Living … One day at a time.

Hello,  good morning to you.

The sky is beginning to lighten as hopefully the sun will rise shortly.

YAY, today is Saturday.

Master Teddy slept over last night as his parents went out to the farm for today.

The boys well Alvin is curled up on the blue blanket beside me and Teddy is just sniffing about at the moment.

After work on our walk we walked or actually Alvin pulled me over to Teddy’s house.

By the time we arrived my shins were aching.

Oh, yes.

We had a little visit and then were on our way.

Me and the boys walked around by the lake in our park to home.

The grass is still very much green amidst the partially turned leaves on the trees.

Some trees are still very green.

The water is flowing.

Oh, how I love this time of year.

We enjoyed our walk home.

The boys spent a bit of time in the backyard but mostly they were right beside me as I cooked my supper.

Alvin is motivated by food …. I think you know.

So even this morning at 5:00 a.m., Alvin, after he ate his food wanted to eat Teddy’s.

Yup, we were up eating well they were eating.

Deep sigh.

What can you do?

Teddy is wanting to get up onto my lap but it is not easy to type/key with a puppy on your lap.

He always slides down.

 

I was just thinking last night and earlier this morning …… about being more proactive when it comes to my job.

Instead of being reactive …..

Hard to explain without getting into details which I cannot.

But I am excited to try these ideas in my work life to see the results.

Perhaps giving folks ideas how to make processes easier instead of reacting to them.

I will get back to you about this.

Life is way too complicated and I want to make it easier.

Life is short so why not make it as easy as possible.

If you have to work why not enjoy it.

Even the most demanding, frustrating of jobs could be made easier and less complex.

Simplify.

We all need to simplify our lives.

Our work  ….. our home.

Life balance.

We have over the years made things way too complicated.

Complicated = Stress

Or at least that is my opinion/my view after being on this earth for 62 years.

I have seen this first hand.

 

If we look to the Animal Kingdom we could learn so much.

Instead of destroying them …. learn from them.

 

Well I have two puppies that are ready to get downstairs.

I need some COFFEE.

Time to get going on the laundry.

I have changed my bedding and gathered the laundry.

And the COFFEE.

Yup, simply a cup of coffee and I am in heaven.

Nothing better than to be sipping on a mug of hot perked coffee surrounded by pups.

Life is good.

My life is great.

 

Happy Saturday.

If we continue to learn and live our lives in kindness and respect, we will live great lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 31st day of January, 2019.

The last day of January 2019.

WOW, that flew by.

Seems like I say that often.

 

Alvin’s best buddy, Teddy arrived last night after supper for a couple of days.

His parents are taking a month long vacation.

Lucky guys.

Teddy’s Aunt J is going be looking after him while they are away.

But she is at their destination now and will arrive at Teddy’s house a few hours before they leave.

So that Aunt J can get some sleep after her long trip – Teddy is here until Friday night after I get home from work.

We are lucky that Alvin has a friend close by that can spend time with him.

They usually settle down better or shall I say Teddy does except for last night.

Perhaps he knew that he wouldn’t see his Mom & Dad for a long time, I don’t know.

But he was certainly restless.

Both the boys are in the office with me now.

Alvin is chawing on a chew treat while laying on his blue blanket with Teddy looking on.

 

Well it appears by the forecast that today will be our last “mild” day before bitterly cold temperatures set in for at least one week.

I know that a good portion of western Canada was in a deep freeze so we certainly cannot complain.

Starting February tomorrow and the weather can be all over the map, much like our January has been.

Whatever it is we will get through it, one day at a time.

I will enjoy a nice walk with the boys tonight after work.

 

Looks like almost time to leave for work.

Alvin is making this crazy sound as he chews on his treat …. sounds like a breathing machine or something like that.

Teddy looks on….

Oh, the boys.

 

I am blessed to have such great family and friends.

They are always there for love and support.

We all need advice, a shoulder to lean on or an EAR to listen.

With that said Master Teddy wanted up and as he is more of a lap dog than Alvin, I scooped him up.

Wow, he is so much lighter than me Alvin.

Well I had better sign off for now.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Enjoy your day.

Remember it is easier to be kind than to be mean.

The results of this action has doubly good return.

To the one giving and to the one receiving.

 

Special Hello to: You, one of the great ones.  Thank you for all that you do.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Teddy.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 25th day of October, 2018.

Today is my carpool’s Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Miss C …. me and Alvin want to wish you a very Happy Birthday.

 

We had a busy one last night.

Alvin and I went for a walk with our friend P and her grand-pup Georgie.

The temperature was perfect for walking and the company grand.

Our conversation is all varied.

It was just over 45 minutes which was good.

Alvin’s best bud Teddy came to spend the night and today with him.

Another friend came and fixed the plunger in my master bathroom sink and is going to also fix one of my kitchen chairs that has a wobbly leg.

It was in and out all night long.

What a great night.

We had exercise, good company and a couple of things from the TO DO LIST were completed.

Does not get better than that.

I am so utterly grateful for my home life most especially.

Master Teddy just asked to come up onto my lap so I guess this will be a short post.

I have the best friends and family that a person could ever ever ask for and they virtually just came to me.

I often wonder what I did to deserve such fantastic people in my life.

Whatever it was …. I am just grateful for them all.

Little Teddy just turned and looked at me with those big brown eyes.

He is more of a lap sized puppy than Mr. Alvin.

He is now watching me key.

 

Sometimes if you overthink things it can be too much.

I simply think I am very blessed.

I can leave the house today knowing that Mr. Alvin has his BFF keeping him company.

I can leave the house knowing that I have these little ones to come home to ….

I can leave the house each day knowing that my home life is the best.

 

Keep it simple they say.

It is true.

 

Well on that note, I have to hit the road as it were.

I wish each and every one of you the best day ever.

Remember, Keep it Simple..

 

Special Hello to: all of my dear family and friends, you guys are the best.

Always, Carol & Alvin & Master Teddy

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of January, 2017.

Another gorgeous plus temperature day in the hood ….. Edmonton.

We have been loving our walks and it is so nice to be able to get out for a leisurely walk with my boy.

I love looking back and checking on temperatures and what was I doing on this day.

So here is the memory for this day in 2012.

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

……………………………………………………………………………

 

Happy Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 ……

On this “cold” winter’s morn …… I hope that you are toasty warm.

I always get such a kick out of my dog Alvin.

We have this morning ritual.

As I have shared before he now thinks that he is a lap dog.

Which is okay by me.

But anyway back to this morning.

Most mornings when I go to pick him up …. he walks around for a few seconds before letting me pick him up.

This morning he stood still waiting for me.

Then once up on my lap.

He takes a few moments to stand in one spot and look around …..

He usually turns almost all the way around before he settles down in my lap.  Looking about the room.

(He especially took a long hard look at the bowl of bananas sitting in the middle of the table.  LOL.  He loves bananas, and has a bit every morning with me.)

But it is how he does it that is so darn cute.

He very gingerly steps one paw at a time … ever so carefully….

I love my Alvin with all of his little quirks … he always puts a smile upon my face.

Like now he is lying on the hall floor and was looking at me …. then he sighs and turns around.

I sure would love to know what he is thinking…..

But it is all of the little rituals, the things that we share …. that makes our relationship special.

The belly rubs at the top of the stairs each night after his supper ….

Playing fetch …. him dragging me along our walk … (not all of the time….)

Always remember it is the little things that make life great ….

I have a great life and I hope that you have a great one, as well.

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice who continues to inspire me on a daily basis,  and I think of her always …..

Always, Carol

………………………………………………..

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice …. my lifelong friend.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 22nd day of September, 2015.

It is dark out but not raining …. always a good sign in the morning (not raining for walking to the bus).

I think that we have had enough rain for a bit.

Well this morning I am running behind the clock …..

Would that not be a funny sight ….. me running behind this big old Grandfather clock??

Mornings always seem to come fast.

One thing this morning that warrants a quick note before I dash out the door.

Mr. Alvin wanted to sit upon my lap.

He doesn’t always ask every day so when he does it is a treat.

I love snuggling with him as I write in my gratitude journal.

Funny story before I sign off :  I grabbed the tube of toothpaste to brush my teeth.

Just as I was almost done I thought this doesn’t taste right.

OMG, I then realized that I had grabbed Mr. Alvin’s “chicken” flavoured toothpaste.

Baaa ….. blah ….. yuck (actually it was not that bad).

Time to go.

P.S. I did brush them with my toothpaste…. LOL

Have a super duper great “toosday.”

Special Hello to: my sister C.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th day of September, 2015.

Another glorious morning ….. no rain overnight or frost.

So we are good on all fronts.

I was going to put all my flower pots into the garage just in case of frost and then saw that it was to be 5 degrees overnight so decided to take a chance.

This has been a long season for them to this point.

Pretty much all of my flowers and the ones in the neighbourhood are still blooming like crazy.

Especially with the rain over the past few days.

Now sunshine and we will be good for another few days or maybe even weeks.

This morning me Alvin decided that he wanted to be a “LAP DOG” …

Usually when I am writing in my gratitude journal he is laying on the sofa in the spot that I was on just a few minutes prior.

We still find time for a few minutes on the sofa before getting up to stay.

Anyway …. he was standing by the chair beside mine and looking up ….

I asked him “would you like up?”

He backs away ….

So I lean over and ask him once again.

Finally he walks over to me so that I can pick him up.

OO methinks that Mr. Alvin needs to cut back on the treats or more walks … yikes.

Footnote to his Momma …. you both need to start yoga ….. “downward dog” …… our cores need help.

As soon as I have him in my lap I place my legs on the other chair so that he has room to move.

With one arm around me Alvin the other one grabs the pen and begins to write.

Meanwhile Mr. Alvin does his “little 360” on my lap so cute.

He then ends up facing the other way with his head facing outward resting on my arm.

I always say to me Alvin and it is my favourite thing to say “cuteness alert” …..

He is pretty cute.

Mr. Alvin goes wherever I go.

He is attached to my hip.

I only hope that he is not too lonely when I am at work.

Hopefully he sleeps and keeps entertained with all that goes on in the neighbourhood during the day.

Anyway …. one more day this week … Friday…. once I start a day …..I am up so it doesn’t count.

I am taking different scheduled buses to find the best one for me to take.

Yesterday the bus got me to work at 7:25 and I start at 8:00 ….

Today I am hoping it works out to be at work by 7:40-45.

I wish you all the best day.

Also today marks the Happy Birthday of my Steeped Tea Leader “C” …. Happy Birthday.

She is an awesome person and I am glad to know her.

Special Hello to: my Steeped Tea Leader “C” …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Happy Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 ……

On this “cold” winter’s morn …… I hope that you are toasty warm.

I always get such a kick out of my dog Alvin.

We have this morning ritual.

As I have shared before he now thinks that he is a lap dog.

Which is okay by me.

But anyway back to this morning.

Most mornings when I go to pick him up …. he walks around for a few seconds before letting me pick him up.

This morning he stood still waiting for me.

Then once up on my lap.

He takes a few moments to stand in one spot and look around …..

He usually turns almost all the way around before he settles down in my lap.  Looking about the room.

(He especially took a long hard look at the bowl of bananas sitting in the middle of the table.  LOL.  He loves bananas, and has a bit every morning with me.)

But it is how he does it that is so darn cute.

He very gingerly steps one paw at a time … ever so carefully….

I love my Alvin with all of his little quirks … he always puts a smile upon my face.

Like now he is lying on the hall floor and was looking at me …. then he sighs and turns around.

I sure would love to know what he is thinking…..

But it is all of the little rituals, the things that we share …. that makes our relationship special.

The belly rubs at the top of the stairs each night after his supper ….

Playing fetch …. him dragging me along our walk … (not all of the time….)

Always remember it is the little things that make life great ….

I have a great life and I hope that you have a great one, as well.

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice who continues to inspire me on a daily basis,  and I think of her always …..

 

Always, Carol

Thought for the day……

Wow, welcome to Whacky Wednesday, Hump Day …… Happy November 9th everyone.

On this Wednesday morning my thoughts have been mainly on my dog Alvin.

He has taken to wanting up on my lap while I am doing my morning writing.

I might have mentioned this to you before now.

He really isn’t a lap dog as he weights 20 pounds and is quite long but nevertheless, he is one.

I love watching him get into his comfortable position.

Generally it takes him a couple of minutes.

I have to put my legs up onto a chair so that he has the length otherwise he would fall onto the floor.

But it is so nice to have him snuggling while I write.

It brought back memories of when my daughter was small and used to curl up on me.

I love that closeness.

I hope that everyone out there has the opportunity to share that with someone whether a child, spouse, or pet.

It is a great way to begin your day.

Special Hello to: all the star gazers out there.

Always, Carol

Alvin and his new “bed”

Some weeks ago,  I purchased this cute sort of plaid cloth doggie bed for Alvin.  I thought that perhaps he would lie in it when we were in the kitchen or out on the deck.  Thinking it would be more comfortable than lying on the cold floor or the hard wooden deck.  The first time that I put it down all he would do was to chew on it.  After about five minutes, I realized that this was not the best idea that I have ever had, so I put it into the basement for future “use”.  This afternoon I am up in my office working on my BLOG, and also attempting to get my closet (papers and stuff) cleaned out.  Alvin was kind of “bored” so I thought that I would go into the basement, and fetch his new bed.  Once again he started chewing on it and I “calmly”  explained to him that this was his bed, and that he should not chew on it.  I tried to give him his bone to chew on in it’s place,  but to no avail.  I guess that I did this for about fifteen minutes before opening the office door, and gently tossing the bed into the hallway.  I started to giggle when Alvin laid down beside the door and started to “cry” …. you know that sound that all “babies” make no matter if they are human or animal.  After a couple of minutes I picked him up, and held him on my lap (he really is too big now).   Once he settled down I grabbed the bed from the hallway, and gently urged him onto the bed.  It was so funny because he did the “digging” thing that he and all dogs do when they are settling down to sleep.  Then he just laid down.  No chewing or fussing or coaxing from me.   WOW.  I put my foot on the inside corner of his bed as he always likes to touch me when he lays down.  I know, I know.  Spoiled, not MUCH!!   Okay, this will generate some “ah’s” –  he nestled his head to touch my foot and went to sleep.  Ah.  Some days he is just too cute for words.  He does have his moments but OMG …… most of the time he is “just too cute for words”…..

Mmm, I am not sure how I am going to get up and clean out the closet.  I do not wish to “wake him”.  I guess I can continue to write for a bit longer.  After all, that is what I am supposed to be doing……. LOL.

Another adventure of Alvin and his Mom…

note: my foot is falling asleep – LOL

FOOTNOTE: LOL (Alvin moved into another position and I removed my foot.  Perhaps, my sock smelled or something.  LOL)  All is well.