The Next Chapter

Good Morning. Oh, the moon looks awesome this morning as the sky begins to lighten. Half of the moon is visible and the other half is dark. The darkness of night as the sky lightens is revealing clear skies. Sunshine for today? I sure hope so. There does not appear to be a breeze. Today is Wednesday and only two more days of work left for this week. A very good thing. I am very appreciative and grateful to have a job in this economic climate but honestly somedays I could just scream at the audacity of the way things are going.

Yesterday it was a rain snow mix so no walk at lunch break or after work. My neighbour brought over the new element for the oven but alas it did not work. He took the stove apart (back off and looked for noticeable signs of distress and there were none). Looks like I will be buying a new stove and because we ordered the element from Amazon and actually put it in the oven, there is a good chance that they will not take it back. I think the poor stove is just tired and needs to sleep. All done. So I will need to look for a stove shortly. Cannot go without a stove for long. Already going on three weeks without an oven. I will try to call a repairman tonight (tried last night but could not speak to anyone who could answer my question). Just for the odd chance it might be repairable. But appears to be the control panel. I think that is what it is called.

The sky seemed to lighten so much since the time I typed the last paragraph. WOW. I guess spring is really here. I am hoping for some good things to happen. So far 2023 has been “interesting” and “sad” and a few other things which I cannot say on this platform nor would I want to ……

Most of the snow has melted from the front lawn and all from the deck. I will be able to sweep the remaining dust and leaves that were left behind from the melt. I am not sure why there were so many leaves this year. I raked and raked until I was blue in the face but there were still a million in the snow over the winter and now on the ground. Hopefully the back will thaw quickly.

Time to head downstairs. I hope that you have a great Wednesday.

Trying to keep positive as life just keeps tossing “battles” in my direction. Perhaps battles is too strong a word but anyway.

Oh, my Alvin. Missing my boy …….

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! How are you this morning? I am okay. Had a much better sleep last night. I have been going for walks after work and I am finding that this enables me to clear the “crap” from my brain and then settle down for the evening. Did you ever see that when you slow down and concentrate on one task or one thought at a time, that you feel more positive and just feel more relaxed? I have noticed that with me. Yesterday when I was feeling better and then last night after work. Just refocused to one thing at a time.

Starting to feel like spring during the day as the sun rises higher in the daytime sky. Yesterday there was a lot of water that had melted so it begins to get sloppy. I noticed when I was outside that the storm drain is plugged again. People driving over it pushing the snow onto the grates and eventually plugging it. So tonight if it is melting and the ice has softened I will chip away and try to open it up so that the water does not pool on the street. Our streets are always a pain. Either icy or full of massive ruts. Most of the time in the winter it is massive ruts. When the street was “plowed” a few weeks ago, they basically went down the middle of the street so the middle is clear but they pushed the snow up. Anyway, it is always fun when you are driving. Of course, cars line both sides of the street so down to one lane driving. I am grateful that spring is close.

I am going to try something different today and have breakfast before I leave home. Finding eating at the new office is a pain. Everyone is so busy – no one takes a coffee break. Lunch, I usually don’t eat anyway so unless I go for a walk, it is hard to actually take a break. So have to work out some things. Anyway, I will see what my body likes. I used to always eat in the morning and then eat at supper and sometimes have a snack at noon. I like breakfast and supper, not so much lunch. But have to have something during the day (including morning) otherwise I get a headache. Experiment, I guess.

I hope that life is treating you kindly. May your day be filled with possibilities of all good things and that your dreams are coming true.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel)

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! I am so happy to report that we slept from say about 9:30 till 1:20 a.m. when downstairs we went and Alvin had the most perfect poop. We then retreated to the sofa and set the alarm for 6:00 a.m. I am so thankful that our sofa is comfy. When the alarm went off, well of course, I hit the SNOOZE button for a few more zzz’s. Why not? Then we were up and I was preparing Mr. Alvin his breakfast. I gave him the “medication” last night and only took about 6 minutes to get it into him. So that was good. After his breakfast, we headed outside where again Mr. Alvin had a really good poop(s). I am over the moon happy about these recent events. How happy can one be over poop? Just ask me! It is a most important bodily function and when it is bad, that means that inside things are not going well. So this morning, I am encouraged to believe that he is “better.” I know it does not change the liver disease and other ailments. We are good now. He is on his last day of 1/4 of rice/chicken/wet food/dry food mix before back to 100% his regular food tomorrow. The weather is also continuing to be nice so I am going to see if we can go for a walk after work. Just to give him some exercise to build up his stamina as he is a bit wobbly when out on the deck. I am so happy that things are looking up.

I have decided to get busy now that I have the “word software” and get putting together the book about me and Alvin. Now is definitely the time. I have lots of previously written stories to draw from and use. Sometimes you never know where life is going to take you. But when it does you are know that all will be well and all of that …..

Hopefully sooner than later, the sunrise happens at an earlier time. I know Mother Nature’s schedule. Does she know mine? I suppose not.

This Saturday I was invited to my friend Lucy’s house for supper. Saturday, January 21st is Chinese New’s Year’s Eve. I decided to read up on the celebration and found out that it is tradition to give certain types of gifts and just so happens that I have two or three items that would be perfect to give. So happy. I also made arrangements for my friend’s daughter to come and stay with Mr. Alvin so that he is not alone. YAY. Works great for everyone. She makes a bit of money, I get to go out and Alvin has company.

I am feeling pretty happy with life at the moment. So happy about Mr. Alvin. He is waiting for me downstairs and I am grateful that with the hall light on and the baby gate up that he patiently waits for me. I have been carrying him up and down the stairs each time. When it is not necessary for him to be upstairs – he remains downstairs.

The aroma of the freshly perked coffee is wafting upstairs. So I will sign off shortly.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Oh my goodness, this is Christmas Eve morn.

Where did the time go?

I just got home from picking up Humphrey and doing the chores at his house.

In less than one hour my friend G is picking me up to take a last grocery run.

There are always those items that you do not wish to pick up too much in advance.

I just heard a clang in the back and looked out my window to see some lights of a truck – the garbage guys.

Today is the pickup.

I just realized how dark it is in the back lane.

We do not have any lights.

That might be something either the City or our Neighbourhood Association could put in.

At least one here and there.

Dangerous with no light.

Especially when the neighbourhood fees just rose by $25.00 to $175.00 annually per year and add taxes to that figure.

Today is not the day to complain there will be another day to vent that story.

 

Mid afternoon yesterday my friend P and I went to see the movie CATS.

It was spectacular, fantastic, wonderful and awesome.

The cast was crazy good.

James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and introduces ballerina Francesca Hayward in her first feature-length film role.

It was well done.

The music, the dancing and the singing were fantastic.

We thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

 

I came home to Alvin and Humphrey.

Had a bite to eat (about 7 p.m.).

Made a double batch of chocolate fudge with walnuts and the honey mustard dip for tomorrow’s dinner.

Did I tell you our menu?

It is unique but every other Christmas we switch it up.

Not everyone likes turkey, I do but not everyone.

 

Menu:

What I call Chicken Fingers

Honey Mustard Dip (homemade)

Cranberries (homemade)

Mashed/Whipped Potatoes with Boursin Cheese baked in oven

Gravy (not homemade)

Stuffing (not homemade)

Buns (not homemade)

Peas

Corn

 

Assortment of goodies (all homemade) ranging from my Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies and fudge to my friends Banana cake, Ginger cookies, mince tarts, and apple tarts 

and every place in between.

 

Some things made by me and others not.

A good mix.

 

We will have a hot cheese dip with baguette to snack on as well as veggies, crackers with hummus.

 

Likely too much to eat.

 

Well it is getting on here and my friend will be here shortly to pick me up for our shopping trip to Save-On and Costco.

Hopefully we will be there before the masses.

 

Wishing you a great Christmas.

The kids are dropping off Aspen and Milo about 2:30 p.m. and I will hang out with the pups until they come back for the evening.

Change of plans.

Humphrey will go home before the pups arrive.

Aspen would not like Humphrey.

That would be one scene I would not like to view.

 

I wish you and your family the most glorious Christmas ….

May you enjoy love, laughter and some good food….

If you are able to include a person(s) who does not have family to spend the holiday with, please do.

No one deserves to be alone at Christmas unless they choose to do so.

 

I hope the next two days are filled with a special kind of light that will continue to shine all year long.

The light of love and compassion.

The light of kindness and respect.

The light of generosity.

The light of you and me.

 

Merry Christmas from Carol, Mr. Alvin and Mr. Humphrey.

Me and the Boys.

Always and Forever.

………… After all…..

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 7th day of July, 2018.

One week into July, 2018.

Up early this morning as Master Teddy is spending the day with us.

Outside the air is a bit cool which is refreshing.

Windows open to take advantage of that coolness.

Yesterday was a HOT one.

We managed to get through it.

 

Was grateful that I was able to pick up groceries on way home from work last night.

Also grateful that our office closes early at 3 p.m. on Fridays during the summer months.

Still made it home close to regular time in carpool.

 

The sky has the most glorious looking marshmallow fluffy white clouds dotting the powder blueness, this morning.

Okay, perhaps that is a mouthful, but oh, so true.

 

We went to bed early as I am reading one of the books in the series of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

Such good books.

You truly feel like you living in Botswana, Africa.

With the majestic landscapes and friendly peoples.

 

Do you ever feel like you are all over the place?

That is me this morning.

I had a good sleep or perhaps should have had .. but the heat plays havoc with one’s sleeping patterns.

Still feeling a bit sleepy but perhaps a nap later.

It is Saturday after all.

I know once I get into the swing of things …. like laundry, making breakfast, coffee, Teddy’s arrival etc. …… I will be AWAKE.

 

I do remember a small piece of a dream from early this morning.

I was going to cross a busy street and there was a light.

On the other side were a bunch of people that I knew …. seems like they were saying good-bye to someone.

Beside me out of nowhere appeared a big black dog.

He had a collar and seemed to be friendly.

I wanted to grab his collar to keep him safe from the traffic.

When the light changed to GREEN and WALK, he seemed to know it was time to walk.

He stepped out onto the street and took a few steps, and before I could even take a step.

He was back beside me.

It was at that moment that I turned around a saw a giant grey WOLF not far away from us.

In that split second I glanced up and noticed in the other direction at the gas station, there were several large grey wolves.

All that I remember was people screaming across the way and the big black dog had got between me and the wolf.

Next thing I know I am out of danger but see that the big black dog is on the ground.

He is not moving.

I think that he is dead.

Woke up.

 

Time to go.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister, our lives, hey.  Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of May, 2017.

Happy Happy Mother’s Day.

Yesterday after a long raining day the sun came out.

Now this morning it is partially overcast and windy but I can see the sun.

I wrote this on the fly on FB, as I wanted to wish all the Mothers  Happy Mother’s Day

My girl just called and they are coming over.

So happy to see them today.

****************************************************

Happy Happy Mother’s Day “Moms.”
Mothers come in all styles.

They may be yours by birth or they may not.

They may be rich or they may be poor.
They may be light or they may be heavy.

They may be yours, they may be mine.

They may stay at home or work away.
They may cook and clean or maybe hire another.
They may sew or maybe not.
They may bake or not.

But they are always your Mother.
They will always love you.
They will always care about your well-being.
Somedays it may not seem that way but in their hearts,
it is true.

I want to wish each and every Mother a very special day.
I hope that you are as blessed as me.

Just remember to be a Mom does not mean you must give birth to a child …… it is the love, care and attention that you give to another being that makes you a Mother.

Happy Mother’s Day.

CYLewis, May 14, 2017

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 27th day of July, 2016.

Sun up …. shining brightly and there is such a delightful coolness to the air that Mr. Alvin wanted to stay outside but his Momma needed to be in the house.

He is curled up on the end of our bed ….. his second favourite place in our house.

I cannot believe how quickly time flies in the morning.

It is less than 15 minutes until I have to leave for work.

Thank goodness I am showered and dressed ….. would be a funny …. perhaps more a dreadful sight to see me running down the street in my nightgown (not full length, cause it is summer).

Oh well, we have to laugh, right.

How horrid would life be without laughter.

I like to laugh at myself and I believe it is healthy.

We all should have some humility and to be on the humble side is always better.

Just two more work days after today until my vacation begins, I am so excited.

I plan to go on some adventures with Mr. Alvin early in the morning while the air is cool.

How exciting.

So I guess it is almost time to go for now.

I hope that you enter this day with a giggle or three.

I hope that along your way that you give selflessly to another living creature.

I hope that when you close your eyes to go to sleep that you are at peace with the world.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all the women in my life – thank you ladies.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 24th day of June, 2016.

The sun is shining and there appears to be a breeze as I gaze out my upstairs window.

Last day of work for this week.

The house is quiet with only the sound of my fingers tapping on the keyboard.

Alvin went home with his sister, brother-in-law and Elton last night.

It was easier as I am hosting a garage sale tomorrow and the day he gets too excited with all of the people coming and going.

I cannot leave him in the house and being outside in the garage with me for that length of time is not good for him either.

So he is on a two night three day sleepover.

My coffee buddies were getting together last night after the kids were in bed to make a craft for each of their children’s teachers.

They invited me for coffee.

Of course, I joined in ……

We ate grapes, blueberries, raspberries and watermelon.

I drank coffee …..some enjoyed another beverage.

We had a blast.

We took these flower pots, put a bed of green foam in the bottom of each, glued in a grassy moss stuff, made a cute flower, added leaves, placed a gift card and button on each flower and also a key chain with an inspirational saying from the child to the teacher.  They were so cute.  Wrapped in cello – coloured on the bottom and clear over that …. wrapped with a small tag and cord.

They look so good.

So this was out of the blue so worked well as I do not like to leave Mr. Alvin alone ….

I managed to get the back lawn mowed, prepared something for the mail, empty the dishwasher, make supper and do the dishes, get my lunch and clothes ready for today and walk the pups all before Elton’s Mom and Dad arrived after work.

Then had time for supper and a couple of extra things before heading out.

I figured it would be nice to go out forgetting the getting up part as I did not get to bed until almost 11:00 p.m. – strange being so light out.

Well I have to run as I did things in revers this morning … up shower and get dressed and then do my blog and now go write in my gratitude journal and eat breakfast.

Have an awesome Friday everyone.

Special Hello to: the girls “S” and “G” ….. thanks “S” for being such a great hostess and to the girls for asking me to join them.  It was so much fun.

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of April, 2016.

Wow it is beginning to get light before 5:30 in the morning and soon it shall be light at 10:00 at night.

How cool is this?

Soon it will be light before 5:00 a.m.

I love long days and nights.

Makes me feel as though I have had a day most especially when I leave the house so early and am gone for so long.

Good for Alvin, as well.

The past couple of nights not sure what has got into me but I have been wanting to hit the sofa for extra sleep in the morning.

Perhaps the changes in the weather – tires one out more.

Oh well ….. that is life.

Mr. Alvin is quite the character ….. I switched the piece of rug around that my computer chair sits on and now he is laying at my feet under the desk on the rug.

He does love to be near his Momma.

I guess that is a good thing.

I will never get lost.

Or the other way around.

Well I am running a tad late ….. so have to go.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

Just remember that “every moment is a new opportunity.”

If we look at life in this light it makes it easier to make mistakes and carry on.

Those are my thoughts.

 

Special Hello to: all my fellow bloggers ….. keep up the great work.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 29th day of March, 2016.

Today is a day that I cannot quite articulate my thoughts.

Here I shall try …..

 

 

              LIGHT

For all the Stars in the Heavens.

For all the Love in our Hearts.

For all the Boys would who be Men.

For all the Girls would who be Women.

For all the Creatures roaming this Earth.

For every Moment of Every Day.

For every Light that Shines.

For every Moment there is.

Let your heart be open – let your heart be light.

Let the love flow through.

Let the love be light.

 

Written by CLewis, March 29, 2016.

Trying to put my thoughts to paper ….

 

Special Hello to: my daughter and son-in-law and our dearest Elton …..

Always, Carol and Alvin