The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope that this finds you doing well. The sky is beginning to lighten and appears that we received a light blanket of fresh snow last night or perhaps during the early morning hours. When I went to turn on the computer this morning, I received a message that the keyboard battery was very low and to recharge. I thought recharge? What? So I realized upon further inspection that you just take the USB cable, I think that is what it is called and hook it to the keyboard and then to the computer to be recharged. How cool is that? No more batteries for the keyboard. The mouse on the other hand still appears to require double AA batteries. But I like that the keyboard is free so to speak.

I have a question for you? I realize that I have not been drinking near enough water as of late. Too many life distractions and I have not been keeping track of my water intake. So today, that changes, so important to drink enough water. Good for your mind, body and soul.

The house does not feel the same no matter who walks through the front door. Last night my good friends Gillian and Signe came over for a visit. We talked about the usual. It was great to see them, to have conversation with someone outside of the drama at the office. Perhaps if I stop using the word “drama” and start saying everything will work out and I am taking one day at a time. Repeat, repeat and repeat several more times. Only we, only I can change my reaction to the every day stuff. So I am. The house is lonely without my Alvin and that will never change but how I react to the things that happen in my life can. I have so many wonderful memories of Alvin. I think that at noon today, I am going to take a stroll and walk for the first time our old route, our old path. I need to get up and get out. Get some exercise. He would want me to be well in mind and body, I know that. I can still keep him close in my thoughts, in my memories and in my heart. This weekend is my daughter, his sister’s birthday and the whole family including Betty Ann who is staying with them are coming over. The kids, being my daughter and son-in-law will drop Miss Aspen, Mi-Mi and Betty Ann off while they go and have lunch with friends who are in town from Saskatchewan and then come here for Amanda’s birthday supper and celebration. So I have things to do tonight and tomorrow and Saturday to prepare. As much prep work as I can do, I will. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again but sad that Alvin will not be here in body to celebrate with us. Our first birthday party without him. My heart hurts.

I am working from home today so time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. Wishing you a wonderful day. Remember to drink lots of water and go for a walk. Nothing like a walk to clear the negative babble and make you feel good in general!

I am so grateful to all my friends for being so supportive during this time and always. I have the best friends on the planet.

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).

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? We are doing well and still adjusting to the time change. Spring forward takes a bit more getting used to, for sure. But we will adjust in time (before the next change in late fall, lol). Last night it was after 7:30 p.m. and still light outside which was great. I cannot wait until the sun is already up at this time of morning. It is always easier for me to get up when it is light outside. How about you?

Yesterday at lunch we met up with friends Ali and Bailey from down the street and adorned with sweaters on the pups as it was cool at noon, masks on we girls and our lighter winter apparel we headed out for a 40 minute or so walk. We would come across folks with dogs or the pups especially Bailey were sniffing lots so did take all of 40 minutes. It was so nice to have a walking companion and we chatted the whole walk. I will say that walking and talking with a mask on is not the most comfortable thing in the world but I certainly am not going to complain as some folks have had to wear masks and work 12 hour shifts for days on end. I am grateful my mask wearing is not often as I do not go anywhere or see anyone. I have several masks on hand for those times when I must wear a mask and I will always wear one as instructed by our Health Care Professionals. Back to Bailey I cannot believe how long and gangly she is ….. he has such long legs even though she will not get much bigger and eventually will fill in, I would think. Again, nice to have a friend to walk with …. another human being. It was great.

Teddy and Kobi will be coming over at noon for the rest of the day while their parents go out to the farm to tend to some business.

I was wondering about some things. I will be 64 this summer and how I view the world is likely much different than an 18 year old or even a 30 year old. Do you ask yourself questions all day long? What kind of questions? Maybe we all ask this question “When is this going to end?” OR “Is this virus going to ever go away?” I often ask myself or tell myself “Why did you say that?” I have lots of questions swirling through my mind at any given time. Sometimes it is quiet but not often. Most times I cannot even stop the noise when I go to bed. I used to meditate and perhaps that is something that I should get into once again. I wouldn’t say that I am particularly worried or concerned most days ….. just have a busy mind. They say we have 60,000 thoughts each day. That is a lot. I was wondering how everyone feels about all of the social media platforms? How many YouTube Videos are there? How many singers have become world famous during the pandemic bia YouTube? How many organizers and designers? How many cooks? How many makeup artists? The list goes on and on. Now there is Tic Tok (not sure of the spelling as I have not been on there). Instagram and FaceBook and so many more. Food for thought. Maybe it is time to do a video? What do you think? I wonder if the Internet will ever crash? Sometimes it goes down but they always get it going again.

Anyway that is it for this morning. I need some coffee.

Wishing you a wonderful day. In Edmonton for the rest of the week supposed to have temperatures of +9-13 degrees celsius which is a far cry from yesterday’s +2. YAY, perhaps spring is really here. Hope so. Not a long winter but I really want spring and then summer.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience (always working on patience and yesterday was one of those days for sure).

Always, Carol & Al

P.S. last night gave Mr. Alvin some of his new food. We have to, I have to introduce it gradually over two weeks. Now there is measuring 1/2 wet and 1/2 dry but ratio of 3/4 old to 1/4 new for first few days, then half and half and then 3/4 new to 1/4 new. Sure wished that I was better at math, lol.

Sun coming up. Hip Hip Hooray.

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 22nd day of August, 2017.

Well today my vacation ends and back to work begins.

Argh.

Part of me just wants to stay curled up with Mr. Alvin on the sofa.

He was getting used to our new routine as he no longer has been waking up at 4:00 – 4:30 a.m.

This morning it was the alarm that woke him up …. I woke up before the alarm but due in part to not sleeping much.

You know it is like a Sunday night when you cannot shut down your brain.

My mind was running wild.

Oh well, we had a great two weeks vacation.

Not back to reality.

 

We have some out of province coming to spend Saturday night with us.

Our friends from Quebec will be coming for a bit longer visit.

I am happy about that.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

Our bus route has changed for a few weeks and I am wondering how that is going to work.

City is doing some road repairs / construction.

Perhaps should have checked before now but I know that my stop was not affected.

Hopefully we get to work on time.

 

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Special Hello to: friends from a distant.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 12th day of September, 2016.

Dark outside but not raining.

That is a good sign these days.

We have had a wet summer and appears to be the same going into fall.

Rain is good but we would really like/need some sunshine.

 

Do you ever sit or lay in bed and wonder what other people are doing at this very moment all over the world.

Are they getting ready for work?

Are they writing a blog and wondering if people are reading their words?

Are they sleeping?

Are they sick and wondering if today will be there last day on this earth?

Are they happy?

Are they mad?

Are they jealous?

Are they bad?

What are people thinking and doing?

It boggles the mind.

Truly …..

Are they suffering?

Are they glad?

What are they thinking and where are they going?

Food for thought?

I wonder if someone else on the other side of the earth has these same thoughts?

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. yes SKYPE soon.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 19th day of February, 2016.

We received a fresh blanket of snow last night ….. somewhere between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Not too much so it is okay.

Supposed to be plus temperatures after today so it will go soon.

We did not have much snow thus far so might be a dry spring unless it rains.

YAY, it is Friday.

I always look forward to the weekends …. spending time at home with Alvin and sometimes seeing friends for a visit and coffee/tea.

 

February is feeling like spring …. I wonder.

Still have not seen a bunny ….

Mother Nature will let us know soon enough, I suppose.

Well I have some things to do before I leave for work.

You know those things that you just think of and cannot put out of your mind.

I wish you a great Friday and weekend.

See you later.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. sorry about the earrings.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of February, 2016.

This morning my mind has been racing to many different places ….. islands …. home …. work …. everywhere.

So I wanted to share a poem that I wrote several years ago.

Peace out my friends and have a great great day.

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

 

IN MY IMAGINATION

In my mind, there is a place

Where the sun shines all day

And it rains some nights

Where the tulips bloom to my delight

Where the water is crystal clear

And sparkles like diamonds in the sun

Where peace is not just a dream.

In my mind, there is a place

In my imagination

I found my dreams they all came true

I could touch the stars

And walk on the moon,  and then visit Mars.

In my mind, there is a place

In my imagination

I met you there on a sandy beach

When the sun was shining just before the rain

You took my hand, and you kissed my cheek

In my imagination.

In my imagination.

In my mind, there is a place

In my imagination

Somewhere that I can go

Kick off my shoes, walk in the sand

Meet you again in my imagination

Under the stars

In my imagination

Please remember to go

Meet me there

In my mind, there is a place.

 

Written by Carol Yvonne Lewis, January 8th, 2010

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 21st day of December, 2015.

YAY, there are only 3 days left until Christmas EVE.

Both Alvin and I are super excited this Christmas.

We are travelling a short distance to spend Christmas with my daughter, his sister and my son-in-law and his brother-in-law and the grand-puppies, his niece and nephew.

YAY, Spruce Grove here we come.

Just a few days ….

Christmas dinner will be catered.

Can you believe it?

I feel so pampered and blessed.

We even get to pack a bag …… how cool is that …. a sleepover.

Visiting and playing games and relaxing …. that will be my Christmas.

How wonderful is that?

 

The next few days will zoom by …..

Next thing we know it … Christmas will be here.

Today is the cookie exchange at work.

3 dozen iced sugar cookies will be on their way shortly to the office.

Thank goodness that I am able to catch a ride with my neighbour.

 

I am all ready for the big day.

So excited.

 

All my family and friends that I cannot see for this holiday season you hold a special place in my heart and mind.

I think of you each day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.

Merry Christmas to each of you and the most wonderful New Year.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Pack up those cookies ….. and lunch, too.

 

Special Hello to:  YOU ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Cookies for work.

The fudge wanted to get into the photo with the cookies…..

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of November, 2015.

Remembering my brother today on what would have been his 52nd Birthday.

Happy Birthday dear one……

 

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day ….. this week is all about remembering.

Memories of loved ones.

Many of whom passed way before they even had a chance to live.

 

I think of all those young men and women who entering the military thinking of adventure and of serving their country.

Likely they did both although I am certain the adventure part was not what they had in mind.

So this week you are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

To their families who miss them every day of every year, you are also in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

 

Thank you.  Thank you. Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: all those who gave their lives to keep us free.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of June, 2015.

Can you believe two more days and we are one week into June.

Crazy, hey.

Well it is also Friday morning.

The sun is shining and the sky is clear here in Edmonton.

There is also a bit of a breeze so it will be comfortable outside.

What are your plans for the weekend?

I hope that besides doing things around the house that you are able to relax and have fun.

No matter what is going on in your life ….. please always take some time for you.

If time is short ….. then just take 30 minutes.

It is so important to take time for yourself.

Just like sleeping rejuvenates the body.

Time to just “be in the moment” is healthy for the mind.

Often people are so wrapped up in running from one place to the other …. they forget themselves.

Tonight I was invited to a birthday party for some neighbours who live close by.

Tomorrow I am hosting a birthday party for another friend.

Lots of birthdays.

In between yard and house work followed by time for ME AND Mr. ALVIN.

Cannot forget my boy.

Well time to get the show on the road.

Mr. Alvin had me up again at 4:20 (actually before but I managed to get him to lay down for a few more minutes).

His clock seems to be off …. just a tad.

So of course because his Momma was “sleepy” …. we hit the sofa for a few extra zzzz’s.

Well I feel back into a dream ….. and the timer on the microwave woke me up.

It was a 45 minute lay down.

Okay I better get going.

Have an awesome Friday.

Special Hello to: all those celebrating a birthday during the month of June.

Always, Carol and Alvin