The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this rainy Saturday, July 2, 2022? Both Alvin and I are rested. You are likely wondering about that statement. So here is the story: last night we went to bed well after 10:00 closer to 10:30 and then I read for awhile. I do remember getting up once (me) to go to the bathroom and then back to bed, Mr. Alvin did not stir. The next time I looked at the time, it was 6:52 a.m., wow, can you believe it? I really had to look at the time more than once. It was not until I got up that the boy stirred. Up, he had his food and “medicine” and we went outside, gladly it was only raining lightly. Then back in the house. I was wondering how he managed to sleep for almost 8 hours in a row. Likely it was due to the walking and spending over 1.5 hours outside in Pauline’s garden and then a little while later having a haircut and bath. The haircut and bath are two of his least favorite things to being doing and he was clearly stressed, anxious about having it done. So he may have been exhausted. As of me, well I have not had 8 hours of continuous sleep in likely 8 years or more. Except for the few times that Alvin has slept over at his sister’s house. He doesn’t like car travel so does not happen often. He is quiet this morning but he is not usually loud anyway. It is raining outside now so I guess watering the flowers was not necessary but who knew, it would really rain. They needed a drink of water. Anyway, I did not over water them so all is well. I had watered my plants, too. Yes, I remembered to move the lavender plant so that she will not get even more wet. She is still drying out and I hope that her roots are not rotting from all of the water. The soil is slowly drying out. I guess time will tell. So that is the story. Oh, I remembered to take my phone and snap some photos of my friend’s beautiful flowers but alas I am experiencing technical difficulties and they are not uploading. But I will get them posted. You have to see her gardens, absolutely beautiful. I even snapped some photos of the roses at the entrance to the park. It was a great couple of hours that spent outside yesterday. On top of all of that, I managed to do several loads of laundry, clean out some kitchen drawer, made some small changes with a few pieces of furniture in the living room. I honestly only sat down for the time that I had late breakfast at like noon and then for supper so maybe 30 minutes and we were up at 7:00 so that would account for me being pooped. Even after supper I was running up and down the stairs with laundry. The stress of Alvin’s haircut goes onto me, as well. All in all, it was a wonderful day.

We are happy to live in this house, in this neighbourhood, in this city, in this province and this country. This whole world – every country has a story that they are not proud of and I would hope that in 2022 we are doing better at being kind and respectful to others, not just human beings but all living creatures and the environment but sadly that is not the case. Just remember this, it is not the actions or feelings of the average everyday citizens that are making these decisions it is the so called leaders. I am not the past leaders, political or religious and not the current ones. I am a good person, I treat everyone with respect and kindness. So when people make blanket comments about all of this, it hurts my heart. I try to do the best that I can in my world. My actions reflect who I am. I was not what I would deem to be privileged but perhaps that word is being used with a more broad meaning. I do not blame my upbringing nor do I blame certain people for my lot in life, I can make choices. It is my choices that have brought me to this place. I just wanted to say something and perhaps I am not the most eloquent “speaker” or “writer” in the world. Sorry for the severe change in topic. But yesterday and all the yesterdays for awhile, I have been thinking about Canada and her past. I love my country despite her past. If we gave up on “people” for their pasts, there would be nothing. I am disappointed that in 2022 there are still wars and that we are not working together for the common good.

I hope that you have a great Saturday. There is always food for thought. We can always do better. It is raining harder now. My coffee is ready and I need it this morning.

Photos to follow.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 38 days until my 65th Birthday.

2021

Good Morning ALL! We are officially one sleep away from Christmas EVE. I am so excited. Feeling, I must admit like a small child excitedly awaiting the arrival of SANTA CLAUS. Do you remember when you were a child at Christmas time? I understand that not all of us had the same experiences. Good or bad or indifferent. For me, I remember putting on Christmas concerts with my siblings for my parents and grandparents. I loved going to the Christmas Concerns at church, the music was my favourite part. We sang “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” (which was my favorite all time Christmas song). I guess it was the innocence of things at that moment in time. The feelings that were in the air no matter what was happening in your household at the time, if you went elsewhere there was joy, simple absolute joy. You just felt it. I felt it. I wish everyone, everywhere whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you the “joy” that we all should feel in our lives every day.

Well Miss Cookie is settling in, I would say. We had a great sleep. Everyone cooperated. Even Mr. Alvin. Last night my friend Pauline popped in to Wish Us a Merry Christmas and we exchanged gifts. I gave her a beautiful tea cup and saucer which she loved and she gave me the most glorious little tree with lights in a teacup surrounded by two pups ornament. Hard to explain but it is so sweet, I absolutely love it. She said when she saw it – it reminded her or me. As I sold Tea, (cup), loved Christmas (the tree with lights) and loved dogs (pups by the tree). How thoughtful. It is my new favorite ornament. Poor Miss Cookie was so wound up and it was loud so we could not have much of a conversation, we tried. I even held Cookie to calm her down. She was running, biting and just being annoying. I almost thought she was jealous of me having company! Just a few minutes after Pauline left, both pups laid down on the sofa and were quiet. WOW. Another mystery of the world. I was happy and grateful to have time with my friend no matter what was going on. I miss our walks and our great chats. She is a wonderful friend. I do have the best friends. Hopefully will get to see more of them in 2022.

Well time to get on downstairs and see what the munchkin “Cookie” is up to. WE all know exactly where Mr. Alvin is.

I wish you a sparkly, happy, fun, joyful, happy, healthy, wonderful, fantastic Thursday, December 23, 2021. Have a great day!

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

P.S. I have my fingers crossed that the skies stay clear and the snow stays away. There is more shovelling to do again. I have to shovel the driveway which I forgot to do yesterday, argh. lol.

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this Tuesday morning finds you well and rested. We had an okay sleep. I had a great Monday, well actually both Alvin and I had a SUPER Monday. Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi arrived in the late morning and left about 3:30 in the afternoon. Honestly, Alvin was so excited, he skipped. I am so happy that we got to see his Teddy and Kobi. They were equally happy to see us and I cannot wait until the next time they can come for a visit. They spend more time at the farm now so our visits are limited. I snapped some photos and videos. When I took my lunch break Alvin and Kobi were on the chaise part of the sofa and Teddy was snuggled on my lap. I would have snapped a photo but my phone was not nearby. The utter joy these little ones bring to our house makes my heart sing. I was so happy for Alvin. As he gets older having his best bud around is so important. I know that he misses him terribly as whenever we walk by their house he runs up the driveway for the steps. It breaks my heart when they are not home. Anyway, yesterday was a good day for us both.

After work I called our friend Pauline to see if she was able to go for a walk but she was having her granddaughter and her boyfriend over for supper and was not able to go. We chatted for a few minutes but my phone kept going in and out. I am not sure why. Dead air/space without Wifi in the house? I do not know. After our chat we went for a walk. The wind was bitterly cold so we walked close to Pauline’s house which is about halfway and then back home. Garbage day today so we meaning me got it ready and put it out. I must say that I love our new bins. Just wish that we had something for recycling other than blue bags. But it is a start. Then we had supper and after supper my sister called. We had a great chat. Lots of laughter. Catching up. We decided that next summer (hopefully we can get together) we will have Christmas in August. Instead of celebrating some birthday we will have Christmas. I will bake their favourite treats and I will put up my small tree. I would decorate the house but my sister said “too much.” So the little tree it is. Funny thing that my phone did not cut in and out this time, was it because I was on the speaker phone? We chatted for almost two hours. I love my sister. She always makes me laugh so hard and brings joy to my heart. She does for me what Teddy does to Alvin.

Well time to head downstairs. I kept putting on the “SNOOZE” button this morning. I noticed that the frost is quite heavy this morning on the cars so definitely a colder morning. Thankfully when we were putting out the garbage last night, I remembered to put away the new garden house and drain it.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

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

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.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it is Saturday …. made it to the weekend.

I can hear the hum of the cars and trucks as they make their way along the highway that runs a few blocks away from my house.

The office window is open just a bit to let in some fresh cool Saturday morning air.

I am grateful as always to have the option to open a window and to be able to smell and feel that tinge of coolness as it lights upon my face and body.

There is a bit of a breeze and the sky is dotted with clouds.

Welcome to Saturday morning.

 

Alvin and I were up earlier and hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s as we were up late.

We have his regular Doctor appointment this morning.

His not so favourite thing …. getting his nails trimmed.

He will be surrounded with people who love him.

 

I also found out this morning that a family back home lost their beloved Jersey, who was 16.

Their four-legged baby.

She filled their lives with great joy and hers with theirs.

Jersey lived her life to the fullest until she could not.

The love was honest and genuine and there is not much more one could ask for …..

You will be missed darling Jersey.

 

On this Saturday morning may you be surrounded with love and joy.

May laughter be a constant companion.

Spread kindness and respect everywhere.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone.

The sun is clearing the clouds.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of May, 2019.

A brand new month.

Our morning was greeted with fresh white snow gently falling from the sky.

The streets are wet but the lawns, decks, rooftops are all covered with a blanket of snow.

A spring storm.

Moisture it is and we are grateful.

 

Last night after our walk and supper and dishes were done.

We were surprised by an unexpected visit from Alvin’s BF Teddy and his Mom.

She brought Alvin some beef treats for another day or two or three.

They always bring joy to our house.

Thank you Teddy and his Mom.

 

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On this morning please take the time to hold in your thoughts and hearts your loved ones.

Life is precious.

Often times, more often than not, we take our family and friends for granted.

Send out positive energy to each and every one you hold dear.

Perhaps if we all did this …. the planet would be healed.

Be kind to all those souls that you meet and greet each and every day as you know not their stories.

Visualize everyone living in good health.

Visualize everyone laughing and enjoying life.

Visualize parents and their children and their children living their lives growing old together.

Visualize this moment and hold it dear.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

May joy surround you and envelope you always and forever.

May this day be full of healing and love.

May life continue to amaze and surprise us.

 

Special Hello to:  everyone needing extra help on this day ….. sending positive healthy energy to you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 24th day of February, 2017.

It is snowing lightly those every so tiny small balls ….

I noticed that the temperature dropped last night.

Still well within the parameters of a Western Canada Winter.

Spring is on the way and that is good.

With every passing day it brings us one day closer.

With all of the beautiful weather caught in between the normal coldness of our winter it has shorten the time.

Today is the last work day for me this week.

I am excited for another weekend.

Alvin has his regular Vet visit …. pedicure and stuff.

Also I will be finishing my canvassing for the Heart & Stroke Fund this weekend.

In between groceries, cleaning the house and laundry.

If it snows more then there will be shovelling.

Just a regular weekend ….

 

If we work on spreading the kindness the result will be more love and joy.

Sneak in some laughter along the way and you have the perfect recipe for a good life.

 

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: YOU, my friend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of December, 2016.

It is almost 8:00 a.m. and I can just see to the far southeast the sunrise.

Really looks cool as the rest of the sky is dark blue, looking like rain clouds.

Turning my head and trying to see to the east I see more of the sunrise.

I look forward to the time when the sunrise earlier.

Somedays it is difficult to get yourself up and about when it is dark outside.

Always different when you have to go to work but when you are on vacation, man it is hard.

I guess it doesn’t matter as I do not have things planned but then a pang of guilt washes over me thinking that I could have done / should have done more.

Oh well.

Today the Christmas Tree and Decorations come down.

Big job ….. it is time.

I enjoyed the tree and the lights one last time for 2016 last night.

I love starring into the tree catching the reflection of the lights on the ornaments.

As 2016 winds down I can only imagine what 2017 will bring.

I wish only good health, much joy and abundance for all.

The perfect year.

I think that is what 2017 will be …. the perfect year.

Time to reflect over a year almost over.

I hope that you have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of December, 2016.

No more sleeps this is Christmas Eve.

Today is the day.

So glad that today is Christmas.

We are pretty much ready.

Just a few housekeeping last minute items.

Last minute dust job and vacuum and such.

It snowed last night so of course there is shovelling on my list before my company arrives.

With any lucky no more will fall before the company arrives.

 

As Alvin and I put on the final preparations for this Christmas we remember how different our Christmas will be without our beloved Penny and Elton.

We spent so many Christmases together, and they will forever remain in a special place in our hearts.

I would like to share a few photos of our special fur-babies as we think of them this Christmas.

Christmas 2015 – Miss Penny Lane Hobbs

Christmas 2015 – Elton John Hobbs and Penny Lane Hobbs

Miss Penny, again she is quite the model….

Alvin and Penny ….. he misses her…..

Ah, Miss Penny a few years back

Ah, my puppies ….. Elton and Penny.

 

Even though we lost our dearest Elton and Penny this last year and our hearts are aching for them, we think of all those other families who are struggling with loss this Christmas.

May their memories warm your hearts, and keep the conversation alive now and forever.

This Christmas we have additions to our family.

It will mean new traditions and more stories.

We will share with them our old stories and life will go on.

 

So on this Christmas ….

May you live your life with some “wreck-less abandon.”

Remember to be kind and generous.

Remember to be grateful …. always a good place to start.

May Santa bring you that special gift that makes you giggle with joy.

That would bring a smile to my face and more warmth to my heart.

Happy Christmas.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, near and far, we are thinking of you and wish you were here or we were there.

With Love Always, Carol and Alvin

Fall 2016 me and me Alvin …..

Merry Christmas To All and To All a GREAT NIGHT.

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of April, 2016.

This second is pure joy and is now gone but we have the next second and the next second.

Wow one week into April 2016.

This morning my daughter and son-in-law are bringing over Elton so that he can spend the day with Alvin.

I get a ride to work and both our babies have company for the day.

I am going to share a couple of short poems I write back in 1974 ….. sounds like a song.

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Look at our mascot !

He is depressed.

‘Cause we’ve just had exams and

Are not at our best.

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Life bring excitement.

Life bring change.

Life brings cold and arthritic pain.

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I also wrote for our school paper.

Out of the  mind of a 17 year old from 1974

Both written by Carol Mills (back then).

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I hope that you have an awesome day.

Try something new on this fantastic Thursday.

I will if you will.

See you back here tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Special Hello to: my family and friends all over this beautiful Earth of ours.

Always, Carol and Alvin