The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Yay, we made it to Friday. The sun is shining against a bright blue sky and there does not appear to be a breeze. I sure hope that the areas affected by the wildfires had some rain, some desperately needed moisture. I think of the people affected but most of all the animals, the wildlife, the birds and the bees. My heart hurts for them. Some unable to escape the smoke and fire. Most of these fires were started by someone, a human not an animal. Makes me mad and sad. What is wrong with people? Animals have lost their lives and some people have lost everything. You are all in my thoughts and I hope that “humans” are able to get these fires under control/stopped with no more loss of life.

Last night I walked with Alejandro and the pups Eddie and Bruno. Bruno is the eldest and will be 10 soon and Eddie is 7, I believe. Bruno was not doing well. His Dad was going to take him to the Guardian Hospital (24 hour Emergency) last night after our walk. He has diarrhea and is taking prednisone as had cancer. I think instead of chemo. Not sure of exact details. When Jeanette was telling me, part of my brain shut down as I thought of Alvin. Anyway, poor Bruno is clearly not doing well so his Dad was going to take him to the hospital. Fingers crossed that he will be okay. Poor guy.

The renovations are starting next week so for at least Monday and Tuesday we are working from home, some of the office staff. The ones that are at the office most of the day and I am one of them. YAY, I am so excited to be home again. I don’t mind the office but no distractions will be great. Hopefully I can get caught up or at least make a substantial dent in mail etc.

Well this is short as for some reason I felt the need to hit the snooze button twice. Yes, twice. Not sure why as I went to bed and turned out lights just after 9:30.

Wishing you 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)

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning All! How are you this Wednesday morning? I am grateful to be working from home today. We had a small amount of snow last night, actually I think before I went to bed. So the once cleared sidewalk now has a light sheet not even a blanket covering.

Last night right after I arrived home from work, I set my backpack and work things inside the house, locked the house and then carried on for a walk. It was so nice last night that I thought it would be a great idea to get out for some fresh air and exercise. On the way home, I stopped by the mailbox and picked up the mail. Inside were some Christmas cards from family and friends. I was doing an internal happy dance as I love to receive Christmas cards in the mail. I love to receive them period but most especially in the mail. Once inside the house, I took off my boots, set down the mail and carried on to the garage where I brought in the garbage bin as yesterday was trash pickup. Back in the house, I had a few things to do before supper so got them out of the way. Then supper (leftovers from Saturday’s Christmas party) went into the oven to warm. Once supper was done, I sat down on the sofa and munched away at my delicious supper. Missing my boy thought, it is way too quiet in the house and I have no one to snuggle with and not having him to go to bed with or to wake up to, seems very odd. My daughter sends pictures and videos often and he is definitely thriving in his new temporary surroundings. I think he is loving having two friends (Aspen and Milo) with him all the time and of course, his sister and brother-in-law. No stairs. New toys. Someone home all of the time. Good setup. One more week from Saturday and he will be back home. It was a good idea as I believe that we both needed a break but I will be SO EXCITED to have him home.

After supper, I did the dishes and turned on the dishwasher to wash the load that had been accumulating over the past couple of days. Then I just relaxed and watched some t.v. Quiet evening.

Countdown to Christmas: 10 days until Christmas Eve (and Alvin comes home with Aspen and Milo while the kids go to St. Albert for Steven’s family’s Christmas.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. have a wonderful Wednesday ……..

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Alvin is snoozing outside the office door as I click click away on the keyboard writing this post. I am so grateful that we had such an beautiful fall thus far.

Even though the wind is howling and sounding like it is blowing things away, the air outside is warm. Fingers crossed for another warm day. Yesterday was beautiful. 20’s for October is amazing. Makes me want to do a happy happy dance. My friend Pauline came over and looked after Mr. Alvin. They even went for a walk to the park. Good to know that if I am not at home, he will walk when someone tries to take him outside. After work, I so wanted to go for another walk (went for a walk at work) but someone had other ideas so it was very short lived.

Did I tell you that I was having monitor problems which have now been rectified? Did you know that the port can actually break? You learn something new everyday. Thanks to my friend and coworkers’ husband who works in IT for fixing the problem. I truly learn something new each day. So I am happy to have the monitor working again. I could work with just the laptop but much easier with a second screen/monitor.

I took tomorrow off and have a full day planned between vet visit etc.

The wind howling made me think that I should change out my closets and bring up my winter wear. I don’t think we will have many sandal/flip flop days ahead. Would be nice but not likely!

I am looking forward to a cup of coffee this morning.

My friend Val said that a surprise package is being delivered today. I can hardly wait. Did not tell Mr. Alvin as he would get overly excited and anxious. He loves opening packages. That makes me happy.

Well it is time to head back downstairs. Plug in the coffee perk. Get this day going. I am up early as it is only 6:28 but that is okay. I have lots to do so might as well get an early start. One more trip outside.

Have an awesome Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning as I see the sun rising. Just behind the houses to the east and south, I can see the colours coming up in the morning sky. How are you this morning? We are doing well. This morning just seconds after I turned on the shower, Alvin started barking from the bedroom. I knew why. He wanted me to be with him when he is having a drink, in fact, he won’t usually even drink unless I am right there and stroking his back. I don’t remember when this started but this is our new norm. I have tried to break him of this “habit” but to no avail. So I am not sure what will happen on those days when I go to the office (hopefully few and far between). Perhaps when I am not around he won’t be so fussy. I made an appointment for him to get his nails done etc and he is due for a bordetella shot (did I get that right?) and he needs food, toothpaste and movoflex. What a guy!

I am loving this beautiful weather despite the fact that it is almost impossible for us to walk. The streets are so messy icy in spots and the sidewalks in most spots are glare ice. I found the storm drain on the weekend but it is near impossible for me to get at just yet. Now if I had hours to spend out there chipping and shovelling away, yes, I could certainly do it. But there are so many people that do not even try to get the ice removed. That kind of makes me sad and a little mad. Here I am almost 65 and I am out there shovelling and chipping at the ice and cleaning it so that no one falls. Oh well, I cannot change some people or any people for that matter.

So nice to see it getting light earlier each day. This makes me so happy. Yay, we are one more day closer to spring and closer to clear dry sidewalks so that we can safely and happily go for walks.

I am thinking that I should do a VISION BOARD! Have you tried doing one? I think that I did one years ago but never really followed up and not sure where it ended up. So it is feeling like spring and time to make some changes. Never too late. Besides the world is quickly changing and if I do not make some changes soon, I fear that I shall be left behind. We cannot have that.

Oh yes, quick story before I sign off for today. Yesterday I received an email from one of our staff that receives the mail and uploads to our client files. The email had an attachment which was a photocopy of a beautiful THANK YOU card which was to me from one of my clients. I was so touched. Truly made my day. The power of a THANK YOU card. I am going to grab some THANK YOU cards and with as many stamps as I have – mail them to random people. Of course, I have to have their addresses, lol.

Maybe today is the day that you send your first card, make it a THANK YOU card to someone. I guarantee that you will make their day.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

We must all say “thank you” to the people in our lives.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well and both Alvin and I are doing great. Today is Friday, January 28, 2022. Today is the birthday of a friend of mine from back home, Jeannette and my nephew Brandon. Happy Birthday to you both.

Yesterday it was not longer after I wrote this post that the sky went from pitch black to the most beautiful sunrise. So the days are finally getting longer or at least it is noticeable.

Well yesterday on my lunch break, I decided to take a chance and go for a walk with Mr. Alvin. The temperatures have been so warm that I did not want to miss another one. We needed to get outside and do something for fun. Not me out shovelling or chipping at the ice. So I put his sweater on and I got my coat and boots and away we went. It was incredibly slow going but we managed to get safely about halfway to the park and then turned around and came back on the other side of the street so that we could stop and pick up the mail. There was so much ice, very sad that our sidewalks are so bad for walking. We have all tried. When they scraped our streets a couple of days ago they left these incredibly high windrows or banks of ice and snow chunks along the edge of the sidewalk/street. So there is no place for the ice to go if it did start to melt. With us facing north those banks block the sun from melting that ice as well. So not the best of situations. The street is now good for driving but the sidewalks are hell for pedestrians. Oh well. Perhaps they will come and haul away that mess but I am not going to hold my breath – cause where would they take it. At the end of it all, we had a great little walk and will do the same today. When on ice, take little steps and slowly and keep your hands out of your pockets so that you have balance. Walk like a penguin.

Time to go. I kind of hit the snooze button after the alarm went off and had to have a shower this morning so it has put me behind a few minutes. Oh well. Thankfully it is Friday.

I hope that you have a great day. Enjoy the sunshine wherever you are and I hope that you have sunshine in your life whether shining down from above or surrounding you on this earth.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am happy that the colour for 2022 is “Very Peri” which apparently is a dynamic periwinkle blue with a vivifying violet red undertone blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red. Now that is a mouth full. But oh so pretty. We all need a little “Very Peri” in our lives.

2021

Good Morning All! We hope that you are doing well. I have recovered and feel great. It is amazing what a day of sleep will do for someone. Alvin was a good boy and other than the odd visit outside, he slept right beside me. Note to self: when you aren’t feeling yourself it is okay to take a sick day. We all need some extra rest sometimes. I am so grateful to be feeling great.

In the early morning the sun was shining so bright but was cool. Just after my shower it feels hot in the house so it must be warming up outside. We are to have plus celsius temperatures tomorrow and Saturday or was it today and Friday. Anyway some warm days ahead. We have been so fortunate to have a good fall. There were a few bla days but all in all it has been great. I wonder what winter will bring? Officially winter does not happen until Tuesday, December 21, 2021. So this is fall. Spring officially comes in March.

Alvin is just laying on his belly in the hallway staring at me. I wonder what he is thinking? I am thinking that I have not had a cup of coffee since Tuesday morning and I am going to enjoy a cup or three this morning.

I did not get any of my cards done up to be hand delivered so perhaps tonight. I would like to get them done so that I have them ready to be delivered. I am happy that our photos arrived so that I can pop some in with the Christmas cards both being mailed and hand delivered.

Today is the birthday of my eldest niece. I can still remember the day that she was born. Seems like yesterday. She is all grown up now, and has a daughter who graduated from high school this past year. My how time flies. Happy Birthday Dee. We hope that you have an awesome day.

It remains dark at this time but won’t be long until the sun begins to rise in the morning sky. In the meantime, while it is still dark, I will pop on the Christmas tree lights and enjoy them. Wishing you all a wonderful day. Be safe and well.

Oh, my goodness, how could I forget. Happy Thanksgiving to all our neighbours to the south. Wish you a wonderful day. Be safe and enjoy your time together.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this smoky cloudy morning? My thoughts are going to the people and all the animals living in the areas affected by the wildfires/fires. I cannot imagine. Here in Edmonton it is smoky and yesterday I had to close the windows as the smell of smoke was begin to affect my breathing. I am praying for rain for BC with no wind or lightning.

Does it not always seem to happen that when things all go wrong it is all at once.

My venting ….. as Alvin is barking downstairs and I decided to write this post on my computer upstairs just for a change to feel somewhat normal. Although our lives are not normal at the moment.

So yesterday I had been wearing two very delicate gold bracelets and noticed one was missing. I searched high and low but it is gone. Somewhere in the house or outside. I have a feeling it fell off outside and went down in between the cracks on the deck.

I ran to the mailbox to pick up the mail which I have not done in a long time. There was a package for me. I was so excited. When I opened the package, I found the earrings that I had ordered from Fifth Avenue that had been on backorder. I gingerly unwrapped them to find that the posts were bent on the ends and the backs were on so tight that I barely got one off. Definitely cannot wear them. Damaged before even the opportunity to wear them. Makes me so sad and a little mad.

Going back to the a/c servicing that was supposed to be on Wednesday that we had patiently waited for and then did not show up. When I called the company yesterday morning, I found out that the person I spoke with when they were late showing up – had cancelled the appointment and scheduled it for Saturday when they come to check out the hot water tank. The hot water tank was positioned in a way that blocks off access to the sump pump.

Alvin barking and whining downstairs.

It is not often if at all that I spend my whole post with negative thoughts. I apologize but I just had to get them out. Just seems that everything is going to hell in a handbasket.

Then Alvin has surgery next Friday.

Too much and I am feeling a bit frazzled.

Please forgive this venting as I am well aware in a better state of mind that I am very blessed. I live in a great house/home, I have a yard, I am employed, I am in good health, I have incredible family and friends and so much more. But sometimes life gets the better of us and I am afraid I am at that point. Deep breaths, I know.

I have a headache from the smoke and from someone’s barking. I know he just has anxiety from me not being in his sight but …… oh, I wish.

Okay, I have to go now.

I will be back tomorrow and I will be in a better frame of mind, I promise.

Trying to life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Alvin and I are well. He has a regular Vet appointment this afternoon. He is waiting patiently outside the office for me to finish ( I just started ). I should not “say” that he is patient as his patience is much less than mine most days. So Tuesday morning. At one point yesterday I made a comment in our TEAMS CHAT that would make one think that yesterday was further in the week, not a great way to start. Oh well, the phones were busy for the first hour or so and then lessened so I was able to get some mail done which was great. The mail is “stacking” up so to speak. Our walk at noon was great. Another gorgeous day. We have been so lucky. One thing though we do not have much snow left. The deck is getting more and more bare.

I was wondering if the African Violet originated from Africa? The blooms are ever so delicate and the leaves remind me of a rounded spade in shape. So pretty. Actually I have determined in the last almost year that I have been working from home that I may actually have a green thumb due in large part to most of my plants having a home in a south facing window. I have a bay window in the kitchen and the plants are thriving there. This is near my workspace and it has been great being close to beautiful plants as I work. Some of my Geraniums have beautiful pink flowers at this time, the red leaves of the Poinsettias are gorgeous and I have several other plants including a Spider plant which I moved just recently to the dividing half way between the kitchen and the living room. I hope that it will have enough light in that spot. I have so many plants that they are getting kind of crowded. I enjoy having a “green” workspace.

Well I am at a loss as what to share this more. Writer’s block, perhaps.

I hope that you are doing well, that you are in good health and remembering to take some time for yourself. Self care is very important and something to remember especially at this time.

With that, I remain living my life with kindness, respect and compassion.

Take Care.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am planning Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party for Sunday, January 24th, 2020.

Almost Christmas 2020

Good Morning ALL. Well we did it, only one sleep to go until Christmas Eve Day. I am so excited. The plan is on for my kids to come for Christmas. There was a possibility that they may not but it has been confirmed they are coming. Alvin and I are over the moon. Our pod will grow by four, my daughter, son-in-law and the grandpups Aspen and Milo. We are happy. Today is my late start and I am happy to report that the two of us that are not on vacation have managed to keep the mail current to this point and hopefully the phones will remain quiet today so that we are able to do this for our coworkers. What a great Christmas gift that would be. I am hopeful. Also today Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi are coming to spend the day. I told Alvin last night and I would like to think he understood that they were coming this morning. He will be over the moon to have one last visit with his buddies before Christmas break. Christmas break will be quiet as we will remain on strict restrictions. The only visitors in the house we are allowed will be our POD which is my daughter, son-in-law and grandpups. I am pleased that we are allowed to have someone although I have said this before – I would be okay with just Alvin for some time. If that time alone meant that the virus would disappear hopefully forever. We would still see people when they dropped off food and stuff and can always video chat. There are ways not to be completely alone if you choose. Back to Christmas. Are you ready? Food in the fridge and pantry? Baking done? Gifts wrapped? Movies selected and games? I am quite certain that you are. I am except for changing the bedding on our bed as the kids will have the master bedroom, changing out the towels with Christmas towels in all three bathrooms, one last clean of the bathrooms and then prepare the food for us to snack on tomorrow night. Well less than one hour before the pups arrive. I need a cup of coffee. We went for a walk but only went just inside the park yesterday as the wind was cold. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be warm, I believe. We won’t get out today as the pups will be here and I cannot walk all three at the same time and I am not sure that I want to leave anyone behind while I walk the others separately (gifts under the tree). But we will get exercise with the pups here anyway. I work until 7:00 p.m. tonight. Last night I made a pan of chili not a big pot. It was delightful. Just scaled it back. I wanted to mention that I noticed the number of “followers” is now over 900. So exciting. Maybe by the 2021 I will have 1000 people reading or at least signed up to read this blog. Makes me over the moon happy. When I was a small child I did not dream of this …. although I think think that in the future we would be able to see people’s faces when we spoke to them on the phone. That would have been in the early 60’s. I guess I can see the future. LOL.

Well everyone time to head on downstairs. Put on the coffee to perk. The sky cleared yesterday and I was happy to see the moon last night from my deck.

Be safe, continue to live your live showing kindness, respect and compassion to all. Truly it is the only way for us to live our lives.

Always, Carol & Alvin

YAY, it is almost here. I feel like I am 8 again. Best Christmas EVER is coming. So excited. So excited.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. Thankfully the snow has stopped. We did have a little bit yesterday. This morning it is cold. Temperature is minus 14 degrees celsius not including the windchill. As I gaze out of the office window the air almost has the appearance of FOG as the sun begins to rise in the east. Looks like a painting but it is Mother Nature doing her thing. She has a great imagination. I like to think so.

So Monday morning, here we go. It is almost 7:30 as I type this post. Alvin just stretched and sighed / groaned by the office entranceway. He has absolutely no patience these days. I guess I can relate. As I get older my patience level is not great. Although it depends on the situation for sure.

I worked on my Christmas cards on Saturday and yesterday and they are almost finished. I want to get them in the mail as soon as possible. This year the mail may be more unpredictable than past years. No idea. I have the parcel and one card for overseas all ready to be mailed. They will go shortly.

The big storm that we had on Saturday has now gone to our neighbours to the east and my sister reports that not a lot of snow but lots of freezing rain and snow pellets. I think that is worse than lots of snow. Icy sidewalks, streets and roads are dangerous. Keep safe out there everyone. If you can stay home – it is a good idea to do so.

Alvin definitely has to go downstairs so I had better cut this short.

Food for thought. Our thoughts do become things. What have you brought to fruition as of late? Sounds like a lot of food is on my mind but not really.

Happy Monday.

Stay safe and keep in good health.

We will continue to show the world love, respect and kindness.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin