The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this post finds you doing very well. Both Alvin and I are good. I think that Alvin has had a turnaround in how he has been feeling. Part of how I can tell is from his “poop.” Argh, yuck, you might say but poop is important for animals and humans alike. It can tell a lot about your current state of health. Al was having some loose stuff happening, I will skip the details. This morning it was more firm and that is a good thing. Yesterday was an odd day. I had BIG plans but then they completely changed. OH well, I say, Oh well. I did some laundry in the morning, cleaned bathrooms and reorganizing a bit. By the afternoon, after being up so often Friday night, that I laid down beside Mr. Alvin on the sofa and ended up falling the asleep. Yes, I had a nap. I woke when something happened in a dream. This is what I remember: I happen to see our old neighbour Sherry outside looking around as if she did not remember she used to live in the other half of our duplex so I opened the door to check on her. I was so caught up in what was happening with her that I did not notice that Mr. Alvin slipped out quietly through the open door and was gone. When I realized he was not there, I happened to look down the street and there he was walking down the sidewalk toward the park. That is when I screamed and woke up. I really did scream. Poor Alvin in real life. I hope that my now neighbours did not hear me, I don’t think I had the window open at that time. Anyway, no one came over or called. So all good. But when I woke up to find myself drooling and Alvin right beside me on the sofa, I breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed so very real. Yup, drooling, I was. I had fallen asleep sitting up with my legs up on the sofa and head back on the back cushion of the sofa. Very comfy. Anyway, I still have that scared feeling running through my veins.

The sun shone for most of the day and it was nice out. After I woke up I checked on the laundry and then decided it was time to go for a walk. We had a great walk to the park and did our usual walk. When we first got into the park we came across this woman and a little white dog. So cute. Anyway, Alvin decided he wanted to say hello. We, humans decided to chat. I found out that her dog’s name was Bailey and Bailey is 16 years old. She has a heart condition but is on medicine. Bailey’s Mom’s name is Gail (not sure if this is how she spells her name or not). So they are going to be moving into our neighbourhood in June and she was just bringing Bailey here to get her used to the new place. What a good Momma. We had the nicest chat and I learned so much. I happen to mention to Gail about my concerns about Alvin, about how I thought that perhaps he may have the onset of dementia. She said that one day a while ago, Bailey would get lost (at home), starr into nowhere and have accidents. She took her to her vet and found she did have the onset of dementia. There is a human drug for Parkinson patients called “selegiline” (not sure of the spelling, I forgot to look it up) and you can buy it at Safeway. So she gave her the medicine and after 5 weeks, she was much better. The vet said if you catch it in time, you can stop or greatly reduce the effects. So I will keep an eye on Alvin and take him to the vet if required. I had no idea that there was a drug out there – that helped with dementia to that degree. If you catch it soon enough. All about the timing. We had a great chat. I am so happy that I fell asleep and that the dream woke me up when it did and that we met Gail and Bailey. After our walk, I worked on the laundry, cleaned up my plants and watered them. Baked a banana loaf. I checked a basic recipe and then decided to have some fun so I added pumpkin instead of oil or butter and orange zest. OMG, it turned out so good. I cannot wait for the girls to try it this morning. This morning is coffee visit with my pals Gillian and Signe. In less than one hour.

Considering we had a quiet day yesterday, I am going to clean out the office closet. I have things neatly put away in there and I think that there are items that I can sell or give away or even toss. Better to see if someone can use them. Remember spring is the time to go through closets, things stored away and decide if those items bring you JOY. Do they make you happy? How often do you look at them? Do you really need or use them? We in North America get so stuck on keeping things. Hoarding is getting to be a problem for a lot of people. That is a whole other topic for another day.

Time to get Mr. Alvin downstairs as he is patiently waiting. I will make myself a cup of coffee before putting on the pot for Gillian. Signe is not a coffee drinker she likes a specific kind of tea and she always bringings her own. I have the banana surprise loaf and some oranges for a snack. Which will be breakfast for us all.

I have decided to hold off and plant my flowers, tomatoes and oregano next weekend. If it gets colder after that, I will have to put them in the garage overnight. I do love having the plants filling the kitchen table.

Have an awesome Sunday. Thank you so much for reading my posts, this blog. I love to write, share stories about my life with Alvin and my thoughts.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. do what makes you feel good ….. you can clean the toilet tomorrow…..enjoy the sunshine!

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Had a fairly good sleep and even slept in this morning. No reason to get out of bed and stay up at 5:00 a.m. or even at 6:00 a.m. other than I guess it is better for one to keep the same sleep schedule which includes going to bed and rising. I will admit that I am trying to find the best times and it appears to be a work in progress for us although we usually go to bed within an hour. At this very moment the view out of my office window reminds me of a snow globe. The snow is accumulating as it is below zero. I can see more shovelling in my future. Just when there was only a small amount on the deck and in the backyard. We still have a fair amount on the front yard but that is due to us facing north. All about the shade in the front which is nice as the living room faces in that direction. On those hot summer days when it is +27 or so degrees celsius that shade does not keep the living room cool …… we have fans for that…. The sky is completely overcast with no breaks so looks like this is set in for the day although the temperature is to be plus double digits today so if that happens we will end up with rain and the snow will melt quickly. Tomorrow’s forecast is for plus double digits tomorrow and rain. I am so glad that we had an extra long walk yesterday as we may not make it out today. I don’t mind walking when it is snowing or raining but for Alvin not so good. He runs the risks of moisture getting into his ears (even though I dry them when we get home) and getting a yeast infection. Not much fun for either of us.

What is going on the in world today? I have literally no idea. I only know what is going on in my house. With Alvin I have no idea what he is thinking. I can only react to his physical appearance which makes it hard. It would be nice perhaps to know what he is thinking although between the just moments ago shaking his head and sneezing, I am willing to place a bet that he is not so happy with me at this moment. Clearly he wants something. Now he is whimpering. Perhaps he has to go outside. When we arose from the sofa, he drank quite a lot of water and I coaxed him to go outside but he would not so likely now he has to go for a pee. Well we went down and outside and we are back. Guess you did not miss us as you did not know we were gone, lol.

The house is quiet as always other than Mr. Alvin running across the room. I like quiet but sometimes you need the company of other humans, right?

This is a good time for me to do some further writing.

Do you notice that when it is snowing or raining or the skies are just plain overcast and there is no sunshine that you somehow lose your get up and go? I sometimes do, okay actually lots of times I do. But sometimes when it is snowing or raining – I have the urge to clean out a closet or rearrange furniture. Always a good thing to do. Go through those closets and the pantry. Cupboards and drawers. I will say that one advantage about living with no other humans is when I put something down it stays in that spot until I move it. When I put something away – it stays away until I move it. So there are advantages of being the only human in the house but then sometimes it is just lonely. I would not say that I am lonely often as I usually find a way to entertain myself and after all, I have Mr. Alvin and he keeps me busy. I would think when you are part of a busy household filled with humans and perhaps a pet or two that sometimes you just would like to be alone. I guess for us humans it always remains something to find a happy medium. Like the work life/home life balance.

Well I guess it is time for me to get dressed, take the laundry down to the basement and get that started. There will be vacuuming to do and dusting as well. Bed has been stripped and made already so one thing off my list. I look forward to a cup of coffee on a Saturday ….. it does seem different than during the week. Mainly because I actually can drink it while it is hot/warm. Very enjoyable.

I hope that you are doing well amidst all that is going on in our world and in your life. If we remember to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience then we are doing our very best. I think that I could add love and passion to that list as well. If we love ourselves and live our lives with passion in addition to living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience ….. we truly have all of the bases covered for a well lived life. Food for thought.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to read my words. I see and know that some of you read this post faithfully everyday and I am truly grateful.

May life treat you well each and every day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. Wishing all of our neighbours to the south, yes you United States of America – a very Happy Thanksgiving. Now I know that sounds a bit frivolous but no matter what is going on in our lives, we always have so much to be thankful, to be grateful for.

This is my list for 2020:

1. Firstly, I am grateful to be in good health, that Alvin is in good health and my family and friends.
2. I am grateful that every morning I can swing my legs over the side of the bed and feel my feet touch the floor.
3. I am grateful that I can walk into the bathroom off my bedroom use the sink with running hot and cold water to wash my face and brush my teeth.
4. I am grateful that I have indoor plumbing with no carrying any kind of pail outside to dispose of or have to go outside to an shack to “go.”
5. I am grateful that I have eyes to see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and to see the stars on a clear night and the glorious moon high in the sky. That I can see the faces of my dear family and friends.
6. I am grateful that I can hear Alvin when he barks or cries, that I can hear my the birds chirping in the early morning, and that I can hear my daughter’s soft lovely voice. That I can hear.
7. I am grateful that I have the means to have my own home, my own home for the first time in my live. Something that is mine.
8. I am grateful that I can afford to eat good food.
9. I am grateful that during this pandemic my daughter and my friends have graciously and without a second thought, added my shopping needs to their own.
10. I am grateful that I live in Canada.
11. I am grateful to be employed and that my employers have been so considerate of their staff during this pandemic.
12. I am grateful that I am still employed and that I am able to work from home. This is the best thing to come out of 2020 and that is being at home with Alvin everyday.
13. I am grateful that I have the technology to keep in touch with family and friends and to write this post everyday.
14. I am grateful that my son-in-law’s brother “D” who had the heart transplant one year ago, is doing so well and able to continue to live a great life and to celebrate another Christmas with family and friends.
15. I am grateful for each breath I take and that they are easy.
16. I am grateful to have books to read.
17. I am grateful that I can help animals and humans when needed.
18. I am grateful that I have the strength to shovel the winter snow.
19. I am grateful to be surrounded by kind, loving, supportive and compassionate family, friends and neighbours.
20. I am grateful for my life.

Well time to go to work. I am grateful for my job. I will continue to live my life in gratitude, with kindness and respect for all others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning,

The sky is clear and there is a bit of a breeze.

The sun is shining brightly.

It is cool in the house this morning.

I did not have to open the windows this morning.

 

Today at noon my daughter will be coming for lunch.

It will be great to entertain her for lunch and for a visit.

We are excited to see her, as always.

 

I am excited to hear – how was your weekend?

Did you get outside for a walk?

Did you sleep in?

Did you see a friend?

Did you talk to a family member?

Did you do laundry?

Did you read a book?

Did someone give you something?

Did you cook a meal?

Did you feel guilty?

Did you eat something that you should not have?

Did you dance?

Did you sing?

Did you have a shower or bath?

Did you have moments where negativity ruled the conversation?

Did you drink tea and or coffee?

Did you wash dishes or throw them into the dishwasher?

Did you post something on social media?

Did you sweep or vacuum the floor?

Did you water your flowers?

Did you pull weeds?

Did you feel like you could do anything you put your mind to?

Did you deadhead flowers?

Did you chat with a neighbour?

Did you see a cat?

Did you walk your dog?

Did you wish upon a star?

Did you see the almost full moon last night or earlier this morning?

 

Well I can say that I say “yes” to all these questions.

You see we all have so much in common.

More in common than not.

 

We have to remember that ….. we are more the same than different.

When you see someone that may not look the same as you?

Or sound the same as you?

Just remember my questions to you.

If you asked them these questions …. it is likely they said “yes” as well.

 

We are human and part of the same family.

We may not be the same colour.

We may not have the same beliefs.

We may not be from the same place.

But we are human and as such we all deserve to be treated equally.

To be treated with kindness and respect.

 

So on this Monday, I am reaching out to all my fellow human beings and asking them to treat ALL the people they meet with kindness and respect.

I would add to this as well ….. treat every creature big or small with the same kindness and respect.

Can you imagine what a wonderful world this would be?

I can.

Can you?

Will you?

Thank you.

 

Well time to head downstairs and turn on the work computer.

 

I shall treat all with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

OH MY GOSH, the sun is shining and the sky is the most beautiful light blue.

This is the first morning with sunshine in several days and feels like almost forever.

Alvin and I are grateful for the sunshine.

There was a rain shower last night as the deck was wet this morning.

Our grass will need to be cut again as soon as it dries.

It seems like the grass has been cut more often than usual although I do seem to remember that we had lots of rain last summer as well.

The month of August was the hot one for us.

We managed to get a walk in yesterday after supper which was late afternoon.

 

I don’t know about any of you but has anyone found that they have been dreaming lots as of late?

OMG, I wake up or rather bolt up in some cases.

Sometimes happy and other times really worried.

I have not been remembering much of the dream so cannot even try to figure them out.

Perhaps I will remember the next one.

 

Well after getting up twice for me during the night and then at 4:22 a.m. – I just needed to hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

So then in turn I am running a bit late.

Coffee is calling me.

Thankfully today is Thursday.

 

I hope that you and your family are in good health.

Managing to live your life in this atmosphere of uncertainty.

We have to make the most of this time and do the best that we can.

Perhaps we humans have learned a thing or two during the past months.

I hope so.

 

Enjoying the sunshine ….. windows open.

Have an awesome day.

One thing for sure the grass has never been more green.

The flowers never so brilliant.

Everything is growing so much.

Now for the sunshine.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to DAY FIVE of working from home.

We have company this morning.

Humphrey is joining us for the day.

Poor boy has a dew claw that is grown in.

The cat that has three legs.

I think Alvin has been talking to him and realized that he is hurting as he is whining.

Poor Humphrey.

Hopefully his Mom is able to get him into the VET shortly.

 

We only managed to get one partial walk in yesterday.

It was messy out and we got about halfway on our new route and Alvin had enough and turned for home.

I did make several attempts to sway him into continuing but alas we turned around and came home.

We received word yesterday that at this point it appears that we will remain closed to the public and continue to work from home until April 30th.

They will reassess the situation mid April and take it from there.

I am slowly getting into this and it is becoming less stressful.

I am grateful to have more time at home with Alvin especially as he is getting older.

I am grateful to have a much SHORTER commute.

I am grateful that I have a job and that I can work from home and continue to be paid.

 

Life goes on.

Yesterday I managed to have a nice chat with one of my dear friends.

She is the one that has the amazing yard and flowers every year.

We had been playing tag for quite some time and they had gone for a cruise at the end of January and home near end of February.

They had no outbreaks on the ship but when they arrived home they made sure to self-isolate.

Her husband has some heart issues so that was important.

 

After supper and clean up was done, I was on FB for a little bit.

Commenting on a friend’s post about her Dad’s birthday.

Another friend also posted.

At that moment, I wondered their connection.

But did not take the time to ask? (privately, of course).

A little while later, the friend asked me how I knew them.

Then we chatted via messenger for a nice long while.

Finding more connections we have …..

What a small world.

The Dad and that friend, I knew the family from my childhood.

One of the sister was a dear friend of mine and has since passed away from Cancer.

The friend that knew this family had so many connections to them herself and through her late husband (who was a dear friend of mine).

 

How wild and wonderful is this time on earth we call our lives!

Well I am running a tad late as I decided why would I get up so early when I could just rest on our nice cozy sofa.

THen the phone rang and it was Humphrey’s Mom.

The coffee pot is calling my name.

It always takes a few minutes to get everything set up on the computer.

 

I hope this finds you well.

Relaxing and less stressed this week than last.

Each day that passes and we make it through is a good one.

We will endure, we always will.

Will things be different after this has ended.

You betcha, things will be different.

Businesses will realize that they can continue business with employees working from home.

New business practices will arise.

Governments will make some stark realizations, and perhaps start working together to have a GLOBAL PLAN in place.

Unfortunately I think this will keep happening.

Humans are a strange creature and always doing things we were not meant to do.

 

Be safe and kind to others.

Fill your days with goodness and respect.

There is always something you can do for yourself and for others.

I think spring cleaning can be started.

Watch the videos of a little doggie named “Pluto.”

He makes me smile and laugh so loud.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Oh, the sun is rising and the sky is clear.

Sunny day, oh I hope so.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and today with us, Humphrey.

Friends come in all sizes and shapes.

Don’t worry thankfully these are old photos and Humphrey is not wearing the bright yellow cone.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD day has arrived …. actually the COLD has not departed.

When the sun shines during the day it seems like we have received a reprieve but once outside not so much.

But then again it is WINTER and part of winter is cold temperatures.

January was such a mix of temperatures.

So far this month is colder than January.

Oh well, each day the sun is rising earlier and setting later.

As always we are wishing the days away until the warmth touches our faces and soothes our souls.

Summer which is always a fleeting time of year ….. here one day and gone the next.

Or so it would seem.

Life in CANADA.

We are strange animals, we humans.

 

So onto another topic.

I took a couple of vacation days as Mr. Alvin is having surgery.

He is having a growth on his eye lid removed and his teeth cleaned.

They will also clean the anal glands, trim his nails and give him his regular vaccinations.

We and I mean, we, have had nothing to EAT or to DRINK since last night at 9:00 p.m.

We are FASTING.

Actually I tried and tried to get him to drink before bed as he could have a drink until 10:00 p.m. but no.

Poor little guy was looking all over for his water dishes.

The one in our room and the one in the kitchen.

I feel like a horrible bad Momma.

He was able to have his glucosamine this morning so that was good.

In about 45 minutes from now our friend will arrive to take us to his appointment.

I took this photo a couple of minutes of my boy.

He is not going to like me when I leave him at the Vet.

This is not the first time but this time feels different for some reason.

Perhaps because we usually walk over as it is in the summer.

Anyway, I know everything will go well and I will get the phone call to come and get him.

Last couple of times just after he woke up – they called for me to come and get him.

Keep positive thoughts for our boy.

Always good ….

Well I should go and get things ready.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Special Hello to: all those folks with beloved furry companions..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 8th day of April, 2018.

The sun is shining and I think that I heard a bird chirping earlier in the morning.

There is now a light blanket of snow covering everything.

Over the course of the morning thus far it has been snowing in between the sunshine breaks.

The house is not quiet as me Alvin is back home once again.

We went to bed a bit later than normal and I read for awhile.

He did not get up until 6:22 a.m. and then only wanted to go outside, not wishing to eat.

So we headed back to the sofa until just after 8:00 a.m.

It still took him several minutes to eat which was about 8:30 a.m.

He shows no signs of distress or anxiety.

 

I think of all the creatures big and small on this earth so may not be quite so fortunate.

They are living in constant danger and fear.

Anxiety is a way of life.

How sad is that.

I just do not believe that we as humans have continued through the ages to be such mean, horrible, vindictive creatures.

Why?

What is the purpose?

Is it all about power, greed and money?

At some point in the near future we have to step away from that and simply to the right thing.

What would be so wrong about that?

I know that it is not everyone.

I know that there are so many good people.

But even us good people live in denial.

We do not look after the environment nor each other.

Let us face it ….. most people live their lives in denial and with blinders on.

As long as it does not directly impact our lives, we just say “It is not my fault”  or “Let the government fix things.”

Well I am here to tell you ….. it is YOUR fault and MINE.

Why would we think that the government would fix things when we do not?

We elect them.

 

Food for thought.

Please it all starts with being good residents.

Good residents of your home, of your neighbourhood, of your city or town, of your country and of this planet.

We should care about the future generations, what kind of planet will they live on?

If you have any kind of imagination, it is most scary, to say the least.

Start by picking up the trash in and around your home.

Pack your garbage and recycling properly.

There are winds in every area of CANADA.

Make sure that you check with your municipality to make sure that you are placing the proper items in the blue bins or recycling bags.

If not, they cannot be recycled.

This costs each municipality MILLIONS of DOLLARS each year.

It is up to each and every one of us to make this right.

Not the government and not your neighbour, it all starts with YOU …..

 

I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who strive each and every day to make this planet healthy and safe for every creature.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of May, 2017.

A glorious morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is smiling as it rises in the East filling the sky with it’s magical beams.

So happy for the weekend.

I am grateful that I have the weekend off so to speak.

Anyone who works outside the home knows – we all have work to do when we get home.

 

On a more somber note and reminder to us all.

It is the time of year when forest and wild fires break out.

Be careful as the cost to lost lives whether animal or human is too high.

They may never be replaced.

Homes and businesses may be replaced.

Memory from one year ago today.

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

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of May, 2016.

It is overcast here in Edmonton this morning.

The air is cool and there is a breeze.

Such a difference from the past couple of days.

I am actually cold this morning.

I only hope that it has cooled off up north where the wildfires are burning out of control.

They need a break.

RAIN and no lightning would be great.

Sounds like everyone was evacuated safely and that is great news.

My heart goes out to all of the animals in the forest surrounding Fort McMurray, Alberta.

I hope that all of the dogs and cats were rescued from the City.

We are so grateful to all those brave men and women whose job is to go into the inferno to fight the fires.

Whether paid or volunteers we thank you.

I hope they are all safe.

To all of the individuals out there who came together to offer up a place to sleep or to gather necessities for the evacuees, we thank you.

Well here it is time to leave for work once again.

The time always passes quickly in the morning.

So on this Thursday be safe.

Special Hello to: all the residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta and surrounding areas, we are grateful that you are safe and secure.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 12th day of March, 2017.

Well it is still snowing and I cannot see the path that I had shovelled yesterday.

Clearly there will be some major shovelling in my near future.

We are almost ready for the big party this afternoon.

 

AS:

Today is the birthday of my one and only beautiful daughter.

I cannot believe that she came into this world thirty-seven years ago.

It seems like only yesterday that this wee little girl came into my life.

I will say again that I cannot believe that it has been thirty-seven years.

“A” is the star that twinkles in the night sky.

She is the heart that beats in our world.

She is the warmth that is kindness and love.

Her generous heart is unmatched.

She comes between the bullies and the victims.

With each year that passes she continues in her own quiet way to stand up for animals and people.

She is creative and always surprises me with a new creation, something done her way.

She loves her family.

This daughter of mine takes the quiet path to greatness.

You will not hear her shouting from the hilltops for something she has done.

She is beautiful inside and out.

I will continue to be the proud Momma each and every day of this beautiful girl now woman.

You were the best gift that I have ever been blessed to receive.

Many Happy Days and Years ahead …..

We love you more than words can say.

Happy Birthday “A J-C” …… you are the glue that keeps me together.

These tulips are for you…..

Alvin and I must go and put the finishing touches on your party.

It has to be perfect – as it is for you, my darling.

See you and your family in a few hours.

Happy Birthday.

Love Mom and Alvin

 

Special Hello to: my girl.

Always, Carol and Alvin