2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? The sky is partially overcast and the trees line my horizon in all glorious colours of the fall palette. I have to announce in my most loudest happiest voices ever. We went to bed last night at 10:00 p.m. and the next time Mr. Alvin woke up was 5:00 a.m. (I woke up to go to the bathroom at 3:00 a.m. but that does not count). The boy slept through seven hours. We got up at 5:00, he had breakfast and we went out to the backyard to do you know what. The boy did you know what!! Then back to the sofa and the next thing I know it is after 8:30 a.m.. I guess all of this fresh air we have been getting lately is catching up with us! I am so happy that he finally had a good sleep and me, as well. The technicians from Modern PURAIR came out yesterday to clean the furnace and vents. They were awesome. Of course, they fell in love with Alvin. I have photos to share but will have to post them later. We are running late and I need to take Alvin for a walk before I leave the house at 10:00 a.m. My friend Gillian invited me over for a morning coffee. Yes, not working today. I feel relieved to have the vents and furnace cleaned. The filter in their “giant vacuum” was not as dirty as I thought it would have been after not having the process done in over five years. The price was under my budget amount which made me even happier. Now I can go to the Vet and pick up both Alvin’s wet and dry food before payday which is great and some money leftover. There appears to be a bit of a breeze so I will check the temperature before we go – just in case Alvin needs to wear his sweater.

On this day and every day, I wish a wonderful, respectful, kind and loving time for everyone and every creature. If we could only learn to treat all life with the deep respect, kindness and compassion that “they” deserve then our todays and tomorrows would be glorious. There is work to be done of course. We all live on planet Earth together and together it is our responsibility to make it the best place to live and to be that we can. This is all we have. I look to today as I learned from yesterday to make tomorrow the best it can be for myself and for all others.

Lovingly and with hope for better tomorrows, I remain …

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

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Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? The sun is shining bright here in Edmonton. Alvin and I are finding our way through all of this. He is doing very well. Even climbed upstairs with the cone on a couple of times. He does not like the cone on so whenever I have 100% time to devote to him which has been pretty much always, he can go without the cone on. Today I have to do laundry so he will have to wear the cone for a bit. I just wanted to check with a progress report. I likely won’t be writing my post everyday it will depend. I do plan to go back to work on Monday which I am so grateful is from my kitchen. At least I can stop when he needs me but he will have to wear the cone as I won’t have my eyes on him all of the time. His incision is so long, I had no idea just how long it would be and in a couple of weeks when everything has returned to normal, I will post some photos and more details. Just wanted to check in and make sure that you all are okay and to give an update on Mr. Alvin. He has definitely been a trooper. He was a bit disappointed when I had some raw carrots with my pizza last night. I made sure that there are no bananas around as those were his favourite and if it means giving them up I will do so. Time to head on downstairs.

Oh, he is healing well. Eating and drinking and all of that.

We are both doing well. Thank you to all of our family and friends for their love and support. Special thank you to Amanda and Steven.

The boy is beginning to get frustrated so better get going as the cone has to stay on and I have to start laundry. He might have to go outside as well.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to Christmas 2020

Good Morning ALL. Merry Christmas Eve. We made it. So excited to see my family later today. Alvin and I were blessed to have his buddies Teddy and Kobi over for a visit yesterday. They kept him company while I worked. It was a win/win. They are so cute and we love them very much. Miss Kobi follows Alvin everywhere he goes whether inside the house or outside. Teddy and Alvin are happy to see each other and just be in the same space with no need to be close. They have a great relationship. Life is about relationships and friends for sure. Both Alvin and I are so blessed to have so many dear and wonderful friends. Friends are family and family are friends. We are blessed all the way round.

I just want to wish each and every one of you, the most special Christmas.

I hope that you are safe and in good health.

Alvin would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read his Momma’s stories.

I totally agree with that statement, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope this day brings you joy and comfort.

I hope that you are able to enjoy each and every moment.

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect and compassion.

Merry Christmas.

I am so excited for this Christmas!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL. Wow, can you believe it seems like I said it was Friday only a day or so ago. I am happy it is Friday not just because it is the end to the work week and beginning of “home time” but because we are having company for the day. Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day with us, they will be arriving in less than one hour. Mom and Dad are going out to the farm for the day. We are happy to have extra cuteness in the house. I love how Teddy wants to sit on my lap even when I am working and how Kobi likes to get right up and put her face to mine and just stare into my eyes and then she will my nose. Perfect ending to a perfect week.

Alvin and I went for a nice “full” walk yesterday at lunchtime. We even had a short driveway visit with our friends down the street Susana and her little dog “Rio.” What a cool name, right? I love his name and his Momma’s. She was dropping him off to spend the afternoon with her parents as he was bored at home with her. How sweet. I get that. Another MAJOR reason that I am so over the top happy to be working from home, so that I can be here every day for Mr. Alvin. Now I will have to go to the office about once every month or so but him having to stay home alone one day out of 20 work days that is okay. I also am able to have my neighbour come and check on him which is great. The benefits of working from home besides wearing sweatpants. Which I have on today with a nice top. I honestly do not wear them everyday. In fact, yesterday I wore what I would have worn to the office. Most days I semi dress up – at least the top half and I guess half of the time the bottom as well. Nice to be home in case there is a delivery. In case someone needs us. I cannot imagine leaving the three pups here alone. But they were good and we have in the past. Life. You surely never know what is going to happen.

Well guess what, I finally got the craft project in the final stages. I have it designed if you will and now just have to finish putting it together. I don’t wish to give it away. It is a Christmas project after all. Wink, Wink. I like to have at least one major Christmas project each year. Well Mr. Alvin is sitting in the hallway he was looking and me and now he turned and has his back to me. I am assuming he wants me to go downstairs and is giving me the cold shoulder, if you will. What a guy. I understand as he likely has to go outside.

I hope that this day brings you joy, some giggles, maybe a bit of sweetness whether chocolate or a visit from family or friends via a video chat or phone call or even a sidewalk visit, social distancing, of course. Our weather here in Edmonton is good at this time so an outdoor visit wearing the appropriate outerwear is possible. Have a great day. Maybe you could do something nice for those older neighbors down the street. Maybe you could pick up some groceries, ring the doorbell of neighbors that you know are struggling at this time and leave the groceries on their step. (Keep an eye to ensure that they actually got the items you left). Do something nice. Perhaps you are able to adopt a dog or a cat. There is always something we can do to help. By helping others you are helping yourself. Now that the numbers are wilding high at this time – we truly have to think of all others as our actions have major consequences. Wear that mask. Keep social distancing. Do this so that we can heal this planet and save off this pandemic. Stay safe and be well.

Time to go and pick up Mr. Buddy’s little parcels outside in the backyard. Also put the coffee on to perk and get signed on for work before the babies arrive. Also my dear friend “V” has mailed another parcel to us from Saskatchewan. The Post Office is slow making deliveries these days and it will arrive today. Both Alvin and I are so excited. Another good thing for this Friday.

Happy Friday Everyone.

We will continue to live our lives with kindness and respect and compassion for all. Life is too short not to!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Another beautiful double digit day on the way.

Yesterday was gorgeous at  +15 degrees celsius.

Bright sunshine – just perfect.

 

After work once Alvin was done outside and with supper; we went for a walk.

I took my equipment with me and by that I mean a large black garbage bag and disposable gloves.

A couple of days ago or three now there was a bag of garbage strewn over a small area just inside our park; close to the trees by the water.

For two days we walked by and it was there each time.

This time I was not going to be one of the ones to go by and either think “who would do that” or just totally ignore the trash.

Not me, cannot do that.

It meant taking and using a big garbage bag and a pair of disposable gloves but my neighbourhood is important to me.

Not only did we clean that up but I filled to the brim two of Alvin’s poopy bags with small trash.

I will never understand how people can walk by and not pick it up.

Anyway, happy to report that once again the park is clean.

I noticed a few pieces of trash alongside the sidewalk closer to my house but I had run out of bags by the time I got home.

Does that not figure?

Anyway another job for this evening’s walk.

I am going to start carrying a plastic grocery bag (if I have any as I use recycled bags).

Life in the fast lane.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk.

I was so proud of my little rockstar as he stayed out of the garbage as I was picking it up.

You see I was holding him on his leash with one hand and picking up and holding the garbage bag with the other.

I managed.

After I raked all of the leaves on the weekend and cleaned the inbetween part with the stones; everyone else’s leaves had blown all over the yard.

So last night for the third time the front lawn was raked.

Humphrey was over (had picked him up after our walk) and the boys watched me through the living room window.

I also submitted some NORWEX orders.

It was a busy night but felt good to get some chores done.

The one thing that I didn’t do was the exercises …

I have been doing some stretching exercises for the past couple of days.

Makes a difference.

Will be doing them tonight.

 

Oh, we met Rosie’s Dad last night.

In the early morning I met Rosie and her Mom while waiting for my ride to arrive.

I must say that Rosie is a lucky pup.

They both think the world of her, too.

Another successful RESCUE story.

I hope to hear many more.

 

Oh, our Humphrey boy.

He is just so cute.

Well time to fly here.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

 

 

Remember to fill your life with kindness and respect.

One small act of kindness can change someone’s life.

I guarantee it will change yours as well.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, what a great morning.

Woke to another “dry ground” morning.

Always a great way to start the day at this time of year.

We had an interesting, entertaining staff meeting yesterday.

 

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed our walk.

So nice to still have green grass and some trees remain with various coloured leaves.

My tree is almost bare.

Most of the leaves are on the ground or blown away.

 

Last night we received another big parcel from our friend in Regina.

OMG, there were so many wonderful items.

Alvin loved his package and as always was quite entertaining as he opened his present.

He always gets so excited.

For some reason I am experiencing technical difficulties downloading/uploading the photos of our treats from my phone to the computer.

Alvin had a lovely bag of SNAUSAGES.

Which he loves.

There was an apple pie complete with my initials.

Homemade cheese buns (which I absolutely adore) and regular buns.

Cookies with filling.

A carrot and beet loaf.

A M&M milk chocolate bar, some different mixes and seasoning packets from Epicure, Cereal bars filled with fruit, Carrot jam, Almond biscuits.

Yup, carrot jam and it is divine.

 

I am likely missing something but OMG, so spoiled.

We are so spoiled.

Thank you to our friend for always making us feel on top of the world, so special.

 

Well almost time to head off downstairs.

Carpool off until next Wednesday.

One of my coworkers is giving me a ride today and my neighbour tomorrow.

Just have to take the bus home.

Not so bad.

 

I hope that you all have a great Thursday.

A reminder to myself to walk with joy in my heart,

Kindness permeating my every cell,

and treating myself and all other beings with respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, How are you?  Good Morning.

Well we did have a rain shower last night.

I missed the big event, thankfully.

Although my little buddy was awake ultra early ….. @ 2:30 a.m. ….. outside and then back to the sofa.

He was restless.

But he is good now and can rest during the day.

Me on the other hand can only hope that I can retain my “awakeness” and some sense of memory and all of that ….

Can you tell that my sleep was choppy?

Yup.

I can.

Kind of hard to formulate complete intelligent sentences when you are sleep deprived.

Oh well, it is Friday and I will manage.

Reminds me of when my daughter was a small child.

I guess this has come full circle.

 

Well I, we are excited as tomorrow the GRAND PUPS “Miss Aspen” and “Baby Milo” are coming to spend the day with us.

I also have a coffee party with the young ones in the morning for a couple of hours which I may cut short by a bit so that I can be with the pups.

Time is precious after all.

 

So these are my grand pups.

Miss Aspen in the top photo and Baby Milo in the bottom photo.

 

I placed my FALL or AUTUMN wreath on the door a few days ago.

I guess we are close to that time.

This photo is from a long time ago when the wreath was fairly new.

The wreath has a more weathered look now and I have it placed differently on the door.

Perhaps I shall take another photo.

 

Okay, I guess that I am babbling.

Am catching a ride with my neighbour as my carpool took the day off.

Just enough time now to have Alvin go outside for an extra bathroom break and grab my lunch.

I am catching the bus home so will be later and Alvin … well better to take an extra one.

 

I hope that you are having an awesome morning thus far.

Have a great Friday.

 

Remember to influence life with kindness and respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

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

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Wednesday morning and the sky is blue with bright sunshine.

The air is filled with the hum of cars on the nearby highway as people go to work.

Last night, Teddy’s Mom asked if he could stay with us for a few days as her two-legged son was in the hospital.

He lives several hours away and I totally understand about wanting to be with your child.

We said “yes” without hesitation.

Teddy arrived last night.

We ended up not going for a walk due to humidity and threat of storm.

So with Teddy’s arrival …. Alvin got some exercise and time outside with his friend.

I am happy that I got up when the alarm went off as with an extra body it does take longer.

The alarm these days is on my phone and it is the sound of birds chirping ….

Some mornings when we “use” the alarm I actually have to stop and think about where the sounds are coming from.

But we are almost ready.

One more trip outside after this post.

I have some photos from a few minutes ago to share.

What a great way to begin the day with these two cutie pies.

They bring me great joy there is no doubt about that ….

Teddy likes to turn down the blanket …. or rather play under it …

 

Acts of kindness filled with respect are always in style.

 

Time to fly.

We are grateful to be of help to our friends.

We are grateful for this amazing sunshine.

We are grateful for all things green.

We are grateful for our health, very important.

Most of all we are grateful for each other.

Me and Alvin…..

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One Day at a time.

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.