2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you today? Alvin and I are doing well. We have been up for awhile now and had a reasonably good sleep. Towels are drying and a bedspread, blanket are in the washer, also in the midst of cleaning the upstairs bathrooms and am dressed for the day. The top cover that I have on my bed covering the bedspread is one that I received as a wedding gift back in the summer of 1977 which makes it 44 years old in August or thereabouts. It is a pretty palette of pink, blue, purple and lime green. The material has become very fragile and there are many places where the material has separated and is fraying. The edging needs to be sewn back together in places. I think that will be my project for today. I do not wish to give up this beautiful blanket just yet. I seldom put it out but all of the blankets that I use to lay on the end of the bed were in the laundry so out it came to enjoy once again. Maybe a professional could restore it but to what cost? I will do my best. Not sure how many more times it will survive being washed. I hope many, as it reminds me of my final year as a teenager before hitting my 20’s. I turned 20 one week after I was married. When I think back to 1977, it seems like a hundred years ago. My eldest nephew was born February of 1977. Elvis died in 1977. I left the “innocence” of my teen years behind and I was not so innocent but not bad either. Somewhere in between for sure. The 70’s, wow so much happened to me over that decade. I started out living on the farm in Saskatchewan. Great Grandmother passed away. Moved to British Columbia. Went to five different schools in three different provinces for High School. Oh and we, my family moved to Alberta after British Columbia. My Grandpa died tragically in a combining accident. I fell in and out of love a couple of times (you know being a teenager). Moved from my family at age 16 to live with my Grandma back in Saskatchewan who was by herself on the farm after Grandpa died. In Grade 11, I joined my best friend from Elementary school days. That was a great time for me. Grandma and I moved from the farm into a neighbouring town where I took Grade 12, another new school. Meeting new people/new kids/new friends was my life from Grades 9-12. I was always the new kid and sometimes it worked out and other times it did not. I remember being teased for what I wore, for being new, and for whatever else they could dream of. I tried not to ever let it get me down. Everywhere I went I managed to find a friend. Also, I liked being different – that meant that I was unique. I was never one early on to follow what everyone else was doing. Although I did go through a period where I did feel the need to follow what my friends were doing at the time. That phase did not last long. I had several jobs in the 70’s. I worked at Alberta Government Telephones “AGT” for a summer when I was 16/17, also cleaned houses for Seniors and looked after children. Also worked at Sears after High School. When I was married we flew to the West Coast of the United States in a four seater airplane with friends (they owned the plane). It was one of the best experiences of my life as I love to fly and had always wished that I had gone for my pilot’s license. Sticking my toes in the Pacific Ocean was amazing and going to DISNEYLAND was something I had never thought about doing. Eating food that I had never even heard of was great. I also had a drink in a licensed establishment in Los Angeles as a 20 year old who was legally licensed to drink in Saskatchewan. Now that was another story and so funny. Definitely a highlight.

How did this post start out with a mention about a bedspread from 44 years ago. WOW. To finish the 70’s decade, I graduated in 1975. Married in 1977. I lost another Grandpa (1979). Friends were lost in the 70’s as well. To end the decade I was expecting my first and only child (happy day). I am quite certain that I likely forgot some very important items. My parents separated/divorced when I was in grade 12. That was huge. Cousins married. The 70’s were a time of joy and sadness for me. I always tried to land on the joy side. Burying oneself in grief and sadness does not help anyone ever. This is so strange everytime I think I am done, I think of something else. We survived a fire (my family and I). So much happened to me during those years. Likely could be said for most of us. But it is time to go and finish cleaning the bathrooms, Alvin has said that he does not clean toilets. Period. End of story. WOW, I said. Really, would be so nice if you helped out around here. LOL.

The sun is shining and quite possibly there are birds singing (would like to think so). Most of the snow has melted. We did have a few hours of coldness last night as the wind got up. Even a few snowflakes.

Wishing you all a Happy Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of September, 2018.

There is snow and more snow laying on the ground this morning.

Yesterday late in the day I received some bad, bad news.

One of my fellow co-workers passed away.

 

For My Friend

We met in the summer of 2011 at work.

You were one of the first people I met when I started this new job.

You were kind, generous, polite, and so willing to help.

Always willing to make things better.

There were coffee breaks and lunches together to chat about work and life.

We shared a love of movies, most especially STAR WARS and STAR TREK.

You knew every detail.

We were always early to work, so we would always chat in the morning before most of the staff arrived.

Sometimes it was only a smile and “Good Morning” and other times it was much more.

 

You always thought of everyone but yourself.

This generosity came from the bottom of your heart.

Whether it was cookies you brought from your Mom.

Whether it was a coffee, just because.

Whether it was to stop and make sure I/we were okay.

It always came from the heart.

 

Last year when you lost your beloved wife.

Your world came crashing down.

Your heart was broken.

 

Your Mom in hospital not too long ago.

Then more recently poor little Sadie had some health concerns.

So much for your heart to handle.

 

You were the best of us.

Always, the best of us.

Rest in peace my friend.

You were much more than a co-worker.

You were my friend.

 

My heart is heavy with your loss.

You left us way too soon.

Work won’t be the same.

I won’t forget you.

 

Rest in peace, my friend.

There are those souls you meet along the way.

That bring sunshine and goodness.

You were one of them.

 

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 7th day of February, 2018.

One week from today is Valentine’s Day.

WOW, spring is on the way.

It is snowing very lightly this morning and feels warmer than it has been.

Perhaps it is the positive energy in me that gives me that feeling, who knows?

I do know one thing for sure …. at some point in some amount of days …. weeks …. months, we shall have spring.

I love spring.

The colours ….. the energy …… the flowers ….. TULIPS.

Tulips are my daughter’s favourite flowers.

I would like to surprise her and plant some bulbs so that perhaps next spring she could awake one morning and find tulips blooming in her back yard.

That would be nice.

 

Last night my special nephew “T” called me.

His Grandmother recently passed away.

They were very close and I hold him just a bit closer during his time of loss.

Grandparents are so very important and when you grow up having them there at every stage of your life ….. they are greatly missed when they pass.

Hugs buddy, hugs and much love.

 

Yesterday was one of those days that I really thought I was losing my mind.

I could not keep negative crap out of my head.

Between work and the bus ride home ….. well ….

Today is a new day.

I am grateful to my “T” for without knowing it and without wanting to make the conversation about me, he brought me back.

Thanks again, buddy.

 

Well here we go almost time to leave for work.

I hope that we all have a great Wednesday.

I must remember to breathe and when those thoughts creep into my brain, I must move away from my desk and find a quiet spot to bring happy thoughts back to me.

Exercise …… we are missing our walks.

Hopefully this cold weather is almost over.

Regardless tonight we are going for even a 5 minute walk.

Both of us, NEED the fresh air and exercise.

Perhaps that is what is missing.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all the dreamers out there ….. it is never too late and I am reminding myself of that at this time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 6th day of June, 2017.

Here we are one day closer to the official first day of summer.

This morning the sun is shining brightly in the beautiful blue sky.

The birds are singing and Alvin enjoyed a few minutes on the deck just taking it all in.

Oh my boy.

Likes to soak in the moment.

I must say that one of my most favourite times each day is the time that we snuggle on the sofa before getting up to stay up.

I have this rectangular pillow from IKEA that is just long enough for my head, Alvin’s head and a bit of space.

When I lay down on the pillow and throw a blanket over me ….. once Mr. Alvin has done his thing ……

He plunks himself down and his head hits right on the pillow beside me.

He really does with some force plunk himself down.

He snuggles right in and it is the best start to my day …..

We have a bit of a snooze before getting up to start the day.

Most every day for the past couple of weeks we have been walking with our friends “S” and “P.”

S is my neighbour whose dog was attacked and killed by an off leash dog in an on leash park.

So we have been walking with S and her dog Presley.

I get such a kick out of Presley ….. he came running down the sidewalk to meet us last night and when he arrived …..

He sniffed, growled, nipped at Alvin, and then went in another direction.

Both the dogs are comfortable around each.

If Presley nips Alvin ….. Alvin just walks away.

I wished that I always had his patience and grace.

Now if food was involved ….. that may go out the window.

But I am proud of Alvin for taking higher ground to give the little guy some space and time to grieve the loss of his beloved friend.

While we enjoyed a great walk last night …. our friend “P” was out in her amazing garden.

She called us over and we walked away with snapdragons for both of us girls and I got a tomato plant.

We are so lucky.

All of the plants that my friend “P” has given me are doing great…… best gardener.

 

Okay time to hit the road.

Mr. Alvin needs to head outside one last time.

Happy Tuesday.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Be safe.

Spread kindness ….. it is the only way.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who has yet another business ….. so busy ….. not sure how she does it.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of December, 2016.

Our weather has warmed yesterday and for today and the next few to follow.

 

My thoughts as of late are to all of those wonderful souls that have passed during this past year.

Some have been famous.

Some have been family.

Some have been friends.

Some you know and some you do not.

They made us laugh.

They shared their lives, their stories.

They will always be with us in the air that we breathe, and in all that surrounds us.

Their stories will continue in us.

To all of those who are missing your mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents, beloved fur-babies: pups and kitties, you are in my thoughts.

I wrote this poem almost twenty years ago.

I would like to give this a tribute to all those wonderful spirits we have said goodbye to in 2016.

 

 

BEYOND THE SUNSET

The sun melts into hues of gold and pink,

as the sky darkens.

A peaceful sigh, as she closes her eyes.

She sees the roses in her garden.

The fragrance soft but strong in the air.

She sees her children and theirs.

She feels her husband’s touch.

She remembers times gone by.

It has been a great life!

She is not afraid,

The time has come.

The Lord extends his hand,

And she follows him home.

Written by Carol Lewis on September 29/30, 1998 for my Grandma Stella.

 

Special Hello to: Rest in Peace our darlings. Rest in Peace.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Today is Sunday, December 4th, 2016 and it has been thirteen days since our beloved Elton went to rest with our Penny.

It has been quite the year for our family, and I cannot even imagine how my kids feel suffering the loss of their two babies in such a short period of time.

Our Penny left us on March 15th, 2016 and then Elton followed her on November 22, 2016.

This year family and several of our friends are suffering the loss of their dear fur babies.

When these wonderful creatures enter our lives we do not think of when they will leave us as it is often times too painful.

They are members of our families, and their loss is felt in every aspect of our lives.

Elton joined our family in quite the most unusual way.

On July 11, 2004, on the advice of a visiting friend, Amanda and Steven went to the Humane Society to see about possibly adopting a dog.

In the parking lot of the Edmonton Human Society a young man approached them.

He asked them if they wanted a dog.

The man told them that their dog was scared of kennels and that they could not longer have him in their place.

Amanda and Steven went to his truck only to find the wife holding a dog and crying aloud.

My daughter started to cry as she took the dog from the young woman’s arms.

Both the man and the woman clearly upset about having to give up their beloved dog.

The kids ascertained quickly that this doggie required medical attention as he looked pretty rough.

He had a bad ear infection for starters.

I was living in Regina at the time when I received the phone call from them telling me all about the new addition to their family.

They were so excited.

I knew that this pup would never want for anything and that they would be great parents to him.

Right from the start Elton was pretty laid back but when he wanted something, he wanted it now.

That did not change over the next 12 years.

One year after they adopted Elton – Penny joined the family.

 

I clearly remember the first visit Elton had at my apartment in Regina.

The kids had come back for a friend’s wedding and left their beloved boy in Grandma’s “capable” care.

I figured no problem …. I raised my daughter so how hard could it be.

Perhaps a bit on the arrogant side.

While they were gone ….

I, me and Elton were on the patio ( I lived on the main floor), and I was having a smoke (back when I smoked).

Carelessly I just let him be on the patio with no leash as he had been so good.

I could not have for-seen what happened next.

We were chilling on the patio keeping dry as it was raining.

All of a sudden out of nowhere a rabbit dashed by the patio and Elton was gone like a flash.

For a split second I stood daft …..

Not even thinking of anything but “Oh my gosh the kids will kill me if anything happened to him as I lived close to a busy street.”

I tore off like a bullet or the next closest thing not considering that I had flip flops on, and the grass was wet.

So I pretty much slid in chase.

I could see him as he turned the corner of our apartment building and  continued to run until he came across the big tree in the green space of our complex.

Thankfully he stopped to “mark his territory” and I literally fell almost on top of him.

There was no way that I was going to let go.

Breathing a sigh of relief, so happy that he was safe.

I feared having to share our story with his parents.

But I caved, as I cannot be dishonest.

I learned a valuable lesson that day.

Never again …..

Although years down the road after I moved to Edmonton when I was walking with Elton, Penny and Alvin – well I will just say that we almost had a similar experience but no rain.

Not easy holding onto three …..

Over the years Elton played a major role in our family.

He was the guy.

Big brother to Penny and later brother figure to Alvin …..

Elton had his health issues over the years.

He had many allergies and once they were determined he could no longer eat some of his favourite treats …. like bananas and peas.

Elton and Penny both accompanied the kids on pretty much every holiday they went on and the other times when they could not go – they were with Grandma.

I remember the kids relating a story from one of their summer trips.

They had gone to Waterton National Park the summer before Penny joined their family.

The kids were hiking up to a lake when they saw bear poop on the trail and instantly went on guard.

As they got to the lake they spotted the bear only a few meters from them eating berries, he did not seem to care.

Of course, Elton was his calm self.

Steve decided they should stay and fish but Amanda wanted to get the “heck” out of there.

They stayed.

The bear ended up passing a moose across the lake doing nothing.

Now this story might have had a different ending if Miss Penny had been there.

She would have spoke up.

 

This is Elton, our dear little guy who was a large part of our family for over 12 years.

We were blessed to have him with us.

I can speak for all of us when I say he will be dearly missed.

Here are some photos of his life in our family.

Baby Elton

Elton got a little brother to enjoy in his time left with us.  Baby Milo.

Elton, ssh he’s sleeping

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. just missing Miss Penny.

Ah, my puppies ….. Elton and Penny

Sir Elton

Christmas chewing on their new bones.

 

Elton & Penny at their new house trying out the new sink.

 

Looking out the window watching for Mom and Dad.

A life well lived.

A life filled with love.

There was love …. there is always love.

Rest in Peace our darling Elton.

Love Grandma and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of August, 2016.

We have suffered another loss to our family – my sister’s beloved Dave, the Cat.

He was with my sister for 17 years since he was a young kitten.

Dave was quite the character, and would always do things you would not expect him to do.

He was this big GREY cat and appeared to have attitude as he walked along.

Like he owned the joint.

I will say that for his size, he was agile.

Dave was a quiet guy for the most part.

He did like to snuggle on the sofa.

Rest in Peace, Dave you were loved, and we will miss you.

Over the past year we have felt the loss of many of our four-legged family members and friends.

They become a part of the family and are equally treasured.

To all those who have lost a four-legged family member or friend, you have my heart.

Any loss of life is felt ….

Photos taken in 2008/2009 of Dave

Roses for you Dave.

Special Hello to: my sister …. so sorry for your loss.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – September 30, 2013

Chapter Two:

September 1, 2013

“Alvin, you found me”, I cry as my heart and soul are filled with a gratitude magnified by the love I have for my friend and I know we will find our way together.

September 2, 2013

There is silence between us – no words or barking – just silence in knowing that as long as we are together we will figure this all out and get back home where we belong and we continue on our way side by side.

September 3, 2013

“So me Alvin, what now?” as I search his body to make sure that he has no wounds and give him hugs  and wished that the fog would lift so that I could see where we are going.

September 4, 2013

“Well Mr. Alvin, I guess we had better get moving so maybe we can eventually walk out of this fog and actually find some help” with this Alvin begins to move forward slowly and we are on our way.

September 5, 2013

I have no idea how far we have walked or where we are but I know one thing it is getting colder ….. freezing in fact.

September 6, 2013

Thank GOD, Alvin has a fur coat and that I had not cut it recently but me on the other hand, I only have flip flops, cotton capri pants, a t-shirt and light jacket; the jacket hadn’t really been needed that morning but I needed a place to put my keys and poop bags for Alvin; my keys?

September 7, 2013

I reach into my pocket and touch the coolness of my keys; I am not certain how they are actually going to help us at this point but they give me a sense of peace in that they are our link to home.

September 8, 2013

At this point I am really grateful that I have my Alvin with me and that we are okay despite being cold and now we will just continue on – one step at a time.

September 9, 2013

As we walk along  I fight to see through the fog and in some places I think that I can see the outline of trees, but I am not sure; the only thing I know for certain is we are no longer near “home” and my heart skips a beat.

September 10, 2013

Thank GOD that I have my Alvin the best “sniffer” on the planet here with me as his nose guides us along this path to who knows where or when.

September 11, 2013

As we move along, Alvin does his thing as I listen to him carefully sniffing, and I hope that soon we find someone as we are both showing signs of dehydration, and I can hear my stomach rumble and I know Alvin must be hungry.

September 12, 2013

Out of nowhere I had a flash …. I suddenly remembered something ….. something that I knew would make Alvin one happy puppy dog ….. why didn’t I think of it sooner?

September 13, 2013

As I slowly reached into my other pocket the one without the poop bags I found a bag of doggie treats and I smiled knowing that my Alvin would have a bit of food in his belly and be happy; after all isn’t being happy all about giving something unexpectedly to others, and I am glowing.

September 14,, 2013

“Here Mr. Alvin” I say as I bend over and hand him some of the treats; Alvin found them quicker than I could find my pocket; I am so happy that I have some food for him and then he yelps for more.

September 15, 2013

Alvin quickly eats the small handful of treats; I am relieved that he has eaten and although I am hungry it is better for him to eat than me; I have to have faith that we will find our way home soon or somewhere like home.

September 16, 2013

Just not sure what to do now – guess we will just keep plodding ahead – not much else we can do – but how on earth did we get here?

September 17, 2013

Wow, it seems like it has been forever since Alvin and I first walked by our lake; now we are who knows where; destination unknown; it is funny that despite the time elapsed by my best guess has been much more than one day I do not feel thirsty; I am hungry but not starving and I do not have to pee (now that is a first); I wished that we did have water now that I think about it and wonder where did Alvin’s water bottle disappear to?

September 18, 2013

Well who knows, I guess we have bigger fish to fry; as it seems like we have been not only walking in a fog but my mind seems to be drifting that way as well; please someone help us; I just feel so helpless …….. and I want to be at home sitting on my sofa watching my favourite morning program “The Today Show” – the fourth hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda ….. please,  as I break into soft sobbing.

September 19, 2013

Okay enough feeling sorry for yourself “YOU” ….. get on with it as my inner voice encourages me to go forward; I will find our way home and as I feel the strength fill my body – I see something shining through the fog.

September 20, 2013

What the hell, as I feel the heat from the object not far ahead ….

September 21, 2013

It seems to be close but as we walk in the fog toward the object we do not seem to be getting any closer, and the heat is becoming more intense.

September 22, 2013

I do not feel afraid, it seems to be radiating more than just the intense heat, there is a feeling, a warmth, a kindness, but by this time  Alvin has had enough, and pulls me in another direction.

September 23, 2013

We are off what seemed to be a path and are now on what feels like grass but it is uneven, as he pulls us further away from the heat, and that feeling of good.

September 24, 2013

As Alvin pulls me faster away from the light and heat; the fog finally begins to lift, and I am sensing something up ahead but “what or who?”

September 25, 2013

“Oh my GOD, I don’t believe it, no it cannot be, not here not now” I say in a slightly paralytic voice.

September 26, 2013

Now we have both stopped, and as I carefully pull on Alvin’s leash bringing him closer to me; my body trembles in complete disbelief, and I know things will never be the same.

September 27, 2013

In my head, I am thinking “please do not scream”  but the feelings  crash over me in huge waves as I look ahead and see my brothers and sisters; all of my siblings; but how can that be?

September 28, 2013

We are now only about ten feet away; my heart is telling me to run to them, and my brain is controlling the urge as we pause in mid step, and stare into their eyes, surely this cannot be right.

September 29, 2013

I turn my head and our eyes meet; it is my sister Jean she was the first one of my siblings to pass away; then I see Grace, Jack and Edward and James, unbelievable they are all here, it is quiet, can they talk?

September 30, 2012

“Hello” I say as I am at a complete and utter loss as to what to do because there is nothing in my life that would have ever prepared me for this moment …. absolutely nothing.