Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing pretty well. I will admit to feeling just a bit tired. Lights out at 10:00 p.m. last night and then we were up at 2:00 a.m. and then up to stay up at 5:30 a.m., so all in all not a bad night. I think that it will take a bit of time to get adjusted to this new normal and hopefully it will remain this way until I retire. Having some extra days at home is great and will be most appreciated come winter time. The coworker that I am carpooling with will be taking some vacation days in November and December to use up days before end of the year. I will need to secure another way to work for those days. Might be possible to take some of the same days off. There are others that have vacation time to use as well. So we will be even more short staffed for some time over the next few months. I was thinking about it being October 6th already and that I usually have my Christmas tree up and decorating the house starting on the first day of November, 2022,

I am excited for that time although I do not wish to rush the days away. Time to start hauling the “summer” ornaments/decorations to the basement and bringing up the rest of the fall items. My fall things go into Halloween. All works together.

Alvin did good yesterday. He could have drank more water but I understand. It was the first time that a “man” has come over to check on him. Usually it is a “woman” but as usual he was more interested in the food aspect than the actual visitor. Husam told me that he had been laying down when he arrived and after saying hello, Alvin led him to the kitchen and directed him to the top of the counter where his “treat” was waiting. I think it is going to take him a bit of getting used to different faces coming and going. Today my neighbour Sonja will take over the Alvin responsibilities for the rest of the week which is a change from the original plan. Whenever possible always better when it is Sonja as she knows Mr. Alvin the best. Also she is able to check on him more than once during the day which is great for my heart. It is difficult to leave your beloved pet home alone after he has got used to you being there 24/7. I am not sure how we did this before the pandemic but now he is almost 14 and that is a total different story. He needs to be able to go outside and pee, he needs to drink a certain amount of water each day. I will say this, I am so grateful to my friends in the neighbourhood for taking on this added responsibility. I do have the best friends and neighbours on the planet. This is a fact.

Alvin was even more clingy last night and I am sure that will be the case from now on.

Back to the office for the second day in a row for this month. I will say that the noise level during the day is too much, too many distractions, and listening to people coughing and such, does not give me a good sense of well being. Definitely going to take some adjustment but if this is what has to be, then I will just suck it up and get it done. I know that at least I do not have to work for too much longer which is good to know. I am grateful that we have two days at home each week and hopefully they will leave that the way it is.

The best part of going back to the office honestly is free coffee.

Time to head back downstairs and take Mr. Alvin outside for one last pee before I leave for work.

I am grateful that I am carpooling with a gal from work. That is so great.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: tomorrow ride home with my daughter and she will be staying for a sleepover which means I have a long list of things to do this evening, yay. I cannot wait.

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? We are back to normal. Yesterday after we went downstairs in the morning, after the blog was written, Mr. Alvin started to shake and pant. This continued for most of the day. He did not even rush or bark for his food. At his breakfast he ate it with no problem. That was at 6:00 a.m. It was about 10:00 a.m. that our day changed. Out of the blue. It was so odd. I am not sure if it was a combination of the heat from the day, perhaps the arthritis in his legs/paws, I do not know. But I am over the moon happy that this morning he was right in there to eat his breakfast. He has one more day of antibiotics remaining. Fingers crossed and prayers going out that he remains in good health. We were up at 1:21 a.m. and then again at 3:00 a.m. but at that time we were sleeping on the sofa, so I managed to coax him to lay back down which he did after having a drink of water. My boy.

The moon has been full for the past few days. So big and bright in the morning and night sky. We will head out for a walk in a little bit. Tomorrow is back to the office for another day. I have been thinking about how much our work/life balance is going to change with the return to the office. Back to heading off to bed between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and up to stay at 5:00 a.m. AND returning home around 5:30 a.m. I am so grateful that I had these extra precious hours and days at home with Alvin for the past almost three years. Also just to be home and enjoying my home as well. Another new norm is rising. Are we up for yet another “new?” Not sure but for now it will be.

Life is so interesting when you sit back and look back all all the years and everything that has happened. Most of us “find ourselves doing something new” each and every day of our lives. Some folks seem to hunker down and stay unchanged for most of their days. Perhaps it is all in the mindset. Our thoughts become things. I must practise this more. I do find that my thoughts are not consistent about the things that I want and that is due in part to the life beat going on around me. Pretty hard to say that you love working from home and then have to return to work the next week. Still have to make plans for Alvin’s care and getting ready for work each day. I do struggle with this. How can I have my “thoughts become things” when my life is upside down or feels like it anyway? Hopefully I will figure it out soon. Also our actions play a role as well. They go hand in hand!

I miss the early morning sunrises and the late sunsets.

It would be wonderful to wake up in the morning and just be retired, with no mortgage, lots of money to live on comfortably and be home permanently with Mr. Alvin. That is my dream. Wake up on our own timetable. I think Mr. Alvin would have us up early for his breakfast but then we could head back to bed to wake up when my body wanted me to get up. That would be wonderful. We could walk anytime. We could stay up late or go to bed early. We could do whatever we wanted to do during the day. I could work in the garden in the mornings when it was hot. I would have all day to write, to scan photos, to go through all of the photos on my computer, to do so much. Just like a never ending vacation. That is my dream. Everyday would be a new adventure!

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

We are going to head out for a walk.

Dream, dream, dream. Thank you. I am grateful for my dreams.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? When I went outside this morning with Alvin at 5:00 a.m. the grass in the backyard was cold and crusty (frozen). So dark almost like the deep of night.

MORNINGS WITH ALVIN

When we wake and I follow you ouside.

The early morning is as the deep of night.

We walk across the deck,

You jump off at the low end and I take the steps.

We enter the grass area of the backyard.

Not too big,

Just enough for you, my Alvin.

You prefer to walk around and sniff.

Nothing new but sniff you do.

Wishing that I had remembered to buy batteries.

For the big flashlight,

As this small one brings me bent over to the ground.

To ensure that I did not miss picking up any poo,

Yes, poo from you.

Oh my Alvin,

Without you I would never have experienced the deep of night.

Out in the backyard.

This morning the stars were shining brightly in the sky.

Yes, we could see the stars.

There is nothing better than stars shining in the early morning sky.

The sky being so crystal clear.

I can see my breath and yours.

Thank you for bringing me outside to enjoy.

The early morning sky.

P.S. there are lots of middle of the night sky, too.

Thank you Alvin.

I love you.

Written by CY Lewis @ this morning October 26, 2021

Sometimes you just feel like writing a poem.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Time to go and make a pot of coffee and perhaps start work a bit earlier than usual.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Someone just had to be upstairs with me so I let him come upstairs (all by himself). I shall carry him down.

2021

Good Morning All! How are you this Friday morning? I am upstairs just having finished having a refreshing shower and getting ready for the day. Even popped on some sparkly earrings. I guess by the positiveness of this post in the first few words you can tell that I actually some sleep, we actually had some sleep. Nothing near perfection when when you are running on near empty, some is better than none. I am so grateful for the sleep and grateful that today is Friday, last day of work for the week. We did not get frost at my house but I cannot speak for the rest of the City of Edmonton. Last night after work I put my Callas Lily into the garage to protect her, just in case of frost. They were forecasting the possibility of such. Mr. Alvin is quiet at the moment. I think when I leave the upstairs hall light on, he barks as once I turned it off he has remained quiet. I decided to write my post from my computer this morning. Such a difference actually typing with both hands on a keyboard as opposed to a small screen and with one finger. I am looking at my poor little plants in my upstairs office and they will need a drink of water before I head back downstairs.

I am surprised at how many leaves remain green and by the amount of yellow leaves on the ground from my tree. It is that time of year and things can change quickly. We have increased our noon walks and after work to include the entrance to the park. Sometimes we sit down on the benches, well I sit on the bench and Alvin stays on the ground. Yesterday when we went for our walks, I found his sweater so he sported a sweater on our walk. The wind was brutally cold considering it is only September. I decided to stop the early morning walks as it does not get light until later and I do not like walking in the dark. Soon it will be dark later but with working from home we can get a walk in at lunchtime and if we go right after work, we should get at least a partial walk in. When I was in my bedroom getting ready, I was dreaming of sleeping in my bed. I cannot wait until that time. Alvin’s neck appears to be healing. He cries a lot less and allows me to pick him up and put him down from the sofa and going off the deck and the front steps for our walk without fussing.

Well the time is quickly passing and it is almost time for me to head downstairs. I have to put on the coffee to perk before I start work. I am so grateful that I am able to work from home. No commute has been amazing. To be able to walk at noon and after work and some days before work. Our days are a bit longer together because of this and I am so grateful. As we age, time together is so important. Which reminds me – I need to see some of my friends. Once Alvin is able to be left alone, I will sneak out for a coffee with my girls for a couple of hours. We all need our friends. Texting is not enough. I wished that I could see my sister and my friends from back home in Regina but between Alvin’s surgeries, that financial twist, and the Pandemic, I will have to wait yet another year.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday. Looks like the sun is going to shine. That is a good thing.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Nice to be able to properly categorize my posts and use tags properly. Someone I have not figured that part out using my iPhone, guess not too smart that phone is or maybe the user. LOL.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? It is getting more bright with every passing morning. The sky looks so pretty with the pale hues of oranges, pinks and yellows as they blend into the soft blue of the morning sky. I love sunrises. They are the beginning and that suits me fine. The beginning of something is always better than the end. Our temperatures are warming and that is a blessing for sure. I have a cousin that is married to an American girl, and they live in Houston, Texas where they have now snow and freezing temperatures. They are not equipped for snow and ice. My cousin reported that they had no power. They do have a fireplace which is good but eventually had to go to another relatives. The walk to the vet was okay, a bit cold. I had put on his big winter coat and he just stood and shook. I helped him down the steps to the sidewalk and he reluctantly walked a bit before I made an executive decision knowing that the clock was counting down to our appointment time. Back into the house and off with the winter coat and on with his sweater. The sweater is warm but the coat obviously warmer but I did not have a choice. He definitely was happier in his sweater. He sniffed every “spot” along the way and I thought that we would never get there. But we did and managed to arrive right on time. So that was good.

Well I was up later than usual and the clock once again is ticking down to a start time and that being work. Mornings seem to fly by for some reason. I guess most days do.

I hope that you are doing well.

Oh the sky just turned more pink and it is so beautiful.

Alvin wants to go downstairs and is giving me that look. Patience is not one of his virtues or mine, I guess, if I am being truthful. But as I mention every post, I am working on it.

From our house to yours …. Happy Wednesday.

Time to get that coffee perking. I definitely need some caffeine this morning.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a bright, blue sky, breezy morning here in Edmonton.

We seem to having a lot more wind here than we did when I moved here over ten years ago.

The garbage truck just went by ….. stopping and starting as they do along their route.

Geese honking and other birds chirping away.

Our window is open in the office so we are hearing all of the sounds that our neighbourhood is making as it slowly comes to life.

Not many people up and out.

So many of our neighbours are working from home.

I do know some of my neighbours that are slowly beginning to go back to their places of employment.

I love this time of day.

Perfection.

If I had my poop in a group or ducks in a row, I would have been organized earlier and sat out on the deck and drank a cup of coffee all the time enjoying the morning.

But alas did not happen.

Oh well, next best thing, window open, coffee in a travel mug and will enjoy as I start to work.

I have my coffee up here and ready to go.

I have been dragging my keister the past few mornings likely due to my watching how much I stand and such.

But anyway that is okay.

Perhaps on Saturday morning …… read my book on the deck and drink some coffee.

Alvin loves to lie on the deck and enjoy the sun until it gets too hot.

 

Did you plant flowers this year?

What kinds?

Are they doing okay?

Flowering?

 

Thanks to my darling daughter I have impatiens, petunias and marigolds.

Most of my perennials are up and some are even flowering.

I cannot believe that one day my ferns in the front flower bed were barely a spot of green and already they are several inches tall.

Before I know it they will be reaching for the sky …… over two feet tall.

They grow so fast.

The irises and others are up.

Unfortunately I don’t remember all the names of the shrubs and plants I have in the back and front gardens.

Oh and lilies.

Love the lilies.

The recent rain has definitely helped plants and the grass and trees grow, bud and bloom.

The grass is this most beautiful green, I guess kelly green.

So, so pretty.

The dandelions dot most lawns and they were in full glory a week or so ago.

Then they go to seed.

I hope that the bees got to them before they were sprayed or went to seed.

I feel so bad for Mother Nature and then Man happens.

 

Well time for coffee and get signed onto work computer.

 

Wishing you the most grand of Tuesdays.

Filled with some laughter, even on a Tuesday you must have a giggle or three, oh come maybe four giggles.

Our life is way to serious.

We must laugh along the way.

If we all live in kindness and with respect.

Even if we slip or have a moment, we all do.

Climb back up and live again in kindness and with respect.

 

Happy Tuesday.

With kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well, just a few seconds ago we heard a cat cry and then Alvin started to bark and show genuine concern.

I think it might have been Humphrey or at least Alvin thought so.

He is still remains anxious.

Only the one cry so all is well.

Likely Humphrey was in the house and another cat came onto their deck.

 

I just realized when I signed on this morning that I forgot to write down TAG WORDS.

That is what happens when you are away for a long period of time.

Live and learn and remember.

 

I am so grateful to have spring and soon to be summer.

The sky is blue and the sunrise was before 5:00 a.m. this morning.

In the evenings it remains light out at 9:00 a.m.

Much easier to get up in the mornings when the sun is shining.

Although for some reason last night I was awake for most of my time in bed.

ARGH.

Oh well, that happens.

 

I am so grateful for our walks.

To see the green grass sprouting up all around us.

To see birds flying and nesting.

To listen to birdsong.

To see the trees magically almost overnight don leaves.

To see our friends out and about in their yards and for walks.

I am most grateful I think for NATURE and that we live so close to parks.

An escape from the urban craziness.

One of the best things about living on the farm, in the country was the absence of houses every few feet and people.

You could walk for miles and miles without coming across another house ….. people.

 

Well almost time to hit the road.

Back to work after a long weekend.

 

Oh, saw a black cat in the back yard ….. that is why there was a howl.

He ran away as soon as I opened the office window.

Pretty cat.

 

Have an awesome day.

One day at a time…….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 20th day of January, 2017.

Another beautiful day on the way.

Alvin had a great Birthday and thank you to everyone for the thoughtful Birthday wishes.

Yay it is Friday ……. seemed like a long week.

Yet the days seem to fly by …. how exactly is that?

Well this morning has certainly flown by …..

Almost time to hit the road ….

 

Today is an important day for our neighbours to the south.

The Inauguration of their “45th” President.

I hope that all goes well.

 

Feeling pretty grateful today as I do most days.

To be surrounded by kind, loving and supportive family and friends.

To be in good health.

To be employed in this market.

To be sheltered by my own house.

To be here, now.

 

Time to go now.

Have a great day.

Most of us are so blessed and we do not even realize ….

Take advantage of life now.

Go out and have fun.

Be kind.

Live your life.

 

Special Hello to:   Happy Friday Everyone.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

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

It is so much cooler outside the past couple of mornings, so refreshing.

Just means that my favourite season is fast approaching.

Long range forecasts are calling for a warmer than usual fall, and dry.

We have had a wet spring/summer.

Sometimes I like to read about what I was feeling / thinking a year or more ago.

This is what was going on on the same date exactly one year ago.

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

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 19th day of August, 2015.

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

I can tell by the temperature in the house that it is warmer this morning than the past few.

The sky is a pale blue with hints of a deeper blue and smudges of pink and orange.

I love the morning sky ….. reminds me of the tie dying days …..

The sun is coming up to shine down on us today.

How are you feeling today?

I feel great.

You know some mornings you just feel like you could conquer the world but in a nice way of course.

I know that today is going to bring some great news.

I am beyond happy.

I have a great life.

I am surrounded by friends and family.

I live with my good little buddy “Alvin” who keeps me centred.

I am blessed to meet friends every day …..

We always meet some new folks from our neighbourhood when we are out and about.

I love getting to know people.

If you are every feeling lonely or down in the dumps.

Try this …. if you have a doggie go for a walk.

You should be walking him or her anyway ….. but nevertheless, go.

If you do not have a doggie then go outside.

Walk down your street.

You must say Hello to everyone you meet.

I have started to say to people after our encounters “thank you for your time.”

It made me feel wonderful just saying the words.

I would love it if someone would acknowledge my time.

I believe we must be more kind and loving to everyone.

Be respectful of time and space.

Well time to go to work.

Alvin needs to go outside one more time.

I hope that you are surrounded by love and laughter.

Two very important things ….

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Special Hello to: to our friend “V” you celebrated a birthday a few days ago ….. you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

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

Yes, it was a good reminder to be respectful of everyone’s time.

Also say thank you.

Have a great Friday.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of January, 2016.

Wow, the start of another work week and end of a beautiful weekend.

Back to getting up in the dark and thank goodness when I get home it remains light for a few minutes.

I had a great weekend.

Yesterday the outside temperature was so mild.

Both Alvin and I enjoyed a nice walk …. longer than usual.

I would have liked to stay out longer but Mr. Alvin had other ideas.

When he turns toward home you have no choice but to follow.

 

I know that both Alvin and I would benefit from longer walks.

So somehow I must convince him on those nicer days to stay out longer.

He is a bit more quiet this morning not that he is loud and boisterous other mornings.

He was very vocal yesterday when we made two stops on our walk.

I guess in hind sight he was telling me to get going and stop talking.

Next time I will listen.

Note: always better to stop and listen.

 

Well another work week …. I wish this to be a productive, quiet day.

Filled with everything good.

I guess it is time to finish getting ready to leave for the bus.

I wish you a fun-filled productive day.

Special Hello to: my friend from Sweden, I got her card on the weekend so great to hear from her.

Always, Carol and Alvin