The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I am a little late writing this morning as I ran over to look after the boys, Humphrey & Bogart and then on my way home I realized that I should water the grass/fertilizer seed that I planted yesterday out front and in the back. So I water everything. Then I thought I should put the houseplants outside and then I made coffee (have not drank yet) and then decided to haul up the clothes that were drying in the basement and then change the bedding and now I am here. Whew. Still no coffee but I will have some soon. What a gorgeous morning! Perfect time to be outside. I definitely will be drinking my coffee on the deck once I am finished with this post and after I have popped the sheets into the laundry. I have more Eddie, Bruno, Humphrey & Bogart photos to share. Who does not like to see photos of cuteness quadrupled? Despite the cancer and the pain that he must be in, Bruno loves his walk. Bruno leads the way – wherever he leads us that is the way that we go. Last night he wanted to go his old path and so we followed. I love these pups so much. I am so grateful to have had the absolute pleasure to have them all in my life.

Yesterday I washed the blinds on the main floor, washed baseboards, looked after Humphrey & Bogart, did some cleaning. laundry, walked with Jeanette and the boys Eddie & Bruno and miscellaneous things. It was a full day from beginning to end. I would not change a thing. My kitchen looked so bare in the photos as I had taken the plants all except for the aloe plant outside. I brought them in last night just to ensure their well being. If the sun decides to shine all day with no clouds, I will bring them in when it gets too hot. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. The boys are doing well next door and their parents will be home in a few hours. I framed Alvin’s nose print and paw print yesterday and also put his memory card with the photo side up in a frame. I have him with me in every room of this house. Looking out of the office window at this moment, the sky appears to be a bit on the hazy side. Smoke? Everyday I pray for rain to extinguish all of the fires burning at this time. I do know that Mother Nature creates fires naturally to burn. Nature is so much more intelligent than we will ever be.

Tomorrow after work I have to slip over to one of the nearby schools and cast my vote in the provincial election. Should have, would have, could have voted in the advance voting but here we are! Oh well.

Well today is going to be a quiet one. Going to finish up here and put the sheets in the wash and then have a cup of coffee on the deck. Just chilling on this Sunday now that I almost have everything done that needs to be done. Of course, there is always something. Oh, I had better vacuum upstairs and give the bathrooms a quick going over but that won’t take long after the coffee “break.” I clean regularly so nothing gets too dirty. So much easier to keep on top of.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Time to relax after the work is done. Time with family & friends. Go for a walk. Enjoy!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, My Forever Angel

Look in the photos above and you will see where I finally hung the whirly gift from Jessica.

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. Best news – we turned out the lights at just after 10:30 p.m. last night and Alvin did not wake up until 5:46 a.m., feeling on top of the world. We were up and did our early morning thing including feeding Mr. Alvin and going outside. So great to actually get more than 3-5 hours in a row. We had about 7 hours of continuous sleep. So happy.

So today is Sunday. We had a great Saturday. I did laundry, we went for a walk and I took photos with my new phone. My daughter and her husband upgraded their phones and she gave me her old one which is the equivalent of an iPhone 10. The new phone sure did the upload of photos quickly. Amanda did the transfer from my old phone to the new one yesterday morning before she left for home. So I have a new phone. Costs a bit more but that is okay. Everything has gone up – I do not expect things to be less expensive or perhaps I should give that more thought, lol. I also moved the “spring/summer” ornaments to the basement (store until next year) and brought up my fall/Thanksgiving/Halloween ornaments. More Halloween than anything but it looks good and my opinion is really the only one that matters. Not like there are others in the household that care, do you care Mr. Alvin? He says “nope.”

Playing with my new phone. Photos from our walk yesterday. On the way home we stopped, well Alvin stopped when he noticed that Humphrey looking out of the front door. They are so cute. Nose to nose and I did not react quickly enough to take photos. Next best thing, Humphrey came over for a visit.

We had a great walk. The weather has been glorious. If I could have held Mr. Alvin in my arms and taken a photo of us, I would have. Perhaps I should have placed him on one of the benches or sat down beside him. Next time.

Well time to head downstairs as I have been working on these photos for some time now and I need a cup of coffee. Alvin is patiently waiting or me outside the office.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Tomorrow is officially Thanksgiving Day but for most of Canada the whole weekend is celebrated. Family time and lots of food. Which reminds me I have not had pumpkin pie. Oh, how I wished that I had some pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

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 this Thursday morning? Alvin and I are well. We had a good sleep. Aiming for another early morning walk right after I have finished this post. YAY. Two for two as it were, as it is. The sky is overcast but the sun was shining earlier. So grateful for some cool air this morning. Our walk will be divine. I just heard some noise and noticed that Humphrey is out in his backyard enjoying the cool morning air. Life is good. Can you believe that were are in the month of June already? Where does time go? We put the measurements on time. That is a whole other conversation. Always food for thought. I had read something about time and Einstein’s theories. All so interesting.

Earlier when Alvin was outside the air was filled with birds singing. Now I can hear dogs barking. Are they speaking to each other or simply barking to be allowed into the house? Alvin is quiet sitting on his bed in the office with me. He has his own little bed to lay on when he is in this room as the floor is laminate. I suppose it is likely more cool at the moment than the bed but he is okay. He has water on each level and even out on the deck. Lots of dishes to check and keep full. But hydration is just as important for him as it is for me. Most creatures require hydration, in fact I do not know of any off the top of my head that do not require hydration. There may be some but I don’t know. Anyway by in large, we all need hydration. So please remember during the hot summer months when you are outside with your pets, with your children and for yourself to have water. I always carry water with us – mainly for Alvin but if I needed a sip I have it with us. I have recently changed back to my tupperware water bottle that I used to have at the office and I have found that I am drinking more than with my other glass. Bonus for me.

Life is good. I am so grateful that we are able to work from home. I love working from home. Works for both me and Alvin. He needs me to be here for him especially now that he is older and since his surgery. He needs to drink lots of water and he would not do that if I were working from the office. So I am grateful to be at home. Oh, I just felt a wee bit of cool air flutter in through the open window.

Well time to hit the trail. Get some exercise and enjoy the cool morning air before it gets hot.

We wish you a great day. May you be surrounded by love and laughter. May you be in good health and have abundance. Take Care.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.

What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.

To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.

Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.

Happy Happy Birthday buddy.

We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.

Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.

Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis

Wishing you all a great day.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Love Mom

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL,

I could see my breath outside earlier this morning. Looks like Mr. Alvin may have another ear infection as he was shaking his head lots earlier but seems to have stopped for the last few hours. Will keep an eye on him. We had a good Monday. One of my coworkers stopped by to pick up her Norwex order and stayed for tea. We social distanced. It was nice to see her as I do not work directly with her ….. it has been March since I saw her last. After she left I spent the next couple of hours or so cleaning up, rearranging the garage and then moving in the deck furniture. I also broke down a bunch of cardboard boxes. I had to enlist my neighbour to help with a couple of heavier deck pieces of furniture as I am realizing that I no longer have the strength of my youth. Humphrey wanted to come for a visit as it was his Mom who came to help me with the heavier items. So over he came for a visit.

Sometimes I like to see what happened on this day last year so here goes:

Hello, Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of October, 2019.

We had rain overnight but now the sky is beginning to clear.

Last year (2018) at Thanksgiving it was raining and I believe it turned to snow.

Argh, I surely don’t like to say that word before Halloween.

It would be so wonderful if it would remain “brown” until November.

Change of plans, Alvin’s friend Teddy is arriving this morning instead of for a sleepover.

He should arrive in 30 minutes or so.

Yesterday we had Humphrey over for a bit.

We enjoyed a beautiful walk but were sad to leave Humphrey here at home.

I decided to take my phone so that I could snap some photos and am happy that I did.

My family are planning to come for supper.

We are always happy to have them over.

Keeping this short this morning.

But I wanted to share some photos of our walk late yesterday afternoon.

It was so lovely.

I also raked the front lawn as it was covered with a thick blanket of leaves.

Also cleaned out the middle area that has stones as it was covered in leaves as well.

So many leaves.  I filled two big black garbage bags.

Alvin and Humphrey watched from the living room as I cleaned away.

Here are some of the shots from our walk yesterday.

In the park not too far from our house.

Alvin sniffing away.

The fountain still running.

Leaves covering most of the trees but so many different colours.

So beautiful.

One cute story to share from near the beginning of our walk yesterday.

We had just arrived at the park when a car slowed down and pulled over.

I realized it was some neighbours.

Mom and three small boys.

The boys were screaming with delight at the sight of Alvin.

The older boy was out of his seatbelt and trying to get his head out of the window.

Mom and I were trying to speak to each other but all I heard her say was “I can’t hear anything but ALVIN.”

The boys were all screaming his name.

It was at that exact second that I came to realize something.

“Alvin is a ROCK STAR.”

Everyone loves him.

Everyone knows his name.

The kids get so excited to see him and even some adults.

So I have a ROCK STAR living in the house.

Doesn’t get better than that ….

Unless he had the finances of a Rock Star …. but I am happy that he is so loved and adored.

Makes me proud.

Now I also realize something …. he does have that mindset of a celebrity.

Okay almost time for Teddy to arrive.

Time to get that coffee perking.

I need a cup.

Happy Sunday and if you are celebrating Thanksgiving on this day …..

Well Happy Thanksgiving to you.

I find it interesting that my life has not changed much from last year or the year before except perhaps the weather. Well time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. The sky appears to be clear as the sun begins to rise in the morning sky.

Continuing to live my life with love, kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

The morning air seems a bit cooler than yesterday. Most of the leaves on our tree out front are yellow and are now on the ground. Looking like a photo op and a raking job for the weekend. We are into FALL and the weather has been great. The sky is clear and at night the moon is bright and some stars are visible (some might be satellites). I think on this Thursday that some cute photos are on the agenda, what do you think. My daughter helped me with some additional memory so now I should be able to download/upload photos and will also have the storage for my 40,000+ photos on the computer without any worries. I am so grateful for her guidance and support, always. Let me see if I can figure out how to do photos in this new wordpress.

I did watch the U.S. Vice-Presidential Debate last night. It was not the major theatrical event that the Presidential Debate was but the Vice-President did run over his time allotment each and every time he spoke. He was a bully but in a more civilized manner. Interesting though.

Well that was not too bad and I actually like the way it now works although likely next time I will have forgotten the steps but after a few tries, I will remember. Mr. Alvin is sneezing wanting my attention, perhaps to go outside so will have to cut this short.

I hope that you enjoy some photos. Some are from this summer and others from Christmas and other times. Of Mr. Alvin, my grandpups Milo and Miss Aspen, Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sis Kobi, our neighbour and friend Humphrey. Whoops forgot Bogart, he will make the next photo spread. Then some older FALL photos, just because.

May you have a lovely day. Be surrounded by loved ones and laughter. Be kind and respectful to all you meet. Reach out to a friend or family member that you have been missing during this COVID time. Take care and be safe.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday Morning.

It is windy with the sun desperately trying to break through the cloud cover.

I was out a bit earlier with the boy and it is not cold so that it is a good thing.

Our late spring/early summer weather has been a mix of sun and rain with mostly being rain.

We have no choice in what the day brings and just have to roll with it.

When the sun shines we walk and work outside or simply sit on the deck and enjoy the sun’s rays.

With the rain, we stay inside.

I am not opposed to walking in the rain protected by an umbrella but doesn’t work so much for Mr. Alvin.

I would feel so guilty walking without him.

He does have a rain jacket but is not fond of it.

Perhaps if he wore it more than once he may grow to tolerate the covering.

But I doubt it.

He is a stubborn creature and when his mind is made up there is no changing it.

I know that first hand.

But that is okay.

 

I will say that I can be stubborn although I have learned to roll with change in my later years.

You do not always have control – okay we seldom have real control.

What is control anyway?

Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?

We do not have control over the weather.

We have little control over anything in our lives, really.

Perhaps on what we have for dinner or when we take a shower.

Those things are dependent on how much money, time and what is in the pantry and fridge.

The shower well that depends on time and perhaps hot water supply.

But most things are set by a collective for which we are a part however; if that collective decides on something different from yourself, well you see what I mean.

Control is not what it is cracked up to be anyway.

If you lose what control you think that you had ….. you could spiral down.

The bottom is not a pretty place for sure.

So really …. control …… mmm.

I consulted my pocket Thesaurus to see what words are listed under control: if a verb here are some of the words: direct, lead, head, preside over, govern, rule, manage, supervise, oversee, 

if a noun, direction, leadership, command, rule, authority, charge, power, influence, mastery and so on.

 

By looking at the words that fall under the word “control” – perhaps control is more a wide brush stroke.

We can provide influence and direction over how we make meals, dress ourselves and maybe our family to some degree and so much more.

We can manage how we accomplish things in our daily lives.

 

But if you wake up in the morning and simply live your life.

Everyone has a schedule and some choices within.

If we work whether at home or away from home.

You have to get up, eat breakfast, have a shower, get dressed, look after your pets and your family and your transportation to the job.

There are things that we just have to do.

Control is just a word.

Some people spend way too much time worrying about things that are going to happen whether you are in control or not.

So I say …. live your life.

Do the best that you an within the framework of your life.

Words are words.

We spend far too much time worrying about words.

Actions speak louder than words.

If we live our best lives with kindness and respect, really most things will work out just the way that they should.

 

Are you confused?

Well perhaps it is too early in the day to provide an intelligent or wise view.

Food for thought, definitely.

Perhaps we all need to consult the Thesaurus once in awhile.

After all, they are only words.

Different meanings.

 

Well whether the sun shines today or not.

I am making pancakes for breakfast.

I am finishing the laundry.

I am making some notes on a story idea that came to me last night.

I will go for a walk with Mr. Alvin in between the showers.

I will do what I need to do.

 

Yesterday I/We had company.

My friend G in the morning and then my daughter stopped by for lunch.

We enjoyed our company so much.

There was laughter and almost a little smoke when we were making our grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

In our defensive, we thought that Mr. Alvin was choking on a carrot.

The sandwiches were delicious.

He is okay.

But that is life.

So much love, kindness and respect I have for these two wonderful women.

I am so blessed.

The sun shone and the day was great.

We walked.

Humphrey visited.

We visited Bogart the kitten.

My daughter met the new neighbour.

Life is good.

 

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Wow, June 30th today, how did that happen?

Tomorrow will be the first day of the second half of this year.

Also tomorrow is July 1st, CANADA DAY.

The celebrations will be much different from other years but that is okay.

There does not always have to be such pomp and circumstance.

We can celebrate in smaller groups or just by ourselves.

Alvin and I usually watch someone of the televised celebrations followed by the fireworks in the neighbourhood.

 

Speaking of Alvin, I gave him a pain pill as soon as I got home from the vet yesterday morning.

It seemed to help or at least take the edge off which is great.

As the weather is still raining – I would think he may need one today but will see.

There were seven pills in the prescription and now there are six.

So will give them just when he appears to need them.

 

We had quite the start earlier this morning.

Alvin and I were outside in the backyard.

I looked up and saw this wet gold coloured cat on the top of the fence.

Immediately I thought of Humphrey and said “Humphrey” and his Mom came out right away.

Not Humphrey,  I realized that right after I said his name.

I recognized the gold cat with “four” legs from a few days ago.

He or She had been underneath a car and when we walked by …. of course Alvin had his scent.

So the cat came out and followed us.

Alvin likes cats so he was not startled by the cat.

The cat followed us down the street.

My neighbour thinks it belongs to a lady and her son down the street.

I think the poor cat is trying to find his home.

The cat took off when my neighbour came out and Humphrey was on the grass and ran after.

 

Alvin just barked.

Guess he needs something.

Anyway almost time to start work.

Yup, I kept setting the microwave timer for a few more minutes.

 

Okay, time to get this show on the road.

It has been raining since 5:30 a.m. this morning.

The grass is so nice and green.

My favourite shade of green.

The air smells fresh.

 

Wishing you a day filled with kindness and respect.

I only wished that everyone on the planet was surrounded with kindness and respect.

That would be perfection.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning!

Well this morning has certainly been a mix of sun and clouds.

Looking as though it will clear up.

They are forecasting 25 degrees celsius for today.

There is a bit of a breeze wafting in through our open windows.

I started this spring opening the windows in the morning.

If it gets cold …. of course, I close them but on those days where the temperature soars, the refreshing cool air early in the morning is welcome.

I still have not had my central air conditioning serviced.

It is on my TO DO List for this summer.

Finally found someone that will take a look at it.

Just have to set up a date and time.

COVID19 kind of changed some of my plans or at least timelines.

Oh, I see the SUN flashing through the corner of my eye as I am still at my desk right close to the window.

My favourite spot.

I had thought of flipping my workspace but then decided against that thought.

I love having my personal space by the window with my elephant and box of kleenex on the ledge.

Sitting beside my green gauze curtains and little beaded curtains always makes me feel good.

 

Last night one of  my friends brought over the diamond paintings that I had ordered.

We girls, well they have done more than me, I only have done one thus far but that is about to change.

In July we are having a big GIRLS NIGHT and working on a diamond painting.

We will have snacks and all sorts of different liquid refreshment.

I cannot wait.

Anyway last night we sat on the deck and had a “long island iced tea” and chatted.

First time in many years that I have “drank alcohol” on a Sunday night.

Just one over ice.

Lovely.

The evening was perfect.

Sunshine and not too hot.

The mosquitoes kept at bay.

It was much later than usual when we went to bed which I thought would have been a good thing.

I decided as Alvin had been fussing with his ears to clean them.

Bad idea.

I tried to look at them closer with a flashlight and it looked as though the one is inflamed.

At one point I thought there was something in the one.

I of course, was panic stricken thinking there was a worm or something in his ear.

Then he got really anxious and panting.

Finally after awhile he settled down and then I couldn’t sleep.

It felt like one hour, then two, then three and then I don’t know.

At 4:00 p.m. Alvin was up and we went downstairs.

He had his glucosamine chew and I caved and let him have breakfast.

A tad early but he was hungry.

So I will call the Vet this morning and make him an appointment, clearly something is not right.

 

Introducing Baby Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother.

So cute and so little.

I snapped a million photos but found that I took even more video.

I

Gotta run.

Time to work.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day.

It is sunny with a full on powder blue sky and there is a breeze wafting in through the office window.

Making this the most perfect Saturday morning.

Today June 20, 2020.

Hey 20, 20 20.

Cool.

Just realized that ….. okay slow to the party!

What can I say?

Added bonus I can hear the music of birds drifting in the breeze through my window.

 

Well we had a great Friday.

In the morning one of our neighbours and friends stopped by with Starbuck coffee for a little visit.

Alvin and I went for a walk at noon.

After work I cooked my first of three new meals from Good Food.

It was yummy.

After supper we walked over to our friends down the street.

We spent just over three glorious hours swinging on their patio swing.

Alvin sat in between us here and there.

He ran around the back yard not as much as previous year.

He was more content to just walk around sniffing.

Somehow in this immaculate yard he managed to find a bone of some sort tucked into the bed of river rocks under their deck.

The deck is off their dining room so it is raised and you take stairs up from the backyard.

Anyway, he found that darn bone.

We managed to get it away from him, not an easy task once he has his jaws secured.

In the beginning it was just me, Alvin and Irene.

A few minutes later her husband and our friend Norbert came down and joined in the conversation.

We had a great time.

Alvin loves them.

Norbert tried getting him to run after a ball he found in their shed but he was not really interested.

The train has left the station in that regard or at least most days.

It was so nice to sit outside in a private backyard enjoying great company on a Friday night.

They have the most lush and most delectable colour of green lawn that I have ever seen.

 

In 2020, the June solstice occurs on Saturday, June 20, marking the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

So what that means for us, is the longest day of the year.

Perhaps it might be close to 11 p.m. before the sun actually goes completely “to bed” and darkness befalls us.

 

Well on this longest day of the year.

It will be the usual suspects …. laundry, putz in the yard and garden, bit of cleaning.

RELAXING.

I see that on my calendar.

A walk sooner or later.

Likely later.

Supposed to be a warm one today.

 

Time to go and put on the coffee pot.

Get this party going.

Okay perhaps not quite anyone’s idea of a party but let’s get this going …..

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember to laugh and relax.

So some chores.

Perhaps help someone outside your household with a task or chore.

Living with kindness and respect.

 

As we continue our day living with kindness and respect,

I almost forgot to mention this good news.

Just as we were leaving last night to go out …. Humphrey’s Mom announced the newest member to their family.

A baby kitten name BOGART.

Welcome to our family and neighbourhood “little one.”

I see visits in our future for sure.

 

Happy Days.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Oh, no another photo subject !!!

 

 

 

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