for a walk before the heat sets in and possibility of storms.

We were up about 7:30 a.m. which isn’t that early for a lot of people but I am up at 5:00 or earlier during the work week and like to sleep in on the weekends when I can.

I opened some windows to create that cross draft as there is a beautiful cool breeze.

Donned my shorts and t-shirt.

Grabbed the leash and cornered the boy to put his harness on.

(He was upstairs).

Usually it is going around the kitchen table for ten minutes (as he hides underneath) before I am able to get him ready.

Anyway, that is okay.

Grabbed some more poop bags, sandals on of course and the keys and not forgetting Al’s water bottle.

And we were off.

The cool breeze hit me as I opened the door blowing into my face and washing over me.

I could have stood there for eternity basking in the perfect cool air.

Locking the house we were on our way.

I admired my flowers in the front flower bed as we skipped down the sidewalk.

Well perhaps “skipped” is more of a term in a musical but we were happily going along.

The sun shining brightly.

We past a neighbour closer to the lake out watering his flowers and said “good morning” to each other.

At the lake the breeze moved the trees and grass around the water.

Each blade of grass appeared to be dancing around as the branches on the trees swayed to that music of the birds.

I have never heard so many birds singing their songs all at once.

I thought I was in heaven or some magical place.

We looked for the geese and their goslings but to no avail.

We saw a couple of ladies out walking with their dogs (one was running).

Stopping to say “hello.”

The smell to the air is better than the smell of freshly brewing coffee.

Er, maybe I mean to say “the freshness of the air tickled my nose and gave me this washed over feeling of zen.

Nothing compares to, nothing compares to coffee.

I love the smell of coffee brewing.

Now that we have that established….carry on.

Alvin enjoyed sniffing every blade of grass along the way.

He also enjoyed a sip of water here and there.

The water shone with a brilliance of polished diamonds.

So absolutely breathtaking, I had to stop and just take it all in.

Both Alvin and I could have stayed there forever.

It was one of the best walks we have ever taken, perfection.

Everything fell perfectly into place.

 

So now back at home time for a reality check.

Time to change bedding, start laundry, have breakfast and that beloved cup of COFFEE and get things done.

I hope that you all have that magic in your day.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who enjoy a morning walk.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 16th day of June, 2017.

Woke up extra early this morning but not on my own with thank to Me Alvin.

So feeling a bit tired and have a headache.

Oh well, it is Friday after all.

The sun was shining earlier but now it has clouded over.

Rain is in the forecast.

We had a wonderful walk with our friends “S” and Presley last night.

 

The air was perfect …..

I keep forgetting to mention the ROSES ….. they are in bloom ……

The fragrance is amazing …….

I love the smell of roses in the early morning.

They line the a path that takes me part way to the bus.

It is like walking in heaven.

 

Well Mr. Alvin had his Momma up at 3:40 a.m. – yes …… you are correct.

So even though we hit the sofa for some zzz’s ….. I am a bit tired.

 

So time to go here.

Listening to Adele in the car with James Corden – Carpool Karaoke.

They are singing a Spice Girls song ……

Tell what you really really want ……

I do not want to leave but I have to run and catch the bus.

 

Thank you for Friday.

Special Hello to:  all those people who write all over the world ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 19th day of January, 2016.

It is a Tuesday morning and I am listening to some tunes as I get ready this morning.

There is something about listening to music to get you in the rhythm for the day.

I bought some singles from iTunes on the weekend and transferred them to my iPOD and have been enjoying them.

Some of the songs are:

Honey, I’m good …… Andy Grammer (listening to it now, has a good beat – I sound like my Grandma).

Hello ….. Adele (of course, I love her)

The Sound of Silence ……. (Disturbed – remake of an old classic)

Heart of Gold …… Neil Young (always must have a Neil Young song on your iPOD)

Have You Ever Seen the Rain ……. Creedence Clearwater Revival (just because I can and I love it)

More than a Feeling ….. Boston (another classic)

Story of My Life ….. One Direction ( I like the words and really enjoy listening to these young guys – I get what the young ones see in them)

Blown Away and Before He Cheats ….. Carrie Underwood (because she is so talented and I like to mix up the genres)

Halo …… Beyonce (why not, she has a good voice)

Like I Am Going to Lose You ….. Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend (now that man can sing, love him)

 

Now I have over 100 songs on my iPOD ranging from Rihanna to Katy Perry.  Neil Diamond to Sam Smith.  Taylor Swift to Maroon 5.

Miss Christina A.  and Blake Shelton (have to have them)…. love their duet.

Basically any song that I love …… nice to have a variety.

Listening to “More than a Feeling” right now ……

Music is good for us and we should listen to more.

I guess that is what everyone is doing with all of the different types of buds in their ears these days.

Now to finish off before I leave …. Miss Carrie Underwood.

She has such a great voice.

I hope that you enjoy some music today …..

Will get you excited about your day …..

Put something on with good words and a beat and get on with your day.

 

Special Hello to: my fellow human beings …. Hello ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of December, 2015.

Another glorious mild morning here in the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I had a wonderful “tea” visit with my friends and neighbours down the street.

We shared stories and laughed.

Isn’t that what life is all about …. sharing stories and laughing.

I love spending time with them.

Mr. Alvin stayed at home and was not very happy about that as I could heard my poor baby howling as I walked away from the house.

I felt bad but sometimes he just has to stay at home.

 

This season remember to be extra kind to folks.

Think before you speak.

Sometimes we get so caught up in something that we open the gate, and before you know it something inappropriate has ran out.

Just be kind.

Words are more mighty than the sword.

We just need to be more respectful to each other.

 

Well I have to run along here.

We had rain yesterday afternoon …. yes December 8th in Edmonton ….. RAIN.

So it was icy on the walk home from work.

This morning as it froze overnight I will have to walk on the streets and not on the sidewalks so I have to leave early to be safe.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

 

It is just as easy to be nice as it is to be naughty.

Food for thought.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family all over the world …. Happy Wednesday.

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 29th day of July, 2015.

Third last day of July, 2015 ….. so excited for August.

The sun is shining so brightly ….. there is a breeze ….. it is wonderful.

I am so grateful to be here now.

I am in the perfect place at the perfect time.

Yesterday while I was at work one of my friends who was on her last day of vacation came to the house.

She gave Alvin a treat …. let him outside ….. then took him for a nice long walk.

We are so blessed to have “S” as our friend and neighbour.

We are surrounded by great people and I am eternally grateful.

Well it is almost time to get downstairs and grab my lunch and umbrella (just in case) and head to the bus.

I treasure these mornings as they are perfect weather wise.

The roses that line the walk way are perfection and the fragrance should be bottled.

Oh what a lucky lady / woman I am.

Only two more sleeps till the big SIBLING weekend ….

I wish you so much joy this day.

May your day be filled with laughter.

May your day be filled with love.

May you have the perfect day.

Special Hello to: all the siblings out there ….. get together ….. you are special to each other.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of September, 2014.

Oh, what a gloriously beautiful sunny warm morning.

It feels like summer again but with a hint of coolness to the air.

You know the feel that you have in early fall.

It is so nice outside.

I spent a couple of hours outside yesterday (it was beautiful, too) mowing grass, pulling weeds, trimming back my roses (which I am going to pull as they just are not doing well), emptying most of my plant pots (a few were not affected by the recent frost) and just general tidying up.  It was glorious.

This is truly my favourite time of year.

Oh, I hear the geese honking up a storm as they are preparing for “winter” or travelling south.

Some stay for the winter ….. others do not  ….. I should google to see why.

Anyway …. they were flying by and saying hello.

I certainly have enjoyed this weekend.

How much better than this does it get:

-started Saturday morning off with coffee at my friend “G’s” house.

-then home and Penny had gone to the Vet with her Momma & Dad so decided that me and the boys should go for walk.

-we did, it was so nice out.

-then home mowed grass and did yard work ….

-laundry and some cleaning.

-made supper.

-went for groceries after supper.

-then had tea and watched a Star Trek movie or at least part of one. (I have already seen them all a million times, so I know how they end).

-then to bed …. snuggles with Mr. Alvin ….

PERFECTION.

I hope that you had a perfect weekend thus far.

Today I am off to work at the store.

Just enjoying a cup of coffee and some quiet time before I leave.

Have a great Sunday.

Do something fun today.

If you have sunshine ….. go outside and enjoy ….. no boots or heavy jackets …….

Special Hello to: my sister back in Regina ……. HELLO ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – November 17, 2013

Chapter Four:

November 1, 2013

Oh, how I loved that dress, and my mind flashes back to the junior high school dance where I first wore that beautiful pink and then I see my favourite books floating in mid air and my best friend “Dee” is there.

November 2, 2013

Alvin is staying very close as we begin to take in this enormous space, and our nervous energies feed each other, and I think of Alice in Wonderland, and  what shall our next move be as a bright purple balloon drifts by.

November 3, 2013

It is absolutely amazing the dress, my friend, balloons, family, old boyfriends, my house, Christmas, all of the things that I have loved during my life are appearing as Alvin and I make our way through it all.

November 4, 2013

I realize throughout all of the memories that my “four” are no longer walking with us and have disappeared.

November 5, 2013

“Where did they go?” I mutter aloud as if I half expect Alvin to answer and yet I know that we are “down the rabbit hole and things are about to get very interesting.”

November 6, 2013

What do I do – what can I do – nothing makes any sense – why would they do this – am I a guinea pig of sorts – are they watching us – who are they – are the questions that flood my mind as we just walk not knowing what will happen next.

November 7, 2013

As we walk further into this new world, I begin to notice that we in fact are not alone.

November 8, 2013

I do not see anyone but I can feel “eyes” watching us as we go deeper into this place, and then out of no where the thought of “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” comes to my mind; like something out of a movie.

November 9, 2013

Carefully I look about not wanting to miss a single thing, and carefully monitoring my thoughts with hopes that I can find out my location without disturbing my “hosts” when in the distance I see a dim light.

November 10, 2013

As I approach the location of the light it becomes brighter and brighter with only about 50 footsteps away I can begin to see what lies ahead of us.

November 11, 2013

Could I ever have imagined this in my wildest dreams, I think not, as the images begin to sharpen and come into focus.

November 12, 2013

I stop, we stop, and I rub my eyes in disbelief as I look ahead and see what appears to be a glass wall with images of ….. ME.

November 13, 2013

There, only a few feet in front of us are ME at different ages, different stages of my life with some I recognize, and other versions are new to me.

November 14, 2013

I am shaking in disbelief and wonder at what is ahead of me; am I dreaming?

November 15, 2013

Alvin has been quiet for awhile just sniffing around the space when suddenly he yanks hard on the leash pulling me off balance knocking me to the ground.

 November 16, 2013

As I lay there collecting my senses, Alvin rushes back to me tail wagging and licks my face; I giggle, looking up completely stunned, I see myself.

November 17, 2013

Wow, is that really me I think to myself and then utter a soft “Hello”  as the other “me” smiles back at me…… 

Story Line by line – September 30, 2013

Chapter Two:

September 1, 2013

“Alvin, you found me”, I cry as my heart and soul are filled with a gratitude magnified by the love I have for my friend and I know we will find our way together.

September 2, 2013

There is silence between us – no words or barking – just silence in knowing that as long as we are together we will figure this all out and get back home where we belong and we continue on our way side by side.

September 3, 2013

“So me Alvin, what now?” as I search his body to make sure that he has no wounds and give him hugs  and wished that the fog would lift so that I could see where we are going.

September 4, 2013

“Well Mr. Alvin, I guess we had better get moving so maybe we can eventually walk out of this fog and actually find some help” with this Alvin begins to move forward slowly and we are on our way.

September 5, 2013

I have no idea how far we have walked or where we are but I know one thing it is getting colder ….. freezing in fact.

September 6, 2013

Thank GOD, Alvin has a fur coat and that I had not cut it recently but me on the other hand, I only have flip flops, cotton capri pants, a t-shirt and light jacket; the jacket hadn’t really been needed that morning but I needed a place to put my keys and poop bags for Alvin; my keys?

September 7, 2013

I reach into my pocket and touch the coolness of my keys; I am not certain how they are actually going to help us at this point but they give me a sense of peace in that they are our link to home.

September 8, 2013

At this point I am really grateful that I have my Alvin with me and that we are okay despite being cold and now we will just continue on – one step at a time.

September 9, 2013

As we walk along  I fight to see through the fog and in some places I think that I can see the outline of trees, but I am not sure; the only thing I know for certain is we are no longer near “home” and my heart skips a beat.

September 10, 2013

Thank GOD that I have my Alvin the best “sniffer” on the planet here with me as his nose guides us along this path to who knows where or when.

September 11, 2013

As we move along, Alvin does his thing as I listen to him carefully sniffing, and I hope that soon we find someone as we are both showing signs of dehydration, and I can hear my stomach rumble and I know Alvin must be hungry.

September 12, 2013

Out of nowhere I had a flash …. I suddenly remembered something ….. something that I knew would make Alvin one happy puppy dog ….. why didn’t I think of it sooner?

September 13, 2013

As I slowly reached into my other pocket the one without the poop bags I found a bag of doggie treats and I smiled knowing that my Alvin would have a bit of food in his belly and be happy; after all isn’t being happy all about giving something unexpectedly to others, and I am glowing.

September 14,, 2013

“Here Mr. Alvin” I say as I bend over and hand him some of the treats; Alvin found them quicker than I could find my pocket; I am so happy that I have some food for him and then he yelps for more.

September 15, 2013

Alvin quickly eats the small handful of treats; I am relieved that he has eaten and although I am hungry it is better for him to eat than me; I have to have faith that we will find our way home soon or somewhere like home.

September 16, 2013

Just not sure what to do now – guess we will just keep plodding ahead – not much else we can do – but how on earth did we get here?

September 17, 2013

Wow, it seems like it has been forever since Alvin and I first walked by our lake; now we are who knows where; destination unknown; it is funny that despite the time elapsed by my best guess has been much more than one day I do not feel thirsty; I am hungry but not starving and I do not have to pee (now that is a first); I wished that we did have water now that I think about it and wonder where did Alvin’s water bottle disappear to?

September 18, 2013

Well who knows, I guess we have bigger fish to fry; as it seems like we have been not only walking in a fog but my mind seems to be drifting that way as well; please someone help us; I just feel so helpless …….. and I want to be at home sitting on my sofa watching my favourite morning program “The Today Show” – the fourth hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda ….. please,  as I break into soft sobbing.

September 19, 2013

Okay enough feeling sorry for yourself “YOU” ….. get on with it as my inner voice encourages me to go forward; I will find our way home and as I feel the strength fill my body – I see something shining through the fog.

September 20, 2013

What the hell, as I feel the heat from the object not far ahead ….

September 21, 2013

It seems to be close but as we walk in the fog toward the object we do not seem to be getting any closer, and the heat is becoming more intense.

September 22, 2013

I do not feel afraid, it seems to be radiating more than just the intense heat, there is a feeling, a warmth, a kindness, but by this time  Alvin has had enough, and pulls me in another direction.

September 23, 2013

We are off what seemed to be a path and are now on what feels like grass but it is uneven, as he pulls us further away from the heat, and that feeling of good.

September 24, 2013

As Alvin pulls me faster away from the light and heat; the fog finally begins to lift, and I am sensing something up ahead but “what or who?”

September 25, 2013

“Oh my GOD, I don’t believe it, no it cannot be, not here not now” I say in a slightly paralytic voice.

September 26, 2013

Now we have both stopped, and as I carefully pull on Alvin’s leash bringing him closer to me; my body trembles in complete disbelief, and I know things will never be the same.

September 27, 2013

In my head, I am thinking “please do not scream”  but the feelings  crash over me in huge waves as I look ahead and see my brothers and sisters; all of my siblings; but how can that be?

September 28, 2013

We are now only about ten feet away; my heart is telling me to run to them, and my brain is controlling the urge as we pause in mid step, and stare into their eyes, surely this cannot be right.

September 29, 2013

I turn my head and our eyes meet; it is my sister Jean she was the first one of my siblings to pass away; then I see Grace, Jack and Edward and James, unbelievable they are all here, it is quiet, can they talk?

September 30, 2012

“Hello” I say as I am at a complete and utter loss as to what to do because there is nothing in my life that would have ever prepared me for this moment …. absolutely nothing.

Thought for the day…..

Happy Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 ……

I am reminded as my dog Alvin looks out the office window of the simple things.

Those moments that automatically make you smile and feel like a million dollars.

It can be watching your dog looking out the window as he stands on his hind legs, paws on the window sill, and taking in the panoramic view.

It can be watching kids playing in the park.

It can be watching the simple beauty of a sunrise or sunset.

It can be laying in your backyard watching the stars and moon light up the night sky.

It can be listening to the song of birds as they go about their day.

It can be so many things that make those moments in time seem to go on forever.

I love the peace and relative quiet of the early morning.

The smell of the early morning air …..

I hope that you also are enjoying those moments.

Have a blessed and wonderful day.

Spread the joy.

Always say “thank you” ……

Special Hello: to all those nature lovers …..

Always, Carol and Alvin