Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! Today is the last day of September, 2022. Wow, how did that happen. We had a reasonably good sleep. Up late but Alvin slept till almost 4:30 and then up again at 6:30 and then a couple of hours later. The first time we were up we felt a few rain drops on our skin as we made our way back to the house and then at 6:30 the ground was wet. The sky remains overcast with the sun peeking through in spots.

Today is a day off from work as we remember and reconcile our Canadian history with our Indigenous peoples. A good place to start and build on a better future for all of our peoples. Each being is important and should be treated with respect and compassion. You never know what is going on with anyone until you walk a mile in their shoes or get to know and to understand them. We all have history.

Today is a day to reflect and of reflection.

Front Porch

Tree trimmed

View of tree from inside

The sky from our deck

a few days ago

I was able to upload a few photos. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of my fall wreath from the front door. This will be the weekend to finish off the fall cleanup. Our tree after my daughter and I trimmed it last Saturday, not even one week ago. This morning the tree is almost all yellow. Will have to have more photos. Mr. Alvin could not wait for me and came upstairs. I was not fast enough. Lately I have been trying to carry him up and down the stairs more often. The photos of the sky and the clouds were taken from our back deck in the morning, if I remember correctly sometime this last week.

Time to head downstairs and have another mug of coffee. Today will be a quiet one for us, perhaps a walk a bit later if it is not raining. I am so grateful to have my own home and to be with Mr. Alvin in his twilight years. We have been together since he was almost one year old. So much history.

Have a wonderful day.

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? It is Thursday, January 21, 2021. I almost wrote 2025. Don’t want to rush the years. What a day yesterday. The winds howled pretty much most of the day and with the icy sidewalks we decided to stay close to home and did not go for our usual lunchtime walk. Fingers crossed today will be better. I don’t hear the wind at this time so perhaps we shall be able to go at noon.

What a Wednesday, January 20, 2021! The Inauguration of the United States 46th President and I believe 48th Vice-President. Now we have President Biden and Vice-President Harris in the White House. I think that everyone or mostly everyone all over the world was waiting and watching on pins and needles during the actual inauguration. After Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in, there was a worldly collective sigh of relief. No matter who or where you are, we all are well aware the state of affairs in the United States. I will admit that I was teary eyed during the ceremony and very relieved when everything was official. A very historic day for the United States in many ways. Congratulations Vice-President Harris. There was even a fun spot in the day, when Al Roker from the Today show called the President over during the parade. President Biden ran over, said hello, fist bumped and then was back to the parade with his family. I would have like to have watched the evening – virtual “gala” but I had to get to bed so I could get up this morning for work. I did record the event and will watch today. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks all gave very special performances but I think that the young poet laureate Amanda Gorman stole the show at the inauguration. A busy day for all. I guess there will be no rest for the new President and Vice-President.

Well Mr. Alvin is calling me and he is the boss in this house. Or so he thinks.

I wish you all a great Thursday. May your day be filled with much love, laughter and abundance. Continuing to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion for ALL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. this Sunday is the big 12th birthday party for Mr. Alvin. I cannot wait.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Oh, Good Sunday Morning.

The sky is overcast and there is a breeze here as I look out my window.

Again, finding it difficult to get out of bed.

Again, up early.

Mr. Alvin woke up at 2:30 so downstairs we went.

He suffers when it is damp outside.

Arthritis in his little legs.

I was thinking as he was shaking his head that maybe he has an ear infection OR

perhaps he has an allergy to something.

I know that my first grand pup Elton used to have allergies.

While we were up …. outside for a pee …. him not me …. doesn’t that always help.

Then I gave him one of his glucosamine chews and a few minutes the last pain pill that we have on hand.

Now he does not have some pain meds from last time but they are pretty strong and I don’t want to give him them unless Vet says okay to do so.

The one I gave him this morning is one that he can have when needed.

I will keep a close eye on his ears.

When my daughter comes this morning for a pancake breakfast followed by hair cut for the boy …. I will see what she thinks.

Probably a good idea for me to cut back on the extras like pea pods, strawberries, blueberries and carrots.

I will just give him banana and his own food and treats for the next while and see if that helps.

Also I note that when his paws / legs bother him he does shake his head and of course licks his paws quite often.

I feel so badly for the little guy.

If he needs to go before his next appointment, he will go.

I will need to go and pick up food this week so will ask when I do so.

He is resting on his little bed that I have made for him in my office.

Two thick towels and two blankets.

Folded up just for him.

 

Well guess what?

I started washing/cleaning the window blinds.

Yesterday afternoon, I washed the living room blinds, moved the chairs by the window, vacuumed and washed the living room floor.

I just vacuumed the kitchen as will want to wash once Alvin’s haircut is finished.

Oh, I watered the flowers last night and shortly after we went to bed and I had just closed the window and it started to rain.

Wouldn’t you know it – I left the cushions out on the deck furniture !!

Oh well.

I did most of the laundry and cleaned the upstairs.

We had a nice walk in the afternoon.

Argh, I am seeing the odd mosquito has made its’ way into the house.

 

I made the COD dish from GOOD FOOD last night for supper, it was very yummy.

Two more to make.

I have to make one tonight and one tomorrow and then will have leftovers for couple of nights.

Works out well.

 

Sometimes I like to look back to see what was happening on this day last year.

I am so grateful to have this blog so that I can do that.

I do keep a gratitude / journal but to see what happened last year this day would mean locating the journal.

I think if you have a computer or laptop – it is well worthwhile keeping an online journal.

It is history in the making.

This is from this day day September 6th, 2019.

It would appear that things were different.

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

Hi,  well this has been one of the longest and at that the same time shortest weeks of my life.

Each day wrapped in what felt like a time capsule.

Moment to moment filled with hope.

Hope for a good healthy “poop.”

Really, I have never or not recently hoped for someone to have a good healthy poop.

Yes, I do remember wanting needing to have a good one for myself…. LOL.

Each day, every time that we go outside, I say to Alvin “please have a good poop.”

This whole week has been wrapped up and around “poop.”

Not really funny or humorous but at the same time how can you not smile.

So much of our lives … okay all of our lives revolve around having a good daily healthy poop.

We write about it …. doctors journal about it and test it ….. we think about it daily.

It is necessary for a good healthy life.

Yes, it does.

I cannot believe that we, I have been home with Alvin for a whole week filled with eager anticipation around a bowel movement.

But alas I have.

Still no “good poop” today so we have another appointment with the Vet for blood-work.

Argh, I was ever so hopeful that it would have happened and we would not have come to this point.

I cannot believe that he has not had a good poop yet.

He jumps onto the sofa, sniffs when we are outside, happily eats his chicken & rice meals, drinks water and pees.

You would not know upon looking at him that there is anything wrong with him.

In all of the nine years that we have been together he has never had diarrhea for this length of time.

We started the medications on Tuesday late afternoon and I had high hopes that yes, he would have had a good “BM” by now.

Perhaps he can feel my frustration and anxiety.

I feel badly that I have left my coworkers with extra work to do for a whole week only one week after returning from vacation.

I feel guilty that I cannot magically make Alvin better.

I feel guilty that despite my days at home that I have not really done anything …

Well I have looked after my boy.

We have walked, I have cooked for him and put salve on his bum.

I am available to jump on a moment’s notice to go outside …..

Well our appointment is for 3:30 p.m. so as I am a glass half full kind of gal …. I am hoping for a miracle …..

Time will tell.

 

Alvin has remained patient …. more than me during this whole ordeal.

Considering it is his insides that are not functioning properly.

Considering that his life has been turned upside down for the past week.

Missing his friends …..

But that is me Alvin ….. always surprising me.

 

Quick little story to share before I sign off.

Yesterday morning while we were outside with hopes for some bottom end action, the good kind.

Something flew above us and landed on the railing on the deck.

I ducked while squinting in the bright sunshine to see what it was …. I was pretty certain it was not a bird.

In seconds I realized that it was a bat.

I have been carrying my phone with me to take “poop photos” here and there.

Okay I know, crazy poop lady.

That will be a handle that I will not soon lose that is for sure …..

While the bat was busy on the railing ….. I called out to my neighbour ….

Quickly made sure that Alvin was out of the way (into the house).

I managed to capture some video.

I did not see the face of the bat clearly due to the bright sunlight but definitely could see the wings when it landed and was about to fly away.

Never been that close to a bat.

It was small and we thought it was a baby or young bat for sure.

My neighbour thought perhaps it was injured but we could not tell for certain.

It was definitely trying to get out of the sunlight.

I had the umbrella open on the deck and it flew underneath.

At one point it actually was hanging upside down.

After opening the kitchen window …. the baby got active once again and flew away.

We figured that it was in my neighbour’s tree.

Later on I sent the videos to my kids and they replied with a phone number for Animal Control – with the Bat link.

So I decided to call just to ask some questions and was happy that I had called.

The guy on the phone just happened to be the “bat guy” …. yes, he was.

He said that the adult bats have already left for caves and other spots but the juveniles are still about trying to get their bearings.

Some may fly into an object and then be confused or could be sick or horror among horrors be rabid.

He said under no circumstances to get near to it and to keep my dog away as well.

He also said to watch when taking my dog to the backyard for a brown patch on the grass as it might be the bat.

ARGH.

Anyway, I have been examining the grass and the deck every time we go outside, just in case.

No baby bat.

I do hope that it survived and found its’ way to a safe place.

Also I learned if you happen to get near the bat and see that it is agitated or making clicking noises …. signs that it may be rabid so GET AWAY and call him.

So even at home waiting for poop to happen we have had visitors.

 

Well time to get back downstairs once again.

Time to sweep the floor and do a couple of things before we leave for the Vet.

Time for one more small meal for Mr. Alvin.

He has been eating four small meals each day.

Also he just passed some gas.

Not great.

Oh, my poor boy.

This has been the week for sure.

 

Showing kindness and respect to all creatures is important.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Okay, no complaints.

Just as I was about to say that the weather was different from last year …. the sun has peeked out from behind the cloud cover.

I am so grateful to have a computer and be able to write this blog most days.

Of course, some days life gets in the way making it impossible but for the most part I have written this blog everyday for the last ten years.

Time has a way of slipping away so we have to make the most of it while we can.

This morning I am exciting to make some “pannie cakes” for my girl and catch up with her and to give MR. Alvin a haircut.

I think after all that excitement I will work on deleting the out of focus and duplicate shots from my phone and computer.

OR perhaps clean the kitchen blinds and then the main floor would be done.

Who would ever have thought that I would be working from home ….

This year has brought some amazing changes.

 

Okay time to fly here.

Get dressed … what to wear !!

Perhaps we will go for a walk now before my daughter arrives and before I make the pancakes.

I always like to have them made and warming in the oven.

I want to have coffee but realized that my coffee is in short supply and do not wish to run out before the next COSTCO trip.

But perhaps if I make only one cup …. or two.

I could drink tea in the mornings, too.

By the way, how is our FALL CLEANUP 2020 challenge going?

I have been deleting emails as I can access email on my phone.

I have also deleted some photos from my phone but really later this afternoon I am going to delete some from my computer.

 

Wishing you a great Sunday.

Life is always filled with hope.

You just have to be open to it.

Living with Kindness and Respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & her Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

It is quiet in the house and in the neighbourhood at this hour.

We had a lovely visit and supper with Teddy and Aunt J.

Supper was in honour of her visits to Mexico.

Soft tacos.

Nothing like tomatoes, onions, lime, avocado, refried beans, cheese and more.

I love the smell of LIME.

One of my favourite things.

Reminder to pick up some limes on my next grocery shop.

I always enjoy our visits and our conversations.

Always learning something new.

I did not know that she became a certified SCUBA DIVER after the age of 50.

How cool is that for a prairie girl!

Not like there are oceans close by for diving.

It was a great story how that came to be.

Quite by accident.

Won a contest with a trip to a tropical climate.

The forecast was rain during the time that she was to be on the island.

She did not wish to sit around all week in her room; so she booked scuba diving lessons and the rest is history.

You never know what can happen.

Nothing planned.

 

Well today is organizing a book party for Steeped Tea.

With Christmas coming …. my customers will be wanting to pick up some items.

Great gift ideas as well.

I love our Hot Chocolate.

MMMMMM

 

I also see lots of shovelling in my future.

We have almost as much as the first time we shovelled.

The third time now ……

 

If the temperature is okay we might head out for a walk.

Likely will be short as they have not plowed the path around the park.

Not everyone gets out and shovels.

So many folks just leave the sidewalks covered in snow all winter long.

I am fortunate most of my neighbours do shovel.

Some may take a bit longer than others but it gets done.

 

I snapped some photos last night at bed and this morning.

Love taking photos of the SNOW.

Especially the fresh stuff.

 

 

Well I guess it is time to hit the shower.

Might be important to “smell good,” just in case someone comes to visit.

Oh, I am kidding.

I always smell good.

Just freshen up.

Don’t you find that a showers gives you energy?

I do.

Then coffee and breakfast

and

then

SHOVELLING.

Exercise.

Perfect order.

 

Happy Sunday.

With kindness and respect I shall live this day and my life.

 

Always, Carol & Al

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of July, 2018.

Well here we are almost the end of the first week in July, 2018.

Two countries – two neighbours have celebrated their “birthdays” within days of each other.

It has been quite the week.

Two countries – two neighbours with quite the history.

Two countries – two neighbours similar but not the same.

Two countries.

 

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

 

Yesterday when Alvin and I were on our way home from our walk, I heard a female voice yell “Carol.”

I turned around to see my friend C holding a dog.

We were a few houses away so we turned around and ran back to them.

When we reached them I realized that the dog she was holding was not their dog “Miss Daisy.”

My friend told me that “they had lost Daisy, she had passed just a week ago.”

We hugged and tears were shed.

Alvin and this new black&white dog were sniffing each other and all was well.

The puppy was friendly and full of energy.

Daisy had been sick, diagnosed with kidney disease a few months ago.

There had been signs before the diagnosis.

But even at that point it was too late.

 

The new dog.

 

If you have never believed in a higher power or something more than ourselves, you will now.

My friend, her husband and sons  were devastated by the loss of Daisy.

My friend had told her husband that the next dog that joined their family would have to be named Stella.

My friend was not ready for a new dog with the recent loss of their beloved Daisy.

They had Daisy since she was a few weeks old.

She was the love of their lives.

Daisy was this lovable, easygoing, playful dog.

Alvin loved her and I loved her and most of all her family loved her.

 

They had noticed this dog on KIJI by accident, and I cannot remember the breed.

Reminded them of Daisy but she was black and white, mostly black.

Just on an whim she packed up her middle son and went to meet this puppy.

Thinking all the time that this was too soon after losing their beloved Daisy.

Her middle son is the most rambunctious so this new dog would have to meet his energy.

When they arrived to meet the dog – the owner said that the pup’s name was STELLA.

My friend broke into tears.

It was a sign … what are the chances that the dog would be named STELLA.

Daisy directed them to this pup named STELLA.

So we shall say that is that ….

Stella has a new home.

Stella will be loved and have the best family.

Stella is a herder by nature and with three boys …. talk about perfect fit.

Daisy made sure that her family will be looked after, now that she is gone.

Gone but never forgotten.

We will always remember Miss Daisy.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, hello my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday. July 1st, 2017.

The sky is overcast on this 150th Birthday of this country known as Canada.

As with most countries on the planet our history has not been without bloodshed.

Our history has had the ENGLISH, FRENCH and SPANISH  coming over from across the ocean, and then laying claim to North America.

The U.S.A. and Canada share that part of history.

Over the past few hundred years people have left the United States and come to Canada.

People have also left Canada and moved to the United States.

There is so much we do not know and will never know.

It would be great on this 150th Birthday of CANADA that we could find a way to live together without debate or causing harm to one another.

We do live in relative peace, and I am so grateful that we do.

We need to find a way to move forward.

More and more people are leaving their homes all over the world for a multitude of reasons and coming to Canada.

It is so important that we find a way to live together in peace and harmony.

So on this 150th year …. this day that we celebrate Canada let us find a way to do the best for one another.

We all need to move on and make sure that all CANADIANS old and new are living good productive healthy lives.

We are all in this together.

We can do this …. we can.

Traditions over the last 150 years shows the peoples of this VAST country to be kind, generous, compassionate, and easy-going.

Please let us continue on this path and beyond.

Happy CANADA Day.

 

Special Hello: to my family and friends all over CANADA and the World.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 22nd day of April, 2015.

I hope that this finds you in excellent spirits.

It is about 5:47 a.m. here in Edmonton as I key these words.

Alvin is standing near the office doorway just starring at me.

Not sure if he is trying to tell me something or just being himself.

We are back to our routine …..

When I write in my daily gratitude journal he now joins me on my lap.

I love having him near me as I write in my journal.

I am on Day 2050 in the book.

Which is just over 5.5 years.

Not the same book, of course.

Each morning I do a couple of lines from the previous days.

Highlights you could call them.

Followed by a list of what I am grateful for ……

Followed by thank you for all of the people that were/are sick and for their healing.

Well Mr. Alvin is moaning out in the hall.

Sounds like an attention thing …. I think he is feeling okay.

Sure did not block his appetite this morning ….

Back to the writing ….. I actually starting keeping a journal when I was about 13-14.

Someone gave me a diary as a gift and that started it all.

Of course, even in school I did love to write….

My first poem was for Valentine’s Day when I was 7 to my Grandparents.

Somehow by writing things down it is my way of recording my history.

I think it helps me through each day and every situation.

Making it real ….

Well it is almost time here to head downstairs to make the final touches on getting ready to leave for work.

My life has been my life.

Full of interesting details …. I should say.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Write your life down ….. now it feels like a life.

Perhaps it should be a book ……

Special Hello to: my family and friends …. who are always supportive …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

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

We had a great Monday with Alvin’s Birthday and our 5th Anniversary.

Just a bit of a celebration …. with some good veggies as a treat.

Alvin received Birthday Wishes from so many people ….. thank you to family and friends.

He was so happy or at least I would like to think that was the case.

Well another Tuesday.

We girls took the puppies for almost the shortest walk in history.

The sidewalks are icy …. the streets are icy……

Just did not want to take a chance with anyone including the pups falling.

Well time to go …. I was dreaming of Mexico so slept in.

It is not really a place that I dream of going to in my waken mode but obviously I dream of it in my subconsciousness.

Anyway ….. again no passport or bathing suit.

Two requirements of that trip.

Time to go to work.

Have a great Tuesday.

Special Hello to: YOU

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 11th day of November, 2014.

This day we remember all those who lost their lives to keep their homelands and peoples safe.

We keep in our thoughts and recent memories those who continue to leave their homes to work toward a peaceful planet.

Fighting in a war is not something that I think is a good thing but sometimes it is necessary.

There has always been in our history those who live for power and to suppress those around them.

Greed in our history has always run rampant.

I would hope that someday on this beautiful blue green planet that we find a way to live in peace.

I hope that the need for power and greed melts away.

We need to live peacefully.

To show kindness and respect to those around us.

That kindness and respect is to our environment and all life forms on this planet.

That would be true peace.

I do think that someday we will live in peace.

So Remember on this Day to live peacefully and with kindness and respect.

Special Hello to: all those families with members away from home working on peace.

We thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin