The Next Chapter

Good Morning ALL! This is what happens to you use the airdrop function on your phone and somehow there is five million copies of each photo. Well Cookie is running amuck. Enjoy the photos and have a great day. Cookie goes home today but not until actually really early Sunday morning. Family arrives to Edmonton airport at 11:00 p.m. and may be home by 12:30. We will be waiting. They miss her and she misses them. I will stay up late tonight for them. She will be so excited to see them. Photos include under the red blanket on the sofa last night with me, Cookie becoming a blogger, my flowers from Savannah and Grayson, grand-pups Milo & Aspen at the window.

Time to fly before someone gets into something.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) & our dear friend little Miss Cookie.

P.S. had a great day, the best day at the office thus far. Accomplished so much. Felt good at end of day. Came home to Steven, grand-pups and Cookie. I took Miss Aspen for a nice walk. Was a great day.

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Had a great time with our visitors. Mi-Mi AKA Milo was so good with Alvin. They do not see each other very often but they were good together. Alvin let Milo walk ahead of him on our lunchtime walk. The temperature was warm, very warm and I am so glad that I always take a jug of water for Alvin as Milo drank quite a lot as well. They were glad to get back home. We just walked to Pauline’s home and back. Now we are back to normal. Company gone and are back to their home.

Well we are up and ready to go for a walk before the heat of the day sets in. We will be out of the house before 7:00 a.m. I have windows open and blinds closed to bring in the coolness of the air and will close as it begins to heat up.

I have the photos of my Happy Place!

Roses by park

Entrance to park

Fountain

Entrance to park

Wishing you a great day. If you are out walking please take water. Keep yourself and your pets hydrated.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: oh yeah, 28 days till 65.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Merry Christmas or at least it feels like it. Thankfully the sun is shining brightly this morning. The snow rain mix began to fall yesterday just after Aspen and I started our walk. It was light at first but throughout the day it became more heavy and eventually the temperature dropped and it did not melt as it made touchdown to the ground. When me and the pups were up at 4:15 this morning there was even more than when we had gone to bed. The places on the deck and in the backyard where I had shovelled before going to bed where once again covered by a pile of the white stuff. We would need double digit plus temps before this will melt quickly but not going to happen. Not likely it will stay long but will require shovelling “one more time.” April 20th, 2022 and we have what feels like a foot of snow and I am so grateful that I had the foresight to take Miss Aspen for a walk yesterday before all of the snow. We will likely go later this afternoon. Once the sidewalks are clear and hopefully dry. I am never totally surprised by the weather in Canada or in Western Canada. It changes quickly. We did need the moisture and I do hope that the areas to the south where it is incredibly dry got some of this moisture. I will say that someone was happy to see the snow and has already gone sniffing about some of the piles on the deck. Actually all three of the pups were happy to see the snow this morning – well actually last night. So someone is happy. Perfect for making snow people.

Today is my last day of vacation before work tomorrow. I am so grateful that I am able to work from home. I am grateful that I don’t have to worry about the commute, about leaving Alvin alone or having to find someone who could come and check on him, that I don’t have to worry about the large cost of public transportation or carpooling, about the extra costs for clothing, shoes and food and the costs of being in an office. There was always something going on that required extra money. This way my money is my own. With the increased pricing of just about everything – working from home has made it so that I can afford to pay my utilities and to eat properly. Life.

Well time to head to the shower, then coffee, some laundry, shovelling, walk the pups at some point, find all of the pup’s things tonight as their parents come home tonight, make supper, cleaning and ……

Milo and Alvin did not have a walk yesterday. I decided it would not be pleasant for them to walk in the ever falling wet snow. Alvin is sensitive to yeast infections in his ears from moisture. I was drying him like mad yesterday after each visit to the backyard.

I think he secretly like having all the snow as he could pee on the deck. Who would know and really who cares at this point. Much easier to clean the poop up for sure.

I hope that you are well and having a great day. Hard to believe it is this late, after 10:00 on a Wednesday. Tomorrow at this time I will be just about to take my first coffee break.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, Aspen and Mi-Mi

P.S. I shall miss my grand pups when they go home. We have had a good week.

2021

Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.

What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.

To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.

Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.

Happy Happy Birthday buddy.

We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.

Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.

Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis

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  Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

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  Alvin getting to know his new family

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  Alvin’s Foster Parents ….. he was so loved there……

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  Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

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  Alvin at home…..

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  Me and Alvin

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  Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

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  Alvin in the snow…..

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  We miss Simone’s hair cuts……

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  Girls saying good-bye to Alvin

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  Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

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  Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.

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  Alvin and Penny …..

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  I know that I am cute.

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  Outside with Mom

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  Top of stairs, body?

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  Enjoying the flowers

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  Miss Penny & Alvin

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  Me and my duck

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  Temporary bedroom

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  Alvin, one of my babies

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  Winter, argh.

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  Treat time.

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  What?

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  Relaxing.

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  Gift form Val

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  Walking with Mom

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  Another Adventure

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  Alvin & Elton

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  Me & pups

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  Alvin, Penny & Elton

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  Me and my Alvin

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  Alvin’s BF Humphrey

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  Humphrey & Alvin

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  Just chilling

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  Alvin

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  Alvin

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  Loving Broccoli

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  At Pauline’s

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  Alvin & his BF Teddy

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  A proper Gentleman

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  BF Teddy

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  Nephew Milo

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  Niece Aspen

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  Kobi and Milo

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  Teddy

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  Filters cuteness

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  Mr. Alvin going for a walk

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  Cuteness

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  In kitchen with Mom

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  Ah, Mom

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  2020 Adventure with Me

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  Alvin Xmas 2020, litte scared of the money

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  Alvin’s new winter coat

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  New sweater

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  Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

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  Miss Penny, an Angel

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  Teddy and his little sis Kobi

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  Profile of Mr. Alvin

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  Casey, our Angel

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  The boy

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  Baby Bailey

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  Many years ago before a haircut

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  Abi, his girlfriend, now an Angel

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  Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother

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  Bogart, last summer

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  Angels Elton & Penny

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  Amanda & Steve & Elton

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  Me and Alvin Oct 2013

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  Amanda, Steve, Elton & Penny

Wishing you all a great day.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Love Mom

It is a NEW YEAR.

True it is a New Year and today is a New Day, Tuesday.

A cold morning here in Edmonton.

We are grateful to be inside a warm home.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

This morning while I was in the shower and getting ready he stayed resting on the bed.

Not his usual routine.

He appears to be okay.

He got up and off the bed okay.

Perhaps he is just tired although he did sleep through from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Oh, well.

I feel the same way.

I would have loved to have just stayed at home today.

Just curling up on the sofa with me Alvin under our warm red blanket.

But I have lots of work to do today and if I miss a day it just piles up.

Becoming way too stressful.

So off I go to the office/to work.

 

Teddy went home just around noon yesterday.

The house is quiet without him.

Not that he is particularly loud or anything.

We miss him.

I know Alvin does.

 

Perhaps some photos of cuteness and beauty this morning.

Will help us get through this cold Tuesday.

 

Just close your eyes and visualize laying on the grass ….. just relaxing.

Okay, perhaps I got a bit carried away with the photos.

Too much cuteness, I don’t think so.

Too much natural beauty, be serious.

More words …. well maybe.

 

I wish you a wonderful day.

Filled with love, joy and abundance.

May everyone you see and everything you touch be done so with kindness and respect.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I know the Tuesday after a long weekend, feels like a Monday.

 

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, well so happy today is Friday.

Wishing my nephew “J” a very Happy Birthday.

Also belated birthday to my Cousin-in-law “W.”

 

We just found out last night that Teddy is going to have a little sister.

Well actually he has one and her name is KOBI.

Last night we heard the great news.

Teddy’s parents are in VEGAS on vacation and adopted a sweet little girl while there.

She is the cutest pup and I am sure that once the initial surprise has wore off Teddy will be a great big brother.

Alvin will have a best friend that has a little sister.

How about that.

Now it will be Alvin, Teddy and Kobi and Humphrey and perhaps Aspen and Milo.

Grandma will have a full house at that rate.

I look forward to many visits from all of the pups and the week at the end of January when Teddy was to stay with us while his parents are in Mexico.

Guess it will be Alvin, Teddy and Miss Kobi.

WOW, cannot wait.

Another beautiful bundle of joy.

Walks might be exciting for a bit.

But on the up side of that at least two of the three I can easily carry.

 

Well I guess it is almost time to leave once again.

So much excitement.

This weekend friends and neighbours down the street are having a CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE.

They hosted one a couple of years ago and it was great.

Check out the crafts, have some refreshments but most of all enjoy great company, they are a wonderful family.

Then next Tuesday it is the SNOWFLAKE COOKIE EVENT, the annual one hosted by the GIRL GUIDES.

The daughter of my friend is a girl guide and participates in the event.

Great time to shop for some cookies to have for Christmas ….

I think that I may have mentioned that I plan to only bake one kind of cookies this year.

SUGAR COOKIES.

They are the ones that everyone loves and they are the most work so why not.

I only ever make them at Christmas so makes sense.

 

Busy times ahead.

Well I had better hit the trail.

Happy Days.

Oh and last night we safely walked over to Teddy’s house to visit for a bit with Aunt J and Teddy as she goes back home on Sunday.

Teddy’s parents and new little sister arrive home this afternoon.

WOW, still cannot believe they are bringing a little one back from their vacation.

 

With kindness and respect, we will be joyful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Happy Saturday.

We were up early and then hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s cause that is how we roll.

At 7:46 a.m. the sun is just beginning to pierce the horizon and the sky is begin to lighten.

I love sunrise.

Alvin just let out a huge sigh as he lays on his blue blanket beside me.

Always close and evidently not pleased at the moment.

What a guy.

Last night as we were leaving the house for our walk …. some friends were walking by.

Jack (little doggie friend) and his Mom.

So we joined them for our walk and enjoyed their company.

 

Today is a very special Saturday.

Today two of my most favourite people on the planet celebrate their 11th Wedding Anniversary.

I remember their wedding as though it were yesterday.

The day was similar in temperature perhaps a bit cooler.

There was sunshine and blue sky.

I remember standing behind them as they stated their wedding vows.

Barely holding back the tears and smiling at the same time.

Then they were married.

 

Their wedding photos were taken down in the River Valley a short walk from where they were married.

The trees were bare, stripped of their leaves from the wind and weather.

Steps, so many steps leading down to the valley.

Not great for high heels …..

As the photographer (a school mate of the bride) snapped photos; I thought how much it reminded me of a scene from days of old.

The forest …. the trees, the darkness in the valley …..

Anyway it was very cool and a day to remember.

 

Happy Anniversary to my darling daughter and sweet son-in-law.

May the years ahead treat you with kindness and respect.

May you have good health, great joy, much love and laughter.

May abundance be with you.

May you celebrate with love each day of your lives.

Dreaming always and realizing those dreams.

Have a great day my loves.

 

Some flowers for the day.

With Love, Forever and Always,

Alvin

Aspen

Milo

Mom

 

 

Now time to get this show on the road as my darling daughter will be joining me

this morning for a pancake breakfast.

Time to shower and get laundry on and make those pannie cakes.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Morning All,

Woke to another brown ground morning.

The white stuff will come soon enough.

Despite the wind and rain mixed with snow yesterday afternoon and into the evening we missed another attempt by Mother Nature.

Another attempt to bring snow to us.

We are so grateful to have another day without the white stuff.

I love FALL or Autumn.

Surprisingly enough there are still quite a few trees with leaves.

 

TODAY is a very special day.

Today is the 4th Birthday of my eldest grandpup “Miss Aspen.”

She joined our family Christmas of 2016.

Milo joined our family this day in 2016 when he was just a baby.

 

Aspen is such a kind and gentle soul.

She has brought a calmness to our family.

She is elegant and energetic.

We just love her.

Happy Happy Birthday to our Dear Aspen.

Hugs and Kisses from Grandma and Alvin

At Grandma’s house – her favourite spot

First Christmas at our House above photo

Aspen at her home (photo below)

 

Wishing you a great day.

 

Happy Tuesday everyone.

Time to leave for work.

 

ALways, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

Well it is Monday and it is a day off for me and many other Canadians.

So grateful to have an extra long weekend going into my last week before vacation.

Although I must admit I am only working Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

 

The house is quiet this morning with only me and the Alvin.

We are looking after a neighbours cat Moo Moo and Humphrey will be joining us shortly.

Lots to do today.

Some laundry, vacuuming, cleaning and stuff.

Also some card writing as there are many August birthdays.

The air remains cool thus far, which is a blessing.

Although so nice to have sunshine.

 

I signed up for INSTAGRAM last night or actually my daughter started me off.

I am excited for this new social format.

Have to think exactly how I would like to present myself.

Positive is a given.

 

I have more photos and then I have to run.

Two cats and a dog for today.

One cat with us and the other will go and visit again.

 

Yesterday Aspen and I were out for a walk before 7:00 a.m.

After Teddy went home; I took Alvin and Milo for their walk and after dropping them at home followed up with second walk for Miss Aspen.

We were all pooped after that and just relaxed.

 

 

Love the lilies as the buds open wide.

 

Time for breakfast and coffee and WORK.

Oh, gotta go and pick up Humphrey.

 

The babies were all good and we enjoyed our time together.

 

Happy Monday.

 

Always filled with kindness and respect.

I have the best life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at at time.

Hello, good morning and it is a bright sunny Sunday.

There is a bit of a breeze and the air is still cool as I can feel the coolness flowing in through the open window.

This will be a short one as I have four pups in the house.

Alvin is upstairs with me as he always has to be with me and the other three are quiet downstairs.

Teddy was supposed to have gone home last night but his parents got home later and were tired.

So it was me, Alvin, Aspen, Milo and Teddy.

I elected for us to sleep on the main floor and had made that decision before I knew that Teddy was staying for a second night.

Just easier as I have that huge dog bed and Aspen likes to lay on it and the others would be with me on the sofa.

It was a tad crowded as all three had to lay right beside me.

I will say that took some doing but they all managed to be right next to me.

So it was an up and down night.

We were up to stay up before 6:00 a.m.

By 6:30 all were fed and had gone outside.

Before 7:00, Aspen and I were on our first walk.

Teddy is going home between 930 and 10 this morning so will take Alvin and Milo after that.

So for now will share a few snapshots of me and the pups.

Considering there are four of them and only one of me, I am surviving quite nicely.

Oh, feeding them this morning.

I had four dishes out for them in different spots.

Did not work so good this morning.

Alvin ended up eating some of Aspen and Milo’s food before I could snag the dishes.

Ended up feeding them all by hand.

Well that was a treat.

 

Yesterday just after Aspen and Milo’s parents left on their two day trip; I took Miss Aspen for a 30 minute walk and that was about 10:00 a.m.

I had taken Alvin and Teddy for a 30 minute walk at 7:00 a.m.

Aspen had a second walk at 3:00 p.m.

Milo was the only one who did not have a walk.

He is also the smallest and runs around quite a lot but I will make it up to him today.

Here are a few shots.

The first ones were just as Aspen and Milo’s parents were leaving for their trip.

Relaxing on the deck in the sunshine.

 

I will say one thing when it comes to dogs, I now know my limit at a one time.

FOUR no more than four.

Well time to head back downstairs.

It is pretty quiet.

Which is a good thing.

I am starving and need a cup of COFFEE.

Have an awesome Sunday.

Try dog sitting …. that will boost your exercise.

I walked for 90 minutes at three different times yesterday.

Already completed 30 and it is not even 8:00 a.m.

 

The pups remind me about kindness and respect,

and PATIENCE.

MUCH PATIENCE.

Perhaps patience is a form of kindness and respect?

 

Always, Carol, Alvin, Miss Aspen, Baby Milo, Master Teddy……..