Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning All! Another smoky looking sky morning. Alvin and I were up and out for a walk earlier. The diarrhea had started to go in the other direction but then back again. We were in bed by 10:00 p.m. last night and then up at 3:00 a.m. to go outside (only pee), it was so nice out there. Clear sky. I don’t know if the bright shiny objects in the sky were stars or satellites or the space station but I could see them all the same. Then back into the house and settled down on the sofa for some additional sleep. I set the alarm for 6:00 a.m. as then is when Alvin needs his probiotic, the alarm went off and Alvin was still sleeping so I turned off and then got up a few minutes later. Today I can start mixing in his food with the chicken and rice. Now that is quite the mixture. I am quite sure that I am over feeding him by a bit but hard to measure them all to come up with 3/4 cup total. Oh well. After he ate we went outside, I was sad to see that the starting to firm up poop from yesterday was back to not being firm. I know, poop, poop, poop, poop. But it is my reality at this moment. We do not realize how important the state of one’s poop is in our overall health whether you are human or a dog. Any animal for that matter. The “stuff” that our bodies dispose of tells the story of how well we eat or not and our state of health. So it is a big deal and I take that very seriously. After that I had planned to stay up but the sofa was calling my name and I just laid there for awhile thinking about things, my things, what to do, what can I do, what should I do. Also thinking about how grateful I am for the life that I have lived thus far. I will say this it has not been dull. There have truly been incredible highs and equally lows. But that is life, right?

We were up just before 8:00 and I ran upstairs to throw on some clothes, because no one wants to see me out walking in my pj’s, I am quite certain of that. So once done and back downstairs, I grabbed his harness and put on him before filling his water bottle. Then grabbed my keys, leash and put on my flip flops (my Clark’s, which I absolutely love) and out the door we went (oh, I put on my sunglass clips), locked the door and carried Mr. Alvin down the steps. We did not come across anyone during our walk to our happy place. We just doddled along with Alvin smelling each and every blade of grass and me, taking in the morning air, admiring the trees, the ponds, the stones I could see in between the trees and the roses still blooming. We did not go into our friend’s yard but tomorrow we will. We both love it there and while Pauline’s flowers are blooming we want to enjoy them. I shall email her tonight to give her a head’s up, just in case she happens to look out the window and see us sitting in the yard. On the return trip home – Alvin stopped and pooped, yup still you know what. Not my favorite word in the English language or any language for that matter. I gave him a couple pieces of his hard food when we got home. Positive thoughts. His poop will get firm over the course of today. We saw a woman in the entrance way to the park and we both said hello. She told me that she was enjoying the area and that she was visiting from Vancouver. I said we live in a beautiful neighbourhood. Then we were off for home.

Once home, I removed our gear and put on the coffee to perk and then went out to water all of the plants. I read last night it is better to water in the morning than in the evening. So will give that a try. Alvin stayed on the deck like the good guy that he is while I watered the front. Then I watered the back and then took the watering can to water the Begonias on the front porch. As I walked across the lawn, I noticed a woman who then noticed me and we realized that it was a friend who lives in the neighbourhood who I have not seen in literally years. We chatted and caught up and remarked on how things have changed since COVID came into our lives. It was so nice to see her. I miss seeing her on a regular basis. She is a very sweet and nice person. Then we said our goodbyes and she continued on her walk. I finished watering the flowers and walked to the backyard where Mr. Alvin was patiently waiting for me. I actually was very surprised that he did not jump off the deck and come to find me.

Back into the house, poured some coffee and upstairs to make our bed and do some things. Now I am sipping on coffee and writing this post.

Oh, yesterday I accidentally clicked on my gmail – email on my phone and noticed that I had over 7000 emails. Yup, that many. So I started reading some of them and deleting others. I found emails from my daughter from 2016 with photos and videos of the original three amigos: Elton, Penny and Alvin. OH, my goodness such good memories. I loved reading the emails and remembering back before COVID and before we were that much older. I have to start deleting them. No one needs to have 7000+ emails and I have another email address as well but I do keep it more respectable, lol.

Life, this is my life. Trying to keep cool. Hoping that Alvin stays healthy. Sometimes thinking about miracles and trying to remain positive despite the curveballs that come my way.

I hope that you have a great Sunday. Time to head downstairs. Finish my coffee. Do a few things. This will be another quiet day. Tomorrow will be cooler so I can get some things done outside and in the house for that matter. I did vacuum the main floor yesterday and do laundry but hard to do much when it is 36 degrees outside as the more active you are inside, the more the house heats up.

Have an awesome Sunday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Mmmmmm, coffee with a splash of laughter!!

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: thanks to my friend for picking up bathroom tissue and bread. Two staples in every household.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Well we had pure sunshine with a clear blue sky until a short time ago and now the clouds are rolling in. Guess what? Alvin slept until 3:45 (1st wake up) and then until the alarm went off at 6:45. I cannot believe it. Only woke up once. He never sleeps that long without eating. He ate his food with me by his side because some days he likes me right there while he eats and all the time when he drinks. Not sure if his sight is beginning to go or he is just a needy guy. Anyway, does not matter, I am thankful that he is still with me after last year so I am happy to be at his side. Work was “yucky” for lack of a better word yesterday so I was kind of grumpy last night. Not mean or yelling – just feeling sad about the whole thing. Anyway, I do not like to speak about my work so I will leave it there.

I am so grateful to have good friends and neighbours in my life, in our lives.

Everyday we prepare more for the upcoming garage sale. Some more items were brought over yesterday and last night for set up on Friday night. I think we will have a nice amount of things but not too much. I am excited for Saturday and hopefully Mr. Alvin will stay quiet and remain in the house for the most part. Hard to do a garage sale with your pup wondering about (would be on leash, of course).

We had a walk at lunch time yesterday which was great stopping at our friend Pauline’s house. She may have been at home but we did not see her. It was nice just to see her yard and all of her beautiful flowers.

Well it is almost time to start work. I sure hope that today is a quiet day “at work.”

I hope that you are well. Thank you for reading my posts. I know that some days the content may be lacking but I write in the moment – whatever comes to my mind. There are times when I have lots to say and others that I do not.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 47 days until that number 65th birthday …..

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well but bothered by a situation that occured in our neighbourhood last night. Alvin is okay other than wanting my attention but that is nothing new. Yesterday as you know I took the afternoon off as vacation time as Alvin had an appointment. The weather was so nice but incredibly windy. We enjoyed our walk at noon. I received some good information from Alvin’s Vet regarding the covid vaccine and was able to speak to a pharmacist nearby so I should be able to get in for my first shot next week. I am happy about that. Seems like a muddle of a mess going on. I heard later in the day that vaccines were pulled and sent to “hot spots” in our province. I understand the reasoning. Anyway, at least this sounds promising.

After Alvin’s appointment we went home and just hung out together. I did a bit of tidying up and then it was time for supper. Alvin, first as always and I had leftovers. Easy peasy. Later on about 7:00 p.m., I was looking for a movie to watch and came across “Shrek the Third” on one of the channels so I started to watch. It was only a few minutes into the movie when I happened to see out the window what looked like two small dogs running. Some people walking across the street and stopped and looked and then carried on and on my side of the street along came some teenagers who had been looking as well. Of course, not one person was doing anything. I ran to the door and asked the kids as I could not see the dogs at that point due to cars parked along the street and the mailboxes if they saw two dogs without owners and they said yes by the mailboxes. Just as I was about to turn and run for my shoes, phone and keys, I noticed one of my neighbours from down the street walking on the other side of the street. I called out to her and said about the dogs and she said that she was trying to catch them. I quickly called out that I was going to grab my shoes and then I would be out. So I put on my shoes, grabbed my phone and keys, locking the door as I flew out of the house. Dogs off leash are always a concern in our neighbourhood as there is a lot of traffic and people always speed. By the time I got out they had crossed to my side of the street and my friend was right beside them. I had to run to catch up. Have not had to run in a long time. Anyway, I reached them. She had brought a leash with her (smart) and was trying to put it one of the dogs who had a harness. I was able to grab the other little one and took my lanyard with my keys to stop it and as I did not think to bring a leash with me, I scooped the furry bundle up into my arms. The other pup ran over and was growling and trying to jump up on me. Neither was vicious at all. But what they were was noticeably neglected. Both pups desperately needed baths and hair cuts. They had matts and smelled badly. Friendly and oh so cute.

We had not idea what laid ahead once we got back to my house. I had snapped a couple of photos as I thought they may be needed. My friend and I took the pups back to my house. We were on the porch and I said that I had a leash in the house but due to the condition and possibility that they have have mites or ticks or something else, I did not want to bring them into the house close to Alvin. So in the moment I was going to leave them with my friend on the porch but that was not working as both pups wanted to come in and it was clear that I could not leave the one without the leash on the porch. I scooped him up, went into the house and searched for the leash in with Alvin’s things. I found it quickly and my friend determined that in fact the pup did have a collar on so I did not need to bring the only one I have (which only had for emergencies as Alvin wears a harness). Alvin was wondering what was going on and got by me but I managed to get him back into the house without contact with the pup that was waiting on the porch with my friend. OH my goodness what a time. Anyway everything seemed to be happening so fast.

Next thing Alvin was in the house and we were discussing what to do when we noticed the Police SWAT vehicle across the street and a Swat Officer was coming towards us. Apparently they had been called out to a house in the neighbourhood and while going into the house two dogs got out. They had come over and were asking if I lived in the house and if they were my dogs. I said “No, that they were on the loose and we had rescued them and were waiting to figure out what to do next.” I made sure to mention to the Officer about the neglect of these poor dogs. He said could we hold onto them for a few minutes as another Officer would come and speak to us. I said Yes. A couple of minutes later he was into the vehicle and they were gone. While the back door of the vehicle was open I could see a man inside. A Police Officer approached us a few minutes later. He explained that they were searching a house (no details) and asked if we could keep the dogs until the owner of the house could come for them and that it would not be too long. I said Yes. I also told this Officer about the condition of the dogs. He left and a few minutes later another neighbour from down the street who had driven by just as this was all happening came over to see what was going on. She stayed. We were standing on my porch and sidewalk chatting about the situation. The first woman on the rescue team had to go home as she had not had supper. Then we were down to two. The dogs were friendly. I went into the house at one point and got them some water. We had to loosen the collar on the one dog as it was so tight. His hair was matted and a mess. He/She (we could not easily see but figure were boys due to the way they peed with leg up on my tree) laid on my outdoor porch matt and rubbed his stomach against the matt. I think that he was really itchy. Really what should have happened was that the police called Animal Control and had them taken in where they would have been looked after and the owner should have been charged with animal cruelty and neglect but alas that did not happen. I still cannot get them out of my head. Anyway after waiting over 1.5 hours for someone to come and fetch the dogs, the neighbour that was waiting with me (nice to have the company) decided to walk over, and see if she could see anything (we knew where the police were) and she seemed to be gone a long time when she finally came back. Lo and behold, she went up to the house and spoke to the Police and found that she actually knew the owner of the house. One of the officers told her that they were almost done and it was okay to bring back the dogs. I had been starting to get cold and was thinking that they needed to get inside anyway, so off we went to take them home.

I was not prepared for what happened. When we arrived at the house, the door was open. We could see from the sidewalk several Police Officers inside, and “the owner.” As we came closer to the house, my friend addressed him and the man said thank you. I don’t remember what else he said but as I leaned over to first undo the leash for one of the dogs and then the other, the words spilled out of my mouth about their poor condition and that I should be reporting them and that was clearly not the words to be saying. He got MAD. Before anything else could happen my friend urged me to go.

In hindsight, I wanted the man to know how badly they needed care and attention and that this was not acceptable. Besides there were several police officers there and I wanted them to hear this, as well. I at no time was afraid for my life. I was only hoping the dogs would get some help. Before we had gone to the house my friend had said that the dogs belonged to the son of the homeowner and that he had complained about all they do is “piss in the house” (his words not mine). Clearly he had no concerns for their well being and it breaks my heart that these darling little creatures had to be left in this house. I am MAD. How could that man not be ashamed? I am willing to bet that those dogs are never walked, never gone to a groomers or to the vet, not bathed in a really long time.

The Police Officer not the Swat Officer had taken my name and phone number initially so perhaps they will contact me about the dogs. I did not think to take note of the house number and it was dark by this point. We walked back to the first neighbour’s house after leaving the pups to drop off the leash. One thing is for sure, should we ever see those pups out again, we will be calling the authorities. I do hope and pray that maybe my words would give him a kick in the butt and the pups will receive some care and attention OR if they do not want to look after them at least give them up to the authorities so that someone that truly wanted dogs would take these darling little ones. They would have to go together as the one is super protective of the other. It was a Friday night that I will not soon forget.

Well I had better get dressed as it is getting late and Alvin is giving me the stare. I do hope that if anyone reading this story and sees any dogs or cats or any creature neglected that they will take the time and call the authorities. Animals do not deserve to be treated badly.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for ALL.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well folks we made it through another week.

This weekend marks the end of February 2020 and the beginning of a new month March 2020.

March is an extra special month for me as it is the birthday of my daughter.

Also is the birthdate of my Dad’s only sister, my Aunt, son-in-law’s brother, friend’s children, sister-in-law, niece in-law and some of my most dearest friends.

A busy month to be sure.

Which reminds me that I forgot to pop a card and letter into the mail for my Aunt.

I will do that this weekend and even though it may be late ….. always better to send than not to.

She is of the generation that cards and letters were important.

The largest way of communication next to the telephone.

Long before the days of email, texts and video chats and social media.

I have a good stock of miscellaneous cards as I still love to send them from time to time.

 

Last night on our walk …. oh, it was so beautiful.

We bumped into the gal that delivers our flyers down the street at the houses near the park.

We stopped for a chat.

The chat carried on for several minutes when all of a sudden I saw out of the corner of my eye and then did a quick spin …

To see by Alvin and me, this chocolate lab pup off leash.

There was a family coming down the sidewalk and I called out to them.

They explained as they got to us that this pup had just joined them.

He/She walked beside them the whole way.

Now as they were on a busy street they were concerned.

No one happened to have an extra leash.

As we were near the house of a friend, I ran up the walk to see if she could help us out with a leash.

She has two small dogs.

But no one was home.

Quick thinking, I thought of tying some poop bags together but that didn’t seem like a great idea, no one had a scarf (I would have given up my scarf, for sure) but I did have

my Bath & Body Works lanyard on my keys.

So I removed the lanyard and it worked perfectly as the pup did have a collar with a ring for hooking leashes.

We hooked up the lanyard and I asked if they were able to take the pup and contact the appropriate authorities and they said of course.

The pup seemed perfectly happy to be with them.

Alvin did okay with the pup considering there was no leash on the pup and hard to hold him/her.

There was a bit of growling on Alvin’s part but the pup was so good natured it did not last.

I hope, pray and wish that they found the pup’s home or the authorities did.

Such a beautiful pup.

There was no one out looking during the time we were out.

I am not certain where exactly the dog joined them.

Best of luck to you little one.

I should have carried my phone but did not have the appropriate place and my hands were full.

 

Well almost time to leave here.

My neighbour is feeling better and will give me a ride to work this morning.

Yesterday funny story.

I left home a few minutes earlier than what I normally would to catch a bus and when walking by my friend’s house, she was backing out.

She saw me and gave me a ride to the bus stop.

That helped greatly … no dodging ice …. yay, me.

I caught the earlier bus and was to work before 7:30 a.m. ( I do not start till 8 but like to be there early).

 

Well time to fly.

I hope that you have an awesome, amazing, wonderful day.

Isn’t the morning sky beautiful?

Getting more light everyday.

Take Care.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Treating the world with kindness and respect.

Trying …..

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

I hope that you are feeling wonderful this morning.

I am great.

We had such an awesome weekend, me and Alvin.

Both of us were able to spend time with our friends.

Yesterday, I went to the Christmas Craft Sale at our friends down the street.

I picked up several items so beautiful and could hardly wait to get them home and find a special place for each piece.

The sidewalk by my house was icy when I left home for the craft sale so I crossed the street which was about six inches of glaring ice.

Thankfully I made it there and home safely.

I love these friends, they are so welcoming and lovely.

Their home is absolutely gorgeous.

Good company, good food and beautiful craft items for sale.

Once home I noticed that Teddy’s Mom had sent me a message asking if I had wanted to go to the grocery store with her and could perhaps Teddy come over

and have a visit with Alvin.

I think that Teddy perhaps needed a little break from his new sister.

My friend had baby mind.

Just does to show you that it does not matter if you give birth to a baby, adopt a baby or have a baby of the four-legged persuasion – they are all precious but tire one out.

I had to giggle at her as needed to fill the car with gas but drove the car on the opposite side of the gas tank to the pumps.

On our way home she turned to go toward her house instead of mine.

Very cute.

But I totally get it.

Not enough sleep.

Can totally play havoc with your mind.

I asked if Teddy could stay and that that I would bring him home but of course, we didn’t have his harness and leash so we had just pulled up to my house, sat for a moment.

The pups saw us or at least I saw that Alvin had made eye contact and then we turned around and left.

We could just imagine that Teddy said to Alvin …. “that car looked like my Mom’s but why are they leaving?”

Went to Teddy’s house and picked up his harness and leash and then back to my house.

The boys were happy to see me.

I was only gone for about one hour (if that).

After I put groceries away and stuff ….. walked Teddy home.

We continued on our walk.

The air was so warm and refreshing.

Back home to make some STEEPED TEA SCONES.

Then supper and then time to kick back before bed.

Here are some photos:

The first wreath I am having my friend recreate for me and instead of the word BELIEVE I am having the owl.

She was going to add the little owl on the second wreath but I much prefer the first one.

This is their CHRISTMAS TREE, how gorgeous.

I love the long wreath on the door as well.

My scones.

Two red ceramic trees, homemade Christmas tree ornaments and the red snowflake and the antique tin in the bathroom.

What a great weekend.

Time to run.

Back to work.

 

Kindness and Respect of all creatures is the only way to live your life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of April, 2018.

WOW, it is officially April.

April 1st, 2018.

The sun is shining and the sky is a pale blue.

Still signs of winter with snow still covering rooftops and the ground.

Temperature feels colder than usual.

I am longing for the warmth of summer days and nights.

This has been a long winter.

Too much snow and ice.

We are ready for flip flop weather although yesterday when I was out for a walk with Alvin and Teddy, I saw …..

a young woman, a teenager most likely, wearing a zip up sweater and flip flops.

I could hardly believe my eyes.

Both Alvin and Teddy had on their winter jackets as did I along with my winter boots, scarf and mitts.

The sidewalks were not clear of ice and snow as she walked along in her flip flops.

This action brought a smile to my face and laughter to my heart.

WOW, it was about minus 15 degrees celsius and she had on a hooded sweater and flip flops.

The wind was COLD.

No mitts, no scarf and flip flops.

Yup, flip flops.

I wanted so desperately to yell out from across the street “to ask why?”

But I restrained myself.

Alvin was enjoying the walk and wanted to keep going however Teddy was not feeling it.

We were almost at the park when he stopped suddenly – planting his feet on the sidewalk.

Not moving forward.

It was at that point that I figured we might just as well go back home.

So I called out to Alvin that we were going home.

He turned around and looked at me as if to say “really?”

Back home we went.

It was funny anyway because Alvin was pulling on his leash going ahead and Teddy was lagging behind me almost tripping me with his leash.

At the end of it – chalked it up to a funny story and fresh air.

When back home I began to prepare supper for our company.

I made a huge pot of “Easter Chili” and for dessert “Apple-Berry Crisp.”

The boys stood beside me waiting for the possibility of a piece of apple to fall onto the floor.

I gave them each some small pieces.

Everyone happy.

My daughter and son-in-law arrived with their pups in tow.

They left Aspen and Milo with us as they had to make a quick trip to COSTCO.

Well me and four pups.

Milo and Teddy did not take to one another right away.

There was lots of growling and barking while they got to know each other.

At one point Aspen growled at Teddy as she was likely thought that he was hurting Milo.

It all worked out.

The kids were not gone long before arriving to better change the ratio of pups to humans.

Teddy reminds us all of our beloved Elton.

A few minutes later my friend arrived to take Teddy home.

She stayed for a little visit.

Afterward we enjoyed our Easter Chili and Apple-Berry Crisp.

We also had some homemade buns that my friend “V” had sent to me from Saskatchewan.

Supper was a hit.

After supper was over and cleaned up – we played a couple of games before my family left for home.

A great day.

 

Happy Easter Everyone.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Special Hello to my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 3rd day of June, 2015.

The sun is shining and there is a breeze.

This is going to be an awesome day.

Last night after supper we delivered the last of the invitations to our Steeped Tea party.

Of course, we stopped and visited with our neighbours as we made our deliveries.

On one of our stops we were invited in …… this particular neighbour of ours has a cat.

We met when she used to walk her beloved dog who passed away one year ago this August.

We miss her.

Now the cat is alone.

The cat is so cute and is also partially deaf.

Alvin loves cats but they do not always love him.

He spent the first several minutes squeaking with excitement and wanting to run.

Finally “clued in” and let him go a bit on the leash and found all he wanted to do was snoop.

Not sure why I didn’t realize ….. slow Momma.

So he checked out each nook and cranny (looking for what I do not know).

The cat (so cute) started to follow him as he walked about.

They even went out in the back yard.

No secrets with Mr. Alvin about …..

I told my neighbour and friend that I should change his name to “Snoop Dog.”

He loves to visit.

At one point after they did so well …… Alvin walked by and got into her space.

She gave him one swipe.

He yelped and I screamed and my friend jumped.

We were startled.

No one was injured, and all was well.

It was an interesting visit.

Another adventure of Mr. Alvin and his Momma.

Well it is getting close to leaving time.

I hope that you have an amazing day …..

Special Hello to: all my friends new and old …… you are awesome.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 30th day of July 2013.

Well it is a beautiful morning here in the City of Edmonton.

The sky is a beautiful powder blue and the SUN is SHINING.

It is breathtaking.

I wonder what everyone else is doing at this exact time in every household on the planet.

I guess it would be too much to even comprehend …. if possible.

The thoughts …. would they be mainly positive, promising and would everyone be feeling mainly happy.

I often wonder what others think…

It isn’t always what they say.

Wouldn’t you like to be a “bug” on the wall somedays?

I would …. people truly fascinate me.

Of course there are days when some people “bug” me but I would say 96-98% of the time I find them most interesting.

I could watch and listen to people all day.

I love sitting on a bench in the mall and watching people go by …..

Well time to go to work …

Have a great day.

I hope that you are enjoying my little story.

Where will it go?

I write it as I write this blog …. nothing is pre-planned.

Special Hello to: all those writers in the world ….. keep the words flowing.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

FIRST LINE …..July 25, 2013

As we walk along the water’s edge the coolness leaves my skin with goose bumps and prickles, as if there is someone behind me.

July 26, 2013

Alvin pulls on his leash and brings me back, the fragrance of freshly cut grass fills my nostrils; my heart beat quickens, and I am unable to shake the feeling.

July 28, 2013

The sky is overcast with a hint of sunrise peeking through and the leaves of the trees rustle in the breeze, and I think how did I get here? 

July 29, 2013

What does that mean, and what is making me think these thoughts?

July 30, 2013

All of a sudden the leash tightens as Alvin pulls me forward.

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