Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! I can smell the coffee perking as I type these words. Oh, how I love the smell of coffee bubbling away. How are you this morning? We were at our normal times but when we got up just before six as Alvin wanted to eat his breakfast, I just could not stay up. I have been having the most unusual dreams as of late. All I remember is that I kept losing my purse and then I lost my phone. I have had the dream where I keep losing my purse. Does that mean “loss of money?” I have no idea and perhaps it is just the insecurity of losing something that I am not quite aware of! After clicking on the snooze button a couple of times, I bounced up from the sofa. I placed Mr. Alvin on my shoulder and carried him upstairs. Earlier when we got out of bed – he let out a cry and I do not know why. It was dark in the room and I could not see what exactly was going on. Upstairs, I brushed my teeth, washed my face, moisturized, put on my eyebrows and got dressed before scooping the boy up once again for the return trip downstairs. Once again on the main floor, I filled his water bottle, grabbed my sunglass clips, his harness (put on his harness), grabbed his leash and my sweater with pockets and my keys. Once outside on the porch, I locked the door while keeping him on a short leash so that I could again carry him down the steps. He did not seem to be limping or in any sort of pain so perhaps he just got scared in the darkness – maybe he thought I was going to step on him – or maybe he twisted the wrong way when he climbed off the bed onto the padded bench at the foot of our bed. Outside we both breathed in the fresh morning air. So refreshing and wonderful. He sniffed and I sniffed as we walked along. Just inside the park, he stopped and looked away and I looked in that direction to see someone coming fast on a bike, thankfully he looked as I had been watching him and did not see the bike. I would have stepped right into the path. After that – he walked for a little bit – stopped – looked around and we headed for home. There was no swaying his decision this time. So off we went. A shorter walk but a walk all the same. Then we were home, I scooped him up and set him on the porch landing before unlocking the front door.

Once again home sweet home. I think the temperatures are on the rise once again. The weekend is supposed to be hot again. Yesterday I booked Friday afternoon off as my brother and his partner are coming for a visit on their way to Manitoba with stops at our sister’s in Regina. It will be great to see them again, seems like forever.

Time.

I received a phone call yesterday from the Vet stating that the new wet food for Mr. Alvin was now in stock. After work, I borrowed my neighbour’s car and went to pick it up. I was not surprised as they had previously mentioned the higher cost. The previous urinary SO diet wet food was almost $65 for a case of 12 cans and now the Liver Care wet food is $98. Quite the difference. His dry food is on backorder and I can only get a large bag of that which is $150.00. So quite the jump in his food costs. But I am so grateful that he did not require surgery or something else. I will consider myself lucky. I guess this is a good time to give up sugar as treats will be just that, a treat for once in awhile.

Well time to head downstairs and have some coffee before starting work.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

The morning air seems a bit cooler than yesterday. Most of the leaves on our tree out front are yellow and are now on the ground. Looking like a photo op and a raking job for the weekend. We are into FALL and the weather has been great. The sky is clear and at night the moon is bright and some stars are visible (some might be satellites). I think on this Thursday that some cute photos are on the agenda, what do you think. My daughter helped me with some additional memory so now I should be able to download/upload photos and will also have the storage for my 40,000+ photos on the computer without any worries. I am so grateful for her guidance and support, always. Let me see if I can figure out how to do photos in this new wordpress.

I did watch the U.S. Vice-Presidential Debate last night. It was not the major theatrical event that the Presidential Debate was but the Vice-President did run over his time allotment each and every time he spoke. He was a bully but in a more civilized manner. Interesting though.

Well that was not too bad and I actually like the way it now works although likely next time I will have forgotten the steps but after a few tries, I will remember. Mr. Alvin is sneezing wanting my attention, perhaps to go outside so will have to cut this short.

I hope that you enjoy some photos. Some are from this summer and others from Christmas and other times. Of Mr. Alvin, my grandpups Milo and Miss Aspen, Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sis Kobi, our neighbour and friend Humphrey. Whoops forgot Bogart, he will make the next photo spread. Then some older FALL photos, just because.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

May you have a lovely day. Be surrounded by loved ones and laughter. Be kind and respectful to all you meet. Reach out to a friend or family member that you have been missing during this COVID time. Take care and be safe.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, can you believe it is Thursday, September 5th, 2019?

Almost one week into September.

Close to the official day of FALL or Autumn.

I remain home with the boy.

After 26 hours without diarrhea (which was what the Vet had wanted) and while I was on the phone with the Vet’s Assistant; the only time that I had left him alone outside he had D.

I was glad that I had decided to check once I was off the phone.

We had a pretty quiet evening.

I knew that he really wanted to go for a walk but cleaning up D is not fun and not easy to do.

So we had a quiet evening.

He had his bland diet and was not happy when I had a vegetable stir fry with his fav vegetables but they have to be eaten.

I feel so badly for him and he is being so strong and shows little frustration with it all.

After that phone call (at 5:00 p.m.) and my find in the yard; I called the clinic back once again and asked to have his Dr. call me back.

When she was finished with her patients she called back.

I explained what happened and was told …. it has only been a short time on the medication …. we have to give it time to work.

Dr. K said that if there was no change meaning he had not had a regular bowel movement – it would be back to have blood work done to get to the bottom of things.

Bedtime went per norm.

Keeping the time close to our regular time.

He woke up at 2:08 a.m. ….. not sure why.

Seemed like he wanted to go downstairs and possibly outside, so down we went.

I grabbed my sweater and flip flops and out we went.

He just stood and breathed in the night air.

No signs of distress, I attempted to coax him to come down to the grass but to no avail.

So back into the house.

This time I decided to just crash on the sofa.

No point going back upstairs.

I do not remember if it was 5 something or closer to 6 when we woke up and went back outside.

Only peed.

Back into the house and then had his first meal of the day and his meds.

I am thankful that I purchased two packages of chicken on Sunday and froze one (as yesterday I had to cook the second one).

After that …. outside….

Nothing ….

Back to the sofa for bit more sleep.

Up around 7:45 or so and decided to get dressed and go for a walk.

He had been sitting in his chair and was watching the children out on their way to school.

Other pups out for walks.

So I decided that it would be worth the fresh air for both of us although we have been spending quite a lot of time outside.

So dressed and ready and out the door.

The coolness of the morning air felt so refreshing on our faces as we strolled down the sidewalk toward the park.

We were not at the park for more than a couple of minutes and he took the pooping stance.

I held my breath.

Then without further …. out came D, this time no gas, no flying through the air.

I guess that is an improvement.

I cleaned it up as good as I could …. thankfully I had taken paper towel and several extra bags.

Just after I had wiped his bum with paper towel … a young boy on a bike came over to where we were and said “I like your dog, is it a he or a she.”

I replied “he and his name is Alvin.”

We had a nice conversation ….. I told him that Alvin was not feeling well but not catchy for him.

He said that he had a cat and wanted to pet Alvin.

Which he gently did.

We chatted about school …. he was going into grade 5.

When I asked which school he was attending …. he said the name that I had not heard of and pointed to the south.

Then he said …. no it is ….. and mentioned that he has moved a few times and forgot.

Poor little guy.

It was nice.

We continued for a couple of minutes together him on his bike and us walking.

He said “thank you I enjoyed our chat.”

Wow, from a grade five boy …. must be an old soul.

I was glad to have some conversation not about diarrhea.

 

Well I guess we are back to it.

I need coffee ….. and in less than one hour it will be time for Alvin’s second small meal of the day.

I sure hope that by the end of this day things are different and that the poop is good.

Never so much talk of poop in my life ….

 

I am grateful for the sunshine as it has made our time at home in and out of the house much easier.

Feeling a bit frustrated but trying to be patient and keep positive thoughts rattling round my brain.

We never know what is coming round the corner, do we?

I guess all we can do is our best …. be kind and respectful …..

Patience ….. having patience is important.

 

As I laid on the sofa earlier, the blinds were open enough to see our front tree.

I noted how many of the leaves had already started to turn yellow.

In that moment I was watching the leaves and branches sway gently in the breeze.

It seemed as though time had stood still for just that one moment in time.

In that moment life was perfection.

Alvin was laying in his chair … in his happy place.

I was taking in the view.

Life was perfect.

 

Wishing you all a happy Thursday.

Time for coffee, I think.

 

Being kind and respectful to yourself is just as important as it is to be toward others.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

It is the first full day of my 2019 VACATION.

I feel like jumping and down and screaming it to the world.

So happy.

Can you tell?

Yes, I am so excited to be on vacation.

I wanted to sleep in a bit.

Alvin was up at 3:28 a.m. so we moved from bedroom to living sofa where we remained until 6:53 a.m.

I was thinking “Really” this is my vacation …. I would like to sleep until 7:30 a.m. – so I did.

Then up threw a coat over my nightgown and out the door to go and look after Cinder and Humphrey.

When I had finished everything – I asked Humphrey if he wanted to come home with me and see Alvin.

He ran over to the steps going to their upstairs and waited for me to slightly bend over and scoop him up.

He perched himself on my shoulder and I am glad that I had my coat back on …. because he was holding on.

So locked the house and went back home.

At home the boys are like it has always been this situation.

They do well together.

As I have mentioned before Alvin has just a bit of uncertainty about Humphrey to make it a perfect relationship.

Hi Humphrey who has just joined us.

 

Last night after I arrived home from work, did the usual, let Alvin outside, got changed, we went for a walk, brought Alvin home and then went to pick up Humphrey.

He spent the evening with us.

Made a huge salad for supper and I must say that I love my thrown together homemade salad dressing.

No recipe that I can even share.

Just after I had eaten and finished the dishes the phone rang and I saw that it was my friend V from Saskatchewan.

She had left me a message on my cell but I was busy and had not noticed.

Instructions to go and pick up the mail …..

We all know what that means.

A parcel.

In this case …. an early Birthday parcel.

Grabbed my keys, locked the house so that the fur babies could not escape and ran to the mailboxes.

Okay, perhaps that was a stretch, no running but walking quickly.

Lots of flyers in the mailbox along with a key to the BIG BOX.

Quickly picked up the parcel locked the mail boxes and was on my way home.

Once inside the house – Mr. Alvin started to get excited.

He knows all about those boxes and very likely he could smell the contents.

So I quickly went about opening the box with Humphrey and Alvin standing by not so quietly, especially my boy.

First thing was to locate his special treat from our friend and then grab my phone to video him opening his present.

OMG, so cute.

Wishing that I could show you the video.

If you follow me on INSTAGRAM @  carolylewis

You can see the video with Alvin opening his treat.

After he was finished I gave him some of the treat and then proceeded to the rest of the box which was filled to the brim with all sorts of sweet homemade delectable treats.

Two kinds of cinnamon buns, cheese buns and regular buns, chocolate biscotti and some other bought sweet treats.

 

As I was opening my packages – Alvin had taken the box that I had set beside the pantry door on the floor and pulled it over to where the photos are which is a few feet.

He was looking for more treats.

I laughed so hard, what a boy.

Photos above are of my sweet treats.

What a decision to have to make?

It was lucky that I had a salad for supper.

So in the end I had a cinnamon bun and one chocolate biscotti.

Heaven …. truly.

 

The fragrance emmanting from these gorgeous lilies is intoxicating.

Humphrey and AL relaxing last night.

Pleasant surprise as the solar light inserted in one of my flower pots came alive last night.

The colours were glorious.

 

Well time to have breakfast and get these boys outside into the backyard to enjoy some fresh air.

Wishing my niece-in-law “S” a very Happy Birthday.

Wishing my friend “K” a very Happy Birthday.

So many August Birthdays.

Happy Birthday ….

 

If you spend each moment treating others with kindness and respect then you will be living your life with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & ALvin and Humphrey.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Woke up well not the first time at 3:30 when it was still dark but the next time at 5:09 a.m.; there was a strange beautiful golden glow out of the living room window.

Now at 6:18 a.m. the sky is beginning to cloud as was in the forecast.

Sometimes they can be right on the money.

The air has a slight coolness which is helped by the breeze.

I opened the windows upstairs and down to bring in that lovely coolness.

I love the morning air.

The way it tips lightly upon one’s cheek.

Lovingly chasing across your eyelashes.

Kissing your face as you move about …

I love the early mornings.

When there is quiet and stillness.

Through the office window I only hear the whir of cars in the distance and the swish of the trees blowing in the wind.

I love the sound of almost nothing.

How calming and wonderful.

I can imagine myself standing by the trees with the leaves swishing around me.

How wonderful.

Well that golden sky has pretty much disappeared at this point.

Some moisture is good.

I noticed that even though we have had some rain … the back grass area is still on the dry side.

I was thinking that I should water it but will wait and see what happens today with the rain.

 

Last night after supper about 7:00 p.m. – Mr. Alvin and I went for a walk.

It was a bit on the warm side but I took him some water and we walked slowly.

Well I did … Alvin ran ahead as always.

Yes, he is wearing his harness and leash.

We do not leave home without it.

Cannot lose my boy.

I noticed the geese on the pond by our park.

They were swimming in a single line.

Papa, Mama and the goslings.

Or at least that is the order that I imagine.

Definitely the babies were behind.

What a glorious sight.

 

Perhaps wearing a long dress on a forecasted rainy day good idea or not?

Oh well ….

I am dressed now.

 

Well likely time to go and close the windows before the rain begins.

I wish you much joy on this Tuesday.

May your heart and words be filled with kindness.

It does take work but the payoff is tremendous.

Have an awesome day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of July, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly and there remains a bit of coolness from the night air.

I have the windows open so that we can cool off the house.

It is already begin to warm up.

Today is to be a warm one and tomorrow even more so.

I love the weekends.

Time at home with Alvin.

Time to fuss with my flowers and garden.

Time to do things around the house.

Having your one house is wonderful.

I will admit that sometimes having everything to do myself – can be a bit much but at the end of the day – it is all worthwhile.

I LOVE my house.

 

We are preparing for our company.

Plans changed and everyone is staying here.

Have lots to do so that it is all done as they arrive Tuesday evening and I work Wednesday.

It will be great to see everyone.

Following the company will be my mini vacation with my daughter …. just a few days but I am so excited to get away.

 

Alvin has his regular Vet appointment for nails and such this morning.

Followed by a hair cut and bath by his Momma.

Laundry to finish.

Bedding.

Grass to cut.

The list is long but that is okay …. it will get done.

I have two days, I have the weekend.

 

Life is life.

Plans change.

I have found that much better to go with the flow than to stew too much.

Oh, do not get me wrong, I still can stew with the best of them.

But it is usually short lived.

Just like work.

I plan to get this and that done and ten minutes into it – I have a million phone calls, an unexpected meeting or unexpected clients arrive at the office and need to see me.

That is life.

Right.

 

Have an awesome day.

Just enjoying life.

I hope that you are as well.

 

Well time to fly.

Have an awesome Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister – just three sleeps – the countdown is on.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day…..

As I type this message, the morning air surrounding me is quiet (except for the hum of an airplane flying over head).

I love the mornings all quiet and stuff.

Always remember to take some time and just be quiet.

Good to quiet the mind.

RELAX.

Blessings to all.

Have a great day.

Always, Carol