2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are up and at it. Mr. Alvin is having a “fit” downstairs as I hastily try to write this post midst the barking and whining. Not sure why some mornings he is better than others but that is the way that it is. I left the light on for the stairs so he knows that I am up here and I have called down to him but nothing seems to make him feel less anxious. Life in my house. I am trying. It seems whenever I get confident that things are turning around this happens. Oh well, he is fine. In good health, has a belly full of food, I just heard him take a drink of water (yup all the way up here) and he went outside at 5:00 a.m., and he is loved. So I think he is good. Just a bit on the anxious side.

Yesterday one of my friends who lives close by popped in for a visit and coffee and a game of JENGA. We chatted about life and work and it was over two hours later and we had not had a game of JENGA. She had to leave a bit later so we managed to score a couple of games of JENGA. I was also happy that she won both games. My friend seems to think that I am really good at this game and that she can never “win” against me. I personally don’t care if I win or lose, it is playing the game and being surrounded by good company. So I was very happy when she won both games. Happy for her and happy for me. Isn’t that the way life should be. Doesn’t matter if you win or lose!

My youngest brother called during our visit so I called him back after our company went home. It was so nice to hear his voice. He is a good kid, a great younger brother and he is 56. So not really a kid but he will always be that little one that I looked after when he was a baby and a small child. He lives in Calgary which is approximately 3 hours from here. It all depends on what area of the City you live in as to how long the drive can be. Anyway, his family are doing well and he is doing well and that is all that matters. We chatted about life, about family, about his job and a multitude of things before saying goodbye until next time. It was a reminder that I need to speak to my sister and catch up. Life seems to always get in the way and before you know it ….. significant time has passed.

Alvin and I went for a walk after the phone call with my brother and were so happily surprised to see our friend Pauline outside in the yard. She finished up what she was doing and joined us for a walk. We went on a different route that our normal one and ended up home almost one hour later. We slowly walked about letting Alvin take the lead. I had a sweater on under my coat and was actually hot by the time we got home. It was not hot according to the temperature check but there was no wind and the air felt warm. The walk was most enjoyable.

Okay, I can no longer retain my composure with someone squeaking downstairs so I shall go. Wishing you a wonderful day. A friend of mine “C” has a birthday today. Happy Birthday to you. We used to carpool before the Pandemic and I have not seen her since starting to work from home. Just the way things worked out. I miss our drives to and from work.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience (really working on that this morning), love, laughter, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Did you have a fun, relaxing and or productive Saturday? I hope that it was a bit of everything. We all need to have a bit of fun everyday, time to relax and to be productive. Perhaps even your productivity was taking the time for yourself. Nothing wrong with that. Pulling away from the television screen, the computer screen, your smartphone is so important. We all need quality time to work on our body, mind and soul. Going for a walk in nature, reading a good book, maybe going for a manicure or pedicure, a massage, doing yoga or meditation. All of these things are relaxing and also productive. I am the Queen of watching television and I watch far too much in any given day so when I say that to step away, I can relate. We are becoming far to dependant on “screen time.” I always used to say that I did not want a cellphone because I do not want to be that accessible. I thought and felt that because everyone carried them on their person at all times – it was necessary to answer all incoming calls and emails and texts as they arrived/came in. IT IS NOT. We have become a society that thinks/feels the necessity for things to be instant. Not a great idea as far as I am concerned. Technology has taken over our lives. Most of us are “addictive” by nature, I think most if not all humans are…. we are addicted to all sorts of things and certainly does not need to be drugs or alcohol. Anyway I am not here to preach – just to relay my feelings. As I get older, I want to live a easy, less demanding and more authentic life. Being true to myself with no games. Likely I could write on this subject for a long time as most of us could certainly do but there are things to do. Alvin is also calling out for me in the way that he does. I am concerned about the human race as much as I am about myself, Alvin, my family and friends. So if there is any takeaway here ….. please be good to yourself …… go for that walk ….. have a nice long bath… go for a massage …. do something just for you ….. just for you.

The sun has been up for a bit now. The sky appears to be clear so not raining. We had a constant light rain from Friday night until late last night. We did not get any of the “stuff” that was a possibility and I am grateful for that.

This morning one of my neighbours and friends is coming for a visit and for a game or five of JENGA. It is our favourite. I did not have a chance to practice so will have to rely on my previous experience. Should be fun.

I hope that you all have a great Sunday. Wash that floor and finish the laundry but do that time to go for a walk or have that nice relaxing bath with your favourite music lightly filling the air.

Happy Sunday.

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

2021

Good Morning All! Another Tuesday morning.

Wishing a Happy 13th Anniversary to my daughter and son-in-law. I cannot believe it has been thirteen years married for them this year and they have been together for over twenty years now. Well done. Being in a long term relationship is not always easy but they have managed to work things out. I am very proud of them. They are good parents to Miss Aspen and MiMi, their beloved pups, my grandpups. Both of them work hard and are good people. Alvin and I wish you a wonderful day and may the years to follow be filled with good health, great joy, much love and laughter, abundance and seeing dreams fulfilled. Congratulations!

Our Civic Election was held yesterday, we have a new Mayor and Councillors and School Trustees and others. I am anxious to read all of the results.

One of my friends and neighbours is coming over on Sunday for a visit and to play JENGA, I cannot wait. I haven’t played that game in awhile. Perhaps I should brush up on my “skills.”

The temperature is only to be +6 celsius today but warming up the next two or three days and we will gladly accept them. We are not ready for the next season – just yet.

Still a couple of weeks until Halloween. I haven’t decided if I am going to dress up or not. Likely yes. I wonder if there will be a lot of trick & treaters this year! Time will tell. Last year was so different.

Well not much new to share and I don’t have any pearls of wisdom to share this morning.

Have a wonderful Tuesday. Remember to have a laugh.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Must be the full moon as I have been dreaming like mad…….oh, the stories my brain is generating.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of January, 2020.

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

I always enjoy our rides and visits, catching up.

Cannot believe that we have already been in the newly renovated old office for one full work week.

 

Today, this morning, in about two hours; the pups Teddy (Alvin’s BF) and Kobi (his little sister) are coming to stay with us for one week.

Mom & Dad are going to Mexico for a vacation.

We are excited to have them stay with us and I am a little afraid of the unknown, like our first night together.

Kobi sleeps in her own “condo” at home which is basically their front entranceway.

Their front entranceway is like a room with a door so it is easy to block it off.

I borrowed a metal enclosure so that I could set it up and put her bed and things inside.

It will go in the kitchen which is the biggest area on the main floor.

I will set it up after supper tonight.

Apparently she chews baseboards and stuff.

The stuff I know as she took my shoes from the back door and was going to chew on them.

Alvin never did that although I will say that when I adopted him he was closer to a year old.

But he did always have hold of my pant leg.

Perhaps it was for fear that I would leave or just anxiety.

Puppy power.

So many things we never think of but Kobi’s new parents are learning with each passing day.

Last time she was here, there were three pooping accidents, so eyes need to be open and paying attention.

Which I did think we were but apparently not.

My hope that is Mr. Alvin sleeps through the night otherwise it could be several early mornings.

Tonight will be the test.

I surely hope it goes smoothly.

I love these little guys but need to have sleep.

So please Mr. Alvin no repeat of last night, er, this morning.

Looks like a nap later this morning.

Well life is full of lessons and learning.

I am excited to have that little bundle of fur spending time with us.

She is so full of energy and happy.

There will be three juggling for a spot beside me.

Good thing that Kobi will be sleeping downstairs (she has been used to that since the first weeks she came to live with Teddy and his family).

She likes having her own condo, her own space.

Teddy and Alvin like to sleep with me.

So that all works out, just fine.

 

Well time to go and change bedding, get dressed, gather towels and get that laundry going.

Today will be quiet.

We have spent a day together so this is not new.

 

Our friend, Alvin’s girlfriend’s Mom is going this afternoon for a visit.

Feel so sad about losing Miss Abby.

I am now spelling her name correctly.

I apologize for the wrong spelling in prior posts.

Past coworkers and friends are coming to visit tomorrow afternoon.

We are going to visit and have a round or two of JENGA.

So excited to see them.

Time for some puppy love.

One person for each pup.

That works out well.

 

Well I hope that all is well.

If I have a day that I cannot get to the post, please forgive me.

I will do my best.

 

Have an awesome day.

So happy this weather is mild.

The pups can be in the backyard for a bit.

We can go for walks.

 

Happy Saturday.

Fill it with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Sunday Morning,

We were outside in the backyard and I was doing the thing.

In my pj’s and my winter coat.

Very cute.

The air felt relatively warm.

Not certain what the temperature is.

 

One of my friend’s is going to give me a ride to PETSMART today so that I can pick up the clipper blade (so looks like Alvin’s haircut will be next Monday).

Just in time for Christmas.

Perfection.

I will also pick up the remaining gifts for the pups and Humphrey.

Couple little treats for stockings and done.

Wrap the fur baby gifts and done.

 

Yesterday afternoon we had company which was so nice.

Had a great visit and even scored a couple of games of JENGA.

We each won one game.

After our company left – we headed out for a walk.

It was warmer than I thought.

 

Later in the afternoon, I delivered cookies to some of my friends in the neighbourhood.

Only two more cards and cookies to deliver.

Cookies for work, Cookies for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and DONE.

 

Nice to be able to enjoy the time instead of running around dazed and confused.

 

I popped in another load of laundry.

I have a few things to do other than the trip to PETSMART and grocery store.

One being to make a big pot of CHILI for supper and for suppers this week.

It is filling and goes a long way.

Then no cooking and you can change it up.

Put chili over roasted potatoes or over a bun.

I am going to call my sister today in between the shopping trip.

Oh, another light bulb burned out.

I hope that I have another new one.

 

Oh, how exciting we checked the mail yesterday on our way home from the walk and had received “TWO CHRISTMAS CARDS.”

So happy to have received them.

Cards and letters, nothing better.

 

Alvin is laying on an old quilt (his blanket is in the wash) resting.

I was thinking earlier that perhaps I should make a collage with all of my old Christmas cards.

A tribute to family and friends.

Then every Christmas it would be part of the decorations.

It would have to be huge but it would be beautiful.

Perhaps I will.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Sunday.

Time to relax.

Remember …. to breathe.

Always take time for you.

Even if it is 5-10 minutes here and there.

Even if it is in the bathroom with the door locked to keep the world out.

No phone allowed.

No children or spouses allowed.

No pets allowed.

Just you.

Wonderful you.

You are important.

To your children, spouse and pets.

So be good to you.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Monday morning here we go.

Back to the weekday routine.

We love routine.

We, Alvin and I had a glorious weekend.

There was a visit and overnight stay by a best friend named Teddy.

There was a visit by our friend and neighbour Humphrey.

There was a visit by the two little neighbour boys from two doors down.

There was JENGA, Halloween ARTWORK, Laughter and toys flying through the air.

Girl Guide Chocolate Mint cookies.

Throughout this weekend surrounded by fur babies and children we had so much fun.

We enjoyed our walks this weekend.

There was sunshine and warm temperatures.

It was perfection.

I even managed to find time for laundry, some cleaning and relaxing.

Although who wants to relax when they are enjoying themselves.

Better to be in enjoyment than a couch potato.

I guess that I should not compare “relaxing” to “being a couch potato.”

They are definitely not one in the same.

Anyway we had a great weekend.

Also yesterday we were out for our walk and bumped into another friend who joined us for an extra long walk.

We just had to enjoy that perfect day …..

 

We both slept well last night and no waking up at 2 or 3 a.m.

First up at 4:00 which is doable.

 

I was working on taking a selfie (yuck, that word) of me and Alvin.

He wasn’t very cooperative but I will keep trying.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

 

 

Kindness and Respect go hand in hand.

A better place.

A better world.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, Oh it is a lovely morning here in Edmonton.

There was NO frost on the windshields this morning.

The sun is up and the sky is blue.

What a glorious day it is and will be.

Me and Alvin slept in as we were up early yesterday morning.

That is not to say that we were not up during the night and then around 5 a.m. for someone’s breakfast.

But we did not get up to stay up until a bit later …. just nice to lay about and dream and think …..

 

As you know Teddy spent Friday night yesterday with us.

We had a good day.

The boys played.

We went for a nice walk.

Crunching some leaves along the way.

I managed to get laundry and some cleaning done and one more thing but will show the photos.

Humphrey joined us in the late afternoon.

It was just me and the boys.

In some ways it is pretty sad that I am always at home on a Saturday night alone except for a minimum of one fur baby.

But on the other hand, I love being at home.

The trees are looking out from my front door.

I just loved the different colours of each tree, so pretty.

 

Halloween has arrived at my house.

One of my fav times of year.

The THREE AMIGOS just hanging out.

Alvin would not drop that chew treat.

It was a quiet day at the house.

We did have a knock at the door after supper.

It was the little boys from two doors down with their JENGA game.

I asked them if we could play tomorrow afternoon.

They are coming at 1:00 p.m.

A good weekend.

Well time to go and have a cup of coffee.

Wishing you all a Happy Sunday.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, it is a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

Looks like we are now having more summerlike temperatures.

Will be a hot one today.

Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday.

We had the best weekend.

Yesterday we started the day off with a 30 minute walk.

Followed by breakfast and coffee.

Humphrey came to visit.

The photos below will describe what the rest of our day was like.

My office.  Now just to hang up the bulletin boards that my daughter made for me a few Christmases ago and reorganize the desk drawers and closet.

Each genre of book has a special place.

YAY.

Humphrey was outside and Alvin had just come into the house.

I didn’t see Humphrey at first and then noticed him on the grass, which was odd.

I ran over to see that he had a dragonfly in his paws.

I quickly retrieved the poor little creature from the paws of soon to be not a good ending and he/she was alive.

Me and the dragonfly went to the front of the house where I placed him on the fern plant.

He was alive.

I even put some water on the fern close to him.

He was still there some time later.

I am afraid to look now.

What a glorious creature.

 

My hands sure look mighty dry.

Time for lotion.

 

JENGA with me, myself and I.

I WON.

 

Well time to leave.

Wishing you a day filled with so much KINDNESS and RESPECT.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 20th day of October, 2018.

The sun is shining but not full on bright as of yet.

With promises to do so.

Most of the leaves have fallen now.

I can only see bare branches on the trees from my office window.

Out front is a different story.

My tree dropped her leaves a few weeks ago and I raked them.

Now leaves from neighbours have covered the lawn once again.

Perhaps it will be a good day to rake them.

Raking is good exercise.

 

This morning Alvin has his regular vet appointment.

Although this one is a couple of weeks later than usual due to Thanksgiving and the vet being away.

But he is okay.

Just nails and bum squeeze, the usual.

 

Last night the 10 year-old daughter of a friend spent the evening with Alvin and I.

I stopped on the way home and picked up groceries and caught a taxi home.

Yes, I did.

No longer am I going to stress myself out carrying heavy bags home.

It was great.

Anyway back to the story.

Sidetracked.

Sorry.

After I put away the groceries and got changed, our little friend came over.

Her Mom brought along “treats” of chips (my favourite and I don’t eat them much), popcorn and cinnamon buns (the good ones).

Yum but not yum.

After we said our good-byes we snagged Alvin got his harness and leash on and were on our way.

It was beautiful night but a little cool but comfortable.

She wanted to go to her school park and show me her “gymnastic routine.”

So off we went.

M wanted to hold Alvin’s leash and that she did.

She did really good.

We came across a few big dogs and some stayed at a distance and one we were up close and Alvin was okay.

He is still a bit nervous around larger dogs since the St. Bernard decided to join our garage sale when he was a puppy, a whole different story.

I watched her do her routine and play on the equipment.

Which was impressive.

I remember we had swings and a teeter totter.

It was almost dark by the time we got home and I was HUNGRY as I had not eaten much all day.

We filled our evening with a serious breath taking game of JENGA (she loves it, too).

I won.

Watched the movie ANT MAN.

Yes, ANT MAN, it would seem like I have lots in common with this 10 year old.

We were going to play CONNECT FOUR but her Mom got back before the movie ended.

It was so much fun.

I had forgotten.

Not too often it is me and a young one.

Alvin had his moments as even though he knows her and likes her – I think he misses having me all to himself.

Although M gave him lots of attention.

So that was our night.

 

Saturday, it is and I had better get this show on the road.

I do say that a lot, don’t I?

Oh well.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Time to go and finish getting laundry from upstairs (changed bedding already), get dressed and eat breakfast.

It will be time to leave for Al’s vet appointment.

I am grateful for the weekends.

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who love weekends which would be ALL of us.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 10th day of September, 2018.

We did not receive any RAIN overnight and it was dry when we first were up at 4:45 AM.

When we arose from the sofa at 5:25 a.m. it was wet outside.

It is dark and raining.

What a great way to begin the work week.

I am glad that I started to do the fall cleanup yesterday.

Alvin enjoyed a nice long massage this morning.

This is begin to be a “thing.”

Something that we do almost each and every morning.

 

How was your weekend?

Did you have time to relax?

Did you go out?

Did you walk?

Did you cook?

Did you spend time with your loved ones?

 

My weekend was GREAT.

Yes, I snuggled with Alvin and Teddy on Saturday and played JENGA with myself.

I went outside.

Yes, we walked everyday.

Yes, I did.

Yes, I spent the weekend with Mr. Alvin and saw my neighbour S, and friends Teddy, his Momma and his Papa.

 

So happy this Monday as my carpool is back to work from vacation.

I enjoyed our conversations and her company.

Nice not to have to catch the bus.

 

I guess you could say life is pretty good.

No complaints.

 

Mr. Alvin is snoring on this blue blanket.

Fifteen minutes until I leave for work.

Mr. Alvin is up.

 

Well it is a Monday.

First day of my work week.

 

I hope that you had a great weekend.

That you did have fun, relaxed and all of that.

Enjoy this day as September 10, 2018 will not come this way again …. unless we get caught up in a time loop.

Well that would be scary.

Perhaps we are in a time loop.

Maybe that is why every so often things just feel the same.

Food for thought.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: my son-in-law …. have a great day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

PS:  Hello Daughter …… Miss Aspen and Baby Milo…..