Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well we are certainly coming to the end of August, quickly with no help from any of us. Alvin and I slept right through until 5:00 from bedtime at 10:00 p.m. last night. So great. Then we hit the sofa for a few hours so I feel like I have had some sleep. We are also so grateful for the reprieve from the hot temperatures which by the way are coming back starting Tuesday. This does not seem like normal. Usually August or at least in recent memory has been in the low twenties or late teens. Not this year. Thankfully the house is cool right now and with the breeze blowing makes it actually cool outside. Top temperature for today is 22-23 degrees celsius, Monday is forecasted to be 27, Tuesday 31, Wednesday 32, Thursday and Friday 28. That is the base temperature not including the humidity which seems to be high at the moment. So Tuesday could feel like 34. ARGH. We will be back to leaving the windows open overnight to cool the house and with the fans on throughout the day. Looks like the sky is clouding over. The sun was shining so brightly for the last few hours.

My friend G was coming for coffee this morning but has a migraine so is unable to pop over. Those things are a total bugger. I hope that she is feeling better soon.

Poor Alvin will be back to sporting the cool wet hand towel look for a few more days this week.

At least a person can vacuum the house without working up a sweat and actually do some things around the house without perishing from the heat. I have so many things in the fridge to eat that I have not had to cook all weekend (which is too bad because this would be the time to do some cooking). But there will be enough things to have for most of the week without cooking.

Weather plays such an important role in our lives. We “work” around the weather. Whether raining or sun shining!

Yesterday was great for us as it rained off and on for a good part of the day. The leaves on the trees, the grass and flowers and plants are all looking so much better for that wonderful moisture. I water my flowers but there is nothing like rain water.

Next weekend will likely be clean out more plant pots as they are starting to go. Also time to grab some pots for my geraniums which will need to be brought into the house and repotted along with the canna lily which will winter in the basement. The geraniums, oh I have so many. Might have to consider wintering some of them in the basement. Will google and read up on the process once again.

Lots of things to do coming up. I guess with a house and yard there is always many things to keep up.

Well I should go and pop outside for a walk with Mr. Alvin as it might end up raining, who knows. I love the smell of the morning air although the morning is fast evaporating. Walk or coffee. That is the question? Likely walking.

I hope that you have a great Sunday.

Take Care.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Perhaps should add walking to the list. LOL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I can hear geese honking in the distance otherwise it is quiet except for the bathroom fan and my fingertips clicking on the keyboard. I think that this heat is starting to show its’ effects on people’s health.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Up and at it.

Today is my late shift to start work which is 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

These late shifts are so that we can answer the after hours calls from our clients.

There are a couple of departments that take turns doing this which amounts to about twice per month.

Anyway, we were able to sleep in this morning which was nice.

Alvin slept until almost 4:30 a.m.

We got up he had his glucosamine chew, his breakfast and did his thing outside and then back to the sofa until I woke up just before 7:00 a.m.

A few minutes ago he wanted to go outside so out to the backyard we went ….. so nice out.

Most of the darker clouds have dissipated, there is just a bit of a breeze and there be SUNSHINE.

Oh glorious sun, doing a little happy dance while I key these words.

We used to call keying …. typing …..

But now it is a keyboard and back then it was a typewriter.

Oh how times have changed and how times are much the same.

 

I think I am going to hop quickly into the shower and then we will go for a nice walk.

It is perfect outside.

Our next walk will be at 3:00 p.m. as that is when my 45 minute “lunch” break is for this late shift.

So this will work out well.

If it is too warm then, we can go after I get off work at 7:00 p.m.

It is really too late to eat a big meal.

That is one thing that I don’t like about this ….. I try not to eat after 7:00 p.m.

Most days I do not.

Anyway off topic.

Shower and go for a walk.

 

I was wondering what was life like this day last year and perhaps a few years before.

It has been great doing this post almost everyday for the past almost ten years, I think now.

Almost like a living history book of my life.

 

This date being July 16th – 2019

Hello,

A beautiful morning.

Windows open to let in the cool fresh morning air.

To keep Mr. Alvin comfortable until I arrive home.

There are clouds forming on the southern horizon.

 

We had another hot muggy day yesterday.

Luckily we managed to get a walk in right after work.

I, as per usual took along a full bottle of water for Mr. Alvin.

He has the slickest water bottle / tray for him to have a drink.

There was a slightly cool breeze otherwise I would have waited until later.

We got our walk in and after supper the temperature dropped quickly followed by thunder/lightning/rain.

Not too much rain but lots of thunder and lightning.

Sure love the beauty of the sky when there are storms.

 

On this Tuesday I am thinking about how blessed I am.

I am surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends.

I have me “Alvin” alongside me everyday to keep me company and to keep me focused.

I am employed.

I have a beautiful home with a yard.

So many blessings.

The most important of all is good health.

I am most grateful to be my age and to be in good health.

Everyday I count my blessings / grateful that both Alvin and I are healthy.

Makes the world of difference.

 

Well for some reason we are less on time this morning.

Not sure why.

I have windows to close before my ride appears.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

If we are fortunate to be surrounded and live with kindness and respect, life is good.

 

Maybe you are lucky to have an Alvin in your life.

Or a Humphrey or a Teddy or Miss Aspen or Baby Milo ….

These fur-babies ….. so much love and fun.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  going to the Mall tomorrow night to shop for shoes……I have not done that in a long while….. so excited.

 

Back to 2020

Well it seems like my day to day is somewhat different.

Weatherwise the same.

I wonder if I asked Mr. Alvin if he would be in agreement that it is nice to have me at home.

I love being at home.

Perhaps the freedom to go outside whenever he chooses or mostly.

Because I still have to work.

He follows me around even more than he used to so I think it would be difficult on him if I do eventually have to go back to the office full-time.

Sounds like we may be home for awhile and maybe indefinitely with only a day or two per month to print and mail our large mail outs.

We would take turns within our team.

Well time to hit the shower so that we can go for a walk before everyone else decides that is a good idea.

I love being the only one outside on our walks.

 

I hope that you have an enjoyable Thursday.

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I hope that you are as well.

What goes around comes around ….. that is the truth.

 

Take care.

Be safe.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Just some more brightness for your day!

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning,

Guess what?

Two things.

First thing:

It is raining and has been since we were first awake and downstairs at 2:00 a.m.

Yup, Mr. Alvin had to go outside.

Second thing:

Technical difficulty.

Batteries were low on the keyboard.

So I remembered to bring some upstairs to change them this morning.

Only thing …. they did not wish to cooperate.

I spent almost ten minutes fussing with them.

Finally working and now I have to leave.

Note to self: never change batteries in the morning.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Remember today is Friday and for those of us lucky to have weekends off we are hooting and hollering.

For those folks who have to work on the weekends, I once was once of you, I can sympathize.

 

Happy Friday.

With kindness and respect I shall carry on …..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

 

POEM FOR SUNDAY MORNING

Window open bird chirping singing a song.

For a mate?

To me or for the world?

Clouds rolling in and partially blocking the sun.

No breeze.

Just still.

Now only the clicking of the keyboard keys.

Alvin resting on his blue blanket.

We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning a bit ago.

The weather seems to be changing from minute to minute.

There is now movement in the trees a breeze is coming up.

As I strain to hear something more than my fingers touching the keys.

Alvin’s breathing is constant and easy.

Heard a sound perhaps a door closing.

Is the world begin to wake up; I do not know.

Yes, I hear noise.

There is movement.

My immediate world is waking up.

Slowly but surely …. on this Sunday morning.

The world, my world is coming alive.

A bird flies by in my line of vision.

I love these quiet moments.

In the distance I hear noise but cannot identify.

Time to go back downstairs.

Time for us to eat.

Time for us to get this day going.

Coffee and toast and blueberries.

Alvin his food and of course blueberries.

This is the start to my Sunday.

As the clouds roll in and envelope the morning sky.

You can see the darkness taking over …

Slowly not so much.

Will it rain?

Perhaps not.

Sunday morning.

 

CY Lewis, July 7, 2019

 

Just had to share.  I am in love with the sky.

Last night at sunset.

North side of the house,

South side of the house

So many different colours.

So beautiful.

The bird is singing a song once again.

 

Happy Sunday.

Time to get rolling ….

 

Always, Carol  & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it is not cold temperature wise outside with clouds and patches of lightness filling the sky.

Our friend Teddy has been here since Thursday night.

Last night after work, I got all three of us ready for a walk.

Just after we left the house the sky got incredibly dark and it wasn’t long into the walk when there was thunder.

I figured likely better to just go to the park and then back home.

We got as far as the park entrance and the poop bag station.

Where I grabbed a few bags as I am still short on them.

My carpool picked some up for me but forgot to bring them.

Back to the story.

Grabbed the bags and turned around to come home just when there were a few drops.

We continued our regular pace.

We were about 3/4 of the way home when we met up with a friend walking her dog named Bear so you can only guess how large he is….

Alvin is used to him and Bear to him but Teddy started to bark.

Then the rain started to come down … we said quick hellos and our friend quickly mentioned that they had been caught in the rain four times prior to this time.

We did get some wet but got inside the door just when the heavens opened.

Whew.

It was just before I reached the front porch that I saw the downspout section had come loose and was lying on the ground between the houses.

So after taking the harnesses and leashed off the boys; I ran outside in that “downpour” to fix the downspout.

YAY, me, did it and back into the house.

The rain happened off and on for several hours.

Our walk was short but good.

Perhaps today we will get in a regular one.

 

I have another cute story.

While waiting for my ride yesterday morning; I thought that I could see eyes watching me.

Not human eyes.

Eyes from my front flower bed.

Well between the brightness of the morning sun and the now tall plants; it was hard to see.

I did not wish to scare what was in the floor bed … so from where I was standing on the front sidewalk I took my phone out of my purse and snapped a few photos.

Then I slowly walked to the sidewalk going up to my house ….  easily and slowly I walked a bit toward the lawn and snapped a couple more.

It was then that I realized that it was a …….

Wait for it ……

Ah …..

Cute bunny ….

I tried to zoom …..

The bunny was gone when I got home from work.

And the bunny did not eat any of my plants.

That was nice.

Perhaps not something good for their palate.

 

Well I have to get the show on the road.

Slept in …. after being up at 3:00 a.m.

Also noticed as going to make the bed ….. there was a “yellow stain.”

ARGH, pretty sure it was not there yesterday.

Thankfully I have good stain removal stuff and that I have a “moisture barrier cover” directly on the mattress and then a cover that gives some softness and then sheets etc.

So thankfully no damage done to the mattress.

Cannot believe I did not smell it or notice it before …. cannot lay the blame on one of the boys or the other.

Only thing that I know for sure … is that it was not me.

Oh, well, accidents happen.

No harm no foul.

It is fixed …. sprayed everything with the pet stain remover and now after this post …. down to the laundry.

I was going to wash the bedding anyway …. the second layer cover … I would not have but it needs to be refreshed anyway.

Moisture cover did the trick.

Highly recommend it to everyone.

Saves buying a new mattress.

Kind of a yucky story but stuff happens.

Not the end of the world.

I love the boys and although I will admit at first I was a bit “miffed.”

I did not yell or anything at Alvin or Teddy.

 

To end this post, some photos of my back yard and flowers.

I took these photos from inside the house through my big kitchen window.

I love my back garden …. the purple flowers are incredible.

They all are doing so well with the moisture.

Thank you for the rain, Mother Nature.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

I need to change into some clothes.

PUT ON THE COFFEE.

Shortly will be going to pick up Mr. Humphrey.

Then will be me and the boys.

The THREE AMIGOS.

Should be fun.

Have to remember to change the batteries on this keyboard.

Oh, what a life.

It is a good life.

No complaints.

Thank you for reading this post and my blog.

I appreciate your time.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy …..

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of January, 2019.

WOW, day three of the New Year.

Our weather has been absolutely gorgeous breaking high temperatures for this time in history.

Yesterday was almost +8.

Pretty great for January.

 

Back to it today.

I am feeling much better and not certain what hit me yesterday.

Who knows.

Not to question, just feeling grateful.

 

Mr. Alvin is laying beside me on his blue blanket.

I love this part of the morning.

Listening to my fingers click clicking on the keyboard and listening to Mr. Alvin breathing/resting.

Looking out my window at 6:20 a.m. is much different than when we were on Christmas Vacation and getting up at 8:20 a.m.

Dark now and back then it was mostly overcast but some mornings we were treated to sunshine.

Nothing better than the early morning sunshine ….. sunrise….best time of the day.

Well perhaps I would have a small debate with myself as I love sunsets and the evening sky with the stars twinkling at us.

I guess I love mornings and evenings.

 

Back to work.

This will be our first day open to the public at our new temporary digs.

Should be interesting I am sure.

Likely will take people a bit of time to get used to our new location.

 

I am grateful to have this bit of warm weather.

Even the weekend at minus 10 degrees celsius is not too cold.

I wonder if this is due to climate change?

Likely in part.

Although we humans are enjoying this break in the cold temperatures, it can certainly mess up Mother Nature.

 

To my friend who sent me “some of her favourite things” for Christmas.

No, sorry not THE Oprah but she is my Oprah.

I tried the brow wax this morning and OMG, this is one of my favs.

If you have an opportunity to try this product – you will love it.

“ACTI-LABS” made in USA and Europe.

This one came from France.

When I first started applying it – I thought it was too light – Hickory.

But oh no, it was perfect.

It makes my old eyebrows look like they did when I was in my 20’s.

Thank you my friend.

I also love the SHEA hand lotion and the toothpaste.

Still have the deodorant to try.

GREAT Product line.

 

Well here we are almost time to leave for work.

The Christmas Vacation was awesome but always could be longer.

Grateful to have had the time off.

Grateful to have spent time with friends and family.

Grateful to have had all that time with me, Alvin.

Grateful to be alive.

 

Happy New Year.

Best life in 2019.

 

Special Hello to: my friend who is so thoughtful and kind.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 25th day of March, 2018.

 

The sky is overcast and the sunshine is no where to see seen.

It is quiet in the house except for the sounds of the furnace running heating the house, and

the sound of my fingers tapping on the keyboard writing these words.

Alvin is resting on the carpet in the hallway outside the office door.

He is never far away from me.

Yesterday we enjoyed the longest walk in weeks or rather months.

We are so happy that the snow and ice are melting away.

We are so grateful that spring is here and summer soon to follow.

I enjoyed a coffee date with two of my neighbourhood girl friends.

Catching up on each other’s news.

We laugh and sometimes we even cry.

The girls both gave me some Easter treats, I am so spoiled.

We had a grand time.

Sometimes I wished that it would last forever.

So it is now Sunday.

The coffee is brewed.

The laundry is done.

Dusting and cleaning check.

Some ice chipping was accomplished.

I see a quiet lovely Sunday in store for us.

We will walk this afternoon.

As I sit here writing these words, I feel so grateful to be here at this very moment.

I am grateful to be in good health and to be surrounded by awesome family and friends.

I am so grateful to have Alvin as a loyal companion.

I am so grateful to have this beautiful house and a job.

So many blessings.

 

Wishing you all a beautiful, happy, relaxing Sunday.

No matter whether or not the sun is shining or there are clouds in the sky, I wish you good health, much joy, love and laughter on this day and always.

 

Special Hello to:  my brothers ….. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 19th day of February, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly.

The wind is blowing so it is not real warm outside.

Today is FAMILY DAY here in Alberta.

So we have the day off from work.

Alvin and I spent the morning thus far up and down from bed and cuddling.

Isn’t that the way most people spend FAMILY DAY?

We had a grand time yesterday with our company.

Teddy and his Aunt.

Company was good.

Food was good.

After they left I watched some of the WINTER OLYMPICS followed by a MOVIE.

So it was late when we went to bed and then I read for awhile.

Alvin slept until 5:00 a.m. which was one whole hour than usual.

It would seem that six hours is the magic number of hours of sleep at night for him.

So this morning we were up and down.

But that is okay …. most of our work has been done already.

Garbage day is tomorrow so you know what that means.

Also there remains looming in the backyard the enormous snowbank in the grass area.

We had a huge amount of snow when I had the flu and I never kept that area shovelled.

So today is the day ….. I see shovelling snow and gathering up garbage.

Shovelling will mean fresh air and exercise so that is good.

I think that Alvin will need his jacket.

Always have to watch that his paws do not get too cold.

They can freeze, you know.

It is quiet in the house, usually is in the morning.

Alvin is laying at the entrance to the office on the rug.

I am clicking away on the keyboard writing this blog.

Life is good.

I am so blessed.

When Teddy’s Aunt J and I were talking last night at supper about family and friends, I told her that I was so blessed and also very grateful for my daughter and son-in-law, siblings and many friends.

My kids are supportive and wonderful.

My friends, well I have the best.

No matter how I may feel every once in awhile, I truly lead a charmed life.

Sometimes in the moment things may seem dark but by the end of the day the light is shining most brightly and life is good.

So it is a decision to put your mind over matter.

To have faith in yourself and others.

To truly believe that life is good and that things will work out.

It is also true that working out may not mean that you won the lottery.

So on this FAMILY DAY …… thank you to my incredible loving, supporting, generous and kind family.

They make me laugh and keep me grounded.

Thank you.

 

Happy Family Day to EVERYONE.

 

Special Hello to: my FAMILY whether you are blood or chosen to be, thank you.  I am grateful to have you in my every increasing circle of life.

Always, Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Friday, July 7, 2017 and it is the 34th day until my 60th Birthday.

I think that perhaps I will write a book about my journey to age 60.

The journey has taken me from a small farming community on the Canadian Prairies to a major Western Canadian City  Edmonton, Alberta.

Some days I feel that I have been there – done that.

I did not safari to Africa or sail across the Atlantic Ocean nor have I dated Royalty but I have done some pretty cool things.

So maybe now is the time to start putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard.

No one ever knows how much time we have on this planet and with good health and a fairly “sharp” mind, perhaps I should get started.

I am so grateful for this BLOG as I have learned so much about myself with writing a daily post.

Sounds like a plan may be in place.

If you write things down it seems to make them more tangible.

Also once you say you are going to do something – it is a bit more difficult to go back or at least with me.

If I say that I am going to do something – generally I do the thing.

So perhaps this 60 gig will not be so bad.

I will need your help though – I appreciate any and all comments and all of your support.

It is only through these efforts that we truly learn and grow.

So 34 more days until 60.

Whew ….. 34 more …..

At the 60 mark – there will be a yummy CARROT CAKE.

I commissioned a co-worker to make me a huge carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

She is so talented ….. I can hardly wait to share it with my family and friends.

So until tomorrow,

Always, Carol

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 20th day of June, 2017.

Actually it is late in the afternoon …..

Earlier in the day the sun was shining and now the clouds have rolled in.

I stayed home from work today.

Just not feeling great with a headache and tired.

Literally slept all day except for the many times that Alvin wanted to go outside.

The house is quiet with only the tap tap tap of my fingers on the keyboard and Alvin’s breathing as he dozes in the hallway.

Now he decides to be quiet.

What a guy.

Well I guess I had better get up or I may not sleep tonight and I must go to work tomorrow.

Do not like to miss work.

I hope that you had a great day.

Whether at home or at work.

Special Hello to: my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin