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)

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Monday Morning,

The sky is clear and there is a bit of a breeze.

The sun is shining brightly.

It is cool in the house this morning.

I did not have to open the windows this morning.

 

Today at noon my daughter will be coming for lunch.

It will be great to entertain her for lunch and for a visit.

We are excited to see her, as always.

 

I am excited to hear – how was your weekend?

Did you get outside for a walk?

Did you sleep in?

Did you see a friend?

Did you talk to a family member?

Did you do laundry?

Did you read a book?

Did someone give you something?

Did you cook a meal?

Did you feel guilty?

Did you eat something that you should not have?

Did you dance?

Did you sing?

Did you have a shower or bath?

Did you have moments where negativity ruled the conversation?

Did you drink tea and or coffee?

Did you wash dishes or throw them into the dishwasher?

Did you post something on social media?

Did you sweep or vacuum the floor?

Did you water your flowers?

Did you pull weeds?

Did you feel like you could do anything you put your mind to?

Did you deadhead flowers?

Did you chat with a neighbour?

Did you see a cat?

Did you walk your dog?

Did you wish upon a star?

Did you see the almost full moon last night or earlier this morning?

 

Well I can say that I say “yes” to all these questions.

You see we all have so much in common.

More in common than not.

 

We have to remember that ….. we are more the same than different.

When you see someone that may not look the same as you?

Or sound the same as you?

Just remember my questions to you.

If you asked them these questions …. it is likely they said “yes” as well.

 

We are human and part of the same family.

We may not be the same colour.

We may not have the same beliefs.

We may not be from the same place.

But we are human and as such we all deserve to be treated equally.

To be treated with kindness and respect.

 

So on this Monday, I am reaching out to all my fellow human beings and asking them to treat ALL the people they meet with kindness and respect.

I would add to this as well ….. treat every creature big or small with the same kindness and respect.

Can you imagine what a wonderful world this would be?

I can.

Can you?

Will you?

Thank you.

 

Well time to head downstairs and turn on the work computer.

 

I shall treat all with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning and Welcome to the 4th day of July.

Our neighbours to the south are celebrating their birthday today.

Happy 244th Birthday United States of America.

We, Canada celebrated our 153 Birthday on July 1st, 2020.

In the grand scheme of things two very young countries compared to other places on this planet.

Both learning new things as we grow or age.

I hope that we never stop learning.

 

This Saturday morning is overcast and a bit cooler than yesterday.

We reached 24 degrees yesterday here in Edmonton.

With a breeze it was so beautiful and the SUN shine.

Magnificent.

This morning I can see the trees swaying in the breeze.

It seems quiet except for Mr. Alvin squeaking about …. he wants something.

Alvin makes this half bark half whine half something ….

I can say one thing about my boy ….. patience are not in his DNA.

Oh well.

What can you do?

Spoiled much, oh no, not my Alvin (not).

 

I am so excited though as at 10:00 a.m. my friend G is coming for a visit.

We always have such good visits.

Then at lunchtime my daughter is coming for a visit and lunch, of course.

Cannot come at that time and not have lunch.

Keeping it simple.

I think perhaps grilled cheese sandwiches with veggie tray (limited on the veggies but I have a few).

For dessert, homemade chocolate chip cookies.

 

So entertaining this morning and then will get some work done this afternoon.

Laundry and such.

A walk with Alvin.

With any luck, Mother Nature will be kind today and the sun will shine.

 

On this Saturday, I hope that you are safe.

I hope that you are surrounded by folks who love and respect you.

I wish you much joy and laughter sprinkled with abundance.

With kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

One of my favourite flowers.

From another year.

A dear friend gave me an early birthday present.

One of the flowers in the pot that she made for me is pansies.

There are several in fact.

I love pansies as it looks like they have faces.

The coloration is amazing.

Such beautiful combinations.

 

Again, I suffer from technical difficulties.

Something I need to conquer.

Definitely.

 

Okay time to go as Mr. Alvin is losing whatever small amount of patience he may have had.

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh Happy Days and Good Morn to YOU ALL.

The sunrise is spectacular.

I can see the sun coming up.

It is so beautiful as the rise is filled with delicate shades of pinks and oranges.

The SKY is blue beyond the rise so we are off to a great start on this Thursday, April 2, 2020.

 

Today was my Grandpa Jim’s birthday he was born in 1909 and passed in 1973 months before his 65th birthday.

We will remember him forever.

 

Well here we are in April.

Starting our second quarter of the year.

How did that happen?

I guess we have been busy.

Yes, we have.

 

I hope that this finds you well this morning.

I am running late because of course we were up at 3:00 a.m. (glucosamine for Alvin) and then up at 5:00 a.m.(Alvin’s breakfast).

I put the microwave timer on until 6:15 a.m. which should give us lots of time but somehow I am a bit pokey this morning.

Oh well.

My office …. is close by.

The most important thing is the coffee is brewing and with one quick trip downstairs and back up to the office, I will be ready to go.

There is maybe okay there is two steps between my home computer and the work laptop.

I have two desks from IKEA that line one wall.

So one desk by the window has my personal computer and the other by the door is work.

I am lucky to have such a great set up.

Also I am lucky that my daughter is bringing me a more suitable office chair.

The one I have is not meant to sit on for hours on end.

I have more padding than the chair I currently am sitting upon.

We looked through the online catalog for STAPLES, and we found one that I like.

It is actually a GAMING CHAIR that is black with a bit of bright green.

So my daughter ordered the chair as her husband, my son-in-law also likes the chair and I will get his black comfy chair.

I really like his chair ….. I think it will work perfectly in my office.

Now I will have two chairs.

Excited to have the new chair.

My daughter will drop it off at lunch today.

YAY, Momma.

 

Time to go and grab that coffee.

It takes a few minutes to get signed onto the laptop.

Well we are almost done the second full week of working from home.

Actually it has gone pretty smoothly for the most part.

 

Live in kindness and with respect.

Have an awesome Thursday.

Take care and be safe.

Stay home as much as you can.

The sooner we FOLLOW instructions the sooner we will kick this VIRUS gone.

 

We/I remain in kindness and respect

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and another Monday Morning.

That is a good thing actually a great thing.

This may be the most unpopular day of the week.

But the fact that you are reading this post and I am writing it are a great thing.

I hope that this finds you in good health.

 

What did you do this weekend?

As you know I had Friday off after a quiet celebration on Thursday for my daughter’s 40th Birthday.

I did the normal chores like laundry and some cleaning.

Alvin and I had the most glorious walk yesterday the first full one in as many days.

I was blessed to have had a girls night on Saturday with my young friends.

Spoke on the phone with other friends over the weekend.

Did you have a quiet or noisy weekend?

Did you stay home and watch movies?

Did you colour a picture in your daughter or son’s colouring book?

Did you play board games?

Did you go for a walk with your doggie?

Did you make a bit pot of soup, just because?

Well whatever you were doing as long as you are in good health, that is the most important thing of all.

Yesterday I started putting my papers together to do my taxes.

So shouldn’t take me too long.

 

Guess what?

Big news.

Alvin slept through the night.

I would say this is the first time in weeks, months and possibly years.

He did not get up in the middle of the night nor did he stir before the alarm went off.

You may think that perhaps I did not hear him but I always hear him.

Actually I got up once but did not check the time, assuming it was middle of the night.

He appears to be okay nothing out of the norm.

That is my big news.

 

Well it is almost time to head downstairs.

Today we will find out about work.

Are we working through this or is the office closing.

We are closed to the public which is a good thing.

 

Please make sure that if you have an elderly neighbour or someone who is not easily mobile, that you call by and see what they need.

Take them some bathroom tissue and some food items.

Think of others during this time and all times.

Please be kind and respectful.

Please think of others.

We need each other during this time and always.

 

Time to head downstairs.

Pick up the poop.

Grab my lunch and stuff.

 

Have a wonderful Monday.

Be kind and respectful.

Be well.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Tuesday morning and we survived the office move.

Actually it was pretty painless.

I unpacked my one box and set up my desk fairly quickly.

Our Support Services department works alongside our department and they had what seemed like an endless amount of green frog boxes to unpack.

So I volunteered to help get things unpacked.

Shortly after others started to help as well.

Many hands makes short work.

Some folks have run into snags but so far so me, it has been good.

Did I mention that I now have a stand up desk (we all do)?

I tried it but was not comfortable.

Guess it takes some getting used to ……

I think that I will go back and forth between sitting and standing.

 

Last night for the first time in over a week; Alvin and I walked our entire route.

So happy.

It was about minus 5 celsius when we left the house.

Very nice.

We are so grateful to have this blessedly warmer weather.

I missed our walks.

I saw a rabbit out yesterday which was the first one in several days.

My neighbour is feeding them front and back, so lots of poop.

I hope that does not attract smaller four legged creatures.

Not my favourite.

Okay, as long as they remain outside.

 

This coming up weekend Teddy and Kobi are coming to stay with us for a week.

We are used to Teddy but not Kobi for that length of time.

I am certain that Alvin and I will handle things just fine.

The puppy Kobi is quite busy and full of energy.

She loves to drag my shoes from the back door and start chewing on them.

She will find even the smallest piece of nothing and eat it.

Puppies are quite similar to small children.

Active and put everything in their mouth.

I work during this time so Mr. Alvin will be busy keeping an eye on her.

There are a few things to do to puppy proof the main floor.

Upstairs and the basement off bounds.

We are looking forward to having them stay with us.

 

These are my charges as of Saturday through to the following Saturday.

Teddy with Alvin above and Kobi in the bottom photo.

So cute.

 

Well almost time to hit the road here.

Pick up the poop.

Grab my lunch.

 

Have an awesome day.

Kindness and Respect.

Always, with Kindness and Respect

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to January 1st, 2020.

I was thinking that I have to come up with a new “title” for my morning posts and all I can think of at this time is “It is a NEW YEAR.”

Can be subject to change.

Alvin and I stayed up until after midnight.

Some of our neighbours (not real close by) were setting off fireworks which for second time gave Mr. Alvin a start.

Actually just before bed, I opened the back door to let him out to the backyard and there was a loud bang which startled both of us.

I was kind of happy that I had slept a bit longer yesterday as I normally do not stay awake / up until after midnight.

Actually we even on most weekends are in bed no later than 10:00 p.m.

Last night we both brought in the New YEAR, 2020.

I wanted to be awake for that first second of the New YEAR.

It was great to hear Bryan Adams sing.

These are the photos that I took on December 31st, 2019.

One of our neighbours and friends stopped by to give Mr. Alvin a Christmas gift.

Is he not the luckiest boy/dog on the planet?

He opened it like a pro.

My photos that I put together for our NEW YEAR WISHES on social media (ok, just facebook).

Fireworks in Edmonton at the Legislative Buildings …. I snapped the photos from the comfort of my home (via television).

Today is the first day of our New YEAR, a new decade.

Perhaps a time for new beginnings.

 

Happy New YEAR Everyone.

Me and Alvin are just going to hang out together on this beautiful day.

We were already outside and it is beautiful so a great day for a walk.

Perhaps a longer walk if Mr. Alvin is up for one.

Back to work tomorrow so will get my clothes together and make a lunch.

 

Wishing you all the most glorious New Year.

The best of all things for 2020.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. now when to take down the Christmas decorations, I cannot decide (but not today) and time to start planning Mr.Alvin’s 11th birthday party.

Also this is going to be a pancake breakfast kind of first day of the New Year.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Merry Christmas ….

The sun is already up ….

We were up late last night and slept in this morning.

I managed to keep Mr. Alvin in bed until about 7:00 a.m.

The pups were up shortly after that ….

My daughter went back to bed and my son-in-law is still sleeping after an extra long day (he had to work).

We had a great Christmas ….

Had some late night snacks just after they arrived from an earlier Christmas feast with my son-in-law’s family.

Opening the gifts after that …

Mr. Alvin was the unintentional star of the night.

He absolutely loves opening gifts.

First he opened his gifts, Aspen and Milo’s gifts and then mine.

He does so great …..

There were toys and more toys and treats for the pups and a bandana each.

The boy got his duster with extender that he wanted and more.

The girl got some jewelry as what girls do not love some bling and more.

The Mama got spoiled.

I needed kitchen towels and a stir fry pan and those were two items that I received.

Along with scratch tickets, crystal ornament, HONEY, more kitchen towels, single serving Tupperware food chopper, Magnolia & Vine bracelet and extra charm and more.

I was so spoiled this Christmas.

Thank you to my family and friends.

Here are some photos and then I better go clean up some more and make some COFFEE.

Merry Christmas.

Oh and make some phone calls.

 

Bit of action shot so blurry

Some of my gifts.

Alvin enjoyed opening his gifts and mine.

Aspen and Milo just enjoyed their gifts.

We had a great Christmas Eve and now it is Christmas Day.

I went and spent over one hour with Humphrey and Cynder.

Giving them fresh food and water.

Cleaning the litter box.

Everyone wants a clean one of those ….

Time to go downstairs and make me some coffee.

Then call some family before I start to make brunch which I am thinking will be kind of like “lunch.”

There are no rules on this day.

We just go with it.

Whatever happens, happens.

 

I hope that you are having an awesome Christmas.

Merry Merry Christmas To You and Your Family.

Always, Carol & Alvin

I guess I should upload our newest photo.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and today would be Wednesday, the 27th day of November, 2019.

Yes, it is.

Can you believe it?

Less than one month till Christmas.

I love this time of year.

Yesterday one of my coworkers gave me a fancy outdoor light bulb that dances in multiple colours.

She had changed her outdoor light fixture; it no longer fit and was new last year.

There is no other way to describe it.

Photos, I took photos.

Just a minute.

There be a party going on at my door.

I didn’t have my tree on the porch lit up at the time so it would be even more colourful.

Love this bulb.

What a great invention.

I cannot help but to look over and over at the photos.

Alvin wasn’t quite sure what to think.

After I changed the bulb and had gone back into the house.

I turned on the light and opened the door.

Alvin slowly walked to the doorway but not all the way.

I think that dogs cannot distinguish colour but he would have seen the movement.

Likely wasn’t certain what to think.

He knew I was happy, though.

Sometimes it is the smallest things in life that can make you feel so good.

 

Tonight after work my daughter is driving me home.

I love when she brings me home.

We catch up in the 30-45 minute drive.

So much fun and I love chatting with my girl.

She is the best daughter ever.

Sorry, folks.

She just is.

 

Well we did not make it out for a walk last night.

It just felt too cold and I had a chill.

Hopefully tonight will be a bit warmer.

I know it will only get colder.

There was some ice mixed in with the snow.

It was icy when I was leaving the office.

 

Well I suppose it is almost time to go back downstairs.

Grab my lunch.

Go outside and do the poop pickup.

Not that I particularly like poop or anything like that but I do like the word.

For some reason it does not bring to mine horrid stuff.

Anyway …. that is how I feel.

 

I hope that you are having a good day thus far.

Wishing you all the best for this day and always, of course.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my post.

So grateful for you.

 

Spread kindness and respect and the world will be a better place.

 

Always, Carol & Al

 

P.S.  did I say that we had some …. yes, we sure do.

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All.

Well it is late.

I cannot say that I have slept in this late for years.

Went to bed at midnight and could not sleep right away.

Still a bit hyped up from the Fifth Avenue Jewelry party.

Alvin and I had so much fun.

My friends from the neighbour joined us to check out the bling and for refreshments.

We chatted in between and enjoyed some laughter.

Two almost teenage daughters of two friends joined as well.

Alvin was in his glory.

So much fun.

Yes, there is nothing like being surrounded by your good friends and bling.

The jewelry is / was so pretty.

Great night.

Perhaps it was the fact that I had drank coffee all day long.

I hadn’t realized that until bed.

I drank a pot in the morning and another mug with my daughter at noon followed by coffee in the evening.

Oh well, I likely needed that sleep.

We were up just after 5:00 a.m. initially so I fed Alvin and then we went back to bed.

He did try to get me up a couple of times after that as well but I won out.

 

We woke to another “dry ground” morning which is great.

So glad that I worked my butt off yesterday and did my household making today a more relaxed quiet day.

Yesterday I cleaned, had both Humphrey and Teddy for the whole day, walked with Teddy and Alvin, prepared for the jewelry party and did laundry.

Always nice to have the THREE AMIGOS together.

Earlier yesterday morning.

Alvin and Teddy went outside but Humphrey hesitated.

Wonder why?

 

I saw a blue jay, I think through the living room window but unable to get a clear photo of the pretty bird.

All the boys at the window.

Alvin and Teddy sharing a chair and Humphrey with one of his own.

Earlier in the day …..

 

Strangely enough they spent a bit of time outside over the course of the day.

When the sun shone it was actually comfortable outside, I won’t go as far as to say “warm.”

Today perhaps a load of towels …. or maybe not.

I have lots of towels.

But next weekend is putting up my Christmas tree and decorating the house.

First weekend in November, 2019.

So excited.

I cannot wait.

I so love spending the evening with my daughter putting up the Christmas tree.

That might be Friday.

Halloween this week.

YAY.

I was checking out my borrowed Harry Potter costume.

I might have to practice making the lightning bolt on my forehead.

Liquid eyeliner here I come.

 

Well I should go.

Time for coffee before lunch.

Today I don’t want to be drinking coffee all day.

Work is tomorrow.

 

Happy Sunday.

So happy to be surrounded by much kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin