2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you today? It is a cool bright sunny morning here in Edmonton with a temperature of 10 degrees celsius. Very refreshing. This will be a brief post as I am upstairs on the computer. I had some banking to do this morning and of course, Mr. Alvin is not happy and has been barking since I came upstairs. Does not help with my ever increasing anxiety. I am thinking at this rate, I will be taking medicine soon, lol. He does not bark every morning but for some reason this morning …. he is and he has the most down to the bones frustrating as I cannot think of a word to describe it at this moment. Anyway, not pleasant to listen to. We did not sleep well. Bed at 10 p.m. and up at 2:50 a.m. and then outside twice and back to bed (on main floor) at 3:30. He woke up at 5:52 a.m. and had his breakfast and back outside. I just needed more sleep so back to sleep although I am pretty sure that he did not sleep. If I could just have some decent sleep it would make things so much more easier to deal with. But alas I feel that it is not in my cards.

I am going to give him his next round of meds right away here and then go for a quick walk before starting work. Coffee is definitely going to be my best friend today.

I am so grateful to my friend Gillian for going and picking up Alvin’s medicine yesterday. If I did not have such great kids and friends, I would be in some serious trouble.

Looks like tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday are going to be in the 30’s. Won’t that be lovely. I am going to give Mr.Alvin a haircut this evening and then just a sponge bath to remove any extra hair. Otherwise it will be brutal giving him a haircut when it is so hot.

Well I must go before he has a coronary – is that even possible with dogs. OR else his Momma may have.

I think that the windows are open downstairs so the neighbours or anyone going by will hear his cries and think he is in trouble. What a guy!

Anyway, I wish you a great day. Things will get better. I sure hope so anyway.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! Well my boy sure has had some challenges in the last six months or the first half of 2021. Let’s hope that the second half of 2021 is more kind to my little guy.

it has been interesting adjusting to this new norm. I feel like we are living in a two room apartment with access to another floor to get dressed and do my blog. I am grateful that we have a main floor bathroom. Alvin does not like staying in his little gated area by the front door while I go into hyperdrive doing whatever I need to do upstairs.

He is semi adjusting to my lifting him up from the sofa to the floor and visa versa and up and down the steps to the grass area. The grass was beginning to be green again after the rain but after one hot day it is looking a bit brown.

We definitely have to work on his staying on the main floor while I slip upstairs as he is in his gated area while I am getting ready and typing this post and he is BARKING. OMG, I pray that he calms down over the next few months.

My flowers appear to be peaking and are so pretty. I hope they last till September.

I guess lifting him up snd down will build up my arm strength and maybe more muscle, lol.

I feel so bad for Alvin. Cannot imagine the pain ge is experiencing. Thank goodness for pain meds. Poor guy has bouts of gas and poor Momma when downwind to that smell. I shall miss the fragrance of the roses near the park as it Will beautiful long time before we are walking again.

For the next two and a half months we are housebound. I’m going to have to incorporate some exercise into my days as I find myself sitting more than usual. Mainly to keep the boy still and to make sure he doesn’t jump up or off the sofa. He did get away once this morning and I grabbed him at the third stair as he realized that it wasn’t as easy as usual. So carried him up and back down. Very carefully.

I am grateful that I booked an appointment to have a/c serviced on the 14th as temperatures are warming up but thankfully not the high 30’s.

Well time to go.

I hope you have a great Thursday.

Remembering to live each day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always, we are Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Monday morning? I hope that you had an awesome weekend. Both Alvin and I are well. We are a bit sleep deprived or at least I am. Not sure what is up with the boy but we went to bed at our usual time, then up at 2:30, then 4:14, then basically every half hour until I finally stayed up at 6:30 a.m. I hope that he is okay. He does not appear to be in pain. Perhaps he had too much sleep. When I go out in a bit to pick up the poop, that might tell a different story. I should have gone out with him earlier to check. But I was so tired that I just could not. I guess that does not make me a very good pack leader or momma. I will keep an eye on him today and see if anything is out of norm with him. He is giving me that look and perhaps his eyes do not look their usual selves. Oh, how I hope and pray that he is okay. We cannot go through anything major. Now as it was cooler and windy we did not go for a walk so perhaps that is bothering him. I honestly do not know. Will just tryin to keep positive energy going to Mr. Alvin.

Yesterday five people celebrated birthdays that I personally know. Two were relatives and two live nearby. How cool is that?

The sky is clear this morning as the sun rises. The temperature is to be in single plus temperatures for today, I believe unless the forecast changed which is entirely possible. The next two weeks are going to be all over the place with respect to weather with even some snow flurries a possibility. Yikes. Oh well, Mother Nature will get this out of her system before settling into the summer weather. I have noticed that the bunnies are more and more brown with each sighting. We saw a robin on the weekend. That is always a good sign.

Well I have to go downstairs, sorry for another short post. I will leave with you with some beautiful photos.

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  Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels.com

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  Photo by Poodles 2Doodles on Pexels.com

Continuing to life this life with Kindness, Respect, Compassion and Patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 28th day of March, 2019.

Can you believe that March is almost over?

Can you believe that April is at the end of this weekend?

Yikes.

Time surely does fly.

 

I would like to share some great news with all you Alvin and Humphrey fans.

Our friend Humphrey the Cat who had surgery last fall and has had to wear that dreaded cone since that time is HEALING properly according to the Surgeon.

My friend took him there yesterday to be checked.

He can now go without the cone in the evening or whenever she is at home.

Now Mr. Humphrey has perhaps the softest cone on the planet as his Momma is most considerate of him.

So we are so happy for them.

One day in the not too distant future he will be able to be CONE FREE.

Such great news.

 

Last night I had our “AGM” – Annual General Meeting for our work Union.

One of my co-workers gave me a ride to the meeting and another gave me a ride home.

Humphrey and his Momma came over and stayed with Mr. Alvin.

Not only did she do that right after she got home from work – she took Mr. Alvin for a nice long walk.

I am so grateful to her.

He slept really good last night waking up at 4:28 a.m. this morning and not his usual 2:45 a.m. or about.

So note to self – always good to take a more brisk longer walk.

A few good walks and we will be on our way to shedding this winter bulk.

Perhaps more than a few but we are on our way.

Smiling ……

 

Well getting close to time to leave for work.

I had better sign off.

I hope that you had an awesome day.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful two and four-legged friends.

Feeling blessed.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Hello.

ALWAYS, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of March, 2019.

YAY, it is the weekend.

 

I am so excited for this weekend.

Alvin is going to his sister’s house tonight after work, and I am spending some time with my cousins.

No matter who you live with – always a good idea to take a break from each other.

I am so excited to see my cousins.

 

We have so been enjoying this weather.

Walking on a regular basis – every night.

Longer than usual – we need to.

Doing the Happy Spring Dance.

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

How about an Alvin story from his first year with me.

 

September 27, 2010 – Alvin slept thru the night !!!

Just when I was almost getting used to getting up at 2:30 or 3:30 in the morning, the PUPPY surprised his Momma this morning and awoke at 6:40 a.m.  YAY.

Isn’t life grand.  Guess cause it was a Monday morning?  Not sure his reasons but I am most happy.  Up until last night or early this morning, Alvin has been waking up and wanting to go outside anywhere from 2:30 – 4:00 in the morning.  I have been getting up and taking him outside.  My reason is:  if the puppy wants to go outside, which he does, I am certain he has a good reason, which he did.

I did lay my foot down and did not “cave” and feed him breakfast when it was that early.  Instead we retreated to the sofa which is what we have been doing for months.  Alvin’s usual time of waking up is between 4:30 – 6:00.  But after over thirty years of having to arise early for work, which years ago included getting Amanda ready for the day …… I really like to sleep in a bit.  After all, I thought 8:00 was a good time to get up.  Oh my Alvin, keeps me on my toes.  Lately he is off schedule. Perhaps he is figuring we should mix things up a bit.  I cannot blame him for that….. after all his Momma is a writer and jewelry maker & designer so I am mixing things up all the time.

I love my Alvin.  As soon as I get ready and pop a load of laundry in the washer we are off on a walk.  We try and go every morning and every night.  We miss the odd one but are pretty faithful.  Good for our minds, bodies and souls.  Today we are going to pick up my grand-puppies, Elton and Miss Penny.  They will be spending the day with us.  So it will be fun and busy.

Have a great day !!

Always, Carol

 

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Alvin and Penny ….. back in the day …..

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I am so excited to spend the weekend visiting with my cousins.

Remember we all have interesting stories to tell.

Your story is just as important as mine.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend W who has encouraged me for years to write.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of March, 2019.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Everyone.

I love my “green” roots, er I mean heritage.

Someone might think I dyed my hair, which could have been a possibility.

The sun is slow to rise this morning but gradually the sky is clearing.

Happy Birthday to all of our friends who celebrate a birthday today.

TW, DH, BW and AD.

What a great day to have a birthday …. St. Patrick’s Day.

Today we are celebrating my daughter and Alvin’s sister’s birthday.

We are a few days late but sometimes schedules clash.

Excited to be celebrating her birthday today on St. Patrick’s Day.

I am making a fruit pizza for the party so will be getting that going in a little bit.

 

Have to relay some Alvin and Friends stories from yesterday.

Yesterday was a busy day with Alvin’s regular vet appointment, grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning around the house.

I just happened to be outside trying to chip away at some ice later in the afternoon (as had just spent two hours cleaning out my INBOX on email, argh) when I spotted Alvin’s girl friend Abi.

Abi was with her Aunt “A” and they were coming down the sidewalk out for a walk.

We chatted for a minute and then Alvin saw them from inside the house.

I asked if they would like to come in for a minute to say hi.

After a quick visit, I decided that we should just suck it up and go for a walk.

We found that walking on the other side of the street from our house; well it was not too bad.

A bit wet but very little ice.

We ended up going for a really long walk.

The first one of this length all winter.

It was great.

Alvin was so happy to see his girl friend.

Must be an age thing as he was less “engaging” as he used to be in his young.

At the vet they said he is like a 60 year old based on his years and the chart ???

Anyway they walked side by side.

Comfortable.

Just arrived home and received a call to see if it was okay for Humphrey to come now (5:15 p.m.).

Absolutely.

I took some cute photos of the boys (this time was more prepared to get those shots that don’t always come around).

Who knew ….

 

I was not quite fast enough to get Humphrey drinking out of Alvin’s water bowl.

The boys resting on the sofa.

 

Alvin, thinking well I guess he’s laying on my sofa.

Every visit they become more comfortable with each other.

Yesterday Humphrey walked up to Alvin and just lightly touched his face.

Alvin was a bit nervous but it all worked out.

All under the careful watch of the MOMMA.

Can you believe how close they were laying to each other.

Best Saturday night company ever.

Oh these boys.

Alvin and Friends.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have toast and coffee to make and drink and a FRUIT PIZZA to make.

Whoops, I had better get out of these pj’s.

 

Have an awesome St. Patrick’s Day.

Special Hello to: anyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 13th day of March, 2019.

Another GORGEOUS day on the way.

Alvin and I are loving this weather.

Each night we are taking in a nice long walk.

We are feeling much better and are no longer “too fat” to fly as I like to say.

Not only do the walks help with the extra winter weight.

Which I think has actually accumulated over the past couple (saying very loosely) of winters.

But walking helps our mind, body and spirit connection.

My mind is always more clear.

Walking is food for my soul.

Walking brings great joy to my body and spirit, my soul.

I always feel as though I could conquer the world, when I walk on a regular basis.

We have that connection to NATURE ….. birds, water, trees, SNOW…..

Yup, even snow.

As we age, and there is no way around it (definitely not the alternative) – walking is so important.

Always it is a source of socializing.

We always meet someone walking around the lake and during our walk.

We need to socialize more.

It is definitely something that is being lost with the advent of the new “smart phones” and “social media.”

They all play a role of course but socializing and meeting people is a HUMAN thing.

Right.

If we were not meant to socialize to some degree …. there would not be any humans on this earth.

By socializing I do not meant “party hearty” ….. but communicate ….. share knowledge via speaking ….. share feelings and thoughts ….. and DREAMS.

I love our walks and will continue to walk until I can no longer walk and that will be the day that I leave this earth.

 

Last night we invited Humphrey to spend the evening with us as his Momma is not feeling well.

He has the best poses ever.

Humphrey just chilling at our house.

 

What a cutie.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday.

Remember walking is so good for your body, mind and spirit.

Special Hello to: all our friends two legged and more.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 29th day of November, 2018.

I cannot believe, I simply cannot believe that Saturday will be the first day of December, 2018.

Truly where has this year gone.

Sometimes it feels as though so much has happened that I barely remember everything.

Other times feels as though the year has passed so quickly that I have not accomplished everything.

Did I have a plan?

Er, mm, not really.

Then perhaps 2019 I should have a plan.

Doesn’t have to be cast in stone.

But something.

Writing it down is likely a good idea.

That would give me some rough timelines to follow.

Food for thought.

I know that I am likely not alone in these thoughts.

 

Well yesterday was icy in our neighbourhood but outside on the main roads, not so bad.

I was pleasantly surprised.

My carpool drove up part way on the sidewalk in the morning (and at night) so that I could walk from the lawn to the truck.

I had kicked some snow from the lawn to the sidewalk with hopes of creating some traction.

It did help but I found the sidewalks icy.

Funny thing though.

Last night.

So many folks were walking by all night long and did not appear to be slipping and sliding.

I do not know.

 

Last night Humphrey was going to come for a visit but his Momma took him with her to work.

Yup Humphrey the Cat was downtown Edmonton in an office.

He even took his first ride in an elevator.

He had an accident …..

Otherwise he did great and was a huge hit with the staff.

He is going back today.

Anyway back to last night.

Humphrey was going to be spending last night and tonight with us.

I was going to pick him up after I got home from work and then take him home when I went to bed.

But as he went to work he was pooped.

So I just went and spent some time with him.

1/2 hour twice over the course of the evening.

He pretty much slept the whole time.

He has a new CONE of SILENCE and it is pink and oh so soft.

So he was comfy, cozy.

I stroked his face and top of his head as he laid there sleeping and purring.

So content.

I believe that he actually was enjoying the attention.

His Momma was concerned as he has been trying to lick his surgical wound.

He was beat.

I am quite certain after his adventure yesterday that he was simply pooped.

So happy that he is really comfy.

He has to wear the cone for I think another two weeks for a crazy total of 8-10 weeks.

Alvin was disappointed that Humphrey did not come over.

He finally settled down.

I sure hope that we can get rid of this ice so that me and the old fart (oh, Mr. Alvin) can go for a stroll, a walk.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you all have an awesome Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back home who cooks up a storm everyday.  Perhaps we should speak to her about the weather???  Just kidding.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 26th day of September, 2018.

Today is the birthday of my favourite son-in-law.

Okay, I know he is my only son-in-law but he is still my favourite.

Alvin and I want to WISH him the best day.

We are looking forward to seeing him on Saturday for a party.

YAY.

Alvin has done all of the planning and he is so proud.

So excited.

 

Last night it was absolute perfection.

I got out my capri “sweats” and wore only a long sleeved denim shirt (no JACKET) and sandals.

YAY, so nice.

The air was warm, the birds were hanging out, folks were out walking with their pups, the leaves were so happy for the warmth that they were proudly displaying their greens.

The fountain was still flowing in our neighbourhood pond/lake.

Love the sound of water, like that.

I remarked to Mr. Alvin about the colour of one of the bushes by the lake it was a delectable green with pink coloured berries.

So so pretty.

There are some yellow, orange and red leaves for sure.

It was a perfect evening.

We so enjoyed our walk.

Our friends were out in the back yard preparing for the next season.

Even in FALL their yard is beautiful …. still some flowers blooming.

We stopped and had a nice visit.

 

Well almost time to put the finishing touches on before heading out to work.

Alvin is once again tucked up by my legs  ….. he does love his Momma.

So cute.

 

Have an awesome day.

No matter what lies ahead of you.

Just take it one step, one file, one job, one chore, one thing at a time.

That is all we can do.

It sometimes can feel daunting and overwhelming but in the immortal words of a wee character from one of my favourite Christmas (animated) movies: put one foot in front of the other and soon

you’ll be walking out the door…

 

Words to live by.

Special Hello to: my son-in-law …. Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 2nd day of August, 2018.

YAY, officially on VACATION.

Seems like I have been waiting forEVER.

We are having a GRAND time here at my house.

Alvin has settle in with the company.

My sister spent most of the day with Alvin yesterday while the rest of the gang went to St. Albert.

My niece-in-law’s brother and family live in nearby St. Albert.

WIN WIN for everyone.

Alvin had some quiet time with the Aunt.

The sister saw her brother.

The cousins visited.

The brothers reunited.

The elder of the three great nephews had been away visiting grandparents in British Columbia.

The heat may have finally cracked.

It has been very hot and hot in our house.

We managed to keep it somewhat cool with a fan and opening windows when it is cool.

Last night after the gang arrived back to the RANCH we sat on the deck and just enjoyed the coolness of the night air.

The night sky was alive with sheets of lightning.

Then out of the distance came the thunder.

The elder nephew pointed out the speed that the clouds were rolling in from the EAST.

Out of nowhere the wind picked up.

We made a quick decision to move the flower pots and furniture on the deck within somewhat of protection of the fence and the house.

The smaller boys picked up their toys, the ladies grabbed drinks and we ran into the house.

Then the heavens opened up and it RAINED.

When we looked out the front window it was coming down in sheets and the trees seemed to bend in two forced by the wind.

At one point there was this crack of thunder so loud that we ALL jumped.

Oh, did I tell you that they surprised me with an early BIRTHDAY PRESENT.

This cool space aged looking black TOWER electric FAN that you can program to come on at certain times.

Mr. Alvin will be so happy.

His Momma was so happy.

Even had the elder Nephew with help from his Momma set it all up.

So thoughtful and what a perfect gift.

 

Well we elder gals are up as is Alvin.

Alvin and I were up earlier as you know he has to eat and stuff.

I guess after a quick breakfast – we “elder” gals are going to make a little run to the grocery store.

The others will sleep unless Alvin wakes them up …. actually only one will be in Alvin’s line of fire and that is the elder nephew as he crashed on the sofa.

 

PERFECT vacation.

Everything is working out great.

Time for breakfast, then shopping and then COFFEE.

 

I hope that you all are having a great Thursday.

Sometimes you do not have to PLAN things for them to be perfect.

Another lesson learned.

Never too old to learn.

Sometimes you just have to have faith that things will work out.

 

Special Hello to: YOU, thank you so much for taking time to read my thoughts and stories.  Much appreciated.

Always, Carol & Alvin