2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Friday morning? I am well. It is 7:19 a.m. and the sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky. There is a breeze lifting the coloured leaves from the trees and placing them gently onto the ground. My neighbour mowed the lawn yesterday and it looks so good as the grass had grown a bit longer. I looked out of my bedroom window as I was getting ready a few minutes ago to see that beneath our tree the grass is dotted with yellow/gold leaves. So pretty. Alvin and I had a pretty good sleep last night / this morning. He is patiently waiting for me downstairs.

Yesterday ended up to be an odd morning. As I mentioned we had a great sleep but we’re off to a bit of a late start as we fell back to sleep so that put the shower later, our walk later and my arrival time for coffee to be a bit later ONLY that is not what happened. It is funny how things can change in a blink of an eye. Just before we went for a walk, I was thinking it was cool in the house so I checked the thermostat and found it to be 66 degrees fahrenheit in the house with the heat set at 70 degrees (showing heat on) but could only mean one thing the furnace was not on. ARGH. I made a quick decision to take Alvin for a walk first and texted the girls to say that I would be a little bit late. When we got to the park we saw our friend Pauline out for a walk with her grandpup Georgie. We chatted for a moment and walked together for a bit as I explained what was going on with us parting ways and continuing onto home. When I got home I called Sonja to see if she knew what to do and she did not know about the pilot light on the furnace. So I called Kim and Dave. Then I texted the girls to advise that I would not be able to tend the coffee visit. Dave came over a bit later. We chatted and I explained what was wrong. We went into the basement and checked out the furnace and definitely the “pilot light” was not on. The Supervisor of the technicians that had gone to turn the furnace back on after the cleaning had not waited around to see if the furnace actually came on – he just flipped the switch to an on position. Dave with his phone flashlight read through the instructions on the bottom cover on the furnace (to be honest I had not read them, an eye opened for sure) and hit the reset button to turn on the pilot light. The pilot light came on but did not ignite. He had to try a couple of times which meant waiting for a few minutes in between (his analogy like lightning a barbeque). Finally he decided to remove the top cover where the pilot light is located and found it to be super clean and also found it was turned off. He turned the dial to on and then hit the reset button while placing the bottom cover back on and voile the furnace ignited. Thank goodness for such amazing neighbours. My “10” furnace cleaning rating just dropped by several points. I think that ensuring that the furnace is actually on and producing heat should be just as important as the cleaning. Right. People make mistakes. An oversight. Not on purpose, I know. But I am so grateful to have such great neighbours who are willing to drop what they are doing to help me out. If I had to call someone back out …. like the furnace guys ….. it would have cost me money. Anyway I am happy it is working and we have heat. I missed having coffee with my girls.

After Dave was gone, I put on a big pot of coffee and drank several cups. Had some toast and then decided to get working on the backyard. I mowed the grass. Cut down the perennials in my back flower bed except for the two bushes. Then went to town on putting away everything or almost everything from the deck into the garage. Rearranging as I went but it looks good.

I just heard a huge growl from the backyard and looked outside to see Sonja and Bogart on the deck. I guess the boys are not getting along at the moment so I asked if Humphrey could come over for a bit. So time to go.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Cool, I hope. Alvin and I were up at 3:30 as both had to “pee.” It was so refreshing outside and even though it was in the 20’s celsius even at that time with a breeze it felt cool and as I was wearing my summer pj’s, I put on a sweater, imagine that! We lingered on the deck for a time enjoying the coolness and for a moment I thought of grabbing Alvin’s beds and bringing them outside and laying down on the deck. For a moment. Then back into the house and laid down until he was up at 4:30 to eat. After Alvin ate, I changed my alarm from 5:00 to 5:30. I checked the weather and before the official sunrise it was 24 degrees celsius with a breeze and only climbing after the sun begins to rise higher in the sky. The sun rose at I think 5:07 so we could see to walk of course and at 5:40 a.m. this morning Alvin and I headed out for a walk. We came across three runners and one couple with a dog walking. I think that the dog was walking the Mrs. They were fully dressed with long pants, tops and jackets. I felt warm looking at them. Anyway we enjoyed the coolness in the air, the smell of the roses, the smell of the morning. It was enchanting. Really it was. I felt like we were in a different place and shortly we will be. I am grateful that we have fans and can keep relatively okay. Last night before bed I gave Alvin a bath of sorts, no shampoo, just got him wet and then partially dried him. I had a shower. Then we went to bed. I also put a wet towel on him. When the towel dried out during the night, he woke up. I realized what the problem was grabbing the towel went into the bathroom and ran some coolish water soaking the towel. Covering him with it once again, he went back to sleep. I think that he knows what the towel represents now. I am grateful to have towels and water. There is still a breeze coming in through the office window and it is actually cool in here. Unlike yesterday morning when it was warm but we are earlier I think. A few minutes ago after returning from our walk, Alvin wanted to go outside. So we went into the backyard and found Bogart atop the fence between his yard and ours. He was meowing at Alvin and Alvin was barking at him. His Mom came out, picked up Bogart from the top of the fence, he was not impressed, we had a short visit as she was vacuuming while it was still cool before realizing that she promised a coworker that she would go to the office and help with a task. So then she was hustling Humphrey and Bogart into the house. That has been our morning thus far. Honestly feels like we have been up for hours and I guess actually we have.

At least the weekend will be 10 or more degrees cooler and 25/26 degrees celsius looks pretty cool to me.

So on this Wednesday the last day of June 2021 and the day before we celebrate Canada Day, I am grateful to live in a country that is not perfect but we are trying to do better for all our citizens. We are hopeful that for the children of the next generations we will always remember what is not acceptable and that we will all live together with respect, compassion and kindness for everyone, for each citizen of this great land. Everyone is important. Everyone!

Happy Wednesday to you. I am off to put on some coffee and perhaps sit outside on the deck for a little while while the deck remains shaded before the sun rises higher in the sky. Enjoy that refreshing cool air a bit longer.

Take care and stay cool and hydrated.

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

Love, Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? We are great. Glad that it is Saturday. The sun is shining and the sky the most exquisite blue. Had some excitement this morning. I regress to yesterday. We had a great walk at lunchtime yesterday. It was windy but we managed to remain on the ground and even got to see two families of geese. Oh, the goslings are so cute and fuzzy. You just want to cuddle with them. Later in the afternoon, it started to rain. My daughter came after work to drop off some lawn chairs that they no longer had room for on their deck so I accepted them. I have lots of room on my multi leveled deck. We had a yummy supper of stir fry. After cleanup we including Mr. Alvin went over to check on Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder as their Momma is away for a well deserved weekend away from home. Humphrey said hi to us all and Bogart was a little distanced. One of the cats had thrown upstairs so I cleaned that up. Neither seemed to be ill or anything. He wasn’t quite sure. Not like he doesn’t know us but he was cautious. When we were going to leave he growled as Alvin was going to pass close by him. Just playing it safe, I had his leash on at that point so I steered him the other way. After my daughter went home, I did some clean up and then watched a bit of television before heading to bed. I think that I have mentioned before that I had purchased some “fake” nails from my friend’s daughter who has her own little business. When we girls were all together last weekend purchasing some nail kits, I thought that it would be fun to have all three of us wear our nails to Gillian’s birthday party which is in 1.5 hours on my deck. The instructions are not to put your hands in water for at least two hours after putting them onto your nails. Well the only time that would work for me would be before bed. So that is what I was doing a 10:30 last night, in my bathroom putting on these nails. Which by the way is making it difficult for me to type. Hopefully I get used to them before Monday. I work the late shift on Monday. I have them on and managed to keep them on so far today.

This morning we were up about 4:00 and then Alvin ate at 6:00 but I did not wish to get up to stay at that time. I really could have as I felt more awake at that time then I did at 7:30 when we got up to stay up. But it was so cozy on the sofa and I had been dreaming. Shortly after up, I made the bed and grabbed a sweater before heading over to feed the cats next door. I was in the kitchen putting out some wet food (already filled their dishes with dry) when the front door was starting to open, almost had the big one (okay being slightly dramatic) when a female voice called out and it was my neighbour bestie who comes every Saturday to use her basement for a zoom dance class. We startled each other. Shortly after that the orange cat that was out visiting stopped by. One minute on the fence and the next on the deck. Bogart was inside of course and the cat was sitting outside patio door on the deck. Bogart was not impressed. I am not sure what he was saying. Humphrey came along and he just sat and watched the cat. A few minutes later the cat jumped the fence from the ground, scaled the fence and then jumped onto my garage and down the other side to the fence and was gone. What an agile creature. Kendra had her class so I said that I would be over later.

What an interesting morning. Not sure how excited I am about these nails. Hard to type. I suppose you get used to them. Anyway. Time to go and get dressed for the party. It is a nice morning. Cannot wait to see the girls.

Have an awesome morning, and rest of your Saturday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am so close to 1000 followers ….. very exciting. Thank you to everyone. I appreciate your time.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? We are doing okay. I cannot say great as Mr. Alvin was up at 4:15 a.m., he woke up shaking his head madly so I am hoping he does not have an ear infection. I fed him early and back to bed until his LAST MED at 6:00 a.m. ….. we are done. I just had a shower and changed the bedding and he is whining so imagine he has to go outside. Just back from outside. When you have to go you have to go. I tried to upload some photos to show you this morning but something did not work. I will admit that I am still not functioning at 100% due to the late night / middle of night / early morning business. So happy that the pills are done. I was just speaking to Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom who came out as we were chatting with Humphrey who was sitting atop of their deck railing. She said that when they finished medicines for surgery they were a bit off for a time. So I will keep an eye on him. The sun is shining and it is warm outside. Almost feel like setting up the patio furniture but alas there is still snow on parts of the deck. Not quite time for patio furniture. There is space for us to sit on the upper deck landing and gaze out at our “vast estate.” I love my/our home. Next weekend we turn those clocks ahead one hour. The daylight will seem longer and longer as the days pass. I have a feeling that spring is close by. Most of our snow has melted. The bunnies are still white …. I did not notice any brown.

Happy Birthday to my friend Gillian’s son Connor who turns 12 today. Hard to believe, he was a little guy when I moved to Edmonton. Happy Birthday.

Coffee will have an extra special warmness to it this morning. I love my morning coffee. Did you know that it is better to brush your teeth before you have your first cup of coffee in the morning – that first morning coffee. Apparently the coffee sticks to your teeth and turns them yellow. If you brush them …. it does not stick so much.

Today, I am planning to work on my taxes. ARGH. Somedays I think it would be better to get a professional to do them but I have always done them for 45 years give or take so why start now. I use SimpleTax which has changed hands and is now WealthSimple Tax, It is actually quite an easy process. Now I just have to find my tax information from last year. Somehow or other it seems to have disappeared. I could write a story about the disappearing tax papers. Oh well, I have the current year information all gathered. So at least a step in the right direction. I just would like to get them done. Hoping for a tax refund.

Well the boy wants to go downstairs. So off we go. I wish you a wonderful Sunday.

Continuing to live my life with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. Always working on patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. My long weekend is over but I am working the late shift today so start work at 11:00 a.m. (which worked out pretty good, I would say). The sun is coming up with hopes of yet another beautifully warm day. Yesterday was warm but overcast the majority of the day. I had a super productive day and accomplished everything on my to do list including multi-tasking walking with Mr. Alvin and picking up trash as we went. I have this tong like hand held tool and then of course a garbage bag. Worked pretty good. Not the most ideal thing walking with a dog and picking up trash but we managed and I was happy to get the trash picked up as it had been annoying me for awhile. I do not understand how people can walk over, around or whatever trash in front of their homes and cars. Anyway, it is done. I raked my lawn and Humphrey’s Mom’s as we are joined and bagged the leaves (1.5 bags) and then raked the backyard. I did the raking first and then did the trash and walking. Finished decorating for Christmas in the morning. Did some laundry throughout the day. Wrote up some Christmas cards and letters. It was a GREAT DAY. Question: do you think that perhaps Christmas Cards will make a come back as people won’t be travelling as much this holiday season?

This morning Humphrey’s Mom is bringing Bogart over to stay with us while she takes her car into the shop. Bogart had some surgery yesterday. He is wearing a cone which he does not like. Thankfully he has a great Momma who had found these soft material cones for cats. So Bogart like Humphrey will not ever have to wear those hard plastic ones.

I guess today is the election for our neighbours to the south. Wonder what will happen. I read about their election and about the electoral college and all. Too much room for people to play with the results. I don’t think that the drama is over just yet. Their President seems to enjoy “drama.” Good luck United States, I hope you make the better choice.

Well I will say this again and again, I am grateful to live in this country and to be a Canadian. I am grateful to be working from home. I am grateful that our leaders both politically and medically are doing the best for us, all.

Time to head to the shower. Just going to have a lazy dazy morning until Bogart arrives and I have to work at 11:00 a.m.

Wishing you a great Tuesday. May you be safe and in good health. May you spread kindness and respect to every living creature you meet. Take care.

Living with kindness and respect, I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

We just arrived home from a nice walk a little while ago.

There is ever so slight of a breeze as the temperature is already begin to climb.

Supposed to be +26 degrees celsius today.

Which is warm considering the temperatures that we have been experiencing this summer.

In the some of our Canadian provinces east of Alberta the temperatures have been ugly hot.

With the humidex it has been almost too much.

I cannot imagine being a dog or cat or any animal including human in +40 temperatures.

Not for me.

While out and about we bumped into Humphrey and his Mom.

They were also out for some fresh air and sniffing.

Mom for the fresh air and Humphrey for the sniffing.

He likes to go into everyone’s front yard and sniff the trees and plants.

In a little bit after a late breakfast for me and a cup of coffee, I have decided to move up Mr. Alvin’s haircut.

Might as well get it cut before the heat of the day.

 

Last night after work Humphrey visited.

After supper and clean up I went over and picked up Bogart to introduce him to Alvin.

Alvin wanted to say hi but was a bit reluctant but the kitten just hissed and did a baby kind of growl.

We did go into the backyard and I placed the kitten down at one point but he was scared so I picked him up.

We spent a few hours just chilling on the sofa.

The kitten draped loosely around my neck, Humphrey dozing on Alvin’s doggie bed and Alvin stretched out on the sofa beside us.

By the time that I took the boys home, Bogart was hissing a bit less.

Alvin was panting so he clearly had some anxiety over the whole thing although he wanted to get close to the kitten.

I don’t think he has seen a kitten before in his life.

Not so easy taking photos with a kitten in your arms.

I snapped these photos earlier in the day from my office window.

The deck was still wet from that wicked storm the night before …

I love my backyard.

Flowers have survived.

 

Gotta love a little kitten.

Well time to fly if I want to get Alvin’s hair cut down today.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Saturday.

Enjoy the day.

Each moment.

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Yup it is finally a blue sky sunshiny morning and it is Friday.

I am on my last day of vacation and then it is the weekend.

The birds are happily chirping their songs happy to see the sunshine.

With worms a plenty after the rain.

I have seen a few Robins out and about already this morning.

The early bird …… right.

Well finally up and mobile earlier than the past couple of mornings despite a whacky night.

I am pretty convinced that the damp cooler weather (although it did warm up yesterday) has wreaked havoc with his joints, legs and paws.

The book that I am reading is in the final chapters and I just could not put it down last night but finally after reading for almost two hours, I did.

Shortly thereafter Alvin woke up and wanted to go downstairs.

Yes, at midnight.

There was a full moon.

I don’t know would that play a role.

Who knows.

Anyway, I gave him another pain med, let him go outside and then back to bed.

After a bit of time he settled down and went to sleep until just after 5:30 a.m.

His usual hours of sleep in a row seems to be six.

Then after eating etc. he will sleep on the sofa for a couple of hours.

But chopped up sleep is not good for the Momma.

Anyway, feeling pretty good today.

Just before bed last night the sink in the main bathroom upstairs would not drain.

I tried baking soda and vinegar and the plunger but to no avail.

So with a bit of dirty water in the sink, we went to bed leaving the fix for today.

This morning I ran downstairs for a wire clothes hanger and figure it could not hurt.

A temporary fix at best.

At best I was able to unclog the drain.

I will take the temporary fix for now.

 

There are so many photos that I would like to share with you but unfortunately they are on my phone at the moment.

Something to do later.

I am also in the midst of deleting multiples and poor shots from my phone.

No point in clogging up the memory with them.

I also need to work on the computer photos as well.

Whittle that 35,000 + down, some.

I do have a problem with deleting photos as somehow it feels like you are throwing away your life, your memories.

Perhaps I am worried that I won’t remember some things, perhaps.

Does that make sense?

I am getting better and I am the same with emails.

But I am trying.

 

We are also on Humphrey and Bogart patrol as I call it today.

Their Momma had to go to the office so I will go and spend some time with them this morning and this afternoon.

So with the morning so nice, I figured no better time than the present to go for a walk.

There is a nice breeze this morning and that sun is shining.

Perfection.

 

I may not even turn on the work computer today.

Yesterday I did work another 2.5 hours but I feel it helps my sanity/stress level.

 

I hope that you all are doing well.

Perhaps reading a great book this summer, this week.

Taking a walk.

Doing yoga once again.

I have done yoga 3/5 last days and will do again today.

Trying to get into a routine.

Somedays it is difficult as I am quite certain you would agree.

Oh, some excitement.

I decided to put on my non-stretch blue jeans and a top that I had not wore since last summer/fall.

Everything fit without trying to hold my breath.

So happy.

Perhaps this is slowly working ….. watching a bit more how much I eat and exercising more.

May the YOGA instructor was correct in that some exercises help with metabolism and help the organs function better.

Perhaps.

 

Well time to get dressed.

Yup I fixed the bathroom sink in my pj’s.

Yes, I did.

With my blue disposable gloves on and my wire clothes hanger.

 

Go for a nice walk.

The sky seems to be clouding over a bit so better get the show on the road.

Happy Friday Everyone.

 

Take some time to read, relax and maybe do a bit of yoga.

I am doing the Healing Yoga and love it.

Good place to start, to begin.

 

Living my life with kindness and respect.

Trying to be kind and respectful to me as well.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well looks like another rainy day in paradise.

Paradise is not always sand with palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze near a massive body of water under a hot sun.

I live in my own little paradise.

I live in my own home which I have longed for my whole life.

It is mine, I obtained it on my own with only assistance from the bank and I pay them dearly for it every single month.

There are paved roads outside my home on the street lined with sidewalks for pedestrians and the like.

I have green grass instead of sand.

I have flowers instead of palm trees.

We have a breeze almost everyday.

There is a park nearby with water but not for swimming.

I have running water that flows upon my command in my home with a bathtub and showers to boot.

We have varied temperatures each day.

The sun shines and the rain falls in my paradise.

In my paradise I live close to some wonderful people I call friends.

Alvin has his best friend living nearby.

We are truly blessed.

Speaking of Alvin’s best friend Teddy.

Yesterday we were out for our second walk of the day and just coming up to where Teddy lives.

Every time we pass by Teddy’s house Alvin turns to go in.

Since March I have had to say “Sorry buddy not today.”

Until yesterday.

Teddy’s Dad was outside on his way to the mailbox when we spotted each other.

We said hello as Walter gave Alvin a pat on his head.

I said how Alvin always turns in to their house.

He said I think that Iris sent you a text for a get together.

Go into the house.

So we walked up the sidewalk (someone ran).

There was no doorbell ringing as Alvin started to bark and I could hear Iris say “Alvin, oh Teddy it is Alvin.”

With Kobi in her arms and Teddy running to Alvin she opened the door.

We practiced social distancing and enjoyed a wonderful visit on their deck.

Teddy and Kobi kept running and jumping so happy to see us.

Teddy spent some time snuggling on my lap outside on the deck.

We enjoyed a glorious visit on the deck.

So much so when we finally got home it was almost 6:30 p.m.

We left home just before 4:30 p.m. (after work and yes, I was late leaving my desk).

So this is my paradise.

Home and friends.

Friends and home.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand pups live about 20 minutes away.

Well time to go and do the laundry in this paradise as the maid service “sucks.”

I will say that.

The butler sleeps all day or is always wanting a treat.

Imagine that!

Just another day in paradise.

I believe that is a line from a song song by Phil Collins (a fav of mine).

Just another day in paradise.

Coffee is brewed.

Life is good.

Have a great day in your very own paradise.

Paradise is not always defined by the traditional tropical setting.

Paradise is wherever you are ……

Happiness is ….

Yup, it is.

I like that word “yup” with no reason why.

 

Living with Kindness, Respect and a Generous Spirit.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Perhaps it is almost time for Christmas in July, “MOVIES.”

Oh, how I love Christmas with the Kranks.

 

Inside my PARADISE,

 

 

Life is GREAT.

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Happy Father’s Day to ALL the Dads out there.

Whether you are fathering two-legged or four-legged babies, Happy Father’s Day.

Well here in Edmonton, the sky is filled to the brim with dark foreboding rain clouds.

Earlier at 3:47 a.m. there was a lightness to the sky as the sun began to rise.

There is a bit of a breeze this morning.

I have been listening to this same bird chirping since we were first up at 3:47 a.m.

When I was awake.

I did not stay up from 3:47 a.m. until now.

If I had this post would have been done, I would have showered, emptied the dishwasher, brought up all of the clothes hanging to dry from the basement, vacuumed the floors, washed the floors, dusted and cleaned the bathrooms.

Oh well, now I have all of those things to do minus making the bed and almost this post.

We will get things done, well actually, I will get things done.

Alvin does not help much.

 

Yesterday afternoon, I spent some time watching over the new kitten next door and his big brother Humphrey.

I snapped tons of photos and videos but forgot to ask if I could share them on my blog.

I always like to obtain permission before I post photos of others.

The kitten is oh so cute.

That little face.

I found that he loved being cradled, held tight and rocked.

I would love to see Alvin’s reaction to a kitten that small.

He loves cats but kittens, likely okay.

Humphrey is not loving the newest member of his family.

He growled and hissed.

The first time I went over to check on them, Humphrey was upstairs and I could not find the kitten anywhere.

I searched the house from top to bottom.

Really starting to get scared I texted and then called my neighbour.

Just when she picked up the phone ….. Humphrey came downstairs and stood by the front door and began to growl.

Suddenly I looked up and saw the kitten sitting up high behind a photo at the entrance by the door.

We all have these things beside the door when you come into the house.

They are like a box, flat surface and somewhat separates the entranceway.

Bogart was up on this “box” which is about four or so feet up.

The little one can jump.

Very much relieved, I told his Momma and then hung up.

After that the kitten followed Humphrey around the main floor until finally Humphrey went back upstairs.

I sat at the top of the stairs to see if the kitten would go up the stairs and finally after having something to eat, up he scrambled.

Before I left for home, I took Bogart back downstairs.

Played with him.

The next time I went over Humphrey stayed upstairs the whole time.

I visited with Humphrey.

Bogart came up and ran around under the bed.

Humphrey growled the whole time.

Finally I was able to grab the little one and we headed back downstairs for some snuggles.

I enjoyed playing with the kitten.

 

Well time to hit the shower and get this day going as it is almost 9:00 a.m.

There is something about a cloudy day that just makes me want to curl up and sleep.

 

We enjoyed our walk last night after supper.

Even though we had a hot day the evening was comfortable.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all you DADS.

Have a wonderful day with your families.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

Every day of our lives.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin