Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning,

Da, Da ….. Welcome to the first day of FALL 2020.

Our skies are overcast with deep blue clouds …. I think there was some rain in our forecast.

The trees are beginning to turn the most glorious shades of yellow, orange and red.

The grass is amazingly still a rich green due to the rain we have been having all summer long.

There does not appear to be any sign of a breeze this morning.

FALL is here.

The rabbits will be starting to turn colour shortly.

The geese are beginning to fly in large flocks overhead.

Thanksgiving is around the corner.

My neighbours are getting married on October 3, 2020.

I am excited for another fall wedding.

My daughter and son-in-law got married in October of 2008.

Seems like an eternity ago.

I am so happy that my flowers on the deck and in the back garden are still doing okay.

Of course, not as colourful and green as they once were as after all it is almost the end of September.

But there is some colour.

My potted tomato plant has a mass of small little green tomatoes with one tomato a bit bigger.

Oh, I did forgot there are a few that are starting to turn red.

I may pull them and ripen them in the house.

This is the time of year where we play a waiting game with respect to the frost.

I do pay attention to the weather forecast.

Once we get a hard frost …. it is most difficult to clean out the flower pots.

Basically you have to cut down the plants and put the roots in the spring.

Now that is okay but I would prefer to prep the pots for spring now but either way works.

I did want to load up the front flower bed with some fresh top soil but with the way that time is passing not sure that is going to happen before spring either.

Perhaps I will leave that although I did want to plant my tulips now.

Decisions decisions, decisions.

 

Quick story before heading back downstairs to grab some coffee,  move Alvin’s bed from the living room to the kitchen.

So yesterday after work we went for a walk.

We had a nice visit with our friend Pauline, her granddaughter and her boyfriend in the yard before heading to complete the last half of our walk.

Her garden, Pauline’s flowers are still as beautiful as mid summer.

Gorgeous.

When we got around to Alvin’s friend Teddy’s house ….. I had to let him go in.

Usually I say when he walks toward the driveway, “not today buddy.”

Perhaps I add “Teddy is at the farm” …. because they have been at the farm lots this summer.

But last night I thought let’s go in for a visit.

So in we went.

Teddy and Kobi swarmed me ….. jumping up ….. so excited to see me, us.

Alvin, of course headed to see if there was some food out in Teddy’s dish.

What a guy.

I could also smell something good and Iris had just baked an apple/raisin pie.

Oh that smelled so good.

Reminded me of fall.

Reminded me of the apply/pumpkin candles from Bath & BodyWorks.

Iris said “come out to the back and we can sit on the deck.”

She had stained it over the weekend and it looked so great.

We had a great visit.

Teddy had jumped up and snuggled on my lap for most of our visit.

Kobi not far away.

Alvin checking every so often.

Enjoying the warm temperature of the late afternoon.

Then before we knew it …. time to go home.

Alvin managed to snag this treat called a “bully stick.”

You do not want to know where it comes from and I am not going to say.

Anyway Alvin had this treat hanging out of his mouth and would not give it up.

Iris said “that’s okay, he can have it.”

So on our way we went.

Alvin galloping ahead with the treat hanging out of this mouth, a man with a mission.

He did not turn his head or stop until we were almost home (by the park) where I was distracted for a second by something but then noticed

he had stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, pooped and then started to walk.

Treat still in his mouth.

I stopped of course, picked up the poop and then with some water from his water dish I poured over to clean up the remains.

OMG, I was mortified.

Not on the sidewalk but what can you do.

We were really close to home when we, I noticed some neighbours coming toward us with their dog.

As we approached each other, they both said hello, giggled and remarked about how Alvin looked like a guy on a mission.

That he did.

He did not stop other than that quick little poop and when I stopped.

He was truly a guy on a mission.

Alvin has not really chewed the treat but has carried it around the house even to bed last night.

It is sitting in the hallway waiting to be retrieved on our way downstairs.

Okay gotta go.

 

Have an awesome day.

Take care and be safe.

Living with Kindness and Respect.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 13th day of November, 2018.

Alvin is sitting by my chair in the office as I key these words and Teddy is sniffing around the office checking things as only a couple of days ago, I changed some of the furniture around.

Only a few minutes ago as I was getting ready in my bathroom with Alvin at my side; Teddy was on the bed playing.

He scooped the pillows and ran under the blanket that lays on the foot of the bed.

Pillows flying in every direction.

He likes to play under the blanket.

When he came out from under his hair was electrified and was flying in all directions.

It was then that I realized that my camera was downstairs.

I missed such a cute photo.

But running down to grab the camera would have brought the subject in hot pursuit.

So I decided that tonight I will make sure that I have the camera with me at all times.

OMG, such a cute sight.

Oh, the boys.

Every morning Alvin gets a little less vocal and a bit more patient.

He is getting used to having a bit of Teddy’s chicken with his food.

ARGH.

They shared blueberries and a bit of banana when I was having breakfast.

Except there are always the moments like just now when Teddy wanted up on my lap and Alvin got between him and me.

He likes his BFF but there are parameters, I guess.

They are so cute.

Black and white, White and black.

Even this morning one of the times they were outside …. it was evident….. Alvin when coming toward the house turned to see where Teddy was.

Alvin came in but still watching for his Teddy.

 

Yesterday when we were out for a walk we came across a woman and a puppy.

We all stopped.

The puppy was a Tibetan Terrier.

Black and so cute.

So full of energy.

Woman said puppy was her daughter’s and she was looking after him.

Both Alvin and Teddy played together with the new friend.

 

Later after supper, I paid a visit to Humphrey the Cat.

He still wears the “cone of silence” as I call it (after GET SMART) or most commonly referred to the “cone of shame.”

I was pleasantly surprised when arriving that he was laying on the sofa.

After I took off my coat and shoes, I walked to the sofa and sat down.

Humphrey plunked himself on my lap.

Strange for a cat.

He sat there for a good ten minutes.

I stroked his neck and gently rubbed his back.

He got up and moved about and then returned to my lap.

He did this three times over the time I was visiting.

So cute.

 

What would I do without these babies.

So cute.

Such great company.

Still wishing that I had some photos from earlier.

They would have brought a smile to your face.

I am certain of that.

 

Well another beautiful day on the way.

It will be dark when I get home and the pups will be hungry as I am catching the bus today.

Both ways.

But we will go for a walk even if it is short.

Have to take advantage of this beautiful weather.

 

Well time to run as I have to catch a bus.

Will let the boys out again before I leave.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Special Hello to:  my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 26th day of August, 2018.

Happy Birthday to a friend of ours who turns “12”today.

She is almost a teenager ….. hard to believe …. when we met as neighbours you were a little girl….not even in school.

The sky is partially cloud ….. a bit of smoke lingering in the air …. possibly some rain clouds.

Cooler than the average for this time of year but that is okay.

We had a little rain shower last night.

Today will be a quiet day just looking after the boys.

Putting away the laundry that has been drying in the laundry room.

Snuggling with pups and visiting with Humphrey the Cat.

 

I had a start last night.

I went to visit Humphrey and Cinder after 9:00 p.m. last night ….. Cinder was awake and when I turned on the light …. she was staring right at me.

Her eyes are so cool.

Round black with a sliver of lightness going through them.

Geckos are so unique.

I do not see her much when I look after them.

Again this morning she was laying on a stem of the plant that is her in home …. Not sure if she was sleeping or not.

Usually during the day she is in her sleeping pod.

So twice I have seen her in less than 12 hours.

Very unusual.

Well I have Master Teddy in my lap and it is not quite so easy to key with someone who wants you to hold him.

We have had a good few days together.

The boys have played, we have walked and just hung out.

 

Mr. Alvin has been eating grass the past couple of days.

Last night he threw up once and I thought he was going to do so again.

He has no problem eating or drinking.

Perhaps he has been eating too much.

I am watching that carefully today.

Teddy seems to like Alvin’s food AND Alvin will eat his and Teddy’s if given the chance.

 

Well time to go and have coffee.

Teddy is moving about and I do not wish to drop him.

 

His Aunt is picking him up tonight.

His Mom and Dad will remain away on vacation for an additional few days.

He will be excited to his Auntie “J.”

 

Life is good.

 

I heard somewhere the following and it makes sense to me:

“The age that is one’s highest self esteem is “60.”

I definitely can see that.

It has taken me to age 60 to be better in my own skin, to know what I like, and to be confident in myself.

Life is better as we age.

 

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my all my girls ….. each year you get better and better.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Master Teddy.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 3rd day of June, 2018.

What a glorious morning!

Bright sunshine with a tad bit of a breeze.

Alvin and I were up earlier but then back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

I heard one of my neighbour arrive back home from her vacation.

Humphrey will be happy to have her back and I will miss my snuggles with him.

Last night was special.

He wanted up.

He made it very clear.

So I picked him up.

He sat on his backside on my lap with his back against my chest and his front paws draped over one of my arms.

I stroked him with the other hand as he nestled his head against my hand.

He purred like I have never heard him purr before as he was just loving that moment.

The sound of his purring filled the room.

Oh Humphrey you are quite the cat.

After a few minutes of “cat heaven” he started to get restless and wanted down.

He wants to do what he wanted to do when he wants to do it.

That is a fact.

 

Yesterday was a grand day.

When I was mowing the front lawn I had Alvin watching my every move from our open living room window to Humphrey sitting in his open living room window.

The only difference he was meowing loudly wanting my attention.

I would go over to the window and he would settle down.

Then I would walk away and he started to claw at the screen.

I was scared that he may chew the screen and make his getaway but thankfully that did not happen.

The grass was long and with my little push lawn mower and the babies at their perspective windows; it took way longer to complete this task.

Alvin was so happy when I was done.

So this weekend I spent time going between both homes keeping the babies company.

Obviously more time at my house but you get the picture.

I wished that Humphrey would be okay with dogs as Alvin would love to have him over.

May someday.

 

We spent most of the day actually outside and in between did laundry and a bit of cleaning.

There was even a midday rain shower just to keep us in check.

 

So today will be a less physical when it comes to work around here.

Just the usual getting ready for work week things.

I like to make porridge (steel cut oats) ahead for a few days.

Prepping lunch.

I already picked out my clothing for the week, so that is done.

I finished putting away the laundry this morning.

 

Sometimes it is the small things in life that are the most pleasing and satisfying.

Time with Alvin and Humphrey.

Mowing the grass and raking.

Having coffee on the deck enjoying the summer air.

Enjoying the scent of my flowers.

Watching Alvin sniffing the flowers.

Watching a movie.

Cleaning the house.

Quiet time.

 

I am so grateful that I have my own home.

I am so grateful that I am employed.

I am so grateful that I am surrounded by loving, supportive family and friends.

Truly grateful for my life.

 

Well time to go and get dressed, have breakfast and make coffee.

I love having coffee in the morning.

I wish you the most wonderful day surrounded by goodness.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who live in their lives in joy and kindness.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

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 8th day of December, 2015.

Another absolutely gorgeous morning here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I feel so blessed this morning between the warm temperatures and cuddles with Mr. Alvin this morning.

Some mornings he will stretch out on my lap while I write in my gratitude journal.

It is one of my favourite things in the whole wide world.

He is such a character.

While here we are past one week into December.

Are you crazy busy running around?

Is December busy for you or do you just simplify the whole process and then enjoy the season?

I do my preparations in stages.

November 1st – Christmas Tree and inside of the house gets decorated.

November 1st – 15th – decorate the outside of the house with my neighbour

November 15th – 30th – writing up Christmas cards, sending photos and writing letters to be mailed/hand delivered

December 1st – December 10th – do Christmas baking

December 10th – December ….. the last on my to do list is wrap presents.

We keep that part of Christmas pretty low key now.

I enjoy writing Christmas cards, sending photos and a letter to family and friends.

I enjoy baking and sharing with family and friends.

I enjoy all of the get togethers over the holidays.

Those are more important than presents.

Spending time with friends and family is the best present ever.

On this Tuesday near the beginning of December, I hope that you have an awesome day.

Remember your best gift to someone is you.

Special Hello to: my brother “T” …. I hope that everything goes perfectly today for you.

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 Monday the 17th day of August, 2015.

Wow another August Monday morning to enjoy.

The sun is coming up a bit later each morning …. shorter days.

The air is cool as summer slowly turns into fall.

I love late summer and fall.

Most especially fall.

After last week’s blast of hot hot air it is a good 10 degrees cooler during the day.

Much easier at night for people to sleep as it gets quite cool during the night.

The temperature in the house was 68 degrees F, this morning.

Well Alvin and I had an unusual Sunday as my neighbour in the other half of our duplex held a “front lawn sale” ….

We ended up out front from basically 9:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Few inside breaks as it was kind of cool to be just sitting …..

It was relaxing and fun.

I found some items that I could use so helped with her sales.

Alvin enjoyed all the folks who stopped by.

I had him on a leash and at some points sitting on my lap to help keep me warm.

Ended up with a winter vest on and thankfully I had put on socks (yup socks with sandals).

We even weeded our front flower beds in between customers.

Leftovers of peach salsa and tortilla chips for lunch and a couple pots of hot coffee.

Well time to get going to the office.

I hope that you all had some time to yourself and enjoyed your weekend.

If you were working I hope that you did take some “me” time.

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to: yes, sister …. so far this tea venture has been great …. am loving it.  Lots to learn.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of June, 2015.

It is a glorious morning here in Edmonton.

The sky is slightly overcast from our rain last night.

The sun is beginning to rise in the sky.

I am so grateful for the rain last night ….. actually gave the flowers and grass a nice boost.

They look so happy this morning.

Perfect timing last night the rain came down as I was eating supper and then while I was drinking my tea.

When we were ready to go for a walk …. the sun came out and the sky pretty much cleared.

How lucky were we ……

I am so grateful for vacation time.

Figuring after a long week it might be nice to have a Friday afternoon off …..

So excited …..

After work hit the grocery store, then throw on the laundry, sand down the front porch and then paint.

Followed by a nice long walk with me Alvin.

This morning for no reason at all he walked over to me, and put his paws on my lap, and gave me a big kiss.

Now what a great way to start the day.

RAIN AND KISSES.

I am one happy girl.

I hope that you all have an awesome Friday …..

This morning I am ready to go early …..

Now how is that for great.

Take care and enjoy a walk in a nearby park or even just down your street.

When the sun goes down and the night sky appears do some star gazing.

Kick off your shoes and walk on the grass.

Sip on a cup of tea on your deck or patio.

I was reminded by a story I read on FB that we should always be overjoyed when a loved one comes through the door.

How about we try that …..

The reminder was from a man and his dog.

Unfortunately his dog …. his friend, passed away.

But no matter how many times he came through the door … his friend was always overjoyed to see him.

I can tell you that is the case.

So often we forget how important being super excited over seeing a loved one is ….

Just think how happy you will make that person and how great you will feel.

Practice.

We can learn so much from our four-legged friends.

Alvin teaches me everyday …..

Happy Friday ….

Time to go to work.

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers ….. oh so far and yet so near.  I love you with all of my heart.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 22nd day of April, 2015.

I hope that this finds you in excellent spirits.

It is about 5:47 a.m. here in Edmonton as I key these words.

Alvin is standing near the office doorway just starring at me.

Not sure if he is trying to tell me something or just being himself.

We are back to our routine …..

When I write in my daily gratitude journal he now joins me on my lap.

I love having him near me as I write in my journal.

I am on Day 2050 in the book.

Which is just over 5.5 years.

Not the same book, of course.

Each morning I do a couple of lines from the previous days.

Highlights you could call them.

Followed by a list of what I am grateful for ……

Followed by thank you for all of the people that were/are sick and for their healing.

Well Mr. Alvin is moaning out in the hall.

Sounds like an attention thing …. I think he is feeling okay.

Sure did not block his appetite this morning ….

Back to the writing ….. I actually starting keeping a journal when I was about 13-14.

Someone gave me a diary as a gift and that started it all.

Of course, even in school I did love to write….

My first poem was for Valentine’s Day when I was 7 to my Grandparents.

Somehow by writing things down it is my way of recording my history.

I think it helps me through each day and every situation.

Making it real ….

Well it is almost time here to head downstairs to make the final touches on getting ready to leave for work.

My life has been my life.

Full of interesting details …. I should say.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Write your life down ….. now it feels like a life.

Perhaps it should be a book ……

Special Hello to: my family and friends …. who are always supportive …..

Always, Carol and Alvin