A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Well this year has not got off to the start that I may have anticipated. Last night we had another set back. I managed to get two out of the three doses of Mr. Alvin’s newest medication which is a liquid to line his tummy to hopefully help him with digestion and aid in bowel movements. The last dose was scheduled for 10:30 last night. I started the process about 10:16 p.m. in hopes that it would not take so long and that we could get to bed in a reasonable time. 10:30 is already very late for us. Anyway, things did not go well. Long story short it was 30 minutes later and I had only managed to get maybe 1/4 of the medicine into him. He had got away from me (we were on the sofa) and was hiding under the kitchen table, I was able to get him out but by this time his anxiety level was over the top and perhaps I should have just left it and we should have gone to bed without the medicine. But I did not and he ran upstairs before I could get to him. The lights were not on in the stairway except for the garland from Christmas (thankfully that was still up). All of a sudden I heard him cry and knew that something was very wrong. I got to him as soon as I could and found him in the bedroom. I can only assume that he had problems getting up the second three steps to the upstairs landing. Perhaps missed landed but he definitely hurt his hind leg(s). Might be the one he had surgery on in July of 2021. I am praying to whomever will listen to me that this is not the case. Surgery again would not be pretty. He seems to be walking but is mood has changed. So different and that is what leads me to believe he may be in pain. I left him downstairs with the baby gate up so that he could not follow me. He has not barked and is quiet. Unlike him. So I will keep an eye on him and see what the day brings. Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers with good positive energy coming his way. Thank you.

I need to get back downstairs but just wanted to give a quick note about our last few hours. We did have an okay sleep until 3:45 ……… also he has not pooped only peed. Whether that is good or not, I have no idea at this point. Perhaps the medicine is finally firming things up and then it will be good. Hopefully his leg is okay as well.

Have a good day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin